JPH0965186A - Image pickup device with exchanging lens unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To connect all the lens types by reproducing the operating state in a lens unit before a power source is interrupted by delivering the information stored in a storage means to a control means after the power source is turned on again. SOLUTION: A lens microcomputer 116 backs up lens data by reading and writing data in the lens data storage device 133 in a lens microcomputer. A lens data storage device 133 is always energized by the power source 135 for storage holding in the lens unit and stored data can be made to be held even if the power sources of a camera main body 128 and the lens unit 127 are interrupted. When the loading/unloading and exchange operations of the lens unit are performed before and after the interruption of the power source, a focus lens 105 and a variable power lens 102 perform initialization operations according to the returning on the power source. When the loading/unloading and exchange operations are not performed, the state before the interruption of the power source is read from a lens data storage device 133 and the state before the interruption of the power source can be recovered.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus suitable for use in a video camera or the like with interchangeable lenses.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, video equipment such as a video camera has made remarkable progress, and an interchangeable lens system has been introduced in the video camera as a part of its multifunction and high performance.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video camera to which this type of interchangeable lens system is applied.

In the conventional variable-magnification lens unit, the variable-magnification lens 21 and the correction lens 22 are mechanically connected by a cam, and when the variable-magnification operation is performed manually or electrically, the variable-magnification lens 21 and the correction lens 22. Move together.

These variable magnification lens 21 and correction lens 22
Are collectively called a zoom lens. In such a lens system, the front lens 1 serves as a focus lens, and the focus is adjusted by moving in the optical axis direction.

The light passing through these lens groups is imaged on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 3, photoelectrically converted into an electric signal, and outputted as a video signal. This video signal is CDS / A
It is sampled and held (correlated double sampling) in the GC circuit 4 and amplified to a predetermined level by the AGC.
It is converted into digital video data by the / D converter 5, is input to a camera process circuit (not shown) in the subsequent stage and is converted to a standard television signal, and is also input to the AF signal processing circuit 6.

The AF signal processing circuit 6 extracts a high-frequency component that changes according to the focus state in the video signal and takes it in the control microcomputer 7 as an AF evaluation value.

The microcomputer 7 determines the drive speed of the focus motor according to the degree of focus and the motor drive direction such that the AF evaluation value increases, and the speed and direction of the focus motor are determined by the focus motor driver 9 in the lens unit 12. To drive the focus lens 1 via the focus motor 91.

The zoom switch 8 is in the state of the microcomputer 7
Read according to the operating state of the zoom switch 8,
The microcomputer 7 determines the drive direction and drive speed of the zoom lenses 21 and 22, and sends them to the zoom motor driver 11 in the lens unit 12 to drive the zoom lenses 21 and 22 via the zoom motor 12.

The camera body 13 can be separated from the lens unit 12, and the range of photography can be expanded by connecting another lens unit.

[0011]

By the way, in recent years, the integrated camera for consumer use is mechanically connected by a cam between the correction lens and the variable-magnification lens in order to downsize and enable photographing up to the front surface of the lens. The inner focus type lens, in which the movement locus of the correction lens is stored in advance in the microcomputer as lens cam data, the correction lens is driven according to the lens cam data, and the focus is also adjusted by the correction lens Is becoming.

The inner focus type lens generally recognizes the positions of the correction lens and the variable power lens by a microcomputer, and controls based on the recognized absolute position. Further, the movement locus of the correction lens during the zooming operation is also obtained by processing the lens cam data based on the absolute position. Therefore, it is necessary to always store the absolute positions of the variable power lens and the correction lens and the control information.

Now, when trying to realize an inner focus type lens as an interchangeable lens unit,
The lens control microcomputer in the lens unit must control the lens, but when the power is cut off and the microcomputer is reset, the memory contents are cleared, and the absolute position of the zoom lens and correction lens, etc. The control information of will also return to the initial value.

Therefore, for example, even if the focus is adjusted before the power is cut off, the focus is deviated when the power is turned on again.

Further, when the zooming operation or the like is performed in that state, the absolute position information of the lens is different, so that there arises a disadvantage such as tracing a cam locus different from that immediately before the power is cut off, and the focus is adjusted every time the power is turned on again. I need to fix it.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide an interchangeable lens system capable of connecting not only the conventional front focus type lens but also any lens type such as an inner focus type lens unit. It is to be.

[0017]

In order to solve the above problems, according to the invention of claim 1 in the present application, a lens unit including a focus lens and a focus control means for controlling the drive of the focus lens is provided. In an image pickup device that can be detached from a camera body including an image pickup unit and replaced, the lens unit has a storage unit, and information indicating a state inside the lens unit is stored in the storage unit, and the storage unit is stored after power is turned on again. The lens unit replaceable image pickup device is characterized by including control means for reproducing the operating state in the lens unit before the power is cut off by passing the information stored in the above to the control means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the image pickup device in which the lens unit including the focus lens and the control means for the focus lens is detachable from the camera body including the image pickup means, the image is stored in the lens unit. Means for storing the information indicating the state of the inside of the lens unit in the storage means, and when the lens is not replaced after the power is turned on again, the lens before the power is shut off based on the information stored in the storage means The present invention is characterized by a lens unit replaceable image pickup device configured to reproduce the state inside the unit and to return the lens unit to the initial state after the power is turned on when a different lens unit is exchanged.

According to the invention of claim 3 in the present application, in claim 1 or 2, the information indicating the operating state in the lens unit is the position information of the focus lens.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4 in the present application, a variable power lens for performing a variable power operation, a correction lens for correcting a focus for maintaining a focus state in the variable power operation, and the variable power lens And a lens unit including a control unit for the correction lens, wherein the lens unit includes a storage unit, and a lens unit including a control unit for the correction lens is detachable from the camera body, and either the variable magnification lens or the correction lens in the lens unit or Information indicating both positions is stored in the storage means, and after the power is turned on again, the state of either or both of the zoom lens position and the correction lens position before power-off is reproduced based on the information stored in the storage means. The image pickup device with a replaceable lens unit is characterized.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second or fourth aspect, the power source of the storage means is arranged in the lens unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second or fourth aspect, the storage means is supplied with power from the camera body.

According to the invention of claim 6 in the present application, a variable power lens for performing a variable power operation, a correction lens for correcting a focus for maintaining a focus state in the variable power operation, and the variable power lens And a lens unit including a control unit for the correction lens, wherein the lens unit includes a storage unit, and a lens unit including a control unit for the correction lens is detachable from the camera body, and either the variable magnification lens or the correction lens in the lens unit or Information indicating both positions is stored in the storage means, and when the lens unit is not replaced after the power is turned on again, the position of the variable power lens before the power is turned off based on the information stored in the storage means. And reproduce the state of either or both of the position of the correction lens,
The present invention is characterized by an image pickup apparatus in which the lens unit is replaceable, which is configured so that the lens unit is initialized when the lens unit is replaced with a different one.

According to the invention of claim 7 in the present application, a focus lens, a focus control means for controlling the drive of the focus lens, and a storage means for storing information indicating an operating state of the focus lens, After the power is turned on again, the information stored in the storage means is handed over to the focus control means, thereby making it possible to reproduce the operating state in the lens unit before the power is cut off. .

According to the invention described in claim 8 in the present application, a variable power lens for performing a variable power operation, a correction lens for correcting a focus for maintaining a focus state in the variable power operation, and the variable power A first memory means for storing a plurality of movement loci of the lens and the correction lens; a magnification control means for selecting or interpolating a part of the plurality of movement loci to perform a magnification operation and the magnification control means. A lens that includes a second storage unit that stores the selection information and the interpolation information, and is capable of reproducing the state of the lens before power-off based on the information stored in the second storage unit after the power is turned on again. Features a unit.

According to the invention of claim 9 in the present application, a variable power lens for performing a variable power operation, a correction lens for correcting a focus for maintaining a focused state in the variable power operation, and the variable power First memory means for storing a plurality of movement trajectories of the lens and the correction lens, a scaling control means for performing a scaling operation by selecting or interpolating a part of the plurality of movement trajectories, and the scaling control means. When the lens is not replaced after the power is turned on again, the second storage means for storing the selection information and the interpolation information according to the above is stored before the power is turned off based on the information stored in the second storage means. A feature of the lens unit is that the state of each lens is reproduced, and when the lens unit is replaced, the lens unit is initialized after the power is turned on.

According to the invention of claim 10 of the present application, in addition to the invention of claim 8 or 9,
The storage means has a power source for holding the storage means.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the eighth or ninth aspect, the power source of the second storage means is supplied from the camera body.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, a variable power lens that performs a variable power operation, a correction lens that corrects a focus to maintain a focused state in the variable power operation, and the variable power A first memory means for storing a plurality of movement loci of the lens and the correction lens; a magnification changing control means for performing a magnification changing operation by selecting and interpolating a part of the plurality of movement loci; A camera in which a lens unit including a correction lens, a first memory, and a magnification control unit is removable, has a second storage unit in the lens unit, and stores the selection information and the interpolation information in the lens unit. When the lens is not exchanged after the power is turned on again and stored in the second storage means, the state of the lens before the power is shut off is reproduced based on the information stored in the second storage means, and the different lens When replaced's unit is characterized by the lens unit exchangeable camera that is configured to the lens unit after power to the initial state.

[0030]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration when the present invention is applied to an interchangeable lens type video camera.

In the figure, 127 is a lens unit,
Reference numeral 128 denotes a camera body, and the lens unit is detachably attached to the camera body, forming a so-called interchangeable lens system.

The light from the subject is reflected by the lens unit 127.
A fixed first lens group 101, a second lens group 102 for performing zooming, a diaphragm 103, a fixed third lens group 104, a focus adjustment function, and movement of a focal plane due to zooming. Pass through a fourth lens group 105 (hereinafter referred to as a focus lens) that also has a correction function for correction,
An image is formed on an image pickup device such as a CCD in the camera body.

The image pickup device in the camera body is provided for each of the three primary colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), and is a so-called three-plate type image pickup system.

Of the three primary colors, the red component is imaged on the image sensor 106, the green component is imaged on the image sensor 107, and the blue component is imaged on the image sensor 108.

The images formed on the image pickup devices 106, 107 and 108 are photoelectrically converted into amplifiers 109 and 1, respectively.
After being amplified to the optimum level with 10, 111 respectively,
The signal is input to the camera signal processing circuit 112, converted into a standard television signal and output to a video recorder (not shown), and at the same time, input to the AF signal processing circuit 113.

AF generated by the AF signal processing circuit 113
The evaluation value is read at a cycle of an integral multiple of the vertical synchronizing signal according to the data reading program 115 in the main body microcomputer 114 in the camera body and transferred to the lens microcomputer 116 on the lens unit side.

In the camera signal processing circuit 112, the level of the luminance signal is detected from the image pickup signal output from each image pickup element, and is transferred to the lens microcomputer 116 in the lens unit via the main body microcomputer 114, The iris driver 124 is controlled based on the brightness signal information, the IG meter 123 is driven, and the aperture 103 is controlled to open and close.

The aperture value of the aperture 103 is the encoder 1
It is detected by 29, is supplied to the lens microcomputer 116, and is used as depth of field information.

Further, the main body microcomputer 114 on the camera body side
Reads the state of the zoom switch 130 and the AF switch (AF operation is performed when ON and manual focus state is performed when OFF) 131, and the state of the switch is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 116. Accordingly, the motor driver 122 is controlled according to the operation state of the zoom switch 130 to drive the zoom motor 121, and the zoom lens 102 is driven in the operated direction to perform the zoom operation.

In the lens microcomputer 116, the AF program 117 receives the state of the AF switch 131 and the AF evaluation value from the main body microcomputer 114. When the AF switch 131 is on, the motor control program is based on this AF evaluation value. 118 is operated, the focus motor 125 is driven by the focus motor driver 126, and the focus lens 105 is moved in the optical axis direction to perform focusing.

On the other hand, the lens unit is an inner focus type, and since the focal plane is changed by driving the zoom lens 102, the focus lens 105 is driven according to a predetermined characteristic as the zoom lens 102 is driven. The operation of preventing blurring due to the displacement of the focal plane is performed in parallel.

Therefore, in the lens microcomputer 116, the lens cam data 120 in which the focus cam locus indicating the change of the focus position of the focus lens with respect to the change of the position of the zoom lens is stored for each object distance is provided in the ROM. .

A computer zoom program 119 is provided for reading out the lens cam locus to be followed by the focus lens from the lens cam data 120 during zoom operation and controlling the drive of the focus lens.

This computer zoom program 119
Is information from the microcomputer 114 on the camera body side,
When the AF switch 131 is off (manual focus mode) and the zoom switch 130 is pressed, information on the zoom direction operated by the zoom switch 130, the position of the zoom lens, and the position of the focus lens are set. Is specified by the driving amount of the motor or the position information detected by the encoder, and the focus cam locus to be followed by the focus lens during the zoom operation and its tracing direction are specified and read out from the lens cam data 120, and the focus lens The correction speed and direction associated with the zoom operation are calculated.

The information on the correction speed and direction is supplied to the focus motor driver 126 to drive the focus motor 125 and drive the focus lens, thereby preventing the occurrence of blurring during the zoom operation.

When the AF switch 131 is on and the zoom switch 130 is pressed, it is necessary to keep the in-focus state even when the subject moves, so that the computer zoom program 119 uses the above-mentioned condition. Lens cam data 120 stored in the lens microcomputer
Not only the control by the
The AF evaluation value signal sent from
The zoom operation is performed while maintaining the position where the evaluation value is maximum.

That is, the computer zoom program 1
The correction speed and direction information associated with the zoom operation of the focus lens obtained by 19 and the focus lens drive speed and direction information based on the AF blur information output from the AF circuit 117 are added, The focus lens drive speed and drive direction are calculated and supplied to the focus motor driver 126.

When the AF switch 131 is on and the zoom switch 130 is not pressed, the AF evaluation value transmitted from the main body microcomputer 114 is received by the AF program 117 in the lens microcomputer 116.
Based on this AF evaluation value, the motor control program 118
Is operated, the focus motor 125 is driven by the focus motor driver 126, and the focus lens 105 is moved in the optical axis direction so as to maximize the AF evaluation value, thereby performing focusing.

The aperture value of the aperture 103 is the encoder 1
It is detected by 29, supplied to the lens microcomputer 116, and used as depth-of-field information for speed correction of the focus lens.

The lens microcomputer 116 backs up the lens data by reading / writing data from / to the lens data storage device 133 in the lens microcomputer. The lens data storage device 133 is configured to be constantly energized by the memory holding power supply 135 in the lens unit and to be able to hold the stored data even when the power of the camera body and the lens unit is shut off.

The algorithm of the automatic focusing operation performed by the AF program 117 when the zoom operation is not performed in the lens microcomputer 116 in the lens unit 127 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the processing is started, the AF operation is first activated in the processing of step 1, then the processing proceeds to step 2, and the level of the AF evaluation value signal is compared with a predetermined threshold value to make a large blur. Alternatively, the speed control is performed by determining whether the focus lens is near the focus point or how far from the focus point, the focus lens is driven in the direction in which the AF evaluation value signal increases, and the hill climbing operation is performed.

Then, in the process of step 3, it is determined whether or not the AF evaluation value reaches the maximum value and the in-focus point is reached, and it is determined that the AF evaluation value is at the highest point at the in-focus point, that is, the top of the mountain. If the determination is made, the focus lens is stopped in step 4, and the process of step 5 enters the restart standby.

In the restart standby, when it is detected that the level of the AF evaluation value is lower than the peak value when the in-focus point is detected by a predetermined level or more, the process proceeds to step 6 and the focus lens is restarted. To start.

Next, a description will be given of the relationship of movement of the variable power lens 102 and the focus compensating lens 105 when performing the variable power operation, and how to refer to the AF evaluation value signal during the variable power operation from wide to tele. .

In the lens system configured as shown in FIG. 1, since the focus lens 105 has both the competition function and the focus adjustment function, the image pickup elements 106, 107 and 108 are focused even if the focal lengths are the same. The position of the focus lens 105 depends on the subject distance.

When the object distance is changed at each focal length, the position of the focus lens 105 for focusing on the image pickup surface of each image pickup element is continuously plotted.
As shown in FIG. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the zoom lens position (focal length), and the vertical axis represents the focus lens position. The locus information is the content of the lens cam data 120 in the lens microcomputer 116.

During the zoom operation, depending on the distance to the subject, FIG.
By selecting the locus indicated by and moving the focus lens 105 so as to trace the locus, a zoom operation without blur becomes possible.

In the front-lens focus type lens system, an independent compensator lens is provided for the variable power lens, and the variable power lens and the compensator lens are connected by a mechanical cam ring.

Therefore, for example, when a knob for manual zoom is provided on this cam ring and the focal length is manually changed, no matter how fast the knob is moved, the cam ring will follow this and rotate to change the magnification. Since the lens and the compensator lens move along the cam groove of the cam ring, if the focus lens is in focus, the above operation does not cause blurring.

However, in the control of the inner focus type lens system having the above-mentioned characteristics, when the zoom operation is performed while keeping the in-focus state,
The locus information of FIG. 6 is stored in the lens microcomputer 116 as the lens cam data 120, the locus information is read from the lens cam data 120 according to the position or the moving speed of the variable magnification lens 102, and the focus is performed based on the information. It is necessary to move the lens 105.

FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining an example of the trajectory following method that has been devised. In the figure, Z0,
Z1, Z2, ..., Z6 represent the zoom lens positions,
a0, a1, a2, ..., a6 and b0, b1, b2
, ..., b6 are representative loci stored as the lens cam data 120 in the lens microcomputer 116.

Further, p0, p1, p2, ..., P6 are loci calculated based on the above two loci. The formula for calculating this locus is shown below.

P (n + 1) = | p (n) -a (n) | / | b (n) -a (n) | * | b (n + 1) -a (n + 1) | + a (n + 1) (1) According to this equation (1), for example, in FIG. 7, when the focus lens is at p0, the ratio at which p0 internally divides the line segment b0-a0 is obtained, and according to this ratio, The point that internally divides the line segment b1 -a1 is p1.

From the position difference between p1 and p0 and the time required for the variable power lens to move from Z0 to Z1, the moving speed of the focus lens for keeping the focus can be known.

Next, a case will be described in which there is no restriction that the stop position of the variable power lens 102 must be on the boundary that owns the representative locus data stored in advance.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an interpolation method in the position of the variable power lens (horizontal axis direction), in which a part of FIG. 7 is extracted and the variable power lens is arbitrary.

In FIG. 7, the vertical axis represents the focus lens position and the horizontal axis represents the variable power lens position. The representative locus position (the focus lens relative to the variable power lens position stored in the lens cam data 120 by the lens microcomputer 116). Position) to the zoom lens positions Z0, Z1, ..., Zk-1, Z
For k, ..., Zn, the focus lens positions at that time are classified by subject distances as a0, a1, ..., ak-1, ak, ..., an b0, b1 ,. It is represented by bk-1, bk, ..., Bn.

Now, if the zoom lens position is at Zx not on the zoom boundary and the focus lens position is Px,
When ax and bx are calculated, ax = ak- (Zk-Zx) * (ak-ak-1) / (Zk-Zk-1) ... (2) bx = bk- (Zk-Zx) * (bk-bk -1) / (Zk-Zk-1) (3)

That is, the current zoom lens position and two zoom boundary positions sandwiching it (for example, Zk and Zk-1 in FIG. 8).
According to the internal division ratio obtained from, the stored representative locus data (ak, ak-1, bk, bk-1 in FIG. 8) with the same subject distance are internally divided by the internal division ratio. By doing so, ax and bx can be obtained.

Then, according to the internal division ratio obtained from ax, Px, bx, four stored representative data (in FIG. 8, ak, a
Of k-1, bk, bk-1), pk, pk-1 can be obtained by internally dividing those having the same focal length with the internal division ratio as shown in equation (1).

During zooming from wide to tele, the focus difference is maintained from the position difference between the follow-up focus position pk and the current focus position px and the time required for the zoom lens to move from Zx to Zk. You can see the moving speed of the focus lens.

When zooming from tele to wide, focusing is performed from the position difference between the follow-up focus position pk-1 and the current focus position Px, and the time required for the zoom lens to move from Zx to Zk-1. You can see the moving speed of the focus lens to keep it. A trajectory following method as described above has been devised.

By the way, when the AF switch 131 is on, it is necessary to follow the locus while maintaining focus.
Therefore, during the zoom operation, the focus lens is driven by following the cam locus as described above, and the zoom operation is performed while driving the focus lens so that the AF evaluation value becomes the maximum. It becomes possible to operate.

Now, even when the power of the system is cut off and the power is turned on again, in order to trace the cam locus traced before the power is cut off, the representative of the focus lens traced before the power is cut off is described. Locus data, internal division ratio, position of focus lens 105, variable magnification lens 10
It is necessary to continue to store or reproduce the position 2 in the lens microcomputer 116.

An algorithm for reproducing data when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG.

When the power is turned on in step 11, the lens microcomputer 116 determines whether or not the lens unit attached before the power is turned off has been replaced. This determination may be made by determining whether or not the lens unit is attached / detached to / from the camera body, and can be realized by storing the attachment / detachment information in a backed up memory in the lens microcomputer.

In step 12, if the lens unit has been replaced from the state before the power was cut off, the process proceeds to step 13 to check whether lens data is stored in the lens data storage device 133 in the lens microcomputer 116. .

This is the lens microcomputer 11 after the power is cut off.
Power supply 1 for storing data of the lens data storage device 133 in 6
It is also a confirmation of whether 35 was working normally.

If it is not normally stored, the process proceeds to step 15, and if it is stored, the process proceeds to step 14, and the position data of the focus lens and the variable magnification lens, which representative cam locus is used, and the internal division ratio thereof. The cam locus data such as the data from the lens data storage device 133 to the lens microcomputer 11
The focus control program 117 and the computer zoom program 119 of No. 6 are read out, and the position of the focus lens and the zoom lens and the traced cam locus are determined based on the backup data, and the position and the control state of the focus lens and the zoom lens are determined. It returns to the state before power-off, and proceeds to step 16.

If the lens unit is not attached / detached before and after the power is turned off in step 12, or if the lens data is not stored in the lens data storage device 133 in step 13, the lens position and the cam locus are determined in step 15. Initialization is performed in the lens unit, the focus lens and the variable power lens are set to the initial positions, and the process proceeds to step 16.

When the power-on sequence is completed and the normal operation is started, in step 16, the current lens position and the cam locus in the lens microcomputer 116 are stored at a constant cycle ( The image data is written to the lens data storage 133 by (eg, an integral multiple of the vertical synchronizing signal of the video signal).

As a result, when the lens unit is detached and replaced before and after the power is cut off, the focus lens and the zoom lens are initialized in response to the power being turned on again. When the lens unit is not attached / detached / replaced, the state before power-off can be read out from the lens data storage device and restored to the state before power-off.

Even if the power is turned off, the state before the power is turned off can be reproduced by turning the power on again, and the shooting state before the power is turned off can be continued without being reset each time the power is turned on / off.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, initialization is performed when the lens unit is attached and detached before and after the power is cut off, and when the lens unit is not attached and detached, the lens data storage device is used. Based on the stored data,
Although the state before power-off is reproduced, this embodiment further stores the identification information of the camera body connected before power-off, and when the power is turned on again, the same camera as before power-off If it is connected to the main unit, the initialization operation is not performed, and the state before power-off is reset based on the data stored in the lens data storage device.If a different lens unit is connected, the initialization is performed. It is designed to operate.

The configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, so illustration and description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing only the processing of the lens microcomputer 116. I will show you.

The means for identifying whether or not the camera body is different before and after power-off is, for example, identification information such as a number unique to the camera body (manufacturing at the time of initial communication between the camera body and the lens unit). The lens microcomputer 11 receives any information that is unique to the camera body, such as the number.
It is sufficient to write in the memory in 6.

An algorithm for controlling the lens unit when the power is turned on in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

When the power is turned on in step 21, the lens microcomputer 116 determines whether or not the camera body mounted before the power-off is replaced with another camera body based on the identification information obtained from the camera body. .

In step 22, if the lens unit and the camera body have been exchanged from the state before the power was turned off, the process proceeds to step 23, and the lens data is stored in the lens data storage device 133 in the lens microcomputer 116. Check if it has been done.

This is the lens microcomputer 11 after the power is cut off.
Power supply 1 for storing data of the lens data storage device 133 in 6
It is also a confirmation of whether 35 was working normally.

If it is not normally stored, the process proceeds to step 25, and if it is stored, the process proceeds to step 24. The position data of the focus lens and the variable magnification lens, which representative cam locus is used, and the internal division ratio thereof. The cam locus data such as the data from the lens data storage device 133 to the lens microcomputer 11
The focus control program 117 and the computer zoom program 119 of No. 6 are read out, and the position of the focus lens and the zoom lens and the traced cam locus are determined based on the backup data, and the position and the control state of the focus lens and the zoom lens are determined. It returns to the state before power-off, and proceeds to step 26.

If the lens unit is not attached / detached before and after the power is cut off in step 22, or if the lens data is not stored in the lens data storage device 133 in step 23, the lens position and the cam locus are determined in step 25. Initialization is performed in the lens unit, the focus lens and the variable power lens are set to the initial positions, and the process proceeds to step 26.

When the power-on sequence is completed and the normal operation is started, in step 26, the current lens position and the cam locus in the lens microcomputer 116 are stored at a constant cycle ( The image data is written in the lens data storage device 133 at an integral multiple of the vertical synchronizing signal of the video signal.

As a result, when the lens unit and the camera body are exchanged before and after the power is cut off, the focus lens and the variable power lens are initialized when the power is turned on again. If the lens unit and the camera body have not been exchanged before and after the shutoff, the state before the power shutoff is set to the lens data storage device 1.
It is possible to read from 33 and return to the state before the power shutdown.

Even if the power is turned off, if the combination of the lens unit and the camera body is not changed when the power is turned on again, the state before the power is turned off can be reproduced and the power is not reset each time the power is turned on / off. , It is possible to continue the shooting condition before power off.

That is, unless the lens unit is replaced, the initialization operation of the lens unit is not performed even if the power is turned on / off, and the photographing operation is continued with the state before the power shutdown as the initial state. It is possible to improve the operability, and since turning the power on / off does not affect the shooting state, turn the power on / off frequently.
It can be turned off, which is effective for power saving.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention. Since the parts indicated by the same numbers operate in the same manner as in the first embodiment, their explanations are omitted.

In this embodiment, the data holding power for storing the lens data of the first embodiment is supplied from the camera body, so that even if the power of the camera body and the lens unit is cut off, the lens unit is not removed. The lens data storage device can be backed up and the data can be held.

In the first and second embodiments, the memory holding battery is used to store the lens data of the lens microcomputer, but an EEPROM or a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory may be used.

[0102]

As described above, according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, the lens unit has the storage means, and the storage means stores information indicating the state of the inside of the lens unit. By storing it, it is possible to reproduce the operating state in the lens unit before the power is turned off after the power is turned on again. Even if the lens unit is not replaced even if the power is turned off, the focus is adjusted again. There is no inconvenience or inconvenience, the operability is good, and the power is turned ON /
It is not reset each time it is turned off, and the shooting state before the power shutdown can be continued. In addition, O of power supply
Since N / OFF does not affect the shooting state, the power can be turned on / off more frequently, which is effective for power saving.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first to third aspects, information representing the position of either or both of the zoom lens and the correction lens is stored in the storage means. After the power is turned on again, it is possible to reproduce the state of either or both of the zoom lens position and the correction lens position before the power shutdown based on the information stored in the storage means. In addition, even in a lens system with complicated control such as an inner focus type lens unit, the power is turned on / off.
Regardless of, the shooting state can be maintained.

According to the invention of claim 5 in the present application, since the power source of the storage means is arranged in the lens unit, the stored data is backed up in the lens unit even if the power source of the camera body is shut off. Therefore, the stored data can be surely held.

According to the invention of claim 6 in the present application, since the power source of the storage means is supplied from the camera body, the stored data in the lens is stored unless the lens unit is removed from the camera body. It can be held, and extremely efficient control can be performed when lens removal is a condition for lens reset operation.

According to the invention of claim 7 in the present application, when the lens unit is not replaced after the power is turned on again, the variable power lens before the power is shut off is based on the information stored in the storage means. Either the position or the position of the correction lens or both are reproduced, and when the lens unit is replaced with a different one, the lens unit is initialized after the power is turned on. As long as you do not replace the unit, there is no inconvenience or inconvenience such as refocusing, operability is good, it will not be reset each time the power is turned on and off, and the shooting state before power off will be continued You can Further, since the power ON / OFF does not affect the shooting state, the power ON / OFF operation can be performed frequently, which is effective for power saving.

According to the invention described in claims 8 and 9 of the present application, it is possible to realize a lens unit having the same effects as those of claims 1 and 3.

According to the invention described in Item 10 of the present application, it is possible to realize a lens unit having the same effect as that of Item 4.

According to the invention described in claims 11 and 12 of the present application, it is possible to realize a camera having the same effects as those of claims 5 and 6.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first to third aspects, information indicating the position of either or both of the variable power lens and the correction lens is stored in the storage means, and the power source is used. Since it is possible to reproduce the state of either or both of the variable power lens position and the correction lens position before the power is shut off based on the information stored in the storage means after the power is turned on again. Thus, even in a complicated lens system such as an inner focus type lens unit, the shooting state can be maintained regardless of whether the power is turned on or off.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an interchangeable lens type video camera.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the lens microcomputer of the interchangeable lens type video camera of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the lens microcomputer in the second embodiment of the interchangeable lens type video camera of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the lens microcomputer according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an AF operation in each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a movement locus (lens cam data) of the focus lens for correcting the position of the focal plane which is displaced due to the zooming operation of the zooming lens to maintain the in-focus state.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a calculation for incorporating an unstored cam locus from information on a plurality of cam loci stored in lens cam data.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a calculation for incorporating an unstored cam locus from information on a plurality of cam loci stored in lens cam data.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an algorithm for causing a focus lens to follow a cam locus.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a typical configuration of a conventional automatic focus adjustment device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 105 Focus Lens 106 Image Sensor 107 Image Sensor 108 Image Sensor 112 Camera Signal Processing Circuit 113 AF Signal Processing Circuit 114 (Camera) Main Unit Microcomputer 116 Lens Microcomputer 117 AF Control Circuit 118 Motor Control Circuit 119 Computer Zoom Program 120 Lens Cam Data 125 Focus Motor 126 Motor Driver 130 Zoom Switch 133 Lens Data Storage Device 135 Backup Power Supply

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] December 22, 1995

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Brief description of drawings

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an interchangeable lens type video camera.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the lens microcomputer of the interchangeable lens type video camera of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the lens microcomputer in the second embodiment of the interchangeable lens type video camera of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the lens microcomputer according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an AF operation in each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a movement locus (lens cam data) of the focus lens for correcting the position of the focal plane which is displaced due to the zooming operation of the zooming lens to maintain the in-focus state.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a calculation for incorporating an unstored cam locus from information on a plurality of cam loci stored in lens cam data.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a calculation for incorporating an unstored cam locus from information on a plurality of cam loci stored in lens cam data.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a typical configuration of a conventional automatic focus adjustment device.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 105 focus lens 106 image sensor 107 image sensor 108 image sensor 112 camera signal processing circuit 113 AF signal processing circuit 114 (camera) main body microcomputer 116 lens microcomputer 117 AF control circuit 118 motor control circuit 119 computer zoom program 120 lens Cam data 125 Focus motor 126 Motor driver 130 Zoom switch 133 Lens data storage device 135 Backup power supply

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup apparatus in which a lens unit including a focus lens and a focus control means for controlling the drive of the focus lens can be attached to and detached from a camera body including an image pickup means and replaced, and a storage means is provided in the lens unit. Information indicating the state inside the lens unit is stored in the storage unit, and after the power is turned on again, the information stored in the storage unit is transferred to the control unit to reproduce the operating state inside the lens unit before the power is turned off. An image pickup apparatus in which a lens unit can be replaced, the image pickup apparatus including a control unit. 2. An image pickup apparatus in which a lens unit including a focus lens and a control unit for the focus lens is detachable from a camera body including an image pickup unit, wherein a storage unit is provided in the lens unit to represent a state inside the lens unit. Information is stored in the storage means, and when the lens is not replaced after the power is turned on again, the state in the lens unit before the power is shut off is reproduced based on the information stored in the storage means, and the different lens unit is used. An image pickup apparatus in which the lens unit can be replaced, which is characterized in that when the lens unit is replaced, the lens unit is initialized after the power is turned on. 3. The image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the operating state in the lens unit is position information of the focus lens. 4. A lens unit including a variable power lens that performs a variable power operation, a correction lens that corrects a focus for maintaining a focus state during the variable power operation, and a lens unit that includes the variable power lens and a control unit for the correction lens. In an imaging device detachable from a camera body including a unit, a storage unit is provided in the lens unit, and information indicating one or both positions of a variable power lens and a correction lens in the lens unit is stored in the storage unit. However, after the power is turned on again, the state of either or both of the zoom lens position and the correction lens position before the power shutdown is reproduced based on the information stored in the storage means. apparatus. 5. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power source of the storage unit is arranged in the lens unit. 6. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is configured to supply power from the camera body. 7. A lens unit including a variable power lens that performs a variable power operation, a correction lens that corrects a focus for maintaining a focus state during the variable power operation, and a lens unit that includes the variable power lens and control means for the correction lens. In an imaging device detachable from a camera body including a unit, a storage unit is provided in the lens unit, and information indicating one or both positions of a variable power lens and a correction lens in the lens unit is stored in the storage unit. However, when the lens unit is not replaced after the power is turned on again, either or both of the position of the variable power lens and the position of the correction lens before the power is turned off based on the information stored in the storage means. The lens unit is characterized in that the state is reproduced, and when the lens unit is replaced with a different one, the lens unit is initialized after the power is turned on. Replaceable imaging device. 8. A focus lens, focus control means for controlling driving of the focus lens, storage means for storing information indicating an operating state of the focus lens, and information stored in the storage means after power is turned on again. To the focus control means, thereby making it possible to reproduce the operation state in the lens unit before the power is shut off. 9. A variable power lens that performs a variable power operation, a correction lens that corrects a focus to maintain a focus state during the variable power operation, and a plurality of movement loci of the variable power lens and the correction lens are stored. A first memory unit, a scaling control unit that performs a scaling operation by selecting or interpolating a part of the plurality of movement loci, and storing the selection information and the interpolation information by the scaling control unit. 2. A lens unit comprising: two storage means, wherein after the power is turned on again, the state of the lens before power-off can be reproduced based on the information stored in the second storage means. 10. A variable power lens that performs a variable power operation, a correction lens that corrects a focus for maintaining a focused state in the variable power operation, and a plurality of movement loci of the variable power lens and the correction lens are stored. A first memory unit, a scaling control unit that performs a scaling operation by selecting or interpolating a part of the plurality of movement loci, and storing the selection information and the interpolation information by the scaling control unit. When the second storage means and the lens are not exchanged after the power is turned on again, the state of each lens before the power-off is reproduced based on the information stored in the second storage means, and the lens unit is exchanged. The lens unit is characterized in that the lens unit is initialized when the power is turned on. 11. The lens unit according to claim 9, further comprising a power supply for holding the second storage means. 12. The lens unit according to claim 9, wherein the power for the second storage means is supplied from the camera body. 13. A variable power lens that performs a variable power operation, a correction lens that corrects a focus to maintain a focus state during the variable power operation, and a plurality of movement loci of the variable power lens and the correction lens are stored. First memory means, variable power control means for performing variable power operation by selecting and interpolating a part of the plurality of movement loci, variable power lens and correction lens, first memory and variable power control means In a camera in which a lens unit including a lens unit is detachable, a second storage unit is provided in the lens unit, the selection information and the interpolation information in the lens unit are stored in the second storage unit, and When the lens is not replaced after the power is turned on, the state of the lens before the power is shut off is reproduced based on the information stored in the second storage means, and when the lens is replaced with a different lens unit, the lens is turned on after the power is turned on. Lens unit exchangeable camera, characterized in that the unit to an initial state.