JP6288975B2 - Imaging device and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus having an electric zoom lens and a control method thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a photographing apparatus such as a camera that has a lens barrel having a photographing optical system for forming a subject image and photographs a still image or a moving image has been put into practical use and widely used. In this type of conventional photographing device, there is always a demand for downsizing so that it is convenient to carry, and in recent years, the tendency to become multifunctional to cope with various photographing situations is remarkable.

  For example, a conventional photographing apparatus of this type has a plurality of driving mechanism units for appropriately driving each of a plurality of optical lenses constituting a photographing optical system according to the purpose, and the plurality of driving mechanisms. The zoom function, the focus adjustment function, the aperture control function, and the like are realized by controlling the driving of the lens. Further, in order to freely execute these various functions according to the user's request, a plurality of operation members are provided on the exterior of the photographing apparatus main body or the lens barrel.

  In conventional imaging equipment, as an operation member for performing zoom operation and focus adjustment operation, for example, a plurality of annular operation members provided in a lens barrel so as to be rotatable around the optical axis of the imaging optical system, A push button provided on a lens barrel or an exterior part of the camera body, an operation member such as a lever rotating type or a sliding type is provided. The conventional photographing apparatus is configured so that a user (user) can perform electric zoom control and autofocus control by appropriately operating these various operation members as necessary. Yes.

  When shooting using these multiple operation members, for example, a fine focus adjustment operation when performing close-up shooting, or a strict framing operation when shooting a person, landscape, etc. At this time, there is a demand for fine adjustment by finely setting the drive control.

  On the other hand, in recent years, along with the downsizing of the photographic equipment, the lens barrel itself applied to the photographic equipment tends to be downsized. Therefore, for example, when a plurality of operation members are disposed on the exterior surface of the photographing apparatus main body or the lens barrel in the same manner as in the conventional configuration, the operability of these operation members may be impaired.

  For example, a lens barrel in a conventional photographing apparatus has a configuration in which a plurality of annular operation members that rotate around the optical axis of a photographing optical system are provided adjacent to each other in the optical axis direction. In the case of such a configuration, if the intervals between the annular operation members are arranged close to each other, erroneous operation such as accidentally operating two operation members at the same time when only one of them is to be operated. There is a possibility.

  In view of this, in a lens barrel in a conventional photographing apparatus, for example, instead of a conventional annular rotary operation member, an operation member having a different form from the conventional one is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-117444. Various proposals have been made.

  In the lens barrel in the photographing apparatus disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-117444, a touch pad is provided as an operation member provided on the lens barrel, instead of the conventional rotation operation member. The degree of freedom of design is raised.

JP 2010-117444 A

  However, the means disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-117444 does not consider simplification of operation, intuitive operation, ease of fine adjustment, and the like.

  On the other hand, as described above, when a plurality of operation members are arranged adjacent to each other due to miniaturization, it is possible to operate the two or more adjacent operation members at the same time, for example, using two operations. By simultaneously operating the members, it is possible to perform control different from the control when each of the operation members is operated individually. That is, there is a possibility that various types of control modes can be realized by a combination of operations of a plurality of operation members. In addition, the actually movable member has an advantage that there is a solid operation feeling than the touch pad.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to singly operate individual operation members by combining operations of a plurality of operation members arranged adjacent to each other by downsizing. By providing a photographing apparatus capable of easily switching between various types of photographing control and a method for controlling the photographing apparatus so that control different from the conventional one can be performed by the same manner and operation method as the control at the time of operation. is there.

In order to achieve the above object, a photographing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a photographing optical system that forms an optical image of a subject, an imaging element that receives the optical image of the subject, performs photoelectric conversion, and outputs an image signal. A zoom control means for an image obtained via the imaging optical system, a plurality of adjacent operation members including a zoom operation member for executing a zoom operation, and the plurality of the plurality of operation members. A signal processing control unit that performs zoom control in response to an instruction signal from the operation member, and the signal processing control unit performs a focus adjustment operation with the zoom operation member of the plurality of operation members. and when receiving a substantially simultaneous operation instruction of the two operating members of the operating member, in a case of receiving an operation instruction on SL zoom operation member, switches the form of zoom control.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a photographing apparatus, in which an optical image of a subject is formed by a photographing optical system, and the image sensor performs photoelectric conversion in response to the optical image of the subject, and outputs an image signal. Zooming of an image obtained through the photographing optical system by means, and the signal processing control unit performs a zoom operation among a plurality of adjacent operation members including a zoom operation member for performing a zoom operation. and when receiving a substantially simultaneous operation instruction of the two operating members of the focus ring to operate for adjusting the zoom ring and focus operating the use, in the case of receiving an operation instruction on SL zoom operation member, a zoom Switch the control mode.

  According to the present invention, by combining the operations of a plurality of operation members arranged adjacent to each other by downsizing, it is possible to perform a control different from the conventional control different from the control by the individual operation of each operation member. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a photographing apparatus and a control method therefor that can easily switch between various types of lens drive control.

The block block diagram which shows the outline of the internal main structure of the imaging device (camera) of one Embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows the processing sequence of the camera control in the imaging device (camera) of FIG. The flowchart which shows the first half part of the subroutine (process of step S117) among the process sequences of FIG. The flowchart which shows the second half part of the subroutine (process of step S117) among the process sequences of FIG. The amount of change in the focal length when the zoom ring is rotated in the normal zoom control in the photographing apparatus (camera) of FIG. 1 and the zoom optical system moves from the wide side to the tele side. Diagram showing the relationship with time In the zoom control in the deceleration mode in the photographing apparatus (camera) of FIG. 1, the amount of change in the focal length when the zoom ring is rotated and the zoom optical system moves from the wide side to the tele side. Of the relationship between time and time The figure which shows the relationship between zoom speed and time when operation of FIG. 4 was made. The figure which shows the relationship between the zoom speed and time when the zoom control at the time of the deceleration mode of FIG. 5 is made. The figure which shows the 1st calculation processing form of the variation | change_quantity of the zoom speed controlled based on the rotation amount of a focus ring in zoom control in the imaging device (camera) of FIG. The figure which shows the relationship between the zoom acceleration at the time of zoom control of FIG. 8, and the rotation amount per time of a focus ring. The figure which shows the 2nd calculation process form in zoom control in the imaging device (camera) of FIG. The figure which shows the 3rd calculation process form in the zoom control in the imaging device (camera) of FIG.

  The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. In each drawing used for the following description, each component may be shown with a different scale so that each component has a size that can be recognized on the drawing. Therefore, according to the present invention, the number of constituent elements, the shape of the constituent elements, the ratio of the constituent element sizes, and the relative positional relationship of the constituent elements described in these drawings are limited to the illustrated embodiments. It is not a thing.

  Each embodiment of the present invention described below photoelectrically converts an optical image (subject image) formed by a photographing optical system including, for example, an optical lens using a solid-state imaging device or the like, and results of the photoelectric conversion processing Is converted into digital image data representing a still image or a moving image, the image data is recorded on a recording medium, and the still image or moving image is based on the digital image data recorded on the recording medium. Is applied to a photographing apparatus (camera) configured to be displayed using a display device.

  First, a schematic configuration of an imaging apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of an internal main configuration of a photographing apparatus (camera) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the camera 1 according to the present embodiment includes a camera body 10 and a lens barrel 20. The camera 1 is a so-called interchangeable lens camera in which a lens barrel 20 is detachably attached to a camera body 10. In the present embodiment, an explanation will be given by taking an interchangeable lens camera as an example of a photographing device. However, a camera that is a photographing device to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this form. For example, a camera body Even a lens-fixed camera in which the lens 10 and the lens barrel 20 are integrally formed can be applied in the same manner.

  The camera body 10 includes a signal processing control unit 11, a body side communication unit 12, an image sensor 13, a recording unit 14, an operation unit 15, a temporary recording unit 16, a display unit 18, a touch panel 18b, a watch The unit 19 and the face detection unit 31 are included.

  The signal processing control unit 11 has a function as a control unit that comprehensively controls the overall operation of the camera 1, processes control signals for controlling various constituent units, and obtains an image signal ( This is a circuit unit having a function as a signal processing unit that performs image signal processing on (image data).

  Various signal units such as a focus processing unit 11a, an image processing unit 11b, a touch determination unit 11c, and a display control unit 11d are provided inside the signal processing control unit 11.

  Among these, the focus processing unit 11a receives the image signal output from the image sensor 13, performs contrast detection, and performs image signal processing such as focus adjustment processing, focus position determination, and perspective determination (ranging) processing. It is a circuit part to perform.

  The image processing unit 11 b is a processing circuit unit that performs various types of image processing based on the image data acquired by the imaging element 13.

  The touch determination unit 11c is a signal processing circuit that receives an instruction input signal from the touch panel 18b and determines the instruction content. For example, when an icon display or the like on the display image of the display unit 18 is displayed, the user (user) performs a touch operation, a slide operation, or the like on the position on the touch panel 18b corresponding to the currently displayed icon display or the like. And determine their operation. The determination result by the touch determination unit 11 c is transmitted to the signal processing control unit 11, and the signal processing control unit 11 receives this and executes control processing according to the icon display being displayed.

  The display control unit 11 d is a control circuit unit that drives and controls the display unit 18. The display control unit 11 d receives image data (image signal) generated and acquired by an imaging unit including the imaging element 13 and a lens 26 (described later), and visually recognizes this as an image on the display panel of the display unit 18. Control to display as possible.

  Here, the imaging unit includes a lens 26 or the like (described later) that transmits light from an object (subject) to be photographed to form an optical image of the subject, and the lens 26. It is a unit that includes an imaging device 13 that receives a formed subject image and performs photoelectric conversion processing.

  The imaging device 13 is a solid-state imaging such as a CCD image sensor using a circuit element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a MOS type image sensor using a MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or the like. The photoelectric conversion element etc. which are elements are applied. The analog image signal generated by the image sensor 13 is output to the focus processing unit 11a and the image processing unit 11b of the signal processing control unit 11, and various image signal processing is performed.

  The recording unit 14 receives the image signal output from the image sensor 13 and processed by the image processing unit 11b, and converts the image signal into a predetermined form, and the signal processing circuit unit generates the signal. This is a configuration unit that includes a recording medium that records image data and a control unit that drives and controls the recording medium. As the image signal conversion processing performed here, for example, signal compression processing or the like is performed to convert image data in a recording form, or image data recorded on a recording medium is read and decompressed to perform image signal conversion. For example, signal processing to be restored. Note that this type of compression / decompression processing is not limited to the form performed by the signal processing circuit unit included in the recording unit 14, for example, a similar signal processing circuit unit is provided in the signal processing control unit 11, thereby It is good also as a form which performs.

  The temporary recording unit 16 is a circuit unit that temporarily records the image data acquired by the image sensor 13, and is, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like. A semiconductor memory element or the like is applied.

  The operation unit 15 is a variety of operation members such as a normal push button type, a slide type, or a dial type provided on the exterior of the camera body 10 of the camera 1, for example, a shutter release button (not particularly shown). The component part for operation including various general operation members, such as these, is pointed out. As an operation member included in the operation unit 15, for example, there is a so-called four-way operation member. This four-way operation member is also used, for example, when selecting an item on a menu screen displayed on the display unit 18 or instructing a position on a display image. The four-way operation member functions as an operation member that replaces the touch panel 18b described later. The instruction signal from the four-direction operation member is output to the signal processing control unit 11, and various controls are performed by the control circuit in the signal processing control unit 11.

  Further, the camera 1 of the present embodiment includes a touch panel 18b as an operation member for operation different from the operation unit 15. The touch panel 18b is arranged on the display surface of the display unit 18, and a user (user) touches a predetermined area corresponding to an image being displayed on the display unit 18 or an area corresponding to various icon displays. The operation member is configured to generate various operation instruction signals by performing an operation, a slide operation, or the like. The instruction input signal from the touch panel 18b is sent to the touch determination unit 11c of the signal processing control unit 11, and the operation input is determined.

  The display unit 18 is controlled by the display control unit 11 d of the signal processing control unit 11. That is, the display unit 18 displays, for example, a live view image based on image data output from the image sensor 13 and processed by the image processing unit 11b of the signal processing control unit 11, or decompressed by the recording unit 14. This is a display unit that reproduces and displays recorded images based on image data or the like, or displays icons or menu screens based on various icon data or the like prepared in advance in the recording unit 14 or the like. The display unit 18 includes, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display (PDP), an organic electro-luminescence display (OEL), and a drive circuit thereof. Consists of.

  In other words, the display unit 18 serves as a display device that reproduces and displays an image based on image data that has been recorded by shooting under the control of the display control unit 11d in the playback mode, while under the control of the display control unit 11d in the shooting mode. Further, by continuously displaying real-time images sequentially and continuously based on the processed image data output from the image sensor 13 and processed through the image processing unit 11b, it also functions as an electronic viewfinder for observing and confirming the photographing range. In the present embodiment, an example in which the display panel of the display unit 18 is provided on the back side of the camera body 10 is shown, but the configuration example of the display unit 18 is not limited to such a form. . For example, the display unit may be a small display panel that can be used as an electronic view finder (EVF). Furthermore, it is good also as a form which provides the display part and small display part which are provided in a back surface, and switches and uses both.

  The clock unit 19 is an internal clock of a computer called a so-called real-time clock (RTC). The clock unit 19 is used, for example, for giving date / time information such as a data file, or for measuring time or controlling time during control processing.

  The face detection unit 31 corresponds to a subject such as a human face or a specific type of animal or plant (eg, dog, cat, bird, flower, etc.) in the image displayed based on the image data output from the image sensor 13. This is a subject image detection circuit unit for detecting whether or not an image is present. The face detection unit 31 may include not only a face image but also a unit that performs color detection, pattern detection, and the like, for example. The signal processing control unit 11 has a function of performing control and the like that always keeps track of the image pattern and keeps the focus even when the subject image detected by the face detection unit 31 moves in the shooting screen. .

  The body side communication unit 12 exchanges control signals, information signals, and the like between the camera body 10 and the lens barrel 20 by being electrically connected to a lens side communication unit 22 described later. Side communication signal processing circuit section.

  Next, the lens barrel 20 includes a lens control unit 21, a lens side communication unit 22, a lens side operation unit 23, a zoom drive unit 24a, a focus drive unit 24b, an aperture drive unit 24c, and a zoom lens position. The detection unit 25a, the focus lens position detection unit 25b, the first rotation detection unit 27a, the second rotation detection unit 27b, and the lens 26 that is a photographing optical system are mainly configured.

  The lens control unit 21 is a control unit that controls the operation of each constituent unit on the lens barrel 20 side under the control of the signal processing control unit 11 on the camera body 10 side. The lens control unit 21 may be omitted. In this case, the control on the lens barrel 20 side may be performed by the signal processing control unit 11 on the camera body 10 side. Further, the switching of the operation member, which is a feature of the present invention, may be controlled by the signal processing control unit 11 on the camera body 10 side, may be controlled by the lens control unit 21, or may be performed in cooperation.

  The lens side communication unit 22 is electrically connected to the body side communication unit 12 to exchange control signals, information signals, and the like between the lens barrel 20 and the camera body 10. Side communication signal processing circuit section.

  The lens side operation unit 23 is various operation members provided on the lens barrel 20 side, and specifically includes, for example, a focus ring 23a (first operation member, first operation ring) for performing manual focus adjustment operation. And a zoom ring 23b (second operation member, second operation ring) which is a zoom operation member for zoom operation for performing a zoom operation by performing a manual zoom operation. These two operation rings 23 a and 23 b are formed in, for example, an annular shape (ring shape), and are disposed so as to expose the outer peripheral surface on the outer peripheral side of the lens barrel 20, and the photographing optical system of the lens barrel 20. This is an annular operation member provided so as to be rotatable around the optical axis of the lens 26. And these two operation rings 23a and 23b are arranged in parallel in the optical axis direction, and are provided at positions close to each other. These lens operation members can be turned between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand, but can be operated almost simultaneously by rotating the other ring with the index finger while turning one ring with the thumb. It becomes. Further, if the rotation is a predetermined amount, continuous operation is possible within the movable range of one finger.

  As described above, in the lens barrel 20 in the camera 1 of the present embodiment, one of the two operation rings 23a and 23b is the focus ring 23a and the other is the zoom ring 23b. Here, the focus ring 23 a is configured to be able to rotate infinitely in the forward and reverse directions around the optical axis of the lens 26. On the other hand, the zoom ring 23b can be rotated only in a predetermined range in the forward and reverse directions around the optical axis of the lens 26. When the zoom ring 23b is rotated in one direction within a predetermined range, for example, zooming to the long focal side is executed, and when it is rotated in the other direction within a predetermined range, for example, the short focal side Is configured to perform zooming. That is, the zoom ring 23b functions as a zoom switch that turns on and off the zoom operation by rotating, and is configured to perform a desired zoom operation according to the rotating direction. The zoom control and zoom operation refer to control and operation for performing enlargement or reduction of the subject image formed by the photographing optical system, that is, zooming of the subject image. Such a ring (which may have a step) can be rotated by a predetermined amount by pushing or pulling with one thumb.

  In this case, within a predetermined range in one direction or the other direction of the zoom ring 23b, for example, when the zoom ring 23b is rotated to an intermediate point within the predetermined range, the first-stage switch is turned on, and further within the predetermined range (ie It is good also as a structure that a 2nd step switch will be in an ON state, if it rotates to the edge part (within permissible rotation range). For example, by extending the operation of grasping the ring in the form of pinching the thumb and forefinger of the left hand (with the same manner and operation), one ring can be rotated with one finger, and the other ring can be rotated with the other ring. The distance along the optical axis of the two rings that can be operated in this way is preferably 2 cm or less where one finger can be lightly shifted for operation. If it exceeds this, a malfunction such as camera shake occurs when the finger position is changed, and simultaneous operation becomes difficult. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to use the step switch for switching control of the zooming speed. Moreover, since the number of switching stages in that case can be set arbitrarily, it is not limited to two stages, and may be configured as a multistage switch having three or more stages.

  Further, the zoom ring 23b is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be configured to be able to rotate infinitely in the forward and reverse directions around the optical axis of the lens 26, similarly to the focus ring 23a.

  The zoom control in the camera 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above starts when the zoom switch is turned on by the rotation operation of the zoom ring 23b. The zooming speed at this time is controlled according to the amount of rotation of the zoom ring 23b.

  The zoom ring 23b is configured so that a predetermined position (neutral position) serving as a reference is always maintained. Therefore, the user rotates the zoom ring 23b while observing the finder screen or the like of the display unit 18 when performing the zooming operation. When the desired framing is obtained by the rotation operation of the zoom ring 23b, for example, when the hand is released from the zoom ring 23b, the zoom ring 23b returns to the original neutral position, and the zoom operation is turned off. Such zoom control is electric zoom control similar to that performed by a conventional general camera. Such conventional electric zoom control is unsuitable for performing fine zoom adjustment, and is used in performing coarse adjustment operations in the present embodiment.

  Therefore, in the camera 1 of the present embodiment, zoom control within a settable zoom range (a range from the short focus side zoom end to the long focus side zoom end) can be performed in more detail. A device for zoom control capable of executing a strict framing setting has been made. For this purpose, in the present embodiment, in addition to the rotation operation of the zoom ring 23b, other operation members, such as the focus ring 23a, are simultaneously operated to thereby each of the two operation rings (23a, 23b). There is an operation mode (deceleration mode) in which control according to the direction of rotation and amount of rotation is performed to control the zoom speed, zoom acceleration, etc., and fine adjustment of zoom settings can be performed. In this case, the deceleration mode is a normal zooming operation using the zoom ring 23b and a desired zoom control by simultaneously operating the focus ring 23a in addition to the zooming operation. In other words, in a state in which zoom control is executed with the deceleration mode set, the focus ring 23a functions differently from the original operation member for focusing operation, that is, as an operation member for assisting zoom drive control. Controlled to function. Details of the zoom control in the deceleration mode will be described later.

  In addition, as the lens side operation unit 23 other than the two operation rings 23a and 23b, other operation members such as an operation member for switching a photographing mode such as normal photographing and proximity photographing may be provided. Since these other operating members are not directly related to the present invention, their illustration and detailed description are omitted.

  The first rotation detection unit 27a converts the rotation amount of the focus ring 23a (first operation ring), that is, the mechanical displacement amount of the rotation of the operation ring into an electrical signal, and processes this signal to process the rotation direction and rotation. It is a circuit unit including a sensor or the like for detecting a quantity or the like. The second rotation detection unit 27b is a circuit unit that detects an operation state such as rotation of the zoom ring 23b (second operation ring) or switch on / off. For example, a rotary encoder or the like is applied as the first rotation detection unit 27a and the second rotation detection unit 27b.

  The zoom drive unit 24a is a control circuit unit that performs zoom drive control of a zoom drive mechanism unit 26a (described later) in the lens 26 under the control of the lens control unit 21, and is zoom control means. Similarly, the focus drive unit 24b is a control circuit unit that performs drive control of a focus drive mechanism unit 26b (described later) in the lens 26 under the control of the lens control unit 21, and is a focus drive unit. As for the focusing method, the imaging element may be moved without necessarily moving the lens. Similarly, the aperture drive unit 24 c is a control circuit unit that controls the drive of an aperture drive mechanism unit 26 c (described later) in the lens 26 under the control of the lens control unit 21.

  The zoom lens position detection unit 25a is a position detection circuit that detects a position on the optical axis of the zoom optical system. The focus lens position detection unit 25b is a position detection circuit that detects a position on the optical axis of the focus optical system. The two position detection units (25a, 25b) include, for example, an initial position determination switch, a photocoupler, and the like.

  As described above, the lens 26 is a photographic optical system including a plurality of optical lenses and the like for transmitting light from an object (subject) to be photographed and forming an optical image of the subject, and the photographic optical system. In addition to a plurality of lens barrel members that respectively hold the individual optical lenses, a driving lens barrel that individually moves the plurality of lens barrel members forward and backward in the optical axis direction, a zoom drive mechanism portion 26a, and a focus drive mechanism A portion 26b and an aperture drive mechanism portion 26c are provided. The photographing optical system is composed of a plurality of optical lenses, and includes, for example, a zoom optical system that contributes to zooming operation (zooming), a focus optical system that contributes to focusing operation (focusing), an optical system for correcting lens aberration, and the like. Is done.

  The zoom drive mechanism unit 26a is a drive unit including a drive source (actuator) for driving a zoom optical system involved in a zoom operation in the photographing optical system, a drive mechanism for transmitting the drive force, and the like. The zoom drive unit 24a and the zoom drive mechanism unit 26a constitute a zoom drive unit.

  The focus drive mechanism unit 26b is a drive unit including a drive source (actuator) for driving a focus optical system involved in a focus operation in the photographing optical system, a drive mechanism for transmitting the drive force, and the like. Note that the focus drive unit 24b and the focus drive mechanism unit 26b constitute a focus drive unit.

  The aperture drive unit 24c is a drive unit that includes a drive source (actuator) that drives an aperture mechanism for adjusting the amount of light that passes through the photographing optical system, a drive mechanism that transmits the drive force, and the like.

  The camera body 10 and the lens barrel 20 are configured to include other various configuration units in addition to the configuration units described above, and these various configuration units are directly included in the present invention. Since the configuration is not related, the detailed description and illustration thereof are omitted as having the same configuration as that of a conventional general camera.

  For example, illustration and description of a shutter mechanism for opening and closing the optical path of the photographing optical system and adjusting the amount of light beam transmitted through the photographing optical system during photographing operation are omitted, but the camera 1 of the present embodiment. Also has a normal shutter mechanism similar to a conventional camera. The shutter mechanism may be a focal plane shutter disposed on the camera body 10 side or a lens shutter disposed on the lens barrel 20 side. When the shutter mechanism is disposed on the camera body 10 side, the shutter mechanism is mainly controlled by the control unit on the body side. When the shutter mechanism is disposed on the lens barrel 20 side, the shutter mechanism is controlled via the lens control unit 21 mainly under the control of the control unit on the body side.

  An operation when photographing is performed using the camera 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described below.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence of camera control in the camera of the present embodiment. 3A and 3B are flowcharts showing a subroutine (the process of step S117) in the process sequence of FIG.

  First, it is assumed that the camera 1 of the present embodiment is in an activated state in which the camera 1 is turned on and can operate. In this state, in step S101, the signal processing control unit 11 confirms whether or not the currently set operation mode is the shooting mode. If it is confirmed that the shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to the next step S102. If it is confirmed that the setting is other than the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S151.

  In step S102, the signal processing control unit 11 executes an image data acquisition process and a live view image display process by controlling the imaging unit including the imaging element 13, the lens 26, and the display unit 18 and the like. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S111.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 111, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the body side communication unit 12 to perform lens communication processing with the lens control unit 21 of the lens barrel 20 via the lens side communication unit 22. In this lens communication process, acquisition of lens information such as the type of the lens barrel 20 attached to the camera body 10 is performed.

  In the lens communication process, confirmation as to whether or not the lens barrel 20 is attached to the camera body 10 and whether or not a lens exchange operation has been performed are also performed. Here, for example, when communication between the body side communication unit 12 and the lens side communication unit 22 cannot be established, it is determined that the lens barrel 20 is not attached to the camera body 10, and in this case, signal processing is performed. The control unit 11 controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 11d to perform a control for displaying a warning display or the like, thereby prompting the user (user) to attach the lens barrel 20. Then, the lens communication process is executed after confirmation of the lens mounting. Further, by performing the lens communication processing, the lens information regarding the lens barrel 20 currently held by the signal processing control unit 11 on the camera body 10 side and the result of the lens communication processing are currently attached to the camera body 10. When the lens information acquired from the lens barrel 20 side does not match, it is determined that a lens replacement operation has been performed, and in this case, the signal processing control unit 11 newly acquired lens information. Is temporarily recorded in the temporary recording unit 16 or the like. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, the signal processing control unit 11 communicates with the lens control unit 21 via the communication units 12 and 22, and monitors signals from the first rotation detection unit 27a and the second rotation detection unit 27b. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the focus ring 23a (first operation ring) and the zoom ring 23b (second operation ring) have been operated. Here, when the operation of at least one of the rings 23a and 23b is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S117. If neither operation of the rings 23a, 23b is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S118.

  In the next step S117, the signal processing control unit 11 executes a ring operation detection processing subroutine (processing sequence in FIG. 3B). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S118. Details of the processing in step S117 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

  Next, in step S118, the signal processing control unit 11 checks whether or not the currently set operation mode related to the shooting process is set to the still image shooting mode. If it is confirmed that the still image shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to the next step S119. If an operation mode other than the still image shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to step S121.

  In step S119, the signal processing control unit 11 executes a predetermined still image shooting process. The sequence of this still image shooting process is the same as that performed by a conventional general camera. Therefore, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the operation mode setting other than the still image shooting mode is confirmed in the process of step S118 described above and the process proceeds to step S121, in step S121, the signal processing control unit 11 performs the currently set shooting process. It is confirmed whether or not the operation mode is set to the moving image shooting mode. If it is confirmed that the moving image shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to the next step S122. If an operation mode other than the moving image shooting mode, that is, a still image shooting mode is set, the process returns to step S101 described above.

  In step S122, the signal processing control unit 11 starts a predetermined moving image shooting processing sequence. The sequence of the moving image shooting process is the same as that performed by a conventional general camera. Therefore, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the moving image shooting process of step S122 described above is started, in the next step S123, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors the instruction signal from the operation unit 15 and always performs the moving image shooting process throughout the process. Continue to confirm the end instruction signal. Here, when the instruction signal for instructing the end of the moving image shooting process is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S124. If the moving image shooting process end instruction signal is not confirmed, the process returns to the above-described step S102 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  In step S124, the signal processing control unit 11 executes the process of recording the acquired image data by controlling the recording unit 14 after executing the end process of the moving image shooting process. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the process of step S101 described above that the operation mode set in the camera 1 is other than the shooting mode and the process proceeds to the process of step S151, the signal processing control unit 11 in step S151. Confirms whether or not the currently set operation mode is the playback mode. Here, when it is confirmed that the playback mode is set, the routine proceeds to a predetermined playback processing sequence, and the process proceeds to step S152.

  In step S152, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the recording unit 14 to read out the thumbnail image data of the image data recorded on the recording medium, performs predetermined signal processing, and then via the display control unit 11d. The display unit 18 is controlled to execute a file list display process. Instead of the file list display process, the following display process may be executed. That is, when it is confirmed that the camera 1 is in the playback mode, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the recording unit 14 to read out the latest image data from the image data recorded on the recording medium, and performs predetermined signal processing. Then, the display unit 18 may be controlled via the display control unit 11d to execute the latest image reproduction process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S153.

  Subsequently, in step S153, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors an instruction signal from the operation unit 15 or the touch panel 18b and confirms whether or not a file selection instruction signal has been generated. Here, the file selection instruction signal is an instruction signal for selecting one of the displayed file lists. In the case of the latest image display, it is an instruction signal for selecting and instructing either the image data immediately before the displayed image data or the oldest image data in the recorded image data. When the signal processing control unit 11 confirms the generation of the file selection instruction signal in the process of step S153, the process proceeds to the next step S154. If the file selection instruction signal is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S156.

  Next, in step S154, the signal processing control unit 11 controls the recording unit 14 to read out the image data selected in the above-described step S153 from among the image data already recorded on the recording medium. After performing the signal processing, the display unit 18 is controlled via the display control unit 11d to execute the reproduction process of the selected image. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S155.

  In step S155, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors an instruction signal from the operation unit 15 or the touch panel 18b and confirms whether or not an instruction signal for ending the display of the selected image has been generated. If the selected image display end instruction signal is not confirmed in step S155, the process returns to step S154 described above. That is, the display process of the same selected image is continued. If the selected image display end instruction signal is confirmed, the process returns to step S152, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, if the file selection instruction signal is not confirmed in step S153 and the process proceeds to step S156, in step S156, the signal processing control unit 11 instructs the operation signal from the operation unit 15 or the touch panel 18b. Is monitored to confirm whether or not a reproduction mode end instruction signal has been generated. Here, the reproduction mode end instruction signal is, for example, a mode switching operation or a power-off operation. If the reproduction mode end instruction signal is not confirmed in step S156, the process returns to the above-described step S152 and the subsequent processes are repeated. If the reproduction mode end instruction signal is confirmed, the process returns to step S101 and the subsequent processes are repeated. When a power-off operation is performed as a trigger for generating a playback mode end instruction signal, the present camera control processing sequence is ended, assuming that all operations are ended. This processing sequence is not shown in FIG. 2 in order to avoid complication of the drawing.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the process of step S151 described above that the mode is set to a mode other than the playback mode, a transition process sequence to another operation mode is executed. Here, other operation modes include, for example, an image communication mode. However, since these other operation modes are not directly related to the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted, and a mode other than the playback mode is set. For convenience, the processing sequence returns to the processing in step S101 described above.

  A series of playback processing sequences as described above in the camera 1 of the present embodiment is the same as that of a conventional general camera.

  Note that the signal processing control unit 11 of the camera 1 of the present embodiment always monitors an instruction signal from the operation unit 15 or the touch panel 18b. At any point in the processing sequence, when an instruction signal from the operation unit 15 or the touch panel 18b is confirmed, a process corresponding to the confirmed instruction signal is interrupted. Therefore, regardless of the operation status of the camera 1, when a predetermined interrupt signal (for example, a power-off signal, a reset signal, an operation switching signal, etc.) is confirmed, the process being executed is interrupted or is being executed. After completion of the processing, processing (for example, power-off processing, reset processing, operation switching processing, etc.) corresponding to the interrupt instruction is executed.

  Next, details of the subroutine for the ring operation detection process (the process of step S117 in FIG. 2) in the camera of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

  As described above, one of the two operation rings 23a and 23b is operated in the process of step S116 of FIG. 2 described above, and the process proceeds to the process of step S117, that is, the process sequence of FIGS. 3A and 3B. .

  First, in step S130 of FIG. 3A, the signal processing control unit 11 confirms whether or not the two operation rings 23a and 23b are simultaneously rotated with respect to the detection result by the process of step S116 described above. To do. Here, when it is confirmed that the two operation rings 23a and 23b are simultaneously rotated, the signal processing control unit 11 responds to the rotation operation to the operation rings 23a and 23b. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S161.

  Here, when the simultaneous rotation operation of the two operation rings 23a and 23b is detected, the control corresponding to the rotation operation of each operation ring is prohibited for the following reason. That is, when the simultaneous rotation operation of the two operation rings 23a and 23b is detected, it cannot be determined whether the operation is an intended operation or an erroneous operation. Therefore, in order to prevent the currently set focus setting and zoom setting from being unintentionally misaligned even if the simultaneous rotation operation is due to an erroneous operation, Control corresponding to the simultaneous rotation operation is prohibited.

  When the process proceeds to step S161 in this manner, in step S161, the signal processing control unit 11 confirms whether or not the zoom control is set to the deceleration mode. Here, the zoom control deceleration mode refers to the following control.

  In the zoom control, for example, when a predetermined zoom start instruction signal is generated by a rotation operation of the zoom ring 23b, the signal processing control unit 11 and the lens control unit 21 receive this signal and control the zoom drive unit 24a to perform the zoom drive mechanism unit. This is done by driving 26a.

  In this case, in normal zoom control, a drive source (actuator) for zoom drive included in the zoom drive mechanism unit 26a is driven at a constant speed. Here, for example, the relationship between the amount of displacement of the focal length and time when the zoom optical system moves from the wide side to the tele side by rotating the zoom ring 23b is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. That is, a certain zoom drive amount is ensured according to the rotation amount of the zoom ring 23b. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the relationship between the zoom speed and the time at this time is constant regardless of the rotation amount or the rotation speed of the zoom ring 23b after reaching a constant speed in a predetermined time from the zooming start time. Zoom drive is done at speed. In such normal zoom control, it is difficult to finely adjust the zoom setting to obtain a desired composition.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a zoom control mode different from the normal zoom control, that is, a zoom control mode (for example, referred to as a deceleration mode) capable of adjusting the zoom speed more than usual is provided separately, and a predetermined operation, that is, two The zoom control mode can be switched when the two operation rings 23a and 23b are simultaneously rotated. That is, in the camera 1 of this embodiment, the simultaneous rotation operation of the two operation rings 23a and 23b is a switching operation for switching zoom control. When the zoom control is switched to the deceleration mode, the focus ring 23a is controlled so as to function as an operation member that realizes a function different from the original focusing.

  Thus, when the zoom control is switched to the deceleration mode, the control as shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Note that the slope indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 5 corresponds to the graph of normal zoom control in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the zoom operation is started from the time point indicated by the time axis A. The zoom position at this time is the wide end position. In this state, the zoom ring 23b is rotated in the tele direction. In addition to this operation, when the focus ring 23a is rotated in the same direction as the tele direction of the zoom ring 23b, for example, the zoom displacement is controlled to be accelerated (indicated by reference symbols A to B in FIG. 5). Area reference). On the other hand, when the focus ring 23a is rotated, for example, in the same direction as the wide direction of the zoom ring 23b while performing the rotation operation of the zoom ring 23b in the tele direction at the time indicated by the time axis B, the zoom displacement Is controlled so as to decelerate (see the regions indicated by reference symbols B to C in FIG. 5).

  The relationship between zoom speed and time when such zoom control is performed is as shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the areas indicated by reference signs A to B are the same as when the focus ring 23 a is rotated in the same direction (the same direction as the tele direction) while the zoom ring 23 b is rotated toward the tele side (the zoom speed is Accelerated) is shown. Further, in the region indicated by reference numerals B to C in FIG. 7, the zoom ring 23b is similarly rotated to the tele side while the focus ring 23a is rotated in the opposite direction (the same direction as the wide direction). It is shown that the zoom speed is reduced.

  Returning to the description of FIG. If the currently set zoom control mode is already set to the deceleration mode in step S161, the process proceeds to step S162. If the zoom control mode is not set to the deceleration mode, the process proceeds to step S163.

  In step S162, the signal processing control unit 11 performs a process of canceling the deceleration mode setting for zoom control. Thereafter, the processing returns to the original processing in FIG. 2 (return).

  In step S163, the signal processing control unit 11 switches the zoom control setting to the deceleration mode setting, and then performs a corresponding zoom based on the rotation amount information of the focus ring 23a detected by the first rotation detection unit 27a. Take control. Thereafter, the processing returns to the original processing in FIG. 2 (return).

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in the process of step S130 that the operation ring is not simultaneously rotated, for example, if only one of the two operation rings 23a and 23b is confirmed, step S131 is performed. Proceed to the process.

  In step S131, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the second rotation detection unit 27b and confirms the operation state of the zoom ring 23b. If the operation of the zoom ring 23b in the wide direction is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S132. If the operation of the zoom ring 23b in the tele direction is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S133. If the operation of the zoom ring 23b is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S149.

  If the operation of the zoom ring 23b is not confirmed in the process of step S131 and the process proceeds to the process of step S149, in this step S149, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the first rotation detection unit 27a. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the focus ring 23a has been rotated. Here, when the rotation operation of the focus ring 23a is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S150.

  In step S150, the signal processing control unit 11 executes a normal manual focus (MF) drive process according to the operation rotation amount of the focus ring 23a detected in the process of step S149. Thereafter, the processing returns to the original processing in FIG. 2 (return).

  If the rotation operation of the focus ring 23a is not confirmed in the process of step S149, the process returns to the original process of FIG. 2 (return).

  On the other hand, when the operation of the zoom ring 23b in the wide direction is confirmed in the process of step S131 and the process proceeds to step S132, in step S132, the signal processing control unit 11 includes the communication unit 12, The lens control unit 21 is controlled via the control unit 22, and the zoom drive mechanism unit 26a is driven and controlled via the zoom drive unit 24a under the control of the lens control unit 21 to start driving in the wide direction. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S134.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the zoom ring 23b in the tele direction is confirmed in the process of step S131 and the process proceeds to the process of step S133, in step S133, the signal processing control unit 11 includes the communication units 12, The lens control unit 21 is controlled through the control unit 22, and the zoom drive mechanism unit 26a is driven and controlled through the zoom drive unit 24a under the control of the lens control unit 21 to start driving in the tele direction. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S134.

  Here, the user (user) continues to perform the rotation operation with a predetermined rotation amount in the wide or tele direction of the zoom ring 23b confirmed in the process of step S131 described above, and at the same time, the focus ring The rotation operation 23a is performed.

  Therefore, in step S134, the signal processing control unit 11 clears data related to the rotation amount of the focus ring 23a.

  Subsequently, in step S135, the signal processing control unit 11 starts acquiring information regarding the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the focus ring 23a. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S136 in FIG. 3B (see reference A in FIGS. 3A and 3B).

  Next, in step S136 of FIG. 3B, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the second rotation detection unit 27b and confirms the operation state of the zoom ring 23b. If the operation of the zoom ring 23b in the tele direction is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S137. If the operation of the zoom ring 23b in the wide direction is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S138.

Next, in step S137, the signal processing control unit 11 confirms the rotation direction of the focus ring 23a detected in the process of step S135. Here, when it is confirmed that the rotation direction of the focus ring 23a is the same direction as the tele direction of the zoom ring 23b, the process proceeds to step S139.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 3B. Subsequently, in step S139, the signal processing control unit 11 executes a process of calculating the zoom speed change amount from the rotation amount of the focus ring 23a. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S143.

  In step S143, the signal processing control unit 11 performs zoom acceleration drive processing for increasing the zoom speed as compared with normal zoom drive as zoom drive control. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S147.

  In step S143, the zoom ring 23b is in the tele direction in step S136, and the focus ring 23a is in the same direction as the tele direction in step S137. Is the case. In this case, in the process of step S143, the zoom control is set to the zoom acceleration process and executed.

  If it is confirmed in step S137 that the zoom ring 23b is in the same direction as the wide direction, the process proceeds to step S140.

  Subsequently, in step S140, the signal processing control unit 11 performs a process of calculating the zoom speed change amount from the rotation amount of the focus ring 23a. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S144.

  In step S144, the signal processing control unit 11 executes zoom deceleration driving processing for reducing the zoom speed as compared with normal zoom driving as zoom driving control. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S147.

  On the other hand, when the operation of the zoom ring 23b in the wide direction is confirmed in the process of step S136 and the process proceeds to the process of step S138, in step S138, the signal processing control unit 11 performs the above step S135. The rotation direction of the focus ring 23a detected in the process is confirmed. Here, when it is confirmed that the rotation direction of the focus ring 23a is the same direction as the tele direction of the zoom ring 23b, the process proceeds to step S141.

  Subsequently, in step S141, the signal processing control unit 11 performs a process of calculating the zoom speed change amount from the rotation amount of the focus ring 23a. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S145.

  In step S145, the signal processing control unit 11 executes zoom deceleration driving processing for reducing the zoom speed as compared with normal zoom driving as zoom driving control. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S147.

  If it is confirmed in step S138 that the zoom ring 23b is in the same direction as the wide direction, the process proceeds to step S142.

  Subsequently, in step S142, the signal processing control unit 11 performs a process of calculating the zoom speed change amount from the rotation amount of the focus ring 23a. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S146.

  In step S146, the signal processing control unit 11 executes zoom acceleration drive processing for increasing the zoom speed as compared with normal zoom drive as zoom drive control. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S147.

  In step S147, the signal processing control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the second rotation detection unit 27b and confirms the operation state of the zoom ring 23b. Here, when the operation of the zoom ring 23b is confirmed, the process returns to the process of step S135 in FIG. When the operation of the zoom ring 23b is not confirmed, that is, when the zoom operation by the zoom ring 23b is not performed, the process proceeds to step S148.

  In step S148, the signal processing control unit 11 stops the zoom driving process and returns to the original process in FIG. 2 (return).

  Here, an example will be described of the processing of the above-described steps S139, S140, S141, and S142, that is, the processing for calculating the change amount of the zoom speed to be controlled based on the rotation amount of the focus ring 23a.

  First, the first calculation processing mode shown in FIG. 8 is a mode in which the relationship between the focus ring rotation amount and the zoom speed is proportional.

  The zoom control is normally started upon receiving a zoom drive instruction. In this case, first, zoom drive control at a constant speed is performed to drive a basic zoom speed (base speed; symbol D in FIG. 8). The base speed of the zoom drive at this time is also a constant zoom speed in the case of normal zoom control. When the focus ring 23a is rotated during zoom driving at this base speed, the zoom speed is switched from the processing mode (mode) of the normal zoom control. By this zoom speed switching process, acceleration or deceleration is performed with respect to the driving base speed. The acceleration or deceleration at this time is calculated based on the amount of rotation of the focus ring 23a performed simultaneously.

  In the first calculation processing form, the rotation amount of the focus ring 23a per time and the zoom speed are in a proportional relationship. That is, acceleration processing is performed in which the zoom speed is added as the amount of rotation of the focus ring 23a increases (see FIG. 8). The zoom acceleration at this time is controlled at a constant acceleration that does not change with respect to the rotation amount of the focus ring 23a per time (see FIG. 9).

  As a second calculation processing form, as shown in FIG. 10, the relation between the rotation amount of the focus ring 23a per time and the zoom acceleration is a proportional relation. In this case, acceleration processing for increasing the zoom acceleration in accordance with the increase in the rotation amount of the focus ring 23a is performed.

  Further, as the third calculation processing form shown in FIG. 11, there is a form in which the first and second calculation processing forms are combined. In this case, an acceleration process is performed in which the zoom acceleration is constant until the rotation amount of the focus ring 23a per time reaches a predetermined rotation amount, and the zoom acceleration is increased from the time when the predetermined rotation amount is exceeded.

  These processing forms are applied in the processing of steps S139 and S142 (zoom acceleration processing). In contrast, in the processing of steps S140 and S141 (zoom deceleration processing), control is performed as deceleration processing instead of the acceleration processing in the first to third calculation processing forms.

  In zoom control in the camera 1 of the present embodiment, the zoom speed is switched based on the rotation direction of the zoom ring 23b, the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the focus ring 23a.

In brief,
(1) When the zoom ring 23b is rotated in the tele direction (step S136) and the focus ring 23a is rotated in the same direction as the tele direction (step S137), the zoom speed is adjusted in the process of step S139. Acceleration processing is performed.
(2) When the zoom ring 23b is rotated in the tele direction (step S136) and the focus ring 23a is rotated in the same direction as the wide direction (step S137), the zoom speed is adjusted in the process of step S140. Deceleration processing is performed.
(3) When the zoom ring 23b is rotated in the wide direction (step S136) and the focus ring 23a is rotated in the same direction as the tele direction (step S138), the zoom speed is adjusted in the process of step S141. Deceleration processing is performed.

  When the zoom ring 23b is rotated in the wide direction (step S136) and the focus ring 23a is rotated in the same direction as the wide direction (step S138), the zoom speed acceleration process is performed in the process of step S142. Done.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the zoom operation can be performed by switching the zoom speed during zoom control by combining the operations of the two operation rings 23a and 23b arranged adjacent to each other on the lens barrel 20. Thus, various zoom controls can be realized with an easy configuration. In addition, since the zoom speed can be controlled by combining the operations of a plurality of members, the user can perform zoom driving as necessary when performing zoom setting. Therefore, for example, fine adjustment of the zoom setting can be easily performed. Although the fine adjustment and coarse adjustment of the zoom operation have been mainly described here, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied not only to the optical zoom but also to the electronic zoom control. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to rough adjustment and fine adjustment of shooting control such as an aperture, shutter speed, and focus control that are arranged in the ring portion of the lens.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, for example, even if a simple zoom switch only for switching on / off of the zoom drive is applied without providing an electrical component such as a zoom switch for multi-stage switching, a plurality of existing multiple switches Since the zoom speed switching control is realized by performing the operation of combining the operation members, it is possible to contribute to the reduction of the number of electrical members and the reduction of the member cost and the manufacturing cost.

  In each of the embodiments described above, as a means for realizing the zoom function, the zoom optical system of the photographing optical system is advanced and retracted in the optical axis direction to enlarge or reduce the subject image formed by the photographing optical system. Although the configuration of a photographing device (camera) having a so-called optical zoom function is exemplified, a photographing device to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this form. For example, it may be a photographing device (camera) having a so-called digital zoom function for enlarging or reducing an image including a subject by performing predetermined image processing on an image signal output from an image sensor. Furthermore, the present invention can be easily applied to a photographing apparatus (camera) configured to have an optical zoom function and a digital zoom function and to use both of them seamlessly.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  Each processing sequence described in each of the above-described embodiments can allow a procedure to be changed as long as it does not contradict its nature. Therefore, for each of the above-described processing sequences, for example, the order of the processing steps is changed each time the processing order is changed, the processing steps are executed simultaneously, or a series of processing sequences are executed. It may be.

  That is, regarding the operation flow in the claims, the specification, and the drawings, even if it is described using “first”, “next”, etc. for convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. It is not a thing. In addition, it goes without saying that the steps constituting these operation flows can be omitted as appropriate for portions that do not affect the essence of the invention.

  Of the technologies described here, many of the controls and functions mainly described in the flowchart can be set by a software program, and the above-described controls and functions are realized by a computer reading and executing the program. be able to. The program may be recorded or stored as a computer program product, in whole or in part, on a portable medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM, or non-volatile memory, or on a storage medium such as a hard disk or volatile memory. It can be distributed or provided at the time of product shipment or via a portable medium or communication line. A user (user) can easily realize the photographing apparatus of the present embodiment by downloading the program via a communication network and installing the program on a computer, or installing the program from a recording medium on the computer. .

  The present invention is not limited to a photographing device that is an electronic device specialized for a photographing function, such as a digital camera, and other forms of electronic devices having a photographing function, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a recording device, and an electronic notebook. , Personal computers, tablet terminal devices, game devices, portable TVs, watches, navigation devices using GPS (Global Positioning System), and other electronic devices with various photographing functions. Needless to say, the present invention can also be used for industrial devices and medical devices having operation members that can operate or operate a plurality of adjacent operation members substantially simultaneously.

  Furthermore, the present invention can be similarly applied to an electronic device having a function of acquiring an image using an image sensor and displaying the acquired image on a display device, for example, an observation device such as a telescope, binoculars, and a microscope.

1 …… Camera,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera body, 11 ... Signal processing control part, 11a ... Focus processing part, 11b ... Image processing part, 11c ... Touch determination part, 11d ... Display control part, 12 ... Body side communication part, 13 …… Image sensor, 14 …… Recording unit, 15 …… Operation unit, 16 …… Temporary recording unit, 18 …… Display unit, 18b …… Touch panel, 19 …… Clock unit,
20 ... Lens barrel, 21 ... Lens control unit, 22 ... Lens side communication unit, 23 ... Lens side operation unit, 23a ... Focus ring, 23b ... Zoom ring, 24a ... Zoom drive unit, 24b ... Focus drive unit, 24c... Aperture drive unit, 25a... Zoom lens position detection unit, 25b... Focus lens position detection unit, 26. Part, 26c... Aperture drive mechanism part, 27a... First rotation detection part, 27b.

Claims (6)

An imaging unit comprising: an imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject; and an imaging device that receives the optical image of the subject and performs photoelectric conversion to output an image signal;
Zoom control means for an image obtained via the photographing optical system;
A plurality of adjacent operation members including a zoom operation member for executing a zoom operation;
A signal processing control unit that performs zoom control in response to instruction signals from the plurality of operation members;
Comprising
The signal processing control unit includes a case of receiving the substantially simultaneous operation instruction of the two operating members of the focus operation member for operation of the zoom operation member and for focusing of the plurality of operation members, the upper Symbol Zoom imaging device, characterized in that in the case of receiving an operation instruction operation member, switches the form of zoom control.   The signal processing control unit further prohibits normal control according to each operation instruction of the two operation members when receiving substantially simultaneous operation instructions from the two operation members. Item 1. The photographing apparatus according to Item 1. The signal processing control unit, after switching the zoom control mode,
The zoom speed switching control is performed according to a combination of two operation instructions of an operation instruction from the zoom operation member and an operation instruction from the focus operation member among the plurality of operation members. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the signal processing control unit performs zoom speed switching control according to information about a rotation amount and a rotation direction included in an operation instruction from the focus operation member.   5. The photographing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the zoom speed switching control by the signal processing control unit is acceleration control or deceleration control. Form an optical image of the subject with the photographic optical system
Upon receiving the optical image of the subject, the image sensor performs photoelectric conversion and outputs an image signal,
Zooming of the image obtained through the photographing optical system by the zoom control means,
The signal processing control unit includes a zoom ring that performs an operation for zoom operation and a focus ring that performs an operation for focus adjustment among a plurality of adjacent operation members including a zoom operation member for performing a zoom operation. when receiving the substantially simultaneous operation instruction of the two operating member and, in the case of receiving an operation instruction on SL zoom operation member, the control method of the imaging device, characterized in that to switch the form of zoom control with.

Images