JP2013007839A - Optical device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical device which has high operability to be able to quickly and accurately focus on a subject which a photographer intends.SOLUTION: A position in a slide direction of an MF ring 204 is detected (S53). When the MF ring 204 is not in an RF position, manual focusing in an MF mode is performed (S83 to S91), and auto-focusing is performed in the case of an AF mode (S83 No). Meanwhile, when the MF ring 204 is in the RF position, a lens is driven to a preset position (S55 and S57), and then, an AF range is limited on the basis of a history of a rotation direction of the MF ring 204 (S61 to S71), and auto-focusing is performed within this AF range.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical device in which a ring member is rotatably disposed in a lens barrel and a preset distance can be set by rotation of the ring member.

  It has been proposed to limit the scanning range of a camera that has an automatic focusing device that focuses on the taking lens, because it takes time to focus when scanning from close to infinity for focusing. Yes. For example, in Patent Document 1, if a reset operation is not satisfied when a predetermined operation is performed, a range corresponding to a preset shooting mode is searched (scanned), and if the reset condition is satisfied, the current position is determined. An image pickup apparatus that searches for an image is disclosed. The predetermined conditions include a case where a manual focus operation is performed, an AF lock switch is operated, a focus preset switch is operated, and a contrast AF switch is operated.

JP 2010-186138 A

  The imaging apparatus described in Patent Document 1 described above can reduce the time required for focusing by limiting the search range for performing focusing. However, even if the photographer observes the finder or the like and wants to focus on a subject on the far side or near side, the imaging apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 corresponds to a preset shooting scene. Since the range is limited, it is impossible to quickly focus on the intended subject.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical device with good operability that can quickly and accurately focus on a subject intended by a photographer.

  In order to achieve the above object, an optical apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a focus adjustment lens provided in a lens barrel, rotatable with respect to the lens barrel, and in a first position and a second position. A ring member that is slidably disposed, a slide position determination unit that determines the position of the ring member in the sliding direction, and a preset distance determination that determines a preset distance set based on the position of the ring member in the rotation direction And an automatic focus control unit that automatically focuses the focus adjustment lens, and the automatic focus control unit adjusts the focus based on the position in the slide direction determined by the slide position determination unit. The mode is switched, and the focus adjustment lens is automatically focused using the preset distance at one of the first and second positions. .

In the optical apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the automatic focus control unit limits a focusing range of the focus adjustment lens based on the preset distance.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical apparatus according to the second aspect, further comprising: an imaging unit that captures a subject image; and a display unit that displays the subject image based on image data captured by the imaging unit. And the display unit displays the preset distance and the range of restriction on focusing.

In the optical device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the automatic focus control unit sets a range for limiting the focusing based on the preset distance and the rotation direction of the ring member.
In the optical apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the automatic focus control unit stores a rotation direction of the ring member and sets a range for limiting the focusing.

  An optical apparatus according to a sixth invention has a setting screen for presetting information for limiting the focusing in the second invention, and the automatic focus control unit includes the preset distance and the setting screen. Based on the restriction information set in step 1, a range for restricting the focusing is set.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the optical device according to the first aspect, the preset distance from a short distance to a long distance is displayed in a predetermined direction on the lens barrel, and the lens mirror is displayed on the display section. The distance is displayed in the same direction as the preset distance displayed on the cylinder.

  An optical apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the optical apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the automatic focus control unit slides the ring member from the one position to the other position, so that the preset distance is not involved. Focus control is performed.

  In the optical apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the automatic focus control unit focuses on the preset distance when the focus adjustment lens cannot be automatically focused.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical device with good operability that can quickly and accurately focus on a subject intended by a photographer.

It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram mainly showing an electrical configuration of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the camera concerning one embodiment of the present invention, it is a top view of a lens barrel in the state where MF ring is located in the 1st position. In the camera concerning one embodiment of the present invention, it is a top view of a lens barrel in the state where MF ring is located in the 2nd position. In the camera concerning one embodiment of the present invention, it is a perspective view explaining the state where MF ring and distance display ring engaged. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the parameter | index position detection part in the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a timing chart illustrating an example of synchronous communication between an interchangeable lens and a camera body in a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows a mode that it sets to the range focus mode and it image | photographs in the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a state transition diagram of an autofocus (AF) mode, a manual focus (MF) mode, and a range focus (RF) mode in a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the imaging | photography operation | movement of the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows MF ring operation detection and an operation | movement process of the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the still image photometry and AF of the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the moving image photometry and AF of the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the range which restrict | limits a scan for focus adjustment in the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display state on the display unit during a limited AF operation for setting a preset distance and limiting a scanning range in the camera according to the embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing Modification 1 of MF ring operation detection / operation processing in the camera according to the embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing Modification 1 of MF ring operation detection / operation processing in the camera according to the embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a flowchart showing a first modification of still image photometry / AF in the camera according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining expansion of the ranging area in modification 1 of still picture photometry and AF in the camera concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a second modification of still image photometry / AF in the camera according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the range which restrict | limits a scan for the focus adjustment in the modification 2 of still image photometry and AF in the camera concerning one Embodiment of this invention. The camera according to an embodiment of the present invention is a diagram illustrating a display state on the display unit during a limited AF operation in which preset distance is set and scanning is limited when still image metering / AF modification 2 is employed. is there.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment will be described using a camera to which the present invention is applied according to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. This camera is a digital camera and includes a camera body 100 and an interchangeable lens 200. The interchangeable lens 200 is detachably attached via a bayonet mount or the like of the camera body. In the present embodiment, the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200 are configured as separate bodies, but may of course be configured integrally.

  In the camera body 100, a camera control circuit 101, an image sensor 103, a focal plane shutter 104, a display monitor 105, a strobe 106, a release button 107, a battery 108, and the like are arranged. In the interchangeable lens 200, a lens control circuit 201, a focus adjustment lens 203, an MF ring 204, a diaphragm 205, and the like are disposed.

  The camera control circuit 101 includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) including a main body CPU (Central Processing Unit) 121 (see FIG. 2) and the like, a peripheral circuit thereof, and the like. When the photographer operates the release button 107, the image pickup device 103, the focal plane shutter 104, and the like are controlled, and the light emission control of the strobe 106 is performed as necessary, and the photographing operation and the like are executed through the lens control circuit 201. In cooperation with a lens CPU 221 (see FIG. 2) in a lens control circuit 201, which will be described later, various sequences of the entire camera are comprehensively controlled. This control is executed according to a program stored in the flash ROM 122 (see FIG. 2). Details of the camera control circuit 101 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The image sensor 103 is constituted by a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and converts the subject image formed by the interchangeable lens 200 into an image signal. That is, according to the signal from the camera control circuit 101, the image signal is accumulated in the image sensor 103, and the image signal is read out. In this specification, a signal based on an output from the image sensor 103 may be referred to as image data in addition to an image signal.

  The focal plane shutter 104 performs an opening / closing operation in response to an instruction from the shutter control circuit 126 (see FIG. 2) in the camera control circuit 101 based on the full press of the release button 107, and opens / closes the subject luminous flux from the interchangeable lens 200. . This opening / closing time is a time corresponding to the shutter speed calculated by the camera control circuit 101.

  The display monitor 105 is configured by an LCD, an organic EL, or the like disposed on the back surface of the camera body. The display monitor 105 displays a live view display during still image shooting standby or movie shooting, a playback display of a recorded image according to an operation of a playback button, or a menu screen according to an operation of a menu button or the like. Etc., display setting information.

  The strobe 106 illuminates the subject with auxiliary light according to an instruction from the strobe control circuit 125 (see FIG. 2) in the camera control circuit 101 when the surroundings are dark when the release button 107 is operated. This light emission is performed in synchronization with the exposure operation of the focal plane shutter 104 using charges stored in a light emitting capacitor (not shown).

  The release button 107 includes a first release switch 132 (see FIG. 2) that is turned on when half-pressed, and a second release switch 133 (see FIG. 2) that is turned on when the button is further pressed halfway down and fully pressed. When the first release switch 132 is turned on, the camera control circuit 101 executes a shooting preparation sequence such as an AE (Auto Exposure) operation and an AF (Auto Focus) operation. When the second release switch 133 is turned on, the focal plane shutter 104 and the like are controlled to acquire image data based on the subject image from the image sensor 103 and execute a series of shooting sequences for recording the image data on a recording medium. And take a picture.

  The battery 108 supplies power to each member and each circuit in the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200.

  The lens control circuit 201 in the interchangeable lens 200 includes an ASIC including a lens CPU and the peripheral circuits thereof. In response to an instruction from the camera control circuit 101 or an operation of the MF ring 204 by the photographer, drive control of the focus adjustment lens 203 and the diaphragm 205 is performed. Also, in response to a request from the camera control 101, various lens information such as a focal length, a set distance, and an aperture value are transmitted. This control is executed according to a program stored in a flash ROM (not shown). Details of the lens control circuit 201 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The focus adjustment lens 203 moves in the optical axis direction based on an instruction from the lens control circuit 201 and adjusts the focus state of the interchangeable lens 200. In the present embodiment, a single focus lens will be described. Of course, a zoom lens having a variable focal length may be used.

  The MF ring 204 is disposed on the outer periphery of the interchangeable lens 200, can be rotated around the optical axis center of the interchangeable lens 200, and between the first position and the second position along the optical axis direction. Slide operation is possible. In other words, the MF ring 204 functions as a ring member that is rotatable with respect to the lens barrel and slidably disposed at the first position and the second position. A manual focus operation is possible by rotating the MF ring 204 at the first position where the MF ring 204 is slid to the front side (subject side) of the interchangeable lens 200. Further, the range focus operation can be performed by rotating the MF ring 204 at the second position where the MF ring 204 is slid to the rear side (imaging side) of the interchangeable lens 200. The first position and the second position of the MF ring 204 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The diaphragm 205 changes the aperture area based on an instruction from the lens control circuit 201 and adjusts the amount of the subject luminous flux that passes through the interchangeable lens 200.

  Next, details of the camera control circuit 101 and the lens control circuit 201 will be described with reference to FIG. In the camera control circuit 101, a main body CPU 121 is provided. The main body CPU 121 includes a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) 122, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 123, an image sensor control circuit 124, a strobe control circuit 125, a shutter. A control circuit 126, an image processing circuit 127, a display circuit 128, an operation switch detection circuit 129, a power supply circuit 130, and a communication circuit 131 are connected. Various signals are input and output between these various circuits and the main body CPU 121.

  The main body CPU 121 controls the entire camera in accordance with a program stored in the flash ROM 122. Further, communication with the lens CPU 221 is possible via the camera body communication circuit 131 and the lens communication circuit 229, and a control command is output and lens information such as the lens position of the focus adjustment lens 203 is acquired.

  The flash ROM 122 is an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory, stores a program executed by the main body CPU 121 as described above, and also stores various adjustment values and the like. A memory other than the flash ROM may be adopted as long as it is a non-volatile memory. The RAM 123 is an electrically rewritable volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM), and temporarily stores various information to be processed in the main body 121.

  The image sensor control circuit 124 performs an image capturing operation for converting a subject image into an image signal to the image sensor 103 when performing an operation of a process that requires image data such as live view display, AE, AF, and exposure at the time of shooting. Let it run. As the imaging operation, charge accumulation control in the imaging element 103, reading of an image signal, and the like are performed. Note that the image sensor control circuit 124 and the image sensor 103 serve as an image capturing unit that captures an image of a subject.

  The strobe control circuit 125 is connected to the strobe 106 and controls charging and light emission of the strobe 106. For example, the strobe control circuit 125 controls the light emission amount so as to achieve proper exposure based on the lens position information of the focus adjustment lens 203 acquired from the lens CPU 221. The shutter control circuit 126 is connected to the focal plane shutter 104 and performs opening / closing control of the focal plane shutter 104 based on a shutter speed signal from the main body CPU 121.

  The image processing circuit 127 performs image processing such as A / D conversion and filter processing on the image signal output from the image sensor 103. In addition, when performing image processing, image processing for live view display is performed, and live view display is performed on the display monitor 105 based on the processed image signal. Further, image processing is performed on the captured image for recording, and the processed image data is recorded on a recording medium (not shown). Further, high-frequency components are extracted from the image signal in the focus detection area by high-pass filtering to calculate an AF evaluation value. In the present embodiment, a known contrast AF is employed for focus detection, the focus adjustment lens 203 is moved, and the position where the AF evaluation value reaches a peak is set as the focus position. The focus detection method is not limited to contrast AF, and other methods such as phase difference AF may be employed.

  The display circuit 128 is connected to the display monitor 105, and performs live view display, playback display of a captured image recorded on a recording medium, and display of various shooting information such as a menu screen. The display circuit 128 and the display monitor 105 serve as a display unit that displays a subject image based on image data captured by the imaging unit. In addition, the display unit displays a preset preset distance and a range for limiting focusing.

  The operation switch detection circuit 129 is connected to the first release switch 132, the second release switch 133, and other detection switches (not shown) linked to the release button 107, detects the operation state of these switches, and detects the detection result. Output to the main body CPU 121. Other detection switches include a power switch linked to a power button for turning on / off the power, a shooting mode switch for switching a camera shooting mode, a menu switch linked to a menu button for displaying a menu screen, and a recording medium. There are a reproduction switch linked to a reproduction button for reproducing and displaying a photographed image, a mount switch for detecting the mounting state of the interchangeable lens 200, a moving image switch linked to a moving image button for instructing start and end of moving image shooting, and the like.

  On the menu screen, various shooting information such as a focus adjustment mode is set. In this embodiment, the focus adjustment mode set on the menu screen is an autofocus mode (AF mode) in which the focus adjustment lens 203 is automatically focused, and a manual focus mode in which the focus is manually adjusted. There are two types (MF mode). Of course, the focus adjustment mode in the camera body 100 may be set by other methods such as a dedicated button or the like other than the menu screen as in the present embodiment. An operation switch detection circuit 129, a main body CPU 121, and the like are provided on the camera main body side, and function as a focus adjustment mode setting unit that sets a focus adjustment mode.

  The power supply circuit 130 is connected to the battery 108, smoothes and boosts the power supply voltage, and supplies power to each circuit and each member in the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200.

  The camera body communication circuit 131 has a plurality of communication terminals such as a synchronization signal terminal and a data terminal provided in a mount part outside the camera body 200. The main body CPU 121 and the lens CPU 221 communicate via the lens communication circuit 229. Communication between the camera main body communication circuit 131 and the lens communication circuit 229 is performed by asynchronous communication at the beginning of mounting of the main body and the interchangeable lens, but after the interchangeable lens information is acquired on the camera main body side, the mounted interchangeable lens 200 performs synchronous communication. If possible, communicate by synchronous communication.

  In the lens control circuit 201, a lens CPU 221 is provided. The lens CPU 221 includes a lens driving circuit 222, a lens position detection circuit 223, an MF ring position detection circuit 224, an MF position detection circuit 225, and an index position detection circuit 226. A diaphragm driving circuit 227, a RAM 228, and a communication circuit 229 are connected.

  The lens CPU 221 includes a program and various adjustment values stored in a flash ROM (not shown) provided in the interchangeable lens, a lens position detection circuit 223, an MF ring position detection circuit 224, an MF position detection circuit 225, and an index position detection. The interchangeable lens 200 is controlled in accordance with an output signal from the circuit 226 and a control command from the main body CPU 121. Specifically, various driving controls such as lens driving of the focus adjustment lens 203 and diaphragm driving of the diaphragm 205 are performed. In addition, communication with the main body CPU 121 is performed via the camera main body communication circuit 131 and the lens communication circuit 229, reception of an operation command from the main body CPU 121, lens operation state of the interchangeable lens 200, and information indicating lens state such as optical data. Send.

  The lens driving circuit 222 includes an actuator such as a stepping motor, a motor driver, and the like, and performs drive control of the focus adjustment lens 203 in the optical axis direction. When focus adjustment is performed in a range focus mode (RF mode) described later, braking (acceleration / deceleration) control of the focus adjustment lens 203 is performed using a synchronization signal for synchronization communication from the camera body 100 as a timing signal. Do. In addition, drive control by so-called wobbling operation in which the focus adjustment lens 203 is finely inverted is also possible.

  The lens position detection circuit 223 detects the position of the focus adjustment lens 203. The lens position detection circuit 223 includes a photo interrupter (PI) circuit that converts the rotation amount of a driving motor such as a stepping motor included in the lens driving circuit 222 into the number of pulses. The position detection result is represented by the number of pulses from the reference position where the absolute value of the focus adjustment lens 203 is infinite.

  The MF ring position detection circuit 224 detects the slide position of the interchangeable lens 200 of the MF ring 204 in the optical axis direction. That is, the MF ring 204 slides to the front side of the interchangeable lens 204, slides to the manual focus operation position (MF position, first position), and the rear side of the interchangeable lens 204, and the range focus operation position (RF position, It can be moved to two positions (second position). The MF ring position detection circuit 224 detects whether the MF ring 204 is in the first position or the second position. Therefore, the MF ring position detection circuit 224 functions as a slide position determination unit that determines the position of the ring member (MF ring 204) in the slide direction. This position detection mechanism will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The MF position detection circuit 225 includes a PI circuit, and detects a relative position change amount in the rotation direction of the MF ring 204 with respect to the optical axis center of the interchangeable lens 200. That is, when the position of the MF ring 204 detected by the MF ring position detection circuit 224 is at the manual focus operation position (MF position, first position), the MF ring position is determined based on the pulse signal output from the PI circuit. The rotation direction, rotation amount, rotation speed, etc. of 204 can be detected. As a detection timer used for detecting the rotation of the MF ring 204, a normal built-in timer in the lens CPU 221 is used. The configuration of the photo interrupter of the PI circuit will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The index detection circuit 226 includes a linear encoder, an A / D conversion circuit, and the like, and detects a distance index corresponding to the drive target position of the focus adjustment lens 203. That is, when the position of the MF ring 204 detected by the MF ring position detection circuit 224 is in the range focus position (RF position, second position), the MF ring 204 is detected based on the A / D conversion result of the encoder value. The distance index position corresponding to the drive target position set at the rotational position at the center of the optical axis of the interchangeable lens 200 is detected. That is, the index detection circuit 226 detects the absolute distance (preset distance) set by the MF ring 204. The index detection circuit 226 functions as a preset distance determination unit that determines a preset distance set based on the position in the rotation direction of the ring member. When the MF ring 204 is slid to the RF position (second position), a mode for controlling the focus adjustment lens 203 so as to correspond to a distance determined by an absolute position in the rotation direction of the MF ring 204 is set. This is called a range focus mode (RF mode). The timing signal of the detection timer used when reading the encoder value uses a lens communication synchronization signal for performing synchronous communication between the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200. The configuration of an example of the detection mechanism of the index detection circuit 226 using a linear encoder will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The aperture driving circuit 227 includes an actuator such as a stepping motor, a motor driver, and the like, and controls the aperture operation of the aperture 205 in accordance with the aperture value from the lens CPU 221.

  The RAM 228 is a volatile memory for temporarily storing various information used in the lens CPU 221.

  The lens communication circuit 229 has a plurality of communication connection terminals such as a synchronization signal terminal and a data terminal provided on the mount part outside the interchangeable lens 200, and engages with the communication connection terminal of the camera body communication circuit 131. Communicate with the camera body. Through this lens communication circuit 229, the control command of the focus adjustment lens 203 and the diaphragm 205 from the main body CPU 221 is received, and information on the lens state such as optical data, lens position information, and operation state is transmitted to the main body CPU 221. .

  The image processing circuit 127, the main body CPU 121, the lens CPU 221 and the lens driving circuit 222 described above constitute an automatic focus control unit that automatically focuses the focus adjustment lens 203. The automatic focus adjustment unit switches the focus adjustment mode based on the position in the slide direction determined by the slide position determination unit, and sets the preset distance at one of the first position and the second position. By using this, the focusing lens 203 is automatically focused. Further, as the use for the preset distance, the focusing range of the focus adjustment lens 203 is limited based on the preset distance set.

  Next, the sliding operation to the 1st position and 2nd position of MF ring 204 is demonstrated using FIG. 3 and FIG. FIG. 3 shows a case where the MF ring 204 is in the first position, and FIG. 4 shows a case where the MF ring 204 is in the second position.

  A bayonet portion 21 is provided on the rear side of the interchangeable lens 200. The bayonet part 21 can be attached to the camera body 100 by engaging with a bayonet part on the camera body 100 side (not shown). The base 22 is configured integrally with the bayonet portion 21, and is fixed to the camera body 100 when the bayonet portion 21 is attached to the camera body 100.

  The MF ring 204 has a substantially cylindrical shape that is disposed around the outer periphery of the lens barrel of the interchangeable lens 200 so as to be rotatable around the optical axis O and to be movable back and forth in the optical axis O direction. The MF ring 204 is exposed on the outer periphery of the lens barrel, and is arranged so that a photographer's finger can be caught. Of course, only a part of the MF ring 204 may be exposed on the outer periphery.

  The position of the index display frame 25 is fixed with respect to the base portion 22 and is a part of the exterior member of the lens barrel. The index display frame 25 is arranged on the front side of the MF ring 204 even when the MF ring 204 is in the first position (MF position). In the index display frame 25, an index 25a and a subject depth index 25b are displayed. An index 25a indicates a reference index of a distance scale 24a provided on the distance display ring 24 described later, and a subject depth index 25b is an index indicating the subject depth corresponding to the aperture value of the aperture 205 with respect to the distance scale 24a. .

  In the state shown in FIG. 3, when the MF ring 204 is slid to the second position on the rear side (imaging side, camera body side) along the optical axis O, as shown in FIG. Exposed. The distance display ring 24 is a substantially cylindrical member disposed inside the MF ring 204, and does not move integrally with the MF ring 204 when the MF ring 204 is in the first position. However, when the MF ring 204 moves to the second position, the distance display ring 24 can rotate around the optical axis O integrally with the MF ring 204.

  On the outer peripheral surface of the distance display ring 24, as shown in FIG. 4, a distance scale 24a representing a distance (focus distance) at which the focal length lens 203 is focused is displayed. In the distance scale 24a, numerical values indicating the distance from the shortest focusing distance to infinity are arranged along the circumferential direction. As the distance display ring 24 rotates around the optical axis O with respect to the index display frame 25, the numerical value of the distance scale 24a indicated by the index 25a changes.

  The distance display ring 24 has a limited rotation range around the optical axis O, and can be rotated only within the distance range indicated by the index 25a. Therefore, the distance scale 24a displays the distance from the shortest focusing distance to infinity as a numerical value with respect to the index 25a.

  Thus, in this embodiment, when the MF ring 204 is located at the first position (MF position), the distance scale 24a of the distance display ring 24 is a lens mirror as shown in FIG. It becomes invisible from the outside of the tube. On the other hand, when the MF ring 204 is located at the second position (RF position), the distance scale 24a is visible from the outside of the lens barrel as shown in FIG.

  As described above, the distance display ring 24 is configured to rotate around the optical axis O together with the MF ring 204 only when the MF ring 204 is in the second position, and the MF ring 204 is in the first position. When in the (MF position), the MF ring 204 can be rotated independently of the distance display ring 24.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the engagement pin 24b is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the distance display ring 24 so as to protrude radially inward. In addition, a plurality of engaging portions 204 a are arranged on the inner cylindrical portion 204 b of the MF ring 204. When the MF ring 204 is in the first position (MF position), the engagement pin 24b is on the rear side of the engagement portion 204a of the MF ring 204, and the MF ring 204 rotates around the optical axis O. Even if it does not interfere with the engaging portion 204a. Further, when the MF ring 204 is in the second position (RF position), the engagement pin 24b is disposed at a position overlapping the engagement portion 204a. Therefore, when the MF ring 204 is in the second position, the distance display ring 24 rotates around the optical axis O together with the MF ring 204, while when the MF ring 204 is in the first position, Even if the MF ring 204 rotates about the optical axis O, the distance display ring 24 does not rotate but remains stopped.

  Next, the configuration of the detection mechanism of the MF ring position detection circuit 224 and the MF position detection circuit 225 will be described with reference to FIG. The MF ring position detection circuit 224 includes a photo interrupter unit 224a. The photo interrupter unit 224a is fixed to the base unit 22 or a member integrally formed with the base unit 22, and when the MF ring 204 is located at the second position, at least the MF ring 204 When a part of the MF ring 204 is located within the detection range and the MF ring 204 is located at the first position, the MF ring 204 is provided outside the detection range.

  In the present embodiment, the position of the MF ring 204 is detected by the photo interrupter unit 224a, but other detection sensors are employed as long as the position of the MF ring 204 can be detected without being limited to the photo interrupter. It doesn't matter. For example, a magnetic sensor or a switch may be used.

  The MF position detection circuit 225 has a pair of photo interrupters 225a. In addition, a plurality of slit holes 204 c provided at predetermined intervals are provided in the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 204 b that rotates integrally with the MF ring 204. The pair of photo interrupters 225a is provided within the detection range of the slit hole 204c when the MF ring 204 is in the first position (MF position). Then, based on the output signals from the pair of photo interrupters 225a, a rotation state such as a rotation direction, a rotation amount, a rotation speed, and the like of the MF ring 204 around the optical axis O is detected.

  The detection sensor of the MF position detection circuit 225 only needs to be able to detect the rotation of the MF ring 204 when the MF ring 204 is at the first position (MF position). For example, a magnetic rotary encoder— Etc.

  Next, the detection mechanism of the index position detection circuit 226 will be described with reference to FIG. The index position detection circuit 226 has an encoder unit 226a. The encoder unit 226 a detects an absolute rotation position around the optical axis O with respect to the base unit 22 of the distance display ring 24. The encoder unit 226a includes a code pattern 226b having a predetermined number of bits made of a conductor and a contact part 226c made of a conductor that slides on the code pattern 226b.

  The code pattern 226 b is disposed on the outer periphery of the distance display ring 24, and the contact portion 226 c is disposed on a fixed frame integrally formed with the base unit 22. When the distance display ring 24 rotates around the optical axis O, the position of the code pattern 226b with which the contact portion 226c contacts changes according to the rotation position. The index position detection circuit 226 detects a change in the contact state between the code pattern 226b and the contact portion 226c, and detects an absolute rotation position around the optical axis O of the MF ring 204, that is, a preset position (preset distance). This preset distance corresponds to the distance at which the distance display of the distance display ring 24 where the photographer rotates integrally with the MF ring 204 matches the index 25a.

  The index position detection circuit 226 may of course employ a configuration other than the contact type encoder as long as it can detect the absolute rotation position around the optical axis O with respect to the base unit 22. . For example, it may be an optical or magnetic rotary encoder for detecting an absolute position, or a potentiometer whose resistance value changes according to the rotational position of the distance display ring 24 around the optical axis O. In this embodiment, in order to detect the absolute position at high speed, the lens communication synchronization signal at the time of synchronous communication between the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200 is used as a timing signal for the detection timer. To do.

  Next, an example of synchronous communication performed between the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis represents the flow of time, and the vertical axis represents the processing contents and timing. In the camera body process, in process B1, a live view image is displayed and an AF evaluation value is calculated based on the image data acquired in the previous frame. In the process B2, AF calculation, various setting changes, and the like are performed based on the lens state data acquired by the lens state communication.

  The vertical synchronization signal is a signal output corresponding to each frame. In imaging / reading, a subject image is picked up by the image pickup device 103, and the picked-up image data is read out. In FIG. 7, the imaging / reading has a rhombus shape. In this embodiment, a rolling shutter is used when a live view image is acquired, and imaging and reading are sequentially performed for each pixel line. To do.

  In the communication BL in the lens communication, a lens state data request command is transmitted from the camera body 100 to the interchangeable lens 200, and this command requests that data indicating the lens state of the interchangeable lens 200 be transmitted to the camera body 100. In the communication LB, the interchangeable lens 200 transmits data indicating the lens state to the camera body 100 in response to the lens state data request command.

  The lens communication synchronization signal is generated in response to the vertical synchronization signal in the camera body 100, and this lens communication synchronization signal is output from the synchronization signal terminal of the camera body communication circuit 131 to the interchangeable lens 200. The state of the lens position acquisition signal changes at a predetermined timing, for example, in the example shown in FIG.

  Also, the process L1 in the interchangeable lens 200 is to acquire the position information of the focus adjustment lens 203 at the state change timing of the lens position acquisition signal and to detect the operation state of the MF ring 204 at the reception timing of the lens communication synchronization signal. This is the process to be performed. The process L2 is a process of transmitting lens state data such as the position information of the focus adjustment lens 203 and the operation state of the MF ring 204 in accordance with the lens state data request command received from the camera body 100.

  As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 7, in the synchronous communication in this embodiment, the process B1 is executed in the camera body 100 in synchronization with the vertical synchronization signal, and the lens communication synchronization signal is synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal. This is transmitted to the interchangeable lens 200.

  When processing B1 is processed in the camera body 100, a lens state data request command is transmitted to the interchangeable lens 200 by communication BL. When the interchangeable lens 200 receives the lens state data request command, the interchangeable lens 200 detects the lens state and transmits the lens state data by communication LB. When receiving the lens state data, the camera body 100 executes the process B2.

  In the interchangeable lens 200, the process L1 for acquiring the lens position is executed in synchronization with the lens position acquisition signal. This lens position acquisition signal is generated at a predetermined timing, as described above, in the example of FIG. 7, when ½ of the charge accumulation time at the screen center of the image sensor 103 has elapsed. The interchangeable lens 200 acquires the position information of the focus adjustment lens 203 by the lens position detection circuit 223 at the timing of the state change of the lens position acquisition signal. These synchronous communications are executed in synchronization with the lens communication synchronization signal as a whole.

  Next, the focus adjustment mode in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, three types of focus adjustment modes are prepared: an autofocus mode (AF mode), a manual focus mode (MF mode), and a range focus mode (RF mode). In the AF mode, the focus adjustment lens 203 is automatically focused by a hill climbing method using contrast AF based on image data from the image sensor 103. In the MF mode, when the MF ring 204 is at the first position (MF position), the MF ring 204 is manually rotated, and the focus adjustment lens 203 is moved according to the rotation state at this time to focus. Do. As described above, the AF mode and the MF mode are set, for example, on a menu screen in the camera body 100.

  On the other hand, in the RF mode, when the MF ring 204 is in the second position, the MF ring 204 is rotated, and the distance setting 24a of the distance display ring 24 is set to the index 25a to set the distance. Focus on this set distance. If the power is turned off after the distance is set in advance in the RF mode, and then the power is turned on in the RF mode, the focus can be adjusted to the preset distance. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), when the photographer 301 is taking a walk in the city or the like, if the distance is set in advance in the RF mode, the subject as shown in FIG. 8 (b) is obtained. Even if 303 appears suddenly, it is possible to quickly take a picture.

  Further, after the distance is set in the RF mode, even when the MF ring 204 is switched to the MF mode or AF mode by sliding the MF ring 204 to the first position (MF position), the MF ring 204 is slid to the second position. If you do, the camera will focus immediately on the set distance.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the focus adjustment has three modes of AF mode, MF mode, and RF mode. Switching between the three modes will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, state 1 is the AF mode, state 2 is the MF mode, and state 3 is the RF mode. Among these, the AF mode and the MF mode can be set on the menu screen of the camera body 100 as described above, and the RF mode can be set by sliding the MF ring 204 of the interchangeable lens 200 to the second position.

  The AF mode in state 1 is maintained when the AF mode is still set as the focus adjustment setting on the menu screen of the camera body 100 and the MF ring 204 is at the MF position (first position). Is done. The MF mode in state 2 is maintained when the MF mode remains set on the camera body 100 side and the MF 204 is at the MF position (first position).

  If the MF ring 204 is in the RF position, it is set to state 3 RF mode. In the RF mode, if the MF mode is set on the camera body 100 side, as described with reference to FIG. 8, the MF ring 204 is rotated and the distance scale 24a of the distance display ring 24 is adjusted to the index 25a. The normal RF mode in which the preset distance is set and the focus is adjusted to this preset distance is executed. Further, when the AF mode is set on the camera body 100 side, limited AF is performed in which the scan range for AF detection is limited.

  To switch from the state 1 AF mode to the state 2 MF mode, the camera body 100 may be changed to the MF mode as a focus adjustment setting while the MF ring 204 is maintained at the MF position (first position). . Conversely, to switch from the MF mode to the AF mode, the MF ring 204 may be changed to the AF mode while maintaining the MF ring 204 at the MF position (first position).

  To switch from the state 1 AF mode to the state 3 RF mode, it is only necessary to slide the MF ring 204 to the RF position (second position). Conversely, to switch from the state 3 RF mode to the state 1 AF mode, the MF ring 204 is slid to the MF position (first position) and the focus adjustment setting in the camera body 100 is changed to the AF mode. I do.

  To switch from the state 2 MF mode to the state 3 RF mode, it is only necessary to slide the MF ring 204 to the RF position (second position). Conversely, to switch from the state 3 RF mode to the state 2 MF mode, the MF ring 204 is slid to the MF position (first position), and the focus adjustment setting in the camera body 100 is changed to the MF mode. I do.

  Next, the photographing operation in the present embodiment will be described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. This flowchart is mainly executed by the main body CPU 121 in accordance with a program stored in the flash ROM 122 in the camera main body 100. However, when the RF mode is set in part during the flow of the MF ring operation detection / operation processing, The lens CPU 221 mainly executes in accordance with a program stored in a flash ROM in the interchangeable lens 200.

  When the operation switch detection circuit 129 detects that the power button has been operated, the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 starts its operation. First, it is determined whether or not the interchangeable lens 200 is attached (S1). This determination is performed based on the detection result of the operation switch detection circuit 129 detecting the state of the mount switch or the like. If the result of this determination is that the interchangeable lens 200 has not been mounted, the camera enters a standby state waiting for the replacement lens 200 to be mounted. When the photographer performs an operation of changing the photographing parameter, a reproduction operation of a photographed image photographed in the past, setting of a focus adjustment mode, or the like during standby, an instructed operation is executed.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 1 is that the interchangeable lens 200 is attached to the camera body 100, lens communication is next performed (S <b> 3). Here, asynchronous communication is performed with the lens CPU 221 via the camera body communication circuit 131 and the lens communication circuit 229. Through this asynchronous communication, operating parameters of the focus adjustment lens 203 and the like, lens data such as optical data such as chromatic aberration data, information on whether synchronous communication is possible, and the like are acquired and stored in the RAM 123.

  Once lens communication is performed, synchronous communication is then started (S5). Here, as described with reference to FIG. 7, a lens communication synchronization signal is transmitted from the camera body 100 to the interchangeable lens 200, and communication is performed in synchronization with this signal. Lens state data such as the operation state of the focus adjustment lens 203 and the operation state of the MF ring 204 is acquired for each synchronization period, and a control operation corresponding to the lens state is executed. Therefore, each time a lens communication synchronization signal is output, the camera body determines whether the data relating to the lens position of the focus adjustment lens 203, the MF ring 204 is in the first position or the second position, Information such as an aperture value can be acquired, and a control operation corresponding to this information is executed. Also, the camera body 100 can transmit a control command relating to the driving direction and driving amount of the focus adjustment lens 203 for performing AF control, and the aperture amount of the diaphragm 205. If an interchangeable lens that cannot be synchronized is mounted by the lens communication performed in step S3, the synchronization communication is not performed.

  When synchronous communication is started, next, live view display is started (S7). The main body CPU 121 operates the image sensor 103 from the image sensor control circuit 124 every synchronization period to acquire image data, and the image processing circuit 127 performs image processing for live view display. Using the image data processed for live view display, the display circuit 128 starts live view display on the display monitor 105.

  When live view display is started, it is next determined whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 has been removed (S9). Here, it is determined whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 has been removed based on at least one of the communication state of the synchronous communication started in step S5 and the state of the mount switch as in step S1. If the result of this determination is that the interchangeable lens 100 has been removed, processing returns to step S1.

  If the result of determination in step S9 is that the interchangeable lens 100 has not been removed and is mounted, it is next determined whether or not the power is off (S11). Here, the operation switch detection circuit 129 detects the operation state of the power button and makes a determination based on the detection result. If the result of this determination is that the power is off, end processing is performed (S13). Here, processing such as various data saving processing, reset operation, power supply system disconnection processing, and the like is performed. When the termination process is performed, this flow is terminated.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 11 is that the power has not been turned off, MF ring operation detection / operation processing is performed (S <b> 15). Here, operation control and setting processing of the focus adjustment lens 203 are performed according to the operation state of the MF ring 204. In other words, when the MF ring 204 is in the second position where it slides to the rear side (imaging side) of the interchangeable lens 200, when the camera body 100 is set to the AF mode, the above-described limited scan is performed. When AF is executed and the MF mode is set, the RF mode for focusing on the preset distance is executed. On the other hand, when the MF ring 204 is in the first position sliding toward the front side (subject side) of the interchangeable lens 200, control according to the AF mode or MF mode set in the camera body 100 is performed. Detailed processing of the MF ring operation detection / operation processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Once the MF ring operation detection / operation process has been performed, it is next determined whether or not the moving image switch is on (S17). Here, the operation switch detection circuit 129 detects the operation state of the moving image switch and makes a determination based on the detection result.

  If the result of determination in step S17 is that the moving image switch is off, that is, in the still image shooting mode, it is determined whether or not the 1st release switch is on (S19). The photographer presses the release button halfway as a preparation stage before shooting. Here, the operation switch detection circuit 129 detects the operation state of the first release switch and makes a determination based on the detection result. If the result of this determination is that the first release switch is off, processing returns to step S9.

  If the result of determination in step S19 is that the 1st release switch is on, still image photometry / AF is carried out (S21). Here, operations necessary for photographing such as photometry for still image photographing, exposure calculation, and AF are executed. In the photometry and exposure calculation, subject luminance is detected based on image data from the image sensor 103, and exposure control values such as a shutter speed and an aperture value for appropriate exposure are calculated based on the detected subject luminance. In addition, AF for still image shooting performs an AF operation by a so-called hill-climbing method so that a high-frequency component (AF evaluation value) extracted from image data becomes the largest. An automatic focus adjustment operation using phase difference AF may be performed. Detailed processing of still image metering / AF will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If still image photometry / AF is performed, it is next determined whether or not the 1st release switch is off (S23). In some cases, the photographer presses the release button halfway in preparation for shooting and then releases the release button to stop the shooting preparation operation. Here, the operation switch detection circuit 129 detects the operation state of the first release switch and makes a determination based on the detection result. If the result of this determination is that the first release switch is off, processing proceeds to step S41 described below.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S23 is that the 1st release switch is not off, that is, it is on, it is next determined whether or not the 2nd release switch is on (S25). The photographer observes the live view display. When the composition and the shutter timing are determined, the photographer fully presses the release button and instructs the execution of photographing. Here, the operation switch detection circuit 129 detects the operation state of the 2nd release switch and makes a determination based on the detection result. If the result of this determination is that the 2nd release switch is off, processing returns to step S23.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 25 is that the 2nd release switch is on, the flow proceeds to shooting operation. First, imaging is performed (S27). Here, based on the exposure calculation result calculated in step S21, the main body CPU 121 communicates with the lens CPU 221 to instruct the aperture operation of the aperture 205. After the aperture operation is completed, the image sensor control circuit 124 and the shutter control circuit 126 perform imaging. The element 103 and the focal plane shutter 104 are controlled to perform an imaging operation. After completion of the imaging operation, the image signal read from the imaging element 103 is processed by the image processing circuit 127 to acquire image data.

  Once imaging has been performed, image data is then stored (S29). Here, the main body CPU 121 stores the image data acquired in step S27 in the RAM 123 or an external storage medium such as a compact flash (registered trademark). Further, based on the acquired image data, the captured image is displayed on the display monitor via the display circuit 127 for a predetermined time.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 17 is that the movie switch is on, movie shooting mode is entered. First, moving image shooting is started (S31). The main body CPU 121 causes the image sensor control circuit 124 to operate the image sensor 103 for each synchronization period to start moving image shooting. The image signal output from the image sensor 103 is subjected to image processing for moving images by the image processing circuit 127, and recording of the moving image image data in an external storage medium such as the RAM 123 or Compact Flash (registered trademark) is started.

  When movie shooting is started, MF ring operation detection / operation processing is subsequently performed (S33). Here, as in step S15, operation control and setting processing of the focus adjustment lens 203 are performed in accordance with the operation state of the MF ring 204.

  Once MF ring operation detection / operation processing has been performed, moving image photometry / AF is then performed (S35). As the AE for moving image shooting, the aperture 205 is driven by the aperture drive circuit 227 with finer driving steps than those for still image shooting, and control is performed so that the change in the amount of subject light incident on the image sensor 103 becomes smooth. In the AF mode, the AF for moving image shooting performs a hill-climbing AF operation, and performs a so-called wobbling operation that causes the focus adjustment lens 203 to be minutely driven near the in-focus state as necessary. Detailed processing of moving picture photometry / AF will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Once the moving image metering / AF operation is performed, it is next determined whether or not the moving image switch is off (S37). When the photographer finishes moving image shooting, the user releases the moving image button. Here, the operation switch detection circuit 129 detects the operation state of the moving image switch and makes a determination based on the detection result. If the result of this determination is that the movie switch is on, processing returns to step S33 and movie shooting continues.

  If the result of determination in step S37 is that the movie switch is off, movie shooting end processing is next carried out (S39). Here, the main body CPU 121 stops the operation of the image sensor 103 by the image sensor control circuit 124 and ends the moving image shooting.

  When image data is stored in step S29, or when moving image shooting is ended in step S39, or if the result of determination in step S23 is that the 1st release switch is OFF, display initialization is then performed. Perform (S41). Here, the main body CPU 121 clears the captured image display, the moving image capturing parameter display, and the like by the display circuit 127 and returns the display on the display monitor 105 to the live view display. When the display is initialized, the process returns to step S9.

  Next, the MF ring operation detection / operation process in steps S15 and S33 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation of the flow of the MF ring detection / operation process is executed by the lens CPU 221 under the control of the main body CPU 121, but the lens CPU 221 is mainly executed when executing the RF mode. When the flow of MF ring operation detection / operation processing is entered, slide position detection is first performed (S51). Here, the MF ring position detection circuit 224 detects the position of the MF ring 204, that is, whether it is in the first position or the second position.

  Once the slide position is detected, it is next determined whether or not the MF ring 204 is at the RF operation position, that is, the second position (S53). If the result of this determination is that there is an RF operation position (second position), the preset position is detected (S55). Here, as described above, based on the detection by the encoder unit 226a of the index position detection circuit 226, the preset position corresponding to the distance scale of the distance display ring 24 that rotates integrally with the MF ring 204 that coincides with the index 25a is set. To detect. When the preset position is set, preset distances 311a to 311c (see FIG. 15) corresponding to the preset position are displayed on the display monitor 105.

  When the preset position is detected, lens driving (LD) is then performed at the preset position (S57). Here, the focus adjustment lens 203 is driven by the lens driving circuit 222 at a preset distance corresponding to the preset position set in step S55. In addition, the image processing circuit 127 acquires an AF evaluation value during driving. The reason why the AF evaluation value is obtained here is to determine the driving direction when driving the lens when the AF mode is set.

  Once the lens is driven to the preset position, it is next determined whether or not the AF mode is set (S59). As described above, since the AF mode and the MF mode are set on the menu screen of the camera body 100, this step is determined based on the setting state on the menu screen. If the MF mode is set as a result of this determination, the normal RF mode for moving the focus adjustment lens 203 to the preset distance is completed, and the process returns to the original flow. On the other hand, if the result of determination is that the AF mode has been set, control with limited AF is performed in step S59 and subsequent steps.

  If the result of determination in step S59 is that the AF mode has been set, the MF ring rotation operation history is first confirmed in order to perform limited AF (S61). In step S81 to be described later, the rotation direction of the rotation operation of the MF ring 204 is detected, and the rotation direction at this time is stored as a rotation operation history. In step S61, the rotation operation history is referred to, and the MF ring for a predetermined time, for example, 1 second before, is detected immediately before the MF ring 204 is slid to the second position to perform the limited AF. The direction of the rotation operation is determined.

  That is, in the present embodiment, in order to perform the limited AF, first, the MF ring 204 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise at the first position (MF position) or without rotating. Slide to position 2 (RF position). The rotation direction immediately before the slide operation is stored as an MF ring rotation operation history. Based on the rotation operation history read in step S61, the scan range for AF detection is limited in steps S61 to S71.

  If the history of the MF ring rotation operation is confirmed in step S61, it is next determined whether or not the rotation was clockwise before the slide operation of the MF ring 204 (S63). Here, the determination is made based on the MF ring rotation operation history confirmed in step S61.

  If the result of determination in step S63 is that it has rotated clockwise before sliding, the infinite side from the current position is set as the AF range (S71). In the present embodiment, the clockwise rotation of the MF ring 204 is an operation toward the infinity side. The current position is driven to the preset position in step S57. Therefore, in this step, the AF range for focusing by the hill-climbing method is set on the infinity side from the preset position.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S63 is that it has not rotated clockwise before the slide, it is next determined whether or not it has rotated counterclockwise before the slide (S63). Here, the determination is made based on the MF ring rotation operation history confirmed in step S61.

  If the result of determination in step S63 is that it has rotated counterclockwise before sliding, the closest side of the current position is set as the AF range (S69). In the present embodiment, the counterclockwise rotation of the MF ring 204 is an operation toward the closest side. The current position is driven to the preset position in step S57. Therefore, in this step, the AF range for focusing by the hill-climbing method is set to the near side from the preset position.

  If the result of determination in step S65 is that the lens has not rotated counterclockwise before sliding, an AF range is set before and after the current position (S67). In this case, the MF ring 204 has not been rotated before the MF ring 204 slides. In this case, the AF range is limited to a predetermined range before and after the preset position (current position) driven in step S57.

  The predetermined range is, for example, (1) an executable range with an AF time of 100 msec or less. The distance range can be determined from the scanning speed when the focus adjustment lens 203 is scanned by the hill-climbing method. The predetermined range is, for example, (2) a range that is twice the depth of field. The subject depth is determined according to the focal length of the diaphragm 205 and the interchangeable lens, and the distance range in which the depth of field is doubled can be determined. The predetermined range is, for example, (3) a range specified by the photographer on the menu screen or the like.

  If the result of determination in step S53 is that the MF ring 204 is not at the RF operation position (second position), MF ring rotation operation is detected (S81). When the MF ring 204 is not in the RF operation position, it is in the MF position (first position). In this case, when the MF mode is set on the camera body 100 side, manual focus for performing manual focusing is executed, and when the AF mode is set, it is automatically performed by a hill climbing method. Autofocus is performed to focus on the subject.

  In step S81, the MF position detection circuit 225 detects the rotation state such as the rotation direction, rotation amount, and rotation speed of the MF ring 204. As described above, the rotation direction at this time is temporarily stored as a rotation operation history.

  Once the MF ring rotation operation is detected, it is next determined whether or not the MF mode is set (S83). As described above, since the MF mode and the AF mode are set on the camera body 100 side, in this step, determination is made based on the setting state.

  If the result of determination in step S83 is that MF mode has been set, it is next determined whether or not there is a rotating operation (S85). Here, it determines based on the detection result of MF ring rotation operation in step S81.

  If the result of determination in step S85 is that there has been a rotation operation, the focus adjustment lens 203 is then driven according to the amount and direction of rotation (S87). That is, the lens driving circuit 222 drives the focus adjustment lens 203 according to the rotation amount and the rotation direction detected in step S81.

  Once the focus adjustment lens is driven, MF ring rotation operation detection is performed (S89). Here, the rotation state of the MF ring 204 is detected by the MF position detection circuit 225. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the rotation operation is stopped (S91). Here, the determination is made based on the detection result in step S89. If the result of this determination is that the rotation operation has not stopped, the process returns to step S87, and based on the detection result in step S89, the focus adjustment lens 203. Drive.

  If the result of determination in step S91 is that the rotation operation has stopped, or if the result of determination in step S85 is that there is no rotation operation, or the result of determination in step S83 is that the mode is not MF mode (that is, AF mode). In the case where the AF mode is not set (i.e., the MF mode is set), or when the AF range is set in steps S67 to S71, the process returns to the original flow.

  Thus, in the flow of the MF ring operation detection / operation process, when the MF ring 204 is at the MF position (S53 → No), the rotation state of the MF ring 204 is detected and the rotation direction is stored (S81). If the MF mode is selected (S83 → Yes), focus adjustment is performed by manual focus (S85 to S91). On the other hand, if the AF mode is selected (S83 → No), focus adjustment is performed by autofocus using the hill-climbing method. If the MF ring 204 is at the RF position (S53 → Yes), focus adjustment by the RF mode, that is, focusing on the preset distance is performed (S55, S57). Restrictions are set (S61 to S71). In this case, when the MF mode is set, the AF range is not limited. Note that, when the limited AF is performed at the RF position and then the MF ring 204 is slid to the MF position, the focus is performed in the normal AF mode regardless of the preset distance set.

  Further, in limiting the AF range in the limited AF, the AF range is limited according to the rotation direction and the preset position of the MF ring 204 immediately before the RF position (second position) of the MF ring 204 is moved. That is, the automatic focus control unit configured by the image processing circuit 127, the lens driving circuit 222, and the like focuses based on the preset distance (the distance corresponding to the preset position) and the rotation direction of the ring member (MF ring 204). A limited range (AF range) is set. For this reason, for example, after the photographer rotates the MF ring 204 in the direction corresponding to the distance of the subject intended for focusing, the MF ring 204 is simply slid to the RF position, and the focusing is automatically performed.

  Next, the display on the display monitor 105 during the MF ring operation detection / operation will be described with reference to FIG. That is, when the AF range is set in steps S67 to S71, the set range is displayed on the display monitor 105 together with the live view display as shown in FIG. In FIG. 15, the subject is displayed in live view on most of the screen of the display monitor 105, and the range of the limited AF is displayed in a strip shape at the top of the screen. A close distance (0.2 m in the illustrated example) is displayed at the left end of the belt-shaped portion, and an infinite distance is displayed at the right end. Note that the strip-shaped display area is not limited to the upper portion of the screen, and may not be strip-shaped.

  When the AF range is set to the infinite side from the current position in step S71, the preset distance 311a (5m in the illustrated example) corresponding to the preset position is displayed with a black frame as shown in FIG. In addition, in order to indicate that the infinite side from the preset distance 311 is the AF range 313a, it is displayed with shading. The black frame display and the shaded display are examples, and the display is not limited to these as long as the display is identifiable (the same applies to FIGS. 15B and 15C).

  When the AF range is set closer to the current position in step S69, a preset distance 311b (1 m in the illustrated example) corresponding to the preset position is displayed as shown in FIG. The infinite side from the distance 311 is displayed as the AF range 313b. If the AF range is set before and after the current position in step S67, a preset distance 311c (2 m in the illustrated example) corresponding to the preset position is displayed as shown in FIG. An AF range 313c is displayed before and after the preset distance 311.

  Next, the still image metering / AF operation in step S21 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the still image metering / AF flow is entered, first, direction determination for starting scan driving is performed (S101). During normal AF, the AF evaluation value is acquired while driving the lens in a predetermined direction, for example, the direction closer to the infinite end or the closest end with respect to the current position of the focus adjustment lens 203. The direction in which the acquired AF evaluation value increases is defined as the scan drive start direction.

  However, if the MF ring 204 is in the RF position (second position), is in the RF mode, and the main body side is set to the AF mode during the process of step S101, step S51 (see FIG. 11). If it is within a predetermined time from the slide detection of the MF ring 204 at 1 second, for example within 1 second, the driving start direction is set based on the AF evaluation value acquired at the time of scan driving toward the preset position in step S57. When a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the slide detection in step S51, or when it is impossible to determine the driving direction based on the AF evaluation value acquired in step S57, the AF range limit setting is on the infinity side (see S71). Is the infinite direction, when the limit setting is close (see S69), the close direction, and when the limit setting is before or after the preset position (see S67), the direction determined by the same determination as in normal AF is the scan drive start direction. To do.

  Once the direction is determined in step S101, the scan drive range is set and scanning is started (S103). Here, the scan drive range is set using the drive direction determined in step S101. The scan drive range will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, in the present embodiment, automatic focus adjustment is performed by contrast AF using a hill-climbing method. In FIG. 14, the LD possible range indicates the driveable range of the focus adjustment lens 203.

  In the case of limited AF in which the AF scan driving range is limited, lens driving for performing peak detection of AF evaluation values on the infinite side and the closest side within the setting range limited in steps S67 to S71 (see FIG. 11). The range with the minute added is defined as a lens driving range (LD range). For example, the lens drive for performing peak detection may be within a range where the AF evaluation value can be acquired at least twice.

  FIG. 14A shows the lens drive range (LD range) when the AF range is set on the infinite side from the preset position in step S71. Further, FIG. 14B shows the lens driving range (LD) when the AF range is set on the closest side from the preset position in step S69. FIG. 14C shows the lens drive range (LD) when the AF range is set before and after the preset position in step S67.

  When the lens driving range for scanning is set, the lens driving circuit 222 starts driving the focus adjustment lens 203 in the set lens driving direction while referring to the detection result from the lens position detection circuit 223.

  Subsequently, imaging / evaluation value acquisition is performed (S105). Here, the image sensor control circuit 124 controls the image sensor 103 to capture a subject image, and the image processing circuit 127 acquires an AF evaluation value. Further, the lens position is acquired (S107). Here, lens state data is acquired by synchronous communication. From this lens state data, the position of the focus adjustment lens 203 at the time of imaging is acquired.

  Once the lens position has been acquired, a peak crossing determination is performed (S109). In step S105, an AF evaluation value is acquired every time one frame is captured, and it is determined whether or not the AF evaluation value has exceeded the maximum value (maximum value) by detecting a change from increase to decrease. .

  Once the peak crossing determination is made, it is next determined whether or not peak detection is possible (S111). Here, even if the scan drive range set in step S103 is scanned (lens drive), it is determined in step S109 whether or not peak overshooting has been detected. It is determined No during scan driving.

  If the result of determination in step S111 is No, it is next determined whether or not a peak has been detected (S113). Here, it is determined whether or not the peak overshooting has been detected in step S109. If the peak cannot be detected as a result of this determination, the process returns to step S105, and the peak is detected while continuing the scan drive.

  If the peak is detected as a result of the determination in step S113, then the in-focus position is calculated (S115). Using the AF evaluation value near the maximum (maximum value) of the AF evaluation values detected in step S109, the in-focus position is calculated by a method such as interpolation or quadratic function approximation. When the in-focus position is calculated, the lens is driven to the in-focus position (S117). Here, the lens driving circuit 222 drives the focus adjustment lens 203 toward the in-focus position calculated in step S115.

  If the result of determination in step S111 is that peak detection is not possible, it is next determined whether or not the MF ring 204 is in the RF position (second position) (S121). This state is a case where the peak detection of the AF evaluation value has not been detected even though the AF evaluation value has been detected by the limited AF. In this case, the correspondence differs depending on whether or not the MF ring 204 is at the RF position (second position).

  If the result of determination in step S121 is that it is at the RF position, the focus adjustment lens 203 is driven to the preset position (S123). Since the MF ring 204 is at the RF position, the lens is driven to the preset distance at that time. Note that since the in-focus point could not be detected within the set range, a warning display may be displayed on the display monitor 105 to indicate that the in-focus state is out of focus.

  On the other hand, if the MF ring 204 is not at the RF position, a warning is displayed (S125). Here, since the in-focus point could not be detected, a warning display such as blinking the in-focus mark is performed.

  If the lens is driven to the in-focus position in step S117, or if the lens is driven to the preset position in step S123, or if a warning is displayed in step S125, then data for imaging / photometry is acquired (S127). . Here, imaging for photometry is performed, and image data for photometry is acquired. Subsequently, photometric calculation is performed (S129). Here, parameters such as the shutter speed for exposure control and the aperture value are calculated from the acquired image data. When the photometric calculation is performed, the original flow is restored.

  As described above, in the still image metering / AF flow, when the MF ring 204 is at the RF position (second position) and the AF mode is set, the limited AF is executed. In this case, a scan drive range is set (S103), and the focus adjustment lens 203 is driven within this range to perform focus detection by hill-climbing AF (S105 to S113). Further, when the limited AF is performed and the in-focus point cannot be automatically detected, the focus is adjusted to the preset distance set in the RF mode (S123). When the MF mode is set on the camera body side, steps S101 to S125 are omitted, and steps S127 and S129 are executed.

  Next, the motion metering / AF operation in step S35 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the moving image metering / AF flow is entered, first, a direction determination is performed as in step S101 (S131).

  Once the direction is determined, AE / scan AF is performed (S133). Here, exposure control is performed by performing photometric calculation based on image data output from the image sensor 103 in accordance with the imaging frame rate. Also, an AF evaluation value is calculated based on the above-described image data, and a scan AF operation similar to steps S103 to S113 (see FIG. 12) is executed based on this AF evaluation value. In scan AF, as described above, the scan drive range is set, and the peak of the AF evaluation value is detected while driving this range.

  If AE / scan AF is performed, it is next determined whether or not peak detection is impossible (S135). Here, it is determined whether or not the peak overshoot has been detected within the scan drive range. If the peak is not detected as a result of this determination, it is next determined whether or not the MF ring 204 is at the RF position (second position), similarly to step S121 (S151).

  If the result of determination in step S151 is that the MF ring is not at the RF position, a warning is displayed as in step S125 (S155). Here, since the in-focus point could not be detected, a warning display such as blinking the in-focus mark is performed. On the other hand, if the MF ring is at the RF position, the lens is driven to a preset distance corresponding to the preset position as in step S123 (S153). Note that since the in-focus point could not be detected within the set range, a warning display may be displayed on the display monitor 105 to indicate that the in-focus state is out of focus.

  If the peak is detected as a result of the determination in step S135, it is next determined whether or not the moving image switch is off (S137). In step S17 (FIG. 10) described above, when the moving image switch is detected to be on, moving image shooting has started. To stop moving image shooting, the photographer turns off the moving image switch. Here, the operation switch detection circuit 129 detects the state of the moving image switch and makes a determination based on this detection signal.

  If the result of determination in step S137 is that the moving image switch is not OFF, AE / Wob (wobbling) drive control is then carried out (S139). Here, photometric calculation is performed based on image data output from the image sensor 103 in accordance with the imaging frame rate, and exposure control is performed based on the photometric data. Also, while performing so-called wobbling driving that causes the focus adjustment lens 203 to vibrate slightly, an AF evaluation value is acquired from the above-described image data, and the center position of the wobbling driving amplitude is the maximum (maximum) of the AF evaluation value based on the AF evaluation value. The drive amount is controlled so as to be the position (focus position).

  In step S139, since the focus adjustment lens 203 is driven to the in-focus position by the hill-climbing method within the lens driving range, the moving image is focused by wobbling driving. In the wobbling drive, the lens drive circuit 222 causes all or a part of the focus adjustment lens 203 to vibrate in the optical axis direction. As the wobbling drive, vibration is performed with a period of twice the frame rate, for example, a period of 15 fps if the frame rate is 30 fps, and an amplitude width that is within the depth of field.

  Once the AE / Wob drive control is performed, it is next determined whether or not the subject is stationary (S141). Here, it is determined whether or not the subject is stationary based on the change in the AF evaluation value acquired in step S139. If the AF evaluation value does not change, it can be determined that the camera is stationary.

  If the result of determination in step S141 is that the subject is not stationary, it is next determined whether or not web tracking is impossible (S143). Here, it is determined whether or not it is possible to follow the wobbling drive control based on the change in the AF evaluation value. When the change in the AF evaluation value is large, it is determined that follow-up is impossible. If the result of this determination is that tracking is possible, the process returns to step S137, and focusing by the web drive control is continued.

  If the result of determination in step S143 is that it is impossible to follow the web, the web drive is stopped (S145). When the web drive is stopped, the process returns to step S133, and the focus adjustment lens 203 is driven to the in-focus position while scanning within the lens drive range as described above.

  If the result of determination in step S141 is that the subject is stationary, web drive is stopped (S159). This is because it is not necessary to focus by wobbling driving because the subject is stationary. Subsequently, as in step S137, it is determined whether or not the moving image switch is off (S161).

  If the result of determination in step S161 is that the moving image switch is not OFF, AE / subject status determination is next carried out (S163). Here, photometric calculation is performed based on image data output from the image sensor 103 in accordance with the imaging frame rate, and exposure control is performed based on the photometric data. Also, an AF evaluation value is acquired from the image data, and it is determined whether or not the subject has changed based on the AF evaluation value. For example, the change of the AF evaluation value obtained continuously is approximated by the least square method or the like, and the change of the AF evaluation value is more than the determination level based on the variation level of the AF evaluation value when the Siemen start chart or the like is the subject. When it becomes larger, it is determined that the subject situation has changed.

  If the result of determination in step S165 is that the subject state has not changed, processing returns to step S161. That is, since the subject is in a stationary state, AE is executed while AF by wobbling driving is stopped.

  If the subject state has changed as a result of the determination in step S165, it is next determined whether or not the subject state has changed significantly (S167). If the result of this determination is that there has not been a significant change, processing returns to step S137, and focusing is performed by AF by wobbling drive. On the other hand, if the subject state has changed significantly, the process returns to step S133, and the focus adjustment lens 203 is driven to the in-focus position while scanning within the lens driving range. Therefore, when determining whether or not the subject state has changed significantly, it is only necessary to determine whether or not AF by wobbling driving can be followed.

  If the result of determination in step S137 is that the movie switch is off, web drive is stopped (S157). If the wobbling drive is stopped in this step, or if the result of determination in step S161 is that the moving image switch is off, the moving image metering / AF flow is terminated and the original flow is restored.

  Thus, also in the moving image photometry / AF flow, when the MF ring 204 is at the RF position (second position) and the AF mode is set, in step S103, still image photometry / AF is performed. As in the case of the flow, the limited AF is executed. When the focal point is detected by scanning the lens driving range, the focal point is subsequently followed by wobbling driving.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, when the MF ring 204 is at the RF position (second position) and the AF mode is set, the distance corresponding to the preset position is set. The range in which scan AF is performed is limited. For this reason, the photographer can quickly focus by setting a preset distance according to the approximate distance of the subject to be focused.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotation direction of the MF ring 204 at the MF position (first position) immediately before the MF ring 204 is slid to the RF position is stored (see FIG. 11 in S81). The AF range is set using the rotation operation history (see FIG. 11 from S61 to S71). For this reason, the photographer can easily limit the AF range only by operating the MF ring 204 while observing the subject with the viewfinder.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, preset distances 311 a to 311 c and AF ranges 313 a to 313 c are displayed on the display monitor 105. For this reason, the photographer can easily check the preset distance and AF range set while observing the subject with the viewfinder. Further, the display direction of the preset distance that changes with the rotation direction of the MF ring 204 and the distance displayed on the display monitor 105 are aligned in the same direction. For example, the arrangement of the distance scales 24a shown in FIG. 4 is the same as the arrangement direction of the distance scales shown in FIG. For this reason, it is easy to understand intuitively and operability is improved.

  Next, Modification 1 of the MF ring operation detection / motion process shown in FIG. 11 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In the flow shown in FIG. 11, the MF ring 204 is slid to the RF position (second position), the AF range is set in the MF ring operation detection / operation process (see S15 in FIG. 10), and then the first focus ( In S21), if there is a slight deviation from the focus position intended by the photographer, by performing the first release operation, the scan AF is performed again in the same AF range as the previous time. In the first modification, when there is a slight shift from the focus position intended by the photographer, the first release operation is performed to perform the scan AF with reference to the first focus position.

  Compared with the flow shown in FIG. 11, the flow of the modification 1 shown in FIG. 16 only adds step S60 and S73. Therefore, this additional step will be mainly described.

  When the MF ring operation detection / motion process flow shown in FIG. 16 is entered, slide position detection is performed (S51). In this step, as described above, it is determined whether the MF ring 204 is at the MF position (first position) or the RF position (second position), and the determination result is stored.

  In step S59, it is determined whether or not the AF mode is set. If the result of the determination is that the AF mode is set, it is determined whether or not the RF operation position is also detected at the previous detection (S60). . Here, based on the storage result of the slide position detection result in step S51, it is determined whether or not the position of the MF ring 204 at the previous detection was the RF position.

  As a result of the determination in step S60, if the MF ring 204 is not in the RF position, that is, if the previous time was the MF position and this time was the RF position, as described in the flow of FIG. , A process for limiting the AF range is executed.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S60 is that the MF ring 204 was also at the previous RF position, the AF range is determined by the previous setting method based on the current position (S73). Using the AF range set here, scan AF is performed in the still image photometry / AF in step S21 and the moving image photometry / AF in step S35.

  As described above, in the first modification of the MF ring operation detection / operation processing, even when the focus is not achieved as intended by the photographer by the first scan AF, the scan AF on the second day is performed for the first time. Since the focus position is determined based on the focus position at the end of AF, the focus can be quickly adjusted.

  Next, Modification 2 of the MF ring operation detection / operation process shown in FIG. 11 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In the flow shown in FIG. 11, the AF range is determined using the history of the rotation operation of the MF ring 204 (see S61 in FIG. 11). On the other hand, in the second modification, the AF restriction range can be set on the menu screen so that the range in which the subject exists is known in advance, or the preference of the photographer's setting method can be set. .

  The flow of the modification 2 shown in FIG. 17 is only replacing step S61-S65 with step S62-S66 compared with the flow shown in FIG. Therefore, this changed step will be mainly described.

  Before entering the flow of the MF ring operation detection / operation process shown in FIG. 17, any one of the infinite side, the near side, and the front and back is set for the AF restriction range on the menu screen.

  The flow enters the MF ring operation detection / operation process shown in FIG. 17, and it is determined in step S59 whether or not the AF mode is set. If the AF mode is set as a result of this determination, The menu setting is confirmed (S62). Here, the AF restriction range set in advance on the menu screen is read.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the AF limit range is on the infinity side (S64). Here, the determination is made based on the AF restriction range confirmed in step S62. If the result of this determination is that it is on the infinity side, in step S71, the AF range is set on the infinity side from the current position.

  If the result of determination in step S64 is that it is not on the infinity side, it is next determined whether or not the AF restriction range is on the near side (S66). Again, the determination is made based on the AF restriction range confirmed in step S62. If the result of this determination is that the camera is on the near side, in step S69, the AF range is set closer to the current position.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 66 is not the closest side, an AF range is set before and after the current position (S <b> 67).

  As described above, in the modified example 2 of the MF ring operation detection / operation process, the direction of the AF limit range is set in advance on the menu screen to the infinite side, the near side, or the front and back. When the direction of the AF limit range or the preference of the photographer is clear in advance, quick setting is possible. The setting on the menu screen is not limited to the direction such as the infinity side or the near side, but may be information that can limit the AF range, such as a limit distance from the set distance. Further, although the menu screen is set, the screen is not limited to the menu screen as long as information can be set.

  Next, Modification 1 of the still image photometry / AF shown in FIG. 12 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In the flow shown in FIG. 12, if peak detection is not possible in step S111, processing according to the position of the MF ring 204 is immediately performed. On the other hand, in this modification, when peak detection is not possible, the area for focus detection is expanded to perform scan distance measurement.

  Compared with the flow shown in FIG. 12, the flow of the modification 2 shown in FIG. 18 only adds step S120. Therefore, this added step will be mainly described.

  In step S111, it is determined whether or not peak detection is possible. If the result of this determination is that peak detection is not possible, it is determined whether or not peak detection is possible in the surrounding area (S120). In the scan AF performed in steps S103 to S113, as shown in FIG. 19A, an AF evaluation value is calculated from a selection area 321 of the image sensor 103 and image data of a total of nine blocks including eight adjacent blocks, and peak detection is performed. It is carried out.

  In step S120, as shown in FIG. 19B, the area for calculating the AF evaluation value is gradually expanded from the adjacent area of the selection area 321 of the image sensor 103 to the peripheral area, and the image in the expanded area is displayed. An AF evaluation value is calculated from the data, and peak detection is performed. The selection area 321 is an area automatically selected by face detection, an area selected by the photographer, or the like.

  In step S120, when the peak detection can be performed by expanding the distance measurement area to the peripheral area, the process proceeds to step S115 and the subsequent steps to drive to the in-focus position. On the other hand, if the peak cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S121, and processing corresponding to the position of the MF ring 204 is performed.

  As described above, in the modified example 1 of the still image photometry / AF, when the peak detection cannot be performed by the scan AF, the distance measurement area is widened. For this reason, there is a high possibility that the subject enters the distance measurement area and becomes in focus.

  Next, a second modification of the still image photometry / AF shown in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the flow shown in FIG. 12, the automatic focus detection is performed by a so-called hill-climbing method that detects the peak value of the AF evaluation value obtained by extracting the high-frequency component from the contrast signal of the image data while driving (scanning) the focus adjustment lens 203. I was going. In the second modification, the phase difference AF is performed by detecting the phase difference between the image data output from the pair of image sensors.

  In the second modification, a known pair of image sensors for detecting a phase difference is provided in the camera body 100 at a position where the subject light flux that has passed through the focus adjustment lens 203 is received. A signal processing circuit for processing the above signals is provided. Instead of the pair of image sensors, an image pickup element in which a pair of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged on the image pickup surface may be provided.

  When the still image photometry / AF flow shown in FIG. 20 is entered, first, imaging / AF data is acquired (S171). Here, imaging is performed by the phase difference detection sensor to obtain pixel data. Subsequently, a defocus amount (Def amount) is detected (S173). Here, the defocus amount is calculated by a known method using the pixel data acquired in step S171.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the defocus amount cannot be detected (S175). Here, it is determined in step S173 whether or not the defocus amount has been calculated. When the subject has no contrast, the defocus amount cannot be detected.

  If the result of determination in step S175 is that the defocus amount can be detected, the in-focus position is calculated (S193). Here, the focus position of the focus adjustment lens 203 is calculated based on the detected defocus amount.

  When the in-focus position is calculated, it is determined whether or not the in-focus position is within the AF range (S195). The AF range is set in steps S67 to S71 (see FIGS. 11, 16, and 17) of the MF ring operation detection / motion process flow. In this step, the in-focus position calculated in step S193 is set. It is determined whether or not it is within the set AF range.

  If the result of determination in step S195 is that the in-focus position is within the AF range, the lens is driven to the in-focus position (S197). On the other hand, if the in-focus position is not within the AF range, the lens is driven to the end position of the AF range (S199). Since there are two end positions of the AF range, the focus adjustment lens 203 is driven to the AF range end position closer to the in-focus position.

  When the lens is driven to the AF range end position, a warning is displayed (S201). FIG. 22 shows an example of warning display. FIG. 22A shows the focal point where 3 m is detected by the phase difference AF when the AF range is set from 5 m to the infinity side. In this case, the warning display 315a is displayed together with the detected focus distance. Similarly, in FIG. 22B, a warning display 315b is displayed together with the detected focus distance (2 m in the illustrated example). In FIG. 22 (c), the warning display 315c is displayed together with the detected focus distance (6 m in the illustrated example). The form of the warning display is not limited to the example shown in the figure, and may be another shape, or may be performed by another display method such as blinking the in-focus distance.

  If the result of determination in step S175 is that the defocus amount is not detectable, next, the scan drive range is set and scan drive is started (S177). In steps S67 to S71 (see FIGS. 11, 16, and 17) of the flow of the MF ring operation detection / motion process, the AF range is set. In this step, the scan drive range is based on the set AF range. Set.

  In the case of automatic focus adjustment by the hill-climbing method using contrast AF, the scan drive range (lens drive range) is wider than the AF range for peak detection as described with reference to FIG. However, in the case of phase difference AF, since it is not necessary to drive the focus adjustment lens 203 in principle, the scan drive range (LD range) may be the same as the AF range as shown in FIG.

  In step S71, when the AF range is set on the infinity side from the preset position, as shown in FIG. 21A, the lens drive range (LD range) is also from the preset position to infinity. In step S69, when the AF range is set on the near side from the preset position, as shown in FIG. 21B, the lens driving range (LD) is also from the preset position to the close side. In step S67, when the AF range is set before and after the preset position, as shown in FIG. 21 (c), it is the same as the AF range.

  When the scan drive range is set, the lens drive circuit 222 starts driving the focus adjustment lens 203 in the set lens drive direction while referring to the detection result from the lens position detection circuit 223.

  Subsequently, the imaging / AF data is acquired (S179). Here, pixel data is acquired from the phase difference detection sensor. Once the pixel data has been acquired, the defocus amount is detected (S181). When the defocus amount is detected, it is determined whether or not the defocus amount can be detected (S183). As described above, there are cases where the defocus amount cannot be detected, such as a monotonous subject without contrast. If the defocus amount is detectable as a result of this determination, the process proceeds to step S193 and subsequent steps, and the focus adjustment lens 203 is driven to the in-focus point.

  If the result of determination in step S183 is that the defocus amount cannot be detected, it is next determined whether or not scan range driving has been completed (S185). It is determined whether or not the focus adjustment lens 203 has driven the scan drive range set in step S177. If scan driving is in progress, the determination is No. If the result of this determination is that drive of the scan range has not been completed, processing returns to step S179, and the defocus amount is detected while performing scan drive.

  If the result of determination in step S185 is that drive of the scan range has been completed, it is next determined whether or not the MF ring 204 is in the RF position (S187). As a result of the determination in step S185, completion of driving of the scan range means that focusing cannot be performed. Therefore, processing is performed according to the position of the MF ring 204.

  If the result of determination in step S187 is that the MF ring 204 is at the RF position (second position), the focus adjustment lens 203 is driven to a distance corresponding to the preset position set in the RF ring 204 (S189). On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S187 is that the MF ring 204 is at the MF position (first position), a warning is displayed (S191). A warning is displayed to indicate that focusing is impossible, such as by blinking a focusing mark.

  When the lens is driven to the preset position in step S189, or a warning is displayed in step S191, the lens is driven to the in-focus position in step S197, or the warning is displayed in step S201, the AF operation ends. Next, photometry is performed in step S203 and subsequent steps.

  First, data for imaging / photometry is acquired (S203). Here, imaging for photometry is performed, and image data for photometry is acquired. Subsequently, photometric calculation is performed (S205). Here, parameters such as the shutter speed for exposure control and the aperture value are calculated from the acquired image data. When the photometric calculation is performed, the original flow is restored.

  As described above, in the modified example 2 of the still image photometry / AF, the automatic focus adjustment is performed by the phase difference AF instead of the contrast AF by the hill-climbing method. Also in this modification, the range of scan driving is limited during the limited AF by using the AF range set in the MF ring operation detection / operation process. Therefore, it is possible to focus on the subject intended by the photographer quickly and accurately. In the moving picture photometry / AF flow shown in FIG. 13, it is of course possible to employ phase difference AF as in the present modification.

  As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention and its modification, based on the position in the slide direction of the ring member (MF ring 204) determined by the slide position determination unit (MF ring position detection circuit 224). The focus adjustment mode is switched (RF mode and MF or AF mode), and the focus adjustment lens 203 is automatically focused in the limited AF mode using the preset distance when the ring member is at the second position. I am doing so. In this case, the AF range can be set by the preset distance. Therefore, it is possible to provide a camera with good operability that can quickly and accurately focus on the subject intended by the photographer.

  In one embodiment of the present invention and its modification, the ring member (MF ring 204) is rotated at the first position and then slid to the second position to set the preset distance. Restricted AF can be set according to the operation and preset distance. For this reason, focusing can be performed quickly and with good operability.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, both the AF mode and the MF mode can be switched on the camera body 100 side. However, the focus adjustment mode is not limited to these two on the camera body 100 side. Other focus adjustment modes may be set or only one of the AF mode and the MF mode may be included.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the MF ring 204 as the ring member has moved between the two positions of the first position and the second position. Of course, the position may be provided.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the digital camera is used as the photographing device. However, the camera may be a digital single lens reflex camera or a compact digital camera, such as a video camera or a movie camera. It may be a camera for moving images, or may be a camera built in a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a game device, or the like.

  Further, regarding the operation flow in the claims, the specification, and the drawings, even if it is described using words expressing the order such as “first” and “next” for the sake of convenience, it is essential to carry out in this order. It does not mean that.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

21 ... Bayonet part, 22 ... Base part, 24 ... Distance display ring, 24a ... Distance scale, 24b ... Engagement pin, 25 ... Indicator display part, 25a ... Index, 25b ... Depth of subject index, 100 ... Camera body, 101 ... Camera control circuit, 103 ... Image sensor, 104 ... Focal plane shutter, 105 ... Display monitor, 106 ..Strobe, 107 ... release button, 108 ... battery, 121 ... main body CPU, 122 ... flash ROM, 123 ... RAM, 124 ... image sensor control circuit, 125 ... Strobe control circuit, 126 ... shutter control circuit, 127 ... image processing circuit, 128 ... display circuit, 129 ... operation switch detection circuit, 130 ... power supply circuit, 131 ... Communication circuit 132, first release switch, 133 second release switch, 200 interchangeable lens, 201 lens control circuit, 203 focusing lens, 204 MF ring 204a ... engagement part, 204b ... inner cylinder part, 204c ... slit hole, 205 ... stop ring, 221 ... lens CPU, 222 ... lens drive circuit, 223 ... Lens position detection circuit, 224... MF ring position detection circuit, 224a... Photo interrupter unit, 225... MF position detection circuit, 225a... Photo interrupter, 226. ..Encoder unit, 226b ... code pattern, 226c ... contact point, 227 ... aperture drive circuit, 228 ... RAM, 22 ... Lens communication circuit, 301 ... Photographer, 303 ... Subject, 311a-311c ... Preset distance, 313a-313c ... AF range, 315a-315c ... Warning display, 321 ...・ Selection area

Claims (9)

A focus adjustment lens provided in the lens barrel;
A ring member that is rotatable with respect to the lens barrel and is slidable in a first position and a second position;
A slide position determination unit for determining the position of the ring member in the slide direction;
A preset distance determining unit that determines a preset distance set based on the position of the ring member in the rotational direction;
An automatic focus control unit for automatically focusing the focus adjusting lens;
Have
The automatic focus control unit switches the focus adjustment mode based on the position in the slide direction determined by the slide position determination unit, and the preset at one of the first and second positions. An optical apparatus characterized in that the focusing lens is automatically focused using a distance.   The optical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the automatic focus control unit limits a focusing range of the focus adjustment lens based on the preset distance. An imaging unit that captures a subject image;
A display unit for displaying the subject image based on image data captured by the imaging unit;
Further comprising
The optical apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays the preset distance and a range of restriction on focusing.   The optical apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the automatic focus control unit sets a range for limiting the focusing based on the preset distance and a rotation direction of the ring member.   The optical apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the automatic focus control unit stores a rotation direction of the ring member and sets a range in which the focusing is limited. A setting screen for presetting information for restricting the focusing;
The optical apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the automatic focus control unit sets a range for limiting the focusing based on the preset distance and information for limitation set on a setting screen. . In the lens barrel, the preset distance from a short distance to a long distance is displayed in a predetermined direction,
The display unit displays a distance in the same direction as the preset distance displayed on the lens barrel.
The optical apparatus according to claim 1.   2. The automatic focus control unit according to claim 1, wherein the auto focus control unit performs normal focus control independent of the preset distance by sliding the ring member from the one position to the other position. Optical equipment.   The optical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auto focus control unit focuses the preset distance when the focus adjustment lens cannot be automatically focused.