Operating and optical devices

Abstract

To provide an operating device which is advantageous in terms of operability.SOLUTION: An operating device (10) provided herein comprises an operating member (101) for operating an optical device and a load generation unit (106) for generating an operational load given to the operating member, where the operating device has a processing unit (105) configured to make the load generation unit generate the operating load according to the operating mode of the optical device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device and an optical device. [Background technology]

[0002] A lens device mounted on the main body of an imaging device such as a television camera or video camera includes movable optical components such as a zoom lens unit, a focus lens unit, and an iris (aperture diaphragm). The drive of these optical components can be controlled based on commands from an operating device. One such operating device is, for example, a focus demand that generates commands for controlling the drive of the focus lens unit.

[0003] Focus demands that generate commands in response to the rotation of an operating member include those in which the rotation range of the operating member is mechanically limited (the operating range has an end) and those that do not (the operating range has no end). Focus demands with an end to their operating range often generate a command for the position of the focus lens unit based on the rotation angle (absolute amount) of the operating member. In contrast, focus demands with no end to their operating range often generate a command for the displacement of the focus lens unit based on the amount of change (increment) in the rotation angle of the operating member.

[0004] Incidentally, a digital camera has been disclosed that allows selective operation of multiple different operation objects using the same operation member, and vibrates the operation member to notify the user that the operation object has been switched (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-295137 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The digital camera disclosed in Patent Document 1, which only notifies by vibration of the operating member, may cause the operation object to be switched unintentionally, which is undesirable in terms of operability. The present invention aims to provide an operation device that is advantageous in terms of operability, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention Operating device in is an operation device having an operation member for operating an optical device and a load generating unit that generates an operation load to be applied to the operation member, a processing unit that causes the load generating unit to generate an operation load based on an operation mode of the optical device; death, The control unit causes the generation unit to generate an operation load greater than the operation load in each of the first and second modes when the first and second modes are switched to each other. It is characterized by R . [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide an operating device that is advantageous in terms of operability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an operating device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation amount and the operation load in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an operating device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation amount and the operation load in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the operation device and the optical device; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In principle (unless otherwise specified) throughout the drawings for describing the embodiments, the same components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an operating device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes an operating device, also referred to as a demand, for operating a lens device 20 (described later). The operating device 10 and the lens device 20 (the optical members thereof) constitute an optical device. Reference numeral 101 denotes an operating member. The operating member 101 is a member operated by a user to operate the optical members, and may include, for example, a knob that is operated by rotation. The optical members may be a focus lens unit 201 and a macro lens unit 211 in the lens device 20. The macro lens unit may be operated for macro photography as well as for an image effect that intentionally blurs a subject. Switching between the focus lens unit 201 and the macro lens unit 211 operated by the operating member 101 will be described later. Here, the operating member 101 is assumed to have no mechanical limitations on its rotation range, but is not limited thereto.

[0012] Reference numeral 102 denotes a detection unit that detects the amount of operation of the operation member. The detection unit 102 may be configured to include a position sensor such as a potentiometer or a rotary encoder, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the amount of operation of the operation member 101. Reference numeral 103 denotes a command value generation unit that generates a command value for driving and controlling the optical members in the lens device based on the detection signal (operation amount) from the detection unit 102. Reference numeral 104 denotes a communication unit that converts (encodes) the command value generated by the command value generation unit 103 into a signal conforming to a communication command format (communication protocol) and transmits the signal to the lens device 20. Reference numeral 105 denotes a load control unit that controls a load generation unit 106 (described below) based on the amount of operation detected by the detection unit 102. Details of the control by the load control unit 105 will be described below. The load generation unit 106 is controlled by the load control unit 105 and generates a load to be applied to the operation member 101.

[0013] The load generating unit 106 may be configured to include, for example, a device containing a magnetorheological fluid (magnetorheological fluid device; MRF device). A magnetorheological fluid is a fluid whose viscosity changes depending on the magnitude of an applied magnetic field. The MRF device generates a load that changes depending on the magnitude of an applied voltage. The load generating unit 106 is mechanically connected to the operating member 101 and generates a load to be applied to the operating member 101. The command value generating unit 103, the communication unit 104, and the load control unit 105 may be configured from a single or multiple processors (such as CPUs), and are also referred to as processing units.

[0014] The configuration of the lens device 20 will now be described. The focus lens unit 201 is a movable optical element for changing the object distance (focus adjustment). The focus lens unit 201 is disposed closer to the object (subject) than a movable zoom lens unit (not shown) for changing the focal length (magnification adjustment), and is configured to maintain a focused state regardless of the zoom state. The position detection unit 202 detects the position of the focus lens unit 201, and a detection signal (control amount) is output to the operation amount generation unit 203 and the communication unit 220. The operation amount generation unit 203 controls the drive (position control) of the focus lens unit 201 (generates an operation amount for a driver) based on a command value acquired from the communication unit 220 and the detection signal (control amount) from the position detection unit 202. The operation amount is output to the driver 204. The driver 204 drives the focus lens unit 201 in accordance with the operation amount.

[0015] The macro lens unit 211 is a movable optical element for macro photography and intentionally blurring a subject. The macro lens unit 201 is located closer to the image than the zoom lens unit described above, has a macro photography function (close-up function), and is driven to focus on a subject closer than the minimum object distance (MOD). The macro lens unit 201 is also driven to create a special photography effect by intentionally blurring the subject. From here on, both macro photography and special photography will be referred to as "macro photography." The position detection unit 212 detects the position of the macro lens unit 211, and the detection signal (control amount) is output to the operation amount generation unit 213 and the communication unit 220. The operation amount generation unit 213 controls the drive (position control) of the macro lens unit 211 (generates an operation amount for the drive unit) based on the command value acquired from the communication unit 220 and the detection signal (control amount) from the position detection unit 212. The operation amount is output to the drive unit 214. The driving section 214 drives the macro lens unit 211 in accordance with the amount of operation.

[0016] The communication unit 220 of the lens device 20 and the communication unit 104 of the operation device 10 transmit and receive commands (command values) to and from each other. When the communication unit 220 receives a command related to the focus lens unit, it converts (decodes) the command value from a signal conforming to the communication command format and outputs it to the operation amount generation unit 203. When the communication unit 220 receives a command related to the macro lens unit, it converts (decodes) the command value from a signal conforming to the communication command format and outputs it to the operation amount generation unit 213. The output signals of the position detection unit 202 and the position detection unit 212 are converted into signals conforming to the communication command format and transmitted to the operation device 10. Note that the lens device and the operation device are not limited to being spatially separated from each other and connected to each other via the communication unit, and may be, for example, spatially integrated (this configuration will be described later with reference to FIG. 7).

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the first embodiment. This processing is executed by the processing unit in accordance with, for example, a computer-readable program stored in the processing unit. In FIG. 2, first, in step S101, the detection unit 102 detects the operation amount of the operation member. In step S102, it is determined whether the operation amount detected in step S101 is a switching operation amount for switching between normal shooting, which drives the focus lens unit 201, and macro shooting, which drives the macro lens unit 211. Here, it is assumed that the switching operation amount corresponds to the close end (the end of the driving range of a specific optical member to be driven among multiple optical members) in normal shooting. If the detected operation amount is a switching operation amount, the process proceeds to step S103. If the detected operation amount is not a switching operation amount, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S103, the load control unit 105 sets the operation load to be applied to the operation member by the load generation unit 106 to a predetermined switching load. On the other hand, in step S104, it is determined whether the detected operation amount is an operation amount for normal shooting or an operation amount for macro shooting. If the detected operation amount is an operation amount for normal shooting, the process proceeds to step S105. If the detected operation amount is an operation amount for macro shooting, the process proceeds to step S106. Note that the operation device 10 is in a normal shooting state when powered on, and switches between the normal shooting state and the macro shooting state each time the detected operation amount passes the switching operation amount, and the shooting state is maintained unless the detected operation amount passes the switching operation amount. In step S105, the load control unit 105 sets the operation load to be applied (added) to the operation member to an operation load for normal shooting. In the normal shooting state, the command value generation unit 103 generates a command value for the focus lens unit based on the detected operation amount. In step S106, the load control unit 105 sets the operation load to be applied (added) to the operation member to an operation load for macro shooting. In the macro shooting state, the command value generating unit 103 generates a command value for the macro lens unit based on the detected operation amount.In step S107, the load control unit 105 causes the load generation unit 106 to generate the operation load set in step S103, step S105, or step S106. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101 and continues until a predetermined termination condition is satisfied.

[0018] The switching load is a load that allows a user (cameraperson) to stop operating the operation member 101 when the operation amount of the operation member 101 reaches the switching operation amount, but still allows the user (cameraperson) to continue operating the operation member intentionally. For example, the switching load is an operation load greater than the normal force (torque) applied by the user to operate the operation member 101 in a focus operation or macro operation, and allows the operation member 101 to rotate when the user intentionally operates the operation member with a force greater than the normal force. The operation loads applied (added) to the operation member in each of the normal shooting state and the macro shooting state may be preset operation loads that make operation easier for the user. The operation load applied to the operation member in the normal shooting state and the operation load applied to the operation member in the macro shooting state may be the same or different. Making them different from each other is preferable because it makes it easier for the user to recognize whether the operation device is in the normal shooting state or the macro shooting state. It is also preferable that the switching load, the operation load in the normal shooting state, and the operation load in the macro shooting state be variably set by the user.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the amount of operation and the operational load in the first embodiment. This diagram illustrates this relationship when switching from a normal shooting state to a macro shooting state. In (a) of this diagram, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the amount of operation of the operating member 101. In (b) of this diagram, the horizontal axis represents time, the same as in (a), and the vertical axis represents the operational load of the operating member 101. This operational load is controlled in accordance with the processing flow illustrated with reference to FIG. 2. In this diagram, first, in the normal shooting state, the operating member is operated from a certain amount of operation to an amount of operation corresponding to the close end. Before the detected amount of operation reaches the amount of operation corresponding to the close end, the operational load applied to the operating member 101 is set to the operational load for normal shooting. Then, at the point in time (T1) when the detected amount of operation reaches the switching operation amount, the operational load applied to the operating member 101 is set to the switching load. Because the switching load is set to the operational load described above, the user temporarily stops operating the operating member. Thereafter, the user operates the operation member 101 with a force (torque) greater than the switching load to switch to the macro shooting state. As a result, at the time (T2) when the detected operation amount exceeds the switching operation amount (the operation amount corresponding to the close end), the operation load applied to the operation member 101 is set to the operation load for macro shooting. In the macro shooting state, the operation member 101 can be operated to focus on a subject at an object distance shorter than the object distance at the close end in the normal shooting state, or to intentionally blur the subject. The operation load applied to the operation member 101 in the macro shooting state is different from the operation load applied to the operation member 101 in the normal shooting state.

[0020] As described above, the optical element in the lens device has multiple functions that differ depending on the amount of operation of the operating member. The processing unit in the operating device selects a specific function from the multiple functions based on the amount of operation. The processing unit also generates a command for drive control of the optical element for the specific function. Furthermore, the processing unit causes the load generator to generate an operation load at the amount of operation of the operating member that switches between the multiple functions. This configuration can mitigate the disadvantage of the multiple functions unintentionally switching between each other. Furthermore, if the operation loads of the operating member for the multiple functions are made different from each other, it is advantageous for the user to easily recognize the function currently being operated among the multiple functions. Thus, according to this embodiment, for example, an operating device that is advantageous in terms of operability can be provided.

[0021] In this embodiment, switching from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state is exemplified, but the same effect can be obtained by the same processing when switching from the macro shooting state to the normal shooting state. Furthermore, the multiple functions are not limited to the normal shooting function and the macro shooting function, and the same effect can be obtained by the same processing for any multiple functions operated by a single operating member. Furthermore, the multiple functions are not limited to focusing (changing the object distance) related functions, and may be, for example, zooming (changing the focal length) related functions or light intensity adjustment (changing the aperture size of the aperture diaphragm) related functions. Furthermore, the multiple functions are not limited to multiple functions of the same type, and may be multiple functions of different types.

[0022] In this embodiment, the switching operation amount is not limited to the operation amount corresponding to the closest end of the focus lens unit, but may be any operation amount that is set in advance. Furthermore, the load generator is not limited to generating the switching load when the detected operation amount reaches the switching operation amount, but may generate the switching load when the detected operation amount falls within a range of the switching operation amount.

[0023] Furthermore, the operating member is not limited to those with no mechanical limitations in its rotation range; its rotation range may be mechanically limited. In such cases, the configuration of the above-described embodiment can be applied within the mechanically limited rotation range of the operating member. Furthermore, the load generating unit is not limited to those including the MRF device described above. For example, it may include a known braking device (brake) that can generate an operating load of variable magnitude to be applied to the operating member. The braking device may include devices that use different principles for reducing kinetic energy, such as mechanical brakes that convert kinetic energy into thermal energy through friction, and eddy current brakes, electromagnetic retarders, regenerative brakes, and power generation brakes that convert kinetic energy into electrical energy and then consume the electrical energy. The braking device may also include aerodynamic brakes and fluid retarders that utilize the kinetic resistance of a fluid.

[0024] [Embodiment 2] In the second embodiment, switching from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state is performed by operating a switch. When shooting with a television camera, a movie camera, or the like, an operation of driving the macro lens unit to intentionally blur an in-focus subject or to bring an intentionally out-of-focus subject into focus is sometimes performed to obtain a desired visual effect. In this embodiment, switching from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state for this operation is performed by operating a switch. Furthermore, switching from the macro shooting state to the normal shooting state is performed when the macro lens unit returns to the position it was in when switching from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state.

[0025] A second embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an operation device according to the second embodiment. 300 is a selector switch operated by a user, and a signal indicating the operation state of the selector switch 300 is output to the command value generation unit 103 and the load control unit 105. The selector switch 300 is a switch for switching from a normal shooting state to a macro shooting state. The selector switch 300 functions as an instruction unit that indicates the amount of operation of an operation member that switches between multiple functions using movable optical members in the lens device. Based on the operation of the selector switch 300, the command value generation unit 103 switches from a state in which it generates a command value for the focus lens unit to a state in which it generates a command value for the macro lens unit. Details of the control by the load control unit 105 will be described later.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow in the second embodiment. This processing is executed by the processing unit in accordance with a computer-readable program stored in the processing unit, for example. In the figure, first, in step S201, the detection unit 102 detects the amount of operation of the operation member 101. In step S202, it is determined whether the state of the operation device 10′ is in a normal shooting state or a macro shooting state. It is assumed that the state of the operation device when the power is turned on is the normal shooting state. If the state of the operation device 10′ is the normal shooting state, the process proceeds to step S203. If the state of the operation device 10′ is the macro shooting state, the process proceeds to step S209. In step S203, it is determined whether the state of the changeover switch 300 is in a non-operated state (off state) or an operated state (on state). If the state of the changeover switch 300 is in the off state, the process proceeds to step S204. If the state of the changeover switch 300 is in the on state, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S204, the load control unit 105 sets the operational load to be generated by the load generation unit 106 to zero. In step S205, switching from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state is performed. Furthermore, the command value generation unit 103 generates a command value for the macro lens unit. In step S206, the load control unit 105 sets the operational load to be generated by the load generation unit 106 to a switching load. In step S207, the load control unit 105 causes the load generation unit 106 to generate the switching load. In step S208, the operation amount of the operation member 101 is stored by the processing unit as a return operation amount. Thereafter, the process returns to step S203. If the selector switch 300 remains in the on state, the processes of steps S206 to S208 are repeated, and the operational load applied to the operation member 101 is maintained at the switching load. If the selector switch 300 is turned off, the operational load applied to the operation member 101 becomes zero.

[0027] In step S209, it is determined whether the operation amount of the operating member has been changed to the closer side than the return operation amount. If the operation amount of the operating member has been changed to the closer side than the return operation amount, the process proceeds to step S210. If the operation amount of the operating member has not been changed to the closer side than the return operation amount, the process returns to step S201. In step S210, it is determined whether the operation amount of the operating member is the return operation amount. If the operation amount of the operating member is the return operation amount, the process proceeds to step S211, and if the operation amount of the operating member is not the return operation amount, the process proceeds to step S212. In step S211, the load control unit 105 sets the operation load to be generated by the load generation unit to a switching load. In step S212, the load control unit 105 sets the operation load to be generated by the load generation unit 106 to zero. In step S213, the load generation unit 106 generates the operation load set in step S212. In step S214, it is determined whether the operation amount of the operation member 101 has been changed toward the infinity side from the return operation amount. If the operation amount of the operation member 101 has been changed toward the infinity side from the return operation amount, the process proceeds to step S215. If the operation amount of the operation member 101 has not been changed toward the infinity side from the return operation amount, the process returns to step S201. In step S215, the state of the operation device 10' is switched to the normal shooting state. By switching the state of the operation device 10' to the normal shooting state, the command value generation unit 103 generates a command value for the focus lens unit. In step S216, the load generation unit 106 is caused to generate the operation load set in steps S204, S211, and S212. Thereafter, the process returns to step S201.

[0028] The switching load of this embodiment, like that of the first embodiment, is an operation load that is greater than or equal to the normal force (torque) applied by the user to operate the operation member 101 during focus operation, and that allows the operation member 101 to rotate if the user intentionally operates the operation member 101 with a force greater than the normal force. Note that the switching load of this embodiment may be an operation load that makes it more difficult for the operation member 101 to move than that of the first embodiment. From the standpoint of operability, it is preferable to place the changeover switch 300 near the operation member 101, because in this case, the user may unintentionally rotate the operation member 101 when operating the changeover switch 300. For this reason, when the changeover switch 300 is operated, it is preferable to apply an operation load to the operation member 101 to make it difficult for the operation member 101 to move. It is preferable that the switching load be variably set by the user.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the amount of operation and the operational load in the second embodiment. In the diagram, the initial state is a state in which the operation member 101 is operated in the normal shooting state to focus on a subject at a certain object distance. When the changeover switch 300 is operated, the initial state is switched to the macro shooting state. When the amount of operation of the operation member 101 reaches the return amount of operation, the macro shooting state is switched to the normal shooting state. In (a) of the diagram, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the amount of operation of the operation member 101, and in (b) of the diagram, the horizontal axis represents time, the same as in (a), and the vertical axis represents the operational load of the operation member 101. The operational load is controlled according to the processing flow illustrated with reference to FIG. 5.

[0030] In the figure, the initial state is a normal shooting state in which a subject at a certain object distance is in focus. In this state, the operational load applied to the operation member is set to zero. Here, while the selector switch 300 is operated and the selector switch 300 is in the on state, the operational load is set to the switching load (first switching load). When the selector switch 300 is operated, the shooting state is switched from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state, and the operation amount of the operation member 101 at that time is stored by the processing unit as the return operation amount. In the macro shooting state, a command value for the macro lens unit 211 is generated by operating the operation member 101. The command value drives the macro lens unit 211, creating a visual effect in which the focus on the subject (the in-focus state of the subject) is intentionally changed over time. In this macro shooting state, the operational load can be set to zero. When the operation amount of the operation member 101 in the macro shooting state reaches the return operation amount, from that point (T3), the operational load is set to the switching load (second switching load). The switching load is set to be greater than the force (torque) with which the user operates the operation member when operating the focus lens unit or macro lens unit, so the user's operation is temporarily stopped. To switch from the macro shooting state to the normal shooting state, the user operates the operation member 101 with a force greater than the switching load. Note that the first switching load and the second switching load may have different magnitudes (here, the latter is set to be greater). Thereafter, at the point in time T4 when the operation amount of the operation member 101 exceeds the return operation amount, the operation load is set to zero again. At this point, the operation member 101 can be operated in the normal shooting state.

[0031] As described above, by generating an operational load when switching from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state, it is possible to reduce erroneous operations that involve unintentional movement of the operation member 101. Furthermore, switching from the macro shooting state to the normal shooting state can be performed by returning the operation amount of the operation member to the switching operation amount that was stored when switching from the normal shooting state to the macro shooting state. Furthermore, by applying an operational load to the operation member 101, this switching is less likely to occur unintentionally by the user.

[0032] This configuration can reduce the disadvantage of the multiple functions of the optical member being unintentionally switched between each other. Furthermore, when the first switching load and the second switching load are different from each other, it is possible to individually set the switching loads suitable for reducing unintentional erroneous operation of the operating member or unintentional switching between multiple functions. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an operating device that is advantageous in terms of operability, for example.

[0033] While the above example illustrates the operation of the selector switch 300 only when switching from the normal shooting mode to the macro shooting mode, the present invention is not limited thereto. The selector switch 300 may also be operated when switching from the macro shooting mode to the normal shooting mode. Furthermore, while the above example illustrates the application of an operational load to the operation member 101 when operating a selector switch for switching shooting functions, the present invention is not limited thereto. The selector switch does not have to be a selector switch for switching shooting functions, as long as it is located near the operation member 101 and is operated during shooting. The selector switch may be, for example, a return switch configured in an operation device (so-called demand) for a television camera lens device, which generates an image switching signal (return signal) for switching the image displayed in the viewfinder. Furthermore, when it is determined that the camera is in a recording mode, regardless of the operation of the selector switch, a load generating unit may be configured to apply a load to the operation member 101, making it difficult for the operation member 101 to move. This configuration may be effective in reducing erroneous operation, since the operation member 101 is rarely driven in the recording mode.

[0034] Other Embodiments and Optical Device Embodiments FIG. 7 shows another example of the configuration of an operating device and an example of the configuration of an optical device. The optical device 50 may include the operating device (10; 10') and optical members (20a and 20b; lens device 20) exemplified above. The optical device 50 may also include the operating device and an imaging element 40a (camera device or imaging device body 40) that captures (images) an image formed by the optical member. The optical device 50 may also include the operating device, the optical member, and the imaging element. The camera device 40 may also include an imaging unit 40b having the imaging element 40a and a (camera) operating device 40c. The operating device 10 may function as a remote operating device and communicate with the lens device 20 via wired or wireless communication. The camera device 40 may also have a function of transmitting command values ​​to the optical members (20a and 20b). The camera device 40 may generate the command value using, for example, the autofocus function or autoiris function of the camera device 40. The operation device 40c serves as a remote control device and may communicate with the image capture unit 40b via wired or wireless communication. The operation device 40c may be equivalent to the operation device 10 (10') except for the fact that it constitutes the camera device 40. Therefore, the optical device 50 may be a camera device 40 that does not include optical components (20a, 20b; lens device 20) but includes the operation device 40c. The operation device 10 or the operation device 40c may generate a command value corresponding to at least one of the object distance or focusing of the lens device, the focal length or zooming of the lens device, and the aperture diameter or F-number or exposure of the aperture diaphragm of the lens device. According to this embodiment, by including the above-mentioned operation device, an optical device with advantageous operability can be provided.

[0035] Note that the lens device 20 and the operation device 10 are not limited to being spatially separated from each other but connected to each other via a communication unit; as described above, they may be, for example, spatially integrated. In FIG. 7 , the optical device 30 is configured as an interchangeable lens device in which the operation device 10 and the lens device 20 are integrated and detachably attached to, for example, a camera device 40. Operation rings 101a and 101b are disposed on the outer periphery of the interchangeable lens device as operation members 101. The number of operation rings is not limited to two and may be any number equal to or greater than one. In the operation device 10, command values ​​for driving and controlling optical elements can be generated by operating the operation rings. It is possible to select the optical elements to be driven and controlled by generating command values ​​based on the operation of the operation rings. Furthermore, the operation controlled by generating command values ​​(commands) based on the operation of the operation rings is not limited to driving optical elements, and may include other operations (setting, selection, change, correction, etc.) in the optical device 50. The operation may be, for example, one of autofocus (method selection), exposure (shutter speed change, aperture value change, exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity setting, flash compensation), and image quality selection (white balance selection, color temperature selection, image characteristic selection). An operation selected from the various operations exemplified above can be assigned to the operation ring. The generation of command values ​​by a specific operation ring (assignment of an operation to a specific operation ring) can also be set to be disabled.

[0036] The operation device 10 also includes operation members 101 (101a and 101b), a detection unit 102, a load generation unit 106, and processing units (103, 104, 105) that generate commands for operating the optical device based on the amount of operation. The processing unit can cause the load generation unit 106 to generate an operation load based on the operation mode of the optical device 50. The operation mode can include a first mode in which a first operation target is operated by the operation members and a second mode in which a second operation target is operated by the operation members. The operation target operated by the operation members can include at least two of the object distance, back focus, focal length, exposure, autofocus, white balance, color temperature, and image characteristics of the optical device. The operation device can also include a switching member that switches the operation mode. The processing unit can cause the load generation unit 106 to generate an operation load that is greater when the switching member is operated than when the switching member is not operated. This can reduce the likelihood of accidental operation, such as unintentional operation of the operation member 101 while the switching member is operated. Furthermore, the operation mode can be switched depending on the amount of operation of the operation member. With this configuration, the operation load of the operation member can be made suitable for the operation mode of the optical device (for example, an operation mode in which the object distance (focus) is the object of operation), thereby providing an operation device that is advantageous in terms of operability.

[0037] The operating modes may include first and second modes in which the first and second optical members (201-211; 20a-20b) are operated by an operating member, respectively. The first and second modes may be switched between depending on the operating amount of the operating member corresponding to one end of the driving range of the first and second optical members (for example, the close end if the optical member is the focus lens unit 201). Here, the first mode may be a mode in which the object distance is changed by the operating member, and the second mode may be a mode in which the back focus (the position of the macro lens unit 211) is changed by the operating member. As another configuration example, the operating modes may include the first and second modes in which the first and second optical members are operated by the operating member, respectively, and the operating device may have a switching member that switches between the first and second modes. In this case, the first mode may be a macro shooting mode (for example, a mode in which the back focus is changed), and the second mode may be a non-macro shooting mode (a normal shooting mode; for example, a mode in which the object distance is changed). Note that the processing unit may cause the load generating unit 106 to generate an operation load that is greater while the switching member is being operated than while the switching member is not being operated. This may make it less likely that an erroneous operation will occur, in which the operating member 101 is unintentionally operated while the switching member is being operated.

[0038] The operating modes may include first and second modes in which the optical element is operated by the operating element within first and second drive ranges, respectively, and the first and second modes may be switched between at an operation amount of the operating element corresponding to a boundary between the first and second drive ranges.

[0039] The processing unit may also cause the load generation unit 106 to generate first and second operation loads in the first and second modes, respectively. The processing unit may also cause the load generation unit 106 to generate an operation load that is greater than the first and second operation loads in the operation amount of the operation member that switches between the first and second modes. The processing unit may also cause the first and second operation loads to be different from each other. This may make it possible to recognize the operation mode from the operation load. With this configuration, the user is less likely to unintentionally switch the operation mode, thereby providing an operation device that is advantageous in terms of operability.

[0040] Here, the operation modes may include a first mode in which an image acquired by the optical device 50 is displayed on the display unit of the optical device 50, and a second mode in which an image acquired by another optical device is displayed on the display unit of the optical device 50. The above-mentioned switching member may be a member for switching between the first and second modes (a so-called return switch).

[0041] Here, the operating modes may include a first mode in which at least one of video broadcasting and recording is performed by the optical device 50, and a second mode in which neither video broadcasting nor recording is performed by the optical device 50. Whether at least one of video broadcasting and recording is performed by the optical device 50 may be determined by a so-called tally signal input to the camera device 40 or the lens device 30. When at least one of video broadcasting and recording is performed by the optical device 50, the processing unit may cause the load generation unit 106 to generate a larger operation load than in other cases. This may make it less likely that an erroneous operation, such as unintentional operation of the operating member 101, will occur when at least one of video broadcasting and recording is performed by the optical device 50.

[0042] Here, the operation modes may include a first mode in which moving images are acquired by the optical device 50, and a second mode in which still images are acquired by the optical device 50. In the first mode in which moving images are acquired, the processing unit may cause the load generation unit 106 to generate an operation load that is greater than that in the second mode in which still images are acquired. As a result, when moving images are acquired, erroneous operations in which the operating member 101 is unintentionally operated are less likely to occur, and an operation device (optical device) that is advantageous in terms of the quality of moving images can be provided.

[0043] Here, the operating device 10 (10') may have an operating member 101b (101a) separate from the operating member 101a (101b). The operating modes may include a first mode in which the separate operating member is operated, and a second mode in which the separate operating member is not operated. This makes it less likely that the operating member 101a (101b) will be unintentionally operated by mistake when the separate operating member 101b (101a) is operated, and thus makes it possible to provide an operating device (optical device) that is advantageous in terms of operability.

[0044] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, the operating device (processing unit thereof) may be implemented by selectively implementing the various structures and functions in the above embodiments and other structures and functions, or by combining them to the extent possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10 Operating device 101 Operating member 105 Load control unit (constituting the processing unit) 106 Load generation section

Claims

1. an operating member for operating the optical device operable in the first and second modes; a generating unit that generates an operation load to be applied to the operation member; a control unit that causes the generation unit to generate the operation loads that are different from each other in the first and second modes, An operating device characterized in that, when the first and second modes are switched to each other, the control unit causes the generation unit to generate an operating load that is greater than the operating load in each of the first and second modes.

2. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is a mode in which a first target in the optical device is set by operating the operating member, and the second mode is a mode in which a second target in the optical device is set by operating the operating member.

3. 3. The operating device according to claim 2, wherein each of the first and second targets includes at least one of an object distance, a back focus, a focal length, an exposure, an autofocus method, a white balance, a color temperature, and an image characteristic.

4. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first mode is a mode in which a first optical element in the optical device is driven by operation of the operating member, and the second mode is a mode in which a second optical element in the optical device is driven by operation of the operating member.

5. 5. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein the first and second modes are switched to each other when the operating amount of the operating member reaches an operating amount corresponding to either end of the drive range of the first or second optical member.

6. 5. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second modes are switched between depending on the amount of operation of the operating member.

7. 5. The operating device according to claim 1, further comprising a switching member for switching between the first and second modes.

8. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first mode is a mode in which an optical element in the optical device is driven within a first driving range by operating the operating member, and the second mode is a mode in which the optical element is driven within a second driving range by operating the operating member.

9. 9. The operating device according to claim 8, wherein the first and second modes are switched to each other when the operation amount of the operating member reaches an operation amount corresponding to a boundary between the first and second drive ranges.

10. 3. The operation device according to claim 2, wherein the first target is an object distance, and the second target is a back focus.

11. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is a macro photography mode, and the second mode is a non-macro photography mode.

12. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is a mode in which an image acquired using the optical device is displayed on a display unit, and the second mode is a mode in which an image acquired using an optical device different from the optical device is displayed on the display unit.

13. An operating member for operating an optical device operable in a first and second mode; a generating unit that generates an operation load to be applied to the operation member; a control unit that causes the generation unit to generate the operation loads that are different from each other in the first and second modes, An operating device characterized in that the first mode is a mode in which an image acquired using the optical device is displayed on a display unit, and the second mode is a mode in which an image acquired using an optical device different from the optical device is displayed on the display unit.

14. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is a mode in which a moving image is captured using the optical device, and the second mode is a mode in which a still image is captured using the optical device.

15. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the first mode is a mode in which an operating member different from the operating member is operated, and the second mode is a mode in which an operating member different from the operating member is not operated.

16. An optical device comprising: the operating device according to claim 1; and an optical member operated by the operating device.

17. An optical device comprising: the operating device according to claim 1; and an imaging element that captures an image formed via an optical member.

Images