Lens device and imaging device

Abstract

To provide a lens device that enables high-precision flange back adjustment. [Solution] The lens device has an optical system and is capable of switching the optical system between a first state and a second state different from the first state, and includes a group of adjustable lenses that move to adjust the flange back, and a control means that adjusts the flange back using the group of adjustable lenses, wherein when the control means is instructed to adjust the flange back when the optical system is in the first state, it performs a predetermined process before adjusting the flange back.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for effectively switching the anti-vibration function during flange back adjustment.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, lens devices having a configuration capable of switching optical characteristics have been proposed. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose flange back adjustment of a lens device having such a configuration. For example, when an optical unit for switching video expression is inserted into the optical path, it is difficult to accurately perform flange back adjustment. Therefore, it is desirable to perform flange back adjustment in a state where such an optical unit is removed from the optical path (through state). However, when it is difficult to determine whether the switching of video expression is effective even by checking the video, flange back adjustment may be unintentionally performed in a state unsuitable for flange back adjustment.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a lens device capable of performing flange back adjustment with high precision.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A lens device as one aspect of the present invention is a lens device having an optical system, the optical system being switchable between a first state and a second state different from the first state, the device comprising an adjustment lens group that moves to adjust the flange back, and a control means for adjusting the flange back using the adjustment lens group, wherein the control means performs a predetermined process before adjusting the flange back when it is instructed to adjust the flange back while the optical system is in the first state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lens device that can perform flange back adjustment with high precision. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the imaging system in Example 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows the optimal state for flange back adjustment in an imaging system. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the flange back adjustment process in Example 1. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the configuration of the imaging system in Example 2. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the flange back adjustment process in Example 2. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the screen display in Example 2. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows another example of the flange back adjustment process in Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numeral is used for identical components, and redundant explanations are omitted. [Examples]

[0010] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the imaging system in this embodiment. The imaging system includes a lens device 100 and a camera device (imaging device) 200.

[0011] The lens device 100 includes a back focus lens (adjustment lens group) 101, an optical unit 102, and an aperture 105. The lens device 100 also includes an operation unit 106, a back focus drive unit 107, a switching unit 108, an aperture drive unit 109, a lens control unit (control means) 110, a memory 111, a display unit 112, a detection unit 113, and an insertion / removal detection unit 114.

[0012] The lens control unit 110 is a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and is connected to the back focus drive unit 107, the switching unit 108, the aperture drive unit 109, the memory 111, the detection unit 113, and the insertion / removal detection unit 114. The lens control unit 110 is also capable of communicating with the camera control unit 204 of the camera device 200.

[0013] The back focus lens 101 is a group of lenses that move along the optical axis to adjust the flange back. The position of the back focus lens 101 in the optical axis may be adjusted in response to user operation of the operation unit 106, or it may be adjusted by the lens control unit 110 via the back focus drive unit 107 in response to a command from the camera device 200. The detection unit 113 detects a flange back adjustment instruction. For example, the detection unit 113 detects a flange back adjustment instruction when the operation unit 106 is operated. The detection unit 113 also detects a flange back adjustment instruction when the lens control unit 110 receives a command to adjust the flange back from a device connected to the lens device 100 (camera device 200 or controller device (external device) not shown). Note that the flange back adjustment instruction may also be detected based on operations other than those described above. In this embodiment, the lens control unit 110 recognizes that it has been instructed to adjust the flange back via the detection unit 113, but it may be configured to directly detect the flange back adjustment instruction without going through the detection unit 113.

[0014] The optical unit 102 has optical elements that can change the image expression. The optical elements include an optical characteristic conversion lens 103 and a magnification conversion lens 104. The optical characteristic conversion lens 103 is a group of lenses that, when inserted into the optical path, can switch to an image expression (cinema look) that has a lower overall resolution compared to the case of passing through without a lens. The magnification conversion lens 104 is a group of lenses that, when inserted into the optical path, can switch the magnification to a predetermined number (for example, 2x). The lens group may consist of one lens or multiple lenses. The optical elements may also include a group of filters such as an ND filter. The filter group may consist of one filter or multiple filters. The switching unit 108 controls the optical unit 102 so that the optical elements are inserted into or removed from the optical path by manual operation or by instruction from the lens control unit 110. In this embodiment, the optical characteristic conversion lens 103 and the magnification conversion lens 104 may be configured to be inserted and removed individually or simultaneously. The insertion / removal detection unit 114 detects the insertion / removal state of the optical element and transmits the detection result to the lens control unit 110.

[0015] The aperture drive unit 109 includes an aperture actuator, such as a stepping motor or a voice coil motor, for driving the aperture 105, and an aperture sensor, such as a Hall element, for detecting the position of the aperture 105. The aperture actuator is controlled by the lens control unit 110, which receives an aperture drive command from the camera control unit 204.

[0016] Memory 111 consists of ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores the position of the back focus lens 101, the position of the aperture 105, and the insertion / removal status of the optical elements.

[0017] The display unit 112 displays the state and set values of the imaging system. In the present embodiment, various information is notified to the user using the display unit 112 as described later, but the present invention is not limited to this as long as it is a notification means capable of notifying the user. For example, a specific LED may blink in a specific pattern, at least a part of the imaging system may vibrate, or the user may be notified by using sound. Further, the user may be notified using the display unit of a device (camera device 200 or external device) connected to the lens device 100.

[0018] The camera device 200 includes an imaging element 201, a signal processing unit 202, a recording processing unit 203, a camera control unit 204, and a memory 205. The imaging element 201 converts the light from the lens device 100 into an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion and outputs it to the signal processing unit 202. The signal processing unit 202 performs various processes such as amplification, noise removal, and color correction of the input electrical signal and outputs it to the recording processing unit 203. The recording processing unit 203 records the input images and videos. The camera control unit 204 is a computer including a CPU and is connected to the recording processing unit 203 and the memory 205. The camera control unit 204 reads and executes the program recorded in the memory 205, communicates commands for position adjustment of the back focus lens and necessary information with the lens control unit 110, etc.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state suitable for flange back adjustment in the imaging system. The lens device 100 is configured to be able to switch the optical system between a first state and a second state more suitable for flange back adjustment (easier flange back adjustment) than the first state. The second state is preferably a state in which the optical element included in the optical unit 102 is removed from the optical path, in a through state, and the diaphragm 105 is in an open state and the depth of field is the shallowest, but it is not limited to this, and any state more suitable for flange back adjustment than the first state may be used. However, in particular, it is difficult to determine from the video whether it is a cinema look or not (whether the optical characteristic conversion lens 103 is inserted into the optical path), so there is a high possibility that the user may perform flange back adjustment while unintentionally remaining in the cinema look (in a state not suitable for adjustment).

[0020] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the lens control unit 110 is instructed to adjust the flange back in a state not suitable for flange back adjustment, it executes a predetermined process before adjusting the flange back. As a result, it is possible to suppress performing the flange back adjustment in a state not suitable for the flange back adjustment.

[0021] Hereinafter, specific processes for suppressing a situation where the flange back is adjusted while in the cinema look in this embodiment will be described.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flange back adjustment process of this embodiment.

[0023] In step S301, the lens control unit 110 detects the detection of an instruction to adjust the flange back by the detection unit 113 (detects an instruction to adjust the flange back).

[0024] In step S302, the lens control unit 110 determines whether the cinema look is valid (the optical characteristic conversion lens 103 is inserted into / removed from the optical path). When the lens control unit 110 determines that the cinema look is valid, it executes the process of step S303, and when it determines otherwise, it executes the process of step S304. Note that information on whether the cinema look is valid or invalid at this time (information on whether the optical characteristic conversion lens 103 is inserted into / removed from the optical path) is stored in the memory 111.

[0025] In step S303, the lens control unit 110 switches the cinema look to invalid via the switching unit 108 (removes the optical characteristic conversion lens 103 from the optical path).

[0026] In step S304, the lens control unit 110 adjusts the flange back by driving the back focus lens 101 by the back focus drive unit 107. It may notify the user that the cinema look has been switched to invalid during or after the adjustment of the flange back.

[0027] In step S305, the lens control unit 110 uses the information stored in memory 111 in step S302 to determine whether the cinema look was disabled before flange back adjustment. If the lens control unit 110 determines that the cinema look was disabled, it executes the process in step S306; otherwise, it terminates this flow.

[0028] In step S306, the lens control unit 110 switches on the cinema look via the switching unit 108 (by inserting the optical characteristic conversion lens 103 into the optical path).

[0029] The flowchart in Figure 3 is an example of changing the Cinema Look enabled / disabled setting in Figure 2 to a state suitable for flange back adjustment. For example, the flowchart in Figure 3 can also be applied to the insertion / removal state of the magnification conversion lens 104 or whether the aperture 105 is open or not, instead of enabling / disabling the Cinema Look. Furthermore, the flowchart in Figure 3 can be applied when multiple items are combined.

[0030] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S305 that CinemaLook has been disabled, the process in step S306 may be omitted, and only the user may be informed that CinemaLook has been disabled.

[0031] As described above, the configuration of this embodiment makes it possible to prevent unintentionally adjusting the flange back in a state unsuitable for flange back adjustment. [Examples]

[0032] This embodiment describes a case where the lens device does not have a mechanism to automatically switch to a state suitable for flange back adjustment.

[0033] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the imaging system in this embodiment. In this embodiment, only the configurations that differ from those in Embodiment 1 will be described, and the common configurations will not be described.

[0034] The lens device 100 has a switching unit 115 instead of a switching unit 108, and further has a setting unit (setting means) 116. The switching unit 115 controls the optical unit 102 so that the optical elements are inserted into and removed from the optical path by manual operation. In this embodiment, the optical characteristic conversion lens 103 and the magnification conversion lens 104 may be configured to be inserted and removed individually, or they may be configured to be inserted and removed simultaneously. The setting unit 116 can set whether to adjust the flange back when CinemaLook is enabled, according to the user's settings.

[0035] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flange back adjustment process in this embodiment.

[0036] In step S501, the lens control unit 110 detects the detection of a flange back adjustment instruction by the detection unit 113 (detects flange back adjustment instruction).

[0037] In step S502, the lens control unit 110 determines whether CinemaLook is enabled (i.e., the optical characteristic conversion lens 103 is inserted into or removed from the optical path). If the lens control unit 110 determines that CinemaLook is enabled, it executes the process in step S503; otherwise, it executes the process in step S504. The information regarding whether CinemaLook is enabled or disabled (i.e., whether the optical characteristic conversion lens 103 is inserted into or removed from the optical path) is stored in the memory 111.

[0038] In step S503, the lens control unit 110 notifies the user to disable Cinema Look (suggests switching the state of the lens device 100). In this embodiment, the notification prompting the user to disable Cinema Look is displayed on the display unit 112. Figure 6(a) shows an example of the screen displayed by the display unit 112. It displays a message prompting the user to change the state of the lens device 100 to one that is not suitable for flange back adjustment, as the current state of the lens device 100 is not suitable for flange back adjustment. This prevents the user from adjusting the flange back in a state that is not suitable for flange back adjustment. Note that the method of notifying the user is not limited to display on the display unit 112; for example, the user may be notified by a specific LED lighting up in a specific pattern, or by at least a part of the imaging system vibrating. The user may also be notified using sound. Furthermore, the user may be notified using the display unit of a device connected to the lens device 100 (camera device 200 or external device).

[0039] In step S504, the lens control unit 110 detects whether the cinema look has been disabled by manual operation. If the lens control unit 110 determines that the cinema look has been disabled, it executes the process in step S505; otherwise, it executes the process in this step again.

[0040] In step S505, the lens control unit 110 adjusts the flange back by having the back focus drive unit 107 drive the back focus lens 101.

[0041] In step S506, the lens control unit 110 uses the information stored in memory 111 in step S502 and the information displayed in step S503 prompting the user to disable Cinema Look to determine whether Cinema Look was disabled before flange back adjustment. If the lens control unit 110 determines that Cinema Look has been disabled, it executes the process in step S507; otherwise, it terminates this flow.

[0042] In step S507, the lens control unit 110 notifies the user to enable CinemaLook (suggests switching the state of the lens device 100). In this embodiment, the notification prompting the user to enable CinemaLook is displayed on the display unit 112.

[0043] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing another example of the flange back adjustment process in this embodiment.

[0044] In step S701, the lens control unit 110 detects the detection of a flange back adjustment instruction by the detection unit 113 (detects a flange back adjustment instruction).

[0045] In step S702, the lens control unit 110 determines whether CinemaLook is enabled (i.e., the optical characteristic conversion lens 103 is inserted into or removed from the optical path). If the lens control unit 110 determines that CinemaLook is enabled, it executes the process in step S703; otherwise, it executes the process in step S705.

[0046] In step S703, the lens control unit 110 determines whether the setting unit 116 is set not to adjust the flange back when CinemaLook is enabled. If the lens control unit 110 determines that the setting is set not to adjust the flange back when CinemaLook is enabled, it executes the process in step S704; otherwise, it executes the process in step S709.

[0047] In step S704, the lens control unit 110 notifies the user to disable Cinema Look (suggests switching the state of the lens device 100). In this embodiment, the notification prompting the user to disable Cinema Look is displayed on the display unit 112.

[0048] In step S705, the lens control unit 110 first displays a message on the display unit 112 asking the user whether or not to adjust the flange back while CinemaLook is enabled. Figure 6(b) shows an example of the selection screen displayed by the display unit 112. The user can use the selection screen to choose whether or not to adjust the flange back. The lens control unit 110 determines whether or not the user has selected to adjust the flange back. If the lens control unit 110 determines that the user has selected to adjust the flange back, it executes the process in step S706; otherwise, it terminates this flow. This allows the flange back to be adjusted even in conditions unsuitable for adjustment, if the user intends to do so. Note that the process in this step is to ask the user to reconfirm whether or not to perform flange back adjustment in a condition unsuitable for flange back adjustment. However, if reconfirmation is not necessary based solely on the settings made by the setting unit 116, this step does not need to be executed.

[0049] In step S706, the lens control unit 110 saves the state of the lens device 100 to the memory 111. This prevents unintended use by another user after flange back adjustment. Figure 6(c) shows an example of the confirmation screen of the state of the lens device 100 (state of the optical system) displayed by the display unit 112 after flange back adjustment.

[0050] In step S706, the lens control unit 110 adjusts the flange back by driving the back focus lens 101 to the back focus drive unit 107.

[0051] In this embodiment, the message prompting the deactivation of CinemaLook is displayed when CinemaLook is determined to be enabled, but it may also be displayed during flange back adjustment regardless of the conditions.

[0052] As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, even if the lens device does not have a mechanism to automatically switch to a state suitable for flange back adjustment, it is possible to suppress the unintentional adjustment of the flange back in a state unsuitable for flange back adjustment.

[0053] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) A lens device having an optical system, the optical system being switchable between a first state and a second state different from the first state, A group of adjustment lenses that move to adjust the flange back, The system includes a control means for adjusting the flange back using the aforementioned adjustment lens group, The lens apparatus is characterized in that, when the control means is instructed to adjust the flange back while the optical system is in the first state, it performs a predetermined process before adjusting the flange back. (Configuration 2) The lens apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized in that when the control means is instructed to adjust the flange back while the optical system is in the first state, it switches the optical system to the second state as a predetermined process before adjusting the flange back. (Composition 3) The lens apparatus according to configuration 2, characterized in that, if the control means switches the optical system to the second state as a predetermined process before adjusting the flange back, it switches the optical system to the first state after adjusting the flange back. (Composition 4) The lens apparatus according to Configuration 1, characterized in that, when the control means is instructed to adjust the flange back when the optical system is in the first state, before adjusting the flange back, it causes the notification means, which notifies the user of information regarding the lens apparatus, to propose switching the optical system to the second state as a predetermined process. (Composition 5) The lens device according to configuration 4, characterized in that, after the control means notifies the notification means of the proposal as a predetermined process, if the flange back of the optical system is adjusted in the second state, after adjusting the flange back, the control means notifies the notification means of a proposal to switch the optical system back to the first state. (Composition 6) The optical system further includes setting means for setting whether to adjust the flange back when the optical system is in the first state, The lens device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the control means is instructed to adjust the flange back when the optical system is in the first state, and the setting means is set to adjust the flange back when the optical system is in the first state. (Composition 7) The lens device according to configuration 6, characterized in that the control means is instructed to adjust the flange back when the optical system is in the first state, and the setting means is set not to adjust the flange back when the optical system is in the first state, and does not adjust the flange back. (Composition 8) It further comprises at least one optical element that is insertable into and removeable from the optical path and changes the image representation when inserted into the optical path, The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that in the second state, at least one of the optical elements is removed from the optical path. (Composition 9) It has an aperture, The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that in the second state, the aperture is in an open state. (Composition 10) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the instruction to adjust the flange back is detected by an operation on an operating unit for moving the adjustment lens group in response to an operation by the user, or by the lens device receiving a command to adjust the flange back from a device to which the lens device is connected. (Composition 11) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the control means further includes a display unit for displaying the state of the optical system when adjusting the flange back. (Composition 12) A lens device described in any one of configurations 1 to 11, An imaging device characterized by having an image sensor.

[0054] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 100 Lens device 101 Back focus lens (adjustable lens group) 110 Lens control unit (control means)

Claims

1. A lens device having an optical system, the optical system being switchable between a first state and a second state different from the first state, A group of adjustment lenses that move to adjust the flange back, The system includes a control means for adjusting the flange back using the aforementioned adjustment lens group, The lens apparatus is characterized in that, when the control means is instructed to adjust the flange back while the optical system is in the first state, it performs a predetermined process before adjusting the flange back.

2. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control means is instructed to adjust the flange back while the optical system is in a first state, it switches the optical system to a second state as a predetermined process before adjusting the flange back.

3. The lens device according to claim 2, characterized in that if the control means switches the optical system to the second state as a predetermined process before adjusting the flange back, it switches the optical system to the first state after adjusting the flange back.

4. The lens apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the control means is instructed to adjust the flange back when the optical system is in the first state, it causes the notification means, which notifies the user of information regarding the lens apparatus, to propose switching the optical system to the second state as a predetermined process before adjusting the flange back.

5. The lens device according to claim 4, characterized in that, after the control means notifies the notification means of the proposal as a predetermined process, if the flange back of the optical system is adjusted in the second state, after adjusting the flange back, the control means notifies the notification means of a proposal to switch the optical system back to the first state.

6. The optical system further includes setting means for setting whether to adjust the flange back when the optical system is in the first state, The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means adjusts the flange back when it is instructed to adjust the flange back when the optical system is in a first state, and the setting means is set to adjust the flange back when the optical system is in a first state.

7. The lens device according to claim 6, characterized in that the control means is instructed to adjust the flange back when the optical system is in a first state, and the setting means is set not to adjust the flange back when the optical system is in a first state.

8. It further comprises at least one optical element that is insertable into and removeable from the optical path and changes the image representation when inserted into the optical path, The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the second state, at least one of the optical elements is removed from the optical path.

9. It has an aperture, The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, in the second state, the aperture is in an open state.

10. The lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the instruction to adjust the flange back is detected by an operation on an operating unit for moving the adjustment lens group in response to an operation by the user, or by the lens device receiving a command to adjust the flange back from a device to which the lens device is connected.

11. The lens apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control means further comprises a display unit for displaying the state of the optical system when the flange back is being adjusted.

12. A lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, An imaging device characterized by having an image sensor.

Images