METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING LENS AND TV CAMERAThe present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for selecting a combination of a lens and camera, for example, a combination of a TV camera for industrial use (CCTV camera) and an appropriate lens to be mounted thereto, in accordance with the conditions of usage.
A conventional TV camera for industrial use or a CCTV camera usually comprises a camera body having an image pickup device and a photographing lens mounted to the camera body. In general, various kinds of camera bodies and photographing lenses are available,and they are selected and combined to meet photographing conditions, such as the size of an object to be photographed or an object distance.
However, it can be difficult for a user to determine an appropriate combination of the camera body and the photographing lens. The camera body will be referred to as a TV camera.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera body - photographing lens selection method and apparatus in which an appropriate combination of camera body and photographing lens can be easily selected to meet the demand of the user.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens and TV camera selection apparatus in which specifications of a plurality of lenses and TV cameras are stored in a memory storage device, so that an optimal combination of a lens and a TV camera can be selected to meet predetermined conditions and displayed via a monitor comprising: an input device for inputting a plurality of photographing conditions; a retrieval means for retrieving lenses which meet the photographing conditions input by the input unit and for displaying the same via the monitor; and a calculation unit for calculating photographing conditions for a lens selected by the retrieval means from among those indicated and the calculation result thereof is displayed via the monitor.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens and TV camera selection method in which specifications of a plurality of lenses and TV cameras are stored in a memory, so that an optimal combination of a lens and TV camera to meet predetermined conditions can be selected, comprising the steps of: inputting a plurality of photographing conditions, retrieving and indicating which lenses meet the input photographing conditions so as to select the same, selecting one lens from among the indicated lenses, calculating photographing conditions for the selected lens, and displaying the photographing conditions thus calculated.
An example of the presentinvention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;Figure 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus to which a selection method of the present invention is applied;Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B are flow charts of the main operation of the present invention;Figure 5 is a flow chart of an interruption operation of the present invention;Figure 6 is a flow chart of a printing operation of the present invention;Figure 7 shows an example display of a specification of a photographing lens and a content of printed information obtained by a selection method of the present invention;Figure 8 shows an example display of photographing conditions for a photographing lens and a camera and the content of printed information obtained by a selection method of the present invention; and Figure 9 shows an example display of photographing conditions for a photographing lens and a camera and a content of printed information obtained by a selection method of the present invention at an object distance priority mode.
In the illustrated embodiment, a control routine is carried out by a personal computer. Fig. 1, shows the utilization of a personal computer for a camera and lens selection method of the present invention. It is also possible to store a program by which the lens selection method is executed via a medium such as a floppy disk.
An apparatus of the present invention is composed of a calculation/control circuit 11; a memory 13 in which predetermined data or a program(s) are stored; a data input unit 15 adapted to input commands or data; a monitor 17 on which the data input/output display, input data, calculation data, and graphic data are displayed; and a printer 19. Thealculation/control circuit 11 can be in the form of a personal computer body; the data input unit 15 can be in the form of a key board and a mouse; the memory 13 can be in the form of a ROM and RAM in the personal computer body and/or a removable memory such as a hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM, or an opto-magnetic disk drive; the monitor 17 can be in the form of a liquid crystal display or CRT display; and the printer can be in the form of a laser printer, ink-jet printer or sublimation type printer.
In the illustrated embodiment, when predetermined data is input by an operator through the data input unit 15, the control circuit 11 reads programs written in the memory 13 to thereby perform the lens selection operation.
The operations in the present invention will be discussed below with reference to the flow charts shown inFigs. 2 through 6. The operations are carried out by the calculation/control circuit 11 which reads the programs stored in the memory 13.
In the illustrated embodiment, data to be input by a provider of the camera or photographing lens, and data to be input or selected by an operator who selects the camera or photographing lens using the selection apparatus are as follows:< Data to be input by Provider > The camera is a CCTV camera using a CCD image sensor as an image pickup device. Data for the CCTV camera includes the type of camera, the format size for each kind, for example, the type of camera mount; the diagonal, horizontal and vertical dimensions of the image surface of the CCD image pickup device; and the price.
The photographing lens is for CCD TV camera use, of which the lens data includes: the type of lens, the focal length, the maximum aperture (iris) ratio, the diaphragm range, the diaphragm system (iris), the type of the lens mount, the size of filter, the size of lens, the lens system, the real focal length, the distance between the principal points, the total length of the lens barrel, the physical amount of feed (the displacement of the focusing lens based on the unit number of revolutions of, for example, an automatic focusing motor), the near point, far point and the price.
< Data to be input by User > 1. Desired Object Distance (Working Distance)2. Desired Focal Length3. Size of Object (e.g., height or width)4. Format Size of the Camera (the size of the imagesurface, the size of the image pickup surface ofthe CCD image picture device [e.g., 1 inch or 1/2inch, etc.], or the length of the diagonal, etc.)5. Direction in which the object is to be photographedover the entire picture frame (whether the objectis to be photographed vertically or horizontally inrespect to the picture frame)6. Diaphragm System (automatic diaphragm or manualdiaphragm) If three of the items of data 1, 2, 3 or 4 (or 5) are determined, the remaining single item of data can be determined. The data to be input by the user is displayed via the monitor 17 so that the user can input the data using the input unit 15tor the data to be input by the user can be selected by the user from that shown in a so-called pop-up menu.
For example, the desired object distance and the desired focal length are input by the user using the input unit 15 while the numerical values thereof are displayed via the monitor 17.
The object size is input by the user using the input unit 15 while displaying the numerical value thereof together with one or both of the height and width indication windows in the display (in the monitor 17). If both the height and width indication windows are indicated, it is possible to execute a setting which determines whether it is necessary to input at least one of the items of data or both the height and width data.
The format size of the camera and the diaphragm system are indicated in a check portion of the display (in the monitor 17), so that the user can check the format size and the diaphragm system using the input device 15.
With respect to the format size of the camera, the size of the picture frame which can be provided by the provider of the CCTV camera is input in advance as provider data and is stored in the memory 13. The camera size data is indicated in the format size input window in the form of a pop-up menu, so that the user can select the data from the pop-up menu via the input unit 15.
The diaphragm system (the manual diaphragm or automatic diaphragm) is indicated together with the check windows in the display (in the monitor 17), so that the user can select the desired check window via the input unit 15.
Concerning the direction in which the object is to be photographed within the entire picture frame, a separate check is made to determine whether the object is vertical or horizontal and is displayed with the check windows, and the user can select the desired check window using the input unit.
On commencement of the control routine (when the program is activated) shown in the flow chart of figures 2A and 2B, the initial screen is indicated. The control routine proceeds no further until the input unit receives input (S101). The input data can be, for example, selected from meters (m), centimeters (cm), millimeters (mm), feet (ft), or inches (in).
If the unit of input receives input, the control waits until any one of menu-l, menu-2 or menu-3 is selected (S101, S103, S131, S133). Menu-l is for determining the focal length of the photographing lens; menu-2 is for determining the size of the object to be viewed in the picture frame; and menu-3 is for determining the object distance.
Menu-l corresponds to a mode in which the user inputs a desired object distance, an object size, a format size of the camera, a diaphragm system, and a direction in which the object is to be photographed within the picture frame. A list of the photographing lenses (appropriate photographing lenses) being considered for selection is indicated in accordance with the input data; the user selects a desired photographing lens from the list and the photographing conditions namely, the object distance, the object size, the format size of the camera, the diaphragm system, and the direction in which the object is to be photographed within the picture frame, depending on the selected photographing lens are re-calculated and displayed.
Menu-2 corresponds to a mode in which the user selects a desired object distance, a desired focal length, and a format size of the cacmera and a diaphragm system. A list of the photographing lenses (appropriate photographing lenses) being considered for selection is indicated in accordance with the input data; the user selects a desired photographing lens from the list and the size of the object to be viewed in the picture frame is calculated and indicated in accordance with the input data and the selected photographing lens.
Menu-3 corresponds to a mode in which the user inputs a desired focal length, an object size, a format size of the camera, a diaphragm system, and the direction in which the object is photographed within the picture frame. A list of the photographing lenses (appropriate photographing lenses) being considered for selection is indicated in accordance with the input data; the user selects a desired photographing lens from the list and an appropriate object distance is calculated and indicated in accordance with the input data and the selected photographing lens.
If menu-l is selected, photographing-condition-inputscreen-1 corresponding to menu-1 is displayed. The data used by the user in photographing-condition-input-screen-1 may comprise a desired object distance, an object size, a format size of the camera, a diaphragm system, and a direction in which the object image is to be viewed within the picture frame.
If menu-2 is selected, the photographing-conditioninput-screen-2 corresponding to menu-2 is displayed. The data used by the user in the photographing-condition-inputscreen-2 may comprise a desired object distance, a desired focal length, a format size of the camera, and a diaphragm system.
If menu-3 is selected, the photographing-condition-inputscreen-3 corresponding to menu-3 is displayed. The data used by the user in the photographing-condition-input-screen-3 may comprise an object size, a desired focal length, a format size of the camera, a diaphragm system, and an overall direction in which the object image is to be viewed within the picture frame.
The operation when menu-1 is selected will be discussed below. When menu-1 is selected, the first photographingcondition-input screen 1 is indicated (S103: Yes, S105). In the first photographing condition input screen 1, the data input windows for a desired object distance, an object size, a format size of the camera, a diaphragm system, and a direction in which the object image is indicated over the entire picture surface are indicated. The data input windows can be indicated on the same screen or can be separately displayed, so that each time data is input, the indication is switched from one input window to other input window.
Once the data has been entered, a recommended focal length is calculated in accordance with the desired object distance, the object size, the format size of the camera, and the direction in which the object image is to be viewed within the picture frame. Thereafter, the stored photographinglens-data is retrieved to select and indicate the photographing lenses corresponding to the selected diaphragm system and having focal lengths equal to or close to the recommended focal length in the order starting from the closest focal length (S107, S109) . The indicated data includes at least model numbers and focal lengths of the photographing lenses.
The user decides whether or not to select a photographing lens from the indicated list of the photographing lenses. If no photographing lens is selected, the control routine is returned to photographing condition input-screen-l (S111: No, S105). Consequently, the previously input data is indicated in photographing-condition-inputscreen-1.
If a photographing lens is selected by the user, the calculation is carried out again in accordance with the specification of the selected photographing lens and the data input at step S105 (S113).
Thereafter, the detailed-lens-data is indicated in accordance with the calculation result (S115). As a result of the calculation, a check is made to determine whether or not a close-up ring is necessary. If the close-up ring is needed, the type of the close-up ring which can be used is indicated. Furthermore, the general angle (the field angle in the horizontal and vertical directions) is also indicated. The photographing conditions when the desired object distance has a priority are calculated and indicated.
The detailed-lens-data indication screen displays a diaphragm value F input window, a print option-key, a reoperation option-key which is actuatable after the input conditions are changed, a re-menu option-key which is actuatable after the menu is changed, and a completion optionkey. The user actuates the data input unit 15 to input thediaphragm value F and to actuate the above-mentioned optionkeys.
If the diaphragm value F is input or the inputdiaphragm value is changed, the calculation operation of thedepth of field is carried out to obtain and indicate thenear point and the far point (S116; Yes, S124). If theprint option-key is actuated, the printing operation iscarried out (S117; Yes, S125). If the re-operation optionkey is turned ON, the control routine is returned tophotographing condition input-screen-l (initial screens(S119; Yes, S105). If the re-menu option-key is turned ONafter the menu is changed, the control routine isreturned to the menu selection screen (initial screen)(S121; Yes, S101) . If the completion option-key isactuated, the application ends (S123; Yes). If no optionkey is actuated, the detailed-lens-data indication ismaintained (S123; No, S115).
The focal depth calculation operation and the printingoperation will be discussed below with reference to Figs. 5and 6.
In the focal depth calculation operation, a check ismade to determine whether or not the diaphragm value F whichis input by the user through the data input device 15 is within a predetermined diaphragm value range of the desired photographing lens, and the control routine does not proceed until the input diaphragm value F is within the predetermined diaphragm value range (S401, S403; Yes, S401). If the input diaphragm value F is within the predetermined range, the near point and the far point are calculated in accordance with the diaphragm value F, the focal length of the selected photographing lens, and the object distance. The near point and the far point thus obtained are graphically indicated together with the predetermined diaphragm value range.
Thereafter, the control routine is returned (S403; Yes, S405).
The user can find out the depth of field by inputting an optional diaphragm value F.
In the printing operation, a check is made to determine whether or not the calculation of the depth of field (the calculation of the near point and the far point) is completed. If the calculation is completed, the detailedlens-data including the near point and the far point calculations is printed (S501; Yes, S503) . If no calculation is completed, only the detailed-lens-data is printed (S501; No, S505). An example print-out is shown inFigs. 7 and 8.
Upon completion of the printing operation, a check is made to determine whether or not menu-l has been selected.
If menu-l has not been selected, the printing operation ends (S507; No). If menu-l has been selected, a check is made to determine whether there is a priority indication for the object distance. If there is such an indication, the indication is printed and thereafter, the control routine is returned (S507; Yes, S509). An example of such an object distance priority indication is shown in Fig. 9. If there is no such indication, the control routine is returned without printing (S507; No).
Although the drawings shown are examples of typical print-outs that would be produced, the content of these print-outs is the same as that displayed by the monitor 17. Since the monitor 17 and the printer 19 have different resolutions, different effective areas, and differences in color, the layout thereof may not be identical.
< Menu-2 > The operation when menu-2 is selected in the initial screen option will be discussed below with reference toFigures 3A and 3B. When menu-2 is selected, photographingcondition-input screen-2 is displayed (S101, S103; No, S131;Yes, S201). Photographing-condition-input-screen-2 allows a desired object distance, a desired focal length, a format size of the camera, and a diaphragm system to be entered.
Once the data has been entered, the stored photographing lens - data is retrieved in order to select and display the photographing lenses whose focal lengths are equal to or are close to the desired focal length in order starting from the closest focal length (S209). The indicated list includes an option-key which allows the user to avoid selecting a photographing lens. If this option-key is actuated, the application ends (S211; No), or alternatively, it is possible to return the control routine to step S101, as in the case that menu-l is selected.
If an appropriate photographing lens is selected from the indicated list of the photographing lenses, the object distance for the selected photographing lens is calculated(S211; Yes, S213). Namely, the size (in the longitudinal and lateral directions) of the largest object which can be photographed is calculated in accordance with the focal length of the selected photographing lens, the input desired object distance and the format size of the camera.
Thereafter, the detailed-lens-data is displayed in accordance with the calculation result (S215). As a resultof the calculation, a check is made to determine whether or not the close-up ring is necessary. If the close-up ring isneeded, the type of close-up ring which can be used isindicated. Furthermore, the general angle (field angle in the horizontal and vertical directions), the near point and the far point are indicated via a display device. Unlike the case of menu-1 being selected, where there has been a priority put on the desired photographing distance, the photographing condition is not indicated on the display device.
The detailed-lens-data screen indicates a diaphragm value F input window, a print option-key, a re-operation option-key which is actuatable after the input conditions are changed, a re-operation option-key which is actuatable after the menu is changed, and a completion option-key. The user can actuate the above-mentioned option-keys and input the diaphragm value F via the input unit 15.
If the diaphragm value F is input or the input diaphragm value F is changed, the calculation operation of the depth of field is carried out to obtain and indicate the near point and the far point (S216; Yes, S224). If the print option-key is actuated, the printing operation is carried out (S217; Yes, S225). If the re-operation optionkey is actuated after the input condition is changed, the control routine is returned to the photographing conditioninput screen-2 (S219; Yes, S205). If the re-operation optionkey is actuated after the menu is changed, the control routine is returned to the menu selected screen (initial screen (S221;Yes, Sly1). If the completion option-key is actuated, the application ends (S223; Yes). If no option-key is actuated, the detailed-lens-data indication is maintained (S223; No, S215).
< Menu-3 > The operation when menu-3 is selected in the initial screen will be discussed below. When menu-3 is selected, photographing-condition-input-screen-3 is displayed (S101,S103; No, S131; No, S133; Yes, S301, S305). Photographingcondition-input-screen-3 is adapted for entry of a desired focal length, object size,format size of the camera, diaphragm system, and direction (vertical or horizontal) in which the object image is to be viewed in the picture frame.
Once the data has been entered (S305), the stored photographing-lens-data is retrieved in order to select and display a list of the photographing lenses whose focal lengths are equal to or are close to the desired focal length in order starting from the closest focal length value (S309). The indicated list includes an option-key which allows the user to avoid selecting a photographing lens. If this option-key is actuated, the application ends (S311; No), or alternatively, it is possible to return the control to step S101, as in the case that menu-1 is selected.
If an appropriate photographing lens is selected from the indicated list of the photographing lenses, the object distance for the selected photographing lens is calculated (S311; Yes, S3 13 ) . Namely, the object distance when the object to be photographed fills the picture frame of the camera is calculated in accordance with the focal length of the selected photographing lens, input object size, format size of the camera, and the direction in which the object image is to be viewed in the picture frame. Thereafter, the detailed-lens-data including the object distance is displayed (S315). The content of the display is basically the same as that in menu-l or menu-2, but unlike menu-l, where there has been a priority put on the desired photographing distance, the photographing condition is not indicated.
The detailed-lens-data screen displays a diaphragm value F input window, a print option-key, a re-operation option-key which is actuatable after the input conditions are changed, a re-operation option-key which is actuatable after the menu is changed, and a completion option-key. The user can actuate the above-mentioned option-keys and input the diaphragm value F via the input unit 15.
If the diaphragm value F is input or the input diaphragm value F is changed, the calculation operation to obtain the depth of field is carried out to thereby obtain and indicate the near point and the far point (S316; Yes,S324). If the print option-key is actuated, the printing operation is carried out (S317; Yes, S325). If the reoperation option-key is actuated after the input condition is changed, the control routine is returned to photographingcondition-input-screen-3 (S319; Yes, S305). If the re-operation option-key is actuated after the menu is changed, the control routine is returned to the menu selection screen (initial screen) (S321; Yes, S101). If the completion option-key is actuated, the application ends (S323; Yes). If no optionkey is actuated, the detailed-lens-data indication is maintained (S323; No, S315).
In the selection method and apparatus of the present invention, as mentioned above, the user inputs and selects predetermined data in accordance with the display on the screen. Consequently, the user can learn an appropriate combination of the CCTV camera and the photographing lens to meet the predetermined conditions. The user also can learn the photographing conditions when the appropriate combination is determined.