Abstract:
The present invention provides a lens operation device connected to a lens apparatus and adapted to operate a function which the lens apparatus has. The structure of the lens operation device includes: a plurality of switches including an auxiliary switch; and a controller for detecting the function of the lens apparatus and for assigning execution of the function to the auxiliary switch.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a lens operation device connected to a lens apparatus, such as a television lens or a video lens, and to a camera system equipped with the lens operation device and the lens apparatus.  
         [0003]     2. Related Background Art  
         [0004]     In a lens device used in a camera system for use in television broadcasting, video photographing, etc., there have conventionally been used a zoom demand or a focus demand which allows remote servo drive operation for zooming or focusing. In the demand, in particular, a thumb ring switch which is an operating member for zoom operation is provided. In addition, a switch for effecting enabling/disabling of a VTR, a return switch (RET switch) for displaying an image being taken by another person on a viewer, and an IE changeover switch for electrically switching an extender to 1.0×, 2.0×, etc are provided. Further, as mounted on various lens apparatuses such as apparatuses disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H06-276421 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H11-271592, switches capable of performing various operations, such as an AUX switch for enabling/disabling functions such as quick zoom, shuttle shot and preset are provided.  
         [0005]     When using an operating member of the conventional camera system, that is, the zoom demand and the focus demand, the functions of the camera system are set beforehand to the switches. To alter the functions, switch assignment positions, etc. thereof, it is necessary to effect re-setting by a separately provided function, for example, by an assignment position switching means through a connection to a PC or the like, a switching means within the lens apparatus, etc.  
         [0006]     Further, when applying a demand to a lens apparatus endowed with a new function, there is a problem in that use of the demand becomes impossible when that function cannot be assigned to a switch by means of an assignment position switching device.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a lens operation device which, when connected to a lens apparatus, recognizes a kind and function of the lens apparatus, and automatically assigns the function thereof to a switch, and to a camera system using such a lens operation device and such a lens apparatus.  
         [0008]     According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens operation device connected to a lens apparatus and adapted to operate a function with which the lens apparatus is endowed, the lens operation device including: a plurality of switches, which include an auxiliary switch; and a controller adapted to detect the function of the lens apparatus and to set execution of the function to the auxiliary switch.  
         [0009]     The features of the present invention will become apparent from the following specific description of embodiments given with reference to the drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]      FIG. 1  is a structural view of a zoom demand according to first Embodiment;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a structural view of a focus demand according to first Embodiment;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a block circuit diagram showing a circuit in the zoom demand according to first Embodiment;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view of the zoom demand according to first Embodiment as connected to a lens apparatus;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view of the zoom demand according to first Embodiment as connected to a lens apparatus;  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view of the zoom demand according to first Embodiment as connected to a lens apparatus;  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is an operational flowchart of first Embodiment;  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view of a zoom demand according to second Embodiment as connected to a lens apparatus;  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  is an operational flowchart of second Embodiment;  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  is a structural view of a user mode setting portion according to third Embodiment;  
         [0020]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart for a user setting mode according to third Embodiment; and  
         [0021]      FIG. 12  is an operational flowchart for third Embodiment. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]     In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.  
       First Embodiment  
       [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a zoom demand  2  equipped with a zoom control switch  1  and to be connected to a camera system composed of a television camera and a lens apparatus, and  FIG. 2  shows a focus demand  3  which is also to be connected to a camera system.  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  shows a block circuit diagram of the zoom demand  2 . A command signal generating circuit  4  outputs a command signal which indicates a driving direction and a driving speed, both of which is in proportion to the operation amount of the zoom control switch  1 , which is operated by an operator, in order to electrically drive a zoom lens optical system. The output of the command signal generating circuit  4  is connected to a CPU  8  for performing various control operations, recognition of an lens apparatus, assignment of a function to an auxiliary switch, i.e., AUX switch, and a setting operation via a zoom speed variable resistor  5 , a command signal computing unit  6  for effecting signal level conversion and shift conversion, and an A/D converter circuit  7 .  
         [0025]     Connected to the CPU  8  are a VTR switch  9  for turning on/off a VTR mounted on a camera, and a return switch, i.e., RET switch,  10  for displaying an image being taken by another person through a view finder. Further connected to the CPU  8  are an auxiliary switch, i.e., AUX switch,  11  for effecting the enabling/disabling of functions with which the lens apparatus is endowed, such as quick zoom, shuttle shot, and preset, and an AUX user setting circuit  12  which allows the user to set a function that is to be assigned to the AUX switch  11 . The output of the CPU  8  is connected to a communication conversion circuit  13  for effecting communication between lens apparatuses.  
         [0026]     Quick zoom is a function in which, by keeping a switch depressed, zooming is effected temporarily to the telephoto end or the wide-angle end; when the switch is released, return to the original position is effected. Shuttle shot is a function in which an arbitrary zoom position can be stored and in which, solely by depressing a switch, zooming is quickly effected at that position; when the switch is released, return to the original zoom position is effected.  
         [0027]     Preset function includes two functions: speed preset function and framing preset function. In the speed preset function, reproduction of a previously preset zoom speed can be effected any number of times solely by depressing a switch. In the framing preset function, a zoom position is preset; by depressing a switch, zooming can be effected from an arbitrary position to the preset position.  
         [0028]      FIGS. 4, 5  and  6  show examples of the connection of the AUX switch  11  to a lens apparatus, and camera systems. In  FIG. 4 , the zoom demand  2  equipped with the AUX switch  11  is connected to a lens apparatus  21  endowed with the shuttle shot function. The lens apparatus  21  is attached to a camera  100 . In  FIG. 5 , the zoom demand  2  is connected to a lens apparatus  22  endowed with an image stabilizing function, i.e., IS. The lens apparatus  22  is attached to the camera  100 . In  FIG. 6 , the zoom demand  2  is connected to a lens apparatus  23  endowed with an auto focus function, i.e., AF. The lens apparatus  23  is attached to the camera  100 . Each of the lens apparatuses  21  through  23  is equipped with a shuttle shot switch  24 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  shows an operational flowchart with which the zoom demand  2  is operated, while connected as shown in  FIG. 4  in a case in which a camera system is fixed to a tripod or the like to perform photographing. Usually, in photographing of this mode, a zoom control switch and other switches of the lens apparatus  21  are not used, and the zoom control switch  1  of the zoom demand  2  is often used.  
         [0030]     When the zoom demand  2  is connected to the lens apparatus  21 , in Step S 101 , a connection recognition signal is transmitted from the zoom demand  2  side to the lens apparatus  21  side through the communication conversion circuit  13 . When the lens apparatus  21  and the zoom demand  2  are thus connected together, and the power source of the zoom demand  2  is turned on, it is possible to check whether the lens apparatus  21  side is capable of communicating with the zoom demand  2  or not.  
         [0031]     Next, in Step S 102 , the zoom demand  2  side waits for a response signal from the lens apparatus  21  upon the connection recognition signal; when no response signal is received, the procedure returns to Step S 101  in order to output a connection recognition signal again. When a response signal upon the connection recognition signal is confirmed, the lens apparatus  21  and the zoom demand  2  are in a state in which they can perform communication, and the procedure advances to Step S 103 .  
         [0032]     When the communicable state is secured, the lens apparatus  21  outputs a lens name recognition signal in Step S 103  in order to determine the function to be assigned to the AUX switch  11  on the zoom demand  2  side. The lens name indicates the function with which the lens is endowed; when the lens name is recognized on the zoom demand  2  side, the function with which the lens is endowed is judged and recognized on the zoom demand  2  side.  
         [0033]     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4, 5  and  6 , when the zoom demand  2  is respectively connected to the lens apparatuses  21  through  23 , the lens names are transmitted from the lens apparatuses  21  through  23  side. In the case in which, for example, the zoom demand  2  is connected to the lens apparatus  21  shown in  FIG. 4 , it is recognized on the zoom demand  2  side that the lens apparatus connected thereto is the lens apparatus  21  endowed with the shuttle shot function based on the transmitted lens name. In a case in which the zoom demand  2  is connected to the lens apparatus  22  shown in  FIG. 5 , the lens apparatus  22  is recognized to be one endowed with the IS function; in the case in which the zoom demand  2  is connected to the lens apparatus  23  shown in  FIG. 6 , the lens apparatus  23  is recognized to be one endowed with an auto focus function.  
         [0034]     In Step S 104 , when the lens name cannot be recognized, the procedure returns to Step S 103 , and a lens name recognition signal is output again. When the lens name has been recognized, the procedure advances to Step S 105 , where the function to be set to the AUX switch  11  of the zoom demand  2  is determined based on the obtained lens name.  
         [0035]     In an ordinary broadcasting lens, of the special functions of a lens apparatus, a higher priority in arrangement is given to a function of higher priority of use. For example, in the case of the lens apparatus  21  of  FIG. 4  described above, a higher priority is given to the shuttle shot switch; in the lens apparatus  22  of  FIG. 5  endowed with the IS function, the IS function is of higher order of priority than the shuttle shot function, so a higher priority in arrangement is given to the IS enabling/disabling switch. In the lens apparatus  23  endowed with the AF function of  FIG. 6 , a higher priority in arrangement is given to the AF enabling/disabling switch.  
         [0036]     In this way, of the functions of the lens apparatus to which the zoom demand  2  is connected, a function of higher frequency of use and of higher effectiveness is assigned to the AUX switch  11 . When the function to be assigned has been determined, the procedure advances to Step S 106 , where the function to be assigned is set to the AUX switch  11 . When connecting the demand to a lens apparatus, of the functions of the lens apparatus, a higher priority is given to a function of higher frequency of use and of higher effectiveness, and the functions are automatically assigned to the AUX switch  11  of the zoom demand  2  in order of priority. In this way, the function of the AUX switch  11  is automatically set to a function suitable for the function of the lens apparatus to which it is connected, so there is no need for a user to take the trouble to change the setting, thereby making it possible to readily use the AUX switch as a switch with the requisite function.  
         [0037]     While in first Embodiment, when determining the function to be assigned to the AUX switch  11 , the function to be assigned is determined through recognition of the lens name on the zoom demand  2  side; instead of the lens name, it is also possible to directly notice the function of the lens apparatus through communication.  
       Second Embodiment  
       [0038]     While, in first Embodiment described above, one zoom demand  2  is connected to one lens apparatus, it is also possible to connect a plurality of demands to one lens apparatus as shown in  FIG. 8 . In second Embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , a plurality of AUX switches are provided on the zoom demand  2 ; the reference numerals used are the same as those of first Embodiment. AUX switches  11  and  25  are arranged on the zoom demand  2 , and effect enabling/disabling of the functions with which the lens apparatus  26  is endowed, such as quick zoom, shuttle shot, and preset.  
         [0039]      FIG. 9  is an operational flowchart for second Embodiment. When the zoom demand  2  is connected to the lens apparatus  26 , a connection recognition signal is transmitted in Step S 201  from the zoom demand  2  side to the lens apparatus  26  side through the communication conversion circuit  13 . When the lens apparatus  26  and the zoom demand  2  are connected to each other, and the power source of the zoom demand  2  is turned on, it can be checked whether communication is possible between the lens apparatus  26  and the zoom demand  2  or not. This process also applies to the case in which the demand connected is a focus demand  3 .  
         [0040]     Next, in Step S 202 , the zoom demand  2  side waits for a response signal from the lens apparatus  26  upon the connection recognition signal; when no response signal is received, the procedure returns to Step S 201  to output a connection recognition signal again. When a response signal upon the connection recognition signal is ascertained, the lens apparatus  26  and the zoom demand  2  are in a state of communicable, and the procedure advances to Step S 203 . When the communicable state is ensured, the lens apparatus  26  outputs a lens name recognition signal in Step S 203  in order to determine the functions to be assigned to the AUX switches  11  and  25  on the zoom demand  2  side.  
         [0041]     When the lens name recognition signal is not received in Step S 204 , the procedure returns to Step S 203 , and a lens name recognition signal is output again. When the lens name has been recognized, the procedure advances to Step S 205 , where the functions to be set to AUX switches  11  and  25  on the zoom demand  2  are determined based on the obtained lens name.  
         [0042]     Next, the procedure advances to Step S 206 , where it is checked whether there are two or more functions to be set to the AUX switches  11  and  25 . This checking is performed in order to determine the functions to be assigned to the AUX switches when the zoom demand  2  with two or more AUX switches  11  and  25  as shown in  FIG. 8  are used or when there are a plurality of AUX switches as a result of connection of a plurality of demands to the lens apparatus. When there exists only one function to be set, the procedure advances to Step S 209 , where it is determined that the same function should be set to the AUX switches  11  and  25  of the connected zoom demand  2 , and the procedure advances to Step S 214 .  
         [0043]     When, in Step S 206 , the zoom demand  2  is connected to a lens apparatus  26  endowed with a plurality of functions, in Step S 207 , there is output a recognition signal to check whether only one zoom demand  2  is connected to the lens apparatus  26  or not.  
         [0044]     In Step S 208 , the recognition signal from the lens apparatus  26  is received; when it is not received, the procedure returns to Step S 207  to output a recognition signal again. When the recognition signal is received in Step S 210 , if the response signal upon the same indicates that a plurality of demands are connected to the lens apparatus  26 , the procedure advances to Step S 211 , where the order of priority for the demands is determined. When there is only one demand, the procedure advances to Step S 212 ; in each demand, there is determined, based on the demand priority determined, the order of AUX switches to which functions of the lens apparatus  26  is determined, in which a higher priory is given to functions, such as shuttle shot, enabling/disabling switching for the IS function and the AF function.  
         [0045]     In Step S 213 , the assignment of the functions to the determined AUX switches is determined in order of priority. Then, in Step S 214 , based on the determined assignment, the functions are set to the AUX switches.  
         [0046]     In this way, when a plurality of demands are connected to the lens apparatus  26  or when a plurality of AUX switches are mounted on one demand, an order or priority is imparted to the demands and the AUX switches. In this case, a function of high frequency of use and high effectiveness, with which the lens apparatus  26  is endowed, is assigned automatically based on the order of priority. By thus automatically setting the functions of the lens apparatus  26  to which the AUX switches are connected, there is no need for a user to take the trouble to change the setting, thus making it possible to readily use the switch as one endowed with the requisite function.  
       Third Embodiment  
       [0047]     While, in first and second Embodiments described above, the assignment and setting of the function to the AUX switch is effected automatically, in third Embodiment, it is possible to effect switching between automatic setting and setting by a user.  
         [0048]      FIG. 10  shows a display-type user mode setting portion  31  arranged on the zoom demand  2  and connected to the AUX user setting circuit  12  of  FIG. 3 , making it possible to effect switching between the user setting mode and the automatic setting mode, and the function assignment to the AUX switch. Provided in the user mode setting portion  31  are a setting item, referred to as AUTO, allowing selection between automatic AUX switch function assignment and manual AUX switch function assignment, and setting items, referred to as AUX  1  through  3 , allowing setting as to which function is to be assigned to which AUX switch.  
         [0049]     A changeover switch  32  is added to the user mode setting portion  31 ; the changeover switch  32  effects switching of the items of the user mode setting portion  31 . With this construction, it is possible to effect selection as to whether the function assignment to the AUX switch when the zoom demand is connected to the lens apparatus is to be effected automatically or manually by the user. Using the changeover switch  32 , the user moves a cursor where it is possible to change the setting, effecting enabling/disabling switching at the item AUTO. At the items AUX  1  through  3 , changeover of switch functions such as shuttle shot (Shtl), AF, IS, etc. is effected.  
         [0050]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart for this user setting mode. In the CPU  8  in the zoom demand  2  shown in  FIG. 3 , the setting item in the user mode setting portion  31  is checked in Step S 301 , checking enabling/disabling at the AUTO setting item; in Step S 302 , it is checked whether the function assignment to the AUX switch is to be effected automatically or not. When, in Step S 303 , the item AUTO is ON, the system is in the automatic setting mode; when the item AUTO is OFF, the system is set to the user setting mode in Step S 304 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 12  is an operational flowchart for third Embodiment. When the zoom demand  2  is connected to the lens apparatus, a connection recognition signal is transmitted from the zoom demand  2  side to the lens apparatus side through the communication conversion circuit  13  in Step S 401 . When the lens apparatus and the zoom demand  2  are connected to each other, and the power source of the zoom demand  2  is turned on, it is checked whether it is possible for the lens apparatus to perform communication with the zoom demand  2 .  
         [0052]     Next, in Step S 402 , the zoom demand  2  side waits for a response signal from the lens apparatus upon the connection recognition signal; when no response signal is received, the procedure returns to Step S 401  in order to output a connection recognition signal again. When the response signal upon the connection recognition signal is ascertained, the procedure advances to Step S 403  when communication becomes possible between the lens apparatus and the zoom demand  2 . When in Step S 403  the communicable state is ensured, the lens apparatus outputs a lens name recognition signal in order to determine the function to be assigned to the AUX switch on the zoom demand side.  
         [0053]     When in Step S 404  the lens name cannot be recognized, the procedure returns to Step S 403 , where a lens name recognition signal is output. When the lens name is recognized, the procedure advances to Step S 405 , where it is checked whether the current mode is the user setting mode or not. This user setting mode set by the user mode setting portion  31  is checked through the display.  
         [0054]     Based on the setting information of the user mode setting portion  31 , the procedure advances to Step S 408  when the current mode is not the user setting mode. When, in Step S 405 , the current mode is the user setting mode, the procedure advances to Step S 406 , where it is checked whether the connected lens apparatus is endowed with the function as set in the user mode setting portion  31 .  
         [0055]     When the function is set, that set function is assigned to the AUX switch in Step S 407 . When the function is not set, the system is placed in the automatic setting mode, and a function of higher order of priority is assigned to the AUX switch in Step S 408 . After the function to be assigned has been determined, the procedure advances to Step S 409 , where the function determined to be assigned to the AUX switch is set to the AUX switch.  
         [0056]     In this way, when, with a zoom demand is connected to a lens apparatus, a function with which the lens apparatus is endowed is to be assigned to an AUX switch, it is possible for the user to select the setting of the assignment of the function. With this arrangement, it becomes possible to automatically assign a function which is of high frequency of use and which is effective, and to change the assignment to a state as desired by the user, thereby enabling the user to freely conduct the function assignment.  
         [0057]     In the embodiments described above, when a zoom demand is connected to a lens apparatus, a function with which the lens apparatus is endowed is automatically set to a switch, whereby there is no need for the user to take the trouble to change the setting, and the user can use the switch readily as one providing the requisite function.  
         [0058]     This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-206767 filed on Jul. 15, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.