Processing apparatus, imaging apparatus, and processing method

Abstract

Even if the lens device does not retain information about light attenuation, it generates information about the T-value of the lens device. [Solution] The processing device 7 obtains information regarding the F-number of the lens device L attached to the interchangeable lens imaging device C from the lens device, obtains information regarding the light intensity attenuation of the lens device, and generates information regarding the T-number of the lens device using the information regarding the F-number and the information regarding the light intensity attenuation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device that generates information used in imaging.

Background Art

[0002] Some imaging devices control imaging using not only the F value calculated from the focal length and pupil diameter of an imaging lens but also the T value calculated from the F value and the transmittance of the imaging lens. Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging system in which conversion data from the F value held by a lens device to the T value is transmitted to the imaging device, enabling the imaging device to calculate the T value for use in control.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the imaging system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the imaging device cannot calculate the T value unless the lens device holds the conversion data.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the F value of a lens device attached to an interchangeable-lens imaging device from the lens device, and a generation unit that acquires information regarding light attenuation of the lens device and generates information regarding the T value of the lens device using the information regarding the F value and the information regarding light attenuation. An imaging device or an external device having the above processing device also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is a processing method characterized by the steps of: acquiring information regarding the F-number of a lens device attached to an interchangeable lens imaging device from the lens device; acquiring information regarding light attenuation in the lens device; and generating information regarding the T-number of the lens device using the information regarding the F-number and the information regarding light attenuation. A program that causes a computer to execute processing according to the above processing method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, even if the lens device does not retain information regarding light intensity attenuation, it is possible to generate information regarding the T-value of the lens device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging system in the embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the Fno display in the example. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the Tno display in the example. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the process in Example 1. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the process in Example 2. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the process in Example 3. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the light intensity attenuation tables in Examples 1 and 2. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the F-value / T-value table in the examples. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the light intensity attenuation table in Example 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Examples]

[0010] Figure 1 shows the configuration of an imaging system as Example 1. The imaging system consists of a lens device L and a lens-exchangeable imaging device C to which the lens device L is detachably mounted.

[0011] The lens device L includes an imaging optical system 10, a position acquisition unit 2, a lens MPU 3, a lens memory 4, and a lens communication unit 5. The imaging optical system 10 includes, as movable members, a zoom lens that moves in the optical axis direction to change magnification, a focus lens that moves in the optical axis direction to perform focusing, and an aperture 1 that changes the aperture diameter to adjust the amount of light, and forms an image of light from a subject (not shown).

[0012] The position acquisition unit 2 uses position sensors such as Hall elements and encoders to acquire information on the current aperture position (aperture diameter), the zoom position (the position of the zoom lens), and the focus position (the position of the focus lens), and outputs this information to the lens MPU 3. Upon receiving the aperture position information, the lens MPU 3 refers to the F-number conversion data stored (held) in the lens memory 4 to generate information on the F-number corresponding to the aperture position (hereinafter referred to as F-number information), and transmits this to the imaging device via the lens communication unit 5. The F-number information may be information that directly indicates the F-number, or information that can be converted to an F-number. The lens MPU 3 also transmits information on the zoom position and information on the focus position (hereinafter referred to as zoom position information and focus position information) to the imaging device via the lens communication unit 5. The zoom position information and focus position information may be information that directly indicates the zoom position and focus position, or information that can be converted to them. Furthermore, the lens MPU 3 also transmits information on the model of the lens device L (hereinafter referred to as lens model information) as lens information (for identifying or distinguishing the lens device L) to the imaging device. The lens model information can be any information that can identify the model (or individual unit, if necessary) of lens device L, such as the model name, serial number, and identification number.

[0013] The imaging device C includes an imaging element 15, a camera communication unit 6, a camera MPU 7, a camera memory 8, and a display unit 9. The imaging element 15 is a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, and photoelectrically converts (images) the subject image formed by the imaging optical system 10. The camera MPU 7 performs various processes on the imaging signal output from the imaging element 15 to generate image data, and outputs this to the display unit 9 for display.

[0014] Also, the camera MPU 7 can receive F-value information, zoom position information, focus position information, and lens model information from the lens device L through the camera communication unit 6. The camera memory 8 stores (holds) in advance information regarding light quantity attenuation in the imaging optical system for each model of a plurality of lens devices that can be attached to the imaging device C (hereinafter referred to as light quantity attenuation information). The light quantity attenuation information is information regarding the transmittance of the imaging optical system. The information regarding the transmittance may be information indicating the transmittance itself, or may be information indicating the number of steps of light quantity reduction calculable from the transmittance on the optical axis of the imaging optical system. Also, the light quantity attenuation information may be information regarding the amount of divergence of light rays in the imaging optical system. Both the information regarding the transmittance and the information regarding the amount of divergence may be information directly indicating them, or may be information convertible thereto.

[0015] The camera MPU 7 reads out from the camera memory 8 the light quantity attenuation information corresponding to the lens model information received from the lens device L, and generates information regarding the T value (hereinafter referred to as T value information) from the light quantity reduction information and the F value information received from the lens device L.

[0016] For example, the T value can be obtained from the F value and the transmittance by the following calculation formula.

[0017] T value = F value / √(transmittance (%) / 100) Also, the acquisition of the T value using the number of steps will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0018] Then, the camera MPU 7 outputs the generated T-value information to the display unit 9 for display. The T-value information may be information indicating the T value as a numerical value, or may be information other than numerical values such as an index related to the T value.

[0019] In this embodiment, the case where the camera memory 8 pre-holds the light quantity attenuation information of a plurality of lens devices (models) will be described. However, the light quantity attenuation information for each model may be held in a server prepared on the cloud or the like. In this case, the camera MPU 7 that has received the lens model information from the lens device L may access the server and acquire the light quantity attenuation information corresponding to the lens model information from the server.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a state where the camera MPU 7 causes the display unit ⑨ to display the F-value information (F2.8 as an example) received from the lens device L. FIG. 3 shows a state where the camera MPU 7 causes the display unit ⑨ to display the T-value information (T3.0 as an example) calculated from F2.8 and the light quantity attenuation information (transmittance). P indicates the program mode as the imaging mode, 1 / 250 indicates the shutter speed, and ISO100 indicates the ISO sensitivity. The shutter speed and ISO100 are calculated by the camera MPU 7 using the F value received from the lens device L.

[0021] The switching of the display of the F-value information and the T-value information on the display unit 9 may be performed according to the user's selection. For example, when the user performs imaging that emphasizes the amount of blur, the user can select the display of the F-value information related to the blur diameter, and when performing imaging that emphasizes exposure, the user can select the T-value information related to the exposure amount. In addition, in order for the user to be able to judge both the amount of blur and the exposure, it may be possible to select to display both the F-value information and the T-value information. Furthermore, when the lens device L that holds the light quantity attenuation information is attached to the imaging device C, the camera MPU 7 may automatically select the display of the T-value information.

[0022] <00001X8>The flowchart of FIG. 4 shows the processes (processing methods) executed by the lens MPU 3 and the camera MPU 7, which are each a computer, according to a program. The camera MPU 7 functions as a processing device including an acquisition means, a generation means, and a control means.

[0023] In step S1, the lens MPU3 transmits the lens model information of the lens device L to the camera MPU7. In step S2, the camera MPU7 receives the model information.

[0024] Next, in step S3, the lens MPU3 obtains the current aperture position from the position acquisition unit 2 and generates (acquires) F-number information. Then, in step S4, the lens MPU3 transmits the F-number information to the camera MPU7. In step S5, the camera MPU7 receives the F-number information.

[0025] Next, in step S6, the lens MPU3 determines whether the state of aperture 1 has changed. If it has changed, it obtains the F-number information again in step S3 and sends it to the camera MPU7 in step S4.

[0026] Meanwhile, in the next step S7 following step S5, the camera MPU7 obtains light attenuation information corresponding to the model information from the camera memory 8. Then, in step S8, the camera MPU7 generates T-value information from the F-value information received from the lens MPU3 and the light attenuation information obtained in step S7. Next, in step S9, the camera MPU7 displays the generated T-value information on the display unit 9.

[0027] According to this embodiment, even if the lens device L does not retain light attenuation information, the imaging device can generate and display T-value information. [Examples]

[0028] Next, we will describe Example 2. The configurations of the lens device L and the imaging device C in this example are the same as those in Example 1.

[0029] The flowchart in Figure 5 shows the processes performed by the lens MPU3 and the camera MPU7. The processes in steps S1, S3, S4, and S5 performed by the lens MPU3 and the processes in steps S2, S5, S7, and S8 performed by the camera MPU7 are the same as the processes in the steps with the same reference numerals in Example 1 (Figure 4).

[0030] In step S11, following step S8, the camera MPU 7 checks whether the user or the MPU itself has selected to display the T-value. If the T-value display is selected, the MPU proceeds to step S12 and displays the T-value information generated in step S8 on the display unit 9. On the other hand, if the T-value display is not selected (the F-value display is selected), the MPU proceeds to step S13 and displays the F-value information received in step S5 on the display unit 9. [Examples]

[0031] Next, we will describe Example 3. The configurations of the lens device L and the imaging device C in this example are the same as those in Example 1.

[0032] The flowchart in Figure 6 shows the processes performed by the lens MPU3 and the camera MPU7. The processes performed by the lens MPU3 in steps S1 and S6 and by the camera MPU7 in steps S2, S8 and S9 are the same as the processes in the steps with the same reference numerals in Example 1 (Figure 4).

[0033] In step S21, following step S1, the lens MPU3 obtains the current zoom position, focus position, and aperture position from the position acquisition unit 2 and generates (acquires) zoom position information, focus position information, aperture position information, and F-number information. Then, in step S22, the lens MPU3 transmits the zoom position information, focus position information, aperture position information, and F-number information to the camera MPU7. After that, the determination in step S6 is performed.

[0034] In step S23, following step S2, the camera MPU7 receives zoom position information, focus position information, aperture position information, and F-number information.

[0035] Next, in step S24, the camera MPU 7 acquires light attenuation information corresponding to the model information, zoom position information, focus position information, and aperture position information from the camera memory 8. Then, in step S8, T-value information is generated from the F-value information and light attenuation information, and in step S9, the T-value information is displayed on the display unit 9.

[0036] The following describes specific examples of light attenuation information and T-values ​​in Examples 1 to 3.

[0037] Figure 7 shows an example of table data (light attenuation table) stored in camera memory 8 to acquire light attenuation information for each lens device L model (hereinafter referred to as lens model) in Examples 1 and 2. This light attenuation table shows the number of stages as light attenuation information for each lens model. The camera MPU 7 reads the number of stages corresponding to the lens model from the light attenuation table and adds that number of stages to the current F value. For example, if the current F value for lens model 01 is 1.414, the calculated T value is 1.464, which is a value shifted by 0.1 stages of light attenuation information.

[0038] Figure 8 shows an F-number / T-number table stored in the camera memory 8, which displays F-numbers and T-numbers at predetermined intervals. The camera MPU 7 calculates a T-number shifted by the number of intervals indicated by the light attenuation information from the current F-number in this F-number / T-number table, and obtains the T-number in the F-number / T-number table that is closest to the calculated T-number as the T-number to be displayed. For example, if the calculated T-number is 1.464 as described above, the camera MPU 7 obtains 1.477, as shown in Figure 7, as the T-number closest to it, and displays it on the display unit 9.

[0039] By performing this process, it is possible to select and display an appropriate T-value from among multiple displayable T-values ​​without requiring complex calculations.

[0040] Figure 9 shows an example of a light attenuation table held in camera memory 8 to acquire light attenuation information for each lens model, zoom position, focus position, and aperture position in Example 3. The camera MPU 7 reads the number of steps corresponding to the lens model, zoom position, focus position, and aperture position from the light attenuation table, adds that number of steps to the current F-number to obtain a calculated T-number. Then it obtains the T-number for display from the F-number / T-number table shown in Figure 8.

[0041] The light attenuation table in Figure 9 shows light attenuation information for each lens model, for each zoom position, focus position, and aperture position, including not only the transmittance on the optical axis of the imaging optical system but also light attenuation due to the peripheral illumination ratio which changes with image height. Furthermore, if the imaging device has an insertable ND filter or other internal light attenuation, it is possible to include information on the internal light attenuation of the imaging device (e.g., the transmittance of the ND filter) in the light attenuation information. By using such light attenuation information, it becomes possible to obtain a more accurate T value that corresponds to the actual exposure.

[0042] Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide light attenuation information corresponding to all of the zoom position, focus position, and aperture position; it is sufficient to provide light attenuation information corresponding to at least one of the zoom position, focus position, and aperture position. In this case, for positions other than the at least one position, a common light attenuation information can be used for all positions. [Examples]

[0043] In Examples 1 to 3, an imaging device with a built-in processing unit (camera MPU7) was described, but the processing unit may be located outside the imaging device. For example, the processing unit may be located in an external device capable of communicating with the lens device or imaging device. Examples of external devices include a personal computer and an operating device for remotely controlling the lens device and imaging device. In this case, the processing unit can, for example, receive lens model information and F-number information from the lens device or imaging device, and display T-number information generated from the F-number information and light attenuation information corresponding to the lens model information on a monitor provided in the external device.

[0044] The above embodiments include the following configuration.

[0045] (Composition 1) An acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the F-number of a lens device attached to an interchangeable lens imaging device from the lens device, A processing apparatus characterized by having a generation means for acquiring information regarding the light attenuation of the lens device and generating information regarding the T value of the lens device using the information regarding the F value and the information regarding the light attenuation. (Configuration 2) The imaging device has a memory that holds information regarding the light intensity attenuation of each of the multiple lens devices that can be attached to the imaging device, The processing apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that the generation means acquires information regarding the light intensity attenuation of the lens device mounted on the imaging device from the memory. (Composition 3) The acquisition means acquires lens information indicating the lens device from the lens device attached to the imaging device, The processing apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the generating means acquires information regarding the light attenuation corresponding to the lens information. (Composition 4) The processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising a control means for displaying information relating to the T value on a display means. (Composition 5) The processing apparatus according to configuration 4, characterized in that the control means causes at least one of the information relating to the T value and the information relating to the F value to be displayed on the display means. (Composition 6) The processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the generating means acquires information regarding the light intensity attenuation for each of a plurality of lens device models that can be attached to the imaging device. (Composition 7) The processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the information relating to the light intensity attenuation is information relating to the transmittance of the imaging optical system of the lens device. (Composition 8) The information regarding the light intensity attenuation varies depending on the position of the movable member included in the imaging optical system of the lens device. The acquisition means acquires information regarding the position of the movable member from the lens information attached to the imaging device, The processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the generating means generates information about the T value using the information about the light attenuation corresponding to the information about the position of the movable member. (Composition 9) The processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the information regarding the light intensity attenuation is information corresponding to the peripheral light intensity ratio in the imaging optical system of the lens device. (Composition 10) The processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the generating means includes information regarding light intensity attenuation within the imaging device in the information regarding light intensity attenuation. (Composition 11) The processing apparatus according to configuration 10, characterized in that the light intensity attenuation inside the imaging device is performed by an ND filter. (Composition 12) An image sensor that captures an image of a subject formed by the aforementioned lens device, An imaging apparatus characterized by having a processing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 11.

[0046] (Other examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0047] The embodiments described above are merely representative examples, and various modifications and changes can be made to each embodiment when implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] L Lens Device C Imaging device 3 Lens MPU 7 Camera MPU

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring information regarding the F-number of a lens device attached to an interchangeable lens imaging device from the lens device, A processing apparatus characterized by having a generation means that acquires information regarding the light intensity attenuation of the lens device and generates information regarding the T value of the lens device using the information regarding the F value and the information regarding the light intensity attenuation.

2. The imaging device has a memory that holds information regarding the light intensity attenuation of each of the multiple lens devices that can be attached to the imaging device, The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the generation means acquires information regarding the light intensity attenuation of the lens device mounted on the imaging device from the memory.

3. The acquisition means acquires lens information indicating the lens device from the lens device attached to the imaging device, The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the generating means acquires information relating to the light attenuation corresponding to the lens information.

4. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for displaying information relating to the T value on a display means.

5. The processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the control means causes at least one of the information relating to the T value and the information relating to the F value to be displayed on the display means.

6. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the generating means acquires information regarding the light intensity attenuation for each of the multiple lens devices that can be attached to the imaging device.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the information relating to the light intensity attenuation is information relating to the transmittance of the imaging optical system of the lens device.

8. The information regarding the light intensity attenuation varies depending on the position of the movable member included in the imaging optical system of the lens device. The acquisition means acquires information regarding the position of the movable member from the lens information attached to the imaging device, The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the generating means generates information about the T value using information about the light attenuation corresponding to information about the position of the movable member.

9. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the information relating to the light intensity attenuation is information corresponding to the peripheral light intensity ratio in the imaging optical system of the lens device.

10. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the generating means includes information regarding light intensity attenuation within the imaging device in the information regarding light intensity attenuation.

11. The processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the light intensity attenuation inside the imaging device is performed by an ND filter.

12. An image sensor that captures an image of a subject formed by the aforementioned lens device, An imaging apparatus characterized by having the processing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An external device having the processing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 11, and capable of communicating with the lens device or the imaging device.

14. A step of obtaining information regarding the F-number of a lens device attached to an interchangeable lens imaging device from the lens device, A processing method characterized by comprising the steps of: acquiring information regarding light intensity attenuation in the lens device; and generating information regarding the T value of the lens device using the information regarding the F value and the information regarding light intensity attenuation.

15. A program characterized by causing a computer to perform processing according to the processing method described in claim 14.

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