Operation module

Abstract

To provide an operation module that enables a user to easily change to a discretionary adjustment speed with regards to an optical function when capturing moving images.SOLUTION: An operation module 73 comprises: a first operation member 23 that adjusts an optical function of an optical system; and a second operation member 24 that varies a degree of adjustment of the optical function by the first operation member. The operation module 73 is removably provided on a lens barrel that holds the optical system. When the first operation member 23 is operated, a processor provided on the lens barrel performs control of executing a first mode of adjusting the optical function according to a setting pattern indicating a relationship between an operation amount of the first operation member 23 and an adjustment amount of the optical function corresponding to the operation amount. In the setting pattern, an amount of increase in adjustment speed is large at the time of starting operation, and the amount of increase in adjustment speed gradually decreases as the operation time, which is the operation amount of the first operation member 23, elapses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating module. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an optical element driving device that is operated by the rotational force of a rotating operating ring and that has an interlocking body that transmits the rotational force of the operating ring to the optical element to operate the optical element; the operating direction of the optical element relative to the rotational direction of the operating ring is switched by a switching mechanism that switches the operating direction of the optical element relative to the rotational direction of the operating ring at least to the interlocking body, and the optical element is operated by the rotational force of the operating ring transmitted by the interlocking body; therefore, the optical element operates in response to operation of the operating ring, making it less likely that delays in the operation of the optical element will occur, and high operability of the operating ring is ensured without any reduction in functionality.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes that when screwing a circuit board of an operating part such as an iris mode changeover switch to the peripheral wall of a housing frame having an opening for a drive unit arranged in a lens barrel, the screw hole is formed in the direction of the opening and a collar is sandwiched between the head of the screw and the circuit board, so that the screwing operation can be performed easily and quickly without the insertion of a driver being hindered by the peripheral wall at a position opposite the position where the circuit board is arranged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 047460 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-107394 Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure provides an operation module that allows a user to easily change the adjustment speed of optical functions to any desired speed when capturing video. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The operation module of the present invention is an operation module equipped with a first operation member that adjusts the optical function of the optical system and a second operation member that varies the degree of adjustment of the optical function by the first operation member, wherein the operation module is detachably attached to a lens barrel that holds the optical system, and the lens barrel has a processor, and when the first operation member is operated, the processor controls to execute a first mode that adjusts the optical function according to a setting pattern that indicates the relationship between the operation amount of the first operation member and the adjustment amount of the optical function corresponding to the operation amount, and the setting pattern shows that the increase in adjustment speed is large at the start of operation and the increase in adjustment speed becomes smaller as the operation time of the operation amount of the first operation member passes.

[0007] It is preferable that the processor executes a pre-stored setting pattern. It is preferable that the processor controls switching to one of the first mode and the second mode, and in the second mode, controls to accelerate or decelerate the adjustment speed when adjusting the optical function according to the amount of operation. It is preferable that the processor controls switching to one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, and in the third mode, controls to maintain the adjustment speed when adjusting the optical function constant regardless of the amount of operation. It is preferable that the processor controls switching to one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, and in the third mode, a first adjustment speed based on a first operation amount of the first operating member and a second adjustment speed based on a second operation amount different from the first operation amount are the same.

[0008] It is preferable that the camera is provided with a third operating member, and the processor controls switching between any one of the first mode, second mode, and third mode by operating the third operating member. It is preferable that in the first mode, the processor controls not to accept an instruction to adjust the optical function by the second operating member. It is preferable that in the second mode, the processor controls to accelerate or decelerate the adjustment speed by operating the second operating member. It is preferable that in the third mode, the processor controls to select any one of a plurality of adjustment speeds by operating the second operating member. It is preferable that the optical function adjusted in accordance with the amount of operation of the first operating member is any one of the angle of view of the optical system, the aperture, and the amount of image stabilization. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the digital camera. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of a digital camera. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view of a digital camera. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the position of an operation member area. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera. [Figure 7] 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the operation amount and the adjustment speed in the program mode. [Figure 8] 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the operation amount and the adjustment speed in a variable speed mode. [Figure 9] 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the operation amount and the adjustment speed in a constant speed mode. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera in a program mode. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera in a variable speed mode. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the digital camera in a constant speed mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a side view of a digital camera according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a side view of a digital camera according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the lens barrel according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a side view of a digital camera according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [First embodiment] As shown in FIG. 1, digital camera 10 includes camera body 11 and interchangeable lens barrel 12. Camera body 11 corresponds to the camera main body in the claims. On the front of camera body 11 are provided lens mount 13, release switch 14, power switch (not shown), etc. Lens mount 13 has a circular imaging opening 13A. Lens barrel 12 is detachably attached to lens mount 13. Digital camera 10 is an example of an imaging device according to the present invention.

[0011] An imaging element 16 is built into the camera body 11. The imaging element 16 is, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, or an organic thin-film imaging element. The lens mount 13 is provided with a body-side signal contact 17 (see FIG. 4) inside the imaging opening 13A for electrically connecting with the lens barrel 12 for communication.

[0012] Lens barrel 12 includes lens barrel main body 21, imaging optical system 22, first operating member 23, second operating member 24, and third operating member 25. Lens barrel main body 21 is cylindrical and holds imaging optical system 22 therein, with lens mount 26 and lens-side signal contact 27 (see FIG. 4) provided at its rear end. When lens barrel 12 is attached to camera body 11, imaging optical system 22 forms an image of subject light on imaging element 16.

[0013] 2, first operating member 23 is provided around lens barrel body 21, specifically, on the outer circumferential surface of lens barrel body 21. First operating member 23 is an operating member arranged along circumferential direction R (see FIG. 1) that is perpendicular to optical axis direction OA, and specifically, is a well-known seesaw switch. First operating member 23 is used to adjust the speed of angle-of-view variation of imaging optical system 22, which will be described later.

[0014] 3, second operating member 24 is provided around lens barrel body 21, and more specifically, is provided on the outer peripheral surface of lens barrel body 21. Second operating member 24 is also disposed in the optical axis direction OA of lens barrel body 21 relative to first operating member 23.

[0015] The second operating member 24 is provided near the first operating member 23. Here, "near" means that the first operating member 23 and the second operating member 24 are both located within a range that can be operated with the user's left hand. In this case, it is assumed that the user will hold the camera body 11 with their right hand and the lens barrel 12 with their left hand. This allows the user to easily perform an operation to adjust the zoom (field angle variation) of the imaging optical system 22 to a desired adjustment speed using only the fingers of their left hand (for example, their thumb).

[0016] The second operating member 24 is located closer to the camera body 11 in the optical axis direction OA than the first operating member 23, and is arranged at a position overlapping the first operating member 23 in the circumferential direction of the lens barrel main body 21. The second operating member 24 is supported rotatably about a rotation axis CL1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) that intersects with the optical axis direction OA of the lens barrel main body 21. It is preferable that the rotation axis CL1 is perpendicular to the optical axis direction OA. The second operating member 24 corresponds to the first rotating member in the claims. The second operating member 24 varies the degree of adjustment of the zoom (angle of view variation) of the imaging optical system 22 by the first operating member 23. Specific examples of varying the degree of adjustment of optical functions including zoom will be described later.

[0017] The second operating member 24 is also provided with a locking knob 28. The locking knob 28 constitutes a restricting mechanism in the claims. This restricting mechanism has a configuration similar to that of a restricting mechanism that restricts the rotation of a mode dial or the like on a camera. The locking knob 28 is provided, for example, to be rotatable about a rotation axis CL1 of the second operating member 24 between a restricting position (position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 4) and a releasing position (position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4). By rotating the locking knob 28, the second operating member 24 can be switched between a restricting state in which the rotation of the second operating member 24 is restricted and a releasing state in which the restricting state is released. That is, when the locking knob 28 is in the restricting position, the restricting mechanism is in a restricting state in which the rotation of the second operating member 24 is restricted, and when the locking knob 28 is in the releasing position, the restricting mechanism is released from the restricting state and is in a releasing state in which the rotation of the second operating member 24 is permitted.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 4, lens barrel 12 has an operation member area 29 (the range surrounded by a dashed line) that includes first and second operation members 23, 24. As shown in Fig. 5, when a reference position P0 is defined as a position vertically above around lens barrel main body 21, and the camera body 11 side of lens barrel main body 21 in the optical axis direction OA is defined as the rear side, and the subject side opposite camera body 11 is defined as the front side, operation member area 29 is located within a range E1 (see Fig. 3) on the left side around lens barrel main body 21, with reference position P0 as the base point. It is more preferable that operation member area 29 be located within a range E2 (see Fig. 3) of 0° to 90° with reference position P0 as the base point.

[0019] Third operation member 25 is provided around lens barrel body 21, specifically, on the outer peripheral surface of lens barrel body 21. Third operation member 25 is arranged within the range of operation member area 29 described above. Third operation member 25 is located on the camera body 11 side in the optical axis direction OA with respect to first operation member 23, and is arranged in a position overlapping with second operation member 24 in the optical axis direction OA.

[0020] The third operating member 25 is a slide switch that extends along the optical axis direction OA, and is a mode changeover switch that changes the mode between one of a program mode, a variable speed mode, and a constant speed mode.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 6, lens barrel 12 includes imaging optical system 22, first to third operation members 23 to 25, lens control unit 31, motor driver 32, camera shake detection sensor 33, motors 34 to 37, and the like.

[0022] Lens control unit 31 is made up of a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and parameters used by the CPU, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (none of which are shown) used as work memory for the CPU, and controls each part of lens barrel 12. Lens control unit 31 is connected to first to third operation members 23 to 25, a motor driver 32, and a camera shake detection sensor 33.

[0023] The lens control unit 31 controls the aperture unit 38, the focus lens 22a, the zoom lens 22b, and the image stabilization lens 22c based on signals generated by the operation of the first to third operating members 23 to 25 and control signals from the camera body control unit 41, which will be described later.

[0024] The imaging optical system 22 includes a plurality of lenses including a focus lens 22a and a zoom lens 22b, and an aperture unit 38. The focus lens 22a is driven by a motor 34 to move in the optical axis direction OA, thereby adjusting the imaging distance of the imaging optical system 22.

[0025] The zoom lens 22b is driven by a motor 35 to move in the optical axis direction OA, constituting an electric zoom mechanism that varies the angle of view of the imaging optical system 22. In this zoom mechanism, the amount and direction of movement of the zoom lens 22b are determined according to the amount of operation of the first operating member 23, i.e., the pressing time. As described above, a seesaw switch is used as the first operating member 23. When one end (T side) of the first operating member 23 shown in FIG. 3 is pressed, the zoom lens 22b moves toward the telephoto end, and when the other end (W side) of the first operating member 23 is pressed, the zoom lens 22b moves toward the wide-angle end. In this way, the angle of view of the imaging optical system 22 can be varied.

[0026] Aperture unit 38 moves multiple aperture blades 38a by driving motor 36, thereby changing the amount of light incident on image sensor 16. Camera shake detection sensor 33 detects the direction and amount of camera shake of lens barrel 12. The camera shake direction and amount detected by camera shake detection sensor 33 are output as a camera shake detection signal to lens control unit 31. Lens control unit 31 controls the drive of motor 37 based on the camera shake detection signal, and corrects camera shake by moving camera shake correction lens 22c. Motor driver 32 controls the drive of motors 34 to 37 based on the control of lens control unit 31.

[0027] The camera body control unit 41 includes a CPU, a ROM that stores programs and parameters used by the CPU, and a RAM (none of which are shown) that is used as work memory for the CPU. The camera body control unit 41 controls the camera body 11 and various parts of the lens barrel 12 connected to the camera body 11. A release signal is input to the camera body control unit 41 from the release switch 14. A body-side signal contact 17 is also connected to the camera body control unit 41.

[0028] The lens side signal contact 27 comes into contact with the body side signal contact 17 when the lens mount 26 of the lens barrel 12 is attached to the lens mount 13 of the camera body 11, electrically connecting the lens barrel 12 and the camera body 11.

[0029] The shutter unit 42 is a so-called focal plane shutter, and is disposed between the lens mount 13 and the image sensor 16. The shutter unit 42 is provided so as to be able to block the optical path between the image sensor 16 and the image sensor 16, and is variable between an open state and a closed state. The shutter unit 42 is in the open state when capturing live view images and moving images. The shutter unit 42 temporarily switches from the open state to a closed state when capturing still images. The shutter unit 42 is driven by a shutter motor 53. The motor driver 43 controls the driving of the shutter motor 53.

[0030] The imaging element 16 is driven and controlled by the camera body control unit 41. The imaging element 16 has a light receiving surface made up of a plurality of pixels (not shown) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Each pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element, and performs photoelectric conversion on the subject image formed on the light receiving surface by the lens barrel 12 to generate an imaging signal.

[0031] The image sensor 16 also includes signal processing circuits (none of which are shown), such as a noise reduction circuit, an auto-gain controller, and an A / D conversion circuit. The noise reduction circuit performs noise reduction processing on the image signal. The auto-gain controller amplifies the level of the image signal to an optimal value. The A / D conversion circuit converts the image signal into a digital signal and outputs it from the image sensor 16 to the bus line 45. The output signal from the image sensor 16 is image data (so-called RAW data) with one color signal for each pixel.

[0032] The image memory 44 stores one frame of image data output to the bus line 45. The image data processing unit 46 reads one frame of image data from the image memory 44 and performs known image processing such as matrix calculation, demosaic processing, gamma correction, luminance / color difference conversion, and resizing.

[0033] The LCD driver 47 sequentially inputs one frame's worth of image data that has been image-processed by the image data processing unit 46 to the image display unit 48. The image display unit 48 is provided, for example, on the rear surface of the camera body 11, and sequentially displays live view images at a regular interval. The card I / F (Interface) 49 is incorporated in a card slot (not shown) provided in the camera body 11, and is electrically connected to a memory card 51 inserted into the card slot. The card I / F 49 stores the image data that has been image-processed by the image data processing unit 46 in the memory card 51. When playing back and displaying the image data stored in the memory card 51, the card I / F 49 reads the image data from the memory card 51.

[0034] The camera body control unit 41 controls the lens control unit 31 to move the focus lens 22a in accordance with information on the rotation direction and amount of a focus ring (not shown) or information on the subject distance measured by the autofocus function.

[0035] The camera body control unit 41 operates the aperture unit 38 in accordance with exposure information calculated by an AE (Automatic Exposure) processing unit 52 (described later) and sends a control signal to the lens control unit 31 to change the aperture diameter. The lens control unit 31 controls the motor driver 32 based on the control signal to change the aperture diameter. The lens control unit 31 controls the motor driver 32 based on the control signal to control the aperture diameter of the aperture unit 38 so as to obtain the aperture value calculated by the AE processing unit 52.

[0036] The AE processing unit 52 calculates the integrated value of each color signal from one frame's worth of image data. The camera body control unit 41 calculates an exposure value based on the integrated value calculated for each frame's worth of image, and determines the shutter speed and aperture value from this exposure value in accordance with a predetermined program diagram. The camera body control unit 41 then controls the drive of the shutter motor 53 to obtain the determined shutter speed, and sends a control signal to the lens control unit 31. The lens control unit 31 controls the motor driver 32 based on the control signal, and operates the aperture unit 38 to an aperture diameter that obtains the determined aperture value.

[0037] In the lens barrel 12, the adjustment speed of the zoom (field angle variation) of the imaging optical system 22 is adjusted mainly by the first and second operating members 23 and 24. The lens control unit 31 controls switching to one of a plurality of modes for zoom operation by operating the third operating member 25. The plurality of modes for zoom operation that can be switched by operating the third operating member 25 are program mode, variable speed mode, and constant speed mode.

[0038] The program mode corresponds to the first mode in the claims. The lens control unit 31 pre-stores multiple setting patterns that indicate the relationship between the amount of operation of the first operating member 23 and the amount of adjustment of the angle of view magnification corresponding to the amount of operation. When the program mode is selected by the third operating member 25, one of the multiple setting patterns can be selected by the second operating member 24 or by input operation from the camera body 11. When inputting a setting pattern on the camera body 11, for example, multiple setting patterns can be displayed on the image display unit 48, and the user can select one of the setting patterns by referring to the image display unit 48. When the first operating member 23 is operated, the lens control unit 31 then controls execution of the program mode that adjusts the angle of view magnification according to the selected setting pattern.

[0039] As described above, during zoom operation of the imaging optical system 22, the zoom lens 22b moves in accordance with the amount of operation of the first operating member 23. Fig. 7 shows an example of a setting pattern that is stored in advance by the lens control unit 31 and executed in program mode, and shows the relationship between the pressing time TP as the amount of operation and the angle of view magnification change speed S corresponding to the pressing time TP. The angle of view magnification change speed corresponds to the adjustment speed in the claims.

[0040] 7A, the increase in the angle of view variable speed S is greatest (high acceleration) at the start of the pressing (pressing start time T0), and as the pressing time TP passes, the increase in the angle of view variable speed S gradually decreases (the acceleration decreases), and when the zoom lens 22b is near the wide-angle end or the telephoto end, the angle of view variable speed S is constant. In other words, this is a pattern that places importance on the acceleration at the start of the pressing.

[0041] 7B, the increase in the angle of view variable speed S is smallest (low acceleration) at the start of the zoom operation (pressure start time T0), and the increase in the angle of view variable speed S gradually increases (high acceleration) as the pressing time TP passes, and the angle of view variable speed S is at its maximum when the zoom lens 22b is near the wide-angle end or telephoto end (falling). In other words, this is a pattern that emphasizes the acceleration at the fall. Note that the setting patterns that the lens control unit 31 stores in advance and executes in the program mode are not limited to these, and various setting patterns can be provided according to the user's wishes, such as a pattern in which the angle of view variable speed or acceleration is constant, or a pattern that emphasizes both the acceleration at the start of the zoom operation and the acceleration at the fall.

[0042] Furthermore, in the program mode, when capturing a moving image or when the angle of view variable speed is being adjusted by the first operation member 23, the lens control unit 31 does not accept an instruction to adjust the angle of view variable speed by the second operation member 24 (an instruction to change the setting pattern). In other words, when capturing a moving image or when the angle of view of the imaging optical system 22 is being varied, the lens control unit 31 performs control to disable the operation of the second operation member 24.

[0043] The variable speed mode corresponds to the second mode in the claims. When the variable speed mode is selected by the third operating member 25, the lens control unit 31 controls the speed of the angle of view magnification change of the imaging optical system 22 to accelerate or decelerate according to the amount of operation of the first operating member 23. The lens control unit 31 stores in advance the rate of increase or decrease of the angle of view magnification change speed S of the imaging optical system 22 according to the pressing time TP as the amount of operation of the first operating member 23.

[0044] 8(A) is an example of a case where the angle-of-view variable speed S of the imaging optical system 22 accelerates in accordance with the pressing time TP of the first operating member 23, and FIG. 8(B) is an example of a case where the angle-of-view variable speed S of the imaging optical system 22 decelerates in accordance with the pressing time TP of the first operating member 23. When the variable speed mode is selected by the third operating member 25, the lens control unit 31 can select either one of controls for accelerating or decelerating the angle-of-view variable speed S of the imaging optical system 22 in accordance with the pressing time TP by the second operating member 24 or by input operation from the camera body 11. Note that the control for accelerating or decelerating the angle-of-view variable speed S of the imaging optical system 22 in accordance with the pressing time TP is not limited to this, and one of a plurality of stages with different rates of increase or decrease in the angle-of-view variable speed S may be selected.

[0045] The constant speed mode corresponds to the third mode in the claims. When the constant speed mode is selected by the third operating member 25, the lens control unit 31 performs control to maintain the angle of view variable speed S when adjusting the angle of view variable magnification of the imaging optical system 22 constant regardless of the amount of operation. Figure 9 shows an example of a case where the angle of view variable speed S is maintained constant regardless of the pressing time TP as the amount of operation of the first operating member 23. Note that the control to maintain the angle of view variable speed S constant regardless of the pressing time TP is not limited to this, and any one of a plurality of angle of view variable speeds S may be selected by operating the second operating member 24.

[0046] The operation of digital camera 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 9 to 11. When the user operates a power switch (not shown) to turn on the power, power supply voltage is supplied to each component of digital camera 10. Before capturing video, the user operates third operating member 25 to select one of the first to third modes.

[0047] 10, when the program mode is selected, the user selects one of the pre-stored setting patterns (S11). Then, when the user selects video shooting as the imaging mode and starts video shooting (S12), the lens control unit 31 reads out the setting pattern selected by the user (S13).

[0048] Then, when the first operation member 23 is pressed (Y in S14), the lens control unit 31 performs control to adjust the angle of view variable speed of the imaging optical system 22 in accordance with the setting pattern selected by the user (S15). While the angle of view of the imaging optical system 22 is being varied, the lens control unit 31 does not accept an instruction to adjust the angle of view variable speed by the second operation member 24. In other words, the lens control unit 31 performs control to invalidate the operation of the second operation member 24 (S16). Note that when the first operation member 23 is not pressed (N in S14), the lens control unit 31 does not vary the angle of view of the imaging optical system 22.

[0049] When the pressing operation of the first operation member 23 is finished (Y in S17), the lens control unit stops the movement of the zoom lens 22b and ends the field angle variation of the imaging optical system 22 (S18). When the pressing operation of the first operation member 23 is continued (N in S17), the lens control unit 31 continues the control of adjusting the field angle variation speed of the imaging optical system 22 in accordance with the setting pattern selected by the user (S15).

[0050] 11, when the variable speed mode is selected, the user selects one of the variable speeds (control for accelerating or decelerating the speed at which the angle of view is changed) (S21). Then, when the user selects video shooting as the imaging mode and starts video shooting (S22), the lens control unit 31 reads out the variable speed selected by the user (S23).

[0051] When the first operation member 23 is pressed (Y in S24), the lens control unit 31 controls to accelerate or decelerate the angle of view variable speed of the imaging optical system 22 in accordance with the variable speed selected by the user (S25). When the first operation member 23 is not pressed (N in S24), the lens control unit 31 does not vary the angle of view of the imaging optical system 22. Furthermore, while varying the angle of view of the imaging optical system 22, the lens control unit 31 may accept an instruction to change the variable speed via the second operation member 24. In this case, the lens control unit 31 controls to accelerate or decelerate the angle of view variable speed of the imaging optical system 22 in accordance with the changed variable speed.

[0052] When the pressing operation of the first operation member 23 is finished (Y in S26), the lens control unit stops the movement of the zoom lens 22b and finishes changing the angle of view of the imaging optical system 22 (S18). When the pressing operation of the first operation member 23 is continued (N in S17), the lens control unit 31 continues the control of adjusting the speed of changing the angle of view of the imaging optical system 22 in accordance with the setting pattern selected by the user (S25).

[0053] 12, when the constant speed mode is selected, an operation to select video imaging as the imaging mode is performed, and video imaging begins (S31). Then, when the first operation member 23 is pressed (Y in S32), the lens control unit 31 performs control to maintain the angle of view variable speed constant regardless of the pressing time (S33). Note that when the first operation member 23 is not pressed (N in S32), the lens control unit 31 does not perform the angle of view variable speed of the imaging optical system 22. Furthermore, while the angle of view of the imaging optical system 22 is being varied, the lens control unit 31 may accept an instruction to change the image zoom speed using the second operation member 24. In this case, the lens control unit 31 performs control to maintain the angle of view variable speed constant in accordance with the changed angle of view variable speed regardless of the pressing time.

[0054] When the pressing operation of the first operation member 23 is finished (Y in S34), the lens control unit stops the movement of the zoom lens 22b and ends the field angle variation of the imaging optical system 22 (S35). When the pressing operation of the first operation member 23 is continued (N in S34), the lens control unit 31 continues the control to keep the field angle variation speed constant regardless of the pressing time (S35).

[0055] As described above, when capturing moving images, by using the second operating member 24 to change the degree of adjustment (variable speed, speed, etc.) of the angle of view magnification change, the user can easily change the angle of view magnification change speed to any desired speed.

[0056] In addition, the second operating member 24 is provided near the first operating member 23. This allows the user to switch between the first operating member 23 and the second operating member 24 by simply moving the fingers of their left hand slightly. In other words, the operation of adjusting the angle of view variable speed can be performed even more easily. Furthermore, because the second operating member 24 is arranged in the optical axis direction OA of the lens barrel body 21 relative to the first operating member 23, the operation of adjusting the angle of view variable speed can be performed even more easily. Furthermore, the second operating member 24 is located closer to the camera body 11 in the optical axis direction OA of the lens barrel body 21 relative to the first operating member 23, and is arranged in a position that overlaps with the first operating member 23 in the circumferential direction R of the lens barrel body 21, which is also effective in improving operability when adjusting the angle of view variable speed.

[0057] In addition, in the program mode, when the angle of view of the imaging optical system 22 is being changed, the lens control unit 31 performs control such that it does not accept an instruction to adjust the angle of view change speed using the second operating member 24. Therefore, even if the user unintentionally moves the second operating member 24, the setting pattern will not be changed and control to adjust the angle of view change speed of the imaging optical system 22 can continue in accordance with the setting pattern selected by the user.

[0058] Furthermore, since a restriction mechanism is provided to restrict the rotation of the second operating member 24, if the user does not want to change the degree of adjustment after changing it to the desired degree (angle of view change speed or acceleration), he or she can simply operate the lock knob 28 to restrict the rotation of the second operating member. This prevents the degree of adjustment from being changed even if the user unintentionally touches the second operating member 24.

[0059] Furthermore, because the first to third operating members 23-25 ​​are arranged in a single operating member area 29, the mounting space for the operating members can be reduced, enabling the entire lens barrel 12 to be made smaller and lighter. This has the advantage of reducing the burden on the user when gripping the lens barrel 12 and reducing fatigue even during extended shooting. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first to third operating members 23-25 ​​are operating switches such as seesaw switches rather than rotary operating rings, and therefore can easily be made waterproof.

[0060] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which a slide switch was used as third operating member 25, but the present invention is not limited to this, and third operating member 62 may be a rotating member, as in lens barrel 61 shown in Fig. 13. Note that the configuration other than third operating member 62 is the same as lens barrel 12 of the first embodiment described above, and similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] The third operating member 62 is provided around the lens barrel body 21, and more specifically, on the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel body 21. The third operating member 62 is arranged within the range of the operating member area 29 described above. The third operating member 62 is located on the camera body 11 side in the optical axis direction OA with respect to the first operating member 23, and is arranged in a position overlapping with the second operating member 24 in the optical axis direction OA.

[0062] The third operating member 62 is a second rotating member that is supported rotatably about a rotation axis CL2 that intersects with the optical axis direction OA of the lens barrel body 21. It is preferable that the rotation axis CL2 is perpendicular to the optical axis direction OA. The third operating member 62 is a mode selector switch that switches between the program mode, the second mode, and the third mode.

[0063] As in the first embodiment, the first to third operating members 23, 24, 62 are arranged in one operating member area 29, which reduces the mounting space for the operating members and allows for the overall size and weight of the lens barrel 61 to be reduced. This provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Also, as in the first embodiment, the first to third operating members 23, 24, 62 are operating switches such as seesaw switches rather than rotary operating rings, which allows for a waterproof structure to be easily achieved.

[0064] [Third embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, lens barrel main body 21 has a cylindrical shape with a substantially constant outer diameter, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may also be applied to a lens barrel 66 configured with a lens barrel main body 67 that has a cylindrical shape with a step portion, as shown in Fig. 14. Note that parts that are the same as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0065] Lens barrel main body 67 is composed of small diameter section 67A, medium diameter section 67B, and large diameter section 67C, whose outer diameters gradually increase from the camera body 11 side toward the subject side. The outer diameter RM of large diameter section 67C is the maximum outer diameter of lens barrel main body 67. In this embodiment, first operating member 23 is arranged in medium diameter section 67B, and second and third operating members 24, 25 are arranged in small diameter section 67A. In this embodiment, it is also preferable to arrange first to third operating members 23 to 25 within operating member area 29 described in the first embodiment.

[0066] 15, second operating member 24 is located radially inward of lens barrel main body 67 relative to outer diameter RM, which is the maximum outer diameter of lens barrel main body 67. This improves the operability of second operating member 24 and also enables the overall size of lens barrel 66 to be reduced.

[0067] [Fourth embodiment] In the first to third embodiments described above, the first to third operation members are provided on the lens barrel main body, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as in lens barrel 71 shown in Fig. 16, an operation module 73 including first and second operation members 23, 24 may be provided detachably to a lens barrel main body 72. Note that parts similar to those in the first and second embodiments described above are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0068] The operation module 73, for example, constitutes a part of the outer peripheral surface of the lens barrel main body 72. The lens barrel main body 72 has a recess 72A on its outer peripheral surface. The operation module 73 and the lens barrel main body 72 are each provided with an attraction member, for example, a magnetic material. The operation module 73 is fitted into the recess 72A, and is detachably attached to the lens barrel main body 72 by the attraction member being attached thereto. It is preferable that the operation module 73 communicates with the lens control unit 31 wirelessly or the like, and transmits signals in response to the operation of the first and second operation members 23, 24.

[0069] 16, the operation module 73 includes all of the first to third operation members 23 to 25, but is not limited to this and may include at least the first and second operation members 23, 24. Furthermore, the operation module 73 is preferably attached within the operation member area 29 described in the first embodiment.

[0070] In each of the above embodiments, the optical function adjusted by the first to third operating members during video capture is the angle of view magnification of the imaging optical system 22, but the present invention is not limited to this and any optical function that can be adjusted in the lens barrel may be used, such as the aperture of the imaging optical system 22 or the amount of image stabilization. When adjusting the aperture of the imaging optical system 22 by the first to third operating members during video capture, it is preferable to move the aperture blades toward the maximum or minimum aperture depending on the amount of operation of the first operating member, and similarly to each of the above embodiments, it is preferable to select one of the first to third modes by the third operating member and change the degree of adjustment of the aperture blades (movement speed or acceleration) by the second operating member.

[0071] Furthermore, when adjusting the amount of image stabilization of the imaging optical system 22 using the first to third operating members during video imaging, it is preferable to adjust the movement of the image stabilization lens according to the amount of operation of the first operating member, and similarly to the above embodiments, it is preferable to select one of the first to third modes using the third operating member and change the degree of adjustment of the image stabilization lens (movement speed or acceleration) using the second operating member.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, a seesaw switch is primarily used as the first operating member and a slide switch is primarily used as the second operating member, but the present invention is not limited to this. The first operating member may be a slide switch, a push button, a slide lever, a galvanometer lever, a galvanometer switch, a swinging member swingably attached to the lens barrel body, or a movable member slidably or rotatably attached to the lens barrel body, as long as it is an operating member that can input a command according to an amount of operation. Furthermore, when the first operating member is a push button, it is preferable to provide two push buttons for one lens barrel body. Meanwhile, the second operating member may be an operating dial, a volume control, a jog dial, a galvanometer dial, a swing dial, a knob, an adjustment knob, a rotating protrusion, a command dial, a rotor, or the like, as long as it is an operating member that can input a command by rotation.

[0073] In each of the above embodiments, the hardware structure of processing units that execute various processes, such as the lens control unit 31 and the camera body control unit 41, is the following various processors: The various processors include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units, a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a dedicated electrical circuit, which is a processor with a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing various processes.

[0074] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, multiple FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU). Also, multiple processing units may be configured with a single processor. Examples of multiple processing units configured with a single processor include, first, a configuration in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as typified by client or server computers, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, a configuration in which a processor is used that realizes the functions of an entire system including multiple processing units on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by SoCs (System On Chips). In this way, the various processing units are configured with one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0075] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit in the form of a combination of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0076] The present invention can be applied to imaging devices other than digital cameras, such as smartphones and video cameras. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10. Digital Camera 11 Camera body 12 Lens barrel 13 Lens mount 14 Release switch 16 image sensor 17 Body side signal contact 21 Lens barrel body 22 Imaging optical system 22a Focus Lens 22b zoom lens 22c Image Stabilizer Lens 23 First operating member 24 second operating member 25 third operating member 26 Lens mount 27 Lens side signal contact 28 Lock knob 29 Operating element area 31 Lens control unit 32 Motor driver 33 Hand shake detection sensor 34~37 Motor 38 Aperture unit 38a aperture blades 41 Camera body control unit 42 Shutter unit 43 Motor Driver 44 Image Memory 45 Bus Line 46 Image data processing section 47 LCD Driver 48 Image display unit 49 I / F (Interface) 51 Memory Card 52 AE (Automatic Exposure) processing section 53 Shutter motor 61 Lens barrel 62 third operating member 66 Lens barrel 67 Lens barrel body 67A Small diameter section 67B Medium diameter part 67C large diameter section 71 Lens barrel 72 Lens barrel body 72A Recess 73 Operation Module CL1 Rotating Axis CL2 rotation axis E1 range E2 range OA optical axis direction P0 reference position R circumferential direction RM outer diameter S Angle of view magnification speed TP Press Time T0 Press start time

Claims

1. a first operating member for adjusting an optical function of the optical system; a second operating member that varies a degree of adjustment of the optical function by the first operating member, the operation module is detachably provided on a lens barrel that holds the optical system, the lens barrel has a processor; The processor: When the first operation member is operated, control is performed to execute a first mode in which the optical function is adjusted in accordance with a setting pattern that indicates a relationship between an operation amount of the first operation member and an adjustment amount of the optical function corresponding to the operation amount, The setting pattern is an operation module in which the increase in the adjustment speed is large at the start of the operation, and the increase in the adjustment speed becomes smaller as the operation time of the first operating member elapses.

2. The operation module according to claim 1 , wherein the processor executes the setting pattern that is stored in advance.

3. The processor: performing control to switch to either one of the first mode and the second mode; 3. The operation module according to claim 1, wherein in the second mode, control is performed to accelerate or decelerate an adjustment speed when adjusting the optical function in accordance with the amount of operation.

4. The processor: performing control to switch to any one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode; 4. The operation module according to claim 3, wherein in the third mode, the adjustment speed when adjusting the optical function is controlled to be kept constant regardless of the amount of operation.

5. The processor: performing control to switch to any one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode; The operating module according to claim 3, wherein in the third mode, a first adjustment speed based on a first operation amount of the first operating member and a second adjustment speed based on a second operation amount different from the first operation amount are the same speed.

6. A third operating member is provided, The operation module according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the processor controls switching to any one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode in response to operation of the third operation member.

7. The processor: The operation module according to claim 1 , wherein in the first mode, control is performed such that an instruction to adjust an optical function by the second operation member is not accepted.

8. The processor: The operation module according to claim 3 , wherein in the second mode, control is performed to accelerate or decelerate the adjustment speed by operating the second operation member.

9. The processor: The operation module according to claim 4 , wherein in the third mode, control is performed to select one of the plurality of adjustment speeds by operating the second operation member.

10. The operation module according to claim 2 , wherein the optical function adjusted in accordance with the operation amount of the first operation member is one of an angle of view of the optical system, an aperture, and an amount of image stabilization.

Images