Imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus capable of quickly and more accurately changing a focal distance.SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus includes: an imaging element for generating image data by imaging a subject through an interchangeable lens including a zoom lens; and a control part for transmitting a command indicating a driving direction and a driving amount to a driving device attached to an operation ring for moving the zoom lens in an optical axis direction. The control part drives the driving device by transmitting the command, to acquire calibration information indicating a correlation between the driving direction and the driving amount of the driving device and the focal distance of the interchangeable lens.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, imaging devices have been known that enable remote zoom operations by connecting an external drive device to an operation ring provided on an interchangeable lens and using the drive device to rotate the operation ring and move the zoom lens in the optical axis direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-165629 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when performing remote zoom operations, it is necessary to limit the drive speed of the drive device to prevent overrun of the drive device, which can result in a long time required to change the focal length. There is room for improvement in terms of changing the focal length of an interchangeable lens quickly and accurately.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an imaging device that makes it possible to change the focal length of an interchangeable lens quickly and more accurately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The imaging device according to the present disclosure includes an imaging element that captures an image of a subject through an interchangeable lens including a zoom lens to generate image data, and a control unit that transmits commands indicating a drive direction and drive amount to a drive device attached to an operating ring that moves the zoom lens in the optical axis direction. By transmitting the command to drive the drive device, the control unit obtains calibration information that indicates the correlation between the drive direction and drive amount of the drive device and the focal length of the interchangeable lens.

[0007] The imaging device according to the present disclosure includes an imaging element that captures an image of a subject through an interchangeable lens including a zoom lens to generate image data, a control unit that sends commands indicating the drive direction and drive amount to a drive device attached to an operation ring that moves the zoom lens in the optical axis direction, and a display unit, and the control unit causes the display unit to display information related to a calibration operation for obtaining calibration information related to the drive of the drive device for each interchangeable lens. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the imaging device according to the present disclosure, it is possible to change the focal length of an interchangeable lens quickly and more accurately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of an imaging system including a digital camera and external devices [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows a first drive table. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 shows a second drive table. [Figure 4] A table showing interchangeable lens identification information (lens ID) and the corresponding drive table number [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart showing the operations performed by the camera control unit when an interchangeable lens is attached to the camera body. [Figure 6] Flowchart showing calibration operation (first half) [Figure 7]Flowchart showing calibration operation (second half) [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart showing a method for remote zoom control using a drive table. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method for calculating the drive amount of the drive motor using the first drive table. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method for calculating the drive amount of the drive motor using the first drive table. [Figure 10] Example of display related to remote zoom operation displayed on the display operation unit of the external device [Figure 11] Example of remote zoom operation displayed on the camera's display and operation section [Figure 12] Example of remote zoom operation displayed on the camera's display and operation section [Figure 13] Example of remote zoom operation displayed on the camera's display and operation section DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging device comprising: an image sensor that captures an image of a subject through an interchangeable lens including a zoom lens to generate image data; and a control unit that transmits a command indicating a drive direction and drive amount to a drive device attached to an operation ring that moves the zoom lens in the optical axis direction, wherein the control unit transmits the command to drive the drive device, thereby obtaining calibration information that indicates a correlation between the drive direction and drive amount of the drive device and the focal length of the interchangeable lens.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the imaging device described in the first aspect, wherein the control unit acquires a current focal length indicating the current focal length of the interchangeable lens and a target focal length indicating a target focal length, determines a drive amount of the drive device based on the target focal length, the current focal length, and the calibration information, and transmits the command including the determined drive amount to the drive device.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the imaging device according to the first or second aspect, wherein, when acquiring the calibration information, the control unit drives the drive device in a first drive direction to acquire first calibration information indicating a correlation between the drive amount in the first drive direction and a focal length of the interchangeable lens, and drives the drive device in a second drive direction to acquire second calibration information indicating a correlation between the drive amount in the second drive direction and a focal length of the interchangeable lens.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the imaging device according to the third aspect, wherein the control unit acquires a current focal length indicating a current focal length of the interchangeable lens and a target focal length indicating a target focal length, and if movement from the current focal length to the target focal length corresponds to driving of the drive unit in the first driving direction, determines a drive amount of the drive unit based on the target focal length, the current focal length, and the first calibration information, and if movement from the current focal length to the target focal length corresponds to driving of the drive unit in the second driving direction, determines a drive amount of the drive unit based on the target focal length, the current focal length, and the second calibration information, and transmits the command including the determined drive amount to the drive unit.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein, when acquiring the calibration information, the control unit acquires a current focal length, which is the current focal length, from the interchangeable lens while driving the drive device, and links the acquired current focal length with a corresponding drive position of the drive device to acquire it as the calibration information.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the control unit stores the calibration information together with identification information of the interchangeable lens, and when an interchangeable lens is attached, determines whether or not the calibration information corresponding to the identification information of the interchangeable lens has already been stored, and if the calibration information corresponding to the identification information of the interchangeable lens has already been stored, is capable of determining the drive amount of the drive device based on the calibration information.

[0016] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an imaging device comprising: an image sensor that captures an image of a subject through an interchangeable lens including a zoom lens to generate image data; and a control unit that transmits commands indicating a drive direction and a drive amount to a drive device attached to an operation ring that moves the zoom lens in the optical axis direction, wherein the control unit causes a display unit to display information related to a calibration operation for obtaining calibration information related to the drive of the drive device for each interchangeable lens.

[0017] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the imaging device described in the seventh aspect, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display, as information related to the calibration operation, information that allows the user to select whether or not to perform the calibration operation.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0019] The applicant provides the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and does not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0020] (Embodiment) The configuration of the remote imaging system of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a remote imaging system according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the imaging system 100 according to this embodiment includes a digital camera 2 and an external device 40 (external communication device, control device).

[0022] The external device 40 is an external control device that can communicate with the digital camera 2 and is used to remotely control the digital camera 2.

[0023] The external device 40 can issue instructions (remote control) to the digital camera 2 via its own communication unit, such as zoom operation, focus operation, aperture operation, and pressing the release button of the digital camera 2. The digital camera 2 receives instructions from the external device 40 via its own communication unit 15 and performs operations in accordance with the received instructions. The external device 40 has an operation display unit 41 such as an LCD screen, and operations by the user and displays to the user are performed via the operation display unit 41.

[0024] The digital camera 2 of this embodiment comprises a camera body 10 and an interchangeable lens 20 that is detachable from the camera body 10.

[0025] A camera body 10, which is an example of an imaging device, includes a camera control unit 11, an imaging element 12, a storage unit 13, an operation display unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

[0026] The camera control unit 11 controls the overall operation of the digital camera 2 by controlling the components such as the image sensor 12 in response to instructions from the external device 40 and the operation display unit 14 .

[0027] The camera control unit 11 may be configured with a hardwired electronic circuit, or may be configured with a microcomputer using a program, etc. For example, the camera control unit 11 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC.

[0028] The imaging element 12 is an element that captures an image of a subject incident through the interchangeable lens 20 and generates image data. The imaging element 12 is, for example, a CMOS image sensor. The generated image data is digitized by an AD converter. The digitized image data is subjected to predetermined image processing by the camera control unit 11. The predetermined image processing includes, for example, gamma correction, white balance correction, blemish correction, YC conversion, electronic zoom, and JPEG compression. The imaging element 12 may be a CCD or NMOS image sensor, etc.

[0029] The storage unit 13 is a storage unit that stores various types of information related to the digital camera 2. The storage unit 13 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory.

[0030] The operation display unit 14 is a component that functions as a display unit and an operation unit. The operation display unit 14 includes, for example, a display unit such as an LCD monitor and an operation unit such as physical buttons. The display unit displays images such as through images and various information such as menu screens. The operation unit includes various operation members such as a release button, a mode dial, and a power switch.

[0031] The communication unit 15 is a wireless or wired communication interface. The camera control unit 11 can transmit various information to the external device 40 by, for example, USB communication via the communication unit 15 using PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol).

[0032] The first connection unit 50 is a member for mechanically and electrically connecting the camera body 10 and the interchangeable lens 20. In this embodiment, the first connection unit 50 comprises a body mount provided on the camera body 10 and a lens mount provided on the interchangeable lens 20. By connecting the body mount and the lens mount at the first connection unit 50, the camera control unit 11 and the lens control unit 21 can communicate with each other while the camera body 10 and the interchangeable lens 20 are fixed to each other.

[0033] The interchangeable lens 20 connected to the camera body 10 includes a lens control unit 21 , an optical system including a zoom lens 22 , a zoom lens driving unit 23 , a focal length detection unit 24 , and a storage unit 25 .

[0034] The lens control unit 21 controls the operation of the interchangeable lens 20 based on commands and the like transmitted from the camera control unit 11. The lens control unit 21 may be configured with a hardwired electronic circuit, or may be configured with a microcomputer using a program. For example, the lens control unit 21 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC.

[0035] The zoom lens 22 is a lens for changing the magnification of a subject formed by the optical system. In addition to the zoom lens 22, the optical system also includes a focus lens and an aperture. The zoom lens 22 is composed of one or more lenses. The zoom lens 22 is driven by a zoom lens driving unit 23.

[0036] The zoom lens driving unit 23 is a member for moving the zoom lens 22 along the optical axis direction of the optical system. By moving the zoom lens 22 along the optical axis direction, it is possible to change the focal length of the interchangeable lens 20. The zoom lens driving unit 23 includes an operation ring 26 that can be manually operated by the user.

[0037] A gear 27 is provided on the outer periphery of the operation ring 26. An external zoom driving device 30 can be connected to the gear 27. By connecting the external zoom driving device 30 to the interchangeable lens 20, the operation ring 26 can be remotely controlled via the external zoom driving device 30, not just when the user manually operates the operation ring 26. This makes it possible to perform remote zoom control.

[0038] The focal length detection unit 24 is a part that detects the focal length of the interchangeable lens 20. The focal length detection unit 24 is, for example, a zoom encoder. Information about the focal length detected by the focal length detection unit 24 is output to the lens control unit 21. The lens control unit 21 transmits the acquired information about the current focal length of the interchangeable lens 20 to the camera control unit 11 at a predetermined cycle (for example, approximately 60 Hz).

[0039] The storage unit 25 is a storage unit that stores various types of information related to the interchangeable lens 20. The storage unit 25 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory.

[0040] The storage unit 25 contains, for example, lens data such as identification information for the interchangeable lens 20 and the focal lengths at the telephoto end and wide angle end. The lens data is transmitted from the lens control unit 21 to the camera control unit 11 when the camera body 10 and the interchangeable lens 20 are connected via the first connection unit 50. As a result, the camera control unit 11 acquires the lens data related to the interchangeable lens 20.

[0041] The external zoom driving device 30 is a device for remotely controlling the operation ring 26, and includes a control unit 31, a driving motor 32, a reduction gear 33, a driving gear , and a rotational position detection unit .

[0042] The control unit 31 controls the operation of the external zoom drive device 30 based on commands and the like transmitted from the camera control unit 11. The control unit 31 may be configured as a hardwired electronic circuit, or may be configured as a microcomputer using a program. For example, the control unit 31 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC.

[0043] The drive motor 32 is a motor that rotates based on a drive signal sent from the control unit 31. The drive motor 32 rotates based on the drive direction and drive amount specified by the drive signal. The rotational drive force of the drive motor 32 is transmitted to a drive gear 34 via a reduction gear 33.

[0044] The drive gear 34 is a gear that can be engaged with the gear 27 of the zoom lens drive unit 23, and transmits the rotational drive force of the drive motor 32 to the gear 27. By rotating the gear 27, the operation ring 26 is rotated, and the zoom lens 22 can be moved in the optical axis direction.

[0045] The rotational position detection unit 35 is a unit that detects the rotational position of the drive motor 32. The rotational position detection unit 35 is, for example, an encoder for the drive motor 32. Information on the rotational position of the drive motor 32 detected by the rotational position detection unit 35 is output to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 transmits the acquired rotational position information to the camera control unit 11 at a predetermined cycle (for example, approximately 60 Hz).

[0046] The second connection part 52 is a member for mechanically and electrically connecting the camera body 10 and the external zoom drive device 30. In this embodiment, the second connection part 52 comprises a body mount provided on the camera body 10 and a drive device mount provided on the external zoom drive device 30. By connecting the body mount and the drive device mount at the second connection part 52 while engaging the drive gear 34 with the gear 27, the camera control part 11 and the control part 31 can communicate with each other while the camera body 10 and the external zoom drive device 30 are fixed to each other.

[0047] In the imaging system 100 having the above configuration, when a user inputs a target focal length into the external device 40, information on the target focal length is transmitted from the external device 40 to the camera control unit 11, and the camera control unit 11 operates the external zoom driving device 30 so that the focal length of the interchangeable lens 20 becomes the target focal length. In this way, remote zoom operation is performed.

[0048] The camera control unit 11 of this embodiment acquires in advance calibration information that indicates the correlation between the focal length of the interchangeable lens 20 and the drive direction / drive amount of the drive motor 32 of the external zoom drive device 30. When the camera control unit 11 has calibration information related to the interchangeable lens 20, it can execute remote zoom operations using the calibration information. This allows the focal length of the interchangeable lens 20 to be changed to the target focal length quickly and accurately.

[0049] 2 and 3 show a first drive table (FIG. 2) and a second drive table (FIG. 3) as examples of calibration information. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the focal length (unit: mm) of the interchangeable lens 20 is shown in the left column, and the rotational position (unit: pulse) of the drive motor 32 corresponding to the focal length is shown in the right column.

[0050] The first drive table (table No. 1-1) shown in Fig. 2 is calibration information when driving the zoom lens 22 in the Tele direction. The second drive table (table No. 1-2) shown in Fig. 3 is calibration information when driving the zoom lens 22 in the Wide direction.

[0051] For the same focal length, the corresponding rotation positions of the first drive table shown in Fig. 2 and the second drive table shown in Fig. 3 do not completely match (especially when the focal length is between 30 mm and 95 mm). This mismatch occurs because there is hysteresis in the change in focal length when the drive motor 32 moves in the Tele direction and when it moves in the Wide direction.

[0052] When the movement of the zoom lens 22 from the current focal length to the target focal length is in the Tele direction, the camera control unit 11 drives the external zoom drive device 30 using the first drive table shown in Fig. 2. When the movement of the zoom lens 22 from the current focal length to the target focal length is in the Wide direction, the camera control unit 11 drives the external zoom drive device 30 using the second drive table shown in Fig. 3.

[0053] In this way, by selectively using two drive tables depending on the direction of movement of the zoom lens 22 from the current focal length to the target focal length, it is possible to more accurately change from the current focal length to the target focal length.

[0054] Information about the two drive tables shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is stored in the storage unit 13 of the camera body 10 together with the identification information of the interchangeable lens 20.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a table showing the identification information of the interchangeable lens 20 stored in the storage unit 13 of the camera body 10 and the corresponding drive table number.

[0056] 4, the "Drive Table No." in the left column indicates the drive table No., and the "Lens ID" in the right column indicates the identification information of the interchangeable lens 20. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the identification information of three interchangeable lenses 20 (1001, 1008, 1004) and the three corresponding table Nos. (1, 2, 3) are stored.

[0057] There are two types of drive tables for one drive table No. For example, corresponding to table No. 1, a first drive table (for drive in the Tele direction) of table No. 1-1 shown in Fig. 2 and a second drive table (for drive in the Wide direction) of table No. 1-2 shown in Fig. 3 are stored in the storage unit 13.

[0058] The operation of the imaging system 100 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and subsequent figures.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation executed by the camera control unit 11 of the camera body 10 when the interchangeable lens 20 is attached to the camera body 10.

[0060] The flow shown in Figure 5 is executed by the camera control unit 11 when the camera body 10 and the interchangeable lens 20 are fixed to each other at the first connection unit 50 shown in Figure 1 and the camera control unit 11 and the lens control unit 21 become able to communicate electrically.

[0061] The camera control unit 11 acquires lens data (S11). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 acquires lens data related to the interchangeable lens 20 from the lens control unit 21. The lens data includes information such as identification information of the interchangeable lens 20.

[0062] The camera control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a drive table corresponding to the lens ID (S12). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 reads out the lens ID / drive table No. information (FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 13, and determines whether or not there is a drive table No. corresponding to the lens ID acquired in step S11. In the example shown in FIG. 4, if the identification information (lens ID) of the interchangeable lens 20 acquired in step S11 is any of "1001," "1008," or "1004," it determines that there is a drive table corresponding to the lens ID (YES in S12), and if it is not any of "1001," "1008," or "1004," it determines that there is no drive table corresponding to the lens ID (NO in S12).

[0063] If it is determined that there is a drive table corresponding to the lens ID (Yes in S12), the camera control unit 11 sets the drive table (S13). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 reads out from the storage unit 13 the drive table information (calibration information) that is stored in association with the drive table number that corresponds to the identification information (lens ID) of the interchangeable lens 20 acquired in step S11, and makes the information available.

[0064] If it is determined that there is no drive table corresponding to the lens ID (No in S12), or in response to execution of step S13, the camera control unit 11 ends the flow shown in FIG.

[0065] 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the calibration operation for creating the first and second drive tables (calibration information) shown in FIGS.

[0066] The flow shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is executed by the camera control unit 11 in response to the user selecting execution of a calibration operation for remote zoom operation via the operation display unit 41 of the external device 40.

[0067] 6, the camera control unit 11 transmits a drive command for the Wide direction (S21). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 transmits a drive command to the control unit 31 of the external zoom drive device 30 to rotate the drive motor 32 in a drive direction corresponding to the movement of the zoom lens 22 in the Wide direction. The control unit 31, which has received the drive command, controls the drive motor 32 to rotate in the drive direction specified by the drive command. This causes the zoom lens 22 to start moving in the Wide direction.

[0068] The camera control unit 11 determines whether the wide end has been reached (S22). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 determines whether the zoom lens 22 has reached the wide end based on information about the current focal length of the interchangeable lens 20 transmitted from the lens control unit 21 of the interchangeable lens 20. Information about the focal length corresponding to the wide end is included in the lens data and is acquired in step S11 of FIG.

[0069] In response to determining that the wide end has been reached (Yes in S22), the camera control unit 11 transmits a command to stop the drive motor 32 of the external zoom drive device 30 (S23). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 transmits a command to the control unit 31 of the external zoom drive device 30 to stop the rotational drive of the drive motor 32. In response to receiving this command, the control unit 31 controls the rotational drive of the drive motor 32 to stop.

[0070] Through steps S21 to S23, the zoom lens 22 is moved to the wide end and stopped.

[0071] The camera control unit 11 transmits a command to reset the rotational position detection pulse to 0 (S24). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 transmits a command to the control unit 31 of the external zoom drive device 30 to reset the pulse information indicating the rotational position output from the rotational position detection unit 35 to 0. This sets the rotational position of the drive motor 32 corresponding to the Wide end of the zoom lens 22 to the reference position.

[0072] The camera control unit 11 transmits a Tele direction drive command (S25). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 transmits a drive command to the control unit 31 of the external zoom drive device 30 to drive the drive motor 32 to rotate in a drive direction (for example, a first drive direction) corresponding to movement of the zoom lens 22 in the Tele direction. The control unit 31 that receives the drive command controls the drive motor 32 to drive and rotate in the drive direction specified by the drive command. This causes the zoom lens 22 to start moving in the Tele direction.

[0073] The camera control unit 11 determines whether the focal length has changed (S26). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 determines whether the focal length has changed based on the information about the current focal length transmitted from the lens control unit 21 of the interchangeable lens 20, depending on whether the current focal length is different from the most recent focal length.

[0074] If it is determined that the focal length has changed (Yes in S26), the camera control unit 11 acquires the rotation position (S27). Specifically, the control unit 31 of the external zoom drive device 30 transmits information on the rotation position output from the rotation position detection unit 35 to the camera control unit 11, and the camera control unit 11 acquires the rotation position of the drive motor 32.

[0075] The camera control unit 11 stores the focal length and the rotational position (S28). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 associates the information on the current focal length acquired in step S26 with the information on the rotational position of the drive motor 32 acquired in step S27, and stores them in the storage unit 13. The information on the focal length and the rotational position stored in step S28 constitutes the information of the first drive table for Tele direction drive shown in FIG. 2.

[0076] The camera control unit 11 determines whether the Tele end has been reached (S29). Specifically, if the current focal length acquired in step S26 is the focal length corresponding to the Tele end, the camera control unit 11 determines that the Tele end has been reached (Yes in S29) and proceeds to step S30. If the current focal length acquired in step S26 is not the focal length corresponding to the Tele end, the camera control unit 11 determines that the Tele end has not been reached (No in S29) and executes step S26 again.

[0077] Steps S26 to S29 are repeatedly executed until the current focal length acquired in step S26 becomes the focal length corresponding to the Tele end. In other words, while the zoom lens 22 is moved from the Wide end toward the Tele end (S25), each time the focal length of the interchangeable lens 20 changes (Yes in S26), the current focal length and the corresponding rotational position of the drive motor 32 are stored in the storage unit 13 (S28), and the first drive table for Tele direction drive shown in FIG. 2 is created.

[0078] If it is determined that the Tele end has been reached (Yes in S29), the camera control unit 11 transmits a command to stop the drive motor 32 (S30). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 transmits a command to the control unit 31 of the external zoom drive device 30 to stop the rotational drive of the drive motor 32. In response to receiving the command, the control unit 31 controls the rotational drive of the drive motor 32 to stop.

[0079] By executing steps S21 to S30, the first drive table for driving in the Tele direction shown in Fig. 2 is created. The created first drive table indicates the correlation between each focal length from the Wide end to the Tele end and the rotational position of drive motor 32 corresponding to each focal length.

[0080] 2, the focal length corresponding to the Wide end is 28 mm and the rotational position of the drive motor 32 is 0 pulse, and the focal length corresponding to the Tele end is 105 mm and the rotational position of the drive motor 32 is 780 pulse. The focal lengths and rotational positions memorized in step S28 do not necessarily have to be all used as the first drive table, and only a portion of the memorized information may be used as the first drive table.

[0081] 7, the camera control unit 11 transmits a drive command for the Wide direction (S31). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 transmits a drive command to the control unit 31 of the external zoom drive device 30 to drive the drive motor 32 to rotate in a drive direction (e.g., a second drive direction) corresponding to movement of the zoom lens 22 in the Wide direction. The control unit 31, having received the drive command, controls the drive motor 32 to drive and rotate in the drive direction specified by the drive command. As a result, the zoom lens 22 starts moving in the Wide direction from a position corresponding to the Tele end toward a position corresponding to the Wide end.

[0082] The camera control unit 11 determines whether the focal length has changed (S32). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 determines whether the focal length has changed based on the information about the current focal length transmitted from the lens control unit 21 of the interchangeable lens 20, depending on whether the current focal length is different from the most recent focal length.

[0083] If it is determined that the focal length has changed (Yes in S32), the camera control unit 11 acquires the rotation position (S33). Specifically, the control unit 31 of the external zoom drive device 30 transmits information on the rotation position output from the rotation position detection unit 35 to the camera control unit 11, and the camera control unit 11 acquires the rotation position of the drive motor 32.

[0084] The camera control unit 11 stores the focal length and the rotational position (S34). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 associates the information on the current focal length acquired in step S32 with the information on the rotational position of the drive motor 32 acquired in step S33, and stores them in the storage unit 13. The information on the focal length and rotational position stored in step S34 is used to create the second drive table for wide-direction drive shown in FIG. 3.

[0085] The camera control unit 11 determines whether the wide end has been reached (S35). Specifically, if the current focal length acquired in step S32 is a focal length corresponding to the wide end, the camera control unit 11 determines that the wide end has been reached (Yes in S35) and proceeds to step S36. If the current focal length acquired in step S32 is not a focal length corresponding to the wide end, the camera control unit 11 determines that the wide end has not been reached (No in S35) and executes step S32 again.

[0086] Steps S32 to S35 are repeatedly executed until the current focal length acquired in step S32 becomes the focal length corresponding to the Wide end. In other words, while the zoom lens 22 is moved from the Tele end toward the Wide end (S31), each time the focal length of the interchangeable lens 20 changes (Yes in S32), the current focal length and the corresponding rotational position of the drive motor 32 are stored in the storage unit 13 (S34), and the second drive table for Wide direction drive shown in FIG. 3 is created.

[0087] If it is determined that the wide end has been reached (Yes in S35), the camera control unit 11 transmits a command to stop the drive motor 32 (S36). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 transmits a command to the control unit 31 of the external zoom drive device 30 to stop the rotational drive of the drive motor 32. In response to receiving the command, the control unit 31 controls the rotational drive of the drive motor 32 to stop.

[0088] By executing steps S31 to S36, the second drive table for driving in the wide direction shown in Fig. 3 is created. The created second drive table indicates the correlation between each focal length from the telephoto end to the wide end and the rotational position of the drive motor 32 corresponding to each focal length.

[0089] 3, the focal length corresponding to the Tele end is 105 mm, and the rotational position of the drive motor 32 is 780 pulses, and the focal length corresponding to the Wide end is 28 mm, and the rotational position of the drive motor 32 is 0 pulses. The focal lengths and rotational positions memorized in step S34 do not necessarily have to be all used as the second drive table, and only a portion of the memorized information may be used as the second drive table.

[0090] After creating the first drive table and the second drive table, the camera control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a drive table corresponding to the lens ID (S37). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 reads out the lens ID / drive table No. information (FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 13, and determines whether or not there is a drive table corresponding to the lens ID depending on whether or not there is data corresponding to the identification information (lens ID) of the interchangeable lens 20 acquired in step S11.

[0091] If it is determined that there is no drive table corresponding to the lens ID (No in S37), the camera control unit 11 adds a drive table (S38). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 adds the first drive table and second drive table created by executing steps S21 to S36, together with the identification information of the interchangeable lens 20, as the lens ID / drive table No. information shown in Fig. 4. As a result, the first drive table and second drive table created by executing steps S21 to S36 are added as calibration information for remote zoom operation of the interchangeable lens 20.

[0092] If it is determined that there is a drive table corresponding to the lens ID (Yes in S37), the camera control unit 11 replaces the drive table (S39). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 replaces the first drive table and second drive table created by executing steps S21 to S36 with the lens ID and drive table number of the interchangeable lens 20 that already exist in the lens ID / drive table number information shown in Fig. 4, and stores them in the storage unit 13. As a result, the drive table corresponding to the interchangeable lens 20 is replaced and updated.

[0093] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for performing a remote zoom operation using the drive table created and updated in the calibration operation shown in FIGS.

[0094] The flow shown in Figure 8 is executed by the camera control unit 11 when the user inputs a target focal length via the external device 40 while a drive table corresponding to the attached interchangeable lens 20 (lens ID) is stored in the memory unit 13 of the camera body 10.

[0095] 8, the camera control unit 11 determines whether the target focal length is greater than the current focal length (S41). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 determines whether the target focal length is greater than the current focal length based on the target focal length transmitted from the external device 40 and the current focal length transmitted from the interchangeable lens 20.

[0096] If it is determined that the target focal length is greater than the current focal length (Yes in S41), the camera control unit 11 calculates the drive amount from the first drive table (S42). Specifically, if the target focal length is greater than the current focal length, the zoom lens 22 needs to be moved in the Tele direction, so the camera control unit 11 calculates the drive amount of the drive motor 32 from the first drive table for Tele direction drive.

[0097] FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a method for calculating the drive amount of the drive motor 32 from the first drive table for Tele direction drive.

[0098] 9A, the current focal length is 40 mm and the target focal length is 90 mm. The rotational position corresponding to a focal length of 40 mm is 130 pulses, and the rotational position corresponding to a focal length of 90 mm is 630 pulses. The camera control unit 11 calculates the drive amount of the drive motor 32 as 630 pulses - 130 pulses = 500 pulses.

[0099] In response to the calculation of the drive amount, the camera control unit 11 transmits a drive command specifying the drive amount in the Tele direction (S43). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 transmits a drive command to the control unit 31 of the external zoom drive device 30, specifying the drive direction (e.g., first drive direction) of the drive motor 32 corresponding to the Tele direction and the drive amount (e.g., 500 pulses) calculated in step S42.

[0100] Upon receiving the drive command, the control unit 31 controls the drive motor 32 to operate in the drive direction and drive amount specified in the drive command. When the drive motor 32 rotates in the specified drive direction by the specified drive amount, the operation ring 26 rotates via the drive gear 34 and gear 27, and moves the zoom lens 22 in the Tele direction.

[0101] Because the drive amount is determined based on previously acquired calibration information, the target focal length, and the current focal length, it is possible to move the zoom lens 22 with high precision from a position corresponding to the current focal length to a position corresponding to the target focal length. Unlike conventional methods, there is little possibility of overrun occurring even when the drive speed of the drive motor 32 is increased, making it possible to change to the target focal length quickly and accurately.

[0102] If it is determined that the target focal length is not greater than the current focal length (No in S41), the camera control unit 11 calculates the drive amount from the second drive table (S44). Specifically, if the target focal length is not greater than the current focal length, the zoom lens 22 needs to be moved in the Wide direction, so the camera control unit 11 calculates the drive amount of the drive motor 32 from the second drive table for Wide direction drive.

[0103] FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a method for calculating the drive amount of the drive motor 32 from the second drive table for wide direction drive.

[0104] 9B, the current focal length is 90 mm and the target focal length is 40 mm. The rotational position corresponding to a focal length of 90 mm is 620 pulses, and the rotational position corresponding to a focal length of 40 mm is 120 pulses. The camera control unit 11 calculates the drive amount of the drive motor 32 as 120 pulses - 620 pulses = -500 pulses.

[0105] After calculating the drive amount, the camera control unit 11 transmits a drive command specifying the drive amount in the Wide direction (S45). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 transmits a drive command specifying the drive direction of the drive motor 32 corresponding to the Wide direction (for example, the second drive direction) and the drive amount calculated in step S44 (for example, −500 pulses) to the control unit 31 of the external zoom drive device 30.

[0106] Upon receiving the drive command, the control unit 31 controls the drive motor 32 to operate in the drive direction and drive amount specified in the drive command. When the drive motor 32 rotates in the specified drive direction by the specified drive amount, the operation ring 26 rotates via the drive gear 34 and gear 27, and moves the zoom lens 22 in the Wide direction.

[0107] The drive amount is determined based on previously acquired calibration information, the target focal length, and the current focal length. Therefore, unlike conventional methods, there is little possibility of overrun occurring even when the drive speed of the drive motor 32 is increased, and it is possible to change to the target focal length quickly and accurately.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, when moving in the Tele direction and when moving in the Wide direction, the rotational positions of the corresponding drive motors 32 are different even if the focal length is the same.

[0109] For example, when driving in the Tele direction using the first drive table, if the previous drive direction was the same Tele direction, the drive amount can be calculated as the simple difference between the rotational position corresponding to the target focal length and the rotational position corresponding to the current focal length, as described with reference to FIG. 9A. On the other hand, if the previous drive direction was the Wide direction and the drive direction is reversed, the rotational position corresponding to the current focal length of 40 mm is 120 pulses as shown in FIG. 9B, not 130 pulses as shown in FIG. 9A. Therefore, the drive amount is calculated as 630 pulses - 120 pulses = 510 pulses. The difference of 10 pulses between 510 pulses and 500 pulses corresponds to the amount of backlash when drive motor 32 reverses its rotation.

[0110] Similarly, when driving in the Wide direction using the second drive table, if the previous drive direction is the same Wide direction, the drive amount can be calculated as the simple difference between the rotational position corresponding to the target focal length and the rotational position corresponding to the current focal length, as explained with reference to FIG. 9B. On the other hand, if the previous drive direction was the Tele direction and the drive direction is reversed, the rotational position corresponding to the current focal length of 90 mm is 630 pulses as shown in FIG. 9A, not 620 pulses as shown in FIG. 9B. Therefore, the drive amount is calculated as 120 pulses - 630 pulses = -510 pulses. The difference between 500 pulses and 510 pulses, -10 pulses, corresponds to the amount of backlash when drive motor 32 reverses its rotation.

[0111] As described above, when the drive direction is reversed, the backlash amount (10 pulse, -10 pulse) is added to calculate the drive amount, making it possible to change to the target focal length more accurately.

[0112] In response to the execution of steps S43 and S45, the camera control unit 11 determines whether the drive motor 32 has stopped (S46). Specifically, if the information on the rotational position of the drive motor 32 transmitted from the control unit 31 is the same as the previously acquired information, the camera control unit 11 determines that the drive motor 32 has stopped (Yes in S46) and proceeds to step S47. If the information on the rotational position of the drive motor 32 transmitted from the control unit 31 is different from the previously acquired information, the camera control unit 11 determines that the drive motor 32 has not stopped (No in S46) and executes step S46 again.

[0113] As a result, the drive motor 32 is driven until the drive of the drive motor 32 is completed by the drive amount specified in steps S43 and S45, and once the drive is completed, the process proceeds to step S47.

[0114] The camera control unit 11 determines whether the target focal length is not equal to the current focal length (S47). Specifically, the camera control unit 11 acquires information about the current focal length from the interchangeable lens 20, and compares the acquired current focal length with the target focal length input from the external device 40 to determine whether the target focal length is not equal to the current focal length.

[0115] If it is determined that the target focal length is not equal to the current focal length (Yes in S47), the camera control unit 11 displays a warning (S48). Specifically, if the target focal length is not equal to the current focal length, it is assumed that an abnormality has occurred, such as the external zoom driving device 30 not being properly attached (i.e., out-of-step state), and therefore a warning indicating that an abnormality has occurred is displayed on the operation display unit 14 of the camera body 10 or the operation display unit 41 of the external device 40. The warning may, for example, prompt the user to check the attachment state of the external zoom driving device 30 and try again. This can prompt the user to return to a normal state.

[0116] If it is determined that the target focal length is not equal to the current focal length (No in S47), the camera control unit 11 does not display a warning and ends the flow shown in Fig. 8. If the target focal length is not equal to the current focal length, it is confirmed that the target focal length and the current focal length match with high precision and have been accurately changed to the target focal length of the interchangeable lens 20.

[0117] According to the above-described flow, the camera control unit 11 acquires calibration information (drive table) that indicates the correlation between the drive direction and drive amount of the drive motor 32 and the focal length of the interchangeable lens 20, and determines the drive amount of the drive motor 32 based on the acquired calibration information. By acquiring the calibration information in advance in this way, it becomes possible to change the focal length quickly and more accurately when actually driving the external zoom drive device 30 to change the focal length.

[0118] Once acquired, the calibration information remains stored in the storage unit 13 even after the interchangeable lens 20 is removed. When the same interchangeable lens 20 is reattached to the camera body 10, as shown in Fig. 5, it is determined that a drive table corresponding to the lens ID of the interchangeable lens 20 exists (Yes in S12), and the drive table is set to a usable state (S13). Unless a new calibration operation is performed on the interchangeable lens 20 to update the drive table (Yes in S37, S39), the calibration information that has already been acquired can be reused without being updated.

[0119] Next, display examples relating to remote zoom operations of the interchangeable lens 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 and subsequent drawings.

[0120] Fig. 10 shows an example of a display related to remote zoom operation displayed on the operation display unit 41 of the external device 40. In the example shown in Fig. 10, items such as "zoom speed," "zoom (specified focal length)," "zoom (current focal length)," and "calibration" are displayed.

[0121] The user can operate the input / selection points for each item shown in Fig. 10. The input / selection content is transmitted from the external device 40 to the camera body 10.

[0122] "Zoom speed" is an item for the user to specify the movement speed (corresponding to the drive speed of the drive motor 32) of the zoom lens 22. In the example shown in Fig. 10, "15" has been entered.

[0123] "Zoom (specified focal length)" is an item for the user to specify a target focal length. In the example shown in Figure 10, "70" mm has been entered.

[0124] "Zoom (current focal length)" is an item that indicates the current focal length of the interchangeable lens 20. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the current focal length is shown to be 148 mm.

[0125] Below the "Zoom (current focal length)" item, "W 45," "175 T," and a display bar 60 are displayed as items that visually indicate the current focal length. "W 45" indicates that the focal length at the Wide end is 45 mm, "175 T" indicates that the focal length at the Tele end is 175 mm, and the display bar 60 indicates that the current focal length is 148 mm.

[0126] "Calibration" is an item that allows the user to select whether to start the calibration operation described above. When the user selects "Start," the camera control unit 11 of the camera body 10 executes the series of calibration operations (S21 to S39) shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, thereby creating a drive table corresponding to the interchangeable lens 20. The created drive table is stored in the memory unit 13 as calibration information, together with identification information for the interchangeable lens 20. Unless the user selects "Start," the camera control unit 11 will not execute the calibration operation.

[0127] In this embodiment, the user can select whether or not to perform the calibration operation for remote zoom operation depending on whether or not he or she selects "Start" under "Calibration."

[0128] If the calibration operation is not performed and no calibration information is created, remote zoom operation can be performed using a conventional method that does not use calibration information. Specifically, the drive motor 32 is moved from the current focal length toward the target focal length while limiting the drive speed of the drive motor 32, and each time it is determined whether the target focal length has been reached based on the current focal length information transmitted from the interchangeable lens 20, and when it is determined that the target focal length has been reached, the drive of the drive motor 32 is stopped.

[0129] By allowing the user to select whether or not to perform the calibration operation, it becomes possible to perform remote zoom operation according to the user's preference. Also, if calibration information for the interchangeable lens 20 has already been stored, that calibration information can be used to perform remote zoom operation.

[0130] 11 to 13 show examples of displays relating to remote zoom operations that are displayed on the operation display unit 14 of the camera body 10. FIG.

[0131] Fig. 11 shows the initial menu screen, which displays items such as "Q MENU," "Video Button," "Zoom Drive Settings," "Focus Ring Settings," and "Touch Settings." When the user selects the "Zoom Drive Settings" item 70, the screen changes to that shown in Fig. 12.

[0132] 12 shows a menu screen for remote zoom operation using the external zoom driver 30, and displays items such as "Focal Length Display ON," "Step Zoom," "Zoom Position Memory," "Zoom Speed," and "Zoom Calibration." When the user selects the "Zoom Calibration" item 72, the screen changes to that shown in FIG.

[0133] Fig. 13 is a screen for selecting whether or not to perform a calibration operation. In the example shown in Fig. 13, the message "Do you want to perform calibration?" and the words "YES" and "NO" are displayed. If the user selects "YES", the camera control unit 11 performs the series of calibration operations shown in Figs. 6 and 7, and creates a drive table (calibration information) corresponding to the interchangeable lens 20. If the user selects "NO", the camera control unit 11 does not perform the calibration operation.

[0134] 10, by allowing the user to select whether or not to perform a calibration operation, it is possible to perform a remote zoom operation according to the user's preferences. Also, if calibration information for the interchangeable lens 20 has already been stored, that calibration information can be reused to perform a remote zoom operation.

[0135] As explained using Figures 10 to 13, by displaying information related to the calibration operation for obtaining calibration information for each interchangeable lens 20 on the operation display unit 14 or the operation display unit 41, it becomes possible to obtain the calibration information in advance, which leads to faster and more accurate changes to the focal length.

[0136] (Actions and Effects) As described above, the digital camera 2 (imaging device) of this embodiment includes an image sensor 12 that captures an image of a subject through an interchangeable lens 20 including a zoom lens 22 to generate image data, and a camera control unit 11 (control unit) that sends commands indicating the drive direction and drive amount to an external zoom drive device 30 (drive device) attached to an operation ring 26 that moves the zoom lens 22 in the optical axis direction.The camera control unit 11 sends the commands to drive the external zoom drive device 30 (S25, S31), and thereby obtains calibration information that indicates the correlation between the drive direction and drive amount of the external zoom drive device 30 and the focal length of the interchangeable lens 20 (S28, S34).

[0137] According to this configuration, by acquiring calibration information in advance, when driving the external zoom driving device 30 to change the focal length, it becomes possible to change the focal length quickly and more accurately.

[0138] Furthermore, in the digital camera 2 (imaging device) of this embodiment, the camera control unit 11 (control unit) acquires a current focal length indicating the current focal length of the interchangeable lens 20 and a target focal length indicating the target focal length, determines a drive amount for the external zoom drive device 30 based on the target focal length, the current focal length, and the calibration information, and transmits a command including the determined drive amount to the external zoom drive device 30 (S41 to S45). With this configuration, it is possible to change the focal length quickly and accurately when changing from the current focal length to the target focal length.

[0139] Furthermore, in the digital camera 2 (imaging device) of this embodiment, when acquiring calibration information, the camera control unit 11 (control unit) drives the external zoom drive device 30 in a first drive direction (S25), acquires first calibration information indicating the correlation between the drive amount in the first drive direction and the focal length of the interchangeable lens 20 (S28), and drives the external zoom drive device 30 in a second drive direction (S31), acquires second calibration information indicating the correlation between the drive amount in the second drive direction and the focal length of the interchangeable lens 20 (S34). With this configuration, it is possible to acquire a more accurate drive amount according to the drive direction of the external zoom drive device 30, and improve the accuracy when changing the focal length.

[0140] Furthermore, in the digital camera 2 (imaging device) of this embodiment, the camera control unit 11 (control unit) acquires a current focal length indicating the current focal length of the interchangeable lens 20 and a target focal length indicating the target focal length, and if movement from the current focal length to the target focal length corresponds to driving the external zoom drive device 30 in a first driving direction, determines a drive amount of the external zoom drive device 30 based on the target focal length, the current focal length, and first calibration information (S41, S42), and if movement from the current focal length to the target focal length corresponds to driving the external zoom drive device 30 in a second driving direction, determines a drive amount of the external zoom drive device 30 based on the target focal length, the current focal length, and second calibration information (S41, S44), and transmits a command including the determined drive amount to the external zoom drive device 30 (S43, S45). This configuration makes it possible to acquire a more accurate drive amount according to the driving direction of the external zoom drive device 30, thereby improving the accuracy when changing the focal length.

[0141] Furthermore, in the digital camera 2 (imaging device) of this embodiment, when acquiring calibration information, the camera control unit 11 (control unit) acquires a current focal length, which is the current focal length, from the interchangeable lens 20 while driving the external zoom drive device 30 (S25, S26, S31, S32), and associates the acquired current focal length with the corresponding drive position of the external zoom drive device 30 to acquire it as calibration information (S28, S34). With this configuration, calibration information can be acquired in a simple manner.

[0142] Furthermore, in the digital camera 2 (imaging device) of this embodiment, the camera control unit 11 (control unit) stores calibration information along with the identification information of the interchangeable lens 20 (S38, S39), and when the interchangeable lens 20 is attached, determines whether or not calibration information corresponding to the identification information of the interchangeable lens 20 has already been stored (S12), and if calibration information corresponding to the identification information of the interchangeable lens 20 has already been stored (YES in S12), it is possible to determine the drive amount of the external zoom drive device 30 based on that calibration information. With this configuration, if calibration information for the newly attached interchangeable lens 20 is already available, it is possible to determine the drive amount of the external zoom drive device 30 based on that calibration information, making it possible to change the focal length quickly and accurately without having to acquire calibration information again.

[0143] As described above, the digital camera 2 (imaging device) of this embodiment includes an image sensor 12 that captures an image of a subject through an interchangeable lens 20 including a zoom lens 22 to generate image data, and a camera control unit 11 (control unit) that sends commands indicating the drive direction and drive amount to an external zoom drive device 30 (drive device) attached to an operation ring 26 that moves the zoom lens 22 in the optical axis direction, and the camera control unit 11 displays information related to the calibration operation for obtaining calibration information related to the drive of the external zoom drive device 30 for each interchangeable lens 20 on the operation display unit 14 or the operation display unit 41 (display unit).

[0144] According to this configuration, by displaying information related to the calibration operation, it becomes possible to acquire the calibration information in advance, which leads to changing the focal length quickly and more accurately.

[0145] Furthermore, in the digital camera 2 (imaging device) of this embodiment, the camera control unit 11 causes the operation display unit 14 or the operation display unit 41 (display unit) to display information related to the calibration operation, which allows the user to select whether or not to perform the calibration operation. With this configuration, the user can select whether or not to perform the calibration operation, allowing the user to select the method of changing the focal length according to their preference. If calibration information is already available, it is also possible to use that calibration information to perform remote zoom operation.

[0146] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various embodiments are possible.

[0147] In the above embodiment, a case where the user performs remote zoom operation via the external device 40 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such a case. For example, the user may perform remote zoom operation via the camera body 10 without using the external device 40. In this case, the remote zoom operation and calibration operation can be performed via the display examples shown in FIGS. 11 to 13.

[0148] Therefore, the components shown in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only essential components for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to illustrate the above technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are shown in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that these non-essential components are essential.

[0149] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0150] The present disclosure is applicable to imaging devices such as digital cameras. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 2. Digital camera (imaging device) 10 Camera body 20 Interchangeable Lenses 30 External zoom drive unit 40 External device 100 Imaging System

Claims

1. an imaging element that captures an image of a subject through an interchangeable lens including a zoom lens and generates image data; a control unit that transmits a command indicating a drive direction and a drive amount to a drive device attached to an operation ring that moves the zoom lens in the optical axis direction; The control unit By transmitting the command and driving the driving device, calibration information indicating a correlation between the driving direction and driving amount of the driving device and the focal length of the interchangeable lens is obtained. Imaging device.

2. The control unit a current focal length indicating a current focal length of the interchangeable lens and a target focal length indicating a target focal length; determining a drive amount of the drive device based on the target focal length, the current focal length, and the calibration information; The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the command including the determined driving amount is transmitted to the driving device.

3. When acquiring the calibration information, the control unit driving the drive device in a first drive direction to obtain first calibration information indicating a correlation between a drive amount in the first drive direction and a focal length of the interchangeable lens; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: a drive unit configured to drive the drive unit in a second drive direction; and second calibration information indicating a correlation between a drive amount in the second drive direction and a focal length of the interchangeable lens.

4. The control unit a current focal length indicating a current focal length of the interchangeable lens and a target focal length indicating a target focal length; determining a drive amount of the drive device based on the target focal length, the current focal length, and the first calibration information when the movement from the current focal length to the target focal length corresponds to driving of the drive device in the first drive direction; determining a drive amount of the drive device based on the target focal length, the current focal length, and the second calibration information when the movement from the current focal length to the target focal length corresponds to driving of the drive device in the second drive direction; The imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein the command including the determined driving amount is transmitted to the driving device.

5. When acquiring the calibration information, the control unit 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein a current focal length, which is a current focal length, is acquired from the interchangeable lens while the drive device is being driven, and the acquired current focal length is linked to a corresponding drive position of the drive device and acquired as the calibration information.

6. The control unit storing the calibration information together with identification information of the interchangeable lens; When an interchangeable lens is attached, it is determined whether the calibration information corresponding to the identification information of the interchangeable lens has already been stored; The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the calibration information corresponding to the identification information of the interchangeable lens has already been stored, the drive amount of the drive device can be determined based on the calibration information.

7. an imaging element that captures an image of a subject through an interchangeable lens including a zoom lens and generates image data; a control unit that transmits a command indicating a drive direction and a drive amount to a drive device attached to an operation ring that moves the zoom lens in the optical axis direction; The control unit causes a display unit to display information relating to a calibration operation for acquiring calibration information relating to the driving of the driving device for each interchangeable lens.

8. The imaging device according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display, as the information related to the calibration operation, information that allows the user to select whether or not to perform the calibration operation.

Images