JP2000275508A - Image pickup device, its operation method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup device, its operation method and a storage medium capable of performing zooming operation just as a photographing operator intends. SOLUTION: Ordinarily, a video camera is provided with plural operation means such as a zooming ring 5, a zooming lever 6 on a grip side and a zooming lever at the upper part of the camera as an operation means for performing the operation of a zoom lens 1. For example, when the photographing operator operates the lever 6 and inadvertently touches the ring 5 in the midst of zooming, there is possibility that the photographing operator is confused because zooming which is not intended by the operator is performed. Then, such confusion is avoided by inhibiting zooming operation when two or more operating means are operated and permitting the zooming operation when only one operating means is operated.

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 having a lens having a zooming function for changing a focal length, and having a plurality of zooming operation means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a conventional example. The difference from the embodiment of FIG. 1 described later is only the operation of a zooming control means 4 (indicated by 10 in the embodiment). It is.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the zooming control means 4 in this conventional example.

In step 10, the state of each of the zooming operation means 5, 6, 7 is read, and in step 11, it is detected whether the zooming operation means (zooming ring) 5 is operated. Is performed by one step. Here, one step means that zooming is performed using a stepping motor, and a pulse for one step is output in order to operate the zooming. That is, zooming is performed for one step at this time. After that, the process returns to step 10.

[0005] Similarly, steps 10, 11, 1
As a result, while the operator is operating the zooming operation means (zooming ring) 5, drive pulses are sent to the zoom lens group driving means 3 one after another, and zooming is continuously performed.

If there is no operation of the zooming operation means (zooming ring) 5, the operation proceeds to step 13, and if the zooming operation means (grip-side zooming lever) 6 is operated, the operation proceeds to step 14 at step 12 above. The zooming operation is executed by one step in the same manner as described above. As a result, while the operator is operating the zooming operation means (grip-side zooming lever) 6, drive pulses are sent to the zoom lens group driving means 3 one after another. Zooming is performed.

If there is no operation of the zooming operation means (zooming ring) 5 and the zooming operation means (grip side zooming lever) 6, the operation proceeds to step 15, and the zooming operation means (camera upper zooming lever) 7 is operated. When the zooming operation is being performed, one step of zooming operation is performed in step 16 in the same manner as in step 12 or step 14. As a result, while the operator operates the zooming operation means (camera upper zoom lever) 7, the zoom lens group Driving pulses are sent to the driving means 3 one after another, and zooming is performed continuously.

In the above operation, when a plurality of each of the zooming operation means are operated at the same time, the highest priority is the zooming operation means (zoom ring) 5 which is higher in the flow, and then the zooming operation means. Priority operation is performed in the order of (grip side zooming lever) 6 and zooming operation means (camera upper zooming lever) 7 at the lowest position. That is, if a specific lower-priority zooming operation unit is simultaneously operated while a specific zooming operation unit is being operated, it is ignored. On the other hand, when the zooming input means having the higher priority is simultaneously operated, the operation is prioritized, and the zooming operation is switched by the control.

[0009]

However, in the above-described conventional example, that is, in the image pickup apparatus having a plurality of zooming operation means (high-performance consumer VTR integrated video camera, etc.) shown in FIG. As shown in the operation example, when the zooming operation means (grip zooming lever) 6 is operated with the right hand and the focusing ring 11 for focusing the subject is operated with the left hand,
Focusing ring 11 accidentally in the palm of his left hand
At the same time, consider a case where the zooming operation means (zooming ring) 5 provided coaxially with the lens barrel is operated.

In this case, the intention of the operator (photographer) regarding the zooming operation is reflected on the right-hand zooming operation means (grip zooming lever) 6. However, in this conventional example, the operation of the erroneously operated zooming operation means (zooming ring) 5 has priority, and as a result, a zooming operation different from the photographer's intention is suddenly performed, and the photographer is confused. There was a problem that the zooming operation as intended was not possible.

The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and has as its object to provide an imaging apparatus, a method of operating the same, and a storage medium that perform a zooming operation as intended by a photographing operator.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an image pickup device is provided by the following (1), (2),
(5), (6), the operation method of the imaging device is configured as in (3), and the storage medium is in the following (4).
Configure as follows.

(1) An image pickup apparatus having a zoom lens, wherein a plurality of operation means for zooming the zoom lens, which are respectively disposed at different positions of the image pickup apparatus, and Prohibiting the zooming operation when a plurality of operation means are simultaneously operated,
An imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to perform control such that the zooming operation is permitted when only one of the plurality of operation units is operated.

(2) In the imaging device described in (1), the plurality of operation means are a zooming ring of a zoom lens, a grip side zooming lever, and a camera upper zooming lever.

(3) In the imaging apparatus described in (1) or (2), the operation means is for instructing a direction of a wide side or a tele side and a level of a zooming speed.

(4) An operation method of an image pickup apparatus having a zoom lens and a plurality of operation means for performing a zooming operation of the zoom lens, wherein a plurality of operation means of the plurality of operation means are provided. An operation method of an imaging apparatus, comprising: a step of prohibiting the zooming operation when operated, and a step of permitting the zooming operation when only one of the plurality of operation means is operated. .

(5) A storage medium storing a program for realizing the method of operating the imaging device according to (4).

(6) An image pickup apparatus provided with a plurality of zooming operation means, wherein when a plurality of the plurality of zooming operation means are simultaneously operated, the zooming operation of the lens is stopped, and the zooming operation is sequentially performed from that state. An imaging apparatus comprising: control means for canceling the operation of the zooming operation means one by one, and performing the zooming operation of the lens according to the operation when the operation of the last remaining zooming operation means is performed.

(7) In the image pickup apparatus described in (6), the plurality of zooming operation means include a rotary zooming operation means, a lever-type zooming operation means, and a zooming operation means for remotely controlling from outside. An imaging device including a plurality of them.

[0020]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to examples of a video camera. The present invention,
Not only in the form of a device such as a video camera, but also in the form of a method,
Furthermore, the present invention can be similarly implemented in the form of a storage medium such as a CD-ROM storing a program for realizing this method.

The zooming operation means in the embodiment is only one that is directly operated by the photographing operator, but is not limited to this, and is a zooming operation means that is remotely controlled from outside (a zooming direction and speed that is indicated by data. ) May be used in combination.
In this case, as in the embodiment, the zooming operation is performed when only one zooming operation unit is operated.

[0022]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a "video camera" according to an embodiment.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a zoom lens (a lens having a zoom function) which electrically performs zooming using a stepping motor. 2 is an image pickup unit, and C
Including a photoelectric conversion element such as a CD and its signal processing circuit,
It outputs a video output signal such as TSC.

Numeral 10 denotes a zooming control means for controlling the operation of the zooming lens group driving means 3 in accordance with a flowchart shown in FIG. Reference numeral 3 denotes a zoom lens group driving unit which moves the zoom lens group of the zoom lens 1 by supplying power to the stepping motor under the control of the zooming control unit 10 to perform a zooming operation.

Reference numerals 5, 6, and 7 denote a plurality of zooming operation means described above. When the photographing operator operates them, their control information is sent to the zooming control means 10.

Numeral 5 denotes a zooming operation means (zooming ring). More specifically, a zooming ring arranged on a lens barrel is rotated to perform a zooming operation. Determines the direction and speed of the zooming operation. Numeral 6 denotes a zooming operation means (grip-side zooming lever). More specifically, a zooming lever is disposed on a member called a grip and provided on the imaging device 2 so as to be gripped by an operator with the right hand. , And zooming is performed by pressing the two. At that time, press the lever,
The direction and speed of the operation are determined by the pressing force. Numeral 7 denotes a zooming operation means (zooming lever at the top of the camera). Specifically, a zooming lever arranged at the upper part of the image pickup apparatus performs zooming by operating in the same manner as the zooming operation means 6.

FIG. 4 shows these zooming operation means 5,
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the imaging units 2 and 6 on the imaging unit 2, when the imaging unit 2 and the entire zoom lens 1 are viewed from the side.

Next, FIG. 3 is a view showing an actual operation example, in which the imaging unit 2 and the zoom lens 1 mounted thereon are viewed from above, and the photographer operates the lens ring (manually) with his left hand. By operating the focusing ring 11 and the zooming operation means (zooming ring) 5 for focusing, the grip 9 is gripped with the right hand, and the imaging unit 2 and the zoom lens 1 are operated.
Keep the whole. In such a state, the photographing operator operates the above-described three zooming operation means 5, 6, and 7 to set a photographing angle of view as intended and performs photographing.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the zooming control means 10 in this embodiment.

In step 1, the state of each of the zooming operation means 5, 6, 7 is read. In step 2, it is detected whether or not the zooming operation means (zooming ring) 5 is operated. It is determined whether or not the zooming operation means (6 and 7) has been operated. If the operation has not been performed, that is, if no other zooming operation means has been operated, the process proceeds to step 4, and the zooming operation is performed. The zooming operation by the operation of the means (zooming ring) 5 is executed by one step.

Here, one step means that zooming is performed using a stepping motor, and a pulse for one step is output in order to operate the zooming.

Then, the process returns to the start. Thereafter, while the operator is operating the zooming operation means (zooming ring) 5 in this repetition, the step pulse for the zooming operation is continuously output to the zoom lens group driving means 3. As a result, zooming is continuously performed.

If the other zooming operation means (6 or 7) is operated at the same time, the zooming operation is not performed in step 3 and the process returns to step 1. In this case, no zooming operation is performed.

Next, if the zooming operation means (zooming ring) 5 is not operated in step 2, the process proceeds to step 5. Here, it is determined whether or not the zooming operation means (grip-side zooming lever) 6 has been operated, and if so, the process proceeds to step 6 to determine whether or not another zooming operation means (only 7 in this case) has been operated. If no operation has been performed, that is, if there is no other operating operation among the zooming operation means, the process proceeds to step 7, and the zooming operation by operating the zooming operation means (grip-side zooming lever) 6 is performed by one. Execute step. If the other zooming operation means 7 is operated at the same time, the process returns to step 1. In this case, no zooming operation is performed.

Next, if the zooming operation means (grip side zooming lever) 6 is not operated in step 5, the process proceeds to step 8. Here, it is determined whether or not the zooming operation means (upper camera zoom lever) 7 has been operated. Execute step.

If it is determined in step 8 that the zooming operation means (zooming lever at the top of the camera) is not operated, it means that no zooming operation means is operated, and no zooming operation is performed. Return to step 1.

As described above, in the present embodiment, there is no priority among the respective zooming operation means, so that the priority zooming operation is not performed, and in the case where a plurality of zooming operation means are simultaneously operated in any state. The zooming control means 10 operates according to the flowchart of FIG. 2, and the output of the driving pulse to the zoom lens group driving means 3 is stopped. As a result, the stepping motor of the zoom lens 1 does not operate and the zooming operation is stopped (prohibited). ).

Then, the simultaneous operation of a plurality of zooming operations is sequentially released from the state, and when only the last one operation remains, the zooming operation is executed again (permitted).
Is done.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
When a plurality of zooming operation units are simultaneously operated due to an erroneous operation of a photographing operator, the zooming control unit stops the zooming operation, thereby performing a zooming operation different from the photographing operator's own intention (wide side or tele side). Direction, zooming speed, etc.) is prevented, and the photographing operator can avoid confusion and can concentrate on the original photographing.

[0040]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The zooming operation is performed as intended by the photographing operator.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an embodiment.

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

FIG. 3 shows an example of an actual operation.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an arrangement of zooming operation means in an actual operation example.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a conventional example.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Zoom lens 5 Zooming operation means (zooming ring) 6 Zooming operation means (grip side zooming lever) 7 Zooming operation means (camera upper zooming lever) 10 Zooming control means

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup apparatus having a zoom lens, comprising: a plurality of operation means for zooming the zoom lens, each of the plurality of operation means being arranged at a different portion of the image pickup apparatus; Control means for inhibiting the zooming operation when a plurality of operation means are operated simultaneously, and permitting the zooming operation when only one of the plurality of operation means is operated. An imaging device comprising: 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operation means are a zoom ring of a zoom lens, a grip-side zoom lever, and a camera upper zoom lever. 3. An imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said operation means is for instructing a direction of a wide side or a tele side and a level of a zooming speed. 4. An operation method for an image pickup apparatus having a zoom lens and a plurality of operation means for performing a zoom operation of the zoom lens, wherein a plurality of operation means among the plurality of operation means are operated. Prohibiting the zooming operation when the operation is performed, and permitting the zooming operation when only one of the plurality of operation units is operated. How to operate the device. 5. A storage medium storing a program for realizing the operation method of the imaging apparatus according to claim 4. 6. An imaging apparatus provided with a plurality of zooming operation means, wherein when a plurality of the plurality of zooming operation means are simultaneously operated, the zooming operation of the lens is stopped, and the zooming is sequentially performed from that state. Control means for canceling the operation of the operation means one by one and performing the zooming operation of the lens in accordance with the operation when the operation of the last remaining zoom operation means is performed. Imaging device. 7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of zooming operation units are a rotary zooming operation unit, a lever-type zooming operation unit, and a zooming operation unit that performs remote control from outside. An imaging device comprising a plurality.