Accessory device

Abstract

The driving speed of the optical element in relation to the amount of operation of the operating member provided on the accessory device can be set from the imaging device. [Solution] An accessory device 100 that is detachably attached to an imaging device 200, comprising an operating member 111 capable of operating with multiple operating amounts in the same operating direction, and a control means for controlling the driving of an optical member 103 according to the operating amount. The control means determines the driving speed for each of the multiple operating amounts based on speed information related to the speed selected in the imaging device.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an accessory device such as a lens device attached to an imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] In some imaging devices such as digital cameras and video cameras, an optical member such as a zoom lens is driven when an operation member such as a zoom switch is operated by a user. Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device capable of setting a plurality of zoom speeds for a plurality of operation amounts of a zoom switch.

Prior Art Documents

[12] ]

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On the other hand, it is desirable that the driving speed of an optical member with respect to the operation amount of an operation member provided in an accessory device such as a lens device detachable from an imaging device can be set from the imaging device. <00OOOO26>

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This disclosure relates to an accessory device that can be detachably attached to an imaging device, comprising an operating member capable of operating in multiple amounts in the same operating direction, and a control means for controlling the driving of an optical member according to the operating amount, wherein the control means determines the driving speed of the optical member for each of the multiple operating amounts based on speed information relating to a speed selected in the imaging device. This disclosure also relates to an accessory device that can be detachably attached to an imaging device, comprising an operating member that can be operated, and a control means for controlling the driving of an optical member according to the operating amount of the operating member, wherein the control means determines the driving speed of the optical member based on the operating amount and speed information relating to multiple speeds selected in the imaging device.

[0006] Furthermore, the control method in this disclosure is a control method for an accessory device having an operating member that is detachably attached to an imaging device and capable of being operated by multiple operating amounts in the same operating direction, and is characterized by comprising the steps of: controlling the driving of an optical member according to the operating amount; and determining the driving speed of the optical member for each of the multiple operating amounts based on speed information relating to a speed selected in the imaging device. Furthermore, the control method in this disclosure is a control method for an accessory device having an operating member that is detachably attached to an imaging device and capable of being operated, and is characterized by comprising the steps of: controlling the driving of an optical member according to the operating amount; and determining the driving speed of the optical member based on the operating amount and speed information relating to multiple speeds selected in the imaging device. A program that causes a computer to execute processing according to the above control method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the driving speed of the optical element in relation to the amount of operation of the operating member provided on the accessory device can be easily set from the imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing the configuration of the interchangeable lens and camera body in Example 1 [Figure 2] A diagram showing the zoom control ring in Example 1. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the zoom speed change menu in Example 1. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a zoom speed table in Example 1. [Figure 5] Block diagram showing the configuration of the lens microcomputer in Example 1 [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the process in Example 1 [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the process in Example 2 [Figure 8] This figure shows the relationship between the number of steps on the zoom control ring and the zoom speed in Example 2. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the process in Example 3 [Figure 10] Flowchart showing the process in Example 4 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes the embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 shows the configuration of an interchangeable lens (lens device) 100 as an accessory device of the embodiment and a camera body 200 as an imaging device to which the interchangeable lens 100 is detachably attached.

[0011] The interchangeable lens 100 is mechanically and electrically connected to the camera body 200 via a mount (not shown). The interchangeable lens 100 receives power from the camera body 200 via a power terminal (not shown) provided on the mount. The lens microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the lens microcontroller) 101 operates using the supplied power and communicates with the camera body 200 via a communication terminal provided on the mount and a lens communication unit 102. The lens microcontroller 101 has a CPU and memory such as RAM, ROM, and EEPROM, and sends and receives ID information to and from the camera body 200, and controls various actuators described later in response to control commands received from the camera body 200.

[0012] The interchangeable lens 100 has an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system includes a zoom lens 103, an aperture unit 104, an image stabilization lens 105, and a focus lens 106, each as an optical component. The interchangeable lens 100 also includes a zoom drive unit 107, an aperture drive unit 108, an image stabilization drive unit 109, and a focus drive unit 110, each as a driving means.

[0013] The zoom lens 103 can zoom in the optical axis direction, which is the direction in which the optical axis OA, shown by the dashed line in the figure, extends. The lens microcontroller 101 detects the position of the zoom lens 103 through a zoom position sensor, such as a photointerrupter (not shown). The zoom drive unit 107 outputs a zoom drive signal in response to a command from the lens microcontroller 101 and moves the zoom lens 103 by driving a zoom actuator such as a stepping motor or a vibration motor.

[0014] The aperture unit 104 adjusts the amount of light in the imaging optical system by opening and closing aperture blades (not shown). The lens microcontroller 101 detects the position of the aperture blades through an aperture position sensor such as a Hall element (not shown). The aperture drive unit 108 operates the aperture unit 104 by outputting an aperture drive signal in response to a command from the lens microcontroller 101 and driving an aperture actuator such as a stepping motor.

[0015] The anti-vibration lens 105 reduces image blur caused by camera shake such as hand shake by moving (shifting) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA. The anti-vibration drive unit 109 outputs a shift drive signal according to a command from the lens microcomputer 101 and the camera shake detected by a shake sensor such as a vibration gyro (not shown), and drives an anti-vibration actuator such as a voice coil motor to shift the anti-vibration lens 105.

[0016] By moving the focus lens 106 in the optical axis direction, focusing of the imaging optical system can be performed. The lens microcomputer 101 detects the position of the focus lens 106 through a focus position sensor such as a photo interrupter (not shown). The focus drive unit 110 outputs a focus drive signal according to a command from the lens microcomputer 101, and drives a focus actuator such as a stepping motor or a vibration type motor to move the focus lens 106. Further, the focus drive unit 110 moves the focus lens 106 so as to correct image plane fluctuations accompanying zooming due to the movement of the zoom lens 103 according to a command from the lens microcomputer 101. <0000​​​​​​The camera body 200 includes a camera microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the camera microcontroller) 201, a camera communication unit 202, an imaging device 203, a signal processing unit 204, a recording processing unit 205, a display unit 206, and an operation unit 207. The camera microcontroller 201 has a CPU and memories such as RAM, ROM, and EEPROM, and controls the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100. The camera communication unit 202 enables communication between the camera microcontroller 201 and the lens microcontroller 101 via the communication terminal provided on the mount and the lens communication unit 102 of the interchangeable lens 100. The camera microcontroller 201 transmits and receives ID information to and from the lens microcontroller 101 and transmits control commands to the lens microcontroller 101.

[0019] Furthermore, the camera microcontroller 201 receives inputs according to operations of various operation members such as an imaging instruction switch, an aperture value setting dial, a shutter speed setting dial, a zoom setting lever, a cross key, and a SET button included in the operation unit 207, and performs control and processing according to the inputs.

[0020] The imaging device 203 photoelectrically converts (images) the subject image formed by the imaging optical system and outputs an analog signal. The analog signal is converted into a digital signal by an A / D conversion unit (not shown).

[0021] The signal processing unit 204 performs various image processes on the digital signal from the A / D conversion unit to generate a video signal. The signal processing unit 204 also generates defocus information for autofocus and luminance information for exposure control from the video signal. The signal processing unit 204 outputs the generated video signal to the display unit 206. The display unit 206 displays the video signal as a live view image used for confirming the composition, focus state, etc. Furthermore, the signal processing unit 204 outputs the video signal to the recording processing unit 205. The recording processing unit 205 stores the video signal in an external memory as data of a still image or a moving image.

Example

[0022] Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Figure 2 shows the zoom operation ring 111 unfolded around the optical axis OA, which is its rotational axis. The zoom operation ring 111 is rotatably mounted on the outer circumference of the outer barrel 301 of the interchangeable lens 100 around the optical axis OA, and is rotated by the user to indicate the direction and speed of movement (zoom speed) of the zoom lens 103. The outer barrel 301 is provided with a mark 302 that serves as an operating indicator for the zoom operation ring 111. The zoom operation ring 111 has a midpoint return mechanism, which is constructed using a coil spring or the like, to hold or return the unoperated zoom operation ring 111 to the midpoint of its rotatable range, which is the ring's movable range.

[0023] The zoom control ring 111 can be rotated from the center point towards the W (wide-angle) and T (telephoto) sides. When the zoom control ring 111 is rotated to the right in the diagram so that mark 302 is positioned towards the W side from the center point, the lens microcontroller 101 causes the zoom drive unit 107 to drive the zoom lens 103 towards the W side at a predetermined zoom speed. Conversely, when the zoom control ring 111 is rotated to the left in the diagram so that mark 302 is positioned towards the T side from the center point, the lens microcontroller 101 causes the zoom drive unit 107 to drive the zoom lens 103 towards the T side at a predetermined zoom speed.

[0024] There are two zoom speeds. When the rotation amount of the zoom operation ring 111 is the first amount, so that mark 302 is in the range of L on the W side or M on the T side, the zoom lens 103 is driven at the first zoom speed. When the rotation amount of the zoom operation ring 111 is the second amount, which is greater than the first amount, so that mark 302 is in the range of K on the W side or N on the T side, the zoom lens 103 is driven at the second zoom speed, which is faster than the first zoom speed. In this embodiment, the amount of rotation of the zoom operation ring 111 in the same direction is divided into multiple (two in this case) portions, and a different zoom speed is assigned to each amount of rotation.

[0025] In this embodiment, the first zoom speed and the second zoom speed, corresponding to the amount of rotation of the zoom operation ring 111, can be set (changed) via the zoom speed setting menu 400 displayed on the display unit 206 of the camera body 200, as shown in Figure 3. The zoom speed setting menu 400 includes two selectable items: zoom speed level 410 (indicated by a circle representing the zoom operation ring and a single arrow representing a small amount of operation) and zoom speed level 411 (indicated by a circle and two arrows representing a large amount of operation). The zoom speed level 410 allows setting the level of the first zoom speed of the interchangeable lens 100 (hereinafter referred to as the first zoom speed level), and the zoom speed level 411 allows setting the level of the second zoom speed of the interchangeable lens 100 (hereinafter referred to as the second zoom speed level).

[0026] By operating the up / down keys on the directional pad of the control unit 207 to select zoom speed level 410 (401 indicates the selected state), then operating the left / right keys on the directional pad to display the level value (2 in the diagram), and then operating the SET button, the first zoom speed level is set to that level value. By selecting zoom speed level 411, displaying the level value (5 in the diagram), and then operating the SET button, the second zoom speed level is set to that level value. Here, it is possible to set the level value to 1 to 5, and an example is shown where the zoom speed increases as the level value increases, but the number of level values ​​and the relationship between the level value and zoom speed are not limited to this. In addition, the first and second zoom speeds may be set by speed value (mm / sec, etc.) instead of speed level. In other words, the zoom speed setting information only needs to be information about the zoom speed selected by the user.

[0027] Thus, the zoom speed set on the interchangeable lens 100 in relation to the zoom speed level set on the camera body 200 differs depending on the model of the interchangeable lens. Figures 4(A) and 4(B) show the relationship (zoom speed table) between the zoom speed level set on the camera body 200 and the zoom speeds of interchangeable lenses A and B, which are different models from each other. In interchangeable lens A shown in Figure 4(A), the zoom speeds set to 350, 500, 800, 1200, and 1550 pps (pulse / sec) are set for zoom speed levels "1" to "5" set on the camera body 200. On the other hand, in interchangeable lens B shown in Figure 4(B), unlike interchangeable lens A, the zoom speeds set to 150, 550, 950, 1350, and 1750 pps are set for zoom speed levels "1" to "5" set on the camera body 200.

[0028] The reason why the zoom speed differs for each interchangeable lens model relative to the zoom speed level set in the camera body 200 is due to differences in the mass of the zoom lens 103 and the type of zoom actuator for each interchangeable lens model. The zoom speed tables shown in Figures 4(A) and (B) are maintained in the speed command management unit, which will be described later, within the respective lens microcontrollers 101 of interchangeable lenses A and B.

[0029] The camera microcontroller 201 generates zoom speed setting information as speed information indicating the first and second zoom speed levels in the zoom speed setting menu 400, and transmits this zoom speed setting information to the lens microcontroller 101.

[0030] Figure 5 shows the configuration of the lens microcontroller 101. The lens microcontroller 101 includes an operation variable output unit 1011, a communication unit 1012, and a speed command management unit 1013.

[0031] The control amount output unit 1011 converts the position signal of the zoom control ring 111 from the aforementioned rotation position sensor into zoom control direction information and zoom control amount information. The zoom control direction information indicates the rotation control direction (zoom direction) of the zoom control ring 111, which is the W direction and the T direction. The zoom control amount information indicates whether the amount of operation of the zoom control ring 111 is within the range of L or M (first control amount) or the range of K or N (second control amount) shown in Figure 2. The drive direction information and control amount information are output to the speed command management unit 1013. If the information received from the camera microcontroller 201 via the lens communication unit 102 is zoom speed setting information, the communication unit 1012 outputs the zoom speed setting information to the speed command management unit 1013.

[0032] The speed command management unit 1013 outputs a zoom command (zoom drive signal) to the zoom drive unit 107 to drive the zoom lens 103 based on the input zoom operation direction information, zoom operation amount information, zoom speed setting information, and the stored zoom speed table. Specifically, it outputs a zoom command to the zoom drive unit 107 to drive the zoom lens 103 in the zoom direction indicated by the zoom operation direction information, at a zoom speed corresponding to the zoom speed level indicated by the zoom speed setting information and the operation amount indicated by the zoom operation amount information in the zoom speed table. If new zoom speed setting information is input in accordance with a change in the zoom speed level in the camera body 200 after the output of the zoom command command, the speed command management unit 1013 changes the zoom drive signal to correspond to the new zoom speed setting information and zoom operation amount information in the zoom speed table.

[0033] The flowchart in Figure 6 shows the process (control method) by which the speed command management unit 1013, upon determining that zoom speed setting information has been input from the communication unit 1012, acquires zoom operation direction information and zoom operation amount information and outputs a zoom instruction to the zoom drive unit 107. The speed command management unit 1013 within the lens microcontroller 101 executes this process according to the program. S stands for step.

[0034] In S601, the speed command management unit 1013 determines whether or not zoom speed setting information (first and second zoom speed levels) has been input from the communication unit 1012. If it has been input, it proceeds to process S602; otherwise, it proceeds to process S604.

[0035] In S602, the speed command management unit 1013 obtains the first and second zoom speeds corresponding to the first and second zoom speed levels indicated by the zoom speed setting information from the zoom speed table.

[0036] Next, in S603, the speed command management unit 1013 changes the first and second zoom speeds from the currently set first and second zoom speeds to the first and second zoom speeds obtained in S602.

[0037] In S604, the speed command management unit 1013 acquires zoom operation direction information and zoom operation amount information from the operation amount output unit 1011.

[0038] Next, in S605, the speed command management unit 1013 determines the zoom speed to be commanded from among the first and second zoom speeds changed in S603, which corresponds to the manipulated amount (first or second manipulated amount) indicated by the zoom manipulated amount information.

[0039] Next, in S606, the speed command management unit 1013 outputs a zoom instruction to the zoom drive unit 107, which includes the zoom speed determined in S605 and the zoom direction indicated by the zoom operation direction information. Then this process ends.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 100 can change (determine) the zoom speed set for the amount of movement of the zoom operation ring 111 based on the zoom speed setting information received from the camera body 200. This allows the user to set the zoom speed for the amount of movement of the zoom operation ring 111 according to their preference and the shooting situation.

[0041] In this embodiment, the zoom speed for two operating amounts of the zoom operation ring 111 can be set from the camera body 200. However, the operating amounts of the zoom operation ring may be divided into three or more, and the zoom speed for these three or more operating amounts may be set from the camera body 200.

[0042] In this embodiment, we have described a case where the zoom speeds corresponding to the amount of operation on the W side and the T side, which are the operating directions of the zoom operation ring 111, are set to be the same. However, these zoom speeds may be set to be different from each other.

[0043] In this embodiment, the setting of the zoom speed in relation to the amount of operation of the zoom operation ring 111 has been described, but the same method may be used to set the zoom speed in relation to the amount of operation of other operating members such as a two-stage switch or a seesaw switch.

[0044] In this embodiment, the setting of the zoom speed in relation to the amount of operation of the zoom operation ring 111 has been described, but the drive speed of optical components such as the focus lens 106 and aperture unit 104 in relation to the amount of operation of other operating members such as the focus operation ring 112 and aperture operation ring 113 may be set in the same manner. [Examples]

[0045] In Example 2, the camera body 200 can be set (changed) to two zoom speed levels, a first and a second zoom speed level, and the amount of operation of the zoom operation ring 111 of the interchangeable lens 100 to the W side and T side is divided into five operation amounts, from the first to the fifth. In this example, components common to Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Example 1.

[0046] The flowchart in Figure 7 shows the process by which the speed command management unit 1013, upon determining that zoom speed setting information has been input from the communication unit 1012, acquires zoom operation direction information and zoom operation amount information and outputs a zoom instruction to the zoom drive unit 107.

[0047] In S701, the speed command management unit 1013 determines whether or not zoom speed setting information (first and second zoom speed levels) has been input from the communication unit 1012. If it has been input, it performs the process in S702; otherwise, it performs the process in S705.

[0048] In S702, the speed command management unit 1013 obtains the first and fifth zoom speeds corresponding to the first and second zoom speed levels indicated by the zoom speed setting information from the zoom speed table.

[0049] Next, in S703, the speed command management unit 1013 assigns five zoom speeds to the first to fifth control units of the zoom operation ring 111. The first control unit is the smallest of the first to fifth control units, and the fifth control unit is the largest. The second to fourth control units are control units that increase in this order. The speed command management unit 1013 assigns the first zoom speed to the first control unit and the fifth zoom speed to the fifth control unit. Furthermore, it calculates three second, third, and fourth zoom speeds through interpolation using the first and second zoom speeds, and assigns these second, third, and third zoom speeds to the second, third, and fourth control units in order from slowest to fastest. Details of the interpolation process will be described later.

[0050] Next, in S704, the speed command management unit 1013 changes the first to fifth zoom speeds currently set for the first to fifth manipulated variables to the first to fifth zoom speeds acquired in S703.

[0051] Next, in 705, the speed command management unit 1013 acquires zoom operation direction information and zoom operation amount information from the operation amount output unit 1011.

[0052] Next, in S706, the speed command management unit 1013 determines the zoom speed corresponding to the operation amount indicated by the zoom operation amount information from among the first to fifth zoom speeds changed in S704 as the zoom speed to be commanded.

[0053] Next, in S707, the speed command management unit 1013 outputs a zoom instruction to the zoom drive unit 107, which includes the zoom speed determined in S706 and the zoom direction indicated by the zoom operation direction information. Then this process ends.

[0054] Figure 8 shows the interpolation process performed by the speed command management unit 1013 in S703. Here, it is assumed that the speed command management unit 1013 holds the zoom speed table shown in Figure 4(A). When it receives "2" as the first zoom speed level and "4" as the second zoom speed level from the camera microcontroller 201, the speed command management unit 1013 determines 500 pps as the first zoom speed and 1200 pps as the fifth zoom speed in the zoom speed table.

[0055] In Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents the first to fifth manipulation amounts of the zoom control ring 111, and the vertical axis represents the set zoom speed. In the interpolation process, linear interpolation is performed using A(1,500) and E(5, 1200), which represent (manipulation amount, zoom speed (pps)), as the minimum and maximum zoom speeds, to calculate B(2,675), C(3,850), and D(4, 1025) between them. Specifically, 675 pps is calculated as the second zoom speed, 850 pps as the third zoom speed, and 1025 pps as the fourth zoom speed.

[0056] Furthermore, when the camera microcontroller 201 receives "1" as the first zoom speed level and "5" as the second zoom speed level, the speed command management unit 1013 determines 350 pps as the first zoom speed and 1550 pps as the fifth zoom speed in the zoom speed table. Then, using linear interpolation with A(1,350) and E(5, 1550) as the minimum and maximum zoom speeds, it calculates B(2,650), C(3,950), and D(4, 1250). Specifically, it calculates 650 pps as the second zoom speed, 950 pps as the third zoom speed, and 1250 pps as the fourth zoom speed. These second to fourth zoom speeds are different from the zoom speeds corresponding to zoom speed levels "2" to "4" in the zoom speed table in Figure 4(A).

[0057] Furthermore, nonlinear interpolation may be performed during the interpolation process, or the zoom speeds corresponding to the first and second zoom speed levels may be used as zoom speeds other than the minimum and maximum zoom speeds during the interpolation process.

[0058] According to this embodiment, even if the number of divisions (5) in the operation range of the zoom control ring 111 is greater than the number (2) of zoom speed levels that can be set on the camera body 200, the zoom speed for each operation range can be appropriately changed (determined). The user can then set the zoom speed for the operation range of the zoom control ring 111 according to their preferences and imaging situations.

[0059] Note that the number of divisions in the zoom control ring's range of motion does not have to be five, as long as it is three or more. [Examples]

[0060] In Example 3, two zoom speed levels can be set (changed) on the camera body 200, and a processing example that can be applied regardless of the number of divisions of the operation amount of the zoom operation ring 111 of the interchangeable lens 100 is described. In this example, components common to Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Example 1.

[0061] The flowchart in Figure 9 shows the process by which the speed command management unit 1013, upon determining that zoom speed setting information has been input from the communication unit 1012, acquires zoom operation direction information and zoom operation amount information and outputs a zoom instruction to the zoom drive unit 107.

[0062] In S901, the speed command management unit 1013 determines whether or not zoom speed setting information (first and second zoom speed levels) has been input from the communication unit 1012. If it has been input, it proceeds to process S902; otherwise, it proceeds to process S906.

[0063] In S902, the speed command management unit 1013 determines whether the number of divisions of the operating amount of the zoom operation ring 111 is less than or equal to the number of zoom speed levels indicated by the zoom speed setting information. If the number of divisions of the operating amount is less than or equal to the number of zoom speed levels, the process in S903 is performed; if the number of divisions of the operating amount is greater than the number of zoom speed levels, the process in S904 is performed.

[0064] In S903, the speed command management unit 1013 selects a number of zoom speed levels equal to the number of divisions of the zoom control ring 111's control amount (e.g., 2 or more, e.g., 3). Then it assigns the selected zoom speed levels to the control amount of the zoom control ring 111. In this case, for example, if the order of the three zoom speed levels received from the camera body 200 is the first zoom speed level, the second zoom speed level, and the third zoom speed level, the first zoom speed level may be assigned to the first control amount and the second zoom speed level to the second control amount according to that order. Also, when the camera body 200 is capturing video, the first and second zoom speed levels, which are on the slower side of the first to third zoom speed levels, may be assigned to the first and second control amounts, respectively. Also, when the camera body is capturing still images, the second and third zoom speed levels, which are on the faster side of the first to third zoom speed levels, may be assigned to the first and second control amounts, respectively. Other methods are also available for assigning zoom speed levels to control amounts.

[0065] The speed command management unit 1013 then obtains the first and second zoom speeds corresponding to the two zoom speed levels assigned as described above from the zoom speed table, and then performs the process in S905.

[0066] On the other hand, in S904, the speed command management unit 1013 obtains the zoom speed for each control amount using a number of zoom speed levels that is less than the number of divisions of the control amount of the zoom control ring 111 (for example, 5) (for example, 2). In this case, as in S702 and S703 of Embodiment 2 (Figure 7), the zoom speed for the 5 control amounts may be obtained by interpolation processing using 2 zoom speed levels, or the zoom speed for each control amount may be obtained by other processing. After this, the processing in S905 is performed.

[0067] Next, in S905, the speed command management unit 1013 changes the zoom speed currently set for each manipulated amount to the zoom speed acquired in S903 or S905.

[0068] Next, in 906, the speed command management unit 1013 acquires zoom operation direction information and zoom operation amount information from the operation amount output unit 1011.

[0069] Next, in S907, the speed command management unit 1013 determines the zoom speed corresponding to the operation amount indicated by the zoom operation amount information from among the zoom speeds changed in S905 as the zoom speed to be commanded.

[0070] Next, in S908, the speed command management unit 1013 outputs a zoom instruction to the zoom drive unit 107, which includes the zoom speed determined in S907 and the zoom direction indicated by the zoom operation direction information. Then this process ends.

[0071] According to this embodiment, even if the number of zoom speed levels that can be set on the camera body 200 differs from the number of divisions of the operation amount of the zoom control ring 111, the zoom speed for each operation amount can be appropriately changed (determined). The user can then set the zoom speed for the operation amount of the zoom control ring 111 according to their preferences and imaging situations. [Examples]

[0072] Example 4 describes a processing example where the number of zoom speed levels that can be set (changed) on the camera body 200 is one, and the number of divisions of the operation amount of the zoom operation ring 111 of the interchangeable lens 100 is two or more. In this example, components common to Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Example 1.

[0073] The flowchart in Figure 10 shows the process by which the speed command management unit 1013, upon determining that zoom speed setting information has been input from the communication unit 1012, acquires zoom operation direction information and zoom operation amount information and outputs a zoom instruction to the zoom drive unit 107.

[0074] In S1001, the speed command management unit 1013 determines whether or not zoom speed setting information has been input from the communication unit 1012. If it has been input, it performs the process in S1002; otherwise, it performs the process in S1007.

[0075] In S1002, the speed command management unit 1013 determines whether the number of divisions of the operating amount of the zoom operation ring 111 is three or more. If it is three or more, it performs the process in S1003; if it is less than three, it performs the process in S1005.

[0076] In step S1003, the speed command management unit 1013 refers to the zoom speed table to obtain the zoom speed corresponding to the zoom speed level indicated by the zoom speed setting information (here, "1") and the maximum zoom speed of the interchangeable lens 100. When the zoom speed level is set to "1" and the zoom speed table to be referenced is the table shown in Figure 4(A), the zoom speed corresponding to zoom speed level "1" is 350 pps, and the maximum zoom speed is 1550 pps.

[0077] Next, in S1004, the speed command management unit 1013 uses the zoom speed acquired in S1003 to obtain the zoom speed for the three operating amounts of the zoom operation ring 111 by interpolation processing, similar to S702 and S703 in Example 2 (Figure 7). Then it performs the processing in S1006.

[0078] Meanwhile, in S1005, the speed command management unit 1013 refers to the zoom speed table and obtains the zoom speed corresponding to zoom speed level "1" indicated by the zoom speed setting information. Furthermore, the speed command management unit 1013 obtains a predetermined number of times the zoom speed corresponding to zoom speed level "1", such as twice the zoom speed. When the zoom speed table to be referenced is the table shown in Figure 4(A), the zoom speed corresponding to zoom speed level "1" is 350 pps, and twice that zoom speed is 700 pps. Then the process in S1006 is performed.

[0079] In S1006, the speed command management unit 1013 changes the zoom speed currently set for each control input to the zoom speed acquired in S1004 or S1005. At this time, the zoom speeds are assigned in order from the slowest to the largest control input of the zoom control ring 111, starting with the smallest zoom speed.

[0080] Next, in 1007, the speed command management unit 1013 acquires zoom operation direction information and zoom operation amount information from the operation amount output unit 1011.

[0081] Next, in S1008, the speed command management unit 1013 determines the zoom speed to be commanded, which corresponds to the amount of zoom operation information indicated by the zoom operation amount information among the zoom speeds changed in S1006.

[0082] Next, in S1009, the speed command management unit 1013 outputs a zoom instruction to the zoom drive unit 107, which includes the zoom speed determined in S1008 and the zoom direction indicated by the zoom operation direction information. Then this process ends.

[0083] According to this embodiment, even if the number of zoom speed levels that can be set on the camera body 200 is only one, and the number of divisions of the zoom control ring 111's operation amount is two or more, the zoom speed for each operation amount can be appropriately changed (determined). The user can then set the zoom speed for the operation amount of the zoom control ring 111 according to their preferences and imaging situations.

[0084] Furthermore, if one zoom speed level is other than "1", the zoom speed corresponding to that level may be assigned to an operating amount of the zoom operation ring 111 other than the smallest operating amount, and a slower or faster zoom speed may be obtained and assigned to the other operating amounts. In this case, the zoom speed corresponding to one zoom speed level may be assigned to the larger of the two operating amounts of the zoom operation ring 111, and a zoom speed of one-predetermined fraction, such as half of that zoom speed, may be assigned to the smaller operating amount.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the embodiments described above, the zoom speed for each operation amount of the zoom operation ring 111 of the interchangeable lens 100 can be set (changed) from the camera body 200 without changing the firmware of the camera body 200.

[0086] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments described interchangeable lenses as accessory devices, the accessory device may also be something other than an interchangeable lens, such as a drive unit attached to the interchangeable lens. The drive unit is equipped with a seesaw switch as an operating member and is configured to drive the lenses inside the interchangeable lens by driving the manual operation ring of the interchangeable lens.

[0087] The above embodiments include the following configuration.

[0088] (Composition 1) An accessory device that is detachably attached to an imaging device, An operating member capable of operating with multiple amounts of operation in the same operating direction, The system includes control means for controlling the driving of an optical element according to the aforementioned operating amount, The accessory device is characterized in that the control means determines the driving speed of the optical member for each of the plurality of manipulated quantities based on speed information related to the speed selected in the imaging device. (Configuration 2) The control means holds data of the drive speed corresponding to the speed information, The accessory device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the drive speed for each of the plurality of manipulated amounts is determined based on the aforementioned data and the speed information. (Composition 3) The accessory device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the speed information indicates a speed level or speed value selected by the user. (Composition 4) The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the speed information is information relating to a plurality of speeds, and the number of the plurality of speeds is the same as the number of the plurality of manipulated quantities, the control means determines the drive speed corresponding to the plurality of speeds for each of the plurality of manipulated quantities. (Composition 5) The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the speed information is information about one or more speeds, and the number of speeds is less than the number of manipulated quantities, the control means determines the drive speed for each of the manipulated quantities using the one or more speeds. (Composition 6) The accessory device according to configuration 5, characterized in that the control means performs interpolation processing using the plurality of speeds to determine the drive speed for each of the plurality of manipulated amounts. (Composition 7) The accessory device according to configuration 5, characterized in that the control means determines a drive speed corresponding to one of the speeds and at least one of a predetermined number of times the speed and a predetermined fraction of the speed for each of the plurality of manipulated amounts. (Composition 8) The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the speed information is information relating to a plurality of speeds, and the number of such plurality of speeds is greater than the number of such plurality of manipulated quantities, the control means determines the drive speed corresponding to a portion of the plurality of speeds for each of the plurality of manipulated quantities. (Composition 9) The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the speed information is information relating to a single speed, the control means determines at least one of the following for the plurality of operating quantities: a drive speed corresponding to the single speed, a drive speed that is a predetermined number of times the single speed, and a drive speed that is a predetermined fraction of one. (Composition 10) The operating member can be operated in multiple directions that are different from each other. The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the control means determines the drive speed for each of the plurality of manipulated amounts in each of the plurality of directions. (Composition 11) The accessory device according to configuration 10, characterized in that the control means determines the drive speeds for each of the plurality of manipulated amounts in each of the plurality of directions to be equal to or different from each other. (Composition 12) An accessory device that is detachably attached to an imaging device, An operable operating component, The system includes control means for controlling the driving of an optical member according to the amount of operation of the operating member, The accessory device is characterized in that the control means determines the driving speed of the optical member based on the manipulated amount and speed information relating to a plurality of speeds selected in the imaging device. (Composition 13) The aforementioned operating member outputs a single-step operating amount, The accessory device according to claim 12, characterized in that the control means selects one of the plurality of speeds and assigns the drive speed to the manipulated amount. (Composition 14) The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that the optical element is a zoom lens. (Composition 15) The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that it is a lens device having the aforementioned optical element.

[0089] (Other examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0090] The embodiments described above are merely representative examples, and various modifications and changes can be made to each embodiment when implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 100 interchangeable lenses 101 Lens Microcontroller 103 Zoom Lens 111 Zoom control ring 200 Camera body 206 Display section 207 Operation section

Claims

1. An accessory device that is detachably attached to an imaging device, An operating member capable of operating with multiple amounts of operation in the same operating direction, The system includes control means for controlling the driving of an optical element according to the aforementioned operating amount, The accessory device is characterized in that the control means determines the driving speed of the optical member for each of the plurality of manipulated quantities based on speed information related to the speed selected in the imaging device.

2. The control means is It holds data of the drive speed corresponding to the speed information, The accessory device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive speed for each of the plurality of manipulated amounts is determined based on the aforementioned data and the speed information.

3. The accessory device according to claim 1, characterized in that the speed information indicates a speed level or speed value selected by the user.

4. The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the speed information is information relating to a plurality of speeds, and the number of the plurality of speeds is the same as the number of the plurality of manipulated quantities, the control means determines the drive speed corresponding to the plurality of speeds for each of the plurality of manipulated quantities.

5. The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein, when the speed information is information relating to one or more speeds, and the number of speeds is less than the number of manipulated quantities, the control means determines the drive speed for each of the manipulated quantities using the one or more speeds.

6. The accessory device according to claim 5, characterized in that the control means performs interpolation processing using the plurality of speeds to determine the drive speed for each of the plurality of manipulated amounts.

7. The accessory device according to claim 5, characterized in that the control means determines a drive speed corresponding to one of the speeds and at least one of a predetermined number of times the speed and one predetermined fraction of the speed for each of the plurality of manipulated amounts.

8. The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the speed information is information relating to a plurality of speeds, and the number of such plurality of speeds is greater than the number of such plurality of manipulated quantities, the control means determines the drive speed corresponding to a portion of the plurality of speeds for each of the plurality of manipulated quantities.

9. The accessory device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the speed information is information relating to a single speed, the control means determines at least one of the following for the plurality of operating quantities: a drive speed corresponding to the single speed, a drive speed that is a predetermined number of times the single speed, and a drive speed that is one predetermined fraction of the single speed.

10. The operating member can be operated in multiple directions that are different from each other. The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the control means determines the drive speed for each of the plurality of manipulated amounts in each of the plurality of directions.

11. The accessory device according to claim 10, characterized in that the control means determines the drive speeds for each of the plurality of manipulated amounts in each of the plurality of directions to be equal to or different from each other.

12. An accessory device that is detachably attached to an imaging device, An operable operating component, The system includes control means for controlling the driving of an optical member according to the amount of operation of the operating member, The accessory device is characterized in that the control means determines the driving speed of the optical member based on the manipulated amount and speed information relating to a plurality of speeds selected in the imaging device.

13. The aforementioned operating member outputs one operating quantity, The accessory device according to claim 12, characterized in that the control means selects one of the plurality of speeds and assigns the drive speed to the manipulated amount.

14. The accessory device according to claim 1 or 12, characterized in that the optical element is a zoom lens.

15. The accessory device according to claim 1 or 12, characterized in that it is a lens device having the optical member.

16. A control method for an accessory device having an operating member that is detachably attached to an imaging device and capable of being operated by multiple operating amounts in the same operating direction, The steps include controlling the drive of the optical element according to the aforementioned manipulation amount, A control method characterized by having the step of determining the driving speed of the optical member for each of the plurality of manipulated quantities based on speed information relating to the speed selected in the imaging device.

17. An accessory device that is detachably attached to an imaging device, An operable operating component, The steps include controlling the drive of the optical member according to the amount of operation of the operating member, A control method characterized by having the step of determining the driving speed of the optical member based on the manipulated amount and speed information relating to a plurality of speeds selected in the imaging device.

18. A program characterized by causing a computer to perform a process according to the control method described in claim 16 or 17.

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