Imaging system and lens device, imaging device

Abstract

To simplify processing in imaging systems that use multiple wide-angle lens devices. [Solution] An imaging system comprising a first lens device and a second lens device, each having a half-angle of view exceeding 90° corresponding to the maximum image height when focused at infinity at the wide-angle end, and a first imaging device equipped with a first image sensor that receives the image formed by the first lens device, wherein the imaging areas of the first lens device and the second lens device overlap, and the first imaging device determines the imaging conditions of the first imaging device based on imaging information in the overlapping area.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging system and is particularly suitable for imaging devices using solid-state image sensors, such as digital still cameras, video cameras, broadcast cameras, surveillance cameras, and in-vehicle cameras, or imaging devices using silver halide photographic film. [Background technology]

[0002] In imaging methods such as XR (cross-reality) imaging, exemplified by VR (virtual reality) and MR (mixed reality), and 360° panoramic imaging, it is common to perform imaging by combining multiple lens devices. In such imaging methods, wide-angle optical systems, such as fisheye lenses, are used, and Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging system capable of VR imaging using two wide-angle optical systems. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-052502 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] In imaging systems that use multiple wide-angle lens devices, it was necessary to perform complex coordinated control between the multiple lens devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An imaging system as one aspect of the present invention comprises a first lens device and a second lens device, each having a half-angle of view exceeding 90° corresponding to the maximum image height when focused at infinity at the wide-angle end, and a first imaging device equipped with a first image sensor that receives the image formed by the first lens device, wherein the imaging areas of the first lens device and the second lens device overlap, and the first imaging device determines the imaging conditions of the first imaging device based on imaging information in the overlapping area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This simplifies processing in imaging systems that use multiple wide-angle lens devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view of the lens device of Example 1 [Figure 2] Aberration diagram of the lens device in Example 1 [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of the lens device of Example 2 [Figure 4] Aberration diagram of the lens device in Example 2 [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the lens device of Example 3 [Figure 6] Aberration diagram of the lens device in Example 3 [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of the lens device of Example 4 [Figure 8] Aberration diagram of the lens device in Example 4 [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the lens device of Example 5 [Figure 10] Aberration diagram of the lens device in Example 5 [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of the lens device of Example 6 [Figure 12] Aberration diagram of the lens device of Example 6 [Figure 13] Schematic diagram of the imaging device [Figure 14] Schematic diagram of the electrical configuration of the lens apparatus in Examples 1 to 6 [Figure 15]Schematic diagram of the electrical configuration of the imaging device [Figure 16] Top view of the imaging device regarding the imaging possible area [Figure 17] Top view of the imaging system [Figure 18] Flowchart of each process in the imaging system [Figure 19] Schematic diagram of the focusing processing method [Figure 20] Schematic diagram of the imaging processing method [Figure 21] Top view of a modified example of the imaging system

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing may be drawn at a scale different from the actual one for convenience. Also, in each drawing, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0009] Figs. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 show cross-sectional views of the lens device L0 at the wide-angle end of Examples 1 to 6 in a state focused at infinity. The lens device L0 of each example is used in an imaging device such as a digital video camera, a digital still camera, a broadcast camera, a silver halide film camera, a surveillance camera, or an optical device including an interchangeable lens. In each cross-sectional view, the left side is the object side and the right side is the image side.

[0010] The lens device L0 of each example is composed of a plurality of lens groups. Note that the lens group in this specification is a collection of one or more lenses that move integrally during zooming. In the lens device L0 of each example, the interval between adjacent lens groups changes when zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end.

[0011] In each cross-sectional view, Li represents the i-th lens group (where i is a natural number) from the object side among the lens groups included in the lens device L0. LR is the rear group and includes all lenses and lens groups positioned closer to the image than the first lens group L1.

[0012] In each cross-sectional view, SP is the aperture diaphragm. In each cross-sectional view, IP is the image plane, and when the lens device L0 of each embodiment is used as the photographic optical system of a digital still camera or digital video camera, the image plane of a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a photoelectric conversion element such as a CMOS sensor is arranged on the image plane IP. Furthermore, when the lens device L0 of each embodiment is used as the photographic optical system of a silver halide film camera, a photosensitive surface corresponding to the film plane is arranged on the image plane IP.

[0013] The solid arrows shown in each lens cross-sectional diagram represent a simplified representation of the movement trajectory of each lens group when zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. In this specification, the wide-angle end and telephoto end refer to the zoom positions when each lens group is located at the ends of the range in which it can move along the optical axis. The dashed arrows shown in each lens cross-sectional diagram represent a simplified representation of the movement trajectory of the focus group LF when focusing from infinity to close range, as it moves relative to the image plane.

[0014] The lens apparatus L0 of each embodiment consists of a first lens group L1 with negative refractive power, arranged sequentially from the object side to the image side, and a rear group LR including one or more lens groups. The rear group LR includes all lens groups positioned closer to the image side than the first lens group L1. In the lens apparatus L0 of each embodiment, an optical element with substantially no refractive power, such as a low-pass filter or an infrared cut filter, may be placed between the lens positioned closest to the image and the imaging plane.

[0015] Figures 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 are aberration diagrams of the lens apparatus L0 of Examples 1 to 6. Each aberration diagram represents the aberration of each example when focused at infinity, with (A) being at the wide-angle end, (B) at the intermediate zoom position, and (C) at the telephoto end.

[0016] In the spherical aberration diagram, Fno is the F-number, and the solid line shows the amount of spherical aberration for the d-line (wavelength 587.6 nm) and the dashed g-line (wavelength 435.8 nm). In the astigmatism diagram, ΔS shows the amount of astigmatism at the sagittal image plane, and ΔM shows the amount of astigmatism at the meridional image plane. In the distortion diagram, the solid line shows the amount of distortion for the d-line. In the chromatic aberration diagram, the dashed line shows the amount of chromatic aberration at the g-line. In each aberration diagram, ω is the half-angle of view (°), which is the angle of view calculated paraxially.

[0017] In the lens apparatus L0 of each embodiment, the projection method of Embodiments 1 to 3 is an equi-angle projection method expressed by the equation Y = f·θ. The projection method of Embodiments 4 to 6 is an equi-solid angle projection method expressed by the equation Y = 2·f·sin(θ / 2). Here, f represents the focal length of the entire lens apparatus L0 system, and θ represents the angle of incidence of the light ray. Note that the projection method in the lens apparatus of each embodiment is not limited to equi-angle projection or equi-solid angle projection, and other projection methods may be used.

[0018] Next, the common electrical configuration of the lens device L0 in this embodiment will be described.

[0019] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the electrical configuration of the lens device 200 in this embodiment.

[0020] The lens device 200 includes a lens substrate 201 and a lens mount 202. The lens mount 202 can be detachably attached to the imaging device. The lens device 200 has the same configuration as the lens device L0 described above.

[0021] The lens substrate 201 includes a lens CPU 203, a focus driving means 204, and a zoom position detection means 205. The focus driving means 204 drives the focus lens to perform focusing.

[0022] The zoom position detection means 205 detects the current zoom position of the lens device 200.

[0023] The lens CPU 203 includes a lens communication control means 206 and a storage means 207.

[0024] The lens communication control means 206 can communicate with the imaging device mounted on the lens device 200 via the lens mount 202. In this specification, the lens communication control means 206 corresponds to the first communication means.

[0025] The memory means 207 stores lens-specific information, and in this configuration, it stores compound eye compatibility information. Compound eye compatibility information is information related to compound eye imaging, including whether or not the lens device L0 supports compound eye imaging. Here, compound eye imaging refers to an imaging method using multiple lens devices, for example, as in the imaging system described later, where two wide-angle lens devices are placed back-to-back to image a wide 360° area.

[0026] Furthermore, the memory means 207 stores information regarding the image circle of the lens device L0.

[0027] The lens CPU 203 transmits the information detected by the zoom position detection means 205 and the information stored in the storage means 207 to the imaging device via the lens communication control means 206.

[0028] The focus drive means 204 drives the focus lens and performs focusing based on information received from the lens CPU 203.

[0029] Next, we will describe the electrical configuration of the imaging device to which the lens device L0 of this embodiment is applied.

[0030] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the electrical configuration of the imaging device 300 to which the lens device L0 of this embodiment is applied.

[0031] The imaging device 300 includes a camera substrate 301, a camera mount 302, and an imaging means 303. The camera mount 302 is capable of mounting the aforementioned lens device L0, and as shown in the figure, the lens device L0 is mounted on the imaging device 300 via the lens mount 202.

[0032] The camera substrate 301 includes an imaging means 303 and a camera CPU 304.

[0033] The imaging means 303 captures an image by converting the optical image formed by the lens device L0 into an optical image.

[0034] The camera CPU 304 includes a camera communication control means 305, an image generation means 306, and a correction means 307.

[0035] The camera communication control means 305 controls communication between the lens device L0 and the imaging device 300 via the camera mount 302. In this specification, the camera communication control means 305 corresponds to the second communication means.

[0036] The image generation means 306 generates an image based on the image signal that has been photoelectrically converted by the imaging means 303.

[0037] The correction means 307 corrects the image generated by the image generation means 306. Image correction here refers to setting imaging conditions such as brightness, imaging sensitivity, and white balance. The specific correction method will be described later.

[0038] Next, we will describe the characteristic configuration of the lens device L0 in each embodiment.

[0039] In each embodiment, the lens device L0 is a negative-lead type lens device in which the first lens group L1 has a negative refractive power. It is desirable that the lens G1 closest to the object among the lenses included in the first lens group L1 be fixed to the image plane during zooming. This prevents the overall optical length of the lens device L0 from changing during zooming, thereby improving the robustness of the lens device L0.

[0040] When ωw(°) is the half-angle of view corresponding to the maximum image height at infinity focus at the wide-angle end of the lens device L0 in each embodiment, satisfying the condition ωw > 90 allows for obtaining the wide angle of view necessary for a fisheye lens device or an ultra-wide-angle lens device. Furthermore, to obtain a sufficiently wide angle of view for a fisheye lens device or an ultra-wide-angle lens device, it is more preferable to satisfy the condition ωw > 92. It is even more preferable to satisfy the condition ωw > 94.

[0041] Next, we will describe the conditions that are preferable for the lens device L0 of each embodiment to satisfy.

[0042] The lens device L0 of each embodiment preferably satisfies at least one of the following conditional equations (1) to (12). However, in each conditional equation, the numerical values ​​are expressed as follows.

[0043] Let fL1 be the focal length of the first lens group L1, and fL2 be the focal length of the second lens group L2.

[0044] Let fw be the focal length of lens device L0 at the wide-angle end.

[0045] Let fG1 be the focal length of lens G1, which is positioned closest to the object in the first lens group L1, and fG2 be the focal length of lens G2, which is positioned adjacent to lens G1 on the image side.

[0046] Let the focal length of the LF group be fLF.

[0047] Let fLRw be the focal length of the rear group LR at the wide-angle end of the lens device L0.

[0048] Let Skw be the back focus of lens device L0 at the wide-angle end.

[0049] DSPw is the distance along the optical axis from the aperture diaphragm SP of the lens device L0 at the wide-angle end to the lens surface closest to the image.

[0050] Let ndG1 be the refractive index of the material of lens G1, the lens closest to the object in the first lens group L1, with respect to the d line.

[0051] In the first lens group L1, of the lens G1 closest to the object, let R1 be the radius of curvature of the object-side lens surface and R2 be the radius of curvature of the image-side lens surface.

[0052] Let Yta be the maximum image height that can be captured at the telephoto end of the lens device L0, and Ywa be the maximum image height that can be captured at the wide-angle end.

[0053] -3.0 <fL1 / fw<-1.7 (1) -5.0 < |fL2| / fL1 < -1.1 (2) 1.4 <fG1 / fL1<3.0 (3) 0.40 <fG1 / fG2<1.60 (4) 3.5 <fLF / fw<15.0 (5) -4.1 <fLF / fL1<-1.8 (6) -1.30 <fL1 / fLRw<-0.55 (7) 2.0 <Skw / fw<6.0 (8) 0.40 <DSPw / Skw<1.00 (9) 1.65 <ndG1<2.20 (10) 1.3 < (R1 + R2) / (R1 - R2) < 3.0 (11) 1.5 <Yta / Ywa<3.0 (12)

[0054] Here, we will explain the technical meaning of the aforementioned conditional expressions (1) through (12).

[0055] Condition (1) defines the ratio of the focal length fL1 of the first lens group L1 to the focal length fw of the lens device L0 at the wide-angle end. By satisfying condition (1), the focal length fL1 of the first lens group L1 can be appropriately positioned, thereby effectively correcting distortion, chromatic aberration, and field curvature. If the focal length fL1 of the first lens group L1 becomes too long, falling below the lower limit of condition (1), the first lens group L1 becomes large, making it difficult to miniaturize the lens device L0. If the focal length fL1 of the first lens group L1 becomes too short, exceeding the upper limit of condition (1), the image height change due to coma aberration becomes large, making it difficult to correct field curvature and astigmatism.

[0056] Condition (2) specifies the ratio of the focal length fL2 of the second lens group L2 to the focal length fL1 of the first lens group L1. By satisfying condition (2), the focal lengths fL1 of the first lens group L1 and fL2 of the second lens group L2 can be appropriately positioned, thereby effectively correcting distortion, chromatic aberration, and field curvature. If the focal length fL1 of the first lens group L1 becomes too short, falling below the lower limit of condition (2), the image height change due to off-axis coma aberration becomes large, making it difficult to correct field curvature and astigmatism. If the focal length fL1 of the first lens group L1 becomes too long, exceeding the upper limit of condition (2), the first lens group L1 becomes large, making it difficult to miniaturize the lens device L0.

[0057] Condition (3) specifies the ratio of the focal length fG1 of the lens G1 closest to the object in the first lens group L1 to the focal length fL1 of the first lens group L1. By satisfying condition (3), the focal length fG1 of lens G1 can be appropriately positioned, thereby effectively correcting distortion, chromatic aberration, and field curvature. If the focal length fG1 of lens G1 becomes too short, falling below the lower limit of condition (3), it becomes difficult to correct field curvature and distortion. If the focal length fG1 of lens G1 becomes too long, exceeding the upper limit of condition (3), the first lens group L1 becomes larger, making it difficult to miniaturize the lens device L0.

[0058] Conditional equation (4) specifies the ratio of the focal length fG1 of the lens G1 closest to the object in the first lens group L1 to the focal length fG2 of the lens G2 positioned adjacent to the image side of lens G1. Two negative lenses are arranged in order from the object side to achieve a wide-angle view. If the focal length fG1 of lens G1 becomes too short, falling below the lower limit of conditional equation (4), it becomes difficult to correct field curvature and distortion. If the focal length fG1 of lens G1 becomes too long, exceeding the upper limit of conditional equation (4), lens G1 and the first lens group L1 become large, making it difficult to miniaturize the lens device L0.

[0059] Condition (5) defines the ratio of the focal length fLF of the focusing group LF to the focal length fw of the lens device L0 at the wide-angle end. If the focal length fLF of the focusing group LF becomes too short, falling below the lower limit of condition (5), it becomes difficult to suppress fluctuations in various aberrations, including spherical aberration, associated with focusing. If the focal length fLF of the focusing group LF becomes too long, exceeding the upper limit of condition (5), the amount of movement associated with focusing becomes large, making it difficult to miniaturize the lens device L0.

[0060] Condition (6) specifies the ratio of the focal length fLF of the focusing group LF to the focal length fL1 of the first lens group L1. If the focal length fLF of the focusing group LF becomes too long, below the lower limit of condition (6), the amount of movement required for focusing becomes long, making it difficult to miniaturize the optical system. If the focal length fLF of the focusing group LF becomes too short, above the upper limit of condition (6), it becomes difficult to suppress fluctuations in various aberrations, including spherical aberration, that occur during focusing.

[0061] Condition (7) specifies the ratio of the focal length fL1 of the first lens group L1 to the focal length fLRw of the rear group LR at the wide-angle end. If the focal length fL1 of the first lens group L1 becomes too long, falling below the lower limit of condition (7), the convergence effect in the rear group LR becomes large, causing strong lateral chromatic aberration and axial chromatic aberration, thus degrading optical performance. If the focal length fL1 of the first lens group L1 becomes too short, exceeding the upper limit of condition (7), it becomes difficult to correct spherical aberration and coma aberration in the rear group LR.

[0062] Conditional equation (8) defines the ratio of the back focus Skw at the wide-angle end to the focal length fw of the lens device L0 at the wide-angle end. If the back focus Skw becomes too short, falling below the lower limit of conditional equation (8), it becomes difficult to place optical elements such as a low-pass filter near the image sensor that converts the optical image formed by this lens device L0 into photoelectric form. If the back focus Skw becomes too long, exceeding the upper limit of conditional equation (8), the total optical length of the lens device L0 at the wide-angle end becomes long, making miniaturization difficult.

[0063] Conditional equation (9) defines the ratio of the distance DSPw on the optical axis from the aperture diaphragm SP to the image-side lens surface at the wide-angle end to the back focus Skw at the wide-angle end. If the distance DSPw on the optical axis from the aperture diaphragm SP to the image-side lens surface falls below the lower limit of conditional equation (9) and becomes too short, it becomes difficult to position the focus group LF. If the back focus Skw exceeds the upper limit of conditional equation (9) and becomes too short, the overall optical length of the lens device L0 at the wide-angle end becomes long, making miniaturization difficult.

[0064] Condition (10) defines the refractive index ndG1 of the material of lens G1, which is closest to the object in the first lens group L1, with respect to the d line. By satisfying condition (10), the refractive index of the material of lens G1 can be set to an appropriate range, thereby enabling good correction of chromatic aberration.

[0065] If the refractive index ndG1 of the lens G1 closest to the object becomes too small, below the lower limit of condition (10), it becomes necessary to weaken the refractive power of the negative lens to correct the field curvature. As a result, the back focus increases, making it difficult to miniaturize the lens device L0. If the refractive index ndG1 of the lens G1 closest to the object becomes too large, it becomes necessary to select a highly dispersed material with a small Abbe number, making it difficult to adequately correct distortion and chromatic aberration.

[0066] Condition (11) defines the shape of the object-side lens G1 in the first lens group L1. R1 is the radius of curvature of the object-side lens surface of the object-side lens G1, and R2 is the radius of curvature of the image-side lens surface of the object-side lens G1. By satisfying condition (11), if the value falls below the lower limit of condition (11), the refractive power of the object-side lens G1 becomes too strong, making it difficult to obtain high optical performance. If the value exceeds the upper limit of condition (11), the refractive power of the object-side lens G1 becomes too weak, making it difficult to obtain a wide field of view.

[0067] Conditional equation (12) defines the ratio of the maximum image height Yta at the telephoto end to the maximum image height Ywa at the wide-angle end. The maximum image height is the distance from the optical axis to the image point where the peripheral light intensity is 15% among the imageable image points. If the maximum image height at the telephoto end becomes too small, falling below the lower limit of conditional equation (12), it becomes difficult to make the lens device L0 a wide-angle lens device that includes everything from circular fisheye to diagonal fisheye.

[0068] If the maximum image height at the telephoto end becomes too large, exceeding the upper limit of condition (12), the amount of movement of each lens group or the refractive power of each lens group during zooming becomes large, making it difficult to suppress aberrations during zooming.

[0069] Furthermore, it is preferable that the numerical ranges of conditional expressions (1) to (12) be the numerical ranges of the following conditional expressions (1a) to (12a). -2.6 <fL1 / fw<-1.9 (1a) -3.6 < |fL2| / fL1 < -1.6 (2a) 1.6 <fG1 / fL1<2.7 (3a) 0.47 <fG1 / fG2<1.30 (4a) 4.4 <fLF / fw<10.0 (5a) -3.9 <fLF / fL1<-2.1 (6a) -1.20 <fL1 / fLRw<-0.60 (7a) 4.0 <Skw / fw<5.3 (8a) 0.50 <DSPw / Skw<0.81 (9a) 1.66 <ndG1<1.96 (10a) 1.5 < (R1 + R2) / (R1 - R2) < 2.7 (11a) 1.8 <Yta / Ywa<2.3 (12a)

[0070] Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the numerical ranges of conditional expressions (1) to (12) be the numerical ranges of the following conditional expressions (1b) to (12b). -2.5 <fL1 / fw<-2.0 (1b) -3.4 < |fL2| / fL1 < -1.7 (2b) 1.7 <fG1 / fL1<2.6 (3b) 0.48 <fG1 / fG2<1.20 (4b) 4.6 <fLF / fw<8.0 (5b) -3.7 <fLF / fL1<-2.2 (6b) -1.10 <fL1 / fLRw<-0.63 (7b) 4.3 <Skw / fw<4.9 (8b) 0.53 <DSPw / Skw<0.79 (9b) 1.71 <ndG1<1.91 (10b) 1.7 < (R1 + R2) / (R1 - R2) < 2.5 (11b) 1.9 <Yta / Ywa<2.1 (12b)

[0071] Next, we will describe the configurations that are preferable to satisfy in the lens device of each embodiment.

[0072] In the lens device L0 of each embodiment, it is preferable that the first lens group L1 has two or more negative lenses in order from the object side. Furthermore, it is preferable that the lens G1 closest to the object has a convex meniscus shape toward the object side, and that the vertex of the object-side surface of the lens G1 closest to the object is located closer to the object than the first lens barrel 111. This makes it easier to widen the angle of view of the lens device L0.

[0073] In the lens device L0 of each embodiment, it is preferable to make the object-side lens surface and the image-side lens surface of the lens G1 positioned closest to the object a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the object side, as this allows for easier manufacturing of the lens device L0 while satisfying the required optical performance.

[0074] In the lens device L0 of each embodiment, it is preferable that the first lens group L1 is composed of two negative lenses. Furthermore, in the lens device L0 of each embodiment, it is preferable to make all the lenses included in the first lens group L1 spherical lenses, as this makes the manufacturing of the lens device L0 even easier.

[0075] In the lens device L0 of each embodiment, it is preferable to configure the focus group LF with two or fewer lenses and to position it on the image side of the aperture diaphragm SP, as this facilitates miniaturization of the focus group LF and speeds up focusing. Furthermore, in the lens device L0 of each embodiment, a rear focus type is adopted in which the focus group LF is included in the rear group LR. As a result, the overall length of the lens does not change during focusing, making it possible to suppress focusing-induced breathing.

[0076] In the lens apparatus L0 of each embodiment, it is more preferable to configure the rear group LR with three or more lens groups, as this makes it possible to achieve a sufficient magnification ratio.

[0077] The lens device L0 in each embodiment may include distortion correction data for correcting distortion aberration. This allows the lens device L0 to correct distortion aberration that occurs in the lens optical system.

[0078] Next, numerical examples 1 to 6 corresponding to Examples 1 to 6 are shown below. In the surface data of each numerical example, r represents the radius of curvature of each optical surface, and d (mm) represents the distance on the optical axis between the m-th surface and the (m + 1)-th surface. Here, m is the surface number counted from the light incident side. Also, nd represents the refractive index of the material of each optical member with respect to the d-line, and νd represents the Abbe number of the material of the optical member. The Abbe number νd of a certain material is when the refractive indices at the d-line (587.6 nm), F-line (486.1 nm), and C-line (656.3 nm) of the Fraunhofer lines are Nd, NF, and NC, νd = (Nd - 1) / (NF - NC) is represented by

[0079] Also, in each numerical example, d, focal length (mm), F-number, and half angle (°) are all values when the lens device L0 of each example is focused on an infinite object. The back focus is the distance on the optical axis from the most image-side lens surface of the lens device L0 to the paraxial image plane, expressed in terms of the air-equivalent length. The overall length of the lens is the length obtained by adding the back focus to the distance on the optical axis from the most object-side lens surface to the most image-side lens surface of the lens device L0. Note that the lens group in each numerical example includes not only cases composed of a plurality of lenses but also cases composed of one lens.

[0080] Also, when the optical surface is an aspherical surface, an asterisk (*) is attached to the right side of the surface number. The aspherical shape is expressed as follows when X is the displacement amount from the vertex of the surface in the optical axis direction, h is the height from the optical axis in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, R is the paraxial radius of curvature, K is the conic constant, and A4, A6, A8, A10, A12 are the aspherical coefficients of each order. X = (h 2 / R) / [1 + [1 - (1 + K)(h / R) 2 1 / 2 + A4×h 4 + A6×h 6 + A8×h 8 + A10×h 10 + A12×h 12 + A14×h 14 ​

[0081] Note that "e±XX" in each aspherical coefficient is "×10 ±XX This represents ".

[0082] [Numerical Example 1] Unit: mm Surface data Face number rd nd νd 1 48.932 2.00 1.85150 40.8 2 20.284 16.25 3 557.363 1.10 1.80400 46.5 4 28.772 (variable) 5 34.855 0.90 1.85896 22.7 6 17.068 0.10 1.53344 52.7 7* 17.589 4.70 8 50.857 6.99 1.83400 37.2 9 -20.635 1.05 1.49700 81.7 10 22.129 4.34 11 -16.265 0.80 1.49700 81.7 12 21.161 3.64 1.66565 35.6 13 -55.693 (variable) 14 21.234 3.68 1.63980 34.5 15 -27.788 0.70 1.90043 37.4 16 12.518 4.24 1.59270 35.3 17 -87.908 0.91 18 (aperture) ∞ 2.09 19 42.390 4.09 1.49700 81.7 20 -19.741 (variable) 21 -19.756 0.90 2.00100 29.1 22 -46.915 0.10 1.53344 52.7 23* -32.818 0.25 24 49.974 5.10 1.49700 81.7 25 -15.524 (variable) 26 -39.407 0.70 1.81600 46.6 27 24.127 5.47 1.49700 81.7 28 -23.248 (variable) Image plane ∞ Aspherical data Side 7 K = 0.00000e+00 A 4= 4.48181e-07 A 6= 3.99220e-08 A 8=-9.08985e-11 A10= 1.59194e-12 A12=-4.38981e-15 Page 23 K = 0.00000e+00 A 4= 6.12566e-05 A 6= 1.17826e-07 A 8= 2.22470e-09 A10=-3.70114e-11 A12= 2.37590e-13 Various data Zoom ratio 2.00 Wide-angle, Medium, Telephoto Focal length 6.81 9.58 13.60 F-number 2.85 3.23 3.60 Half-angle 94.94 87.43 89.96 Image height 11.15 14.80 21.64 Lens length 127.71 127.71 127.71 BF 30.73 40.08 49.42 d 4 6.34 6.31 2.10 d13 15.72 6.40 1.27 d20 2.33 3.71 3.67 d25 2.47 1.10 1.14 d28 30.73 40.08 49.42 Lens device group data Group starting plane focal length L1 1 -16.55 L2 5 -42.17 L3 14 26.64 L4 21 47.74 L5 26 -101.75

[0083] [Numerical Example 2] Unit: mm Surface data Face number rd nd νd 1 55.485 2.30 1.85150 40.8 2 19.371 17.05 3 -1103.546 1.30 1.90525 35.0 4 34.645 (variable) 5 37.524 0.90 1.89286 20.4 6 18.491 0.10 1.58946 30.6 7* 18.199 2.37 8 31.026 8.14 1.78880 28.4 9 -20.624 1.10 1.49700 81.7 10 16.423 5.40 11 -14.389 0.80 1.49700 81.7 12 18.091 3.89 1.61340 44.3 13 -39.413 (variable) 14 18.952 4.42 1.53172 48.8 15 -17.614 0.09 16 -17.868 0.70 1.88300 40.8 17 15.902 4.19 1.59270 35.3 18 -41.659 1.44 19 (aperture) ∞ 1.27 20 34.703 4.01 1.49700 81.7 21 -25.217 (variable) 22 -26.388 0.80 1.88300 40.8 23 -78.439 0.10 1.53344 52.7 24* -49.028 0.15 25 31.715 4.97 1.49700 81.7 26 -18.785 (variable) 27 -53.258 0.75 1.88300 40.8 28 19.564 4.78 1.49700 81.7 29 -25.590 (variable) Image plane ∞ Aspherical data Side 7 K = 0.00000e+00 A 4=-9.88827e-06 A 6= 6.80002e-09 A 8=-9.44113e-12 A10= 1.04890e-12 A12=-2.43934e-15 Page 24 K = 0.00000e+00 A 4= 5.68392e-05 A 6= 1.09227e-07 A 8= 3.24013e-10 A10= 1.13582e-12 A12=-2.42531e-14 Various data Zoom ratio 1.97 Wide-angle, Medium, Telephoto Focal length 6.80 9.52 13.41 F-numbers: 2.86, 3.22, 3.61 Half-angle 95.03 88.50 91.04 Image height 11.15 14.80 21.60 Lens length 126.11 126.11 126.11 BF 30.90 39.23 47.55 d 4 4.47 5.13 1.29 d13 14.12 5.13 0.65 d21 4.03 3.69 2.74 d26 1.58 1.92 2.87 d29 30.90 39.23 47.55 Lens device group data Group starting plane focal length L1 1 -14.82 L2 5 -38.96 L3 14 27.05 L4 22 39.68 L5 27 -68.35

[0084] [Numerical Example 3] Unit: mm Surface data Face number rd nd νd 1 52.863 2.00 1.85150 40.8 2 19.811 16.64 3 268.068 1.30 2.00100 29.1 4 31.150 (variable) 5 159.698 4.99 1.95375 32.3 6 -30.207 1.20 1.49700 81.7 7 16.611 5.20 8 -17.533 0.80 1.49700 81.7 9 18.643 0.28 10 19.966 6.58 1.78880 28.4 11 -12.466 0.80 2.00100 29.1 12 -61.500 (variable) 13* 55.457 0.10 1.58946 30.6 14 97.068 3.52 1.56732 42.8 15 -14.576 0.05 16 -14.461 0.80 2.00100 29.1 17 22.989 3.89 1.59270 35.3 18 -25.500 0.15 19 52.181 4.70 1.63980 34.5 20 -16.612 0.30 21 (aperture) ∞ (variable) 22 -20.107 0.80 1.95375 32.3 23 -48.225 0.10 1.58946 30.6 24* -37.531 0.15 25 48.217 4.74 1.49700 81.7 26 -16.669 (variable) 27 -101.305 0.80 1.88300 40.8 28 18.672 3.74 1.49700 81.7 29 -30.910 (variable) Image plane ∞ Aspherical data Page 13 K = 0.00000e+00 A 4=-5.40095e-05 A 6=-1.58648e-07 A 8=-6.84435e-09 A10= 1.41530e-10 A12=-1.69897e-12 Page 24 K = 0.00000e+00 A 4= 3.89315e-05 A 6= 1.19235e-07 A 8=-4.99023e-10 A10= 1.75021e-11 A12=-1.12723e-13 Various data Zoom ratio 1.97 Wide-angle, Medium, Telephoto Focal length 6.82 9.56 13.42 F-numbers: 2.83, 3.21, 3.60 Half-angle 94.95 88.37 91.14 Image height 11.15 14.80 21.60 Lens length 123.73 123.73 123.73 BF 32.13 40.19 48.25 d 4 7.71 7.34 3.55 d12 13.02 5.32 1.05 d21 5.99 6.19 5.14 d26 1.25 1.05 2.10 d29 32.13 40.19 48.25 Lens device group data Group starting plane focal length L1 1 -14.97 L2 5 -42.81 L3 13 23.42 L4 22 53.48 L5 27 -82.35

[0085] [Numerical Example 4] Unit: mm Surface data Face number rd nd νd 1 60.163 2.60 1.83481 42.7 2 21.063 12.33 3 109.832 1.50 1.59522 67.7 4 17.672 (variable) 5 150.019 4.20 1.72047 34.7 6 -51.359 1.58 7 -37.627 0.90 1.89190 37.1 8 91.089 2.62 9 -17.827 0.85 1.49700 81.7 10 19.500 0.71 11 24.491 4.63 1.75520 27.5 12 -127.292 (variable) 13* 32.487 0.05 1.58946 30.6 14 24.928 6.44 1.53172 48.8 15 -10.792 0.85 2.00100 29.1 16 -49.566 0.15 17 260.837 3.61 1.59270 35.3 18 -19.964 0.06 19 -83.132 0.90 1.77250 49.6 20 12.974 5.93 1.59270 35.3 21 -21.635 0.87 22 (aperture) ∞ (variable) 23 20.807 4.87 1.49700 81.7 24 -19.178 0.15 25 -22.797 0.80 2.00100 29.1 26 -66.112 (variable) 27 -2019.764 0.80 1.88300 40.8 28 21.543 2.23 29 31.926 3.93 1.49700 81.7 30 -24.775 (variable) Image plane ∞ Aspherical data Page 13 K = 0.00000e+00 A 4= 7.64291e-06 A 6= 4.60507e-07 A 8=-1.46830e-08 A10= 3.93238e-10 A12=-3.23460e-12 Various data Zoom ratio 2.06 Wide-angle, Medium, Telephoto Focal length 7.22 10.80 14.86 F-numbers: 2.88, 3.61, 4.12 Half-angle 99.23 96.79 92.92 Image height 10.75 16.00 21.60 Lens length 128.99 128.99 128.99 BF 32.52 42.88 49.78 d 4 9.19 8.61 5.93 d12 14.96 5.18 0.95 d22 7.59 6.65 3.60 d26 1.17 2.11 5.15 d30 32.52 42.88 49.78 Lens device group data Group starting plane focal length L1 1 -16.14 L2 5 -36.44 L3 13 35.25 L4 23 46.70 L5 27 -822.66

[0086] [Numerical Example 5] Unit: mm Surface data Face number rd nd νd 1 58.998 2.50 1.76385 48.5 2 15.716 16.74 3 -118.695 1.40 1.59282 68.6 4 37.945 (variable) 5 52.243 3.96 1.66565 35.6 6 -30.668 0.59 7 -22.962 1.00 1.90043 37.4 8 23.854 (variable) 9 23.518 3.91 1.66565 35.6 10 -20.591 1.00 1.49700 81.7 11 22.024 (Variable) 12 18.264 1.00 1.88300 40.8 13 11.917 4.60 1.68430 26.8 14 -39.891 0.15 15 -32.692 1.00 2.05090 26.9 16 17.207 5.02 1.59410 60.5 17 -18.631 0.50 18 (aperture) ∞ (variable) 19 20.545 2.96 1.53775 74.7 20 -202.410 (variable) 21 -60.820 1.28 1.77250 49.6 22* 52.786 0.52 23 80.866 3.72 1.49700 81.7 24 -23.726 0.15 25 -31.425 1.31 1.88300 40.8 26 52.500 3.91 1.49700 81.7 27 -17.095 (variable) Image plane ∞ Aspherical data Page 22 K = 0.00000e+00 A 4= 2.64230e-05 A 6=-4.03358e-09 A 8= 7.40566e-10 A10=-2.79295e-11 A12= 2.33887e-13 Various data Zoom ratio 2.03 Wide-angle, Medium, Telephoto Focal length 7.24 10.93 14.69 F-number 4.10 4.10 4.10 Half-angle 98.14 94.28 93.38 Image height 10.75 16.00 21.60 Lens length 127.38 127.38 127.38 BF 32.32 43.68 51.25 d 4 13.34 9.39 4.19 d 8 5.91 6.34 6.60 d11 11.80 3.96 1.33 d18 3.21 3.73 3.00 d20 3.58 3.06 3.79 d27 32.32 43.68 51.25 Lens device group data Group starting plane focal length L1 1 -14.79 L2 5 -25.40 L3 9 64.83 L4 12 41.50 L5 19 34.85 L6 21 -442.01

[0087] [Numerical Example 6] Unit: mm Surface data Face number rd nd νd 1 58.154 2.50 1.76385 48.5 2 15.775 16.08 3 -425.603 1.40 1.59282 68.6 4 37.744 (variable) 5 248.610 5.62 1.77047 29.7 6 -19.550 1.00 1.95906 17.5 7 -38.557 (variable) 8 -22.637 1.00 1.91354 36.8 9 28.532 3.85 10 28.132 5.18 1.77047 29.7 11 -21.134 1.00 1.43875 94.7 12 22.654 (variable) 13 24.356 6.32 1.68430 26.8 14 -13.488 1.00 2.00100 29.1 15 28.481 4.91 1.51823 58.9 16 -15.181 0.40 17 (aperture) ∞ (variable) 18 22.580 3.05 1.49700 81.7 19 -104.450 (variable) 20 -34.188 1.28 1.76450 49.1 21* 87.503 2.04 22 32.469 4.26 1.49700 81.7 23 -18.234 0.15 24 -176.617 1.31 1.88300 40.8 25 19.236 3.68 1.49700 81.7 26 -61.995 (variable) Image plane ∞ Aspherical data Page 21 K = 0.00000e+00 A 4= 3.50880e-05 A 6= 1.70964e-08 A 8= 3.91104e-09 A10=-9.58126e-11 A12= 7.92141e-13 Various data Zoom ratio 2.06 Wide-angle, Medium, Telephoto Focal length 7.25 11.01 14.97 F-number 4.10 4.10 4.10 Half-angle 97.86 93.05 90.55 Image height 10.75 16.00 21.60 Lens length 131.41 131.41 131.41 BF 32.32 43.52 50.99 d 4 11.62 9.61 3.44 d 7 1.54 1.48 2.68 d12 13.54 4.41 1.90 d17 4.43 4.43 3.35 d19 1.92 1.92 3.00 d26 32.32 43.52 50.99 Lens device group data Group starting plane focal length L1 1 -16.36 L2 5 54.77 L3 8 -23.38 L4 13 42.94 L5 18 37.66 L6 20 -345.10

[0088] The various values ​​in each numerical example are summarized in Table 1 below.

[0089] [Table 1]

[0090] [Imaging device] Next, we will describe an imaging device to which the lens device L0 of this embodiment is applied. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the imaging device 10 of this embodiment. The imaging device 10 comprises a camera body 13, a lens device 11 which is the same as in any of the embodiments 1 to 6 described above, and a light-receiving element 12 which converts the optical image formed by the lens device 11 into photoelectricity.

[0091] The imaging device 10 of this embodiment has a lens device 11 that is compact and has good optical characteristics, so it can obtain high-quality images.

[0092] Furthermore, an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS sensor can be used as the light-receiving element 12. In this case, the output image can be made higher quality by electrically correcting various aberrations such as distortion and chromatic aberration of the image acquired by the light-receiving element 12.

[0093] Furthermore, the lens apparatus L0 in each of the above embodiments can be applied not only to the digital still camera shown in Figure 13, but also to various optical instruments such as silver halide film cameras, video cameras, and telescopes.

[0094] [Imaging System] Next, we will describe an imaging system to which the lens device and imaging device of this embodiment are applied.

[0095] Figure 16 is a top view of an imaging device 300 to which the lens device 200 of this embodiment is applied. Here, the imaging device 300 has the same configuration as the imaging device 10 described above. The lens device 200 is at the wide-angle end, and the half-angle of view ωw corresponding to the maximum image height is 92°. Note that the parameters of the lens device 200 and imaging device 300 in Figure 16 are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0096] In Figure 16, the image-capable area 400 indicates the range in which the imaging means 303 of the imaging device 300 can image based on the field of view of the lens device 200. Furthermore, the first region 401 is defined as the field of view at the edge of the image-capable area 400, where the field of view corresponding to the maximum image height at the wide-angle end is wider than 90°, i.e., in this embodiment, the field of view is from 90° to 92°. The second region 402 is defined as the area inside the first region 401, which is the edge of the field of view of the image-capable area 400, i.e., in this embodiment, the field of view is from 88° to 90°. Although not shown, the first region 401 and the second region 402 have a range of 360° in the direction of rotation around the optical axis.

[0097] Figure 17 is a top view of an imaging system that performs compound eye imaging using two imaging devices 300 of this embodiment. Lens devices 200a and 200b have the same configuration as the lens device 200 described above, and imaging devices 300a and 300b have the same structure as the imaging device 300 described above.

[0098] In this embodiment, imaging devices 300a and 300b are arranged back to back. Back to back means that the direction from the input side to the output side of each imaging device 300a and 300b is opposite to each other. This arrangement makes it possible to image a wide area, covering a range of 360° with the imaging ranges of the two imaging devices.

[0099] The arrangement of the imaging devices is merely an example and is not limited to this configuration. For example, two imaging devices may be placed side by side so that they image in the same direction. In such an arrangement, multiple images with parallax are formed by multiple imaging devices, enabling three-dimensional binocular imaging such as VR imaging and MR imaging.

[0100] In the imaging system configured as shown in Figure 17, imaging device 300a has an image-capable area 400a, a first area 401a, and a second area 402a, while imaging device 300b has an image-capable area 400b, a first area 401, and a second area 402b. In this case, since imaging devices 300a and 300b are arranged back to back, area 401a overlaps with area 402b, and area 401b overlaps with area 402a. That is, in the area of ​​the image-capable area of ​​the imaging devices with a field of view of 88° to 92°, imaging devices 300a and 300b each capture the overlapping area. In this specification, the area in which the image-capable areas of multiple imaging devices overlap as described above may simply be referred to as the overlapping area.

[0101] When performing compound eye imaging, differences in the imaging conditions of each imaging device can hinder the process of combining multiple images obtained from each device into a single image. These imaging conditions include, for example, focus position shifts due to focusing errors, brightness settings during imaging, and white balance settings during correction. To equalize these imaging conditions across imaging devices, one method is to coordinate the control of multiple imaging devices. However, this method requires each imaging device to be compatible with coordinated control, and the processing load on the imaging devices is strained by the coordination and communication control. Another method to equalize the imaging conditions of each imaging device is to connect them with wires, but this complicates the configuration of the imaging system required for wired connections.

[0102] This problem can be solved by utilizing the imaging information from either the overlapping region mentioned above, namely the first region 401 or the second region 402, in the various processing steps described later in the imaging system.

[0103] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating a series of imaging processes in the imaging system 400 of this embodiment.

[0104] S101 marks the start of processing, and the program proceeds to S102.

[0105] In S102, if the camera communication control means 305 has received the compound eye correspondence information transmitted from the lens device 200, proceed to S103; otherwise, proceed to S102.

[0106] In S103, the camera communication control means 305 receives the current zoom position from the lens device 200 and proceeds to S104.

[0107] In S104, the system determines from the compound eye compatibility information whether the current zoom position is compatible with compound eye imaging. If it is compatible, the system proceeds to S105; otherwise, it proceeds to S110.

[0108] In S105, focusing is performed for compound eye imaging, and the process proceeds to S106.

[0109] In S106, the imaging means 303 performs imaging processing for compound eye imaging and proceeds to S107.

[0110] In S107, the signal converted by photoelectric means 303 is transmitted to image generation means 306, and the process proceeds to S108.

[0111] In S108, the image generation means 306 generates an image based on the received signal, transmits it to the correction means 307, and proceeds to S109.

[0112] In S109, the correction means 307 performs correction processing in compound eye imaging and proceeds to S110.

[0113] In S110, if the imaging process is to be terminated, the process proceeds to S111 and ends; otherwise, the process proceeds to S103. The imaging process is terminated when, for example, the power of camera 200 is turned off.

[0114] Next, we will explain the specific details of each process performed in compound eye imaging, which takes place in steps S105, S106, and S109.

[0115] The first focusing process method for compound eye imaging in S105 is described below. In the first focusing process method, the focus position is determined not for the entire imageable area 400, but only for the first area 401 and the second area 401. The camera CPU 304 determines the focus position in the area on the image sensor corresponding to the first area 401 or the second area 402 and transmits a focus drive command to the lens device 200. Based on the focus drive command received from the camera CPU, the lens device 200 drives the focus lens with the focus drive means 204.

[0116] As described in this method, by determining the focus position by referencing overlapping imaging areas in compound eye imaging, it is possible to determine the same imaging conditions without coordinating the control of multiple imaging devices. This simplifies the imaging system while enabling appropriate focusing.

[0117] Next, a second focusing method for compound eye imaging with S105 will be described. Compared to the first method, this method achieves more appropriate focusing by limiting the areas used in the first region 401 and the second region 402.

[0118] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the second focusing method. In Figure 19, with an imaging device installed in a positive position with its base horizontal to the ground, the axis horizontal to the optical axis is defined as x, the axis vertical as y, and the axis parallel as z. In this case, as shown in the figure, the subject to be focused is generally considered to be located horizontally to the imaging device. In other words, by restricting the focus position to the direction perpendicular to the x-axis rather than perpendicular to the y-axis, it is possible to exclude areas where the possibility of focusing on the subject is low for any imaging device. Therefore, the focus position is determined by further restricting the first region 401 and the second region 402 to a specified angle from the x-axis, for example, an angle of 30° up and down as shown in the figure.

[0119] In the method described above, a uniquely restricted area is set, but by providing an operating unit such as a switcher on the imaging device, the user can arbitrarily set the restricted area. For example, by restricting imaging device 300a to only the field of view edge area on the left side, and imaging device 300b to only the field of view edge area on the right side, the overlapping areas used can be further limited, and areas where the possibility of focusing on the subject is low can be excluded for each imaging device.

[0120] As demonstrated by this method, by referencing overlapping areas in compound eye imaging and further restricting the focus position to areas where the subject is most likely to be present, it becomes possible to simplify the system while performing appropriate focusing.

[0121] Next, we will describe the first imaging processing method for compound eye imaging in S106.

[0122] In the first imaging processing method, the imaging conditions are determined not for the entire imageable area 400, but only for the first area 401 or the second area 402. Here, the imaging conditions are brightness and imaging sensitivity. The camera CPU 304 sets the imaging sensitivity of the imaging means 303 and takes an image based on the brightness determined in the areas on the image sensor corresponding to the first area 401 and the second area 402.

[0123] As demonstrated by this method, determining brightness and imaging sensitivity by referencing overlapping areas in compound eye imaging makes it possible to simplify the system while performing appropriate imaging processing.

[0124] Next, we will describe the second imaging processing method for compound eye imaging in S106.

[0125] In this method, by further limiting the areas used by the first region 401 and the second region 402 compared to the first imaging processing method, more appropriate brightness and imaging sensitivity settings can be achieved.

[0126] In Figure 20, as in Figure 19, the imaging device is installed in a positive position with its base horizontal to the ground. The horizontal axis in the direction of the optical axis is defined as x, the vertical axis as y, and the parallel axis as z. In this case, as shown in the figure, the area above the imaging device is bright due to the sky or lighting, while the area below is dark due to the ground. In other words, by restricting the brightness and imaging sensitivity to the direction perpendicular to the x-axis rather than the direction perpendicular to the y-axis, the brightness can be appropriately set for any imaging device. For example, the brightness and imaging sensitivity can be determined by further restricting the first and second regions 401 to a specified angle from the x-axis, for example, an angle of 30° up and down as shown in the figure.

[0127] As demonstrated by this method, by referencing the overlapping area in compound eye imaging and further restricting it to an appropriate range to determine brightness and imaging sensitivity, it becomes possible to simplify the system while performing appropriate imaging processing.

[0128] Next, we will describe the correction processing method for compound eye imaging using S109.

[0129] In the correction processing method of this embodiment, the white balance is not determined for the entire image-capable area 400, but is limited to the areas on the image sensor corresponding to the overlapping areas of the first area 401 and the second area 401. The camera CPU 304 sets and corrects the white balance of the correction means 307 based on the white balance determined in the first area 401 and the second area 401.

[0130] By determining the white balance while referring to the overlapping range in compound-eye imaging as in this method, it becomes possible to perform appropriate imaging processing while simplifying the system.

[0131] Thus, in any method, it becomes possible to provide an imaging system and a lens device that can simplify the system in compound-eye imaging.

[0132] As described above, the preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and examples, and various combinations, modifications, and changes are possible within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0133] In this embodiment, the imaging device determines the angle of view based on the current zoom position and performs each process based on the angle of view. However, it is not limited to this form, and it may be a form in which information regarding the angle of view is transmitted and received for determination.

[0134] In this embodiment, two imaging devices are used in the imaging system, but it is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in the modification example of FIG. 21, a plurality of lens devices 200a and 200b may be respectively attached to a common imaging device 300. At this time, the image sensor that receives the images from each lens device may be common to the lens devices 200a and 200b, or different image sensors may be provided respectively. [[ID=:19]]

[0135] In this embodiment, the plurality of imaging devices 300a and the imaging device 300b are arranged back-to-back so as to image in opposite directions, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of lens devices may be arranged adjacent to each other. Here, adjacent arrangement means that the directions from the incident side to the exit side in each of the imaging devices 300a and 300b are arranged adjacent to each other so as to face the same direction. By such an arrangement, compound-eye imaging such as VR imaging and MR imaging can be performed.

[0136] Further, the disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0137] (Configuration 1) A first lens device and a second lens device, each having a half angle of view exceeding 90° corresponding to the maximum image height at infinity focus at the wide-angle end, and An imaging system having a first imaging device including a first imaging element that receives an image formed by the first lens device, wherein The imaging regions of the first lens device and the second lens device overlap, and The first imaging device determines imaging conditions of the first imaging device based on imaging information in the overlapping region. The imaging system is characterized in that.

[0138] (Configuration 2) A first lens device and a second lens device, each having a half angle of view exceeding 90° corresponding to the maximum image height at infinity focus at the wide-angle end, and An imaging system having a first imaging device including a first imaging element that receives an image formed by the first lens device, wherein The imaging regions of the first lens device and the second lens device overlap, and Among the regions corresponding to the imaging regions of the first lens device and the second lens device in the first imaging element, when regions having a half angle of view exceeding 90° at the maximum image height at infinity focus at the wide-angle end are defined as a first region and a second region, respectively, The first imaging device determines imaging conditions of the first imaging device based on imaging information in the first region or the second region. The imaging system is characterized in that.

[0139] (Configuration 3) The imaging information and the imaging conditions include any one or more of brightness, imaging sensitivity, white balance, and focus position. The imaging system according to Configuration 1 or 2 is characterized in that.

[0140] (Configuration 4) The first lens device includes first communication means for communicating with the first imaging device, The imaging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the first communication means transmits information regarding the zoom position of the first lens device to the first imaging device.

[0141] (Composition 5) The first imaging device includes a second communication means for communicating with the first lens device. The imaging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the second communication means receives information regarding the zoom position from the first lens device.

[0142] (Composition 6) The imaging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the first imaging device determines the imaging conditions based on information regarding the zoom position and the imaging information in the overlapping region.

[0143] (Composition 7) The first imaging device includes correction means for correcting an image generated based on a signal output from the first image sensor, The imaging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the correction means determines the white balance of the first imaging device based on the white balance in the overlapping region.

[0144] (Composition 8) An imaging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized by comprising an image generation means for generating an image based on a signal output from the first image sensor.

[0145] (Composition 9) The imaging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the first communication means transmits information regarding the angle of view of the first lens device to the first imaging device.

[0146] (Composition 10) The imaging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the second communication means receives information regarding the field of view from the first lens device.

[0147] (Configuration 11) It has a second imaging device including a second image pickup element that receives an image formed by the second lens device, The imaging system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 10, wherein the second imaging device determines imaging conditions based on imaging information in the overlapping region.

[0148] (Configuration 12) The imaging system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 11, wherein the first lens device and the second lens device are arranged such that directions from their respective incident sides to their respective exit sides are opposite to each other.

[0149] (Configuration 13) A lens device applicable to the imaging system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 12, The lens device has a first lens group with a negative refractive power and a rear group including one or more lens groups and having a positive refractive power as a whole, which are arranged in order from the object side to the image side, During zooming, the distance between adjacent lenses changes, A focus group composed of one or a plurality of lens groups included in the rear group moves in the optical axis direction during focusing. The lens device is characterized by this.

[0150] (Configuration 14) When the focal length of the first lens group is fL1 and the focal length of the lens device at the wide-angle end is fw, -3.0 < fL1 / fw < -1.7 The lens device according to Configuration 13, which satisfies the conditional expression.

[0151] (Configuration 15) The rear group includes a second lens group with a negative refractive power, When the focal length of the second lens group is fL2 and the focal length of the first lens group is fL1, -5.0 < |fL2| / fL1 < -1.1 The lens device according to configuration 13 or 14, characterized by satisfying the following conditional expression.

[0152] (Composition 16) When the focal length of lens G1, which is positioned closest to the object in the first lens group, is fG1, and the focal length of the first lens group is fL1, 1.4 <fG1 / fL1<3.0 A lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 15, characterized by satisfying the following conditional expression.

[0153] (Composition 17) When the focal length of lens G1, which is positioned closest to the object in the first lens group, is fG1, and the focal length of lens G2, which is positioned adjacent to lens G1 on the image side, is fG2, 0.40 <fG1 / fG2<1.60 A lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 16, characterized by satisfying the following conditional expression.

[0154] (Composition 18) When the focal length of the aforementioned focus group is fLF and the focal length of the lens device at the wide-angle end is fw, 3.5 <fLF / fw<15.0 A lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 17, characterized by satisfying the following conditional expression.

[0155] (Composition 19) When the focal length of the aforementioned focusing group is fLF and the focal length of the first lens group is fL1, -4.1 <fLF / fL1<-1.8 A lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 18, characterized by satisfying the following conditional expression.

[0156] (Composition 20) When the focal length of the first lens group is fL1 and the focal length of the rear group at the wide-angle end is fLRw, -1.30 <fL1 / fLRw<-0.55 A lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 19, characterized by satisfying the following conditional expression.

[0157] (Composition 21) When the back focus at the wide-angle end is Skw and the focal length of the lens device at the wide-angle end is fw, 2.0 <Skw / fw<6.0 A lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 20, characterized by satisfying the following conditional expression.

[0158] (Composition 22) The aforementioned rear group has an aperture diaphragm, When DSPw is the distance along the optical axis from the aperture diaphragm to the image-side lens surface in the entire lens system at the wide-angle end, and Skw is the back focus at the wide-angle end, 0.40 <DSPw / Skw<1.00 A lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 21, characterized by satisfying the following conditional expression.

[0159] (Composition 23) When the refractive index of the material of lens G1, which is positioned closest to the object in the first lens group, is ndG1 with respect to the d line, 1.65 <ndG1<2.20 A lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 22, characterized by satisfying the following conditional expression.

[0160] (Composition 24) In the first lens group, the lens G1 positioned closest to the object is a negative lens having a meniscus shape with its convex surface facing the object. When the radius of curvature of the object-side lens surface of lens G1 is R1, and the radius of curvature of the image-side lens surface of lens G1 is R2, 1.3 < (R1 + R2) / (R1 - R2) < 3.0 A lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 23, characterized by satisfying the following conditional expression.

[0161] (Composition 25) When the maximum image height at the telephoto end is Yta and the maximum image height at the wide-angle end is Ywa, 1.5 <Yta / Ywa<3.0 A lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 24, characterized by satisfying the following conditional expression.

[0162] (Composition 26) The lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 25, characterized in that the first lens group has a plurality of negative lenses.

[0163] (Composition 27) The lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 26, characterized in that the focus group consists of two or fewer lenses.

[0164] (Composition 28) A lens device according to any one of configurations 13 to 27, characterized in that all lens surfaces of the lenses included in the first lens group are spherical.

[0165] (Composition 29) The lens device according to any one of configurations 13 to 28, characterized in that the rear group has three or more lens groups whose spacing changes during zooming.

[0166] (Composition 30) It comprises a first lens barrel that holds the first lens group, The lens G1 closest to the object in the first lens group has a meniscus shape with a convex surface facing the object. The lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 29, characterized in that the vertex of the object-side surface of the lens G1 is located closer to the object than the first lens barrel.

[0167] (Composition 31) The aforementioned rear group has an aperture diaphragm, The lens device according to any one of the configurations 13 to 30, characterized in that the focus group is arranged on the image side of the aperture diaphragm.

[0168] (Composition 32) The lens device according to any one of configurations 13 to 31, characterized in that the rear group comprises a second lens group with negative refractive power, a third lens group with positive refractive power, a fourth lens group with positive refractive power, and a fifth lens group with negative refractive power, all arranged in order from the object side to the image side.

[0169] (Composition 33) The lens device according to any one of configurations 13 to 32, characterized in that the rear group comprises a second lens group with negative refractive power, a third lens group with positive refractive power, a fourth lens group with positive refractive power, a fifth lens group with positive refractive power, and a sixth lens group with negative refractive power, all arranged in order from the object side to the image side.

[0170] (Composition 34) The lens device according to any one of configurations 13 to 33, characterized in that the rear group comprises a second lens group with positive refractive power, a third lens group with negative refractive power, a fourth lens group with positive refractive power, a fifth lens group with positive refractive power, and a sixth lens group with negative refractive power, all arranged in order from the object side to the image side.

[0171] (Composition 35) A lens device in which the half-angle of view corresponding to the maximum image height at infinity focus at the wide-angle end exceeds 90°, An imaging device having an image sensor that receives light from an image formed by the lens device, An imaging device characterized in that, among the regions of the image sensor corresponding to the image-capable region of the lens device, the region in which the half-angle of view at the maximum image height when in focus at infinity at the wide-angle end exceeds 90° is defined as the first region, and imaging conditions are determined based on imaging information in the first region. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 200 Lens device 206 Lens communication control means 300 Imaging devices 303 Image sensor 401 1st area 402 Second area

Claims

1. A first lens device and a second lens device, each having a half-angle of view exceeding 90° that corresponds to the maximum image height when focused at infinity at the wide-angle end, An imaging system comprising a first imaging device equipped with a first image sensor that receives an image formed by the first lens device, The imaging areas of the first lens device and the second lens device have overlapping areas, The imaging system is characterized in that the first imaging device determines the imaging conditions of the first imaging device based on the imaging information in the overlapping region.

2. The imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that the imaging information and imaging conditions include one or more of the following: brightness, imaging sensitivity, white balance, and focus position.

3. The first lens device includes a first communication means for communicating with the first imaging device, The imaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first communication means transmits information regarding the zoom position of the first lens device to the first imaging device.

4. The first imaging device includes a second communication means for communicating with the first lens device, The imaging system according to claim 3, characterized in that the second communication means receives information regarding the zoom position from the first lens device.

5. The imaging system according to claim 4, characterized in that the first imaging device determines the imaging conditions based on information regarding the zoom position and the imaging information in the overlapping region.

6. The first imaging device includes correction means for correcting an image generated based on a signal output from the first image sensor, The imaging system according to claim 5, characterized in that the correction means determines the white balance of the first imaging device based on the white balance in the overlapping region.

7. The imaging system according to claim 6, further comprising image generation means for generating an image based on a signal output from the first image sensor.

8. The imaging system according to claim 5, characterized in that the first communication means transmits information regarding the field of view of the first lens device to the first imaging device.

9. The imaging system according to claim 8, characterized in that the second communication means receives information regarding the field of view from the first lens device.

10. The second imaging device includes a second image sensor that receives the image formed by the second lens device, The imaging system according to claim 5, characterized in that the second imaging device determines imaging conditions based on imaging information in the overlapping region.

11. The imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first lens device and the second lens device are arranged such that their respective directions from the incident side to the exit side are opposite to each other.

12. A lens device applicable to the imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The lens device comprises a first lens group with negative refractive power, arranged sequentially from the object side to the image side, and a rear group including one or more lens groups, which together have positive refractive power. When zooming, the distance between adjacent lens groups changes. A lens device characterized in that a focus group, consisting of one or more lens groups from among the lens groups included in the aforementioned rear group, moves in the direction of the optical axis during focusing.

13. When the focal length of the first lens group is fL1 and the focal length of the lens device at the wide-angle end is fw, -3.0<fL1 / fw<-1.7 The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that it satisfies the following condition.

14. The aforementioned rear group includes a second lens group with negative refractive power. When the focal length of the second lens group is fL2 and the focal length of the first lens group is fL1, -5.0<|fL2| / fL1<-1.1 The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that it satisfies the following condition.

15. When the focal length of the lens G1 positioned closest to the object in the first lens group is fG1, and the focal length of the first lens group is fL1, 1.4<fG1 / fL1<3.0 The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that it satisfies the following condition.

16. When the focal length of lens G1, which is positioned closest to the object in the first lens group, is fG1, and the focal length of lens G2, which is positioned adjacent to lens G1 on the image side, is fG2, 0.40<fG1 / fG2<1.60 The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that it satisfies the following condition.

17. When the focal length of the aforementioned focus group is fLF and the focal length of the lens device at the wide-angle end is fw, 3.5<fLF / fw<15.0 The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that it satisfies the following condition.

18. When the focal length of the aforementioned focus group is fLF and the focal length of the first lens group is fL1, -4.1<fLF / fL1<-1.8 The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that it satisfies the following condition.

19. When the focal length of the first lens group is fL1 and the focal length of the rear group at the wide-angle end is fLRw, -1.30<fL1 / fLRw<-0.55 The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that it satisfies the following condition.

20. When the back focus at the wide-angle end is Skw and the focal length of the lens device at the wide-angle end is fw, 2.0<Skw / fw<6.0 The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that it satisfies the following condition.

21. The aforementioned rear group has an aperture diaphragm, When DSPw is the distance along the optical axis from the aperture diaphragm to the image-side lens surface in the entire lens system at the wide-angle end, and Skw is the back focus at the wide-angle end, 0.40<DSPw / Skw<1.00 The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that it satisfies the following condition.

22. When the refractive index of the material of lens G1, which is positioned closest to the object in the first lens group, is ndG1 with respect to the d line, 1.65<ndG1<2.20 The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that it satisfies the following condition.

23. In the first lens group, the lens G1 positioned closest to the object is a negative lens having a meniscus shape with its convex surface facing the object. When the radius of curvature of the object-side lens surface of the lens G1 is R1, and the radius of curvature of the image-side lens surface of the lens G1 is R2, 1.3<(R1+R2) / (R1-R2)<3.0 The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that it satisfies the following condition.

24. When Yta is the maximum image height at the telephoto end and Ywa is the maximum image height at the wide-angle end, 1.5<Yta / Ywa<3.0 The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that it satisfies the following condition.

25. The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first lens group has a plurality of negative lenses.

26. The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that the focus group consists of two or fewer lenses.

27. The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that all lens surfaces of the lenses included in the first lens group are spherical.

28. The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that the rear group has three or more lens groups whose spacing changes during zooming.

29. It comprises a first lens barrel that holds the first lens group, The lens G1 closest to the object in the first lens group has a meniscus shape with a convex surface facing the object. The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that the vertex of the object-side surface of the lens G1 is located closer to the object than the first lens barrel.

30. The aforementioned rear group has an aperture diaphragm, The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that the focus group is arranged on the image side of the aperture diaphragm.

31. The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that the rear group comprises a second lens group with negative refractive power, a third lens group with positive refractive power, a fourth lens group with positive refractive power, and a fifth lens group with negative refractive power, all arranged in order from the object side to the image side.

32. The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that the rear group comprises a second lens group with negative refractive power, a third lens group with positive refractive power, a fourth lens group with positive refractive power, a fifth lens group with positive refractive power, and a sixth lens group with negative refractive power, all arranged in order from the object side to the image side.

33. The lens device according to claim 12, characterized in that the rear group comprises a second lens group with positive refractive power, a third lens group with negative refractive power, a fourth lens group with positive refractive power, a fifth lens group with positive refractive power, and a sixth lens group with negative refractive power, all arranged in order from the object side to the image side.

34. A lens device in which the half-angle of view corresponding to the maximum image height at infinity focus at the wide-angle end exceeds 90°, An imaging device having an image sensor that receives light from an image formed by the lens device, An imaging device characterized in that, among the regions of the image sensor corresponding to the image-capable region of the lens device, the region in which the half-angle of view at the maximum image height when in focus at infinity at the wide-angle end exceeds 90° is defined as the first region, and imaging conditions are determined based on imaging information in the first region.

Images