JP2019132886A - Information processing device, information processing device control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible to fully exert an optical performance of a lens.SOLUTION: An information processing device of the present invention has: imaging control means that controls so as to capture images, using an imaging unit having a zoom lens varying a zoom magnification, and a focus lens focusing; and zoom control means that controls so as not to conduct an electronic zoom by performing image processing to images captured by the imaging control means in a range of the zoom magnification which is determined in accordance with a movable range where the focus lens is movable and is higher than a zoom limit range serving the range of the zoom magnification where focusing cannot be obtained by an optical zoom conducting a zoom by moving the zoom lens and the focus lens, but to conduct the optical zoom thereto.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and a program.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a lens system that performs the following operations. That is, the lens system of Patent Document 1 increases the optical zoom magnification, and when the variator lens approaches the telephoto end, the moving speed of the variator lens is reduced, and at the same time, the magnification of the electronic zoom is gradually increased. Then, when the variator lens reaches the telephoto end, the lens system of Patent Document 1 stops the change in the zoom ratio of the optical zoom and changes only the zoom ratio of the electronic zoom.

Japanese Patent No. 3478563

  However, in the lens system of Patent Document 1, zooming is performed with electronic zoom on the high magnification side, and optical zoom is not used. Therefore, the optical performance of the lens may not be exhibited.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image pickup control unit that controls an image pickup unit having a zoom lens that changes a zoom magnification, a focus lens that focuses the image, and a movable lens that can move the focus lens. A zoom magnification range that is determined according to the range, and that is higher than a zoom limit range that is a zoom magnification range that cannot be focused by optical zoom that performs zooming by moving the zoom lens and the focus lens. In this range, zoom control means for controlling to perform the optical zoom without performing electronic zoom for performing zoom by performing image processing on the image captured by the imaging control means.

  According to the present invention, the optical performance of the lens can be sufficiently exhibited.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an example of a structure of an imaging device. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an example of a structure of a lens unit. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of an imaging device. It is a figure which shows an example of a trace curve etc. It is a figure which shows an example of a trace curve etc. It is a figure which shows an example of a trace curve etc. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a zoom process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a zoom process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a zoom process. It is a figure which shows an example of a trace curve. It is a figure which shows an example of operation | movement etc. of an infrared cut filter. It is a figure which shows an example of operation | movement etc. of an aperture stop.

<First Embodiment>
First, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100. The imaging apparatus 100 includes a cover 2, a dome cover 3, a lens unit 4, an imaging element 5, and a support unit 6. The imaging device 100 is an example of an information processing device. The lens unit 4 is an example of an imaging unit.
The dome cover 3 covers the lens unit 4. The dome cover 3 is sandwiched between the cover 2 and the support unit 6 that supports the lens unit 4. The cover 2 is fastened to the support unit 6 with fastening screws 1. The image sensor 5 receives light passing from the first group lens L1 to the fourth group lens L4 included in the lens unit 4, and converts the optical image into an electrical signal. The support unit 6 supports the lens unit 4 so as to be rotatable in the pan / tilt / rotation direction.

Next, the lens unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the lens unit 4.
The lens unit 4 includes a first group lens L1, a second group lens L2, a third group lens L3, and a fourth group lens L4. The first group lens L1 and the third group lens L3 are fixed in the lens unit 4. The second group lens L2 is a zoom lens that is movable in the optical axis direction and performs a zoom operation. The fourth group lens L4 is a focus lens that is movable in the optical axis direction and focuses by performing a focusing operation.
The fixed frame 11 holds the first group lens L1. The fixed frame 11 is engaged with the fixed frame 12 by the first group fixing screw 11a.

The fixed frame 15 holds the third group lens L3. The diaphragm unit 22 is fixed to the second group lens L2 side of the fixed frame 15 by a diaphragm fixing screw (not shown). The fixed frame 15 is engaged so as to be sandwiched between the fixed frame 12 and the fixed frame 25.
The guide bar 21 and the guide bar 23 are fixed so as to be sandwiched between the fixed frame 12 and the fixed frame 25. The guide bar 26 is fixed so as to be sandwiched between the fixed frame 12 and the fixed frame 15. The guide bar 24 is fixed so as to be sandwiched between the fixed frame 15 and the fixed frame 25.

The second group movable frame 13 holds the second group lens L2, and is supported by the guide bar 21 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the second group lens L2. Further, the guide bar 26 is engaged with the U groove 13a of the second group movable frame 13, and the rotation of the second group movable frame 13 around the guide bar 26 is restricted.
The fourth group movable frame 16 holds the fourth group lens L4 and is supported by the guide bar 23 so as to be movable in the optical axis direction of the fourth group lens L4. The guide bar 24 engages with the U groove 16a of the fourth group movable frame 16, and the rotation of the fourth group movable frame 16 around the guide bar 24 is restricted.
The stepping motor 17 is used for zooming. The stepping motor 17 is fixed to the fixed frame 12 by a fixing screw 17a. The screw part 17b of the stepping motor 17 is engaged with a rack 13b fixed to the second group movable frame 13, and the second group movable frame 13 is rotated in the optical axis direction of the second group lens L2 by the rotation of the screw part 17b. Move to.
The stepping motor 18 is used for focusing. The stepping motor 18 is fixed to the fixed frame 25 by a fixing screw 18a. The screw part 18b of the stepping motor 18 is engaged with the rack 16b fixed to the fourth group movable frame 16, and the fourth group movable frame 16 moves in the optical axis direction by the rotation of the screw part 18b.

The PI unit (photo interrupter unit) 19 includes a photo interrupter and a sheet metal, and is fixed to the fixed frame 25 by a fixing screw 19a. The PI unit 19 is disposed in the moving direction of the second group movable group 13. The position of the second group movable frame 13 is controlled by the output of the photo interrupter of the PI unit 19 and the rotation speed of the stepping motor 17.
The PI unit 20 is composed of a photo interrupter and a sheet metal, and is fixed to the fixed frame 25 by a fixing screw 20a. The PI unit 20 is disposed on the fixed frame 25. The position of the fourth group movable frame 16 is controlled by the output of the photo interrupter of the PI unit 20 and the rotation speed of the stepping motor 18.

The filter frame 7, the infrared cut filter 7a, and the filter switching actuator 8 are sandwiched between the fixed frame 25 and the CCD holder 9, and the fixed frame 25 and the CCD holder 9 are engaged by a fixed screw 9a. By driving the filter switching actuator 8, the filter frame 7 and the infrared cut filter 7a move in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the fourth group lens L4, and switch whether the infrared cut filter 7a is inserted into or removed from the optical path. . The infrared cut filter 7a is a filter that can be inserted into and removed from a position where the fourth lens group L4 can move.
The PI unit 10 includes a photo interrupter and a sheet metal, and is fixed to the CCD holder 9 with a fixing screw 10a. The PI unit 10 is disposed on the CCD holder 9, and the position of the filter frame 7 is determined by the output of the photo interrupter of the PI unit 10.

Next, the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the imaging apparatus 100.
Light from the subject during imaging passes through the first group lens L1 to the fourth group lens L4 in the lens unit 4 described with reference to FIG. The light incident on the image sensor 5 is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 5 and converted into a digital signal by the signal processing unit 52. The image data converted into a digital signal by the signal processing unit 52 passes through an AF (autofocus) gate 53, is subjected to AF signal processing by the AF signal processing unit 54, and is sent to the CPU 55.
When the CPU 55 controls the stepping motors 17 and 18 based on the image data input to the CPU 55, the second group lens L2 and the fourth group lens L4 move in the optical axis direction. Further, the CPU 55 controls the aperture motor 14 to vary the aperture blade 14b shown in FIG.
Further, when instructing night photography, the CPU 55 drives the filter switching actuator 8 to escape the infrared cut filter 7a out of the optical path. When the PC 120 inputs the tilt angle to the CPU 55, the tilt motor 56 is driven by the control of the CPU 55, the tilt unit 57 moves, and the tilt angle of the lens unit 4 changes. The tilt unit 57 includes a tilt angle detection unit, and is fed back to the PC 120 via the CPU 55. Further, the electronic zoom unit 59 is operated under the control of the CPU 55, and the angle of view is electronically changed. The electronic zoom unit 59 performs electronic zoom processing for performing zooming by performing image processing on an image captured using the lens unit 4. The CPU 55 controls to capture an image using the lens unit 4. The process of controlling the CPU 55 to capture an image is an example of an imaging control process.

The CPU 55 of the imaging device 100 controls the entire imaging device 100. The CPU 55 executes processing based on a program stored in the storage unit 60, thereby realizing various functions of the imaging device 100 and the processing in FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B.
The storage unit 60 of the imaging apparatus 100 stores a program executed by the imaging apparatus 100, setting information, and the like. The storage unit 60 is an example of a storage medium.
The signal processing unit 52, the AF gate 53, the AF signal processing unit 54, and the electronic zoom unit 59 are realized by a circuit different from the CPU 55. However, at least one of the signal processing unit 52, the AF gate 53, the AF signal processing unit 54, and the electronic zoom unit 59 may be realized by processing of the CPU 55. The CPU 55, the circuit, and the like are mounted on the support unit 6, for example.

Next, the characteristics of the second group lens L2 and the fourth group lens L4 will be described with reference to FIG. The graph shown in FIG. 4A is a characteristic graph showing characteristics of the second group lens L2 and the fourth group lens L4. The horizontal axis of the characteristic graph represents the zoom magnification. The vertical axis of the characteristic graph represents the focus position, and the infinite end and the closest end are shown. The minimum zoom magnification shown in the characteristic graph is the zoom magnification when the second lens group L2 is located at the WIDE end. The maximum zoom magnification is a zoom magnification when the second lens unit L2 is located at the TELE end.
When the zoom magnification is set, a focus position for focusing at the set zoom magnification is determined. A trace curve 101 shown on the graph indicates the relationship between the zoom magnification and the focus position in the optical zoom. The optical zoom is optically zoomed by moving the second group lens L2 and the fourth group lens L4. The zoom magnification in the optical zoom is determined according to the position of the second group lens L2. The focus position represents the position of the fourth group lens L4 for focusing with the fourth group lens L4. It is assumed that an image captured using the lens unit 4 is in focus when it is in focus when viewed with human eyes.
The trace curve 101 is determined according to the subject distance. More specifically, the focus position determined with respect to the zoom magnification becomes closer to the infinite end as the subject distance becomes longer. In the example of FIG. 4A, the first trace curve 101a is the trace curve 101 when the subject is imaged closest. The second trace curve 101b is the trace curve 101 when the subject is photographed at the longest distance. The third trace curve 101c is the trace curve 101 when the subject distance is set to an intermediate distance between the close distance and the long distance.

A zoom-compatible stroke 130 shown in FIG. 4A is a moving range (optical stroke) of the fourth lens unit L4 necessary for realizing from the minimum zoom magnification to the maximum zoom magnification with the optical zoom at all subject distances. is there.
One end portion of the zoom-corresponding stroke 130 is the first limit position 111. The first restriction position 111 is a position where the fourth group lens L4 can be moved to the maximum in the direction of the third group lens L3 in the optical axis direction. The first restriction position 111 is a position that is determined according to the movement restriction caused by the fixed frame 12.

In order to focus the range from the minimum zoom magnification to the maximum zoom magnification for all subject distances by the fourth lens unit L4, it is necessary to move within the range of the zoom corresponding stroke 130. However, in order to ensure the zoom-corresponding stroke 130, the movable range of the fourth group lens L4 (fourth group movable frame 16) must be increased. As a result, the lens unit 4 becomes large. On the other hand, in the imaging device 100 of the present embodiment, the lens unit 4 is reduced in size by limiting the movement range of the fourth group lens L4 on the imaging element 5 side. A movable range in which the fourth lens L4 can move under such structural limitations is referred to as an actual stroke 130a. As shown in FIG. 4A, the actual stroke 130a is narrower than the zoom-compatible stroke 130. The second limit position 104, which is one end of the actual stroke 130a, is a position that is determined so that the fourth group lens L4 does not collide with the infrared cut filter 7a. The second limit position 104 is software-controlled by the CPU 55. This is the position to set.
The moving range of the fourth lens unit L4 is limited to the actual stroke 130a. Therefore, when the focus position is determined by the third trace curve 101c shown in FIG. 4A, the optical zoom using the fourth group lens L4 is performed within the zoom magnification range of 108 in FIG. 4A. It will not be possible to focus on. Thus, depending on the subject distance, a zoom magnification that cannot be focused by the optical zoom is generated. Such a zoom magnification range that cannot be focused by optical zoom is referred to as a zoom limit range 108. As described above, since the trace curve 101 changes depending on the subject distance, the width of the zoom limit range 108 also changes according to the subject distance. If the trace curve 101 does not exceed the second limit position 104, the zoom limit range 108 does not occur.

The zoom limit range 108 is a zoom magnification range determined according to the actual stroke 130a, and is a zoom magnification range that cannot be focused by optical zoom. More specifically, in the characteristic graph, the zoom limit range 108 is a range that is higher than the first zoom magnification 105 described below and lower than the second zoom magnification 106. The first zoom magnification 105 is a smaller value of the zoom magnification by the optical zoom that is focused when the fourth lens group L4 is positioned at the second restriction position 104 that is the end of the actual stroke 130a. Therefore, the first zoom magnification 105 is the zoom magnification at the intersection where the zoom magnification is smaller, out of the two intersections where the trace curve 101 intersects the line representing the second restriction position 104. The first zoom magnification 105 can also be said to be an upper limit value in a zoom magnification range lower than the zoom restriction range 108. The second zoom magnification 106 is a larger value of the zoom magnification by the optical zoom that is focused when the fourth lens group L4 is positioned at the second restriction position 104 that is the end of the actual stroke 130a. Therefore, the second zoom magnification 106 is a zoom magnification at the intersection where the zoom magnification is larger, out of the two intersections where the trace curve 101 intersects the line representing the second restriction position 104. FIG. 4A shows the zoom limit range 108 of the third trace curve 101c.
As described above, in the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the zoom range is limited depending on the subject distance because the movement range of the fourth group lens L4 that performs the focusing operation is limited from the viewpoint of miniaturization. Occurs. Hereinafter, zoom processing by the imaging apparatus 100 having such a structure will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the zoom process. The zoom process in FIG. 7 is a process for the optical zoom and the electronic zoom during the WIDE-TELE operation.

In S <b> 101, the CPU 55 acquires the subject distance from the subject distance measurement sensor included in the imaging apparatus 100. The subject distance is a distance from the subject to the lens unit 4. Next, the CPU 55 acquires the trace curve 101 by a predetermined calculation based on the acquired subject distance. Next, the CPU 55 determines the zoom limit range 108 based on the acquired trace curve 101 and the second limit position 104. However, the zoom limit range 108 may not exist like the second trace curve 101b of FIG. The process for determining the zoom limit range 108 is an example of a determination process.
In S102, the CPU 55 determines whether or not there is a zoom limit range 108 based on the result of the process in S101. If the CPU 55 determines that there is a zoom restriction area 150, the process proceeds to S105. If the CPU 55 determines that there is no zoom restriction area 150, the process proceeds to S103.
In S103, the CPU 55 performs control to increase the zoom magnification by optical zoom without performing electronic zoom. More specifically, the CPU 55 drives the second group lens L2 to raise the zoom magnification from the minimum zoom magnification, and simultaneously drives the fourth group lens L4 to focus. At this time, the CPU 55 moves the position of the second group lens L2 from the WIDE end corresponding to the minimum zoom magnification to the TELE end corresponding to the maximum zoom magnification.
In S104, the CPU 55 sets the zoom magnification to the maximum zoom magnification by optical zoom, and ends the processing of FIG.

In S105, the CPU 55 performs control to increase the zoom magnification by optical zoom without performing electronic zoom. More specifically, the CPU 55 drives the second group lens L2 to raise the zoom magnification from the minimum zoom magnification, and simultaneously drives the fourth group lens L4 to focus.
In S <b> 106, the CPU 55 determines whether or not the second group lens L <b> 2 has reached a position corresponding to the first zoom magnification 105. If the CPU 55 determines that the second group lens L2 has reached the position corresponding to the first zoom magnification 105, the CPU 55 advances the process to S107, and the second group lens L2 reaches the position corresponding to the first zoom magnification 105. If it is determined that it is not, the process proceeds to S105. The position corresponding to the first zoom magnification 105 of the second group lens L2 is a position where the first zoom magnification 105 can be realized by the second group lens L2.

  In S107, the CPU 55 determines whether or not the width of the zoom limit range 108 is equal to or greater than a set value. If the CPU 55 determines that the width of the zoom limit range 108 is equal to or greater than the set value, the process proceeds to S108, and if the CPU 55 determines that the width of the zoom limit range 108 is less than the set value, the process proceeds to S111. The zoom limit range 108 shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A is an example when the width of the zoom limit range 108 is equal to or larger than a set value. The zoom limit range 108 illustrated in FIG. 6A is an example in the case where the width of the zoom limit range 108 is less than a set value. The set value is, for example, a value corresponding to 1/7 of the movable range of the second lens unit L2, but is not limited to this value. The CPU 55 acquires the set value from the storage unit 60, for example.

In S108, the CPU 55 stops increasing the zoom magnification by the optical zoom and controls to increase the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom. The CPU 55 stops increasing the zoom magnification by the optical zoom by stopping the movement of the second group lens L2.
As a result, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, in the range where the zoom magnification is higher than the first zoom magnification 105, the zoom magnification by the optical zoom becomes constant and the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom increases. Then, the overall zoom magnification of the lens unit 4 is increased. The overall zoom magnification of the lens unit 4 is the total magnification of the zoom magnification by the optical zoom and the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom. FIGS. 4B and 4C respectively show changes in the zoom magnification by electronic zoom when the width of the zoom limit range 108 is equal to or larger than the set value and control for increasing the zoom magnification is performed. It is a figure showing the change of the zoom magnification by an optical zoom.

In S109, the CPU 55 determines whether or not the total magnification of the zoom magnification by the optical zoom and the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom has reached the maximum zoom magnification. If the CPU 55 determines that the total magnification has reached the maximum zoom magnification, the process proceeds to S110. If the CPU 55 determines that the total magnification has not reached the maximum zoom magnification, the process proceeds to S108.
In S110, the CPU 55 controls the zoom magnification to the maximum zoom magnification by optical zoom without performing electronic zoom. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the CPU 55 sets the zoom magnification by electronic zoom to 0, sets the position of the second group lens L2 to the TELE end, and sets the maximum zoom magnification. Control. Further, the CPU 55 drives the fourth group lens L4 to bring it into focus. FIGS. 5B and 5C respectively show the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom and the zoom by the optical zoom when the width of the zoom limit range 108 is not less than the set value and the control to increase the zoom magnification is stopped. It is a figure showing magnification.

In S111, the CPU 55 stops increasing the zoom magnification by the optical zoom and controls to increase the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom. The CPU 55 stops increasing the zoom magnification by the optical zoom by stopping the movement of the second group lens L2. The processing of S108 and S111 stops the control to increase the optical zoom by stopping the movement of the second group lens L2 before entering the zoom limit range 108. In the zoom limit range 108, the second group lens L2 at the time of stop is stopped. It is an example of the process controlled to maintain the position of.
In S <b> 112, the CPU 55 determines whether or not the total magnification of the zoom magnification by the optical zoom and the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom has reached the second zoom magnification 106. If the CPU 55 determines that the total magnification is the second zoom magnification 106, the process proceeds to S113. If the CPU 55 determines that the total magnification is not the second zoom magnification 106, the CPU 55 proceeds to S111.
In S113, the CPU 55 sets the zoom magnification by electronic zoom to zero. Further, the CPU 55 moves the driving position of the second group lens L2 from the position corresponding to the first zoom magnification 105 to the position corresponding to the second zoom magnification 106, thereby changing the zoom magnification of the optical zoom to the second zoom magnification 106. To do. Further, the CPU 55 drives the fourth group lens L4 to bring it into focus. When the driving position of the second group lens L2 is moved from a position corresponding to the first zoom magnification 105 to a position corresponding to the second zoom magnification 106, the second group lens L2 is not focused momentarily. However, when the zoom limit range 108 is small, the driving amount of the second group lens L2 is small, so that the uncomfortable feeling caused by the inability to focus is reduced. Therefore, in S113, unlike S108 and S109, the second group lens L2 is moved from a position corresponding to the first zoom magnification 105 to a position corresponding to the second zoom magnification 106.

In S114, the CPU 55 performs control so that the electronic zoom is not performed and the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom is set to 0 and the zoom magnification is increased by the optical zoom. More specifically, the CPU 55 drives the second group lens L2 to increase the zoom magnification from the second zoom magnification 106, and simultaneously drives the fourth group lens L4 to focus. At this time, the CPU 55 moves the position of the second group lens L2 from the position corresponding to the second zoom magnification 106 to the TELE end corresponding to the maximum zoom magnification.
In S115, the CPU 55 sets the zoom magnification to the maximum zoom magnification by optical zoom, and ends the processing of FIG. FIGS. 6B and 6C show changes in the zoom magnification due to the optical zoom and changes in the zoom magnification due to the electronic zoom when the width of the zoom limit range 108 is less than the set value. FIGS. 6B and 6C are diagrams showing changes in zoom magnification due to electronic zoom and changes in zoom magnification due to optical zoom when the width of zoom limit range 108 is less than a set value, respectively. The processing from S105 to S115 is an example of zoom control processing.

In the zoom process described with reference to FIG. 7, the CPU 55 performs control to increase the total zoom magnification to the maximum zoom magnification. However, the CPU 55 may stop the control for increasing the total zoom magnification below the maximum zoom magnification based on a user operation or the like. In this case, the CPU 55 performs the following control when stopping the control to increase the zoom magnification.
For example, when the width of the zoom limit range 108 is equal to or greater than the set value and the target zoom magnification is equal to or greater than the second zoom magnification 106, the CPU 55 increases the zoom magnification by reaching the target zoom magnification. When stopping the next control, the following control is performed. That is, the CPU 55 controls the electronic zoom so that the electronic zoom is not performed by setting the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom to 0, as shown in the region of the second zoom magnification 106 or more in FIG. Further, as shown in the area of the second zoom magnification 106 or more in FIG. 5C, the CPU 55 performs control so that the zoom magnification by the optical zoom becomes the target zoom magnification. The target zoom magnification is the total zoom magnification when the CPU 55 stops the control to increase the total zoom magnification.
In addition, when the width of the zoom limit range 108 is less than the set value and the target zoom magnification is equal to or greater than the second zoom magnification 106, the CPU 55 increases the zoom magnification by reaching the target zoom magnification. When stopping the next control, the following control is performed. That is, the CPU 55 stops the control to increase the zoom magnification by the optical zoom when the total zoom magnification reaches the target zoom magnification. Thereby, as shown in the area of the second zoom magnification 106 or more in FIG. 6B, the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom is 0, and as shown in the area of the second zoom magnification 106 or more in FIG. 6C. The zoom magnification by the optical zoom becomes the target zoom magnification.

In addition, when the target zoom magnification is included in the zoom limit range 108, the CPU 55 performs the following control when the total zoom magnification reaches the target zoom magnification and stops the control to increase the zoom magnification. That is, the CPU 55 maintains the zoom magnification by the optical zoom at the first zoom magnification 105 and stops the control for increasing the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom.
In addition, when the target zoom magnification is equal to or lower than the first zoom magnification 105, the CPU 55 performs the following control when the total zoom magnification reaches the target zoom magnification and the control for increasing the zoom magnification is stopped. That is, the CPU 55 stops the control to increase the zoom magnification by the optical zoom, maintains the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom at 0, and controls not to perform the electronic zoom.

As described above, in the imaging apparatus 100, the zoom limit range 108 is determined according to the subject distance. At the zoom magnification of the zoom limit range 108, electronic zoom and optical zoom are used together.
However, in a zoom magnification range higher than the zoom limit range 108, the target zoom magnification is realized only by the optical zoom driven by the second lens group L2. Therefore, the lens unit 4 is downsized and the second restriction position 104 is determined, and even in the imaging apparatus 100 in which the zoom restriction range 108 is determined according to the subject distance, the optical performance is maximized on the high magnification side. it can. Therefore, in the imaging apparatus 100, the optical performance of the lens is sufficiently exhibited.

  Further, the CPU 55 performs the following control when increasing the zoom magnification. That is, the CPU 55 performs control so as to realize the zoom magnification with the optical zoom from the minimum zoom magnification to the first zoom magnification 105. Further, when the width of the zoom limit range 108 is equal to or larger than the set value, the CPU 55 fixes the second group lens L2 at a position corresponding to the first zoom magnification 105 in the range of the first zoom magnification 105 or more. The optical zoom is fixed at the first zoom magnification 105. Then, the CPU 55 controls to increase the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom. For this reason, the CPU 55 controls the optical zoom to be fixed at the first zoom magnification 105 and the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom to be increased even in the high zoom magnification range. Therefore, the change of the image accompanying the change of the zoom magnification becomes smooth. Then, when ending the control to increase the zoom magnification, the CPU 55 sets the zoom magnification by electronic zoom to 0 and realizes the zoom magnification by optical zoom. Therefore, it is possible to provide the imaging apparatus 100 that can maximize the optical performance on the high magnification side even when the lens unit 4 is enlarged and the lens unit 4 is downsized and the second restriction position 104 is determined. Thus, even if the imaging apparatus 100 cannot focus in the zoom limit range 108 with the optical zoom, it is possible to provide the imaging apparatus 100 that can maximize the optical performance on the high magnification side.

  Further, when increasing the zoom magnification, the CPU 55 performs the following control if the width of the zoom limit range 108 is less than the set value. That is, when the zoom magnification is included in the zoom limit range 108, the CPU 55 fixes the optical zoom to the first zoom magnification 105 by fixing the second group lens L2 at a position corresponding to the first zoom magnification 105, and the electronic zoom Control to increase the zoom magnification by zooming. Further, when the zoom magnification is higher than the second zoom magnification 106, the CPU 55 sets the zoom magnification by electronic zoom to 0 and realizes the zoom magnification by optical zoom. Therefore, it is possible to provide the imaging apparatus 100 that can widen the range in which the optical zoom is used and can exhibit the maximum optical performance.

<Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, control in consideration of temperature, posture, aperture control, and shooting mode will be described. Points similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, zoom processing according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the zoom process. The zoom process of FIG. 8 is a process for the optical zoom and the electronic zoom during the WIDE-TELE operation.
In step S <b> 201, the CPU 55 acquires the subject distance from the subject distance measurement sensor included in the imaging apparatus 100. Further, the temperature of the lens unit 4 is acquired from a temperature sensor included in the imaging device 100. Further, information on the attitude of the lens unit 4 is acquired from an attitude sensor included in the imaging apparatus 100. Next, the CPU 55 acquires the trace curve 101 by a predetermined calculation based on the acquired subject distance, temperature, and posture information.

  The trace curve 101 changes according to the temperature of the lens unit 4 and the attitude of the lens unit 4 in addition to the subject distance. The lens unit 4 has a mechanical backlash, which is caused by the internal lens falling down depending on the posture or the distance between the lenses changing due to a temperature change. As shown in FIG. 9, when the trace curve 101 when the lens unit 4 is at a normal temperature and in a horizontal posture is a fourth trace curve 101d, the lens unit 4 changes to a fifth trace curve 101e when the lens unit 4 is at a high temperature and in a downward posture. As a result, the first zoom magnification 105 changes from the first zoom magnification 105a to the first zoom magnification 105b, and the second zoom magnification 106 changes from the second zoom magnification 106a to the second zoom magnification 106b. Further, the zoom limit range 108 is reduced from the zoom limit range 108a to the zoom limit range 108b.

In S202, the CPU 55 determines whether or not the shooting mode of the imaging apparatus 100 is the night shooting mode based on setting information stored in the storage unit 60, for example. If the CPU 55 determines that the night shooting mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S203. If the CPU 55 determines that the night shooting mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S219.
Here, the relationship between the shooting mode and the second restriction position 104 will be described with reference to FIG. When the shooting mode is a daytime shooting mode that is not a nighttime shooting mode, an infrared cut filter 7a is inserted in the optical path of the lens unit 4 as shown in FIG. For this reason, the infrared cut filter 7a restricts the second restriction position 104, which is one end of the moving range of the fourth lens group L4, to the second restriction position 104a for daytime shooting mode shown in FIG.
However, when the photographing mode is the night photographing mode, the infrared cut filter 7a has escaped from the optical path of the lens unit 4 as shown in FIG. For this reason, a part of the fourth lens group L4 can be moved in the optical axis direction to the position of the infrared cut filter 7a when inserted into the optical path of the lens unit 4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10C, when the shooting mode is changed from the daytime shooting mode to the nighttime shooting mode, the second restriction position 104 that is one end of the moving range of the fourth lens unit L4 is for the nighttime shooting mode. It changes to the 2nd restriction position 104b. As a result, the first zoom magnification 105 changes from the first zoom magnification 105c to the first zoom magnification 105d, and the second zoom magnification 106 changes from the second zoom magnification 106c to the second zoom magnification 106d. Then, the zoom limit range 108 changes from the zoom limit range 108c to the zoom limit range 108d and becomes smaller.

In S <b> 203, the CPU 55 selects the second limit position 104 b for night shooting mode as the second limit position 104. Next, the CPU 55 determines the zoom limit range 108 based on the trace curve 101 acquired in S201 and the selected second limit position 104. However, the zoom limit range 108 may not exist.
In S204, the CPU 55 determines whether or not there is a zoom limit range 108 based on the result of the process in S203. If the CPU 55 determines that the zoom limit range 108 is present, the process proceeds to S205. If the CPU 55 determines that there is no zoom limit range 108, the process proceeds to S206.

In S205, the CPU 55 controls to change the F value (aperture value). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, the CPU 55 adjusts the amount of light entering the image sensor 5 by changing the aperture of the diaphragm blade 14b of the lens unit 4, and the F value. Control to change. The trace curve 101 depends on the F value. For example, as shown in FIG. 11B, the trace curve 101 changes from the sixth trace curve 101f to the seventh trace curve 101g by changing the F value. In the example of FIG. 11B, the zoom limit range 108 disappears due to the change of the F value. The CPU 55 updates the trace curve 101 acquired in S201 based on the changed F value. Next, the CPU 55 determines the zoom limit range 108 based on the updated trace curve 101 and the second limit position 104 selected in S203. However, the zoom limit range 108 may not exist.
The CPU 55 determines whether or not the zoom limit range 108 has disappeared after changing the F value. If the CPU 55 determines that the zoom limit range 108 has disappeared, the process proceeds to S206. If the CPU 55 determines that the zoom limit range 108 exists, the process proceeds to S208. For obtaining the trace curve 101, information on the subject distance, the temperature of the lens unit 4 and the posture of the lens unit 4 is used. The second restriction position 104 is determined by the position of the infrared cut filter 7a. Therefore, the CPU 55 determines the zoom limit range 108 based on the subject distance, the temperature of the lens unit 4, the attitude of the lens unit 4, and the position of the infrared cut filter 7a. In S205, if the CPU 55 determines that the zoom limit range 108 does not disappear even if the F value is changed, the CPU 55 may perform control so that the F value is not changed.

  The processing from S206 to S218 is the same as the processing from S103 to S115 in FIG. However, the trace curve 101 used in the processing from S206 to S218 is the trace curve 101 acquired by the CPU 55 in S201 or S205. The second limit position 104 used in the processes from S206 to S218 is the second limit position 104 selected by the CPU 55 in S203. The zoom limit range 108 used in the processing from S206 to S218 is the zoom limit range 108 determined by the CPU 55 in S203 or S205. The first zoom magnification 105 and the second zoom magnification 106 are values acquired by the CPU 55 based on the trace curve 101 and the second limit position 104 used in the processing from S206 to S218.

In S219, the CPU 55 selects the second restriction position 104a for daytime shooting mode as the second restriction position 104. Next, the CPU 55 determines the zoom limit range 108 based on the trace curve 101 acquired in S201 and the selected second limit position 104. However, the zoom limit range 108 may not exist.
In S220, the CPU 55 determines whether or not there is a zoom limit range 108 based on the result of the process in S219. If the CPU 55 determines that the zoom limit range 108 is present, the process proceeds to S221. If the CPU 55 determines that there is no zoom limit range 108, the process proceeds to S222.

  In S221, the CPU 55 controls to change the F value, similarly to the process in S204. Then, the CPU 55 updates the trace curve 101 acquired in S201 based on the changed F value, and determines the zoom limit range 108 based on the updated trace curve 101. However, the zoom limit range 108 may not exist. After changing the F value, the CPU 55 determines whether or not the zoom limit range 108 has disappeared due to the change of the F value. If the CPU 55 determines that the zoom limit range 108 has disappeared, the process proceeds to S222. If the CPU 55 determines that the zoom limit range 108 exists, the CPU 55 advances the process to step S224.

  The processing from S222 to S234 is the same as the processing from S103 to S115 in FIG. However, the trace curve 101 used in the processing from S222 to S234 is the trace curve 101 acquired by the CPU 55 in S201 or S221. The second limit position 104 used in the processes from S222 to S234 is the second limit position 104 selected by the CPU 55 in S219. The zoom limit range 108 used in the processing from S222 to S234 is the zoom limit range 108 determined in S219 or S221. The first zoom magnification 105 and the second zoom magnification 106 are values acquired based on the trace curve 101 and the second limit position 104 used in the processing from S222 to S234.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the zoom limit range 108 can be narrowed by changing the F value and retracting the infrared cut filter 7a. Therefore, even in the imaging apparatus 100 in which the lens unit 4 is enlarged, the lens unit 4 is downsized, the second restriction position 104 is determined, and the zoom restriction range 108 is determined according to the subject distance, To maximize optical performance.
Further, the CPU 55 determines the zoom limit range 108 based on the temperature of the lens unit 4, the attitude of the lens unit 4, the changed F value, and the position of the infrared cut filter 7 a. Therefore, the CPU 55 can determine the zoom limit range 108 with high accuracy. Here, in a zoom magnification range higher than the zoom limit range 108, the target zoom magnification is realized only by the optical zoom by driving the second lens group L2. Therefore, the range in which the optical performance can be maximized can be determined with high accuracy. In addition, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide the imaging apparatus 100 that can exhibit the maximum optical performance on the high magnification side.

(Other embodiments)
When increasing the zoom magnification, the CPU 55 may perform the following control regardless of the width of the zoom limit range 108. That is, the CPU 55 fixes the optical zoom to the first zoom magnification 105 by fixing the second group lens L2 at a position corresponding to the first zoom magnification 105 within the range of the second zoom magnification 106 or more, and performs electronic zoom. Control may be performed to increase the zoom magnification.
Further, the CPU 55 may perform the following control regardless of the width of the zoom limit range 108 when increasing the zoom magnification. That is, the CPU 55 may perform control so that the zoom magnification by the electronic zoom is set to 0 and the zoom magnification is increased by the optical zoom without performing the electronic zoom in the range of the second zoom magnification 106 or more.
In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 55 controls the electronic zoom to be performed while fixing the optical zoom to the first zoom magnification 105 at the zoom magnification of the zoom limit range 108. However, the CPU 55 may perform control so that electronic zooming is performed while the optical zoom is set to a zoom magnification other than the first zoom magnification 105 in the zoom magnification of the zoom limit range 108.

  Moreover, although CPU55 acquired the trace curve 101 by calculation, you may acquire the trace curve 101 based on the data table prepared previously. In this case, the subject distance and the trace curve 101 are stored in the data table in association with each other. In the data table, the subject distance, the temperature of the lens unit 4, the attitude of the lens unit 4, the F value, the shooting mode, and the trace curve 101 may be stored in association with each other. Further, the CPU 55 may acquire the zoom limit range 108 based on a data table prepared in advance. In this case, the subject distance, the second limit position 104, and the zoom limit range 108 are associated and stored in the data table. In the data table, the subject distance, the temperature of the lens unit 4, the attitude of the lens unit 4, the F value, the shooting mode, the second restriction position 104, and the zoom restriction range 108 may be stored in association with each other. The data table is stored in the storage unit 60.

  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.

Although the present invention has been described together with the embodiments, the above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is interpreted in a limited manner by these. It must not be. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.
For example, there may be a plurality of CPUs 55 as the hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus 100, and the plurality of CPUs may execute processing based on a program stored in an HDD or the like of each apparatus. Further, as a hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus 100, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) may be used instead of the CPU. Some of the functions realized by the CPU 55 may be implemented as hardware of the imaging apparatus 100. Moreover, you may combine said embodiment arbitrarily.

  As mentioned above, according to embodiment mentioned above, the optical performance of a lens can fully be exhibited.

100 Imaging device 4 Lens unit 55 CPU
L2 Second group lens L4 Fourth group lens

Claims (15)

An imaging control means for controlling to take an image using an imaging unit having a zoom lens for changing a zoom magnification and a focus lens for focusing;
A zoom magnification range determined according to a movable range in which the focus lens can move, and a zoom magnification range that cannot be focused by optical zoom that performs zooming by moving the zoom lens and the focus lens. Zoom control means for controlling to perform the optical zoom without performing electronic zoom for zooming by performing image processing on an image captured by the imaging control means in a range of zoom magnification higher than a certain zoom limit range When,
An information processing apparatus. The zoom control means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the control to increase the zoom magnification is stopped, the optical zoom is controlled to be performed without performing the electronic zoom within a zoom magnification range higher than the zoom limit range. The zoom control means includes
When performing control to increase the zoom magnification, control to perform the electronic zoom in a zoom magnification range higher than the zoom limit range,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the control for increasing the zoom magnification is stopped, the optical zoom is controlled to be performed without performing the electronic zoom. The zoom control means includes
When controlling to increase the zoom magnification, control to perform the optical zoom without performing the electronic zoom in a zoom magnification range higher than the zoom limit range,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the control for increasing the zoom magnification is stopped, the optical zoom is controlled to be performed without performing the electronic zoom. The zoom control means includes
When performing control to increase the zoom magnification when the width of the zoom limit range is less than a set value, the optical zoom is performed without performing the electronic zoom in a range of zoom magnification higher than the zoom limit range. Control to do and
When performing control to increase the zoom magnification when the width of the zoom limit range is greater than or equal to a set value, control to perform the electronic zoom in a range of zoom magnification higher than the zoom limit range,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the control for increasing the zoom magnification is stopped, the optical zoom is controlled to be performed without performing the electronic zoom. The zoom control means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic zoom is controlled in the zoom limit range. The zoom control means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical zoom is controlled to be performed without performing the electronic zoom in a zoom magnification range lower than the zoom limit range. The zoom control means includes
When performing control to increase the zoom magnification, in the zoom magnification range lower than the zoom limit range, the optical zoom is increased without performing the electronic zoom, and the zoom is performed before entering the zoom limit range. 8. The information according to claim 1, wherein control for increasing the optical zoom is stopped by stopping the movement of the lens, and control is performed so as to maintain the position of the zoom lens at the stop in the zoom limit range. Processing equipment. Determining means for determining the zoom limit range based on a distance from the imaging unit to the subject;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the zoom control unit performs control using the zoom limit range determined by the determination unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the determination unit further determines the zoom limit range based on at least one of an attitude of the imaging unit and a temperature.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the determination unit further determines the zoom limit range based on a diaphragm that adjusts an amount of light that enters the imaging element through the imaging unit.   The determination unit further determines the zoom limit range based on whether or not a filter that can be inserted into and removed from the position where the focus lens is movable is located at a position where the focus lens is movable. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 11.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an imaging apparatus having the imaging unit. An imaging control step for controlling to take an image using an imaging unit having a zoom lens for changing a zoom magnification and a focus lens for focusing;
A zoom magnification range determined according to a movable range in which the focus lens can move, and a zoom magnification range that cannot be focused by optical zoom that performs zooming by moving the zoom lens and the focus lens. Zoom control step for controlling to perform the optical zoom without performing the electronic zoom for performing zoom by performing image processing on the image captured by the imaging control step in a zoom magnification range higher than a certain zoom limit range When,
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus including:   A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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