Lens unit and imaging device

Abstract

The present invention provides a lens unit and imaging device that allow for changes in the operating sensitivity of the optical element during shooting without interrupting the shooting process. [Solution] The lens unit includes an MF ring for operating the focus lens group (F group) of the lens optical system, and a CPU that controls the operation of the MF ring and the operation of the F group. The CPU sets two or more intervals in the operating range of the F group and the operating sensitivity of the MF ring for each interval, and operates the F group according to these settings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens unit and an imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] With the spread of various video posting sites, even in cameras capable of video shooting such as mirrorless single-lens cameras, technologies suitable for video shooting are required. For example, in video shooting, focus operation is important, and regarding the operation of the manual focus (MF) ring in video shooting, a camera or lens unit is known in which the rotation angle of the MF ring (also referred to as the "operation sensitivity" of the MF ring) when the focus lens group reaches from the infinite end to the closest end can be selected to an arbitrary rotation angle (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In video shooting, MF is one of the means of expression, and it is important that "it moves to the desired focus position at the desired speed and at the desired timing". Since the process of movement is also included in the expression, a highly reproducible linear operation ring is usually used in video shooting. And in order to realize the intended expression, either moving the MF ring little by little or, conversely, moving it all at once may be required depending on the case. Thus, the optimal operation sensitivity in the operation of the MF ring in video shooting cannot be determined unconditionally because it depends on the positional relationship of the subject or the optical performance of the lens unit.

[0005] However, the conventional technology described above has a problem in that the operating sensitivity of the MF ring can only be set to one value across the entire operating range of the focus lens group. Therefore, when shooting video, for example, if you want to use several different operating sensitivities depending on the scene, you have to select the desired operating sensitivity from the menu for each scene. Such selection operations require interrupting video recording for each desired operating sensitivity, making it difficult to shoot video continuously for long periods of time. Thus, the conventional technology still has room for improvement from the perspective of changing the operating sensitivity of the optical elements to an appropriate operating sensitivity without interrupting video recording.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a lens unit and imaging device that enable the operation sensitivity of an optical element to be changed during shooting without interrupting the shooting process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, a lens unit according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a lens optical system including an optical element to be operated on; an operable operating unit which operates the optical element according to the amount of operation to change the action of the optical element in the lens optical system; a setting process which sets two or more intervals in the operating range of the optical element in which the optical element acts in the lens optical system, and two or more different operating sensitivities of the operating unit corresponding to each of the two or more intervals; and an operation process which, in response to the operation of the operating unit, operates the optical element in the interval set in the setting process with the operating sensitivity set in the setting process to change the action of the optical element.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, an imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the above-mentioned lens unit and an image sensor on the image plane side of the lens unit that converts the optical image formed by the lens unit into an electrical signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a lens unit and imaging device can be provided that allow the operation sensitivity of an optical element to be changed during shooting without interrupting the shooting process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates the operating sensitivity of the MF ring in one embodiment of the present invention based on a first display example. [Figure 2] This figure illustrates the operating sensitivity of the MF ring in one embodiment of the present invention based on a first display example. [Figure 3] This figure shows the set operating sensitivity in the lens unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the setting process in a lens unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows the set operating sensitivity in the lens unit according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a first example of the operating sensitivity of the buffer section in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows a second example of the operating sensitivity of the buffer section in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows a third example of the operating sensitivity of the buffer section in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows a fourth example of the operating sensitivity of the buffer section in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows the set operating sensitivity in the lens unit according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the setting process in a lens unit according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of the operation process in a lens unit according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 13]This is a diagram showing the set operation sensitivity in the lens unit according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing an example of the setting process in the lens unit according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] In the embodiments of the present invention, within the controllable range of an optical element that brings about an optical effect, for each of a plurality of different sections, the operation sensitivity of the operation unit of the optical element can be independently set, and the optical element can be operated by operating the operation unit according to the set operation sensitivity. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the embodiments of the present invention will be mainly described based on an aspect including an "operation ring" as the "operation unit" in the present invention.

[0012] [Lens Unit] The lens unit according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a lens optical system, an operation ring, and a control unit.

[0013] [Lens Optical System] The lens optical system is an optical system including at least one lens. In the present embodiment, the lens optical system includes an optical element that is the operation target in the present embodiment. The optical element has a specific operating range in the lens optical system, can be operated by the operation ring, and is an optical configuration that exhibits a unique optical effect in the lens optical system. Examples of the optical element include a focus lens group, a zoom lens group, and an aperture stop. Also, examples of the lens optical system in the present embodiment include a zoom lens, a vari-focal lens, and a single-focus lens.

[0014] [Operation Ring] In this embodiment, the operation ring is rotatable and configured to operate the above optical element according to the amount of rotation to change the action of the optical element in the above lens optical system. The operation ring can be, for example, a ring-shaped member that is exposed on the outer peripheral side of a lens barrel including a lens optical system and is arranged to be movable in the circumferential direction of the lens barrel. The operation ring may be provided according to the optical element, and examples thereof include an MF ring, an aperture ring, a control ring, and a zoom ring.

[0015] [Control unit] The control unit can be configured to realize the setting process and the operation process described below regarding the operation of the optical element by the rotational movement of the operation ring. The control unit is, for example, configured to execute a setting process according to an input signal from a user and control the operation of the optical element by the operation ring based on the setting content. Examples of the control unit include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0016] <Setting process> The setting process is a process of setting two or more sections and two or more different operation sensitivities of the operation ring corresponding to each of the two or more sections within the operation range of the optical element where the optical element acts in the lens optical system.

[0017] The "section" to be set can be determined based on the position of the optical element within the operation range of the optical element. For example, the boundaries of two or more sections can be set according to the position of the optical element within the operation range of the optical element. According to the setting of such a scenario, it becomes possible to continuously shoot two or more scenarios that require different actions of the optical element with suitable operation sensitivities corresponding to each scenario without changing the operation sensitivity (interrupting shooting).

[0018] The operating range of an optical element is the range in which the optical element operates in order to function; for example, in the case of a focusing lens group, it is its movable range. This movable range includes the position where the shooting distance in the imaging device is at infinity and the position where it is at the closest focusing distance. In the case of an aperture ring, it is the range of opening from fully open to fully closed.

[0019] The operating range may be replaced with the degree of optical effect of the optical element. For example, in the case of a focusing lens group, the operating range may be the shooting distance from infinity to the closest focusing distance. Note that "shooting distance" refers to the distance from the image plane of the image sensor to the focal position in an imaging device, and for example, when the subject is in focus, it is the distance from the image plane of the image sensor to the subject.

[0020] The "operational sensitivity" set is the sensitivity (or insensitivity) of the optical element's action to the operation of the operating ring, and may be the ratio of the optical element's operating amount to the amount of rotation of the operating ring. Operational sensitivity can also be expressed as the rotation angle of the operating ring required to operate the optical element from one end to the other of its operating range, and in this embodiment, it may be displayed as such a rotation angle.

[0021] Regarding the operating sensitivity, it is possible that the operating sensitivity remains constant in response to changes in the operation of the optical element in at least one of two or more intervals. In this case, since one operating sensitivity is set for each set interval, it is preferable from the viewpoint of realizing shooting with an appropriate operating sensitivity for the subject. For example, for a first subject that is in motion, a higher (more sensitive) operating sensitivity suitable for following the subject's movement can be set, and for a stationary subject, a lower (less sensitive) operating sensitivity can be set, thus enabling shooting according to the subject.

[0022] Furthermore, regarding the operation sensitivity, it may be variable in response to changes in the action of the optical elements in at least one of two or more intervals. In this case, since one operation sensitivity changes in each set interval, it is preferable from the viewpoint of realizing shooting that produces image effects due to changes in the action of the optical elements in the set interval. For example, it is possible to perform lens work (operation of the lens unit) that realizes shooting that expresses scene changes by changes in the action of the optical elements.

[0023] The form of change in operating sensitivity in this case is not limited; for example, it may be a linear change, i.e., a change like a first-order function, or a nonlinear change, i.e., a change that includes a change expressed by a higher-order function. A linear change can be expressed by a first-order function and is preferable from the viewpoint of simplifying the setting process. A nonlinear change can be expressed by a higher-order function, a combination thereof, or a combination of a first-order function and a higher-order function and is preferable from the viewpoint of enhancing the image effect due to the change in the action of the optical element.

[0024] Furthermore, the operating sensitivity may be set in conjunction with the direction of change in the action of the optical element in at least one of two or more intervals. In this case, in one of the set intervals, for example, when the action of the optical element changes in one direction, the optical element is operated with the first operating sensitivity, and when it changes in the other direction, the optical element is operated with the second operating sensitivity. Therefore, this is preferable from the viewpoint of photographing a specific subject with a suitable operating sensitivity when the shooting of a specific subject follows the shooting of an image effect caused by a change in the action of the optical element. For example, this is suitable when a first scene is first shot using lens work, and then the image is changed from the first scene using lens work, and a specific subject is photographed in the second scene in the middle of that change.

[0025] Furthermore, in the setting process, the two or more intervals to be set may further include buffer intervals adjacent to at least one of those intervals. The operating sensitivity of the buffer interval may be set to the reference operating sensitivity, or to gradually change to the reference operating sensitivity, when the operating sensitivity set in the interval adjacent to the buffer interval is used as the reference operating sensitivity.

[0026] A buffer zone is a zone set adjacent to a specific zone. When shooting in a specific zone, if the subject is moving, the position of the optical element may temporarily or slightly exceed the zone due to the operation of the control ring. In such cases where the optical element may extend beyond the zone, setting a buffer zone and its operation sensitivity makes it possible to prevent abrupt changes in operation sensitivity in the same scene, which is preferable from the viewpoint of maintaining or improving the user's comfort during video shooting.

[0027] Since buffer sections can serve as preliminary sections for a particular section, they can be set appropriately from this perspective. For example, buffer sections can be set appropriately depending on various conditions such as the position of the optical elements, the operating sensitivity of the control ring, the user's operating accuracy, the shooting distance, and the depth of field.

[0028] For example, in the case of operating sensitivity, in a buffer section adjacent to a specific section set to high operating sensitivity, the amount of movement of the optical element in relation to the amount of operation (rotation angle) of the operating ring is large. Therefore, from the above viewpoint, it is preferable to set the buffer section to be larger than the adjacent specific section, for example, 10-30% of the size of the specific section. Conversely, in a buffer section adjacent to a specific section set to low operating sensitivity, the amount of movement of the optical element in relation to the amount of operation (rotation angle) of the operating ring is small. Therefore, from the above viewpoint, it is preferable to set the buffer section to be smaller than the adjacent specific section, for example, 1-10% of the size of the specific section.

[0029] The setting operations described above can be performed using the lens unit or a device capable of transmitting and receiving data from it. For example, these setting operations can be performed using various rings and switches or buttons on the lens unit, using external equipment that can be connected to the lens unit via a connection terminal, or using the camera body to which the lens unit is attached. Furthermore, the operation of setting the operating sensitivity to change over a specific section can be performed by inputting or selecting a function that represents the mode of change (such as linear or nonlinear).

[0030] <Operation process> The operation process is a process that changes the action of an optical element by operating it with the operating sensitivity set in the setting process within a range set in the setting process, in response to the rotation of the operating ring. The operation process can be realized, for example, in a known operation process in a lens optical system that operates an optical element with an operating sensitivity set in response to the rotation of the operating ring, by further performing a process to detect the position of the optical element within the operating range and a process to operate the optical element with the operating sensitivity set at the detected position.

[0031] [Other configurations] The lens unit of this embodiment may further have other configurations besides those described above, to the extent that the effects of the present invention can be obtained. For example, the lens unit may further have a switch or button for the user to input a setting value in the setting process described above, or a connection terminal for connecting an external device.

[0032] [Applicable to] The lens unit of this embodiment may include an operating ring for manipulating the optical elements according to their form. For example, the optical elements may be a group of focus lenses, and the operating ring may be an MF ring. In this case, the operating sensitivity of the MF ring can be arbitrarily set for each of several intervals in the operating range from infinity to the closest focus of the focus lens group, making it possible to create videos with excellent focus effects.

[0033] Alternatively, the optical element could be an aperture diaphragm, and the operating ring could be an aperture ring. In this case, the operating sensitivity of the aperture ring can be arbitrarily set for each of the multiple intervals within the operating range of the aperture diaphragm from fully open to fully closed, making it possible to create videos with excellent image brightness and depth of field effects.

[0034] Alternatively, the optical element could be an aperture diaphragm, and the operating ring could be a control ring. In this case, the operating sensitivity of the control ring can be arbitrarily set for each of the multiple intervals within the operating range of the aperture diaphragm, from fully open to fully closed. This makes it possible to create videos with excellent image brightness and depth of field effects.

[0035] Alternatively, the object being controlled may be the camera's ISO sensitivity, and the control ring may be a control ring. In this case, the control ring's sensitivity can be arbitrarily set for each of multiple intervals within the operating range from the minimum to the maximum ISO sensitivity, making it possible to create videos with superior image brightness effects.

[0036] Alternatively, the optical elements could be the lens group of an electric zoom lens, and the operating ring could be the zoom ring. In this case, the operating sensitivity of the zoom ring can be arbitrarily set for each of the multiple intervals within the operating range of each lens group from the telephoto end to the wide-angle end, making it possible to create videos with excellent variable magnification effects.

[0037] [Imaging device] An imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a lens unit as described in the above-described embodiment, and an image sensor on the image plane side of the lens unit that converts the optical image formed by the lens unit into an electrical signal. The imaging device may consist of, for example, a camera body and a lens barrel attached to the camera body via a mount. The lens barrel is one form of the lens unit as described in the above-described embodiment. Examples of imaging devices according to this embodiment preferably include mirrorless single-lens reflex cameras, but the imaging device according to this embodiment may be various imaging devices such as security cameras, digital still cameras, or medical cameras.

[0038] The camera body includes, for example, an image sensor and a cover glass. The image sensor is an element that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and is, for example, a solid-state image sensor. Examples of solid-state image sensors include CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensors and CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensors.

[0039] The imaging device of this embodiment may include further optical elements in the lens unit other than the optical configuration described above, to the extent that the effects of the present invention can be obtained and depending on the application of the imaging device. For example, the imaging device may include, as examples of such further optical elements, parallel flat plates that have no substantial refractive power and infrared cut filters (IRCFs).

[0040] [Explanation of specific details] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below, using the focusing function in a lens unit as an example.

[0041] In the following description, the lens unit has multiple lens groups. These lens groups include a focusing lens group that moves along the optical axis when focusing. The lens barrel of the lens unit is equipped with an MF ring that can be rotated by the user. The focusing lens group is configured to move in the lens unit from a position where the focus is at infinity (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "infinity position") to a position where the focus is at the nearest (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "nearest position") by rotation of the MF ring. The lens unit is configured such that the focusing lens group moves along the optical axis with a predetermined operating sensitivity according to the rotation direction of the MF ring by electronic control.

[0042] Furthermore, in the following description, the lens unit has a CPU as the control unit mentioned above. The lens unit also has, as appropriate, switches or connectors or other configurations for performing the setting process or inputting setting values, depending on the nature of the processing or input.

[0043] Here, the operating sensitivity of the MF ring will be explained based on Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an MF ring with an operating sensitivity of 90°, and Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an MF ring with an operating sensitivity of 270°. The 12 o'clock position on the MF ring corresponds to the position on the optical axis within the lens unit of the focusing lens group where the focus position is at infinity. Furthermore, when the MF ring is rotated clockwise, the focusing lens group moves from the infinity position towards the near end.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, when the operating sensitivity is 90°, rotating the MF ring 90° clockwise moves the focus lens group from the position where the focus is at infinity to the position where the focus is at its closest point. Also, as shown in Figure 2, when the operating sensitivity is 270°, rotating the MF ring 270° clockwise moves the focus lens group from the position where the focus is at infinity to the position where the focus is at its closest point.

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention will be further described below. In the following description of embodiments, the lens unit is a zoom lens having a plurality of lens groups including a focus lens group. The zoom lens is an electrically controlled zoom lens that performs variable magnification electronically, has various rings for manual operation (focus ring (MF ring), zoom ring, and control ring), and further incorporates a CPU corresponding to the control unit described above, and has the aforementioned connection terminals such as a USB terminal. The zoom lens is also configured to be detachably attached to the aforementioned camera body via a mount, and is mounted on the camera body to constitute the aforementioned imaging device. For the sake of clarity in the following description, components having the same function as those described above will not be repeated.

[0046] [Embodiment 1] In this embodiment, the lens unit has points A and B set between the infinity and near-focus positions within the operating range of the focus lens group, and within this operating range, three intervals are set: between the infinity position and point A, between point A and point B, and between point B and the near-focus position. On the other hand, the operating sensitivity of the MF ring in the lens unit of this embodiment is set to 90° as a default value, and only in the interval between point A and point B (AB interval) the operating sensitivity of the MF ring is set to 270°. As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the operating sensitivity of the MF ring is set to 90° in the infinity-A interval, to 270° in the AB interval, and to 90° in the B-near-focus interval.

[0047] Figure 4 shows an example of the setting process for setting such intervals and operating sensitivity. In step S11, the operating sensitivity of the MF ring is set to 90° for the entire operating range of the focus lens group. Next, in step S12, the position of point A in the operating range is set, and then in step S13, the position of point B in the operating range is set.

[0048] The settings for points A and B can be performed, for example, by using the input buttons provided on the lens unit to input point A from the infinity end, followed by point B. The positions of points A and B at this time may be determined, for example, by the amount of rotation of the MF ring when inputting each point (for example, by a specific rotation angle when one rotation is considered to be the entire operating range). Alternatively, it can be performed by inputting two desired focus positions using an external device such as a smartphone or personal computer, and setting the position of the focus lens group corresponding to each focus position as point A, and the position as close to the near end, followed by point B. Alternatively, with the lens unit attached to the camera body, the settings can be performed by operating the aforementioned input buttons while viewing the display screen on the camera body.

[0049] Next, in step S14, the operation sensitivity of the MF ring in section A and B is set to 270°. The position of each point (each section) and the operation sensitivity set in the setting process are recorded in the CPU, for example. The operation sensitivity can also be set using the aforementioned MF ring, input buttons, external devices, or input devices on the camera body. For example, the user registers points A and B by pressing a button on the lens unit (the first button operation is for point A, the second for point B, etc.). Alternatively, when connected to an external device such as a personal computer, the user sets the operation sensitivity (or shooting distance) between points A and B on that external device.

[0050] The CPU in the lens unit controls the movement of the focus lens group due to the rotation of the MF ring, according to the setting of the operating sensitivity. This operation can be performed, for example, by the CPU referencing the detection of the operating position of the focus lens group and the setting value of the operating sensitivity determined by the setting process, and controlling the operation of the drive mechanism for the focus lens group so that the amount of movement of the focus lens group in relation to the amount of rotation of the MF ring matches the set operating sensitivity.

[0051] Here, we will explain focusing settings using a more specific example. For instance, if you want to focus in the order of subject A - subject B - out of focus, depending on the relative positions, the optimal rotation angle of the MF ring between subject A and subject B may differ from the optimal rotation angle between subject B and out of focus. In that case, if you set the rotation angle of the MF ring to be large (decreased operation sensitivity) to match the position between subject A and B, the amount of rotation of the MF ring required between subject B and out of focus will increase, making it difficult to achieve the desired speed of out-of-focus. Conversely, if you set the rotation angle of the MF ring to be small to match the position between subject B and out of focus, it becomes difficult to perform subtle MF operations between subject A and B.

[0052] Furthermore, in a scene where, for example, two people A and B are talking to each other and a mountain is in the distance, it is necessary to operate the camera so that the focus does not shift away from the speakers during the conversation between person A and person B, and the sensitivity of the operation in this case should be insensitive. On the other hand, when shifting the focus from the conversation between the two people to the mountain, it is necessary to operate the camera so that the focus shift does not lag, and the sensitivity of the operation in this case should be sensitive.

[0053] According to this embodiment, in the lens unit, the focus position changes relatively sensitively between the infinity position and point A, relatively slowly between point A and point B, and relatively sensitively between point B and the closest position, as a result of the user's rotation of the MF ring. With this focus function setting, for example, it is possible to continuously photograph a series of scenes where there are appropriate differences in operating sensitivity between each scene, such as photographing a distant landscape, then quickly focusing on a specific subject closer than the distant landscape and photographing that subject, and then shifting the focus from that subject to a nearby still object and photographing that still object, without changing the operating sensitivity midway through.

[0054] In this embodiment, in addition to points A and B, further points may be set, and the intervals demarcated by these further points and the corresponding operating sensitivities may be further defined.

[0055] [Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 1 described above, the operating sensitivity changes with point A or point B as the boundary. However, from the viewpoint of mitigating such changes in operating sensitivity, a buffer section adjacent to the AB section may be further set, as shown in Figure 5. This embodiment is the same as Embodiment 1 described above, except that point A' is set on the infinity side of point A, point B' is set on the nearest side of point B, and specific operating sensitivities are set for each of the A'-A section and the B-B' section.

[0056] Both the A'-A section and the B-B' section are buffer sections. The setting of the operating sensitivity for buffer sections will be explained using the B-B' section as an example. Buffer sections may be set to the same operating sensitivity as adjacent sections. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the B-B' section, which is a buffer section, may be set to the operating sensitivity of the adjacent AB section (270°) on its infinite end side, or, as shown in Figure 7, the operating sensitivity of the adjacent B-nearest end section (90°) on the nearest end side of the B-B' section may be set.

[0057] The buffer section and its operating sensitivity can be set sequentially from the infinity end, for example, as multiple points and the resulting sections, similar to points A and B in Embodiment 1 described above. Alternatively, after points A and B are set, further buffer sections may be set for points A and B. In this case, the size of the buffer section (the position of point A' relative to point A, or the position of point B' relative to point B) and the operating sensitivity may be set in accordance with the setting of the further buffer sections. The operation process of the focus lens group in each buffer section can be performed in the same way as in the AB section in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0058] When the operating sensitivity for the B-B' section is set to the same operating sensitivity as the AB section (270°), even if the focus position for a specific subject in the AB section moves slightly too far towards the near end from point B, the operating sensitivity for that specific subject in the AB section will continue to be applied. Therefore, for example, even if the focus position for a specific subject in the AB section extends slightly beyond the AB section, the appropriate operating sensitivity for that specific subject will be applied, allowing the user to take comfortable shots regardless of slight deviations. Setting such a buffer section is suitable when the scene ends in the AB section, or when a specific subject in the AB section moves slightly.

[0059] When the operating sensitivity of the B-nearest end section (90°) is set as the operating sensitivity of the B-B' section, the change in the operating sensitivity on the B point side in the AB section is the same as in Embodiment 1 described above. Setting such a buffer section is suitable when the scene continues to move further toward the near end from the AB section, or when a particular subject in the AB section is fixed or moves only slightly, and it is desirable to further emphasize the change in the image that focuses on the near end.

[0060] Alternatively, in the buffer section, as shown in Figure 8, an operating sensitivity different from that of either of the adjacent sections may be set, for example, an operating sensitivity midway between the operating sensitivities of the two adjacent sections. Setting such a buffer section is effective from the standpoint of preventing unintended images from being captured due to abrupt changes in operating sensitivity, for example, by setting the operating sensitivity of the buffer section to an intermediate value (180°), thereby mitigating the change in operating sensitivity from section AB (270°) to section B'-nearest end (90°).

[0061] Alternatively, in the buffer section, as shown in Figure 9, the operating sensitivity may be set to continuously change toward the operating sensitivity of the respective adjacent sections on both sides. Setting such a buffer section is also effective from the viewpoint of mitigating the change in operating sensitivity, as described above. In addition, for example, when shifting focus from section AB to the near end, the focusing speed increases as you move away from section AB, which is effective from the viewpoint of strengthening the emphasis on defocusing from a specific subject in section AB. Such continuously changing operating sensitivity and its setting will be described later in Embodiment 4.

[0062] In this embodiment, the positions of points A' and B' may be determined by default values ​​for point A or B, determined according to the depth of field at point A or B, or determined arbitrarily by the user.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating sensitivity of the buffer section may be set in conjunction with the rotation direction of the MF ring. For example, in a conversation scene, the focus may move back and forth between point A and point B many times. In this case, for example, when the focus changes from point B to point B', applying the same operating sensitivity to the AB section as to the B-B' buffer section is effective from the viewpoint of preventing unintended changes in operating sensitivity due to deviation from the AB section, and is preferable from the viewpoint of allowing the user to comfortably shoot such scenes. The setting of the operating sensitivity in conjunction with the rotation direction of the MF ring will be described later in Embodiment 3.

[0064] [Embodiment 3] In this embodiment, the operating sensitivity is set only for a certain direction in the AB section, and it is the same as Embodiment 1 described above, except that the positions of points A and B are swapped. In this embodiment, the nearest end is described as point C and the infinite end as point D.

[0065] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the operating sensitivity is set to the default value of 90° throughout the entire operating range. However, in the AB section, the operating sensitivity is set to 270° only in the direction from the nearest end to the infinity end.

[0066] Figure 11 shows an example of the setting process for setting the interval and operating sensitivity in this embodiment. In step S21, the operating sensitivity of the MF ring is set to 90° for the entire operating range of the focus lens group. Next, in step S22, the position of point A in the operating range is set, then in step S23, the position of point B in the operating range is set, and then in step S24, the position of point C in the operating range is set. Each point can be set in the same way as in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0067] Next, in step S25, the operating sensitivity of the MF ring in section AB is set to 270°, and then in step S26, the operating sensitivity of the MF ring in section BC is set to 90°. The setting of the operating sensitivity can also be performed in the same way as in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0068] Next, in step S27, the direction of movement of the focus lens group (F group) to which the operation sensitivity of the MF ring in the AB section is applied is set. This direction of movement can also be set using the aforementioned MF ring, input button, external device, or input device on the camera body.

[0069] Then, the CPU of the lens unit executes an operation process that controls the movement of the focus lens group by the rotation of the MF ring, based on the conditions set in the above setting process. An example of the operation process in this embodiment is shown in Figure 12. In step S31, the CPU determines whether the position of the focus lens group is in the AB section or not.

[0070] If the position of the focus lens group is in the AB section, in step S32 the CPU determines whether the direction of movement of the focus lens group is from point A towards point B.

[0071] If the direction of movement of the focus lens group is from point A to point B, in step S33, the CPU controls the operation sensitivity of the MF ring to the operation sensitivity (270°) set for that direction.

[0072] If the position of the focus lens group is not in the AB section in step S31, in step S34 the CPU determines whether the position of the focus lens group is in the AC section. If the position of the focus lens group is in the AC section, or if the direction of movement of the focus lens group in step S32 is not from point A to point B, in step S35 the CPU controls the operation sensitivity of the MF ring to the operation sensitivity (90°) set for the AB section and BC section in cases other than the above direction.

[0073] If the focus lens group is not in the AC section in step S34, in step S36, the CPU controls the MF ring's operating sensitivity to the default value (90°).

[0074] In video recording, to achieve greater blurring when the focus is off, the focus point is often shifted away from the point of focus on the main subject. As in the settings of this embodiment, when focusing off from a subject that is closer to infinity (for example, people), the focus is often shifted to the near side. This embodiment is preferable from the viewpoint of enhancing the effect of focusing off from specific subjects that are closer to the infinite end.

[0075] [Embodiment 4] In this embodiment, point A is set between the infinity end and the nearest end, and the operation sensitivity is set to change continuously in each of the intervals between the infinity end and point A, and between point A and the nearest end. In this embodiment, the infinity end will be described as point B, and the nearest end as point C.

[0076] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, point A is set at an arbitrary position closer to infinity between the infinity end and the nearest end. The operating sensitivity at infinity (point B) is set to 180°, and the operating sensitivity at point A is set to 270°, so that the operating sensitivity changes linearly and continuously in the AB section. Furthermore, the operating sensitivity at the nearest end (point C) is set to 360°, so that the operating sensitivity also changes linearly and continuously in the AC section.

[0077] Figure 14 shows an example of the setting process for setting the interval and operating sensitivity in this embodiment. In step S41, the position of point A in the operating range is set, in step S42, the position of point B in the operating range is set, and in step S43, the position of point C in the operating range is set. Next, in step S44, the operating sensitivity at point A is set, in step S45, the operating sensitivity at point B is set, and in step S46, the operating sensitivity at point C is set. Each of these points and each operating sensitivity can be set in the same way as the setting of points and operating sensitivity in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0078] Next, in step S47, the mode of change in operation sensitivity in section AB is set, and in step S48, the mode of change in operation sensitivity in section AC is set. The mode of change in operation sensitivity can be set by selecting a specific mode, such as "linear," from various change modes such as "linear" or "non-linear" that are pre-stored in the CPU, for example, by operation from a button on the lens unit, an input device on the camera body to which the lens unit is attached, or an external device such as a smartphone or personal computer connected to the lens unit.

[0079] This embodiment is suitable for shooting images that emphasize the effect of shifting focus, such as when the focus is shifted out at different speeds in stages from the in-focus infinity end towards point A, and from point A towards the nearest end.

[0080] The illustrated configuration shows a linear change in operation sensitivity, but setting a non-linear change can be effective in adding a sense of speed to the focus shift or in adding subtle nuances to the expression. An example of a video with this effect is one where the main subject is at point A, and the focus is shifted in from infinity towards point A, and then shifted out from point A towards the nearest focus.

[0081] [Other Embodiments] In the embodiments described above, intervals are defined by the position of the optical element within the operating range of the optical element. This configuration of defining intervals is advantageous in that multiple operating sensitivities can be set independently of the order of operations using the operating ring, as long as the intervals do not overlap. On the other hand, the present invention may include other embodiments other than those described above, as long as the effects of the present invention can be obtained.

[0082] For example, in the present invention, two or more intervals within the operating range of the optical element may be set in the setting process according to the state of operation of the operating ring. For example, in the setting process, the operating sensitivity may be set independently according to the number of rotations in a series of movements of the operating ring. The number of rotations in a series can be determined, for example, by the elapsed time (n seconds after) after the rotation of the operating ring stops. By setting each rotation in a series of movements of the operating ring as an interval within the operating range of the optical element in this way, it becomes possible to operate the optical element with different operating sensitivities depending on the first operation of the operating ring and the second operation of the operating ring, in other words, to switch the operating sensitivity depending on "which ring operation it is". This embodiment is advantageous when photographing a specific subject and it is difficult to determine the shooting distance of the subject in advance. For example, it is advantageous when photographing a scene in which a subject that has moved to an arbitrary shooting distance stops in place for a certain period of time and then moves again (for example, a scene in which an actor who has been walking stops and does something and then goes out of focus).

[0083] Furthermore, in the above configuration, it is preferable that the control unit can perform a restart process in the middle of a set section, which restarts the operation process from the beginning of the set section and the operating sensitivity. Such a restart process is preferable because, if the user wants to restart shooting of that scene from the beginning, it is possible to restart shooting with the previously set section and operating sensitivity, thus saving the trouble of redoing the setting process. The restart process can be performed by the control unit temporarily storing the contents of the setting process in a memory unit and then reading it. The restart process can also be performed, for example, by the user pressing a reset button provided on the lens unit, or by a specific operation of another function button or switch (for example, by long-pressing).

[0084] Furthermore, in this invention, only two or more different operating sensitivities and their order are set in the setting process, and in the operation process, the set operating sensitivities may be changed in the set order in response to a specific input signal from the user. The input signal may be output to the control unit when the user performs a specific operation (e.g., long press or double press) of a button or switch provided on the lens unit. Alternatively, the input signal may be a specific signal (e.g., a signal specifying the object distance) from an external device (e.g., a smartphone) connected to the lens unit. This configuration is preferable from the viewpoint of saving effort in setting and from the viewpoint of being able to perform shooting in response to the conditions of the shooting site, since the interval in the operating range of the optical element is not set in advance.

[0085] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, when the optical element moves across the boundary of a section, the operating sensitivity may be returned to the operating sensitivity set for that section by rotating the operating ring in the reverse direction by the same amount as the forward rotation. In this configuration, if the user accidentally rotates the operating ring too far, it is possible to return to the operating sensitivity set for that section by rotating the operating ring in the reverse direction by the same amount. Therefore, the user can intuitively adjust the operating sensitivity by rotating the operating ring during shooting, which is preferable from the viewpoint of maintaining user comfort during shooting.

[0086] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the control unit may, in the operation process, apply a specific operating sensitivity regardless of the operating sensitivity set for a given section if the optical element moves beyond that section. In this configuration, for example, if the specific operating sensitivity is set to 0°, the operation of the optical element due to excessive rotation of the operating ring is effectively disabled. Therefore, this configuration is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing changes in operating sensitivity due to excessive rotation (erroneous operation) of the operating ring by the user and maintaining comfortable shooting conditions for the user.

[0087] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, a hysteresis width may be set at the boundary of the set interval. In this configuration, for example, the operation sensitivity switches at the interval boundary when the operating ring is rotated in the forward direction, and the operation sensitivity switches according to the set hysteresis width when the rotation is reversed. This configuration is suitable when operation in the forward rotation direction is given higher priority in imaging. This configuration produces the same imaging effect as when the operation sensitivity of the buffer interval described above is set according to the rotation direction of the operating ring (direction of movement of the optical element), and is advantageous in that it simplifies the setting process compared to that case.

[0088] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment uses a physical operating ring as the operating mechanism for manipulating the optical element, in the present invention, the operating mechanism only needs to be capable of manipulating the optical element, and can be an electronic operating part (such as a slider on a smartphone) as well as a physical ring. Such an operating part may be, for example, an operable user interface (UI) displayed on a touch panel, and the touch panel may be integrally configured with the lens unit, or it may be configured to communicate with the lens unit by wire or wireless connection.

[0089] 〔summary〕 As is clear from the above explanation, in the present invention, if the operating range interval of the optical element and the corresponding operating sensitivity are set in advance, it is unnecessary to set the operating sensitivity during shooting each time the operating sensitivity changes. Thus, in the present invention, multiple application intervals for the operating sensitivity can be arbitrarily specified, and multiple operating sensitivities can be applied in a series of operations of the optical element without having to readjust the settings for each operating sensitivity.

[0090] A first aspect of the present invention is a lens unit (zoom lens) comprising: a lens optical system including an optical element to be operated (focus lens group); an operable operating unit (MF ring) that operates the optical element according to the amount of operation to change the action of the optical element in the lens optical system; a setting process that sets two or more sections in the operating range of the optical element in which the optical element acts in the lens optical system, and two or more different operating sensitivities of the operating unit corresponding to each of the two or more sections; and an operation process that operates the optical element in the section set by the setting process with the operating sensitivity set by the setting process in response to operation of the operating unit to change the action of the optical element. According to the first aspect, a lens unit can be provided that allows the operating sensitivity of the optical element to be changed during shooting without interrupting shooting.

[0091] A second aspect of the present invention is that, in the first aspect, the boundaries of two or more sections are set by the position of the optical element within the operating range of the optical element. The second aspect is even more effective in that it enables continuous shooting of two or more scenes in which different actions of the optical element are required, with an appropriate operating sensitivity for each scene, without changing the operating sensitivity (interrupting shooting).

[0092] A third aspect of the present invention is that, in the first or second aspect, the operating sensitivity remains unchanged in response to changes in the operation of the optical element in at least one of two or more intervals. The third aspect is even more effective in terms of achieving shooting with an appropriate operating sensitivity depending on the subject.

[0093] A fourth aspect of the present invention is that, in any of the first to third aspects, the operation sensitivity is set in a setting process in conjunction with the direction of change in the action of the optical element in at least one of two or more intervals. The fourth aspect is even more effective in terms of capturing a specific subject with a suitable operation sensitivity following the capture of the image effect caused by the change in the action of the optical element.

[0094] A fifth aspect of the present invention is that, in any of the first to fourth aspects, the operating sensitivity to changes in the operation of the optical element is variable in at least one of two or more intervals. The fifth aspect is even more effective in terms of achieving shooting that produces image effects due to changes in the operation of the optical element in a set interval.

[0095] A sixth aspect of the present invention is that, in any of the first to fifth aspects, two or more sections further include a buffer section adjacent to at least one of the sections, and when the operating sensitivity set in the section adjacent to the buffer section is taken as the reference operating sensitivity, the operating sensitivity of the buffer section is set in the setting process to change to or gradually change to the reference operating sensitivity. The sixth aspect is even more effective from the viewpoint of maintaining or improving the user's comfort of video recording.

[0096] A seventh aspect of the present invention is that, in any of the first to sixth aspects, the optical element is a group of focus lenses and the operating part is a manual focus ring. The seventh aspect is even more effective in terms of enabling the shooting of videos with superior focus effect.

[0097] An eighth aspect of the present invention is an imaging device comprising a lens unit according to any of the first to seventh aspects, and an image sensor on the image plane side of the lens unit that converts the optical image formed by the lens unit into an electrical signal. According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to provide an imaging device that allows the operation sensitivity of the optical sensor to be changed during shooting without interrupting the shooting process.

[0098] According to the present invention described above, it is possible to change the operating sensitivity of the optical element during video recording using an imaging device without interrupting the recording process. The present invention, which achieves such effects, is expected to contribute to achieving, for example, Goal 9 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0099] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lens optical system including the optical element to be operated on, An operable operating unit that operates the optical element according to the amount of operation to change the action of the optical element in the lens optical system, A control unit that performs a setting process for setting two or more intervals in the operating range of the optical element in which the optical element acts, and two or more different operating sensitivities of the operating unit corresponding to each of the two or more intervals, and an operation process that changes the action of the optical element by operating the optical element in the interval set in the setting process with the operating sensitivity set in the setting process in response to operation of the operating unit, A lens unit equipped with the following features.

2. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the boundaries of the two or more sections are set by the position of the optical element within the operating range of the optical element.

3. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the operating sensitivity remains unchanged in response to changes in the operation of the optical element in at least one of the two or more sections.

4. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein in at least one of the two or more sections, the operation sensitivity is set in the setting process in accordance with the direction of change in the action of the optical element.

5. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the operating sensitivity is variable in response to changes in the operation of the optical element in at least one of the two or more sections.

6. The two or more sections mentioned above further include a buffer section adjacent to at least one of those sections, When the operating sensitivity set in the section adjacent to the buffer section is taken as the reference operating sensitivity, the operating sensitivity of the buffer section is set in the setting process to either reach the reference operating sensitivity or gradually change towards the reference operating sensitivity. The lens unit according to claim 1.

7. The lens unit according to claim 1, wherein the optical element is a group of focus lenses and the operating part is a manual focus ring.

8. An imaging device comprising a lens unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and an image sensor on the image plane side of the lens unit that converts an optical image formed by the lens unit into an electrical signal.

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