Lens device, imaging device, control method

Abstract

This lens device or imaging device is provided with: a ring part (24) which comprises a ring (50) capable of being rotated by manual operation and a motor (51) that drives the ring to rotate; a lens system which comprises a lens or an iris; a lens-system drive unit (22) which drives the lens or the iris of the lens system; and a control unit (23). In response to the ring (50) being rotated by manual operation, the control unit (23) performs control so as to cause the lens-system drive unit (22) to drive a to-be-driven part of the lens system, and performs control so as to cause the motor (51) to impart a restoring torque that causes the ring (50) to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of the rotary operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a lens device, an imaging device, and a control method, and particularly to a control technology related to ring operation.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of imaging devices such as still cameras and video cameras, particularly in the case of cameras using interchangeable lenses, a ring (or operation ring) may be installed on the lens barrel to operate focus (or sharpness, focus), zoom (or focal length, angle of view), iris (or aperture, F-number), etc. Of course, there are also cameras without interchangeable lenses that are provided with a ring. The user can change the position or setting value of a driven part such as focus, zoom, and iris by rotating the ring. In Patent Document 1 below, an imaging device capable of changing the weight related to ring operation is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when manually operating a ring to drive a driven part such as a zoom lens, in order to drive the driven part (for example, a zoom lens) at a constant speed, the user needs to manually rotate the ring at a constant speed, and this operation may cause unevenness in the zoom speed and camera shake. That is, it is relatively difficult and requires skill to smoothly change the zoom or focus by operating the ring. Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a technique that enables stable driving of a driven part such as a zoom lens even by ring operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The lens device according to the present technology includes a ring that can be rotated by manual operation, a ring unit including a motor that rotationally drives the ring, a lens system including a lens or an iris as a driven unit, a lens system driving unit that drives the driven unit, and a control unit that controls the lens system driving unit to drive the driven unit in response to the ring being rotated by manual operation, and controls the motor to generate a restoring torque that rotates the ring in the direction opposite to the rotational operation direction. That is, in the case where a ring for manual operations such as zooming, iris adjustment, and focusing is provided on a lens barrel or the like, when the ring is operated, the driven units such as a zoom lens, an iris, and a focusing lens are driven, and a torque (restoring torque) in the direction opposite to the operation direction is applied to the ring. Note that the imaging device according to the present technology is an imaging device having such a configuration.

[0006] In the lens device according to the present technology described above, when the ring is rotated by manual operation, the control unit may perform a drive instruction corresponding to the rotation amount of the ring on the lens system driving unit, and control the motor to generate the restoring torque for returning the ring to the rotation origin position. The rotation amount of the ring is reflected in the driving speed and position change of the lens or the iris.

[0007] In the lens device according to the present technology described above, the control unit may perform control to cause the motor to apply the restoring torque obtained based on the conversion information according to the rotation amount by manual operation to the ring. The speed and restoring torque of the drive in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the ring by the motor are controlled at speeds and torques corresponding to the conversion information according to the rotation amount of the ring by the operation. The conversion information is, for example, a table or an arithmetic expression that derives the driving speed and torque by the motor from the rotation angle of the ring.

[0008] In the lens device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the conversion information is configured to be updated according to the setting information. That is, it is assumed that the relationship between the rotation angle of the ring and the motor drive control is programmable.

[0009] In the lens device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the control unit performs control to give the lens system drive unit information on the drive speed or drive position obtained based on the conversion information according to the rotation amount by manual operation of the ring. The drive of the driven part of the lens system is controlled at a speed and position obtained by the conversion information according to the rotation amount of the ring by the operation, in response to the rotation operation of the ring. The conversion information is, for example, a table or arithmetic expression that derives the drive speed and drive position of the driven part from the rotation angle of the ring.

[0010] In the lens device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the conversion information is configured to be updated according to the setting information. That is, it is assumed that the relationship between the rotation angle of the ring and the drive control of the lens system is programmable.

[0011] In the lens device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the control unit can variably set the speed trajectory for returning to the origin position from the time when the manual operation of the ring ends, with respect to the lens system drive unit. The time when the manual operation of the ring ends is, for example, the time when the user releases the ring so that the rotation angle of the ring is not maintained, that is, the time when the ring starts to return to the origin position by the motor.

[0012] In the lens device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the control unit controls so that the rotation amount of the ring and the drive speed of the driven part by the lens system drive unit have a linear relationship. The rotational angle of the ring is made to have a proportional relationship that can be represented by a linear function with the driving speed of the driven part such as a zoom lens or the like.

[0013] In the lens device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the control unit controls so that the rotation amount of the ring and the driving speed of the driven part by the lens system driving part have a non-linear relationship. The rotational angle of the ring is made to have a relationship that cannot be represented by a linear function with the driving speed of the driven part such as a zoom lens or the like.

[0014] In the lens device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the control unit controls so that the rotation amount of the ring and the restoring torque by the motor have a linear relationship. The rotational angle of the ring and the restoring torque of the motor are made to have a relationship that can be represented by a linear function.

[0015] In the lens device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the control unit controls so that the rotation amount of the ring and the restoring torque by the motor have a non-linear relationship. The rotational angle of the ring and the restoring torque of the motor are made to have a relationship that cannot be represented by a linear function.

[0016] In the lens device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the control unit controls so that, in response to the rotation amount of the ring becoming a predetermined value, the restoring torque that prevents further rotation is generated by the motor. The rotation of the ring is made to be difficult beyond a predetermined range.

[0017] In the lens device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the control unit controls so that a click feeling is generated during the rotation operation of the ring by the restoring torque of the motor. For example, by periodically varying the restoring torque in response to the rotation of the ring, a click feeling is transmitted to the user.

[0018] In the lens device according to the present technology described above, it is conceivable that the control unit switches the zoom lens, the focus lens, and the iris as the driven unit according to the manual operation of the ring. For example, one ring can be arbitrarily switched between a manual zoom operation, a manual focus lens operation, and a manual iris operation.

[0019] The control method according to the present technology is a control method for an apparatus including a ring rotatable by a manual operation, a ring unit including a motor that rotationally drives the ring, a lens system including a lens or an iris as a driven unit, and a lens system drive unit that drives the driven unit. When the ring is rotated by a manual operation, control is performed to cause the lens system drive unit to drive the driven unit, and control is performed to generate a restoring torque that rotates the ring in the direction opposite to the rotational operation direction by the motor. Thereby, in a lens device or an imaging device, stable driving of the driven unit according to the ring operation is realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in the following order. <1. Configuration of the imaging device> <2. Control configuration and operation regarding the ring> <3. Various settings regarding the ring operation> <4. Summary and modification examples>

[0022] <1. Configuration of the imaging device> FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the front of the imaging device 1 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a rear view. In this example, the imaging device 1 is a so-called digital still camera, and by switching the imaging mode, both still image imaging and moving image imaging can be executed. Note that in this embodiment, the imaging device 1 is not limited to a digital still camera, and may be a video camera mainly used for video imaging, or a camera capable of only still image imaging or a camera capable of only video imaging.

[0023] The lens barrel 2 is disposed on the front side of the main body housing 100 that constitutes the camera body of the imaging device 1. When configured as a so-called lens interchangeable camera, the lens barrel 2 is detachable from the main body housing 100, and the lens can be exchanged. There may also be a case where the lens barrel 2 is non-detachable from the main body housing 100. For example, there are a configuration example in which the lens barrel 2 is fixed to the main body housing 100, and a configuration example in which the lens barrel 2 transitions between a state of being retracted and stored on the front surface of the main body housing 100 and a state of being protruded and usable.

[0024] In the case of this embodiment, any of the above configurations may be used, but it is assumed that the lens barrel 2 is provided with a ring 50. In the example of FIG. 1, one ring 50 is provided on the lens barrel 2, and the user can perform a rotation operation. The ring 50 is assigned to any one of, for example, a zoom operation, an iris operation, and a focus operation according to the user's setting. For example, when the user sets the ring 50 to be assigned to the zoom operation, the user can perform the zoom operation by manually rotating the ring 50. Also, the ring 50 may be fixedly assigned an operation, for example, dedicated to the zoom operation and cannot be changed.

[0025] Note that not one but two or three rings 50 may be provided. For example, when three rings 50 are provided, a zoom operation, an iris operation, and a focus operation may be fixedly assigned to each of them, or the user may be able to set which operation to assign to which ring 50.

[0026] On the back side (user side) of the imaging device 1, a display panel 101 is provided by a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. Also, as a viewfinder 102, a display unit formed using an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like is provided. The viewfinder 102 is not limited to an electronic viewfinder (EVF), and may be an optical viewfinder (OVF).

[0027] The user can view images and various information through the display panel 101 and the viewfinder 102. In this example, both the display panel 101 and the viewfinder 102 are provided in the imaging device 1, but it is not limited to this. A configuration in which only one of the display panel 101 and the viewfinder 102 is provided, or a configuration in which both or either one of the display panel 101 and the viewfinder 102 is detachable may also be possible.

[0028] On the main body housing 100 of the imaging device 1, various operation elements 110 are provided. For example, as the operation element 110, various forms such as keys, dials, and combined pressing / rotating operation elements are arranged to realize various operation functions. For example, shutter operation, menu operation, playback operation, mode selection operation, focus operation, zoom operation, selection operation of parameters such as shutter speed and F value, etc. are possible.

[0029] Figure 3 shows the internal configuration of the imaging device 1 including the lens barrel 2. Note that this Figure 3 shows an example in which the imaging device 1 is configured to be divided into the main body housing 100 and the lens barrel 2.

[0030] The imaging device 1 includes an image sensor 12, a camera signal processing unit 13, a recording control unit 14, a display unit 15, an output unit 16, an operation unit 17, a power supply unit 18, a camera control unit 30, and a memory unit 31 in a main body housing 100. The lens barrel 2 further includes a lens system 21, a lens system driving unit 22, a lens barrel control unit 23, and a ring unit 24.

[0031] The lens system 21 in the lens barrel 2 includes lenses such as a zoom lens and a focus lens, and an iris (diaphragm mechanism) as will be described later. The light (incident light) from the subject is guided by this lens system 21 and focused on the image sensor 12.

[0032] The image sensor 12 is configured as, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type. In this image sensor 12, for the electrical signal obtained by photoelectrically converting the received light, for example, CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) processing, AGC (Automatic Gain Control) processing, etc. are executed, and further A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion processing is performed. Then, the imaging signal as digital data is output to the subsequent camera signal processing unit 13 and camera control unit 30.

[0033] The camera signal processing unit 13 is configured as an image processing processor by, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or the like. This camera signal processing unit 13 performs various signal processes on the digital signal (imaging image signal) from the image sensor 12. For example, as a camera process, the camera signal processing unit 13 performs preprocessing, synchronization processing, YC generation processing, resolution conversion processing, codec processing, etc.

[0034] In the preprocessing, for the imaging image signal from the image sensor 12, clamp processing for clamping the black levels of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) to a predetermined level, correction processing between the color channels of R, G, and B, etc. are performed. In the synchronization process, color separation processing is performed on the image data for each pixel so that it has all color components of R, G, and B. For example, in the case of an imaging device using a Bayer array color filter, demosaicing processing is performed as the color separation processing. In the YC generation process, a luminance (Y) signal and a color (C) signal are generated (separated) from the R, G, and B image data. In the resolution conversion process, resolution conversion processing is executed on the image data subjected to various signal processes.

[0035] The recording control unit 14 performs recording and playback on a recording medium, for example, a non-volatile memory. The recording control unit 14 performs processing such as recording an image file such as moving image data or still image data, or a thumbnail image on the recording medium. The actual form of the recording control unit 14 can be considered in various ways. For example, the recording control unit 14 may be configured as a flash memory built into the imaging device 1 and its write / read circuit, or may be in the form of a card recording / playback unit that performs recording / playback access on a recording medium detachable from the imaging device 1, such as a memory card (a portable flash memory, etc.). Also, it may be realized as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like in a form built into the imaging device 1.

[0036] The display unit 15 is a display unit that performs various displays for the imaging person, and specifically shows the display panel 101 and the viewfinder 102 shown in FIG. 2. The display unit 15 executes various displays on the display screen based on the instructions of the camera control unit 30. For example, the display unit 15 displays a playback image of the image data read from the recording medium in the recording control unit 14. Also, the image data of the captured image resolution-converted for display by the camera signal processing unit 13 is supplied to the display unit 15. The display unit 15 performs display based on the image data of the captured image according to the instructions of the camera control unit 30, thereby displaying a so-called through image (a captured monitor image based on the subject light received by the imaging device 12). Also, based on the instructions from the camera control unit 30, the display unit 15 executes displays such as various operation menus, icons, messages, etc., that is, displays as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the screen.

[0037] The output unit 16 performs data communication and network communication with external devices, either wired or wirelessly. For example, it transmits and outputs captured image data (still image files or video files) to external display devices, recording devices, playback devices, information processing devices, etc. Also, assuming the output unit 16 is a network communication unit, for example, it may perform communication via various networks such as the Internet, home network, LAN (Local Area Network), etc., and perform various data transmissions and receptions with servers, terminals, etc. on the network.

[0038] The operation unit 17 generally shows input devices for the user to perform various operation inputs. Specifically, the operation unit 17 shows various operation elements 110 (such as a shutter button, menu button, etc.) provided on the main body housing 100. An operation of the user is detected by the operation unit 17, and a signal corresponding to the input operation is sent to the camera control unit 30. As this operation unit 17, not only operation elements 110 but also a touch panel may be used. For example, a touch panel may be formed on the display panel 101, and various operations may be enabled by touch panel operations using icons, menus, etc. displayed on the display panel 101. Alternatively, the operation unit 17 may be configured to detect a tap operation, etc. of the user by a touch pad or the like. Furthermore, the operation unit 17 may be configured as a reception unit for an external operation device such as a separate remote controller.

[0039] The power supply unit 18 generates, for example, the necessary power supply voltage Vcc for each unit from a battery loaded inside and supplies it as an operating voltage. In a state where the lens barrel 2 is attached to the imaging device 1, the power supply voltage Vcc from the power supply unit 18 is configured to be supplied also to the circuits and motors within the lens barrel 2. Note that the power supply unit 18 may be formed with a circuit for charging a battery and a circuit for generating the power supply voltage Vcc, using, as a power supply, a DC voltage that is converted and input by an AC adapter connected to a commercial AC power supply.

[0040] The camera control unit 30 is constituted by a microcomputer (arithmetic processing unit) including a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory unit 31 stores information and the like that the camera control unit 30 uses for processing. As the illustrated memory unit 31, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, etc. are shown comprehensively. The memory unit 31 may be a memory area built into the microcomputer chip serving as the camera control unit 30, or may be constituted by a separate memory chip. The camera control unit 30 controls the entire imaging device 1 and the lens barrel 2 by executing programs stored in the ROM, flash memory, etc. of the memory unit 31. For example, the camera control unit 30 controls the operations of necessary parts regarding control of the shutter speed of the imaging element 12, instructions for various signal processes in the camera signal processing unit 13, imaging operations and recording operations according to user operations, playback operations of recorded image files, user interface operations, etc. Regarding the lens system 21, the camera control unit 30 performs, for example, autofocus control for automatically focusing on a target subject, change of the F value according to a user setting operation, auto iris control for automatically controlling the F value, etc.

[0041] The RAM in the memory unit 31 is used for temporarily storing data, programs, etc. as a work area during various data processes of the CPU of the camera control unit 30. The ROM and flash memory (non-volatile memory) in the memory unit 31 are used for storing the OS (Operating System) for the CPU to control each part, content files such as image files, application programs for various operations, and firmware.

[0042] When the lens barrel 2 is attached to the main body housing 100, the camera control unit 30 communicates with the lens barrel control unit 23 and gives various instructions. In the lens barrel 2, for example, a lens barrel control unit 23 using a microcomputer is mounted, and various data communications are possible with the camera control unit 30. In the case of this embodiment, the camera control unit 30 gives drive instructions for a zoom lens, a focus lens, an iris (diaphragm mechanism), etc. to the lens barrel control unit 23. The lens barrel control unit 23 controls the lens system drive unit 22 according to these drive instructions and executes the operation of the lens system 21. Note that when the lens barrel 2 is attached to the main body housing 100, it is configured such that wired communication is executed between the camera control unit 30 and the lens barrel control unit 23. However, it may be configured such that the camera control unit 30 and the lens barrel control unit 23 can perform wireless communication.

[0043] The lens system drive unit 22 is provided with, for example, a motor driver for a zoom lens drive motor, a motor driver for a focus lens drive motor, a motor driver for an iris motor, etc. These motor drivers apply a drive current to the corresponding driver according to an instruction from the lens barrel control unit 23, and execute the movement of the focus lens and the zoom lens, the opening and closing of the diaphragm blades of the iris, etc.

[0044] The ring part 24 includes the ring 50 shown in FIG. 1, and shows a sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the ring 50 and a motor system for applying torque to the ring 50. Although its configuration will be described later, the lens barrel control unit 23 outputs a drive instruction to the lens system drive unit 22 according to detecting the rotation of the ring 50 in the ring part 24, and controls the operation assigned to the ring 50.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows a configuration example in which a portion corresponding to the lens barrel 2 is integrated with the main body housing 100. Since the internal configuration is basically the same, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description is avoided. For example, as an example, the camera control unit 30 has a function corresponding to the lens barrel control unit 23. Of course, the camera control unit 30 and the lens barrel control unit 23 may be formed of separate microcomputers or the like.

[0046] Hereinafter, in the imaging apparatus 1 having the configuration of FIGS. 3 and 4, description will be made with a focus on control according to the operation of the ring 50 by the lens barrel control unit 23 in particular.

[0047] <2. Control Configuration and Operation Regarding Ring> The ring 50 is provided on the lens barrel 2 for operating the focusing operation by the focus lens, the change of the angle of view by the zoom lens, the adjustment of the F value in the iris, etc. By this ring 50, the user can arbitrarily drive and operate the zoom lens, the focus lens, and the iris (collectively referred to as the "driven part" in the present disclosure). The rotation angle of the ring 50 and the set value of the driven part correspond to each other, for example, one-to-one, and the user can change the set value of the driven part by rotating the ring 50.

[0048] Here, in order to drive the driven part such as the zoom lens at a constant speed, it is necessary for the user to manually rotate the ring 50 at a constant speed, and this operation is likely to cause speed unevenness and camera shake. Also, as a general camera, there is an example of installing a lever mechanism for operating the driven part at a constant speed. For example, a zoom lever or the like is known. In this case, a constant speed operation can be facilitated by changing the driving speed of the driven part in proportion to the amount of pushing of the lever. However, for this purpose, it is necessary to provide a lever mechanism independently of the ring 50, and an additional space for installation on the lens barrel 2 is required.

[0049] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ring 50 is provided with an operating function such as a lever mechanism. Generally, a lever mechanism includes a spring mechanism, which changes the driving speed of the driven part according to the pushing amount, and at the same time, generates a force to return the lever. When the lever is released, it returns to the original state, and the driving speed of the driven part also automatically becomes zero.

[0050] To realize such an operation, in the present embodiment, the ring 50 is provided with a driving device such as a motor, having the function of driving the ring 50, and at the same time, having the function of giving force feedback to the user through the ring 50.

[0051] By turning the ring 50, the user can operate the driving speed of the driven part according to the amount of rotation. At the same time, similar to the lever mechanism, a force to return to the original position before the operation is generated in the ring 50. As a result, when the user simply releases the ring 50, the driving speed of the driven part automatically becomes zero, and the ring 50 can be operated with the same feeling as the lever mechanism. Also, no additional space in the lens barrel 2 is required for this purpose.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows the lens barrel control unit 23, the ring unit 24, the lens system 21, and the lens system driving unit 22 in more detail than FIGS. 3 and 4 above.

[0053] In FIG. 5, in the lens system 21, a zoom lens 41, an iris 42, and a focus lens 43 as driven parts are shown. Also, in the lens system driving unit 22, a zoom driving unit 44, an iris driving unit 45, and a focus driving unit 46 for driving these driven parts are shown. The zoom lens 41 is driven by the zoom driving unit 44 to move back and forth in the optical axis direction. The iris 42 is driven to open and close by the iris driving unit 45 to change the F value. The focus lens 43 is driven by the focus driving unit 46 to move back and forth in the optical axis direction. The zoom drive unit 44, the iris drive unit 45, and the focus drive unit 46 drive the driven units according to the drive instruction signals from the lens barrel control unit 23, respectively.

[0054] The ring unit 24 includes a ring 50, a motor 51, a ring detection unit 52, a ring drive unit 53, and a gear mechanism 54.

[0055] The ring detection unit 52 is a sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the ring 50 from the origin position. The origin position is the initial state position before the ring 50 is rotationally operated by the user. For example, this origin position is set as the position where the ring rotation amount is zero. The ring detection unit 52 only needs to be able to obtain the rotation angle of the ring 50 by the lens barrel control unit 23. Specifically, for example, it is a plurality of position sensors arranged in the rotation direction, and as long as the lens barrel control unit 23 can obtain the rotation angle according to their sensing states. Also, a configuration such as a rotary encoder or a configuration using an angular velocity sensor or the like can be considered.

[0056] The motor 51 is driven by the ring drive unit 53. The rotational torque by the motor 51 is transmitted to the ring 50 by the gear mechanism 54 shown schematically. The ring 50 is an operator for manual operation, and as described above, the user can rotate it arbitrarily. However, the motor 51, the ring drive unit 53, and the gear mechanism 54 mainly provide force feedback to the user and serve as a drive mechanism for returning the ring 50 to the rotation origin position. That is, when the user rotates the ring 50, for example, the user is made to feel a force to return the ring 50 to its original state according to the rotation amount. When the user releases the hand from the ring 50 or relaxes the force to maintain the ring 50 at a certain rotation angle, the ring 50 is automatically driven by the motor 51 to return to the origin position, that is, the rotation angle position before the user's operation. Also, in some cases, the motor 51 may generate periodic torque to give the user a click feeling according to the rotation operation of the ring 50. The lens barrel control unit 23 controls the ring drive unit 53 so that such an operation is performed.

[0057] FIG. 6 shows the functions of the lens barrel control unit 23. The lens barrel control unit 23 is provided with a ring control unit 35 and a lens control unit 36 as software-based functions.

[0058] The detection information by the ring detection unit 52 is input to the ring control unit 35 and the lens control unit 36. Also, information on the origin angle is input to the ring control unit 35 and the lens control unit 36. Alternatively, the information on the origin angle may be stored in advance as a fixed value. Thereby, the ring control unit 35 and the lens control unit 36 can obtain the rotation amount, that is, the rotation angle representing the rotation amount from the origin position, according to the current operation of the ring 50.

[0059] The lens control unit 36 outputs a drive instruction (for example, a speed instruction or a position instruction) to any one of the zoom drive unit 44, the iris drive unit 45, or the focus drive unit 46 according to the deviation between the current angle of the ring 50 and the origin angle. The zoom drive unit 44, the iris drive unit 45, or the focus drive unit 46 drives the zoom lens 41, the iris 42, or the focus lens 43 at a specified speed according to the drive command. Thereby, when the user operates the ring 50, the driven part can be driven at an arbitrary speed according to the rotation amount of the ring 50 like a lever mechanism.

[0060] The ring control unit 35 outputs a drive instruction to the ring drive unit 53 in the direction of returning the deviation between the ring angle and the origin angle to zero. The ring drive unit 53 applies a drive current corresponding to the drive instruction to the motor 51. Thereby, the motor 51 generates torque and rotates the ring 50 via the gear mechanism 54. The user can feel the restoring force to the origin like the spring mechanism of the lever by the torque generated in the ring 50. Also, when the user releases their hand from the ring 50 or loosens the force holding the ring 50 in that state, the ring 50 returns to the origin angle in the same way as the lever mechanism. At this time, since the deviation between the current angle of the ring 50 and the origin angle becomes zero, the drive instruction of the lens control unit 36 instructs a speed of zero, and the speed of change of the driven part becomes zero. By such processing, it becomes possible to operate the ring 50 like the lever mechanism and drive the driven part at an arbitrary speed according to the rotation amount of the ring 50.

[0061] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the process for outputting the drive instruction of the ring control unit 35 as described above. The current ring angle based on the detection information of the ring detection unit 52 and the ring origin angle are input to the subtraction unit 61, and the ring deviation is obtained. That is, it is the rotation angle when the origin position is set to 0 degrees.

[0062] This ring deviation is input to the ring deviation / instruction speed conversion unit 62 and the ring deviation / instruction force conversion unit 63. The ring deviation / instruction speed conversion unit 62 obtains the instruction speed from the ring deviation based on the stored conversion information 62a. The ring deviation / instruction force conversion unit 63 obtains the instruction force from the ring deviation based on the stored conversion information 63a.

[0063] The conversion information 62a and 63a are assumed to be, for example, conversion table data or conversion formulas, and can be updated by, for example, the setting information MS1. The setting information MS1 is assumed to be generated by the camera control unit 30 according to the user's mode setting, automatic setting according to the situation, or version update of the imaging device 1. That is, the conversion table data and conversion formulas as the conversion information 62a and 63a are programmable information that can be rewritten according to the mode setting and the like.

[0064] Information on the ring deviation, indicated speed, and indicated force is supplied to the position control unit 64. The position control unit 64 generates and outputs a drive instruction for the ring drive unit 53 according to these. For example, the rotational drive direction by the motor 51 is set according to the sign of the value of the ring deviation, and the drive current value and motor drive frequency corresponding to the indicated speed and indicated force are set, and these are output to the ring drive unit 53 as a drive instruction. The ring drive unit 53 supplies a motor drive current corresponding to the drive instruction, for example, a three-phase drive signal such as a phase relationship, current value, and frequency corresponding to the drive instruction, to the motor 51.

[0065] Note that each block shown in FIG. 7 above is assumed to be realized by arithmetic processing by software within the lens barrel control unit 23 actually constituted by a microcomputer.

[0066] FIG. 8 shows the processing for the drive instruction output of the lens control unit 36 in a block diagram. Similar to the case of the ring control unit 35 described above, the current ring angle based on the detection information of the ring detection unit 52 and the ring origin angle are input to the subtraction unit 71, and the ring deviation is obtained.

[0067] This ring deviation is input to the ring deviation / indication conversion unit 72. The ring deviation / indication conversion unit 72 generates a drive instruction from the ring deviation based on the stored conversion information 72a. This drive instruction is, for example, information on the position for displacing the zoom lens 41 and the focus lens 43 or the speed during lens movement, or information on the opening / closing position as the F value of the iris 42.

[0068] The conversion information 72a is assumed to be, for example, conversion table data or a conversion formula, and can be updated by, for example, the setting information MS2. Similar to the setting information MS1, it is assumed that the setting information MS2 can be generated by the camera control unit 30 according to the user's mode setting, automatic setting according to the situation, or version update of the imaging device 1. That is, the conversion table data and conversion formula as the conversion information 72a are also programmable information that can be rewritten according to the mode setting and the like.

[0069] The drive instruction indicating the position and speed of the driven part after movement is supplied to the control object switching unit 73. The control object switching unit 73 selects a control object according to the operation function currently assigned to the ring 50 and outputs a drive instruction. When the ring 50 is assigned to the zoom operation, the ring deviation / instruction conversion unit 72 generates a drive instruction for controlling the zoom lens 41, which is used as the zoom drive instruction S1 by the control object switching unit 73 and output to the zoom drive unit 44. When the ring 50 is assigned to the iris operation, the ring deviation / instruction conversion unit 72 generates a drive instruction for controlling the iris 42, which is used as the iris drive instruction S2 by the control object switching unit 73 and output to the iris drive unit 45. When the ring 50 is assigned to the focus operation, the ring deviation / instruction conversion unit 72 generates a drive instruction for controlling the focus lens 43, which is used as the focus drive instruction S3 by the control object switching unit 73 and output to the focus drive unit 46.

[0070] It should be noted that each block shown in FIG. 8 above is also assumed to be realized by arithmetic processing by software in the lens barrel control unit 23 actually constituted by a microcomputer.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the lens barrel control unit 23 having the ring control unit 35 and the lens control unit 36 as described above. For example, the lens barrel control unit 23 repeatedly executes the processing in FIG. 9 as an interrupt process at predetermined time intervals.

[0072] In step S101, the lens barrel control unit 23 performs ring rotation angle detection. That is, it inputs the detection information of the ring detection unit 52 to obtain the rotation angle of the ring 50. Particularly in this case, as the ring rotation amount based on the origin position, the value of the ring deviation described in FIGS. 7 and 8 is acquired. If the detection information of the ring detection unit 52 already indicates the ring deviation, it only needs to be acquired. If the detection information can indicate the current angular position, the ring deviation is obtained as the difference from the origin angle.

[0073] In step S102, the lens barrel control unit 23 checks whether the current state of the ring 50 is at the origin position. That is, it checks whether the ring deviation is zero. If the ring deviation is zero and it is determined that the ring 50 is currently at the origin position, the lens barrel control unit 23 ends the process of FIG. 9.

[0074] When the ring 50 is not at the origin position, that is, when the user is operating the ring 50, the lens barrel control unit 23 proceeds from step S102 to step S103 and branches the process according to the setting of the assignment of the operation function of the ring 50.

[0075] When the ring 50 is assigned to the zoom operation, the lens barrel control unit 23 executes steps S110 and S111. In step S110, the lens barrel control unit 23 generates a drive instruction for the zoom lens 41 by the function of the lens control unit 36 and outputs the drive instruction (zoom drive instruction S1) to the zoom drive unit 44. In step S111, the lens barrel control unit 23 generates a drive instruction for the motor 51 by the function of the ring control unit 35 and outputs it to the ring drive unit 53. Thus, one-time processing of FIG. 9 is completed.

[0076] When the ring 50 is assigned to the iris operation, the lens barrel control unit 23 executes steps S120 and S121. In step S120, the lens barrel control unit 23 generates a drive instruction for the iris 42 by the function of the lens control unit 36 and outputs the drive instruction (iris drive instruction S2) to the iris drive unit 45. In step S121, the lens barrel control unit 23 generates a drive instruction regarding the motor 51 by the function of the ring control unit 35 and outputs it to the ring drive unit 53. The above completes one round of processing in FIG. 9.

[0077] In the case of this iris control, in step S121, the lens barrel control unit 23 generates a drive instruction so as to also execute torque generation that provides a click feeling at every predetermined angle as the user rotates the ring 50. Regarding the iris 42, the control operation is a stepwise switching of the F value, and for example, it is controlled so that a click feeling is obtained for every ring rotation angle at which the F value is switched by one step. Thereby, the user can feel that the F value is changed stepwise by operating the ring 50.

[0078] When the ring 50 is assigned to the focus operation, the lens barrel control unit 23 executes steps S130 and S131. In step S130, the lens barrel control unit 23 generates a drive instruction regarding the focus lens 43 by the function of the lens control unit 36 and outputs the drive instruction (focus drive instruction S3) to the focus drive unit 46. In step S131, the lens barrel control unit 23 generates a drive instruction regarding the motor 51 by the function of the ring control unit 35 and outputs it to the ring drive unit 53. The above completes one round of processing in FIG. 9.

[0079] By repeating the processing of FIG. 9 in this way, the ring 50 can be operated with an operability like that of a lever mechanism, and the drive of the driven part can be stably performed by the ring 50.

[0080] <3. Various settings related to ring operation> Various control examples of the operation of the driven part according to the operation of the ring 50 and the torque applied to the ring 50 as described above will be described. Regarding the operation of the driven part according to the operation of the ring 50 and the torque applied to the ring 50, various examples can be considered according to the settings of the conversion information 62a, 63a, and 72a.

[0081] In FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C, the horizontal axis represents the ring rotation amount (i.e., the ring deviation in the case of this embodiment), and the vertical axis represents the driving speed of the driven part, the ring restoring torque, and the ring restoring speed at the time of release, respectively. The driving speed of the driven part in FIG. 10A is the moving speed of the zoom lens 41, the opening / closing speed of the iris 42, or the moving speed of the focus lens 43. The ring restoring torque in FIG. 10B is the torque generated by the motor 51 in the direction of returning the ring 50 to the origin position. The positive and negative values correspond to the direction of the origin position. The ring restoring speed at the time of release in FIG. 10C is the speed at which the ring 50 starts to return to the origin position when the user releases the ring operation, that is, when the user removes their hand from the ring or relaxes the force so as not to maintain the rotation operation angle of the ring.

[0082] The origin (the intersection of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis) of each coordinate is where the ring rotation amount = zero, and the speed or torque on the vertical axis is also zero. The positive and negative values of the ring rotation amount on the horizontal axis correspond to the rotation operation direction from the ring origin position. The positive and negative directions correspond to the wide side and the zoom side in the zoom operation, the increasing side and the decreasing side of the F value in the iris operation, and the far side and the near side of the focus position in the focus operation. The positive and negative values of the driving speed of the driven part in FIG. 10A correspond to the moving direction (opening / closing direction) from the position before driving. The positive and negative values of the ring restoring torque in FIG. 10B correspond to the direction of the torque applied to make the ring 50 move toward the origin position. The positive and negative values of the ring restoring speed at the time of release in FIG. 10C correspond to the direction of making the ring 50 move toward the origin position. The format of FIG. 10 above is the same for FIGS. 12 to 15 described later.

[0083] The example of FIG. 10 shows the basic operating characteristics when the function of the lever mechanism is realized by the ring 50. That is, the relationships between the driving speed of the driven part, the ring restoring torque, and the ring restoring speed at the time of release with respect to the ring rotation amount are all linear so as to have almost the same operating characteristics as the lever mechanism with normal spring restoring torque. Accordingly, the driving speed of the driven part will change according to the amount by which the user rotates the ring 50. That is, the user can adjust the driving speed of the driven part by adjusting the rotation amount of the ring 50. Also, the larger the rotation angle of the ring, the larger the ring restoring torque, and this also changes the ring restoring speed at the time of release. Therefore, even if the rotation amount increases due to the user's operation, at the time of release, it quickly returns to the origin position while gradually decreasing in speed. This will be reflected as an operation in which the driving speed of the driven part such as the zoom lens 41 also gradually slows down at the time of release and eventually stops.

[0084] This operation is shown in FIG. 11. FIGS. 11A and 11B show the time responses of the ring rotation amount and the driving speed of the driven part when the user releases the ring 50 in the case of the operating characteristics as shown in FIG. 10. The horizontal axis is the elapsed time since the release. From the moment of release of the ring 50, the ring rotation amount gradually decreases, and accordingly, the driving speed of the driven part also gradually decreases.

[0085] That is, the same functions and characteristics realized by a mechanical lever mechanism are realized by software. And since the driving speed of the driven part and the ring rotation amount have a linear relationship as shown in FIG. 10A, the user can intuitively operate the lens driving speed. In addition, the inclination of each of FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C can be programmably designed. That is, it can be changed by setting the conversion information 62a, 63a, 72a. For example, by reducing the inclination, the sensitivity to the operation of the ring 50 can be decreased to perform fine speed adjustment, or conversely, by increasing the sensitivity, even a slight rotation of the ring can drive the driven part at high speed.

[0086] FIG. 12 shows an example of restricting the driving range of the ring 50 like a mechanical end (movable end) in accordance with the maximum speed of the driven part. As shown in FIG. 12A, when the driving speed of the driven part is variable within the range of the maximum speed V1 in one direction and the maximum speed V2 in the other direction, the ring operation range is restricted with the ring rotation amounts RL1 and RL2 corresponding to the maximum speeds V1 and V2 as limits.

[0087] For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the operation of the ring 50 reaches the ring rotation amounts RL1 and RL2, the ring restoration torque is maximized so that it becomes difficult for the user to rotate it even if the user tries to rotate it further. Thereby, the user is made to feel that the ring 50 can rotate only within the range of the ring rotation amounts RL1 and RL2. In other words, even if the ring 50 actually has a structure that can rotate infinitely, the user is made to feel as if a mechanical movable end is provided. As shown in FIG. 12C, the ring restoration speed at the time of release also corresponds to the movable range.

[0088] By doing so, the user can recognize that the maximum driving speed of the driven part has been reached by the load like the movable end of the ring 50, and can avoid a wasteful operation of rotating the ring 50 too much. In the case of a mechanical lever mechanism, since a movable end exists structurally, due to the operation characteristics as shown in FIG. 12, the ring 50 can be used with an operation feeling more like that of a lever mechanism.

[0089] Note that the ring restoration torque may be maximized based on the detection signal of the movable end of the driven part. For example, for the zoom lens 41 and the focus lens 43, it is assumed that sensors for detecting reaching the movable end are provided. However, when the lens barrel control unit 23 detects that the zoom lens 41 or the focus lens 43 has reached the movable end based on the detection information of such a movable end sensor, it controls to maximize the ring restoration torque. This can also enable the user to recognize the movable end. The same applies to the iris 42. It is conceivable to detect the maximum aperture and the minimum aperture of the iris 42 and maximize the ring restoration torque.

[0090] Moreover, it can be used not only for mechanical movable ends but also when it is desired to limit the operating range of the driven part due to some cause or mode setting. For example, when it is desired to limit the movable range of the focus lens 43 as a focus range limiter or the like, by maximizing the ring restoration torque when reaching the end of the allowable movable range, the user can be made aware that further variation is restricted.

[0091] FIG. 13 is an example in which the relationship between the rotation amount of the ring 50 and the driving speed of the driven part is made non-linear. In the case of FIG. 13A, in the region where the ring rotation amount is small, the increase in the driving speed of the driven part is relatively gentle, and in the region where the ring rotation amount is large, the increase in the driving speed of the driven part becomes relatively steep. FIGS. 13B and 13C have the same characteristics as FIGS. 10B and 10C.

[0092] By having the characteristics as in FIG. 13A, the sensitivity of the driving speed of the driven part in the low speed range is reduced, which means that fine speed adjustment is possible in the low speed range. For example, when it is desired to precisely pursue the focus state, the user performs an operation of slightly turning the ring 50 for adjustment. At such a time, since the driving of the focus lens is at a low speed, fine driving adjustment is easy, which is suitable for the operation to pursue the optimal state. Also, when using an expression method used when approaching (drawing in) a subject at a very low speed during video shooting called slow zoom, by reducing the sensitivity of the ring 50 at a low speed, it becomes a suitable characteristic even in a situation where fine adjustment at a low speed is desired.

[0093] If it is possible to switch between the case of having non-linear characteristics like in this Fig. 13A and the case of having linear characteristics like in Fig. 10A according to the setting information MS2, more desirable ring operability can be realized according to the situation. Of course, as the case of non-linear characteristics like in Fig. 13A, various settings such as in which region to decrease / increase the sensitivity and the setting of the degree of the sensitivity change can be considered.

[0094] Fig. 14 is an example in which the relationship between the rotation amount of the ring 50 and the ring restoration torque is made non-linear. For example, as shown in Fig. 14B, in a region where the ring rotation amount is small, the increase in the ring restoration torque is relatively gentle, and in a region where the ring rotation amount is large, the increase in the ring restoration torque becomes relatively steep. Fig. 14A and Fig. 14C have the same characteristics as Fig. 10A and Fig. 10C.

[0095] By having such characteristics, in a region where the ring rotation amount is small, that is, in a situation where the user wants to drive the driven part only slightly, the torque in the reverse direction felt by the user is small. Therefore, it is easy to operate with a weak force. Therefore, when the user wants to finely adjust the driven part, it becomes easy to perform precise operation with a relatively weak force. During fine adjustment, by being able to operate with a weak force, it becomes easy to adjust the rotation amount and the operation is easy.

[0096] Also in this case, as shown in Fig. 14A, by making the relationship between the ring rotation amount and the driving speed of the driven part linear, the lens driving speed is precisely controlled by the ring rotation amount, which can be desirable for a user who wants to perform a driving operation according to the lens rotation amount.

[0097] The characteristics as shown in FIG. 14 are suitable for use in situations where, for example, during a slow zoom, while achieving fine adjustment at a low speed, it is desired to precisely control the speed in terms of the rotation angle of the ring 50.

[0098] In addition, examples of combining the characteristics of FIG. 14B and the characteristics of FIG. 13A are also conceivable. Furthermore, the characteristics as shown in FIG. 14B can be programmably realized. For example, if it is possible to switch between the characteristics of FIG. 10B and the characteristics of FIG. 14B according to the setting information MS1, more desirable ring operability can be realized according to the situation. Of course, in the case of the non-linear characteristics as shown in FIG. 14A, various settings such as in which region to lower / raise the ring restoration torque and the degree of change of that torque can be considered in various ways.

[0099] FIGS. 15 and 16 are examples of programmably setting the speed trajectory for returning to the origin after releasing the ring 50. FIGS. 15A and 15B have the same characteristics as FIGS. 10A and 10B, but FIG. 15C makes the relationship between the ring restoration speed at the time of release and the ring rotation amount non-linear. The relationship between the ring rotation amount and the lens driving speed from the time of ring release in this case is shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B.

[0100] By designing the relationship between the ring restoration speed at the time of release and the ring rotation amount non-linearly as shown in FIG. 15C, the trajectory of the ring rotation amount from ring release can be designed linearly as shown in FIG. 16A. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16B, the trajectory of the driving speed of the driven part from ring release also becomes linear. Therefore, it becomes easy to predict the time from the ring rotation amount at the time of releasing the ring 50 to stopping. Note that the trajectory can be designed programmably regardless of being linear.

[0101] For example, in the case of video shooting, smoothness of approaching (or pulling) the subject is emphasized. However, the characteristics shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 are preferably used in situations where it is desired to pre-design the speed trajectory until the approach (or pull) stops. The user no longer needs to continuously operate the ring until it stops, which improves the quality of the captured image and reduces the burden on the user (operator).

[0102] Each of the characteristics described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 16 above may be used fixedly or may be switched according to the case. By selecting the characteristics suitable for the situation during shooting, the user can more easily perform shooting as intended.

[0103] In the case of this embodiment, when the user releases the ring 50, the ring 50 returns to the origin position, but there is a possibility of chattering due to play in the mechanism or noise in the sensor. To address this situation, it is preferable to provide a dead zone where the ring 50 is not driven near the origin of the ring 50, or to provide a dead zone where the driven part is not driven near the origin of the ring 50.

[0104] <4. Summary and Modification Examples> According to the above embodiments, the following effects can be obtained. The lens barrel 2 of the embodiment, or the imaging device 1 including the lens barrel 2, includes a ring part 24 including a ring 50 that can be rotated manually and a motor 51 that rotationally drives the ring 50, a lens system 21 including a zoom lens 41, a focus lens 43, or an iris 42 as a driven part, a lens system driving part 22 that drives the driven part, and a lens barrel control part 23. The lens barrel control part 23 performs control to cause the lens system driving part 22 to drive the driven part in response to the ring 50 being rotated manually, and also performs control to generate a restoring torque that rotates the ring 50 in the direction opposite to the rotational operation direction by the motor 51. With such a configuration, the user can obtain the same operating feeling as that of a lever such as a general zoom lever for the ring 50. That is, when the ring 50 for manual operations such as zooming, iris, and focusing is provided on the lens barrel 2 or the like, when the ring 50 is operated, by applying a reverse torque to return to the origin position by the motor 51, even if the user rotates the ring 50 for operating the lens system 21, when the operation is stopped, the ring 50 naturally returns to the origin position. Thereby, the ring operation, and further the fluctuation speed of the driven part according to the ring operation can be stabilized, and moreover, the manual control can be facilitated. For example, by moving the zoom lens 41 at a constant speed according to the rotation of the ring 50, a zoom change at a constant speed, which is difficult with a normal manual ring, becomes possible. Furthermore, due to the shape characteristics of the ring, the user can hold it at any position and perform the same operation as the lever operation, and in that sense, the operability is improved compared to the lever operation.

[0105] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the lens barrel control unit 23 gives a drive instruction corresponding to the rotation amount of the ring 50 to the lens system drive unit 22 when the ring 50 is rotated manually, and performs control to generate a restoring torque for returning the ring 50 to the rotation origin position by the motor 51. Thereby, the user can perform an operation of adjusting the fluctuation speeds of the zoom lens 41, the focus lens 43, the iris 42, etc. according to the rotation amount of the ring 50. Also, the user can feel a restoring force to the origin like the spring mechanism of the lever by the torque generated in the ring 50. Also, when the user releases the hand from the ring 50 in that state, the ring 50 returns to the origin angle in the same manner as the lever mechanism. At this time, since the deviation between the rotation angle of the ring 50 and the origin angle becomes zero, the drive instruction from the lens barrel control unit 23 to the lens system drive unit 22 becomes zero, and the speeds of zooming, or iris, or focusing changes become zero. As described above, it becomes possible to operate the ring 50 like a lever mechanism and drive the lens system 21 at an arbitrary speed according to the amount of rotation of the ring 50. Moreover, driving of the lens system 21 at an arbitrary speed can be realized by the ring 50 without being affected by speed unevenness or camera shake. That is, it becomes easy to perform an operation of making a stable change, which was difficult with a normal manual ring.

[0106] In the embodiment, an example of control is described in which the lens barrel control unit 23 gives, to the ring 50, a restoration torque obtained based on the conversion information 62a and 63a according to the amount of rotation by manual operation, by means of a motor. By providing the conversion information 62a and 63a, the lens barrel control unit 23 can perform drive control of the motor 51 according to the amount of rotation of the ring 50, and can appropriately execute control of the motor 51 that reflects the amount of rotation of the user's rotational operation of the ring 50.

[0107] In the embodiment, the conversion information 62a and 63a is configured to be updated according to the setting information MS1. That is, it is assumed that the relationship between the rotation angle of the ring 50 and the motor drive control is programmable. By making the conversion information 62a and 63a rewritable by the setting information MS1, it becomes possible to change the relationship between the drive control of the ring 50 and the motor 51 defined by the conversion information 62a and 63a to an appropriate state according to the operability of the ring 50, the use case, and the like. Note that there may be an example in which the conversion information 62a and 63a is fixed information that cannot be updated.

[0108] In the embodiment, an example of control is described in which the lens barrel control unit 23 gives, to the lens system drive unit 22, information on the drive speed or drive position obtained based on the conversion information 72a according to the amount of rotation by manual operation of the ring 50. By providing the conversion information 72a, the lens barrel control unit 23 can control the drive speed and drive position of the zoom lens 41, the iris 42, and the focus lens 43 according to the amount of rotation of the ring 50, and can appropriately execute drive control that reflects the amount of rotation of the user's rotational operation of the ring 50.

[0109] In the embodiment, the conversion information 72a is configured to be updated according to the setting information MS2. That is, it is assumed that the relationship between the rotation angle of the ring 50 and the drive control of the driven part of the lens system is programmable. By making the conversion information 72a rewritable by the setting information MS2, the relationship between the rotation amount of the ring 50 defined by the conversion information 72a and the drive control of the zoom lens 41, the iris 42, or the focus lens 43 can be changed to an appropriate state according to the operability, use cases, etc. Note that there may be a case where the conversion information 72a is fixed information that cannot be updated.

[0110] In the embodiment, an example was described in which the lens barrel control unit 23 can variably set the speed trajectory for returning to the origin position from the time point (release time) when the manual operation of the ring 50 is completed with respect to the lens system drive unit 22. The lens barrel control unit 23 can variably set the speed trajectory for returning to the origin position from the time point when the manual operation of the ring 50 is completed as shown in FIGS. 11 and 16. Thereby, the return operation to the origin position and the operations of the zoom lens 41 etc. during that period can be appropriately set. In addition, when the trajectory of the lens drive speed from the release of the ring 50 is linear, it becomes easy to predict the time until stop from the amount of ring rotation when the user releases the ring 50.

[0111] In the embodiment, an example was described in which the lens barrel control unit 23 controls such that the rotation amount of the ring 50 and the drive speed of the driven part by the lens system drive unit 22 are in a linear relationship (see FIGS. 10, 12, 14, and 15). Thereby, for the user, it becomes easy to grasp the drive speeds of the zoom lens 41, the iris 42, and the focus lens 43 according to the rotation operation amount (rotation angle) of the ring 50. Also, when such a linear relationship is based on the conversion information 72a programmed by the setting information MS2, the slope of the straight line indicating the linear relationship can be changed to improve the operability and adapt to the use case. For example, by reducing the slope of the straight line indicating the linear relationship, the sensitivity to the ring operation is decreased, enabling fine speed adjustment of the driven unit such as the zoom lens 41. Conversely, by increasing the slope of the straight line indicating the linear relationship, the sensitivity to the ring operation can be increased, and the responsiveness of the change in the driven unit such as the zoom lens 41 can also be increased.

[0112] In the embodiment, an example was described in which the lens barrel control unit 23 controls such that the rotation amount of the ring 50 and the driving speed of the driven unit by the lens system driving unit 22 have a non-linear relationship (see FIG. 13). Thereby, for the user, the driving speeds of the zoom lens 41, the iris 42, and the focus lens 43 corresponding to the rotation operation amount (rotation angle) of the ring 50 can be made appropriate according to the angle range. For example, as in the example of FIG. 13A, the driving speed in the low speed range can be reduced so that fine lens position adjustment can be performed.

[0113] In the embodiment, an example was described in which the lens barrel control unit 23 controls such that the rotation amount of the ring 50 and the restoring torque by the motor 51 have a linear relationship (see FIGS. 10, 12, 13, and 15). Thereby, according to the rotation operation amount (rotation angle) of the ring 50, the return to the origin position can be performed quickly. The user can also feel the feedback according to the rotation operation amount.

[0114] In the embodiment, an example was described in which the lens barrel control unit 23 controls such that the rotation amount of the ring 50 and the restoring torque by the motor 51 have a non-linear relationship (see FIG. 14). For example, as in the example of FIG. 14B, by reducing the restoring torque in the low speed range, it becomes easier for the user to perform a fine adjustment operation of the lens driving speed, and it is easier to perform a fine adjustment when zooming in or focusing.

[0115] In the embodiment, an example was described in which the lens barrel control unit 23 controls such that when the rotation amount of the ring 50 reaches a predetermined value, a restoring torque that prevents further rotation is generated by the motor 51 (see FIG. 12). As a result, with the ring 50 that actually has no mechanical movable end, the mechanical movable end of the driven part can be simulated, and when the ring 50 is used like a lever, easy-to-understand operability can be provided to the user. Also, it is appropriate to limit the movable range of the ring 50 like a movable end in accordance with the maximum speed of the lens drive. The user can recognize that the maximum lens drive speed has been reached by the load like the movable end of the ring 50. Also, it may be configured to feedback a force sense to the ring 50 when reaching the end of the mechanical movable range of the driven part of the lens system 21. As a result, the user can recognize that the zoom lens 41 or the like has reached the movable end by the load like the movable end of the ring 50. Also, for example, when it is desired to limit the movable range of the driven part of the lens system 21 as a focus range limiter or the like, it may be configured to feedback a force sense to the ring when reaching the end of the movable range. As a result, the user can recognize that the end of the limited movable range has been reached by the load like the movable end of the ring 50.

[0116] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the lens barrel control unit 23 controls to generate a click feeling during the rotation operation of the ring 50 by the restoring torque of the motor 51. For example, by periodically varying the restoring torque in accordance with the rotation of the ring 50, the click feeling is transmitted to the user. As a result, the user can obtain a sense of step during the operation of the ring 50. This is suitable for, for example, the case of iris operation.

[0117] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the lens barrel control unit 23 switches the zoom lens 41, the focus lens 43, and the iris 42 as the driven part according to the manual operation of the ring 50. For example, one ring 50 can be arbitrarily switched between manual zoom operation, manual focus lens operation, and manual iris operation. As a result, the user can assign one ring 50 to the necessary operation among the zoom lens 41, the focus lens 43, and the iris 42, and can operate the assigned driven part with an operation feeling like that of a lever. It is also assumed that a plurality of rings 50 are provided as described above.

[0118] The technology of the above embodiments can be applied to a lens device as an interchangeable lens, and can also be applied to an imaging device including a lens barrel.

[0119] Note that the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and there may be other effects.

[0120] Note that the present technology can also adopt the following configuration. (1) A ring rotatable by manual operation, and a ring unit including a motor that rotationally drives the ring, A lens system including a lens or an iris as a driven part, A lens system driving unit that drives the driven part, A control unit that, in response to the ring being rotated by manual operation, controls the lens system driving unit to execute driving of the driven part, and controls the motor to generate a restoring torque that rotates the ring in the direction opposite to the rotational operation direction. A lens device comprising: Lens device. (2) The control unit When the ring is rotated by manual operation, gives a drive instruction corresponding to the rotation amount of the ring to the lens system driving unit, and controls the motor to generate the restoring torque for returning the ring to the rotation origin position. The lens device according to (1) above. (3) The control unit Performs control to cause the motor to apply the restoring torque obtained based on the conversion information according to the rotation amount by manual operation to the ring. The lens device according to the above (1) or (2). (4) The conversion information is configured to be updated according to the setting information. The lens device according to the above (3). (5) The control unit performs control to give the lens system drive unit information on the drive speed or drive position obtained based on the conversion information according to the amount of rotation by manual operation of the ring. The lens device according to any one of the above (1) to (4). (6) The conversion information is configured to be updated according to the setting information. The lens device according to the above (5). (7) The control unit is capable of variably setting the speed trajectory for returning to the origin position from the time when the manual operation of the ring ends with respect to the lens system drive unit. The lens device according to any one of the above (1) to (6). (8) The control unit controls so that the amount of rotation of the ring and the drive speed of the driven unit by the lens system drive unit are in a linear relationship. The lens device according to any one of the above (1) to (7). (9) The control unit controls so that the amount of rotation of the ring and the drive speed of the driven unit by the lens system drive unit are in a non - linear relationship. The lens device according to any one of the above (1) to (7). (10) The control unit controls so that the amount of rotation of the ring and the restoration torque by the motor are in a linear relationship. The lens device according to any one of the above (1) to (9). (11) The control unit Control so that the rotation amount of the ring and the restoring torque by the motor have a non-linear relationship. The lens device according to any one of (1) to (9) above. (12) The control unit Control so that, in response to the rotation amount of the ring reaching a predetermined value, the restoring torque that prevents further rotation is generated by the motor. The lens device according to any one of (1) to (11) above. (13) The control unit Control so that a click feeling is generated during the rotation operation of the ring by the restoring torque of the motor. The lens device according to any one of (1) to (12) above. (14) The control unit Switch the zoom lens, focus lens, and iris as the driven part according to the manual operation of the ring. The lens device according to any one of (1) to (13) above. (15) A ring part including a ring that can be rotated manually and a motor that rotationally drives the ring, A lens system including a lens or an iris as a driven part, A lens system drive unit that drives the driven part, A control unit that controls the lens system drive unit to drive the driven part in response to the manual rotation of the ring, and controls the motor to generate a restoring torque that rotates the ring in the opposite direction to the rotation operation direction. An imaging device comprising: Imaging device. (16) A ring part including a ring that can be rotated manually and a motor that rotationally drives the ring, A lens system including a lens or an iris as a driven part, A lens system drive unit that drives the driven part, As a control method for an apparatus comprising: When the ring is rotated manually, control is performed to cause the lens system driving unit to drive the driven unit, and control is also performed to generate a restoring torque that rotates the ring in the direction opposite to the rotation operation direction by the motor. Control method.

Explanation of symbols

[0121] 1 Imaging device 2 Lens barrel 12 Image sensor 21 Lens system 22 Lens system driving unit 23 Lens barrel control unit 24 Ring part 30 Camera control unit 31 Memory unit 35 Ring control unit 36 Lens control unit 41 Zoom lens 42 Iris 43 Focus lens 44 Zoom driving unit 45 Iris driving unit 46 Focus driving unit 50 Ring 51 Motor 52 Ring detection unit 53 Ring driving unit 54 Gear mechanism 62a, 63a, 72a Conversion information

Claims

1. A ring rotatable by manual operation, and a ring unit including a motor for rotationally driving the ring, a lens system including a lens or an iris as a driven part, a lens system driving part for driving the driven part, a control unit that controls the lens system driving part to drive the driven part in response to the rotation of the ring by manual operation, and controls the motor to generate a restoring torque for rotating the ring in the direction opposite to the rotational operation direction in the ring, a lens device.

2. The control unit when the ring is rotated by manual operation, gives a drive instruction corresponding to the rotation amount of the ring to the lens system driving part, and controls the motor to generate the restoring torque for returning the ring to the rotation origin position The lens device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit performs control to cause the motor to apply the restoring torque obtained based on the conversion information according to the rotation amount by manual operation to the ring The lens device according to claim 1.

4. The conversion information is configured to be updated according to the setting information The lens device according to claim 3.

5. The control unit performs control to give information on the drive speed or drive position obtained based on the conversion information according to the rotation amount by manual operation of the ring to the lens system driving part The lens device according to claim 1.

6. The conversion information is configured to be updated according to the setting information The lens device according to claim 5.

7. The control unit is capable of variably setting the speed trajectory for returning to the origin position from the time when the manual operation of the ring ends with respect to the lens system driving part The lens device according to claim 1.

8. The control unit controls such that the rotation amount of the ring and the drive speed of the driven part by the lens system driving part are in a linear relationship The lens device according to claim 1.

9. The control unit controls such that the rotation amount of the ring and the drive speed of the driven part by the lens system driving part are in a non - linear relationship The lens device according to claim 1.

10. The control unit controls such that the rotation amount of the ring and the restoring torque by the motor are in a linear relationship The lens device according to claim 1.

11. The control unit Control such that the rotation amount of the ring and the restoring torque by the motor have a non-linear relationship The lens device according to claim 1.

12. The control unit Control such that, in response to the rotation amount of the ring reaching a predetermined value, the motor generates the restoring torque that prevents further rotation The lens device according to claim 1.

13. The control unit Control such that the restoring torque by the motor generates a click feeling during the rotation operation of the ring The lens device according to claim 1.

14. The control unit Switch the zoom lens, focus lens, and iris as the driven part according to the manual operation of the ring The lens device according to claim 1.

15. A ring rotatable by manual operation, and a ring unit including a motor that rotationally drives the ring, A lens system including a lens or an iris as a driven part, A lens system driving unit that drives the driven part, A control unit that controls to execute driving of the driven part by the lens system driving unit in response to the ring being rotated by manual operation, and controls to generate a restoring torque that rotates the ring in the direction opposite to the rotation operation direction by the motor, and An imaging device.

16. A ring rotatable by manual operation, and a ring unit including a motor that rotationally drives the ring, A lens system including a lens or an iris as a driven part, A lens system driving unit that drives the driven part, As a control method of the device including Control to execute driving of the driven part by the lens system driving unit in response to the ring being rotated by manual operation, and control to generate a restoring torque that rotates the ring in the direction opposite to the rotation operation direction by the motor Control method.

Images