Lens device, imaging device, imaging system, control method for lens device, control method for imaging device, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a lens device that can appropriately calculate the change in shooting distance information due to the tilt of the focal plane when the imaging optical system is equipped with a tilt mechanism. [Solution] A lens device characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring optical information including the position of the focus lens for adjusting the focus, the focal length, and the amount of tilt for tilting the main surface of the optical system; and a calculation means for calculating shooting distance information including the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt, using the optical information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens device, an imaging device, an imaging system, a control method for a lens device, a control method for an imaging device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an imaging optical system having a tilt mechanism that can tilt the focus plane by driving a lens group of the imaging optical system and focus the entire object plane that is tilted. The shooting principle uses Scheimpflug's law, and this imaging optical system is also called a Scheimpflug optical system. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which tilt information of the focus plane is displayed on an imaging device as an image according to the tilt amount of a photographing lens.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 does not describe specific numerical values regarding the shooting distance that changes due to the tilt of the focus plane according to the tilt.

[0005] One object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a lens device capable of appropriately calculating a change in shooting distance information due to the tilt of the focus plane when the imaging optical system includes a tilt mechanism.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A lens device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring optical information including the position of a focus lens for adjusting focus, the focal length, and the amount of tilt for tilting the main surface of the optical system; and a calculation means for calculating shooting distance information including the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt, using the optical information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the imaging optical system is equipped with a tilt mechanism, the change in shooting distance information due to the tilt of the focal plane can be appropriately calculated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a camera system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram of the Scheinproof principle. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing how the shooting distance changes when the plane of focus is tilted. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting the shooting distance display in accordance with the tilt of the focal plane according to Example 1. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the process for calculating the shooting distance using the lens calculation means, according to Example 1. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the process for calculating the shooting distance using the camera calculation means, according to Example 1. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting the shooting distance display in relation to the tilt of the focal plane and the change in the focus frame according to Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments and examples for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments and examples are arbitrary and can be changed according to the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. In addition, the same reference numerals are used between drawings to indicate elements that are the same or functionally similar.

[0010] First, a camera system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a camera system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The camera system 10 includes a camera body (imaging device) 200 and a lens device 100 that can be attached to or removed from the camera body 200. However, the configuration of the camera system 10 is not limited to this, and for example, the camera body 200 and the lens device 100 may be configured as an integral part.

[0011] The lens device 100 is mechanically and electrically connected to the camera body 200 via a mount (not shown). The lens device 100 receives power from the camera body 200 via electrical terminals (not shown) provided on the mount. The lens device 100 uses the power received from the camera body 200 to control various actuators and a lens microcontroller 108, which will be described later. The camera body 200 communicates with the lens device 100 via camera communication means 202 provided on the mount and controls the lens device 100 by sending control commands to the lens device 100.

[0012] The camera body 200 includes an image sensor 201, camera communication means 202, display unit 205, camera operation unit 206, and camera microcontroller 207. The camera microcontroller 207 includes a signal processing unit 203 and camera calculation means 204.

[0013] The image sensor 201 includes a photoelectric conversion element such as a CMOS sensor or CCD sensor, and outputs an electrical signal (analog signal) by photoelectric conversion of the subject image (optical image) formed by the imaging optical system in the lens device 100. The analog signal output from the image sensor 201 is converted into a digital signal by an A / D conversion circuit (not shown).

[0014] The signal processing unit 203 performs various image processing operations on the digital signal output from the aforementioned A / D conversion circuit to generate a video signal. The signal processing unit 203 also generates information from the video signal that indicates the contrast state of the subject image, i.e., focus information indicating the focal state of the imaging optical system and brightness information indicating the exposure state. Any known method may be used to generate this information from the video signal. The signal processing unit 203 also outputs the video signal to the display unit 205. The display unit 205 is configured using any display and displays the video signal as a live view image used for checking composition, focus, etc. Furthermore, the signal processing unit 203 outputs the video signal to a recording processing unit (not shown). The recording processing unit stores the video signal as still images or moving image data in external memory or the like.

[0015] The camera microcontroller 207 controls the camera body 200 in response to inputs such as the imaging instruction switch and various setting switches included in the camera operation unit 206. The camera communication means 202 transmits control commands corresponding to the inputs from the camera operation unit 206 to the lens microcontroller 108 via the communication terminal.

[0016] The lens device 100 is provided with an optical system (imaging optical system) 101, a lens control unit 102, acquisition means 103, and a lens microcomputer 108. The optical system 101 is provided with a focus lens group 101a, a zoom lens group 101b, and a tilt lens group 101c. The acquisition means 103 is provided with a first acquisition unit 103a for acquiring information on the focus lens group 101a, a second acquisition unit 103b for acquiring information on the zoom lens group 101b, and a third acquisition unit 103c for acquiring information on the tilt lens group 101c. The lens microcomputer 108 is provided with a lens calculation means 104, a storage means 105, and a lens control means 106. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the lens device 100 is provided with a shift lens group for the shift effect, an aperture unit for light amount adjustment, an image blur correction lens for image blur correction, a gyro sensor for attitude detection, and the like.

[0017] The lens control unit 102 controls an actuator that drives each lens group of the optical system 101 to control the position of each lens group. The acquisition means 103 acquires lens information (optical information) of each lens group controlled by the lens control means 106 from the first to third acquisition units 103a, 103b, 103c, etc. Here, the lens information may include, for example, the position (focal length) of the zoom lens, the position (subject distance) of the focus lens, the aperture position (F value), the tilt-shift amount (tilt amount and shift amount), and the position of the rotation axis of the optical system 101.

[0018] The storage means 105 stores optical information of the lens device 100 and data (function or coefficient) indicating the relationship between the tilt amount and the distance to the focal plane (shooting distance). The shooting distance depends on the tilt amount, focal length, focus position, and angle of view. Note that the above data may be stored in the storage means (not shown) of the camera body 200. The lens calculation means 104 or the camera calculation means 204 calculates the shooting distance using the data stored in the storage means 105 or the storage means of the camera body 200.

[0019] The lens device 100 gives a desired tilt-shift amount to the lens control means 106 according to the operation amount of a lens operation unit (not shown). In the following description, the tilt-shift amount is abbreviated as the TS amount. The lens operation unit is, for example, an electronic monitor, a rotary dial, an ON / OFF switch, etc., and may include an operation member that enables the user to input the TS amount or select the degree of the TS amount in multiple steps (large, medium, small, etc.). Note that the TS amount may be determined by the user operating the camera operation unit 206.

[0020] The lens control means 106 calculates a control amount for realizing the desired TS amount. Based on the calculated control amount, the lens control means 106 moves a plurality of shift lens units included in the tilt lens group 101c independently of each other in a direction including a component perpendicular to the optical axis direction via the lens control unit 102. By moving the plurality of shift lens units in this way, image plane tilt is generated due to the eccentricity of the lens, and tilt drive and shift drive (TS drive) can be realized. Note that, as a method for calculating the control amount for realizing the desired TS amount, any known method may be used.

[0021] Here, referring to FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the principle of shine-proof will be described. FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are explanatory diagrams of the principle of shine-proof. When the main plane of the optical system 101 or the imaging element 201 in the lens device 100 is tilted, the in-focus range on the subject side is determined according to the principle of shine-proof.

[0022] FIG. 2(a) shows the in-focus range when the main plane of the optical system 101 is not tilted with respect to the imaging plane. FIG. 2(b) shows the in-focus range when the main plane of the optical system 101 is tilted with the principal point of the optical system 101 as the rotation center (rotation axis) with respect to the imaging plane. FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) show the imaging planes 300a, 300b, the main planes 301a, 301b of the optical system 101, and the in-focus subject planes 302a, 302b.

[0023] The Scheinpuff principle states that, as shown in Figure 2(b), when the imaging plane 300b and the principal plane 301b of the optical system 101 intersect on a straight line, the subject plane 302b also passes through the same straight line. Furthermore, if the rotation center of the principal plane 301b of the optical system 101 is located in front of or behind the principal point of the optical system 101, a composition shift occurs due to a change in the optical axis. In this case as well, the Scheinpuff principle holds true.

[0024] Furthermore, with reference to Figure 3, we will explain the method for calculating the distance to the tilted focal plane. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the calculation of the distance to the tilted focal plane.

[0025] In Figure 3, the tilt amount θ1, field of view θ2, focal length f1, and subject distance f2 are assumed to be known values. Here, the following equations (1) and (2) hold true.

number

number

number

[0026] Similarly, in Figure 3, the following equations (4) and (5) hold true.

number

number

number

[0027] When a subject to be photographed has depth, tilting the subject plane to align with the subject's depth allows for focusing from the foreground to the background. With lens devices that lack a tilt-shift mechanism, the common method for focusing on depth is to stop down the aperture to increase the depth of field. In contrast, with a lens device that has a tilt-shift mechanism (tilt-shift lens), even with the aperture wide open, tilting the main plane of the optical system 101 allows for focusing to match the subject's depth. Conversely, with a tilt-shift lens, tilting the main plane of the optical system 101 in the opposite direction to the depth of the subject allows the subject plane to intersect the depth direction of the subject at an angle close to right. In this case, the depth of field can be drastically narrowed, allowing for the acquisition of diorama-like images.

[0028] The camera systems, lens devices, camera bodies, and control methods according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 4 to 7. The camera systems according to each embodiment described below will have the same configuration as the camera system 10 described in the above embodiment. However, the configuration of the camera system according to each embodiment is not limited to the configuration described above. While the camera system according to each embodiment achieves TS drive by lens eccentricity, it may also have a tilt mechanism that moves the lens barrel of the lens device 100 itself to achieve TS drive. Similarly, although the camera system according to each embodiment has a zoom lens group 101b, it may also have a fixed-focus configuration without the zoom lens group 101b.

[0029] (Example 1) In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, when the focal plane tilts due to TS drive, the information displayed on the display unit 205 for the shooting distance is set (changed). In this embodiment, the case where the rotation center is the principal point of the optical system 101 is shown as an example.

[0030] Figures 4(a) to 4(c) are explanatory diagrams for setting the shooting distance display on the display unit 205 in accordance with the tilt of the focal plane. In Figures 4(a) to 4(c), the focal planes 401a, 401b, and 401c are illustrations of changes in the focal plane for explanatory purposes. Also in Figures 4(a) to 4(c), the focusing frames 402a, 402b, and 402c that indicate the position to be focused, and the shooting distance displays 403a, 403b, and 403c that indicate the shooting distance information are shown. In the examples shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(c), it is assumed that each of the focusing frames 402a, 402b, and 402c is located at the center of the display unit 205.

[0031] Figure 4(a) shows the information displayed on the display unit 205 when the main surface of the optical system 101 is not tilted with respect to the imaging plane. The shooting distance display 403a shows the shortest shooting distance of 0.6 at the left end and the infinity distance of ∞ at the right end, because the focal plane 401a and the imaging plane are parallel. The position of the black bar indicates that the current shooting distance is 5m. In this case, the shooting distance changes according to the focus position, and the position of the black bar changes accordingly. Also, since the focal plane is not tilted, the distance display at the ends remains constant.

[0032] Figure 4(b) shows the information displayed on the display unit 205 when the optical system 101 is tilted so that the right side is positioned towards the back relative to the imaging plane, as illustrated in the focal plane 401b, and the focal plane is tilted laterally. The shooting distance display 403b displays the shooting distance corresponding to the lateral direction on the display unit 205 because the focal plane is tilted laterally. In the example shown in Figure 4(b), the shooting distance display 403b displays 3m on the left end of the display unit 205 and 10m on the right end, and the position of the black bar indicates that the shooting distance to the focus frame 402b is 5m. Here, the numbers displayed on the left and right ends of the display unit 205 indicate the minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance range (minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance display) related to the tilted focal plane. The shooting distance display 403b can also display information indicating that the tilt of the focal plane is lateral (for example, that the focal plane is tilted in the X-axis direction).

[0033] In Figure 4(b), the focus frame 402b is shown as being located at the center of the display unit 205, which corresponds to the center of the imaging plane. However, the focus frame 402b may be moved arbitrarily. For example, the focus frame 402b can be determined by user instruction or by an automatic subject recognition function. In this case, the position of the black bar indicating the shooting distance corresponding to the focus frame changes according to the position of the focus frame 402b and the focus position. In the example shown in Figure 4(b), there is no tilt of the focal plane in the vertical direction, so the shooting distance in the vertical direction does not change.

[0034] Figure 4(c) shows the information displayed on the display unit 205 when the optical system 101 is tilted so that the upper side is positioned in the back direction relative to the imaging plane, as illustrated in the focal plane 401c, and the focal plane is tilted vertically. Here, the other explanations are the same as those in the example shown in Figure 4(b), with only the vertical and horizontal orientations reversed, so the same explanations are omitted. In the example shown in Figure 4(c), the shooting distance display 403c shows 3m at the lower end of the display unit 205 and 10m at the upper end. The shooting distance display 403c can also display information indicating that the tilt of the focal plane is vertical (for example, that the focal plane is tilted in the Y-axis direction). Here, there is no tilt of the focal plane in the horizontal direction, so the shooting distance in the horizontal direction does not change.

[0035] The following describes the process for setting the shooting distance display in this embodiment. First, referring to Figure 5, the process for calculating the shooting distance information using the lens device 100 will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the process for calculating the shooting distance information using the lens calculation means 104 and displaying the calculated shooting distance information on the display unit 205. In the following flow, steps S101 to S104 are processes performed by the lens device 100, and steps S201 to S203 are processes performed by the camera body 200.

[0036] First, the processing performed by the lens device 100 will be described. In step S101, the acquisition means 103 acquires lens information for the optical system 101 from the first to third acquisition units 103a, 103b, 103c, etc. Here, the lens information includes, but is not limited to, the position of the zoom lens (focal length), the position of the focus lens (subject distance), the aperture position (F number), the TS amount, and the position of the rotation axis of the optical system 101. The focal length and subject distance may be obtained by any known method, for example, using the position of the zoom lens and the position of the focus lens included in the lens information.

[0037] In step S102, the lens microcontroller 108 communicates with the camera microcontroller 207 via the lens communication means 107 and obtains focus frame position information from the camera microcontroller 207. Here, the focus frame position information includes, but is not limited to, information indicating the position of the focus frame, as well as, for example, the size (angle of view) of the image sensor 201. The focus frame position information may also include, for example, the range of the focus frame.

[0038] In step S103, the lens calculation means 104 calculates shooting distance information from the lens information and the focus frame position information. Here, the shooting distance information may include, for example, the shooting distance to the position to be in focus on the focal plane. The method for calculating the shooting distance may be the method described with reference to Figure 3, and the shooting distance may be the sum of the focal length f1, the subject distance f2, and the distance f3. Note that for the shooting distance from the center of the imaging plane 300b, which is not affected by tilt, the distance f3 is 0.

[0039] Furthermore, the shooting distance information may include the minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance display. The minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance display can be determined using the tilt amount θ1, angle of view θ2, focal length f1, and subject distance f2, as described with reference to Figure 3.

[0040] In step S104, the lens microcontroller 108 transmits the shooting distance information calculated in step S103 to the camera microcontroller 207. Once the transmission of the shooting distance information is complete, the process of setting the shooting distance display performed by the lens device 100 is finished.

[0041] Next, the processing performed by the camera body 200 will be described. In step S201, the camera microcontroller 207 transmits the focus frame position information to the lens microcontroller 108. The information indicating the position of the focus frame can be determined, for example, by user instructions or by an automatic subject recognition function.

[0042] In step S202, the camera microcontroller 207 communicates with the lens microcontroller 108 via the camera communication means 202 and obtains the shooting distance information calculated in step S103 from the lens microcontroller 108.

[0043] In step S203, the camera microcontroller 207 displays the shooting distance information acquired in step S202 on the display unit 205. Once the shooting distance information is displayed, the process of setting the shooting distance display performed by the camera body 200 is completed.

[0044] Next, with reference to Figure 6, the process for calculating shooting distance information in the camera body 200 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process by which the camera calculation means 204 calculates shooting distance information using the lens information acquired and displays it on the display unit 205. In the following flow, steps S101 and S105 are processes performed in the lens device 100, and steps S204, S205, S206, and S203 are processes performed in the camera body 200.

[0045] First, let's explain the process performed by the lens device 100. Step S101 is the same as the process shown in the flow diagram in Figure 5, so we will omit the explanation. Once the lens information is acquired in step S101, the process moves on to step S105.

[0046] In step S105, the lens microcontroller 108 communicates with the camera microcontroller 207 via the lens communication means 107 and transmits the lens information acquired in step S101 to the camera microcontroller 207. Once the transmission of the lens information is complete, the process of setting the shooting distance display performed by the lens device 100 is completed.

[0047] Next, the processing performed in the camera body 200 will be described. In step S204, the camera microcontroller 207 communicates with the lens microcontroller 108 via the camera communication means 202 and obtains lens information from the lens microcontroller 108.

[0048] In step S205, the camera microcontroller 207 acquires focus frame position information on the display unit 205. Here, the focus frame position information may include, but is not limited to, information indicating the position of the focus frame as described above, as well as, for example, the size (angle of view) of the image sensor 201 and the range of the focus frame. Furthermore, the information indicating the position of the focus frame can be determined, for example, by user instructions or by an automatic subject recognition function.

[0049] In step S206, the camera calculation means 204 calculates the shooting distance information in the same manner as in step S103.

[0050] Step S203 is the same as the process shown in the flow diagram in Figure 5, so its explanation is omitted. Once the shooting distance information is displayed, the process of setting the shooting distance display performed on the camera body 200 is completed.

[0051] As described above, the camera system 10, which functions as an example of an imaging system according to this embodiment, comprises a lens device 100 and a camera body 200. The lens device 100 functions as an example of a lens device that can be attached to an imaging device. The camera body 200 functions as an example of an imaging device to which the lens device is attached and which communicates with the lens device.

[0052] The lens device 100 comprises an acquisition means 103 and a lens calculation means 104. The acquisition means 103 functions as an example of an acquisition means that acquires optical information including the position of the focus lens for adjusting the focus, the focal length, and the tilt amount for tilting the main surface of the optical system. Here, the lens information described above is an example of optical information. The lens calculation means 104 functions as an example of a calculation means that uses the optical information to calculate shooting distance information including the shooting distance related to the focal plane tilted according to the tilt amount.

[0053] With this configuration, the lens device 100 according to this embodiment can appropriately calculate the change in shooting distance information due to the tilt of the focal plane when the imaging optical system is equipped with a tilt mechanism. This improves user operability.

[0054] Furthermore, the optical information may include the amount of shift required to move the principal plane of the optical system in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. With such a configuration, the change in shooting distance information can be appropriately calculated in response to the change in the focal plane due to TS drive.

[0055] Furthermore, the shooting distance information can include the minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance relative to the tilted focal plane, depending on the amount of tilt. With such a configuration, the range of the shooting distance relative to the tilted focal plane can be appropriately calculated as shooting information, thereby improving user operability.

[0056] The lens device 100 may further include a lens communication means 107 that functions as an example of a communication means for acquiring focus position information indicating the position to be focused from the camera body 200. Here, the focus frame position information described above is an example of focus position information. Furthermore, the lens calculation means 104 can use the focus position information and optical information to calculate shooting distance information, including the shooting distance related to the position to be focused on in the focal plane. With such a configuration, the shooting distance related to the desired position in the focal plane can be appropriately calculated, improving user operability.

[0057] Furthermore, the camera body 200 may be equipped with a camera microcontroller 207 that functions as an example of a display control means for displaying shooting distance information communicated from the lens device 100 on a display means. The display unit 205 can also function as an example of a display means. With such a configuration, the display unit 205 provided on the camera body 200 can appropriately calculate shooting distance information related to the tilted focal plane according to the amount of tilt and display the calculated shooting distance information, thereby improving user operability.

[0058] Here, the camera microcontroller 207 can display, as shooting distance information, a range of shooting distances corresponding to the tilt in the vertical axis direction of the focal plane or a range of shooting distances corresponding to the tilt in the horizontal axis direction on the display means. Here, the shooting distance display 403c includes an example of a range of shooting distances corresponding to the tilt in the vertical axis direction of the focal plane. The shooting distance display 403b also includes an example of a range of shooting distances corresponding to the tilt in the horizontal axis direction of the focal plane. With such a configuration, the user can easily grasp the range of shooting distances corresponding to the tilt in the vertical axis direction or the horizontal axis direction of the focal plane, thereby improving user operability. Furthermore, when displaying shooting distance information corresponding to the focus frame position information, the user can easily grasp the shooting distance of a desired position within the range of shooting distances corresponding to the tilt in the vertical axis direction or the horizontal axis direction of the focal plane, further improving user operability.

[0059] As explained with reference to Figure 6, the shooting distance information may be calculated by the camera body 200. The camera body 200 includes a camera communication means 202 and a camera calculation means 204. The camera communication means 202 can function as an example of a communication means that acquires optical information from the lens device 100, including the position of the focus lens for adjusting the focus, the focal length, and the tilt amount for tilting the main surface of the optical system. The camera calculation means 204 can function as an example of a calculation means that uses the optical information to calculate shooting distance information, including the shooting distance related to the focal plane tilted according to the tilt amount. Even with a camera body 200 having such a configuration, the same effects as when the shooting distance information is calculated by the lens device 100 can be achieved.

[0060] In this embodiment, the display unit 205 is provided on the camera body 200, but it may also be provided on the lens device 100. In this case, the lens microcontroller 108 can function as an example of a display control means that displays the shooting distance information on the display unit 205. In such a configuration, instead of processing in step S203, the lens microcontroller 108 can display the shooting distance information on the display unit 205 provided on the lens device 100. In the case of the flow shown in Figure 6, after calculating the shooting distance information in step S206, the camera microcontroller 207 should transmit the calculated shooting distance information to the lens device 100.

[0061] (Example 2) Example 1 described the case where the optical system 101 is tilted horizontally or vertically with respect to the imaging plane. In contrast, Example 2 of the present invention shows an example where the optical system 101 is tilted diagonally with respect to the imaging plane. This example will be described below with reference to Figures 7(a) to 7(c). Note that the method for setting the shooting distance information in this example may be the same as in Example 1, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0062] Figures 7(a) to 7(c) are explanatory diagrams illustrating various variations in the display of the shooting distance when the optical system 101 is tilted obliquely with respect to the imaging plane. Figures 7(a) to 7(c) show the focusing frames 700a, 700b, and 700c.

[0063] Figure 7(a) shows an example of displaying the horizontal shooting distance indicator 701a and the vertical shooting distance indicator 702a on the display unit 205. Here, the minimum and maximum values ​​of the horizontal shooting distance indicator 701a and the vertical shooting distance indicator 702a change according to the TS amount, as described in Example 1. Also, the position of the black bar indicating the current shooting distance changes according to the position of the focus frame 700a, but the black bar displayed on the shooting distance indicators 701a and 702a indicates the shooting distance relative to the focus frame 700a. Therefore, since the black bars displayed on the shooting distance indicators 701a and 702a each indicate the same shooting distance, the positions of these black bars are at the same position for each shooting distance indicator 701a and 702a.

[0064] Furthermore, the positions where the minimum and maximum values ​​of the vertical shooting distance indicator 702a are placed may be set to positions corresponding to the tilt of the focal plane. For example, if the focal plane is tilted so that the lower side of the focal plane is located in the depth direction, the minimum value of the vertical shooting distance indicator 702a may be displayed at the top of the screen and the maximum value at the bottom of the screen. Conversely, if the focal plane is tilted so that the upper side of the focal plane is located in the depth direction, the minimum value of the vertical shooting distance indicator 702a may be displayed at the bottom of the screen and the maximum value at the top of the screen. Similarly, for the horizontal shooting distance indicator 701a, the positions where the minimum and maximum values ​​are placed may be set to positions corresponding to the tilt of the focal plane.

[0065] In the case shown in Figure 7(a), the minimum and maximum values ​​of the horizontal shooting distance display 701a and the vertical shooting distance display 702a can be determined using the tilt amount θ1, angle of view θ2, focal length f1, and subject distance f2, similar to Example 1. However, the minimum and maximum values ​​of the horizontal shooting distance display 701a and the vertical shooting distance display 702a can be determined using the tilt amount θ1 and angle of view θ2 corresponding to each direction.

[0066] Figure 7(b) shows an example of displaying shooting distance information 703b, which indicates the value of the shooting distance according to the position of the focus frame 700b. In this case, the shooting distance for the position of the focus frame 700b can be uniquely calculated when the focus frame 700b is sufficiently small.

[0067] Figure 7(c) shows an example of how the display (black bar) of the shooting distance indicator 704c changes when the range of the focus frame 700c widens or when the depth of field changes. In this case, since the focus frame 700c is sufficiently large, the shooting distance changes depending on the position within the frame. The shooting distance also changes depending on the value of the depth of field. Therefore, in this example, the camera microcontroller 207 changes the width (range) of the display on the shooting distance indicator 704c according to the width (range) of the shooting distance that changes according to the position within the frame. This allows the user to understand the range of the focus frame and the range of the shooting distance according to the depth of field, thereby improving user operability.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 7(c), for example, the focus frame position information may include information about the range of the focus frame. In this case, the lens calculation means 104 or the camera calculation means 204 can use the information about the range of the focus frame included in the focus frame position information to calculate shooting distance information that includes the range of shooting distance corresponding to the focus frame.

[0069] As explained above, even with the configuration of this embodiment, the shooting distance display is changed in accordance with the change in the focal plane due to TS drive. This improves user operability and makes it possible to display the appropriate distance.

[0070] For example, the lens microcontroller 108 or the camera microcontroller 207 can display, as shooting distance information, at least one of a range of shooting distances corresponding to the tilt of the focal plane in the vertical axis direction and a range of shooting distances corresponding to the tilt in the horizontal axis direction. Here, the vertical shooting distance display 702a includes an example of a range of shooting distances corresponding to the tilt of the focal plane in the vertical axis direction. The horizontal shooting distance display 701a also includes an example of a range of shooting distances corresponding to the tilt of the focal plane in the horizontal axis direction. With such a configuration, the user can easily grasp the range of shooting distances corresponding to the tilt of the focal plane in the vertical and horizontal axes, thereby improving user operability.

[0071] Furthermore, the focus position information may include the range of the position to be focused. Here, the information regarding the range of the focus frame described above is an example of the range of the position to be focused. In this case, the lens microcontroller 108 or the camera microcontroller 207 can display the range of shooting distance corresponding to the range of the position to be focused on on the display unit 205 as shooting distance information. With such a configuration, the shooting distance for a desired range on the focal plane can be appropriately calculated, improving user operability.

[0072] Furthermore, the optical information can include depth of field. In this case, the lens microcontroller 108 or camera microcontroller 207 can display the range of shooting distances corresponding to the depth of field on the display unit 205 as shooting distance information. With such a configuration, the shooting distance corresponding to the desired depth of field with respect to the tilted focal plane can be appropriately calculated, improving user operability.

[0073] In Examples 1 and 2, shooting distance information was calculated based on the focus frame position information, but the calculated shooting distance information does not necessarily have to include the shooting distance corresponding to the focus frame. For example, the shooting distance information may include only the minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance information corresponding to the tilt of the focal plane, and the camera microcontroller 207 or lens microcontroller 108 may display only the calculated minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance information on the display unit 205, etc.

[0074] Furthermore, although various display examples were shown in Examples 1 and 2, the configuration may allow these displays to be switched. Also, the shooting distance display modes shown in Examples 1 and 2 are just examples, and other display modes may be adopted. For example, instead of the display indicating the shooting distance corresponding to the focus frame (e.g., a black bar) moving, a display mode may be adopted in which the display remains stationary, and the value of the shooting distance pointed to by the display or the scale indicating the shooting distance is changed based on the calculated shooting distance information.

[0075] (Other examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments and examples described above to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. The computer may have one or more processors or circuits and may include a plurality of separate computers or a network of a plurality of separate processors or circuits for reading and executing computer executable instructions.

[0076] A processor or circuit may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gateway (FPGA). Furthermore, a processor or circuit may include a digital signal processor (DSP), a dataflow processor (DFP), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0077] According to each embodiment, the change in the focal plane that occurs during tilt and shift driving can be reflected in the display unit 205, thereby providing a lens device that can smoothly transition to focusing operation.

[0078] The above disclosure includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Composition 1) An acquisition means for acquiring optical information including the position of the focus lens for adjusting the focus, the focal length, and the amount of tilt for tilting the principal surface of the optical system, A calculation means that uses the aforementioned optical information to calculate shooting distance information including the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt, A lens device characterized by comprising the following features. (Configuration 2) The lens device according to configuration 1, characterized in that the optical information includes a shift amount for moving the main surface of the optical system in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. (Composition 3) The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the shooting distance information includes the minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt. (Composition 4) The aforementioned lens device can be attached to an imaging device. The lens device further includes communication means for acquiring focus position information indicating the position to be focused from the imaging device. The lens device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the calculation means calculates the shooting distance information, which includes the shooting distance related to the position to be focused on in the focal plane, using the focus position information and the optical information. (Composition 5) The lens device according to configuration 4, characterized in that the shooting distance information includes the minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt. (Composition 6) The lens device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a display control means for displaying the aforementioned shooting distance information on a display means. (Composition 7) A lens device as described in any of configurations 1 to 3, An imaging device to which the aforementioned lens device is attached and which communicates with the aforementioned lens device, Equipped with, The imaging system is characterized by comprising a display control means for causing the imaging distance information communicated from the lens device to be displayed on a display means. (Composition 8) The imaging system according to configuration 7, characterized in that the display control means causes the display means to display at least one of a range of shooting distances corresponding to the inclination in the vertical axis direction of the focal plane and a range of shooting distances corresponding to the inclination in the horizontal axis direction as the shooting distance information. (Composition 9) The imaging system according to configuration 7 or 8, characterized in that the calculation means calculates the shooting distance information, which includes the shooting distance related to the position to be focused on in the focal plane, using the focus position information indicating the position to be focused communicated from the imaging device and the optical information. (Composition 10) The aforementioned focus position information includes the range of the position to be focused, The imaging system according to configuration 9, characterized in that the display control means causes the display means to display the range of the shooting distance corresponding to the range of the position to be focused as the shooting distance information. (Composition 11) The optical information includes depth of field, The imaging system according to any one of configurations 7 to 10, characterized in that the display control means causes the display means to display the range of the shooting distance corresponding to the depth of field as the shooting distance information. (Composition 12) An imaging device to which a lens device can be attached, A communication means for acquiring optical information from the aforementioned lens device, including the position of the focus lens for adjusting the focus, the focal length, and the amount of tilt for tilting the main surface of the optical system. A calculation means that uses the aforementioned optical information to calculate shooting distance information including the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt, An imaging device characterized by comprising: (Composition 13) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 12, characterized in that the optical information includes a shift amount for moving the main surface of the optical system in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. (Composition 14) The imaging device according to configuration 12 or 13, characterized in that the shooting distance information includes the minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt. (Composition 15) The imaging device according to configuration 12 or 13, characterized in that the calculation means calculates the shooting distance information, which includes the shooting distance related to the position to be focused on in the focal plane, using the focusing position information and the optical information. (Composition 16) The imaging device according to configuration 15, characterized in that the shooting distance information includes the minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt. (Composition 17) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 12, further comprising a display control means for displaying the aforementioned shooting distance information on a display means. (Composition 18) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 17, characterized in that the display control means causes the display means to display at least one of a range of shooting distances corresponding to the inclination in the vertical axis direction of the focal plane and a range of shooting distances corresponding to the inclination in the horizontal axis direction as the shooting distance information. (Composition 19) The imaging device according to configuration 17 or 18, characterized in that the calculation means calculates the shooting distance information, which includes the shooting distance related to the position to be focused on in the focal plane, using the focusing position information and the optical information. (Composition 20) The aforementioned focus position information includes the range of the position to be focused, The imaging apparatus according to configuration 19, characterized in that the display control means causes the display means to display the range of the shooting distance corresponding to the range of the position to be focused as the shooting distance information. (Composition 21) The optical information includes depth of field, The imaging apparatus according to any one of configurations 17 to 20, characterized in that the display control means causes the display means to display a range of shooting distances corresponding to the depth of field as shooting distance information. (Composition 22) An imaging device as described in any of configurations 12 to 16, A lens device attached to the imaging device and communicating with the imaging device, Equipped with, The imaging system is characterized by comprising a lens device and a display control means for displaying the shooting distance information communicated from the imaging device on a display means. (Method 1) To acquire optical information including the position of the focusing lens for adjusting the focus, the focal length, and the amount of tilt for tilting the principal plane of the optical system, Using the aforementioned optical information, the system calculates shooting distance information including the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt, A method for controlling a lens device, characterized by including the following: (Method 2) A control method for an imaging device to which a lens device can be attached, From the aforementioned lens device, optical information including the position of the focus lens for adjusting the focus, the focal length, and the amount of tilt for tilting the principal surface of the optical system is obtained. Using the aforementioned optical information, the system calculates shooting distance information including the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt, A method for controlling an imaging device, characterized by including the following: (Program 1) A program characterized in that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform each step of the lens device control method described in Method 1 or the imaging device control method described in Method 2.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments and examples, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and examples. Inventions modified insofar as they do not contradict the spirit of the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention, are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate insofar as they do not contradict the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 100: Lens device, 103: Acquisition means, 104: Lens calculation means (calculation means)

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring optical information including the position of the focus lens for adjusting the focus, the focal length, and the amount of tilt for tilting the principal surface of the optical system, A calculation means that uses the aforementioned optical information to calculate shooting distance information including the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt, A lens device characterized by comprising the following features.

2. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical information includes a shift amount for moving the main surface of the optical system in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

3. The lens device according to claim 1, characterized in that the shooting distance information includes the minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt.

4. The aforementioned lens device can be attached to an imaging device. The lens device further includes communication means for acquiring focus position information indicating the position to be focused from the imaging device. The lens device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation means calculates the shooting distance information, which includes the shooting distance related to the position to be focused on in the focal plane, using the focus position information and the optical information.

5. The lens device according to claim 4, characterized in that the shooting distance information includes the minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt.

6. The lens device according to claim 1, further comprising a display control means for displaying the aforementioned shooting distance information on a display means.

7. A lens device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An imaging device to which the aforementioned lens device is attached and which communicates with the aforementioned lens device, Equipped with, The imaging system is characterized by comprising a display control means for causing the imaging distance information communicated from the lens device to be displayed on a display means.

8. The imaging system according to claim 7, characterized in that the display control means causes the display means to display at least one of a range of shooting distances corresponding to the inclination in the vertical axis direction of the focal plane and a range of shooting distances corresponding to the inclination in the horizontal axis direction as the shooting distance information.

9. The imaging system according to claim 7, characterized in that the calculation means calculates the shooting distance information, which includes the shooting distance related to the position to be focused on in the focal plane, using the focus position information indicating the position to be focused communicated from the imaging device and the optical information.

10. The aforementioned focus position information includes the range of the position to be focused, The imaging system according to claim 9, characterized in that the display control means causes the display means to display the range of the shooting distance corresponding to the range of the position to be focused as the shooting distance information.

11. The optical information includes depth of field, The imaging system according to claim 7, characterized in that the display control means causes the display means to display the range of the shooting distance corresponding to the depth of field as the shooting distance information.

12. An imaging device to which a lens device can be attached, A communication means for acquiring optical information from the aforementioned lens device, including the position of the focus lens for adjusting the focus, the focal length, and the amount of tilt for tilting the main surface of the optical system. A calculation means that uses the aforementioned optical information to calculate shooting distance information including the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt, An imaging device characterized by comprising:

13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the optical information includes a shift amount for moving the main surface of the optical system in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

14. The imaging device according to claim 12, characterized in that the shooting distance information includes the minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt.

15. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the calculation means calculates the shooting distance information, which includes the shooting distance related to the position to be focused on in the focal plane, using the focusing position information and the optical information.

16. The imaging device according to claim 15, characterized in that the shooting distance information includes the minimum and maximum values ​​of the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt.

17. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a display control means for displaying the aforementioned shooting distance information on a display means.

18. The imaging apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the display control means causes the display means to display at least one of a range of shooting distances corresponding to the inclination in the vertical axis direction of the focal plane and a range of shooting distances corresponding to the inclination in the horizontal axis direction as the shooting distance information.

19. The imaging apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the calculation means calculates the shooting distance information, which includes the shooting distance related to the position to be focused on in the focal plane, using the focusing position information and the optical information.

20. The aforementioned focus position information includes the range of the position to be focused, The imaging apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the display control means causes the display means to display the range of the shooting distance corresponding to the range of the position to be focused as the shooting distance information.

21. The optical information includes depth of field, The imaging apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the display control means causes the display means to display the range of the shooting distance corresponding to the depth of field as the shooting distance information.

22. An imaging device according to any one of claims 12 to 16, A lens device attached to the imaging device and communicating with the imaging device, Equipped with, The imaging system is characterized by comprising a lens device and a display control means for displaying the shooting distance information communicated from the imaging device on a display means.

23. To acquire optical information including the position of the focusing lens for adjusting the focus, the focal length, and the amount of tilt for tilting the principal plane of the optical system, Using the aforementioned optical information, the system calculates shooting distance information including the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt, A method for controlling a lens device, characterized by including the following:

24. A control method for an imaging device to which a lens device can be attached, From the aforementioned lens device, optical information including the position of the focus lens for adjusting the focus, the focal length, and the amount of tilt for tilting the principal surface of the optical system is obtained. Using the aforementioned optical information, the system calculates shooting distance information including the shooting distance with respect to the focal plane tilted according to the amount of tilt, A method for controlling an imaging device, characterized by including the following:

25. A program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform each step of the control method for the lens device described in claim 23 or the control method for the imaging device described in claim 24.

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