JP2018022100A - Interchangeable lens device, imaging device, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform excellent and fast AF even when a focus detection position at any position of an imaging screen is selected.SOLUTION: An interchangeable lens device 2 is removably mounted to an imaging device 1 with which it is possible to select a focus detection position at which a focus state is detected in an imaging screen. The interchangeable lens device comprises a focus lens 22 for performing focus adjustment, a lens control unit 26 for driving the focus lens in conformity with information about a lens drive amount from the imaging device, and a sensitivity supply unit 26 for supplying the imaging device with information pertaining to focus sensitivity used in calculating a lens drive amount at the focus detection position. The sensitivity supply unit acquires information about a first focus detection position as the focus detection position selected by the imaging device, and when a second focus detection position is predicted as the focus detection position selected by the imaging device on the basis of the first focus detection position, supplies the imaging device with information pertaining to focus sensitivity that corresponds to the second focus detection position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging system including an imaging device and an interchangeable lens device, and more particularly to an imaging system having an autofocus (AF) function capable of selecting a focus detection position (area or point) within an imaging screen.

  In an imaging system that allows the user to select the focus detection position in the imaging screen arbitrarily or by a function such as moving object prediction of the imaging device, the captured image focuses on the subject in the peripheral area as well as the central area of the imaging screen. Is required to be obtained.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 determines the focus sensitivity based on the optical information of the optical system in the interchangeable lens apparatus in driving the focus lens in AF, and corrects the drive amount of the focus lens according to the focus sensitivity. An imaging system is disclosed.

JP-A-3-150513

  However, some interchangeable lens devices have an optical system in which the focus sensitivity differs greatly between the central portion and the peripheral portion of the imaging screen. When focusing on a subject in the periphery using such an interchangeable lens device, if the focus sensitivity at the center is used, it is difficult to reach the in-focus state due to the difference in focus sensitivity. The focus lens may continue to move in the vicinity. For this reason, when the focus detection position of the peripheral part is selected, it is necessary to use a different focus sensitivity from that when the focus detection position of the central part is selected. In addition, in order to perform AF at high speed, it is necessary to acquire the focus sensitivity corresponding to the focus detection position in the peripheral portion as quickly as possible.

  The present invention provides an interchangeable lens apparatus, an imaging apparatus, and the like that can perform good and high-speed AF even when not only the focus detection position in the center of the screen but also the focus detection position in the periphery of the screen is selected.

  The interchangeable lens device according to one aspect of the present invention is detachably attached to an imaging device capable of selecting a focus detection position for detecting a focus state in an imaging screen. The interchangeable lens device includes a focus lens that performs focus adjustment, a lens control unit that drives the focus lens in accordance with lens drive amount information from the imaging device, and a focus that is used to calculate the lens drive amount at the focus detection position. And a sensitivity supply unit that supplies information related to the sensitivity to the imaging apparatus. The sensitivity supply unit acquires information on the first focus detection position as the focus detection position selected in the imaging apparatus, and a focus detection position selected later in the imaging apparatus based on the first focus detection position When the second focus detection position is predicted, information regarding the focus sensitivity corresponding to the second focus detection position is supplied to the imaging apparatus.

  In addition, an imaging device according to another aspect of the present invention is detachably mounted with an interchangeable lens device, and can select a focus detection position for detecting a focus state in the imaging screen. The interchangeable lens drives a focus lens that performs focus adjustment in accordance with lens drive amount information from the imaging device, and supplies information related to focus sensitivity used to calculate the lens drive amount at the focus detection position to the imaging device. When the second focus detection position as the focus detection position selected later in the imaging apparatus is predicted based on the first focus detection position as the focus detection position selected in the imaging apparatus, the first Information on the focus sensitivity corresponding to the two focus detection positions is supplied to the imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus uses a focus detection position supply unit that supplies information on the first focus detection position to the interchangeable lens apparatus, and information on the focus sensitivity acquired from the interchangeable lens, and sets the first and second focus detection positions. Each has a drive amount calculation unit for calculating a lens drive amount.

  Note that a computer program that causes the computer of the interchangeable lens apparatus and the imaging apparatus to execute the above-described processing of the interchangeable lens apparatus and the above-described processing of the imaging apparatus also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to drive a focus lens with good and high speed (AF control) regardless of which focus detection position in the imaging screen is selected.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera system that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the camera system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of focus detection points in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a prediction frequency of focus detection points in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of predicting a focus detection point in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of focus detection point prediction in the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the camera system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing processing performed in the camera system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The figure explaining the relationship between the position of the prediction focus detection point in Example 4 of this invention, and the acquisition method of focus sensitivity.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a camera system (imaging system) that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The camera system includes an interchangeable lens device (hereinafter simply referred to as an interchangeable lens) 2 and an imaging device (hereinafter referred to as a camera body) 1 to which the interchangeable lens 2 is detachably mounted.

  The electric circuit unit 3 provided in the camera body 1 includes an image sensor 4, a photometry unit 5, a focus detection unit 6, a shutter control unit 7, an image processing unit 8, a camera CPU 9, a lens mounting detection unit 10, and a camera side communication unit. 11, a focus detection point selection unit 32 and a display unit 33 are included.

  The imaging element 4 is a photoelectric conversion element that converts a subject image formed by light that has passed through the imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 2 into an electrical signal, and includes a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor. The photometric unit 5 measures the amount of light (luminance) that has passed through the interchangeable lens 2 using an output signal from the image sensor 4. The focus detection unit (focus detection means) 6 detects the focus state of the interchangeable lens 2 (calculates the defocus amount) using output signals from a plurality of focus detection pixels provided in the image sensor 4.

  The shutter control unit 7 controls the operation of a shutter (not shown) that opens and closes in order to control the exposure amount of the image sensor 4. The image processing unit 8 performs various processes on the output from the imaging pixels having a predetermined number of pixels provided in the imaging element 4 to generate an image signal (image data). The various types of processing include processing using image processing information mounted on the interchangeable lens 2 and image processing information mounted on the camera body 1. A camera CPU 9 as a camera control unit controls operations of the above-described imaging device 4, photometry unit 5, focus detection unit 6, shutter control unit 7, image processing unit 8, display unit 33, and the like. The camera CPU 9 can communicate with the lens CPU 26 as a lens control unit via the camera side communication unit 11 and the lens communication unit 25 provided in the interchangeable lens 2.

  The camera CPU 9 calculates the aperture value and shutter time at the time of imaging based on the luminance obtained by the photometry unit 5, and transmits an aperture drive command including the aperture value to the lens CPU 26. Further, the camera CPU 9 serves as a drive amount calculation unit based on the defocus amount calculated by the focus detection unit 6, and the drive direction and drive amount (lens drive amount) to the in-focus position of the focus lens 22 in the interchangeable lens 2. ) Is calculated. Then, a focus drive command including information on the drive direction and drive amount is transmitted to the lens CPU 26. That is, focus control of the imaging optical system provided in the interchangeable lens 2 is performed. The process from the calculation of the defocus amount by the focus detection unit 6 (focus detection operation) to the transmission of the focus drive command from the camera CPU 9 to the lens CPU 26 (focus control) is referred to as AF processing on the camera body 1 side.

  The lens mounting detection unit 10 includes a switch, a photodetector, and the like, detects that the interchangeable lens 2 is mounted on the camera body 1, and outputs a detection signal to the camera CPU 9.

  The focus detection point selection unit 32 detects, for example, a user's operation, and from among focus detection points (focus detection positions) provided in plurality in the X direction and the Y direction in the imaging screen as shown in FIG. A focus detection point at which focus detection (focus detection) to AF is actually selected is selected. Further, the focus detection point selection unit 32 may have a function of detecting a user's line of sight looking through an optical finder (not shown) provided in the camera body 1 and selecting a focus detection point according to the detection result. . Furthermore, the focus detection point selection unit 32 may have a moving object predicted focus detection function that predicts the motion of the subject (moving object) and selects a focus detection point according to the prediction result.

  The display unit 33 is configured by an LCD or the like, and displays image data generated by the image processing unit 8 and various types of information related to imaging.

  The camera body 1 is also provided with a control system power supply 12, a drive system power supply 13, an imaging preparation switch (SW1) 14, an imaging start switch (SW2), and an image recording unit 16. The control system power supply 12 supplies power to control system circuits that require a stable voltage supply, such as the image sensor 4, the photometry unit 5, the focus detection unit 6, the image processing unit 8, and the display unit 33. Supply. The drive system power supply 13 supplies power to a drive system circuit that consumes a relatively large amount of power, such as the shutter control unit 7 and the interchangeable lens 2. When the imaging preparation switch (SW1) 14 is turned on by the user, the camera CPU 9 causes the photometry unit 5 to perform a photometric operation and causes the focus detection unit 6 to perform a focus detection operation as an imaging preparation process. Further, when the imaging start switch (SW2) 15 is turned on by the user, the camera CPU 9 performs the following imaging process using this as an imaging instruction.

  First, the camera CPU 9 transmits an aperture drive command for driving the aperture 24 to the aperture value at the time of imaging to the lens CPU 26, and causes the shutter control unit 7 to perform shutter drive so that the image sensor 4 is moved at a predetermined shutter speed. Exposure. Further, the camera CPU 9 causes the image processing unit 8 to generate recording image data from the output signal obtained from the image sensor 4. That is, the image sensor 4 is used for acquiring recording image data and also used for focus detection (defocus amount calculation). As described above, the AF of the phase difference detection method performed using the image sensor 4 for acquiring the recording image data is also referred to as an imaging surface phase difference AF. Note that a focus detection unit (focus detection means) that performs focus detection by the phase difference detection method may be provided separately from the image sensor 4 to perform focus detection of the imaging optical system.

  Further, the camera CPU 9 causes the image recording unit 16 to record image data for recording on a recording medium (not shown) such as a semiconductor memory. A series of imaging processes including exposure, image generation, and recording is also referred to as a release process. Here, if the still image capturing mode is selected by an imaging mode selection switch (not shown), the recording image data is still image data, and if the moving image capturing mode is selected, it is moving image data. Also, a recording start switch for capturing a moving image may be provided so that recording of the moving image is started in response to turning on the switch. Further, an image quality setting switch may be provided on the camera body so that the user can select the image quality of the image data for recording by operating the switch.

  The interchangeable lens 2 is provided with an imaging optical system including a variable power lens 21, a focus lens 22, an image stabilization (shake correction) lens 23, and a diaphragm 24, and an electric circuit unit 20. The zoom lens 21 moves in the optical axis direction and changes the focal length of the imaging optical system. The focus lens 22 moves in the optical axis direction and performs focus adjustment. The anti-vibration lens 23 moves in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction to reduce (correct) image blur caused by camera shake such as camera shake. The aperture 24 has a variable aperture diameter (aperture value), and changes the amount of passing light in accordance with the aperture diameter.

  The electric circuit unit 20 includes the lens communication unit 25 and the lens CPU 26 described above, a zoom drive unit 27, a focus drive unit 28, an image stabilization (IS) drive unit 29, an aperture drive unit 30, and a storage unit 31. The lens CPU 26 transmits lens information including focus sensitivity to the camera CPU 9 via the lens communication unit 25 and the camera communication unit 11. That is, the lens CPU 26 functions as a sensitivity supply unit. In addition, the lens CPU 26 receives various information, a focus drive command, and the like in the camera body 1 from the camera CPU 9. Further, the lens CPU 26 outputs a focus drive signal to the focus drive unit 28 in accordance with the focus drive command received from the camera CPU 9. The focus drive unit 28 includes an actuator such as a stepping motor, a vibration type motor, or a voice coil motor, and drives the focus lens 22 in accordance with a focus drive signal from the lens CPU 26. In this way, the focus lens 22 moves to the in-focus position. The driving from the focus driving command to the focus position of the focus lens 22 is referred to as AF processing on the interchangeable lens 2 side.

  Further, the lens CPU 26 outputs an aperture drive signal to the aperture drive unit 30 in response to the aperture drive command. The aperture drive unit 30 includes an actuator such as a stepping motor, and drives the aperture 24 according to an aperture drive signal from the lens CPU 26.

  Further, the lens CPU 26 outputs a zoom drive signal for moving the zoom lens 21 at a zoom direction and a zoom drive speed according to an operation of a zoom operation ring (not shown) provided on the interchangeable lens 2 to the zoom drive unit 27. To do. The zoom drive unit 27 includes an actuator such as a stepping motor, and drives the variable magnification lens 21 in accordance with a zoom drive signal from the lens CPU 26.

  Furthermore, the lens CPU 26 outputs an image stabilization drive signal to the image stabilization drive unit 29 based on a shake detection signal from an unillustrated shake sensor (acceleration sensor or the like) provided in the interchangeable lens 2. The image stabilization drive unit 29 includes an actuator such as a voice coil motor, and drives the image stabilization lens 23 according to an image stabilization drive signal from the lens CPU 26.

  The storage unit 31 includes a storage element such as an EEPROM or a flash ROM, and stores data including a focus position shift amount and focus sensitivity used as a focus detection result for correcting a defocus amount as table data. Has been. The lens CPU 26 transmits these data to the camera CPU 9 via the lens communication unit 25 and the camera communication unit 11. The storage unit 31 may be provided inside the lens CPU 26. The camera CPU 9 calculates the drive amount (and drive direction) of the focus lens 22 using the defocus amount and the focus sensitivity received from the lens CPU 26. At this time, the camera CPU 9 corrects the defocus amount using the focus position shift amount received from the lens CPU 26, thereby matching the best image plane position of the image pickup optical system with the image pickup surface of the image pickup device 4 to achieve the best focus. Is obtained. The best image plane position of the image pickup optical system changes according to the aberration (particularly spherical aberration) of the image pickup optical system that varies depending on the position of the variable power lens 21, the focus lens 22, and the image stabilization lens 23 and the aperture value of the stop 24. . Accordingly, the focal position deviation amount also varies depending on the position of the variable power lens 21, the focus lens 22, and the image stabilization lens 23 and the aperture value of the aperture 24.

  Further, in the lens CPU 26, a focus detection point storage unit 34 constituted by a storage element such as an EEPROM or a flash ROM is provided. The focus detection point storage unit 34 stores information on a selected focus detection point, which will be described later, transmitted from the camera CPU 9 so that the lens CPU 26 can use this information when predicting the subsequent (next) focus detection point. To.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2, processing related to AF, particularly processing related to AF, will be described. “S” in the figure is an abbreviation for steps. The camera CPU 9 and the lens CPU 26 which are computers respectively execute respective processes in accordance with a camera control program and a lens control program which are computer programs. The lens CPU 26 functions as a lens control unit and a sensitivity supply unit as described above, and the camera CPU 9 functions as a camera control unit and a drive amount calculation unit as described above, and also functions as a focus detection position supply unit. These are the same in other embodiments described later.

  In step 100, the lens CPU 26 determines whether or not communication to the camera CPU 9 having a focus sensitivity corresponding to a predicted focus detection point described later is permitted. If the focus sensitivity communication corresponding to the predicted focus detection point is not permitted, the lens CPU 26 proceeds to step 110. If permitted, the process skips step 110 and proceeds to step S120.

  In step 110, the camera CPU 9 determines a focus detection point (first focus detection position: hereinafter referred to as a selected focus detection point) selected by the focus detection point selection unit 32, and indicates the position of the selected focus detection point. Information is transmitted to the lens CPU 26. The position of the selected focus detection point can be represented by coordinates (X, Y) having an arbitrary position such as the center as the origin on the XY plane (imaging screen) shown in FIG. The number of selected focus detection points may be one, or two or more. In addition, the camera CPU 9 may automatically set focus detection points that can be selected by the focus detection point selection unit 32.

  In step 120, the lens CPU 26 acquires optical information that is information on the positions of the variable magnification lens 21, the focus lens 22, and the image stabilizing lens 23 and the aperture value of the aperture 24. At this time, if there is an accessory device (not shown) attached to the camera body 1 such as a flash device, information on the accessory device is also acquired as optical information.

  Next, in step 130, the lens CPU 26 determines the focus corresponding to the optical information acquired in step 120 and the selected focus detection point (position) received from the camera CPU 9 in step 110 from the focus sensitivity table data in the storage unit 31. Get sensitivity. Here, the focus sensitivity stored in the storage unit 31 is the focus sensitivity corresponding to the representative optical information and the central portion (specific image height) of the imaging screen. When the selected focus detection point is the focus detection point at the center of the imaging screen, the lens CPU 26 acquires the focus sensitivity stored in the storage unit 31 corresponding to the optical information. On the other hand, when the selected focus detection point is a focus detection point in the peripheral portion that is not the central portion of the imaging screen, the lens CPU 26 uses the focus sensitivity stored in the storage unit 31 as the position (image height) of the selected focus detection point. The focus sensitivity corresponding to the focus detection position in the peripheral portion is acquired by performing correction according to the above. This correction is performed, for example, by multiplying the focus sensitivity stored in the storage unit 31 by a coefficient for each image height stored in the storage unit 31. In addition, when the representative optical information in which the coefficient is stored is different from the actual optical information, the coefficient corresponding to the actual optical information is calculated by interpolation using the coefficient corresponding to the optical information close to the actual optical information. The focus sensitivity is calculated using the coefficient.

  In addition, when communication to the camera CPU 9 having the focus sensitivity corresponding to the predicted focus detection point is permitted in step 100 (the next focus detection point is predicted in step 152 described later), the lens CPU 26 The focus sensitivity corresponding to the predicted focus detection point is acquired. That is, the lens CPU 26 acquires the focus sensitivity corresponding to the optical information and the predicted focus detection point from the focus sensitivity table data. The focus sensitivity acquisition method corresponding to the optical information and the predicted focus detection point is the same as the focus sensitivity acquisition method corresponding to the selected focus detection point described above. In the following description, the focus sensitivity corresponding to the predicted focus detection point is also referred to as predicted focus sensitivity.

  Next, in step 140, the lens CPU 26 transmits information on the focus sensitivity (or predicted focus sensitivity) acquired in step 130 to the camera CPU 9. The camera CPU 9 that has received the focus sensitivity information corresponding to the selected focus detection point uses the defocus amount detected at the selected focus detection point and the focus sensitivity received from the lens CPU 26 to drive the focus lens 22 (and Drive direction).

  Next, in step 150, the lens CPU 26 changes the frequency of predicting the next focus detection point according to the image height position corresponding to the selected focus detection point and the size of the image sensor 4. FIG. 4 shows an example of the relationship between the image height position corresponding to the selected focus detection point and the prediction frequency. For example, the next focus detection point is predicted every time in the focus detection area A in the peripheral portion where the image height is the highest in the imaging screen, and the next focus is only once every two times in the focus detection area B where the image height is the next highest. Predict detection points. Further, in the focus detection area C in the center where the image height is low, the next focus detection point is not predicted. In this way, the prediction frequency of the next focus detection point is increased in the peripheral portion rather than the central portion of the imaging screen. This is because the rate of change in focus sensitivity with respect to the change in image height increases as the distance from the center increases. Therefore, in this step, the prediction frequency is increased as the size of the image sensor increases.

  Note that the way of dividing the focus detection area is not limited to the example of FIG. If it is determined that the next focus detection point can be predicted, the lens CPU 26 advances the process to step 151; otherwise, the process advances to step 160.

  In step 151, the lens CPU 26 monitors the information on the selected focus detection point transmitted from the camera CPU 9 a plurality of times, and determines whether or not the movement of the selected focus detection point is regular. If the lens CPU 26 determines that there is regularity, the process proceeds to step 152, and if it is determined that there is no regularity, the process proceeds to step 160.

  In step 152, the lens CPU 26 predicts the next focus detection point based on the regularity determined in step 151, and holds the predicted focus detection point (second focus detection position). In addition, the lens CPU 26 permits communication of the predicted focus sensitivity corresponding to the predicted focus detection point to the camera CPU 9. Thereby, the lens CPU 26 transmits information on the predicted focus sensitivity to the camera CPU 9 in step 140 in the next routine. The camera CPU 9 calculates the drive amount (and drive direction) of the next focus lens 22 using the defocus amount detected at the next focus detection point and the predicted focus sensitivity received from the lens CPU 26. When step 151 ends, the lens CPU 26 advances the process to step 160.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of regularity of movement of the selected focus detection point. In the example of this figure, by receiving the selected focus detection point (indicated by a black frame) a plurality of times (three times in the figure), the movement of the selected focus detection point is regularity as the movement of each focus detection point in the right direction. It can be determined that there is. In this case, the position of the next focus detection point can be predicted. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of predicted focus detection points may be used.

  In step 170, the camera CPU 9 transmits a focus drive command to the lens CPU 26.

  Next, in step 180, the lens CPU 26 starts driving the focus lens 22 in accordance with the focus drive command received from the camera CPU 9. The focus drive command includes information on the drive direction and drive amount of the focus lens 22, and the lens CPU 26 drives the focus lens 22 via the focus drive unit 28 based on these information.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the next focus detection point is predicted based on the focus detection point set by the user on the camera body 1 side. Thereby, transmission of the information of the next focus detection point from the camera body 1 side to the interchangeable lens 2 side can be omitted. In addition, the interchangeable lens 2 transmits information on the predicted focus sensitivity corresponding to the predicted focus detection point to the camera body 1. For this reason, the camera body 1 can perform processing from calculation of the driving amount of the next focus lens 22 to driving at high speed and appropriately.

  The camera CPU 9 may receive information on the predicted focus detection point from the lens CPU 26 and perform a process of confirming whether the predicted focus detection point from the lens CPU 26 is correct. Then, when it is determined to be correct, the predicted focus sensitivity transmitted from the lens CPU 26 may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the lens CPU 26 performs prediction of the next focus detection point, and the prediction focus sensitivity information corresponding to the predicted focus detection point is also transmitted from the lens CPU 26 to the camera CPU 9. However, the camera CPU 9 may perform prediction of the next focus detection point, and the focus sensitivity information corresponding to the predicted focus detection point may be transmitted from the lens CPU 26 to the camera CPU 9.

  Next, a camera system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the camera system of the present embodiment is the same as that described in Embodiment 1 with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6. In the present embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

  With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the processing performed by the camera system of the present embodiment, particularly the processing related to AF will be described.

  The processing from step 200 to step 240 is the same as the processing from step 110 to step 150 in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the processing corresponding to step 100 in the first embodiment is not performed.

  The lens CPU 26 that has determined that the next focus detection point (predicted focus detection point) may be predicted in step 240 proceeds to step 241. In step 241, the lens CPU 26 holds focus sensitivity information corresponding to the selected focus detection point acquired in step 220. However, the information held here is not the focus sensitivity itself but the coefficient used for correcting the focus sensitivity stored in the storage unit 31 in step 220 (that is, information for calculating the focus sensitivity). . More specifically, the focus sensitivity stored in the storage unit 31 is a coefficient used for correction in the X direction and a coefficient used for correction in the Y direction.

  The reason why the coefficients in the X direction and the Y direction corresponding to the selected focus detection point are held as described above is as follows. When it is predicted that either the X coordinate or the Y coordinate of the next predicted focus detection point is the same as the current selected focus detection point, the focus sensitivity corresponding to the same coordinate is used by using a coefficient corresponding to the same coordinate. The degree can be calculated easily. On the other hand, the focus sensitivity corresponding to the coordinate different from the current selected focus detection point among the X coordinate and the Y coordinate is calculated as described in step 130 of the first embodiment. Thereby, the focus sensitivity corresponding to the predicted focus detection point can be calculated at a high speed with a small amount of calculation as a whole in step 220, and this focus sensitivity can be transmitted to the camera CPU 9 in a short time.

  The camera CPU 9 calculates the drive amount (and drive direction) of the next focus lens 22 using the defocus amount detected at the predicted focus detection point and the focus sensitivity corresponding to the predicted focus detection point received from the lens CPU 26. To do. When the process of this step is completed, the lens CPU 26 advances the process to step 250.

  The processing in step 250 and the next step 260 is the same as the processing in step 160 and step 170 in the first embodiment.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the focus sensitivity corresponding to the next focus detection point (predicted focus detection point) is calculated by the interchangeable lens 2 based on the focus detection point set by the user on the camera body 1 side. Information to do is held. Then, focus sensitivity information calculated using the held information is transmitted to the camera body 1. As a result, the camera body 1 can acquire information on the appropriate focus sensitivity corresponding to the next focus detection point at high speed, and the processing from the calculation of the drive amount of the next focus lens 22 to the drive can be performed at high speed and appropriately. Can be done.

  Next, a camera system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the camera system of the present embodiment is the same as that described in Embodiment 1 with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6. In the present embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

  With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the processing performed by the camera system of the present embodiment, particularly the processing related to AF will be described.

  The processing from step 300 to step 340 is the same as the processing from step 110 to step 150 in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the processing corresponding to step 100 in the first embodiment is not performed.

  The lens CPU 26 that has determined that the next focus detection point may be predicted in step 340 proceeds to step 341 and determines whether or not the movement of the selected focus detection point is regular as in step 151 of the first embodiment. judge. If the lens CPU 26 determines that there is regularity, the process proceeds to step 342, and if it is determined that there is no regularity, the process proceeds to step 350.

  In step 342, the lens CPU 26 predicts the next focus detection point based on the regularity determined in step 341. The predicted focus sensitivity corresponding to the predicted focus detection point is calculated (corrected) from the focus sensitivity data table stored in the storage unit 31 and held. Thereby, the lens CPU 26 transmits information on the predicted focus sensitivity to the camera CPU 9 in step 330 in the next routine. The camera CPU 9 calculates the drive amount (and drive direction) of the next focus lens 22 using the defocus amount detected at the next focus detection point and the predicted focus sensitivity received from the lens CPU 26. When the process of step 342 ends, the lens CPU 26 advances the process to step 350.

  The processing of step 350 and the next step 360 is the same as the processing of step 250 and step 260 in the second embodiment.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the next focus detection point is predicted based on the focus detection point set by the user on the camera body 1 side. Thereby, transmission of the information of the next focus detection point from the camera body 1 side to the interchangeable lens 2 side can be omitted. In addition, the interchangeable lens 2 transmits information on the predicted focus sensitivity corresponding to the predicted focus detection point to the camera body 1. For this reason, the camera body 1 can perform processing from calculation of the driving amount of the next focus lens 22 to driving at high speed and appropriately.

  Next, a camera system according to Example 4 of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the camera system of the present embodiment is the same as that described in Embodiment 1 with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6. In the present embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

  With reference to FIG. 9, explanation will be given on whether the focus sensitivity acquisition methods corresponding to the focus detection points may be the same or different depending on the relationship between the selected focus detection points and the predicted focus detection points. To do. In FIG. 9, the imaging screen is divided into a central area A and a peripheral area B on the peripheral side. At this time, the next focus detection point predicted for the selected focus detection point in the central area A is in the central area A (indicated by an arrow with a circle 1) and in the peripheral area B. The method of obtaining the predicted focus sensitivity differs from the case (indicated by an arrow with a circle 2). That is, in the former case, the focus sensitivity corresponding to the central portion of the imaging screen stored in the storage unit 31 described in the first embodiment or the like is used at both the selected focus detection point and the predicted focus detection point. Can do. On the other hand, in the latter case, the focus sensitivity stored in the storage unit 31 can be used at the selected focus detection point, but the focus sensitivity stored in the storage unit 31 is used for the peripheral portion at the predicted focus detection point. It is necessary to correct it.

  Further, the next focus detection point predicted for the selected focus detection point included in the peripheral region B is included in the central region A (indicated by an arrow with a circle 3) and included in the peripheral region B. Even in the case (indicated by an arrow with a circle 4), the focus sensitivity acquisition method is different. That is, in the former case, it is necessary to correct the focus sensitivity stored in the storage unit 31 at the selected focus detection point, but the focus sensitivity stored in the storage unit 31 is used at the predicted focus detection point. Can do. On the other hand, in the latter case, it is necessary to correct the focus sensitivity stored in the storage unit 31 for the peripheral portion at both the selected focus detection point and the predicted focus detection point.

As described above, it is necessary to acquire the focus sensitivity in the same or different method as the user focus detection point that is the base of the prediction in accordance with the region including the predicted focus detection point in the imaging screen.
(Other examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  Each embodiment described above is only a representative example, and various modifications and changes can be made to each embodiment in carrying out the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Camera body 2 Interchangeable lens 6 Focus detection part 9 Camera CPU
22 Focus lens 26 Lens CPU
33 Focus detection point selector

Claims (10)

An interchangeable lens device detachably attached to an imaging device capable of selecting a focus detection position for detecting a focus state in an imaging screen,
A focus lens to adjust the focus;
A lens control unit that drives the focus lens in accordance with lens drive amount information from the imaging device;
A sensitivity supply unit that supplies information related to focus sensitivity used for calculation of the lens driving amount at the focus detection position to the imaging device;
The sensitivity supply unit acquires information on the first focus detection position as the focus detection position selected in the imaging apparatus, and is selected later in the imaging apparatus based on the first focus detection position. When the second focus detection position as the focus detection position is predicted, information regarding the focus sensitivity corresponding to the second focus detection position is supplied to the imaging device. .   2. The interchangeable lens device according to claim 1, wherein the sensitivity supply unit supplies information regarding the focus sensitivity according to an image height of the second focus detection position to the imaging device. A storage unit storing information about the focus sensitivity at a specific image height;
The interchangeable lens device according to claim 2, wherein the sensitivity supply unit corrects information on the focus sensitivity acquired from the storage unit according to an image height of the second focus detection position.   The said sensitivity supply part estimates the said 2nd focus detection position based on the information which shows a movement of the said 1st focus detection position, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Interchangeable lens device.   5. The interchangeable lens device according to claim 4, wherein the sensitivity supply unit changes a frequency of predicting the second focus detection position in accordance with an image height of the second focus detection position.   The interchangeable lens apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sensitivity supply unit increases the frequency as the image height of the second focus detection position is higher.   The said sensitivity supply part changes the frequency which estimates the said 2nd focus detection position according to the size of the image pick-up element which is provided in the said imaging device and image | photographs a to-be-photographed image. Interchangeable lens device. An imaging device in which an interchangeable lens device is detachably mounted and capable of selecting a focus detection position for detecting a focus state in an imaging screen,
The interchangeable lens is
In accordance with the information on the lens driving amount from the imaging device, the focus lens that performs focus adjustment is driven,
Supplying information related to the focus sensitivity used to calculate the lens driving amount at the focus detection position to the imaging device;
When a second focus detection position as a focus detection position selected later in the imaging apparatus is predicted based on the first focus detection position as the focus detection position selected in the imaging apparatus, Supplying information relating to the focus sensitivity corresponding to the second focus detection position to the imaging device;
The imaging device
A focus detection position supply unit that supplies information of the first focus detection position to the interchangeable lens device;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a drive amount calculation unit that calculates the lens drive amount at each of the first and second focus detection positions using information on the focus sensitivity acquired from the interchangeable lens. A computer program for causing a computer of an interchangeable lens apparatus to be detachably mounted on an imaging apparatus capable of selecting a focus detection position for detecting a focus state in an imaging screen,
In the computer,
A process of driving a focus lens that performs focus adjustment according to information of a lens driving amount from the imaging device;
Processing for supplying information related to the focus sensitivity used to calculate the lens driving amount at the focus detection position to the imaging device in the imaging device;
Information on a first focus detection position as the focus detection position selected in the imaging device is acquired, and a first focus detection position selected later in the imaging device based on the first focus detection position is acquired. When a second focus detection position is predicted, a lens control program that executes processing for supplying information related to the focus sensitivity corresponding to the second focus detection position to the imaging apparatus. A computer program for causing a computer of an imaging apparatus, which is detachably mounted with an interchangeable lens apparatus, to select a focus detection position for detecting a focus state in an imaging screen,
The interchangeable lens is
In accordance with the information on the lens driving amount from the imaging device, the focus lens that performs focus adjustment is driven,
Supplying information related to focus sensitivity used to calculate the lens driving amount at the focus detection position in the imaging device to the imaging device;
When a second focus detection position as a focus detection position selected later in the imaging device is predicted based on the first focus detection position as the focus detection position selected in the imaging device, Supplying information related to the focus sensitivity corresponding to the second focus detection position to the imaging device;
In the computer,
A process of supplying information on the first focus detection position to the interchangeable lens device;
A camera control program that executes processing for calculating the lens driving amount at each of the first and second focus detection positions using information on the focus sensitivity acquired from the interchangeable lens.