JP2001013394A - Stereoscopic photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance photographing reliability, to made a device compact, to suppress power consumption and to realize a quiet-sound state by controlling a focusing action and the changing action of a congestion angle so that they are not executed at the same time. SOLUTION: The range-finding of a distance to an object is executed by a range-finding means 414 and a signal thereof is transmitted to a lens microcomputer 412-1. Besides, the congestion angle is changed by driving total reflection mirrors 411aR and 411aL through a motor driver 419 and a stepping motor 411b by a driving control means 11. Then, it is judged by the control means 11 whether the driving of the congestion angle is finished or not. When the driving of the congestion angle is finished, a control signal is inhibited from being inputted to the driver 419 any more and an AF signal is inputted from an automatic focusing(AF) signal processing circuit 421Lb of a camera main body 42. By the control means 11, the control signal is outputted to a motor driver 411r and the focusing action of a lens 411g is executed. Then, it is judged by the processing circuit 424b whether the focusing action is executed or not. When the focusing action is not executed, the lens 411g is driven more through the processing circuit 424b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

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

[0002]

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

[0003] Conventionally, left and right parallax images are displayed on a monitor, the observer wears liquid crystal shutter glasses, and the left and right liquid crystal shutters of the liquid crystal shutter glasses are synchronized with a video signal to provide a stereoscopic image. A device for observing a natural image has been proposed.

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

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

Providing an observer with a deep image in this way enables not only the development of entertainment devices such as a three-dimensional game and a three-dimensional television, but also the education of flight simulators and surgical assist devices, and the development of medical devices. There have been proposed three-dimensional image viewing apparatuses using various methods such as a head-mounted display and a lenticular sheet.

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

[0008]

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

Since the drive system for controlling the convergence angle and the lens drive system for focusing are both related to the distance to the object, the drive system, that is, the drive system, It seems that it is possible to use a common motor and motor driver. However, in practice, the drive amount of the lens for focusing changes due to a change in the focal length of the optical system, etc., and the convergence angle adjustment depends on the shooting conditions. In some cases, it is desired to perform focus adjustment separately, and a configuration in which a drive system is separately provided has been mainstream.

When the operations of the drive system for both the convergence angle and the focus adjustment overlap, power consumption is concentrated and the operation may not be performed smoothly.

For further miniaturization, it is conceivable to use an AF (automatic focus adjustment) signal processing circuit of the camera for controlling the convergence angle. In the method of determining the focus state by detecting the sharpness, it is difficult to control the convergence angle by the output of the AF signal processing circuit because the distance to the subject is not actually measured. Met.

Further, the control of the convergence angle and the focusing is performed every time the distance to the subject changes, which is disadvantageous in terms of power and driving sound.

The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and provides a stereoscopic photographing apparatus capable of improving photographing reliability, miniaturizing the apparatus, suppressing power consumption, and simultaneously reducing noise. It is intended to do so.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, a three-dimensional photographing apparatus is constituted as described in the following (1) to (9).

(1) Two optical systems for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, and a focusing drive for driving a focusing optical system of the two optical systems to perform a focusing operation. Means,
In a stereoscopic photographing apparatus having convergence angle control means for changing the convergence angle of the two optical systems, a focusing operation by the focusing drive means and an operation of changing the convergence angle by the convergence angle control means are overlapped. A three-dimensional photographing apparatus provided with a drive control means for controlling so as not to be disturbed.

(2) In the stereoscopic photographing apparatus according to (1), the drive control means causes the focusing drive means to perform a focusing operation after the change of the convergence angle by the convergence angle control means is completed. Stereoscopic photography device.

(3) Two optical systems for converging a subject to form an optical image on an image forming surface, and a focusing drive for driving a focusing optical system of the two optical systems to perform a focusing operation. Means,
A stereoscopic photographing apparatus comprising: a position detecting unit that detects a driving position of the focusing optical system; and a convergence angle control unit that changes a convergence angle of the two optical systems based on a signal from the position detecting unit. .

(4) In the three-dimensional imaging apparatus according to (3), the convergence angle control means controls the convergence angle on the basis of an output of the position detection means after the focusing operation is completed by the focusing drive means. A stereoscopic imaging device that performs an angle changing operation.

(5) Two optical systems for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, and a focusing drive for driving a focusing optical system of the two optical systems to perform a focusing operation. Means,
A first determining unit that determines whether or not to perform a focusing operation by the focusing driving unit in a stereoscopic imaging apparatus including a convergence angle control unit that changes a convergence angle of the two optical systems with each other; And a second determining unit that determines whether or not to perform the operation of changing the convergence angle by the convergence angle control unit independently of the first determining unit.

(6) The stereoscopic photographing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the stereoscopic photographing apparatus is disposed in a lens unit that is detachable from a camera body.

(7) The stereoscopic photographing apparatus according to (6), wherein the focus driving means is driven in accordance with a focus control signal supplied from the camera body.

(8) In the stereoscopic photographing apparatus according to the above (1) or (6), the convergence angle control means uses the distance information output from the distance measurement means provided separately from the focus detection means on the camera side. A stereoscopic imaging device configured to be controlled based on the stereoscopic imaging device.

(9) The stereoscopic photographing apparatus according to (1) or (6), wherein the convergence angle control means is configured to be controlled based on lens position information.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to an embodiment of a stereoscopic photographing apparatus.

[0025]

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

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a stereoscopic photographing apparatus for photographing a stereoscopic image. Reference numeral 41 denotes an interchangeable lens unit standardized in a predetermined format, which includes an imaging optical system 411, a camera microcomputer 421, and a liquid crystal control circuit 4.
13, a distance measuring circuit 414, a video input terminal 415, an IG driver 416, motor drivers 417, 418, and 419, a lens mount standardized in the predetermined format (not shown), and a contact block. Reference numeral 42 denotes a camera body, which has a camera mount and a contact block standardized in the predetermined format (not shown). The lens mount and the camera mount of the interchangeable lens unit 41 are mechanically engageable and detachable. It has become.
When the contact block of the interchangeable lens 41 and the contact block of the camera body 42 are mounted on the camera mount, the contacts come into contact with each other, and the operation corresponding to the arrow 43, that is, the predetermined data in the lens microcomputer 412 and the camera microcomputer 421. And a power supply line for supplying power from the camera body 42 to the interchangeable lens 41 via respective contact blocks.

Reference numeral 411 denotes a photographing optical system.
411aL is a total reflection mirror rotatable around a predetermined axis. Here, the distance information signal to the subject output from the distance measurement circuit 414 is input to the lens microcomputer 412, and based on this information, the camera microcomputer 421 drives the step motor 411b via the motor driver 419 to perform total reflection. The mirrors 411aR and 411aL are rotated in opposite phases. The two total reflection mirrors 411aR, 41
1aL plays a role of guiding subject information corresponding to the left and right eyes to the photographing lens group. By changing the subject information according to the distance to the subject, so-called convergence control is performed.

Reference numerals 411cR, 411cL, and 411d denote a lens unit having one or more lenses having a negative refractive index.
Reference numerals 1e, 411f, and 411g denote a lens unit having a positive refractive index composed of one or a plurality of lenses.
a prism having a total reflection mirror on hR and surface 411hL,
411iR, 411iL, 411jR, 411jL are polarizing plates, and 411kR, 411kL are liquid crystal elements having a shutter function. When the polarizing plates 411iR and 411jR and the liquid crystal element 411kR are combined, and an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal by the liquid crystal control circuit 413, the light flux is transmitted and non-transmitted. Polarizing plates 411iL, 411jL and liquid crystal element 4
The same applies to the combination with 11 kL. The liquid crystal elements 411 kR and 411 kL are, for example, FLC, TN, ST
N or the like can be used. Also, a polarizing plate 411iR,
The 411jR and the polarizing plates 411iL and 411jL may be fixed to the liquid crystal elements 411kR and 411kL by bonding or the like, or may be separately arranged. Optical axis 411mR of left and right images,
411 mL are substantially in the same plane and substantially intersect at a predetermined position including the point at infinity (hereinafter referred to as convergence).
As described above, the two mirrors 411aR and 411aL are rotatable around a predetermined axis, and by rotating each other, the congestion position can be changed. or,
Optical axis 411mR, 411mL and mirror 411aR, 41
The interval (base line) between the intersection with the reflection surface of 1 aL is set near 63 mm, which is the average human pupil interval.

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

The camera body 42 includes amplifiers 423a, 423b, and 423c connected to the image sensors 422a, 422b, and 422c of the three-plate type imaging unit 422, and a signal processing circuit 424 connected to the amplifiers 423a, 423b, and 423c. , A camera microcomputer 421 connected to the signal processing circuit 424, a zoom switch and an AF switch (not shown) connected to the camera microcomputer 421, a video output terminal 425 and an electronic viewfinder 426 (hereinafter referred to as EV).
F).

The signal processing circuit 424 includes a camera signal processing circuit 424a and an AF signal processing circuit 424b. The output of the camera signal processing circuit 424a is output as a video signal, and the output of the camera microcomputer 421 is output from the interchangeable lens 41. Is supplied to the lens microcomputer 412.

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

The AF signal processing circuit 424b includes the amplifier 42
An AF evaluation value signal is generated using the signals of the three primary colors from 3a, 423b, and 423c. The camera microcomputer 421 performs focusing by driving and controlling the lens 411g based on the AF evaluation value signal generated by the AF signal processing circuit 424b using a data reading program stored in advance.

In the three-dimensional photographing apparatus described above, the total reflection mirrors 411aR and 411aL are driven by the step motor 411b according to the signal of the distance measuring circuit 414.

The stepping motor 411r is also used when the lens 411g is driven to perform a focusing operation.

Since the total reflection mirrors 411aR and 411aL and the lens 411g are both driven and controlled in accordance with the distance to the subject, it is possible to combine the two mechanically to combine the driving motor and the motor driver. However, in actuality, the driving amount of the lens 411g for focusing changes due to a zoom change of the optical system, and the convergence angle and the focusing operation are controlled independently to meet various photographing conditions. Both angle control and focus control have dedicated actuators.

By the way, in the three-dimensional photographing apparatus having the structure shown in FIG.
1 and the amount of power that can be used is limited.

For this reason, for example, when the drive for changing the convergence angle and the focusing drive are unexpectedly overlapped, the power consumption increases, and as a result, the lens microcomputer 412 and the like also malfunction, and the photographing itself cannot be performed, and the photographing reliability cannot be improved. System.

In the three-dimensional photographing apparatus shown in FIG. 7, since the interchangeable lens 41 is provided with the dedicated distance measuring means 414, the size of the apparatus is increased.

It is conceivable to use the AF signal processing circuit 424b of the camera body to make the camera smaller. The AF signal processing circuit 424b includes amplifiers 423a, 423b, 423
Since the AF evaluation value signal is generated using the signals of the three primary colors from c, it is only determined whether or not the subject is in focus. When the lens 411g is driven, the lens 411g is driven when the subject is in focus. Control to stop.

Therefore, since the AF signal processing circuit 424b does not actually measure the distance to the subject, it has been difficult to control the convergence angle using the signal of the AF signal processing circuit 424b.

Further, both the control of the convergence angle and the control of the focus will be re-controlled when the distance to the subject changes. However, re-control of both always not only increases the power consumption but also increases the driving noise. Become.

Therefore, in the embodiment described below, various problems in the basic configuration shown in FIG. 7 can be solved, and convergence angle control, focus control, and the like can be performed with high accuracy, and low power consumption and low noise can be achieved. And can be implemented in an interchangeable lens type video camera or the like.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a "stereoscopic photographing apparatus" according to Embodiment 1, wherein a drive control means 11 is provided in a lens microcomputer 412-1 in FIG. Are different.

Incidentally, the drive control means 11 shown in the figure is for the sake of clarity of each role for explanation, and the actual functions are performed by a series of calculations and comparisons in the lens microcomputer 412-1. .

The drive control means 11 includes a motor driver 41
7, 418, 419 and the IG driver 416 are prohibited at the same time.
Stepping motor 41 for focusing after 1b finishes driving
1r performs a focusing drive operation.

The reason for changing the convergence angle prior to focusing is as follows.

One is to change the convergence angle in an out-of-focus state, that is, when the screen is blurred, so that the change in the convergence angle eliminates the discomfort felt by the photographer or viewer looking at the screen. Another reason is that the operation of changing the convergence angle ends earlier than the focusing operation. or,
This is because it is more convenient to perform the convergence angle changing drive first in consideration of a case where auto focus is not performed or a case where focus adjustment is performed manually after auto focus.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the block shown in FIG. 1. This flow starts when the main switch of the camera is turned on and the camera is ready for photographing.

In step 1001, the distance to the subject is measured by the distance measuring means 414, and the signal is sent to the lens microcomputer 412-1. The distance measuring means 414 uses, for example, an infrared active method, and the distance to the subject is accurately measured by a known triangulation principle.

In step 1002, the drive control means 11 drives the total reflection mirrors 411aR and 411aL through the motor driver 419 and step motor 411b to change the convergence angle.

In step 1003, the drive control means 11 determines whether or not the convergence angle drive has been completed.

This is determined, for example, by the fact that the control signal to the motor driver 419 is not output for a predetermined period of time. When the driving of the convergence angle is completed, the input of the control signal to the motor driver 419 is prohibited. To step 1004.

In step 1004, the drive control means 11 inputs an AF signal from the AF signal processing circuit 424b of the camera body 42.

In step 1005, the drive control means 11 outputs a control signal to the motor driver
1 g is driven for focusing.

In step 1006, the AF signal processing circuit 4
24b determines whether or not a focus signal has been generated. If the focus has not been achieved, the process returns to step 1004 to further drive the lens 411g through the AF signal processing circuit 424b.
When focusing is completed, this flow is ended.

As described above, in the present embodiment, two optical systems for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, focusing driving means for driving the optical system to perform a focusing operation, In a stereoscopic imaging apparatus having convergence angle control means for changing the convergence angle of two optical systems, the focusing operation of the optical system by the focusing drive means and the operation of changing the convergence angle by the convergence angle control means do not overlap. The drive control means is configured to perform the focusing operation of the optical system by the focusing drive means after the change of the convergence angle by the convergence angle control means is completed.

Thus, the driving for changing the convergence angle and the driving for focusing can be prevented from overlapping, and there is no danger that the lens microcomputer 412 or the camera microcomputer 421 will go down due to a sudden load change, which will hinder the photographing itself. A high photographing device was obtained.

Further, since the driving of the convergence angle has been completed before the focusing, the photographer or the viewer does not feel any discomfort due to the driving of the convergence angle. For).

In this embodiment, the distance measurement for determining the convergence angle is performed separately from the AF. However, the convergence angle is determined and the AF is performed based on the signal from the same distance measuring means. May be implemented.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a "stereoscopic photographing apparatus" according to Embodiment 2, which is different from Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that the distance measuring circuit 414 is eliminated. Instead, a position detecting means 21 for detecting the positions of the lens 411g and the cam barrel 411s in the optical axis direction is provided, and the signal is input to the camera microcomputer 421.

The lens 411g receives the signal from the AF signal processing circuit 424b of the camera body 42 and receives the signal from the lens microcomputer 41.
It is driven by the command of 2-2 and focuses on the subject.

As described above, the signal of the AF signal processing circuit 424b only determines whether or not the subject is in focus, and does not necessarily measure the actual distance of the subject.

Therefore, as described above, a dedicated distance measuring means is required for driving the convergence angle. In this embodiment, however, the distance measuring means is eliminated and the interchangeable lens 41 is used.
Think about miniaturizing.

The position detecting means 21 detects the current zoom state by detecting the position of the cam barrel 411s. This signal is sent to the lens microcomputer 412-2. The position detecting means 21 also detects the driving position of the lens 411g and sends the signal to the lens microcomputer 412-2. The lens microcomputer 412-2 calculates the distance from the input zoom state and the position of the lens 411g to the subject.

The lens 411g is driven by the signal of the AF signal processing circuit 424b to focus on the subject and stop driving the lens. This position is determined by the distance to the subject and the zoom state.

Then, the distance to the subject can be obtained by detecting the zoom state and the position of the lens 411g, and based on the result, the total reflection mirrors 411aR, 411a are obtained.
By driving L, the convergence angle can be driven to an appropriate position.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the above operation. This flow is started when the photographing is ready.

In step 2001, the drive control means 11 inputs an AF signal from the AF signal processing circuit 424b of the camera body 42.

In step 2002, the drive control means 11 outputs a control signal to the motor driver
1 g is driven for focusing.

In step 2003, the AF signal processing circuit 4
24b determines whether or not a focus signal has been generated. If the focus has not been achieved, the process returns to step 2001 to further drive the lens 411g through the AF signal processing circuit 424b.
When focusing is achieved, the process proceeds to step 2004.

In step 2004, the lens microcomputer 41
2-2 inputs the position signals of the cam barrel 411s and the lens 411g from the position detecting means 21 and calculates the distance to the subject based on the input signals.

In step 2005, the drive control means 11 controls the motor driver 4 based on the calculated distance to the subject.
19. Total reflection mirror 41 through step motor 411b
1aR and 411aL are driven to change the convergence angle.

In step 2006, the drive control means 11 determines whether or not the convergence angle drive has been completed.

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

As described above, in the present embodiment, two optical systems for converging a subject and forming an optical image on an image forming surface, and a focus driving means for driving the optical systems to perform a focusing operation are described. A position detection unit that detects a driving position of the optical system, and a convergence angle control unit that changes a convergence angle of the two optical systems based on a signal from the position detection unit. By driving the system, the convergence angle control means is configured to perform the convergence angle changing operation based on the signal of the position detection means after the focusing is completed, so that it is possible to omit the dedicated distance measurement means for the convergence angle control, and to use the camera. Realized miniaturization.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a "stereoscopic photographing apparatus" according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, in which the lens microcomputer 412-3 determines whether or not to perform focus driving. 3 is different from the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in that a second judging unit 32 for judging whether or not to change the convergence angle is provided.

Note that these blocks in the lens microcomputer 412-3 are illustrated for the sake of explanation, similarly to the blocks in FIG. This is performed by a series of calculations and comparisons in.

The AF signal processing circuit 424b outputs a signal indicating whether or not the subject is in focus. If the focus on the subject is slight, the first discriminating means 31 outputs the signal to the motor driver 418. Does not output focus drive signal.

This is because if the lens 411g is driven when the focus is slightly out of focus, the focus shift may be rather large, and the time for focusing drive can be saved and the lens drive sound can be reduced. It is.

That is, the first discriminating means 31 provides a predetermined dead zone in the focusing operation.

Similarly, when the second determining means 32 determines that it is not necessary to change the convergence angle based on the relationship between the distance to the subject calculated in the lens microcomputer 412-3 and the current convergence angle, the motor driver determines No signal is output to 419 for driving the convergence angle.

For example, even if the distance to the subject changes when the subject moves, the convergence angle is not changed when the amount is small. As a result, driving noise and power consumption due to frequent convergence angle driving can be reduced.

That is, the second determining means 32 provides a dead zone in the convergence angle changing operation.

The reason why the dead zone for the focusing operation (first determining means) is different from the dead zone for the convergence angle changing operation (second determining means) is as follows.

The operation of changing the convergence angle does not seem so uncomfortable even if the distance to the subject slightly changes. The operation sound due to the frequent change of the convergence angle is more unpleasant, and the power consumption is increased. However, if the focus control is made too rough, the photographer and viewer can immediately understand it.

If the convergence angle control and the focusing control are performed at the same threshold value (dead zone), the focus accuracy is deteriorated when the convergence angle control threshold value is used. Drive is performed frequently, so that the power consumption increases and the operation noise also increases.

For this purpose, in the present embodiment, focusing accuracy and low power consumption are realized by making the thresholds (dead zones) of the focusing control and the convergence angle control different.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the above operation. This flow is started when the photographing is ready.

In step 3001, the drive control means 11 inputs an AF signal from the AF signal processing circuit 424b of the camera body 42.

In step 3002, the first discriminating means 31 determines whether or not the lens 411g should be driven in focus from the focus state of the subject based on the input AF signal. If there is no need, the process proceeds to step 3005.

In step 3003, the drive control means 11 outputs a control signal to the motor driver 418,
g is driven to focus.

In step 3004, the AF signal processing circuit 4
24b determines whether or not a focus signal has been generated. If not focused, the process returns to step 3001 to further drive the lens 411g through the AF signal processing circuit 424b, and if focused, the process proceeds to step 3005.

In step 3005, the lens microcomputer 41
2-3 inputs the position signals of the cam cylinder 411s and the lens 411g from the position detecting means 21 and calculates the distance to the subject based on the signals.

In step 3006, the difference between the current convergence angle and the convergence angle to be changed based on the distance to the subject just input is obtained, and it is determined whether or not the convergence angle should be changed.
2 judges. When the difference between the convergence angles is large, the process proceeds to step 3007 to change and drive the convergence angle. When the difference is small, the flow ends because there is no need to change the convergence angle.

In step 3007, the drive control means 11 controls the motor driver 4 based on the calculated distance to the subject.
19. Total reflection mirror 41 through step motor 411b
1aR and 411aL are driven to change the convergence angle.

In step 3008, the drive control means 11 determines whether or not the convergence angle drive has been completed.

This is determined, for example, by the fact that the control signal to the motor driver 419 is not output for a predetermined time, and when the driving of the convergence angle is completed, the input of the control signal to the motor driver 419 is prohibited. The leverage flow ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, two optical systems for converging a subject and forming an optical image on an image forming surface, and a focus driving means for driving the optical system to perform a focusing operation are described. A first convergence angle control unit that changes a convergence angle of the two optical systems with each other, and a first determination unit that determines whether or not to perform a focusing operation of the optical system by the focusing drive unit; By having the second determination means for determining whether or not to perform the operation of changing the convergence angle by the convergence angle control means independently of the first determination means, it is possible to reduce power consumption while maintaining focus accuracy and I was able to realize quiet shooting equipment.

In the present embodiment, the convergence angle is determined by the signal from the position detecting means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the convergence angle is determined by the signal from the distance measuring means as in the first embodiment. May be.

[0101]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Photographing reliability can be improved, miniaturization can be achieved, power consumption can be suppressed, and noise can be reduced at the same time.

The details are as follows.

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, two optical systems for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface and a focusing system for driving a focusing optical system to perform a focusing operation. Driving means;
In a stereoscopic photographing apparatus including a convergence angle control unit that changes the convergence angle of two optical systems, the focusing operation of the optical system by the focusing drive unit and the operation of changing the convergence angle by the convergence angle control unit do not overlap. Drive control means for controlling the optical system by the focusing drive means after the change of the convergence angle by the convergence angle control means is completed.

As a result, the photographing reliability can be improved.

According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, two optical systems for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, and a focusing system for driving a focusing optical system to perform a focusing operation. Driving means;
A position detection unit that detects a driving position of the focusing optical system; and a convergence angle control unit that changes a convergence angle of the two optical systems based on a signal from the position detection unit. The convergence angle control means is configured to perform a convergence angle changing operation based on the output of the position detection means after the focusing operation is completed by the means.

Thus, the size can be reduced.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, two optical systems for converging a subject and forming an optical image on an image forming surface, and a focus driving means for driving a focusing optical system to perform a focusing operation And first convergence angle control means for changing the convergence angle of the two optical systems, and first determination means for determining whether or not to perform a focusing operation by focusing drive means; and Independently of the determination means, a second determination means is provided for determining whether or not to perform the operation of changing the convergence angle by the convergence angle control means based on a signal from the distance measuring means.

As a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption and at the same time reduce noise.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a second embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a third embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a stereoscopic photographing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 drive control means 411 photographing optical system 412-1 lens microcomputer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 13/02 H04N 13/02

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An optical system comprising: two optical systems for converging a subject to form an optical image on an image forming surface; and a focus driving means for driving a focusing optical system of the two optical systems to perform a focusing operation. And a convergence angle control means for changing the convergence angle of the two optical systems, a focusing operation by the focusing drive means and an operation of changing the convergence angle by the convergence angle control means A stereoscopic photographing apparatus comprising a drive control means for controlling the images so that they do not overlap. 2. The stereoscopic photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The stereoscopic photographing apparatus, wherein the drive control means causes the focusing drive means to perform a focusing operation after the change of the convergence angle by the convergence angle control means is completed. 3. An optical system for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, and a focus driving means for driving a focusing optical system of the two optical systems to perform a focusing operation. And a position detecting means for detecting a driving position of the focusing optical system, and a convergence angle control means for changing a convergence angle of the two optical systems based on a signal from the position detecting means. A stereoscopic photographing device characterized by the following. 4. The stereoscopic imaging device according to claim 3, wherein
The stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said focusing drive means performs a focusing operation, and said convergence angle control means performs said convergence angle changing operation based on an output of said position detecting means after focusing is completed. 5. An optical system for converging an object to form an optical image on an image forming surface, and a focus driving means for driving a focusing optical system of the two optical systems to perform a focusing operation. And a convergence angle control unit for changing a convergence angle of the two optical systems, a first determination for determining whether or not to perform a focusing operation by the focusing drive unit. Means for determining whether or not to perform the operation of changing the convergence angle by the convergence angle control means independently of the first determination means.
A three-dimensional photographing apparatus comprising: 6. The three-dimensional imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional imaging device is provided in a lens unit that is detachable from a camera body. 7. The stereoscopic photographing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
The stereoscopic photographing apparatus, wherein the focus driving unit is configured to be driven in accordance with a focus control signal supplied from the camera body. 8. The stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the convergence angle control unit is controlled based on distance information output from a distance measurement unit provided separately from the focus detection unit on the camera side. A stereoscopic photographing apparatus characterized by being configured as follows. 9. The stereoscopic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said convergence angle control means is configured to be controlled based on lens position information.