JP2005070635A - Lens information display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lens information display device that is lower in cost than a system in which lens information is displayed on a display device connected to a lens device by a cable etc., like before and can improve convenience by installing a display unit in a lens device for television photography or cinema photography and displaying the lens information of a focal length, a subject distance, an F number, a depth of field, a visual angle, a self-diagnosis result, a focus evaluation value, etc., on the display unit. <P>SOLUTION: A liquid crystal display unit 46 is installed in a driving unit 14 of an ENG lens 10, and various lens information is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 46. Further, various functions can easily be set according to a guidance picture displayed in a menu form on the liquid crystal display unit 46. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a lens information display device, and more particularly to a lens information display device applied to a lens device for television photography or cinema photography.

  For example, lens devices used in television broadcast cameras include ENG lenses that are mainly used when carrying the camera for coverage, etc., and box-type EFP lenses that are used mainly in a studio or the like. Conventionally, in such a lens device for television broadcasting, information relating to the optical system, such as information on the optical system such as focal length, subject distance, and F number, focus information, and information on self-diagnosis results in the self-diagnosis function, etc. A system has been proposed in which lens information can be displayed on a display device connected to the lens device with a cable or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, in a lens device for television broadcasting, the drive (lens drive) of the focus, zoom, iris, etc. of the optical system can be electrically performed by standard or by using a predetermined accessory. It is also known that various functions such as auto focus function, auto iris function, quick zoom function, auto cruising function and one shot preset function can be used when the lens can be driven electrically. Yes.
JP 2003-149541 A

  However, displaying lens information on a display device connected to the lens device with a cable or the like as in the prior art may be inconvenient in operation, and there are problems in terms of cost and convenience.

  Conventionally, setting of various functions of the lens device is generally performed by using a dip switch provided in the lens device. However, in recent years, the function of the lens device has become multi-functional. It is becoming impossible to correspond to the type.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a low-cost and convenient lens information display device for displaying lens information. It is another object of the present invention to provide a lens information display device that facilitates function setting in response to the multi-function of the lens device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 includes a display device installed in a lens device used in a camera for television photography or cinema photography, and display control means built in the lens device. In addition, information on the setting state regarding the optical system of the lens apparatus, information on the self-diagnosis result, and information on the focus evaluation value, including information on the focal length, the subject distance, the F number, the depth of field, and the angle of view. Display control means for displaying at least one of the information on the display.

  Further, the invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays the setting state information on the display when the focal length, subject distance, F number, It is characterized in that information on depth of field and angle of view is switched and displayed on the display.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display control means is information for guiding settings related to the function of the lens device, date / time information, power supply voltage information, or It is characterized by displaying stopwatch information.

  According to the present invention, a display device is installed in the lens device, and the display device includes a focal length, a subject distance, an F number, a depth of field, and a setting state related to the optical system of the lens device including information on a field angle. Information, self-diagnosis result information, and focus evaluation value information are displayed at least one of the information, as compared with the conventional case of displaying on a display device connected to the lens device with a cable or the like. The cost can be reduced and the convenience is improved. Furthermore, it is also possible to set various functions of the lens device according to the guidance screen of such a display, thereby making it possible to easily set the function corresponding to the multi-function of the lens device. It becomes like this.

  A preferred embodiment of a lens information display device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the external appearance of a lens apparatus to which the present invention is applied. A lens device 10 shown in the figure is an ENG lens that is replaceably mounted on an ENG camera for television broadcasting or the like, and is an inner focus zoom lens. Hereinafter, the lens device 10 is referred to as an ENG lens 10.

  The ENG lens 10 mainly includes a lens barrel 12, optical components inside the lens barrel 12, and a drive unit 14 installed on the side of the lens barrel 12. The drive unit 14 is attached to the lens barrel 12 with screws, and can be detached from the lens barrel 12 by removing the screws. However, the drive unit 14 is basically commercialized as a lens device integrated with the lens barrel 12. It is different from accessories (accessory devices) sold separately.

  A mount is provided at the rear end of the lens barrel 12 so that it can be attached to and detached from the camera body. The lens barrel 12 is provided with a focus ring 16, a zoom ring 18, and an iris ring 20, and an extender (device) 22 is provided on the rear end side of the lens barrel 12. The internal structure of the lens barrel 12 is not shown, but as is well known, a fixed focus lens, a movable focus lens (group), a zoom lens (group), an iris, and a relay lens (group) in order from the front. Etc., and the lens (group) of the extender 22 is arranged behind it. A movable focus lens (hereinafter simply referred to as a focus lens) moves back and forth in the direction of the optical axis in conjunction with the rotation of the focus ring 16, so that when the position of the focus lens changes, the focus lens changes. The distance of the subject to be matched (subject distance) changes.

  The zoom lens includes a zoom lens and a correction lens that move in the optical axis direction with a predetermined positional relationship. When the zoom ring 18 is rotated, the zoom lens (the zoom lens and the correction lens is interlocked). ) Moves back and forth in the optical axis direction. As a result, when the position of the zoom lens changes, the zoom magnification (focal length) changes.

  When the iris ring 20 is rotated, the iris is opened and closed in conjunction with the iris ring 20. When the iris position (aperture amount) changes, the iris value (F number) changes. The extender 22 is a lens corresponding to each magnification for switching the magnification of an image formed by the optical system in the lens barrel 12 between, for example, 1 × and 2 × (hereinafter, these lenses are referred to as extender lenses). An extender lens that is inserted on the optical axis of the optical system through which the subject light passes can be obtained by the operation of the motor connecting portion connected to the motor of the drive unit 14 or the operation of a predetermined lever that is manually operated. Switching to the extender lens for magnification.

  On the other hand, the drive unit 14 is covered with a case 24, and a motor, a sensor, a mechanical mechanism, a circuit component, and the like constituting the drive unit 14 are arranged inside the case 24. The motors arranged in the drive unit 14 include a focus motor, a zoom motor, an iris motor, and an extender motor. These motors are respectively connected to the focus ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the iris of the lens barrel 12 through a gear transmission mechanism. The ring 20 is connected to the motor connecting portion of the extender 22. Accordingly, when each motor is driven, the focus ring 16, the zoom ring 18, and the iris ring 20 are rotated, and the motor connecting portion of the extender 22 is operated to drive the focus lens, the zoom lens, the iris, and the extender lens. Is done.

  A grip band 26 is attached to the side surface of the drive unit 14, and the photographer inserts the right hand (four fingers other than the thumb) into the grip band 26 and grips the case 24, whereby the ENG lens 10. The whole can be supported, and various operation members such as switches arranged at various locations on the outer surface of the case 24 can be operated with each finger.

  As an operation member disposed in the case 24, for example, a zoom seesaw control switch 28, an iris auto / manual mode switch 30, an iris momentary switch 32, a return switch 34, a preset switch 36, a preset memory switch 38, etc. Is provided. On the rear surface of the case 24, a VTR switch 40, a quick zoom (Q / Z) & auto cruising zoom (C / Z) switch 42, a zoom maximum speed adjusting knob 44, and the like are provided.

  In addition, a liquid crystal display 46 is provided on the upper surface of the case 24, and a plurality of screen operation switches 48 necessary for screen operation of the liquid crystal display are arranged in the vicinity thereof. In the drive unit 14, various functions can be set by the user, and a menu-type guidance screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 46 in order to perform the settings. The user can set each function by operating the screen operation switch 48 while viewing the guidance screen. The liquid crystal display 46 can display various lens information as will be described in detail later.

  Here, as setting items of functions that can be set while viewing the guidance screen of the liquid crystal display 46, for example, function setting items for performing iris adjustment automatically or manually, whether to enable or disable quick zoom Function setting item, function setting item whether to change the VTR switch 40 to a switch for quick zoom, function setting item whether to change the return switch 34 to a switch for quick zoom, and preset function There are function setting items to enable or disable.

  The drive unit 14 is provided with a control device such as a focus controller and a zoom controller, and a connector for connecting a camera body to which the ENG lens 10 is mounted with a cable or the like.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the drive unit 14. The lens barrel 12 is provided with the focus lens FL, the zoom lens ZL, the iris I, and the extender lens EL as described above, and the drive unit 14 has a focus motor FM corresponding to each of these movable optical components. A zoom motor ZM, an iris motor IM, and an extender motor EM are disposed. Further, the powers of the motors FM, ZM, IM, and EM are supplied to the focus lens FL, the zoom lens ZL, and the iris through the motor connecting portions of the focus ring 16, the zoom ring 18, the iris ring 20, and the extender 22 of the lens barrel 12, respectively. I, gear transmission mechanisms FG, ZG, IG, and EG for transmitting to the extender lens EL are provided. Accordingly, the focus lens FL, the zoom lens ZL, the iris I, and the extender lens EL are driven by the rotation of the focus motor FM, zoom motor ZM, iris IM, and extender motor EM.

  The drive unit 14 is equipped with a CPU 50, from which drive signals for driving the motors FM, ZM, IM, and EM are sent via the D / A converter 52 to the motors FM, ZM, IM, and EM. Are output to amplifiers FA, ZA, IA, and EA corresponding to. As a result, the motors FM, ZM, IM, and EM are driven at a rotation speed corresponding to the voltage value of the drive signal. Further, it is engaged with a portion (for example, a gear transmission mechanism FG, ZG, IG, EG constituting gear or operation ring) that is movable in conjunction with each of the focus lens FL, zoom lens ZL, iris I, and extender lens EL. Position detectors FP, ZP, IP, and EP (for example, potentiometers) are mounted on the drive unit 14, and the CPU 50 obtains detection signals from these position detectors FP, ZP, IP, and EP to focus. Information on the current positions of the lens FL, the zoom lens ZL, the iris I, and the extender lens EL is acquired. Information on the current position obtained from the position detectors FP, ZP, IP, and EP is used when controlling each position.

  On the other hand, the CPU 50 receives an operation signal based on an operation of the operation member (shown as the operation unit 54 in the drawing) provided at various positions of the drive unit 14, a controller 70 or a camera body 72 connected to the drive unit 14. The control signal is provided. The operation signal based on the operation of the operation unit 54 is a signal obtained by a switch or a sensor (potentiometer or the like) that detects the state of the operation member. In the case of an analog operation signal, a digital signal is output by the A / D converter 56. Is converted to and given to the CPU 50.

  A control signal given from the controller 70 to the CPU 50 is a target state (position and operation speed) of the focus lens FL, zoom lens ZL, iris I, or extender lens EL output from various controllers connected to the drive unit 14. For example, when a focus controller for focus control is connected to the drive unit 14, a control signal for instructing the target position of the focus lens is given to the CPU 50 from the focus controller based on a manual operation. It is done. In the figure, the control signal from the controller 70 is an analog signal, and the control signal is given to the CPU 50 via the A / D converter 56. Further, digital signals can be transmitted and received between the controller 70 and the CPU 50 by serial communication, and the control signals can be digital signals.

  The control signal supplied from the camera body 72 to the CPU 50 includes, for example, a control signal for instructing the best iris position (F number) from the camera body 72 during auto iris. Although not described in detail, a focus control signal for controlling the focus lens FL is provided from the camera body 72 to the CPU 50 so that the best focus is obtained when focus control is performed by autofocus. At that time, the camera main body 72 extracts a signal of a high frequency component from a video signal (luminance signal) obtained by imaging with an image sensor, and extracts a high frequency component for one screen or a predetermined area in one screen. The focus evaluation value is obtained by integrating the signals. The focus evaluation value is a value that quantitatively evaluates the contrast level of the image formed on the imaging surface, and the focus lens has a maximum (maximum) focus evaluation value, that is, a maximum contrast of the image. A focus control signal for controlling the FL is output to the CPU 50. As a result, the focus lens FL is moved to the best focus position.

  Note that the CPU 50 can acquire information on the focus evaluation value calculated by the camera main body 72 as well as at the time of autofocus, and displays information on the focus evaluation value on the liquid crystal display 46 as will be described later. In this case, the focus evaluation value information is acquired from the camera body 72. Alternatively, the focus evaluation value may be calculated by processing in the camera main body 72, and the CPU 50 that has acquired the focus evaluation value may control the focus lens FL during autofocusing. Further, a processing circuit for calculating a focus evaluation value is mounted on the drive unit 14, a video signal is acquired from the camera body, and calculation of the focus evaluation value and control of the focus lens FL based on the focus evaluation value are performed by the drive unit 14. You may make it perform.

  The CPU 50 reads various operation signals and control signals given as described above, and executes corresponding processing based on the operation signals and control signals. For example, when the given operation signal or control signal is an instruction related to control of the state of the focus lens FL, zoom lens ZL, iris I, or extender lens EL, the CPU 50 selects the focus lens FL, zoom lens ZL, iris I. The voltage values of the drive signals to the amplifiers FA, ZA, IA, and EA are adjusted so that the extender lens EL is in the state instructed by the operation signal or the control signal, and the drive signal is sent to the D / A converter 52. To the corresponding amplifiers FA, ZA, IA, EA. As a result, the motors FM, ZM, IM, and EM are driven, and the focus lens FL, the zoom lens ZL, the iris I, and the extender lens EL are controlled to the target state indicated by the operation signal or the control signal.

  The drive unit 14 is provided with a voltage detection circuit 74 so that the voltage of the power source supplied from the camera body 72 to the drive unit 14 is detected by the voltage detection circuit 74 and can be read by the CPU 50.

  The drive unit 14 incorporates the liquid crystal display 46, and various information screens are displayed on the liquid crystal display 46 via the display driver 58 based on display data from the CPU 50. Yes. The CPU 50 outputs display data indicating the information content to be displayed to the display driver 58 and causes the liquid crystal display 46 to display an information screen such as various lens information described later. In addition, when a display that allows the user to make a required selection is performed on a menu-type guidance screen or the like, the operation of the screen operation switch 48 arranged in the vicinity of the liquid crystal display 46 is monitored, and the operation corresponding to the operation is performed. Execute the process.

  For example, when a guidance screen for guiding setting of functions of the lens device 10 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 46, a list screen of setting functions (functions that can be set) in the lens device 10 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 46. Let the user choose whether to set the function. When the user selects a function to be set by operating the screen operation switch 48, the CPU 50 detects the operation, recognizes the function selected by the user, and then selects a selection screen for selecting setting contents for the function. Displayed on the liquid crystal display 46. Next, when the user selects setting contents by operating the screen operation switch 48, the CPU 50 detects the operation, recognizes the setting contents selected by the user, and validates the execution of the function with the setting contents.

  Next, a display form of lens information displayed on the liquid crystal display 46 by the display control of the CPU 50 will be described. 3 to 8 are display examples of lens information that is switched and displayed on the liquid crystal display 46, for example. FIG. 3 shows a display example of self-diagnosis result information. The self-diagnosis is a function for determining whether or not the focus lens FL, the zoom lens ZL, the iris I, the extender lens EL is normally operated, and the like, in which the drive unit 14 is equipped with a self-diagnosis function, There is one that allows a self-diagnosis to be performed by connecting a predetermined accessory device to the drive unit 14. If all of the focus, zoom, iris, and extender are normal as a result of executing the self-diagnosis function, “OK” is displayed in each target field as shown in FIG. If there is an abnormality, “NG” is displayed in the target column.

  FIG. 4 is a display example of focus evaluation value information. The focus evaluation value is a value indicating the level of contrast of the image as described above, and when displaying the focus evaluation value information, the CPU 50 acquires the focus evaluation value from the camera body 72 or the like regardless of autofocus or manual focus. When the relationship between the focus lens position and the focus evaluation value is displayed in a graph as shown in FIG. 4A, the focus evaluation value is acquired and the current position of the focus lens FL is acquired from the position detector FP. Then, a point is drawn at the coordinate position on the screen corresponding to those values. Also, a line L indicating the current position of the focus lens FL is displayed. By repeating this process, a graph curve m indicating the value of the focus evaluation value at each position is drawn on the screen of the liquid crystal display 46 along with the change in the position of the focus lens FL.

  Further, instead of displaying the focus evaluation value as a graph as shown in FIG. 4A, it is also possible to display a numerical value as shown in FIG. 4B. For example, in FIG. Is displayed as a percentage (%) with respect to a predetermined reference value. The reference value may be a fixed value, or the maximum value among the focus evaluation values acquired after the reset process may be used as the reference value. Also, the focus evaluation value is displayed not as a percentage of the reference value but as a relative amount (for example, the acquired focus evaluation value itself or a value obtained by multiplying the focus evaluation value by a constant). You may make it do. Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, numerical display as shown in FIG. 4B may be performed together with the graph display.

  FIG. 5 is a display example of information indicating the setting state (lens data) of the optical system. As shown in the figure, the object distance (OD) and depth of field (in parentheses) are displayed in the uppermost column as information on the setting state of the optical system, and the focal length (FL) is displayed in the lower column. Is displayed. Furthermore, the F number (FNO.) Is displayed in the next lower column, and the angle of view (A.V) is displayed in the lowermost column. The CPU 50 sequentially acquires the current positions of the focus lens FL, the zoom lens ZL, the iris I, and the extender lens EL from the position detectors FP, ZP, IP, and EP, obtains the above information, and displays them on the screen of the liquid crystal display 46. To do.

  FIG. 6 is a display example of power supply voltage information. In the figure, the power supply voltage (POWER) is numerically displayed, and the CPU 50 sequentially acquires, for example, the power supply voltage supplied from the camera body through the voltage detection circuit, and the acquired power supply voltage value is displayed on the liquid crystal. Displayed on the screen of the display 46 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a display example of date / time information. As shown in the figure, the upper column displays the current date and time in Japan, and the lower column displays the current date and time in New York. The CPU 50 obtains the date and time of New York from the date and time of Japan and the time difference between Japan and New York by the function of the internal clock, and displays it on the screen of the liquid crystal display 46.

  The various lens information is switched and displayed by operating the screen operation switch 48. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of types of information may be displayed in one screen. Also, information other than the above types may be displayed. For example, the lens device 10 may be provided with a stopwatch function so that the stopwatch information can be displayed.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an ENG lens has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to an EFP lens that is used stationary in a studio or the like. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a lens device for television shooting but also to a lens device used for cinema shooting.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the external appearance of a lens apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the drive unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of self-diagnosis result information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of focus evaluation value information. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of information indicating the setting state of the optical system. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of power supply voltage information. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of date / time information.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Lens apparatus (ENG lens), 12 ... Lens barrel, 14 ... Drive unit, 16 ... Focus ring, 18 ... Zoom ring, 20 ... Iris ring, 22 ... Extender, 24 ... Case, 46 ... Liquid crystal display (LCD) 48 ... Screen operation switch, 50 ... CPU, 70 ... Controller, 72 ... Camera body, 74 ... Voltage detection circuit, FL ... Focus lens, ZL ... Zoom lens, I ... Iris, EL ... Extender lens, FM ... Focus Motor, ZM ... zoom motor, IM ... iris motor, EL ... extender lens, FG, ZG, IG, EG ... gear transmission mechanism, FP, ZP, IP, EP ... position detector

Claims (3)

An indicator installed in a lens device used in a TV or cinema camera;
Display control means built in the lens device, comprising information on a setting state relating to the optical system of the lens device, including self-diagnosis, comprising focal length, subject distance, F number, depth of field, and field angle information Display control means for displaying at least any one of information on the result and information on the focus evaluation value on the display;
A lens information display device comprising:   In the case where the display state information is displayed on the display unit, the display control unit switches information on the focal length, the subject distance, the F number, the depth of field, and the angle of view and displays the information on the display unit. The lens information display device according to claim 1.   3. The lens information display device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays information for guiding settings related to the function of the lens device, date / time information, power supply voltage information, or stopwatch information.

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