Optical devices

Abstract

To provide an optical device which can adjust the optical amount of each optical system with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: The optical device of the present invention includes: a plurality of optical systems each having a diaphragm; a storage unit for storing plural pieces of information showing the relation between a target opening diameter and a target light amount in the opening diameter regions with different diaphragms of the optical systems; and a control unit for adjusting an optical amount by changing the opening diameter of the diaphragm of each optical system. The control unit determines whether a predetermined target optical amount is included in one of the plural pieces of information when adjusting the optical amount of each optical system to the predetermined target optical amount, and changes the opening diameter of the diaphragm of each optical system to a target opening diameter for the predetermined target optical amount on the basis of the determined information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device, and more particularly to a compound eye optical system. [Background technology]

[0002] In a conventional imaging device that acquires multiple videos or images through a compound eye optical system consisting of multiple optical systems, if there are differences in brightness or other characteristics between the multiple videos or images, there is a risk of discomfort when viewing the multiple videos or images simultaneously. Patent Document 1 discloses a compound eye camera that adjusts the aperture diameter of the diaphragm based on control information received from an external control device so that the light amounts in each of a plurality of optical systems are the same. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-146425 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the compound eye camera disclosed in Patent Document 1, whenever it is determined that the aperture diameter of each diaphragm needs to be adjusted during use, control information for that adjustment must be obtained from an external control device, which makes the process particularly cumbersome when capturing video. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an optical device that can adjust the amount of light in each of a plurality of optical systems with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The optical device according to the present invention includes a plurality of optical systems each having a diaphragm, and a Ru-shibori the law of nature eyesa storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of information indicating the relationship between a target aperture diameter and a target light amount; and a control unit that adjusts the light amount by changing the aperture diameter of the diaphragm in each of a plurality of optical systems, the plurality of pieces of information include first information indicating the relationship between a target aperture diameter of a first optical system among the plurality of optical systems and a target light amount; second information indicating the relationship between a target aperture diameter in a first aperture diameter region corresponding to the open diameter of the diaphragm of a second optical system among the plurality of optical systems and the target light amount; and third information indicating the relationship between a target aperture diameter in a second aperture diameter region corresponding to an aperture diameter different from the open diameter of the diaphragm of the second optical system and the target light amount, wherein the target aperture diameter in the second information is not corrected based on the target aperture diameter in the first information, and the target aperture diameter in the third information is corrected to correspond to the target light amount in the second aperture diameter region based on the target aperture diameter in the first information; The control unit No. 2 Optical system Light When adjusting the amount of light to a predetermined target amount of light, No. 2 emotion Informing Included In this case, the aperture diameter is changed so as to become a target aperture diameter corresponding to the predetermined target light amount in the second information. , If the predetermined target light amount is included in the third information, Target aperture diameter corresponding to a predetermined target light intensity The opening diameter is set to It is characterized by changing [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical device that can adjust the amount of light in each of a plurality of optical systems with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging device including a compound eye optical system unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the relationship between the control amount and brightness and the relationship between the control amount and F-number in the compound eye optical system unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing how a control amount is corrected in the compound eye optical system unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the relationship between the correction control amount and brightness and the relationship between the correction control amount and F-number in the compound eye optical system unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how a control amount is corrected in a compound eye optical system unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the relationship between the correction control amount and brightness and the relationship between the correction control amount and F-number in a compound eye optical system unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how a control amount is corrected in a conventional compound eye optical system unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The optical device according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the drawings may be drawn at a scale different from the actual scale in order to facilitate understanding of the present embodiment.

[0009] [First embodiment] In a stereoscopic image capturing device or a virtual reality (VR) image capturing device, imaging is performed using a compound optical system (composite optical system) consisting of a plurality of optical systems. In a compound eye optical system, if there are manufacturing errors and control variations in the light intensity adjustment devices provided in each of the multiple optical systems, or variations in the transmittance of each optical system, differences in brightness will occur between the multiple images or videos acquired through each of the multiple optical systems.

[0010] With the above-mentioned photographing devices, multiple videos and images acquired through multiple optical systems are viewed simultaneously, so if there are differences between the multiple videos and images, it may feel strange. In particular, differences in brightness between multiple captured videos or images are easily noticeable, so if there are any differences in brightness, it is necessary to make adjustments to reduce them.

[0011] Conventionally, an image processing method is known in which such adjustment is performed by setting a cutout area at the position of a reference area in each of multiple images, and setting a detection area for adjusting the image obtained from the cutout area within the reference area of ​​one of the multiple images. However, such an image processing method requires an image processing device for processing the acquired image, and in addition, the processing becomes complicated when processing video.

[0012] Further, conventionally, there is known a compound eye camera system that performs control so that the control amounts of the corresponding control objects in the compound eye camera, that is, the control amounts of the respective optical systems, match each other based on control information received from an external control device. However, in such a compound eye camera system, each time it is determined that adjustment of each optical system is necessary, control information for that adjustment must be obtained from an external control device, which makes processing particularly cumbersome when capturing images.

[0013] Furthermore, when an aperture is provided in each of multiple optical systems as a light intensity adjustment device, if the aperture diameter of each aperture is adjusted to reduce the difference in brightness between multiple images or videos, there is a risk that the F-number error in the optical system in which the aperture diameter has been adjusted will not fall within the allowable range. In addition, since the tolerance range is narrower for the aperture diameter of the optical system, the aperture diameter of the optical system is typically determined by the aperture diameter of a predetermined fixed diaphragm in order to guarantee the accuracy of the F-number.

[0014] Therefore, if the aperture diameter of each diaphragm is adjusted to reduce the difference in brightness, particularly near the maximum aperture of the optical system, there is a risk that the F-number error will no longer fall within the allowable range due to the smaller aperture diameter of the optical system.

[0015] Therefore, the purpose of this embodiment is to provide a compound eye optical system unit that can control light intensity with high accuracy by reducing the difference in light intensity between each optical system while also meeting F-number specifications, without performing signal processing, image processing, etc. during use.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging device 10 equipped with a compound eye optical system unit 20 as an optical device according to the first embodiment.

[0017] The imaging device 10 includes a camera body 1 and a compound eye optical system unit 20 according to this embodiment. The compound eye optical system unit 20 according to this embodiment includes a first optical system 2 and a second optical system 3.

[0018] The compound eye optical system unit 20 according to this embodiment may be fixed to the camera body 1, or may be detachable from the camera body 1 like an interchangeable lens. Furthermore, although the compound eye optical system unit 20 according to this embodiment is configured from two optical systems, it is not limited to this and may be configured from three or more optical systems.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 each include a first imaging optical system 201 and a second imaging optical system 301, each of which has the same lens configuration and a predetermined focal length. The first imaging optical system 201 and the second imaging optical system 301 are provided with a first light amount adjustment device 202 and a second light amount adjustment device 302, respectively.

[0020] Each of the first imaging optical system 201 and the second imaging optical system 301 may be configured with a plurality of lenses that move independently when adjusting the focal length or the focus position. Furthermore, each of the first imaging optical system 201 and the second imaging optical system 301 may be made up of a plurality of lens groups that move independently as a unit when adjusting the focal length or the focus position. Furthermore, the first imaging optical system 201 and the second imaging optical system 301 may each be configured by a combination of at least one lens and at least one lens group that move independently when adjusting the focal length or focus position.

[0021] Each of the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 is, for example, a diaphragm having a plurality of diaphragm blades (not shown) and an opening / closing mechanism (not shown) that opens and closes the plurality of diaphragm blades. Specifically, the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 are each so-called iris diaphragms in which a portion of a plurality of diaphragm blades arranged around the optical axis OA overlap with each other to form an aperture opening on the optical axis OA.

[0022] The first optical system 2 also includes a first light amount adjustment device driving unit 203 as a driving means for driving an opening / closing mechanism provided in the first light amount adjustment device 202 . Similarly, the second optical system 3 includes a second light amount adjusting device driving section 303 as a driving means for driving an opening / closing mechanism provided in the second light amount adjusting device 302 .

[0023] Hereinafter, the first light amount adjustment device driving section 203 and the second light amount adjustment device driving section 303 will be simply referred to as the first driving section 203 (control section) and the second driving section 303 (control section), respectively. The aperture value (F-number) set by each of the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 changes depending on the positions of the plurality of aperture blades.

[0024] In the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302, the amount of overlap between the plurality of diaphragm blades changes depending on the position of each of the plurality of diaphragm blades. Therefore, the operating loads applied to the first drive unit 203 and the second drive unit 303 also change depending on the positions of the plurality of diaphragm blades in the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302, respectively. Generally, as the aperture value, i.e., the amount of overlap between the aperture blades, of each of the first light adjustment device 202 and the second light adjustment device 302 increases, the operating load applied to the first drive unit 203 and the second drive unit 303 increases.

[0025] Specifically, the first driving unit 203 and the second driving unit 303 are configured by, for example, stepping motors. The first optical system 2 includes a first lens control unit 204 (control unit) that controls the driving by the first driving unit 203. The second optical system 3 also includes a second lens control unit 304 (control unit) that controls the driving by the second driving unit 303.

[0026] Specifically, the first lens control unit 204 and the second lens control unit 304 control the driving directions of the first driving unit 203 and the second driving unit 303 by changing the polarity of the driving signals applied to the first driving unit 203 and the second driving unit 303, respectively. In addition, the first lens control unit 204 and the second lens control unit 304 control the drive positions of the first drive unit 203 and the second drive unit 303 by changing the number of pulses of the drive signals applied to the first drive unit 203 and the second drive unit 303, respectively. This makes it possible to change the amount of opening and closing operation (aperture amount, aperture diameter) of the plurality of diaphragm blades in each of the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302.

[0027] Each of the first drive unit 203 and the second drive unit 303 is provided with a diaphragm position detection unit (not shown) that detects the positions of a plurality of diaphragm blades corresponding to the open diaphragm position (open F-number). In the compound eye optical system unit 20 according to this embodiment, the aperture position detection means is provided in consideration of the possibility of receiving an impact, etc., but the aperture position detection means may be subjected to open control by counting pulses of a stepping motor.

[0028] The first optical system 2 also includes a first lens communication unit 205 that communicates with a first camera communication unit 105 provided in the camera body 1 . Similarly, the second optical system 3 includes a second lens communication unit 305 that communicates with the second camera communication unit 106 provided in the camera body 1 .

[0029] The first lens control unit 204 and the second lens control unit 304 receive a signal (target aperture value signal) from the camera body 1 via the first lens communication unit 205 and the second lens communication unit 305, respectively. The first lens control unit 204 and the second lens control unit 304 then control the aperture amounts (aperture diameters) of the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302, respectively, based on the received signals.

[0030] Specifically, the first lens control unit 204 and the second lens control unit 304 each control the first drive unit 203 and the second drive unit 303 based on a drive instruction control amount (hereinafter simply referred to as the control amount) corresponding to the brightness (aperture value). As a result, the opening diameters of the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 are changed.

[0031] The first optical system 2 includes a first storage unit 206 that stores a table (information) indicating the relationship between the target brightness in the first optical system 2 and the target control amount for the first light amount adjustment device 202. Similarly, the second optical system 3 includes a second storage unit 306 that stores a table (information) indicating the relationship between the target brightness in the second optical system 3 and the target control amount for the second light amount adjustment device 302.

[0032] When controlling the first driver 203 , the first lens controller 204 acquires the target control amount from the table stored in the first storage unit 206 . Furthermore, when controlling the second driver 303 , the second lens controller 304 acquires the target control amount from the table stored in the second storage unit 306 .

[0033] In the compound eye optical system unit 20 according to this embodiment, the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 are provided with a first memory unit 206 and a second memory unit 306, respectively, for storing the above-mentioned tables, but this is not limited to this. That is, at least a part of the table may be stored in a device such as a cloud computing system that is separate from the first storage unit 206 and the second storage unit 306. At this time, the first lens control unit 204 and the second lens control unit 304 each acquire the target control amount from a table stored in the separate device via wireless communication or the like. This makes it possible to control the opening amounts of the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the camera body 1 includes a first imaging element 102, a second imaging element 103, a camera control unit 104, a first camera communication unit 105, and a second camera communication unit 106.

[0035] The first imaging element 102 and the second imaging element 103 are respectively a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor, and acquire image data by receiving an optical image (subject image) formed via the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 and performing photoelectric conversion. Then, the first imaging element 102 and the second imaging element 103 each output the acquired image data to the camera control unit 104.

[0036] In the camera body 1, the first imaging element 102 and the second imaging element 103 are provided to correspond to the first imaging optical system 201 and the second imaging optical system 301, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, a single imaging element may be provided within the camera body 1, and the single imaging element may receive multiple optical images from the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, respectively, and perform photoelectric conversion to obtain multiple image data.

[0037] The camera control unit 104 controls the first image sensor 102 and the second image sensor 103, and also controls the first camera communication unit 105 and the second camera communication unit . Specifically, the camera control unit 104 transmits the target brightness to the first lens control unit 204 and the second lens control unit 304 via the first camera communication unit 105, the second camera communication unit 106, the first lens communication unit 205, and the second lens communication unit 305. That is, the first camera communication unit 105 and the second camera communication unit 106 transmit information about the target brightness in the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, respectively.

[0038] Next, the control of the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 in the compound eye optical system unit 20 as the optical device according to this embodiment will be described.

[0039] FIG. 2(a) shows the relationship between the control amount for the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the brightness at the corresponding actual aperture position, as well as the relationship between the control amount for the second light amount adjustment device 302 and the brightness at the corresponding actual aperture position. FIG. 2(b) also shows the relationship between the control amount for the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the corresponding F-number, and the relationship between the control amount for the second light amount adjustment device 302 and the corresponding F-number. In FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the change in the first light amount adjustment device 202 is indicated by a solid line, and the change in the second light amount adjustment device 302 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0040] In FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the horizontal axis corresponds to the control amount (aperture control amount, aperture diameter). The vertical axis in Figure 2(a) corresponds to brightness (aperture value, light intensity), and as you move towards AV0, the brightness at the actual aperture positions of the first light intensity adjustment device 202 and the second light intensity adjustment device 302 becomes brighter.

[0041] The vertical axis in FIG. 2(b) corresponds to the F-number, that is, the value obtained by dividing the focal length in the optical system by the aperture diameter (pupil diameter). Here, since the focal length does not change when the control amount for the first light intensity adjustment device 202 and the second light intensity adjustment device 302 is changed, the vertical axis of Figure 2(b) can be interpreted as indicating the aperture diameter of the optical system. That is, on the vertical axis of FIG. 2(b), the aperture diameters of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 increase as the aperture approaches Fno0, and at Fno0 the aperture diameters reach the maximum aperture.

[0042] From the above, by setting the control amount for each of the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 to 0, the brightness AV0 and F-number Fno0 when the aperture is fully opened in the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 are set. In other words, brightness AV0 is the amount of light at the aperture diameter of each optical system, and may be determined by a predetermined fixed aperture in the optical system, or may be determined by a jig or the like that can set a predetermined brightness using an aperture diameter of a predetermined size.

[0043] It should be noted that AV0, AV1, AV2, etc. shown on the vertical axis of FIG. 2(a) are not actual AV values ​​but indicate target brightnesses corresponding to target control amounts 0, 1, 2, etc., respectively. Specifically, AV1, AV2, AV3, AV4, and AV5 are set so as to become darker by a predetermined number of steps with respect to the target control amount 0, that is, the brightness AV0 when the aperture is fully open.

[0044] Also, Fno0, Fno1, Fno2, etc. shown on the vertical axis of FIG. 2(b) are not actual F-number values, but indicate target F-numbers corresponding to target control amounts 0, 1, 2, etc., respectively. In the compound eye optical system unit 20 according to this embodiment, the target control amounts 0 to 5, target brightnesses AV0 to AV5, and target F-numbers Fno0 and Fno5 shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are merely examples. In other words, the numbers of target control amounts, target brightnesses, and target F-numbers are not limited to these.

[0045] The first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 each have mechanical play such as play in the connection parts to the first drive unit 203 and the second drive unit 303, and play in the cam mechanism that opens and closes the multiple aperture blades. Furthermore, the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 each have manufacturing variations in their components.

[0046] Therefore, even if the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 are controlled with the same control amount, the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 are driven to positions with different opening diameters. Furthermore, there are optical variations that affect brightness, such as variations in manufacturing of lenses in the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 and variations in transmittance. Due to the existence of such mechanical variations and optical variations, the brightness at the actual diaphragm positions of the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 will differ from each other.

[0047] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2(a), even if control is performed with a target control amount 5 for each of the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302, the brightness at the corresponding actual aperture positions between the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 differs by A. Therefore, a difference in brightness occurs between the optical images formed by the first imaging element 102 and the second imaging element 103 via the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, respectively, and therefore between the acquired image data.

[0048] On the other hand, when control is performed with the target control amount 5 for each of the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302, the difference in F-number between the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 becomes B, which is smaller than A, as shown in FIG. 2(b). This is because, according to the definition given above, the F-number does not include the influence of transmittance, i.e., optical variations. Furthermore, since the aperture diameter of the optical system corresponding to the target control amount 0 is typically set to a fixed diameter, as shown in Figure 2(b), the difference in F-number, i.e., Fno0, at the target control amount 0 between the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 is approximately 0.

[0049] FIG. 7(a) shows how the control amounts for the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 in a conventional compound eye optical system unit are corrected. The conventional compound eye optical system unit shown here has the same configuration as the compound eye optical system unit 20 according to this embodiment, so the same members are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] First, in the conventional compound eye optical system unit, it is assumed that the relationship between the control amount and brightness as shown in Figure 2(a) is obtained in each of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, similar to the compound eye optical system unit 20 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this conventional compound eye optical system unit, it is assumed that the relationship between the control amount and the F-number as shown in Figure 2(b) is obtained in each of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, similar to the compound eye optical system unit 20 of the first embodiment. For ease of understanding, the brightness measured in the second optical system 3 at target control amounts 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be represented as AV0', AV1', AV2', AV3', AV4' and AV5', respectively.

[0051] It is also assumed that between adjacent target brightnesses among the target brightnesses AV0 to AV5 (target light amounts), the brightness changes linearly in response to changes in the control amount. In the conventional compound eye optical system unit, the target control amount is corrected so that the target brightness in the first optical system 2 and the target brightness in the second optical system 3 are equal to each other for each target control amount.

[0052] Specifically, the target control amounts 0 to 5 are corrected so that the target brightnesses AV0 to AV5 in the first optical system 2 are corrected to the brightnesses AV0' to AV5' in the second optical system 3, respectively. That is, as shown by the white circles in Figure 7(a), corrected target control amounts 0a, 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, and 5a corresponding to the target brightnesses AV0', AV1', AV2', AV3', AV4', and AV5', respectively, are determined. In the following, the corrected target control amount will be referred to as a corrected target control amount.

[0053] Table 1 shows the target brightness, the corresponding target control amount, and the corresponding correction target control amount in the first optical system 2 of the conventional compound eye optical system unit.

[0054] [Table 1]

[0055] FIG. 7(b) shows the relationship between the correction control amount for the first light amount adjustment device 202 in the conventional compound eye optical system unit and the brightness at the corresponding actual diaphragm position. FIG. 7(b) also shows the relationship between the control amount for the second light amount adjustment device 302 in the conventional compound eye optical system unit and the brightness at the corresponding actual aperture position.

[0056] It should be noted that the adjacent correction target control amounts among the correction target control amounts 0a to 5a for the first light amount adjusting device 202 are not spaced at equal intervals. That is, in FIG. 7(b), please note that the corrected target control amounts 0a to 5a for the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the target control amounts 0 to 5 for the second light amount adjustment device 302 do not actually match each other. The same applies to FIG. 7(c) shown below.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7(b), by correcting the control amount for the first light intensity adjustment device 202, it can be seen that the brightness in the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 becomes equal to each other for each control amount.

[0058] Figure 7(c) shows the relationship between the correction control amount for the first light intensity adjustment device 202 and the corresponding F-number in the conventional compound eye optical system unit, as well as the relationship between the control amount for the second light intensity adjustment device 302 and the corresponding F-number.

[0059] As described above, in the conventional compound eye optical system unit, the control amount as the aperture diameter of the diaphragm, which is the first light intensity adjustment device 202, is corrected so that the brightness in each of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 matches. As a result, the F-number for each target control amount in the first optical system 2 changes, and the relationship between the control amount for the first light intensity adjustment device 202 shown in Figure 2(b) and the corresponding F-number changes as shown by the white circles in Figure 7(c).

[0060] That is, even if the control amount for the first light intensity adjustment device 202 is corrected, as shown in Figure 7(c), it can be seen that a difference indicated by C still remains between the F-numbers of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 for each control amount. As described above, this difference is due to the influence of the transmittance in the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, that is, optical variations.

[0061] In imaging devices, the F-number is generally displayed as a numerical value, and as shown by the arrow in FIG. 7(c), an allowable error range is set for each F-number (see ISO517;1996). If correction is made taking into account only brightness as in the conventional compound eye optical system unit, the F-numbers at correction target control amounts 0a, 2a and 5a in the first optical system 2 will deviate from the allowable range of the error, as shown in Figure 7(c).

[0062] In particular, the allowable range of error in the F-number at the aperture diameter of the optical system corresponding to the target control amount 0 is often set narrower than the allowable range of error in the F-number at the aperture diameter of the optical system corresponding to other control amounts. For this reason, as mentioned above, the aperture diameter of the optical system corresponding to the target control amount 0 is often set to a fixed diameter, and if correction is made taking into account only brightness as in the case of the conventional compound eye optical system unit, the F-number Fno0, especially at the target control amount 0, will deviate from the allowable error range.

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, as will be described in detail below, the control amount for each light amount adjusting device is corrected taking into account the F-number in each optical system.

[0064] 3(a) and (b) respectively show how the control amounts for the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 are corrected in the compound eye optical system unit 20 according to this embodiment. The correction process described below may be performed by attaching the compound eye optical system unit 20 according to this embodiment to an external device, or may be performed in the camera body 1 to which the compound eye optical system unit 20 according to this embodiment is attached.

[0065] In the compound eye optical system unit 20 of this embodiment, the relationship between the control amount shown in Figure 2(a) and the brightness at the corresponding actual aperture position is corrected taking into account the relationship between the control amount shown in Figure 2(b) and the corresponding F-number. Specifically, for the first optical system 2, first, the target control amounts 1 to 5 are corrected to correspond to the target brightnesses AV1(1) to AV5(1) based on the target control amount 0 and the corresponding target brightness AV0(1).

[0066] That is, for each of the target control amounts 1 to 5, corrected target control amounts (hereinafter referred to as "corrected target control amounts") corresponding to the target brightnesses AV1(1) to AV5(1) are determined based on the target control amount 0 and the corresponding target brightness AV0(1). As a result, as shown by the white circles in Figure 3(a), corrected target control amounts 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, and 5b corresponding to the target brightnesses AV1(1), AV2(1), AV3(1), AV4(1), and AV5(1), respectively, are determined.

[0067] Next, for the second optical system 3, first, the target control amount 0 corresponding to the aperture diameter of the optical system is assigned to the first correction area (first aperture diameter area), and the remaining target control amounts on the aperture side of the target control amount 0 are assigned to the second correction area (second aperture diameter area). That is, the first correction area is defined by the target control amount 0 corresponding to the open diameter of the optical system, and the second correction area is defined by the remaining target control amounts on the aperture side of the target control amount 0. Then, for each of the target control amounts 1 to 5 included in the second correction area, the target control amounts 1 to 5 are corrected to correspond to the target brightnesses AV1(1) to AV5(1) based on the target control amount 0 in the first optical system 2 and the corresponding target brightness AV0(1).

[0068] That is, for each of the target control amounts 1 to 5, the corrected target control amount corresponding to the target brightness AV1(1) to AV5(1) is determined based on the target control amount 0 in the first optical system 2 and the corresponding target brightness AV0(1). In other words, in the second optical system 3, each target brightness at target control amounts 1 to 5 is corrected based on the difference between the target brightness AV0(1) at target control amount 0 in the first optical system 2 and the target brightness AV0(2) at target control amount 0 in the second optical system 3. As a result, as shown by the white circles in Figure 3(b), corrected target control amounts 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c, and 5c corresponding to the target brightnesses AV1(1), AV2(1), AV3(1), AV4(1), and AV5(1), respectively, are determined.

[0069] On the other hand, no correction is made to the target control amount 0 included in the first correction region. That is, the target control amount 0 (first aperture diameter) in each of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 is maintained at the same size. As a result, the brightnesses AV0(1) and AV0(2) (first light amounts) at the target control amount 0 in the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, respectively, are maintained.

[0070] The above correction of the target control amount included in the second correction region in the second optical system 3 may be performed based on a predetermined control amount in the first optical system 2 and the corresponding brightness (second light amount).

[0071] In other words, in the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, the relationship between the control amount as the aperture diameter of the diaphragm, which is the first light intensity adjustment device 202 and the second light intensity adjustment device 302, and the brightness as the amount of light is measured. Then, based on the measurement results, target control amounts 0 to 5 as the target aperture diameters of the diaphragm corresponding to target brightnesses AV0 to AV5 as the target light amounts, respectively, are corrected.

[0072] Table 2 shows the target brightness, the corresponding target control amount, and the corresponding corrected target control amount in the first optical system 2.

[0073] [Table 2]

[0074] Table 3 is a first table showing the target brightness in the first correction region in the second optical system 3, the corresponding target control amount, and the corresponding correction target control amount. Table 4 is a second table showing the target brightness in the second correction region in the second optical system 3, the corresponding target control amount, and the corresponding correction target control amount. [Table 3] [Table 4]

[0075] FIG. 4(a) shows the relationship between the correction control amount for the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the brightness at the corresponding actual aperture position, as well as the relationship between the correction control amount for the second light amount adjustment device 302 and the brightness at the corresponding actual aperture position. As shown in Figure 4(a), in the compound eye optical system unit 20 of this embodiment, it can be seen that the difference in brightness between the first light intensity adjustment device 202 and the second light intensity adjustment device 302 at their corresponding actual aperture positions can be reduced.

[0076] FIG. 4(b) also shows the relationship between the correction control amount for the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the corresponding F-number, and the relationship between the correction control amount for the second light amount adjustment device 302 and the corresponding F-number. As shown in Figure 4(b), in the compound eye optical system unit 20 of this embodiment, it can be seen that the F-numbers of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 are within the allowable error range.

[0077] The table determined as shown in Table 2 for the first optical system 2 is stored in the first storage unit 206. Furthermore, the first table and the second table determined as shown in Table 3 and Table 4 in the second optical system 3 are stored in the second storage unit 306. When the imaging device 10 is used, the first lens control unit 204 and the second lens control unit 304 read out the tables from the first storage unit 206 and the second storage unit 306 .

[0078] Next, when setting the target brightness of the second optical system 3 based on instructions from the camera control unit 104, the second lens control unit 304 determines whether the target brightness is included in the first table or the second table. Then, the first lens control unit 204 refers to the acquired table, and the second lens control unit 304 refers to the determined table, thereby determining the correction target control amount corresponding to the target brightness.

[0079] Then, the first lens control unit 204 and the second lens control unit 304 respectively control the driving of the first driving unit 203 and the second driving unit 303 based on the determined correction target control amount. This allows the aperture diameters of the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 to be set with high precision.

[0080] As described above, in the compound eye optical system unit 20 according to this embodiment, by assigning each target control amount for the second light intensity adjustment device 302 to multiple correction areas, different controls are performed depending on the control amount included in each correction area. Specifically, the target control amount 0 is assigned to the first correction area, and the remaining target control amounts on the narrower side of the target control amount 0 are assigned to the second correction area, and correction is performed on each target control amount included in the second correction area, while no correction is performed on the target control amount 0 included in the first correction area. In other words, the target control amount corresponding to the target brightness is set based on a table (information) selected from multiple tables (multiple pieces of information) that show the relationship between the target control amount and the target brightness contained in different correction areas (control area, aperture diameter area).

[0081] As a result, as shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), it is possible to set a predetermined brightness in each of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 while keeping the F-number within the allowable error range. That is, in each of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, the F-numbers can be kept within the allowable error range, and the changes in brightness can be made uniform.

[0082] Therefore, in the compound eye optical system unit 20 of this embodiment, the F-number specifications of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 can be satisfied while reducing the difference in brightness between the two images acquired through the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, respectively. In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a compound eye optical system that can control the difference in light intensity between each image acquired by specifying the same brightness for each optical system with high precision light intensity accuracy, while satisfying the F-number specifications for each optical system.

[0083] In the compound eye optical system unit 20 according to this embodiment, a target control amount corresponding to the target brightness is set for the second light intensity adjustment device 302 by referring to either the first table or the second table, but this is not limited to this. That is, the target control amount corresponding to the target brightness may be set for the second light amount adjustment device 302 by constantly referring to a combined table formed by combining the first table and the second table.

[0084] [Second embodiment] 5(a) and 5(b) respectively show how the control amounts for the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 are corrected in the compound eye optical system unit according to the second embodiment. The compound eye optical system unit according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the compound eye optical system unit 20 according to the first embodiment, and therefore the same members are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0085] In the compound eye optical system unit 20 according to the first embodiment, the target control amount 0 for the second light intensity adjustment device 302 is assigned to the first correction area, and the remaining target control amounts on the aperture side of the target control amount 0 are assigned to the second correction area. Then, for each target control amount included in the second correction area, correction is performed using the target control amount 0 in the first optical system 2 and the corresponding target brightness AV0(1) as a reference. As a result, for each control amount included in the second correction region, the change in brightness between the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 can be made uniform.

[0086] On the other hand, since no correction is made to the target control amount 0 included in the first correction area, when the target control amount is set to 0, a difference in brightness remains between the target brightness AV0(1) in the first optical system 2 and the target brightness AV0(2) in the second optical system 3.

[0087] In this case, for example, if the target control amount is changed from 0 to 1, the target brightness in the first optical system 2 changes from AV0(1) to AV1(1), while the target brightness in the second optical system 3 changes from AV0(2) to AV1(1). Furthermore, when the target control amount is changed from 1 to 2, the target brightness in each of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 changes from AV1(1) to AV2(1).

[0088] In other words, the difference between the change in target brightness in the first optical system 2 and the change in target brightness in the second optical system 3 will be different when the target control amount is changed from 0 to 1 than when the target control amount is changed from 1 to 2. As a result, there is a risk that brightness flickering will occur when the target control amount is changed from 0 to 1, which is a case where the difference in the change in target brightness is large.

[0089] Therefore, in the compound eye optical system unit according to this embodiment, as will be described below, corrections are made to each target control amount so that the difference in the change in target brightness is reduced in stages in accordance with the change in the target control amount.

[0090] Specifically, in the compound eye optical system unit of this embodiment, it is assumed that the relationship between the control amount and brightness as shown in Figure 2(a) is obtained in each of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, similar to the compound eye optical system unit 20 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in each of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, a relationship between the control amount and the F-number as shown in Figure 2(b) is obtained, similar to the compound eye optical system unit 20 of the first embodiment.

[0091] At this time, in the first optical system 2, the target control amount is corrected in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and corrected target control amounts 1b to 5b corresponding to the target brightnesses AV1(1) to AV5(1), respectively, are determined, as shown by the white circles in FIG. 5(a).

[0092] Next, in the second optical system 3, first, a target control amount 0 corresponding to the open diameter of the optical system is assigned to the first correction region (first open diameter region). Furthermore, among the target control amounts on the aperture side of target control amount 0, a portion of the target control amounts on the aperture side is allocated to the third correction region (third aperture diameter region), and then the remaining target control amounts on the aperture side are allocated to the second correction region (second aperture diameter region). That is, the first correction area is defined by the target control amount 0 corresponding to the maximum aperture of the optical system, and the third correction area is defined by a portion of the target control amounts on the aperture side of the target control amount 0. The second correction area is defined by the remaining target control amounts on the aperture side of the target control amounts on the aperture side of the target control amount 0.

[0093] Specifically, first, the difference between the target brightness AV0(1) in the first optical system 2 and the target brightness AV0(2) in the second optical system 3 when the target control amount is 0 is set to D(0). Then, until the difference in target brightness becomes equal to or less than the target difference E, that is, until it is sufficiently inconspicuous, the target control amount is decreased from D(0) by the unit difference ΔD each time the target control amount is changed by 1, and the target control amount is assigned to the third correction region.

[0094] More specifically, consider the case where the difference D(0) is 0.3 steps, the unit difference ΔD is 0.1 steps, and the target difference E is 0.1 steps. At this time, the target control amount 1 for the second light intensity adjustment device 302 is corrected so that the difference D(1) between the target brightness AV1(1) in the first optical system 2 and the target brightness AV1a(2) in the second optical system 3 becomes D(0)-ΔD=0.2 steps.

[0095] Next, the target control amount 2 for the second light intensity adjustment device 302 is corrected so that the difference D(2) between the target brightness AV2(1) in the first optical system 2 and the target brightness AV2a(2) in the second optical system 3 becomes D(1)-ΔD=0.1 steps. At this time, the difference D(2) in target brightness for target control amount 2 is E=0.1 step or less, so target control amounts 1 and 2 are assigned to the third correction region.

[0096] In other words, in the target control amounts 1 and 2, the target brightness in the second optical system 3 is corrected based on the unit difference ΔD so as to approach the target brightness in the first optical system 2 in a stepwise manner. The third correction region is assigned a number obtained by subtracting the target difference E from the difference D(0) between the target brightness in the first optical system 2 and the target brightness in the second optical system 3 at target control amount 0, and then dividing the result by the unit difference ΔD, i.e., (0.3-0.1) / 0.1=2 target control amounts. In this way, as shown by the white circles in FIG. 5(b), corrected target control amounts 1d and 2d corresponding to the target brightnesses AV1a(2) and AV2a(2), respectively, are determined.

[0097] Furthermore, for each of the target control amounts 3 to 5 included in the second correction area, correction is performed to correspond to the target brightnesses AV3(1) to AV5(1) based on the target control amount 0 in the first optical system 2 and the corresponding target brightness AV0(1). In other words, each target brightness at target control amounts 3 to 5 is corrected by the difference between the target brightness AV0(1) at target control amount 0 in the first optical system 2 and the target brightness AV0(2) at target control amount 0 in the second optical system 3. In this way, as shown by the white circles in FIG. 5(b), corrected target control amounts 3d, 4d, and 5d corresponding to the target brightnesses AV3(1), AV4(1), and AV5(1), respectively, are determined.

[0098] Table 5 is a table showing the target brightness, the corresponding target control amount, and the corresponding corrected target control amount in the first optical system 2.

[0099] [Table 5]

[0100] Table 6 is a first table showing the target brightness in the first correction region in the second optical system 3, the corresponding target control amount, and the corresponding correction target control amount. Table 7 is a third table showing the target brightness in the third correction region in the second optical system 3, the corresponding target control amount, and the corresponding correction target control amount. Table 8 is a second table showing the target brightness in the second correction region in the second optical system 3, the corresponding target control amount, and the corresponding correction target control amount.

[0101] [Table 6] [Table 7] [Table 8]

[0102] FIG. 6(a) shows the relationship between the correction control amount for the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the brightness at the corresponding actual aperture position, as well as the relationship between the correction control amount for the second light amount adjustment device 302 and the brightness at the corresponding actual aperture position. As shown in Figure 6(a), it can be seen that the compound eye optical system unit of this embodiment is able to reduce the difference in brightness between the first light intensity adjustment device 202 and the second light intensity adjustment device 302 at their corresponding actual aperture positions.

[0103] FIG. 6(b) also shows the relationship between the correction control amount for the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the corresponding F-number, and the relationship between the correction control amount for the second light amount adjustment device 302 and the corresponding F-number. As shown in Figure 6(b), in the compound eye optical system unit of this embodiment, it can be seen that the F-numbers of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 are within the allowable error range.

[0104] The table determined as shown in Table 5 for the first optical system 2 is stored in the first storage unit 206. Furthermore, the first table, second table, and third table determined as shown in Tables 6, 7, and 8 in the second optical system 3 are stored in the second storage unit 306. When the imaging device 10 is used, the first lens control unit 204 and the second lens control unit 304 read out the tables from the first storage unit 206 and the second storage unit 306 .

[0105] Next, when setting the target brightness of the second optical system 3 based on instructions from the camera control unit 104, the second lens control unit 304 determines whether the target brightness is included in the first table, the second table, or the third table. Then, the first lens control unit 204 refers to the acquired table, and the second lens control unit 304 refers to the determined table, thereby determining the correction target control amount corresponding to the target brightness.

[0106] Then, the first lens control unit 204 and the second lens control unit 304 respectively control the driving of the first driving unit 203 and the second driving unit 303 based on the determined correction target control amount. This allows the aperture diameters of the first light amount adjustment device 202 and the second light amount adjustment device 302 to be set with high precision.

[0107] As described above, in the compound eye optical system unit of this embodiment, by assigning each target control amount for the second light intensity adjustment device 302 to multiple correction areas, different controls are performed depending on the control amount included in each correction area. Specifically, the target control amount 0 is assigned to the first correction area, the target control amount corrected so that the difference between the target brightness in the first optical system 2 and the target brightness in the second optical system 3 gradually decreases is assigned to the third correction area, and the remaining target control amounts are assigned to the second correction area.

[0108] Then, the target control amounts included in the third correction region and the second correction region are corrected as described above, while no correction is made to the target control amount 0 included in the first correction region. In other words, the target control amount corresponding to the target brightness is set based on a table selected from a plurality of tables showing the relationship between the target control amount and the target brightness included in different correction areas.

[0109] In the compound eye optical system unit of this embodiment, by performing the above control, it is possible to set a predetermined brightness while keeping the F-number within the allowable error range in each of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, as shown in Figures 6(a) and (b). That is, in each of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, the F-numbers can be kept within the allowable error range, and the change in brightness can be gradually made uniform as the target control amount changes. This reduces the sense of discomfort when viewing two images acquired through the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 simultaneously, and also reduces flickering when changing brightness.

[0110] Therefore, in the compound eye optical system unit of this embodiment, the F-number specifications of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 can be satisfied while reducing the difference in brightness between the two images acquired through the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, respectively. According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a compound eye optical system that can satisfy the F-number specifications in each optical system, reduce flicker when the brightness is changed, and can control the light intensity with high precision, thereby reducing the difference in light intensity between each image acquired through each optical system.

[0111] In the compound eye optical system unit according to this embodiment, a target control amount corresponding to the target brightness is set for the second light intensity adjustment device 302 by referring to one of the first table, the second table, and the third table, but this is not limited to this. That is, the target control amount corresponding to the target brightness may be set for the second light amount adjustment device 302 by always referring to the combined table formed by combining the first table, the second table, and the third table.

[0112] Although the preferred embodiments 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 thereof. The present embodiment also includes a method having various steps for creating the tables shown above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 2. First optical system 3 Second optical system 20 Compound eye optical system unit (optical device) 202 First light quantity adjustment device (aperture) 203 First light amount adjusting device driving unit (control unit) 204 First lens control unit (control unit) 206 First memory unit 302 Second light quantity adjustment device (aperture) 303 Second light amount adjusting device driving unit (control unit) 304 Second lens control unit (control unit) 306 Second Memory Unit

Claims

1. a plurality of optical systems each having an aperture; a storage unit that stores a plurality of pieces of information indicating a relationship between a target aperture diameter of the diaphragm and a target light amount in each of the plurality of optical systems; a control unit that adjusts the amount of light by changing the aperture diameter of the diaphragm in each of the plurality of optical systems, the plurality of pieces of information include first information indicating a relationship between the target aperture diameter of a first optical system among the plurality of optical systems and the target light amount; second information indicating a relationship between the target aperture diameter in a first aperture diameter region corresponding to an open diameter of the diaphragm of a second optical system among the plurality of optical systems and the target light amount; and third information indicating a relationship between the target aperture diameter in a second aperture diameter region corresponding to an aperture diameter different from the open diameter of the diaphragm of the second optical system and the target light amount; the target opening diameter in the second information is not corrected based on the target opening diameter in the first information, the target aperture diameter in the third information is corrected to correspond to the target light amount in the second aperture diameter region based on the target aperture diameter in the first information, When adjusting the light amount of the second optical system to a predetermined target light amount, the control unit: If the predetermined target light amount is included in the second information, changing the aperture diameter so that it becomes the target aperture diameter corresponding to the predetermined target light amount in the second information; When the predetermined target light amount is included in the third information, the optical device changes the aperture diameter so that it becomes the target aperture diameter corresponding to the predetermined target light amount in the third information.

2. The first and third information are information about the target aperture diameter corresponding to the target light amount, determined based on the relationship between a plurality of values ​​between the minimum and maximum values ​​of the aperture diameter in each of the first and second optical systems and the measured values ​​of the light amount corresponding to each of the plurality of values, 2. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of values ​​includes a first value between the minimum value and the maximum value, a second value between the minimum value and the first value, and a third value between the first value and the maximum value.

3. 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein, in creating the third information, the target light amount is corrected based on the difference between a first light amount when the aperture in the first optical system has a predetermined aperture diameter and a second light amount when the aperture in the second optical system has the predetermined aperture diameter.

4. An optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plurality of pieces of information include fourth information indicating the relationship between the target aperture diameter and the target light amount in a third aperture diameter region between the first aperture diameter region and the second aperture diameter region of the second optical system.

5. The optical device described in Claim 4, characterized in that the fourth information is information regarding the target aperture diameter corresponding to the target light amount, determined based on the relationship between multiple values ​​between the minimum and maximum values ​​of the aperture diameter in the second optical system and the measured values ​​of the light amount corresponding to each of the multiple values.

6. An optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; an imaging element that receives an image formed by the optical device; An imaging device comprising:

7. A method for creating a plurality of pieces of information indicating a relationship between a target aperture diameter of a diaphragm and a target light amount in each of a plurality of optical systems each having a diaphragm, the method comprising: measuring the amount of light when the aperture diameter of the diaphragm is changed in each of the plurality of optical systems; and creating the plurality of pieces of information by determining the target aperture diameter of the diaphragm corresponding to the target light amount based on the measurement result of the measuring step for each of the plurality of optical systems, the plurality of pieces of information include first information indicating a relationship between the target aperture diameter of a first optical system among the plurality of optical systems and the target light amount; second information indicating a relationship between the target aperture diameter in a first aperture diameter region corresponding to an open diameter of the diaphragm of a second optical system among the plurality of optical systems and the target light amount; and third information indicating a relationship between the target aperture diameter in a second aperture diameter region corresponding to an aperture diameter different from the open diameter of the diaphragm of the second optical system and the target light amount; the target opening diameter in the second information is not corrected based on the target opening diameter in the first information, A method characterized in that the target aperture diameter in the third information is corrected to correspond to the target light amount in the second aperture diameter region based on the target aperture diameter in the first information.

8. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of creating the third information includes a step of correcting the target light amount based on a difference between a first light amount when the diaphragm in the first optical system has a predetermined aperture diameter and a second light amount when the diaphragm in the second optical system has the predetermined aperture diameter.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the plurality of pieces of information include fourth information indicating the relationship between the target aperture diameter and the target light amount in a third aperture diameter region between the first aperture diameter region and the second aperture diameter region of the second optical system.

Images