JP4579380B2 - Imaging device and lens device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic imaging system including imaging means such as an imaging optical system and a photoelectric conversion element.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 7 shows a typical configuration diagram of a conventional imaging system, and an outline of the operation will be described based on this.
In this imaging system, a focal length adjustment optical system L1 for adjusting the angle of view, a correction optical system L2 corresponding to the movement of the L1, a shift optical system L3 for camera shake correction, and a diaphragm mechanism (Iris) for adjusting the amount of incident light. ), The subject image is formed on the image sensor 1 by the image pickup optical system 8 having the focus position adjustment optical system L4 for adjusting the focus.
The image of the subject is photoelectrically converted into an electrical signal by the imaging device 1 and processed into a color video signal by the video camera signal processing means 3. The color video signal is output, and luminance information is mainly supplied to the exposure control (AE) means 4 and the focus adjustment (AF) means 2 to generate respective control signals (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-159377). ).
[0003]
The AE unit 4 controls the accumulation time (so-called shutter speed) and the aperture mechanism for each screen of the image sensor 1, and the AF unit 2 controls the focal position adjusting optical system L4.
[0004]
The shake detection unit 7 includes an acceleration sensor or the like, and detects a camera shake state. The shift optical system driving means (AS / IS) drives the shift optical system L3 to reduce blur.
[0005]
The angle-of-view adjusting (zoom) means 5 receives an operation instruction signal for adjusting the angle of view of imaging as required by the user, reads an electronic cam curve from a memory (not shown), and interlocks the optical systems L1, L2, and L4. Take control.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, with the rapid progress of downsizing of imaging systems in recent years, multifunctional and high-performance imaging systems can be realized in a small size, but on the other hand, extremely high accuracy is required for mounting of imaging devices. ing.
[0007]
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the angle θ formed by the optical axis of the imaging optical system 8 and the imaging device 1 may be inclined from the vertical (also in the horizontal direction) due to the manufacturing accuracy of parts, mounting errors in the manufacturing process, and the like. A similar mounting error occurs.) In this case, the smaller the system configuration is, the more difficult it is to keep the angle θ within the allowable range, and it is very difficult to adjust the angle with high accuracy to meet the currently required miniaturization. is there.
[0008]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and can easily and accurately automatically adjust the relative position of the imaging unit with the imaging optical system within a predetermined allowable range with a simple configuration. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging system that can sufficiently cope with further downsizing of the configuration and a control method thereof.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The imaging apparatus of the present invention is an imaging apparatus capable of mounting a lens device having a panel provided with a test chart, a driving unit for moving the panel, and an illumination unit for illuminating the test chart of the panel, An imaging unit that performs photoelectric conversion processing on incident light from the imaging optical system of the lens device, and a lens setting to the wide side by transmitting an initialization instruction to the mounted lens device when detecting the mounting of the lens device By setting the test chart of the panel in the photographing optical path and receiving the fact that it has been illuminated by the illuminating means, the imaging means is moved in the X-axis direction based on the test chart image photoelectrically converted by the imaging means. And adjusting the relative position between the imaging means and the imaging optical system by rotating in the Y-axis direction, and the mounting after the position adjustment. And a control means to terminate the illumination of the illumination means by storing the test chart of the mounted lens unit by transmitting lens device initialization completion indication to the.
In one aspect of the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the imaging device includes an adjustment unit that adjusts the position of the imaging unit prior to the imaging operation, and the adjustment unit irradiates a pattern having frequency components in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, Pattern irradiating means for forming an image of the pattern on the imaging means via the imaging optical system, and driving means for adjusting the position of the imaging means in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, respectively. The position of the imaging means is adjusted with the horizontal and vertical axes as rotational axes so that each frequency component becomes maximum.
In one aspect of the imaging apparatus of the present invention, an optical member that adjusts the optical path length independently in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction is provided in front of the imaging means, and the high-frequency component of the imaging signal is optimized by adjusting the position of the optical member. To do.
A lens apparatus of the present invention is a lens apparatus that includes an imaging optical system and that can be attached to an imaging apparatus having an imaging unit that performs photoelectric conversion processing on incident light from the imaging optical system, and a panel provided with a test chart; , A driving means for moving the panel, an illuminating means for illuminating the test chart of the panel, and a wide side based on an initialization instruction transmitted from the imaging device based on detection of attachment of the lens device The lens is set and the test chart of the panel is set in the photographing optical path, and the fact that the test chart is illuminated by the illuminating means is transmitted to the imaging apparatus, whereby the photoelectric conversion process is performed by the imaging means of the imaging apparatus. The imaging unit is rotated in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction based on the test chart image, and the imaging unit, the imaging optical system, The relative position adjustment, and control means for terminating the illumination of the illumination means to store the test chart by receiving the initialization completion instruction sent from the image pickup device after the position adjustment.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the imaging system of the present embodiment.
In this imaging system, reference numeral 1 denotes an imaging element composed of a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or CMOS, 8 denotes a focal length adjustment optical system L1 for adjusting the angle of view, a correction optical system L2 corresponding to the movement of this L1, and a camera shake correction purpose. Imaging optical system having a shift optical system L3, an aperture mechanism (Iris) for adjusting the amount of incident light, and a focus position adjusting optical system L4 for adjusting the focus.
[0019]
Further, 2 is a focus adjustment (AF) means for controlling the focus position adjusting optical system L4, 3 is a signal processing means for receiving an image pickup signal from the image pickup device 1 and outputting an image, and 4 is for each screen of the image pickup device 1. Exposure control (AE) means 5 for controlling the accumulation time (so-called shutter speed) and aperture mechanism, 5 receives an operation instruction signal for adjusting the angle of view of the image as required by the user, and reads an electronic cam curve from a memory (not shown). These are angle-of-view adjustment (zoom) means for performing control while interlocking the optical systems L1 and L2.
[0020]
Further, 7 includes an acceleration sensor and the like, and shake detection means for detecting a camera shake state. 6 receives a signal from the shake detection means 7 and drives the shift optical system L3 to reduce blur. (AS / IS).
[0021]
Further, 13 is a panel provided with a test chart, 10 is a driving means for moving the panel 13, 14 is an illumination means such as a white or multi-color LED that illuminates the test chart of the panel 13 under the control of the light emitting means 15, Reference numerals 12 and 11 denote driving means for adjusting the position of the image sensor 1 in the X-axis (horizontal) direction and the Y-axis (vertical) direction. The panel 13, the driving means 10, the illumination means 14, the light-emitting means 15, The drive means 11 and 12 constitute an initial adjustment means.
[0022]
The test chart includes a variety of frequency components from a wide pattern interval and a low frequency component to a high frequency component with a narrow pattern interval, and the proof light source also has a long red wavelength and a short wavelength. A plurality of wavelengths can be appropriately selected up to blue ones. A white light source may be used.
[0023]
Each control of the AF unit 2, the driving unit 10, and the light emitting unit 15 is performed by the system control unit 9.
[0024]
The imaging system of the present embodiment is characterized in that the optical system 8 and its various parameters are constantly controlled by control data from each processing means (AF means 2, AE means 4, AS / IS 6, zoom means 5, Iris). Before starting, the initial adjustment means performs initial adjustment of the relative position (angle) of the image sensor 1 with respect to the optical system 8.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the basic concept of angle adjustment.
The angle adjustment needs to be performed with respect to the imaging screen in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. In the effective image circle including the effective image formed by the imaging optical system 8, the inscribed maximum rectangular imaging area is the area A, and the vignetting-free safety area considering the biaxial adjustment work is the area B. . Here, for each of the X axis and the Y axis, an imaging signal is generated with an effective imaging area in which an angle θ (θx, θy) formed by the optical axis of the imaging optical system 8 and the imaging element 1 is adjusted as an area B. ,Output.
[0026]
Hereinafter, the initial adjustment of the present embodiment will be described.
First, when an instruction to perform initial adjustment is issued from the system control means 9, the driving means 10 moves the panel 13 in response to the instruction. The panel 13 is located in front of the imaging optical system 8 and can also be used as a lens protection barrier depending on the design. As described above, when the test pattern is provided at an extremely short distance, the system control unit 9 instructs the field angle adjustment unit 5 to move to the wide end so that close-up shooting can be performed.
[0027]
On this panel 13, a two-dimensional pattern having frequency components in the X-axis and Y-axis directions is drawn as a test chart, and the light emission control means 15 causes the illumination means 14 to emit light in accordance with the panel drive timing. The illumination light is received by the two-dimensional pattern and imaged on the image sensor 1 by the imaging optical system 8, and the frequency component of the two-dimensional pattern is analyzed by the AF means 2 and the AE means 3 which are subsequent processing means, Adjust the correction.
[0028]
The video camera signal processing means 3 outputs it as a color video signal, and mainly uses the high frequency component of the luminance signal information in the AF means 2, and the driving means 11, 12 according to the values of the high frequency components for the X axis and Y axis And adjust so that the integral value in the screen of this high-frequency component becomes maximum.
[0029]
FIG. 3 shows the concept of adjustment of the integral value in the screen with respect to the two directions of the X axis and the Y axis.
Here, hill-climbing control using a so-called TV signal is performed on the X axis and the Y axis, and optimization of the entire screen is executed.
[0030]
For example, the Y-axis is fixed to an arbitrary value, and first, hill climbing control is performed so that the high-frequency component in the X-axis direction becomes the maximum value. Next, hill-climbing control of the Y-axis component is executed with the X-axis value fixed at the X-axis vertex, and the vertex value on the X-axis and the vertex value (X1, Y1) on the Y-axis at this time are Remember each one.
Thereafter, steady camera control is executed to perform imaging.
[0031]
Further, the relative adjustment may be maintained so that the value is not lowered below the vertex value (X1, Y1) by performing the previous adjustment under a predetermined condition or periodically.
[0032]
The above adjustment procedure is shown in FIG. 4 as an adjustment flowchart, and simple processing for each step (S1 to S8) will be described.
[0033]
First, when the drive means 10 detects an adjustment start instruction (condition) from the system control means 9 (S0), the support is provided so as to move the angle of view adjustment means to the wide end, thereby enabling photographing at close range ( S1). The lens cover is closed (S2), the illumination control unit 15 drives the illumination unit 14 to illuminate the test chart of the panel 13 (chart illumination), and the image sensor 1 images the test chart (S3). Subsequently, the hill-climbing control for adjusting the position of the image sensor 1 with respect to the X-axis direction is executed (S4), and the hill-climbing control for adjusting the position of the image sensor 1 with respect to the Y-axis direction is executed (S5). When the adjustment of both axes is completed (S6), the lens cover is opened (S7), and the chart illumination is turned off at the same time (S8).
The initial adjustment is thus completed, and steady imaging can be started.
[0034]
As described above, according to the imaging system of this embodiment, it is possible to easily and accurately automatically adjust the relative position of the imaging device 1 with the imaging optical system 8 within a predetermined allowable range with a simple configuration. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently cope with further downsizing of the device configuration.
[0035]
Further, by providing a test chart on the front surface of the lens of the imaging optical system 8, it can be shared with the lens barrier, and the initial adjustment work can be fully automated.
[0036]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This imaging system performs initial adjustment as in the first embodiment, but differs in that the imaging optical system 8 is replaceable. In addition, about the structural member etc. similar to 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is described and description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0037]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the imaging system of the present embodiment.
This imaging system is roughly divided into a lens part and a camera part, and each has system control means 16 and 18 each comprising a microcomputer, and data communication is executed between them.
[0038]
Here, a subject image is formed on the image pickup device 1 by the image pickup optical system 8, photoelectrically converted by the image pickup device 1, and processed into a color video signal by the video camera signal processing means 3. The processed video signal is output, and luminance information is mainly supplied to the AE unit 4 and the AF unit 2 to generate respective control signals and input to the system control unit 18. Control data from the AE unit 4 and the AF unit 2 is transmitted from the system control unit 18 to the system control unit 16 on the lens unit side, and controls the Iris and focus position adjusting optical system L4. The AE unit 4 also controls the accumulation time for each screen of the image sensor 1 as necessary.
[0039]
The camera shake state is detected by the shake detection means 7 such as an acceleration sensor on the lens side, and the optical system L3 is driven by the shift optical system drive means (AS / lS) to reduce the shake.
[0040]
Further, when an operation instruction signal for adjusting the imaging angle of view is input to the system control unit 18 as required by the operator, it is transmitted to the system control unit 16 on the lens unit side and is not shown provided on the lens unit side. The electronic cam curve is read from the memory, and control is performed while interlocking the optical systems L1 and L2.
[0041]
The initial adjustment procedure in the present embodiment is shown as an adjustment flowchart in FIG. 6, and a simple process for each step (S1 to S10) will be described.
Here, an example of a data communication procedure between the system control unit 16 on the lens unit side and the system control unit 18 on the camera unit side is shown.
[0042]
First, when lens mounting is detected (S0), the system control means 18 transmits command data instructing the start of initial processing (S1). Subsequently, on the lens unit side receiving this command data, the angle of view adjustment is set to the wide end (S2), the test chart of the panel 13 is set in the optical path by the driving means 10 (S3), and the test chart is illuminated. Illuminate by means 14 (S4). Subsequently, the hill-climbing control for adjusting the position of the image sensor 1 with respect to the X-axis direction is executed (S5), and the hill-climbing control for adjusting the position of the image sensor 1 with respect to the Y-axis direction is executed (S6). If the adjustment is not completed, the process returns to S5 again. When the adjustment is completed (S7), an initial termination instruction is transmitted to the system control means 16 on the lens unit side (S8). On the lens side, the test chart is stored (S9), the chart illumination means 15 is turned off (S10), and the state is set so that normal photographing can be performed.
[0043]
As described above, according to the imaging system of the present embodiment, in addition to the effects exhibited by the first embodiment, in the imaging system of the lens exchange system, the data related to the adjustment work is also transmitted to the system control means on the camera unit side. By enabling communication between the lens 18 and the system control unit 16 on the lens unit side, the relative position can be optimized even when an imaging optical system having any characteristics is attached. Thus, an inappropriate imaging screen that leaves the image can be eliminated, and favorable imaging can be performed.
[0044]
In addition to the above-described embodiment, an optical member for adjusting the optical path length independently of the X-axis and the Y-axis is provided in front of the photoelectric conversion element, and the high-frequency component of the imaging signal is obtained by adjusting the biaxial position of this optical member. May be optimized.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to easily and accurately automatically adjust the relative position of the image pickup means with the image pickup optical system within a predetermined allowable range with a simple configuration, and sufficiently cope with further downsizing of the device configuration. can do.
[0046]
Further, by performing the above-described adjustment under a predetermined condition (for example, when the power is turned on or when the temperature is changed) or periodically (for example, at a predetermined time interval), Therefore, it is possible to cope with aging (deterioration) and always perform imaging in a good state.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an imaging system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a basic concept of angle adjustment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a concept of in-screen integral value adjustment in two directions of an X axis and a Y axis.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing initial adjustment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an imaging system according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing initial adjustment.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a conventional imaging system.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a change in an angle formed by an optical axis of an imaging optical system and an imaging element.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image pick-up element 2 Focus adjustment (AF) means 3 Signal processing means 4 Exposure control (AE) means 5 Field angle adjustment (zoom) means 6 Shift optical system drive means (AS / IS)
7 Shake detection means 8 Imaging optical system 9, 16, 18 System control means 10, 11, 12 Drive means 13 Panel 14 Illumination means 15 Light emission means

Claims (4)

An imaging apparatus capable of mounting a lens device having a panel provided with a test chart, a driving means for moving the panel, and an illumination means for illuminating the test chart of the panel,
Imaging means for performing photoelectric conversion processing on incident light from the imaging optical system of the lens device ;
When the lens device is detected to be mounted, an initialization instruction is transmitted to the mounted lens device to set the lens to the wide side, and the test chart of the panel is set in the photographing optical path, and is illuminated by the illumination means. Is received, the image pickup means and the image pickup optical system are Control that performs relative position adjustment, transmits an initialization end instruction to the mounted lens apparatus after the position adjustment, stores a test chart of the mounted lens apparatus, and ends illumination of the illumination unit Means and
An imaging device comprising: Prior to the imaging operation, comprising an adjusting means for adjusting the position of the imaging means,
The adjusting means includes
Pattern irradiating means for irradiating a pattern having frequency components in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and imaging the pattern on the imaging means via the imaging optical system;
Driving means for adjusting the position of the imaging means in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, respectively.
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position of the image pickup unit is adjusted with the horizontal and vertical axes as rotation axes so that the frequency components in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction are maximized. Before the imaging means, comprising an optical member that adjusts the optical path length independently in the horizontal and vertical directions,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a high-frequency component of an imaging signal is optimized by adjusting a position of the optical member. A lens apparatus that includes an imaging optical system and that can be attached to an imaging apparatus having an imaging unit that photoelectrically converts incident light from the imaging optical system,
A panel with a test chart;
Driving means for moving the panel;
Illumination means for illuminating the test chart of the panel;
Based on the initialization instruction transmitted from the imaging device based on detection of the mounting of the lens device, the lens is set to the wide side and the test chart of the panel is set in the imaging optical path, and the illumination means By transmitting that the test chart is illuminated to the imaging device, the imaging unit is rotated in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction based on the test chart image photoelectrically converted by the imaging unit of the imaging device. And adjusting the relative position between the imaging means and the imaging optical system, and receiving the initialization end instruction transmitted from the imaging device after the position adjustment, storing the test chart to store the illumination Control means for terminating illumination of the means;
A lens device comprising:

Images