JP2001016615A - Stereoscopic photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the stereoscopic photographing device that control accuracy of a convergence angle is enhanced, comfortable photographing is realized and the reliability of photographing is enhanced. SOLUTION: An AF signal processing circuit 424b controls a focus lens 411g of a zoom lens. In addition to a control system of the focus lens 411g, a range finding means 414 is provided for the stereoscopic photographing device, the distance of the device up to an object is measured, as a result thereof, a lens microcomputer 412-1 outputs a drive signal to a motor driver 419 and a stepping motor 411b drives full reflection mirrors 411aR, 411aL to change the convergence angle.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus such as a video camera and an electronic still camera, and more particularly to a stereoscopic photographing apparatus for photographing a parallax image of a photographing target.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various stereoscopic image display devices have been proposed.

Conventionally, left and right parallax images are displayed on a monitor, and the observer wears liquid crystal shutter glasses, and operates the two left and right liquid crystal shutters of the liquid crystal shutter glasses in synchronization with a video signal. There has been proposed a device for observing a three-dimensional image.

More specifically, while a right-eye image is displayed on a monitor to be observed, the right-eye liquid crystal shutter is in a transmissive state and the left-eye liquid crystal shutter is in a non-transmissive state. While the image for the eye is displayed, the liquid crystal shutter for the left eye is made transparent and the liquid crystal shutter for the right eye is made non-transparent, so that the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye are displayed on the monitor. Are displayed alternately, the observer always sees the right-eye image for the right eye and the left-eye image for the left eye.

[0005] Here, for example, two cameras are separated by the distance between eyes so that the same subject is imaged, and the video signal from the right camera is used as the image for the right eye, and the video signal from the left camera is used. Is alternately displayed on the monitor as an image for the left eye, the observer sees the image three-dimensionally through the liquid crystal shutter glasses.

Providing an observer with an image having depth in this way enables not only the development of entertainment devices such as a three-dimensional game and a three-dimensional television but also the education of flight simulators and surgical assist devices, and the development of medical devices. Is considered,
Apparatus for viewing stereoscopic images by various methods such as a head-mounted display and a lenticular sheet have been proposed.

On the other hand, various proposals have been made on the camera side for inputting an image. In addition to the above-described method of using two cameras side by side, one camera alternately captures the left and right images. As a result, cameras having a configuration suitable for consumer products have been proposed in order to reduce the size of devices.

[0008]

In such a stereoscopic photographing apparatus, a drive system for controlling the convergence angle and a lens drive system for focusing are required.

Since the drive system for controlling the convergence angle and the lens drive system for focusing are both related to the distance to the object, the drive system, that is, the drive system, It seems that it is possible to use a common motor and motor driver. In this case, for example, an imaging optical system in which the focus position of the focus lens changes according to the zoom operation, such as an inner focus lens, is considered. When used, since the position of the focus lens changes according to the zoom operation, the convergence angle also changes accordingly, and the convergence angle changes even though the distance to the subject does not change. This will hinder stereoscopic vision. This problem increases as the zoom ratio increases.

[0010] Further, the convergence angle changes each time the focus lens moves by the autofocus operation, so that the screen changes, noise and the like frequently occur, which causes a problem that the operational feeling is deteriorated.

Further, when the in-focus positions of the subject images that have passed through the left and right imaging optical systems with respect to the subject are deviated from each other, the lens is driven by the left and right imaging systems and the driving cycle of the lens. From factors such as time constant and phase,
In some cases, the driving of the lens becomes unstable, and there is a problem in stability and reliability.

The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a stereoscopic photographing apparatus capable of improving the control accuracy of a convergence angle, realizing comfortable photographing, and improving photographing reliability. It is intended for.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a stereoscopic photographing apparatus is configured as described in the following (1) to (8).

(1) Two optical systems for converging a subject to form an optical image on an image forming surface, focusing state detecting means for detecting a focusing state of the subject, and signals of the focusing state detecting means Focusing drive means for performing a focusing operation by driving a common focusing optical system to the two optical systems, a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to a subject, and a distance measuring means from the distance measuring means. A stereoscopic imaging apparatus comprising: a convergence angle control unit that changes a convergence angle of the two optical systems based on a signal.

(2) In the three-dimensional photographing apparatus according to (1), the in-focus state detecting means is TTL distance measuring means for detecting the in-focus state of a subject through the focusing optical system, and Is a three-dimensional photographing device which is an external distance measuring means for measuring a distance to a subject through a dedicated optical system.

(3) Two optical systems for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, distance measuring means for measuring the distance to the object, and a signal based on a signal from the distance measuring means. A stereoscopic photographing apparatus comprising: a convergence angle control unit that changes a convergence angle of the two optical systems, wherein the distance measuring unit measures a distance to a subject at a predetermined cycle during photographing or during preparation for photographing. A stereoscopic imaging device that repeatedly controls the convergence angle.

(4) In the stereoscopic photographing apparatus according to (3), when the difference between the target convergence angle and the current convergence angle according to the signal from the distance measuring means is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the convergence driving which does not change the convergence angle is performed. A stereoscopic photographing device provided with a discriminating means.

(5) Two optical systems for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, distance measuring means for measuring the distance to the object, and a signal based on a signal from the distance measuring means. A stereoscopic photographing apparatus having convergence angle control means for changing the angle of convergence of the two optical systems, wherein a change in a current distance measurement value and a previous distance measurement value by the distance measurement means is equal to or more than a predetermined value; Is a stereoscopic photographing device in which the distance measuring means performs re-ranging.

(6) Two optical systems for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to the object, and a signal based on a signal from the distance measuring means. A stereoscopic photographing apparatus having convergence angle control means for changing the angle of convergence of the two optical systems, wherein a change in a current distance measurement value and a previous distance measurement value by the distance measurement means is equal to or more than a predetermined value; Is a three-dimensional imaging apparatus in which the convergence angle control means makes the driving speed of the convergence angle slower than usual.

(7) First and second optical systems for converging a subject to form an optical image on an image forming surface, focusing state detecting means for detecting a focusing state of the subject, and the focusing state A stereoscopic photographing apparatus comprising: a focusing drive unit for driving a focusing optical system common to the first and second optical systems based on an output of the detection unit to perform a focusing operation; The state detecting means detects the in-focus state of the subject based on the subject information from the first optical system,
A three-dimensional imaging apparatus that does not use the in-focus state of a subject based on subject information from the second optical system.

(8) First and second optical systems for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, focusing state detecting means for detecting the in-focus state of the object, and the in-focus state A stereoscopic photographing apparatus comprising: a focusing drive unit for driving a focusing optical system common to the first and second optical systems based on an output of the detection unit to perform a focusing operation; The state detecting means detects the in-focus state of the subject based on the subject information from the first optical system,
A stereoscopic photographing device that does not detect the in-focus state of the subject from the second optical system.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to embodiments of a stereoscopic photographing apparatus.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before describing an embodiment of the present invention, a basic configuration in a case where a stereoscopic photographing apparatus is applied to an interchangeable lens type video camera will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a stereoscopic photographing apparatus for photographing the above-mentioned stereoscopic video. 41
Is an interchangeable lens unit standardized in a predetermined format, and includes an imaging optical system 411 and a camera microcomputer 412.
LCD control circuit 413, video input terminal 415, I
It comprises a G driver 416, motor drivers 417 and 418, a lens mount standardized in the predetermined format (not shown), and a contact block. Reference numeral 42 denotes a camera body, which has a camera mount and a contact block standardized in the predetermined format (not shown). The lens mount and the camera mount of the interchangeable lens unit 41 are mechanically engageable and detachable. It has become.
When the contact block of the interchangeable lens 41 and the contact block of the camera body 42 are mounted on the camera mount, the contacts come into contact with each other, and the operation corresponding to the arrow 43, that is, the predetermined data in the lens microcomputer 412 and the camera microcomputer 421. And a power supply line for supplying power from the camera body 42 to the interchangeable lens 41 via respective contact blocks.

Reference numeral 411 denotes a photographing optical system.
411aL is a total reflection mirror rotatable around a predetermined axis. Here, each total reflection mirror 411aR, 411a
L is connected to a focusing lens 411g, which will be described later, by mechanical connecting means 411b.
Of the two total reflection mirrors 41 in accordance with the movement of
Reference numerals 1aR and 411aL serve to guide subject information corresponding to the left and right eyes to the photographing lens group. By changing the subject information according to the distance to the subject, so-called convergence control is performed.

Reference numerals 411cR, 411cL, and 411d denote a lens unit having one or more lenses having a negative refractive index.
Reference numerals 1e, 411f, and 411g denote a lens unit having a positive refractive index composed of one or a plurality of lenses.
a prism having a total reflection mirror surface at hR and 411hL,
411iR, 411iL, 411jR, 411jL are polarizing plates, and 411kR, 411kL are liquid crystal elements having a shutter function. When the polarizing plates 411iR and 411jR and the liquid crystal element 411kR are combined, and a liquid crystal is applied to the liquid crystal by the liquid crystal control circuit 413, the luminous flux is transmitted and non-transmitted. The same applies to the combination of the polarizing plates 411iL and 411jL and the liquid crystal element 411kL. The liquid crystal elements 411 kR and 411 kL are, for example, FLCD (Fer)
ROELIC LIQUID CRYSTAL
Display, TN, STN, etc. can be used. The polarizers 411iR and 411jR and the polarizers 411iL and 411jL correspond to the liquid crystal elements 411kR and 411kR.
It may be fixed to 11 kL by bonding or the like, or may be separately arranged. The optical axes 411mR and 411mL of the left and right images are substantially in the same plane and substantially intersect at a predetermined position including a point at infinity (hereinafter referred to as convergence). As mentioned earlier, 2
The mirrors 411aR and 411aL are rotatable around a predetermined axis, and the positions of convergence can be changed by rotating each other. Also, optical axis 411m
The distance (base line) between the intersections of R, 411 mL and the reflection surfaces of the mirrors 411aR, 411aL is set to be close to 63 mm, which is the average human pupil distance.

Reference numeral 411n denotes an aperture serving as a light amount adjusting means, which is disposed on the object side, thereby preventing an increase in the effective light beam diameter of the front lens. 411p is an IG meter, 411q, 4
11r is a step motor. 411cR, 411c
L is a first lens group, 411d is a fixed lens group,
The lens 411e is a variator, the lens 411f is a compensator, and the lens 411g is a movable lens group having a focusing function. The lenses 411e and 411f are movably arranged in the optical axis direction in a cam cylinder 411s in a mechanically interlocked manner. This cam cylinder 411s is connected to the step motor 4
Drives and rotates at 11q. Also, the step motor 411r
Drives the lens 411g. Lens 411e, 411
The position of the lens f, 411g in the optical axis direction is detected by counting the number of drive pulses for driving the step motor to convert the position of the lens. The IG meter 411p drives the diaphragm 411n to adjust the amount of light. Further, an ND filter (not shown) is arranged in the photographing optical system 411. The photographing optical system 411 is a rear focus zoom type and the lens 41
The lenses 1e, 411f, and 411g are driven and controlled in a predetermined relationship by the lens microcomputer 412 when zooming.

The camera body 42 includes amplifiers 423a, 423b, and 423c connected to the image sensors 422a, 422b, and 422c of the three-plate imaging unit 422, and a signal processing circuit 424 connected to the amplifiers 423a, 423b, and 423c. A camera microcomputer 421 connected to the signal processing circuit 424; a zoom switch and an AF switch (not shown) connected to the camera microcomputer 421; a video output terminal 425 and an electronic viewfinder 42 serving as a monitor.
6 (hereinafter referred to as EVF). The signal processing circuit 424 includes a camera signal processing circuit 424a and an AF signal processing circuit 424b.
a is output as a video signal, and the camera microcomputer 4
The output of 21 is supplied to the lens microcomputer 412 of the interchangeable lens 41.

In the three-plate type imaging unit 422, the photographing optical system 411
The incident light imaged by the color separation prism is color-separated into three primary colors by a color separation prism.
a, a green part is formed on the image sensor 422b, and a blue component is formed on the image sensor 422c. The subject image formed on each of the image sensors 422a, 422b, 422c is photoelectrically converted into an electric signal.
It is provided on the corresponding amplifiers 423a, 423b, 423c. Each electric signal amplified to an optimum level by the amplifiers 423a, 423b, 423c is converted into a standard television signal by the camera processing circuit 424a, output as a video signal, and supplied to the AF signal processing circuit 424b. You.

The AF signal processing circuit 424b includes an amplifier 423
a, 423b, and 423c using signals of three primary colors.
An F evaluation value signal is generated. The camera microcomputer 421 performs focusing by driving and controlling the lens 411g based on the AF evaluation value signal generated by the AF signal processing circuit 424b using a data reading program stored in advance.

The total reflection mirrors 411aR and 411aL are rotated in accordance with the movement of the focusing lens 411g in the optical axis direction.

In this way, the convergence angle is changed according to the distance to the subject.
Moving position in the optical axis direction and total reflection mirrors 411aR and 411aR
Since the rotation angle of 1aL always corresponds one-to-one, the following problem occurs.

As described with reference to FIG. 7, the photographing optical system increases the degree of freedom of photographing by performing zooming. However, even if the subject distance is constant by performing zooming, the focusing position of the focusing lens does not become a constant position in the optical axis direction.

Specifically, in a zoom wide state, a subject at a fixed position is focused on, and the lens 411 is kept as it is.
If the zoom is set to tele while maintaining the position of g in the direction of the optical axis, the object will be out of focus.

In order to correct this defocus, the lens 411g must be moved again.

Now, since the rotation angles of the total reflection mirrors 411aR and 411aL are one-to-one with respect to the position of the lens 411g, for example, when the convergence angle is appropriate in the zoom wide state, the zoom is set to the telephoto state, and There is a problem that the convergence angle goes out of focus when refocusing is performed.

Of course, the control of the convergence angle does not require a higher precision than the focusing control for the object, so that a slight deviation of the convergence angle in the zoom state does not pose a problem. However, the zoom magnification is increasing. Focus lens 4 depending on the zoom state
Since the position of 11g changes greatly, errors in the convergence angle cannot be ignored.

As described above, there is a problem that the accuracy of the convergence angle is degraded when the zoom magnification is increased.

If the convergence angle is set one-to-one with the movement of the lens 411g, every time the lens 411g moves, the total reflection mirrors 411aR and 411aL also rotate.

Actually, the lens 411g is always driven so as not to be out of focus from the subject, and if the convergence angle changes frequently in synchronization with this, not only the operation sound but also the photographer and the viewer. People feel discomfort even if they are looking at the screen.

As described above, synchronizing the focusing drive and the convergence angle drive has a disadvantage that comfortable photographing is impaired.

Next, the AF signal processing circuit 424b detects the in-focus state of the subject, but the subject image and the optical axis 411m are passed through the optical axis 411mR to input a stereoscopic image.
Since the subject image passing through L is slightly shifted, the focus state of both images may be different.

In such a shooting state, the lens 411 is used.
When g is driven in focus, the above two images are periodically switched, so that the driving of the lens 411g becomes unstable due to the phase relationship between the period and the driving time constant of the focusing lens 411g. There is a problem of lack of gender.

Therefore, in the embodiment described below, various problems in the basic configuration shown in FIG. 6 can be solved, and convergence angle control and focus control can be performed with high accuracy. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to an interchangeable lens type video camera or the like.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a "stereoscopic photographing apparatus" according to Embodiment 1, and differs from the apparatus of FIG. -1 is provided with the convergence drive determination means 11, and the total reflection mirrors 411aR and 411aL
Is that a motor driver 419 that is driven by the step motor 411b and drives the step motor 411b is provided.

It should be noted that the congestion drive discriminating means 11 shown in FIG.
The actual function is performed by a series of calculations and comparisons in the lens microcomputer 412-1.

The distance measuring means 414 is a distance measuring means of external measurement (a method of measuring a distance without passing through a photographing lens of a camera) such as a known active AF or a passive AF means using triangulation, for example. Can be measured.

To change the convergence angle, the distance measurement result of the distance measurement means 414 is output to the lens microcomputer 412-1.
9, a step motor 411b drives the total reflection mirrors 411aR and 411aL to change the convergence angle.

As described above, the convergence angle can be changed independently of the driving amount of the lens 411g, so that the convergence angle can be controlled with high accuracy.

The AF processing circuit 42 of the camera body 42
4b passes through a photographing optical system 411 (a focusing lens 411).
This is a means for detecting the focus state of a subject image formed on the imaging unit 422 (through g), and is called a TTL method. When the subject is out of focus, the lens 411g is driven to the point where the subject is in focus, and when the subject is focused, the drive of the lens 411g is stopped to focus on the subject. Is not measured.

The AF signal processing circuit 424b is configured to move the lens 411g when the object is out of focus, and always detects the focus state of the object during photographing.

On the other hand, the distance measuring means 414 measures the distance to the subject at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 seconds), and when the measured distance changes, drives the convergence angle to change.

Here, the lens microcomputer 412-1 determines that the difference between the convergence angle driven by the previously measured distance measurement value and the target convergence angle obtained from the currently measured distance measurement value is a predetermined value (for example, as a change in subject distance). 1m) or less, the drive for changing the convergence angle is not performed. This is because when the subject distance changes by such a degree, even if the convergence angle is changed and the convergence angle accuracy is improved, the effect is not so noticeable to the photographer or the viewer, and the driving sound of the convergence angle is more anxious. This is also from the viewpoint of reducing power consumption.

If the distance value measured this time is too far from the distance value measured last time, there is a possibility of erroneous distance measurement, so the lens microcomputer 412-1 uses the distance measuring means 414. The distance measurement reliability is improved by having the device perform the distance measurement again.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the block shown in FIG. 1. This flow starts when the stereoscopic photographing apparatus is in the photographing or photographing preparation state, and ends when the photographing or photographing preparation is stopped.

In step 1001, a timer t is started.

In step 1002, the distance to the subject is measured by the distance measuring circuit 414, and the signal is sent to the lens microcomputer 412-1.

In step 1003, if the input distance signal to the subject is significantly different from the previously measured distance signal, the flow proceeds to step 1004; otherwise, the flow proceeds to step 1005.

When the flow first enters step 1003, the flow proceeds to step 1005 unconditionally because the previous distance signal has not been entered.

Step 1004 is a flow that is reached when the input distance signal to the subject is significantly different from the signal measured last time. In this case, it is determined that the reliability of the distance measurement result is low. Incorrect distance measurement) Measure the distance to the subject again.

In step 1005, if the convergence angle obtained from the distance measurement result is smaller than the current convergence angle (for example, 1 m due to a change in the subject distance), the flow proceeds to step 1008; otherwise, the flow proceeds to step 1006.

This eliminates unnecessary driving of the convergence angle.

In step 1006, the congestion drive determining means 1
1, the motor driver 419 and the step motor 411
b, the total reflection mirrors 411aR and 411aL are driven to change the convergence angle.

In step 1007, the congestion drive determining means 1
1 judges whether or not the convergence angle drive has been completed.

This is determined, for example, by the fact that the control signal to the motor driver 419 is not output for a predetermined period of time. When the driving of the convergence angle is completed, the input of the control signal to the motor driver 419 is prohibited. To step 1008.

In step 1008, the process waits until the timer t reaches T.

In step 1009, the timer t is reset, and the flow returns to step 1001.

T is, for example, 4 seconds, whereby the distance to the subject is measured at intervals of 4 seconds to change the convergence angle.

As a result, the convergence angle is not frequently changed in synchronization with the focusing, and the photographing can be continued comfortably.

As described above, in this embodiment, two optical systems for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, focusing state detecting means for detecting the in-focus state of the object, Focusing drive means for driving a focusing optical system in response to the focus operation, distance measuring means for measuring a distance to a subject, and a convergence angle of the two optical systems based on the signals. Convergence angle control means for changing the focus state, the focus state detection means is TTL distance measurement means for detecting the focus state of the subject through a focusing optical system, and the distance measurement means is a distance to the subject through a dedicated optical system. Is formed by external distance measuring means for measuring the distance.

As a result, the accuracy of the convergence angle control can be improved.

Further, two optical systems for converging a subject and forming an optical image on an image forming surface, a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to the subject, and two optical systems based on signals from the two optical systems. And a convergence angle control means for changing a convergence angle of the object. The distance measurement means controls the convergence angle by repeating distance measurement of a distance to a subject at a predetermined cycle while the stereoscopic imaging apparatus is performing photographing or preparing for photographing. And when the difference between the target convergence angle and the current convergence angle based on the signal from the distance measuring means is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the convergence drive discriminating means is not changed. Also, two optical systems for converging the subject to form an optical image on the image forming surface, distance measuring means for measuring the distance to the subject, and the angle of convergence of the two optical systems based on the signals. And a convergence angle control means for changing the distance, when the change of the current distance measurement value and the previous distance measurement value by the distance measurement means is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the distance measurement means performs distance measurement again. I have to.

As a result, the photographing can be comfortably continued, and the reliability of the convergence angle control can be improved.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, when the distance measured by the distance measuring means 414 is too large as compared with the previous time, it is determined that the distance measurement is erroneous, and the distance measurement is performed again.

However, it is possible that the subject distance changes greatly, for example, when the photographer pans the camera.

In such a case, the same value can be obtained even if the distance measurement reliability is confirmed by re-measuring the distance, and the drive for changing the convergence angle is performed based on the measured distance value.

Since the distance to the subject has changed greatly, the amount of change in the convergence angle also increases.

In such a case, since the convergence angle changes abruptly and greatly, the photographer and the viewer are uncomfortable and the convergence angle change amount is large, so that the driving sound continues for a long time and is annoying.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the driving speed of the convergence angle is reduced in such a case in order to cope with a case where the distance measurement value has greatly changed compared to the previous time.

For example, the convergence angle is gradually changed by reducing the driving speed to half the normal speed, so that the photographer and the viewer do not feel uncomfortable. In addition, although the time until the convergence angle is changed becomes longer (the duration of the driving sound becomes longer), the driving sound itself becomes smaller, so that there is no trouble in shooting.

The hardware configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the above operation, and this flow is started when a photographing preparation state is entered.

The flow of FIG. 3 is different from the flow of FIG.
Is provided, and the other flows are the same, and thus description thereof is omitted.

If it is determined in step 2003 that the current distance measurement value has changed greatly compared with the previous time, the process proceeds to step 2004; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 2005.

In step 2004, the total reflection mirrors 411aR and 411aL are slowly driven by halving the driving speed of the convergence angle as compared with step 2006.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the current distance measurement value has changed greatly from the previous time, the driving sound is reduced by lowering the convergence angle driving speed, and the convergence angle is rapidly changed. It is possible to prevent the photographer or the viewer from feeling uncomfortable.

At this time, the distance measurement may be re-measured in the same manner as in FIG. 2 to confirm the distance measurement reliability. If the change in the measured distance value is still large, the convergence angle driving speed may be reduced.

As described above, two optical systems for converging a subject to form an optical image on an image forming surface, distance measuring means for measuring a distance to the subject, and two optical systems based on signals from the two optical systems. In a three-dimensional imaging apparatus having convergence angle control means for changing the convergence angle of each other, when the change of the current distance measurement value and the previous distance measurement value by the distance measurement means is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the convergence angle control means By making the driving speed of the corner slower than usual, it became possible to continue shooting comfortably.

(Embodiment 3) "Stereoscopic photographing apparatus" of Embodiment 3
The hardware configuration is the same as that of FIG. 1 and the description is omitted.

In the stereoscopic photographing apparatus, the AF signal processing circuit 424b detects the focus state of the subject based on the subject image passing through the optical axis 411mR and the subject image passing through the optical axis 411mL. Is slightly shifted, the focus state may be different between the two images.

In such a shooting state, the lens 411
When g is driven in focus, the above two images are periodically switched, so that the driving of the lens 411g becomes unstable due to the phase relationship between the period and the driving time constant of the focusing lens 411g. Lack of sex.

In order to solve this problem, in this embodiment,
The drive control of the lens 411g is performed using, for example, only the signal of the optical axis 411mR (right eye) among the subject focus signals of the AF signal processing circuit 424b.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the present embodiment. This flow starts when a photographing preparation state is entered.

In step 3001, the liquid crystal element 411kR
To release. At this time, the liquid crystal element 411 kL is closed.

In step 3002, a subject image is input through the optical axis 411mR, and the AF signal processing circuit detects a focused state.

In step 3003, the liquid crystal element 411 kL
To release. At this time, the liquid crystal element 411kR is closed.

In step 3004, a subject image is input through the optical axis 411 mL, and the AF signal processing circuit detects a focused state.

In step 3005, it is determined whether or not to drive the lens 411g from the in-focus state obtained in step 3002. If the in-focus drive is not required, the process proceeds to step 3006. If the in-focus drive is required, the process proceeds to step 3007. .

In step 3006, the driving of the lens 411g that has been driven is stopped. Of course, if the lens drive has not been performed, this step 3006 has no effect.

When the driving stop is completed, the process returns to step 3001.

In step 3007, the lens 411g is caused to perform a focusing drive operation. Of course, if the focusing drive operation has been performed, this step 3007 has no effect.

When the lens is driven to focus, step 300 is executed.
Return to 1.

As described above, in this embodiment, since only the in-focus state detection signal from the right eye is used for the in-focus driving of the lens, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the in-focus reliability due to the displacement of the right and left subject images. Was completed.

Also, the detection of the in-focus state with the left eye may not be performed from the beginning as in the flow of FIG. 5, the same step numbers as those in FIG. 4 indicate the operations of the same step numbers in FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the first and second optical systems for condensing an object and forming an optical image on an image forming surface are provided.
In a stereoscopic photographing apparatus having a focusing state detecting means for detecting a focusing state of a subject and a focusing driving means for driving a focusing optical system based on an output thereof to perform a focusing operation, The means detects the in-focus state of the subject based on the subject information from the first optical system, and does not use the in-focus state of the subject based on the subject information from the second optical system. By detecting the in-focus state of the subject based on the subject information from the camera and not detecting the in-focus state of the subject from the second optical system, the photographing reliability could be improved.

[0105]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to increase the control accuracy of the convergence angle, realize comfortable shooting, and increase the shooting reliability. The details are as follows.

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, two optical systems for converging a subject to form an optical image on an image forming surface, a focusing state detecting means for detecting a focusing state of the subject, Focusing drive means for driving a focusing optical system according to a signal to perform a focusing operation, and distance measuring means for measuring a distance to a subject;
Convergence angle change control means for changing the convergence angle of the two optical systems based on the signal, and the focus state detection means detecting the focus state of the subject through the focus optical system. The distance measuring means is constituted by an external distance measuring means for measuring a distance to a subject through a dedicated optical system.

As a result, the control accuracy of the convergence angle can be improved.

According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, two optical systems for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, distance measuring means for measuring a distance to the object, and a signal for the signal are also used. And a convergence angle control means for changing the angle of convergence of the two optical systems, wherein the distance measuring means repeats the distance to the subject at a predetermined cycle during shooting or during preparation for shooting. The convergence driving determining means for controlling the angle and not changing the convergence angle when the difference between the target convergence angle and the current convergence angle based on the signal of the distance measuring means is smaller than a predetermined value.

According to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention, there are provided two optical systems for converging an object and forming an optical image on an image forming surface;
In a stereoscopic photographing apparatus provided with a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to a subject and a convergence angle control means for changing a convergence angle of two optical systems based on the signal, a current measurement by the distance measuring means is performed. When the change between the distance value and the previous distance measurement value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the distance measurement means performs distance measurement again, or the convergence angle control means makes the driving speed of the convergence angle slower than usual. .

Thus, comfortable photographing can be performed.

According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention, the first and second optical systems for condensing an object and forming an optical image on an image forming surface, and a focus state detection for detecting a focus state of the object Means,
A focus driving unit for driving a focusing optical system based on the output to perform a focusing operation, wherein the focusing state detecting unit detects a subject based on subject information from the first optical system. The in-focus state of the subject is detected, and the in-focus state of the subject based on the subject information from the second optical system is not used, or the in-focus state of the subject is detected based on the subject information from the first optical system. The second optical system does not detect the in-focus state of the subject.

As a result, the photographing reliability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a third embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of a modification of the third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a stereoscopic photographing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 411 Shooting optical system 412-1 Lens microcomputer 414 Distance measuring means 424b AF signal processing circuit

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An optical system for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, focusing state detecting means for detecting an in-focus state of the object, and a signal from the focusing state detecting means. Focus driving means for driving a focusing optical system common to the two optical systems in response to the focus operation, distance measuring means for measuring a distance to a subject, and a signal from the distance measuring means. And a convergence angle control means for changing a convergence angle of the two optical systems based on the convergence angle. 2. The stereoscopic photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The in-focus state detecting means detects the in-focus state of the subject through the focusing optical system.
lens) A stereoscopic photographing apparatus, wherein the distance measuring means is an external distance measuring means for measuring a distance to a subject through a dedicated optical system. 3. An optical system for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface; a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to the object; and a distance measuring means based on a signal from the distance measuring means. A stereoscopic photographing apparatus comprising: a convergence angle control unit that changes a convergence angle of the two optical systems, wherein the distance measurement unit repeatedly measures a distance to a subject at a predetermined cycle during photographing or preparation for photographing. A stereoscopic photographing apparatus, which controls the convergence angle. 4. The stereoscopic photographing device according to claim 3, wherein
A stereoscopic imaging apparatus comprising: a convergence drive determining unit that does not change the convergence angle when a difference between a target convergence angle and a current convergence angle based on a signal from the distance measuring unit is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value. 5. An optical system for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to the object, and a signal based on a signal from the distance measuring means. In a stereoscopic photographing apparatus provided with convergence angle control means for changing the angle of convergence of the two optical systems, when the change in the current distance measurement value and the previous distance measurement value by the distance measurement means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, The stereoscopic photographing device, wherein the distance measuring means performs re-ranging. 6. An optical system for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to the object, and a signal based on a signal from the distance measuring means. In a stereoscopic photographing apparatus provided with convergence angle control means for changing the angle of convergence of the two optical systems, when the change in the current distance measurement value and the previous distance measurement value by the distance measurement means is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, The stereoscopic photographing apparatus, wherein the convergence angle control means makes the driving speed of the convergence angle slower than usual. 7. A first and a second optical system for converging a subject to form an optical image on an image forming surface, a focusing state detecting means for detecting a focusing state of the subject, and the focusing state detection. A focusing driving means for driving a focusing optical system common to the first and second optical systems based on an output of the means to perform a focusing operation. A three-dimensional photographing apparatus characterized in that the detecting means detects the in-focus state of the subject based on the subject information from the first optical system, and does not use the in-focus state of the subject based on the subject information from the second optical system. . 8. A first and a second optical system for converging a subject to form an optical image on an image plane, a focusing state detecting means for detecting a focusing state of the subject, and the focusing state detection. A focusing driving means for driving a focusing optical system common to the first and second optical systems based on an output of the means to perform a focusing operation. A three-dimensional photographing apparatus, wherein the detecting means detects the in-focus state of the subject based on the subject information from the first optical system, and does not detect the in-focus state of the subject from the second optical system.