Lens device, imaging device, and flange back correction method

Abstract

The present invention provides a lens device capable of suppressing the deterioration of focusing quality caused by changes in flange back distance for multiple optical systems configured in parallel with each other. [Solution] The lens device is a lens device that can be attached to and detached from a camera device equipped with one image sensor, and has a first optical system and a second optical system that have different optical axes and are configured in parallel with each other, the first optical system has a first focus unit for adjusting focus, the second optical system has a second focus unit for adjusting focus, and is characterized by having a communication unit that receives flange back information relating to a first flange back for the first optical system and a second flange back for the second optical system in the camera device, and a control unit that controls the driving of at least one of the first focus unit and the second focus unit based on the flange back information.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lens device, an imaging device, and a flange-back correction method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a lens device that can be attached to an imaging device having one imaging element and can capture a stereoscopic image is known. In the lens device, two image circles formed by two optical systems arranged in parallel on one imaging element are imaged in parallel. For example, in Patent Document 1, a small lens device capable of obtaining a natural three-dimensional feeling by appropriately setting the baseline length, which is the distance between the optical axes of the first optical system and the second optical system, has been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there are different inclinations of the imaging element for each imaging device to which the lens device is connected. In the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, in the first optical system and the second optical system, the positions where the image circles are imaged on the imaging element are different. Due to the different inclinations of the imaging elements for each imaging device, the flange-back, which is the distance from the mount surface of the imaging device to the sensor surface of the imaging element, is different between the first optical system and the second optical system. Therefore, in the first optical system and the second optical system, the focus quality is likely to deteriorate during zoom operation and focusing adjustment.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to correct the respective flange-backs for the first optical system and the second optical system in consideration of the inclination of the imaging element.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide a lens device capable of suppressing the deterioration of focusing quality caused by changes in flange back distance for multiple optical systems configured in parallel with each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the lens device of the present disclosure is a lens device that can be attached to and detached from a camera device equipped with one image sensor, and comprises a first optical system and a second optical system having different optical axes and configured in parallel with each other, wherein the first optical system has a first focusing unit for adjusting focus, and the second optical system has a second focusing unit for adjusting focus, and comprises a communication unit that receives flange back information relating to a first flange back for the first optical system and a second flange back for the second optical system in the camera device, and a control unit that controls the driving of at least one of the first focusing unit and the second focusing unit based on the flange back information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a lens device that can suppress the deterioration of focusing quality caused by changes in the flange back of multiple optical systems configured in parallel with each other. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the imaging device including the lens device according to Example 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows the flange backs of the first optical system and the second optical system in the lens device according to Example 1. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart for correcting the flange back distances of the first optical system and the second optical system in the lens device according to Example 1. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart for correcting the flange back of the first and second optical systems, taking into account the baseline length, in the lens device according to Example 1. [Figure 5]This is a flowchart for correcting the flange back of the first optical system and the second optical system, considering an imaging device including a lens device according to Example 1. [Figure 6] This is a configuration diagram of an imaging device including a lens device according to Example 2. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart for correcting the flange back distances of the first and second optical systems in the lens device according to Example 2. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart for correcting the flange back distance considering temperature in the lens device according to Example 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Examples]

[0011] Figure 1 shows an imaging device including a lens device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The imaging device consists of a lens device 100 and a camera device 200 to which the lens device 100 is detachably mounted. The lens device 100 and the camera device 200 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount (not shown), and power supply and mutual communication between the lens device and the camera device are performed via terminals (communication unit) provided on the mount. The lens device 100 is a zoom lens with a variable focal length that forms an optical image of a subject on one of the image sensors 201 of the camera device 200, and has a first optical system 101R and a second optical system 101L that have different optical axes and different image formation positions and are arranged in parallel with each other.

[0012] The first optical system 101R consists of a first variable magnification lens (first zoom section) 102R, a first aperture diaphragm (not shown), and a first focusing lens (first focusing section) 104R. The second optical system 101L consists of a second variable magnification lens (second zoom section) 102L, a second aperture diaphragm (not shown), and a second focusing lens (second focusing section) 104L. By operating the zoom operation unit 105, the first variable magnification lens 102R and the second variable magnification lens 102L can be driven in the optical axis direction to change the focal length of the lens device 100. The zoom operation unit 105 can be configured by a mechanism that manually moves the zoom lens like a zoom ring or a mechanism that is electrically moved by an actuator.

[0013] The zoom position detection unit 108 is a position sensor for detecting the positions of the first variable magnification lens 102R and the second variable magnification lens 102L, and outputs a detection signal to the lens control unit 106. The first aperture stop and the second aperture stop include aperture blades, and the amount of light is adjusted by moving the aperture blades via an actuator by an aperture drive unit.

[0014] The first focus lens 104R is moved in the optical axis direction via an actuator by the first focus drive unit 110R to adjust the focusing state of the first optical system 101R. The second focus lens 104L is moved in the optical axis direction via an actuator by the second focus drive unit 110L to adjust the focusing state of the second optical system 101L.

[0015] As the actuator, a stepping motor can be adopted. The stepping motor has a lead screw as an output shaft, and a rack that meshes with a holding frame that holds the focus lens is attached. With this configuration, when the stepping motor rotates, the focus lens is driven in the optical axis direction.

[0016] The first focus origin detection unit 111R detects a reference position for position control of the first focus lens 104R. The detection signal of the first focus origin detection unit 111R is output to the lens control unit 106. The first focus origin detection unit 111R is composed of a photo interrupter. As the first focus lens 104R is driven, the light shielding plate moves, and the output level of the photo interrupter changes. Based on the change in the output level, the lens control unit 106 determines the origin position that serves as a reference for controlling the first focus lens 104R.

[0017] As the timing for determining the origin position, for example, when the imaging device is activated, the first focus lens 104R is driven, and the lens control unit 106 detects a change in the signal of the first focus origin detection unit 111R. By detecting the change in the signal, the lens control unit 106 determines the origin position that serves as a reference for controlling the first focus lens 104R.

[0018] The second focus origin detection unit 111L detects a position that serves as a reference for position control of the second focus lens 104L. The principle of the operation for determining the origin position that serves as a reference for controlling the second focus lens 104L is the same as that of the operation for determining the origin position of the first focus lens 104R described above.

[0019] The lens control unit 106 is a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The lens control unit 106 transmits drive command values to the aperture drive unit (not shown), the first focus drive unit 110R, and the second focus drive unit 110L, and controls the driving of the first aperture, the second aperture, the first focus lens 104R, and the second focus lens 104L. Also, by communicating with the camera device 200, information of the camera device 200 can be acquired.

[0020] The memory (storage unit) 112 is a storage means composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. In the memory 112, typical information such as electronic camera data and adjustment value information necessary for zoom tracking control to maintain the focus state accompanying the zoom magnification operation is stored.

[0021] The lens control unit 106 controls the first focus drive unit 110R and the second focus drive unit 110L based on the electronic camera data held in the memory 112 according to the zoom position detected by the zoom position detection unit 108. Furthermore, memory 112 also stores optical information and individual adjustment values ​​necessary for driving the first aperture diaphragm, second aperture diaphragm, first focus lens 104R, and second focus lens 104L.

[0022] The camera device 200 consists of an image sensor 201, a signal processing unit 202, a recording processing unit 203, a defocus detection unit 206, a camera control unit 207, a memory (storage unit) 208, an electronic viewfinder 204, and a display unit 205. The image sensor 201 receives light from the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L, generates an electrical signal by photoelectric conversion, and transmits it to the signal processing unit 202. The image sensor 201 has pixels for imaging as well as pixels for detecting the focus position (not shown).

[0023] The signal processing unit 202 converts the electrical signal from the image sensor 201 into a digital signal. Furthermore, the signal processing unit 202 performs various image processing on the digital signal, such as noise reduction and color correction, and transmits the image data to the recording processing unit 203.

[0024] The recording processing unit 203 displays the input image data on the electronic viewfinder 204 and the display unit 205. The defocus detection unit 206 detects the phase difference between the signals of a pair of subject images obtained by light incident on the focus detection pixels of the image sensor 201 via a microlens that performs pupil division. The amount of defocus is determined by the detected phase difference and the amount of defocus is output to the camera control unit 207.

[0025] The camera control unit 207 is a processing unit with a CPU and is electrically connected to the recording processing unit 203, the defocus detection unit 206, and the memory 208. The camera control unit 207 reads and executes the program stored in the memory 208. The camera control unit 207 also communicates information necessary for autofocus control with the lens control unit 106. Furthermore, the camera control unit 207 controls the camera device 200 in response to inputs from the camera operation unit, such as a shooting switch and various setting switches (not shown). Memory 208 stores individual identification information such as the serial number and information related to the flange back, which will be described later. The flange back is the distance from the mounting surface of the camera device to the sensor surface of the image sensor.

[0026] Next, Figure 2 will be used to explain the tilt of the image sensor 201 and the difference in flange back distance between the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L. The first optical axis 114R indicates the optical axis of the first optical system 101R of the lens device 100. The second optical axis 114L indicates the optical axis of the second optical system 101L of the lens device 100.

[0027] The image sensor side mount 210 of the camera device 200 is coupled to the lens device side mount 113 of the lens device 100. During the assembly of the camera device 200, the image sensor 201 is tilted relative to its design position due to manufacturing errors. In the imaging device of this embodiment, the first optical axis 114R of the first optical system 101R and the second optical axis 114L of the second optical system 101L intersect the imaging plane of the image sensor 201 at different positions in the optical axis direction.

[0028] Therefore, due to the tilt of the image sensor 201, the flange back distance with respect to the first optical system 101R (first flange back distance) and the flange back distance with respect to the second optical system 101L (second flange back distance) are different from each other. Hereinafter, the first flange back distance and the second flange back distance are defined as the distance between the mount surface and the image sensor on the optical axis of the first optical system 101R (first optical axis 114R) and the optical axis of the first optical system 101R (second optical axis 114L), respectively.

[0029] Furthermore, the flange back distances for the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L differ for each individual camera device 200. The memory 208 stores the deviation of the flange back distances for the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L from the design value (reference value) as adjustment amounts (flange back information: first adjustment amount, second adjustment amount).

[0030] This adjustment amount allows the flange back distances of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L of the lens system 100 to be corrected to correspond to each camera system 200 to which the lens system 100 is attached. Specifically, by offsetting the origin position of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L by the amount of the flange back adjustment, the deterioration of the focusing quality during zoom tracking control (driving) of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L can be suppressed (reduced).

[0031] Zoom tracking control is performed based on electronic cam data according to the zoom position and subject distance. At that time, due to the deviation from the flange back design value, the focus distance deviates from the design value, resulting in a deviation from the focus position of the electronic cam data that should be there. In this embodiment, by controlling the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L while considering the effect of the tilt of the image sensor 201 of each camera device 200, the deterioration of focus quality (deviation of focus position) during zoom tracking control of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L can be suppressed (reduced).

[0032] Figure 3 shows the control flow for correcting the adjustment amount when the camera device 200 is powered on and started up, with the lens device 100 attached to the camera device 200. In S301, the camera control unit 207 detects that the lens device 100 is attached. Detection can be performed, for example, by sending and receiving signals via terminals provided on the mounts of the lens device 100 and the camera device 200, by a mechanical switch, a non-contact proximity switch, etc. In S302, the camera control unit 207 and the lens control unit 106 begin communication with each other and perform the operations and data communication necessary for startup.

[0033] In S303, the camera control unit 207 transmits (outputs) the adjustment amount (flange back information) of the flange backs of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L, which is stored in the memory 208, to the lens control unit 106 of the lens device 100. In S304, the lens control unit 106 offsets the reference position for focus control of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L by the flange back adjustment amount received in S303 (control step).

[0034] As described above, by taking into account the tilt of the image sensor 201 and adjusting the flange back to suit the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L respectively, it is possible to suppress (reduce) the deterioration of focusing quality (shift in focus position) during zoom tracking control of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L.

[0035] Furthermore, the lens device 100 may be configured to pre-store information on the flange back adjustment amount in its memory 112 before being mounted on the camera device 200. In that case, the difference between the flange back adjustment amount obtained from the newly mounted camera device 200 and the stored flange back adjustment amount can be used as the drive amount to drive the first focus drive unit 110R and the second focus drive unit 110L.

[0036] Next, we will explain the case where the lens device 100 is a lens device with a variable baseline length. The baseline length is the width (distance) between the first optical axis 117R, which is the optical axis of the first optical system 101R on the subject side in Figure 1, and the second optical axis 117L, which is the optical axis of the second optical system 101L. As the baseline length changes, the first optical axis 114R of the first optical system 101R and the second optical axis 114L of the second optical system 101L in Figure 2 also change, so the imaging position of the image sensor 201 of the camera device 200 also changes with the change in baseline length. For this reason, it is necessary to change the amount of flange back adjustment that takes into account the tilt of the image sensor 201 of the camera device 200 as the baseline length changes.

[0037] The lens device 100 includes a baseline length operation unit (not shown) (baseline length changing unit), which is an operation unit for changing the baseline length, and a baseline length detection unit (not shown) for detecting (measuring) the baseline length. The baseline length operated by the baseline length operation unit is detected by the baseline length detection unit, and the detected signal is output to the lens control unit 106, thereby allowing the lens control unit 106 to acquire the baseline length.

[0038] Referring to Figure 4, the control flow for correcting the adjustment amount when powering on a camera device 200 equipped with a variable baseline length lens device will be explained. In S401, the camera control unit 207 detects that the lens device 100 is attached to the camera device 200. In S402, the camera control unit 207 and the lens control unit 106 begin communication with each other and perform the necessary operations and data communication for startup.

[0039] In S403, the camera control unit 207 obtains the baseline length value of the lens device 100 from the lens control unit 106. In S404, the camera control unit 207 obtains the adjustment amount of the flange back of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L corresponding to the baseline length acquired in S403 from the memory 208 and transmits it to the lens control unit 106.

[0040] In S405, the lens control unit 106 offsets the reference position for focus control of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L by the flange back adjustment amount received in S404 (control step).

[0041] As described above, by obtaining the amount of flange back adjustment corresponding to the baseline length, it is possible to suppress (reduce) the deterioration of focusing quality (shift in focus position) during zoom tracking control of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L due to changes in flange back caused by changes in baseline length.

[0042] Furthermore, the baseline length can be changed by the user operating the baseline length control unit of the lens device 100 via the camera device 200 or directly. If the camera device 200 detects a change in baseline length while in operation, the camera control unit 207 transmits the amount of flange back adjustment corresponding to the changed baseline length to the lens control unit 106. Alternatively, the lens control unit 106 may obtain tilt information of the image sensor 201 from the camera control unit 207 and calculate the flange back adjustment amount according to the baseline length, without the camera control unit 207 receiving the flange back adjustment amount according to the changed baseline length. By obtaining the tilt information of the image sensor 201 from the camera control unit 207 in advance, the flange back adjustment amount can be obtained without communication each time the baseline length is changed.

[0043] Next, using Figure 5, we will explain how to adjust the flange back when the camera device 200, which has been mounted once, is reattached to the lens device 100. If the camera device 200 has been installed before, the flange back adjustment amount can be adjusted using data stored in the lens device 100's memory 112, associated with the camera device 200's individual identification information, without having to retrieve the adjustment amount from the camera device 200 again.

[0044] In S501, the camera device 200 detects that the lens device 100 is attached. In S502, the camera control unit 207 and the lens control unit 106 initiate communication with each other and perform the operations and data communication necessary for startup.

[0045] In S503, the camera control unit 207 transmits individual identification information of the camera device 200 to the lens control unit 106. In S504, the lens control unit 106 determines, based on the individual identification information acquired in S503, whether the currently installed camera device 200 is a camera device 200 that has been installed in the past. If it is a camera device 200 that has been installed in the past, the process proceeds to S505; otherwise, the process proceeds to S506.

[0046] In S505, the adjustment amount of the flange back of the camera device 200 corresponding to the individual identification information stored in memory 112 is obtained, and the reference position for focus control of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L is offset by that adjustment amount (control step).

[0047] In S506, the lens control unit 106 acquires the adjustment amount of the flange back of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L stored in the memory 208 of the camera device 200, and stores it in the memory 112 of the lens device 100 along with individual identification information.

[0048] In S507, the lens control unit 106 retrieves the flange back adjustment amount stored in the memory 112 and proceeds to S505.

[0049] As described above, by storing individual identification information and flange back adjustment amount within the lens device 100, the stored information can be used once the camera device 200 has been installed, thus reducing startup time.

[0050] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a lens device that can suppress the deterioration of focusing quality during zoom operation and focusing adjustment caused by changes in flange back in multiple optical systems configured in parallel with each other. [Examples]

[0051] Figure 6 shows an imaging device including a lens device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Since the camera device 200 is the same as in Example 1, a detailed explanation will be omitted. The lens device 600 is a fixed focal length single-focus lens that forms an optical image of a subject on one of the image sensors 201 of the camera device 200, and has a first optical system 601R and a second optical system 601L that have different optical axes and different image formation positions and are arranged in parallel with each other.

[0052] The first optical system 601R comprises a first aperture diaphragm (not shown) and a first focusing lens (first focusing section) 604R. The second optical system 601L comprises a second aperture diaphragm (not shown) and a second focusing lens (second focusing section) 604L. The first and second aperture diaphragms are composed of aperture blades (not shown), and the amount of light is adjusted by moving the blades via an actuator using an aperture drive unit.

[0053] The lens device 600 of Embodiment 2 includes a second driven element 616A that is driven to adjust the focus during normal shooting, and a first driven element 616R that is driven to adjust the back focus when not shooting. The second driven unit 616A includes the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L, and moves integrally in the optical axis direction via an actuator by the focus drive unit 610A to adjust the focus state of the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L. During shooting, the second driven unit 616A is driven by a focus drive signal based on focus information from the image formed by the second optical system 601L from the camera device 200 to which the lens device 600 is attached, and the focus distance of the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L changes.

[0054] Furthermore, the first driven unit 616R consists of the first optical system 601R and is moved in the optical axis direction via an actuator by the first focus drive unit 610R, allowing the focus state of the first optical system 601R to be adjusted by manual operation. The first driven unit 616R is driven by manual operation when not taking images. By driving the first driven unit 616R, only the first optical system 601R is offset relative to the second optical system 601L, allowing the difference in flange back between the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L to be adjusted.

[0055] In the lens device 600 of Embodiment 2, the second driven unit 616A is adjusted to be in focus with the subject based on a drive command to the lens device 600 from the camera device 200's focus control. More specifically, the second driven element 616A is driven to bring the image produced by the second optical system 601L into focus, based on the focusing information for the second optical system 601L. The second driven element 616A can also be driven manually.

[0056] There is a difference in the flange back distance between the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L due to the tilt of the image sensor 201. Therefore, in the focusing operation that drives the second driven unit 616A based on the focusing information for the second optical system 601L, the first optical system 601R is not necessarily in focus. To compensate for the difference in flange back distance between the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L due to the tilt of the image sensor of the camera device 200, the first driven unit 616R is offset by the difference to adjust the focus state of the first optical system 601R.

[0057] By adjusting the difference in flange back distance between the two optical systems when not shooting, and then driving the second driven unit 616A based on the focusing information for the second optical system 601L when shooting, focusing control during shooting can be performed more simply and quickly.

[0058] A stepping motor can be used as the actuator to drive the second driven body 616A and the first driven body 616R. When the stepping motor rotates, the reduction mechanism of the gear unit rotates the cam cylinder, and the second driven body 616A and the first driven body 616R, which are engaged with the cam, move in the optical axis direction, allowing for focus adjustment.

[0059] The focus origin detection unit 611A detects a reference position for controlling the position of the second driven body 616A. The focus origin detection unit 611R detects a reference position for controlling the position of the first driven body 616R. The method for detecting the reference position in the focus origin detection unit 611A and the focus origin detection unit 611R is the same as in Embodiment 1, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0060] The lens control unit 606 is a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The lens control unit 606 transmits drive command values ​​to the aperture drive unit, focus drive unit 610A, and first focus drive unit 610R, and controls the driving of the first aperture diaphragm, second aperture diaphragm, second driven element 616A, and first driven element 616R. It can also acquire information from the camera device 200 by communicating with the camera device 200.

[0061] Memory 612 is a storage means composed of ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Memory 612 stores optical information necessary for driving the first aperture diaphragm, the second aperture diaphragm, the second driven body 616A, and the first driven body 616R, as well as flange back adjustment values ​​specific to each camera device.

[0062] For example, during the manufacturing of the lens device 600, there is a process to adjust the focus position of the first optical system 601R, and the amount of flange back adjustment of the camera device 200 used in that adjustment process is stored in the memory 612 of the lens device 600. This allows the flange back to be adjusted by relative adjustment from the state in which the flange back was adjusted with respect to the camera device 200 attached during the focus position adjustment during manufacturing.

[0063] Furthermore, as will be described later, when the camera device 200 is attached to the lens device 600, the lens device 600 obtains the flange back adjustment amount from the camera device 200 and stores it in the memory 612.

[0064] In the lens device 600 of this embodiment, during normal shooting, focusing is performed by the second driven element 616A based on focusing information related to the second optical system 601L. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a state in which the flange back of the first optical system 601R of the lens device 600 is adjusted based on the difference in the flange back of the camera device 200 at the optical axis positions of the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L.

[0065] The lens device 600 acquires the difference in flange back distance of the camera device 200 at the optical axis positions of the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L from the camera device 200 as an adjustment amount (flange back information) and stores it in the memory 612. The lens control unit 606 may receive the respective flange back values ​​at the two optical axis positions, or the difference between them, or the amount of change in that difference from the camera control unit 207, and adjust the flange back distance of the first optical system 601R based on that.

[0066] The difference in the amount of flange back adjustment due to the tilt of the image sensor 201 of the camera device 200 relative to the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L is the same as in Example 1, so the explanation is omitted.

[0067] Next, we will explain the adjustment of the flange back. In particular, we will explain it for the first optical system 601R. As described above, in the lens device 600 of Embodiment 2, the second driven element 616A is driven to bring the image produced by the second optical system 601L into focus based on the focusing information for the second optical system 601L. Ideally, it is desirable that both the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L be in focus through the focusing operation driven by the second driven element 616A. However, because there are differences in the flange back distance between the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L due to the tilt of the image sensor 201 which differs for each camera device 200, the first optical system 601R is not always in focus. Therefore, the first driven unit 616R is driven to adjust the focus state of the first optical system 601R in order to compensate for the difference in flange back distance between the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L, which corresponds to the tilt of the image sensor of the camera device 200 mounted on the lens device 600.

[0068] Therefore, the difference in flange back distance of the camera device 200 at the optical axis positions of the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L is obtained for both the camera device 200 that was previously installed and the newly installed camera device 200. The data to be obtained may be the respective flange back distances of the camera device 200 at the optical axis positions of the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L, or the difference between them, or the amount of change in that difference, as described above.

[0069] Based on the difference in flange back distance of the camera device 200 at the optical axis position of the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L between the previously installed camera device 200 and the newly installed camera device 200, the first optical system 601R is driven to correct the flange back distance. When the user replaces the camera device 200, this control is performed automatically, eliminating the need to manually drive the first driven element 616R to adjust the focus of the first optical system 601R, or reducing the frequency of such adjustments.

[0070] Figure 7 shows the control flow for correcting the flange back adjustment amount when the camera device 200 is powered on and started up with the lens device 600 attached to the camera device 200.

[0071] In the lens device 600, the adjustment amount of the flange back can be corrected by driving at least one of the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L. Here, we will describe the case in which the correction is made by driving the first optical system 601R.

[0072] In S701, the camera device 200 detects that the lens device 600 is attached.

[0073] In S702, the camera control unit 207 and the lens control unit 606 initiate communication and perform the operations and data communication necessary for startup. In S703, the camera control unit 207 transmits the adjustment amount of the flange back of the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L, which is stored in memory 208, to the lens control unit 606. The lens control unit 606 stores the acquired flange back adjustment amount in memory 612. Here, the flange back adjustment amount is, for example, the difference from the design value of the flange back.

[0074] In S704, the lens control unit 606 obtains from memory 612 the amount of flange back adjustment of another camera device that was installed immediately before the currently installed camera device 200 (the amount of adjustment to which the optical system of the lens device 600 is adjusted at that time).

[0075] In step S705, the lens control unit 606 uses the difference in the flange back adjustment amount acquired in steps S703 and S704 as the drive amount and outputs a drive command to the first focus drive unit 610R to perform corrective drive (control step).

[0076] The amount of flange back adjustment can be the amount of change caused by switching the camera device 200, which is the difference in flange back adjustment amounts between the first optical system 601R and the second optical system 601L. This makes it possible to suppress (reduce) the deterioration of the focusing quality of the first optical system 601R (shift in focus position) in the focusing operation driven by the second driven body 616A based on the focusing information of the second optical system 601L.

[0077] As described above, in Embodiment 2, when the camera device 200 attached to the lens device 600 is changed, the difference in flange back due to the tilt of the image sensor 201, which differs for each camera device 200, can be corrected by driving the first focus drive unit 610R. This control reduces the frequency of manual focus adjustment operations of the first driven body 616R by the user.

[0078] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a lens device that can suppress the deterioration of focusing quality in focusing adjustment caused by changes in flange back in multiple optical systems configured in parallel with each other. [Examples]

[0079] The lens device 100 of Example 3 will now be described. In the lens device 100 of Example 3, unlike the lens device 100 of Example 1, it is possible to control the adjustment of the flange back that takes temperature changes into account, in relation to the flange back that changes with temperature. The basic configuration which is the same as the lens device 100 of Example 1 will not be described, and the characteristic configuration of the lens device 100 of Example 3 will be described.

[0080] The camera device 200 attached to the lens device 100 in Example 3 is equipped with a temperature detection unit (not shown). The temperature detection unit detects the temperature and outputs the detection result to the camera control unit 207. The memory 208 of the camera device 200 stores the relationship between the temperature and the adjustment amount of the flange back of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L.

[0081] Referring to Figure 8, the control flow of the camera device 200, which takes into account the change in the amount of flange back adjustment due to temperature changes, will be explained.

[0082] In S801, the camera control unit 207 detects that the lens device 100 is attached to the camera device 200.

[0083] In S802, the camera control unit 207 and the lens control unit 106 initiate communication with each other and perform the operations and data communication necessary for startup. In S803, the camera control unit 207 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.

[0084] In S804, the camera control unit 207 obtains from memory 208 the amount of flange back adjustment for the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L corresponding to the detected temperature. Alternatively, the camera control unit 207 obtains information (e.g., an estimation formula) necessary to derive the relationship between the temperature and the flange back adjustment amount stored in memory 208, and obtains the amount of flange back adjustment corresponding to the detected temperature. The camera control unit 207 stores the obtained flange back adjustment amount in memory 208 as the flange back adjustment amount (current adjustment amount).

[0085] In S805, the camera control unit 207 outputs the current adjustment amount to the lens control unit 106, and the lens control unit 106 performs flange back correction based on the received current adjustment amount. In S806, the camera control unit 207 acquires the temperature (first temperature) detected by the temperature detection unit after a predetermined time has elapsed. The timing for acquiring the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is not limited to after a predetermined time has elapsed; for example, the temperature may be acquired in response to user input.

[0086] In S807, the camera control unit 207 obtains from memory 208 the amount of flange back adjustment for the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L corresponding to the detected first temperature. Alternatively, the camera control unit 207 obtains information (e.g., an estimation formula) necessary to derive the relationship between temperature and flange back adjustment amount stored in memory 208, and obtains the amount of flange back adjustment corresponding to the first temperature (first adjustment amount).

[0087] In S808, the camera control unit 207 determines whether or not there is a change in the flange back adjustment amount. Here, the determination of whether or not there is a change may be made by obtaining the difference between the first adjustment amount and the current adjustment amount and determining whether or not the difference is greater than a predetermined threshold. If there is a change (if the difference is greater than the threshold), the process proceeds to S809; if there is no change (if the difference is not greater than the threshold), the process proceeds to S810. Here, the predetermined threshold can be determined, for example, based on the depth of field. In step S809, the camera control unit 207 outputs the first adjustment amount to the lens control unit 106, and the lens control unit 106 performs flange back correction based on the received first adjustment amount (control step). Furthermore, the camera control unit 207 updates the first adjustment amount as the current adjustment amount and stores it in the memory 208.

[0088] In S810, the system determines whether or not to continue shooting. If it does, it returns to S806; otherwise, it terminates the process.

[0089] Regarding the specific method for driving the optical system for flange back adjustment in S805 and S809, for example, the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L may be driven as in Example 1, or only one of the optical systems may be driven as in Example 2.

[0090] As described above, by considering the amount of adjustment of the flange back due to temperature changes, it is possible to suppress (reduce) the deterioration of focusing quality (shift in focus position) during zoom tracking control of the first optical system 101R and the second optical system 101L due to temperature changes.

[0091] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a lens device that can suppress the deterioration of focusing quality during zoom operation and focusing adjustment caused by changes in the flange back of each of the multiple optical systems configured in parallel with each other.

[0092] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its essence.

[0093] This disclosure includes the following configurations and methods. (Composition 1) A lens device that can be attached to and detached from a camera device equipped with a single image sensor, It has a first optical system and a second optical system, which have different optical axes and are configured in parallel with each other. The first optical system has a first focusing unit for adjusting the focus, The second optical system has a second focusing unit for adjusting the focus, A communication unit that receives flange back information relating to the first flange back of the first optical system and the second flange back of the second optical system in the camera device, A lens device characterized by having a control unit that controls the driving of at least one of the first focusing unit and the second focusing unit based on the flange back information. (Configuration 2) The first optical system has a first zoom section for changing the focal length, The second optical system has a second zoom section for changing the focal length, The flange back information includes a first adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the first flange back and a second adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the second flange back. The lens device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the drive of the first focus unit based on the first adjustment amount when the first zoom unit is driven, and controls the drive of the second focus unit based on the second adjustment amount when the second zoom unit is driven. (Composition 3) The lens device according to configuration 2, characterized in that the control unit controls the drive of the first focus unit by offsetting the reference position for driving the first focus unit based on the first adjustment amount when the first zoom unit is driven, and controls the drive of the second focus unit by offsetting the reference position for driving the second focus unit based on the second adjustment amount when the second zoom unit is driven. (Composition 4) The control unit performs focusing control by integrally driving the first focus unit and the second focus unit based on the focusing information of the image formed by the second optical system received from the camera device. The lens device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the driving of the first focus unit based on the flange back information. (Composition 5) The lens device according to configuration 4, characterized in that the flange back information is information based on the difference between a first adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the first flange back and a second adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the second flange back. (Composition 6) The lens device according to configuration 4 or 5, characterized in that the first optical system and the second optical system each do not include an optical system that allows for a variable focal length. (Composition 7) It has a baseline length changing section that changes the baseline length, The communication unit outputs the baseline length to the camera device and receives the flange back information corresponding to the baseline length. The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the control unit controls the driving of at least one of the first focus unit and the second focus unit based on the flange back information corresponding to the baseline length. (Composition 8) It has a baseline length changing section that changes the baseline length, The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit acquires information regarding the tilt of the image sensor of the camera device, acquires flange back information based on the information regarding the tilt, and controls the driving of at least one of the first focus unit and the second focus unit based on the acquired flange back information. (Composition 9) The camera device has a storage unit that stores identification information and flange back information associated with the identification information. The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the control unit acquires the flange back information stored in the storage unit based on the identification information of the mounted camera device, and controls the driving of at least one of the first focus unit and the second focus unit based on the acquired flange back information. (Composition 10) The camera device used during the adjustment of the lens device has a storage unit that holds the flange back information, The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the control unit controls the drive of at least one of the first focus unit and the second focus unit based on the difference between the flange back information obtained from the mounted camera device and the flange back information during adjustment. (Composition 11) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that when the lens device is mounted on the camera device and activated, the control unit acquires flange back information from the camera device and controls the driving of at least one of the first focus unit and the second focus unit based on the flange back information. (Composition 12) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the first flange back is the distance from the mounting surface of the camera device connected to the lens device to the image sensor at the position of the optical axis of the first optical system when the lens device is mounted on the camera device, and the second flange back is the distance from the mounting surface to the image sensor at the position of the optical axis of the second optical system when the lens device is mounted on the camera device. (Composition 13) A lens device as described in any one of items 1 to 12, An imaging device comprising a camera device having a first optical system and a second optical system of the lens device, wherein the camera device has a single image sensor that receives an image formed by the lens device, A storage unit that stores the relationship between temperature and the flange back information, A temperature detection unit that detects temperature, The imaging apparatus is characterized in that the control unit acquires flange back information based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit and the relationship, and controls the driving of at least one of the first focus unit and the second focus unit. (Method 1) A flange back correction method for a lens device having a first optical system and a second optical system that are detachable from a camera device equipped with a single image sensor, and which have different optical axes and are configured in parallel with each other, A flange back correction method characterized by including a control step of controlling the drive of at least one of the first focusing unit of the first optical system and the second focusing unit of the second optical system based on flange back information relating to the first flange back of the first optical system and the second flange back of the second optical system in the camera device. (Method 2) The flange back information includes a first adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the first flange back and a second adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the second flange back. The flange back correction method according to Method 1, characterized in that the control step includes a step of controlling the drive of the first focus unit based on a first adjustment amount when a first zoom unit that changes the focal length of the first optical system is driven, and a step of controlling the drive of the second focus unit based on a second adjustment amount when a second zoom unit that changes the focal length of the second optical system is driven. (Method 3) The focusing control in the lens device is performed by integrally driving the first focusing unit and the second focusing unit based on the focusing information of the image formed on the image sensor by the second optical system. The flange back information is information based on the difference between a first adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the first flange back and a second adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the second flange back. The flange back correction method according to Method 1, characterized in that the control step includes a step of controlling the drive of the first focus unit based on the flange back information. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 100 Lens device 101L 2nd optical system 101R 1st optical system 104L Second focus lens (second focus section) 104R First focus lens (first focus section) 106 Lens Control Unit (Control Unit)

Claims

1. A lens device that can be attached to and detached from a camera device equipped with a single image sensor, It has a first optical system and a second optical system, which have different optical axes and are configured in parallel with each other. The first optical system has a first focusing unit for adjusting the focus, The second optical system has a second focusing unit for adjusting the focus, A communication unit that receives flange back information relating to the first flange back of the first optical system and the second flange back of the second optical system in the camera device, A lens device characterized by having a control unit that controls the driving of at least one of the first focusing unit and the second focusing unit based on the flange back information.

2. The first optical system has a first zoom section for changing the focal length, The second optical system has a second zoom section for changing the focal length, The flange back information includes a first adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the first flange back and a second adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the second flange back. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the drive of the first focus unit based on the first adjustment amount when the first zoom unit is driven, and controls the drive of the second focus unit based on the second adjustment amount when the second zoom unit is driven.

3. The lens device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit controls the drive of the first focus unit by offsetting the reference position for driving the first focus unit based on the first adjustment amount when the first zoom unit is driven, and controls the drive of the second focus unit by offsetting the reference position for driving the second focus unit based on the second adjustment amount when the second zoom unit is driven.

4. The control unit performs focusing control by integrally driving the first focus unit and the second focus unit based on the focusing information of the image formed by the second optical system received from the camera device. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the driving of the first focus unit based on the flange back information.

5. The lens device according to claim 4, characterized in that the flange back information is information based on the difference between a first adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the first flange back and a second adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the second flange back.

6. The lens device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first optical system and the second optical system each do not include an optical system that allows for a variable focal length.

7. It has a baseline length changing section that changes the baseline length, The communication unit outputs the baseline length to the camera device and receives the flange back information corresponding to the baseline length. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the driving of at least one of the first focus unit and the second focus unit based on the flange back information corresponding to the baseline length.

8. It has a baseline length changing section that changes the baseline length, The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit acquires information regarding the tilt of the image sensor of the camera device, acquires flange back information based on the tilt information, and controls the driving of at least one of the first focus unit and the second focus unit based on the acquired flange back information.

9. The camera device has a storage unit that stores identification information and flange back information associated with the identification information. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit acquires the flange back information stored in the storage unit based on the identification information of the mounted camera device, and controls the driving of at least one of the first focus unit and the second focus unit based on the acquired flange back information.

10. The camera device used during the adjustment of the lens device has a storage unit that holds the flange back information, The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the drive of at least one of the first focus unit and the second focus unit based on the difference between the flange back information obtained from the mounted camera device and the flange back information during adjustment.

11. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the lens device is mounted on the camera device and activated, the control unit acquires the flange back information from the camera device and controls the driving of at least one of the first focus unit and the second focus unit based on the flange back information.

12. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the first flange back is the distance from the mounting surface of the camera device connected to the lens device to the image sensor at the position of the optical axis of the first optical system when the lens device is mounted on the camera device, and the second flange back is the distance from the mounting surface to the image sensor at the position of the optical axis of the second optical system when the lens device is mounted on the camera device.

13. A lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, An imaging device comprising a camera device having a first optical system and a second optical system of the lens device, wherein the camera device has a single image sensor that receives an image formed by the lens device, A storage unit that stores the relationship between temperature and the flange back information, A temperature detection unit that detects temperature, The imaging apparatus is characterized in that the control unit acquires flange back information based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit and the relationship, and controls the drive of at least one of the first focus unit and the second focus unit.

14. A flange back correction method for a lens device having a first optical system and a second optical system that are detachable from a camera device equipped with a single image sensor, and that have different optical axes and are configured in parallel with each other, wherein A flange back correction method characterized by including a control step of controlling the drive of at least one of the first focusing unit of the first optical system and the second focusing unit of the second optical system based on flange back information relating to the first flange back of the first optical system and the second flange back of the second optical system in the camera device.

15. The flange back information includes a first adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the first flange back and a second adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the second flange back. The flange back correction method according to claim 14, characterized in that the control step includes a step of controlling the drive of the first focus unit based on the first adjustment amount when the first zoom unit that changes the focal length of the first optical system is driven, and a step of controlling the drive of the second focus unit based on the second adjustment amount when the second zoom unit that changes the focal length of the second optical system is driven.

16. The focusing control in the lens device is performed by integrally driving the first focusing unit and the second focusing unit based on the focusing information of the image formed on the image sensor by the second optical system. The flange back information is information based on the difference between a first adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the first flange back and a second adjustment amount relative to the reference value of the second flange back. The flange back correction method according to claim 14, characterized in that the control step includes a step of controlling the drive of the first focus unit based on the flange back information.

Images