JP5964772B2 - Lens information registration system, lens information server and camera body used for lens information registration system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lens information registration system, a lens information server used in the lens information registration system, and a camera body.

  In an interchangeable lens camera represented by a single-lens reflex camera or a mirrorless single-lens camera, various lens units are attached to and detached from the camera body. Lens specific information (shading information, distortion information, F value, focal length, etc.) is stored or retained in the lens unit, and given to the camera body, signal processing suitable for the mounted lens unit is applied to the camera body. It has been proposed to do this (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2005-12427 A JP-A-5-341371

  However, in a mode in which the lens unit has lens-specific information, the camera body and the lens unit need to be configured to be communicable. Also, by providing a mount adapter between the camera body and the lens unit, the lens unit can be attached to the camera body via the mount adapter, and the lens-specific information that the lens unit has cannot be given to the camera body. Signal processing suitable for the lens unit cannot be realized in the camera body. Although it is conceivable that the user operates the camera body to set the lens-specific information in the camera body, the amount of lens-specific information is large and the burden on the user is large.

  It is an object of the present invention to input (set) lens information unique to a lens unit into a camera body in a short time, simply and accurately.

  A lens information registration system according to the present invention includes a camera body to which a lens unit can be attached and detached, and a lens information server that provides lens information to the camera body.

  The camera body includes imaging means for imaging a subject and outputting the image data as image data, lens information receiving means for receiving lens information of a lens unit transmitted from the lens information server, and lens information received by the lens information receiving means. Lens information storage means for storing, and image processing means for processing image data output by the imaging means using lens information stored in the lens information storage means.

  The lens information server includes a receiving means for receiving lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit (front side, opposite to the side connected to the camera body), and a character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit. The lens information database for storing the lens information of the lens unit specified by the character string and the lens unit image data representing the received object side of the lens unit are used and printed on the object side of the lens unit. A character string recognizing means for recognizing a character string, a search means for retrieving lens information of the lens unit associated with the character string recognized by the character string recognizing means from the lens information database, and extracted by the search. A lens information transmitter that transmits lens information of the lens unit to the camera body. Equipped with a.

  In general, a character string representing a manufacturer name, a product name, a focal length, an F value, an aperture, and the like is printed on the objective side (front surface) of the lens unit mounted on the camera body. According to this invention, the lens information server recognizes the character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit using the lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit, and the lens unit specified by the character string Lens information is retrieved from the lens information database. The lens information extracted by the search is transmitted from the lens information server to the camera body. Lens information from the lens information server is received and stored in the camera body. The stored lens information is used for signal processing of image data in the camera body.

  According to the present invention, in accordance with image data representing the objective side of the lens unit, lens information of the lens unit is transmitted from the lens information server to the camera body and stored in the camera body. Lens information unique to the lens unit can be set in the camera body in a short time, simply and accurately.

  Recognition of the character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit may be executed in the camera body instead of the lens information server. In the lens information registration system according to the present invention in which the character string recognition is performed by the camera body, the camera body uses imaging unit for imaging a subject and outputting it as image data, lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit, Character string recognizing means for recognizing a character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit, and character string data transmitting means for transmitting character string data representing the character string recognized by the character string recognizing means to the lens information server , Lens information receiving means for receiving lens information of the lens unit transmitted from the lens information server, lens information storage means for storing lens information received by the lens information receiving means, and lens information storage means. Process the image data output by the imaging means using lens information Comprising an image processing means. The lens information server includes a lens information database for storing lens information of a lens unit specified by the character string in association with a character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit, and character string data transmission means of the camera body. Character string data receiving means for receiving character string data transmitted from the lens, lens information of the lens unit associated with the character string represented by the character string data received by the character string data receiving means, and the lens information database And lens information transmission means for transmitting lens information of the lens unit extracted by the search to the camera body.

  The lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit may be imaged and output by the imaging means of the camera body. The interchangeable lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit may be captured and output by an imaging device different from the camera body.

  In one embodiment, the character string recognizing means includes an annular edge detecting means for detecting an annular edge (edge) of the lens unit using the lens unit image data, and the lens unit detected by the annular edge detecting means. An annular image range of a predetermined width inward from the annular edge is set as a character string recognition processing range. The character string recognition accuracy can be improved by setting the character string print range on the objective side of the lens unit as the character string recognition range.

  Preferably, the lens information server includes character string correction means for correcting the recognized character string when lens information associated with the character string recognized by the character string recognition means is not extracted by the search means. The retrieval unit retrieves lens information of the lens unit associated with the character string corrected by the character string correction unit from the lens information database. For example, the lens unit can be identified even when several characters included in the character string printed on the lens unit have disappeared. The correction of the character string by the character string correcting means includes complementing the missing character. For example, when one “m” of “mm” representing the focal length has disappeared from the lens unit and “m” instead of “mm” is recognized as a character string, the character string correction means “ “m” is corrected to “mm” (letter completion).

  In another embodiment, the search means sets a character string similar to the recognized character string when lens information associated with the character string recognized by the character string recognition means is not extracted by the search means. The lens information of the associated lens unit or a plurality of the lens units is retrieved from the lens information database. Even when one interchangeable lens unit cannot be specified from the recognized character string, the possibility that the lens information of the lens unit can be transmitted to the camera body is increased.

  When the lens information associated with the recognized character string is not registered in the lens information database (unregistered), only the recognized character string may be registered in the camera body. In this case, when the lens information associated with the character string recognized by the character string recognition means is not extracted by the search means, the lens information server receives character string data representing the recognized character string as the camera. Character string data transmitting means for transmitting to the main body, wherein the camera main body receives character string data receiving means for receiving character string data transmitted by the character string transmitting means, and characters received by the character string data receiving means. Character string data storage means for storing column data is provided.

  In one embodiment, at least one of the camera body and the lens information server includes mirror image reversal processing means for performing mirror image reversal processing on lens unit image data representing the objective side of the interchangeable lens unit. The lens unit image data with the mirror image inverted obtained by photographing the lens unit reflected in the mirror can be used for the character string recognition processing. For example, by taking a picture of the objective side of a lens unit reflected in a mirror using a camera body equipped with a lens unit for which lens information is to be obtained, lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit that is mirror-inverted is obtained. It is done. The lens unit image data that has undergone mirror image reversal is further subjected to mirror image reversal processing to obtain lens unit image data that represents the objective side of the original (non-mirror image reversal) lens unit.

  The lens information database may include not only lens information of the lens unit alone but also lens information when an optical accessory (teleconverter lens, wide converter lens, etc.) is attached to the lens unit. In this case, the lens information of the lens unit transmitted from the lens information transmission unit includes both lens information of the lens unit alone and lens information when an optical accessory is attached to the lens unit.

  Lens information created by the user of the camera body using the camera body may be registered in the lens information database. In addition to lens information prepared in advance, lens information reflecting user preferences can be registered in the lens information database. For example, when a user has a plurality of camera bodies, , It is possible to register the same lens information created by the user. In this case, the camera body includes lens information creation means for creating lens information of the lens unit, and lens information transmission means for sending the lens information created by the lens information creation means to the lens information server, The lens information server includes lens information receiving means for receiving lens information transmitted from the camera body, and registration means for registering lens information received by the lens information receiving means in the lens information database. .

  The lens information creation means preferably creates lens information of the lens unit based on image data representing a lens information acquisition image photographed by the imaging means of the camera body to which the lens unit is mounted.

  The lens information created by the lens information creating means includes correction parameters for image data acquired by photographing using the lens unit, and the lens information creating means creates a plurality of correction parameters having different correction degrees. It may be. For example, it is possible to acquire image data representing a plurality of corrected images obtained by performing image correction by applying a plurality of correction parameters having different correction degrees by blanket shooting.

  In one embodiment, an image displayed on a display screen of an external monitor is used as the lens information acquisition image.

  In another embodiment, the camera body stores lens information acquisition image data storage means for storing image data representing the lens information acquisition image displayed on the external monitor, and the lens information acquisition image data is stored in the external information. Lens information acquisition image data transmitting means for transmitting to the monitor is provided. In accordance with the lens information acquisition image data given from the camera body to the external monitor, the lens information acquisition image is displayed on the external monitor.

  The camera body generates a switching timing generation / transmission unit that generates screen switching timing data and transmits it to the external monitor, and the screen switching timing data is given to the external monitor, and the lens information acquisition image is output to the external monitor. There may be provided photographing timing control means for automatically photographing the subject at the timing when the display is switched. When shooting multiple types of lens information acquisition images with the camera body, it is possible to synchronize the display and shooting of the lens information acquisition images, reducing the time and effort of shooting the lens information acquisition images. be able to.

  When an image for acquiring lens information is displayed on an external monitor and the image is taken, moire may occur. Preferably, the camera body superimposes a display device for displaying a subject image picked up by the imaging means, and a blur amount assist frame indicating a predetermined blur amount on the subject image displayed on the display device. Display control means for displaying is provided. Acquisition of a blur image with an appropriate blur amount is assisted, and generation of moire when a lens information acquisition image displayed on an external monitor is photographed can be suppressed.

  If the camera body includes an image sensor shift mechanism, the occurrence of moire may be suppressed by forcibly operating the image sensor shift mechanism.

  In another embodiment, the camera body displays a subject image captured by the imaging means, and a marker display that superimposes and displays a field angle adjustment marker on the subject image displayed on the display device. Control means are provided. When the lens information acquisition image displayed on the external monitor is captured, the lens information acquisition image can be appropriately captured.

  In still another embodiment, the camera body includes a light reflection amount detection means for detecting a light reflection amount according to calibration image data obtained by photographing a calibration image (for example, a black image), and the light Lens information acquisition image correction means for correcting the image data representing the lens information acquisition image according to the light reflection amount detected by the reflection amount detection means is provided. When brightness unevenness occurs on the monitor surface due to external light entering the external monitor, brightness unevenness due to the external light is removed. Abnormal lens information is prevented from being acquired.

  The present invention also provides a lens information server and camera body used in the lens information registration system described above, and an operation control method thereof.

1 shows an overall configuration of a lens information registration system according to a first embodiment. The whole structure of the lens information registration system of the modification of 1st Example is shown. It is a perspective view which shows an interchangeable lens unit. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 1st Example. The lens specific information memorize | stored in the lens information database is shown. (A) shows lens characteristic data, (B) shows lens characteristic correction data, and (C) shows lens characteristic data after correction. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 1st Example. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 2nd Example. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 3rd Example. The front image of an interchangeable lens unit is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 3rd Example. The whole structure of the lens information registration system of 4th Example is shown. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 4th Example. The whole structure of the lens information registration system of 5th Example is shown. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 5th Example with the mobile phone with a camera. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 5th Example with the process of the mobile telephone with a camera. The other example of the lens specific information memorize | stored in the lens information database is shown. The whole structure of the lens information registration system of 6th Example is shown. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 6th Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 6th Example. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 6th Example with an external monitor. The display state of the external monitor and the display state of the display monitor provided in the camera body are shown. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of the modification of 6th Example with an external monitor. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 7th Example with an external monitor. The relationship between the output timing of an image switching timing signal and imaging | photography timing is shown. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the camera main body and lens information server of the lens information registration system of 8th Example with an external monitor. The output timing of the image switching timing signal, the shooting timing of the calibration image and the lens characteristic acquisition image, and the flow of processing by the calibration circuit are shown. An alignment monitor is displayed on the external monitor, and a guide frame is displayed on the display monitor of the camera body together with the alignment marker. (A) shows lens characteristic data, (B) shows lens characteristic correction data, and (C) shows lens characteristic data after correction. (A) shows lens characteristic data, (B) shows lens characteristic correction data, and (C) shows lens characteristic data after correction.

  FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the lens information registration system of the first embodiment.

  The lens information registration system according to the first embodiment includes an interchangeable lens camera body (hereinafter referred to as camera body 1) 1 and a lens information server 2 that are connected to each other via a network (Internet, LAN, etc.) 4. Including. The camera body 1 is a digital single-lens reflex camera or a mirrorless single-lens camera, and can be equipped with a plurality of types of interchangeable lens units (hereinafter referred to as lens units). FIG. 1 shows a camera body 1 on which one type of lens unit 12 is mounted.

  The camera body 1 can be mounted with a plurality of types of lens units as described above, and can also be mounted with a lens unit 3 different from the lens unit 12. As will be described in detail below, in the lens information registration system, lens information specific to the lens unit 3 (details will be described later) is downloaded from the lens information server 2 to the camera body 1 through the network 4 and is stored in the camera body 1. Registered (stored).

  FIG. 2 shows the overall configuration of a lens information registration system according to a modification of the first embodiment. In the lens information registration system shown in FIG. 2, the lens information server 2 and the personal computer 5 are communicably connected via a network 4, and the personal computer 5 and the camera body 1 are connected with a communication cable (not shown). The lens information registration system shown in FIG. Lens information specific to the lens unit 3 is downloaded from the lens information server 2 to the personal computer 5 through the network 4 and is given from the personal computer 5 to the camera body 1.

  The camera body 1 and the lens information server 2 may be directly connected via the network 4 as shown in FIG. 1, or a personal computer is connected between the camera body 1 and the lens information server 2 as shown in FIG. A computer 5 may be interposed. The lens information registration system described below will be described on the premise of the mode shown in FIG. 1, that is, the mode in which the camera body 1 and the lens information server 2 are directly connected via the network 4.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lens unit 3, showing the lens unit 3 from the front side (object side).

  The lens unit 3 is detachable from the camera body 1 as described above, and includes a telephoto lens, a wide-angle lens, a standard lens, a zoom lens, a single focus lens, and the like. The lens unit 3 includes a cylindrical lens barrel 3A, and a lens 3B is fixed therein. On the rear side (back side) of the lens unit 3, a mount portion (not shown) used for connection with the camera body 1 is provided.

  When the lens unit 3 is viewed from the front side (object side), an annular range 3C in which a character string is printed exists around the outside of the lens 3B. The lens unit 3 shown in FIG. 3 includes a lens unit 3 manufacturer name (ABCD), a lens 3B type (ASPHERICAL LENS), a lens 3B coating name (SUPER EBC), a lens unit 3 mount name (XF), and a focal point. Distance (18-55mm), aperture ratio (1: 2.8-4), etc. are printed. As will be described in detail below, a character string visually recognized when the lens unit 3 is viewed from the front side is used for identification (specification) of the lens unit 3.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the camera body 1 and the lens information server 2 to which the lens unit 12 is attached, and the lens unit 3. For the sake of clarity, the lens unit 12 attached to the camera body 1 is hereinafter referred to as a “photographing lens 12”. The lens unit 3 in which the lens information is to be registered is hereinafter referred to as “lens 3 to be registered”.

  The camera body 1 includes a signal processing device 11. The signal processor 11 controls the overall operation of the camera body 1 in an integrated manner.

  The camera body 1 includes an operation member 16. The operation member 16 includes a power button, a mode setting dial, a two-stroke type shutter release button, and the like, and an operation signal output from the operation member 16 is input to the signal processing device 11. The modes set by the mode setting dial include a shooting mode and a playback mode. The photographing mode further includes a lens information registration mode described later.

  A light beam representing a subject image is incident on a light receiving surface of an image sensor (CCD, CMOS, etc.) 13 provided in the camera body 1 through a photographing lens 12 mounted on the camera body 1. A subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 13, and a video signal representing the subject image is output from the image sensor 13. The video signal from the image pickup device 13 is subjected to predetermined signal processing (white balance correction or the like) in the signal processing device 11, converted into digital data, and supplied to the display monitor 15. The display monitor 15 displays a subject image (live view, live view).

  When the shutter release button is pressed, the photographing lens 12 is driven to perform focusing, and the subject is photographed. A video signal representing a subject image captured by the image sensor 13 is given to an image data generation circuit 18, where image data representing the subject image is created. Further, tag data including a shutter speed, an aperture value, and the like when the subject is photographed is generated in the image tag generation circuit 19. Predetermined processing such as data compression is performed on the image data representing the subject image in the signal processing device 11, and an image file including the compressed image data and tag data is recorded on the image recording medium 14.

  When the reproduction mode is set in the operation member 16, the image file recorded on the image recording medium 14 is read out, subjected to expansion processing in the signal processing device 11, and then given to the display monitor 15. A reproduced image is displayed on the display monitor 15.

  The camera body 1 further includes a lens information storage device 17 that stores lens model data, lens characteristic data, and lens characteristic correction data, and a lens characteristic correction circuit 22. Although details will be described later, the lens model data, lens characteristic data, and lens characteristic correction data stored in the lens information storage device 17 are lens information specific to the lens unit mounted on the camera body 1. Using these data, the lens characteristic correction circuit 22 can correct the image data generated in the image data generation circuit 18.

  The camera body 1 further includes an external communication circuit 20. The camera body 1 and the lens information server 2 are connected through the external communication circuit 20.

  The lens information server 2 includes a lens information database 31, an external communication circuit 32, a character string recognition circuit 33, and a search circuit 34. The external communication circuit 32 transmits / receives data to / from the external communication circuit 20 of the camera body 1. Details of the lens information database 31, the character string recognition circuit 33, and the search circuit 34 will be described later.

  FIG. 5 shows lens specific information 31 a stored in the lens information database 31.

  The lens information database 31 stores lens specific information 31a for each of a large number of lens units.

  In the lens specific information 31a, lens information (lens model data, lens characteristic data, and lens characteristic correction data) of the lens unit is stored in association with data representing a character string printed on the front surface of the lens unit. . The lens model data includes the lens model name, focal length, open F value, manufacturer name, and the like. The lens characteristic data includes luminance shading data, color shading data, distortion data, aberration data, and the like. The lens characteristic correction data includes luminance shading correction data, color shading correction data, distortion correction data, aberration correction data, and the like.

  An example of lens characteristic data and lens characteristic correction data will be described with reference to FIG. 6A shows lens characteristic data (luminance shading data) related to luminance shading, and FIG. 6B shows lens characteristic correction data (luminance shading correction data) related to luminance shading. FIG. 6C shows corrected lens characteristic correction data (corrected luminance shading data) created from the luminance shading data and the luminance shading correction data.

  The lens provided in the lens unit does not have uniform luminance characteristics over the entire surface, and has different luminance characteristics depending on the location of the lens (typically the center of the lens and its periphery).

  The luminance shading data (FIG. 6A) is data representing the luminance characteristics (luminance unevenness) of the lens provided in the lens unit. A three-dimensional graph D1 on the left side of the upper stage in FIG. 6A shows the luminance shading data of the lens included in the lens unit in three dimensions. The two-dimensional graph D2 shown on the right side of the three-dimensional graph D1 corresponds to the three-dimensional graph D1 on the left side, and the luminance shading of the lens by a two-dimensional graph with the horizontal axis as the vertical position of the lens and the vertical axis as the luminance characteristic value.・ It shows data. The two-dimensional graph D3 below the three-dimensional graph D1 also corresponds to the three-dimensional graph D1, and the luminance shading data of the lens is obtained by a two-dimensional graph in which the horizontal axis is the horizontal position of the lens and the vertical axis is the luminance characteristic value. It is shown. Further, the lower part of FIG. 6A shows a table D4 in which the luminance shading data shown in the upper part is represented by numerical values (in the table D4, the number of rows and columns is simplified). The luminance shading data shown in FIG. 6A is normalized by setting the luminance characteristic value at the center position of the lens to 1, and represents that the luminance characteristic value at the peripheral position is lower than the luminance characteristic value at the central position. ing.

  FIG. 6B shows luminance shading correction data. In the upper part, the three-dimensional graph D5 of luminance shading correction data, the two-dimensional graph D6 of luminance shading correction data with the horizontal axis as the vertical position, and the horizontal axis as the horizontal position. A two-dimensional graph D7 of luminance shading correction data is shown. In the lower part of FIG. 6B, a table D8 that represents the luminance shading correction data shown in the upper part by numerical values is shown. The luminance shading correction data shown in FIG. 6B represents correction data (gain value) that lowers the luminance characteristic value at the center position of the lens and increases the luminance characteristic value at the peripheral position.

  FIG. 6C shows corrected luminance shading data obtained by multiplying the luminance shading data shown in FIG. 6A by the luminance shading correction data shown in FIG. 6B. FIG. 6C also shows a corrected luminance shading data three-dimensional graph D9, a two-dimensional graph D10 with the horizontal axis as the vertical position, and a two-dimensional graph D11 with the horizontal axis as the horizontal position. In the lower part, a table D12 is shown in which the luminance shading data after correction shown in the upper part is represented by numerical values. By multiplying the luminance shading data shown in FIG. 6 (A) by the luminance shading correction data shown in FIG. 6 (B), a flat luminance characteristic value is realized on the entire surface from the center position to the peripheral position of the lens. Represents.

  As described above, lens information (lens model data, lens characteristic data, and lens characteristic correction data) is stored in the lens information storage device 17 provided in the camera body 1, and the lens characteristic correction data is stored in the lens characteristic correction circuit 22. The image data generated by the image data generation circuit 18 is corrected. Even if the photographing lens 12 mounted on the camera body 1 has the lens characteristics as shown in FIG. 6A, the image data is multiplied by the lens characteristic correction data shown in FIG. 6B. Thus, it is possible to obtain image data as if the photographing lens 12 has a flat lens characteristic as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the camera body 1 and the lens information server 2 when lens information is downloaded from the lens information server 2 to the camera body 1. Here, a case will be described in which the photographing lens 12 is attached to the camera body 1 and lens information about the lens 3 to be registered separately from the photographing lens 12 is downloaded.

  First, the lens information registration mode is set by the operation member (mode selection dial) 16 provided in the camera body 1 (step 41). A live view (through image) is displayed on the display monitor 15 of the camera body 1 (step 42).

  The front surface of the lens 3 to be registered is photographed (step 43). When the lens information of the photographing lens 12 is stored in the lens information storage device 17 of the camera body 1, the above-described correction processing is performed in the lens characteristic correction circuit 22 on the image data obtained by photographing.

  Image data representing the front surface of the lens is transmitted from the camera body 1 to the lens information server 2 through the external communication circuit 20 and the network 4 (step 44). Image data representing the front surface of the lens is received by the external communication circuit 32 of the lens information server 2 (step 61).

  The image data representing the front surface of the lens is given to the character string recognition circuit 33 provided in the lens information server 2, where the characters included in the front image of the lens and their order (that is, the character string) are recognized (step 62).

  Data representing the recognized character string is provided to the search circuit 34. The retrieval circuit 34 retrieves lens information associated with data representing the same character string as the recognized character string from among a plurality of lens specific information 31a (FIG. 5) stored in the lens information database 31. (Step 63).

  If lens information associated with data representing the same character string as the recognized character string is found (YES in step 64), the lens information (lens model data, lens characteristic data, and lens characteristic correction data) is searched. The data is read from the lens information database 31 by the circuit 34 and transmitted from the lens information server 2 to the camera body 1 (step 66). If lens information associated with data representing the same character string as the recognized character string is not found (NO in step 64), a predetermined end process is performed (step 65).

  The camera body 1 that has received the lens information displays the received lens information on the display monitor 15 (may be a partial display of lens information such as the lens model name) (step 45). When the user instructs the camera body 1 to register the received lens information using the operation member 16, the received lens information is stored and stored in the lens information storage device 17 (YES in step 46, step 48). ). The user can also select not to store the received lens information. In this case, the received lens information is not stored in the lens information storage device 17, and the lens information registration process ends (NO in step 46, step 47).

  The lens information of the lens 3 to be registered stored in the lens information storage device 17 is used for the above-described image data correction processing when the lens 3 to be registered is attached to the camera body 1 instead of the photographing lens 12. it can.

  FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, and is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the camera 1A and the lens information server 2A constituting the lens information registration system of the second embodiment. 4 differs from the lens information registration system of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 in that the character string recognition circuit is not provided in the lens information server 2A but is provided in the camera body 1A. The same components as those of the camera 1 and the lens information server 2 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows the flow of processing of the camera body 1A and the lens information server 2A when the lens information is downloaded from the lens information server 2A to the camera body 1A in the camera 1A and the lens information server 2A of the second embodiment shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows. The same processes as those of the camera 1 and the lens information server 2 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the lens information registration system of the second embodiment, the camera body 1A includes the character string recognition circuit 21.

  In the second embodiment, the character string printed on the front surface of the lens 3 to be replaced is recognized by the character string recognition circuit 21 provided in the camera body 1A (step 49). Data representing the recognized character string is transmitted from the camera body 1A to the lens information server 2A (step 50). The lens information server 2A searches for lens information based on the character string data received from the camera body 1A (step 63).

  FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, and is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the camera 1 and the lens information server 2B constituting the lens information registration system of the third embodiment. In the lens information registration system of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the character string recognition circuit 33A provided in the lens information server 2B includes a lens barrel (cylindrical) detection circuit 33a and an annular arrangement character recognition circuit 33b. The difference is that the search circuit 34A includes a character string correction circuit 34a.

  FIG. 11 shows a front image of the lens 3 to be registered. A circular edge (edge) 3D detected by a lens barrel (cylindrical) detection circuit 33a provided in the lens information server 2B, and an annular arrangement are shown. An annular range (indicated by a thick solid line) 3C recognized by the character recognition circuit 33b is shown.

  The outer shape of the lens unit is cylindrical, and its front surface (front surface) has a circular shape. The lens barrel (cylinder) detection circuit 33a uses the shape of the lens unit to detect a circular edge included in an image obtained when the lens unit is photographed from the front surface. That is, the lens barrel (cylindrical) detection circuit 33a detects the edge using the image data representing the front surface of the lens 3 to be registered and extracts the edge 3D having a circular shape from the detected edges. Do.

  The annular arrangement character recognition circuit 33b cuts out (extracts) an image portion of an annular range having a predetermined width inside the circular edge detected by the lens barrel (cylinder) detection circuit 33a from image data representing the front surface of the lens 3. Circuit. The character string printed on the front surface of the lens unit is located on the outer peripheral side when the lens unit is viewed from the front surface. In the annular character recognition circuit 33b, an annular image portion 3C including an image representing a character string is cut out.

  The character string recognition circuit 33A recognizes the character string using the annular image portion 3C cut out by the annular arrangement character recognition circuit 33b as a processing target. The accuracy of character string recognition can be increased.

  The character string correction circuit 34a included in the search circuit 34A is a circuit that corrects the character string recognized by the character string recognition circuit 33A. Depending on the lens unit, part of the character string printed on the front of the lens unit may be disappearing or missing. The character string correction circuit 34a is provided so that the character string can be recognized even in such a case.

  For example, the character string correction circuit 34a may have a typical character string printed on the front surface of the lens unit as dictionary data. For example, the name of the manufacturer that provides the lens unit, such as “ABCD”, is stored in the dictionary data. When C in the “ABCD” printed on the lens unit has disappeared and the character string recognized by the character string recognition circuit 33A is “AB D”, the character string correction circuit 34a stores the dictionary data. By using this, the character string portion of “AB D” is corrected to “ABCD” (letter “C” is complemented). As another example, the letter “m” of one of “mm” indicating the unit of focal length printed on the lens unit has disappeared from the front of the lens unit. When “m” is recognized as a character string, the character string correction circuit 34a corrects “m” to “mm” (character complement). By doing so, the retrieval efficiency or accuracy of lens information can be improved.

  FIG. 12 shows the processing of the camera body 1 and the lens information server 2B when the lens information is downloaded from the lens information server 2B to the camera body 1 in the camera 1 and the lens information server 2B of the third embodiment shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a flow.

  As described above, in the lens barrel (cylinder) detection circuit 33a of the lens information server 2B, the circular edge 3D is detected using the lens front image, and further, the annular arrangement character recognition circuit 33b detects a predetermined inner side from the circular edge 3D. An image portion (character string range) 3C having an annular range of width is cut out (step 71). A character string is recognized with the extracted character string range as a processing target (step 62).

  The lens information associated with the recognized character string is retrieved from the lens information database 31 (step 63).

  If the lens information associated with the recognized character string is not found, the character string correction circuit 34a corrects (complements) the character string, and a search is performed again using the corrected character string (step 64). NO (first time), step 72, step 63).

  If lens information associated with the character string recognized by the character string recognition circuit 33A or the same character string as that corrected by the character string correction circuit 34 is found from the lens information database 31, the lens information found is It is transmitted from the lens information server 2B to the camera body 1 (YES in step 64, step 66).

  If lens information associated with the character string recognized by the character string recognition circuit 33A or the character string corrected by the character string correction circuit 34 is not found, the recognized character string data is It is transmitted from the lens information server 2B to the camera body 1 (NO in step 64 (second time)). In this case, only data representing the recognized character string is received by the camera body 1 and displayed on the display monitor 15 (step 45A). Data representing the recognized character string is registered in the lens information storage device 17 (step 48A).

  If the lens information associated with the character string recognized by the character string recognition circuit 33A or the character string corrected by the character string correction circuit 34 is not found, the recognized character string or the corrected character string is corrected. Lens information having a character string similar to the character string may be searched, and one or a plurality of lens information (lens information candidates) may be transmitted to the camera body 1.

  FIG. 13 shows the overall configuration of the lens information registration system of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the camera body 1 and the lens information server 2C constituting the lens information registration system of the fourth embodiment. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the lens 3 to be registered in the camera body 1 is attached and the character string recognition circuit 33B of the lens information server 2C is a mirrored character recognition circuit (mirror image inversion processing circuit) 33c. Is different.

  Referring to FIG. 13, a lens 3 to be registered in camera body 1 is attached. A mirror 6 is used to photograph the front surface of the lens 3 to be registered. The front surface of the lens 3 to be registered reflected in the mirror 6 is photographed by the camera body 1.

  Since the front surface of the lens 3 to be registered that is photographed by the camera body 1 is reflected on the mirror 6, image data representing an image that is mirror-inverted is acquired. Referring to FIG. 14, the character string recognition circuit 33B of the lens information server 2C is a mirrored character recognition circuit 33c in order to further reverse the mirror image of the mirror image and create the original (non-mirror image) image. It has. The mirrored character recognition circuit 33c performs mirror image inversion processing on the image data transmitted from the camera body 1 and representing the front surface of the lens 3 to be registered. The mirrored image data is used for character string recognition processing in the character string recognition circuit 33B.

  FIG. 15 shows the overall configuration of the lens information registration system of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 shows the camera body 1 and the lens information server 2 constituting the lens information registration system of the fifth embodiment together with a block diagram of the camera-equipped mobile phone 7. FIG. 17 shows a processing flow of the camera-equipped mobile phone 7, the camera body 1, and the lens information server 2 when lens information is downloaded from the lens information server 2 to the camera body 1 in the lens information registration system of the fifth embodiment. It is a flowchart.

  In the fifth embodiment, the front surface of the lens 3 to be exchanged is photographed by the camera-equipped mobile phone 7 instead of the camera body 1. Referring to FIG. 16, the camera-equipped mobile phone 7 includes a camera (imaging device) 7A and an external communication circuit 7B. Referring to FIG. 17, image data representing the front surface of lens 3 to be exchanged, which is photographed by camera-equipped mobile phone 7, is transmitted from camera-equipped mobile phone 7 to lens information server 2 via network 4 (step 43A). 44A).

  FIG. 18 shows another example of lens specific information stored in the lens information database 31 provided in the lens information server described above.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the lens information (lens model data, lens characteristic data, and lens characteristic correction data) of the lens unit alone is used as the lens information included in the lens specific information 31a2 stored in the lens information database 31. In addition, lens characteristic data and lens characteristic correction data when a teleconverter lens is attached to the lens unit, and lens characteristic data and lens characteristic correction data when a wide converter lens is attached to the lens unit may be registered. Good. In addition to the lens information of the lens unit alone from the lens information server to the camera body, lens characteristic data and lens characteristic correction data when a teleconverter lens is attached to the lens unit, and when a wide converter lens is attached to the lens unit Lens characteristic data and lens characteristic correction data can be downloaded. Of course, only a part of these data, for example, the lens characteristic data when the teleconverter lens is mounted on the lens unit and the lens characteristic correction data are transmitted to the camera body according to the user's selection. Also good.

  In the first to fifth embodiments described above, lens information stored in advance in the lens information database 31 included in the lens information server is downloaded from the lens information server to the camera body and stored in the camera body. In the following embodiments, lens information acquired or generated in the camera body is uploaded from the camera body to the lens information server and registered in the lens information database.

  FIG. 19 shows the overall configuration of the lens information registration system of the sixth embodiment.

  In the lens information registration system of the sixth embodiment, a lens main body 1B on which a lens 3 to which lens information is to be registered is used, and a lens characteristic acquisition image displayed on the external monitor 8 is taken. Lens information (lens characteristic data and lens characteristic correction data) is generated in the camera body 1B using data representing the lens characteristic acquisition image, and the generated lens information is uploaded to the lens information server 2D through the network 4.

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the camera body 1B and the lens information server 2D constituting the lens information registration system of the sixth embodiment. The camera body 1B is different from the camera body 1 (FIG. 4) of the first embodiment in that a lens characteristic correction data creation circuit 23 and a lens characteristic data creation circuit 24 are provided. The lens information server 2D is different from the lens information server 2 (FIG. 4) of the first embodiment in that a data registration circuit 35 is provided.

  The lens characteristic correction data creation circuit 23 is a circuit that creates the above-described lens characteristic correction data (see FIG. 6B). The lens characteristic data creation circuit 24 is a circuit that creates the above-described lens characteristic data (see FIG. 6A).

  The lens characteristic data and the lens characteristic correction data are created based on image data (lens characteristic acquisition image data) generated by photographing a lens characteristic acquisition image displayed on the external monitor 8. For example, when creating lens characteristic data and lens characteristic correction data related to luminance shading, an image having a uniform luminance distribution as a whole is used as the lens characteristic acquisition image. A table (similar to FIG. 6A) representing the luminance characteristics is created using image data generated by taking a lens characteristic acquisition image having a uniform luminance distribution as a whole.

  The lens characteristic correction data, for example, eliminates the characteristic specific to the lens 3 to be registered represented by the lens characteristic data created by the lens characteristic data creation circuit 24 (so that the characteristic characteristic of the lens 3 is not affected). Created from a perspective. In this case, for example, a reciprocal of the lens characteristic data (numerical value) created by the lens characteristic data creating circuit 24 is used to store a numerical value for correcting the lens characteristic data (see FIG. 6B). Is created in the lens characteristic correction data creation circuit 23.

  The created lens characteristic data and lens characteristic correction data are transmitted from the camera body 1B to the lens information server 2D. The lens characteristic data and the lens characteristic correction data from the camera body 1B are registered in the lens information database 31 by the data registration circuit 35 provided in the lens information server 2D.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing of the camera body 1B and the lens information server 2D in the lens information registration system of the sixth embodiment. The same processes as those of the camera 1 and the lens information server 2 in the lens information registration system of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As described above, the lens characteristic acquisition image displayed on the external monitor 8 is taken (step 51). Lens characteristic acquisition image data is generated.

  Based on the generated lens characteristic acquisition image data, as described above, the lens characteristic data generation circuit 24 generates lens characteristic data, and the lens characteristic correction data generation circuit 23 generates lens characteristic correction data ( Steps 52 and 53).

  Image data representing the front surface of the lens (for example, acquired by photographing the front surface of the lens 3 to be registered in advance using the camera-equipped mobile phone 7), and the generated lens characteristic data and lens characteristic correction data are transmitted via the network 4. It is transmitted from the camera body 1B to the lens information registration server 2D (step 54). The created lens characteristic data and lens characteristic correction data are registered in the lens information storage device 17 (step 55).

  The lens information server 2D that has received the image data representing the lens front surface, the lens characteristic data, and the lens characteristic correction data recognizes the character string using the image data representing the lens front surface and stores it in the lens information database 31 as described above. Lens information is retrieved (steps 61A, 62, 63). The lens information server 2D additionally registers the lens characteristic data and lens characteristic correction data transmitted from the camera body 1B to the lens information found by the search (step 74). Thereby, in addition to the lens characteristic data and lens characteristic correction data stored in advance for the lens 3 to be registered, the lens characteristic data and lens characteristic correction data generated by the camera body 1B can be downloaded to the lens information database 31. Will be registered.

  The display screen of the external monitor 8 is configured by arranging a large number of pixels. For this reason, when a lens characteristic acquisition image displayed on the display screen of the external monitor 8 is captured by the camera body 1B, moire may occur in an image represented by image data obtained by the imaging. When the image data representing the lens characteristic acquisition image includes moire, there is a possibility that appropriate lens characteristic data cannot be acquired.

  Several measures can be considered as measures for eliminating or suppressing the occurrence of moiré.

  One of them is to attach a blurring filter (low-pass filter) 8A to the display screen of the external monitor 8 as shown in FIG.

  The second is to take an image for acquiring lens characteristics without operating the autofocus function of the camera body 1B and without being focused. In this case, as shown in FIG. 23, a marker (black dot) 8d is displayed on the external monitor 8 prior to taking the lens characteristic acquisition image, and a predetermined blur amount is displayed on the display monitor 15 of the camera body 1B. An assist frame 15a may be displayed. The assist frame 15a is displayed around a marker image 15c obtained by imaging the marker 8d displayed on the external monitor 8. By performing a defocus operation so that the marker image 15c matches the assist frame 15a, an appropriate amount of blurring (defocusing) is performed.

  Third, as shown in FIG. 24, when the camera body 1C includes an image sensor shift device 13a for camera shake correction, the image sensor shift device 13a is forcibly operated. Since the image pickup device shift device 13a blurs when taking a lens characteristic acquisition image, the occurrence of moire can be eliminated or suppressed.

  FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the camera body 1D and the lens information server 2D used in the lens information registration system of the seventh embodiment. 22 is that the camera body 1D includes a camera photographing timing generation circuit 25, an external monitor screen switching timing generation circuit 26, and an external monitor display image generation circuit 27, and an external communication circuit of the camera body 1D. 20 is connected to an external communication circuit 8B included in the external monitor 8 by a communication cable or the like.

  FIG. 26 shows the output timing of the timing signal Ts given from the camera body 1D to the external monitor 8 and the lens characteristics acquisition image displayed on the external monitor 8 in the lens information registration system of the seventh embodiment. It is a timing diagram which shows imaging | photography timing.

  The external monitor display image generation circuit 27 of the camera body 1D is a circuit that generates and stores data representing a plurality of types of lens characteristic acquisition images. In this embodiment, three types of lens characteristic acquisition images 8a1, 8a2, and 8a3 are prepared. Data representing the three types of lens characteristic acquisition images 8a1, 8a2, and 8a3 is given from the camera body 1 to the display monitor 8 and stored in a memory (not shown) provided in the display monitor 8.

  The external monitor screen switching timing generation circuit 26 of the camera body 1D generates a switching timing signal Ts for switching the display of the three types of lens characteristic acquisition images 8a1, 8a2, and 8a3 displayed on the display monitor 8. The generated switching timing signal Ts is transmitted from the camera body 1D to the external monitor 8. The external monitor 8 switches the type of lens characteristic acquisition image displayed on the display monitor 8 in accordance with the applied switching timing signal Ts.

  Further, the camera shooting timing generation circuit 25 of the camera body 1D generates a shooting timing signal when a predetermined delay time t has elapsed from the output of the switching timing signal Ts generated by the external monitor screen switching timing generation circuit 26 described above. This is a circuit to be supplied to the signal processing device 11. The signal processing device 11 to which the photographing timing signal is input controls the image sensor 13 and the like so as to photograph the subject image at that timing.

  Referring to FIG. 26, when the switching timing signal Ts generated by the external monitor screen switching timing generation circuit 26 of the camera body 1D is given to the external monitor 8, the lens characteristics are displayed on the display screen of the external monitor 8. The display of the image is switched. When a predetermined delay time t has elapsed since the generation of the switching timing signal Ts, the camera shooting timing generation circuit 25 generates a shooting timing signal and supplies it to the signal processing device 11.

  First, the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a1 is taken. When the photographing of the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a1 is finished, the external monitor switching timing generation circuit 26 generates the next switching timing signal Ts (data indicating that the photographing is finished is sent from the signal processing device 11 to the external monitor switching timing generation circuit. May be given to 26). When the switching timing signal Ts is given to the external monitor 8, the external monitor 8 displays another lens characteristic acquisition image 8a2 instead of the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a1.

  When a predetermined delay time t has elapsed since the generation of the switching timing signal Ts, the camera shooting timing generation circuit 25 generates a shooting timing signal and supplies it to the signal processing device 11. A lens characteristic acquisition image 8a2 is taken. Similarly, photographing of the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a3 is also performed. In this way, a plurality of types of lens characteristic acquisition images 8a1 to 8a3 are automatically captured.

  When the lens characteristics acquisition images 8a1 to 8a3 displayed on the external monitor 8 are captured by the camera body, when external light is incident on the external monitor 8, the image data obtained by the camera body is also affected by the external light. Therefore, there is a possibility that image data representing appropriate lens characteristic acquisition images 8a1 to 8a3 cannot be acquired.

  In the eighth embodiment, prior to taking a lens characteristic acquisition image, a calibration image (black image) is displayed on the external monitor 8 and is captured by the camera body so that the light reflection distribution on the external monitor 8 is obtained. Then, in accordance with the detected light reflection distribution, a process for correcting image data representing a lens characteristic acquisition image photographed by the camera body 1 is performed.

  FIG. 27 is a block diagram of the camera body 1E and the lens information server 2D used in the lens registration system of the eighth embodiment. 25 differs from the block diagram of the lens registration system of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 25 in that the camera body 1E includes a reflection detection and calibration circuit 28 (hereinafter referred to as a calibration circuit 28) on an external monitor. .

  FIG. 28 shows the output timing of the timing signal Ts given from the camera body 1E to the external monitor 8, the calibration image displayed on the external monitor 8, and the lens characteristic acquisition image in the lens information registration system of the eighth embodiment. The timing of photographing by the camera body 1E and the processing by the calibration circuit 28 provided in the camera body 1E are shown.

  When the switching timing signal Ts generated by the external monitor screen switching timing generation circuit 26 of the camera body 1E is given to the external monitor 8, a calibration image (black image) 8b is first displayed on the display screen of the external monitor 8. When a predetermined delay time t has elapsed since the generation of the switching timing signal Ts, the camera shooting timing generation circuit 25 generates a shooting timing signal and supplies it to the signal processing device 11. A calibration image 8b is taken.

  Image data representing the calibration image 8b is applied to the calibration circuit 28. The calibration circuit 28 creates light reflection distribution data (luminance distribution data) based on the image data representing the calibration image 8b. The light reflection distribution data is created based on a large number of pixel values included in the image data representing the calibration image 8b. For example, a table similar to the luminance characteristic table D4 shown in FIG. 6A is created. The calibration image 8b is a black image with a uniform luminance value. If the display screen of the external monitor 8 is not affected by external light, light reflection distribution data (luminance distribution data) created from image data representing the calibration image 8b obtained by being photographed by the camera body 1E. Should be uniform (same value). When the display screen of the external monitor 8 is affected by external light, the image data representing the calibration image 8b obtained by being photographed by the camera body 1E does not have a uniform luminance value (the distribution is uniform). do not become). As described above, the light reflection distribution data created by the calibration circuit 28 represents the state of light reflection on the display screen of the external monitor 8.

  When photographing of the calibration image 8b is finished, the external monitor screen switching timing generation circuit 26 generates and outputs the next switching timing signal Ts. When the switching timing signal Ts is given to the external monitor 8, the external monitor 8 displays the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a1 instead of the calibration image 8b. When a predetermined delay time t has elapsed since the generation of the switching timing signal Ts, the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a1 is photographed.

  Since the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a1 is an image displayed on the display screen of the external monitor 8, there is a possibility that an image including reflection of light on the external monitor 8 is taken by the camera body 1E. Therefore, the calibration circuit 28 performs the luminance correction processing using the above-described light reflection distribution data on the image data representing the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a1 obtained by photographing with the camera body 1E. For example, the reciprocal (see FIG. 6B) of the light reflection distribution data (see FIG. 6A) created by photographing the calibration image 8b is calculated, and this reciprocal is taken by the camera body 1E. The image data representing the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a1 obtained by the above is multiplied. The influence of the reflection of light is removed from the image data representing the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a1 obtained by photographing with the camera body 1E.

  Image data representing the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a1 that has been processed by the calibration circuit 28 is supplied to the lens characteristic data generation circuit 24. Since the data representing the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a1 from which the influence of the reflection of light on the external monitor 8 is removed is used for generating the lens characteristic data, it is possible to expect accurate calculation of the lens characteristic data.

  When the photographing of the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a1 is finished, the external monitor screen switching timing generation circuit 26 generates and outputs the next switching timing signal Ts. When the switching timing signal Ts is given to the external monitor 8, the external monitor 8 displays a calibration image 8b instead of the lens characteristic acquisition image 8a1. The above process is repeated.

  If the light reflection distribution data (luminance distribution data) created by the calibration circuit 28 represents a large luminance fluctuation, a message such as “Please change the environment” is displayed on the display monitor 15 of the camera body 1E. Thus, the user may be warned that there is too much light reflected on the external monitor 8.

  When the lens characteristic acquisition image displayed on the external monitor 8 is captured by the camera body, it is preferable to capture the display screen of the external monitor 8 from the front. As shown in FIG. 29, the alignment marker 8c may be displayed on the external monitor 8, and the alignment guide frame 15b may be superimposed on the subject image and displayed on the display monitor 15 of the camera body 1. By adjusting the position of the camera body 1 so that the alignment marker 8c and the alignment guide frame 15b overlap, the display screen of the external monitor 8 can be appropriately photographed from the front.

  The lens characteristic correction data creation circuit 23 may create a plurality of lens characteristic correction data with different degrees of correction. In the ninth embodiment, the lens characteristic correction data creating circuit 23 creates a plurality of lens characteristic correction data for one lens unit.

  As described above, as the plurality of lens characteristic correction data, the characteristic unique to the lens 3 to be registered represented by the lens characteristic data created by the lens characteristic data creation circuit 24 is eliminated (the influence of the characteristic unique to the lens 3 occurs). It is possible to include those created from the viewpoint (see FIG. 6B), and for example, those created from the viewpoint of weakening the characteristic specific to the lens 3 to be registered.

  30 (A) to 30 (C) correspond to FIGS. 6 (A) to 6 (C), and lens characteristic correction data (FIG. 30 (B) (D13 to FIG. 30) for weakening the lens characteristic specific to the lens unit. 30 is obtained by multiplying the lens characteristic data of the lens unit shown in Fig. 30 (A) by the lens characteristic correction data shown in Fig. 30 (B). Lens characteristic data after correction that weakens (characteristics) is obtained (FIGS. 30C and D17 to D20) .Lens characteristic correction data shown in Fig. 30B is used to correct image data captured by the camera body. Thus, it is possible to obtain image data that leaves a little characteristic inherent to the lens unit mounted on the camera body.

  As one of the plurality of lens characteristic correction data, as shown in FIG. 31B, flat correction data (all gain amounts are 1.00) can be used (D21 to D24). In this case, the lens characteristic data (FIG. 31A) and the corrected lens characteristic data (FIG. 31C, D25 to 28) are the same.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1E Camera body 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D Lens information server 3, 12 Lens unit 4 Network
11 Signal processor
13 Image sensor
15 Display monitor
17 Lens information storage device
20, 32 External communication circuit
21, 33 Character string recognition circuit
31 Lens information database
33a Lens barrel (cylinder) detection circuit
33b Circular arrangement character recognition circuit
34 Search circuit
34a Character string correction circuit

Claims (22)

A lens information registration system comprising a camera body to which a lens unit can be attached and detached, and a lens information server for providing lens information to the camera body,
The camera body
Imaging means for imaging a subject and outputting it as image data;
Lens information receiving means for receiving lens information of the lens unit transmitted from the lens information server;
Lens information storage means for storing lens information received by the lens information receiving means, and image processing means for processing image data output by the imaging means using lens information stored in the lens information storage means. Prepared,
The lens information server
Lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit captured and output by the imaging means of the camera body, or captured and output by an imaging device different from the camera body, and attached to the camera body receiving means for receiving a lens unit image data representing the object side of the lens unit that,
A lens information database for storing the lens information of the lens unit specified by the character string in association with the character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit;
Character string recognition means for recognizing a character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit using the received lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit;
Search means for searching lens information of the lens unit associated with the character string recognized by the character string recognition means from the lens information database, and lens information of the lens unit extracted by the search in the camera body Lens information transmitting means for transmitting,
Lens information registration system. A lens information registration system comprising a camera body to which a lens unit can be attached and detached, and a lens information server for providing lens information to the camera body,
The camera body
Imaging means for imaging a subject and outputting it as image data;
Character string recognition means for recognizing a character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit using lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit;
Character string data transmission means for transmitting character string data representing a character string recognized by the character string recognition means to the lens information server;
Lens information receiving means for receiving lens information of the lens unit transmitted from the lens information server;
Lens information storage means for storing lens information received by the lens information receiving means, and image processing means for processing image data output by the imaging means using lens information stored in the lens information storage means. Prepared,
The lens information server
A lens information database for storing the lens information of the lens unit specified by the character string in association with the character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit;
Character string data receiving means for receiving character string data transmitted from the character string data transmitting means of the camera body;
Retrieval means for retrieving lens information of the lens unit associated with the character string represented by the character string data received by the character string data receiving means from the lens information database, and lens of the lens unit extracted by the retrieval Lens information transmitting means for transmitting information to the camera body;
Lens information registration system. The character string recognition means is
An annular edge detecting means for detecting an annular edge in the lens unit image using the lens unit image data;
An annular image range of a predetermined width inward from the annular edge in the lens unit image detected by the annular edge detection means is set as a character string recognition processing range;
The lens information registration system according to claim 1 or 2. The lens information server
Character string correction means for correcting the recognized character string when lens information associated with the character string recognized by the character string recognition means is not extracted by the search means;
The search means searches the lens information database for lens information of the lens unit associated with the character string corrected by the character string correction means;
The lens information registration system according to claim 1 or 2. The search means is
One or more of the lenses associated with a character string similar to the recognized character string when lens information associated with the character string recognized by the character string recognizing means is not extracted by the search means Search lens information of the unit from the lens information database.
The lens information registration system according to claim 1 or 2. The lens information server
Character string data transmission means for transmitting character string data representing a recognized character string to the camera body when lens information associated with the character string recognized by the character string recognition means is not extracted by the search means. With
The camera body
Character string data receiving means for receiving character string data transmitted by the character string data transmitting means, and character string data storage means for storing character string data received by the character string data receiving means,
The lens information registration system according to claim 1 or 2. At least one of the camera body and the lens information server includes mirror image inversion processing means for performing mirror image inversion processing on lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit;
The lens information registration system according to claim 1 or 2. The lens information database includes lens information of the lens unit alone and lens information when an optical accessory is attached to the lens unit.
The lens information of the lens unit transmitted from the lens information transmission unit includes both lens information of the lens unit alone and lens information when an optical accessory is attached to the lens unit.
The lens information registration system according to claim 1 or 2. The camera body
Lens information creating means for creating lens information of the lens unit; and lens information transmitting means for sending the lens information created by the lens information creating means to the lens information server,
The lens information server
Lens information receiving means for receiving lens information transmitted from the camera body, and registration means for registering lens information received by the lens information receiving means in the lens information database,
The lens information registration system according to claim 1 or 2. The lens information creation means creates lens information of the lens unit based on image data representing a lens information acquisition image captured by the imaging means of the camera body to which the lens unit is mounted.
The lens information registration system according to claim 9 . The lens information created by the lens information creating means includes correction parameters for image data acquired by imaging using the lens unit,
The lens information creation means creates a plurality of correction parameters having different correction degrees.
The lens information registration system according to claim 10 . The lens information acquisition image is an image displayed on a display screen of an external monitor.
The lens information registration system according to claim 10 . Lens information acquisition image data storage means for storing image data representing the lens information acquisition image displayed on the external monitor, and a lens for transmitting the lens information acquisition image data to the external monitor. Comprising image data transmission means for information acquisition,
The lens information registration system according to claim 12. The camera body
Screen switching timing generation / transmission means for generating screen switching timing data and transmitting it to the external monitor, and display of the lens information acquisition image on the external monitor by providing the screen switching timing data to the external monitor. Equipped with a photographing timing control means for automatically photographing a subject at the timing of switching,
The lens information registration system according to claim 13 . The camera body
A display device for displaying a subject image picked up by the image pickup means; and a display control means for displaying a subject image displayed on the display device with a blur amount assist frame indicating a predetermined blur amount superimposed thereon.
The lens information registration system according to claim 10 . The camera body
An image sensor shift mechanism, and an image sensor shift mechanism operation control means for forcibly operating the image sensor shift mechanism,
The lens information registration system according to claim 10 . The camera body
A display device for displaying a subject image picked up by the image pickup means, and a marker display control means for displaying a subject angle adjustment marker superimposed on the subject image displayed on the display device;
The lens information registration system according to claim 10 . The camera body
Light-through narrowing distribution detection means for detecting a distribution glare light according calibration image data obtained by imaging the calibration image, and according to the distribution glare light detected by the optical shooting interrupt distribution detecting means, Lens information acquisition image correction means for correcting image data representing the lens information acquisition image;
The lens information registration system according to claim 10 . A lens information server used in a lens information registration system including a camera body to which a lens unit can be attached and detached, and a lens information server,
Lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit that is imaged and output by the imaging means included in the camera body, or imaged and output by an imaging device different from the camera body, and mounted on the camera body receiving means for receiving a lens unit image data representing the object side of the lens unit that,
A lens information database for storing the lens information of the lens unit specified by the character string in association with the character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit;
Character string recognition means for recognizing a character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit using the lens unit image data received by the receiving means;
Retrieval means for retrieving lens information of the lens unit associated with the character string recognized by the character string recognition means from the lens information database, and lens information of the lens unit extracted by the retrieval in the camera body. Lens information transmitting means for transmitting,
Lens information server. A method of controlling the operation of the lens information server used in a lens information registration system comprising a camera body to which a lens unit can be attached and detached, and a lens information server,
The lens information server includes a lens information database that stores lens information of the lens unit specified by the character string in association with the character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit.
Lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit that is imaged and output by the imaging means included in the camera body, or imaged and output by an imaging device different from the camera body, and mounted on the camera body received by the receiving means of the lens unit image data representing the object side of the lens unit that,
Using the received lens unit image data, the character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit is recognized by the character string recognition means,
The lens information of the lens unit associated with the recognized character string is retrieved from the lens information database by retrieval means,
The lens information of the lens unit extracted by the search is transmitted to the camera body by the transmission means.
Operation control method of lens information server. A camera body to which a lens unit can be attached and detached, and the camera body used in a lens information registration system comprising a lens information server,
Imaging means for imaging a subject and outputting it as image data;
Character string recognition means for recognizing a character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit using lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit;
Character string data transmitting means for transmitting data representing the character string recognized by the character string recognizing means to the lens information server;
Lens information receiving means for receiving, from the lens information server, lens information of a lens unit specified by using data representing the character string in the lens information server;
Lens information storage means for storing lens information received by the lens information receiving means, and image processing means for processing image data output by the imaging means using lens information stored in the lens information storage means. Prepare,
The camera body. A method of controlling the operation of the camera body used in a lens information registration system comprising a camera body to which a lens unit can be attached and detached, and a lens information server,
The camera body includes imaging means for imaging a subject and outputting it as image data.
Using the lens unit image data representing the objective side of the lens unit, the character string printed on the objective side of the lens unit is recognized by the character string recognition means,
Data representing the recognized character string is transmitted to the lens information server by a transmission means,
The lens information of the lens unit specified by using the data representing the character string in the lens information server transmitted from the lens information server is received by the receiving means,
Store the received lens information in the lens information storage unit,
Processing image data output from the imaging means using the stored lens information;
Operation control method of the camera body.