JP2002330333A - Image pickup system, image pickup device, interchangeable lens, image pickup function control method, recording medium and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image pickup system, where a photographer can easily select a proper image pickup function depending on a mounted lens means, which can provide the proper image pickup function to the photographer. SOLUTION: A lens microcomputer 6 supplies function control information to permit or inhibit the operation of the image pickup function of a camera unit section 7 to a camera microcomputer 16 through a control signal line 17, the camera microcomputer 16 revises a selection menu used by the photographer to select the image pickup function and inhibit the operation of the image pickup function inhibited by the function control information as its control on the basis of the supplied function control information in a way that the photographer cannot select or operate the inhibited image pickup function by using the camera unit section 7 thereby allowing the photographer to easily select the proper image pickup function and providing the proper image pickup function to the photographer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup system, an image pickup apparatus, an interchangeable lens, an image pickup function control method, a recording medium, and a program. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a video camera body (hereinafter, referred to as a video camera main body)
It is called “camera unit”. ) And an optical system portion (hereinafter, referred to as a “lens unit”) including a lens, an aperture, and the like mounted on the video camera. In the above-mentioned interchangeable lens type video camera, the camera unit and the lens unit are detachable by a mechanical mount.

The above-mentioned lens unit includes a lens unit having characteristics of various lenses, such as a wide-angle lens unit having characteristics of a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens unit having characteristics of a telephoto lens. Was. In the interchangeable lens type video camera, a photographer can take a picture by replacing a desired lens unit with a camera unit in accordance with an object to be imaged, an imaging method, and the like.

[0004]

However, in the above-described interchangeable lens type video camera, when the types of interchangeable lens unit sections increase, the camera unit section has all the interchangeable lens unit sections. Even if the functions are operated in the same manner, the photographer may not be able to obtain a desired photographed image. That is, in the above-mentioned interchangeable lens video camera, regardless of the characteristics of the lens of the mounted lens unit, even if operated according to the functions of the camera unit,
In some cases, a desired photographed image cannot be obtained. Therefore, in the interchangeable lens type video camera, a photographer may be misunderstood that the camera unit does not perform a desired operation.

For example, suppose that the camera unit has a portrait function for blurring the background of a photographed image, and the photographer selects a portrait mode in which the portrait function is operated by a predetermined operation. At this time, when an ultra-wide-angle lens unit having the characteristics of an ultra-wide-angle lens is mounted on the camera unit, the depth of field cannot be sufficiently reduced even if the aperture is opened to the maximum, and the portrait In some cases, the effect of the function could not be obtained. On the other hand, when the telephoto lens unit is mounted on the camera unit, the depth of field becomes too shallow even if the portrait mode is not selected, meaning the portrait mode itself. Was gone. Therefore, when the super wide-angle lens unit and the telephoto lens unit are mounted on the camera unit and photographed, a photographed image with a blurred background may not be obtained even if the portrait function is operated. .

In the above-mentioned interchangeable lens type video camera, when an electronic zoom function for enlarging a photographed image by performing predetermined enlargement processing on image data of the photographed image is operated, the lens of the lens unit section is used for the photographed image. In some cases, the quality of the optical performance is promoted, and the image quality of the captured image is extremely deteriorated (deteriorated). Therefore, when the photographed image is enlarged by the enlargement process using the electronic zoom function,
The captured image displayed on the display such as the electronic viewfinder
To the photographer, the image quality of the captured image may not appear to be degraded, but may appear to be out of focus. For this reason, the photographer does not judge that the image quality of the captured image has deteriorated due to the electronic zoom function, but that the image is out of focus. Sometimes I misunderstood it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and allows a photographer to easily select an appropriate imaging function according to a mounted lens means. The purpose is to be able to provide to photographers.

[0008]

An image pickup system according to the present invention is an image pickup system comprising an image pickup means and a lens means detachable from the image pickup means, wherein a predetermined exposure control function of the image pickup means is provided. Communication means for communicating function control information for deterring between the imaging means and the lens means, wherein the lens means transmits the function control information to the imaging means via the communication means; Is
A display and an operation related to the predetermined exposure control function are controlled based on the function control information transmitted by the lens unit.

Another feature of the imaging system of the present invention is that the function control information is information for controlling operation permission or prohibition of a predetermined exposure control function of the image pickup means. . According to another feature of the imaging system of the present invention, the predetermined exposure control function includes a portrait function for blurring the background of the captured image.

Another feature of the image pickup system of the present invention is an image pickup system including an image pickup means and a lens means detachable from the image pickup means. Communication means for communicating function control information for suppressing an image processing function to be applied between the imaging means and the lens means, wherein the lens means sends the function control information to the imaging means via the communication means. Transmitting, the imaging means, based on the function control information,
At least one of display and operation relating to the predetermined image processing function is prohibited.

Another feature of the imaging system of the present invention is that the predetermined image processing function includes an electronic zoom function for enlarging the image data of the captured image.

An interchangeable lens according to the present invention is an interchangeable lens to be mounted on an image pickup apparatus to which the lens is detachable, and is a control for generating function control information for suppressing a predetermined exposure control function of the image pickup apparatus. It is characterized by comprising an information generating means, and a transmitting means for transmitting the function control information generated by the control information generating means to the imaging device.

Another feature of the interchangeable lens of the present invention is that the interchangeable lens is mounted on an image pickup apparatus having a detachable lens, and suppresses an image processing function of performing predetermined image processing on image data of a picked-up image. Control information generating means for generating function control information for transmitting the function control information, and transmitting means for transmitting the function control information generated by the control information generating means to the imaging device. Another feature of the interchangeable lens of the present invention is that the control information generating means generates function control information according to the characteristics of the lens of the interchangeable lens.

Further, an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention is an image pickup apparatus with a detachable lens, for suppressing a predetermined exposure control function of the image pickup apparatus transmitted from an interchangeable lens mounted on the image pickup apparatus. A receiving means for receiving the function control information; and a control means for inhibiting at least one of the display and the operation related to the predetermined exposure control function based on the function control information received by the receiving means.

Another feature of the image pickup apparatus of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus with a detachable lens, and image data of a picked-up image of the image pickup apparatus transmitted from an interchangeable lens mounted on the image pickup apparatus. Receiving means for receiving function control information for suppressing an image processing function of performing predetermined image processing on at least one of display and operation related to the predetermined image processing function based on the function control information received by the receiving means. Control means for prohibiting one of them.

Further, an imaging function control method according to the present invention is an imaging function control method for an imaging system in which a lens means can be replaced with an imaging means, wherein a function for suppressing a predetermined exposure control function of the imaging means is provided. Transmitting the control information from the lens unit to the imaging unit, and controlling at least one of a display and an operation related to a predetermined exposure control function of the imaging unit based on the transmitted function control information. .

Another feature of the imaging function control method of the present invention is that the function control information is information for controlling operation permission or operation prohibition of a predetermined exposure control function of the image pickup means. And

Another feature of the imaging function control method of the present invention is an imaging function control method of an imaging system in which a lens means can be replaced with an imaging means. A function control information for suppressing an image processing function for performing a predetermined image processing is transmitted from the lens unit to the imaging unit, and a predetermined image processing function of the imaging unit is provided based on the transmitted function control information. And controlling at least one of display and operation related to

Another feature of the imaging function control method according to the present invention is that the function control information is information for controlling permission or prohibition of operation of a predetermined image processing function of the imaging means. And

Another feature of the imaging function control method of the present invention is that the predetermined exposure control function includes a portrait function for blurring the background of a captured image. According to another feature of the imaging function control method of the present invention, the predetermined image processing function includes an electronic zoom function for enlarging image data of the captured image.

[0021] The computer-readable recording medium of the present invention is characterized in that a program for causing a computer to function as each of the above means is recorded. Another feature of the computer-readable recording medium of the present invention is that a program for causing a computer to execute the procedure of the above-described imaging function control method is recorded.

A program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as each of the above means. Another feature of the program of the present invention is that the program causes a computer to execute the procedure of the imaging function control method.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an interchangeable lens video camera to which the imaging device according to the present embodiment is applied. In FIG. 1, a lens-interchangeable video camera 1 includes a lens unit 2 and a camera unit 7.
It is composed of The lens unit 2 and the camera unit 7 are detachable by a mechanical mount on the mount surface 18. Here, the lens unit 2 constitutes a lens unit of the present invention, and the camera unit 7 constitutes an imaging unit of the present invention.

The lens unit 2 includes a focus lens 3, an aperture 4, a zoom lens 5, and a lens microcomputer 6. Focus lens 3 is in focus
The adjustment is performed, and the aperture 4 adjusts the light amount. Further, the zoom lens 5 adjusts the angle of view magnification.

The lens microcomputer 6 controls the focus lens 3, the aperture 4, and the zoom lens 5 based on control data supplied from a camera microcomputer 16 in the camera unit 7 to be described later via a control signal line 17. .
Also, the lens microcomputer 6 has a function control that indicates a photographing function that inhibits a functional operation among the photographing functions of the camera unit section 7 when the lens unit section 2 including the lens microcomputer 6 is used. Transfer information to control signal line 1
7 to the camera microcomputer 16. Specifically, the lens microcomputer 6 has a function indicating whether or not to prohibit (permit) the functional operation of the photographing function for each photographing function of the camera unit section 7 when the lens unit section 2 is used. The control information is supplied to the camera microcomputer 16. Here, the control signal line 17 constitutes communication means of the present invention.

The camera unit 7 includes a CCD 8,
It comprises a CDS / AGC circuit 9, an A / D converter 10, a camera signal processing unit 11, an encoder unit 12, a camera key 13, a lens detection unit 14, a display unit 15, and a camera microcomputer 16.

The CCD 8 converts light transmitted through the lens unit 2 into an electric signal by photoelectric conversion, and outputs the electric signal to the CDS / AG.
It is supplied to the C circuit 9. The CDS / AGC circuit 9 uses the C
The A / D converter 10 samples and amplifies the electric signal supplied from the CD 8, and the A / D converter 10
The electric signal sampled and amplified by the circuit 9 is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal. The camera signal processing unit 11 performs predetermined signal processing on the signal converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 10 based on an instruction from the camera microcomputer 16. Encoder section 12
Converts the signal that has been subjected to the predetermined signal processing by the camera signal processing unit 11 into a video signal, and outputs the signal VIDEO-
Output as OUT.

The camera key 13 is used by the operator (photographer) of the interchangeable lens type video camera 1 to operate the camera unit 7.
Are keys for selecting a desired selectable photographing function from the photographing functions of the user. The photographing function includes a portrait function for blurring the background and a spotlight function as a program AE for performing exposure control, and an electronic zoom function and a mosaic function as digital effect processing for performing predetermined processing on image data of a photographed image. is there.

That is, in the interchangeable lens type video camera 1, the photographing function of the camera unit 7 can be selected by the camera key 13, and the camera key 13 can be selected according to the photographer's intention. Used to change the shooting function. For example, when the photographer selects a photographing function by operating the camera key 13, that is, when the photographer changes the program AE or controls ON / OFF of the electronic zoom, the key operation on the camera key 13 is performed. And the camera key 13
Is read by the camera microcomputer 16,
The lens unit 2 and the camera unit 7 are controlled accordingly.

The lens detecting section 14 includes the lens unit 2
Is for detecting whether or not is mounted on a lens mount (not shown) provided on the mount surface 18 of the camera unit 7, and is constituted by a switch or the like. The display unit 15 displays a selection screen for the photographer to select a photographing function that can be selected from the photographing functions of the camera unit unit 7 with the camera key 13 or the like, or photographs with the interchangeable lens type video camera 1. For example, a photographed image of the subject 19 is displayed.

The camera microcomputer 16 is based on the function control information indicating the photographing function for inhibiting operation supplied from the lens microcomputer 6 via the control signal line 17 and the key operation and key state of the camera key 13. It controls the interchangeable lens type video camera 1. That is, the camera microcomputer 16 controls each function of the camera unit 7 based on the function control information, the key operation, the key state, and the like, or controls the lens in the lens unit 2 via the control signal line 17. The lens unit 2 is controlled by supplying control data to the microcomputer 6.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the lens microcomputer 6 shown in FIG. 2, the lens microcomputer 6 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 23, and a communication unit 24.

The control section 21 includes a lens data generation section 22 and controls the lens unit section 2 in accordance with the control procedure stored in the storage section 23. That is,
The control unit 21 controls the focus lens 3 shown in FIG. 1 based on the control data supplied from the camera unit unit 7 via the control signal line 17 and the communication unit 24 according to the control procedure stored in the storage unit 23. Control information for controlling the aperture 4, the zoom lens 5, and permitting or prohibiting the functional operation of the photographing function of the camera unit 7 to the camera unit 7 via the control signal line 17 and the communication unit 24. Or supply.

The lens data generating section 22 generates the function control information according to the characteristics of the lens of the lens unit section 2 including the lens microcomputer 6. Communication unit 2
4 is communicably connected to the camera microcomputer 16 in the camera unit 7 via the control signal line 17 and transmits the function control information supplied from the control unit 21 to the camera microcomputer 16; The control data received from the camera microcomputer 16 is received and supplied to the control unit 21.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera microcomputer 16 shown in FIG. 3, the camera microcomputer 16 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 33, a communication unit 34, and a display control unit 35.

The control section 31 controls the control signal line 17 and the communication section 34 in accordance with the control procedure stored in the storage section 33.
It controls each functional unit such as the camera signal processing unit 11 based on the function control information supplied from the lens unit unit 2 via the lens unit and the key operation and key state of the camera key 13. Further, the control unit 31 generates control data for controlling the lens unit 2 based on the function control information, the key operation and the key state of the camera key 13, and the control signal line 17 and the communication unit 34. The above-mentioned control data is supplied to the lens unit 2 via the.

The judging section 32 sets a selectable state for each photographing function of the camera unit section 7 based on the function control information supplied from the lens unit section 2 via the control signal line 17 and the communication section 34. It is determined whether or not.

The communication section 34 is communicably connected to the lens microcomputer 6 in the lens unit 2 via the control signal line 17 and receives the function control information transmitted from the lens microcomputer 6. Supply to the control unit 31,
The control data supplied from the control unit 31 is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 6. The display control unit 35 performs control for displaying a selection screen, a captured image, and the like when the photographer selects a photographing function on the display unit 15 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 31.

Next, the communication processing operation between the lens unit section 2 and the camera unit section 7 for permitting or prohibiting the photographing function in the interchangeable lens type video camera 1 according to the present embodiment and the control processing operation associated therewith. explain. The above processing operation is performed by the lens microcomputer 6 in the lens unit 2 and by the camera microcomputer 16 in the camera unit 7.

First, the processing operation by the camera microcomputer 16 in the camera unit 7 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing operation by the camera microcomputer 16. 4, when the camera microcomputer 16 starts the processing operation, first, in step S401, the camera microcomputer 16 performs predetermined initial settings for each functional unit in the camera unit unit 7. next,
In step S402, the camera microcomputer 16 determines whether or not the lens unit 2 is mounted on the lens mount of the camera unit 7, based on the detection result of the lens detector 14.

As a result of the determination, the lens unit 2
If the camera microcomputer 16 determines that the lens unit 2 is not mounted on the lens mount,
Is repeated until it is determined that is mounted on the lens mount unit.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S402,
If it is determined that the lens unit 2 is mounted on the lens mount, the process proceeds to step S403,
In step S403, the camera microcomputer 16 determines whether the communication state between the lens unit 2 and the camera unit 7 is normal. That is, the camera microcomputer 16 determines whether or not normal communication with the lens microcomputer 6 in the lens unit 2 via the control signal line 17 is possible. If the result of the determination in step S403 is that the communication state between the lens unit 2 and the camera unit 7 is normal, the process proceeds to step S404, and in step S404, the camera microcomputer 16 6 to create control data to be transmitted.

Next, in step S405, the camera microcomputer 16 controls the lens microcomputer 6 via the control signal line 17.
And data transmission and reception. In the transmission and reception of data performed in step S405, the camera microcomputer 16 transmits control data for controlling the focus lens 3, the aperture 4, and the zoom lens 5 in the lens unit 2 to the lens microcomputer 6. Further, the camera microcomputer 16 receives the program AE transmitted from the lens microcomputer 6 and function control information and the like regarding each function of the digital effect processing.

In step S406, the camera microcomputer 1
6 is the lens microcomputer 6 in step S405.
And decodes data such as function control information transmitted from and received from the PC, and performs processing based on the data such as the function control information according to the decoding result. When the process is completed in step S406, the process proceeds to step S407, and the communication with the lens microcomputer 6 ends normally. And step S
Returning to step 402, it is determined whether or not the lens unit 2 has been mounted again, and based on the above determination result, the above-described processing of steps S402 to S407 is repeated.

If the result of determination in step S403 is that the communication state between the lens unit 2 and the camera unit 7 is not normal (communication abnormal state), the flow proceeds to step S408. In step S408, the camera microcomputer 16 measures the time of the communication abnormal state, and determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed in the communication abnormal state. As a result of the above determination, if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed in the communication abnormal state, the camera microcomputer 16 proceeds to step S4.
Return to 02. Then, the camera microcomputer 16 determines whether or not the lens unit 2 is mounted again (S40).
2) It is determined whether the communication state with the lens unit 2 is normal (S403).

If the camera microcomputer 16 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed in the communication abnormal state (the communication abnormal state has continued for the predetermined time or more) as a result of the determination in step S408, the process proceeds to step S407. Then, the communication with the lens microcomputer 6 is forcibly terminated. Note that a series of processing operations from step S402 to step S407 are performed in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal in the present embodiment.

Next, the processing operation of the lens microcomputer 6 in the lens unit 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing operation by the lens microcomputer 6. In FIG. 5, when the lens microcomputer 6 starts the processing operation, first, in step S501, similarly to step S403 shown in FIG.
It is determined whether the communication state between the camera and the camera unit 7 is normal.

If the result of the determination in step S501 is that the communication state between the lens unit 2 and the camera unit 7 is normal, the process proceeds to step S502, and in step S502, the lens microcomputer 6 Data such as function control information to be transmitted to the camera microcomputer 16 shown in FIG. 6 is created. The function control information shown in FIG. 6 will be described later.

Next, at step S 503, the lens microcomputer 6 sends the camera microcomputer 16 via the control signal line 17.
And data transmission and reception. The data transmission / reception performed in step S503 is performed in step S4 shown in FIG.
The lens microcomputer 6 transmits the data such as the function control information created in step S502 to the camera microcomputer 16. Further, the lens microcomputer 6 receives control data for controlling the focus lens 3, the aperture 4, and the zoom lens 5 transmitted from the camera microcomputer 16.

In step S504, the lens microcomputer 6
Decodes the data such as the control data received in step S503, and controls the focus lens 3, the aperture 4, and the zoom lens 5 based on the control signal and the like in accordance with the decoding result. Step S504 above
When the process is completed in, the process proceeds to step S505,
The communication with the camera microcomputer 16 ends normally. And
Returning to step S501, steps S501 to S501 described above are performed.
The process of step S505 is repeated.

If the result of determination in step S501 is that the communication state between the lens unit 2 and the camera unit 7 is not normal (communication abnormal state), the process proceeds to step S506, and in step S506. The lens microcomputer 6 measures the time of the communication abnormal state. If the lens microcomputer 6 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed in the communication abnormal state based on the result of the measurement, the process returns to the step S501, and the communication state with the camera unit unit 7 is changed again. It is determined whether or not it is normal (S50).
1).

If the lens microcomputer 6 determines in step S506 that the predetermined time has elapsed in the communication abnormal state, the process proceeds to step S505, and the communication with the camera microcomputer 16 is forcibly terminated. Note that, in the present embodiment, a series of processing operations in steps S501 to S506 described above operate in accordance with the communication timing of the camera microcomputer 16.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing step S502 shown in FIG.
3 is a diagram for explaining data created by the lens microcomputer 6 and transmitted to the camera microcomputer 16. FIG.
As shown in step S502, the data generated by the lens microcomputer 6 in step S502 and transmitted to the camera microcomputer 16 includes the permission of the photographing function of the camera unit 7 according to the characteristics of the lens of the lens unit 2. There is function control information to prohibit.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the function control information includes n of the data to be transmitted to the camera microcomputer 16.
In the byte (n is a natural number), a permission / prohibition bit for operation of each exposure function such as a portrait function and a spotlight function of the program AE is provided. Note that the portrait function and the spotlight function of the exposure function are well-known technologies, and thus description thereof will be omitted. Also, as shown in FIG. 6B, at the h-th byte (h is a natural number different from the above-mentioned n) of the data to be transmitted to the camera microcomputer 16, each electronic device such as an electronic zoom function and a mosaic function of the digital effect processing is provided. A permission / prohibition bit for a functional operation of the image processing function is provided. Note that the electronic zoom function, the mosaic function, and the like are well-known technologies, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Regarding the photographing function of the camera unit 7 that cannot obtain a desired photographed image due to the characteristics of the lens of the lens unit 2, the lens microcomputer 6 prohibits the function operation corresponding to the above function control information. The bit is set to “1”, and data including the function control information is transmitted to the camera unit 7. In accordance with the data including the transmitted function control information, the camera unit 7 prohibits the functional operation of the photographing function in the camera unit 7, so that a desired photographed image cannot be obtained due to the characteristics of the lens of the lens unit 2. 7 can be prohibited.

For example, since the lens unit mounted on the camera unit 7 is an ultra-wide-angle lens unit, even if the aperture is opened, the depth of field cannot be made sufficiently small. If the depth of field becomes too shallow due to the lens unit, the lens microcomputer 6 in the lens unit 2
Sets the bit 1 which is the operation enable / disable bit of the portrait function in the item of the program AE shown in FIG. That is, when the above-described super-wide-angle lens unit or super-telephoto lens unit is mounted, the function control in which the bit 1 is “1” is performed so that the operation of the portrait function in the camera unit 7 is prohibited. Data including information is transmitted from the lens microcomputer 6 to the camera microcomputer 16.

Therefore, the camera unit 7 can operate so as to prohibit the display and the functional operation of the portrait mode in the program AE mode. That is, since the super wide angle lens unit is used, the depth of field is too deep even in the portrait mode in which the portrait function is operated, and the effect of the portrait mode cannot be sufficiently obtained. Because the unit is a unit, the depth of field is always too shallow even in the portrait mode, and the function of the portrait mode for reducing the depth of field is different from the function of the mode of another program AE. If the difference is not sufficiently realized, the display of the portrait mode can be removed from the program AE or disabled. As a result, even when the lens unit as described above is mounted, the depth of field does not become shallow or the depth of field is always too deep despite the portrait mode in the camera unit 7. Thus, it is possible to prevent a problem that the photographer cannot obtain a desired photographed image due to no difference between the portrait mode and the other program AE modes.

For example, when the photographed image is enlarged by operating the electronic zoom function as described above, the coarseness of the lens optical performance of the lens unit 2 in the photographed image is promoted, and the photographed image is enlarged. Image quality was sometimes very poor. At this time, the photographer did not seem to have degraded the image quality of the photographed image, but seemed to be out of focus. In this case, the photographer does not judge that the image quality has deteriorated due to the electronic zoom function, judges that the image is out of focus, and sometimes misunderstands that the image is out of focus even when focusing by manual focus. is there. In the case where a lens unit that causes a very poor image quality of a captured image in the electronic zoom function is mounted, a bit that is an operation permission / prohibition bit of the electronic zoom function in the digital effect processing item illustrated in FIG. 0 is set to “1”. Then, by transmitting the electronic zoom function to the camera microcomputer 16, the function operation of the electronic zoom function in the camera unit section 7 can be prohibited, and the above-described problem can be prevented from occurring.

Next, based on FIGS. 7 and 8, the camera microcomputer 1 in step S406 shown in FIG.
The processing operation of No. 6 will be described in detail. In the following description, a case where the functional operation of the portrait function of the program AE included in the camera unit 7 is permitted or prohibited will be described as an example.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining in detail the processing of the camera microcomputer 16 in step S406. 7, when the processing operation is started, in step S701, the camera microcomputer 16 operates the portrait function operation permission / prohibition bit (n) of the data including the function control information received in step S405 shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not bit 0) of the byte is “1”.
If the result of the above determination is that the operation permission / prohibition bit of the portrait function is “0”, the flow proceeds to step S702, and the camera microcomputer 16 gives a selection permission to make the portrait function of the program AE item selectable. Do. next,
In step S703, the camera microcomputer 16 performs an operation permission to make the portrait function of the program AE item operable, thereby completing a series of operations.

On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in step S701,
If the operation permission / prohibition bit of the portrait function is “1”, the process proceeds to step S704, where the camera microcomputer 16
Inhibits the selection of the portrait function of the program AE item. Next, step S70
At 5, the camera microcomputer 16 further executes the program AE
The operation of disabling the portrait function of the item is disabled, and a series of operations is completed.

Here, the operation permission / inhibition bit of the portrait function is “0” (operation permission) and “1”.
FIG. 8 shows a display screen at the time of selecting the program AE displayed on the display unit 15 in the case of (operation prohibition), for example.
FIG. 8A is an example of a display screen when the program AE is selected when the portrait function operation permission / prohibition bit is “0”, that is, when the portrait function operation is permitted. As shown in FIG. 8A, when the operation of the portrait function is permitted, it is displayed without distinction from the items of the other programs AE, and the portrait mode for operating the portrait function can be selected. it can.

FIG. 8B is an example of a display screen when the program AE is selected when the portrait function operation permission / prohibition bit is "1", that is, when the portrait function operation is prohibited. As shown in FIG. 8B, when the operation of the portrait function is prohibited, the portrait mode is inverted on the display screen when the program AE is selected, and the portrait mode can be selected. Will not be able to. Note that, in FIG. 8, the photographer can recognize that the portrait mode is prohibited from being selected by inverting the display on the display screen, but the portrait mode may be blinked. Alternatively, the portrait mode may not be displayed on the display screen. At this time, it goes without saying that the operation of the portrait function itself is also prohibited.

In the above description, the operation of the interchangeable lens type video camera 1 (the lens unit 2 and the camera unit 7) according to the present embodiment has been described using the operation permission / prohibition bit of the portrait function as an example. However, as in the case of the portrait function, permission / prohibition of display and operation is determined in the camera unit 7 for each of the photographing functions such as the program AE and digital effect processing shown in FIG. Is permitted / inhibited.

As described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, the lens microcomputer 6 in the lens unit 2
Function control information for permitting or prohibiting the function operation of the photographing function of the camera unit 7 is supplied to the camera microcomputer 16 in the camera unit 7 via the control signal line 17. Then, based on the supplied function control information, the camera microcomputer 16 changes the selection screen when the photographer selects the photographing function or prohibits the operation of the photographing function prohibited by the function control information. And so on. Thereby, for each attached lens unit 2,
The lens unit 2 instructs the camera unit 7 to permit or prohibit the functional operation of the photographing function of the camera unit 7, and the photographer selects or operates the prohibited photographing function in the camera unit 7. It is possible to prevent the photographer from selecting an appropriate photographing function and provide an appropriate photographing function. Therefore, the photographer does not select a photographing function that does not provide a sufficient effect or the function does not operate effectively, thereby preventing the photographer from misunderstanding that the desired operation is not performed. it can.

For example, when the super wide angle lens unit is mounted and the depth of field cannot be reduced sufficiently, information for prohibiting the portrait function is transmitted from the lens microcomputer 6 (lens unit 2) as function control information. This is transmitted to the camera microcomputer 16 (camera unit 7). As a result, the portrait mode for operating the portrait function cannot be selected from the selection items of the program AE of the camera unit 7, or the portrait mode is not displayed, so that the photographer selects the portrait mode. This can prevent the photographer from making a misunderstanding that the depth of field does not become shallow even in the portrait mode.

Further, for example, as a result of enlargement processing of a photographed image by the electronic zoom function, if the photographed image promotes a rough lens optical performance, information for inhibiting the operation of the electronic zoom function is provided as function control information. Is transmitted from the lens microcomputer 6 to the camera microcomputer 16 in advance. Thus, when the lens unit 2 is attached, the operation of prohibiting the operation of the electronic zoom function is performed in the camera unit 7, and it is possible to perform photographing only with high-quality optics.

Also, by using the information transmitted from the lens unit 2 for inhibiting the operation of the electronic zoom function,
Lens unit 2 for which operation of the electronic zoom function should be prohibited
When the camera is mounted on the camera unit 7, the operation of the electronic zoom function can be prohibited and the display related to the electronic zoom function can be prevented, so that the photographer is prevented from selecting the electronic zoom function, and the photographer is focused. It is possible to prevent the misunderstanding that they do not match.

(Other Embodiments of the Present Invention) Each functional block and processing procedure shown in the above-described embodiment may be constituted by hardware, or may be implemented by a CPU or MPU,
A microcomputer system including a ROM and a RAM may be used, and the operation may be realized according to a work program stored in the ROM or the RAM. The present invention also includes a software program for realizing the functions described above, which is provided to a RAM so as to realize the functions of the respective functional blocks, and which is executed by operating the functional blocks according to the programs. include.

In this case, the software program itself implements the functions of the above-described embodiment.
The program itself and means for supplying the program to a computer, for example, a recording medium storing such a program constitute the present invention. As a recording medium for storing such a program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like can be used.

Further, when the computer executes the supplied program, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or other application software running on the computer. It goes without saying that such a program is also included in the embodiment of the present invention when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with the above.

Further, after the supplied program is stored in the memory provided in the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program is provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit based on the instruction of the program. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case where the CPU or the like performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Function control information for suppressing the imaging function of the imaging unit is transmitted from the lens unit attached to the imaging unit, and at least display and operation related to the imaging function of the imaging unit are performed based on the transmitted function control information. Control one. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the operation of the imaging function of the imaging unit for each mounted lens unit, to allow the photographer to easily select an appropriate imaging function, and to provide the photographer with an appropriate imaging function. Therefore, the photographer does not select an erroneous imaging function, and it is possible to prevent the photographer from misunderstanding that the imaging function does not function sufficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an interchangeable lens video camera to which an imaging device according to an embodiment is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a lens microcomputer.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera microcomputer.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing operation by a camera microcomputer.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation by a lens microcomputer.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data transmitted from a lens microcomputer to a camera microcomputer.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the camera microcomputer in step S406 shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when a program AE is selected.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lens interchangeable video camera 2 Lens unit part 3 Focus lens 4 Aperture 5 Zoom lens 6 Lens microcomputer 7 Camera unit part 8 CCD 9 CDS / AGC circuit 10 A / D converter 11 Camera signal processing part 12 Encoder part 13 Camera key 14 Lens detector 15 Display 16 Camera microcomputer 17 Control signal line

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. An imaging system comprising: an imaging unit; and a lens unit detachable from the imaging unit, wherein the function control information for suppressing a predetermined exposure control function of the imaging unit is transmitted to the imaging unit. Communication means for communicating between means and lens means, wherein the lens means transmits the function control information to the imaging means via the communication means, and the imaging means transmits the function transmitted by the lens means. An imaging system, wherein at least one of display and operation related to the predetermined exposure control function is controlled based on control information. 2. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the function control information is information for controlling permission or prohibition of operation of a predetermined exposure control function of the imaging unit. 3. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined exposure control function includes a portrait function for blurring a background of a captured image. 4. An image pickup system comprising an image pickup unit and a lens unit detachable from the image pickup unit, wherein a function control for suppressing an image processing function of performing predetermined image processing on image data of a picked-up image is provided. Communication means for communicating information between the imaging means and the lens means, the lens means transmitting the function control information to the imaging means via the communication means, and the function control information An image capturing system for prohibiting at least one of display and operation relating to the predetermined image processing function based on the image processing function. 5. The imaging system according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined image processing function includes an electronic zoom function for enlarging the image data of the captured image. 6. An interchangeable lens to be attached to an image pickup device with a detachable lens, wherein control information generating means for generating function control information for suppressing a predetermined exposure control function of the image pickup device; A transmission unit for transmitting the function control information generated by the information generation unit to the imaging device. 7. The interchangeable lens according to claim 6, wherein the control information generating means generates the function control information according to characteristics of the lens of the interchangeable lens. 8. An interchangeable lens to be attached to an image pickup apparatus having a detachable lens, wherein control information generation for generating function control information for suppressing an image processing function of performing predetermined image processing on image data of a captured image. An interchangeable lens comprising: means for transmitting function control information generated by the control information generating means to the imaging device. 9. The interchangeable lens according to claim 8, wherein the control information generating unit generates the function control information according to a characteristic of the interchangeable lens. 10. An image pickup apparatus with a detachable lens, receiving function control information transmitted from an interchangeable lens mounted on the image pickup apparatus for suppressing a predetermined exposure control function of the image pickup apparatus. Means, based on the function control information received by the receiving means,
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a control unit that prohibits at least one of a display and an operation related to the predetermined exposure control function. 11. An image pickup apparatus having a detachable lens, wherein an image processing function of performing predetermined image processing on image data of a captured image of the image pickup apparatus transmitted from an interchangeable lens mounted on the image pickup apparatus is suppressed. Receiving means for receiving function control information for performing, based on the function control information received by the receiving means,
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a control unit that prohibits at least one of a display and an operation related to the predetermined image processing function. 12. An imaging function control method for an imaging system in which a lens means can be replaced with an imaging means, wherein function control information for suppressing a predetermined exposure control function of the imaging means is captured from the lens means. Transmitting at least one of a display and an operation related to a predetermined exposure control function of the imaging unit based on the transmitted function control information. 13. The imaging function control method according to claim 12, wherein the function control information is information for controlling operation permission or prohibition of a predetermined exposure control function of the image pickup unit. 14. A method for controlling an imaging function of an imaging system in which a lens means can be replaced with an imaging means, the image processing apparatus comprising: Transmitting the function control information from the lens unit to the imaging unit, and controlling at least one of a display and an operation related to a predetermined image processing function of the imaging unit based on the transmitted function control information. Imaging function control method. 15. The imaging function control method according to claim 14, wherein the function control information is information for controlling operation permission or prohibition of a predetermined image processing function of the imaging unit. 16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined exposure control function includes a portrait function for blurring the background of the captured image. 17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined image processing function includes an electronic zoom function for enlarging the image data of the captured image. 18. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means according to claim 6 is recorded. 19. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to execute the processing procedure of the imaging function control method according to claim 12. 20. A program for causing a computer to function as each means according to claim 6. Description: 21. A program for causing a computer to execute a processing procedure of the imaging function control method according to claim 12.