JP2012159687A - Lens system for stereoscopic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lens system for a stereoscopic camera capable of determining whether a combination of a plurality of lens devices used for stereoscopic imaging is suitable.SOLUTION: A lens system includes: two lens devices; communication means for connecting the two lens devices each other in a communicable manner; storage units for storing reference data to refer to specifications previously set in each of the two lens devices connected by the communication means; calculation units for calculating an overlapping range of the specifications of the two lens devices based on the reference data; and notification means for notifying a user of the overlapping range of the specifications.

Description

  The present invention relates to a lens system for a stereoscopic camera.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a stereoscopic camera that acquires a stereoscopic image by arranging two television cameras in parallel and shooting parallax images for the right eye and the left eye has been developed. The two lens devices used in such a stereoscopic camera are driven simultaneously so that the photographing conditions that change depending on the state (position) of the control target such as focus, zoom (focal length), and aperture always coincide. It has become.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a lens control device for a stereoscopic camera that controls the photographing conditions of two lens devices to be the same. The lens system for a stereoscopic camera described in Patent Document 1 includes a right-eye lens and a left-eye lens that have completely the same specifications, and each of the right-eye lens device and the left-eye lens device during stereoscopic imaging. The control is performed so that the angles of view are substantially the same.

JP 2006-139015 A

  In order to perform stereoscopic imaging using two lens devices having different specifications, it is necessary to control each lens device so that the photographing conditions are the same. When performing such control, if the specifications of the two lens devices are completely different, the photographing conditions of the lens devices cannot be made the same, and a good stereoscopic image cannot be obtained. However, when performing stereoscopic imaging using any two lens devices, the user cannot determine whether these two lens devices are a suitable combination for stereoscopic imaging.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a lens system for a stereoscopic camera that can determine whether or not a plurality of lens devices used for stereoscopic imaging is a suitable combination.

The lens system for the stereoscopic camera of the present invention is:
Two lens devices,
Communication means for communicatively connecting the two lens devices to each other;
A storage unit that stores reference data for referring to specifications set in advance in each of the two lens devices connected by the communication unit;
Based on the reference data, a calculation unit that calculates an overlapping range of the specifications of the two lens devices;
Notification means for notifying the user of the overlapping range of the specifications.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lens system for a stereoscopic camera that can determine whether or not a plurality of lens devices used for stereoscopic imaging is a suitable combination.

The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the camera system for demonstrating the lens system for stereoscopic cameras The block diagram which shows the structure of one lens apparatus of the two lens apparatuses which comprise a lens system. External view of lens device Flowchart showing a procedure for determining compatibility of two lens devices in a lens system The figure explaining the overlapping range of the focal length which is the item of two lens devices The figure which shows an example of the display screen when the overlapping range of the item of two lens apparatuses is displayed on a display part.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a lens system for a stereoscopic camera of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a camera system for explaining a lens system for a stereoscopic camera.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the camera system 1 includes camera bodies 100A and 100B and a lens system 10 for a stereoscopic camera. The camera system 1 is used for taking a stereoscopic image.

  The lens system 10 includes two lens devices 10A and a lens device 10B. The lens device 10A is attached to the camera body 100A, and the lens device 10B is attached to the camera body 100B. For example, the lens device 10A is used for photographing a left eye image, and the lens device 10B is used for photographing a right eye image.

  In the lens system 10, the two lens devices 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B are connected to each other using a connection cable 2 that functions as a communication unit.

  The camera body 100A is equipped with an image sensor (for example, a CCD image sensor), a required signal processing circuit, and the like. The image formed by the lens device 10A is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor, and then the signal processing circuit. As a result, the signal processing is performed, and an HDTV video signal (HDTV signal) is output from the video signal output terminal of the camera body 100A to the outside.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a lens system for a stereoscopic camera. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B includes an optical system (photographing lens) and a control system (control unit). The lens device 10A and the lens device 10B have the same configuration for both the optical system and the control system. In the figure, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B. Hereinafter, only the configuration of the lens device 10A will be described, and the configuration of the lens device 10B is the same as that of the lens device 10A, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  In the optical system (photographing lens) of the lens apparatus 10A, optical components such as a focus lens group FL, a zoom lens group ZL, a diaphragm IR, and a master lens group (not shown) are arranged inside the lens barrel. The focus lens group FL and the zoom lens group ZL are arranged so as to be movable back and forth along the optical axis, and focus adjustment (adjustment of subject distance) is performed by adjusting the position of the focus lens group FL. Zoom adjustment (focal length adjustment) is performed by adjusting the position of ZL. Further, the light amount is adjusted by adjusting the position (aperture) of the iris IR. The subject light that has entered the photographing lens and passed through these lens groups and the like is imaged on the imaging surface of the imaging element disposed in the camera body 100A shown in FIG.

  The control system of the lens apparatus 10A includes a CPU 30 that controls the entire control system, a focus lens driving unit 32F that supplies a driving force for adjusting the position of the focus lens group FL, and a position of the zoom lens group ZL. A zoom lens driving unit 32Z that supplies a driving force for the purpose and a diaphragm driving unit 32I that supplies a driving force for adjusting the position of the aperture IR are arranged. Although not shown, each drive unit is provided with a drive motor and an amplifier that supplies drive power to the drive motor.

  The lens device 10A is provided with a communication connection unit 42 to which the communication cable 2 is connected, a storage unit 44 such as a memory, and a display unit 46.

  The communication connection unit 42 is an interface for connecting to the lens apparatus 10B, and can adopt a serial communication method such as RS-232. The communication connection unit 42 may be connectable with a communication cable for connecting to another external device.

  The storage unit 44 stores in advance reference data used when the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B are connected. The reference data includes a table in which the model names of all the lens devices provided as products or a part of the lens devices and the specifications of the lens devices identified by these model names are associated with each other. Hereinafter, this table is also referred to as a data table. The reference data may be data input to the lens device 10A in advance using the external device by connecting the lens device 10A to an external device such as a PC. Alternatively, the recording medium (not shown) on which the reference data is recorded may be connected to the lens device 10 </ b> A, or may be written to the recording unit 44 from the recording medium.

  Here, the specifications of the lens device indicated in the reference data are preset according to the configuration and specifications of each lens device, and for example, a focal length range in which the lens device can be operated. The range of the subject distance. In addition, as these specifications, F value (a value indicating the brightness of the lens, also referred to as F number) and F drop amount (when the so-called F drop occurs where the F value decreases on the wide side) (F value decrease amount) may be included. Hereinafter, a case where the focal length and the subject distance are used as the specifications of the lens apparatus will be described.

  Further, the storage unit 44 stores identification data unique to the lens apparatus 10A (data including a model name and ID) and self-specific data indicating specifications of the lens apparatus 10A itself.

  Note that the storage unit 44 may store predetermined setting information necessary for controlling the lens apparatus 10A at the time of shooting, correction data used at the time of capturing or reproducing a stereoscopic image, and the like. The storage unit 44 reads the stored data under the control of the CPU 30.

  The display unit 46 displays an overlapping range between the specifications of the lens device 10A and the specifications of the lens device 10B, as will be described later, under the control of the CPU 30. Further, the display unit 46 may display information indicating an operation state such as focus and zoom of the lens device 10A and other states. The display unit 46 can employ, for example, an LCD or an LED.

  Further, an encoder 34F connected to the focus lens group FL and an encoder 34Z connected to the zoom lens lens group ZL are arranged in the control system of the lens apparatus 10A.

  The focus lens group FL, the zoom lens group ZL, and the aperture IR are driven by the focus lens driving unit 32F, the zoom lens driving unit 32Z, and the aperture driving unit 32I based on a control signal from the CPU 30, and comply with target shooting conditions. It is controlled by the state.

  FIG. 3 is an external view showing one lens device constituting the lens system. 3 shows only the lens device 10A, and the configuration of the lens device 10B is the same as that of the lens device 10A.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lens device 10 </ b> A includes a lens barrel 11. The lens barrel 11 is provided with a lens hood 12, a focus ring 14, a zoom ring 16, and an iris ring 18, and an extender device 20 is provided at the rear end portion of the lens barrel 11. The unit is provided with a drive unit 22.

  In the lens barrel 11, an optical system including the photographing lens described above is disposed. The focus adjustment is performed by rotating the focus ring 14, the zoom adjustment is performed by rotating the zoom ring 16, and the iris diaphragm diameter is adjusted by rotating the iris ring 18. The drive unit 22 has a box-shaped case, and this case is fixed to the lens barrel 11 via screws.

  Although not shown, the drive unit 22 is provided with an angle of view operation unit used to adjust the subject distance and a focus operation unit used to adjust the focal length. The view angle operation unit and the focus operation unit may be switches that can be manually operated by the user.

  A part or all of the control system including the CPU 30 and the like of the lens apparatus 10 </ b> A may be provided in the drive unit 22.

  When the view angle operation unit is operated to the tele (T) side or the wide (W) side, the zoom ring 16 is rotated to the tele side or the wide side to adjust the position of the zoom lens group ZL. Can be adjusted.

  The focus operation unit can adjust the focus by rotating the focus ring 14 by operating and adjusting the position of the focus lens group FL.

  Further, the drive unit 22 is provided with an auto / manual switch (not shown) so that the iris diaphragm diameter can be manually adjusted or automatically adjusted.

  When not taking a stereoscopic image, the lens device 10A can be used alone as a lens device of a video camera by being attached to the camera body 100A without being connected to the lens device 10B.

  The CPU 30 determines whether the lens system 10 determines whether the lens device 10A and the lens 10B are suitable as a combination for taking a stereoscopic image when the lens device 10A and the lens 10B are connected to each other via the connection cable 2. Run the mode.

  The aptitude determination mode is performed by the CPU 30 on the main side with one of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B as the main side. Which of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B is to be the main side may be determined in advance by setting. Alternatively, the user may select which of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B is the main side. In the following description, an example in which the lens device 10A is the main side will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B are connected.

  When the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B are connected, first, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the suitability of the combination of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B has been determined in the past (step S10). . If the suitability of the combination of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B has not been determined in the past, the process proceeds to step S12. If the suitability of the combination of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B has already been determined, the process returns to the initial state of this flow.

  In step S12, the CPU 30 of the lens device 10A executes control for receiving identification data unique to the lens device 10B from the lens device 10B that is the connection destination. Then, based on the model name included in the received identification data, the CPU 30 determines the specifications (here, the focal length and the subject distance) associated with the model name of the lens device 10B from the reference data stored in the storage unit 44. Extract. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, the CPU 30 compares the focal length and subject distance of the lens device 10A based on the self-spec data with the focal length and subject distance of the extracted lens device 10B, and sets an overlapping range for each of the focal length and subject distance. Calculate. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S16.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an overlapping range of focal lengths, which is a specification of the two lens devices. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the focal length of the lens device 10A and the focal length of the lens device 10B overlap in a partial range.

  In FIG. 5, when the focal length of the specifications of the lens device 10A is in the range of 40 mm to 100 mm and the focal length of the specifications of the lens device 10B is in the range of 60 mm to 120 mm, the focal length of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B. The overlapping range is 60 mm to 100 mm.

  When the focal length of the specifications of the lens device 10A is in the range of 50 mm to 100 mm and the focal length of the specifications of the lens device 10B is in the range of 50 mm to 100 mm, the focal length of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B is completely the same. The overlapping range is 50mm to 100mm.

  When the focal length of the specifications of the lens device 10A is in the range of 50 mm to 70 mm and the focal length of the specifications of the lens device 10B is in the range of 80 mm to 100 mm, the focal lengths of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B do not overlap at all. Therefore, there is no overlapping range.

  The overlapping range of subject distances is the same as the method for determining the overlapping range of focal lengths described above.

  Returning to the description of the processing procedure of the flowchart of FIG. 4, in step S <b> 16, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the overlapping range of focal lengths is equal to or greater than a threshold. When the overlapping range of the focal length is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S18. When the overlapping range of the focal length is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S20.

  The threshold is, for example, the ratio of the overlapping range to the length of the entire range including at least one of the focal length of the lens device 10A and the focal length of the lens device 10B. Here, 10% of the entire range. For example, when the focal length of the specifications of the lens apparatus 10A is in the range of 40 mm to 100 mm and the focal length of the specifications of the lens apparatus 10B is in the range of 60 mm to 120 mm, the total focal length of the lens apparatus 10A and the lens apparatus 10B is all. The range is 40 mm to 120 mm, the length of the entire range is 80 mm, and the threshold value is 8 mm (= 80 mm × 10%). The threshold value is not limited to this example, and another predetermined value may be used.

  In step S <b> 18, the CPU 30 notifies the user that the overlapping range of the focal lengths of the lens device 10 </ b> A and the lens device 10 </ b> B is equal to or greater than the threshold value and that the combination of the lens device 10 </ b> A and the lens device 10 </ b> B is appropriate. Here, the CPU 30 performs control to synchronize the focal length of the lens device 10A and the focal length of the lens device 10B with the overlapping range, rotationally drives the zoom ring of the lens device 10A, and from the wide end in the overlapping range to the tele side. Control to reciprocate to the end of the. Then, the CPU 30 stops at the wide end in the overlapping range after the zoom ring is driven to reciprocate. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S18, the CPU 30 may output a synchronization signal to the lens device 10B when performing control to synchronize the focal length of the lens device 10A and the focal length of the lens device 10B to the overlapping range. Then, the CPU 30 in the lens device 10B controls to reciprocate the zoom ring of the lens device 10B from the wide-side end to the tele-side end of the overlapping range based on the synchronization signal, similarly to the driving of the zoom ring of the lens device 10A. May be performed.

  In step S20, the CPU 30 notifies the user that the overlapping range of the focal lengths of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B is less than the threshold, and that the combination of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B is inappropriate. Here, the CPU 30 performs control to reciprocate from the wide-side end to the tele-side end within the maximum range in which the zoom ring of the lens device 10A can be driven. At this time, the CPU 30 may loop without stopping the reciprocating drive of the zoom ring. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S22.

  Subsequently, in step S22, the CPU 30 determines whether the overlapping range of subject distances is equal to or greater than a threshold value. If the overlapping range of the subject distance is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S24. If the overlapping range of the subject distance is less than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S26.

  The threshold is, for example, the ratio of the overlapping range to the length of the entire range included in at least one of the subject distance that can be photographed by the lens device 10A and the subject distance that can be photographed by the lens device 10B. Here, 10% of the entire range. For example, when the subject distance of the specifications of the lens device 10A is in the range of 1 m to 3 m and the subject distance of the specifications of the lens device 10B is in the range of 2 m to 4 m, the total subject distance of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B is all. The range is 2 m to 3 m, the length of the entire range is 1 m, and the threshold value is 0.1 m (= 1 m × 10%). The threshold value is not limited to this example, and another predetermined value may be used.

  In step S24, the CPU 30 notifies the user that the overlapping range of the subject distance between the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and that the combination of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B is appropriate. Here, the CPU 30 performs control to synchronize the subject distance of the lens device 10A and the subject distance of the lens device 10B with the overlapping range, rotationally drives the focus ring of the lens device 10A, and reciprocates from the near end to the inf end in the overlapping range. To control. Then, the CPU 30 stops at the wide end in the overlapping range after the focus ring is driven to reciprocate. Thereafter, the process returns to step S10.

  In step S24, the CPU 30 may output a synchronization signal to the lens device 10B when performing control to synchronize the subject distance of the lens device 10A and the subject distance of the lens device 10B to the overlapping range. Then, the CPU 30 in the lens device 10B performs control for reciprocating the focus ring of the lens device 10B from the near end to the inf end in the overlapping range based on the synchronization signal, similarly to the driving of the focus ring of the lens device 10A. Good.

  In step S26, the CPU 30 notifies the user that the overlapping range of the subject distances of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B is less than the threshold, and the combination of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B is inappropriate. Here, the CPU 30 performs control to reciprocate from the near end to the inf end within the maximum range in which the focus ring of the lens device 10A can be driven. At this time, the CPU 30 may loop without stopping the reciprocating drive of the focus ring. Thereafter, the process returns to step S10.

  According to the lens system described above, when any two lens devices are used for capturing a stereoscopic image, the user can easily determine whether the combination of these two lens devices is suitable for capturing a stereoscopic image. Judgment can be made.

  Further, the user does not need to own two lens devices having the same specifications. For example, when the user has one lens device in advance, a candidate lens device to be used for photographing a stereoscopic image in combination with the lens device owned by the user is determined by the above-described aptitude determination mode in the lens system. And can be selected from a group of other lens devices.

  Furthermore, when judging the suitability of the combination of the two lens devices, the user attaches each lens device to the camera body, or reproduces and confirms the stereoscopic image after actually capturing the stereoscopic image. There is no need.

  Next, a modification of the lens system according to the present invention will be described.

  When the CPU 30 notifies the user of the overlapping range of specifications, the CPU 30 may display the overlapping range on the display unit 46 of the lens device 10A.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when the overlapping range of specifications is displayed on the display unit. In the example of FIG. 6, the display unit 46 is configured by an LCD, and a screen 300 of the LCD is shown. The CPU 30 causes the screen 300 to simultaneously display the focal length of the lens device 10A and the focal length of the lens device 10B. In this way, the user can visually determine the overlapping range of the focal lengths together with the focal lengths of the two combined lens devices 10A and 10B. In the example of FIG. 6, the focal lengths and overlapping ranges of the lens device 10 </ b> A and the lens device 10 </ b> B are shown in a graph on the screen 300, but may be displayed using numerical values, other figures and symbols.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6, the display which shows the overlapping range of the specification of the lens apparatus 10A and the lens apparatus 10B in the display part 46 may be switchable by specification. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the focal length is selected and its front and sub ranges are displayed, but the display switching button 302 is moved by the user's operation to “subject distance” or “Fno” (here, F number is meant). ) "May be displayed on the screen 300 by switching the overlapping range of the subject distance and the overlapping range of the F number.

  In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 4, the calculation of the overlapping range of the focal distance and the subject distance is performed first, then the aptitude notification based on the overlapping range is performed, and then the aptitude notification based on the overlapping range of the subject distance is performed. went. However, the aptitude notification based on the overlapping range of the subject distance may be performed first, and then the aptitude notification based on the overlapping range of the focal distance may be performed.

  When notifying the user of the overlapping range of specifications, a message indicating that there is no overlapping range may be displayed on the display unit 46. When an LED is used for the display unit 46, if there is no overlapping range of specifications, display may be performed to the user only by blinking of the LED.

  When notifying the user of the overlapping range of specifications, both the operation of the zoom ring 16 and the display of the display unit 44 may be executed.

  In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 30 may calculate the overlapping range using at least one of the focal length and the subject distance as the specifications of the lens device 10 </ b> A and notify the user of the overlapping range.

  In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 30 uses not only the focal length and subject distance but also the F value and F drop as the specifications of the lens device 10A, calculates the overlapping range, and notifies the user. Also good.

  As described above, when notifying the user by the operation of the zoom ring 16 or the focus ring 14 based on the determination result of the suitability of the combination of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B, the operation is not particularly limited, and the user is notified. It is possible to change as long as it can. For example, the CPU 30 may perform control so that the zoom ring 16 and the focus ring 14 are rotationally driven intermittently when performing notification.

  In the configuration of the lens system described above, the CPU 30 also functions as a calculation unit that calculates the overlapping range for each of the focal length and the subject distance. However, a calculation unit may be provided separately from the CPU 30.

  Or CPU30 memorize | stores the log | history information which shows the log | history of the judgment of the combination of lens apparatus 10A and lens apparatus 10B in a memory | storage part, Based on this log | history information, the combination of lens apparatus 10A and lens apparatus 10B is stored. It is possible to determine whether aptitude has been determined in the past. In this way, for example, in step S10 of the processing procedure shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 30 does not refer to the identification data unique to the lens device 10B from the lens device 10B, and the history information stored in the storage unit 44 is stored. Based on the above, it is possible to determine whether the suitability of the combination of the lens device 10A and the lens device 10B has been determined in the past.

This specification discloses the following matters.
(1) A lens system for a stereoscopic camera that captures a stereoscopic image,
Two lens devices,
Communication means for communicatively connecting the two lens devices to each other;
A storage unit that stores reference data for referring to specifications set in advance in each of the two lens devices connected by the communication unit;
Based on the reference data, a calculation unit that calculates an overlapping range of the specifications of the two lens devices;
A lens system for a stereoscopic camera, comprising: notification means for notifying a user of an overlapping range of the specifications.
(2) The lens system according to (1),
The lens device includes a lens group, and a lens driving unit that drives the lens group to adjust photographing conditions of the lens device,
The notifying unit is a lens system in which the lens driving unit drives the lens group based on the overlapping range of the specifications.
(3) The lens system according to (1),
The notification unit is a lens system which is a display unit provided in at least one of the two lens devices.
(4) The lens system according to any one of (1) to (3),
The specification includes a lens system including at least one of a focal length and a subject distance.

10 Lens System 10A, 10B Lens Device 30 CPU for 3D Camera
42 Communication Connection Unit 44 Storage Unit 46 Display Unit FL Focus Lens Group ZL Zoom Lens Group IR Aperture

Claims (4)

A lens system for a stereoscopic camera that captures a stereoscopic image,
Two lens devices,
Communication means for communicatively connecting the two lens devices to each other;
A storage unit that stores reference data for referring to specifications set in advance in each of the two lens devices connected by the communication unit;
Based on the reference data, a calculation unit that calculates an overlapping range of the specifications of the two lens devices;
A lens system for a stereoscopic camera, comprising: notification means for notifying a user of an overlapping range of the specifications. The lens system according to claim 1,
The lens device includes a lens group, and a lens driving unit that drives the lens group to adjust photographing conditions of the lens device,
The notifying unit is a lens system in which the lens driving unit drives the lens group based on the overlapping range of the specifications. The lens system according to claim 1,
The notification unit is a lens system which is a display unit provided in at least one of the two lens devices. The lens system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The specification includes a lens system including at least one of a focal length and a subject distance.

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