JP2000241868A - Electronic camera system, photographing lens unit and electronic camera main body used in the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image signal expressing a specified image and to surely prevent an error in photographing by providing a storage means for storing the image circle information of a photographing optical system and an output means for outputting the image circle information to an electronic camera main body. SOLUTION: This camera system is constituted of the electronic camera main body 1 constituting a camera main body and a photographing lens barrel 2 being a photographing lens unit, and the lens barrel 2 is disposed to be freely attached to/detached from an electronic camera 1. In the lens barrel 2, various inherent information on a photographing lens, for example, various information such as the image circle information and shading correction information is previously stored in the storage mean 39 such as a ROM. Then, electric contacts 2a and 2b for outputting the specified information from the storage means 39 of the lens barrel 2 to the main body 1 side or receiving a control signal from the main body 1 by coming in contact with electric contacts 1a and 1b provided in the main body 1 are disposed in the lens barrel 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera system, a photographing lens unit and an electronic camera body used in the system, more specifically, a photographing lens unit having a photographing optical system, and this photographing lens unit is detachably provided. An electronic camera body that photoelectrically converts an object image formed by the imaging optical system by electronic imaging means to obtain an image signal, and records image information including the image signal on a recording medium; The present invention relates to an electronic camera system of a lens exchange system including a unit, an electronic camera body, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a subject image formed by a photographing optical system such as a photographing lens has been converted to a CCD (Charge C).
Oupled Device (Charge Coupled Device) and the like, photoelectrically converted into an electric signal using an imaging device, and the obtained electric image signal can be recorded on a recording medium or the like as image data such as digital data. A configured digital still camera, digital video camera, and the like (hereinafter, simply referred to as an electronic camera) are widely used.

Conventionally, in such an electronic camera or a camera using a photographic film (hereinafter referred to as a film camera), a desired subject image is formed on a light receiving surface or a film surface of an image pickup device. As a means of
For example, a photographing optical system including a plurality of photographing lenses such as optical glass is used.

In general, an image forming surface such as a light receiving surface or a film surface of an image pickup device is generally arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of a photographing lens. In this case,
The light beam transmitted through the photographing lens is condensed in a substantially circular predetermined range around the optical axis of the photographing lens. It is well known that within this predetermined range, that is, within the range where the light beam reaches, the phenomenon that the light quantity distribution gradually decreases from the optical axis toward the peripheral portion is known.

[0005] On the other hand, in order to secure a predetermined image quality when taking a photograph, a sufficient amount of light is required. It is desirable to irradiate a substantially uniform light amount over the region.

However, if the amount of light in the peripheral portion of the photographing screen decreases due to the above-described nature of the photographing lens, the amount of the subject light beam irradiated within a predetermined photographing screen frame is reduced in the vicinity of the central portion and in the peripheral portion. The image is not uniform in the vicinity and the image quality in the vicinity of the peripheral portion of the screen is degraded accordingly.

Therefore, in a general photographing lens used when taking a photograph with a camera or the like, a region in which a light flux transmitted through the photographing lens reaches an image forming surface, in which a reduction in peripheral light amount is allowable. And a range in which the required image quality can be maintained. The one of the two which is usually a small circular range, that is, the range in which the required image quality can be maintained is called an image circle.

[0008] An image pickup device used in a general electronic camera is an assembly of a large number of light receiving elements. Therefore, if it is known in advance how much the peripheral light amount of the light beam transmitted through the photographing lens is reduced, it is possible to control the amount of light received by the light receiving element of the image sensor based on the information.

By performing such control, the electronic camera can easily execute a correction process for making the amount of light received by the image sensor substantially uniform in any region in the photographing screen.

As described above, in a conventional electronic camera or the like, a process of correcting a deviation in sensitivity or the like among the plurality of light receiving elements forming the imaging device, that is, a so-called shading correction process is generally performed. .

For example, in an electronic camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-197266, in an electronic camera in which a photographing lens is detachably provided, shading correction is performed in a storage means such as a ROM provided on the photographing lens side. Various kinds of information necessary for performing the photographing are stored in advance, and in a state where the photographing lens is attached to the camera body for photographing, the predetermined circuit on the camera body side reads from the ROM on the photographing lens side. It is configured to read shading information and the like. This allows the camera body to perform appropriate shading correction processing for each photographing lens attached thereto.

On the other hand, in a conventional general film camera, the film size (film format) used by a specific camera body is basically the same, and in this case, the film is formed within a predetermined exposure range. The area and shape of an image, that is, the photographing screen frame, are usually defined to a predetermined size.

In recent years, for example, in a film camera using a 135 type roll film, an IX240 type roll film, or the like, a so-called panoramic mode or the like is used to obtain a photographic print having a longer side than a normal photographic print size. Some have a special shooting mode. However, also in this case, on the film, only a part of the image to be exposed within the normal exposure range is cut out (trimmed) and used.

Therefore, in a conventional general film camera in which a taking lens is detachably mounted on the camera body, that is, a so-called interchangeable taking lens type film camera, the taking lens is physically attached to the camera body. It is designed so that predetermined optical performance can be assured as long as it can be mounted in a specific manner, that is, when the mount shape is the same.

[0015]

However, in a general electronic camera which has been widely used in recent years, an image sensor is used as a film equivalent to a film in a conventional film camera. , In various sizes and shapes.

That is, for example, the size of an image sensor conventionally used mainly in an electronic camera is, for example, a half (１ ／) inch type or a third (１ ／).
There are various types, such as an inch type and a quarter (1/4) inch type, each of which has a different size of an obtained captured image (area of a shooting screen frame, etc.).

More specifically, for example, the diagonal length of the photographing screen frame of an electronic camera employing a quarter inch type image sensor is about half as long as that of a half inch type. And its area is a quarter. Therefore, the area of the imaging screen of the image sensor greatly differs depending on the size of the image sensor.

As described above, in the conventional electronic camera, the size and shape of an image to be obtained, that is, the area of a photographing screen and the aspect ratio thereof, cannot be generally specified depending on the size of the imaging device used. It is.

On the other hand, in most of the general film cameras, the aspect ratio (aspect ratio) of the photographing screen is usually set to a predetermined [2: 3]. On the other hand, in a conventional electronic camera using an image sensor, the aspect ratio of a shooting screen frame is [2: 3], [3: 4], or [4: 5] depending on the image sensor used.
Since various types such as those of the electronic camera are used, the shape of the shooting screen frame in the electronic camera is also different depending on the image sensor used.

As described above, in a conventional electronic camera or the like, when the photographing lens is detachable and the photographing lens is detachably disposed, the photographing lens unit is physically attached to the electronic camera body. Even if the image pickup lens can be attached, the image circle of the attached photographing lens may be inappropriate for the image pickup device on the electronic camera body side. Even if a photographing operation is performed in a state where an inappropriate photographing lens unit is attached to a predetermined electronic camera in this way, it is almost impossible to obtain an image maintaining a predetermined image quality.

This will be specifically described below. For example, when a specific photographing lens is attached to an electronic camera whose photographing screen frame of the image sensor is relatively small, if a predetermined photographing image frame falls within the range of the image circle of the photographing lens, the photographing is performed. The lens can be used without any problems. On the other hand, when the same photographic lens is attached to an electronic camera having a relatively large photographic screen frame of the image sensor, a phenomenon in which the amount of peripheral light is insufficient may occur in a captured image that can be obtained by this. Conceivable. Therefore, the photographed image photographed at this time cannot obtain a favorable photographing result (captured image).

For example, FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing a light amount distribution on a focal plane (image forming plane or light receiving plane) of a light beam transmitted through a photographing lens. As described above, the light beam transmitted through the photographing lens is applied to a substantially circular range centered on the optical axis O as shown in FIG. In this case, it is shown that the light amount of the same light beam within a predetermined range gradually decreases as the distance from the center point (optical axis O) increases.

Here, a photographing lens exhibiting a light amount distribution as shown in FIG. 2 is mounted on an electronic camera having an image pickup device A as shown in FIG. 3, and an image pickup device B as shown in FIG. Let's compare it to the case where it is attached to an electronic camera.

The image pickup device A shown in FIG. 3 has, for example, a diagonal length of 7 mm and a distance C = 3.5 mm from the center O of the optical axis to one corner. Image sensor B shown in FIG. 4 has a diagonal length of 10 m.
m and the distance C from the optical axis center O to one corner C = 5 mm
It is assumed to have.

In this case, the image circle by the photographing lens in FIG. 2, that is, the range in which the required image quality can be maintained is defined as an area within a radius R = 4 mm and a light quantity distribution of 50.
% Or more.

First, in the case of the image pickup device A, as shown in FIG. 3, the range of a predetermined photographing screen frame on the image forming plane (focal plane or light receiving plane) is within the image circle. Therefore, when the photographing lens of FIG. 2 is attached to the electronic camera having the image pickup device A, it is considered that an image maintaining the required image quality can be obtained even in the state as it is.

On the other hand, in the case of the image sensor B having a larger diagonal line length than that of the image sensor A and having a larger light receiving area, as shown in FIG. Are outside the predetermined image circle (R = 4 mm) defined as described above. Therefore, in the protruding area, the required image quality cannot be maintained due to insufficient light quantity.

As described above, in the case of a camera having an interchangeable photographic lens, a specific photographic lens is commonly used by a plurality of cameras having different sizes of photographic screen frames (light receiving surface size or film size of the image sensor). It can be seen that, in order to maintain the required image quality, information about the image circle of the mounted photographing lens is required.

The above-mentioned problem can be easily solved by preparing a photographing lens having an optimal image circle corresponding to (the light receiving area of) the image pickup device in the electronic camera and disposing the photographing lens in a detachable manner. can do.

However, in the case of using such means, various kinds of image sensors, that is, a plurality of different electronic cameras equipped with the same, are individually corresponded.
It becomes necessary to prepare very various types of photographing lenses. Therefore, the taking lens and the electronic camera itself
There is a problem that it cannot be manufactured at a lower cost and cannot be provided as a low-cost electronic camera system.

On the other hand, according to the means disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-197266, various kinds of information necessary for performing shading correction, for example, detailed information when the amount of peripheral light decreases, etc. A storage means for storing the information is required, but these various types of information are enormous. Therefore, a storage means such as a ROM for storing such various information in advance has a large storage capacity and is expensive. Along with this, there is a problem that the photographing lens itself becomes large and the manufacturing cost increases due to an increase in the number of members.

Further, according to the means, the camera body responds to the image signal acquired by the image sensor based on various information read from the ROM or the like of the photographing lens.
It is necessary to execute various kinds of processing, that is, complicated signal processing such as correction processing of a luminance component.

Therefore, there is also a problem that a longer time is required for a processing time for a series of photographing operations and the like, so that smooth photographing cannot be performed and the usability and operability are impaired.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a combination of an electronic camera body and a photographing lens unit mounted on the electronic camera body in an interchangeable photographing lens type electronic camera. In the case where the image quality is deteriorated due to improper image quality, the photographer does not need to consider the combination of the electronic camera body and the photographing lens unit in advance when photographing. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera system capable of acquiring an image signal representing an image having a predetermined image quality without requiring a special operation, and reliably preventing a shooting error or the like.

[0035]

In order to achieve the above object, a photographic lens unit according to a first aspect of the present invention has a photographic optical system for forming an image of a subject, and an image obtained by electronic imaging means. What is claimed is: 1. A photographing lens unit detachably mounted on an electronic camera body for recording information on a recording medium, comprising: storage means for storing image circle information of the photographing optical system; and image circle information of the storage means. And output means for outputting to the electronic camera body.

In the electronic camera body according to the second aspect of the present invention, a photographic lens unit having a photographic optical system for forming a subject image and storage means for storing image circle information of the photographic optical system is detachably provided. An electronic camera body provided with an image sensor that photoelectrically converts a subject image to generate an image signal, obtains predetermined image information, and an image obtained by the electronic image sensor. A recording medium on which information is recorded, an input means for receiving image circle information of the photographing optical system output from the storage means, and an image information acquired by the electronic imaging means when recording the image information on the recording medium. Describes image circle information relating to the photographing optical system of the photographing lens unit attached at the time of photographing, in association with image information to be recorded. Characterized in that it is configured by including a recording means for.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera body according to the second aspect, the recording means further associates information on the image sensor of the electronic imaging means with image information to be recorded. It is characterized by being configured to record on a recording medium.

In the electronic camera body according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a photographing lens unit having a photographing optical system for forming a subject image and storage means for storing image circle information of the photographing optical system is detachably provided. An electronic camera body, comprising: an imaging device that photoelectrically converts a subject image to generate an image signal; and an electronic imaging unit that obtains predetermined image information; and an imaging optical system that is output from the storage unit. Input means for accepting image circle information, and reading out image circle information of the photographing optical system from the storage means, the image circle information and information on the light receiving surface size among the information on the image pickup device of the electronic image pickup means. A comparison means for comparing, and a result of the comparison by the comparison means, the circumference of an image based on image information to be acquired at the time of shooting. Amount in section is, if it is determined to be the ones less than a predetermined light amount, characterized in that it is configured by including a warning means for performing a predetermined warning.

In the electronic camera body according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a photographing lens unit having a photographing optical system for forming a subject image and storage means for storing image circle information of the photographing optical system is detachably provided. An electronic camera body, comprising an imaging element that photoelectrically converts a subject image to generate an image signal, and electronic imaging means for acquiring predetermined image information; and image information acquired by the electronic imaging means. A recording medium to be recorded; recording means for recording image information in a predetermined area of the recording medium; input means for receiving image circle information of the photographing optical system output from the storage means; The image circle information of the photographing optical system is read out, and the light receiving surface size of the image circle information and the information on the image pickup element of the electronic image pickup means is set to Comparing means for comparing the information,
As a result of the comparison by the comparing means, when it is determined that the light amount in the peripheral portion of the image based on the image information to be acquired at the time of shooting is less than the predetermined light amount, Image processing means for extracting an image area in which a predetermined amount of light is obtained based on the read image circle information.

An electronic camera system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention comprises:
A photographic lens unit having a photographic optical system for forming a subject image, storage means for storing image circle information of the photographic optical system, and output means for outputting image circle information from the storage means; An image pickup device that performs photoelectric conversion to generate an image signal, has an image pickup device that obtains predetermined image information, a recording medium on which image information obtained by the electronic image pickup device is recorded, and Input means for receiving the image circle information of the photographing optical system to be output, and when recording the image information obtained by the electronic imaging means, the photographing optical system of the photographing lens unit attached at the time of photographing Recording means for recording the image circle information on the recording medium in association with the image information to be recorded. Characterized in that it is configured by including and.

An electronic camera system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention comprises:
A photographic lens unit having a photographic optical system for forming a subject image, storage means for storing image circle information of the photographic optical system, and output means for outputting image circle information from the storage means; An electronic imaging unit having an imaging device for generating an image signal by performing photoelectric conversion, acquiring electronic image information, acquiring inputting image circle information of the imaging optical system output from the storage unit; Means for reading out the image circle information of the photographing optical system from the means, and comparing the image circle information with the information on the light receiving surface size among the information on the image pickup device of the electronic image pickup means; As a result, the light amount at the peripheral portion of the image based on the image information to be If it is determined to be the one less than is characterized in that it is configured by including an electronic camera body and a warning means for performing a predetermined warning.

An electronic camera system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention comprises:
A photographic lens unit having a photographic optical system for forming a subject image, storage means for storing image circle information of the photographic optical system, and output means for outputting image circle information from the storage means; An electronic imaging unit that has an imaging element that generates an image signal by performing photoelectric conversion, obtains predetermined image information, and a recording medium on which the image information obtained by the electronic imaging unit is recorded. Recording means for recording image information in a predetermined area,
Input means for receiving the image circle information of the photographic optical system output from the storage means, and reading out the image circle information of the photographic optical system from the storage means, the image circle information and the image sensor of the electronic imaging means Means for comparing information on the light receiving surface size among the information on the light receiving surface, and the light amount at the peripheral portion of the image based on the image information to be acquired when the photographing is performed, as a result of the comparison by the comparing means, And an electronic camera body having image processing means for performing a process of cutting out an image area in which a predetermined amount of light is obtained based on the image circle information when it is determined to be less than It is characterized by being.

[0043]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of an electronic camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic camera system according to the present embodiment has an electronic camera body 1 constituting a camera body.
A plurality of photographing lenses, a photographing optical system including these photographing lenses, and the like (hereinafter, simply referred to as a photographing lens or a photographing optical system), a driving unit for driving the same, and a light amount for adjusting an incident light amount of a light beam transmitted through the photographing lens. A photographing lens barrel 2 which is a photographing lens unit constituted by limiting means and the like;
The photographing lens barrel 2 is detachably mounted on the electronic camera body 1.

The electronic camera body 1 in the present electronic camera system is configured as follows. That is, the electronic camera body 1 receives a subject image formed by the photographing optical system of the photographing lens barrel 2 mounted at a predetermined position of the electronic camera body 1, photoelectrically converts the subject image into an electric signal, and converts the image signal representing a still image. An electronic imaging unit including an imaging element 11 including a CCD or the like to generate; an imaging circuit 12 for performing predetermined image processing or the like on an image signal generated by the electronic imaging unit including the imaging element 11; An A / D conversion circuit 13 for converting an image signal (analog signal) output from the imaging circuit 12 into a digital signal, and a memory 14 such as a buffer memory such as a DRAM for temporarily storing the digitalized image signal. A liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as LCD) 19 for displaying an image, and a digital memory temporarily controlling the LCD 19 and temporarily stored in the memory 14. An LCD control circuit 18 that receives an image signal, converts it into an analog signal in a form optimal for displaying as an image, and transmits the analog signal to an LCD 19, a memory card that records the image signal as image data in a predetermined form, and the like , A digital image signal temporarily stored in the memory, an image processing circuit 15 as image processing means for performing predetermined image processing, and an output signal from the image processing circuit In addition to performing compression processing and the like so as to obtain image data in a form optimal for receiving and recording on the recording medium 17, the image data recorded in the form compressed on the recording medium 17 is read, and A compression / expansion circuit 16 for performing expansion processing and the like so as to obtain an image signal in a form capable of performing various image processing, the electronic camera body 1 and the photographing lens barrel 2 (details will be described later). ), And a connection cable and the like for electrically connecting the electronic camera body 1 to an external device (not shown). A connection unit 22, an external interface (I / F) 21 for controlling a control signal and the like between the electronic camera body 1 and an external device and performing data transfer and the like, and an external unit of the electronic camera body. A plurality of input switches (release SW27, macro SW28, zoom SW29, etc.) for generating a predetermined instruction signal in conjunction with the operation of various operation buttons.
Details of each switch will be described later. ), Operating means 26 for receiving a command signal from the input switch and instructing the system controller 20 of a predetermined command, a driving circuit 23 for controlling various driving means provided inside the taking lens barrel 2, and An interface (I / F) means 24 for controlling to receive various kinds of information relating to the photographing optical system stored in a storage means 39 provided inside the photographing lens barrel 2; When the electronic camera main body 1 and the photographing lens barrel 2 are connected to each other, the strobe device 25, which is an illuminating means for irradiating a predetermined auxiliary light beam, is electrically connected to each other. The output signal from the storage means 39 is transferred to the electronic camera body 1
Contacts 1a and 1 serving as signal paths for inputting signals to the camera side and outputting control signals and the like from the system controller 20 to predetermined members of the taking lens barrel 2.
It is composed of various constituent members such as b.

On the other hand, the taking lens barrel 2 is configured as follows. That is, the photographic lens barrel 2 includes various optical lenses constituting a photographic optical system, that is, a zoom lens group 31 as a variable power optical system, a focus lens group 37 as a focusing optical system, and the like, and a photographic optical system. A diaphragm unit 33 and a shutter 35, which are light amount limiting means for limiting the amount of incident light of a light flux (hereinafter referred to as a subject light flux) from a subject to be collected.
And a zoom motor 32 serving as a variable power driving means for moving the zoom lens group 31 in a direction along the optical axis O of the photographing optical system.
And an AF motor 3 serving as a focus driving unit for moving the focus lens group 37 in a direction along the optical axis O of the photographing optical system.
8, a diaphragm actuator 34 for driving the diaphragm unit 33
And a shutter actuator 3 for driving the shutter 35
6, and storage means 39 such as a ROM or the like in which various kinds of information specific to the taking lens in the taking lens barrel 2, for example, various kinds of information such as image circle information and shading correction information are stored in advance.

At a predetermined position on the rear end surface of the main photographing lens barrel 2, the electronic camera body 1 is brought into contact with the electric contacts 1a and 1b provided on the front surface of the electronic camera body 1 side.
And the photographing lens barrel 2 are electrically connected to each other to output predetermined information from the storage means 39 of the main photographing lens barrel 2 to the electronic camera main body 1 side, and to control the electronic camera main body 1 from the system controller 20. Electrical contacts 2a and 2b for receiving signals are provided.

As described above, the electronic camera body 1 and the photographing lens barrel 2 constituting the present electronic camera system are formed separately from each other.
, The photographing lens barrel 2 can be mechanically mounted. When the two are mechanically connected in this way, the electrical contacts 1a and 1
b and the electrical contacts 2a and 2b come into contact with each other, whereby an electrical connection between them is established.

In this connection state, the system controller 20 provided inside the electronic camera body 1 includes various electric circuits inside the photographing lens barrel 2 in addition to various electric circuits inside the electronic camera body 1. The circuit is also electrically connected to the system controller 20.
Functions as control means for controlling the entire electronic camera system.

As the recording medium 17 for recording the image signal and various image information accompanying the image signal in the electronic camera body 1 as an image data file, for example, the recording medium 17 is detachably provided and has a card shape, a stick shape, or the like. , A magnetic recording medium such as a floppy disk, a small hard disk, and a magnetic tape;
A magneto-optical recording medium such as an magneto-optical (MD) disk, an MD (mini disk), and a fixed semiconductor memory fixed inside the electronic camera body 1 are used.

The plurality of input switches are for giving various instruction signals to the system controller 20 via the operation means 26 as described above. Then, the system controller 20 receives an instruction signal transmitted from the input switch via the operation unit, controls a predetermined component, and executes a predetermined operation according to the input instruction signal. Thus, the electronic camera system is controlled.

Various switches constituting the input switch correspond to, for example, a release operation member (not shown), and a release SW 27 for generating a predetermined instruction signal for executing a photographing operation or the like, a photographing mode selecting member. Alternatively, an instruction for switching between a close-up shooting mode for performing an operation (AF control or the like) suitable for performing close-up shooting and a normal shooting mode for performing normal shooting in conjunction with a macro shooting operation member or the like (both not shown). Macro SW28 for generating a signal,
In conjunction with a zoom operation member (not shown) for setting a photographing range during photographing, an instruction signal for setting a desired magnification is generated by controlling a desired magnification operation (zoom operation). There is a zoom SW 29 to be operated.

The storage means 39 stores various kinds of information on the photographic optical system constituting the photographic lens barrel 2 as described above, that is, information on lens distortion and the like, and information on the image circle. Information on the range of the image circle in the optical system and the amount of decrease in the amount of peripheral light (dimming rate) in a predetermined area within the image circle
Various information such as is stored in advance. In the following description, various kinds of information relating to the photographing optical system, and various kinds of information unique to the photographing optical system are collectively referred to as image circle information.

Then, the photographing lens barrel 2 is connected to the electronic camera main body 1 by the electric contacts 2a and 2b and 2a and 2b. Necessary information can be read from the storage means 39.

The operation of the electronic camera system configured as described above when a photograph is taken will be described below. First, a predetermined mounting portion (not particularly shown) of the electronic camera body 1 and a predetermined mounted portion (not particularly shown) of the photographing lens barrel 2 are connected by predetermined means. Then, the electrical contacts 1a and 1b of the electronic camera body 1 and the electrical contacts 2a and 2b of the taking lens barrel 2 come into contact with each other. As a result, an electrical connection is established between the two.

In this state, when the main power supply of the electronic camera body 1 is turned on, the electronic camera system enters a photographing preparation state in which a photographing / recording operation can be started. That is, when the main power is turned on, the system controller 20 is activated, and the system controller 2 is turned on.
0 initializes the entire circuit in the electronic camera system. When the predetermined initialization process is completed, the system controller 20 subsequently controls the I / F unit 24 to read the image circle information from the storage unit 39 via the electric contacts 1a and 2a. The image circle information read at this time is information specific to the photographing optical system constituting the photographing lens barrel 2 mounted as described above.

Thus, the system controller 20
The image circle information read by the electronic camera body 1 is temporarily stored in, for example, an internal storage area of the system controller 20 or a predetermined area of the memory 14 of the electronic camera body 1. The image circle information temporarily stored in the memory 14 in this manner is
When the main power supply of the electronic camera body 1 is turned off, it is treated as invalid information and is erased by initialization processing at the next system startup. Then, control for reading predetermined image circle information from the storage means 39 of the taking lens barrel 2 is executed again.

The image circle information temporarily stored in the memory 14 is obtained by removing the photographing lens barrel 2 from the electronic camera main body 1 and using the electric contacts 1a and 2a.
Is also invalidated when the electrical connection between them is disconnected. In this case, the other photographing lens barrel 2 is attached to the electronic camera body 1, and after the electric connection between the electric contact 1a and the electric contact 2a is newly established, the system controller 20 Executes a control for automatically reading predetermined image circle information from the storage means 39. As a result, the new image circle information is overwritten on the memory 14 with the invalidated information.

As described above, when the electronic camera system is in the shooting preparation state, a predetermined operation for performing the shooting is performed, whereby a predetermined shooting operation is started. The photographing operation performed at this time is a series of operations performed by operating a release operation member (not shown) provided on the exterior part of the electronic camera body 1, that is, a predetermined operation is performed by operating the release SW 27. An AE / AF signal is generated by generating an instruction signal and controlling each circuit by the system controller 20 receiving the signal.
This is the same as the actual imaging operation performed in a general conventional electronic camera or the like for acquiring desired image information including the operation and the like. Therefore, regarding this imaging operation,
Since it is not directly related to the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, an image signal representing an image obtained by performing an actual image pickup operation by electronic image pickup means including the image pickup device 11 and the image pickup circuit 12 is represented by A
The digital signal is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the memory 14 via the / D conversion circuit.

The image signal temporarily stored in the memory 14 is recorded on the recording medium 17 as image information in a predetermined form via an image processing circuit 15 and a compression / expansion circuit 16, and at the same time, the LCD control is performed. L via circuit 18
The image is displayed on the display unit of the CD 19 as an image.

At the time when the acquired image information is transmitted to the memory 14 and stored therein, the memory 14
As described above, the image circle information read from the storage means 39 of the taking lens barrel 2 is stored in a predetermined area.

Therefore, the system controller 20 in the electronic camera body 1 according to the present embodiment uses the image circle information stored in the memory 14 when recording the image signal acquired by the electronic imaging means on the recording medium 17. It is recorded on the recording medium 17 as an image data file representing image information in a form associated with an image signal to be stored.

Therefore, the system controller 20
Is the acquired image signal and the photographing optical system used to acquire the image signal, that is, the electronic camera body 1 at the time of photographing.
The recording medium 17 serves as recording means for controlling the recording of the two in a predetermined area of the recording medium 17 by associating the information with image circle information relating to the photographing optical system of the photographing lens barrel 2 mounted on the recording medium 17.

The system controller 20 of the electronic camera body 1 stores the above various information in the recording medium 1.
7, information on the image sensor 11 which is arranged in the electronic camera body 1 and used to acquire an image signal to be recorded, for example, size information such as a diagonal length of a light receiving surface and an aspect ratio. (Hereinafter referred to as light receiving surface size information) may be associated with the image signal and then recorded on the recording medium 17.

For various kinds of information (light receiving surface size information and the like) relating to the above-mentioned image sensor 11, for example, a storage means (not shown) such as a ROM inside the electronic camera body 1 is provided.
May be provided and stored in this.
Then, necessary information such as when the electronic camera system is started is read into an internal memory or a memory 14 provided inside the system controller 20 as necessary.

As described above, the image data file including the image signal recorded on the recording medium 17 and various information related to the image signal is transmitted to the connection unit 22 provided on the exterior of the electronic camera body 1, for example. It is also possible to transmit the data to various external information devices (not shown) typified by a personal computer or the like via a connection cable or the like that is electrically connected.

Further, if the recording medium 17 on which the image data file is recorded is constituted by a PC card or the like which is detachably provided to the electronic camera body 1, it is possible to easily connect the external information device with the electronic camera body. It is possible to transfer data between.

In an external information device or the like to which the image data file has been transferred, the corresponding image signal can be displayed as an image in an optimal form on its own display device or the like based on the image data file. Predetermined image processing is performed.

The image data file to be subjected to this image processing includes the image signal obtained by the electronic image pickup means of the electronic camera body 1 as described above, and the time when this image signal is obtained (image shooting). At this time, image circle information and the like relating to the photographing optical system of the photographing lens barrel 2 used at the time are recorded in association with each other.

Depending on the combination of the electronic camera main body 1 and the photographing lens barrel 2 provided at the time of photographing, the acquired image signal may be degraded in image quality due to, for example, a decrease in the amount of light at the periphery of the screen. possible. In other words, this is because the photographing optical system of the photographing lens barrel 2 attached at the time of photographing is inappropriate for the electronic camera body 1 or the like.

Therefore, when an image based on such an image signal is displayed on the display device of the external information device, the image circle information associated with the image signal to be displayed is referred to and acquired. Predetermined image processing for appropriately correcting image degradation or the like caused by a decrease in the amount of peripheral light or the like is performed on the image signal in the as-is state. As a result, an optimal display image that always has good image quality is displayed over the entire area of the display image.

It should be noted that the system controller 20 is also used to reproduce and display an image based on the image file data recorded on the recording medium 17 using the LCD 19 which is a display device provided in the electronic camera body 1. The same processing is performed in the image processing circuit 15 controlled by the following. As a result, a good image with little image quality degradation is always displayed on the display image using the LCD 19.

As described above, according to the electronic camera system of the above-described embodiment, when the acquired image signal is recorded in the predetermined area of the recording medium 17 in the predetermined form after the actual shooting operation, , Various information about the photographing optical system used to acquire the image signal to be recorded,
The image data is recorded on the recording medium 17 as an image data file representing a series of image information in association with a corresponding image signal.

Therefore, when displaying an image based on the image data file recorded as described above, when displaying an image, which is performed to generate an image signal optimal for display, the display is performed. A predetermined correction process is performed by referring to various kinds of information such as image circle information associated with an image signal to be obtained and light receiving surface size information relating to the image sensor 11, so that an image with always good image quality is secured. Can be displayed.

By the way, in the electronic camera system of the present embodiment, as described above, when the system is started or the photographic lens barrel 2 is replaced, the system controller 20 of the electronic camera main body 1 is connected to the photographic lens attached thereto. The image circle information is read from the storage means 39 of the lens barrel 2 and is temporarily stored in the memory 14. In addition, various kinds of information on the image pickup device 11 of the electronic camera body 1 are temporarily stored in the memory 14 or the like through a predetermined procedure.

By comparing the above-described image circle information of the photographing optical system and the light receiving surface size information of the image sensor 11 by a predetermined procedure, for example, the image quality deterioration in the peripheral portion of the image represented by the image signal to be acquired can be reduced. It is possible to determine whether or not it will occur.

Therefore, when the image circle information and the light receiving surface size information are temporarily stored in the memory 14, the system controller 20 compares the two information, and thereby, the photographing lens attached to the electronic camera body 1 is obtained. An electronic camera system is configured to determine whether or not the lens barrel 2 is appropriate and whether or not a good image signal can be obtained without deteriorating image quality. It is also possible.

In this case, the system controller 20 serves as a comparing means for comparing the image circle information of the photographing optical system with the light receiving surface size information of the image sensor 11.

Then, as a result of the system controller 20 comparing the information on the electronic camera body 1 with the information on the photographing lens barrel 2, the photographing lens barrel 2 mounted on the electronic camera body 1 is appropriate. When it is determined that the electronic camera system is in the normal state, the electronic camera system enters a shooting preparation state.

Next, after a series of photographing operations are performed, the same recording processing as that described in the above-described embodiment is performed. At this time, the image data file recorded on the recording medium 17 is generated by an image signal acquired by the photographing operation and various kinds of predetermined information associated therewith.

When the image is reproduced and displayed based on the image data file recorded on the recording medium 17 in this manner, the predetermined image information corresponding to the image signal is obtained in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. However, since it is known by the above-described comparison processing that the peripheral light amount cannot be reduced, no special processing such as a correction processing is performed, and a normal processing for optimizing reproduction is performed. Is performed, an image based on the image signal is reproduced and displayed by a display device such as the LCD 19.

On the other hand, as a result of the comparison by the comparing means, the photographing lens barrel 2 attached to the electronic camera body 1 is inappropriate, and the image pickup device 11 If it is determined that the light receiving surface size information is not appropriate, the following control is performed.

That is, in this state, if the photographing is performed as it is, the predetermined image quality can be maintained in the peripheral portion of the image based on the image signal to be obtained as a result of the insufficient light amount. Therefore, there is a possibility that the image quality is deteriorated in the peripheral portion of the image.

Therefore, in this case, a warning means for warning the photographer of the fact may be provided on the electronic camera body 1 side. When a warning is issued by the warning means, the photographer is asked to determine whether to continue the photographing operation in that state or to replace the photographing lens barrel with another appropriate one. become.

At this time, if the photographer continues photographing as it is, the image data file recorded on the recording medium 17 contains the image signal acquired by the photographing operation as described in the above-described embodiment. In addition, various information such as image circle information associated with the information is recorded.

Therefore, when displaying an image based on the image data file recorded in this manner, when executing a predetermined image processing so as to obtain an image optimal for display, the corresponding image With reference to the circle information, a correction process or the like in the peripheral portion of the image is performed as necessary. As a result, a good image is reproduced and displayed with little deterioration in image quality.

Further, if the photographer chooses to replace the photographing lens barrel with another appropriate one when a warning is issued by the warning means, the possibility of a photographing error or the like can be prevented beforehand. In other words, in this case, the photographer replaces the photographing lens barrel with an appropriate one at his own will. Therefore, the image signal acquired by the subsequent photographing operation is subjected to correction processing during the recording operation. Is not performed. Therefore, by eliminating the cause of the image quality deterioration, it is possible to always obtain an image signal representing a high-quality image, and to simplify the image processing inside the camera, thereby contributing to the speeding up of the recording processing. be able to.

The following are specific examples of the above-mentioned warning means. For example, in a finder section for observing an image to be photographed at the time of a photographing operation, there is a means for providing a predetermined warning display by providing an LED or the like on an outer peripheral edge of the observation image frame and lighting and displaying this. . This is a means that can be applied to a general optical finder section.

Further, in the electronic camera system, conventionally, means for utilizing the LCD 19 as a finder means for observing a photographed image has been generally used. In such a case, a predetermined warning display is displayed in a predetermined area within the display screen frame of the LCD 19 by the LCD control circuit 18, so that a desired warning means can be provided. Further, an auditory warning means for generating a warning sound or the like for a predetermined time may be provided separately from or in accordance with the visual warning means using an LED or the like.

On the other hand, based on the comparison result of the comparing means, the taking lens barrel 2 attached to the electronic camera main body 1 is inappropriate, and the image pickup device responds to the image circle information of the attached taking optical system. If the system controller 20 determines that the size of the light receiving surface 11 is not appropriate, the following control may be executed.

First, after a normal photographing operation is performed, a predetermined recording operation is performed. In this case, the image signal acquired by the photographing operation and stored in the memory 14 is subjected to predetermined image processing in an image processing circuit 15 controlled by the system controller 20 so as to be in a form optimal for display. You. Here, referring to image circle information or the like of the photographing optical system corresponding to the target image signal, a cutout process of cutting out an area of the image signal where a predetermined amount of light is obtained is executed. Thereafter, the image signal that has been subjected to the cutout processing is referred to the light receiving surface size information, subjected to an enlargement processing so as to have a display resolution corresponding to the information, and
The information is recorded in a predetermined area of the recording medium 17 as an image data file in which various types of information such as corresponding image circle information and light receiving surface size information are associated.

That is, in this case, an image signal which has been subjected to enlargement processing is recorded after cutting out an area where image quality degradation has not occurred. As a result, an image data file including an image signal representing a high-quality image is always recorded.

Therefore, when the image signal is recorded immediately after the photographing operation, the predetermined image processing is performed. Therefore, when the image is reproduced and displayed, special correction processing or the like is performed. There is no need to perform image processing.
This makes it possible to increase the processing speed when a desired image is reproduced and displayed.

[0095]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the electronic camera of the interchangeable photographing lens type, the combination of the electronic camera body and the photographing lens unit attached thereto is inappropriate. Even in the case where image quality deteriorates, the photographer does not need to consider the combination of the electronic camera body and the photographing lens unit in advance when taking a photograph, and does not need special operation by the photographer. It is possible to provide an electronic camera system that can acquire an image signal representing an image with the image quality secured, and can surely prevent a shooting error or the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of an electronic camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing a light amount distribution on a focal plane (an imaging plane or a light receiving plane) of a light beam transmitted through a photographing lens for general photographing.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a light quantity distribution on a light receiving surface of the image sensor A when the photographing lens shown in FIG. 2 is mounted on an electronic camera having the image sensor A;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a light amount distribution on a light receiving surface of the image sensor B when the photographing lens shown in FIG. 2 is mounted on an electronic camera having an image sensor B larger than the image sensor A;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic camera main body 1a ... Electric contact (input means) 2 ... Shooting lens barrel 2a ... Electric contact (output means) 11 ... Imaging element 12 ... Imaging circuit 13 ... A / D conversion circuit 14 ... Memory 15 Image processing circuit 16 Compression / expansion circuit 17 Recording medium 18 LCD control circuit 19 LCD (display device) 20 System controller 22 Electric contact connection part 23 Drive Circuit 26 Operating means 31 Zoom lens group 32 Zoom motor 33 Aperture section 34 Aperture actuator 35 Shutter 36 Shutter actuator 37 Focus lens group 38 AF motor 39 Storage means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification FI theme coat ゛ (reference) H04N 5/225 H04N 5/225 D 5/235 5/235 F-term (reference) 2H002 FB31 FB36 FB71 HA12 JA07 2H054 AA01 2H101 EE08 EE21 2H103 AA01 ZA51 ZA54 5C022 AA13 AB12 AB15 AB66 AC03 AC18 AC31 AC32 AC42 AC52 AC54 AC56 AC69 AC74

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A photographing lens having a photographing optical system for forming a subject image and detachably provided to an electronic camera body for recording image information obtained by an electronic image pickup means on a recording medium. A unit that stores image circle information of the photographing optical system, and an output unit that outputs the image circle information of the storage unit to the electronic camera body. Characteristic shooting lens unit. 2. An electronic camera body in which a photographing lens unit having a photographing optical system for forming a subject image and storage means for storing image circle information of the photographing optical system is detachably provided. An electronic imaging unit having an imaging element that photoelectrically converts a subject image to generate an image signal, and acquires predetermined image information; a recording medium on which the image information acquired by the electronic imaging unit is recorded; Input means for receiving the image circle information of the photographing optical system output from the storage means, and when recording the image information obtained by the electronic imaging means on the recording medium, Recording means for recording image circle information related to the photographing optical system of the lens unit in association with image information to be recorded, An electronic camera body, characterized in that there. 3. The recording device according to claim 2, wherein the recording unit records information on the image sensor of the electronic imaging unit on the recording medium in association with image information to be recorded. The electronic camera body according to claim 2. 4. An electronic camera body in which a photographing lens unit having a photographing optical system for forming a subject image and storage means for storing image circle information of the photographing optical system is detachably provided. An electronic imaging unit that has an imaging element that photoelectrically converts a subject image to generate an image signal, and obtains predetermined image information; and an input unit that receives image circle information of the imaging optical system output from the storage unit. Comparing means for reading out the image circle information of the photographing optical system from the storage means and comparing the image circle information with the information on the light receiving surface size among the information on the image pickup device of the electronic image pickup means; As a result of the comparison by the means, the light amount in the peripheral portion of the image based on the image information to be acquired when the photographing is performed is the predetermined light amount If it is determined to be the one that is less than the electronic camera main body, characterized in that it is configured by including a warning means for performing a predetermined warning, the. 5. An electronic camera body in which a photographing lens unit having a photographing optical system for forming a subject image and storage means for storing image circle information of the photographing optical system is detachably provided. An electronic imaging unit that has an imaging element that photoelectrically converts a subject image to generate an image signal and obtains predetermined image information; a recording medium on which the image information obtained by the electronic imaging unit is recorded; A recording unit that records image information in a predetermined area of a recording medium; an input unit that receives image circle information of the photographing optical system output from the storage unit; and an image circle information of the photographing optical system from the storage unit. Comparing means for reading out the image circle information and comparing the information on the light receiving surface size among the information on the image sensor of the electronic imaging means As a result of the comparison by the comparing means, when it is determined that the light amount in the peripheral portion of the image based on the image information to be acquired at the time of shooting is less than the predetermined light amount, the storage means An electronic camera body comprising: image processing means for extracting an image area in which a predetermined amount of light is obtained based on image circle information read from the image circle information. 6. An imaging optical system for forming a subject image,
A photographing lens unit having storage means for storing image circle information of the photographing optical system, and output means for outputting image circle information from the storage means, and an imaging device for photoelectrically converting a subject image to generate an image signal. Electronic imaging means for acquiring predetermined image information, a recording medium on which image information acquired by the electronic imaging means is recorded, and image circle information of the photographing optical system output from the storage means Input means for accepting
When recording the image information obtained by the electronic imaging means, the recording medium is associated with image circle information relating to the photographing optical system of the photographing lens unit attached at the time of photographing, to the image information to be recorded. An electronic camera system, comprising: an electronic camera main body having a recording unit for recording information on the electronic camera. 7. A photographing optical system for forming a subject image,
A photographing lens unit having storage means for storing image circle information of the photographing optical system, and output means for outputting image circle information from the storage means, and an imaging device for photoelectrically converting a subject image to generate an image signal. Electronic imaging means for acquiring predetermined image information; input means for receiving image circle information of the imaging optical system output from the storage means; and image circle information of the imaging optical system from the storage means. Reading means for reading and comparing this image circle information with information on the light receiving surface size among the information on the image pickup device of the electronic image pickup means; It is determined that the light amount at the peripheral portion of the image based on the image information to be provided is less than the predetermined light amount In this case, the electronic camera system comprises: an electronic camera main body having a warning means for giving a predetermined warning. 8. A photographing optical system for forming a subject image,
A photographing lens unit having storage means for storing image circle information of the photographing optical system, and output means for outputting image circle information from the storage means, and an imaging device for photoelectrically converting a subject image to generate an image signal. Electronic imaging means for acquiring predetermined image information, a recording medium for recording the image information acquired by the electronic imaging means, and recording means for recording the image information in a predetermined area of the recording medium Input means for receiving the image circle information of the photographing optical system output from the storage means, and reading out the image circle information of the photographing optical system from the storage means, Comparison means for comparing information on the light receiving surface size among the information on the image sensor, and a result of the comparison by the comparison means If it is determined that the light amount in the peripheral portion of the image based on the image information to be acquired when the image is captured is less than the predetermined light amount,
An electronic camera system comprising: an electronic camera main body having image processing means for performing a cutting process of an image area in which a predetermined light amount is obtained based on image circle information.