Abstract:
There are provided an optical apparatus and a camera system in which preset image-taking is possible without performing focusing adjustment for objects, even during image-taking of the objects at different distances by using a preset function. In the optical apparatus comprising a storage section which stores preset information, a preset control section which performs preset operation by using the preset information, a focusing control section which controls focusing operation, and a controller which controls the preset operation by preset control section and the focusing operation by the focus control section.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to an optical apparatus (lens apparatus) and a camera system used in television cameras or video cameras or the like, and more particularly, to an optical apparatus and a camera system having a zoom lens system etc. which are used in an ENC camera etc.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     As image-taking apparatuses using a television camera or a video camera, products which can provide various image-taking methods for storing arbitrarily zoom positions or speeds in memory and also for reproducing them have been sold and used by user. In order to realize such image-taking methods easily and precisely, and to further make them compact, there have been disclosed Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-124979 and EP A2 1096286.  
         [0005]     Among these various image-taking methods, typical examples of image-taking methods are as follows.  
         [0006]     First, there is an image-taking method in which a zoom lens unit is moved with a predetermined, constant speed corresponse to a predetermined zoom magnification for image-taking. And, in contrast to this method, there is proposed an image-taking method having the following function. That is, an arbitrary zoom position is stored in memory in advance as a preset position and an arbitrary zoom lens drive speed is stored in memory in advance as a preset speed. When a switch is turned on during image-taking, a zoom lens unit is moved to the preset position with the preset speed. In the specification, this preset function is referred to as “position preset zoom control”.  
         [0007]     Second, there is an image-taking method in which a zoom lens unit is moved in a predetermined zoom direction with a predetermined speed for image-taking. And, in contrast to this method, there is proposed an image-taking method having the following function. That is, an arbitrary zoom lens drive direction is stored in memory in advance as a preset direction, an arbitrary zoom lens drive speed is stored in memory in advance as a preset speed, and when a switch is turned on during image-taking, the zoom lens unit is moved in the preset direction with the preset speed. In the specification, this preset function is referred to as “speed preset zoom control”.  
         [0008]     In the above-mentioned “position preset zoom control” and “speed preset zoom control”, a preset position, a preset speed, and a preset direction must be stored in a storage section. Below, a storing method and an operation method of the preset position, speed, and direction will be explained in reference to  FIG. 6 .  
         [0009]     In  FIG. 6 , reference numeral  1  denotes a zoom control switch which is controlled by user, reference numeral  2  denotes an instruction signal generating section which generates an instruction signal to instruct a drive direction and a drive speed (which may be replaced by a drive amount and a drive position) proportional to an operation amount of the zoom control switch  1  in order to electrically drive a zoom lens optical system  7  which will be described below.  
         [0010]     Reference numeral  3  denotes a zoom speed variable volume which varies the drive speed of the below-described zoom lens optical system  7  in response to the operation amount of the zoom control switch  1 , reference numeral  4  denotes an instruction signal calculation section which performs signal level and shift conversion for inputting the instruction signal into a below-mentioned A/D converter  5 , and reference numeral  5  denotes the A/D converter which converts an analog signal outputted from the instruction signal calculation section  4  to a digital signal.  
         [0011]     Reference numeral  6  denotes a CPU which is responsible for the drive of a preset function, reference character  6   a  denotes a storage section (memory), installed in the CPU  6 , which can store the preset position, the preset speed, etc., and reference numeral  7  denotes a zoom lens optical system which performs zooming of a lens apparatus.  
         [0012]     Reference numeral  8  denotes a D/A converter which converts a digital signal from the CPU  6  as the instruction signal outputted for driving the zoom lens optical system  7  to an analog signal, and reference numeral  9  denotes the instruction signal calculation section which performs signal level and shift conversion of the instruction signal outputted from the D/A converter  8 .  
         [0013]     Reference numeral  10  denotes an instruction signal switching section which switches the drive of the zoom lens optical system  7  from the zoom control switch  1 , or from the CPU  6 , reference numeral  11  denotes an electric power amplifier which drives a below-mentioned motor  12 , reference numeral  12  denotes the motor which drives the zoom lens optical system  7 , and reference numeral  13  denotes a speed signal detection section which outputs a speed signal in accordance with a drive speed of the zoom lens optical system  7 .  
         [0014]     Reference numeral  14  denotes a speed signal calculation section which performs signal level and shift conversion for inputting the speed signal into a below-mentioned A/D converter  15 , and reference numeral  15  denotes an A/D converter which converts an analog signal outputted from the speed signal calculation section  14  to a digital signal.  
         [0015]     Reference numeral  16  denotes a position signal detection section which outputs a position signal corresponding to a position of the zoom lens optical system  7 , and reference numeral  17  denotes a position signal calculation section which performs signal level and shift conversion for inputting a position signal into a below-mentioned A/D converter  18 .  
         [0016]     Reference numeral  18  denotes an A/D converter which converts an analog signal outputted from the position signal calculation section  17  to a digital signal, and reference numeral  20  denotes a position preset zoom switch which instructs the start or end of the preset drive of position preset zoom.  
         [0017]     Reference numeral  22  denotes a speed preset zoom switch which instructs the start or end of the preset drive of speed preset zoom, and reference numeral  24  denotes a memory switch which instructs the memory information regarding the preset position, preset speed and preset direction of the various functions mentioned above. In a lens apparatus or a lens drive unit having the above-mentioned structure, as preparatory work for storing a preset position in memory, it is necessary to motor-driving the zoom lens optical system  7  up to the preset position, or to motor-driving the zoom lens optical system  7  in advance for storing the preset speed in memory.  
         [0018]     Here, at first, drive control from the zoom control switch  1  to the zoom lens optical system  7  will be explained. Once the zoom control switch  1  is operated, an instruction signal which instructs the drive direction and drive speed (which may be replaced by a drive amount or drive position) proportional to its drive amount is outputted from the instruction signal generating section  2 . This instruction signal is inputted into the electric power amplifier  11  via the zoom speed variable volume  3 , which varies drive speed of the zoom lens optical system  7  in response to the drive amount of the zoom control switch  1 , and via the A side of the instruction signal switching section  10 , and, after amplified to a predetermined level by the electric power amplifier  11 , it is inputted into the motor  12 . After the above procedure, the motor  12  starts operation and the zoom lens optical system  7  is in operation.  
         [0019]     Next, the memory setting procedure of the preset position, preset speed, and preset direction will be explained.  
         [0020]     At first, the memory setting procedure of the preset position will be explained. When the preset position is stored in memory, the position required for the zoom lens optical system  7  can be detected by inputting the output from the position signal detection section  16  into the CPU  6  via the position signal calculation section  17  and the A/D converter  18 .  
         [0021]     In this memory setting procedure, an image-taker moves in advance the zoom lens optical system  7  to a desired preset position. Then, while the memory switch is on, the position of the zoom lens optical system  7  (the actual position detected via the position signal detection section  16 ) at the time when the position preset zoom switch  20  is switched from OFF to ON is stored in the CPU  6  as a preset position.  
         [0022]     Next, the memory setting procedure of the preset speed will be explained.  
         [0023]     When the preset speed is stored in memory, the actual drive speed required for the zoom lens optical system  7  can be detected by inputting the output from the speed detection section  13  into the CPU  6  via the speed signal calculation section  14  and the A/D converter  15 .  
         [0024]     Furthermore, whether the zoom control switch  1  is operated or not, which is required for storing the preset speed, is evaluated by confirming the following sequence. That is, an instruction signal proportional to the operation amount of the zoom control switch  1  is outputted from the instruction signal generating section  2 , and inputted into the CPU  6  via the zoom speed variable volume  3 , the instruction signal calculation section  4 , and the A/D converter  5 .  
         [0025]     In this memory setting procedure, the user operates the zoom control switch  1 . While the zoom lens optical system  7  is in operation with a preset speed prepared in advance, the drive speed of the zoom lens optical system  7  (the actual drive speed of the zoom lens optical system  7  detected via the speed signal detection section  13 ) at the time when the memory switch  24  is switched from OFF to ON is stored in the CPU  6  as a preset speed.  
         [0026]     Next, the memory setting procedure of the preset speed and preset direction will be explained.  
         [0027]     In this memory setting procedure, the user operates the zoom control switch  1 . While the zoom lens optical system  7  is in operation with a preset speed prepared in advance and in a preset direction prepared in advance, the drive speed and direction of the zoom lens optical system  7  (actual drive speed and actual drive direction of the zoom lens optical system  7  detected via the A/D converter  15 ) at the time when the memory switch is switched from OFF to ON are stored in the CPU  6  as a preset speed and a preset direction.  
         [0028]     Next, the operation method of each preset drive will be explained.  
         [0029]     At first, the operation method of “position preset zoom control” will be explained.  
         [0030]     For an actual use of the preset function, the preset drive will be explained.  
         [0031]     When the position preset zoom switch  20  is turned on, the present position of the zoom lens optical system  7  is detected by inputting the output from the position signal detection section  16  into the CPU  6  via the position signal calculation section  17  and the A/D converter  18  and compared with a stored preset position. When this position is not consistent, in order to move the position of the zoom optical system  7  up to the stored preset position, the instruction signal from the CPU  6 , which is calculated so as to drive with the preset speed, is inputted into the electric power amplifier  11  via the D/A converter  8 , the instruction signal calculation section  9 , and the A side of the instruction signal switching section  10 , and after amplified to a predetermined level by the electric power amplifier  11 , it is inputted into the motor  12 . After this, the motor  12  starts driving, and the zoom lens optical system  7  also starts driving. And, when the position of the zoom lens optical system  7  coincides with the preset position, the drive stops.  
         [0032]     Next, the operation method of “speed preset zoom control” will be explained.  
         [0033]     When the speed preset zoom switch  22  is turned on, in order to drive the zoom lens optical system  7  in the stored preset direction with the stored speed, an instruction signal calculated by the CPU  6  is inputted into the electric power amplifier  11  via the D/A converter  8 , the instruction signal calculation section  9 , and the A side the instruction signal switching section  10 , and then inputted into the motor  12  after amplified to a predetermined level by the electric power amplifier  11 . As a result, the motor starts driving, and then the zoom lens optical system  7  also starts driving. And, the position of the zoom lens optical system  7  is moved up to the edge of drive direction, and then the drive stops.  
         [0034]     However, in optical apparatuses having the above-mentioned preset function of the prior art, due to the preset function which uses a stored zoom lens position, the user himself or herself must perform focusing adjustment for an object at a preset position. For this reason, when the user performs image-taking of objects at different distances by using the preset function, it is necessary to perform focusing adjustment for each object at each preset position. Therefore, since focusing adjustment is necessary for different objects, there is a problem in that troublesome operations must be performed.  
         [0035]     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an optical apparatus and a camera system which allow the preset image-taking without requiring focusing adjustment for objects at different distances even when a preset function is used for image-taking.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0036]     According to the present invention, there are provided an optical apparatus and a camera system having the following structure. That is, the optical apparatus according to the present invention comprises a storage section which stores preset information, a preset control section which performs preset operation by using the preset information, a focusing control section which controls focusing operation, and a controller which controls the preset operation by preset control section and the focusing operation by the focus control section.  
         [0037]     Specific structures of embodiments according to the present invention will be explained by using the embodiments shown below. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0038]      FIG. 1  shows a block diagram of a lens apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  show flow chart explaining the process in CPU of a position preset zoom system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 3  shows a flow chart explaining the step following a mark I in the flow chart shown in  FIG. 2  according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and the step followed by a mark II.  
         [0041]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  show flow chart explaining the process in CPU of a speed preset zoom system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.  
         [0042]      FIG. 5  shows a flow chart explaining the step following a mark I in the flow chart shown in  FIG. 4  according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention and the step followed by a mark II.  
         [0043]      FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of a lens apparatus in the prior art. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0044]     Embodiment 1  
         [0045]     According to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a combined structure of preset operation and auto focus (AF) according to the present invention described above is used to perform auto focus during “position preset zoom control”.  
         [0046]      FIG. 1  shows a block diagram of a lens apparatus (optical apparatus) according to the present embodiments.  
         [0047]     In  FIG. 1 , reference numeral  1  denotes a zoom control switch which is controlled by the user, and reference numeral  2  denotes an instruction signal generating section which generates an instruction signal to instruct a drive direction and a drive speed (which may be replaced by a drive amount or a drive position) proportional to the drive amount of the zoom control switch  1 .  
         [0048]     Reference numeral  3  denotes a zoom speed variable volume which varies the drive speed of a below-mentioned zoom lens optical system  7  in response to the drive amount of the zoom control switch  1 , reference numeral  4  denotes an instruction signal calculation section which performs signal level and shift conversion for inputting an instruction signal into a below-mentioned A/D conversion  5 , and reference numeral  5  denotes the A/D converter which converts an analog signal outputted from the instruction signal calculation section  4  into a digital signal.  
         [0049]     Reference numeral  6  denotes CPU which is responsible for preset function drive, reference character  6   a,  installed in the CPU  6 , denotes a storage section which can store in memory a preset position, a preset speed, etc., and reference numeral  7  denotes a zoom lens optical system which performs zooming of the lens apparatus.  
         [0050]     Reference numeral  8  denotes a D/A converter which converts a digital instruction signal outputted from the CPU  6  for driving the zoom lens optical system  7  into an analog signal, and reference numeral  9  denotes an instruction signal calculation section which performs signal level and shift conversion of the instruction signal outputted from the D/A converter  8 .  
         [0051]     Reference numeral  10  denotes an instruction signal switching section which switches the drive operation of the zoom lens optical system between the zoom control switch  1  and the CPU  6 , reference numeral  11  denotes an electric power amplifier which drives a below-mentioned motor  12 , reference numeral  12  denotes a motor which drives the zoom lens optical system  7 , and reference numeral  13  denotes a speed signal detection section which outputs a speed signal in accordance with the drive speed of the zoom lens optical system  7 .  
         [0052]     Reference numeral  14  denotes a speed signal calculation section which performs signal level and shift conversion for inputting the velocity signal into a below-mentioned A/D converter  15 , and reference numeral  15  denotes the A/D converter which converts an analog signal outputted from the speed signal calculation section  14  into a digital signal.  
         [0053]     Reference numeral  16  denotes a position signal detection section which outputs a position signal in response to the position of the zoom optical system, and reference numeral  17  denotes a position signal calculation section which performs signal level and shift conversion for inputting the position signal into a below-mentioned A/D converter  18 .  
         [0054]     Reference numeral  18  denotes an A/D converter which converts an analog signal outputted from the position signal calculation section  17  into a digital signal, and reference numeral  19  denotes a preset drive display section which judges visually whether “position reset zoom drive” or “speed preset zoom drive” is in operation or not.  
         [0055]     Reference numeral  20  denotes a position preset zoom switch which indicates the start or end of the preset drive of position preset zoom, and reference numeral  21  denotes a preset mode switching section which selects a drive speed of the zoom lens optical system  7  during preset driving from the preset speed or the maximum speed.  
         [0056]     Reference numeral  22  denotes a speed preset zoom switch which indicates the start or end of the preset drive of speed preset zoom, and reference numeral  24  denotes a memory switch which indicates the memory information of a preset position, a preset speed, and a preset direction of the various functions mentioned above. Reference numeral  28  denotes an auto focus switch which indicates the start or end of the auto focus drive (focusing), and reference numeral  29  denotes a camera which outputs image information.  
         [0057]     Reference numeral  30  denotes a synchronized signal detection section which generates a reference signal, wherein the reference signal is used to perform image signal processing by detecting a horizontal synchronized signal and a vertical synchronized signal from the image signal outputted from the camera. In addition, reference numeral  31  denotes an auto focus processing section which, by using the reference signal outputted from the synchronized signal detection section  30 , generates a motor control signal for maximizing the sharpness evaluation value by extracting a sharpness evaluation value from the image signal outputted from the camera  29 .  
         [0058]     Reference numeral  32  denotes an auto focus control section which drives the motor  33  by using the motor control signal from the auto focus processing section  31 , reference numeral  33  denotes a motor which drives a below-mentioned focus lens optical system  34 , and  34  denotes the focus lens optical system which performs focusing adjustment.  
         [0059]     Next, a drive which performs auto focus during “position preset zoom control” (hereinafter referred to simply as preset drive) according to the present embodiment will be explained.  
         [0060]     Control during this preset drive is performed as follows. An instruction signal outputted from the CPU  6  is inputted into the motor  12  via the D/A converter  8 , the instruction signal calculation section  9 , the B side of the instruction signal switching section  10 , and the electric power amplifier  11 . Then, the zoom lens optical system  7  is driven up to the preset position set in advance with the maximum speed or with a preset speed set in advance. Then, AF processing is performed by the synchronized signal detection section  30  and the auto focus processing section  31 , and after the control signal is inputted into the motor  33  via the auto focus control section  32 , the focus lens optical system  34  is driven, and when the focus lens optical system  34  is an in-focus state, focusing operation is completed.  
         [0061]     During preset driving, there are two cases where the zoom unit is moved toward TELE (telephoto end) and where the zoom unit is moved toward WIDE (wide angle end). When AF processing is performed, driving toward TELE rather than toward WIDE is likely to provide precise focusing adjustment. For this reason, the present embodiment will be explained by selecting the zoom drive direction during the preset drive, depending on whether the AF processing and AF drive are to be performed before or after the preset drive.  
         [0062]     Processing of the CPU  6  during the preset drive is explained in reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 2A, 2B  and  3  (flow charts).  
         [0063]     First, in order to confirm whether an the user desires to use AF drive, determine whether the auto focus switch  28  is turned on (Step  401 ).  
         [0064]     When the auto focus switch  28  is not ON, proceed to Step  411 . When the auto focus switch  28  is ON, proceed to Step  402  and perform AF processing.  
         [0065]     The AF processing, based on an image signal outputted from the camera  29  connected to the lens apparatus, generates a reference signal for image signal processing by detecting a horizontal synchronized signal and a vertical synchronized signal by the synchronized signal detection section  30 . Further, the auto focus processing section  31 , using the reference signal for image signal processing, generates a motor control signal so as to maximize the sharpness evaluation value by extracting a sharpness evaluation value from the image signal outputted from the camera  29 . And, proceed to Step  403  and perform the AF drive.  
         [0066]     The auto focus control section  32  drives the motor  33  by using the motor control signal from the auto focus processing section  31 . As a result, the sharpness evaluation value becomes maximum. In other words, the focus lens optical system  34  is driven so as to be in-focus (focusing). When focusing adjustment is completed, the AF drive is finished. Then, proceed to Step  411 . In Step  411 , determine whether the zoom control switch  1  is in operation or not. When the zoom control switch  1  is in operation, in order to control the zoom lens optical system  7  by the zoom control switch  1 , switch the instruction signal switching section  10  to the A side (Step  404 ).  
         [0067]     Next, determine whether the preset drive is in operation or not (Step  405 ). When the preset drive is not in operation, again return to the step to determine whether the auto focus switch is ON (Step  401 ).  
         [0068]     When the preset drive is in operation in Step  405 , turn off the preset drive display section  19  (Step  406 ), and finish (stop) the preset drive (Step  407 ). Accordingly, in this case, it can be said that the preset drive is suspended partway. And, successively, determine whether the zoom direction of the preset drive is in the TELE direction or not (Step  408 ). When the zoom direction is in the TELE direction, perform the AF processing (Step  409 ). And, when focusing is achieved at the in-focus after AF driving, finish the AF drive (Step  410 ). An explanation on AF portion is omitted, as described before. And, return to the step to determine whether the auto focus switch is ON (Step  401 ). When the zoom direction is in the WIDE direction, also return to the step to determine whether the auto focus switch is ON (Step  401 ).  
         [0069]     On the other hand, when the zoom control switch  1  is not in operation (Step  411 ), determine whether the preset drive is in operation (Step  412 ). When the preset drive is not in operation, then proceed to Step  427 .  
         [0070]     In Step  412 , when the preset drive is determine to be in operation, obtain the speed of the zoom lens optical system  7  from the A/D converter  15  (Step  413 ), and further obtain the position of the zoom lens optical system  7  from the A/D converter  18  (Step  414 ).  
         [0071]     Next, check whether the zoom position obtained in Step  414  and a preset position stored in the storage section  6   a  in advance are equal (Step  415 ). When the zoom position and the preset position are equal, switch the instruction signal switching section  10  to the A side (Step  416 ), turn off the preset drive display section  19  (Step  417 ), and finish the preset drive (Step  418 ). Next, determine whether the zoom direction of the preset drive is in the TELE direction (Step  419 ). When the zoom direction is in the TELE direction, perform the AF processing (Step  420 ). And, when focusing is achieved at the in-focus after AF driving, finish the AF drive (Step  421 ). An explanation on the drive of AF portion is omitted, as described before.  
         [0072]     In Step  415 , when the zoom position and the preset position are not equal, using the preset mode switching section  21 , determine which mode is selected between the maximum speed mode and the preset speed mode (Step  422 ). The preset speed mode refers to the mode in which the drive speed is set to the preset speed stored in the storage section  6   a  during preset driving, and the maximum speed mode refers to the mode in which the driving speed is set to the maximum speed attainable for the lens during preset driving.  
         [0073]     Here, when the preset speed mode is selected, determine whether the speed obtained in Step  413  and the preset speed stored in the storage section  6   a  in advance are equal or not (for example, whether the zoom speed is within a predetermined and allowed range with respect to the preset speed or not) (Step  423 ).  
         [0074]     When the zoom speed and the preset speed are not equal, determine whether the preset speed is faster than the zoom speed or not (Step  424 ). When the preset speed is faster than the zoom speed, increase the instruction signal output to the D/A converter  8  (Step  426 ). Also, when the preset speed is slower than the zoom speed, reduce the instruction signal output to the D/A converter  8  (Step  425 ). Furthermore, when the preset speed mode is not selected, and when the zoom speed and the preset speed are equal, leave as they are and proceed to the next Step  427 .  
         [0075]     After the above-mentioned various processes are completed, determine whether the position preset zoom switch  20  is switched from OFF to ON or not (Step  427 ). When the position preset zoom switch  20  is not switched from OFF to ON, return to the step to determine whether the auto focus switch  28  is ON or not (Step  401 ).  
         [0076]     On the other hand, when the position preset zoom switch  20  is switched from OFF to ON, determine whether the preset drive is in operation or not (Step  428 ). When the preset drive is not in operation, switch the instruction signal switching section  10  to the B side (Step  429 ), and turn on the preset drive display section  19  (Step  430 ). And, determine whether the zoom direction of the preset drive is in the WIDE direction or not (Step  431 ).  
         [0077]     When the zoom direction of the preset drive is in the WIDE direction, perform the AF processing (Step  432 ). And, when focusing is achieved at the in-focus after AF driving, finish the zoom drive (Step  433 ). An explanation on the drive of AF portion is omitted, as described before. When the AF drive is finished and also when the zoom direction of the preset drive is not in the WIDE direction, proceed to Step  434 . In Step  434 , by using the preset mode switching section  21 , determine whether the preset speed mode is selected or not. When the preset speed mode is not selected (maximum speed mode), start the preset drive with the maximum speed which can be driven. Also, when the preset speed mode is selected, start the preset drive with the preset speed (Step  436 ).  
         [0078]     After the above steps, when the zoom lens optical system  7  reaches to the preset position (Step  415 ), switch the instruction signal switching section  10  to the A side (step  416 ), turn off the preset drive display section  19  (Step  417 ), and finish the preset drive (Step  418 ). When the zoom direction is in the TELE direction (Step  419 ), perform the AF processing (Step  420 ). And, when focusing is achieved at the in-focus after AF driving, finish the AF drive (Step  421 ). An explanation on the drive of AF portion is omitted, as described before.  
         [0079]     On the other hand, when the preset drive is in operation in Step  428 , switch the instruction signal switching section  10  to the A side (Step  437 ), turn off the preset drive display section  19  (Step  438 ), and finish the preset drive (Step  439 ). Next, determine whether the zoom direction of the preset drive is in the TELE direction (Step  440 ). When the zoom direction is in the TELE direction, perform the AF processing (Step  441 ). And, when focusing is achieved at the in-focus after zoom driving, finish the AF drive (Step  442 ). An explanation on the drive of AF portion is omitted, as described before. And, return to the step to determine whether the auto focus switch  28  is ON or not (Step  401 )  
         [0080]     Hitherto, as explained above, according to the present embodiment, whether AF should be used or nor is determine depending on the zoom direction at the time of presetting. AF is able to offer precise preset image-taking of two arbitrarily different points just by performing focusing adjustment (focusing) without focusing adjustment by the user. Therefore, during the time of image-taking by using television cameras or video cameras, it is possible to broaden a range of image-taking methods, and to realize more significant preset functions further.  
         [0081]     Furthermore, in Embodiment 1 mentioned above, the AF processing and AF drive are switched depending on the zoom direction of zoom preset drive, but, before the start of preset drive, they may be performed indiscriminately after reaching to a position stored in a position preset position memory. In addition, only preset processing may be performed immediately after preset driving, and, after reaching to the position stored in the position preset position memory, the AF drive may be performed. Or it may be performed in the midst of an active drive to the position stored in the position preset position memory. In addition, the AF processing is performed in the midst of an active drive to the position stored in the position preset position memory, and the AF drive may be performed after the completion of the preset drive.  
         [0082]     Embodiment 2  
         [0083]     According to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, by using a combined structure of the above-described preset drive and auto focus (AF) of the present invention, the auto focus is performed during “speed preset zoom control”.  
         [0084]      FIG. 1  shows a block diagram of a lens apparatus (optical apparatus) according to the present embodiment. An explanation on each structural element is omitted, as explained in Embodiment 1.  
         [0085]     Drive control of a zoom lens optical system  7  by a zoom control switch  1  also will not be explained, as explained in Embodiment 1.  
         [0086]     Next, the drive to perform the auto focus during “speed preset zoom control” (hereinafter, referred to simply as preset drive) according to the present embodiment will be explained.  
         [0087]     This control during the preset drive is performed as follows. That is, an instruction signal outputted from CPU  6  is inputted into a motor  12  via a D/A converter  8 , an instruction signal calculation section  9 , a B side of a instruction signal switching section  10 , and an electric power amplifier  11 , and then the zoom lens optical system  7  is driven with a maximum speed or a preset speed set in advance. After this, by performing the AF processing by a synchronized signal detection section  30  and by inputting a control signal into a motor  33  via an auto focus processing section  31  and an auto focus control section  32 , a focus lens optical system  34  is driven and when focusing is achieved at the in-focus is completed.  
         [0088]     When the preset drive is performed, there are two cases in which a zoom unit is moved toward the TELE direction (telephoto end) and also toward the WIDE direction (wide angle end). When AF is performed in the TELE direction rather than in the WIDE direction, more precise focusing adjustment is possible. For this reason, depending on the zoom drive direction during zoom driving, the present embodiment will be explained separately depending on whether the AF processing and AF drive are performed before or after the preset drive.  
         [0089]     Processing of the CPU  6  during preset driving will be explained in reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 4A, 4B  and  5  (flow charts).  
         [0090]     First, in order to confirm whether the user desires to use AF drive or not, determine whether an auto focus switch  28  is ON or not (Step  501 ). When the auto focus switch  28  is not ON, proceed to Step  511 . When the auto focus switch  28  is ON, proceed to Step  502  and perform the AF processing. And, when focusing is achieved at the in-focus after AF driving, finish the AF drive (Step  503 ). An explanation on the drive of AF portion is omitted, as described before.  
         [0091]     Then, go to Step  511 . In Step  511 , determine whether the zoom control switch  1  is in operation or not. When the zoom control switch  1  is in operation, in order to perform the control of the zoom lens optical system  7  from the zoom control switch  1 , switch the instruction signal switching section  10  to the A side (Step  504 ).  
         [0092]     Next, determine whether the preset drive is in operation or not (Step  505 ). When the preset drive is not in operation, again return to the step to determine whether the auto focus switch  28  is ON or not (Step  501 ).  
         [0093]     When the preset drive is in operation in Step  505 , turn off a preset drive display section  19  (Step  506 ), and finish (stop) the preset drive (Step  507 ). Therefore, in this case, it is to be said that the preset drive is suspended partway. And, successively, determine whether the zoom direction of the preset drive is in the TELE direction (Step  508 ). When the zoom direction is in the TELE direction, perform the AF processing (Step  509 ). And, when focusing is achieved at the in-focus after AF driving, finish the AF drive (Step  510 ). An explanation on the drive of AF portion is omitted, as described before. And, return to the step to determine whether the auto focus switch is ON or not (Step  501 ). When the zoom direction is in the WIDE direction, also return to the step to determine whether the auto focus switch is ON or not (Step  501 ).  
         [0094]     On the other hand, when the zoom control switch is not in operation (Step  511 ), determine whether the preset drive is in operation or not (Step  512 ). When the preset drive is not in operation, proceed to Step  529 .  
         [0095]     When the preset drive is determine to be in operation in Step  512 , obtain the speed and direction information of the zoom lens optical system  7  from the A/D converter  15  (Step  513 ), and further obtain the position information of the zoom lens optical system  7  from the A/D converter  18  (Step  514 ). Next, determine whether the zoom position obtained in Step  514  has reached to the edge position of the movable range of the lens apparatus or not (Step  515 ). When the position has reached to the end position of the movable range, switch the instruction signal switching section  10  to the A side (Step  516 ), turn off the preset drive display section  19  (Step  517 ), and finish the preset drive (Step  518 ).  
         [0096]     Next, determine whether the zoom direction of the preset drive is in the TELE direction or not (Step  519 ). When the zoom direction is in the TELE direction, perform the AF processing (Step  520 ). When focusing is achieved at the in-focus after AF driving, finish the AF drive (Step  521 ). An explanation on the drive of AF portion is omitted, as described before. When the zoom position has not reached to the end of the movable range in Step  515 , by using the preset mode switching section  21 , determine whether the preset speed mode is selected or not (Step  522 ).  
         [0097]     Here, when the preset speed mode is selected, determine whether the zoom position obtained in Step  513  and the preset speed stored in the memory  6   a  in advance by using the flow chart shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  described above are equal or not (for example, whether the zoom speed is in a predetermined and allowable range with respect to the preset speed) (Step  523 ). Conversely, when the preset speed mode is not selected (maximum speed mode), go to Step  529 .  
         [0098]     In Step  523 , when the zoom speed and the preset speed are not equal, determine whether the preset speed is faster than the zoom speed or not (Step  524 ). When the preset speed is faster than the zoom speed, increase the instruction signal output into the D/A converter  8  (Step  526 ). Also, when the preset speed is slower than the zoom speed, reduce the instruction signal output into the D/A converter  8  (Step  525 ).  
         [0099]     Then, go to Step  529 . Further, in Step  521 , when the AF drive is finished, and when the zoom direction is in the WIDE direction in Step  519 , then leave as they are, and go to Step  529 .  
         [0100]     After completing the various processes mentioned above, determine whether the speed preset zoom switch  22  is switched from OFF to ON or not (Step  529 ). When the speed preset zoom switch  22  is not switched from OFF to ON, return to the step to determine whether the auto focus switch  28  is ON or not (Step  501 ).  
         [0101]     On the other hand, when the speed preset zoom switch  22  is switched from OFF to ON, determine whether the preset drive is in operation or not (Step  530 ). When the preset drive is not in operation, switch the instruction signal switching section  10  to the B side (Step  531 ), and turn on the preset drive display section  19  (Step  532 ). And, determine whether the zoom direction of the preset drive is in the WIDE direction or not (Step  533 ). When the zoom direction is in the WIDE direction, perform the AF processing (Step  534 ). And, when focusing is achieved at the in-focus after AF driving, finish the AF drive (Step  535 ). An explanation on the drive of AF portion is omitted, as described before. When the AF drive is finished, and also when the zoom direction of the preset drive is not in the WIDE direction, proceed to Step  536 . In Step  536 , by using the preset mode switching section  21 , determine whether the preset speed mode is selected or not. When the preset speed mode is not selected (maximum speed mode), start the preset drive with the maximum drivable speed toward the preset direction (Step  537 ). Also, when the preset speed mode is selected, start the preset drive with the preset speed toward the preset direction (Step  538 ).  
         [0102]     Thereafter, when the zoom lens optical system  7  reaches to the end of the movable range (Step  515 ), switch the instruction signal switching section  10  to the A side (Step  516 ), turn off the preset drive display section  19  (Step  517 ), finish the preset drive (Step  518 ), and when the zoom direction is in the TELE direction (Step  519 ), perform the AF processing (Step  520 ). And, when focusing is achieved at the in-focus after AF driving, finish the AF drive (Step  521 ). An explanation on the drive of AF portion is omitted, as described before.  
         [0103]     On the other hand, when the preset drive is determined to be in operation in Step  530 , switch the instruction signal switching section  10  to the A side (Step  539 ), turn off the preset drive display section  19  (Step  540 ), and finish the preset drive (Step  541 ). Next, determine whether the zoom direction of the preset drive is in the TELE direction or not (Step  542 ). When the zoom direction is in the TELE direction, perform the AF processing (Step  543 ). And, when focusing is achieved at the in-focus after AF driving, finish the AF drive (Step  544 ). An explanation on the drive of AF portion is omitted, as described before. And, return to the step to determine whether the auto focus switch  28  is ON or not (Step  501 ).  
         [0104]     Hitherto, as explained above, according to the present embodiment, it is determine when AF should be used or not depending on the zoom direction at the time of presetting. AF is able to provide precise preset image-taking for two arbitrarily different points just by performing focusing adjustment (focusing) without focusing adjustment performed by the user. Therefore, during the time of image-taking by using television cameras or video cameras, it is possible to broaden a range of image-taking methods and to realize more significant preset functions further.  
         [0105]     Furthermore, in Embodiment 2 mentioned above, the AF processing and AF drive are switched depending on the zoom direction of zoom preset drive, but, they may be performed indiscriminately immediately after the start of preset drive, or after reaching to the edge of the zoom movable range. In addition, only the AF processing may be performed immediately after the start of preset drive, and, the AF drive may be performed after reaching to the edge of the zoom movable range, or in the midst of the active drive toward the edge of the zoom movable range. In addition, the AF processing may be performed in the midst of the active drive to the edge of the zoom movable range and the AF drive may be performed after the completion of the preset drive.  
         [0106]     While preferred embodiments have been described, it is to be understood that modification and variation of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.  
         [0107]     This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-394189 filed on Nov. 25, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.