JP2021001944A - Optical device and method of controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an optical device for appropriately setting an optical system with respect to functions that other devices such as an imaging device have.SOLUTION: An optical device 10 can communicate with another device 20. The optical device comprises: an optical system 11 forming an optical image of a subject; communication means 12 for receiving information on functions that other devices have, from the other devices; and control means 13 for changing settings of the optical system according to the functions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an optical device such as an interchangeable lens used together with another device such as an imaging device.

The interchangeable lens can be attached not only to an existing image pickup device but also to an image pickup device having a new function. As a new function, for example, there is an image recovery processing function that corrects (recovers) the deterioration of the captured image due to the aberration of the optical system. In addition, functions such as aperture, zoom, and focus of the interchangeable lens are often electrically controlled, and an interchangeable lens that can electrically determine the range in which each function can be set by the user is also used.

Patent Document 1 discloses a method in which, when an image pickup device equipped with an interchangeable lens has an image recovery processing function, imaging is performed using data of image recovery conditions held in the interchangeable lens.

JP 2015-231193

However, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, although good image quality can be obtained by performing image recovery processing, the open F value can be made brighter, the focal length (zoom) range can be made wider, and the shortest can be obtained. It is not possible to change the optical system settings such as shortening the imaging distance. For this reason, the interchangeable lens cannot change the settings such as the open F value, the zoom range, and the imaging distance that the imaging device having the lowest function can handle.

The present invention provides an optical device capable of setting an appropriate optical system for a function of another device such as an image pickup device.

The optical device as one aspect of the present invention is capable of communicating with other devices. The optical device includes an optical system that forms an optical image of a subject, a communication means that receives information about a function of the other device from another device, and a control means that changes the setting of the optical system according to the function. It is characterized by having and.

The device as another aspect of the present invention is another device used together with an optical device having an optical system for forming an optical image of a subject. When the other device changes the setting of the optical system according to the communication means for communicating with the optical device and the function of the optical device, the other device transmits information on the function through the communication means. It is characterized by having a control means for transmitting to.

Further, the control method as another aspect of the present invention is applied to an optical device having an optical system capable of communicating with another device and forming an optical image of a subject. The control method is characterized by including a step of receiving information about a function of the other device from another device and a step of changing the setting of the optical system according to the function.

A computer program that causes the computer of the optical device to execute a process according to the control method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an optical device capable of setting an appropriate optical system for the functions of other devices.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the interchangeable lens and the image pickup apparatus of Example 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process in Example 1. The flowchart which shows the process in Example 2 of this invention. The figure explaining Example 2. FIG. The flowchart which shows the process in Example 3 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process in Example 4 of this invention.

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an imaging system including an interchangeable lens 10 as an optical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an imaging device 20 as another device to which the interchangeable lens 10 is detachably connected.

The interchangeable lens 10 has an imaging optical system 11 that forms a subject image as an optical image. The image pickup optical system 11 includes a variable magnification lens 11a that moves in the optical axis direction to change the focal distance of the image pickup optical system 11 and adjusts the amount of light by changing the aperture opening diameter. Includes a focus lens 11c that moves in the optical axis direction to perform focus adjustment (focus), and an aberration changing lens 11d that moves in the optical axis direction to change the aberration of the imaging optical system 11.

Further, the interchangeable lens 10 has a lens communication unit (communication means) 12 for communicating with the connected image pickup device 20, and a lens control unit 13 as a control means for controlling the operation of the interchangeable lens 10. The lens communication unit 12 receives information on the function of the image pickup device 20 (hereinafter referred to as camera function information) from the image pickup device 20. In this embodiment, a case where the image pickup apparatus 20 has an image recovery processing function as an image processing function will be described. The image recovery process is an image process that corrects (recovers) the deterioration of the captured image due to the aberration of the imaging optical system. The image pickup apparatus 20 having an image recovery processing function can take an image with a brighter open F value than an image pickup apparatus having no image recovery processing function.

The camera function information received from such an image pickup apparatus 20 includes information indicating that the image recovery processing function is provided. Further, the camera function information may or may not include information on an F value (hereinafter, referred to as a camera-compatible F value) that is allowed when using the image recovery processing function.

The lens control unit 13 performs a process of changing the setting of the imaging optical system according to the camera function information acquired via the lens communication unit 12. In this embodiment, the lens control unit 13 recognizes that the image pickup device 20 has an image recovery processing function from the received camera function information, and when the camera function information includes information on the camera-compatible F value, The open F value of the aperture 11b as a setting of the imaging optical system is changed according to the camera-compatible F value.

The image pickup device 20 includes an image pickup device 21 that captures a subject image, and an image processing unit 22 that performs various processes on the image pickup signal from the image pickup device 20 to generate an image pickup image. The image processing unit 22 further performs image processing such as the above-mentioned image recovery processing and aberration correction processing on the captured image to generate a final output captured image. The output captured image is stored in the recording medium 25. Further, the image pickup device 20 controls the operation of the camera communication unit (communication means) 23 that communicates with the interchangeable lens 10 and the image pickup device 20, and transmits camera function information to the interchangeable lens 10 via the camera communication unit 23. It also has a camera control unit 24 as a control means for receiving lens information from the interchangeable lens 10.

The flowchart of FIG. 2 shows the processing performed by the lens control unit 13. The lens control unit 13 composed of a computer such as a CPU executes this process according to a computer program. This also applies to other examples described later.

The lens control unit 13 that has detected the connection with the image pickup device 20 in step 1 (abbreviated as S in the figure) acquires camera function information from the image pickup device 20 (camera control unit 24) through the lens communication unit 12 in step 2. ..

Next, in step 3, the lens control unit 13 determines whether or not the acquired camera function information includes information indicating the image recovery processing function as well as information on the camera-compatible F value. The lens control unit 13 proceeds to step 4 when the camera-compatible F-number information is included, and proceeds to step 5 when the camera-compatible F-number information is not included.

In step 4, the lens control unit 13 changes the open F value of the aperture 11b to the same or closest F value as the camera compatible F value. Then proceed to step 7.

On the other hand, in step 5, the lens control unit 13 confirms and holds whether or not the open F value corresponding to the image recovery processing function of the image pickup apparatus 20 is held in the memory in the lens control unit 13. In that case, the F value of the aperture 11b is changed to the open F value held in the memory in step 6. Then proceed to step 7. If the open F value corresponding to the image recovery processing function is not held, the process proceeds to step 7 without changing the F value of the aperture 11b.

In step 7, the lens control unit 13 notifies (transmits) the information of the open F value of the aperture 13 finally set to the image pickup apparatus 20 (camera control unit 24) as lens information. As a result, the imaging device 20 recognizes the open F value set in the interchangeable lens 10 and performs automatic exposure control (AE), imaging, and image recovery processing to generate an image with good image quality.

According to this embodiment, when the connected image pickup device 20 has an image recovery processing function, it is possible to set an appropriate open F value which is brighter than when the connected image pickup device 20 is connected to an image pickup device having no image recovery processing. it can.

In this embodiment, the case where the other device is an imaging device has been described, but the other device is an accessory device (extender) that is arranged between the interchangeable lens and the imaging device to increase the focal length of the imaging optical system. ) May be. For example, the extender doubles the focal length, and the camera function information received from the image pickup device indicates that the camera-compatible F value when using the extender is up to F2.8. To do. At this time, even if the open F value as the setting of the imaging optical system is F2.0, the open F value is changed to F2.8 according to the camera function information, and the open F value is brighter than that from the image pickup device side. It is possible to make it impossible to set the F value. This makes it possible to use an extender and an interchangeable lens in combination, which cannot normally be combined.

Next, Example 2 of the present invention will be described. The configurations of the interchangeable lens 10 and the image pickup apparatus 20 in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the components common to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the image pickup apparatus 20 (image processing unit 22) has a function of correcting negative distortion in the captured image (hereinafter referred to as a negative distortion correction function) as an image processing function, and has a function of correcting positive distortion (hereinafter referred to as a negative distortion correction function). Hereinafter, a case where the positive distortion correction function) is not provided will be described. The camera function information includes information indicating that the image pickup apparatus 20 has a negative distortion correction function and does not have a positive distortion correction function. Further, the camera function information includes information on a variable range of the focal length allowed when using the negative distortion correction function, that is, a zoom range (hereinafter referred to as a camera-compatible zoom range) which is a movable range of the variable magnification lens 11a. It may or may not be included. The interchangeable lens 10 changes the zoom range as a setting of the imaging optical system according to the camera function information.

The flowchart of FIG. 3 shows a process performed by the lens control unit 13. The lens control unit 13 that has detected the connection with the image pickup device 20 in step 11 acquires camera function information from the image pickup device 20 through the lens communication unit 12 in step 12.

Next, in step 13, does the lens control unit 13 include information on the camera-compatible zoom range as well as information indicating that the acquired camera function information has a negative distortion correction function and does not have a positive distortion correction function? Judge whether or not. The lens control unit 13 proceeds to step 14 when the information on the camera-compatible zoom range is included, and proceeds to step 15 when the information on the camera-compatible zoom range is not included.

In step 14, the lens control unit 13 changes the zoom range of the interchangeable lens 10 to the same or closest zoom range as the camera compatible zoom range. Then, the process proceeds to step 17.

On the other hand, in step 15, the lens control unit 13 confirms whether or not the zoom range corresponding to the negative distortion correction function of the image pickup apparatus 20 is held in the memory in the lens control unit 13 and holds the zoom range. Changes the zoom range of the interchangeable lens 10 to the zoom range held in the memory in step 16. Then, the process proceeds to step 17. If the zoom range corresponding to the negative distortion correction function is not maintained, the process proceeds to step 17 without changing the zoom range of the interchangeable lens 10.

In step 17, the lens control unit 13 notifies the image pickup apparatus 20 of the information of the zoom range finally set as the lens information. As a result, the image pickup apparatus 20 recognizes the zoom range set by the interchangeable lens 10 and performs imaging and negative distortion correction to generate an image captured with good image quality. Further, the image pickup apparatus 20 displays the zoom range of the interchangeable lens 10 on a display unit (not shown).

FIG. 4 shows a specific example of this embodiment. The camera function information acquired by the interchangeable lens 10 from the image pickup apparatus 20 includes information indicating that the interchangeable lens 10 has a negative distortion correction function and does not have a positive distortion correction function as described above. However, it is assumed that the camera function information does not include the camera-compatible zoom range.

The interchangeable lens 10 (lens control unit 13) reads out information on the end of the zoom range (hereinafter, referred to as the zoom end) corresponding to the camera function information from the corresponding function table held in the memory in the interchangeable lens 10. The zoom end corresponding to the negative distortion correction function is at the zoom position 1 (distortion amount is -15%), and the zoom end without the positive distortion correction function is at the zoom position 90 (distortion amount is + 1%). Therefore, the final zoom range is the range of zoom positions 1 to 90. The interchangeable lens 10 transmits information on this zoom range to the image pickup apparatus 20.

When the imaging device does not have either the minus or plus distortion correction function, the zoom range is the range from the zoom position 10 (distortion amount is -5%) to the zoom position 90 (first range), and the minus distortion. The zoom positions 1 to 90, which are the zoom ranges (second range) when only the correction function is provided, include the first range and are wider than the first range. Similarly, the zoom range (second range), the zoom position 10 to the zoom position 100 (the amount of distortion is + 5%), which is the zoom range (second range) when only the plus distortion correction function is provided, includes the first range and is more than the first range. Is also a wide range.

According to this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 10 can set an appropriate zoom range that enables imaging at a zoom position where negative distortion is large when the connected image pickup device 20 has a negative distortion correction function. it can. Further, when the imaging device 20 does not have the positive distortion correction function, imaging is possible only at the zoom position where the positive distortion is sufficiently small, and an captured image with large distortion and eclipse in the peripheral portion is erroneously acquired. It can be prevented from being done.

Next, Example 3 of the present invention will be described. The configurations of the interchangeable lens 10 and the image pickup apparatus 20 in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the components common to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a case where the image pickup apparatus 20 (image processing unit 22) has an image recovery processing function will be described. The camera function information includes information indicating that the image pickup apparatus 20 has an image recovery processing function. Further, when the camera function information includes information on the range of the imaging distance in which the focus can be adjusted when using the image recovery processing function, that is, the movable range of the focus lens 11c (hereinafter referred to as the camera-compatible focus range). May not be included. The interchangeable lens 10 changes the focus range as a setting of the imaging optical system according to the camera function information.

The flowchart of FIG. 5 shows the processing performed by the lens control unit 13. The lens control unit 13 that has detected the connection with the image pickup device 20 in step 21 acquires camera function information from the image pickup device 20 through the lens communication unit 12 in step 22.

Next, in step 23, the lens control unit 13 determines whether or not the acquired camera function information includes information on the camera-compatible focus range as well as information having an image recovery processing function. The lens control unit 13 proceeds to step 24 when the information on the camera-compatible focus range is included, and proceeds to step 25 when the information on the camera-compatible focus range is not included.

In step 24, the lens control unit 13 changes the focus range of the interchangeable lens 10 to the same or closest focus range as the camera-compatible focus range. Then, the process proceeds to step 27.

On the other hand, in step 25, the lens control unit 13 confirms whether or not the focus range corresponding to the image recovery processing function of the image pickup apparatus 20 is held in the memory in the lens control unit 13 and holds the focus range. Changes the focus range of the interchangeable lens 10 to the focus range held in the memory in step 26. Then, the process proceeds to step 27. If the focus range corresponding to the image recovery processing function is not held, the process proceeds to step 27 without changing the focus range of the interchangeable lens 10.

In step 27, the lens control unit 13 notifies the image pickup apparatus 20 of the information of the finally set focus range as lens information. As a result, the image pickup apparatus 20 recognizes the focus range set by the interchangeable lens 10 and performs imaging and image recovery processing to generate an image captured with good image quality. Further, the image pickup apparatus 20 displays the focus range of the interchangeable lens 10 on a display unit (not shown).

According to this embodiment, when the connected image pickup device 20 has an image recovery processing function, the interchangeable lens 10 can capture a subject at a shorter distance than when it is connected to an image pickup device having no image recovery processing. It is possible to set an appropriate focus range that enables imaging at a large imaging magnification.

Next, Example 4 of the present invention will be described. The configurations of the interchangeable lens 10 and the image pickup apparatus 20 in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the components common to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the case where the image sensor 21 of the image pickup device 20 is curved will be described. The camera function information includes bending information indicating the bending amount of the image sensor 21 and the like. The interchangeable lens 10 changes the position of the aberration changing lens 11d as a setting of the imaging optical system according to the camera function information.

The flowchart of FIG. 6 shows the processing performed by the lens control unit 13. The lens control unit 13 that has detected the connection with the image pickup device 20 in step 31 acquires camera function information from the image pickup device 20 through the lens communication unit 12 in step 32.

Next, in step 33, the lens control unit 13 confirms whether or not the position of the aberration changing lens 11d corresponding to the curvature information of the image sensor 21 acquired as the camera function information is held in the memory in the lens control unit 13. If the lens is held, the position of the aberration changing lens 11d is changed to the position held in the memory in step 34. Then, the process proceeds to step 35. If the position of the aberration changing lens 11d corresponding to the curvature information is not held, the process proceeds to step 35 without changing the position of the aberration changing lens 11d.

In step 35, the lens control unit 13 notifies the image pickup apparatus 20 of the information on the position of the aberration-changing lens 11d finally set as lens information. As a result, the imaging device 20 recognizes the characteristics related to the aberration of the imaging optical system 11 according to the position of the aberration changing lens 11d and performs the aberration correction processing to generate an image captured with good image quality. Further, the image pickup apparatus 20 can receive correction information of the focus position according to the characteristics related to the aberration of the image pickup optical system 11 from the interchangeable lens 10 and improve the accuracy of autofocus (AF).

According to this embodiment, when the image sensor 21 of the connected image sensor 20 is curved, the interchangeable lens 10 can set an appropriate position of the aberration changing lens 11d according to the curvature.

Further, the image pickup device 20 and the interchangeable lens 10 are housed in an underwater image pickup housing case (waterproof case) as another device, and the interchangeable lens 10 has an underwater image pickup function from the underwater image pickup housing case via the image pickup device 20. The case of receiving the information indicating that is also included in the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 10 changes the position of the aberration changing lens 11d so as to cancel the aberration such as curvature of field generated in water according to the information indicating that the interchangeable lens 10 has the underwater imaging function. This makes it possible to improve the image quality of the captured image obtained by underwater imaging.
(Other Examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be performed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

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

10 Interchangeable lens 11 Imaging optical system 12 Lens communication unit 13 Lens control unit 20 Imaging device

Claims (14)

An optical device that can communicate with other devices
The optical system that forms the optical image of the subject and
A communication means for receiving information about a function of the other device from the other device, and
An optical device including a control means for changing the setting of the optical system according to the function. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the other device is an imaging device that captures the optical image. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the other device is an accessory device arranged between the optical device and the image pickup device. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the other device is a housing case for underwater imaging that houses the optical device and the image pickup device. The F value of the optical system can be changed.
The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the setting of the optical system is an open F value. The optical system is zoomable and can be zoomed.
The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the setting of the optical system is a variable range of the focal length by the zoom. The optical system is focus-adjustable and
The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the setting of the optical system is in a range of an imaging distance in which the focus can be adjusted. The optical system includes a lens whose aberration of the optical system changes by moving.
The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the setting of the optical system is the position of the lens. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the function of the other device is an image processing function. The control means includes a range of settings of the optical system when the imaging device has the function, a first range when the imaging device does not have the function, and a second setting wider than the first setting. The optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the optical device has a range. The optical device according to claim 1 to 10, wherein the control means transmits the changed setting of the optical system to the other device via the communication means. Another device used with an optical device that has an optical system that forms an optical image of the subject.
A communication means for communicating with the optical device and
The optical device is characterized by having a control means for transmitting information about the function to the optical device via the communication means when the setting of the optical system is changed according to a function of the other device. The device to be. A control method for an optical device that is capable of communicating with other devices and has an optical system that forms an optical image of the subject.
The step of receiving information about the function of the other device from the other device, and
A method for controlling an optical device, which comprises a step of changing the setting of the optical system according to the function. A computer program characterized in that a computer of an optical device having an optical system capable of communicating with another device and forming an optical image of a subject is made to execute a process according to the control method according to claim 13.