Optical device and control method thereof

Abstract

To easily restrict a drive range of a focus lens with AF while reducing wrong operation.SOLUTION: An optical device capable of driving a focus lens with AF includes: first operation means 131 operated so as to switch a first mode for setting a drive range of a focus lens with AF to a first range and a second mode for setting the drive range to a second range narrower than the first range; and second operation means 132 operated so as to instruct start of focus limit operation for restricting a drive range to the second range in the second mode. Control means 102 sets the second range to a range with a position of the focus lens at a point of time of the instruction of start as a reference position according to execution of a start instruction of focus limit operation in AF and the second mode. The focus lens is drive within the second range according to instructions to start to drive the focus lens with AF after the second range is set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device such as a lens device that controls the movement of a focus lens.

Background Art

[0002] A lens device that shortens the time required for focusing by restricting the driving range of a focus lens is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Specifically, after the user rotates a focus operation ring to move the focus lens to a reference position in manual focus (MF) mode, the mode is switched to autofocus (AF) mode. In AF mode, the focus lens is driven by AF within a predetermined driving range including the reference position to obtain a focused state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the lens device of Patent Document 1, an operation of switching the mode by the user of selecting the MF mode and then switching to the AF mode is required. That is, the driving range of the focus lens cannot be restricted while in the AF mode. Also, the AF mode and the MF mode are switched by sliding the focus operation ring in the optical axis direction, but if the focus operation ring rotates when sliding, there is a risk that the reference position will shift.

[0005] Furthermore, in a configuration where the driving range of the focus lens is restricted by a single simple operation, the possibility of restricting the driving range due to an erroneous operation increases.

[0006] The present invention provides an optical apparatus capable of easily limiting the driving range of a focus lens in AF while reducing the risk of malfunction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An optical apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is capable of driving a focus lens by autofocus. The optical apparatus includes control means for controlling the driving of the focus lens, a first operation means operated to switch between a first mode in which the driving range of the focus lens in autofocus is set to a first range and a second mode in which the driving range is set to a second range narrower than the first range, and a second operation means operated to instruct the start of a focus limit operation for limiting the driving range to the second range in the second mode. The control means sets the second range to a range with the position of the focus lens at the time of the start instruction or the in-focus position at which the focus lens is first driven by autofocus after the start instruction as a reference position in response to the start instruction of the focus limit operation being given in a state where autofocus is selected and the second mode is set. The driving of the focus lens is controlled within the second range in response to an instruction to start the driving of the focus lens by autofocus after the second range is set.

[0008] As another aspect of the present invention, a control method is applied to an optical device capable of driving a focus lens by autofocus. The optical device has a first operation means that is operated to switch between a first mode in which the driving range of the focus lens in autofocus is set to a first range and a second mode in which the driving range is set to a second range narrower than the first range, and a second operation means that is operated to instruct the start of a focus limit operation that restricts the driving range to the second range in the second mode. The control method includes a step of setting the second range to a range with the position of the focus lens at the time of the start instruction or the in-focus position where the focus lens is first driven by autofocus after the start instruction as a reference position in response to the start instruction of the focus limit operation being given when autofocus is selected and the second mode is set, and a step of controlling the driving of the focus lens within the second range in response to the start of the driving of the focus lens by autofocus being instructed after the second range is set. A program for causing a computer to execute the processing according to the above control method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily limit the driving range of the focus lens in AF while reducing the risk of misoperation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

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

Embodiment

[0012] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a camera system including an interchangeable lens 101 as an optical device (lens device) and a digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) 150 in Example 1. The interchangeable lens 101 is detachably attached to the camera 150 and can communicate via a communication terminal 104 in a lens contact portion 103 provided on the lens side mount and a communication terminal 153 in a camera contact portion 152 provided on the camera side mount. Further, a power supply circuit 106 in the interchangeable lens 101 receives power supply from a power supply circuit portion 155 in the camera 150 via a power supply terminal 105 in the lens contact portion 103 and a power supply terminal 154 in the camera contact portion 152.

[0013] The power supply circuit portion 155 in the camera 150 generates various power supplies used in the camera 150 and the power supply to be supplied to the interchangeable lens 101 using the power from the battery 156 attached to the camera 150. In the power supply circuit portion 106 in the interchangeable lens 101, the power supplied from the camera 150 is used to generate various power supplies used in the interchangeable lens 101.

[0014] The interchangeable lens 101 is provided with an imaging optical system including a focus lens 107, a zoom (variable magnification) lens 108, a diaphragm 109, and a correction lens 110. The light beam from the subject that has passed through the imaging optical system forms an image on an image sensor 162 provided in the camera 150.

[0015] The lens CPU 102, serving as a lens controller provided within the interchangeable lens 101, stores characteristic information and optical information unique to the interchangeable lens 101 in an internal memory (not shown). Further, the lens CPU 102 stores output setting values for the actuators within the focus lens drive circuit 112, zoom lens drive circuit 126, aperture drive circuit 115, and anti-shake (IS) drive circuit 116.

[0016] The lens CPU 102 transmits the above characteristic information and optical information to the camera CPU 151, serving as a camera controller provided within the camera 150, via the communication terminals 104 and 153. The characteristic information includes information such as the name of the interchangeable lens 101 (ID for identifying the individual), maximum communication speed, open F value, whether it is a zoom lens or not, the autofocus (AF) system it can support, and the image height at which AF is possible. The optical information includes information such as the focus sensitivity, amount of focus correction (design value), and information on the manufacturing error value of focus correction corresponding to the position of the focus lens 107, the position of the zoom lens (varifocal lens) 108, and the aperture diameter (F value) of the aperture 109. The focus sensitivity is a value related to the amount of movement of the image plane with respect to the unit movement amount of the focus lens 107.

[0017] Furthermore, the interchangeable lens 101 is provided with an MF drive user interface (UI) 122. When the MF drive UI 122 is operated by the user, a permission signal for permitting the driving of the focus lens 107 is transmitted from the camera CPU 151 that has detected the operation via the lens CPU 102 to the lens CPU 102.

[0018] The lens CPU 102 and the camera CPU 151 also exchange information such as various operating states, setting states, request commands (transmission requests) for various information, and drive commands via the communication terminals 104 and 153.

[0019] The interchangeable lens 101 is provided with an AF / MF selection switch 130, a focus limit setting switch 131 as a first operation means, a focus limit start switch 132 as a second operation means, and an IS on / off switch 133, each of which is operated by the user. The interchangeable lens 101 can select an AF mode and a manual focus (MF) mode, and the AF / MF selection switch 130 is a switch for the user to select the AF mode and the MF mode.

[0020] The focus limit setting switch 131 is provided for the user to select a normal focus mode (first mode) and a focus limit mode (second mode). The normal focus mode is a mode in which the driving range of the focus lens 107 (hereinafter referred to as the focus driving range) is the entire movable range (first range) of the focus lens 107. The focus limit mode is a mode in which the focus driving range is limited to a part (second range) of the movable range of the focus lens 107. The focus limit start switch 132 is provided for the user to instruct the start and stop of a focus limit operation for limiting the focus driving range in the focus limit mode.

[0021] The IS on / off switch 133 is provided for the user to select whether to perform an image stabilization (IS) operation described later. The states of these switches 130 to 132 are transmitted from the lens CPU 102 to the camera CPU 151 via the communication terminals 104 and 153.

[0022] The camera 150 is provided with a release switch 165, a camera UI 161, an AF start switch 167, an imaging element 162, and a shutter 163.

[0023] The release switch 165 is provided to start an imaging preparation operation when it is half-pressed by the user and to start an imaging operation when it is fully pressed. The camera UI 161 is operated by the user to select various imaging modes and various setting values.

[0024] The AF start switch 167 is operated by the user to instruct the start of an AF operation (driving of the focus lens 107 by AF), separately from the half-press operation of the release switch 165.

[0025] Note that the function of the AF start switch 167 may be provided to a line-of-sight detection device provided in the viewfinder that the user looks through. For example, when the user gazes at any one of a plurality of focus detection areas within the viewfinder screen, the line-of-sight detection device detects the line of sight at that time, and the start of the AF operation for the gazed focus detection area may be treated as being instructed.

[0026] The imaging device 162 is a photoelectric conversion device such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, and photoelectrically converts (images) the subject image formed by the imaging optical system to output an imaging signal and a pair of focus detection signals described later. The camera CPU 151 performs various image processes on the imaging signal to generate an image signal (image data). The image data is displayed on the rear monitor 164, or recorded as a still image for recording or a moving image for recording on a recording medium (not shown) in response to a full-press operation of the release switch 165 or an operation of a recording switch (not shown).

[0027] When the AF mode is selected by the AF / MF selection switch 130 and the camera CPU 151 detects a half-press operation of the release switch 165 or an operation of the AF start switch 167, both of which are included in the camera UI 161, it starts the AF operation.

[0028] In the AF operation, the camera CPU 151 uses the imaging device 162 as an AF sensor to perform phase difference detection AF on the imaging plane. Specifically, it obtains the defocus amount from the phase difference of a pair of focus detection signals output from the imaging device 162, and calculates the driving amount of the focus lens 107 for obtaining the focused state based on the defocus amount. Then, it transmits a focus command including the driving amount to the lens CPU 102. The lens CPU 102 controls the focus lens driving circuit 112 according to the focus command to drive the focus lens 107. The position of the focus lens 107 driven in this way is detected by the focus lens position sensor 111.

[0029] When the defocus amount cannot be obtained at the position of the focus lens 107 at the start of the AF operation, the camera CPU 151 instructs the lens CPU 102 to perform a search operation. As a search operation, the lens CPU 102 drives the focus lens 107 to a position where the defocus amount can be obtained while driving the focus lens 107 in the infinity direction or the closest subject direction.

[0030] Also, the MF drive UI 122 of the interchangeable lens 101 includes an MF ring rotatably provided around the optical axis on the outer periphery of the interchangeable lens 101. When the user rotates the MF ring (manual operation) when the MF mode is selected by the AF / MF selection switch 130, the rotation operation amount is detected by the rotation detection sensor 123. The lens CPU 102 controls the focus lens driving circuit 112 according to the detected rotation operation amount of the MF ring to drive the focus lens 107. Thereby, MF is performed. When MF is selected by the AF / MF selection switch 130, the camera CPU 151 does not perform the AF operation.

[0031] In addition, the zoom drive UI 122 of the interchangeable lens 101 includes a manual zoom (MZ) ring rotatably provided around the optical axis on the outer periphery of the interchangeable lens 101. When the user rotates the MF ring, the amount of rotation operation is detected by the rotation detection sensor 125. The lens CPU 102 controls the zoom lens drive circuit 126 according to the detected amount of rotation operation of the MZ ring, and drives the zoom lens 108. Thereby, MZ is performed. The position of the zoom lens 108 is detected by the zoom lens position sensor 127.

[0032] The camera CPU 151 acquires the luminance information of the subject from the imaging signal or the image data, and performs an automatic exposure (AE) operation based on the luminance information in response to a half-press operation of the release switch 165. Thereby, the shutter speed of the shutter 163 that controls the exposure of the imaging element 162 and the aperture value of the aperture 109 are calculated, and an aperture command including the aperture value is transmitted to the lens CPU 102. The lens CPU 102 controls the aperture drive circuit 115 based on the aperture command, and operates the aperture 109. The position (aperture value) of the aperture blades of the aperture 109 is detected by the aperture position sensor 114.

[0033] In addition, the camera CPU 151 transmits an IS start command to the lens CPU 102 in response to a half-press operation of the release switch 165. When the lens CPU 102 receives the IS start command when the IS on / off switch 133 is on, it acquires a shake signal corresponding to camera shake such as hand shake from the shake detection unit 119 including a gyro sensor or the like. Then, the lens CPU 102 controls the IS drive circuit 116 based on the shake signal to shift the correction lens 110 with respect to the optical axis so as to reduce (correct) the image shake caused by the camera shake. Thus, the IS operation is performed. When the IS operation is not performed, the lens CPU 102 controls the lock drive circuit 117 to drive the mechanical lock 118, and locks and holds the correction lens 110 at the neutral position on the optical axis.

[0034] Next, the focus limit operation in this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the focus limit is abbreviated as FL. Also, the start and stop of the FL operation are abbreviated as FL start and FL stop, respectively.

[0035] Figure 2 shows the transition of the focus state. The interchangeable lens 101 of this embodiment has the following five focus states. The MF state is a state in which the focus lens 107 is driven according to the operation of the MF ring.

[0036] Normal AF state 1 is a state in which the focus drive range is the entire movable range of the focus lens 107.

[0037] Normal AF state 2 is a state in which the focus drive range is the entire movable range of the focus lens 107, similar to normal AF state 1. However, when FL stop is instructed by the FL start switch 132, it transitions to the limit AF standby state described below.

[0038] The limit AF standby state is a state in which the focus drive range is the entire movable range of the focus lens 107, similar to normal AF states 1 and 2. However, when FL start is instructed by the FL start switch 132, it transitions to the limit AF state described below.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the limit AF state is a state in which the focus drive range is limited to a range (second range) from the position of the focus lens 107 at the time (current) when the FL start instruction is given as the reference position to both end positions separated by a predetermined amount in the infinite far direction and the closest direction from the reference position. As described above, the focus drive range at this time is a narrower range than the entire movable range (first range) of the focus lens 107.

[0040] Next, the transitions between the above five focus states will be described. When the MF mode is selected by the AF / MF selection switch 130 in the four focus states excluding the MF state, the focus state transitions to the MF state. Also, when the MF mode is selected by the AF / MF selection switch 130 during the driving of the focus lens 107 in the AF operation, the driving of the focus lens 107 stops and the state transitions to the MF state.

[0041] The transition of the focus state from the MF state will be described. When the AF mode is selected by the AF / MF selection switch 130 in the MF state, the normal focus mode is selected by the FL setting switch 131, and FL stop is instructed by the FL start switch 132, the focus state transitions to the normal AF state 1.

[0042] When the AF mode is selected by the AF / MF selection switch 130 in the MF state, the FL mode is selected by the FL setting switch 131, and FL stop is instructed by the FL start switch 132, the focus state transitions to the limit AF standby state.

[0043] When AF is selected by the AF / MF selection switch 130 in the MF state, the FL mode is selected by the FL setting switch 131, and FL start is instructed by the FL start switch 132, the focus state transitions to the normal AF state 2.

[0044] Next, the transition of the focus state from the normal AF state 1 will be described. When the FL mode is selected by the FL setting switch 131 in the normal AF state 1 and FL stop is instructed by the FL start switch 132, the focus state transitions to the limit AF standby state.

[0045] When the FL mode is selected by the FL setting switch 131 in the normal AF state 1 and FL start is instructed by the FL start switch 132, the focus state transitions to the normal AF state 2.

[0046] Next, the transition of the focus state from the normal AF state 2 will be described. When the normal focus mode is selected by the FL setting switch 131 in the normal AF state 2, the focus state transitions to the normal AF state 1.

[0047] When the stop of the FL operation is instructed by the FL start switch 132 in the normal AF state 2, the focus state transitions to the limit AF standby state.

[0048] Next, the transition of the focus state between the limit AF standby state and the limit AF state will be described. In either the limit AF standby state or the limit AF state, when the normal focus mode is selected by the FL setting switch 131, the focus state transitions to the normal AF state 1. Also, when the start of FL is instructed by the FL start switch 132, the focus state becomes the limit AF state, and when the stop of FL is instructed by the FL start switch 132, the focus state becomes the limit AF standby state.

[0049] Next, the processing (control method) in the limit AF state will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 8. This processing is executed by the lens CPU 102 as a computer (control means) that controls the driving of the focus lens 107 according to a program.

[0050] In step S100, the lens CPU 102 transitions the focus state to the limit AF standby state by selecting the FL mode with the FL setting switch 131 in the AF mode. Then, when a FL start instruction is given by the FL start switch 132 from the AF standby state, the focus state is transitioned to the limit AF state in step S101.

[0051] In step S102 in the limit AF state, the lens CPU 102 restricts the focus drive range with the position of the focus lens 107 at the time of the FL start instruction as the reference position. That is, the FL operation is started.

[0052] Next, when the start of the AF operation is instructed by a half - press operation of the release switch 165 or an operation of the AF start switch 167 in step S103, the lens CPU 102 waits to receive a focus command from the camera CPU 151 in step S104. The camera CPU 151 performs focus detection using the pair of focus detection signals from the imaging device 162. If the defocus amount can be obtained, it calculates the driving amount of the focus lens 107 and transmits a focus command including the driving amount to the lens CPU 102.

[0053] Upon receiving the focus command, the lens CPU 102 determines in step S105 whether the target position of the focus lens 107 when driven by the driving amount included in the focus command received from the camera CPU 151 is within the focus driving range restricted by the FL operation. If the target position is within the restricted focus driving range, the lens CPU 102 drives the focus lens 107 by the driving amount received from the camera CPU 151 in step S106. On the other hand, if the target position is outside the restricted focus driving range, the lens CPU 102 drives the focus lens 107 to the end position of the focus driving range in the direction of the driving amount received from the camera CPU 151 and stops it in step S107.

[0054] The lens CPU 108 that has driven the focus lens 102 in step S106 or step S107 determines in step S108 whether it has received a focus confirmation notification from the camera CPU 108. If it has received the focus confirmation notification, this process ends. If it has not received it, it proceeds to step S104 and waits to receive a new focus command from the camera CPU 151.

[0055] Next, the focus drive range restricted in the limit AF state will be described. The focus drive range in the limit AF state can be changed according to user input through input members such as slide switches and dial switches included in the lens UI 134 provided in the interchangeable lens 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, there is a method of changing the focus drive range (1 to 3) by an amount corresponding to a multiple of a predetermined reference amount, specifically, the depth of field 1Fδ (F is the aperture value, δ is the diameter of the allowable circle of confusion). In addition to this, the user may input the reference amount, both end positions of the focus drive range, etc. from the lens UI 134. Further, the focus drive range may be changed by transmitting information such as the reference amount and both end positions input from the camera UI 161 to the lens CPU 102.

[0056] The further restricted focus drive range may be changed according to the focal length of the imaging optical system changed by the movement of the zoom lens 108, the aperture value set by the aperture 109, etc. For example, the focal length can be obtained from the position of the zoom lens 108 detected through the zoom position sensor 127, and the aperture value can be obtained from the output of the aperture position sensor 114. Thereby, it becomes possible to set the focus drive range according to the focal length and the aperture value.

Embodiment

[0057] Next, Example 2 will be described. The configuration of the camera system in Example 2 is the same as that in Example 1. The transition of the focus state is also the same as that in Example 1.

[0058] In this embodiment, in the limit AF state, as shown in FIG. 5, the focus drive range is limited with the in-focus position of the focus lens 107 driven by the first AF operation after the time point (current) of the FL start instruction by the FL start switch 132 as the reference position. The camera CPU 151 performs the in-focus determination that an in-focus state has been obtained by driving the focus lens 107. When the camera CPU 151 obtains the in-focus state, it notifies the lens CPU 102 of the result of the in-focus determination. When the lens CPU 102 receives the notification of the in-focus determination result from the camera CPU 151, it sets the limited focus drive range with the position of the focus lens 107 at that time as the reference position.

[0059] FIG. 6 shows the position of the focus lens 107 during the AF operation and the communication between the camera CPU 151 and the lens CPU 102. The AF operation starts at time t1 and ends at time t4. At intermediate times t2 and t3, the camera CPU 151 performs focus detection again and transmits a focus command to the lens CPU 102 to update the drive amount of the focus lens 107 based on the defocus amount obtained each time. In FIG. 6, an example is shown in which the drive amount is updated to 1200 pulses as the number of drive pulses of the stepping motor in the focus lens drive circuit 112 in the focus command at time t1, 800 pulses in the focus command at time t2, and 250 pulses in the focus command at time t3.

[0060] At time t4, the lens CPU 102 receives the in-focus determination notification from the camera CPU 151 and sets the limited focus drive range with the in-focus position stopped at that time as the reference.

[0061] Also, at time t4, the lens CPU 102 may determine the in-focus position of the focus lens 107 by the following method regardless of the in-focus determination notification from the camera CPU 151.

[0062] (1) As shown in FIG. 6, during the AF operation, multiple focus commands (drive instructions) are transmitted from the camera CPU 151 to the lens CPU 102. In some cases, the focus lens 107 is stopped once and then the focus determination is performed, and if it is out of focus, a focus command for re-driving the focus lens 107 may be transmitted.

[0063] Therefore, when the focus command from the camera CPU 151 has not been transmitted for a period longer than a predetermined time, the lens CPU 102 may determine that the position of the focus lens 107 at that time is the in-focus position.

[0064] (2) As shown in FIG. 6, during the AF operation, the camera CPU 151 repeatedly performs focus detection to update the in-focus position (the driving amount of the focus lens 107). This is because driving the focus lens 107 to a more accurate in-focus position can be achieved by performing focus detection at a position closer to the in-focus position.

[0065] Therefore, when the driving amount of the focus lens 107 included in the focus command from the camera CPU 151 becomes smaller than a predetermined amount, the lens CPU 102 may determine that the target position reached by that driving amount is the in-focus position. As a result, the in-focus position can be determined from the focus detection result at a position closer to the in-focus position.

Embodiment

[0066] FIG. 7 shows the arrangement of the FL start switch 132 in the interchangeable lens 101 of Embodiment 3. In the figure, two candidate positions where the FL start switch 132 is arranged are shown on the outer surface of the lens barrel portion that houses the imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 101. The lens group closest to the object side of the imaging optical system is arranged near the front end of the lens barrel portion, and a lens-side mount is provided at the rear end of the lens barrel portion.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, the FL start switch 132 is disposed on the object side of the half of the total length in the optical axis direction of the lens barrel unit. In other words, the FL start switch 132 is disposed at a position closer to the object-side end than the image-side end in the lens barrel unit of the interchangeable lens 101.

[0068] The two candidate positions are the position on the lower side and the position on the left side toward the object side with the user holding the camera 150 in the correct posture. The position on the lower side and the position on the left side with the user holding the camera in the correct posture are positions where it is easy to operate the FL start switch 132 with the user's left hand that supports the interchangeable lens 101.

[0069] However, the FL start switch 132 may be disposed at the position on the upper side in the correct posture and the position on the right side toward the object side.

[0070] According to each of the embodiments described above, it is possible to easily (quickly) limit the driving range of the focus lens in AF while reducing the risk of malfunction.

[0071] In each of the embodiments, the case where the FL start switch 132 is provided on the interchangeable lens 101 separately from the release switch 165 has been described. However, the release switch 165 may have the function of the FL start switch. For example, the half-press operation of the release switch 165 may be treated as the FL start by the FL start switch, and the second half-press operation may be treated as the FL stop by the FL start switch. Since the start of the AF operation can be instructed by the operation of the AF start switch 167 provided in the camera 150, by giving the release switch 165 provided in the same camera 150 the function of the FL start switch, the operation can be made easier.

[0072] Also, the AF start switch 167 provided in the camera 150 in each of the embodiments may be provided on the interchangeable lens 101. Also in this case, the AF start switch 167 may be provided at the same position as the FL start switch 132 (however, at a position that cannot be mistaken for the FL start switch 132 or having a shape that cannot be mistaken).

[0073] Furthermore, in each embodiment, although the case where the optical device is an interchangeable lens (lens unit) attached to an interchangeable-lens camera has been described, the optical device may be an integral-lens camera having an imaging optical system integrally. Also in this case, the focus limit setting switch 131 and the focus limit start switch 132 are provided on the outer surface of the lens barrel portion that houses the imaging optical system.

[0074] The above embodiments include the following configurations.

[0075] (Configuration 1) An optical device capable of driving a focus lens by autofocus, control means for performing control related to driving of the focus lens, a first operation means operated to switch between a first mode for setting the driving range of the focus lens in autofocus to a first range and a second mode for setting the driving range to a second range narrower than the first range, and a second operation means operated to instruct the start of a focus limit operation for limiting the driving range to the second range in the second mode, wherein the control means sets the second range to a range with the position of the focus lens at the time of the start instruction or the in-focus position at which the focus lens is first driven by autofocus after the start instruction as a reference position in response to the start instruction of the focus limit operation being given in a state where autofocus is selected and the second mode is set, and controls the driving of the focus lens within the second range in response to an instruction to start driving of the focus lens by autofocus after the second range is set. An optical device characterized by this. (Configuration 2) The optical device according to Configuration 1, wherein in the autofocus, a search operation is performed to move the focus lens within the driving range to obtain a defocus amount. (Configuration 3) The optical device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the control means changes the second range based on a user input. (Configuration 4) The optical device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the second range is a range from the reference position to a position that is a multiple of the depth of field from the focus lens. (Configuration 5) The optical device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the second range is a range from the reference position to a position corresponding to at least one of the aperture value and the focal length of the imaging optical system including the focus lens. (Configuration 6) The optical device is a lens device detachably attached to a camera that performs focus determination in the autofocus, When the in-focus position is the reference position, the control means sets the reference position based on the result of the focus determination transmitted from the camera, according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) The optical device is a lens device detachably attached to a camera that transmits the driving amount of the focus lens in the autofocus, When the in-focus position is the reference position, the control means sets the position of the focus lens when the driving amount received from the camera becomes smaller than a predetermined amount as the in-focus position to the reference position, according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 8) The optical device is a lens device detachably attached to a camera that repeatedly transmits a driving instruction for the focus lens in the autofocus until it reaches an in-focus state, When the in-focus position is the reference position, the control means sets the position of the focus lens when the time during which the driving instruction is not received from the camera becomes longer than a predetermined time as the in-focus position to the reference position, according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 9) The optical device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, wherein the second operating means is disposed at a position closer to the object side end than the image side end of the lens barrel portion that houses the imaging optical system including the focus lens. (Configuration 10) The optical device according to Configuration 9, wherein the second operating means is disposed at a position that is on the lower side or the left side toward the object side in the correct posture among the lens units. (Other Embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. Further, it can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0076] Each of the embodiments described above is merely a representative example, and various modifications and changes can be made to each embodiment when implementing the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0077] 102 Lens CPU 107 Focus lens 131 Focus limit setting switch 132 Focus limit start switch 165 Release switch 167 AF start switch

Claims

1. An optical device capable of driving a focus lens by autofocus, comprising: control means for controlling the driving of the focus lens; first operation means operated to switch between a first mode in which the driving range of the focus lens in the autofocus is set to a first range and a second mode in which the driving range is set to a second range narrower than the first range; second operation means operated to instruct the start of a focus limit operation for limiting the driving range to the second range in the second mode; wherein the control means: in response to the start instruction of the focus limit operation being given in a state where the autofocus is selected and the second mode is set, sets the second range to a range with the position of the focus lens at the time of the start instruction or the in-focus position where the focus lens is first driven by the autofocus after the start instruction as a reference position; and controls the driving of the focus lens within the second range in response to an instruction to start driving of the focus lens by the autofocus after the second range is set.

2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein in the autofocus, a search operation is performed to move the focus lens within the driving range to obtain a defocus amount.

3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the control means changes the second range based on a user input.

4. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the second range is a range from the reference position to a position where the driving amount of the focus lens is a multiple of the depth of field.

5. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the second range is a range from the reference position to a position corresponding to at least one of the aperture value and the focal length of the imaging optical system including the focus lens.

6. The optical device is a lens device detachably attached to a camera that performs in-focus determination in the autofocus, and when the in-focus position is used as the reference position, the control means sets the reference position based on the result of the in-focus determination transmitted from the camera.

7. The optical device is a lens device that is detachably attached to a camera that transmits the driving amount of the focus lens in the autofocus. When the in-focus position is the reference position, the control means sets the position of the focus lens when the driving amount received from the camera becomes smaller than a predetermined amount as the in-focus position and sets it as the reference position. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

8. The optical device is a lens device that is detachably attached to a camera that repeatedly transmits a driving instruction for the focus lens in the autofocus until it reaches an in-focus state. When the in-focus position is the reference position, the control means sets the position of the focus lens when the time during which the driving instruction is not received from the camera becomes longer than a predetermined time as the in-focus position and sets it as the reference position. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

9. The second operating means is disposed at a position closer to the object side end than the image side end of the lens barrel portion that houses the imaging optical system including the focus lens. The optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

10. The second operating means is disposed at a position that is on the lower side or the left side toward the object side in the normal posture of the lens barrel portion. The optical device according to claim 9, characterized in that.

11. A control method for an optical device, comprising: a first operating means that is operable to switch between a first mode in which driving of the focus lens by autofocus is possible and the driving range of the focus lens in the autofocus is set to a first range, and a second mode in which the driving range is set to a second range narrower than the first range; and a second operating means that is operable to instruct the start of a focus limit operation that limits the driving range to the second range in the second mode. When a start instruction for the focus limit operation is given in a state where the autofocus is selected and the second mode is set, the step of setting the second range to a range with the position of the focus lens at the time of the start instruction or the in-focus position where the focus lens is first driven by the autofocus after the start instruction as the reference position. When a start instruction for the focus limit operation is given in a state where the autofocus is selected and the second mode is set, the step of setting the second range to a range with the position of the focus lens at the time of the start instruction or the in-focus position where the focus lens is first driven by the autofocus after the start instruction as the reference position. A control method, comprising: controlling driving of the focus lens within the second range in response to an instruction to start driving of the focus lens by the autofocus after the second range is set.

12. A program, characterized in that a process according to the control method of claim 11 is executed by a computer of the optical device.

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