Apparatus included in photographing system, and photographing system

Abstract

To provide an apparatus included in a photographing system that acquires time information from the outside, allows processing log data while providing the time information to the log data, and has improved maintainability.SOLUTION: An apparatus included in a photographing system has: processing means that processes log data of the apparatus; setting means that provides time information to the log data; and requesting means that requests the time information to be provided to the log data from the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device included in an imaging system, and to the imaging system. [Background technology]

[0002] Many camera devices included in filming systems such as television cameras store time information (date and time), and can display the time information superimposed on the image in the viewfinder or output the time information superimposed on a photograph.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device that can correct time information later if it is recorded with time data that differs from the actual time. Patent Document 2 discloses a diagnostic system that stores the diagnostic results of a lens device together with date information as diagnostic history data. An information processing system that can be connected to such a lens device makes it possible to store history information that adds time information to recorded data, making it possible to easily retrieve data history such as diagnostic results later. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-054864 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-298906 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, many lens devices have relative time information but do not store absolute time information. Furthermore, lens devices are not configured to acquire time information from other devices, such as connected camera devices. Furthermore, many lens devices are not configured to connect to a network. Therefore, a photography system that includes such interchangeable lens devices faces the problem of the lens device being unable to acquire time information.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device included in a photography system that can acquire time information from an external source, add the time information to log data, and process it, thereby improving maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the device of the present invention is a device included in a photography system, and is characterized by having a processing means for processing log data of the device, a setting means for adding time information to the log data, and a request means for requesting the time information to be added to the log data from an external source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a device included in a photography system that can acquire time information from outside, add the time information to log data, and process it, thereby improving maintainability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a lens device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a time information acquisition process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is an example of a user interface screen for inputting time information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a time information acquisition process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a time information acquisition process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining time correction according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a time information acquisition process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing a time information correction process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a time information acquisition process according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. A shooting system such as a television camera is composed of various interconnected devices, such as a lens device (hereinafter also referred to as a lens), a camera device (hereinafter also referred to as a camera), an operating device, etc. Most cameras store time information (date and time), and are capable of superimposing the time information on captured images and videos, displaying it on a viewfinder, or outputting the image for printing as a photograph.

[0011] In recent years, there has also been an increase in network-connectable photography systems that allow accurate time information to be obtained via the network. This allows the time information to be corrected later if an image is recorded with time data that differs from the actual time. Since the time information recorded can be corrected later even if it is inaccurate, it is no longer necessary to set the time information before capturing an image, and photography can be started quickly after startup. Diagnostic systems that store the diagnostic results of a lens device as history data along with time information have also been disclosed. Such devices connectable to lenses can assign time information and store history data within the lens, making it possible to easily retrieve history data such as diagnostic results later.

[0012] However, many lenses themselves may retain relative time information but do not retain absolute time information. Furthermore, in the lens's interface with other devices, particularly in imaging systems such as television cameras, the lens is not configured to acquire time information from the camera. Furthermore, many imaging system lenses do not connect to a network. Therefore, in imaging systems with interchangeable lenses, the lens is unable to acquire time information, which presents a problem.

[0013] In recent years, it has become common to leave logs within the lens and use them for various maintenance purposes, such as service response and troubleshooting. If an abnormality or emergency occurs with the lens, the time information at the time of the occurrence becomes extremely important. In order to effectively use the log during subsequent maintenance response, it is necessary to add time information to the log.

[0014] In a photography system, even if some kind of abnormality occurs in the camera or lens, such as a temporary communication abnormality or lens drive abnormality, if it is possible to continue filming and it is necessary to continue filming, continuing filming is often prioritized over dealing with the abnormality. In particular, if the filmed footage is being used, it is often difficult to stop filming. However, in an emergency such as a power abnormality or an emergency where filming cannot be continued, it is necessary to leave a log with time stamp information, and some kind of time information must be obtained.

[0015] Depending on the type of anomaly that has occurred, highly accurate time information may be required. It is important that events that occurred within a short time interval before and after the anomaly occur are recorded in the correct chronological order.

[0016] Furthermore, time information is particularly important for abnormalities that occur during recording in a photography system, or while the tally is on in a television lens (television lens), which indicates that the image captured by that television lens is being used for the main line (broadcasting, recording). Therefore, in order to be able to record time information when an abnormality occurs in such a photography system, it is necessary to be able to obtain time information at the time recording starts or when the tally is on.

[0017] In this way, in order to add time information to the log data within the lens, the lens needs to actively acquire time information in some way. The acquired time information does not necessarily need to be highly accurate, but it is desirable for it to have the accuracy required by those who will be using the log. Furthermore, if it is difficult for the lens to acquire time information during shooting, it is desirable to be able to add or correct the correct time information later.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device included in a photography system that allows time information to be acquired from an external source and that has improved maintainability. [Example]

[0019] 1 to 3, an imaging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The imaging system includes a lens apparatus 100.

[0020] The lens device 100 includes a lens calculation unit 102, a lens storage unit 106, a lens display unit 107, optical elements including movable lens groups such as zoom lenses and focus lenses (not shown), fixed lens groups, and an aperture, and an operation unit. The lens calculation unit 102 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and has a lens time management unit 103 and a lens log data processing unit (processing means) 104. The lens calculation unit 102 also stores lens log data (described later) in a lens storage unit (storage means) 106, and outputs lens display data to a lens display unit 107 depending on the state of the lens device 100.

[0021] The lens time management unit 103 manages time information within the lens device 100, which does not hold absolute time information. The lens time management unit 103 can handle relative time from a certain point in time that is detectable at least within the lens calculation unit 102, and associates the time information with lens log data, which will be described later.

[0022] The lens log data processing unit 104 processes data (lens log data) that is stored as a log of internal information of the lens device 100. The data that is stored as a log is not particularly limited as long as it is data held by the lens device 100. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the data is communication data with the camera.

[0023] The lens storage unit 106 is a non-volatile memory, and is not limited to EEPROM, FLASH, or the like, as long as it is capable of storing information about the lens device 100. In this embodiment, it is assumed that at least lens log data and time information, which will be described later, are stored.

[0024] The lens display unit 107 is a display device and a user interface (hereinafter also referred to as UI) (input means) that is at least visible to the user. The lens display unit 107 displays lens display data input from the lens calculation unit 102. The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, but is not limited to these. In this embodiment, the lens display unit 107 is not only a display device but also has a UI function that allows the user to input time information.

[0025] Next, the time information request process and the log generation time storage process performed by the lens calculation unit 102 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0026] First, when the lens device 100 is powered on, processing in the lens log data processing unit 104 starts, and the process proceeds to step S101. In this embodiment, processing starts when a communication connection is established with a camera (not shown), but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0027] In step S101, an abnormality detection means (not shown) determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred within the lens device 100. If an abnormality has occurred, the process proceeds to step S102, and if an abnormality has not occurred, the process returns to step S101. In this embodiment, the abnormality occurs when, for example, an error occurs in communication data with a camera (not shown).

[0028] In step S102, the lens log data processing unit 104 stores the lens log data in the lens storage unit 106, and the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the lens calculation unit (request means) 102 performs a time information request process, requests input of time information, and proceeds to step S104. Specifically, a time information input UI is displayed on the lens display unit 107, enabling the user to input time information.

[0029] In step S104, it is determined whether or not time information has been input by the user. If there has been input, the process proceeds to step S105, and if there has not been input, the process returns to step S104. In step S105, the lens calculation unit 102 stores the time information input by the user in step S104 in a RAM (RANDOM-ACCESS MEMORY). data and proceeds to step S106.

[0030] In step S106, the lens calculation unit 102 reads out the lens log data stored in the lens storage unit 106 and stores it in the RAM. data and proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the lens time management unit (setting means) 103 sets the time information T data and lens log data L data The lens log data processing unit 104 associates the data with the lens log data and stores them in the lens storage unit 106, and then the processing ends.

[0031] Next, the time information input UI screen displayed on the lens display unit 107 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the image diagram of FIG. First, as shown in the image diagram of FIG. 3(a), the user inputs the year (YYYY in FIG. 3), month (MM in FIG. 3), and day (DD in FIG. 3) of the occurrence of the abnormality according to the display on the lens display unit 107.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3(b), in addition to Figure 3(a), it may also be possible to input the time of the abnormality occurrence (TTTT in Figure 3). Furthermore, it may also be possible to input region information (Region in Figure 3) so that international time differences can be taken into consideration. Region information may include the region name or the time difference from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). For example, since Japan Standard Time (JST) is UTC+9, +9 may be used as region information.

[0033] There is a risk of inputting incorrect time information manually by the user. To prevent such input errors, the order in which events occur may be managed by the lens calculation unit (event order management means) 102 of the lens device 100, and if a discrepancy occurs between the input time information and the order in which events occur, a warning display (warning notice) that the user can notice may be displayed on the lens display unit 107.

[0034] With this configuration, it becomes possible to add time information to the log data in the lens device 100. [Example]

[0035] Second Embodiment An imaging system according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The lens device of Example 2 acquires time information from a camera device (first device) that is an external device connected for communication. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image capturing system according to Example 2, which differs from the image capturing system of Example 1 in that a camera device 200 is added as a component.

[0036] With the configuration of Example 1, it is possible to add time information to the log data in the lens device 100, but there are cases where the user cannot immediately input the time information, such as in the case of a monitoring lens where it is difficult to get close to the lens, or when the user is operating a shooting device or shooting while moving, etc. In such cases, if a device connected to the lens device for communication has time information, the time information can be acquired through communication.

[0037] The lens device 100 of the second embodiment is configured by adding a lens communication unit 101 to the lens device 100 of the first embodiment. The lens communication unit 101 is capable of communicating with other communication-connected devices such as the camera device 200. The lens communication unit 101 transmits data input from the lens calculation unit 102 to other communication-connected devices with which it is connected, receives data from other communication-connected devices, and outputs the data to the lens calculation unit 102. In this embodiment, the lens communication unit 101 transmits a time information request from the lens calculation unit 102 to the camera device 200 at least when the lens log data processing unit 104 determines that a time information request is necessary, and also outputs time information received from the camera device 200 (other communication-connected device) to the lens calculation unit 102.

[0038] Next, the camera device 200 will be described. The camera device 200 is a device having an image sensor that receives an image of a subject formed by the lens device 100 , and includes a camera communication unit 201 and a camera calculation unit 202 . The camera communication unit 201 communicates with other communication-connected devices such as the lens device 100. The camera communication unit 201 transmits data input from a camera calculation unit 202 (described later) to, for example, the lens device 100, and outputs data received from the lens device 100 to the camera calculation unit 202.

[0039] The camera calculation unit 202 is assumed to be capable of detecting at least absolute time information. Here, absolute time information refers to time information that is adjusted periodically or at a predetermined timing with respect to a time based on Coordinated Universal Time (e.g., Japan Standard Time (JST)). The camera calculation unit 202 may also adjust an internal clock provided within the camera calculation unit 202 to the detected absolute time information. The camera calculation unit 202 performs processing based on input from the camera communication unit 201, and conversely, outputs data to the camera communication unit 201 to make requests to the lens device 100. In this embodiment, the camera calculation unit 202 outputs time information as data in order to transmit at least the time information to the lens device 100.

[0040] Next, a process in which the lens device 100 acquires time information from the camera device 200 with which it is connected for communication will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0041] 5(a) shows the time information request process and the log generation time storage process performed by the lens calculation unit 102 of the lens device 100, and FIG. 5(b) shows the process performed by the camera calculation unit 202 of the camera device 200.

[0042] First, the time information request process and the log generation time storage process performed by the lens calculation unit 102 shown in FIG. 5(a) will be described. When the lens device 100 is powered on and processing by the lens log data processing unit 104 starts, the process proceeds to step S201. Note that in this embodiment, processing starts when the lens device 100 is connected to the camera device 200 for communication, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0043] In step S201, the lens calculation unit 102 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the lens device 100. If an abnormality has occurred, the process proceeds to step S202; if no abnormality has occurred, the process returns to step S201. In step S202, the lens log data processing unit 104 stores the lens log data in the lens storage unit 106, and the process proceeds to step S203.

[0044] In step S203, the lens calculation unit 102 performs time information request processing to request time information, and then proceeds to step S204. Specifically, the lens calculation unit 102 outputs time information request data to the lens communication unit 101, and the lens communication unit 101 transmits a command requesting the time information to the camera device 200. In step S204, it is determined whether or not time information (first time information) has been received from the camera device 200. If time information has been received, the process proceeds to step S205, and if no input has been received, the process returns to step S204.

[0045] In step S205, the lens calculation unit 102 stores the time information received from the camera device 200 in the RAM. data and proceed to step S206. In step S206, the lens calculation unit 102 reads out the lens log data stored in the lens storage unit 106 and stores it in the RAM. data and proceeds to step S207. In step S207, the lens time management unit (time setting means) 103 sets the time information T data and lens log data L data are linked and stored in the lens storage unit 106 by the lens log data processing unit 104, and the process ends.

[0046] Next, the processing performed by the camera calculation unit 202 shown in FIG. 5(b) will be described. When the camera device 200 is powered on and a communication connection with the lens device 100 is established, the process starts and proceeds to step S301. In step S301, it is determined whether or not there is a request for time information from the lens device 100. If there is a request, the process proceeds to step S302; if there is no request, the process ends.

[0047] In step S302, the time information detected by the camera calculation unit 202 is set as transmission data to the lens device 100 and output to the camera communication unit 201, and the process proceeds to step S303. In step S303, the camera communication unit 201 returns the time information set in step S302 to the lens device 100, and the process ends.

[0048] With this configuration, it is possible to add time information to the lens log data. Up to this point, an example has been shown in which the lens device 100, which is a device that does not have time information, acquires time information from the camera device 200, which is a device that does have time information. However, depending on the photography system, both the lens device and the camera device may have time information. In such cases, it is often desirable to add highly accurate time information to the lens log data. Below, using Figures 6 and 7, we will show processing when time information can be detected in both the lens device 100 and the camera device 200.

[0049] A process in which the lens device 100 acquires time information from the camera device 200, which is the communication connection destination, in Example 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 6. The difference from the process shown in Fig. 5 is that the lens device 100 also has time information, and time accuracy information is sent and received to set the time information of the camera device 200 by comparing the accuracy with the time information.

[0050] FIG. 6(a) shows the time information request process and the log generation time storage process performed by the lens calculation unit 102 of the lens device 100, and FIG. 6(b) shows the process performed by the camera calculation unit 202 of the camera device 200. First, the time information request process and the log generation time storage process performed by the lens calculation unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 6(a).

[0051] When the lens device 100 is powered on and the lens log data processing unit 104 starts processing, the process proceeds to step S401. It is assumed that processing starts when a communication connection is established with the camera device 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. In step S401, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred within the lens device 100. If an abnormality has occurred, the process proceeds to step S402; if not, the process returns to step S401.

[0052] In step S402, the lens log data processing unit 104 stores the lens log data in the lens storage unit 106, and the process proceeds to step S403. In step S403, the lens calculation unit (time precision request means) 102 requests time precision information from the camera device 200, which is the communication connection destination, and the process proceeds to step S404.

[0053] In step S404, it is determined whether or not time accuracy information has been received from the camera device 200. If it has been received, the process proceeds to step S405; if it has not been received, the process returns to step S404. In step S405, the lens calculation unit (selection means) 102 selects the accuracy A of the received time information of the camera device 200. C and the accuracy A of the time information of the lens device 100 itself L Compare with Accuracy A C is accuracy A L If it is higher than the accuracy A, proceed to step S406. C is accuracy A L If it is not higher than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S411.

[0054] In step S406, the lens calculation unit 102 performs time information request processing to request time information, and then proceeds to step S407. Specifically, the lens calculation unit 102 outputs time information request data to the lens communication unit 101, and the lens communication unit 101 transmits a command requesting the time information to the camera device 200. In step S407, it is determined whether or not time information has been received from the camera device 200. If time information has been received, the process proceeds to step S408, and if no input has been received, the process returns to step S407.

[0055] In step S408, the lens calculation unit 102 stores the time information received from the camera device 200 in the RAM. data and proceed to step S409. In step S411, the lens calculation unit 102 stores the time information held by the lens device 100 in the RAM. data and proceed to step S409. In step S409, the lens calculation unit 102 reads out the lens log data stored in the lens storage unit 106 and stores it in the RAM. dataand proceeds to step S410. In step S410, the lens time management unit 103 receives the time information T data and lens log data L data are linked and stored in the lens storage unit 106 by the lens log data processing unit 104, and the process ends.

[0056] Next, the processing performed by the camera calculation unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG. 6(b). First, when the camera device 200 is powered on and a communication connection is established with the lens device 100, the process starts and proceeds to step S501. In step S501, it is determined whether or not the lens device 100 has requested time accuracy information. If there has been a request, the process proceeds to step S502; if there has not been a request, the process returns to step S501.

[0057] In step S502, the camera communication unit 201 returns the time accuracy information to the lens device 100, and the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, it is determined whether or not there is a request for time information from the lens device 100. If there is a request, the process proceeds to step S504; if there is no request, the process ends.

[0058] In step S504, the time information detected by the camera calculation unit 202 is set as transmission data to the lens apparatus 100 and output to the camera communication unit 201, and the process proceeds to step S505. In step S505, the camera communication unit 201 returns the time information set in step S504 to the lens device 100, and the process ends.

[0059] Next, the accuracy and correction of the time information will be explained using FIG. FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing the occurrence of events in chronological order. T0 in FIG. 7 represents time information previously acquired by the lens device 100 from the camera device 200. + indicates a time a certain time has elapsed since T0, and is time information set based on relative time information held within the lens device 100 with T0 as the reference.+ ´ indicates that the lens device 100 is T0 + The time information is assumed to be the time information acquired from the camera device 200. + and T0 + That is, the difference between the time T0 in the lens device 100 and the time T1 in the lens device 100 that was obtained by measuring the relative time based on T0 in the lens device 100 is shown. + According to more accurate time information obtained from the camera device 200, + ´, and the difference is dT.

[0060] Time T0 measured within the lens device 100 + is a more accurate time T0 + The correspondence between the time T0 and the time information T1 can be established by adding the time information of the sender at the time of transmission to the communication data between the lens device 100 and the camera device 200 and comparing it with the time information of the receiver at the time of reception. This can be established, for example, based on the time information T0 that the lens device 100 acquires from the camera device 200, and the time information of the sender and the receiver at the time of subsequent communication. Furthermore, the processing time required for communication may be taken into consideration. By using this method, the time T0 can be established based on the time information of the sender at the time of transmission and the time information of the receiver at the time of reception. + ´ and time T0 + can be associated with each other, but the invention is not limited to this method.

[0061] As shown in Figure 7, time information can be added to the lens log data by acquiring time information from the camera device 200. Using relative time information within the lens device 100 based on the acquired time information T0, it becomes possible to add time information to the lens log data, although the accuracy is not high. Furthermore, by acquiring the latest, more accurate time information, the time information that can be added to the lens log data becomes more accurate. In particular, the effect becomes greater the larger dT.

[0062] With the above configuration, even if a device does not have time information, it can add time information to log data managed within the device by actively requesting time information from an external device. As an example of requesting time information in this embodiment, Example 1 shows a case where a user is asked to input the information, and Example 2 shows a case where a request is made to a device that is a communication connection destination. In the embodiment, an example is shown in which log data is stored in a memory unit inside the device, but this is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that the log data is not stored but is output to the outside along with the acquired time information, or a combination of storage and output may be used.

[0063] Furthermore, although the abnormality detected by the lens device 100 has been described as occurring when an error occurs in communication data with the camera device 200, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an error may occur in communication data with a device other than the camera device 200, or an error may occur when reading or writing data from or to a non-volatile memory. Furthermore, a temporary abnormality in the driving state of a zoom lens or the like may not only be an inoperable state or no response, but also a deviation of actual driving from ideal driving.

[0064] In addition to the above-mentioned examples of abnormalities, other specific events may also be included, such as power supply abnormalities, complete inoperability, and other conditions requiring emergency response. Furthermore, the abnormality occurrence items and emergency events to be recorded in these logs may be predetermined, or may be selected or set using a setting UI, etc. Furthermore, in a situation where an abnormality occurred in the past, even if the abnormality is subsequently resolved, a log indicating that the abnormality has been resolved may also be recorded. Furthermore, unexpected events, such as when a new device is connected for communication or when an unknown communication command is received, may also be recorded in the log.

[0065] Furthermore, the timing for requesting time information from an external source may be, but is not limited to, the start of recording or the tally ON of a television lens (information indicating the start of use of the captured image in broadcasting) as a trigger for obtaining time information. For example, it may be the timing when log data is recorded. It may also be the timing when a condition set based on the type of target log data is satisfied or the timing when the target log data is recorded. Furthermore, it may be possible to arbitrarily set a predetermined condition by a condition setting means provided in the imaging system, such as after an arbitrary time has elapsed from such timing.

[0066] The input time information may also be provided with a check function. For example, the order of event occurrence may be managed by the lens calculation unit 102 of the lens device 100, and if there is a discrepancy between the input time information and the order of event occurrence, a warning message may be displayed on the lens display unit 107.

[0067] 5 and 6, the process of comparing the accuracy of the time information held by devices and adopting the time information with the higher accuracy is shown. However, it is not necessarily limited to adopting high accuracy, and time information with accuracy suited to the needs of the target log data may be adopted. Here, the accuracy suited to the needs may be related to, for example, the length (size) of the data or the required time resolution.

[0068] Furthermore, the accuracy of the time information is based on the accuracy of the device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the accuracy of the acquired time information may be compared with the time information already assigned to the log data. As mentioned above, instead of simply using highly accurate time information, it is also possible to use time information with an accuracy that best suits the needs of the log data. With the configuration described above, it is possible to actively obtain time information from a user or an external device in order to add time information to the in-lens log. [Example]

[0069] An imaging system according to Example 3 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. Components similar to those described in Examples 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the lens device 100 displays a message requesting input of time information, and in the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the lens device 100 acquires time information via communication with the camera device 200 to which it is connected for communication. However, since the processing load of each device in the photography system varies depending on the photography purpose and photography conditions, it is not always possible to acquire time information from the device that requested the time information immediately after transmitting the request for time information.

[0071] Meanwhile, photography systems are becoming increasingly diverse. For example, lens devices communicate with lens accessory devices, such as operation devices that operate the lens devices, and camera devices. Furthermore, because lens devices also communicate with camera accessory devices and monitors, even if not directly, it may be possible to acquire the time information held by these devices. Furthermore, by notifying the time information to be acquired in advance (time information request notification) and then acquiring the time information requested when the communication connection was established, it is possible to add the time information to the lens log data later.

[0072] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which time information is added later in a photographing system in which a lens apparatus 100, a camera apparatus 200, and an operation apparatus 300 are communicatively connected. The photographing system shown in Fig. 8 is obtained by adding an operation device 300 to the photographing system described in Fig. 4. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the lens device 100 performs processing to request time information from the camera device 200 and the operation device 300. First, the lens device 100 will be described.

[0073] The lens device 100 has a lens requested time creation unit 105 added to the configuration of the second embodiment described in FIG. 4. The lens requested time creation unit 105 creates requested time data W0 when the lens calculation unit 102 determines that a request for time information is necessary. In this embodiment, the requested time data W0 is linked to relative time information within the lens device 100, but this is not limited to this. The lens time management unit 103 manages time information and links the lens log data to the time information, which is the same as described in the first and second embodiments. However, it differs in that when time information is not available, the requested time data W0 is linked to the lens log data, and when the lens device 100 acquires time information from an external source, the time information is added to the lens log data.

[0074] The camera device 200 has the same configuration as the camera device 200 of the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Next, the operation device 300 will be described. The operation device 300 is an accessory device for driving and operating, for example, a zoom lens or a focus lens (not shown) provided in the lens device 100. In this embodiment, the operation device 300 has at least an accessory communication unit 301 and an accessory calculation unit 302.

[0075] The accessory communication unit 301 is a communication unit that communicates with other communication-connected devices such as the lens device 100. The accessory communication unit 301 transmits data input from an accessory calculation unit 302 (described later) to, for example, the lens device 100, and outputs data received from the lens device 100 to the accessory calculation unit 302. The accessory calculation unit 302 is assumed to be unable to detect at least absolute time information. The accessory calculation unit 302 performs processing based on input from the accessory communication unit 301 and outputs data to the accessory communication unit 301 in order to make requests to the lens device 100. In this embodiment, the accessory calculation unit 302 requests at least time information from the lens device 100.

[0076] Next, a process in which the lens device 100 in the third embodiment acquires time information from the camera device 200, which is the communication connection destination, will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 9. Fig. 9(a) shows the time information request process and the log generation time storage process performed by the lens calculation unit 102 of the lens device 100, and Fig. 9(b) shows the process performed by the camera calculation unit 202 of the camera device 200. First, the time information request process and the log generation time storage process performed by the lens calculation unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 9(a).

[0077] First, when the lens device 100 is powered on and the lens log data processing unit 104 starts processing, the process proceeds to step S601, where the processing starts. Note that in this embodiment, the processing starts when a communication connection is established with the camera device 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. In step S601, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred within the lens device 100. If an abnormality has occurred, the process proceeds to step S602, and if an abnormality has not occurred, the process returns to step S601.

[0078] In step S602, the lens log data processing unit 104 stores the lens log data in the lens storage unit 106, and the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, the lens calculation unit 102 executes a time information request process for notifying the lens communication unit 101 of a request for time information, and then the process proceeds to step S604. Specifically, the lens calculation unit 102 sends a tag W to the lens communication unit 101 for the time information that the lens calculation unit 102 desires to acquire. n The request data with the tag W is output from the lens communication unit 101 to the camera device 200 side. n A command is sent to request a reply with the tag W. n For convenience, the information marked with is referred to as "Time Information W n " is also written.

[0079] In step S604, the time information W is n Determine whether or not the time information W nIf the time information W is received from the camera device 200, the process proceeds to step S606. n If no time information W has been received from the camera device 200, the process proceeds to step S605. n The time may be information including the requested time information, or may be information including dummy time information returned temporarily from the camera device 200, as will be described later. In step S605, the tag W assigned to the time information in step S603 is n is set as the time information, and the process proceeds to step S606. In step S606, the lens calculation unit 102 stores the time information in the RAM. data and proceed to step S607.

[0080] In step S607, the lens calculation unit 102 reads out the lens log data stored in the lens storage unit 106 and stores it in the RAM. data and proceeds to step S608. In step S608, the lens time management unit 103 receives the time information T data and lens log data L data are linked and stored in the lens storage unit 106 by the lens log data processing unit 104, and the process ends.

[0081] Next, the processing performed by the camera calculation unit 202 shown in FIG. 9(b) will be described. First, when the camera device 200 is powered on and a communication connection is established with the lens device 100, processing starts and the process proceeds to step S701.

[0082] In step S701, the time information W is received from the lens device 100. n If there is a request, the process proceeds to step S702, and if there is no request, the process ends. In step S702, the time information W n If a reply is possible, the process proceeds to step S704, and if a reply is not possible, the process proceeds to step S703.

[0083] In step S703, the time information W requested by the lens device 100 in step S701 is transmitted to the lens device 100. n The data to be returned at this time (dummy time information W ? ) content is tag W n In addition, for example, the message may be data indicating that the request has been accepted, or data indicating that a reply is not possible at the moment.

[0084] In step S704, the time information W detected by the camera calculation unit 202 is n is set as the transmission data to the lens device 100 and output to the camera communication unit 201, and the process proceeds to step S705. In step S705, the time information W set in step S704 is n The camera communication unit 201 returns the request to the lens device 100, and the process ends.

[0085] Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the lens device 100 receives the time information W from the camera device 200 with which it is connected for communication. n 9 is output from the lens device 100 to the camera device 200, for example, at a later date.

[0086] 10(a) shows the time information acquisition process and the time information correction process of the lens log data performed by the lens calculation unit 102 of the lens device 100. FIG. 10(b) shows the process performed by the camera calculation unit 202 of the camera device 200.

[0087] First, the time information acquisition process and the time information correction process of the lens log data performed by the lens calculation unit (correction means) 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 10(a). When the lens device 100 is powered on and the lens log data processing unit 104 starts processing, the process proceeds to step S801. It is assumed that processing starts when a communication connection is established with the camera device 200, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0088] In step S801, the time information W requested from the camera device 200 is n It is determined whether the time information W has been received from the camera device 200. n If the time information W is received, the process proceeds to step S802. n If no message is received, the process ends. In step S802, the time information W received from the camera device 200 n Tags included in W n The lens log data linked with is read from the lens log data processing unit 104, and the process proceeds to step S803.

[0089] In step S803, the lens calculation unit 102 calculates the time information W received from the camera device 200. n to RAM data and proceed to step S804. In step S804, the lens time management unit 103 receives the time information T data and lens log data L data The lens log data processing unit 104 stores the data in the lens storage unit 106, and the process ends. data The tag W n The data may or may not include the tag W. n T as data containing data When handling the above, after storing the data in the lens storage unit 106 in step S804, it may be possible to indicate that the data has been updated by the processing of Figures 9 and 10, and to perform necessary processing such as further updating.

[0090] Next, the processing performed by the camera calculation unit 202 of the camera device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. When the camera device 200 is powered on and a communication connection with the lens device 100 is established, the process starts and proceeds to step S901. The process starts when a communication connection with the lens device 100 is established, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0091] In step S901, the time information W is transmitted from the lens device 100 connected for communication. n If it has been received, the process proceeds to step S902, and if it has not been received, the process ends. Here, it is not whether it has been received in the past, but rather the time information W that has been received. n It may also be determined whether there are any requests that have not yet been responded to.

[0092] In step S902, it is determined whether the time information can be detected, and if it can be detected, the process proceeds to step S903, and if it cannot be detected, the process ends. n It may also be determined whether or not the value is held. In step S903, tag W n The time information corresponding to the tag W is acquired. n Time information W n is set as the reply data, and the process proceeds to step S904.

[0093] In step S904, the reply data set in step S903 is output from the camera communication unit 201 to the lens apparatus 100, and the process ends. Here, it has been described that there is only one request from the lens device 100, but the present invention is not limited to this, and there may be multiple requests, and a response may be made to all or some of the multiple requests.

[0094] In this way, even if the lens device 100 cannot immediately obtain time information from another device, by notifying the other device of a request to obtain time information, the lens device 100 can obtain the time information the next time it connects to the other device. [Example]

[0095] An imaging system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Components similar to those described in the first to third embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In the third embodiment, an image capture system is described that issues a request for time information after an event occurs for which time information is desired (for which a log is desired to be stored in association with the time information). However, in an image capture system, it is often the case that the start of recording, tally ON, or other events for which time information is desired to be reliably acquired when they occur are known in advance. Furthermore, if time information could be acquired not only for events of the lens apparatus 100 that originated the request, but also for events of devices that are communication destinations and errors between devices that are not directly connected to the lens apparatus 100, it is likely that the log data will be more useful and important.

[0096] 11 is a flowchart of a process for notifying the camera device 200 in advance of the timing for requesting time information when the lens device 100 establishes a communication connection with the camera device 200. Fig. 11(a) is a flowchart of a process performed by the lens calculation unit 102 of the lens device 100, and Fig. 11(b) is a flowchart of a process performed by the camera calculation unit 202 of the camera device 200.

[0097] The lens device 100 reads the predetermined time information request table W nTable The time information request table W nTable is a tagged time information request W for events that are known in advance to require time information when they occur, such as recording start and tally ON. n This is a table listing the information.

[0098] First, the processing performed by the lens calculation unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG. When the lens device 100 is powered on and communication with the camera device 200 is established, processing starts and proceeds to step S1001. In step S1001, the lens calculation unit 102 checks the time information request table W for the camera device 200. nTable If there is, the process proceeds to step S1002, and if there is not, the process ends.

[0099] In step S1002, the time information request table W nTable Time information request W n One of them is read out, and the process proceeds to step S1003. In step S1003, the time information request W read in step S1002 is n is output from the lens communication unit 101 to the camera device 200 as a request, and the process proceeds to step S1004. In step S1004, the time information request W that has not yet been requested from the outside is n is the time information request table W nTable Check whether the time information request W is included in the n If there is no such file, the process ends, and if there is, the process returns to step S1002.

[0100] Next, the processing performed by the camera calculation unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the camera device 200 is powered on and a communication connection is established with the lens device 100, the process starts and proceeds to step S1101. In step S1101, the camera calculation unit 202 receives a time information request W from the lens device 100. n If it has been received, the process proceeds to step S1102, and if it has not been received, the process ends.

[0101] In step S1102, it is determined whether or not a reply can be made to the request for time information received in step S1101. If a reply can be made, the process proceeds to step S1104, and if a reply cannot be made, the process proceeds to step S1103. In step S1103, the time information request table C_W in the camera device 200 is nTable Then, the time information request table C_W nTable is the time information request W received from the lens device 100.n Among them, the time information request W for which time information could not be returned n This is a table that stores information about

[0102] In step S1104, tag W n The time information corresponding to the tag W is acquired. n Time information W n is set as the reply data, and the process proceeds to step S1105. In step S1105, the reply data set in step S1104 is output from the camera communication unit 201 to the lens apparatus 100, and the process ends.

[0103] With this configuration, even if a device does not hold time information, by actively notifying an external device of the timing to request time information, even if the device is unable to obtain the time information immediately, it becomes possible to obtain the requested time information when it is later connected to the same device.

[0104] In the second to fourth embodiments, the case where the lens device 100 requests time information from the camera device 200 has been mainly described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, in the flowcharts of Figures 9 to 11, (a) may be the processing of the operation device 300, and (b) may be the processing of the lens device 100.

[0105] Also, the time information request table W nTable is information that the lens apparatus 100 has in advance, but is not limited to this and may be set within the lens apparatus 100, or may be set from the camera apparatus 200 or the operation device 300. In particular, the lens apparatus 100 cannot recognize any abnormality within the camera apparatus 200 or an abnormality between devices to which the lens apparatus 100 is not directly connected, such as a communication abnormality between the camera apparatus 200 and a camera accessory device (not shown). For this reason, the lens apparatus 100 may be configured to be notified of the occurrence of an abnormality between these devices (second devices) together with time information.

[0106] Furthermore, although it is assumed that the request for time information as described in this embodiment is basically made through communication between devices, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the time information request W can be made by manual input by the user as described in the first embodiment. n It may be possible to set the following.

[0107] Also, time information request W n The request may be completed once time information is received from the request destination, or multiple requests may be made to obtain highly accurate time information.Furthermore, it may be possible to set whether or not to continue making requests. With the configuration described above, it is possible to actively obtain time information from a user or an external device in order to add time information to the in-lens log.

[0108] The present invention can be applied to devices included in a photography system that is composed of a lens device, a camera device, and at least devices connected to them for communication. That is, when a device in the photography system needs to record log data with time information attached but does not have the time information (it only has low-accuracy time information), it can request time information from another device in the photography system that is connected for communication, and record the received time information attached to the log data.

[0109] If a driving device connected to a lens device to drive the optical element of the lens device does not have a driving mechanism and does not have time information (or has only low-precision time information), it can request time information from the camera device connected to the lens device and receive time information from the camera device. In this case, the driving device is mechanically connected to the lens device to drive the optical element, but it can communicate with the camera device via the lens device or directly with the camera device.

[0110] The present invention can also be applied to an operating device (accessory device) that operates a drive device that drives an optical element of a lens device, in which time information needs to be added to log data for recording but does not have the time information itself (only has low-precision time information).By requesting and obtaining time information from a device in the photography system that has time information, the received time information can be added to the log data and recorded.

[0111] Furthermore, an imaging system consisting of a lens device, a camera device, and at least devices connected to them for communication may include a pan head device equipped with a driving mechanism for changing the attitude of the imaging device including the lens device and changing the direction, height, and position of the optical axis. The present invention is also applicable to cases where the pan head device needs to record log data with time information attached, but does not have the time information itself (only has low-precision time information). By requesting and obtaining time information from a device in the imaging system that has time information, the received time information can be attached to the log data and recorded.

[0112] Furthermore, an imaging system consisting of a lens device, a camera device, and devices at least communicatively connected to them may include a control device such as a PC that performs at least one of driving the devices in the imaging system, recording captured images and videos, etc. Among the devices in the imaging system, those that need to record log data with time information but do not have time information within themselves (have only low-precision time information) may be able to request and obtain time information from a control device such as a PC.

[0113] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0114] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) An apparatus included in an imaging system, a processing means for processing log data of the device; a setting means for adding time information to the log data; The apparatus further comprises a request means for requesting the time information to be added to the log data from an external source. (Configuration 2) The device has an input unit that allows a user to input information and a display unit that displays information, the setting means assigns the time information based on an input to the input means; The device according to configuration 1, wherein the requesting means causes the display unit to display information prompting the input of the time information. (Configuration 3) a communication unit that communicates with a first device included in the imaging system; the setting means assigns first time information acquired from the first device via the communication unit to the log data as the time information; 2. The device according to configuration 1, wherein the requesting means transmits a request for time information to the first device via the communication unit. (Configuration 4) a selection means for selecting the time information to be added to the log data; the request means requests first time accuracy information, which is the accuracy of the first time information, from the first device; The device described in configuration 3 is characterized in that the selection means selects either the first time information or the time information as the time information to be added to the log data based on the acquired first time accuracy information and time accuracy information which is the accuracy of the time information held by the device. (Configuration 5) The device according to configuration 4, wherein the selection means selects highly accurate time information. (Configuration 6) The apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein the selection means selects a precision that is suited to the log data to which the time information is added. (Configuration 7) an abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality in the device; The device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the requesting means requests the time information when a predetermined condition is satisfied if an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means. (Configuration 8) The apparatus according to configuration 7, wherein the predetermined condition is the start of recording of an image being captured by the imaging system. (Configuration 9) The device according to configuration 7, wherein the predetermined condition is the start of use in broadcasting of the video captured by the imaging system. (Configuration 10) a storage means for storing the log data; 10. The device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the processing means stores the log data in the storage means. (Configuration 11) 11. The device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the processing means outputs the log data to an external device of the device. (Configuration 12) 11. The device according to configuration 10, wherein the requesting means requests the time information when the log data is stored in the storage means. (Configuration 13) 8. The apparatus according to configuration 7, further comprising a condition setting means for arbitrarily setting the predetermined conditions. (Configuration 14) 8. The device according to configuration 7, wherein the predetermined condition is set based on the type of the log data. (Configuration 15) The device described in any one of configurations 3 to 9, characterized in that when dummy time information is received from the first device in response to the request for the time information from the request means to the first device, the setting means sets the dummy time information to the log data. (Configuration 16) The device described in configuration 15 is characterized in that, when time information corresponding to the dummy time information received from the first device as a response to the request from the request means to the first device is received, the device has a correction means for linking and setting the time information to the corresponding log data. (Configuration 17) the time information request means outputs the predetermined condition for requesting the time information to the first device; The device according to configuration 16, wherein the correction means sets the received time information for the log data corresponding to the time information received from the first device under the predetermined conditions. (Configuration 18) The device according to any one of configurations 7 to 9, 13, and 14, further comprising an event order management means for issuing a warning notification when a contradiction occurs between the order of occurrence of events that satisfy the predetermined condition and the time information corresponding to the events. (Configuration 19) A movable optical element; a driving means for driving the optical element; 19. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a lens device comprising: (Configuration 20) 19. The device according to any one of configurations 1 to 18, characterized in that it is a driving device connected to a lens device and driving a movable optical element included in the lens device. (Configuration 21) 19. The device according to any one of configurations 1 to 18, characterized in that it is an operating device connected to a lens device to operate a drive device that drives a movable optical element included in the lens device. (Configuration 22) The device described in any one of configurations 1 to 18 is characterized in that it is a pan head device to which an imaging device consisting of a lens device and a camera device that captures an image formed by the lens device is fixed, and which has a driving means for changing the direction of the optical axis of the imaging device. (Configuration 23) An imaging system comprising the device according to any one of configurations 1 to 22. (Configuration 24) 19. A photographing system including a lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 18, and a second device communicatively connected to the lens device, The second device outputs the time information to the lens device based on the occurrence of an arbitrary event in the second device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 100 Lens device (device) 102 Lens calculation unit 103 Lens time management unit (setting means) 104 Lens log data processing unit (processing means)

Claims

1. An apparatus included in an imaging system, a processing means for processing log data of the device; a setting means for adding time information to the log data; The apparatus further comprises a request means for requesting the time information to be added to the log data from an external source.

2. The device has an input unit that allows a user to input information and a display unit that displays information, the setting means assigns the time information based on an input to the input means; 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said requesting means causes said display unit to display information prompting said input of said time information.

3. a communication unit that communicates with a first device included in the imaging system; the setting means assigns first time information acquired from the first device via the communication unit to the log data as the time information; 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the requesting means transmits a request for time information to the first device via the communication unit.

4. a selection means for selecting the time information to be added to the log data; the request means requests first time accuracy information, which is the accuracy of the first time information, from the first device; The device described in claim 3, characterized in that the selection means selects either the first time information or the time information as the time information to be added to the log data based on the acquired first time accuracy information and time accuracy information which is the accuracy of the time information held by the device.

5. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said selection means selects highly accurate time information.

6. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said selection means selects a precision suitable for said log data to which said time information is added.

7. an abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality in the device; 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said requesting means requests said time information when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the case where said abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality.

8. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined condition is the start of recording of an image being captured by the imaging system.

9. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined condition is the start of use in broadcasting of the video captured by the imaging system.

10. a storage means for storing the log data; 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said processing means stores said log data in said storage means.

11. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said processing means outputs said log data to an external device of said device.

12. 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein said requesting means requests said time information when said log data is stored in said storage means.

13. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a condition setting means for setting the predetermined conditions arbitrarily.

14. 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined condition is set based on the type of the log data.

15. The device described in claim 3, characterized in that when dummy time information is received from the first device in response to the request for the time information from the request means to the first device, the setting means sets the dummy time information to the log data.

16. The device described in claim 15 has a correction means for, when time information corresponding to the dummy time information received from the first device as a response to the request from the request means to the first device, linking the time information to the corresponding log data and setting it.

17. the request means outputs a predetermined condition for requesting the time information to the first device; 17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the correction means sets the received time information for the log data corresponding to the time information received from the first device under the predetermined condition.

18. 8. The device according to claim 7, further comprising an event order management means for issuing a warning when a contradiction occurs between the order in which events that satisfy the predetermined condition occur and the time information corresponding to the events.

19. A movable optical element; a driving means for driving the optical element; 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lens assembly comprises:

20. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a drive device connected to a lens device and drives a movable optical element included in the lens device.

21. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is an operating device connected to a lens device to operate a drive device that drives a movable optical element included in the lens device.

22. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is a pan head device to which an imaging device consisting of a lens device and a camera device for capturing an image formed by the lens device is fixed, and which has a driving means for changing the direction of the optical axis of the imaging device.

23. An imaging system comprising the device according to claim 1.

24. 10. A photographing system including a lens device according to claim 1 and a second device communicatively connected to the lens device, The second device outputs the time information to the lens device based on the occurrence of an arbitrary event in the second device.

Images