JP2006078638A - Optical equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide optical equipment capable of maintaining correspondence between movement of a movable lens and movement of an operation member which is operated from outside and improving operability. <P>SOLUTION: The optical equipment is equipped with the movable lens, a lens driving means of moving the movable lens along the optical axis, the operation member which can be operated from outside within a designated variable range, an operation member driving means of driving the operation member within the designated variable range, an operation member position detecting means of detecting the position of the operation member, a drive signal output means of outputting a drive signal for driving the operation member driving means, a control means of controlling the driving of the lens driving means according to the output from the operation member position detecting means when the operation member is operated from outside, and moving the operation member by driving the operation member driving means according to the drive signal and also controlling the driving of the lens driving means according to the output from the operation member position detecting means when the drive signal is outputted from the drive signal output means while the operation member is not operated from outside, and a driving control changing means of changing the movable lens position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention generally relates to an optical apparatus, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera or a video camera that can exchange lenses or has a lens integrally therewith.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, photographing apparatuses such as a digital camera and a video camera that are interchangeable using a rear focus (inner focus) zoom lens or have an integrated lens are known. This rear focus zoom lens has a zoom lens, and a focus lens that is arranged on the image plane side of the zoom lens and corrects the image plane variation accompanying the movement of the zoom lens (function of a compensator) and performs focusing. Yes.

  In the above-described photographing apparatus using the rear focus zoom lens, the focus lens is driven by a focus drive signal from the camera side to perform focus adjustment. In addition, the zoom lens is driven by a zoom drive signal generated by the operation of the zoom switch on the camera side, and the focus lens is driven to perform zooming so as to correct image plane fluctuations accompanying zooming. Here, in order to improve the shooting operation, there has been proposed a shooting apparatus configured to manually perform focus adjustment and zoom operation.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-259542 discloses an imaging apparatus having a configuration that enables manual focus adjustment using the rear focus zoom type optical system. The one disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a focus lens is driven and moved by a motor in accordance with a rotation operation of the manual focus ring, and the manual focus ring is rotated by a motor when the focus lens is moved in an autofocus operation. Have. This Patent Document 1 also discloses that distance display is printed on the outer periphery of the manual focus ring, and an index is provided on the fixed portion to display the distance to the subject.

Further, as an imaging apparatus configured to use the above-described rear focus zoom type optical system and enable manual zoom operation, for example, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 2. In the one disclosed in Patent Document 2, the zoom lens is moved according to the rotation operation by rotating the manual zoom lever, and the manual zoom lever is moved to the motor when the zoom lens is moved by pressing the zoom key on the camera side. It has the structure rotated by. This patent document 2 also discloses that a focal length is displayed by providing a scale such as a focal length at a fixed portion near the manual zoom lever.
JP-A-6-186467 (description of paragraphs [0006] and [0007] and FIG. 1 etc.) JP-A-10-191141 (description of paragraph [0027] and FIG. 1 etc.)

  However, in the photographing apparatus having the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, the correspondence relationship between the movement position of the focus lens and the movement (rotation) position of the manual focus ring driven by the motor does not match during autofocus operation (maintenance). Is not). Further, there is no focus range switching means for facilitating focus adjustment, and the focus range is always the entire area.

  In the photographing apparatus having the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2 described above, when the zoom lens is moved by a zoom key pressing operation, there is a correspondence between the movement position of the zoom lens and the movement (rotation) position of the manual zoom lever driven by the motor. There is a problem that they do not match (is not maintained). In general, an operation member (manual focus ring, manual zoom ring, etc.) that is manually operated is provided with a viscous member such as grease between the operation member and the fixed member so that the operator can obtain a predetermined operation feeling (rotation torque). However, since the viscosity of the viscous member fluctuates due to a temperature change and the load fluctuates, the movement (rotation) speed of the operation member fluctuates and the above problem occurs.

  Further, since there is no electronic zoom for increasing the zoom magnification and the rotation position of the manual zoom ring corresponds to the lens movement position, the manual zoom ring cannot perform electronic zoom.

  Also, when the manual operation members (rings, levers) are held down by the operator during movement of the focus lens during autofocus operation or when the zoom lens is moved by pressing the zoom key, the operation member is moved (rotated). However, even in this case, there is a problem that the correspondence relationship between the moving position of the focus lens or the zoom lens and the position of the manual operation member does not match (is not maintained).

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can maintain the correspondence between the movement of the movable lens and the movement of the operation member that is externally operated, and can improve the operability. It is an exemplary purpose to provide a device.

  In order to achieve the above object, an optical apparatus as an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a movable lens, a lens driving unit that moves the movable lens along the optical axis direction, and an external operation within a predetermined movable range. A possible operation member, an operation member driving means for driving the operation member within a predetermined movable range, an operation member position detecting means for detecting the position of the operation member, and a drive signal for driving the operation member driving means. When the operating member is operated by an external operation, the driving of the lens driving means is controlled according to the output from the operating member position detecting means at that time, and the operating member is not externally operated. When the drive signal is outputted from the drive signal output means, the operation member is moved by driving the operation member drive means based on the drive signal, and the operation member position detecting hand at that time is moved. And control means for controlling the driving of the lens driving means in accordance with the output from, characterized in that a drive control changing means for changing the movable lens position.

  The optical apparatus may further include display means for displaying a correspondence relationship between the operation member position and the movable lens position.

  An optical apparatus according to another exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a movable lens, a lens driving unit that moves the movable lens along the optical axis direction, an operation member that can be operated by an external operation within a predetermined movable range, and an operation. An operating member driving means for driving the member within a predetermined movable range; an operating member position detecting means for detecting the position of the operating member; and a drive signal output means for outputting a driving signal for driving the operating member driving means. When the operating member is operated by an external operation, the driving of the lens driving unit is controlled according to the output from the operating member position detecting unit at that time, and the operating member is driven from the driving signal output unit without being externally operated. When the signal is output, the operating member driving means is driven based on the driving signal to move the operating member, and the lens is moved according to the output from the operating member position detecting means at that time. And control means for controlling the driving of the driving means, characterized the electronic zooming unit means for performing an electronic zoom, further comprising an electronic zoom switching means for switching whether to perform an electronic zoom.

  The optical apparatus may further include a focal length display switching unit for switching the display of the focal length.

  An optical apparatus as still another exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a movable lens, a lens driving unit that moves the movable lens along the optical axis direction, an operation member that can be operated by an external operation within a predetermined movable range, An operation member driving means for driving the operation member within a predetermined movable range, an operation member position detecting means for detecting the position of the operation member, and a drive signal output means for outputting a drive signal for driving the operation member driving means When the operating member is operated by an external operation, the driving of the lens driving unit is controlled according to the output from the operating member position detecting unit at that time, and the operating member is not operated externally from the driving signal output unit. When the driving signal is output, the operating member driving means is driven based on the driving signal to move the operating member, and the output from the operating member position detecting means at that time is And control means for controlling the driving of the lens driving means, characterized by comprising a focus range selection means for switching the focus range.

  The optical apparatus may further include a distance display switching unit for switching the display of the distance.

  Other objects and further features of the present invention will be made clear by embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  According to the present invention, even when the rotation angle of the operation member that is externally operated and the position of the movable lens change, such as switching of the electronic zoom and the focus range, the movement of the movable lens and the operation member that is externally operated are changed. Correspondence with movement can be maintained, and operability can be improved.

  Hereinafter, optical devices according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an optical apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which this optical apparatus is applied to a zoom mechanism of an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera or a video camera having a rear focus zoom lens optical system. Here, the rear focus zoom lens optical system according to the present embodiment includes a variable power lens (variator lens) and a variable power according to a variable power operation (zoom) of the variable power lens disposed on the image plane side of the variable power lens. And a focus lens that moves in the direction of the optical axis so as to correct the image plane fluctuation (compensator action) accompanying the movement and moves in the direction of the optical axis for focus adjustment. For example, from the object side, a fixed positive first lens group, a negative second lens group that moves by zooming operation, a fixed positive third lens group, a positive fourth lens that moves for compensator action and focus A four-group rear focus zoom type optical system composed of lens groups is applied. In FIG. 1, the variator lens group and the focus lens group are illustrated, and the other lens groups are not shown.

  1 and 8, reference numeral 1 denotes a zoom ring that is an operation member that is manually operated from the outside, 2 denotes an arrow that indicates a rotation angle (movable range) of the zoom ring 1, and the zoom ring 1 has a focal length (zoom position). The rotation range is set by a stopper (not shown) so as to be rotated between the tele end 3 having the longest focal length and the wide end 4 having the shortest focal length. The rotation angle of the zoom ring 1 is set in a range of about 90 ° to 120 °, for example. Further, the zoom ring 1 is provided with a focal length scale 1a by printing or engraving, and the focal length between the zoom ring 1 and an index 1b provided on a fixed barrel (not shown) that rotatably supports the zoom ring 1 is provided. The display is configured to be performed.

  A motor 5 drives the zoom ring 1, and a stepping motor or a DC motor is used. Reference numeral 6 denotes a variator lens group that moves in the optical axis direction for zooming. Reference numeral 7 denotes a focus lens group that is provided closer to the image plane than the variator lens group. 8 is a rotary absolute position encoder that detects the absolute position of the zoom ring 1, 9 is a minute angular displacement detection pulse encoder provided as necessary when the resolution of the rotary absolute position encoder 8 is insufficient, 10 is a CPU, A trajectory memory that is a memory related to zoom tracking provided in the CPU 10 and 12 is a zoom motor that drives the variator lens group 6 in the optical axis direction. Here, STM is described assuming a stepping motor. A linear actuator such as a coil motor may be used.

  Reference numeral 13 denotes a zoom encoder that detects the absolute position of the variator lens group 6 in the optical axis direction, and reference numeral 14 denotes a motor that drives the focus lens group 7. This motor 14 is described as a VCM (voice coil motor) here assuming a linear actuator, but may be a stepping motor or the like. An encoder 15 detects the absolute position of the focus lens group 7 in the optical axis direction. Reference numeral 16 denotes a zoom key provided on the camera body side, which is constituted by a seesaw switch that is operated in two different directions, outputs a zoom drive signal corresponding to the operation, and returns to a neutral position when not operated. Reference numeral 17 denotes an image pickup device such as a CCD or CMOS, which picks up an optical image formed by the above optical system and outputs the image pickup signal to a signal processing system and a recording system (not shown). An electronic zoom for enlarging an image can be performed by signal processing of a signal processing system (not shown). Reference numeral 37 denotes electronic zoom switching means for switching the usage state of the electronic zoom. By switching the electronic zoom switching means, the optical zoom range is made to correspond to the movable range 2 of the zoom ring 1, or the optical zoom is made to correspond to the rotation angle 2a in the movable range 2 of the zoom ring 1 and the rotation angle 2b. Or make it compatible with electronic zoom. Further, when the electronic zoom is OFF, the optical zoom range is displayed as, for example, 4 to 16 mm as shown in FIG. 8B, and when the electronic zoom is ON, the optical zoom range and the electronic zoom magnification are set as 4 as shown in FIG. The display is changed so as to display the focal length or the zoom magnification corresponding to the movable range 2 of the zoom ring 1.

  The rotary absolute position encoder 8 described above is configured such that, for example, a multi-rotation type potentiometer is driven by an inner gear provided on the zoom ring 1 via a gear train, or the rotation of the zoom ring 1 is converted into a linear motion to convert linearly. The thing of the structure linked with a potentiometer of a type can be used. In addition, it is possible to use a configuration in which after the zoom ring 1 is arranged at a predetermined calculation position, pulses generated from the pulse encoder by the rotation of the zoom ring 1 are continuously counted.

  Further, when a zooming motor 13 and a focus lens position detection encoder 15 use a stepping motor as a drive source, the zoom encoder 13 and the focus lens position detection encoder 15 set a lens group at a predetermined calculation position based on an output change of a calculation position switch (reset switch) not shown. After the arrangement, it may be a pulse count type encoder configured to continuously count the driving pulses of the stepping motor. Alternatively, an encoder may be configured between a magnetic scale that is long in the optical axis direction and a fixed magnetic sensor.

  Next, the operation of the optical apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.

  First, a case where the operator performs a manual zoom operation will be described. When the operator rotates the zoom ring 1, the rotation (movement amount, movement position) of the zoom ring 1 is detected by the rotation absolute position encoder 8. The absolute rotation position encoder 8 transmits the detected information (information on the movement amount and movement position of the zoom ring 1) to the CPU 10. The CPU 10 inspects the usage state of the electronic zoom. The CPU 10 changes the magnification of the electronic zoom so as to follow (correspond to) the position of the zoom ring 1 based on the information of the rotation absolute position encoder 8 and the information on the use state of the electronic zoom, and follows the position of the zoom ring 1. The position of the variator lens group 6 is moved to the optimum position (new focal length specified by the zoom ring 1) using the information of the zoom encoder 13 and the zoom motor 12 so as to (correspond). At the same time, the focus lens group 7 is similarly maintained in focus by the encoder 15 and the motor 14 on the basis of information in the locus memory 11 for zoom tracking operation (correction of image plane fluctuation accompanying zooming movement). Driven to a position. As a result, the electronic zoom changes to a magnification corresponding to the position of the zoom ring 1, and the optical system (variator lens group 6 and focus lens group 7) is zoomed to a position corresponding to the position of the zoom ring 1. .

  As the zoom motor 12 and the focus motor 14 described above, it is desirable to select a motor and an actuator that can move the lens group at high speed so that the zoom ring 1 can follow even if the zoom ring 1 rotates at high speed. Further, the zoom ring 1 may be configured by controlling the rotational torque to an appropriate value with grease or the like so that an appropriate feeling of stickiness (a feeling of good manual operation) is obtained so that the zoom ring 1 is not operated at an extremely high speed.

  Next, a case where the zoom key 16 on the camera body side is operated (power zoom operation) will be described.

  When the zoom key 16 on the camera body side is operated by the operation of the operator, the CPU 10 drives the zoom ring drive motor 5 according to the operation of the zoom key 16. For example, when an instruction is given from the zoom key 16 to the CPU 10 to zoom at the fastest speed from wide to telephoto (the speed setting is configured so that multiple types can be set according to the pressed state of the zoom key 16). When the zoom ring drive motor 5 is a stepping motor, it is driven at a pulse input interval corresponding to a preset “fastest speed”. When the zoom ring drive motor 5 is a DC motor, the applied voltage on / off ratio is set to a ratio (for example, ON = 100%: OFF = 0%) corresponding to a preset “fastest speed”. Driven. Here, “the fastest speed” indicates the maximum speed in the drive control using the motor 5 and is set to an arbitrary speed.

  The rotational position of the zoom ring 1 is always detected by the rotational absolute position encoder 8 at a set sampling cycle. The detection output of the encoder 8 (information on the rotation position of the zoom ring) is output to the CPU 10. The CPU 10 moves the variator lens group 6 to a position corresponding to the rotational position of the zoom ring 1 by the zoom motor 12 and the zoom encoder 13 according to the detection output of the encoder 8. At the same time, for the zoom tracking operation (the effect of the compensator), the focus motor 14 is driven based on the output of the focus lens position encoder 15 to move the focus lens group 7 so as to follow an appropriate position. Here, when the zoom key 16 on the camera body side is operated, for example, when the zoom ring 1 is suppressed by the operator, the zoom ring drive motor 5 tries to drive but cannot drive. (The motor 5 is locked or slipped by a clutch (not shown)). As a result, the zoom ring 1 does not rotate. Therefore, since the rotation absolute position encoder 8 detects the position where the zoom ring 1 has not been rotated, the zoom operation is not performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the optical focal length corresponding to the position of the zoom ring 1 or the focal length corresponding to the photographing magnification is switched corresponding to the use state of the electronic zoom in accordance with the intention of the operator. Is switched corresponding to the use state of the electronic zoom, the zooming operation can be performed by operating the zoom ring 1 even if the use state of the electronic zoom is changed. The display of the zoom ring 1 and the focal length state of the photographing lens of the image pickup apparatus or the focal length corresponding to the photographing magnification can be made to always correspond to each other without any deviation, and the focal length as displayed can be maintained. it can.

  Next, the operation of the CPU 10 in the above-described manual zoom operation and power zoom operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CPU 10 when the zoom key 16 is operated (power zoom operation). In FIG. 2, the process starts at step 201 (denoted as S in the figure). In step 202, it is detected whether or not an operation of the zoom key 16 has occurred. For example, in the case of a video camera device, this detection is performed at a field cycle (1/60 seconds in the NTSC television system) or at a faster sampling cycle. If the zoom key 16 is operated, the determination in step 202 is Yes and the process proceeds to step 203. In step 203, the operation direction and speed (operation amount) of the zoom key 16 are detected. In the case where the zoom key 16 is a seesaw switch, most of the zoom keys 16 are configured such that a faster zoom speed is set when the key is pressed deeply or strongly depending on the amount of pressing or pressing of the key. In step 204, based on the content detected in step 203, the zoom ring drive motor 5 is driven in a predetermined direction under a predetermined driving condition.

  Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 3, the CPU 10 performs a zoom operation for moving the variator lens group 6 and the focus lens group 7 by changing the magnification of the electronic zoom according to the displacement (movement) of the zoom ring 1. The operation will be described. The operation of FIG. 3 is performed when the zoom ring 1 is rotated by the operation of the zoom key 16 (power zoom operation) described with reference to FIG. 2 and when the zoom ring 1 is manually operated (manual zoom operation) by the operator. The operation performed in common with the case is shown.

  In FIG. 3, the process starts at step 301. In step 306, the state of the electronic zoom switching means 37 is inspected. If the electronic zoom is on, the process proceeds to step 307, and if it is off, the process proceeds to step 302. First, the case where the electronic zoom is OFF will be described. In step 302, as described above, the output of the rotary absolute position encoder 8 and the output of the zoom encoder 13 are read in the field cycle or at a higher sampling cycle, and the difference between the outputs is calculated. If the CPU 10 is provided in the form of relevance data or calculation formulas to be taken by the two encoders and the “relevance to be taken” is observed, the difference is zero. The state in which this relationship is maintained (the difference is zero) means that, for example, when the zoom ring 1 is at the wide end position, the focal length of the optical system (variator lens group 6) is also at the wide end position. It is.

  In step 303, it is determined whether the difference calculated in step 302 is zero or not. If the difference is zero or within a minute amount that is a predetermined dead band, the process proceeds to step 304 and the zoom motor 12 stops. In step 303, when the difference is not zero or exceeds a minute amount that is a predetermined dead band, the process proceeds to step 305, and the zoom motor 12 is driven so that the difference is zero or within the dead band. . At the same time, the focus lens group 7 is moved by the focus motor 14 so as to follow an appropriate position based on the output of the focus lens position encoder 15 for the zoom tracking operation (the action of the compensator). Thus, the optical system (variator lens group 6 and focus lens group 7) is zoomed to a position corresponding to the position of the zoom ring 1.

  Next, the case where the electronic zoom is ON will be described. In step 307, as described above, the output of the rotary absolute position encoder 8 and the output of the zoom encoder 13 are read at the field cycle or at a higher sampling cycle, and the difference between the outputs in consideration of the electronic zoom is calculated. . If the CPU 10 is provided in the form of relevance data or calculation formulas to be taken by the two encoders and the “relevance to be taken” is observed, the difference is zero. The state in which this relationship is maintained (the difference is zero) is, for example, when the zoom ring 1 is at the wide end position, and the focal length of the optical system (variator lens group 6) is also at the wide end position. When the ring 1 is at the boundary between the rotation angle 2a and the rotation angle 2b, the focal length of the optical system (variator lens group 6) is at the tele end position.

  In step 308, it is determined whether the difference calculated in step 307 is zero or not. If the difference is zero or within a minute amount that is a predetermined dead band, the process proceeds to step 309 and the zoom motor 12 stops. In step 308, when the difference is not zero or exceeds a minute amount that is a predetermined dead band, the process proceeds to step 310, and the zoom motor 12 is driven so that the difference is zero or within the dead band. . At the same time, the focus lens group 7 is moved by the focus motor 14 so as to follow an appropriate position based on the output of the focus lens position encoder 15 for the zoom tracking operation (the action of the compensator). Thus, the optical system (variator lens group 6 and focus lens group 7) is zoomed to a position corresponding to the position of the zoom ring 1.

  Next, in step 311, the output of the rotary absolute position encoder 8 and the magnification of the electronic zoom are read in the field period or at a higher sampling period as described above, and the difference between the two outputs in consideration of the electronic zoom. Is calculated. This is provided in the CPU 10 in the form of relevance data or calculation formulas to be taken by the two encoders. If this “relevance to be taken” is observed, the difference is zero. For example, when the zoom ring 1 is in the tele end position, the state in which this relationship is protected (the difference is zero) is that the focal length of the optical system (variator lens group 6) is also in the tele end position and the electronic zoom magnification. Is the maximum magnification, and when the zoom ring 1 is at the boundary between the rotation angle 2a and the rotation angle 2b, the focal length of the optical system (variator lens group 6) is at the tele end position and the electronic zoom magnification is 1. It is.

  In step 312, it is determined whether the difference calculated in step 311 is zero or not. If the difference is within a minute amount that is zero or a predetermined dead band, nothing is done. In step 312, when the difference is not zero or exceeds a minute amount that is a predetermined dead band, the process proceeds to step 313, and the electronic zoom magnification is changed so that the difference is zero or within the dead band. . As a result, the optical system (variator lens group 6 and focus lens group 7) zooms to a position corresponding to the position of the zoom ring 1, and the electronic zoom magnification is changed.

  Since the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is always operating based on the above-described sampling cycle, the operation is performed when the zoom key 16 is operated and when the operator operates the zoom ring 1 by manual operation. It has become.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the optical system (variator lens group 6 and focus lens group 7) is zoomed to a position corresponding to the position of the zoom ring 1. Thereby, the display of the zoom ring 1 and the actual focal length state of the optical system can be made to always correspond to each other without any deviation, and the focal length as displayed can be maintained.

  Next, an operation when the electronic zoom switching unit 37 is changed will be described. First, the case where the electronic zoom switching unit 37 is changed from OFF to ON of the electronic zoom will be described. When the electronic zoom is switched from OFF to ON by the electronic zoom switching means 37, the output of the absolute position encoder 8 of the zoom ring 1 and the output of the zoom encoder 13 are compared with values taking the electronic zoom into consideration. And when the difference is zero or not exceeding a minute amount that is a predetermined dead band, it is left as it is, and when the difference is not zero or exceeds a minute amount that is a predetermined dead band, The zoom ring drive motor 5 is driven so that the difference becomes zero or less than a minute amount that is a predetermined dead zone.

  Next, a case where the electronic zoom switching unit 37 is changed from ON to OFF of the electronic zoom will be described. When the electronic zoom is switched from ON to OFF by the electronic zoom switching means 37, the output of the absolute position encoder 8 of the zoom ring 1 and the output of the zoom encoder 13 are compared, and the difference is zero or predetermined. When the minute amount which is the dead zone is not exceeded, the state is left as it is. When the difference is not zero or when the minute amount which is the predetermined dead zone is exceeded, the zoom ring drive motor 5 is driven and the difference becomes zero. In other words, the electronic zoom magnification is set to 1 so as to be equal to or smaller than a minute amount that is a predetermined dead zone.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the electronic zoom switching means 37 and the display switching means are integrated with the zoom ring 1 or have an outer diameter of the display section 39 that rotates in response to the rotation of the zoom ring 1 and the display section 39. The indicator ring 40 having a window for viewing the display unit 39 is configured. By shifting the indicator ring 40 in the direction of the arrow 41, the electronic zoom is switched and the indicator that the window position is shifted is switched. It may be. Further, instead of shifting the indicator ring 40, the electronic zoom may be switched by shifting the display unit 39, and the position where the display can be seen may be switched. Although the display is switched together with the switching of the electronic zoom, the display unit 39 may be written in a plurality of columns so that the photographer can recognize the display by selecting the electronic zoom.

  Further, when the electronic zoom switching means 37 is switched, the zoom ring 1 is rotated and adjusted to the position matched with the zoom encoder 13, but the zoom encoder output and the electronic zoom magnification are matched to the position of the zoom ring 1. May be. In particular, when the electronic zoom is switched by shifting the display unit, the operator touches the zoom ring 1 or the index unit for the operation. Therefore, since the zoom ring 1 cannot be rotated, the position of the zoom encoder 13 and the position of the electronic zoom are preferably aligned with the position of the zoom ring 1.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an optical apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which this optical apparatus is applied to a focus mechanism of an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera or a video camera having a rear focus zoom lens optical system. In the second embodiment, the four-group rear focus zoom type optical system described in FIG. 1 is applied. In FIG. 4, the focus lens group is illustrated, and the other lens groups are not shown. Moreover, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component similar to FIG. 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 4, reference numeral 21 denotes a focus ring as an operation member that is manually rotated by an operator. As with the zoom ring 1 in FIG. 1, the focus ring 21 rotates within the range of the rotation angle 22 and is provided with a far end 23 and a close end 24. For example, a distance scale 21a such as ∞, 10m, 5m, or 1m is displayed on the focus ring 21 with a liquid crystal or LED, and an index 21b is provided on a fixed barrel (not shown) that rotatably supports the focus ring 21. It is provided so that the “focus distance” in focus can be read.

  Reference numeral 18 denotes an absolute rotation position encoder of the focus ring 21, 19 denotes a minute angular displacement detection pulse encoder of the focus ring 21 provided as necessary, and 25 denotes a focus ring drive motor. Reference numeral 38 denotes focus range switching means. The focus range switching means 38 switches the focusable range within the range of the rotation angle 22 of the focus ring 21. For example, when using the entire focus range as shown in FIG. 9C, the range is from infinity to the nearest 0.4 m, and when using the far focus range as shown in FIG. When the short focus range is used as shown in FIG. 9A, the display is switched from 2 m to 0.4 m, and the display is switched in accordance with the focus range.

  When the CPU 10 needs to drive the focus lens group 7 for the autofocus operation, the CPU 10 drives the focus ring drive motor 25 according to the drive contents. The actual position of the focus ring 21 is detected by the rotation absolute position encoder 18, and the focus motor 14 is driven so that the focus lens 7 is positioned at that position. Here, in the case of a rear focus lens or an inner focus lens, even if the focus lens 7 is at the same position on the optical axis, the focal distance varies depending on the focal distance (zoom position). Is always captured by the CPU 10.

Next, the operation when the focus range switching means 38 is switched will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation when the focus range is switched. In FIG. 12, the process starts at step 1201. In step 1202, the selection range of the focus switching means 38 is checked. If the selected range is the whole area focus, the process proceeds to step 1203, and the relationship between the output of the focus lens position detection encoder 15 and the output of the rotation absolute position encoder 18 is set for the whole area focus so that the whole area is focused by the output of the rotation absolute position encoder 18. The display is also set from infinity to close (0.4 m) according to the focus position. If the selected range is a long distance focus, the process proceeds to step 1204, and the relationship between the output of the focus lens position detection encoder 15 and the output of the rotation absolute position encoder 18 is set so that the output from the rotation absolute position encoder 18 is focused on the long distance side. The distance focus is set, and the display is set from infinity to 1 m in accordance with the focus position. If the selected range is short-range focus, the process proceeds to step 1205, and the relationship between the output of the focus lens position detection encoder 15 and the output of the rotary absolute position encoder 18 is set as close as possible so that the close focus is focused by the output of the rotary absolute position encoder 18. The side focus is set, and the display is set from 2 m to the closest (0.4 m) according to the focus position.

  In step 1206, the selection range is stored. In step 1207, the selection range of the focus range switching means is inspected. If the selection range inspected in step 1208 is the same as the stored selection range, the process returns to step 1207 again and repeats from step 1207. If the selection range is different from the stored selection range, the process proceeds to step 1209, and the setting operation for each selection range is performed. Step 1210 is the same processing as step 1203. Step 1211 is the same processing as step 1204. Step 1212 is the same processing as step 1205. In step 1213, the selection range is stored in the same process as in step 1206.

  Next, operations during autofocus operation and manual focus operation will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the CPU 10 during the autofocus operation. In FIG. 5, the process starts at step 501. In step 502, the direction and speed for driving the focus lens for the autofocus operation are determined. Here, there is a change in focal length, aperture value, and television signal (a signal for determining the focus state detected for autofocus operation (often a value obtained by extracting a high-frequency component contained in the video signal)). The content is determined according to predetermined conditions such as viewing. In step 503, the focus ring drive motor 25 is driven according to the condition determined in step 502, and the focus ring 21 is driven.

  Next, the operation of the CPU 10 when performing the focusing operation will be described using the flowchart of FIG. This focus operation is an operation of moving the focus lens group 7 in accordance with the displacement (movement) of the focus ring 21. The operation shown in FIG. 6 is performed in common when the focus ring 21 is rotated by the autofocus operation shown in FIG. 5 and when the focus ring 21 is manually operated by the operator.

  In FIG. 6, the process starts at step 601. In step 602, a deviation between the detection result of the rotation absolute position encoder 18 and the detection result of the focus lens position detection encoder 15 is calculated with respect to the data in the trajectory memory 11, and whether or not both are in a predetermined relationship is compared. The When the two are in a predetermined relationship, the difference is calculated assuming that the difference is zero. However, due to the feature of the rear focus zoom lens or the inner focus zoom lens that the focus distance differs when the focal length is different even at the same focus lens group position, the focal length information from the zoom encoder 13 is also included in the calculation of this difference. Necessary.

  Next, in step 603, it is determined whether or not the difference between the detection results is zero or less than a predetermined minute amount (threshold value). If the difference is zero or within a predetermined minute amount range, step is performed. Proceeding to 604, the focus motor 14 stops. If the difference is not zero or exceeds a predetermined minute amount, the process proceeds to step 605, and the focus lens group 7 is driven by the focus motor 14 so that the difference becomes zero or less than the predetermined amount.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the focus lens group 7 is moved to a position corresponding to the position of the focus ring 21. As a result, the distance display of the focus ring 21 and the actual distance state of the focus lens 7 can be made to correspond to each other without any deviation, and the in-focus distance as displayed can be maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the focus range switching means is integrated with the focus ring 21 or a display unit 42 that rotates in response to the rotation of the focus ring 21 and a window that is arranged on the outer diameter of the display unit 42 so that the display can be seen. The indicator range 43 may be configured, and the focus range may be switched by shifting the display unit 42 or the index ring 43 in the direction of the arrow 44 and the display range of the display unit 42 may be changed. Further, when the focus range is switched, the focus ring may be rotated at or near the rotation angle corresponding to the focus lens position instead of moving the focus lens.

  In addition, the display is switched in accordance with the switching of the focus range switching unit, but the display may be written on the display unit 42 so that the photographer selects the display to be read according to the selected position of the focus range switching unit.

[Embodiment 3]
In Embodiment 2, the configuration is such that the positional relationship between the focus lens group 7 and the focus ring 21 always coincides. However, when actual focus lens drive control is considered, particularly in the wide-side focal length, The depth of field is extremely deep. In particular, when the CCD is downsized as in recent years, if the infinite distance is the far point of the depth of field at the wide end, the near point may be, for example, 1 m or closer, depending on the aperture value (at the time of small aperture) ) Occurs. Under such circumstances, the “wobbling operation”, which is a well-known operation of autofocus using a TV signal (the focus lens group is vibrated by a minute amount in the direction of the optical axis, and the high-frequency component of the video signal is synchronized with this vibration. If you try to make the focus ring display correctly correspond to the in-focus distance without considering the depth for the movement of knowing the blur direction of the front pin or the back pin Since the focus ring frequently reciprocates in the angular range, it is actually difficult to follow, and vibration noise is also generated.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, the threshold value for determining that there is a deviation in step 603 in FIG. 6 is set to such a response (a situation in which only the focus ring is driven violently even though the focus is always in focus). ) Will not occur. Alternatively, with respect to the wobbling operation (when the wobbling drive signal is output), the focus ring 21 may be configured not to respond (not drive). In this case, the wobbling operation may be excluded from the operation considered in step 502 in FIG. Therefore, the focus ring 21 is driven in response to only the focus drive signal and does not respond to the wobbling drive signal.

[Embodiment 4]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an optical apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. An imaging apparatus (digital still camera, video camera, etc.) in which this optical apparatus is detachably mounted with an interchangeable lens. ) Shows the form applied. In FIG. 7, the same constituent elements as those in FIG.

  Since the fourth embodiment is a camera system that includes an interchangeable lens and an imaging device that can be attached and detached, the structural blocks are separated on the camera side and the lens side with a broken line K in FIG. 7 as a boundary. . Reference numeral 36 denotes a contact point provided on the mount portion, through which the camera CPU 32 and the lens CPU 31 communicate with each other via paths 34 and 35. Reference numeral 33 denotes an EVF constituted by a liquid crystal panel or the like for displaying various contents such as display of image signals picked up by the image pickup device 17 and focal length information and in-focus distance information.

  Since the operation of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the flowchart of FIGS. 2 and 3 described in the first embodiment, the operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. explain.

  The operation of the camera CPU 32 and the lens CPU 31 when the zoom key 16 is operated (power zoom operation) in the third embodiment will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. First, when the zoom key 16 provided on the camera side is operated (step 202), the operation direction and speed information based on the operation of the zoom key 16 is detected by the camera CPU 32 (step 203), and the result is obtained if necessary. Then, it is replaced with a predetermined signal and transmitted from the camera CPU 32 to the lens CPU 31 via the contact 36. On the lens side, in response to this content, the zoom ring drive motor 5 is driven to drive (rotate) the zoom ring 1 (step 204).

  Next, the operation of the lens CPU 31 when performing the zoom operation in the third embodiment will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. This zoom operation is to move the variator lens group 6 and the focus lens group 7 in accordance with the displacement (movement) of the zoom ring 1. The operation shown in FIG. 3 is commonly performed when the zoom ring 1 is rotated by the operation of the zoom key 16 (power zoom operation) described with reference to FIG. 2 and when the zoom ring 1 is manually operated by the operator. It is an operation. The flow shown in FIG. 3 is all performed by the lens side CPU 31.

  In FIG. 3, the process starts at step 301. In step 306, the state of the electronic zoom switching means 37 is inspected. If the electronic zoom is on, the process goes to step 307, and if it is off, the process goes to step 302. First, the case where the electronic zoom is OFF will be described. In step 302, the output of the rotary absolute position encoder 8 and the output of the zoom encoder 13 are read in the field period or at a higher sampling period as described above, and the difference between the outputs is calculated. If the lens CPU 31 is provided in the form of relevance data or calculation formulas to be taken by the two encoders and the “relevance to be taken” is protected, the difference is zero. The state in which this relationship is maintained (the difference is zero) means that, for example, when the zoom ring 1 is at the wide end position, the focal length of the optical system (variator lens group 6) is also at the wide end position. It is.

  In step 303, it is determined whether the difference calculated in step 302 is zero or not. If the difference is zero or within a minute amount that is a predetermined dead band, the process proceeds to step 304 and the zoom motor 12 stops. In step 303, when the difference is not zero or exceeds a minute amount that is a predetermined dead band, the process proceeds to step 305, and the zoom motor 12 is driven so that the difference is zero or within the dead band. . At the same time, the focus lens group 7 is moved by the focus motor 14 so as to follow an appropriate position based on the output of the focus lens position encoder 15 for the zoom tracking operation (the action of the compensator). Thus, the optical system (variator lens group 6 and focus lens group 7) is zoomed to a position corresponding to the position of the zoom ring 1.

  Next, the case where the electronic zoom is ON will be described. In step 307, as described above, the output of the rotary absolute position encoder 8 and the output of the zoom encoder 13 are read at the field cycle or at a higher sampling cycle, and the difference between the outputs in consideration of the electronic zoom is calculated. . If the CPU 31 is provided in the form of relevance data or calculation formulas to be taken by the two encoders and the “relevance to be taken” is observed, the difference is zero. For example, when the zoom ring 1 is at the wide end position, the focal length of the optical system (variator lens group 6) is also at the wide end position. When the ring 1 is at the boundary between the rotation angle 2a and the rotation angle 2b, the focal length of the optical system (variator lens group 6) is at the tele end position.

  In step 308, it is determined whether the difference calculated in step 307 is zero or not. If the difference is zero or within a minute amount that is a predetermined dead band, the process proceeds to step 309 and the zoom motor 12 stops. In step 308, when the difference is not zero or exceeds a minute amount that is a predetermined dead band, the process proceeds to step 310, and the zoom motor 12 is driven so that the difference is zero or within the dead band. . At the same time, the focus lens group 7 is moved by the focus motor 14 so as to follow an appropriate position based on the output of the focus lens position encoder 15 for the zoom tracking operation (the action of the compensator). Thus, the optical system (variator lens group 6 and focus lens group 7) is zoomed to a position corresponding to the position of the zoom ring 1.

  Next, in step 311, the output of the rotary absolute position encoder 8 and the magnification of the electronic zoom are read in the field period or at a higher sampling period as described above, and the difference between the two outputs in consideration of the electronic zoom. Is calculated. This is provided in the CPU 31 in the form of relevance data or calculation formulas to be taken by the two encoders. If this “relevance to be taken” is observed, the difference is zero. For example, when the zoom ring 1 is in the tele end position, the state in which this relationship is protected (the difference is zero) is that the focal length of the optical system (variator lens group 6) is also in the tele end position and the electronic zoom magnification. Is the maximum magnification, and when the zoom ring 1 is at the boundary between the rotation angle 2a and the rotation angle 2b, the focal length of the optical system (variator lens group 6) is at the tele end position and the electronic zoom magnification is 1. It is.

  In step 312, it is determined whether the difference calculated in step 311 is zero or not. If the difference is within a minute amount that is zero or a predetermined dead band, nothing is done. In step 312, when the difference is not zero or exceeds a minute amount that is a predetermined dead band, the process proceeds to step 313, and the electronic zoom magnification is changed so that the difference is zero or within the dead band. . As a result, the optical system (variator lens group 6 and focus lens group 7) zooms to a position corresponding to the position of the zoom ring 1, and the electronic zoom magnification is changed.

  Since the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is always operating based on the above-described sampling cycle, the operation is performed when the zoom key 16 is operated and when the operator operates the zoom ring 1 by manual operation. It has become. In the fourth embodiment, the output result of the rotary absolute position encoder 8 that detects the position of the zoom ring 1 (information that becomes the current focal length information) is communicated from the lens side CPU 31 to the camera side CPU 32 via a contact point. Is done. In response to this information, the camera side CPU 32 displays information on the focal length on the EVF 33. In addition, regarding the display of the EVF 33, even if it is not the camera system of the combination of the interchangeable lens and the camera described in the fourth embodiment, the configuration used for the optical apparatus (camera) according to the first to third embodiments described above. Also good.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the optical system (variator lens group 6 and focus lens group 7) is zoomed to a position corresponding to the position of the zoom ring 1. Thereby, the display of the zoom ring 1 and the actual focal length state of the optical system can be made to always correspond to each other without any deviation, and the focal length as displayed on the scale and the index or EVF 33 is maintained. be able to.

  In each of the above-described first to fourth embodiments, a configuration in which a ring-shaped member is used as the operation member, a scale is formed on the operation ring, and an index is provided on the fixed side to display the distance or the focal length is described. However, as long as the operation range is restricted by the end, the operation member may be of other configurations, such as a slide knob that is movable in a straight line, in addition to the ring shape. In addition, the display and the actual lens state (focusing focal length and focal length) always match, but a predetermined position within the operating range of the operating member corresponding to the selected position of the electronic zoom switching means or the focus range switching means. As long as it is configured so that the lens state (position) matches, a configuration without display may be used.

  In each of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the configuration using a rear focus (inner focus) zoom lens having a four-group lens configuration has been described. Of course, the present invention may be applied to an optical system of a rear focus (inner focus) zoom lens having a multi-group configuration such as a five-group configuration.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an optical apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a CPU when a zoom key operation (power zoom operation) is performed in the optical apparatus according to Embodiments 1 and 4 of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of a CPU when performing a zoom operation in the optical apparatus according to Embodiments 1 and 4 of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the optical instrument which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a CPU during an autofocus operation in the optical apparatus according to Embodiments 2 and 3 of the present invention. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a CPU when performing a focusing operation in the optical apparatus according to Embodiments 2 and 3 of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the optical apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the display of the zoom ring of the optical apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the display of the focus ring of the optical apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, Comprising: (a) shows a short distance focus range, (b) shows a long distance focus range, (c ) Indicates the entire focus range. It is a principal part enlarged view which shows the switching structure of another focus range of the optical apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a principal part enlarged view which shows another electronic zoom switching structure of the optical apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation when the focus range is switched in the optical apparatus according to Embodiments 2 and 3 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1: Zoom ring (operation member)
1b: Index 2: Arrow indicating movement range 2a: Rotation angle 2b: Rotation angle 3: Tele end 4: Wide end 5: Zoom ring drive motor 6: Variator lens group 7: Focus lens group 8: Rotation absolute position encoder 9: Small angular displacement detection pulse encoder 10: CPU
11: locus memory 12: zoom motor 13: zoom encoder 14: focus motor 15: encoder 16: zoom key 17: image sensor 18: absolute rotation position encoder 19: minute angular displacement detection pulse encoder 21: focus ring (operation member)
21a: Distance scale 21b: Index 22: Rotation angle 23: Far distance end 24: Near end 25: Focus ring drive motor 31: Lens CPU 31
32: Camera CPU
33: EVF
34, 35: path 36: contact point 37: electronic zoom switching means 38: focus range switching means 39: display section 40: index ring 41: arrow 42: display section 43: index ring 44: arrow

Claims (6)

A movable lens,
Lens driving means for moving the movable lens along the optical axis direction;
An operation member operable by an external operation within a predetermined movable range;
Operating member driving means for driving the operating member between the predetermined movable ranges;
Operating member position detecting means for detecting the position of the operating member;
Drive signal output means for outputting a drive signal for driving the operation member drive means;
When the operation member is operated by the external operation, the driving of the lens driving unit is controlled according to the output from the operation member position detection unit at that time, and the operation member is not operated by the external operation. When the drive signal is outputted from the drive signal output means, the operation member drive means is driven based on the drive signal to move the operation member, and the output from the operation member position detection means at that time Control means for controlling the driving of the lens driving means according to
An optical apparatus comprising: drive control changing means for changing the movable lens position.   The optical apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying a correspondence relationship between the operation member position and the movable lens position. A movable lens,
Lens driving means for moving the movable lens along the optical axis direction;
An operation member operable by an external operation within a predetermined movable range;
Operating member driving means for driving the operating member between the predetermined movable ranges;
Operating member position detecting means for detecting the position of the operating member;
Drive signal output means for outputting a drive signal for driving the operation member drive means;
When the operation member is operated by the external operation, the driving of the lens driving unit is controlled according to the output from the operation member position detection unit at that time, and the operation member is not operated by the external operation. When the drive signal is output from the drive signal output means, the operation member drive means is driven based on the drive signal to move the operation member, and the output from the operation member position detection means at that time Control means for controlling the driving of the lens driving means according to
Electronic zoom means for performing electronic zoom;
An optical apparatus comprising electronic zoom switching means for switching whether or not to perform the electronic zoom.   The optical apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising focal length display switching means for switching the display of the focal length. A movable lens,
Lens driving means for moving the movable lens along the optical axis direction;
An operation member operable by an external operation within a predetermined movable range;
Operating member driving means for driving the operating member between the predetermined movable ranges;
Operating member position detecting means for detecting the position of the operating member;
Drive signal output means for outputting a drive signal for driving the operation member drive means;
When the operation member is operated by the external operation, the driving of the lens driving unit is controlled according to the output from the operation member position detection unit at that time, and the operation member is not operated by the external operation. When the drive signal is outputted from the drive signal output means, the operation member drive means is driven based on the drive signal to move the operation member, and the output from the operation member position detection means at that time Control means for controlling the driving of the lens driving means according to
An optical apparatus comprising focus range switching means for switching a focus range. 6. The optical apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising distance display switching means for switching display of the distance.