U.S. patent application number 13/545122 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-01 for camera body and camera system.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANASONIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to TAIZO AOKI, KOJI SHIBUNO, TAKAO WATANABE.
Application Number | 20120274829 13/545122 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42130910 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120274829 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHIBUNO; KOJI ; et
al. |
November 1, 2012 |
CAMERA BODY AND CAMERA SYSTEM
Abstract
A camera body includes an imaging unit operable to generate
image data by capturing an object image, a display unit operable to
display an image based on the image data, and a controller operable
to control the display unit. While the interchangeable lens is
being demounted from the camera body, the controller controls the
display unit to prohibit displaying the image based on the image
data, and when the interchangeable lens is completely demounted
from the camera body, the display unit displays the image.
Inventors: |
SHIBUNO; KOJI; (Osaka,
JP) ; AOKI; TAIZO; (Hyogo, JP) ; WATANABE;
TAKAO; (Kyoto, JP) |
Assignee: |
PANASONIC CORPORATION
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
42130910 |
Appl. No.: |
13/545122 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12608641 |
Oct 29, 2009 |
8237852 |
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13545122 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/333.01 ;
348/E5.022 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/23209
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/333.01 ;
348/E05.022 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/222 20060101
H04N005/222 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 30, 2008 |
JP |
2008-279433 |
Claims
1. A camera body to which an interchangeable lens is mountable and
having a live view function for displaying a through image in real
time, comprising: an imaging unit operable to generate image data
by capturing an object image; a display unit operable to display an
image based on the image data; and a controller operable to control
the display unit, wherein, the controller controls the display unit
to prohibit the live view function such that the display unit does
not display the image based on the image data generated by the
imaging unit while the interchangeable lens is being demounted from
the camera body and the display unit displays the image when the
interchangeable lens is completely demounted from the camera
body
2. The camera body according to claim 1 further comprising a first
connection unit operable to detect whether the camera body connects
electrically connects to the interchangeable lens; and a second
connection unit operable to detect whether the camera body connects
mechanically connects to the interchangeable lens, wherein the
controller determines whether the interchangeable lens is being or
completely demounted from the camera body based on signals from the
first and second connection units.
3. A camera system comprising: a camera body having a live view
function for displaying a through image in real time; and an
interchangeable lens mountable to the camera body, wherein the
camera body includes: an imaging unit operable to generate image
data by capturing an object image; a display unit operable to
display an image based on the image data; and a controller operable
to control the display unit, wherein the controller controls the
display unit to prohibit the live view function such that the
display unit does not display the image based on the image data
generated by the imaging unit while the interchangeable lens is
being demounted from the camera body and the display unit displays
the image when the interchangeable lens is completely demounted
from the camera body.
4. The camera system according to claim 3, wherein the camera body
further includes a first connection unit operable to detect whether
the camera body connects electrically connects to the
interchangeable lens, and a second connection unit operable to
detect whether the camera body connects mechanically connects to
the interchangeable lens, and the controller determines whether the
interchangeable lens is being or completely demounted from the
camera body based on signals from the first and second connection
units.
5. A camera body to which an interchangeable lens is mountable and
having a live view function for displaying a through image in real
time, comprising: an imaging unit operable to generate image data
by capturing an object image; a display unit operable to display an
image based on the image data; and a controller operable to control
the display unit, wherein, the controller controls the display unit
to prohibit the live view function such that the display unit does
not display the image based on the image data generated by the
imaging unit while the interchangeable lens is being mounted to the
camera body and the display unit displays the image when the
interchangeable lens is completely mounted to the camera body.
6. The camera body according to claim 5 further comprising a first
connection unit operable to detect whether the camera body connects
electrically connects to the interchangeable lens, and a second
connection unit operable to detect whether the camera body connects
mechanically connects to the interchangeable lens, wherein the
controller determines whether the interchangeable lens is being or
completely mounted to the camera body based on signals from the
first and second connection units.
7. A camera system comprising: a camera body having a live view
function for displaying a through image in real time, and an
interchangeable lens mountable to the camera body; wherein the
camera body includes: an imaging unit operable to generate image
data by capturing an object image; a display unit operable to
display an image based on the image data; and a controller operable
to control the display unit, and the controller controls the
display unit to prohibit the live view function such that the
display unit does not display the image based on the image data
generated by the imaging unit while the interchangeable lens is
being mounted to the camera body and the display unit displays the
image when the interchangeable lens is completely mounted to the
camera body.
8. The camera system according to claim 7, wherein the camera body
further includes a first connection unit operable to detect whether
the camera body connects electrically connects to the
interchangeable lens, and a second connection unit operable to
detect whether the camera body connects mechanically connects to
the interchangeable lens, and the controller determines whether the
interchangeable lens is being or completely mounted to the camera
body based on signals from the first and second connection units.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The technical field relates to a camera system, and in
particular, to a camera system capable of correcting captured image
data.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] JP-2000-184247A discloses a system including a digital
camera of lens interchangeable type and an image processing unit. A
camera body of the digital camera of lens interchangeable type
obtains an ID (lens ID) of an interchangeable lens mounted on the
camera body. The digital camera of lens interchangeable type, when
capturing image data, stores the captured image data and the lens
ID in a storage medium.
[0005] The image processing unit can correct distortion and shading
of the image data stored in the storage medium. For this purpose,
the image processing unit has correction data for correction of
distortion and shading for each of interchangeable lenses.
[0006] The image data captured by the digital camera of lens
interchangeable type is stored in the storage medium together with
the lens ID of the interchangeable lens mounted thereto. Therefore,
the image processing unit referring to the lens ID stored in the
storage medium can determine what kind of lens was mounted on the
camera body at the time of generation of the image data stored in
the storage medium. As a result, the image processing unit can
appropriately correct the image data stored in the storage medium
taking the lens characteristic into consideration.
[0007] As described above, in the system including the digital
camera of lens interchangeable type and the image processing unit,
the captured image data can be appropriately corrected simply by
storing, in the storage medium, minimum information including the
captured image data and the lens ID of the mounted lens, at the
time of capturing the image data with the digital camera of lens
interchangeable type.
[0008] In JP-2000-184247A as described above, however, the image
data is corrected not by a digital camera of lens interchangeable
type but by an image processing unit. Therefore, there are not
disclosed techniques for improving operating conveniences to
correct the image data in the digital camera during the process
executed by the digital camera, such as a technique of increasing
the speed of correcting the image data, a technique to cope with
the situation in which a lens exceeding the correction limit is
mounted, and a technique for displaying the corrected image data on
a LCD monitor.
SUMMARY
[0009] To solve the aforementioned problems, a camera system is
provided, which is capable of correcting image data and
particularly provides improved convenience for a user in displaying
the corrected image data on an LCD monitor.
[0010] In a first aspect, a camera body to which an interchangeable
lens is mountable is provided. The camera includes an imaging unit
operable to generate image data by capturing an object image; an
acquisition unit operable to acquire optical data indicating an
optical characteristic of the interchangeable lens from the
interchangeable lens; a correction unit operable to correct the
image data generated by the imaging unit based on the optical data
acquired by the acquisition unit; a detection unit operable to
detect a state of mounting/demounting the interchangeable lens
to/from the camera body; and a display unit operable to display an
image based on the image data. After detecting that the
interchangeable lens is completely mounted to the camera body, when
the detection unit detects that the interchangeable lens is being
demounted from the camera body, the display unit stops displaying
the image based on the image data. When the detection unit
subsequently detects that the interchangeable lens is completely
demounted from the camera body, the correction unit stops
correcting the image data and the display unit displays the image
based on the image data. With this arrangement, it is possible to
prevent display of poor quality image which is not corrected while
demounting the lens from the camera body.
[0011] In a second aspect, a camera body to which an
interchangeable lens is mountable is provided. The camera body
includes an imaging unit operable to generate image data by
capturing an object image; an acquisition unit operable to acquire
optical data indicating an optical characteristic of the
interchangeable lens from the interchangeable lens; a correction
unit operable to correct the image data generated by the imaging
unit based on the optical data acquired by the acquisition unit; a
detection unit operable to detect a state of mounting/demounting
the interchangeable lens to/from the camera body; and a display
unit operable to display an image based on the image data. When the
detection unit detects that the interchangeable lens is completely
demounted from the camera body, the display unit displays the image
based on the image data. When the detection unit subsequently
detects that the interchangeable lens is being mounted to the
camera body, the display unit stops displaying the image based on
the image data. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent
display of image on the display unit while mounting the lens to the
camera body, thus preventing a poor quality image which is not
corrected from being displayed even when image correction is not
conducted during the mounting of the lens.
[0012] In a third aspect, a camera body to which an interchangeable
lens is mountable is provided. The camera body includes: an imaging
unit operable to generate image data by capturing an object image;
an acquisition unit operable to acquire optical data indicating an
optical characteristic of the interchangeable lens from the
interchangeable lens; a correction unit operable to correct the
image data generated by the imaging unit based on the optical data
acquired by the acquisition unit; a detection unit operable to
detect a state of mounting/demounting the interchangeable lens
to/from the camera body; and a display unit operable to display an
image based on the image data. After detecting that the
interchangeable lens is completely mounted to the camera body, when
the detection unit detects that the interchangeable lens is being
demounted from the camera body, the display unit displays the image
based on the image data. When the detection unit subsequently
detects that the interchangeable lens is completely demounted from
the camera body, the correction unit stops correcting the image
data and the display unit displays the image based on the image
data.
[0013] In a fourth aspect, a camera body to which an
interchangeable lens is mountable is provided. The camera body
includes: an imaging unit operable to generate image data by
capturing an object image; an acquisition unit operable to acquire
optical data indicating an optical characteristic of the
interchangeable lens from the interchangeable lens; a correction
unit operable to correct the image data generated by the imaging
unit based on the optical data acquired by the acquisition unit; a
detection unit operable to detect state of mounting/demounting the
interchangeable lens to/from the camera body; and a display unit
operable to display an image based on the image data. When the
detection unit detects that the interchangeable lens is completely
mounted to the camera body, the correction unit corrects the image
data and the display unit displays the image based on the image
data. When the detection unit subsequently detects that the
interchangeable lens is completely demounted from the camera body,
the correction unit stops correcting the image data and the display
unit displays the image based on the image data.
[0014] In a fifth aspect, a camera system including an
interchangeable lens including a storage unit storing the optical
data indicating the optical characteristic of the interchangeable
lens; and the camera body of each of the aforementioned
aspects.
[0015] According to the above aspects, the display unit is
controlled to prevent display of the image which is not corrected
during mounting/demounting of the interchangeable lens. As a
result, a user is prevented from viewing distorted image before
correction, thereby resulting in an improved convenience to a
user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a camera
system according to a first embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a barrel-type distortion.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a bobbin-type distortion.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a gain G for correcting the
barrel-type distortion.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a gain G for correcting the
bobbin-type distortion.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a gain TG for correcting the
barrel-type distortion.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a gain TG for correcting the
bobbin-type distortion.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a gain MG.
[0024] FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a distortion
amount DY.
[0025] FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of the gain G.
[0026] FIG. 9C is a diagram showing an example of a gain TMG.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a correction
coefficient table.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an initializing
operation (first operation).
[0029] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a clip process
executed in a case where the gain G exceeds a limit value.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an initializing
operation (second and subsequent operations).
[0031] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the distortion
correction process and the image display process (first example
processing) in demounting an interchangeable lens.
[0032] FIG. 15A is a diagram for explaining a state in which the
interchangeable lens is completely mounted to a camera body (state
A).
[0033] FIG. 15B is a diagram for explaining a state in which the
interchangeable lens is being mounted/demounted (state B).
[0034] FIG. 15C is a diagram for explaining another state in which
the interchangeable lens is being mounted/demounted (state C).
[0035] FIG. 15D is a diagram for explaining a state in which the
interchangeable lens is completely demounted from the camera body
(state D).
[0036] FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the distortion
correction process and the image display process in demounting the
interchangeable lens (second example processing).
[0037] FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a distortion
correction process and an image display process in mounting the
interchangeable lens.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0038] A preferred embodiment is explained below with reference to
the drawings.
1. First Embodiment
1-1 Configuration
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of the camera system according
to this embodiment. The camera system 1 is configured of a camera
body 100 and an interchangeable lens 200. The camera body 100 can
correct distortion or the like of image data captured by a CCD
image sensor 110.
1-1-1 Configuration of Camera Body
[0040] The camera body 100 includes a CCD image sensor 110, a
liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor 120, a camera controller 140,
a body mount 150, a power supply 160 and a card slot 170.
[0041] The camera controller 140, controls operations of the
respective parts including the CCD image sensor 110 to control the
operation of the entire camera system 1 in response to a command
from an operational member such as a release button 130. The camera
controller 140 sends a vertical synchronizing signal to a timing
generator 112. A DRAM 141 is used as a work memory for control and
image processing operations performed by the camera controller 140.
A flash memory 142 stores programs and parameters used for the
control operation of the camera controller 140. Also, the flash
memory 142 stores information such as a gain G and a gain TMG to
correct distortion for each of interchangeable lenses mounted on
the camera body 100. The details of gain G and the gain TMG for
distortion correction are described later. The flash memory 142
stores the information on the gain G and the gain TMG with the gain
G and the gain TMG associated with an ID or a serial number of the
interchangeable lens.
[0042] The CCD image sensor 110 generates an image signal from an
optical signal containing an object image incident through the
interchangeable lens 200. The generated image signal is converted
into a digital signal, i.e. image data by an A/D converter 111. The
image data generated by the A/D converter 111 is subjected to
various image processing by the camera controller 140. The various
image processing includes, for example, a gamma correction process,
a white balance correction process, a defect correction process, a
YC conversion process, an electronic zoom process, an image
compression process such as a JPEG compression process, a
distortion correction process and a chromatic aberration correction
process. In this way, the camera system 1 according to this
embodiment has the function to correct distortion. The details of
the distortion correction function will be described later.
[0043] The CCD image sensor 110 operates at a timing controlled by
the timing generator 112. The operations of the CCD image sensor
110 include an operation of capturing a still image, an operation
of capturing a moving image, and an operation of capturing a
through image. The through image is displayed on the LCD monitor
120 in real time after being captured by the CCD image sensor, but
is not recorded in a memory card 171. The through image is mainly a
moving image, and is displayed on the LCD monitor 120 to allow a
user to determine a composition at the time of capturing a still
image. This function of displaying a through image constituting a
moving image (successive images) in real time on the LCD monitor
120 is called the live view function.
[0044] The LCD monitor 120 displays an image indicated by a display
image data processed by the camera controller 140. The LCD monitor
120 can selectively display a moving image and a still image.
[0045] The card slot 170 can be loaded with the memory card 171 and
writes/reads data to/from the memory card 171 under the control of
the camera controller 140. The memory card 171 can store image data
generated by the image processing operation of the camera
controller 140. For example, the memory card 171 can store a JPEG
image file. Also, the image data or the image file stored in the
memory card 171 can be read from the memory card 171. The image
data or the image file read from the memory card 171 is subjected
to the image processing by the camera controller 140. For example,
the camera controller 140 decompresses the image data or the image
file obtained from the memory card 171 to generate display image
data.
[0046] The power supply 160 supplies electric power to be consumed
by the camera system 1. The power supply 160 may be, for example, a
dry cell or a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the power
supplied from an external source may be supplied to the camera
system 1 through a power cord.
[0047] The body mount 150 can be connected mechanically and
electrically to a lens mount 250 of the interchangeable lens 200.
The body mount 150 can transmit and receive commands and data to
and from the interchangeable lens 200 through the lens mount 250.
The body mount 150 transmits various control signals received from
the camera controller 140 to the lens controller 240 through the
lens mount 250.
[0048] The body mount 150 supplies the power from the power supply
160 to the entire interchangeable lens 200 through the lens mount
250.
1-1-2 Configuration of Interchangeable Lens
[0049] The interchangeable lens 200 includes an optical system, the
lens controller 240, and the lens mount 250. The optical system
includes a zoom lens 210, an OIS lens 220, a diaphragm 260 and a
focus lens 230.
[0050] The zoom lens 210 is a lens for changing the magnification
of an object image formed by the optical system of the
interchangeable lens 200. The zoom lens 210 is configured of one or
plural pieces of lenses. A drive mechanism 211 includes a zoom ring
and the like operable by a user, and moves the zoom lens 210 along
an optical axis of the optical system in accordance with a rotating
operation by a user. A detector 212 detects a drive amount of the
drive mechanism 211. The lens controller 240 can grasp the zoom
magnification in the optical system by obtaining a detection result
of the detector 212.
[0051] The OIS lens 220 is a lens for correcting blur of the object
image formed by the optical system of the interchangeable lens 200.
The OIS lens 220 moves in such a direction as to cancel the blur of
the camera system 1 to reduce the blur of the object image on the
CCD image sensor 110. The OIS lens 220 is configured of one or
plural pieces of lenses. An actuator 221 drives the OIS lens 220 in
a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system
under the control of an OIS IC 223. The actuator 221 can be
realized by, for example, a magnet and a flat coil. A position
detection sensor 222 detects the position of the OIS lens 220 in
the plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system.
The position detection sensor 222 can be realized by, for example,
a magnet and a Hall element. The OIS IC 223 obtains a detection
result of a camera shake sensor (not shown) such as a gyrosensor
from the lens controller 240. The OIS IC 223 controls the actuator
221 based on the detection results of the position detection sensor
222 and the camera shake sensor. Also, the OIS IC 223 transmits a
signal indicating the state of an optical image blur correction
process to the lens controller 240.
[0052] The diaphragm 260 is a member for regulating the amount of
light passing through the optical system. The diaphragm 260
includes plural blades or the like, and by opening/closing an
opening formed of the blades, can regulate the light amount. A
diaphragm motor 261 is a drive unit for opening/closing the opening
of the diaphragm 260.
[0053] The focus lens 230 changes a focus state of the object image
formed on the CCD image sensor 110 in the optical system. The focus
lens 230 is configured of one or plural lenses.
[0054] A focus motor 233 drives the focus lens 230 under the
control of the lens controller 240 to go forward or backward the
focus lens 230 along the optical axis of the optical system so that
the focus state of the object image formed on the CCD image sensor
110 in the optical system can be changed. According to the first
embodiment, the focus motor 233 is a stepping motor. Nevertheless,
the focus motor 233 is not limited to such a motor but may be, for
example, a servo motor or an ultrasonic motor.
[0055] The lens controller 240 controls operations of the OIS IC
223 and the focus motor 233 based on the control signal from the
camera controller 140 to control the overall operation of the
interchangeable lens 200. The lens controller 240 also receives a
signal from the detector 212 and the OIS IC 223 and transmits the
signal to the camera controller 140. The lens controller 240
transmits and receives a signal to and from the camera controller
140 through the lens mount 250 and body mount 150.
[0056] The lens controller 240 uses a SRAM 241 as a work memory on
performing the control operation. A flash memory 242 stores
programs and parameters used for the control operation of the lens
controller 240, such as, distortion correction information which is
described later.
[0057] The lens mount 250 is adapted to be mechanically and
electrically connected with the body mount 150 of the camera body
100. The lens mount 250 can transmit and receive commands and data
to and from the camera body 100 through the body mount 150. The
lens mount 250 transmits the received several signals received from
the lens controller 240 to the camera controller 140 through the
body mount 150. For example, the lens mount 250 transmits the
distortion correction information received from the lens controller
240 to the camera controller 140 through the body mount 150.
1-2 Correspondence of Technical Terms
[0058] The interchangeable lens 200 is just an example of an
interchangeable lens. The camera body 100 is only an example of a
camera body. The CCD image sensor 110 is an example of an imaging
unit. The body mount 150 is an example of an acquisition unit. The
camera controller 140 is an example of a correction unit. The LCD
monitor 120 is an example of a display unit. The flash memory 242
is an example of a storage unit. A connection check terminal 11 and
a lock pin 15 are examples of detection unit.
1-3 Distortion Correction
[0059] The camera system 1 according to this embodiment has a
function of electrically correcting distortion. The correction of
distortion is explained below.
1-3-1 Basic Concept of Distortion Correction
[0060] The basic concept of the distortion correction is explained
with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. There are two types of distortion
including a barrel type shown in FIG. 2 and a bobbin type shown in
FIG. 3. The barrel-type distortion, as shown in FIG. 2, is such
that four corners of a reference image A1 without distortion are
directed inward to an optical center O to form a generally roundish
image A2 on the CCD image sensor 110. The optical center O is the
center of the CCD image sensor 110 and substantially coincides with
the optical axis of an optical system 201.
[0061] In the bobbin-type distortion, on the other hand, as shown
in FIG. 3, the four corners of a reference image A3 without
distortion are distorted outward expansively from the optical
center O, so that an image A4 with four sharp corners is formed on
the CCD image sensor 110.
[0062] As described above, with the occurrence of distortion, the
outer peripheral portion of the object image captured by the CCD
image sensor 110 is distorted.
[0063] Now, It is assumed that DY is a distortion amount, Y is a
height of a real image distorted (the distance from the optical
center O in the images A2 and A4) and Y' is a height of an ideal
image not distorted (the distance from the optical center O in the
images A1 and A3). Then, the distortion amount DY is expressed by
the following Equation (1).
DY=Y-Y' (1)
[0064] According to this embodiment, the distortion amount DY is
defined by the following Equation (2).
DY=C3.times.Y.sup.3+C5.times.Y.sup.5+C7.times.Y.sup.7 (2)
[0065] The optimum values of correction coefficients C3, C5, and C7
are varied depending on the specification of the optical system
implemented on the interchangeable lens. Specifically, these
correction coefficients C3, C5, and C7 are numerical values
specific to the interchangeable lens 200. Distortion is corrected
using these correction coefficients. Equation (2) represents an
example of the equation used to correct distortion, and other
equations may alternatively be used. When using other equations,
the type of the correction coefficient may be different from that
of Equation (2).
[0066] In order to correct the distortion, the real image height Y
is required to be converted to the ideal image height Y'. For
converting the real image height Y to the ideal image height Y',
the gain G is defined by the following Equation (3).
G = Y ' Y = 1 - DY Y = 1 - C 3 .times. Y 2 - C 5 .times. Y 4 - C 7
.times. Y 6 ( 3 ) ##EQU00001##
[0067] The gain G in Equation (3) indicates the gain function for
converting the real image height Y to the ideal image height Y'.
Assuming that the maximum value of the real image height Y is 1,
the profile of the gain can be expressed as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
In FIGS. 4 and 5, the ordinate represents the gain G, and the
abscissa represents the real image height Y.
[0068] Referring to the gain profile as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the
absolute value of the gain G gradually increases with the increase
in the real image height Y (i.e. with the increase in the distance
from the optical center O). This indicates that the distortion
amount on the outer periphery of the image is larger than that at
the center thereof.
[0069] In the case where the gain G is larger than 1 as shown in
FIG. 4, the image is enlarged outward when the real image height Y
is converted to the ideal image height Y'. In other words, the gain
profile shown in FIG. 4 indicates that the distortion is the barrel
type as shown in FIG. 2.
[0070] On the other hand, when the gain G is smaller than 1 as
shown in FIG. 5, the image is reduced inward at the time of
conversion from the real image height Y to the ideal image height
Y'. In other words, the gain profile shown in FIG. 5 indicates that
the distortion is of the bobbin type as shown in FIG. 3.
[0071] As described above, distortion can be visually grasped by
defining the gain G as mentioned above.
1-3-2 Correction Rate
[0072] Next, a correction rate for correcting distortion is
explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0073] Theoretically, distortion can be completely corrected using
the gain G described above. However it may be more preferable not
to completely correct distortion. A human being, for example, is
likely to be not sensitive to the barrel-type distortion but more
sensitive to the bobbin-type distortion. Further, the image that
has the barrel-type distortion is somewhat roundish and thus could
present the sense of "warmth".
[0074] Regarding the barrel-type distortion, for example, reduced
rate of distortion correction allows the corrected image to include
small distortion to generate an image having the warmth. On the
other hand, regarding the bobbin-type distortion, increased rate of
distortion correction allows the distortion to be completely
removed from the corrected image to generate an image which is
somewhat roundish and warm same as in case of the barrel-type
distortion.
[0075] In view of this, the camera system 1 according to this
embodiment has the function of regulating the distortion correction
rate. Specifically, a gain TG which is the product of the gain G
and the correction rate T is defined as the following Equation
(4).
TG=(G-1).times.T+1=1-(C3.times.T).times.Y.sup.2-(C5.times.T).times.Y.sup-
.4-(C7.times.T).times.Y.sup.6 (4)
[0076] By using the gain TG in place of the gain G described above,
the degree of distortion correction can be regulated. In a case
where G>1, for example, the gain TG is smaller than the gain G
when the correction rate T<1. In other words, in the case of the
barrel-type distortion, the correction rate T smaller than 1 can
reduce the degree of distortion correction as compared with that of
the correction using the gain G.
[0077] On the other hand, in a case where G<1, the correction
rate T smaller than 1 makes the gain TG smaller than the gain G.
Specifically, in the case of the bobbin-type distortion, the degree
of distortion correction using the gain TG is smaller than the case
of the correction using the gain G.
[0078] In the aforementioned case, the profile of the gain TG can
be expressed as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, where the
correction rate T can be given by the following Equation (5).
T = B A ( 5 ) ##EQU00002##
1-3-3 Magnification Correction Value
[0079] Next, a magnification correction value for correcting
distortion is explained with reference to FIGS. 8, 9A to 9C.
[0080] The camera system 1 according to this embodiment can correct
distortion in accordance with characteristics of the optical system
in the aforementioned method using information on the correction
coefficients C3, C5, and C7 which are specific to the
interchangeable lens 200 and stored in the flash memory 242.
[0081] However, in the case where the bobbin-type distortion is
corrected, G<1, and therefore the corrected image is smaller
than the real image. Therefore, under certain conditions, the
corrected image becomes smaller than the CCD image sensor 110.
Consequently, the image output from the CCD image sensor 110 may
contain an area with missing information. This phenomenon is called
a pixel defect.
[0082] In order to prevent occurrence of the pixel defect, the
camera system 1 according to this embodiment uses a magnification
correction value M for correcting the magnification of the entire
image at the time of distortion correction. For example, by using
the magnification correction value M, the gain G is corrected to
make G larger than 1 within the range of "0.ltoreq.real image
height Y.ltoreq.1" as shown in FIG. 8.
[0083] Specifically, the gain MG taking the magnification
correction value M into consideration is defined by Equation
(6).
MG=(1-C3.times.Y.sup.2-C5.times.Y.sup.4-C7.times.Y.sup.6).times.M
(6)
[0084] The minimum value is determined in the range of
0.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.1, and the gain profile is multiplied by the
value M of which the minimum value is not less than 1. From
Equation (7) for differentiating the gain G with the real image
height Y, the minimum value can be obtained.
G Y = - 2 .times. C 3 .times. Y - 4 .times. C 5 .times. Y 3 - 6
.times. C 7 .times. Y 5 ( 7 ) ##EQU00003##
[0085] Specifically, the solution (a, b, for example) with Equation
(7) equal to zero is obtained, and the gains G for four points of
Y=0, a, b, and 1 are compared with each other. As a result, the
real image height Y for the smallest gain G can be obtained. From
this real image height Y and Equation (7), the minimum value of the
gain G can be obtained. Using the minimum value GMIN of the gain G,
the magnification correction value M is set to satisfy
M.gtoreq.1/GMIN so that the relation MG.gtoreq.1 can be
satisfied.
[0086] By setting the magnification correction value M as described
above, the size of the corrected image can be kept not less than a
predetermined size, so that the size of the corrected image can be
prevented from being smaller than the size of the CCD image sensor
110. In this way, occurrence of the pixel defect can be
prevented.
[0087] As described above, taking the correction rate T and the
magnification correction value M into consideration, the final gain
TMG is expressed by the following Equation (8).
TMG={1-(C3.times.T).times.Y.sup.2-(C5.times.T).times.Y.sup.4-(C7.times.T-
).times.Y.sup.6}.times.M (8)
[0088] From Equations (8) and (3), Equation (9) for converting the
real image height Y to the ideal image height Y' is given as shown
below.
Y'=TMG.times.Y={1-(C3.times.T).times.Y.sup.2-(C5.times.T).times.Y.sup.4--
(C7.times.T).times.Y.sup.6}.times.M.times.Y (9)
[0089] An example of calculation with C3=0.2, C5=-0.2, C7=-0.1 and
T=0.9 is explained below. Under this condition, from Equations (2)
and (3), the distortion amount DY and the gain G are expressed by
the following Equations (10) and (11).
DY(Y)=0.2.times.Y.sup.3-0.2.times.Y.sup.5-0.1.times.Y.sup.7
(10)
G=1-0.2.times.Y.sup.2+0.2.times.Y.sup.4+0.1.times.Y.sup.6 (11)
[0090] Equations (10) and (11) can be expressed by the graphs of
FIGS. 9A and 9B, respectively. To determine the minimum value of
the gain G, Equation (11) is differentiated to obtain Equation (12)
shown below.
G Y = - 0.4 .times. Y + 0.8 .times. Y 3 + 0.6 .times. Y 5 = 0.1
.times. Y .times. ( 6 .times. Y 4 + 8 .times. Y 2 - 4 ) ( 12 )
##EQU00004##
[0091] The minimum value of the gain G corresponds to a point where
the gradient of the gain G is zero or Y=0 or 1. Assuming that
Z=Y.sup.2, the following quadratic equation can be obtained.
6.times.Y.sup.4+8.times.Y.sup.2-4=6Z.sup.2+8Z-4=0 (13)
[0092] The solution of Equation (13) is Z=0.387426 and
-1.72076.
[0093] In the case where the aspect ratio is 16:9, as a condition
that no pixel defect occurs, the minimum value of the gain G in the
range 0.49<Y<1 is the solution. As a result, Z=0.387426, i.e.
Y=0.622435 can be obtained because of 0.2401<Z<1 and
0.49<Y<1.
[0094] For Y=0.49, 0.622435, or 1, the minimum value of the gain G
is obtained for Y=0.622435 and thus GMIN=0.95835 is obtained.
[0095] Therefore, from Equation (11), the gain function MG is given
as follows.
MG = ( 1 - 0.2 .times. Y 2 + 0.2 .times. Y 4 + 0.1 .times. Y 6 )
0.95835 ( 14 ) ##EQU00005##
[0096] Finally, considering T=0.9, the gain function TMG shown
below can be obtained from Equations (14) and (4).
TMG=1.039114-0.18782.times.Y.sup.2+0.18782.times.Y.sup.4+0.09391.times.Y-
.sup.6 (15)
[0097] Equation (15) can be expressed as shown in FIG. 9C.
Referring to FIG. 9C, the gain TMG is not less than 1 in the range
of "0.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.1". Therefore, the bobbin-type distortion, if
any, is corrected to enlarge the image so that generation of a
pixel defect can be prevented.
[0098] As a result, the camera controller 140 can calculate the
gain G and the gain TMG to correct the distortion of the image data
captured by the CCD image sensor 110. Using the gain G and the gain
TMG calculated in this way, the camera controller 140 corrects the
distortion of the image data captured by the CCD image sensor
110.
1-3-4 Distortion Correction Information
[0099] Next, the distortion correction information is explained
with reference to FIG. 10. In the distortion correction described
above, the correction coefficients C3, C5, and C7 correspond only
to one characteristic of the distortion.
[0100] However in the digital camera of interchangeable lens type,
the specification of the optical system varies with the type of the
interchangeable lens. Therefore, the correction coefficient is
required to be selected in accordance with the optical system of
the interchangeable lens mounted on the camera body.
[0101] Also, the distortion characteristic of the same optical
system changes in accordance with the focal length or the position
of the focus lens. Therefore, the correction coefficients C3, C5,
and C7 are required to be selected in accordance with the focal
length and the position of the focus lens.
[0102] In view of this, according to this embodiment, a correction
coefficient table (first correction information) is stored in the
flash memory 242 of the interchangeable lens 200. FIG. 10 shows a
specific configuration of the correction coefficient table. As
shown in FIG. 10, a correction coefficient table E of the lens
controller 240 has zoom information ZENC, focus information FENC,
plural correction coefficients C3, C5, and C7 and plural correction
rates T. The correction coefficient table E, the zoom information
ZENC, the focus information FENC, the correction coefficients C3,
C5, and C7 and the correction rates T are examples of the
information to correct the distortion.
[0103] In the correction coefficient table E, the correction
coefficients C3, C5, and C7 and the correction rates T
corresponding to the zoom information ZENC and the focus
information FENC are arranged. The number of data on the zoom
information ZENC is, for example, Nz+1, and the number of data on
the focus information FENC is, for example, Nf+1.
[0104] In accordance with the zoom information ZENC and the focus
information FENC, the correction coefficients C3, C5, and C7 and
the correction rates T can be selected from the correction
coefficient table E. Using the correction coefficients C3, C5, and
C7 and the correction rates T thus selected, the distortion can be
corrected in a way suitable to the state of the used
interchangeable lens 200.
[0105] The lens controller 240 transmits the correction coefficient
table E stored in the flash memory 242 to the camera controller
140. The camera controller 140 using the correction coefficient
table E thus received calculates the gain G for correcting the
distortion, and corrects the distortion of the image data captured
by the CCD image sensor 110 using the gain G thus calculated. The
various operations of the camera system 1 according to this
embodiment are described below.
1-4 Operations
[0106] First, the initializing operation as the operation performed
when the camera system 1 is switched on is explained. Incidentally,
the specifics of the initializing operation are varied depending on
the number of times the interchangeable lens is mounted to the
camera body in the past.
1-4-1 Initializing Operation 1 (on First Mounting of
Interchangeable Lens)
[0107] The initializing operation of the camera system 1 according
to this embodiment is explained with reference to FIG. 11.
Especially, the initializing operation described below is performed
with the interchangeable lens 200 mounted to the camera body 100
for the first time.
[0108] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining information exchange
between the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200 during
the initializing operation. A user operates a power button (not
shown) on the camera body 100 to power on (turn on) the camera
system 1 (S10). When the camera system 1 is powered on, the
initializing operation of the camera system 1 is started.
[0109] Upon start of the initializing operation, the camera body
100 first transmits a request signal to the interchangeable lens
200 for requesting information such as the lens ID of the
interchangeable lens 200 (S11). Upon reception of the request
signal for requesting the information such as the lens ID, the
interchangeable lens 200 transmits information such as lens ID,
serial number and version to the camera body 100 (S12).
[0110] Upon reception, i.e. acquisition of the information such as
lens ID, the camera controller 140 determines whether the gain G
and the gain TMG corresponding to the acquired lens ID is stored in
the flash memory 142 or not (S13). In this case, since the
interchangeable lens 200 is assumed to have been mounted for the
first time in this case, the camera controller 140 determines that
the gain G and the gain TMG corresponding the obtained ID are not
stored in the flash memory 142.
[0111] In this case, the camera body 100 transmits a request signal
for requesting the interchangeable lens 200 to send optical data,
such as the correction coefficient table, indicating the optical
characteristics of the interchangeable lens 200 (S14). Upon
reception of the request signal, the interchangeable lens 200
transmits the optical data such as the correction coefficient table
to the camera body 100 (S15).
[0112] Upon acquisition (reception) of the optical data such as the
correction coefficient table, the camera controller 140 calculates
correction values for correcting distortion such as the gain G and
the gain TMG according to the aforementioned method based on the
acquired correction coefficient table (S16).
[0113] When the correction value is calculated, the camera
controller 140 determines whether the calculated correction value
exceeds a limit of correction of the distortion for the camera body
100 or not. When determining that the calculated correction value
exceeds the limit of distortion correction, the camera controller
140 multiplies the calculated correction value by the correction
rate (suppresses the calculated correction value) thereby to adjust
the correction value within the range of the distortion correction
limit (S16). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, by multiplying the
calculated correction value by the correction rate, the correction
value is adjusted within the limit of the distortion correction by
the camera controller 140.
[0114] For example, it is assumed that the camera controller 140 of
the camera system 1 according to this embodiment can correct
distortion up to 10%. In this case, it is further assumed that the
gain G (correction value) calculated by the camera controller 140
is 1.2. Then, the gain G (correction value) is indicated by a curve
A shown in FIG. 12. In a case where the image data captured by the
CCD image sensor 110 is corrected with the gain G indicated by the
curve A, the distortion can theoretically be completely corrected.
However, the camera system 1 according to this embodiment can
correct distortion of the image data only up to 10%, and therefore
the gains G for each distance from the center position is
multiplied by 1.1/1.2 as a correction rate so that the correction
value indicated by a curve B can be obtained. According to the gain
G indicated by the curve B, for every distance from the center, the
correction of more than 10% is not made, and thus the gain G
indicated by the curve B means a value (correction value) within
the limit of the correction distortion by the camera controller
140. As a result, the camera system 1 according to this embodiment
can correct the distortion in maximum even for an interchangeable
lens for which distortion cannot be completely corrected. The rate
of 10% up to which the camera system 1 according to this embodiment
can correct distortion is determined based on the specification.
Therefore, the rate is not necessarily 10%, but may be either 15%
or 20%, if so determined in the specification.
[0115] On the other hand, when determining that the calculated
correction value is within the range of the limit of distortion
correction, the camera controller 140 stores the calculated gain G
(correction value) which is associated with the ID of the
interchangeable lens 200 in the flash memory 142 (S18). The camera
controller 140 also associates the gain G (correction value) set
within the range of the distortion correction limit by multiplying
the correction rate with the ID of the interchangeable lens 200,
and stores the gain G in the flash memory 142 (S18).
[0116] After that, the camera controller 140 using the gain G
stored in the flash memory 142 corrects the distortion of the image
data captured by the CCD image sensor 110. During this period, an
image indicated by the image data captured by the CCD image sensor
110 is not displayed on the LCD monitor 120. In other words, the
live view function is stopped.
[0117] When the process of correcting distortion is completed and
the image data subjected to distortion correction is generated, the
LCD monitor 120 starts to display the image indicated by the image
data subjected to distortion correction (S19). In other words, the
live view function is started. In this way, in the camera system 1
according to this embodiment, the LCD monitor 120 does not display
the distorted image before correction indicated by the image data
captured by the CCD image sensor 110 until the distortion
correction of the image data captured by the CCD image sensor 110
is completed.
[0118] As described above, in the camera system 1 according to this
embodiment, when the gain G for distortion correction which is
calculated based on the optical data acquired from the
interchangeable lens 200 exceeds the limit of the distortion
correction, the camera controller 140 multiplies the calculated
gain G by the correction rate (for suppressing gain G) to keep the
gain G within the range of the distortion correction limit. In this
manner, even when the distortion due to the optical characteristic
of the mounted interchangeable lens exceeds the limit of distortion
correction by the camera controller 140, the distortion of the
image data captured by the CCD image sensor 110 can be corrected in
a comparatively appropriate correcting way.
[0119] Also, in the camera system 1 according to this embodiment,
the LCD monitor 120 does not display the image until the distortion
correction of the image data captured by the CCD image sensor 110
is completed even when the image data captured by the CCD image
sensor 110 is ready for display on the LCD monitor 120 after power
on of the camera system 1. Specifically, the live view function is
stopped before completion of the distortion correction of the image
data, and the live view function is started after completion of
correction of the distortion of the image data. As a result, a
comparatively poor-looking image before completed distortion
correction can be prevented from being presented to a user.
1-4-2 Initializing Operation 2 (on N-th Mounting of the Same
Interchangeable Lens (n.gtoreq.2))
[0120] Another initializing operation of the camera system 1
according to this embodiment is explained with reference to FIG.
13. The initializing operation described below is performed as n-th
(n: integer of 2 or more) mounting of the same interchangeable
lens. Specifically, this initializing operation is performed when
mounting the interchangeable lens 200 that has ever been mounted on
the camera body 100 before power-on of the camera system 1.
[0121] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining information exchange
between the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200 in the
initializing operation. A user operates a power button (not shown)
on the camera body 100 to power on the camera system 1 (S20). When
the camera system is powered on (S20), the initializing operation
of the camera system 1 is started.
[0122] Upon start of the initializing operation, the camera body
100 first transmits a request signal to the interchangeable lens
200 for requesting information such as the lens ID of the
interchangeable lens 200 (S21). Upon reception of the request
signal for requesting the information such as the lens ID, the
interchangeable lens 200 transmits information such as lens ID,
serial number and version to the camera body 100 (S22).
[0123] The camera controller 140 upon reception of the information
such as the ID determines whether the gain G and the gain TMG
corresponding to the received ID are stored in the flash memory 142
or not (S23). The initializing operation in this case is assumed to
be the n-th (n.gtoreq.2) initializing operation with the same
interchangeable lens 200 mounted, and therefore the camera
controller 140 determines that the gain G and the gain TMG
corresponding to the received ID are stored in the flash memory
142. It is noted that in this embodiment, the flash memory 142
stores information, such as the gain G, corresponding to one
ID.
[0124] The camera controller 140 which determines that the gain G
and the gain TMG corresponding to the received ID are stored in the
flash memory 142 corrects the distortion of the image data captured
by the CCD image sensor 110, based on the gain G and the gain TMG
stored in the flash memory 142 (S24).
[0125] Upon completion of the distortion correction of the image
data, the LCD monitor 120 displays the image indicated by the image
data after completion of the distortion correction (S25). In this
way, it is configured that the image indicated by the image data
captured by the CCD image sensor 110 is not displayed on the LCD
monitor 120 before completion of correction of the distortion.
[0126] As described above, in the camera system 1 according to this
embodiment, the flash memory 142 stores the gain G and the gain TMG
for distortion correction calculated by the camera controller 140,
with the gain G and the gain TMG associated with the ID of the
mounted interchangeable lens. Also, the camera controller 140 does
not calculate again the gain G and the gain TMG for distortion
correction corresponding to the mounted interchangeable lens, if
they are already stored in the flash memory 142. In such a case,
the camera controller 140 corrects the distortion of the image data
captured by the CCD image sensor 110, using the gain G and the gain
MG already stored in the flash memory 142. As a result, the camera
controller 140 is not required to calculate the gain G and the gain
TMG for distortion correction based on the optical data of the
interchangeable lens 200 at every initializing operation.
Accordingly, when the interchangeable lens that has ever been
mounted is mounted to the camera system 1 again, the camera system
1 can finish the initializing operation in a comparatively short
time. Furthermore, the camera system 1 according to this embodiment
can display the image indicated by the image data after distortion
correction on the LCD monitor 120 comparatively quickly after
mounting the interchangeable lens that has ever been mounted.
[0127] In the camera system 1 according to this embodiment, the
flash memory 142 stores the correction value for distortion
correction and the ID of the interchangeable lens in correspondence
with each other. Nevertheless, this configuration is not
necessarily required, and the flash memory 142 may store the
distortion correction value and the serial number of the
interchangeable lens in correspondence with each other. By doing
so, the delicate optical characteristic different from each other
in the interchangeable lenses of the same ID can be also
appropriately corrected for each interchangeable lens.
[0128] Also, the flash memory 142 may store the correction value
for distortion correction and the version information of the
interchangeable lens in correspondence with each other. This
arrangement can handle distortion correction of the interchangeable
lens of which optical characteristic information can be upgraded
through the Internet. Specifically, when the optical characteristic
data is changed by upgrading the version of the interchangeable
lens after the correction value for distortion is calculated last,
the camera controller 140 calculates the correction value for
distortion again and corrects the distortion using the calculated
correction value so that the distortion can be corrected more
properly.
1-4-3 Distortion Correction and Image Display in Demounting
Interchangeable Lens (First Example Operation)
[0129] The operation of the camera system 1 according to this
embodiment to correct the distortion and display the image in
demounting the interchangeable lens 200 from the camera body 100
which is powered on is explained with reference to FIGS. 14, 15A to
15D.
[0130] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operations of
distortion correction in demounting the interchangeable lens 200
from the camera body 100. FIGS. 15A to 15D are diagrams for
explaining the change in the distortion correct operation in
demounting the interchangeable lens 200 from the camera body
100.
[0131] A mechanism for detecting mounting state of the
interchangeable lens 200 to the camera body 100 is explained. The
camera system 1 according to this embodiment is configured to
confirm the mounting state of the interchangeable lens 200 to the
camera body 100 (completely demounted or being mounted/demounted)
in accordance with a predetermined specification. The camera body
100 and the interchangeable lens 200 have connection check
terminals 11 and 21, respectively, for recognizing the electrical
connection between the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens
200. The camera body 100 also has the lock pin 15 to confirm that
the interchangeable lens 200 is connected mechanically to the
camera body 100. The lock pin 15 is arranged to turn off when the
interchangeable lens 200 is completely mounted to or completely
demounted from the camera body 100, and to turn on when the
interchangeable lens 200 is in the process of being mounted to the
camera body 100. That is, by using the connection check terminals
11 and 21, it is possible to detect whether the interchangeable
lens is in conformity with the predetermined specification or not.
The lock pin 15 makes it possible to detect the mechanical
connection between the interchangeable lens 200 and the camera body
100. The connection check terminals 11 and 21 and the lock pin 15
are examples of such a detection unit, and any alternative
mechanism capable of detecting the connection state intended by
this embodiment can be used.
[0132] FIG. 15A shows the state in which the interchangeable lens
200 is completely mounted to the camera body 100. This state is
hereinafter referred to as a "state A". In the state A, the
connection check terminals 11 and 21 for electrically recognizing
the connection between the camera body 100 and the interchangeable
lens 200 are on, and the lock pint 15 for mechanically recognizing
the connection between the camera body 100 and the interchangeable
lens 200 is off. In other words, the state A is a state in which
the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200 are connected
completely to each other electrically and mechanically.
[0133] In the state A shown in FIG. 15A, the camera controller 140
corrects the distortion of the image data captured by the CCD image
sensor 110 (S100). The camera controller 140 also controls the LCD
monitor 120 to display the image indicated by the image data
subjected to distortion correction.
[0134] In a state where the distortion is corrected and the image
indicated by the image data subjected to distortion correction is
displayed on the LCD monitor 120, the camera controller 140
monitors whether the lock pin 15 is turned on or not (S110).
[0135] When rotation of the interchangeable lens 200 starts from
the state in which the interchangeable lens 200 is completely
mounted to the camera body 100 in order to demount the
interchangeable lens 200, the lock pin 15 is turned on while the
connection check terminals 11 and 12 remaining on. This state is
shown in FIG. 15B, and hereinafter referred to as a "state B". In
the state B, the lock pin 15 is on but the camera body 100 and the
interchangeable lens 200 are still connected electrically to each
other. In other words, the state B is a state in which the
interchangeable lens 200 is being mounted, and the interchangeable
lens 200 and the camera body 100 are connected incompletely to each
other.
[0136] When the camera system 1 enters the state B and the lock pin
15 is turned on, the camera controller 140 corrects the distortion
of the image data captured by the CCD image sensor 110 (S120). The
camera controller 140 also controls the LCD monitor 120 to display
the image indicated by the image data subjected to distortion
correction (S120). Specifically, also in the state B shown in FIG.
15B, the distortion of the image data captured by the CCD image
sensor 110 is corrected, and the image indicated by the image data
subjected to distortion correction is displayed on the LCD monitor
120.
[0137] In the state B, the camera controller 140 determines whether
the connection check terminal 11 of the camera body 100 is
electrically connected or not to the connection check terminal 21
of the interchangeable lens 200 (S130).
[0138] With further rotation of the interchangeable lens 200 from
the state B, the connection check terminal 11 of the camera body
100 is electrically disconnected from the connection check terminal
21 of the interchangeable lens 200. This state is shown in FIG.
15C. This state is hereinafter referred to as a "state C". In the
state C, the lock pin 15 is on, and the connection check terminal
11 and the connection check terminal 21 are not electrically
connected to each other (off state). In other words, the state C is
a state in which the interchangeable lens 200 is in the process of
being connected, and the interchangeable lens 200 and the camera
body 100 are incompletely connected to each other.
[0139] Even in the case where the camera system 1 enters the state
C and the electrical disconnection between the connection check
terminals 11 and 21 is not recognized, the camera controller 140
corrects the distortion of the image data captured by the CCD image
sensor 110 (S140) and controls the LCD monitor 120 to display the
image indicated by the image data subjected to distortion
correction (S140). In other words, even in the state C shown in
FIG. 15C, the distortion of the image data captured by the CCD
image sensor 110 is corrected and the image indicated by the image
data subjected to distortion correction is displayed on the LCD
monitor 120.
[0140] The distance in the states B and C between the lens system
in the interchangeable lens 200 and the CCD image sensor 110 is
same as that in the state A (when the interchangeable lens 200 is
completely mounted). Therefore the image indicated by the image
data subjected to distortion correction is displayed on the LCD
monitor 120 in each of the states B and C, so that a user can
confirm the image on the LCD monitor 120 even while the user is
demounting the interchangeable lens.
[0141] After that, the camera controller 140 determines whether the
lock pin 15 is turned off or not.
[0142] When the interchangeable lens 200 is further rotated from
the state C and is completely demounted from the camera body 100,
the lock pin 15 is turned off. FIG. 15D shows this state. This
state is hereinafter referred to as a "state D". In the state D,
the lock pin is off and the connection check terminals 11 and 12
are not electrically connected to each other (off state). In other
words, in the state D, the camera body 100 and the interchangeable
lens 200 are completely disconnected electrically and
mechanically.
[0143] When the camera system 1 enters the state D and the lock pin
is determined to be off, the camera controller 140 stops the
distortion correction of the image data captured by the CCD image
sensor 110 (S160). The camera controller 140 also controls the LCD
monitor 120 to display the image data captured by the CCD image
sensor 110 that is not corrected the distortion (S160).
Specifically, in the state D shown in FIG. 15D, the distortion
correction of the image data captured by the CCD image sensor 110
is stopped, and the image indicated by the image data not corrected
the distortion is displayed on the LCD monitor 120.
[0144] The reason why the camera controller 140 stops the
correction of distortion in the state D is explained below. In the
state D where the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200
are disconnected completely from each other electrically and
mechanically, the image indicated by the image data captured by the
CCD image sensor 110 is blurred and it may be hard to visually
recognize what is imaged. Correction of the distortion of such
blurred image data is meaningless since the image indicated by the
blurred image data after correction is also blurred. In the state
D, therefore, the camera system 1 according to this embodiment
stops the distortion correction of the image data captured by the
CCD image sensor 110. In the states A, B and C, the image may be
somewhat blurred but it is possible to sufficiently recognize what
is imaged.
[0145] As described above, in the camera system 1 according to this
embodiment, the camera controller 140 corrects the distortion of
the image data captured by the CCD image sensor 110 and controls
the LCD monitor 120 to display the image indicated by the image
data subjected to correction unless the camera body 100 and the
interchangeable lens 200 are completely disconnected from each
other electrically and mechanically. As the result of this
operation, the camera system 1 can always correct distortion as
long as there is high possibility in which the CCD image sensor 110
captures the image which is visually recognizable by a user.
[0146] Although in the above description the display of the image
is stopped in the states B and C, the display of the image may be
continued in the state B and the display of the image may be
stopped in the state C. By displaying the image in the state B, the
image does not disappear even when the lock pin 15 is carelessly
depressed by a user, so that the convenience for the user is not
hampered. At the timing the state changes from B to C, it can be
considered that the user's intention to demount the lens is
confirmed. Thus, it is not problem to stop the display of the image
in the state C.
1-4-4 Distortion Correction and Image Display in Demounting the
Interchangeable Lens (Second Example Operation)
[0147] Another example operation (second example operation) of the
distortion correction and the image display done in demounting the
interchangeable lens is explained with reference to FIG. 16. The
aforementioned example operation (first example operation) with
reference to FIG. 14 is controlled to display the image on the LCD
monitor 120 in the states B and C (while the interchangeable lens
is being demounted) (steps S120 and S140 in FIG. 14). In the second
example operation, in contrast, the camera controller 140 prevents
the LCD monitor 120 from displaying the image based on the image
data captured by the CCD image sensor 110 in the states B and C
(steps S121 and S141 in FIG. 16). In the process, the camera
controller 140 may or may not correct the image distortion of the
image data captured by the CCD image sensor 110.
1-4-5 Distortion Correction and Image Display in Mounting the
Interchangeable Lens
[0148] The operations of correcting the image distortion and of
displaying the image in mounting the interchangeable lens 200 to
the camera body 100 in the camera system 1 which is powered on
according to this embodiment are explained with reference to FIGS.
17 and 15A to 15D.
[0149] The operations of correcting the distortion and image
display in mounting the interchangeable lens 200 with the camera
system 1 powered on is basically opposite of the operations in
demounting the interchangeable lens 200. Specifically, in case of
mounting the interchangeable lens 200, the state of the camera
system 1 changes from the states D, C, B, to A in this order.
[0150] In the state D with the interchangeable lens 200 completely
demounted from the camera body 100, the lock pin 15 is off, and the
connection check terminals 11 and 21 are in the state where they
are not electrically connected to each other (off state). Under
this condition, the camera controller 140 stops correcting the
distortion of the image data captured by the CCD image sensor 110
(S200). Further, the camera controller 140 controls the LCD monitor
120 to display the image data which is captured by the CCD image
sensor 110 but is not corrected the distortion (S200).
[0151] When a user brings the interchangeable lens 200 into contact
with the camera body and starts rotating the interchangeable lens
200 at the state D, the state is shifted to state C in which the
connection check terminal 11 of the camera body 100 is not
electrically connected to the connection check terminal 21 of the
interchangeable lens 200 and the lock pin 15 is turned on
(S210).
[0152] In the state C, the camera controller 140 does not correct
the distortion of the image data captured by the CCD image sensor
110 and controls the LCD monitor 120 to stop displaying the image
data which is captured by the CCD image sensor 110 and not
corrected the distortion (S220).
[0153] With further rotation of the interchangeable lens 200 for
mounting the lens from the state C, the state is shifted to the
state B in which the electrical connection between the connection
check terminals 11 and 21 is recognized with the lock pin 15 kept
on (S230).
[0154] Also in the state B, the camera controller 140 does not
correct the distortion of the image data captured by the CCD image
sensor 110 (S240) while preventing the LCD monitor 120 from
displaying the image indicated by the image data which is captured
by the CCD image sensor 110 but is not corrected the distortion
(S240).
[0155] As described above, in the states B and C, the camera
controller 140 prevents the LCD monitor 120 from displaying the
image not corrected the distortion, with the result that a user is
prevented as far as possible from viewing the distorted image while
the interchangeable lens being mounted.
[0156] With further rotation of the interchangeable lens 200 from
the state B, the lock pin is turned off (S250), and the camera
system 1 enters the state A. In the state A, the camera controller
140 starts correcting the distortion of the image data captured by
the CCD image sensor 110 (S260). In the process, the camera
controller 140 prevents the LCD monitor 120 from displaying the
image indicated by the image data captured by the CCD image sensor
110 until the correction of the image distortion is completed, and
controls the LCD monitor 120 to display the image indicated by the
corrected image data after the distortion correction is completed
(S260).
[0157] As described above, even after the interchangeable lens 200
is completely mounted to the camera body 100, the image is not
immediately displayed on the LCD monitor 120, and the LCD monitor
120 begins to display the image upon completion of the distortion
correction. As a result, a user is prevented as far as possible
from viewing the distorted image before distortion correction.
[0158] In the examples explained above with reference to FIGS. 14,
16 and 17, the image is displayed in the state D. The reason is as
follows. In a case where an interchangeable lens which is not
conformity with a predetermined standard (i.e. a predetermined
specification) is mounted to the camera body 100, the electrical
connection as described above is not confirmed even though the
interchangeable lens is completely mounted to the camera body 100.
In such a case, if the image indicated by the image data captured
by the CCD image sensor 110 is not displayed on the LCD monitor
120, a user cannot visually recognize a through image and feels
inconvenience. For this reason, it is controlled so that the image
is displayed on the LCD monitor 120 in the state D.
1-5 Summary of the Embodiment
[0159] The camera system 1 according to this embodiment includes
the interchangeable lens 200 and the camera body 100. The
interchangeable lens 200 includes the flash memory 242 for storing
optical data indicating the characteristics of the optical system
of the interchangeable lens 200. The camera body 100 includes the
CCD image sensor 110 for generating image data by capturing an
object image, the body mount 150 for acquiring the optical data
from the interchangeable lens 200, the camera controller 140 for
calculating a correction value to correct the image data generated
by the CCD image sensor 110 based on the optical data acquired
through the body mount 150, and the flash memory 142 for storing
the correction value calculated by the camera controller 140.
[0160] As a result, the camera controller 140 is not required to
calculate a gain G and a gain TMG for distortion correction based
on the optical data of the interchangeable lens 200 at every
initializing operation. Accordingly, the camera system 1 according
to this embodiment can finish the second and subsequent
initializing operations in a comparatively short time with the same
interchangeable lens mounted to the camera body 100.
[0161] Also, the camera system 1 according to this embodiment
includes the interchangeable lens 200 and the camera body 100. The
interchangeable lens 200 includes the flash memory 242 for storing
optical data. The camera body 100 includes the CCD image sensor 110
for generating image data by capturing an object image, the body
mount 150 for acquiring the optical data from the interchangeable
lens 200, and the camera controller 140 for correcting the image
data generated by the CCD image sensor 110, which calculates a
correction value to correct the image data generated by the CCD
image sensor 110 based on the optical data acquired by the body
mount 150, and which suppresses the correction value within a range
correctable by the camera controller 140 when the correction value
calculated by the camera controller 140 exceeds the correctable
range by the camera controller 140. The camera controller 140
corrects the image data generated by the CCD image sensor 110 based
on the correction value calculated by the camera controller
140.
[0162] With the aforementioned configuration, even when the
distortion caused by the optical characteristics of the mounted
interchangeable lens exceeds the limit of distortion correction by
the camera controller 140, the camera system 1 according to this
embodiment can correct the distortion of the image data captured by
the CCD image sensor 110 in a comparatively appropriate way.
[0163] Also, the camera body 100 of the camera system 1 according
to this embodiment can be mounted with the interchangeable lens
200, and includes the CCD image sensor 110 for generating image
data by capturing an object image formed through the
interchangeable lens 200, the body mount 150 for acquiring optical
data from the interchangeable lens 200, the camera controller 140
for correcting the image data generated by the CCD image sensor 110
based on the optical data acquired through the body mount 150, and
the LCD monitor 120 for displaying an image based on the image
data. After the camera body 100 is powered on, the LCD monitor 120
stops displaying the image based on the image data generated by the
CCD image sensor 110 until the camera controller 140 completes
correction of the image data generated by the CCD image sensor
110.
[0164] With this configuration, the camera system 1 according to
this embodiment prevents a user from viewing a comparatively
poor-looking image of which distortion is not completely
corrected.
[0165] Furthermore, the camera body 100 of the camera system 1
according to this embodiment can be mounted with the
interchangeable lens 200, and includes the CCD image sensor 110 for
generating image data by capturing an object image, the body mount
150 for acquiring optical data from the interchangeable lens 200,
and the camera controller 140 for correcting the image data
generated by the CCD image sensor 110 based on the optical data
acquired through the body mount 150, which detects that the
interchangeable lens 200 is mounted or demounted. Upon detection of
the interchangeable lens 200 being mounted or demounted, the camera
controller 140 stops correction of the image data.
[0166] With this configuration, when there is high possibility in
which the CCD image sensor 110 has captured an image that is
visually recognizable by a user, the camera system 1 according to
this embodiment can always correct distortion.
2. Other Embodiments
[0167] The first embodiment is specifically described as above.
However, an embodiment is not limited to the aforementioned
embodiment. Other embodiments are explained briefly below.
[0168] According to the first embodiment, the LCD monitor 120 is
prevented from displaying an image before distortion correction of
the image is completed (the live view function is stopped).
However, as long as the distorted image before correction is not
displayed on the LCD monitor 120, a predetermined message, a still
image, or the like may be displayed before completion of the
correction.
[0169] In the camera system 1 according to the first embodiment,
the distortion is corrected. However, the embodiment is not
necessarily limited to such distortion correction. This embodiment
is also applicable to correction for chromatic aberration or
shading. As a result, the chromatic aberration and the shading can
also be efficiently corrected.
[0170] According to the first embodiment, the camera body without a
movable mirror is illustrated. However, the camera body is not
limited to such a structure. For example, a movable mirror or a
prism for splitting an object image may be provided in the camera
body. The movable mirror also may be arranged not inside the camera
body but inside an adaptor.
[0171] Further, according to the first embodiment, the CCD image
sensor 110 is illustrated as an imaging device. The imaging device,
however, is not limited to the CCD image sensor 110, and may be,
for example, a CMOS image sensor or an NMOS image sensor.
[0172] The camera system 1 may have a function (a sleep mode) to
power off itself automatically when no operation is made on the
camera system 1 by a user for a predetermined time. When the camera
system 1 has such a function, the power-on in the steps S10 and S20
may include the power-on recovered from the automatic power-off
state (the sleep mode). Also, the power-on in the steps S10 and S20
may include the power-on of the interchangeable lens 200 by
starting to supply power from the camera body 100 to the
interchangeable lens 200.
[0173] For plural IDs, the flash memory 142 may store information
related to each of the plural IDs, such as gain G.
[0174] Although the present embodiment has been described in
connection with specified embodiments thereof, many other
modifications, corrections and applications are apparent to those
skilled in the art. Therefore, the present embodiment is not
limited by the disclosure provided herein but limited only to the
scope of the appended claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0175] The aforementioned embodiments are applicable to an imaging
apparatus such as a digital still camera or a digital video
camera.
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