JP3680966B2 - Lens device for TV camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a television camera lens device, and more particularly to a television camera lens device used for a broadcast television camera such as a field camera or a studio camera.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A zoom lens used in a broadcast television camera is detachably connected with a controller for controlling zoom, iris and the like through a connector to supply power and exchange signals. As this connector, a 12-pin or 10-pin one-touch type connector is generally used, but the current situation is that it differs depending on the specifications of the zoom lens and the controller.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there is a problem that pins are insufficient even if another function is added to the conventional connector, for example, when a signal is added by changing or expanding the function of the controller. In this case, if the connector is changed to a connector having a large number of pins, there is a disadvantage that compatibility with a conventional controller is lost, and special means such as a conversion adapter is required, which is complicated.
[0004]
In addition, if the connector form is the same, it is possible to connect to the lens even if the controller has different specifications, but if the correspondence between the pin and the signal content is different from the setting on the lens side, In addition to being able to control the lens normally, an unexpected electrical signal may be applied to the lens side, causing the electrical circuit inside the lens to fail. In particular, recently, controllers and lenses that communicate with digital control signals have been developed, and compatibility with conventional analog signal controllers and the like has become a problem.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a television camera capable of using controllers with different specifications of signal contents and signal forms with a common connector and appropriately controlling each controller. An object of the present invention is to provide a lens apparatus for use.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a lens device for a television camera in which a controller that outputs a command signal according to an operation of an external operation member is connected via a connector, and the operation is controlled according to the command signal. Detecting means for detecting the type of the controller based on an electrical signal applied from the controller via the connector, and signal contents associated with each contact of the connector on the controller side for each of at least two types of controllers And a connection switching means for guiding the command signal to an electric circuit that matches the signal content on the controller side in accordance with the detection result of the detection means.
[0007]
According to the present invention, the type of the controller connected to the lens through the connector is detected, and the control signal is guided to the electric circuit suitable for the signal content of the controller. Different heterogeneous controllers can be used. This makes it possible to change and expand the signal content associated with each contact using a common connector.
[0008]
In particular, it is detected whether the command signal output from the controller is an analog signal or a digital signal, and one of the analog control circuit and the digital control circuit that matches the signal format on the controller side according to the detection result. By introducing the command signal to the circuit, there is an advantage that the analog controller and the digital controller can be used interchangeably with a common connector.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of a TV camera lens device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an example in which the television camera lens apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a broadcast television camera. A zoom lens 10 is connected to the television camera 4 supported by the camera platform 2, and an operation rod 12 for performing a focus operation and a zoom operation is provided on the back of the television camera 4. A finger hook portion 13 is provided at the tip of the operation rod 12, and the photographer performs a zoom operation by pushing and pulling the operation rod 12 with a right hand while viewing a photographed image displayed on the viewfinder 16, and the finger hook portion By rotating 13, the axis of the operating rod 12 can be rotated to perform a focusing operation.
[0010]
The camera platform 2 is provided with two operation rods 18A and 18B, and a controller 20 is attached in the vicinity of the grip of the operation rod 18A on the left hand side of the photographer. The controller 20 is, for example, a shot box that stores the iris and zoom and focus positions in advance and instantly reproduces them by button operation. The controller 20 is connected to the zoom lens 10 via the cable 22 and supplies power to the potentiometer. Supply and exchange of control signals.
[0011]
The most popular shot box is an analog type that outputs a control signal in an analog format, but a digital type that outputs a control signal in a digital format is also conceivable. In addition to the iris, zoom, and focus control functions, a multi-function controller having an extender changeover switch, a return switch, an intercom switch, and the like is also conceivable.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the upper surface of the controller 20, various operations such as a knob 201 for setting the iris, zoom and focus positions, an extender changeover switch 202, a return switch 203 and the like are instructed. An operation button (corresponding to an external operation member) is provided. The controller 20 is detachably connected to the bottom surface of the zoom lens 10 via a connector 24. In the figure, reference numeral 32 denotes a hood, reference numeral 33 denotes a tally lamp window, reference numeral 34 denotes a handle for carrying the lens, reference numeral 35 denotes a fixing screw for fixing the cover 11, and reference numeral 36 denotes a flange back adjustment knob for tracking adjustment. .
[0013]
As the connector 24, for example, a 12-pin one-touch connector that has been widely used in the past is used, and different types (specifications) of controllers having the same shape connector can be connected. An electrical signal output from the controller 20 is guided to the zoom lens 10 via a cable 22 and a connector 24, and necessary signals are sent to the TV camera 4 side via an interface (not shown).
[0014]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a circuit diagram of a lens device for a television camera that enables compatibility between an analog controller and a digital controller. In the figure, the left side of the connector 24 is the controller side, and the right side is the lens side. Note that only a specific contact among the plurality of pins (contacts) of the connector 24 will be described.
[0015]
A common connector 24 is used for the analog type controller and the digital type controller, but different signal contents are associated with each contact. For this reason, the controller 20 is provided with determination signal generating means (not shown) for generating a determination signal indicating whether the controller is in the analog format or the digital format, and the determination signal output from the determination signal generating means. Is applied to the lens side via a predetermined contact 25 of the connector 24.
[0016]
For example, when an analog-type controller is connected, a low-level electrical signal is added as a discrimination signal, and when a digital-type controller is connected, a high-level signal is added.
On the other hand, an analog circuit 42 that operates in response to an analog control signal and a digital circuit 44 that operates in response to a digital control signal are provided on the lens side, and in response to the determination signal. A change-over switch 46 for switching the contact is provided.
[0017]
According to the television camera lens apparatus configured as described above, when the analog controller 20 is connected to the zoom lens 10, a low-level determination signal is applied to the lens side via the contact 25 of the connector 24. In response to the low level determination signal, the contact piece 47 of the changeover switch 46 contacts the contact 48, and the lens side is set to the analog circuit 42. Therefore, a control signal (analog signal) input from the controller 20 via the contact 26 is guided to the analog circuit 42, and an operation corresponding to the control signal is performed.
[0018]
On the other hand, when the digital controller 20 is connected, a high-level discrimination signal is applied to the lens side via the contact 25 of the connector 24. In response to this high level discrimination signal, the contact piece 47 of the changeover switch 46 contacts the contact 49, and the lens side is set to the digital circuit 44. Therefore, a control signal (digital signal) input from the controller 20 via the contact 26 is guided to the digital circuit 44, and an operation corresponding to the control signal is performed.
In this way, the type of the connected controller is detected, and the circuit on the lens side is switched in accordance with the type, thereby forming a circuit suitable for the signal content of each line on the controller side. As a result, malfunctions and failures due to the connection of different types of controllers can be prevented, and controllers with different specifications can be used interchangeably.
[0019]
Further, the present invention can be applied not only to compatibility between analog / digital types but also to compatibility between controllers of the same analog format (or digital format). For example, when a specific operation is commanded, a certain controller outputs a high-level control signal, and when another controller outputs a low-level control signal, a high-level control signal is output to the lens side. An analog circuit that operates when a low-level control signal is input and an analog circuit that operates when a low-level control signal is input may be formed, and the controller type may be detected and switched to a circuit connection suitable for the signal content. Is possible.
[0020]
If it is difficult to handle all of the various controllers, it is desirable to guide the signals of each line to a safe circuit at least so as not to break down.
As mentioned above, even when controllers with different specifications have different signal contents associated with each contact of each connector, the controller type is detected and adapted to the signal contents of each line on the controller side. By using the circuit connection, it is possible to change or extend the function of the controller while maintaining compatibility using a common connector.
[0021]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the case where the analog circuit and the digital circuit are switched by the determination signal has been described. However, without using the determination signal, it is determined whether the control signal itself is in the digital format or the analog format. The signal receiving destination may be switched.
FIG. 4 shows a configuration that enables compatibility between an analog controller and a digital controller by determining the format of the control signal. On the lens side, a level conversion circuit 50 that converts an electrical signal applied to a predetermined contact to a voltage level (0 to 5 V) for the digital circuit, and whether the digital circuit operates by the signal converted by the level conversion circuit 50 A digital discrimination circuit 52 that outputs a discrimination signal according to the discrimination result and a control signal applied to the predetermined contact in accordance with the discrimination signal, either the analog circuit 42 or the digital circuit 44 And a switching circuit 54 that leads to one side.
[0022]
With this configuration, the electrical signal output from the controller 20 is guided to the lens side via the connector 24 and applied to the level conversion circuit 50 and the switching circuit 54. The electrical signal level-converted by the level conversion circuit 50 is guided to the digital discrimination circuit 52. If the digital circuit in the digital discrimination circuit 52 operates, it means that the control signal output from the controller 20 is a digital signal. In this case, the digital discrimination circuit 52 indicates that it is a digital control signal. A determination signal is output. This determination signal is applied to the switching circuit 54, and the switching circuit 54 guides a control signal from the controller 20 to the digital circuit 44 based on the determination signal.
[0023]
On the other hand, if the digital circuit in the digital discrimination circuit 52 does not operate, it means that the control signal output from the controller 20 is an analog signal. In this case, the digital discrimination circuit 52 outputs an analog control signal. A determination signal indicating that it is present is output. This determination signal is applied to the switching circuit 54, and the switching circuit 54 guides a control signal from the controller 20 to the analog circuit 42 based on the determination signal. When it takes time to determine the signal by the digital determination circuit 52, a delay circuit may be provided immediately before the switching circuit 54, and before the control signal is output from the controller 20, the analog or digital signal is output. An identification signal (prefix signal) indicating the above format may be output.
[0024]
In this way, it is determined whether the control signal is in analog format or digital format, and by detecting the type of the connected controller, the circuit is switched so as to guide the control signal to the circuit corresponding to that type. Also good. As a result, the different controllers can be used interchangeably.
In addition to the above embodiment, the voltage level of the electrical signal of a predetermined line output from the controller may be associated with the type of the controller in advance, and the type of the controller may be detected by judging the voltage level of the line. .
[0025]
Further, an identification signal indicating a code indicating the type (specification) of the controller may be output prior to the control signal, and a circuit suitable for the controller side line may be formed on the lens side in accordance with the code.
[0026]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the lens device for a TV camera according to the present invention, the type of the connected controller is detected, and the control signal is guided to a circuit suitable for the signal content of the controller. It is possible to use different types of controllers with different specifications such as form, and it is possible to change and expand the contents of signals associated with connector contacts. Further, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent an unexpected electric signal from being input from the controller side to the lens side and the electric circuit from being broken.
[0027]
In particular, it detects whether the command signal output from the controller is an analog signal or a digital signal, and according to the detection result, one of the analog control circuit and the digital control circuit that matches the controller side format By guiding the command signal to the analog signal, there is an advantage that an analog controller and a digital controller can be used interchangeably with a common connector without using a conversion connector or the like.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an application mode of a lens device for a television camera according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side external view of the lens device for a television camera.
FIG. 3 is a principal circuit diagram illustrating a configuration example of a television camera lens device;
FIG. 4 is a principal block diagram showing another configuration example of a lens device for a television camera.
[Explanation of symbols]
4 ... TV camera 10 ... zoom lens 20 ... controller 24 ... connector 42 ... analog circuit 44 ... digital circuit 46 ... switch 50 ... level conversion circuit 52 ... digital discrimination circuit 54 ... switch circuit

Claims (3)

In a television camera lens apparatus in which a controller that outputs a command signal according to an operation of an external operation member is connected via a connector, and the operation is controlled according to the command signal.
Detecting means for detecting the type of the controller based on an electrical signal applied from the controller via the connector;
An electric circuit that operates in accordance with the signal content associated with each contact of the connector on the controller side for each of at least two types of controllers;
Connection switching means for guiding the command signal to an electric circuit that matches the signal content on the controller side according to the detection result of the detection means;
A lens device for a television camera, comprising: The detection means for detecting whether the command signal output from the controller is an analog signal or a digital signal;
An analog control circuit that supports command signals in analog signal format;
A digital control circuit corresponding to a command signal in a digital signal format;
Of the analog control circuit and the digital control circuit, the connection switching unit that guides the command signal to one control circuit that matches the signal format on the controller side according to the detection result of the detection unit;
The lens device for a television camera according to claim 1, further comprising: A determination signal indicating whether the command signal output from the controller is an analog signal or a digital signal is output from the controller side, and the connection of the analog control circuit or the digital control circuit is switched by the determination signal. The lens device for a television camera according to claim 2, wherein the lens device is configured.

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