JP2004007580A - Imaging device, lens device, iris control device, gain control device, ND filter control device, control method therefor, medium for providing control program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention reduces temporary disturbance of exposure when an ND filter is moved in and out of an optical path of a lens, and shortens a time required to return to an appropriate exposure.
A luminance signal obtained by detecting a video signal captured by a CCD by a luminance signal detection circuit is sent to an iris control signal calculation circuit and compared with a reference value, and an iris control signal for making the luminance signal constant is provided. Is calculated. At that time, a control signal for operating the iris 503 at high speed and a control signal for operating at low speed are generated, and the control signal for operating at low speed is usually used. When the user turns ON / OFF the ND filter 502, the iris high-speed control mode unit 512 is selected to speed up the response of the iris control, shorten the time until the proper exposure, and reduce the luminance change of the video signal. And immediately return to the proper exposure.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging device such as a video camera using an ND filter for dimming subject light, a lens device, an iris control device, a gain control device, an ND filter control device, a control method thereof, and a control program thereof. It relates to the media to be provided.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus such as a video camera as a first conventional example.
[0003]
21, reference numeral 501 denotes an imaging lens; 502, an ND filter for dimming light; 503, an iris for adjusting the amount of light; 504, an image sensor such as a CCD; 505, a CDS / AGC circuit (double correlation); A sampling / automatic gain control circuit) 506 is a path to a video signal processing circuit for generating a television signal.
[0004]
Reference numeral 507 denotes a luminance signal detection circuit for detecting a luminance signal from the video signal output from the CDS / AGC circuit 505, and reference numeral 508 denotes a control for controlling the iris 503 according to the luminance information output from the luminance signal detection circuit 507. An iris control signal calculation circuit for generating a signal, a driver 509 for driving the iris 503, and an ND switching lever 510 for switching the ND filter 502 in and out.
[0005]
Next, the operation will be described.
[0006]
As a luminance signal used for controlling exposure, a luminance signal containing a high-frequency component in a video signal output from the CDS / AGC circuit 505 is used. The luminance signal is detected by a luminance signal detection circuit 507 and sent to an iris control signal calculation circuit 508. The iris control signal calculation circuit 508 calculates the iris control signal by comparing it with a predetermined reference value (appropriate exposure level) so that the brightness signal detected by the brightness signal detection circuit 507 is always constant.
[0007]
For example, the luminance signal detected by the luminance signal detection circuit 507 is compared with the reference value, and when luminance signal ≧ reference value, a control signal for operating the iris 503 in the closing direction is generated, and luminance signal <reference value In the case of, a control signal for operating the iris 503 in the opening direction is generated. The generated control signal is output to the iris 503 via the driver 509. The responsiveness (the amount of change in exposure per unit time) when controlling the exposure with the iris 503 is always set to a constant value, and if the responsiveness is too fast or too slow, the user feels unnatural. It is also difficult to tune because it will be done.
[0008]
Next, the operation of the iris control will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0009]
First, a luminance signal including a high-frequency component in the video signal output from the CDS / AGC circuit 505 is detected (Step S601, hereinafter abbreviated to Step). Next, the detected luminance signal is compared with a predetermined reference value (appropriate exposure level). When the luminance signal is equal to or more than the reference value, a signal for controlling the iris 503 in the closing direction is calculated. When the luminance signal is smaller than the reference value, a signal for controlling the iris 503 in the opening direction is calculated. (S602). Next, the calculated signal is output to the iris 503 via the driver 509 (S603).
[0010]
Next, the ND filter 502 will be described.
[0011]
By operating the ND switching lever 510, the user can put the ND filter 502 in and out of the optical path and select whether to use or not. The basic usage of the ND filter 502 is to prevent the small aperture diffraction phenomenon by the iris 503 by inserting the ND filter 502 when the brightness of the subject is high, and to reduce the ND when the brightness of the subject is low. By removing the filter 502, the sensitivity can be increased.
[0012]
Next, a second conventional example will be described.
[0013]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various proposals have been made for white balance control in an imaging device such as a video camera. Hereinafter, a second conventional example regarding the white balance control, particularly, a preset function such as an outdoor mode (5600K mode) or an indoor mode (3200K mode) will be described.
[0014]
FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a lens-interchangeable imaging system according to a second conventional example. Note that FIG. 23 has substantially the same configuration as a third embodiment of the present invention described later.
[0015]
In FIG. 23, reference numeral 113 denotes a lens device, and 114 denotes a camera body to which the lens device 113 is detachably mounted.
[0016]
In the lens device 113, 101 is an imaging lens, 102 is an ND filter for dimming, 103 is an iris for adjusting the amount of light, 112 is an ND switching lever for putting the ND filter 102 in and out, and 111 is a lens. It is a microcomputer.
[0017]
In the camera body 114, 104 is an image sensor such as a CCD, 105 is a CDS / AGC circuit, 106 is an A / D converter for converting an analog video signal into a digital signal, 107 is a camera signal processing circuit, and 108 is camera signal processing. The television signal generated by the circuit 107, 109 is a camera microcomputer, 110 is a communication line for communication between the camera microcomputer 109 and the lens microcomputer 111, and 115 is a WB (white balance) mode such as an outdoor mode or an indoor mode. A WB mode selection switch for the user to select.
[0018]
Next, in the camera signal processing circuit 107, reference numeral 120 denotes a luminance color for converting the digital video signal converted by the A / D converter 106 into high-frequency and low-frequency luminance signals YH and YL and chromaticity signals R and B. A degree signal generation circuit, 121 is a gain control circuit for the red signal R, 122 is a gain control circuit for the blue signal B, and 123 is the chromaticity signals R ′ and B ′ and the luminance signal whose gain has been controlled by each of the gain control circuits 121 and 122. A color difference signal generation circuit for generating color difference signals RY and BY from YL, and an encoder 124 for generating a television signal from RY, BY and YH.
[0019]
Next, the operation will be described.
[0020]
When the lens device 113 is mounted on the camera body 114, power is supplied from the camera body 114 to the lens device 113. Further, by operating the ND switching lever 112, the user can put the ND filter 102 in and out of the optical path and select whether to use or not.
[0021]
An optical image from a subject passes through a lens 101, is attenuated by an ND filter 102, is controlled to an appropriate exposure by an iris 103, and is formed on an image sensor 104. The video signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 104 is subjected to noise removal and gain control by a CDS / AGC circuit 105, then converted to a digital signal by an A / D converter 106, and has a luminance inside a camera signal processing circuit 107. It is sent to the chromaticity signal generation circuit 120.
[0022]
The luminance and chromaticity signal generation circuit 120 generates a high frequency component YH, a low frequency component YL, a red signal R, and a blue signal B of the luminance signal. The generated red signal R and blue signal B are input to gain control circuits 121 and 122, respectively, where they are amplified by a white balance control signal from a gain control signal output circuit 125, and are respectively converted into chromaticity signals R 'and B'. Is output.
[0023]
These chromaticity signals R 'and B' are input to the color difference signal generation circuit 123 together with the low frequency component YL of the luminance signal, where the color difference signals RY and BY are generated. The color difference signals RY and BY are input to the encoder circuit 124 together with the high frequency component YH of the luminance signal, where a standard television signal is generated and output.
[0024]
The camera microcomputer 109 reads the switch state of the WB mode selection switch 115, and determines whether the switch 115 is in the outdoor mode (5600K mode), the indoor mode (3200K mode) or the auto mode. The camera microcomputer 109 generates gain control signals of R gain and B gain stored in the camera microcomputer 109 in advance according to each mode, and inputs the generated gain control signals to the gain control signal output circuit 125.
[0025]
Next, the above operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0026]
In FIG. 23, the lens microcomputer 111 detects the ON / OFF state of the ND switching lever 112 to determine whether the ND filter 102 is ON or OFF (S801). If the ND filter 102 is ON, the NDON status Is set (S802), and this status is transmitted to the camera microcomputer 109 (S804). If the ND filter 102 is OFF, the status of NDON is cleared (S803), and this status is transmitted to the camera microcomputer 109 (S804).
[0027]
Next, in FIG. 25, the camera microcomputer 109 receives the NDON status from the lens microcomputer 111 (S901). Then, the state of the WB mode selection switch 115 is read, and it is determined whether the WB mode is the outdoor mode (5600K mode) (S902). In the case of YES in S902, an R gain and a B gain predetermined as the outdoor mode are generated (S903), and an R gain and a B gain gain control signal are output to the gain control signal output circuit 125 (907).
[0028]
If NO in S902, the state of the WB mode selection switch 115 is read to determine whether the WB mode is the indoor mode (3200K mode) (S904). In the case of YES, an R gain and a B gain predetermined as the indoor mode are generated (S905), and an R gain and a B gain control signal are output to the gain control signal output circuit 125 (S907).
[0029]
If NO in S904, it is determined that the WB mode selection switch 115 is in the auto mode, the R gain and the B gain are calculated (S906), and the calculation result is output to the gain control signal output circuit 125 by the R control circuit 125. A gain and a B gain control signal are output (S907).
[0030]
Next, the WB mode will be briefly described with reference to FIG.
[0031]
[Outdoor mode]
The outdoor mode is a WB mode that is recommended to be used outdoors. In general, sunlight outdoors has a high color temperature and a strong bluish hue. Therefore, by controlling the gain of the R gain to be high and controlling the gain of the B gain to be low in the camera signal processing circuit 107, it is possible to reproduce colors close to the appearance even outdoors.
[0032]
When this is confirmed using a vector scope, it becomes as shown in (1) of FIG. This is a case where the light box having a color temperature of 5600K is entirely white and an image is taken in the 5600K mode. As can be understood from this figure, there is a color at the center on the vector scope, which means that the subject can be recognized as white.
[0033]
[About indoor mode]
The indoor mode is a WB mode that is recommended to be used indoors. Indoor illumination light generally has a low color temperature and a strong reddish color. Therefore, by controlling the gain of the R gain low and controlling the gain of the B gain high in the camera signal processing circuit 107, it is possible to reproduce colors close to the appearance even indoors.
[0034]
When this is confirmed using a vector scope, it becomes as shown in (3) of FIG. This is a case where the light box having a color temperature of 3200K is entirely white and an image is captured in the 3200K mode. As can be understood from the figure, there is a color at the center on the vector scope, which means that the subject can be recognized as white.
[0035]
[About ND filter 102]
It is preferable that the ND filter 102 is colorless. However, in actuality, when the ND filter 102 is mass-produced, the spectral characteristics vary, and the ND filter 102 has various colors such as a reddish one and a bluish one. Filters are mass-produced.
[0036]
When an ND filter having such a tint is used, for example, as shown in FIG. 26 (1), the ND filter 102 is placed in a so-called white state in which a bright spot exists at the center on a vector scope. When turned on, the imaging result is tinted due to the coloring of the ND filter 102 as shown in (2) of FIG. As can be understood from this figure, the position of the luminescent spot on the vector scope is deviated from the center, and in this case, it indicates that it has an orange tint.
[0037]
The same applies to (4) in FIG. 26. When the ND filter 102 is turned on from the state (3), the imaging result is colored and the position of the bright spot on the vectorscope is not the center, and is similar to (2). Indicates that the color shifts in the direction of orange.
[0038]
(2) and (4) illustrate that the ND filter has an orange tint as an example, and this tint becomes reddish or bluish by the filter.
[0039]
Next, a third conventional example will be described.
[0040]
A third conventional example of a conventional imaging device such as a video camera will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. FIG.
[0041]
28, reference numeral 1 denotes a photographing lens, 2 denotes an aperture blade, 3 denotes an image sensor, 4 denotes a CDS / AGC circuit, 5 denotes an A / D converter, 6 denotes a digital signal processing circuit, 7 denotes a D / A converter, 8 Is a microcomputer for performing a logical operation, 9 is an IG meter, 10 is a Hall element, 11 is an iris encoder, and 12 is an iris drive circuit.
[0042]
Next, the operation will be described.
[0043]
The subject image projected by the photographing lens 1 is photoelectrically converted by the image pickup device 3 and converted into an electric signal. This signal is correlated double-sampled by the CDS / AGC circuit 4 and amplified to an appropriate level. This signal is converted to a digital signal by the A / D converter 5, converted to a standardized video signal such as NTSC by the digital signal processing circuit 6, converted to an analog signal by the D / A converter 7, and output. You.
[0044]
On the other hand, the rotation position of the IG meter 9 that opens and closes the aperture blade 2 is magnetically detected by the Hall element 10. The detection result is amplified / offset controlled to an appropriate level by the iris encoder 11 and then A / D converted by the microcomputer 8 and taken in as data.
[0045]
In this process, the microcomputer 8 reads the information on the video signal level from the digital signal processing circuit 7 and the information on the open / closed state of the diaphragm blade 2 from the iris encoder 11, and reduces the information if the video signal level is too high. When the signal is too small, the control signal is calculated and output to the iris drive circuit 12 so as to increase the signal. The iris drive circuit 12 drives the IG meter 9 according to the control signal.
[0046]
In the above process, the aperture mechanism including the aperture blade 2, the IG meter 9, and the Hall element 10 operates so that the brightness of the subject image projected on the image sensor 3 becomes constant. Here, when the brightness of the subject is extremely bright, the aperture blade 2 has a very small aperture diameter. In this case, the sharpness of the subject image projected on the image sensor 4 is impaired due to the light diffraction phenomenon. Sometimes.
[0047]
In order to prevent this, in a general video camera, an ND filter is inserted between the lens 1 and the aperture blade 2 as an achromatic neutral density filter so that the aperture diameter does not become smaller than a certain degree.
[0048]
In the case of a general two-blade diaphragm, the ND filter is integrated with the diaphragm blade 2, and the ND filter is often configured to be attached to a part of the small diaphragm blade.
[0049]
FIG. 28 shows an example of a diaphragm mechanism using an ND filter.
[0050]
28 (a) and (b), 21 and 22 are aperture blades, 23 is an ND filter attached to a part of the aperture blade 21, 9 is an IG meter, and 91 is attached to the rotating shaft of the IG meter 10. Rotor.
[0051]
Assuming that the opening / closing state of the aperture blade 2 is initially in the open state as shown in FIG. 28A and then starts to close, the IG meter 10 is driven and the rotor 91 rotates around the rotation axis of the IG meter 10. As a result, the shape becomes as shown in FIG. 28B, and at the time of the final closing, it becomes the shape as shown in FIG.
[0052]
As shown in FIGS. 28 (a), (b) and (c), as the aperture diameter decreases, the area ratio of the ND filter 23 in the aperture shape of the aperture increases, and when the aperture diameter decreases to some extent, the ND filter 23 becomes The entire aperture opening shape is covered.
[0053]
However, such a diaphragm mechanism in which the ND filter 23 is present in a part of the aperture shape of the diaphragm from the beginning is good when the subject image on the imaging surface is in a focused state, but not in a non-focused state. At the time or a projection image other than the target object, for example, a projection image such as a background, the focus state is often inconsistent, so that the confusion circle shape becomes very irregular.
[0054]
In general, when the subject is out of focus, or in the case of a subject image that must always be out of focus, such as the background, the confusion circle shape is preferably close to a perfect circle for appreciation, and the shape that is not so is The result is that the so-called “blur taste” is not good.
[0055]
In a low-cost popular video camera, the poor bokeh is hardly a problem in nature. However, in a high-end machine that emphasizes the image quality to some extent, it is a relatively important task to improve the blur. In order to improve this, a video camera of this type is provided with a mechanism for inserting an ND filter from the outside without integrating the ND filter with a diaphragm mechanism, and the first and second conventional examples described above. In some cameras, an external switch such as a switching lever is provided in such a camera body so that a photographer can insert and remove an ND filter as necessary.
[0056]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the imaging apparatus according to the first conventional example as shown in FIG. 21, the ND filter greatly reduces the transmittance of the light amount in the imaging optical system. Therefore, when the ND filter is switched from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON. Sometimes, before and after the switching, the amount of light input to the image sensor greatly changes, the exposure level fluctuates, and it takes time for the exposure to become proper and stable, and during that time a troublesome image is taken. There was a first problem.
[0057]
Further, in the imaging system including the lens apparatus and the camera body according to the second conventional example as shown in FIG. 23, since the ND filter has a tint, the WB mode selects the 5600K mode or the 3200K mode. When the ND filter is moved in and out of the ND filter, the color reproduction of the subject image changes before and after that.
[0058]
Moreover, since the lens is of an interchangeable type, when the lens is exchanged, the ND filter is also replaced accordingly. That is, it is difficult to control the white balance mode on the camera body side because the influence of the coloring of the ND filter is not uniform.
[0059]
Further, in the imaging device according to the third conventional example as shown in FIG. 27, since the ND filter is mechanically turned on, if the ND filter is turned on during shooting, the screen is momentarily darkened at this point, and after a while. The first operation is such that the iris control mechanism and the AGC control mechanism of the camera operate, and when the same subject is continuously photographed, the recorded image becomes unnatural and unfavorable in photographing. There was a problem similar to the problem described above.
[0060]
An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device, a lens device, and an iris control device that can make the fluctuation of the subject light appropriate when the operation state of the ND filter for dimming the subject light is switched. , A gain control device, an ND filter control device, a control method thereof, and a medium for providing a control program thereof.
[0061]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in an imaging apparatus according to the present invention, an ND filter provided so as to reduce the amount of light transmitted through an imaging optical system and to be able to enter and exit the optical path of the imaging optical system; First switching means for switching the light into and out of the optical path, iris means for controlling the amount of transmitted light, imaging means for photoelectrically converting the transmitted light controlled by the iris means to output an image signal, and the image Detecting means for detecting a luminance signal from the signal, high-speed control means for controlling the iris means at high speed based on the detected luminance signal, and controlling the iris means at low speed based on the detected luminance signal Low-speed control means; and second switching means for switching between the high-speed control means and the low-speed control means in response to switching of the first switching means. .
[0062]
In another imaging apparatus according to the present invention, an ND filter provided to reduce the amount of light transmitted through the imaging optical system and to be able to enter and exit the optical path of the imaging optical system; and A first switching unit that switches between out and in, an imaging unit that photoelectrically converts the transmitted light to output an image signal, a detection unit that detects a luminance signal from the image signal, and a detection unit that detects a luminance signal based on the detected luminance signal. High-speed control means for controlling the gain of the image signal at a high speed; low-speed control means for controlling the gain of the image signal at a low speed based on the detected luminance signal; There is provided second switching means for switching between high-speed control means and low-speed control means.
[0063]
Further, in the lens device according to the present invention, the lens, an ND filter arranged in the optical path of the lens to reduce the amount of light, and communication means for transmitting information indicating the amount of coloring of the ND filter to the imaging device. Is provided.
[0064]
In another imaging apparatus according to the present invention, an imaging unit that photoelectrically converts an optical image of a subject obtained from a lens device and outputs an image signal, and receives information indicating an amount of coloring of an ND filter from the lens device. Communication means and correction means for correcting the white balance of the image signal based on the received information indicating the amount of coloring of the ND filter are provided.
[0065]
Further, in the imaging system according to the present invention, a lens for obtaining an optical image of the subject, an ND filter arranged in the optical path of the lens to reduce the amount of light, and information indicating the amount of coloring of the ND filter are transmitted. A lens device having communication means;
An imaging unit that photoelectrically converts the optical image of the subject to output an image signal; a communication unit that receives information indicating the amount of coloring of the ND filter; and the communication unit that receives the information indicating the amount of coloring of the received ND filter. An image pickup apparatus having a correction unit for correcting the white balance of the image signal.
[0066]
In another image pickup apparatus according to the present invention, a lens for obtaining an optical image of a subject, an ND filter provided to reduce the amount of light transmitted through the lens and to be able to enter and exit the optical path of the lens, and the ND filter Switching means for switching the light into and out of the optical path, aperture means for controlling the amount of transmitted light, imaging means for photoelectrically converting the transmitted light controlled by the aperture means to output an image signal, and Gain control means for controlling a gain; and controlling the aperture amount of the aperture means so that the level of the gain-controlled image signal is constant, and the imaging means when the ND filter is inserted in the optical path. Aperture control means for controlling the aperture amount of the aperture means in advance in accordance with the predicted change in the amount of light transmitted through the aperture means.
[0067]
Further, in another imaging apparatus according to the present invention, a lens for obtaining an optical image of a subject, an ND filter provided to reduce the amount of light transmitted through the lens and to be able to enter and exit the optical path of the lens, , An imaging unit that photoelectrically converts the transmitted light controlled by the aperture unit and outputs an image signal, a gain control unit that controls the gain of the image signal, and the gain-controlled image signal. Aperture control means for controlling the aperture amount of the aperture means so that the level of the aperture is constant, and ND filter control means for controlling the entrance and exit of the ND filter into and from the optical path according to the controlled aperture amount. Provided.
[0068]
Further, in the storage medium according to the present invention, the first switching for reducing the amount of light transmitted through the imaging optical system and switching the ND filter provided so as to be able to enter and exit the optical path of the imaging optical system into and out of the optical path. Processing, iris processing for controlling the amount of transmitted light by iris means, imaging processing for photoelectrically converting the transmitted light controlled by the iris processing to output an image signal, and detection processing for detecting a luminance signal from the image signal A high-speed control process for controlling the iris means at a high speed based on the detected luminance signal; a low-speed control process for controlling the iris means at a low speed based on the detected luminance signal; A program for executing a second switching process for switching between the high-speed control process and the low-speed control process in accordance with the switching by the switching process is described. It is.
[0069]
Further, in another storage medium according to the present invention, the first storage medium for reducing the amount of light transmitted through the imaging optical system and switching the ND filter provided so as to be able to enter and exit the optical path of the imaging optical system into and out of the optical path. Switching process, an imaging process of photoelectrically converting the transmitted light to output an image signal, a detection process of detecting a luminance signal from the image signal, and a gain of the image signal based on the detected luminance signal. High-speed control processing for controlling at high speed, low-speed control processing for controlling the gain of the image signal at low speed based on the detected luminance signal, and high-speed control processing and low-speed control in response to switching by the first switching processing. A program for executing a second switching process for switching the control process is stored.
[0070]
Further, in another storage medium according to the present invention, a program for executing a communication process for transmitting information indicating an amount of color of an ND filter arranged in an optical path of a lens to reduce the amount of light to an imaging device is stored. are doing.
[0071]
In another storage medium according to the present invention, an imaging process of photoelectrically converting an optical image of a subject obtained from a lens device to output an image signal, and receiving information indicating the amount of coloring of an ND filter from the lens device. A program for executing a communication process and a correction process for correcting the white balance of the image signal based on the received information indicating the coloring amount of the ND filter is stored.
[0072]
Further, in another storage medium according to the present invention, a switching process for reducing the amount of light transmitted through a lens and switching an ND filter provided so as to be able to enter and exit the optical path of the lens into and out of the optical path; An aperture process for controlling the amount of transmitted light by the following, an imaging process for photoelectrically converting the transmitted light controlled by the aperture process to output an image signal, a gain control process for controlling a gain of the image signal, and the gain control. The aperture amount of the aperture means is controlled so that the level of the image signal becomes constant, and when the ND filter is inserted into the optical path, the aperture amount is previously determined in accordance with the predicted light amount change of the transmitted light. And a program for executing an aperture control process for controlling the aperture amount of the means.
[0073]
Also, in another storage medium according to the present invention, an aperture process for controlling the amount of transmitted light of a lens by an aperture unit, an imaging process for photoelectrically converting the transmitted light controlled by the aperture process and outputting an image signal, A gain control process for controlling the gain of the image signal, an aperture control process for controlling the aperture amount of the aperture unit so that the level of the gain-controlled image signal is constant, and A program for executing an ND filter control process for controlling an ND filter provided in the optical path of the lens so as to be able to be taken in and out of the optical path is stored.
[0074]
Further, in an image pickup apparatus, an iris control device, an iris control method, and a medium that provides an iris control program according to the present invention, the iris for adjusting the amount of light of the subject is adjusted to a first speed and a second speed higher than the first speed. And switches between the first speed and the second speed in response to an ND filter for dimming the subject light into and out of the subject optical path.
[0075]
Also, in a medium that provides an imaging device, a gain control device, a gain control method, and a gain control program according to the present invention, the gain of an image signal obtained by an imaging unit that converts subject light into an image signal is set to a first speed and the first speed. The control is performed at a second speed higher than the first speed, and the switching between the first speed and the second speed is performed in response to an ND filter for dimming the subject light in and out of the subject optical path. Is what you do.
[0076]
Further, in a lens device having an ND filter for reducing subject light according to the present invention, which is mounted on an imaging device, a control method thereof, and a medium providing a control program thereof, the amount of color shift caused by the ND filter is reduced. The transmitted information is transmitted to the imaging device.
[0077]
Further, in an image pickup apparatus equipped with a lens device having an ND filter for reducing subject light according to the present invention, a control method thereof, and a medium for providing a control program therefor, a color shift by the ND filter from the lens device is provided. The information indicating the amount is received, and the white balance of the image captured via the lens device is corrected based on the received information indicating the amount of color shift by the ND filter.
[0078]
Further, an image pickup system including a lens device having an ND filter for dimming subject light according to the present invention and an image pickup device to which the lens device is mounted, a control method thereof, and a medium providing a control program therefor include: The information indicating the color shift amount due to the ND filter is transmitted from the lens device side to the imaging device side, and the information indicating the color shift amount due to the transmitted ND filter is received by the imaging device side, and the received The white balance of an image captured via the lens device is corrected based on information indicating the amount of color shift by the ND filter.
[0079]
Further, in the medium that provides the iris control device, the iris control method, and the iris control program according to the present invention, the operation state of the ND filter for dimming the subject light is determined, and the subject light amount is determined in accordance with the determination result. The operation of the iris to be adjusted is controlled.
[0080]
Further, in the medium that provides the gain control device, the gain control method, and the gain control program according to the present invention, the operation state of the ND filter for dimming the subject light is determined, and the subject light is reduced according to the determination result. The gain of the output of the light receiving means for receiving light is controlled.
[0081]
Also, in the medium that provides the ND filter control device, the ND filter control method, and the ND filter control program according to the present invention, the operation state of the iris for adjusting the light amount of the subject is determined, and the subject light is reduced according to the determination result. It controls the operation of an ND filter that can operate independently of the iris for emitting light.
[0082]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0083]
(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image pickup apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Parts corresponding to those in FIG. 21 are denoted by the same reference numerals 501 to 507, 509, and 510, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0084]
Hereinafter, FIG. 1 will be described focusing on portions different from FIG. 21.
[0085]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 511 denotes an iris control signal operation circuit for calculating an iris control signal in accordance with the luminance signal detected by the luminance signal detection circuit 507; 512, an iris high-speed control mode unit for operating the iris 503 at high speed; An iris low-speed control mode unit 514 for operating the ND at a low speed, an ND filter ON / OFF detection line 514 for detecting that the ND filter 502 is in an ON state or an OFF state, and 515 is an ND filter 502 in an ON state or OFF. An iris control mode selection circuit for detecting the state through the ND filter ON / OFF detection line 514 and selecting one of the iris high speed control mode unit 512 and the iris low speed control mode unit 513 according to the information. It is.
[0086]
Next, the operation will be described.
[0087]
As a luminance signal used for controlling exposure, a luminance signal containing a high-frequency component in a video signal output from the CDS / AGC circuit 505 is used. This luminance signal is obtained by being detected by the luminance signal detection circuit 507 and sent to the iris control signal calculation circuit 511. The iris control signal calculation circuit 511 calculates the iris control signal by comparing it with a predetermined reference value (appropriate exposure level) so that the detected luminance signal is always constant.
[0088]
At this time, two types of control signals are generated, a control signal for operating the iris 503 at high speed and a control signal for operating the iris 503 at low speed. The responsiveness (the amount of change in exposure per unit time) when controlling the exposure by the iris 503 is basically always set to a constant value. In a normal case, a control signal for operating the iris 503 at a low speed is transmitted. Used.
[0089]
On the other hand, when the user switches the ND switch lever 510 from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON to change the state of the ND filter 502, the amount of transmitted light greatly changes and is input to the image sensor 504. Since a large change occurs in the video signal, a large luminance change occurs as a result, and the exposure state is greatly disturbed. In this case, the iris high-speed control mode unit 512 is selected by the iris control mode selection circuit 515 to make the response for controlling the exposure by the iris 503 faster than usual (by increasing the amount of change in the exposure per unit time). T), control is performed so as to minimize the time required for proper exposure.
[0090]
Next, the effect of the above-described control will be described with reference to FIG.
[0091]
FIG. 5 shows (1) the case of the conventional example and (2) the case of the present invention. In both cases, the signal level is taken on the vertical axis and the time is taken on the horizontal axis, and the ND filter 502 is switched from OFF to ON. 5 is a graph showing a change in the signal level immediately after the signal level is changed.
[0092]
As can be seen from FIG. 5, (1) the signal level change time B in the present invention is shorter than the signal level change time A in the conventional example, and (1) the conventional example. (2) The magnitude D of the signal level change in the case of the present invention is smaller than the magnitude C of the signal level change in the case (1). That is, immediately after the ND filter 502 is switched from OFF to ON, by operating the iris 503 at a high speed, the change in the luminance of the video signal is small, and it can be seen that the exposure is quickly returned to the proper exposure.
[0093]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0094]
First, a luminance signal including a high-frequency component in the video signal output from the CDS / AGC circuit 505 is detected (S201). Next, the detected signal is compared with a predetermined reference value of an appropriate exposure. If the detected signal is equal to or larger than the reference value, a signal for controlling the iris 503 in a closing direction is calculated. If the detected signal is smaller than the reference value, a signal for controlling the iris 503 to open is calculated (S202).
[0095]
Next, the state of the ND 510 is input to the iris control mode selection circuit 101 via the ND filter ON / OFF detection line 104 (S203). According to the information, the ND filter 502 is stable in the ON state, stable in the OFF state, shifting from the ON state to the OFF state, or shifting from the OFF state to the ON state. A change in the state of the ND filter 502, such as a fence, is detected (S204).
[0096]
If the ND filter 502 is stable in the ON state or stable in the OFF state, the process branches from S204 to NO to control the iris in the low-speed mode (S206). If the ND filter 502 has transitioned from the ON state to the OFF state, or has transitioned from the OFF state to the ON state, the process branches to YES to control the iris in the high-speed mode (S205). Then, a driver control signal of the iris 503 is output (S207).
[0097]
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. Parts corresponding to those in FIG. 21 are denoted by the same reference numerals 501 to 507, 509, and 510, and redundant description will be omitted.
[0098]
Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on portions different from FIG.
[0099]
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 516 denotes an AGC control signal operation circuit for calculating and generating an AGC control signal according to the luminance signal output from the luminance signal detection circuit 507, and 517 an AGC high-speed control mode unit for operating the AGC gain at high speed. Reference numeral 518 denotes an AGC low speed control mode unit for operating the AGC gain at a low speed, and 519 denotes an AGC control mode selection circuit for selecting one of the AGC high speed control mode unit 517 and the AGC low speed control mode unit 518.
[0100]
Next, the operation will be described.
[0101]
As a luminance signal used for controlling exposure, a luminance signal containing a high-frequency component in a video signal output from the CDS / AGC circuit 505 is used. This luminance signal is detected by the luminance signal detection circuit 507 and sent to the AGC control signal operation circuit 516. The AGC control signal calculation circuit 516 calculates the AGC control signal by comparing it with a predetermined reference value (appropriate exposure level) so that the detected luminance signal is always constant. At this time, two types of control signals are generated: a control signal for operating the AGC gain at high speed and a control signal for operating the AGC gain at low speed.
[0102]
The responsiveness (the amount of change in exposure per unit time) when controlling the exposure with the AGC gain is basically always set to a constant value. In a normal case, a control signal for operating the AGC gain at a low speed is used. Used.
[0103]
On the other hand, when the user changes the state of taking in and out the ND filter 502 by changing the ND switching lever 510 from ON to OFF or from OFF to ON, the amount of transmitted light greatly changes and is input to the image sensor 504. As a result, a large change occurs in the video signal, and as a result, a large luminance change occurs, and the exposure state is greatly disturbed.
[0104]
In this case, the AGC high-speed control mode unit 517 is selected by the control mode selection circuit 519, and the response for controlling the exposure by the AGC gain is made faster than usual (by increasing the amount of change in the exposure per unit time). , So as to minimize the time required for proper exposure.
[0105]
As for the effect of the above-described control, similarly to FIG. 5, the present embodiment has a shorter signal level change time and a smaller magnitude than the conventional example. That is, it can be seen that the AGC gain is operated at a high speed immediately after the ND filter 502 is switched, whereby the luminance change of the video signal is small and the exposure is quickly returned to the proper exposure.
[0106]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0107]
First, a luminance signal including a high-frequency component in the video signal output from the CDS / AGC circuit 505 is detected (S401). Next, the detected signal is compared with a predetermined reference value of an appropriate exposure. If the detected signal is equal to or larger than the reference value, a signal for controlling the AGC gain to be reduced is calculated. If the detected signal is smaller than the reference value, a signal for controlling the AGC gain to be increased is calculated (S402).
[0108]
Next, the state of the ND switching lever 510 is input to the AGC control mode selection circuit 519 via the ND filter ON / OFF detection line 504 (S403). According to the information, the ND filter 502 is stable in the ON state, stable in the OFF state, shifting from the ON state to the OFF state, or shifting from the OFF state to the ON state. A change in the state of the ND filter 502, such as a change, is detected (S404).
[0109]
If the ND filter 502 is stable in the ON state or stable in the OFF state, the process branches from S404 to NO to control the AGC in the low speed mode (S406). If the ND filter 502 has shifted from the ON state to the OFF state or has shifted from the OFF state to the ON state, the process branches to YES to control the AGC gain in the high-speed mode (S405). Then, an AGC gain control signal is output to the CDS / AGC circuit 505 (S407).
[0110]
According to the first and second embodiments, by controlling the iris control or the AGC operation at high speed in accordance with the switching of the ND filter, disturbance of exposure due to insertion and removal of the ND filter is reduced and appropriate Exposure can be restored, and the first problem described above can be solved.
[0111]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an interchangeable lens type imaging system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which has substantially the same configuration as that of the second conventional example.
[0112]
Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0113]
First, in the flowchart showing the processing of the lens microcomputer 111 in FIG. 6, a status is set as information indicating the amount of color shift due to the influence of the ND filter 102 (S701). This status differs depending on the ND filter 102 attached to each of the lens devices 113. The status is stored in the lens microcomputer 111 when the lens device 113 is adjusted.
[0114]
The content of the status is, for example, the burst amount from the center position of the vector scope, such as the RY color shift amount 1001 and the BY color shift amount 1002 shown in (2) of FIG. It is composed of ratios.
[0115]
Next, the lens microcomputer 111 detects the ON / OFF state of the ND switching lever 112 to determine whether the ND filter 102 is ON or OFF (S702). If the ND filter 102 is ON, the ND filter The status of ON is set (S704), and the status set in S701 and S704 is transmitted to the camera microcomputer 109 (S705).
[0116]
On the other hand, if the ND filter 102 is OFF, the status of the ND filter ON is cleared (S703), and the status set in S701 and S703 is transmitted to the camera microcomputer 109 (S705).
[0117]
Next, in the flowchart showing the processing of the camera microcomputer 109 in FIG. 7, the camera microcomputer 109 receives the status set in S701 and S704 or in S701 and S703 in FIG. 6 from the lens microcomputer 111 (S301). Then, the state of the WB mode selection switch 115 is read, and it is determined whether the WB mode is the 5600K mode (outdoor mode) (S302). If YES, an R gain and a B gain predetermined as the 5600K mode are generated (S303).
[0118]
Next, a status indicating that the ND filter 102 received in S301 is ON or OFF is determined (S305). When the ND filter 102 is OFF, the R gain and B gain generated in S303 are used as gain control signals. Then, the gain control signal output circuit 125 is controlled (S311).
[0119]
Also, when the ND filter 102 is ON, the offset amount is added to the R gain and the B gain generated in S303 from the status indicating the color shift amount received in S301, so that the color shift is eliminated as a result. An R gain and a B gain are newly generated (S308). Then, the generated R gain and B gain are output as gain control signals, and the gain control signal output circuit 125 is controlled (S311).
[0120]
If NO in S302, the state of the WB mode selection switch 115 is read to determine whether the WB mode is the 3200K mode (indoor mode) (S304). In the case of YES, an R gain and a B gain predetermined as the 3200K mode are generated (S306).
[0121]
Next, a status indicating that the ND filter 102 received in S301 is ON or OFF is determined (S309). When the ND filter 102 is OFF, the R gain and B gain generated in S306 are used as gain control signals. Then, the gain control signal output circuit 125 is controlled (S311).
[0122]
On the other hand, when the ND filter 102 is ON, the offset amount is added to the R gain and the B gain generated in S306 from the status indicating the color shift amount received in S301, so that the color shift is eliminated as a result. An R gain and a B gain are newly generated (S310). Then, the generated R gain and B gain are output as gain control signals, and the gain control signal output circuit 125 is controlled (S311).
[0123]
If NO in S304, it is determined that the state of the WB mode selection switch 115 is in the auto mode, and the R gain and the B gain are calculated (S307). Then, the R gain and the B gain generated in S307 are output as gain control signals, and the gain control signal output circuit 125 is controlled (S311).
[0124]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a lens-interchangeable imaging system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Parts corresponding to those in FIG.
[0125]
The following description focuses on the differences from FIG.
[0126]
8, reference numeral 401 denotes an ECD (electrochromic element), which is used instead of the ND filter 102 in FIG. Reference numeral 402 denotes a color temperature detection circuit for detecting a change in color temperature caused by a change in the density (transmittance) of the ECD 401 as needed, and 403 denotes a driver for changing the density of the ECD 401. Other parts are substantially the same as those in FIG.
[0127]
Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0128]
In the flowchart showing the processing of the lens icon 111 in FIG. 9, a status indicating the amount of color shift due to the influence of the ECD 401 is set (S501). This status indicates the amount of change in color temperature that occurs simultaneously with the change in the density of the ECD 401, and is detected by the color temperature change detection circuit 402.
[0129]
The content of the status is, for example, the burst amount from the center position of the vector scope, such as the RY color shift amount 1001 and the BY color shift amount 1002 shown in (2) of FIG. It is composed of ratios.
[0130]
Next, the status set in S501 is transmitted to the camera microcomputer 109 (S502).
[0131]
In the flowchart showing the processing of the camera microcomputer 109 in FIG. 10, the camera microcomputer 109 receives the status set in S501 from the lens microcomputer 111 (S601). Then, the state of the WB mode selection switch 115 is read to determine whether the WB mode is the 5600K mode (S602). In the case of YES, an R gain and a B gain predetermined as the 5600K mode are generated (S603).
[0132]
Next, an offset amount is added to the R gain and the B gain generated in S603 from the status indicating the color shift amount received in S601, and a new R gain and B gain are newly added so as to eliminate the color shift as a result. It is generated (S607). Then, the R gain and the B gain generated in S607 are output as gain control signals, and the gain control signal output circuit 125 is controlled (S609).
[0133]
If NO in S602, the state of the WB mode selection switch 115 is read to determine whether the WB mode is the 3200K mode (S604). In the case of YES, an R gain and a B gain predetermined as the 3200K mode are generated (S605).
[0134]
Next, an offset amount is added to the R gain and the B gain generated in S605 from the status indicating the amount of color shift received in S601, and a new R gain and B gain are newly added so as to eliminate color shift as a result. Is generated (S608). Then, the generated R gain and B gain are output as gain control signals, and the gain control signal output circuit 125 is controlled (S609).
[0135]
If NO in S604, it is determined that the state of the WB mode selection switch 115 is the auto mode, and the R gain and the B gain are calculated (S606). Then, the R gain and the B gain generated in S606 are output as gain control signals, and the gain control signal output circuit 125 is controlled (S609).
[0136]
According to the third and fourth embodiments, since the correction is performed in the WB mode according to the tint of the ND filter, the color reproducibility does not deteriorate even if the ND filter is used. Further, even in the case of the interchangeable lens type, information indicating the color of the ND filter is transmitted from the lens device side to the camera body, so that the camera body performs appropriate color correction regardless of the type of ND filter used. Thus, the second problem described above can be solved.
[0137]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an image pickup apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, parts corresponding to those in FIG. Description is omitted.
[0138]
In FIG. 11, 13 denotes an ND filter, 14 denotes an IG meter for controlling insertion of the ND filter 13, 15 denotes an ND drive circuit, 16 denotes a Hall element for detecting the position of the IG meter, 17 denotes an ND encoder, and 18 denotes an aperture switch. is there.
[0139]
As described above with reference to FIG. 27, the subject image projected by the photographing lens 1 is converted into an electric signal by the image pickup device 3, and this signal is converted into a CDS / AGC circuit 4, an A / D converter 5, a digital signal processing circuit 6, By being processed by the D / A converter 7 and the like, a video signal such as NTSC is output.
[0140]
The rotation position of the IG meter 9 that opens and closes the aperture blade 2 is detected by the Hall element 10, and the detection result is amplified and offset controlled by the iris encoder 11, and the data is taken into the microcomputer 8.
[0141]
The microcomputer 8 reads the information on the video signal level from the digital signal processing circuit 7 and the information on the open / closed state of the aperture blade 2 from the iris encoder 11. If the video signal level is too large, the microcomputer 8 reduces the signal. If it is too long, a control signal is generated so as to increase the value and output to the iris drive circuit 12. The iris drive circuit 12 drives the IG meter 9 according to the control signal.
[0142]
At this time, since the IG meter 9 itself is an inductance element, a time response delay occurs with respect to the applied voltage. In order to compensate for this delay, the rotation position of the IG meter 10 detected by the Hall element 11 is fed back to the iris drive circuit 12 via the iris encoder 11 to control the rotation speed.
[0143]
When the photographer determines that the ND filter 13 is necessary based on the brightness of the subject and operates the external ND switch 18, the microcomputer 8 operates as follows according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0144]
12, first, the operation of the ND switch 18 is detected by the microcomputer 8 (S101), and the microcomputer 8 sends a signal for driving to the ND drive circuit 15 (S102). The ND drive circuit 15 supplies a current to the IG meter 14, and the IG meter 14 inserts the ND filter 13 between the lens 1 and the diaphragm blade 2 by its rotation.
[0145]
The IG meter 14 that controls the insertion of the ND filter 13 has its rotational position magnetically detected by the Hall element 16 like the IG meter 9 that drives the diaphragm blade 2, and the ND encoder 17 amplifies the rotational position to an appropriate level. The offset is controlled and fed back to the ND drive circuit 15 to control the rotation speed. At the same time, the detection result of the rotational position is A / D converted by the microcomputer 8 via the ND encoder 17 and is taken in as data (S103).
[0146]
After the microcomputer 8 sends a drive signal to the ND drive circuit 15, the ND filter 13 starts to move, and the time until the ND filter 13 is completely placed on the optical path of the lens and the change in the amount of light during that time are determined by the constant of the ND drive circuit 15. And is uniquely determined by the characteristics of the IG meter 14 and the Hall element 16.
[0147]
FIG. 13 is a graph showing the change in the amount of light, and the relationship between the rotation angle of the IG meter 14 and the change in the amount of incident light from the lens 1 accompanying the insertion of the ND filter 13 due to the rotation of the IG meter 14. Things. This characteristic is stored in the microcomputer 8 as data.
[0148]
FIG. 14 shows the relationship between the rotation angle of the IG meter 9 and the change in the amount of incident light from the lens 1 with the rotation of the IG meter 9 driving the diaphragm blade 2. This characteristic is also stored in the microcomputer 8 as data.
[0149]
When the ND filter 13 is not turned on, the rotation angle of the IG meter 14 is 0 °, and the operation of the switch 18 causes the IG meter 14 to start rotating. With the rotation of the IG meter 14, the ND filter 13 starts to cover the optical path of the lens 1, and finally covers the whole.
[0150]
As shown in FIG. 13, when the light amount when the IG meter 14 starts to move is L0 and the light amount when the IG meter 14 is rotated by θ1 is L1, the change in the light amount is ΔL. The microcomputer 8 reads the result of detection of the rotation angle of the IG meter 14 by the Hall element 16 via the ND encoder 17, and similarly reads the rotation angle θ2 of the IG meter 9 at that time from the iris encoder 11 ( (S104), the rotation angle △ θ of the IG meter 9 is calculated from the data stored in advance so as to offset the light amount change △ L of the ND filter 13 at this time (S105).
[0151]
The microcomputer 9 rotates the IG meter 9 by △ θ via the iris drive circuit 12 based on the correction value to set it at the position of θ3 (S106), and responds to the light amount change △ L caused by the input of the ND filter 13. The correction is made by changing the aperture value from L2 to L3. These series of operations are repeated at regular time intervals until the ND filter 13 is completely turned on (S107).
[0152]
(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an image pickup apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The parts corresponding to those in FIG.
[0153]
15 is different from FIG. 11 in that the microcomputer 8 controls the gain of the CDS / AGC circuit 4.
[0154]
The process until the diaphragm mechanism including the diaphragm blade 2, the IG meter 9, and the Hall element 10 operates so that the brightness of the subject image projected on the image sensor 3 becomes constant is the same as that of the fifth embodiment. is there.
[0155]
When the photographer determines that the ND filter 13 is necessary from the brightness of the subject and operates the external ND switch 18, the microcomputer 8 operates as follows according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0156]
In FIG. 16, the operation of the ND switch 18 is detected by the microcomputer 8 (S111), and the microcomputer 8 sends a signal for driving to the ND drive circuit 15 (S112).
[0157]
The ND drive circuit 15 supplies a current to the IG meter 14, and the IG meter 14 inserts the ND filter 13 between the lens 1 and the diaphragm blade 2 by the rotation thereof. The rotation speed of the IG meter 14 that controls the insertion of the ND filter 13 is controlled by an ND encoder 17 as in the fifth embodiment, and the detection result of the rotation position is A / D converted by the microcomputer 8. Is taken in as data (S113).
[0158]
The ND switch 18 is operated and the ND filter 13 starts to move, and the characteristic of the light amount change until the ND filter 13 is completely put on the optical path of the lens is stored as data in the microcomputer 8 as in the fifth embodiment. Have been.
[0159]
In FIG. 13, when the light amount when the IG meter 14 starts to move is L0 and the light amount when the IG meter 14 is rotated by θ1 is L1, the amount of change in the light amount is ΔL. The microcomputer 8 reads the result of detection of the rotation angle of the IG meter 14 by the Hall element 16 via the ND encoder 17, and calculates the gain of the CDS / AGC circuit 4 for canceling the light amount change ΔL (S114). ).
[0160]
The microcomputer 9 controls the gain of the CDS / AGC circuit 4 based on the correction value (S115), and compensates for the change in light amount caused by the ND filter 13 by changing the AGC gain. These series of operations are repeated at regular time intervals until the ND filter 13 is completely turned on (S116).
[0161]
According to the fifth and sixth embodiments, the fluctuation of the video signal is minimized. Therefore, when the ND filter described in the third conventional example of FIG. Can be solved.
[0162]
(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 11 denote the same parts in FIGS.
[0163]
FIG. 17 shows a configuration in which the ND switch 18 in FIG. 11 is omitted.
[0164]
Next, the operation will be described.
[0165]
As described above, the subject image projected by the photographing lens 1 is photoelectrically converted by the image pickup device 3 and then output as a video signal of NTSC or the like from the D / A converter 7 and the IG meter for opening and closing the aperture blade 2. The rotation position of 9 is detected by the Hall element 10, and the detection result is taken into the microcomputer 8 as data via the iris encoder 11.
[0166]
In the above-described process, the microcomputer 8 reads the information on the video signal level and the information on the open / closed state of the aperture blade 2, calculates a control signal according to the video signal level, and the iris drive circuit 12 controls the IG meter 9 according to the control signal. Drive. At this time, since the IG meter 9 is an inductance element, a time response delay occurs with respect to the applied voltage, so that the rotational position of the IG meter 9 detected by the Hall element 10 is converted via the iris encoder 11 into an iris drive circuit. 12 to control the rotation speed.
[0167]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the program contents of the microcomputer 8 according to the present embodiment.
[0168]
The microcomputer 8 periodically reads the opening state of the aperture blade 2 using the Hall element 10 and the iris encoder 11 (S11). However, the brightness of the subject becomes extremely bright without the ND filter 13, and the aperture stop is stopped. When the opening diameter of the blade 2 is reduced to some extent (S12, S13), the microcomputer 8 supplies a drive signal to the ND drive circuit 15, and the ND drive circuit 15 supplies a current to the IG meter 14, and the IG meter 14 rotates the ND filter by the rotation thereof. 13 is inserted between the lens 1 and the diaphragm blade 2 (S14).
[0169]
The IG meter 14 that controls the insertion of the ND filter 13 has its rotational position magnetically detected by the Hall element 16 like the IG meter 9 that drives the diaphragm blade 2, and the ND encoder 17 amplifies the rotational position to an appropriate level. The offset is controlled and fed back to the ND drive circuit 15 to control the rotation speed. At the same time, the detection result of the rotational position is A / D converted by the microcomputer 8 via the ND encoder 17 and is taken in as data.
[0170]
The time from when the ND filter 13 starts to move until it is completely thrown into the optical path of the lens and the change in the amount of light during that time are uniquely determined by the constant of the ND drive circuit and the characteristics of the IG meter 14 and the Hall element 16. It is.
[0171]
FIG. 13 shows this change in the amount of light, and shows the relationship between the rotation angle of the IG meter 14 and the change in the amount of light incident from the lens 1 due to the insertion of the ND filter 13 due to the rotation of the IG meter 14. It is. This characteristic is stored in the microcomputer 8 as data.
[0172]
FIG. 14 shows the relationship between the rotation angle of the IG meter 9 and the change in the amount of incident light from the lens 1 with the rotation of the IG meter 9 driving the diaphragm blade 2. This characteristic is also stored in the microcomputer 8 as data.
[0173]
When the ND filter 13 is not turned on, the rotation angle of the IG meter 14 is 0 °, and when the IG meter 14 starts rotating, the ND filter 13 starts covering the optical path of the lens 1 and finally covers the whole. become.
[0174]
As shown in FIG. 13, when the light amount when the IG meter 14 starts to move is L0 and the light amount when the IG meter 14 is rotated by θ1 is L1, the change in the light amount is ΔL. The microcomputer 8 reads the result of detection of the rotation angle of the IG meter 14 by the Hall element 16 via the ND encoder 17, and similarly reads the rotation angle θ2 of the IG meter 9 from the iris encoder 11 at that time. From the data stored in advance, the rotation angle △ θ of the IG meter 9 is calculated so as to cancel the light amount change △ L of the ND filter 13 at this time.
[0175]
Based on the correction value, the microcomputer 8 rotates the IG meter 9 by △ θ via the iris drive circuit 12 and corrects the change in the amount of light due to the input of the ND filter 13 by changing the aperture value. These series of operations are repeated at regular time intervals until the ND filter 13 is completely turned on (S15 to S19).
[0176]
On the other hand, when the microcomputer 8 determines that the brightness of the subject becomes dark, the aperture diameter of the aperture blade 2 becomes large to some extent, and the ND filter 13 is unnecessary, a signal for canceling the ND is given to the ND drive circuit 15. , The ND drive circuit 15 reduces the current of the IG meter 14, the IG meter 14 returns to its rotation, and the ND filter 13 is removed from between the lens 1 and the diaphragm blade 2 (S20, S21).
[0177]
The time from when the ND filter 13 starts to escape and when the ND filter 13 completely escapes from the optical path of the lens 1 and the change in the amount of light during that time are the same as the time when the ND filter is turned on. It is uniquely determined by the characteristic, and the characteristic shown in FIG. 13 is applied as it is. That is, the trajectory from NDON to OFF is reversed.
[0178]
When the ND filter 13 is completely turned on, the rotation angle of the IG meter 14 is θ0N, and when the IG meter 14 starts to rotate in the reverse direction to the turning on state, the ND filter 13 starts to fall out of the optical path of the lens 1. Finally, completely escape.
[0179]
The microcomputer 8 calculates the rotation angle of the IG meter 9 to cancel the change in the amount of light according to the movement of the IG meter 14 in the same manner as when the ND filter is turned on, and controls the iris drive circuit 12 based on the correction value. The IG meter 9 is rotated by the correction amount via the ND filter 13, and a change in the amount of light due to the ND filter 13 being removed is corrected by changing the aperture value. These series of operations are repeated at regular time intervals until the ND filter 13 is completely removed from the optical path (S22 to S26).
[0180]
(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an imaging apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 17 denote the same parts in FIGS.
[0181]
In FIG. 19, the microcomputer 8 controls the gain of the CDS / AGC circuit 4.
[0182]
The process until the diaphragm mechanism including the diaphragm blade 2, the IG meter 9, and the Hall element 10 operates so that the brightness of the subject image projected on the image sensor 3 becomes constant is the same as that of the seventh embodiment. is there.
[0183]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the program contents of microcomputer 8 according to the present embodiment.
[0184]
The microcomputer 8 periodically reads the opening state of the aperture blade 2 using the Hall element 10 and the iris encoder 11 (S31). When the aperture diameter of the blade 2 is reduced to some extent, the microcomputer 8 supplies a drive signal to the ND drive circuit 15 (S32 to S34), and the ND drive circuit 15 supplies a current to the IG meter 14, and the IG meter 14 rotates the ND filter by its rotation. 13 is inserted between the lens 1 and the diaphragm blade 2.
[0185]
The IG meter 14 that controls the insertion of the ND filter 13 is controlled in its rotational speed by an ND encoder 17 as in the first embodiment, and the detection result of the rotational position is A / D converted by the microcomputer 8. Captured as data.
[0186]
The characteristics of the light amount change from when the ND filter 13 starts to move until the ND filter 13 completely enters the optical path of the lens are stored as data in the microcomputer 8 as in the seventh embodiment. The microcomputer 8 reads the result of detecting the rotation angle of the IG meter 14 by the Hall element 16 via the ND encoder 17 and calculates the gain of the CDS / AGC circuit 4 for canceling the light amount change ΔL in FIG. I do.
[0187]
The microcomputer 9 controls the gain of the CDS / AGC circuit 4 based on the correction value, and compensates for the change in the amount of light generated by the ND filter 13 by changing the gain. These series of operations are repeated at regular time intervals until the ND filter 13 is completely turned on (S35 to S39).
[0188]
On the other hand, when the microcomputer 8 determines that the brightness of the subject becomes dark, the aperture diameter of the aperture blade 2 becomes large to some extent, and the ND filter 13 is unnecessary, a signal for canceling the ND is given to the ND drive circuit 15. (S40, S41), the ND drive circuit 15 reduces the current of the IG meter 14, the IG meter 14 returns to its rotation, and the ND filter 13 moves out of the gap between the lens 1 and the aperture blade 2.
[0189]
The time from when the ND filter 13 starts to escape and when the ND filter 13 completely escapes on the optical path of the lens, and the change in the amount of light during that time, are the same as when the ND filter is turned on. Thus, the characteristic shown in FIG. 13 is applied as it is. That is, this time, on the contrary, the locus changes from NDON to OFF.
[0190]
When the ND filter 13 is completely turned on, the rotation angle of the IG meter 14 is θ0N, and when the IG meter 14 starts to rotate in the reverse direction to the turning on state, the ND filter 13 starts to fall out of the optical path of the lens 1. Finally, completely escape. The microcomputer 8 calculates the gain of the CDS / AGC circuit 4 so as to cancel out the change in the amount of light according to the movement of the IG meter 14, as in the case of turning on the IG meter.
[0191]
The microcomputer 8 controls the gain of the CDS / AGC circuit 4 based on the correction value, and compensates for the change in the amount of light generated by the ND filter 13 by changing the AGC gain. These series of operations are repeated at regular time intervals until the ND filter 13 is completely removed from the optical path (S42 to S46).
[0192]
According to the seventh and eighth embodiments, the ND filter can be automatically put in and taken out according to the brightness of the subject, that is, the aperture value. There is no need to operate a lever, aperture switch, or the like, and the third problem described above can be solved.
[0193]
In addition, when the ND filter is automatically taken in and out, by controlling the aperture and the AGC in advance, the fluctuation of the video signal can be minimized.
[0194]
(Ninth embodiment)
Next, a storage medium according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0195]
The systems shown in the drawings according to the first to eighth embodiments described above can be configured by hardware, but can also be configured by a computer system using a camera microcomputer or a lens microcomputer having a CPU and a memory. it can. When configured with a computer system, the memory in each microcomputer forms a storage medium according to the present invention. The storage medium stores programs for executing the operations and processes described in the above embodiments and the flowcharts of the respective drawings.
[0196]
The storage medium may be a semiconductor memory such as a ROM or a RAM, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic storage medium, or the like, and may be a CD-ROM, an FD, a magnetic card, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like. And may be used.
[0197]
Therefore, the storage medium may be used in another system or apparatus other than the system according to each embodiment, and the system or the computer may read out and execute the program code stored in the storage medium to execute each of the above embodiments. The same functions as those described above can be realized, and the same effects can be obtained, thereby achieving the object of the present invention.
[0198]
Also, when the OS or the like running on the computer performs a part or all of the processing, or when the program code read from the storage medium is used for an extended function board inserted into the computer or an extended function connected to the computer. After being written into the memory provided in the unit, based on the instruction of the program code, even when the CPU or the like provided in the extended function board or the extended function unit performs a part or all of the processing, the above-described embodiments are also applicable. The same function can be realized, the same effect can be obtained, and the object of the present invention can be achieved.
[0199]
The above is an explanation of the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments, and is not limited to the claims or the configurations that can achieve the functions of the configurations of the embodiments. Anything can be applied.
[0200]
For example, the software configuration and the hardware configuration of the above embodiment can be appropriately replaced.
[0201]
In addition, the present invention may combine each of the above-described embodiments or their technical elements as needed.
[0202]
In addition, the present invention may be applied to a case where all or a part of the configuration of the claims or the embodiment forms one device or is combined with another device. , Which may be a constituent element of the device.
[0203]
In addition, the present invention is an electronic camera such as a video camera capable of shooting a moving image or a still image, a silver halide camera using a film, a single-lens reflex camera, a lens shutter camera, a surveillance camera, and various other types of cameras. Is an imaging device other than a camera, an image reading device, an optical device, and other devices, and further, a camera, an imaging device, an image reading device, an optical device, a device applied to other devices, and these devices. The present invention can also be applied to constituent elements, a control method for these devices, and a medium such as a storage medium that provides a control program therefor.
[0204]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the operation state of the ND filter for dimming the subject light is switched, the imaging device that can make the fluctuation of the subject light accordingly appropriate, The present invention can provide a lens device, an iris control device, a gain control device, an ND filter control device, a control method thereof, and a medium for providing a control program thereof.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing the effect of the first and second embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a lens microcomputer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the camera microcomputer according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an interchangeable lens type imaging system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a lens microcomputer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a camera microcomputer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an imaging device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the microcomputer according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a characteristic diagram illustrating a relationship between a rotation angle of an IG meter that drives an ND filter and a change in light amount.
FIG. 14 is a characteristic diagram illustrating a relationship between a rotation angle of an IG meter that drives the aperture blade and a change in light amount.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an imaging device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation of the microcomputer according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an imaging device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation of the microcomputer according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an imaging device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an operation of the microcomputer according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an imaging device according to a first conventional example.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an operation according to the first conventional example.
FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a lens-interchangeable imaging system according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a second conventional example.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the lens microcomputer according to the second conventional example.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera microcomputer according to the second conventional example.
FIG. 26 is a characteristic diagram showing a vector scope for explaining the influence of the ND filter.
FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing an imaging device according to a third conventional example.
FIG. 28 is a configuration diagram showing an example of mounting a diaphragm blade and an ND filter according to a third conventional example, and a change due to opening and closing thereof.
[Explanation of symbols]
502 ND filter
503 Iris
504 ND filter ON / OFF detection line
505 CDS / AGC circuit
507 Luminance signal detection circuit
510 ND switching lever
511 Iris control signal operation circuit
512 Iris high-speed control mode section
513 Iris low-speed control mode section
516 AGC control signal operation circuit
517 AGC high-speed control mode section
518 AGC low speed control mode section
519 Iris control in control mode
102 ND filter
103 Iris
104 CCD
105 CDS / AGC circuit
107 Camera signal processing circuit
109 Camera microcomputer
110 communication line
111 lens microcomputer
112 ND switching lever
113 Lens device
114 Camera body
115 WB mode selection switch
120 Luminance / chrominance signal generation circuit
121, 122 gain control circuit
123 color difference signal generation circuit
124 encoder
125 Gain control signal output circuit
401 ECD (Electrochromic element)
402 Color temperature change detection circuit
403 driver
1001 RY5 color shift due to WB5600K mode ND filter ON
1002 WB5600K mode deviation amount of BY color by ND filter ON
1003 WB3 200K mode R-Y color shift due to ND filter ON
1004 WB3200K mode deviation amount of BY color by ND filter ON
1 lens
2 Aperture blade
4 CDS / AGC circuit
6. Digital signal processing circuit
8 Microcomputer
9 IG meter
10 Hall element
11 Iris encoder
12 Iris drive circuit
13 ND filter
14 IG meter
15 ND drive circuit
16 Hall element
17 ND encoder
18 Aperture switch

Claims (87)

An ND filter provided to reduce the amount of light transmitted through the imaging optical system and to be able to enter and exit the optical path of the imaging optical system;
First switching means for switching the ND filter into and out of the optical path;
Iris means for controlling the amount of transmitted light,
Imaging means for photoelectrically converting the transmitted light controlled by the iris means and outputting an image signal,
Detecting means for detecting a luminance signal from the image signal;
High-speed control means for controlling the iris means at high speed based on the detected luminance signal,
Low-speed control means for controlling the iris means at a low speed based on the detected luminance signal,
An imaging apparatus comprising: a second switching unit that switches between the high-speed control unit and the low-speed control unit in accordance with switching of the first switching unit. An ND filter provided to reduce the amount of light transmitted through the imaging optical system and to be able to enter and exit the optical path of the imaging optical system;
First switching means for switching the ND filter into and out of the optical path;
Imaging means for photoelectrically converting the transmitted light to output an image signal;
Detecting means for detecting a luminance signal from the image signal;
High-speed control means for controlling the gain of the image signal at high speed based on the detected luminance signal,
Low-speed control means for controlling the gain of the image signal at a low speed based on the detected luminance signal,
An imaging apparatus comprising: a second switching unit that switches between the high-speed control unit and the low-speed control unit in accordance with switching of the first switching unit. 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second switching unit switches to the high-speed control unit immediately after the switching operation by the first switching unit. Lens and
An ND filter arranged in the optical path of the lens for reducing the amount of light;
A lens unit provided with communication means for transmitting information indicating the amount of coloring of the ND filter to an imaging device. 5. The lens apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising switching means for moving the ND filter in and out of the optical path, and wherein the communication means transmits information on the movement of the ND filter. 5. The lens device according to claim 4, wherein said ND filter is variable in density, and provided with density control means for controlling said density. The lens device according to claim 4, wherein the ND filter is an electrochromic element. Imaging means for photoelectrically converting an optical image of a subject obtained from the lens device and outputting an image signal;
Communication means for receiving information indicating the amount of coloring of the ND filter from the lens device;
An image pickup apparatus, comprising: a correction unit configured to correct a white balance of the image signal based on the received information indicating the coloring amount of the ND filter. A lens device having a lens for obtaining an optical image of a subject, an ND filter arranged in an optical path of the lens for reducing the amount of light, and a communication unit for transmitting information indicating the amount of coloring of the ND filter;
An imaging unit that photoelectrically converts the optical image of the subject to output an image signal; a communication unit that receives information indicating the amount of coloring of the ND filter; An imaging apparatus comprising: a correction unit configured to correct a white balance of an image signal. A lens for obtaining an optical image of the subject,
An ND filter provided to reduce the amount of light transmitted through the lens and to be able to enter and exit the optical path of the lens;
Switching means for switching the ND filter into and out of the optical path;
Diaphragm means for controlling the amount of transmitted light;
Imaging means for photoelectrically converting the transmitted light controlled by the aperture means and outputting an image signal,
Gain control means for controlling the gain of the image signal,
The aperture amount of the aperture means is controlled so that the level of the gain-controlled image signal is constant, and when the ND filter is inserted in the optical path, the transmitted light to the imaging means is predicted. An imaging apparatus, further comprising: aperture control means for controlling the aperture amount of the aperture means in advance according to a change in light amount. The gain control means controls a gain of the image signal according to a predicted light quantity change of the transmitted light to the imaging means when the ND filter is put in the optical path. Item 11. The imaging device according to Item 10. A lens for obtaining an optical image of the subject,
An ND filter provided to reduce the amount of light transmitted through the lens and to be able to enter and exit the optical path of the lens;
Diaphragm means for controlling the amount of transmitted light;
Imaging means for photoelectrically converting the transmitted light controlled by the aperture means and outputting an image signal,
Gain control means for controlling the gain of the image signal,
Aperture control means for controlling the aperture amount of the aperture means so that the level of the gain-controlled image signal is constant;
An ND filter control means for controlling the ND filter to enter and exit the optical path according to the controlled aperture amount. The aperture control means controls the aperture amount of the aperture means in advance in accordance with a predicted light amount change amount of the transmitted light to the imaging means due to the insertion and removal of the ND filter into and from the optical path. The imaging device according to claim 12. The gain control means controls a gain of the image signal in accordance with a predicted light quantity change of the transmitted light to the imaging means when the ND filter is put in and out of the optical path. Item 14. The imaging device according to Item 13. A first switching process for reducing the amount of light transmitted through the imaging optical system and switching the ND filter provided so as to be able to enter and exit the optical path of the imaging optical system into and out of the optical path;
Iris processing for controlling the amount of transmitted light by iris means,
An imaging process of photoelectrically converting the transmitted light controlled by the iris process and outputting an image signal;
Detection processing for detecting a luminance signal from the image signal;
High-speed control processing for controlling the iris means at high speed based on the detected luminance signal;
A low-speed control process for controlling the iris means at a low speed based on the detected luminance signal;
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a second switching process for switching between the high-speed control process and the low-speed control process in accordance with the switching by the first switching process. A first switching process for reducing the amount of light transmitted through the imaging optical system and switching the ND filter provided so as to be able to enter and exit the optical path of the imaging optical system into and out of the optical path;
An imaging process of photoelectrically converting the transmitted light to output an image signal;
Detection processing for detecting a luminance signal from the image signal;
High-speed control processing for controlling the gain of the image signal at high speed based on the detected luminance signal;
A low-speed control process for controlling the gain of the image signal at a low speed based on the detected luminance signal;
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a second switching process for switching between the high-speed control process and the low-speed control process in accordance with the switching by the first switching process. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a communication process for transmitting information indicating a colored amount of an ND filter arranged in an optical path of a lens to reduce a light amount to an imaging device. An imaging process of photoelectrically converting an optical image of a subject obtained from a lens device and outputting an image signal;
A communication process for receiving information indicating the amount of coloring of the ND filter from the lens device;
A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a correction process for correcting the white balance of the image signal based on the received information indicating the coloration amount of the ND filter. A switching process for reducing the amount of light transmitted through the lens and switching the ND filter provided so as to be able to be taken in and out of the optical path of the lens into and out of the optical path;
Aperture processing for controlling the amount of transmitted light by aperture means;
An imaging process of photoelectrically converting the transmitted light controlled by the aperture process and outputting an image signal;
Gain control processing for controlling the gain of the image signal;
The aperture amount of the aperture means is controlled so that the level of the gain-controlled image signal is constant, and when the ND filter is inserted in the optical path, the aperture amount is adjusted according to the predicted light amount change of the transmitted light. And a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a diaphragm control process for controlling a diaphragm amount of the diaphragm means in advance. Diaphragm processing for controlling the amount of light transmitted through the lens by diaphragm means;
An imaging process of photoelectrically converting the transmitted light controlled by the aperture process and outputting an image signal;
Gain control processing for controlling the gain of the image signal;
Aperture control processing for controlling the aperture amount of the aperture means so that the level of the gain-controlled image signal is constant;
A computer-readable program storing a program for executing an ND filter control process for controlling an ND filter provided so as to be able to be moved in and out of the optical path of the lens in accordance with the controlled aperture amount; Storage media. An ND filter for dimming subject light that can enter and exit the subject optical path; an iris for adjusting the amount of subject light; and operating the iris at a first speed and a second speed higher than the first speed. And an control device for switching between the first speed and the second speed in response to the ND filter entering and exiting the optical path. 22. The imaging apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the control unit switches the first speed to the second speed in response to putting the ND filter into and out of the optical path. Control means for operating the iris for adjusting the amount of light of the subject at a first speed and a second speed higher than the first speed, and responding to an ND filter for reducing the amount of subject light entering and exiting the subject optical path; An iris control device comprising switching means for switching between the first speed and the second speed. 24. The iris control device according to claim 23, wherein the switching unit switches the first speed to the second speed in response to moving the ND filter into and out of the optical path. An ND filter for dimming subject light that can enter and exit the subject optical path; imaging means for converting the subject light into an image signal; and a gain for the image signal at a first speed and a speed higher than the first speed. An imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls at a second speed and that switches between the first speed and the second speed in response to the ND filter entering and exiting the optical path. 26. The imaging apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the control unit switches the first speed to the second speed in response to putting the ND filter into and out of the optical path. Control means for controlling a gain of an image signal obtained from an imaging means for converting subject light into an image signal at a first speed and a second speed higher than the first speed; and A gain control device comprising: switching means for switching between the first speed and the second speed in response to the ND filter entering or exiting the subject optical path. 28. The gain control device according to claim 27, wherein the switching unit switches the first speed to the second speed in response to putting the ND filter into and out of the optical path. A lens device mounted on an imaging device, comprising: an ND filter for dimming subject light; and transmission means for transmitting information indicating an amount of color shift by the ND filter to the imaging device. apparatus. 30. The lens device according to claim 29, wherein the ND filter is capable of moving in and out of a subject optical path, and the transmitting unit transmits information relating to moving the ND filter in and out of the optical path to the imaging device. 30. The lens device according to claim 29, wherein the ND filter is variable in transmittance, and the transmitting unit transmits information on the transmittance of the ND filter to the imaging device. 32. The lens device according to claim 31, wherein the transmittance of the ND filter changes depending on a density. 33. The lens device according to claim 31, wherein the ND filter includes an electrochromic element. The lens device according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the lens device is detachable from the imaging device. In an imaging apparatus equipped with a lens device having an ND filter for reducing subject light, a receiving unit that receives information indicating a color shift amount due to the ND filter from the lens device; and An image pickup apparatus comprising: a correction unit configured to correct a white balance of an image captured through the lens device based on information indicating a color shift amount by an ND filter. 36. The imaging device according to claim 35, further comprising an imaging unit configured to convert an optical image captured via the lens device into an image signal, wherein the correction device corrects the image signal. A lens device having: an ND filter for reducing subject light; and a transmission unit configured to transmit information indicating an amount of color shift caused by the ND filter;
Receiving means for receiving information indicating the amount of color misregistration by the ND filter from the lens device; and An imaging device having a correction unit for correcting white balance,
An imaging system comprising: An ND filter for dimming the subject light, an iris for adjusting the subject light amount, and control means for judging an operation state of the ND filter and controlling an operation of the iris according to the judgment result. Characteristic iris control device. 39. The iris control device according to claim 38, wherein the control unit determines an operation state of the ND filter based on an operation position of the ND filter. 40. The iris control device according to claim 38, wherein the control unit controls an operation of the iris so that a change in a subject light amount due to the ND filter is canceled by the iris. The iris control device according to claim 38, wherein the iris control device is provided in an imaging device. Determining means for determining an operation state of an ND filter for dimming subject light; and control means for controlling an operation of an iris for adjusting a subject light amount according to a result of the determination by the determining means. Iris control device. 43. The iris control device according to claim 42, wherein the determination unit determines an operation state of the ND filter based on an operation position of the ND filter. 44. The iris control device according to claim 42, wherein the control unit controls an operation of the iris such that a change in a light amount of the subject due to the ND filter is canceled by the iris. The iris control device according to any one of claims 32 to 44, wherein the subject light amount control device is provided in an imaging device. An ND filter for reducing the subject light, a light receiving unit for receiving the subject light, a control unit for determining an operation state of the ND filter, and controlling an output gain of the light receiving unit in accordance with the determination result; A gain control device comprising: 47. The gain control device according to claim 46, wherein the control unit determines an operation state of the ND filter based on an operation position of the ND filter. 48. The gain control according to claim 46, wherein the control means controls a gain of an output of the light receiving means so that a change in a light amount of the subject due to the ND filter is canceled by a gain of an output of the light receiving means. apparatus. 49. The gain control device according to claim 46, wherein the gain control device is provided in an imaging device. Determining means for determining an operation state of an ND filter for dimming subject light; and control means for controlling a gain of an output of a light receiving means for receiving a subject in accordance with a result of the determination by the determining means. Gain control device. The gain control device according to claim 50, wherein the control unit determines an operation state of the ND filter based on an operation position of the ND filter. 52. The gain control according to claim 50, wherein the control unit controls the gain of the output of the light receiving unit so that a change in the amount of light of the subject due to the ND filter is canceled by the gain of the output of the light receiving unit. apparatus. 53. The gain control device according to claim 50, wherein the gain control device is provided in an imaging device. An iris for adjusting the amount of light of a subject, an ND filter operable independently of the iris for dimming incident light, and an operation state of the iris is determined, and the operation of the ND filter is determined according to the determination result. ND filter control device comprising: control means for controlling the ND filter. 55. The ND filter control device according to claim 54, wherein the control unit determines an operation state of the iris based on an operation position of the iris. 56. The ND filter control device according to claim 54, wherein the control means activates the ND filter in response to determining that the iris is reduced to a predetermined aperture. The ND filter control device according to any one of claims 54 to 56, wherein the control unit disables the ND filter in response to determining that the iris increases to a predetermined aperture. . The ND filter control device according to any one of claims 54 to 57, wherein the ND filter control device is provided in an imaging device. Determining means for determining an operation state of an iris for adjusting a light amount of a subject, and controlling an ND filter operable independently of the iris for dimming the subject light in accordance with a determination result of the determining means Means for controlling an ND filter. The ND filter control device according to claim 59, wherein the control unit determines an operation state of the iris based on an operation position of the iris. 61. The ND filter control device according to claim 59, wherein the control unit activates the ND filter in response to determining that the iris is reduced to a predetermined aperture. 62. The ND filter control device according to claim 59, wherein the control unit disables the ND filter in response to determining that the iris increases to a predetermined aperture. 63. The ND filter control device according to claim 59, wherein the ND filter control device is provided in an imaging device. The iris for adjusting the amount of light of the subject is operated at a first speed and a second speed higher than the first speed, and in response to the ND filter for reducing the amount of subject light entering and exiting the subject optical path. An iris control method, wherein switching between the first speed and the second speed is performed. An ND filter for controlling the gain of an image signal obtained by an imaging unit that converts the subject light into an image signal at a first speed and a second speed higher than the first speed, and for reducing the subject light. And switching between the first speed and the second speed in response to the moving in and out of the subject optical path. A lens having an ND filter for attenuating subject light and controlling a lens device mounted on an imaging device, wherein information indicating a color shift amount due to the ND filter is transmitted to the imaging device. How to control the device. In a control method of an imaging device equipped with a lens device having an ND filter for reducing subject light, information indicating a color shift amount by the ND filter is received from the lens device, and the received color by the ND filter is received. A method for controlling an imaging device, comprising: correcting a white balance of an image captured via the lens device based on information indicating a shift amount. In a control method for an imaging system including a lens device having an ND filter for reducing subject light and an imaging device to which the lens device is attached, information indicating a color shift amount by the ND filter from the lens device side Is transmitted to the imaging device side, and the transmitted information indicating the color shift amount due to the ND filter is received by the imaging device side, and the lens is set based on the received information indicating the color shift amount due to the ND filter. A method for controlling an imaging system, comprising: correcting a white balance of an image captured via an apparatus. An iris control method comprising: determining an operation state of an ND filter for dimming subject light; and controlling an operation of an iris for adjusting a subject light amount according to a result of the determination. A gain control method comprising: determining an operation state of an ND filter for reducing subject light, and controlling a gain of an output of a light receiving unit that receives the subject light according to the determination result. Determining an operation state of an iris for adjusting a light amount of a subject, and controlling an operation of an ND filter operable independently of the iris for dimming the subject light in accordance with a result of the determination; ND filter control method. The iris for adjusting the amount of light of the subject is operated at a first speed and a second speed higher than the first speed, and in response to the ND filter for reducing the amount of subject light entering and exiting the subject optical path. A medium for providing an iris control program, having a content for switching between the first speed and the second speed. The medium for providing an iris control program according to claim 73, wherein the medium for providing the iris control program is a storage medium. An ND filter for controlling the gain of an image signal obtained by an imaging means for converting subject light into an image signal at a first speed and a second speed higher than the first speed, and for reducing the subject light A medium for providing a gain control program, characterized in that the medium has a content of switching between the first speed and the second speed in response to the moving in and out of the subject optical path. The medium for providing a gain control program according to claim 74, wherein the medium for providing the gain control program is a storage medium. A medium having an ND filter for dimming subject light and providing a control program for a lens device mounted on the imaging device, wherein information indicating the amount of color shift by the ND filter is transmitted to the imaging device. A medium for providing a control program for a lens device, comprising: The medium for providing a control program for a lens device according to claim 76, wherein the medium for providing the control program for the lens device is a storage medium. In a medium for providing a control program of an imaging device equipped with a lens device having an ND filter for dimming subject light, information indicating a color shift amount by the ND filter is received from the lens device, and the received A medium for providing a control program for an imaging device, the content having a content for correcting a white balance of an image captured via the lens device based on information indicating a color shift amount by an ND filter. The medium for providing a control program for an imaging device according to claim 78, wherein the medium for providing the control program for the imaging device is a storage medium. In a medium for providing a control program for an imaging system including a lens device having an ND filter for reducing object light and an imaging device to which the lens device is attached, a color shift by the ND filter from the lens device side is provided. The information indicating the amount is transmitted to the imaging device side, and the information indicating the transmitted color shift amount by the ND filter is received by the imaging device side, and the received information indicating the color shift amount by the ND filter is added to A medium for providing a control program for an imaging system, the content having a content for correcting a white balance of an image captured via the lens device based on the information. The medium for providing a control program for an imaging system according to claim 80, wherein the medium for providing the control program for the imaging system is a storage medium. A medium for providing an iris control program having a content for determining an operation state of an ND filter for dimming subject light and controlling an operation of an iris for adjusting a subject light amount according to the determination result . The medium for providing an iris control program according to claim 82, wherein the medium for providing the iris control program is a storage medium. A gain control program for determining an operation state of an ND filter for dimming subject light and controlling a gain of an output of a light receiving unit for receiving the subject light in accordance with the determination result; The medium to provide. The medium for providing a gain control program according to claim 84, wherein the medium for providing the gain control program is a storage medium. Determining an operation state of an iris for adjusting a light amount of a subject, and controlling an operation of an ND filter operable independently of the iris for dimming the subject light in accordance with a result of the determination; A medium for providing an ND filter control program. 89. The medium for providing an ND filter control program according to claim 86, wherein the medium for providing the ND filter control program is a storage medium.

Images