CN117812238A

CN117812238A - Control apparatus, lens apparatus, image pickup apparatus, camera system, and control method

Info

Publication number: CN117812238A
Application number: CN202311268651.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 日塔洁; 深井阳介; 村上太郎; 藤原侑亮
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2022-09-30
Filing date: 2023-09-28
Publication date: 2024-04-02

Abstract

The invention provides a control apparatus, a lens apparatus, an image pickup apparatus, a camera system, and a control method. A control device for a camera system, the camera system comprising: a lens apparatus including a first optical system and a second optical system, and configured to move them relative to each other; and an image pickup apparatus including an image sensor and detachably attached to the lens apparatus. The control apparatus includes a processor configured to acquire a first evaluation value of a first optical system at a first focus detection position corresponding to the first optical system, determine a second focus detection position corresponding to the second optical system based on a first object image formed by the first optical system and a second object image formed by the second optical system, acquire a second evaluation value of the second optical system at the second focus detection position, and move the first optical system and the second optical system based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

Description

Control apparatus, lens apparatus, image pickup apparatus, camera system, and control method

Technical Field

One of aspects of the present embodiment relates to a control apparatus, a lens apparatus, an image capturing apparatus, a camera system, and a control method.

Background

Conventionally, there is known a lens apparatus in which a pair of left and right optical systems are arranged apart from each other by a predetermined distance (a base line length), and two image rings are imaged in parallel on a single image sensor. With this lens apparatus, images formed by the pair of left and right optical systems are recorded as moving images or still images for the left and right eyes, respectively, and when viewing using a three-dimensional display, VR goggles, or the like during playback, the right eye of the viewer views the image for the right eye, and the left eye thereof views the image for the left eye. At this time, since the pair of left and right optical systems project images having parallax to the left and right eyes by the base line length, the viewer can acquire a stereoscopic effect.

A pair of left and right optical systems for capturing an image having parallax needs to be focused for each of the pair of left and right optical systems.

Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2009-175498 discloses a binocular lens using a single operation member for switching between left and right diopter adjustment by moving one optical system and focusing by moving two optical systems.

The binoculars disclosed in japanese patent application laid-open No. 2009-175498 perform diopter adjustment and focusing by switching between diopter adjustment and focusing with a single operation member, and the operation becomes complicated and proper focusing is difficult due to erroneous operation.

Disclosure of Invention

A control device for a camera system according to an aspect of the present embodiment, the camera system including: a lens apparatus including a first optical system and a second optical system, and configured to move the first optical system and the second optical system relative to each other; and an image pickup apparatus including an image sensor and being attachable to and detachable from the lens apparatus, the control apparatus including a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to instruct the instructions to acquire a first evaluation value of the first optical system at a first focus detection position corresponding to the first optical system, determine a second focus detection position corresponding to the second optical system based on a first object image formed by the first optical system and a second object image formed by the second optical system, acquire a second evaluation value of the second optical system at the second focus detection position, and move the first optical system and the second optical system based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

A control apparatus for a camera system according to another aspect of the present embodiment, the camera system including: a lens apparatus including a first optical system and a second optical system, and configured to move the first optical system and the second optical system relative to each other; and an image pickup apparatus including an image sensor and being attachable to and detachable from the lens apparatus, the control apparatus including a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to instruct the instructions to acquire a first evaluation value of the first optical system at a first focus detection position corresponding to the first optical system, and to move the first optical system and the second optical system based on the first evaluation value.

The lens apparatus, the image capturing apparatus, and the camera system including the above control apparatus each also constitute another aspect of the present embodiment.

Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an interchangeable lens according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2A and 2B are exploded perspective views of an interchangeable lens.

Fig. 3 shows the positional relationship between the respective optical axes and the image circles on the image sensor.

Fig. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camera system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an interchangeable lens according to example 1.

Fig. 6A is an example of a flowchart showing a focusing operation of the camera system according to example 1.

Fig. 6B is another example of a flowchart showing a focusing operation of the camera system according to example 1.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera system to which the interchangeable lens according to example 1 is attached.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a method of beam adjustment according to example 1.

Fig. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camera system according to example 2.

Fig. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an inclined image sensor.

Fig. 11A, 11B, and 11C show an example of a focusing operation procedure according to example 2.

Fig. 12A and 12B show another example of the focusing operation procedure according to example 2.

Fig. 13A and 13B show another example of the focusing operation procedure of example 2.

Fig. 14A and 14B show other examples of the focusing operation procedure according to examples 2 and 3.

Fig. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camera system according to example 5.

Fig. 16A and 16B illustrate a focusing operation procedure according to example 5.

Fig. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of a camera system according to example 6.

Fig. 18 is a bottom view of the interchangeable lens according to example 7, as seen from the lens mount side.

Fig. 19 is a top view of the interchangeable lens according to example 7, seen from the object side.

Fig. 20 is a top view of an interchangeable lens seen from the object side, in which a first optical system and a second optical system are added to the configuration of fig. 19 according to example 7.

Fig. 21A and 21B are schematic configuration diagrams of a camera system according to example 4.

Detailed Description

In the following, the term "unit" may refer to a software context, a hardware context or a combination of software and hardware contexts. In the context of software, the term "unit" refers to a functionality, an application, a software module, a function, a routine, a set of instructions, or a program that can be executed by a programmable processor (such as a microprocessor, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or a specially designed programmable device or controller). The memory contains instructions or programs that, when executed by the CPU, cause the CPU to perform operations corresponding to units or functions. In the hardware context, the term "unit" refers to a hardware element, circuit, assembly, physical structure, system, module, or subsystem. The term "unit" may include mechanical, optical or electronic components, or any combination thereof, depending on the particular embodiment. The term "cell" may include active (e.g., transistor) or passive (e.g., capacitor) components. The term "cell" may include a semiconductor device having a substrate and other material layers having various conductivity concentrations. The term "unit" may include a CPU or programmable processor that may execute a program stored in a memory to perform a specific function. The term "cell" may include a logic element (e.g., AND, OR) implemented by a transistor circuit OR any other switching circuit. In a combination of software and hardware contexts, the term "unit" or "circuit" refers to any combination of software and hardware contexts as described above. In addition, the terms "element," "assembly," "component," or "device" may also refer to a "circuit" that is integrated with or not integrated with the encapsulation material.

A detailed description will now be given of embodiments according to the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding elements in the respective drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and repetitive descriptions thereof will be omitted.

A camera system according to one embodiment includes a lens apparatus (interchangeable lens) including two optical systems (a first optical system and a second optical system) arranged in parallel (symmetrically), and an image pickup apparatus configured to image two image circles in parallel on a single image sensor. The two optical systems are arranged horizontally and separated by a baseline length. The image formed by the right optical system (first optical system) is recorded as a moving image or a still image of the right eye, and the image formed by the left optical system (second optical system) is recorded as a moving image or a still image of the left eye, viewed from the image side. By viewing a moving image or a still image (video) using a three-dimensional display or a so-called VR goggles or the like, the right eye of the viewer views a right-eye image, and his left eye views a left-eye image. At this time, since the images having parallax are projected to the left and right eyes due to the base line lengths of the left and right optical systems, the viewer can acquire a three-dimensional effect. Therefore, the camera system according to the present embodiment is a camera system for stereoscopic image capturing that can form two images having parallax by the first optical system and the second optical system.

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an interchangeable lens 200 according to one embodiment. Fig. 2A and 2B are exploded perspective views of the interchangeable lens 200. In the following description, the description of the first optical system (right-eye optical system) is denoted by R, and the description of the second optical system (left-eye optical system) is denoted by L. The description common to both right and left eye optical systems does not have an R or L suffix. Although the optical systems are arranged on the left and right sides in the present embodiment, they may be arranged on the upper and lower sides.

The interchangeable lens 200 includes a first optical system 201R and a second optical system 201L. The two optical systems are each fixed to the lens top base 300 with screws or the like, and can take images at a viewing angle of 120 degrees or more. Each of the two optical systems has, in order from the object side, a first optical axis OA1, a second optical axis OA2 substantially orthogonal to the first optical axis OA1, and a third optical axis OA3 parallel to the first optical axis OA 1. The two optical systems each include a first lens (unit) 211 having a convex surface 211A on the object side arranged along a first optical axis OA1, a second lens (unit) 221 arranged along a second optical axis OA2, and third lenses (lens units) 231A and 231B arranged along a third optical axis OA3. The two optical systems each further include a first prism 220 for bending a light beam parallel to the first optical axis OA1 and guiding it to the second optical axis OA2, and a second prism 230 for bending a light beam parallel to the second optical axis OA2 to the third optical axis OA3. In the following description, the optical axis direction is a direction parallel to the first optical axis OA1 as a direction extending to the object side and the image pickup surface side.

Fig. 3 shows the positional relationship between the respective optical axes and the image circle on the image sensor. The right eye image circle ICR having an effective angle of view formed by the first optical system 201R and the left eye image circle ICL having an effective angle of view formed by the second optical system 201L are arranged in parallel on the image sensor 111 of the camera body 110. The size Φd2 of the respective circles and the distance between the circles may be set so that the circles do not overlap each other. For example, the light receiving range of the image sensor 111 is divided into left and right halves with respect to the center, the center of the right-eye image circle ICR may be set to the approximate center of the right region of the light receiving range, and the center of the left-eye image circle ICL may be set to the approximate center of the left region of the light receiving range.

In the present embodiment, each optical system is a full-circumference fisheye lens, and an image formed on an image pickup surface is a circular image covering a viewing angle range exceeding 180 degrees, and two circular images are formed on the left and right sides as shown in fig. 3. The distance between the first optical axis OA1R of the first optical system 201R and the first optical axis OA1L of the second optical system 201L is referred to as a base length L1. The longer the base line length L1, the stronger the stereoscopic effect during viewing becomes. For example, assume that the sensor size is 24mm long by 36mm wide, the diameter of the image circle is Φ17mm, the distance L2 between the third optical axes is 18mm, and the length of the second optical axis is 21mm. In the case where the respective optical systems are arranged in such a manner that the second optical axis extends in the horizontal direction, the base line length L1 is 60mm, which is approximately equal to the interpupillary distance of an adult. The diameter Φd of the lens mounting unit 202 may be shorter than the base length L1, and the third lens units 231A and 231B may be disposed inside the lens mounting unit 202 by making the distance L2 between the third optical axes shorter than the diameter Φd of the lens mounting unit 202. That is, a relationship of L1> Φd > L2 is established.

When viewed as a VR, the viewing angle that produces a three-dimensional effect is about 120 degrees, but since a 120-degree field of view leaves discomfort, the viewing angle typically increases to 180 degrees. In the present embodiment, the effective viewing angle exceeds 180 degrees, and the size Φd3 of the image circle within the 180 degree range is smaller than the size Φd2 of the image circle.

Fig. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the camera system 100. The camera system 100 includes an interchangeable lens 200 and a camera body 110 to which the interchangeable lens 200 is detachably attached.

The interchangeable lens 200 includes a first optical system 201R, a second optical system 201L, and a lens system control unit 209. The camera body 110 includes an image sensor 111, an a/D converter 112, an image processing unit 113, a display unit 114, an operation unit 115, a memory 116, a body system control unit 117, and a camera mounting unit 122.

In the case where the interchangeable lens 200 is attached to the camera body 110 via the lens mount unit 202 and the camera mount unit 122, the body system control unit 117 and the lens system control unit 209 are electrically connected.

The right-eye image formed via the first optical system 201R and the left-eye image formed via the second optical system 201L are formed side by side as object images on the image sensor 111. The image sensor 111 converts each formed object image (optical signal) into an analog electrical signal. The a/D converter 112 converts an analog electric signal output from the image sensor 111 into a digital electric signal (image signal). The image processing unit 113 performs various image processing on the digital electric signal output from the a/D converter 112.

The display unit 114 displays various information. The display unit 114 is implemented by using an electronic viewfinder or a liquid crystal panel, for example. The operation unit 115 serves as a user interface through which a photographer gives instructions to the camera system 100. In the case where the display unit 114 has a touch panel, the touch panel also serves as the operation unit 115.

The memory 116 stores various data such as image data subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 113. The memory 116 also stores programs. The memory 116 is implemented by using, for example, ROM, RAM, and HDD.

The main body system control unit 117 integrally controls the camera system 100. The main body system control unit 117 is realized by using a CPU, for example.

Example 1

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the camera system according to the present embodiment. The camera system includes an interchangeable lens 200 and a camera body 110. The interchangeable lens 200 includes a first optical system 201R and a second optical system 201L. The interchangeable lens 200 further includes a first driving mechanism (third adjustment unit) 263R for moving the first optical system 201R and a second driving mechanism (fourth adjustment unit) 263L for moving the second optical system 201L. The interchangeable lens 200 includes a lens type information memory 150. Here, the lens type information is configuration information of the optical system, and specifically, information including an identifier indicating whether the interchangeable lens 200 is a lens for VR imaging.

The camera body 110 includes an image sensor 111, an operation unit 151, a parallax calculator (determination unit) 152, a focus detector (first acquisition unit, second acquisition unit) 153, and a drive amount determination unit (control unit) 154. In the present embodiment, the parallax calculator 152, the focus detector 153, and the drive amount determining unit 154 are included in the main body system control unit 117, but the present embodiment is not limited to the present example. For example, the lens system control unit 209 may have a configuration including functions equivalent to those of the parallax calculator 152, the focus detector 153, and the drive amount determination unit 154. The parallax calculator 152, the focus detector 153, and the driving amount determining unit 154 may be configured as a control device separate from the camera body 110. The image sensor 111 includes a single image sensor, and two images (an image formed via the first optical system 201R and an image formed via the second optical system 201L) are formed on the image pickup surface of the image sensor 111. The operation unit 151 is, for example, a touch panel or a joystick or the like, and is used by a user to select a focus detection position during autofocus of the camera system. The parallax calculator 152 calculates the amount of parallax between the object image formed via the first optical system 201R and the object image formed via the second optical system 201L based on the configuration information of the optical systems in the lens type information memory 150. The parallax calculator 152 determines a second focus detection position corresponding to the second optical system 201L based on the calculated parallax amount and the first focus detection position corresponding to the first optical system 201R. Here, the first focus detection position and the second focus detection position are imaging positions of the same subject. The focus detector 153 acquires a focus detection evaluation value at a focus detection position specified by the operation unit 151 or the parallax calculator 152. The driving amount determination unit 154 determines the driving amounts of the first driving mechanism 263R and the second driving mechanism 263L from the focus detection evaluation value acquired by the focus detector 153.

A description will now be given of a focus detection position determination method of the parallax calculator 152 according to the present embodiment. In a camera system for VR imaging including an interchangeable lens having a plurality of optical systems and an imaging apparatus having a single image sensor, in the case where the base line length L1 is set long so that an image having a large stereoscopic effect can be captured, it is conceivable to employ the bending optical system shown in fig. 1. At this time, the distance L2 between the third optical axes needs to be made shorter than the base length L1 and the diameter of the lens mounting unit 202.

The parallax calculator 152 first performs triangulation based on the focal length and the base line length L1 of the optical system stored in the lens type information memory 150 and the object distance information acquired by the focus detector 153. Next, the parallax calculator 152 calculates the parallax amount between the object image formed by the first optical system 201R and the object image formed by the second optical system 201L on the image pickup surface of the image sensor 111. In order to calculate parallax with high accuracy, the lens type information memory 150 may store optical information such as a projection method and a distortion coefficient of the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L.

The parallax calculator 152 determines the focus detection position corresponding to the second optical system 201L using the following equation (1):

(X2,Y2)＝(X1+Xp+L2+X _E ,Y1+Yp+Y _E )...(1)

where, (X1, Y1) is the coordinates of the focus detection position corresponding to the first optical system 201R on the image pickup surface of the image sensor 111. (X2, Y2) is the coordinates of the focus detection position corresponding to the second optical system 201L on the image pickup surface of the image sensor 111. (Xp, yp) is a parallax amount vector of the subject on the imaging surface of the image sensor 111. (L2, 0) is a distance vector between the third optical axes. (X) _E ,Y _E ) Is a displacement vector of the distance between the third optical axes with respect to an ideal value due to the mounting attaching and detaching operations.

A description will now be given of a focusing operation of the camera system of the present embodiment with reference to fig. 6A and 6B. Fig. 6A is an example of a flowchart showing a focusing operation of the camera system by the main body system control unit 117 according to the present embodiment.

In step S501, the user operates the operation unit 151 to select a first focus detection position corresponding to the first optical system 201R.

In step S502, the focus detector 153 acquires a focus detection evaluation value (first evaluation value) of the first optical system 201R at the first focus detection position selected by the user.

In step S503, the parallax calculator 152 calculates the parallax amount based on the focal length and the base line length L1 of the optical system stored in the lens type information memory 150 and the object distance information acquired by the focus detector 153. Here, as described above, the parallax amount is the parallax amount between the object image formed by the first optical system 201R and the object image formed by the second optical system 201L.

In step S504, the parallax calculator 152 determines a second focus detection position corresponding to the second optical system 201L based on the focus detection position of the first optical system 201R, the distance L2 between the third optical axes, and the parallax amount.

In step S505, the focus detector 153 acquires a focus detection evaluation value (second evaluation value) of the second optical system 201L at the determined second focus detection position.

In step S506, the driving amount determination unit 154 determines the driving amounts of the first driving mechanism 263R and the second driving mechanism 263L according to the focus detection evaluation values of the respective optical systems.

In step S507, the first driving mechanism 263R and the second driving mechanism 263L are driven. Thereby, focusing operations of the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L are performed.

Fig. 6B is another example of a flowchart showing a focusing operation of the camera system by the main body system control unit 117 according to the present embodiment.

In step S511, the user operates the operation unit 151 to select the first focus detection position corresponding to the first optical system 201R.

In step S512, the focus detector 153 acquires a focus detection evaluation value (first evaluation value) of the first optical system 201R at the first focus detection position selected by the user.

In step S513, the parallax calculator 152 detects feature points in the respective images formed and acquired by the first and second optical systems 201R and 201L.

In step S514, the parallax calculator 152 matches feature points directed to the same subject in images formed by different optical systems, and uses the result of feature point matching and determines a second focus detection position corresponding to the second optical system 201L.

In step S515, the focus detector 153 acquires a focus detection evaluation value (second evaluation value) of the second optical system 201L at the determined second focus detection position.

In step S516, the driving amount determination unit 154 determines the driving amounts of the first driving mechanism 263R and the second driving mechanism 263L according to the focus detection evaluation values of the respective optical systems.

In step S517, the first driving mechanism 263R and the second driving mechanism 263L are driven. Thereby, focusing operations of the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L are performed.

A description will now be given of an operation of attaching the interchangeable lens 200 to the camera body 110 with reference to fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera system by the main body system control unit 117 in the case where the interchangeable lens 200 according to the present embodiment is attached.

In step S610, the body system control unit 117 detects that the interchangeable lens 200 is attached to the camera body 110.

In step S620, the parallax calculator 152 identifies lens type information stored in the lens type information memory 150 of the attached interchangeable lens 200.

In step S630, it is determined whether the attached interchangeable lens 200 is a VR imaging lens using the lens type information. In the case where it is determined that the attached interchangeable lens 200 is a VR imaging lens, the process of step S640 is performed; otherwise, the process of step S670 is performed.

In step S640, the parallax calculator 152 selects a focus detection position determination method. In the case where the focus detection position determination method is selected and, for example, the interchangeable lens 200 is a lens for VR180 imaging, the parallax calculator 152 determines the focus detection position corresponding to the second optical system 201L using equation (1) in the present example.

In step S650, the camera body 110 performs, for example, beam adjustment (bundle adjustment), and detects errors from design values and optical axis shift (misalignment) due to mounting attaching and detaching operations.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a beam adjustment method of the main body system control unit 117 according to the present embodiment.

In step S651, the image sensor 111 acquires an image pair formed by the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L.

In step S652, the parallax calculator 152 detects feature points in the acquired image.

In step S653, the parallax calculator 152 matches the feature points directed to the same object in the images formed by the different optical systems, and extracts n feature point pairs.

In step S654, the parallax calculator 152 sets a plurality of error parameters for the respective optical systems. For example, X _ER Is a horizontal component of the optical axis shift of the first optical system 201R due to the mounting attaching and detaching operation, Y _ER Is a vertical component of the optical axis shift of the first optical system 201R due to the mounting attaching and detaching operation, X _EL Is a horizontal component of the optical axis shift of the second optical system 201L, and Y _EL Is the vertical component of the optical axis shift of the second optical system 201L. At this time, a plurality of parameter sets P are set, in which the component X _ER 、Y _ER 、X _EL And Y _EL Is set to be slightly different. That is, the parameter set P is defined as shown in the following formula (2):

in step S655, the re-projection error E of each parameter set P is calculated based on the following equation (3):

the projection function f is a function for converting coordinates of the feature point imaged by the first optical system 201R into coordinates of an image imaged by the second optical system 201L based on the focal length and the base length of the interchangeable lens 200.

In step S656, the parallax calculator 152 performs optimization calculation by a nonlinear least square method shown in the following equation (4)And determining an error parameter solution P _ans e.P. Solution P _ans Component X of (2) _ER And X _EL Difference between and solution P _ans Component Y of (2) _ER And Y _EL The difference between them corresponds to an offset vector (X) of the distance between the third optical axes relative to the ideal value due to the attachment and detachment operation shown in formula (1) _E ,Y _E )：

In the case of performing the beam adjustment, the process returns to the flow in fig. 7. In step S660 of fig. 7, the parallax calculator 152 shifts the optical axis P due to the mounting attaching and detaching operation _ans The lens type information memory 150 is written.

In step S670, the parallax calculator 152 stops operating.

Calculating an optical axis offset P due to mounting attachment and detachment operations for beam adjustment _ans Is not limited to the method described in this example. For example, it is possible to install a device for calculating the optical axis shift P _ans Is a sensor of (a). The interchangeable lens 200 may include a lens for optical axis offset P _ans Is a computer of (a).

Example 2

Fig. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the camera system 100 according to the present example. This example will only discuss configurations different from that of example 1, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

The image sensor 111 can perform image pickup plane phase difference AF by detecting the focus offset amount and the focus offset direction. The interchangeable lens 200 includes a driving mechanism (first adjustment unit) 261 and a driving mechanism (second adjustment unit) 262, wherein the driving mechanism (first adjustment unit) 261 is configured to move the lens top base 300, and the driving mechanism (second adjustment unit) 262 is disposed on the lens top base 300 and moves the first optical system 201R. The driving mechanism 261 can move the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L in a direction orthogonal to the image pickup surface of the image sensor 111 by moving the lens top base 300.

The second optical system 201L is fixed to the lens top base 300. The first optical system 201R is supported by the lens top base 300 so as to be movable relative to the lens top base 300 in a direction orthogonal to the image pickup surface of the image sensor 111 by the driving mechanism 262. Thereby, the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L can move relative to each other in a direction orthogonal to the imaging plane of the image sensor 111. In this example, the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L each include a lens unit in which an imaging optical system is integrated, and focusing can be performed by extending the optical system as a whole. The present example integrally extends out of the two optical systems, and can reduce the characteristic difference between the two optical systems. In this example, the first optical system 201R is a first focus lens optical system, and the second optical system 201L is a second focus lens optical system. The second optical system 201L may be a first focus lens optical system, and the first optical system 201R may be a second focus lens optical system.

The image sensor 111 is disposed in such a manner that the image pickup surface of the image sensor 111 is parallel to the lens mounting unit 202. However, due to manufacturing errors, it is difficult to make the image pickup surface completely parallel to the lens mounting unit 202, and the image sensor 111 is actually fixed with its image pickup surface slightly inclined with respect to the lens mounting unit 202. Fig. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the tilted image sensor 111. The manufacturing process adjusts the interchangeable lens 200 so that the distance between the imaging position of the first optical system 201R and the imaging position of the second optical system 201L and the lens mounting unit 202, that is, the difference between the so-called flange distances (flange back distance), becomes 0. However, due to the inclination of the image sensor 111, the two optical systems do not always have the best focus position. Thus, the present example configures the two optical systems to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the image pickup plane by the driving mechanism 262, thereby adjusting the focal positions of the two optical systems.

A description will now be given of a focusing operation procedure according to the present example with reference to fig. 11A, 11B, and 11C. Fig. 11A, 11B, and 11C illustrate a focusing operation procedure according to the present example.

Fig. 11A shows the camera system 100 before focusing. It is assumed that a focus difference (left-right focus difference) H1 between the two optical systems can be expressed simply by a difference between the R1 plane of the first lens 211R arranged in the first optical system 201R and the R1 plane of the first lens 211L arranged in the second optical system 201L. The focus offset is defined as the difference between the R1 plane of the first lens 211R (L) and the line 200A provided on the interchangeable lens 200, and the focus offset of the first optical system 201R may be simply represented by H2R, and the focus offset of the second optical system 201L may be simply represented by H2L. In the case where the R1 face of the first lens unit 211R (L) and the line 200A provided on the interchangeable lens 200 overlap each other, that is, in the case where the focus offsets H2R and H2L become zero, the focus state is achieved.

In the case where the user presses the release button, the focus detector 153 acquires two evaluation values (movement amount and movement direction) corresponding to the two optical systems, and determines the focus offset amount. In the case where the focus detection position of one of the two optical systems is determined based on the input of the user, the focus detection position of the other of the two optical systems is determined according to the focus detection position determination method selected by the parallax calculator 152. Based on the evaluation values obtained at the determined focus detection positions, it is confirmed whether the difference between the two evaluation values (left-right focus difference H1) is within the allowable range (predetermined value).

In the present example, since the left-right focus difference H1 is not within the allowable range, the first optical system 201R is moved using the driving mechanism 262 so that the left-right focus difference H1 becomes within the allowable range. Fig. 11B shows that the R1 faces of the first lenses 211R and 211L are on the same plane, and shows that the left-right focus difference H1 is controlled within the allowable range. Thereafter, as shown in fig. 11C, the driving mechanism 261 simultaneously moves the two optical systems so that the focus offset amounts H2R and H2L are within the allowable range.

In this example, after the driving mechanism 262 is driven, the driving mechanism 261 is driven.

As shown in fig. 12A, first, the driving mechanism 261 may be driven so that the focus offset amount H2L of the second optical system 201L is within the allowable range. Thereafter, as shown in fig. 12B, the driving mechanism 262 may be driven such that the focus offset amount H2R of the first optical system 201R is within the allowable range.

A focusing operation procedure in the case where the focus offset amount H2L of the second optical system 201L is within the allowable range and the focus offset amount H2R and the left-right focus difference H1 of the first optical system 201R are approximately equal will now be given with reference to fig. 13A and 13B.

Fig. 13A shows the camera system 100 before focusing. In the case where the user presses the release button, the focus detector 153 acquires two evaluation values (movement amount and movement direction) corresponding to the two optical systems, and determines the focus offset amount. Next, it is confirmed whether or not the difference between the two evaluation values (the left-right focus difference H1) is within the allowable range.

In the present example, the left-right focus difference H1 is not within the allowable range, and the first optical system 201R is moved using the driving mechanism 262 so that the left-right focus difference H1 is within the allowable range. The focus offset amount H2L of the second optical system 201L is originally within the allowable range, and as shown in fig. 13B, the focus offset amount H2R of the first optical system 201R also becomes within the allowable range, and the focused state is acquired.

A description will now be given of a focusing operation procedure in a case where the left-right focus difference H1 is within the allowable range, and the focus offset amount H2R of the first optical system 201R and the focus offset amount H2L of the second optical system 201L are equal, with reference to fig. 14A and 14B.

Fig. 14A shows the camera system 100 before focusing. In the case where the user presses the release button, the focus detector 153 acquires two evaluation values (movement amount and movement direction) corresponding to the two optical systems, and determines the focus offset amount. Next, it is confirmed whether or not the difference between the two evaluation values (the left-right focus difference H1) is within the allowable range. In this example, since the left-right focus difference H1 is within the allowable range, the driving mechanism 261 simultaneously moves the two optical systems so that the focus shift amounts of the two optical systems are within the allowable range, as shown in fig. 14B.

Example 3

Another example will be described. The basic mechanical configuration and the like are the same as those of fig. 14A and 14B according to the above-described example 2, and this example will only discuss a configuration different from that of example 2, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

In order to simplify the operation, in the present example, it is assumed that the focus offset amounts of the two optical systems are adjusted in advance by an arbitrary method so that they are approximately the same. In this case, it is not necessary to determine the second focus detection position and acquire the corresponding evaluation values (the movement amount and the movement direction) (i.e., the focus offset amount H2L of the second optical system), and thus the operation flow of the camera system 100 becomes simple.

That is, before image capturing, adjustment is performed by a manual operation such that the left-right focus difference H1 between the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L is within an allowable range. This adjustment can perform subsequent imaging without worrying about the left-right focus difference H1 between the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L. An operation signal is sent from the outside to the driving mechanism 262 to move only the first optical system 201R, which can adjust the focus difference H1 between the two optical systems 201R and 201L to be within an allowable range.

The driving mechanism 262 includes a stepping motor, a gear, and the like, and in the case where the user operates an operation ring of the camera or the like, the driving mechanism 262 can be operated by an operation signal generated by a detector for detecting the operation amount. Thereafter, an image capturing operation is performed.

In the case where the user presses the release button, the focus detector 153 acquires only the focus offset H2R and one evaluation value (movement amount and movement direction) corresponding to the first optical system 201R. The driving mechanism 261 is driven based on the focus offset amount H2R such that the focus offset amount H2R of the first optical system is within the allowable range. By driving the driving mechanism 261, the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L are moved by the same movement amount in the same direction, and both optical systems can be brought into a focused state at the same time.

Example 4

Another example will be described. The basic mechanical configuration and the like are the same as those of example 2 or example 3 described above, and therefore this example will only discuss configurations different from those of example 2 or example 3, and a description of common configurations will be omitted.

Fig. 21A shows another configuration in which the left-right focus difference H1 between the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L can be adjusted in advance to be within an allowable range by a manual operation. The adjustment mechanism 264 can move the first optical system 201R in the optical axis direction. The adjustment mechanism 264 includes an eccentric roller or the like, not shown, and is configured to be capable of rotating the eccentric roller from the outer peripheral portion of the interchangeable lens 200 with a hexagonal wrench or the like. By this operation, only the first optical system 201R can be moved, and the focus difference H1 between the two optical systems 201R and 201L can be adjusted to be within the allowable range. Thereafter, an image capturing operation is performed.

In the case where the user presses the release button, the focus detector 153 acquires only the focus offset H2R and one evaluation value (movement amount and movement direction) corresponding to the first optical system 201R. The driving mechanism 261 is driven based on the focus offset amount H2R such that the focus offset amount H2R of the first optical system is within the allowable range (fig. 21B). By driving the driving mechanism 261, the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L are moved by the same movement amount in the same direction, and both optical systems can be brought into a focused state at the same time.

Example 5

Fig. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of the camera system 100 according to the present example. The present example will discuss only configurations different from those of examples 1 to 4, and a description of common configurations will be omitted.

The interchangeable lens 200 includes a first driving mechanism 263R and a second driving mechanism 263L. The first driving mechanism 263R and the second driving mechanism 263L are attached to the lens top base 300. That is, the first driving mechanism 263R and the second driving mechanism 263L are arranged on the same member. The first driving mechanism 263R moves the first optical system 201R with respect to the lens top base 300 in a direction orthogonal to the image pickup surface of the image sensor 111. The second driving mechanism 263L moves the second optical system 201L with respect to the lens top base 300 in a direction orthogonal to the image pickup surface of the image sensor 111. Thereby, the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L can move relative to each other in a direction orthogonal to the imaging plane of the image sensor 111.

In this example, the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L each include a lens unit in which an imaging optical system is integrated, and focusing can be performed by extending the optical system as a whole. The present example performs focusing by extending the optical system as a whole, but focusing may be performed by partially extending the optical system or by an inner focus (inner focus) configuration.

A description will now be given of a focusing operation procedure according to the present example with reference to fig. 16A and 16B. Fig. 16A and 16B illustrate a focusing operation procedure according to the present example.

In the case where the user presses the release button, the focus detector 153 acquires two evaluation values (movement amount and movement direction) corresponding to the two optical systems, and determines the focus offset amount. Next, it is determined whether or not the difference between the two evaluation values (left-right focus difference H1) is within the allowable range (predetermined range).

Next, as shown in fig. 16A, the second driving mechanism 263L moves the second optical system 201L so that the focus offset amount H2L is within the allowable range. Thereafter, as shown in fig. 16B, the first driving mechanism 263R moves the first optical system 201R so that the focus offset amount H2R is within the allowable range.

The present example drives the first driving mechanism 263R after driving the second driving mechanism 263L. However, the present embodiment may drive the second driving mechanism 263L after driving the first driving mechanism 263R. The first driving mechanism 263R and the second driving mechanism 263L may be driven simultaneously without any problem of power limitation.

Another example will be described. In order to simplify the operation, it is assumed that the focus offset amounts of the two optical systems have been adjusted in advance by an arbitrary method so that they are about the same. In this case, it is not necessary to determine the second focus detection position and acquire the corresponding evaluation values (the movement amount and the movement direction) (i.e., the focus offset amount H2L of the second optical system), and the operation flow of the camera system 100 becomes simple.

The method for the user to adjust the focus difference H1 between the two optical systems 201R and 201L to be within the allowable range is as described above, and may be selected from various configurations. Thereafter, an image capturing operation is performed.

In the case where the user presses the release button, the focus detector 153 acquires only the focus offset H2R and one evaluation value (movement amount and movement direction) corresponding to the first optical system 201R. The driving mechanism 263R is driven based on the focus offset amount H2R such that the focus offset amount H2R of the first optical system is within the allowable range. Thereafter, by driving the driving mechanism 263L, the second optical system 201L is moved in the same direction by the same amount of movement. The first driving mechanism 263R and the second driving mechanism 263L may be driven simultaneously without any problem of power limitation. Since the evaluation value (the movement amount and the movement direction) as the focus offset amount H2L of the second optical system is not used, the operation flow becomes simple.

Example 6

Fig. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of the camera system 100 according to the present example. The basic configuration of the camera system 100 according to the present example is the same as that of each of the above examples. The present example will only discuss configurations different from those of the respective examples described above, and a description of common configurations will be omitted.

The interchangeable lens 200 includes a position detection sensor (first detector) 271R configured to detect the position of the first optical system 201R and a position detection sensor (second detector) 271L configured to detect the position of the second optical system 201L. The interchangeable lens 200 further includes a guide portion (first guide portion) 272R configured to guide the first optical system 201R and a guide portion (second guide portion) 272L configured to guide the first optical system 201R.

The first driving mechanism 263R and the second driving mechanism 263L are mounted on the lens top base 300 in a point-symmetrical manner with respect to the center of the lens mounting unit 202 (the center of the interchangeable lens 200) when the interchangeable lens 200 is viewed from the object side. The first driving mechanism 263R and the second driving mechanism 263L are arranged in opposite directions.

Position detection sensors 271R and 271L are also attached to the lens top base 300. The attachment to the lens top chassis 300 can detect the position detection sensors 271R and 271L with high accuracy. The guides 272R and 272L are also attached to the lens top base 300, respectively, and guide the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L.

Example 7

Fig. 18 shows an interchangeable lens 200 according to the present example as seen from the lens mount unit 202 side. The present example will discuss only configurations different from those of examples 1 to 6, and a description of common configurations will be omitted.

In fig. 18, a contact 281 with the camera body 110 is arranged below the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L, and enables the camera body 110 and the interchangeable lens 200 to electrically communicate with each other. In this example, signals are exchanged between the camera body 110 and the interchangeable lens 200 through the contact 281.

Fig. 19 shows the interchangeable lens 200 viewed from the object side. Unnecessary portions are omitted in fig. 19 so that the position of the driving mechanism 261 can be viewed. Since a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) board 282 is connected to the contacts 281, the contacts 281 and the FPC board 282 are arranged substantially in the same phase. In order to avoid electrical interference, the driving mechanism 261 and the contact 281 are arranged at positions having a phase difference of 180 degrees with respect to the center of the optical axis. The 180 degree difference includes not only a strict 180 degree difference but also a substantially 180 degree difference (about 180 degree difference).

Fig. 20 is a top view of the interchangeable lens 200 viewed from the object side by adding the first optical system 201R and the second optical system 201L to the configuration of fig. 19. The driving mechanism 261 is disposed outside the projection surface areas of the two optical systems. The driving mechanism 261l is arranged so as to avoid a space where two optical systems are arranged, which can effectively utilize the space.

The present embodiment can provide a control apparatus capable of appropriately performing focusing of a plurality of optical systems.

Other embodiments

The embodiments of the present invention can also be realized by a method in which software (program) that performs the functions of the above embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, a computer of the system or apparatus or a method in which a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Micro Processing Unit (MPU), or the like reads out and executes the program, through a network or various storage mediums.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A control device for a camera system, the camera system comprising: a lens apparatus including a first optical system and a second optical system, and configured to move the first optical system and the second optical system relative to each other; and an image pickup apparatus that includes an image sensor and is attachable to and detachable from the lens apparatus, the control apparatus including:

A first acquisition unit configured to acquire a first evaluation value of the first optical system at a first focus detection position corresponding to the first optical system;

a determination unit configured to determine a second focus detection position corresponding to the second optical system based on a first object image formed by the first optical system and a second object image formed by the second optical system;

a second acquisition unit configured to acquire a second evaluation value of the second optical system at the second focus detection position; and

a control unit configured to move the first optical system and the second optical system based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

2. The control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first focus detection position and the second focus detection position are imaging positions of the same subject.

3. The control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit is configured to determine the second focus detection position using the first focus detection position, an amount of parallax between the first object image and the second object image, a distance between optical axes of the first optical system and the second optical system that are disposed closest to an image pickup surface of the image sensor, and an optical axis shift due to attachment and detachment operations.

4. The control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit is configured to determine the second focus detection position using feature point matching between the first object image and the second object image.

5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit is configured to acquire information related to the lens device from the lens device, the information including information for identifying whether the lens device is a VR imaging lens.

6. The control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the lens apparatus is determined as a VR imaging lens, and the determination unit acquires an error from a design value of the lens apparatus.

7. The control apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the error is an optical axis shift due to mounting attaching and detaching operations of the lens apparatus.

8. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit is configured to determine the second focus detection position in a case where the lens device is determined to be a VR imaging lens.

9. The control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lens apparatus includes:

A first adjustment unit configured to simultaneously move the first optical system and the second optical system; and

a second adjustment unit configured to move the first optical system,

wherein the control unit is configured to drive the first adjustment unit and the second adjustment unit based on a difference between the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

10. The control apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit is configured to drive one of the first adjustment unit and the second adjustment unit and then drive the other of the first adjustment unit and the second adjustment unit if the difference is greater than a predetermined value.

11. The control device according to claim 9, wherein the control unit is configured to drive only the first adjustment unit if the difference is smaller than a predetermined value.

12. The control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the lens apparatus includes:

a third adjustment unit configured to move the first optical system; and

a fourth adjustment unit configured to move the second optical system,

Wherein the control unit is configured to drive the third adjustment unit based on the first evaluation value, and to drive the fourth adjustment unit based on the second evaluation value.

13. A lens apparatus attachable to and detachable from an image pickup apparatus including an image sensor, comprising:

a first optical system;

a second optical system; and

the control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The lens apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:

a second adjustment unit configured to move the first optical system.

15. The lens apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the first adjustment unit is arranged at a position having a 180-degree phase difference with respect to a contact point with the image pickup apparatus with respect to a center of the lens apparatus in a case where the lens apparatus is viewed from an object side.

16. The lens apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the first adjustment unit is arranged outside a projection surface area of the first optical system and the second optical system in a case where the lens apparatus is viewed from an object side.

17. The lens apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:

a third adjustment unit configured to move the first optical system; and

a fourth adjustment unit configured to move the second optical system.

18. The lens apparatus of claim 17, wherein the third adjustment unit and the fourth adjustment unit are disposed on the same member.

19. The lens apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the third adjustment unit and the fourth adjustment unit are symmetrically arranged with respect to a center point of the lens apparatus in a case where the lens apparatus is viewed from an object side.

20. The lens apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:

a first detector configured to detect a position of the first optical system; and

a second detector configured to detect a position of the second optical system,

wherein the first detector and the second detector are arranged on the same member.

21. The lens apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:

a first guide portion configured to guide the first optical system; and

a second guide portion configured to guide the second optical system,

Wherein the first guide portion and the second guide portion are arranged on the same member.

22. An image pickup apparatus attachable to and detachable from a lens apparatus, the lens apparatus including a first optical system and a second optical system, and configured to move the first optical system and the second optical system relative to each other, the image pickup apparatus comprising:

an image sensor; and

the control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

23. A camera system, comprising:

a lens apparatus including a first optical system and a second optical system, and configured to move the first optical system and the second optical system relative to each other;

an image pickup apparatus including a single image sensor, and being attachable to and detachable from the lens apparatus; and

the control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

24. A control method for a camera system, the camera system comprising: a lens apparatus including a first optical system and a second optical system, and configured to move the first optical system and the second optical system relative to each other; and an image pickup apparatus that includes an image sensor and is attachable to and detachable from the lens apparatus, the control method including the steps of:

Acquiring a first evaluation value of the first optical system at a first focus detection position corresponding to the first optical system;

determining a second focus detection position corresponding to the second optical system based on a first object image formed by the first optical system and a second object image formed by the second optical system;

acquiring a second evaluation value of the second optical system at the second focus detection position; and

the first optical system and the second optical system are moved based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value.

25. A control device for a camera system, the camera system comprising: a lens apparatus including a first optical system and a second optical system, and configured to move the first optical system and the second optical system relative to each other; and an image pickup apparatus that includes an image sensor and is attachable to and detachable from the lens apparatus, the control apparatus including:

a first acquisition unit configured to acquire a first evaluation value of the first optical system at a first focus detection position corresponding to the first optical system; and

A control unit configured to move the first optical system and the second optical system based on the first evaluation value.

26. The control device of claim 25, wherein the lens device comprises:

a second adjustment unit configured to move the first optical system,

wherein the control unit drives the first adjustment unit based on the first evaluation value.

27. The control apparatus according to claim 25, wherein a second adjustment unit configured to move the first optical system adjusts a focus difference between the first optical system and the second optical system to be within an allowable range by sending an operation signal to the second adjustment unit by a manual operation.

28. The control apparatus according to claim 25, wherein a second adjustment unit configured to move the first optical system adjusts a focus difference between the first optical system and the second optical system to be within an allowable range by operating the second adjustment unit with a manual operation.

29. The control apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the lens apparatus includes:

a third adjustment unit configured to move the first optical system; and

a fourth adjustment unit configured to move the second optical system,

wherein the control unit drives the third adjustment unit and the fourth adjustment unit based on the first evaluation value.

30. A lens apparatus attachable to and detachable from an image pickup apparatus including an image sensor, comprising:

a first optical system;

a second optical system; and

the control apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 29.

31. The lens apparatus of claim 30, further comprising:

a second adjustment unit configured to move the first optical system.

32. The lens apparatus of claim 30, further comprising:

a third adjustment unit configured to move the first optical system; and

a fourth adjustment unit configured to move the second optical system.

33. An image pickup apparatus attachable to and detachable from a lens apparatus, the lens apparatus including a first optical system and a second optical system, and configured to move the first optical system and the second optical system relative to each other, the image pickup apparatus comprising:

an image sensor; and

the control apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 29.

34. A camera system, comprising:

the control apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 29.

35. A control method for a camera system, the camera system comprising: a lens apparatus including a first optical system and a second optical system, and configured to move the first optical system and the second optical system relative to each other; and an image pickup apparatus that includes an image sensor and is attachable to and detachable from the lens apparatus, the control method including the steps of:

Acquiring a first evaluation value of the first optical system at a first focus detection position corresponding to the first optical system; and

the first optical system and the second optical system are moved based on the first evaluation value.