JP7341741B2 - Imaging device, accessory device, and communication control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging system that includes an imaging device (hereinafter referred to as a camera body) and an accessory device such as an interchangeable lens or an adapter (hereinafter simply referred to as an accessory) that can communicate with each other.

In an interchangeable lens imaging system, adapters (intermediate accessories) such as a wide/tele converter, a mount conversion adapter, and an ND filter adapter are sometimes connected between the camera body and the interchangeable lens. In this case, in order to achieve high-quality imaging, smooth lens control, etc., it is necessary to transmit and receive large amounts of data at high speed. Furthermore, when combining camera bodies and accessories, there is a need to increase and optimize communication speed while ensuring mutual compatibility.

Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging method that corrects optical information of the interchangeable lens based on optical information of the intermediate accessory when an intermediate accessory is connected between the interchangeable lens and a camera body that communicates with the interchangeable lens. system is disclosed. In this imaging system, optical information correction processing is started when the intermediate accessory, as a communication master, acquires identification information of an interchangeable lens that is a communication slave.

Further, in the I2C communication method, which is a communication method for realizing one-to-many communication between a communication master and a plurality of communication slaves, one-to-many communication is possible using two lines, a serial clock line and a serial data line.

Patent No. 5208169

However, when an intermediate accessory becomes a communication master as in the imaging system disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, when a plurality of intermediate accessories are connected between the camera body and the interchangeable lens, processing is not properly started or cannot be executed. Further, in this imaging system, for example, "one-to-one" communication is performed while switching between the camera body and the accessory and between the accessories, so it is not suitable for high-speed communication.

On the other hand, the I2C communication method is clock-synchronous open-drain communication, and high-speed communication is difficult because the receiving side must return an acknowledgment (ACK) to the transmitting side for each data communication.

The present invention provides an imaging device and an accessory device that enable communication between the imaging device and the accessory device to be performed at higher or optimum communication speed.

The imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention can be equipped with an accessory device. The imaging device has a camera control that communicates with an attached accessory device. The camera control unit receives the first information regarding the data size after receiving the second information regarding the data size , and communicates based on the first information and the second information. The camera control unit transmits data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the first information. The camera control unit is characterized in that it requests data from the accessory device whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the second information.

Furthermore, an accessory device according to another aspect of the present invention can be attached to the imaging device. The accessory device has an accessory control that communicates with the attached imaging device. The accessory control unit transmits the first information regarding the data size after transmitting the second information regarding the data size , and communicates based on the first information and the second information. The accessory control unit receives data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the first information. The accessory control unit is characterized in that it receives a request for data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the second information from the imaging device.

Further, a communication control method for an imaging device as another aspect of the present invention is applied to an imaging device to which an accessory device can be attached for communication. The communication control method for the imaging device includes the steps of causing the imaging device to receive second information regarding the data size and then receiving first information regarding the data size, and having the imaging device receive the first information and the second information. a step of causing the imaging device to transmit data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the first information; and a step of causing the imaging device to transmit data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the second information. requesting data from the attached accessory device.

Further, a communication control method for an accessory device as another aspect of the present invention is applied to an accessory device that can be communicatively attached to an imaging device. The communication control method for the accessory device includes the steps of causing the accessory device to transmit second information regarding the data size and then transmitting first information regarding the data size, and having the accessory device transmit the first information and the second information. causing the accessory device to receive data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the first information; and causing the accessory device to communicate based on the data size indicated by the second information. receiving a request for data from the attached imaging device.

According to the present invention, communication between the imaging device and the accessory device can be performed at higher speed or at an optimal communication speed.

Block diagram illustrating the configuration of the camera system of Example 1 A diagram illustrating the configuration for first communication in Example 1. Flowchart showing the process flow of initial communication with accessories and acquisition of corrected optical information in Example 1 Flowchart showing initial communication processing between camera and lens in Example 1 Flowchart showing initial communication processing between the camera and accessories in Example 1 Flowchart showing the flow of processing for determining the first accessory of Example 1 Flowchart showing the flow of processing for searching for dynamic accessories in Example 2 Flowchart showing the flow of optical information correction processing according to the operation of the dynamic accessory in Example 2 Diagram showing an example of information communicated during initial communication Flowchart showing the flow of the process of acquiring correction identification information and the correction process using the correction identification information of Example 3 A diagram illustrating the configuration for second communication in Embodiment 1. A diagram explaining a modification of the first communication of the first embodiment A block diagram illustrating the configuration of a camera system when the end of Example 4 is an interchangeable lens. A block diagram illustrating the configuration of a camera system when the end of Embodiment 4 is an intermediate accessory. Flowchart showing the flow of processing for detecting a communication error in the second communication according to the fourth embodiment FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system including a camera body, an interchangeable lens, and an intermediate adapter in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first communication circuit in a camera system according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram showing a format of communication data in Example 5. FIG. FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram showing communication waveforms in a first communication mode in Example 5. FIG. 7 is another waveform diagram showing communication waveforms in the first communication mode in Example 5. FIG. FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram showing communication waveforms in a second communication mode in Example 5. FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram showing communication waveforms when switching communication modes in Example 5. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in a first communication mode in Example 5. 7 is another flowchart showing the processing procedure in the first communication mode in the fifth embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure in the second communication mode in the fifth embodiment. 7 is another flowchart showing the processing procedure in the second communication mode in the fifth embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for starting up the camera body in Example 5. 7 is a diagram showing a format of a memory map for each communication command in Example 5. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a format of a communication command in Example 5. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a communication processing procedure using a memory map in Example 5. 12 is a flowchart showing another communication processing procedure using a memory map in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an extended format of a memory map for each communication command in Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

Hereinafter, accessories refer to interchangeable lenses or intermediate accessories.

In addition, in the following embodiments, each of the camera body, interchangeable lens, and intermediate accessories will be collectively referred to as a unit. In addition, each of the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory is also collectively referred to as an accessory.

Furthermore, in the following embodiments, an accessory related to correction is an interchangeable lens or an intermediate accessory whose correction processing necessity information is "required".

Further, in the following embodiments, an intermediate accessory related to correction is an intermediate accessory that requires correction of optical information of an interchangeable lens.

Furthermore, in the following examples, the first accessory is an accessory that holds optical information of all other accessories.

Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the first intermediate accessory is an intermediate accessory that has optical information of other intermediate accessories.

Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the first unit is a unit that holds optical information of all accessories.

In addition. In the following embodiments, attention will be paid to whether each unit has optical information of other units, but this is not necessarily related to the release date or manufacturing date of the unit. For example, the optical information stored in each unit may change due to a firmware update or the like, regardless of the release date or manufacturing date of the unit.

Example 1 will be described below.

<Camera system configuration (Figure 1)>
The configuration of the camera system of this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 1.

The camera system has a first communication path that is a communication path for transmitting control commands from the camera body 20 to the interchangeable lens 10 and for transmitting operational information and optical information from the interchangeable lens 10 to the camera body 20. It also has a second communication path that is a communication path for transmitting operational information and optical information between the camera body 20 and the plurality of intermediate accessories 30 and 40. Hereinafter, communication performed through the first communication path will also be referred to as first communication (first communication), and communication performed through the second communication path will also be referred to as second communication (second communication).

Here, the first communication path is used to communicate mutually between the first communication unit 207 on the camera side and the first communication unit 114 on the lens side. This is the route taken through. Note that the first communication unit 207 on the camera side and the first communication unit 114 on the lens side are each an example of communication control means.

In this embodiment, communication performed between a certain unit and a different unit is also referred to as one-to-one communication.

Further, here, the second communication path is a path through which the second communication unit 208 on the camera side communicates with the communication unit of each accessory. At this time, communication is performed from the second communication unit 208 on the camera side via the mounts 203 and 306, and also via at least part of the mounts 304 and 406, 404 and 103. Through the second communication path, the communication unit 208 on the camera side communicates with, for example, the second communication unit 115 on the lens side and the second communication units 308 and 408 on the intermediate accessory side. Note that the communication unit 208 on the camera side, the second communication unit 115 on the lens side, the second communication unit 308 on the intermediate accessory side, and 408 on the intermediate accessory side are each an example of communication control means.

In this embodiment, communication performed by a certain unit with a plurality of units different from the unit is also referred to as one-to-many communication.

In FIG. 1, an interchangeable lens 10 is an interchangeable lens that controls movable optical members related to photography. The camera body 20 is a camera body that photographs images. The intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40 are intermediate accessories such as an extender installed between the interchangeable lens 10 and the camera body 20.

The interchangeable lens 10, intermediate accessory 40, intermediate accessory 30, and camera body 20 are removably attached to mounts 101 and 401, 402 and 301, and 302 and 201, respectively. Here, the mount 101 is provided on the interchangeable lens 10, the mount 401 and the mount 402 are provided on the intermediate accessory 40, the mount 301 and the mount 302 are provided on the intermediate accessory 30, and the mount 201 is provided on the camera body 20. .

The mounts 101, 401, 402, 301, 302, and 201 each have first communication contact groups 102, 403, 405, 303, and 305, which are contact terminal groups having one or more contacts for performing first communication. 202 is provided. Here, the first communication contact group 102, 403, 405, 303, 305, 202 is configured to conduct when the interchangeable lens 10, intermediate accessory 30, intermediate accessory 40, and camera body 20 are connected. In the first embodiment, the first communication is also used for the camera body 20 to control the optical members of the interchangeable lens 10.

Furthermore, the mounts 101, 401, 402, 301, 302, and 201 each have second communication contact groups 103, 404, 406, and 304, which are contact terminal groups having one or more contacts for performing second communication. 306 and 203 are provided. Here, the second communication contact group 103, 404, 406, 304, 306, 203 is configured to conduct when the interchangeable lens 10, intermediate accessory 30, intermediate accessory 40, and camera body 20 are connected. In the first embodiment, the second communication is configured such that the camera body 20 can perform one-to-many communication with the intermediate accessory 30, the intermediate accessory 40, and the interchangeable lens 10.

In this way, different communication methods are used, corresponding to the first communication, which is one-to-one communication between the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10, and the second communication, which is one-to-one communication between the camera body and a plurality of accessories. A first communication path and a second communication path are provided. As a result, compared to the case where communication is performed using the same communication path, for example, in the first communication, the interchangeable lens control command can be transmitted to the interchangeable lens at a more intended timing. Since the interchangeable lens control command can be immediately transmitted to the interchangeable lens at the timing intended by the camera body, a plurality of optical members mounted on the interchangeable lens can be controlled at high speed and with high precision.

The interchangeable lens 10 includes a focus lens 104, a zoom lens 105, an iris 106, and a shake correction lens 107 that constitute an optical system, a control section (108 to 111) that controls each optical member, and a lens control section that controls the entire lens. 113. Furthermore, the interchangeable lens 10 includes a first communication section 114 on the lens side that performs first communication, a second communication section 115 on the lens side that performs second communication, a blur amount detection section 112 that detects the amount of blur, and A lens operation member 116 is provided as an operation member. Each configuration will be explained.

The focus lens 104 is for changing the focus state of the captured image. The zoom lens 105 is for zooming a captured image. The iris 106 is used to adjust the amount of light for a photographed image. The blur correction lens 107 is a blur correction lens for correcting image blur of a subject image.

The focus lens control unit 108 performs position detection and drive control of the focus lens 104. A zoom lens control unit 109 performs position detection and drive control of the zoom lens 105. Iris control section 110 performs position detection and drive control of iris 106. The blur correction control unit 111 is a blur correction control unit for detecting the position and controlling the drive of the blur correction lens 107. The focus lens control section 108, the zoom lens control section 109, the iris control section 110, and the blur correction control section 111 each include a position sensor such as an absolute value encoder, and a drive motor such as an ultrasonic motor or a stepping motor. The shake amount detection unit 112 is for detecting the amount of vibration of the interchangeable lens 10, and is configured with, for example, a gyro sensor.

The lens control unit 113 is for controlling the lens, and has a memory (not shown). The lens control section 113 is an example of a communication control section. The lens-side first communication unit 114 is for performing first communication with the interchangeable lens 10. The lens-side second communication unit 115 is for performing second communication with the interchangeable lens 10.

The memory included in the lens control unit 113 is composed of a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and stores control software (firmware) executed by the CPU, unique information and status information regarding the interchangeable lens 10. The unique information includes, for example, the model name (identification information), optical characteristics, correction information, and the like. Further, the status information includes, for example, the operating status (normal/safe mode), position information (or magnification) of the zoom lens 105, position information of the focus lens 104, F value of the iris 106, position information of the image stabilization lens 107, firmware version, etc. Update status, etc. However, it is not limited to these. The memory also stores a program to be executed when operating the interchangeable lens 10 in a safe mode, which will be described later.

Further, the lens control unit 113 has a programmable processor such as a CPU, and realizes various operations including the operation of the interchangeable lens 10, which will be described later, by reading out and executing programs from the memory. For example, the lens control unit 113 executes an operation according to a command received from the camera control unit 205 in a first communication described later. The operations according to the commands include, for example, controlling the focus lens control section 108, zoom lens control section 109, iris control section 110, and blur correction control section 111, and updating the firmware stored in the memory.

The lens control unit 113 updates the firmware by overwriting the old firmware stored in the memory with the new firmware received from the camera body 20 in the first communication, for example. Further, the lens control unit 113 manages the update process by recording data representing the state of the firmware update process (update status data) in the memory. For example, the lens control unit 113 sets the update status data to a value indicating "incomplete" before overwriting the firmware, and sets the update status data to a value indicating "complete" when the firmware overwriting is completed. Note that the value indicating "completion" may be different between the value indicating "normal completion" and the value indicating "abnormal completion." Further, the value indicating "abnormal completion" may be a different value depending on the cause of the abnormality.

For example, if the interchangeable lens 10 is removed during a firmware update, the power supply to the interchangeable lens 10 is cut off, so the update process is interrupted while the update status data remains at a value indicating "incomplete." For example, the lens control unit 113 checks the update status data when power is supplied again, and if the value indicates an incomplete status, the firmware update has been interrupted, and the operation is restricted. mode (safe mode). Furthermore, the operating state of the interchangeable lens 10 stored in the memory is rewritten to safe mode. In safe mode, only limited functions can be performed, including the processes necessary to update firmware. Specifically, the process necessary to update the firmware is a process of transmitting identification information and operating state information (or a request for firmware update) of the interchangeable lens 10 to the camera body 20. Further, the process of updating the firmware recorded in the memory with the firmware received from the camera body 20 is also a process necessary for updating the firmware.

Other processing, such as control of the focus lens control unit 108, cannot be performed.

Usually, the memory capacity is not large enough to store the entire firmware in duplicate. Therefore, the capacity available for safe mode program storage is limited. Therefore, in the safe mode, only limited functions are provided, including the minimum necessary functions such as transmitting the operating status of the interchangeable lens 10 and updating firmware. If the lens control unit 113 receives a request for processing that cannot be executed in the safe mode, such as a request to drive the focus lens 104, through the first communication during the safe mode, the lens control unit 113 ignores the request. The lens operation member 116 is an operation member attached to the interchangeable lens 10, and is, for example, a switch or an electronic ring. When the lens operation member 116 is operated, an operation signal is output to the lens control section 113.

Next, the configuration of the camera body 20 will be explained. The camera body 20 includes an image sensor 204, a camera control unit 205 that controls the camera body, a video display unit 206 that displays images captured by the camera body 20, and a camera operation member 209 that is an operation member provided on the camera body 20. Equipped with Further, the camera body 20 includes a camera-side first communication section 207 and a camera-side second communication section 208 that control first communication and second communication. Each configuration will be explained.

The image sensor 204 is an image sensor for capturing images, and is, for example, a CMOS image sensor.

The camera control unit 205 is for controlling the camera body, and has a memory (not shown). Camera control section 205 is an example of a communication control section. The camera-side first communication unit 207 is for performing first communication in the camera body 20. The camera-side second communication unit 208 is for performing second communication in the camera body 20. The camera control unit 205, the camera-side first communication unit 207, and the camera-side second communication unit 208 are configured using, for example, a CPU within the camera body 20.

The video display unit 206 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor, and is used to display video captured by the camera body 20, image data recorded on the recording medium 211, GUI, and the like. At this time, the video display unit 206 is also used to display a menu for the user to instruct firmware updates for the interchangeable lens 10 or the intermediate accessories 30 and 40. Further, when the camera control unit 205 detects that the attached interchangeable lens 10 or the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 are in safe mode, it can notify the user that the firmware needs to be updated by displaying a message or the like. .

The camera operation member 209 is for setting photographing conditions, and is, for example, a dial ring or a switch. When the camera operation member 209 is operated, an operation signal is output to the camera control unit 205.

The media IF 210 is an interface for recording and reading data on and from a recording medium 211, which is, for example, a removable memory card.

The recording medium 211 is used as a recording destination for image data and audio data obtained by photographing with the camera body 20. The recording medium 211 is also used as a source of new firmware when updating the firmware of the camera body 20, interchangeable lens 10, and intermediate accessories 30 and 40.

Each of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 includes intermediate accessory optical members 307 and 407, intermediate accessory-side second communication units 308 and 408 that perform second communication, and 309 and 409 that control the intermediate accessory. Further, each of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 includes intermediate accessory operation members 310 and 410, which are operation members provided on the intermediate accessory. Each configuration will be explained.

The intermediate accessory optical members 307 and 407 of this embodiment are, for example, optical members that change the optical characteristics of a photographed image, such as a variable magnification lens or an ND filter.

The intermediate accessory side second communication units 308 and 408 are communication units for performing second communication in the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40.

The intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 are control units for controlling the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40, respectively, and have a memory (not shown). Each of the intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 is an example of a communication control unit. The intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 and the intermediate accessory side second communication units 308 and 408 are configured using the CPU of the intermediate accessory.

The memories possessed by the intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 are composed of rewritable nonvolatile memories, and store control software (firmware) executed by the CPU, unique information and status information regarding the intermediate accessories 30 and 40. The unique information includes, for example, the model name (identification information), optical characteristics, correction information, and the like. Further, the status information includes, for example, the operating status (normal/safe mode), operation information (position and speed) of the intermediate accessory operation members 310 and 410, firmware version and update status, and the like. However, it is not limited to these. The memory also stores a program to be executed when operating the intermediate accessories 30, 40 in a safe mode, which will be described later.

Furthermore, the intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 have a programmable processor such as a CPU, and by reading programs from memory and executing them, realize various operations including the operation of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 described later. do. For example, the intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 perform operations according to commands received from the camera control unit 205 through second communication, which will be described later, such as transmitting operation information of the intermediate accessory operation members 310 and 410, and updating firmware stored in the memory. Run the update.

The intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 update the firmware by overwriting the old firmware stored in the memory with the new firmware received from the camera body 20 in the first communication, for example. Further, the intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 manage the update process by recording data representing the state of the firmware update process (update status data) in the memory. For example, the intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 set the update status data to a value indicating "incomplete" before overwriting the firmware, and set the update status data to a value indicating "complete" when the firmware overwriting is completed. Note that the value indicating "completion" may be different between the value indicating "normal completion" and the value indicating "abnormal completion." Further, the value indicating "abnormal completion" may be a different value depending on the cause of the abnormality.

For example, if the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 are removed during a firmware update, the power supply to the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 will be cut off, and the update process will be interrupted with the update status data indicating "incomplete". Ru. For example, the intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 check the update status data when power is supplied again, and if the value indicates an incomplete status, the intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 shift to a mode in which operation is restricted (safe mode). . Further, the operating states of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 stored in the memory are rewritten to safe mode.

In safe mode, only limited functions can be performed, including the processes necessary to update firmware. Specifically, the processing required to update the firmware includes transmitting authentication information such as identification information of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 and information indicating safe mode (or request for firmware update) to the camera body 20. This is the process of sending. Further, the process of updating the firmware recorded in the memory with the firmware received from the camera body 20 is also a process necessary for updating the firmware. Other processing, such as transmission of operation information for the intermediate accessory operation members 310 and 410, cannot be performed.

Usually, the memory capacity is not large enough to store the entire firmware in duplicate. Therefore, the capacity available for safe mode program storage is limited. Therefore, in safe mode, only limited functions are provided, including the minimum necessary functions such as transmitting the operating status of intermediate accessories 30 and 40 and updating firmware. When the intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 receive a request for processing that cannot be performed in the safe mode, for example, operation information for the intermediate accessory operation members 310 and 410, through the second communication during the safe mode, the request is ignored.

The intermediate accessory operating members 310 and 410 are operating members attached to the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40, respectively, and are, for example, switches or electronic rings. When the intermediate accessory operating members 310, 410 are operated, an operation signal is output to the intermediate accessory control units 309, 409.

The second communication connection switch 311 and the second communication connection switch 411 are switches provided on the second communication line of the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40, respectively, and closer to the lens than the second communication unit on the intermediate accessory side. The second communication connection switch 311 and the second communication connection switch 411 can be controlled to short-circuit or open by the intermediate accessory control unit 309 and the intermediate accessory control unit 409, respectively. By providing these, it becomes possible to cut off the second communication closer to the lens than itself. That is, by controlling short-circuiting and opening of these switches, it is possible to change the communication state of the second communication.

In the first embodiment, the flow from when light incident on the interchangeable lens 10 is output as an image is as follows.

The light incident on the interchangeable lens 10 passes through the focus lens 104, zoom lens 105, iris 106, blur correction lens 107, intermediate accessory optical members 407 and 307, forms an image on the image sensor 204, and is converted into an electrical signal. The electrical signal output from the image sensor 204 is converted into a video signal by the camera control unit 205 and output to the video display unit 206.

<First communication (Figure 2)>
Next, the first communication will be explained using FIG. 2.

FIG. 2A shows a configuration for performing the first communication. The first communication in this embodiment is exemplified by clock synchronous communication, but start-stop synchronous communication may also be performed. Start-stop synchronous communication will be described later as a modified example. The first communication contact groups 102, 403, 405, 303, 305, and 202 have first communication LCLK terminals 102a, 403a, 405a, and 303a, which are terminals of the clock line LCLK output from the camera-side first communication unit 207, respectively. , 305a, and 202a are included. This embodiment also includes first communication DCL terminals 102b, 403b, 405b, 303b, 305b, and 202b, which are terminals of the data line DCL output from the camera-side first communication unit 207 for clock synchronous communication. There is. Note that each of the first communication DCL terminals 102b, 403b, 405b, 303b, 305b, and 202b is an example of a first communication terminal. Also included are first communication DLC terminals 102c, 403c, 405c, 303c, 305c, and 202c, which are terminals of the data line DLC output from the lens-side first communication unit 114 for clock-synchronous communication. Note that each of the first communication DLC terminals 102c, 403c, 405c, 303c, 305c, and 202c is an example of a third communication terminal.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the clock line LCLK and the data line DCL are pulled up within the interchangeable lens 10. Further, the clock line LCLK and the data line DLC are pulled up within the camera body 20.

The intermediate accessory 30, the clock line LCLK, the data line DCL, and the data line DLC in the intermediate accessory 40 are short-circuited between the first communication contacts 403 and 405 and between the first communication contacts 303 and 305, respectively.

FIG. 2B shows waveforms of the clock line LCLK, data line DCL, and data line DLC when the first communication is performed. The camera-side first communication unit 207 outputs a clock to the clock line LCLK, and also outputs 8-bit data B7 to B0 to the data line DCL in accordance with the rising signal of the clock line LCLK. Similarly, the lens-side first communication unit 114 outputs 8-bit data B7 to B0 to the data line DLC in accordance with the rising signal of the clock line LCLK. Furthermore, the camera-side first communication unit 207 receives 8-bit data from B7 to B0 on the data line DLC in accordance with the rising signal of the clock line LCLK. Similarly, the lens-side first communication unit 114 receives 8-bit data of B7 to B0 on the data line DCL in accordance with the rising signal of the clock line LCLK. As described above, the camera-side first communication section 207 and the lens-side first communication section 114 can exchange communication data with each other. When the lens-side first communication unit 114 receives the 8-bit data from B7 to B0 on the data line DCL, it outputs the clock line LCLK in a LOW state for a time Tbusy, and then releases the LOW output. Here, the Tbusy time is the time during which the interchangeable lens 10 processes the received data, and the camera-side first communication unit 207 is configured not to transmit data until the clock line LCLK changes from LOW to HIGH after transmitting the data. ing. This signal control allows flow control of the first communication. By repeating the above process, data can be transmitted between the camera-side first communication section 207 and the lens-side first communication section 114 through the first communication.

<Second communication (Figure 11)>
Next, referring to the configuration diagram of FIG. 11, one of the communication circuits capable of "one-to-many" communication configured between the camera body 20, the interchangeable lens 10, the intermediate accessories 30, and the intermediate accessories 40 will be described. I will explain about it. Note that this is not the case as long as the communication circuit is capable of "one-to-many" communication. Furthermore, in the case of having a plurality of communication circuits, "one-to-one" communication such as clock synchronous serial communication or UART communication may be used for other communication circuits.

The camera-side second communication section 208, the lens-side second communication section 115, and the intermediate accessory second communication sections 308 and 408 are connected via the contact section similarly to the first communication. More specifically, they are connected via the second communication contact group 103, 404, 406, 304, 306, and 203 described above. In this embodiment, the second communication contact groups 103, 404, 406, 304, 306, 203 are CS signal terminals 103a, 404a, 406a, 304a, 306a, 203a and DATA signal terminals 103b, 404b, 406b, 304b, 306b, respectively. , 203b. The camera-side second communication unit 208, the lens-side second communication unit 115, and the intermediate accessory second communication unit 308 are connected to a CS signal line connected via a CS signal terminal, and a DATA signal line connected via a DATA signal terminal. Communicate using.

Note that the DATA signal terminals that the second communication contact groups 103, 404, 406, 304, 306, and 203 each have are examples of second communication terminals.

The camera communication circuit is composed of a ground switch 221 and an input/output changeover switch 222. The lens communication circuit is composed of a ground switch 121 and an input/output changeover switch 122. The intermediate accessory communication circuit is composed of ground switches 321 and 421 and input/output changeover switches 322 and 422.

There are two signal lines: a CS signal line (first signal line) for propagating signals for communication flow control, and a DATA signal line (second signal line) for propagating data to be sent and received. Consists of books.

The CS signal line is connected to the camera-side second communication unit 208, the intermediate accessory second communication unit 308, and the lens-side second communication unit 115, and is configured to be able to detect the state (Hi/Low) of the signal line. . Further, the CS signal line is pulled up and connected to a power source (not shown) within the camera body. The CS signal line is configured to be connectable to GND via the ground switch 121 of the interchangeable lens 10, the ground switch 221 of the camera body 20, and the ground switches 321 and 421 of the intermediate adapter (open drain connection). With this configuration, the state of the CS signal line of the interchangeable lens 10, the camera body 20, and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 can be set to Low by turning on (connecting) their respective ground switches. On the other hand, by turning off (blocking) the connection switches of all of the interchangeable lens 10, camera body 20, and intermediate accessories 30 and 40, the state of the CS signal line can be set to Hi. The CS signal line is used to distinguish between broadcast communication and P2P communication, or to switch the communication direction in P2P communication.

The DATA signal line is a single-wire bidirectional data transmission line that can be used while switching the data propagation direction. The DATA signal line can be connected to the lens side second communication section 115 via the input/output switch 122 of the interchangeable lens 10. Further, the DATA signal line can be connected to the camera-side second communication unit 208 via the input/output changeover switch 222 of the camera body 20. Further, the DATA signal line can be connected to the intermediate accessory second communication units 308 and 408 via the input/output changeover switches 322 and 422 of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40, respectively. Each microcomputer is equipped with a data output section (CMOS method) for transmitting data and a data input section (CMOS method) for receiving data. By operating the input/output switch, it is possible to select whether to connect the DATA signal line to the data output section or the data input section. With this configuration, when the interchangeable lens 10, the camera body 20, and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 transmit data, the data can be transmitted by operating the respective input/output switch to connect the DATA signal line to the data output section. Transmission is now possible. On the other hand, when the interchangeable lens 10, camera body 20, and intermediate accessories 30 and 40 want to receive data, they can receive data by operating their respective input/output switches to connect the DATA signal line to the data input section. It becomes possible.

Here, broadcast communication and P2P communication performed using CS signals and data signals will be described.

Since the CS signal line goes LOW when any unit is connected to GND, it is used as a trigger for broadcast communication.

Broadcast communication is started when the camera body, which is the main body of communication, pulls the CS signal line to LOW. Data received by the accessory via the DATA line when the CS signal line is LOW is determined to be broadcast data.

Furthermore, each accessory can request broadcast communication to the camera body by pulling the CS signal line to LOW.

A unit that detects LOW on the CS signal line can inform other units that processing for broadcast communication is continuing by turning on its own grounding switch during broadcast processing. By specifying that the second communication begins and ends with broadcast communication, the DATA signal line of the accessory can basically maintain the receiving state. When a camera performs P2P communication with an accessory, first, the accessory to be communicated with is specified by broadcast communication. The camera that has completed sending the broadcast communication and the specified accessory perform P2P communication.

In P2P communication, the camera first transmits data, and the accessory that receives the data transmits the data to the camera. From then on, this is done alternately. In P2P communication, the CS signal during communication is maintained HIGH to be distinguished from broadcast communication. The CS signal in P2P communication is used as a busy signal. That is, the camera and the accessory turn it LOW to notify the other party that data transmission from itself has ended, and turn it HIGH to notify that it is ready to receive data.

When the P2P communication ends, the camera broadcasts the end of the P2P communication.

In this way, the camera can communicate data with multiple accessories via two communication lines.

Note that although FIG. 1112 shows an example of the communication circuit according to the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the CS signal line is pulled down to GND within the camera body 20, and connected via the ground switch 121 of the interchangeable lens 10, the ground switch 221 of the camera body 20, and the ground switches 321, 421 of the intermediate accessories 30, 40. It may also be configured so that it can be connected to a power source. Further, the DATA signal line may be configured to be always connected to each data input section, and the connection/cutoff between the DATA signal line and each data output section may be operated by a switch.

The second communication can be realized using the same communication method as the first communication, bidirectional asynchronous communication, master-slave method, token passing method, or the like.

<Initial communication with accessories and acquisition process of corrected optical information (Figure 3)>
Next, a flow diagram of the camera body 20 acquiring authentication information of the accessory through initial communication with the accessory, and further acquiring optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 corrected based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40 will be described. This will be explained using 3. Note that, for example, when the intermediate accessory has a variable magnification lens, the optical information of the intermediate accessory is the magnification that changes when the intermediate accessory is inserted. Further, the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is, for example, information such as focal length, aperture, focus sensitivity, and focus correction amount.

FIG. 3 shows a process in which the camera body 20 acquires the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 corrected based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40 after the intermediate accessory and the interchangeable lens are attached and power is supplied for the first time. It shows the flow.

When the camera body 20 is activated in S301, the process moves to S302.

When transitioning to S302, the camera body 20 supplies power to the interchangeable lens 10, intermediate accessory 30, and intermediate accessory 40 via a power supply mount contact (not shown), and transitioning to S303 and S304.

When the process moves to S303, the camera control unit 205 performs initial communication with the interchangeable lens 10 through first communication. In the initial communication, authentication information for the interchangeable lens 10 is acquired.

Here, the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 10 includes identification information and operating state information of the interchangeable lens 10. The interchangeable lens identification information may be information such as a model number (ID) used to identify the type (model) of the interchangeable lens, or may be optical data identification information indicating optical data specific to the interchangeable lens. . The information may also include information indicating the functions of the interchangeable lens and information such as a manufacturing number (serial number) that can identify individuals within the same model.

The operating status information is information that can identify whether the interchangeable lens 10 is operating normally or in safe mode. In other words, whether the firmware update is suspended (operating in safe mode) or not. (normal operation) is information that can be identified.

The flow of sub-process S303 for acquiring authentication information of the interchangeable lens 10 through the first communication will be described later using FIG. 4.

When the process moves to S304, the camera control unit 205 performs initial communication with the accessory through second communication and acquires the authentication information of the accessory.

Here, the accessory authentication information includes accessory identification information, correction processing necessity information, and operation state information.

The intermediate accessory identification information may be information such as a model number (ID) used to identify the type (model) of the intermediate accessory, or may be optical data identification information indicating optical data specific to the intermediate accessory. . Further, the information may include information indicating the functions of the intermediate accessory and information such as a manufacturing number (serial number) that can identify individuals within the same model.

Further, the correction processing necessity information is information indicating whether or not it is necessary to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 due to the attachment of the accessory. If the accessory is an intermediate accessory and does not affect the optical system of the interchangeable lens 10, no correction processing is necessary. If the camera control unit 205 knows in advance that correction processing due to attachment of the intermediate accessory is unnecessary based on intermediate accessory correction processing necessity information, the camera ignores the intermediate accessory in the process of acquiring optical information of the interchangeable lens 10. can do.

An example of an intermediate accessory that does not require correction processing is an intermediate accessory that is equipped with an optical member that is optically designed to cancel the influence of its own width on the optical system, and that is attached for the purpose of adding an operating member. Another example is a mount converter that can be installed between an interchangeable lens with a short flange back mount and the camera body to change the flange back length to suit the camera body.

The operating status information is information that can identify whether the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 are operating normally or in safe mode. In other words, whether the firmware update is suspended (operating in safe mode) or This is information that can identify whether or not the operation is normal (normal operation).

The flow of the sub-process S304 for acquiring authentication information of the intermediate accessory through the second communication will be described later using FIG. Since S303 and S304 use different communication paths, the processes may be performed in parallel or sequentially.

When the authentication information of the interchangeable lens and the authentication information of the attached accessory are acquired in S303 and S304, the process moves to S305.

In step S305, the camera control unit 205 determines whether there is an intermediate accessory that requires correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens, based on the correction processing necessity information acquired in step S304. If an intermediate accessory (also referred to as an intermediate accessory related to correction) whose correction processing necessity information is "required" is attached, the process moves to S306.

When the process moves to S306, the camera control unit 205 determines whether there is an accessory for which the camera control unit 205 does not have optical information among the interchangeable lenses and intermediate accessories whose correction processing necessity information was “required” in S305. to judge. Note that the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory whose correction processing necessity information was "required" in S305 are also referred to as correction-related accessories. Among accessories related to correction, if there is an accessory for which the camera control unit 205 does not have optical information, the camera control unit 205 cannot perform correction processing for the optical information of the interchangeable lens. In this case, the process moves to S307 to search for a request destination for correction processing.

In step S307, the camera control unit 205 determines an accessory (also referred to as a first accessory) that holds the optical information of all other accessories among the accessories involved in correction. As a method for determining the first accessory, for example, it may be determined based on identification information acquired from the accessory, or it may be inquired of the accessory through communication. The details will be described later using FIG. 6.

When the first accessory is determined in S307, the process moves to S308.

When the process moves to S308, the camera control unit 205 transmits identification information of accessories related to other corrections to the first accessory determined in S307, and requests correction processing of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10. In this embodiment, as an example, when the first accessory is an interchangeable lens, communication is performed using the first communication. When the first accessory is an intermediate accessory, communication is performed using the second communication.

The control unit of the first accessory that has received the correction request in S308 performs correction processing on the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 using the stored optical information of other accessories related to correction.

Transitioning to S309, the camera control unit 205 acquires optical information corrected by the first accessory.

On the other hand, in S306, the camera control unit 205 determines that there is no accessory for which the camera control unit 205 does not have optical information among the interchangeable lenses and intermediate accessories whose correction processing necessity information was “required” in S305. If so, the process moves to S310. In this case, the camera control unit 205 holds optical information of all accessories.

When the process moves to S310, the camera control unit 205 corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens using the optical information of the interchangeable lens held by itself and the optical information of the intermediate accessory.

In addition, in S305, if the camera control unit 205 determines that there is no intermediate accessory that requires correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens, the intermediate accessory is not attached, or correction processing is performed for all intermediate accessories that are attached. The necessity information is "no". Therefore, as a process when there is no need to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens, the process moves to S311.

When the process moves to S311, it is determined whether the camera body 20 holds the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 based on the identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 included in the interchangeable lens authentication information acquired in S303. If the camera control unit 205 does not hold the optical information of the interchangeable lens, the process moves to S312.

When the process moves to S312, the camera control unit 205 acquires optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 from the lens control unit 113 through the first communication.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S311 that the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is held, the camera control unit 205 acquires the optical information from the data table in the camera in S313.

After acquiring optical information in S309, S310, S312, or S313, the process moves to S314, and the optical information acquisition sequence ends.

After acquiring the optical information, the first communication path is used for communication between the camera body 20 and the intermediate accessory operation member 310 and the intermediate accessory operation member 410 , and the second communication path is used for communication between the camera body 20 and the intermediate accessory operation member 310 and the intermediate accessory operation member 410 . Used for communication to regularly obtain operational information. Communication for regularly acquiring operation information of the operation member 116 of the interchangeable lens is carried out through the first communication path and the second communication path, taking into consideration the occupancy rate of each communication path and the immediacy required for communication and control. Any of the following communication paths may be used.

<Initial communication processing by first communication between camera and interchangeable lens (Figure 4)>
FIG. 4 shows the flow of sub-process S303, which is the initial communication performed by the camera body 20 with the interchangeable lens 10 in the camera system of the first embodiment. In the initial communication, the camera control unit 205 acquires authentication information for the interchangeable lens 10 from the lens control unit 113.

When the subprocess is started in S401, the process moves to S402.

In step S402, the camera control unit 205 transmits an interchangeable lens authentication information transmission request (corresponding to the first transmission request) to the lens control unit 113 through the first communication.

Here, the interchangeable lens authentication information request of this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 910A. The interchangeable lens authentication information request of this embodiment is information that requests the interchangeable lens 10 to transmit two pieces of information that are authentication information to the camera control unit 205. The authentication information request includes an interchangeable lens identification information request and an operation status information request.

In S403, when the lens control unit 113 receives the interchangeable lens authentication information transmission request, the process moves to S404. Then, the lens control unit 113 transmits interchangeable lens authentication information (corresponding to the first information) to the camera control unit 205 through the first communication.

Here, the authentication information transmitted by the interchangeable lens 10 to the camera control unit 205 will be described using FIG. 910B. The authentication information includes identification information and operating state information.

When the camera control unit 205 receives the interchangeable lens authentication information in S405, the process moves to S406 and stores the received interchangeable lens authentication information.

With S407, the subprocess S303 ends.

<Initial communication processing by second communication between camera and intermediate accessory (Figure 5)>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the flow of sub-process S304, which is an initial communication process performed between the camera body 20 and accessories in the camera system of the first embodiment. In the initial communication, the camera control unit 205 acquires authentication information of the accessory. Accessory authentication information will be described later.

When the subprocess is started in S501, the process moves to S502.

In step S502, the camera control unit 205 transmits an accessory authentication information request (corresponding to the second transmission request) to the intermediate accessory control unit 309 through the second communication.

Here, the accessory authentication information request of this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 910C. The accessory authentication information request is information that requests the accessory to transmit accessory authentication information to the camera control unit 205. In this embodiment, the accessory authentication information includes accessory identification information, operating state information, correction processing necessity information, and termination information.

When the intermediate accessory control unit 309 receives the accessory authentication information request in S503, the process moves to S506.

In S506, the intermediate accessory control unit 309 transmits the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 30 to the camera control unit 205 in the second communication.

Here, the authentication information sent by the intermediate accessory to the camera control unit 205 will be described using FIG. 910D. The authentication information includes identification information (which is an example of third information), operating state information, correction processing necessity information, and termination information.

The correction processing necessity information is information indicating "required" if the intermediate accessory changes the optical characteristics. If it does not change the optical characteristics, this information indicates "no".

In this embodiment, the termination information is information indicating whether or not the second communication is the termination point when viewed from the camera body 20. If the intermediate adapter is the terminal end of the second communication as viewed from the camera body 20, the termination information is information indicating that it is the "terminal end". If it is not the end of the second communication when viewed from the camera body 20, the end information is information indicating that it is "not the end".

In one-to-many communication such as the second communication, the destination can be specified by, for example, adding accessory identification information to the beginning of the communication data. However, at the stage of S502, the camera control unit 205 does not have any accessory information, and therefore cannot specify the destination using communication data.

Therefore, as an example of means for the camera body 20 to sequentially communicate with a plurality of accessories in this sub-process, there is a method using the second communication connection switch 311 and the second communication connection switch 411 as described below. It is assumed that the second communication connection switch 311 and the second communication connection switch 411 are short-circuited in a steady state.

In S501, the camera control unit 205 transmits main sub-process start information through second communication. Since the second communication connection switch 311 and the second communication connection switch 411 are short-circuited, each accessory receives this sub-process start information. Each intermediate accessory that receives this sub-process start information opens its own second communication connection switch. As a result, only the intermediate accessory control unit 309 is connected to the camera control unit 205, and can receive data transmitted by the camera control unit 205. When the intermediate accessory control unit 309 that has finished processing the received data shorts the second communication connection switch 311, the intermediate accessory control unit 409 can receive the data transmitted by the camera control unit 205. The intermediate accessory 30 that has short-circuited the second communication connection switch does not respond to the transmitted information from the camera control unit 205 until it receives the present sub-process end information transmitted by the camera control unit 205 in S522 where the present sub-process ends.

In this embodiment, even if the intermediate accessory 30 is operating in the safe mode, the camera body 20 and the intermediate accessory 30 do not terminate this sub-process, and the accessory connected via the intermediate accessory 30 Perform initial communication with. However, if an accessory operating in safe mode is attached, initial communication with the attached accessory may not be performed through that accessory. For example, when the operating state of the intermediate accessory 30 is the safe mode, the intermediate accessory control unit 309 does not short-circuit the second communication connection switch 311 even after processing of the received data is completed. Then, by transmitting the authentication information to the camera control unit 205 with the termination information as "termination", this sub-process may be immediately terminated.

The intermediate accessory 40 also behaves in a similar manner, allowing the camera control unit 205 to sequentially communicate with a plurality of accessories.

Since the second communication connection switch 311 is open in S504 and S505, the intermediate accessory 40 and the lens control unit 113 do not receive the information transmission request transmitted from the camera control unit 205 in S502.

In S506, the intermediate accessory control unit 309 transmits the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 30 to the camera control unit 205 through second communication. Then, the second communication connection switch 311 is short-circuited. Thereby, the intermediate accessory control unit 409 can receive the data transmitted by the camera control unit 205.

When the camera control unit 205 receives the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 30 in S507, the process moves to S508. Then, the received authentication information is stored.

As described above, once the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 30 is acquired through S502 to S508, the process moves to S509. In S509, S511, and S513 to S515, the camera control unit 205 acquires the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 40, similarly to S502, S503, and S506 to S508.

In S510, the intermediate accessory control unit 309 receives the authentication information request sent by the camera control unit 205, but does not respond because it has not received the sub-process end information.

In S512, as in S504 and S505, the second communication connection switch 411 is open, so the lens control unit 113 does not receive the information transmission request transmitted from the camera control unit 205 in S509.

Although the first embodiment is an example in which a total of three accessories, one interchangeable lens and two intermediate accessories, are connected, only one intermediate accessory may be connected, or three or more intermediate accessories may be connected. Since any number of intermediate accessories may be attached, it is preferable that the accessory information acquisition process ends by acquiring the accessory end information.

Accessory termination information may be obtained by other methods. For example, similar to S502 and S509, when the camera control unit 205 sends an authentication information request assuming that an intermediate accessory is attached, the termination information returned from the second lens communication unit 115 determines whether the interchangeable lens You may be notified of this. Further, the intermediate accessory 40 may detect that it is the terminal end based on the connection state of a terminal (not shown), and notify the camera body 20 in S513. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which termination information is notified by the lens control section 113 responding to an authentication information request from the camera control section 205 with authentication information including termination information.

In S516, similarly to S502 and S509, the camera body 20 transmits an authentication information request (corresponding to the second transmission request) through the second communication. In S517 and S518, the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40 do not respond because they have not received the sub-process end information, as in S510.

When the lens control unit 113 receives the authentication information request in S519, the process moves to S520 and transmits the authentication information to the camera control unit 205 through the second communication.

Here, the authentication information sent by the lens control unit 113 to the camera control unit 205 will be explained using FIG. 910E. The authentication information includes identification information (which is an example of second information), operating state information, correction processing necessity information, and termination information.

Since the interchangeable lens 10 is not an intermediate accessory, the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 does not need to be corrected by its attachment. Therefore, the correction processing necessity information is information indicating that correction processing is not necessary.

Furthermore, since the interchangeable lens 10 of this embodiment is the terminal end of the second communication when viewed from the camera body 20, the terminal information is information indicating that the interchangeable lens 10 is the terminal end of the second communication.

When the camera control unit 205 acquires the authentication information in S521, the process moves to S522, and a series of initial communication processing ends.

Note that in order to shorten communication processing, it is preferable to acquire correction processing necessity information as in this embodiment, but if correction information necessity information is not exchanged, correction processing is required for all intermediate accessories. I judge that there is.

With S522, the sub-process S304 ends.

In this embodiment, a process using means for sequentially communicating with a plurality of accessories using a second communication connection switch has been described. However, other means may be used as long as they can communicate with multiple accessories. For example, by detecting the voltage level of a terminal (not shown) connected to the accessory itself, it is possible to determine which position from the camera body the accessory is attached to. In that case, the number of information transmission requests sent from the camera is counted, and information is sent to the camera body only when the order matches the mounting order of the camera itself.

<Sub-process S307 (FIG. 6) for determining the first accessory>
In the first embodiment, the flow of the sub-process S307 in which the camera body 20 searches for the first accessory among the accessories related to correction through communication will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 shows the flow of sub-process S307 in which the camera control unit 205 determines the first accessory among the accessories related to optical correction in the camera system of the first embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the camera control unit 205 does not hold optical information about the interchangeable lens 10, the intermediate accessory 30, and the intermediate accessory 40. Further, it is assumed that the correction processing necessity information of the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40 are both "required".

When the subprocess is started in S601, the process moves to S602.

When the process transitions to S602, the camera control unit 205 transmits the identification information of the intermediate accessory 40 and an optical information presence/absence response request to the intermediate accessory control unit 309 through the second communication, and retains the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40. Ask if there are any. To specify the destination, for example, add the identification information of the intermediate accessory to the beginning of the communication data, and the accessory can determine whether the communication is addressed to itself by referring to the value at the beginning of the communication data. good.

When the intermediate accessory control unit 309 receives the identification information of the intermediate accessory 40 and the optical information presence/absence response request in S603, the process moves to S604.

In S604, the intermediate accessory control unit 309 transmits to the camera control unit 205 via second communication whether optical information of the intermediate accessory 40 is held.

When the camera control unit 205 receives the presence or absence of optical information of the intermediate accessory 40 from the intermediate accessory 30 in S605, the process moves to S606.

In S606, the camera control unit 205 determines an intermediate accessory (also referred to as a first intermediate accessory) that has optical information of another intermediate accessory.

If the intermediate accessory control unit 309 holds the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40, the process moves to S607, and the camera control unit 205 determines that the intermediate accessory 30 is the first intermediate accessory.

If the intermediate accessory control unit 309 does not hold the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40, the process moves to S608, and if the intermediate accessory 40 is the first intermediate accessory and holds the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30, camera control is performed. The department 205 makes the determination.

Even if three or more intermediate accessories are attached, it is possible to determine the first intermediate accessory in the same way. For example, if three accessories are attached, processing similar to S602 to S605 is performed with two of them. When the first intermediate accessory is found, the process moves to S609.

When the process moves to S609, the camera control unit 205 requests the lens control unit 113 to respond to the presence or absence of the identification information and optical information (fourth information) of the first intermediate accessory determined in S607 or S608 in the first communication. (third instruction information). In other words, it is inquired whether the optical information of the first intermediate accessory is held.

When the lens control unit 113 receives the identification information of the first intermediate accessory and the optical information presence/absence response request in S610, the process moves to S611, and the first communication indicates whether or not optical information of the first intermediate accessory is held. and transmits it to the camera control unit 205.

When the camera control unit 205 receives the presence or absence of optical information of the first intermediate accessory from the interchangeable lens 10 in S612, the process advances to S613, and determines whether the lens control unit 113 holds optical information of the first intermediate accessory. to judge. This determines the first accessory.

If the camera control unit 205 determines that the lens control unit 113 holds the optical information of the first intermediate accessory, the process moves to S614. In S614, it is determined that the interchangeable lens 10 is the first accessory and holds the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40. If the camera control unit 205 determines that the lens control unit 113 does not hold the optical information of the first intermediate accessory, the process moves to S615.

In S615, the camera control unit 205 determines that the first intermediate accessory is the first accessory.

When the first accessory is determined in S614 or S615, the process moves to S616, and the camera control unit 205 stores the identification information and accessory type of the first accessory. Once the first accessory is stored, the process moves to S617, and the sub-process S307 ends.

<Effects of Example 1>
As described above, the first embodiment independently has a first communication path through which the camera and the interchangeable lens can communicate, and a second communication path through which the camera and the accessory can communicate. Then, the unit for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens is determined based on the identification information of each unit and the intermediate accessory correction processing necessity information obtained through communication using each communication path. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens, and to perform communication at a more intended timing between each unit of the imaging device, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory.

In the first embodiment, a method has been described in which the optical information of the interchangeable lens is corrected based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory in the startup sequence immediately after the interchangeable lens is attached. In a second embodiment, a method for correcting optical information of an interchangeable lens will be described when the optical system of an accessory is dynamically changed by operating an operating member provided on the accessory.

Examples of the optical system of an accessory that dynamically changes by operating an operating member attached to an intermediate accessory include a variable magnification lens with variable magnification, an ND filter with variable transmittance, and the like.

In the second embodiment, when the interchangeable lens is attached and the current optical system is determined, the processing described in the first embodiment is executed. As a result, it is assumed that the camera control unit 205 knows which unit holds the optical information of all accessories among the interchangeable lens 10, camera body 20, intermediate accessory 30, and intermediate accessory 40.

Further, it is assumed that the camera control unit 205 recognizes the accessory whose optical system can be dynamically changed based on the identification information of the accessory acquired through the operation as in the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, an accessory whose optical information changes dynamically and whose correction processing necessity information is "required" will be referred to as a dynamic accessory. An intermediate accessory whose optical information does not dynamically change and whose correction processing necessity information is "no" is referred to as a static intermediate accessory. Further, an interchangeable lens whose optical information dynamically changes is called a dynamic lens, and an interchangeable lens whose optical information does not dynamically change is called a static lens.

In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40 are attached between the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10, but the case where only one of the intermediate accessories is attached is not applicable. Even if there is such a case, this embodiment is applicable.

<Dynamic accessory search process (Figure 7)>
FIG. 7 shows the relationship between Example 1 and this example. When the camera system is activated in S701, the process moves to S702.

In S702, the camera control unit 205 executes the processing described in FIG. 3. That is, for example, initial communication, determining the first unit, and correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens are performed. In the initial communication, information corresponding to whether the optical system changes dynamically (also referred to as dynamic accessory information) is acquired from the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40. For example, the camera control unit 205 sends a transmission request to the accessory at the timing of acquiring the identification information in S402 of FIG. 4 or S502 and S509 of FIG. The accessory transmits dynamic accessory information in response to the transmission request. The authentication information may be included in the dynamic accessory information, and the authentication information including the moving object accessory information may be acquired as a response to the authentication information transmission request sent by the camera control unit 205 to the accessory. Note that the camera control unit 205 may determine whether the accessory is a dynamic accessory based on the identification information of the accessory acquired in S702 without separately acquiring the dynamic accessory information. In this case, the memory (not shown) of the camera control unit 205 may be configured to have information (such as a table) indicating the correspondence between accessory identification information and whether or not the optical system changes dynamically. This allows the camera control unit 205 to determine whether the accessory is a dynamic accessory based on the identification information of the accessory.

When the sub-process S702 ends, the process moves to S703.

In S703, the camera control unit 205 determines whether a dynamic accessory is attached, based on the above-mentioned dynamic accessory information. More specifically, if information indicating that the optical system changes dynamically as dynamic accessory information is acquired from any accessory, the camera control unit 205 determines that a dynamic accessory is attached. do. Furthermore, if information indicating that the optical system changes dynamically is not acquired as dynamic accessory information, the camera control unit 205 determines that no dynamic accessory is attached. If a dynamic accessory is attached, the process moves to S704.

In S704, the camera control unit 205 executes a sub-process of correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the change in the optical information of the dynamic accessory. If the dynamic accessory is not attached or the dynamic accessory is not operated, there is no need to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens, so the process moves to S705 and the optical correction process of the interchangeable lens ends.

<Correction processing of optical information according to the operation of dynamic accessories (Figure 8)>
Hereinafter, using FIG. 8, a sub-process S704 of correcting optical information of an interchangeable lens based on a change in optical information according to an operation of a dynamic accessory, which is a second embodiment of the present invention, will be described.

In the sub-process shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the intermediate accessory 30 is a dynamic accessory, the interchangeable lens 10 is a first unit and a static lens, and the intermediate accessory 40 is a static intermediate accessory. That is, it is assumed that the camera control unit 205 and the lens control unit 113 have recognized this in S702 of FIG.

When the sequence starts in S801, the process moves to S802.

In S802, the camera control unit 205 transmits an optical data identification information transmission request to the intermediate accessory control unit 309 of the intermediate accessory 30, which is a dynamic accessory, through the second communication.

When the intermediate accessory control unit 309 receives the optical data identification information transmission request in S803, the process moves to S804 and transmits the optical data identification information to the camera control unit 205 through the second communication.

Note that the optical data identification information of the dynamic accessory is information regarding parameters for correcting optical information of the interchangeable lens 10, and in this embodiment, it is assumed that it is, for example, current optical information. For example, if the intermediate accessory has a variable magnification lens, this information is the current magnification. For example, if the intermediate accessory has an ND filter, this is information for correcting the current optical path length. Note that the optical data identification information may be other information as long as the first unit can recognize the optical state of the dynamic accessory. In addition, information such as a model number (ID) used to identify the type (model) may be added with information on multiple possible states, or optical data identification information indicating dynamically changing optical data. It may be. The information may also include information indicating the functions of the accessory and information such as a manufacturing number (serial number) that can identify individuals within the same model.

When the camera control unit 205 receives the optical data identification information in S805, the process moves to S806.

In S806, the camera control unit 205 determines whether the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 has changed based on the optical data identification information. For example, the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 received in the initial communication in S702 is compared with the optical data identification information received in S805. If the optical information has not changed, the process returns to S802, and the camera control unit 205 retransmits the optical data identification information transmission request after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

If the camera control unit 205 determines in S806 that the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 has changed, the process moves to S807 and shifts to processing for correcting the optical information of the optical lens.

Note that the camera control unit 205 recognizes changes in the optical information of the dynamic accessory by communicating with the dynamic accessory at regular intervals through polling, as in steps S802, 803, 804, 805, and S806. The presence or absence of a change in information may also be received.

Additionally, an interrupt signal may be received from the dynamic accessory when the optical information of the dynamic accessory changes. For example, assume that the intermediate accessory 30, which is a dynamic accessory, has an operation member that changes the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30. In this case, the operation of the operating member may be detected, and an interrupt signal may be transmitted from the intermediate accessory control unit 309 (described later) to the camera control unit 205. Alternatively, the above steps S802, 803, 804, and 805 may be executed after the camera control unit 205 receives an interrupt signal from the intermediate accessory control unit 309 and determines that the optical data identification information has changed in S806. good.

Alternatively, optical data identification information reflecting changes may be exchanged as in steps S802, 803, 804, and 805. Alternatively, only the change in the optical data identification information may be notified to the camera control unit 205, and the camera control unit 205 may calculate the current optical data identification information and start the exchange.

In step S807, the camera control unit 205 transmits the optical data identification information of the intermediate accessory 30 and the optical information correction request (also referred to as an optical correction request) of the interchangeable lens 10 to the first unit, the interchangeable lens, through the first communication. It is transmitted to the lens control unit 113 of No. 10.

In S808, upon receiving the optical data identification information of the intermediate accessory 30 and the optical correction request, the lens control unit 113 shifts to S809.

In S809, the lens control unit 113 acquires the current optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 from the table in the lens control unit 113 based on the optical data identification information of the intermediate accessory 30, and the process proceeds to S809.

In S810, the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is corrected based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40 and the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30, which are static intermediate accessories, obtained in the sub-process S702.

When the correction is completed, in S811, the lens control unit 113 transmits the corrected optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 to the camera control unit 205 through the first communication.

When the camera control unit 205 receives the corrected optical information of the interchangeable lens in S812, the process advances to S813, and the optical information is stored in the camera control unit 205.

When S813 ends, the process returns to S802 and changes in the optical information of the dynamic accessory are monitored again.

In this embodiment, a case has been described in which one of the intermediate accessories is a dynamic accessory and the optical lens 10 is the first unit. In addition, even if there are multiple dynamic accessories or the first unit is a unit other than an interchangeable lens, the correction process can be performed in the same way.

In addition, if only the first unit is a dynamic accessory, if the first unit recognizes this, it will perform optical correction at the stage when it recognizes that its own optical information has changed, and the optical correction will be performed. Optical data of the subsequent interchangeable lens 10 may be transmitted to the camera body 20.

The correction process for the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is performed taking into consideration not only the optical information of the dynamic accessory acquired in S805 but also the optical information of the static intermediate accessory, such as the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40 in S810. . When a static intermediate accessory is installed, the optical information of the static intermediate accessory is used to perform correction in advance, and when the optical information changes dynamically, the final correction process is performed using the optical information of the dynamic accessory. It's okay.

<Effects of Example 2>
As described above, in the second embodiment, the camera control unit 205 detects a change in the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30. The camera body 20 then transmits information regarding the change in optical information and a request for correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 to the lens control unit 113. Then, the lens control unit 113 corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 and transmits it to the camera control unit 205.

Thereby, even if the optical information of the accessory changes dynamically, the optical information of the interchangeable lens can be appropriately corrected.

In this embodiment, the description will focus on a case where optical data identification information indicating optical data unique to an accessory is used as intermediate accessory identification information.

Intermediate accessory identification information may include product-specific information such as model number (ID) if the new product accessory has a similar optical system to a known accessory, or if the accessory can be corrected using the same correction method as the known accessory. However, a new model number will be assigned. Therefore, when determining whether or not correction of the optical information of an interchangeable lens is necessary based on the model number (ID), etc., if the model number (ID) is unknown, the optical characteristics of the lens should be taken into account and corrected. It was not possible to correct the information.

Therefore, in this embodiment, optical data identification information is used as intermediate accessory identification information. In this embodiment, the intermediate accessory identification information is linked to the correction method. More specifically, optical data identification information is a combination of information regarding the correction method and information regarding the correction parameters. Such optical data identification information is hereinafter referred to as correction identification information. The information regarding the correction method of this embodiment is information corresponding to the optical member of the intermediate accessory, and the information regarding the correction parameter is information corresponding to the optical information of the intermediate accessory based on the optical characteristics of the optical member. For example, in the case where the intermediate accessory is a variable power adapter having a variable power lens, the information regarding the correction method is information indicating the variable power lens, and the information regarding the correction parameter is the magnification information of the variable power lens.

The lens control unit 113 may be configured to store information regarding the correction method and information regarding the correction parameters in association with each other. If other information is necessary for correcting the optical information, that information may also be stored in association with the information regarding the correction method and the information regarding the correction parameters.

In this way, information regarding the correction method and information regarding the correction parameters are transmitted to the lens control section 113 via the camera control section 205. As a result, even if it becomes necessary to perform a correction that takes into account an intermediate accessory with different information regarding correction parameters, by resetting the magnification information that is the correction parameter, the existing unit (in this example, the interchangeable lens 10) It is possible to make corrections by

In this way, by using the optical data identification information, it is possible to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens in consideration of the optical characteristics of the accessory. For example, if the optical system is similar to an existing product, or if it is an accessory that can be corrected in the same way as an existing product, even if the model number (ID) is unknown, the optical system of the interchangeable lens Information can be corrected.

Note that when using the correction identification information, it is not efficient to store the correction algorithm in each unit, so it is preferable to determine in advance the unit that will perform the correction. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the unit that performs correction is determined in advance to be an interchangeable lens. Furthermore, a method of correcting an interchangeable lens using correction identification information will be described. The correction identification information can be similarly used when correction is performed in the first unit as in the first and second embodiments.

<Acquisition process of corrected optical information in Example 3 (FIG. 10)>
FIG. 10 shows that when each accessory is attached and power is supplied for the first time, the camera body 20 acquires correction information from each accessory, sends it to the interchangeable lens 10 to request correction, and the corrected interchangeable lens The flow of processing for acquiring optical information of No. 10 is shown.

When the camera body 20 is activated in S1001, the process moves to S1002.

When the process transitions to S1002, the camera body 20 supplies power to the interchangeable lens 10, the intermediate accessory 30, and the intermediate accessory 40 via a power supply mount contact (not shown), and the process transitions to S1003.

Sub-process S1003, which is the initial communication process with the accessory through the second communication, is almost the same as sub-process S304 in the first embodiment. In S1003, the above-mentioned corrected identification information is acquired as identification information of the intermediate accessory.

After acquiring the corrected authentication information for the accessory in S1003, the process moves to S1004.

In S1004, the camera control unit 205 transmits the intermediate accessory correction identification information acquired in S1003 to the interchangeable lens 10, and requests correction of the optical information. When the interchangeable lens acquires the correction identification information of the intermediate accessory, the process moves to S1005.

When the process transitions to S1005, the interchangeable lens control unit 113 determines whether its own optical information needs to be corrected using the intermediate accessory correction identification information. If an intermediate accessory whose optical information needs to be corrected is attached, the process moves to S1006.

When the process transitions to S1006, the interchangeable lens control unit 113 corrects its own optical information based on the intermediate accessory correction identification information, and transmits the corrected optical information to the camera.

In addition, in S1005, if no intermediate accessory is installed or if all the installed intermediate accessories are intermediate accessories that do not require correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens, there is no need for correction processing, so S1007 Transition to.

In S1007, the interchangeable lens control unit 113 transmits its own optical information to the camera.

The optical information transmission timing in S1006 and S1007 may be immediately after the correction is completed, or may be at a timing requested by the camera.

After acquiring the optical information in S1006 or S1007, the process moves to S1008, and the optical information acquisition sequence ends.

In this way, in a camera system that independently has a first communication path through which the camera and an interchangeable lens can communicate and a second communication path through which the camera and an intermediate accessory can communicate, exchange can be performed based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory. The optical information of the lens can be appropriately corrected.

Further, in the first embodiment, an example was shown in which accessory authentication information includes accessory identification information and correction processing necessity information. On the other hand, even if the authentication information of the accessory has only the correction processing necessity information and the correction processing necessity information indicates that correction is "required", the correction processing necessity information is acquired separately. good. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication when the correction processing necessity information indicates correction "no" compared to the case where correction identification information is acquired regardless of whether the correction processing necessity information is necessary. be. In this case, as in the embodiment described above, both intermediate accessory identification information and correction processing necessity information are acquired. That is, when the correction processing necessity information indicates that correction is "required" and correction identification information is separately acquired, both intermediate accessory identification information and correction identification information are acquired as information for identifying the accessory. This reduces the amount of communication when the correction processing necessity information indicates correction "no", and also allows intermediate accessories to be The identification information can be used for other purposes.

Further, if the lens control unit 113 determines that it does not store information corresponding to the information on the correction method included in the correction identification information, the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 Control may be performed so that no correction is performed.

<Effects of Example 3>
As described above, the camera control unit 205 acquires information regarding the correction method and information regarding the correction parameters from the intermediate accessory control unit 309 and transmits this information to the lens control unit 113. Thereby, the lens control unit 113 can correct the optical information in consideration of a new accessory, as long as the correction method is known.

In the above embodiment, the camera body 20 acquires the identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 (also referred to as first lens identification information) as the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 10 in the initial communication performed with the interchangeable lens 10 in the first communication. I explained that. Furthermore, it has been described that the camera body 20 acquires the identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 (also referred to as second lens identification information) as the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 10 in the initial communication performed with the accessory in the second communication. In this example, an example focusing on the relationship between first lens identification information and second lens identification information will be described.

As described above, the identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 and accessories may be information such as a model number (ID) used to identify the type (model) of the corresponding unit. The information may also include information indicating the functions of the interchangeable lens and information such as a manufacturing number (serial number) that can identify individuals within the same model.

Here, in the camera system of this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 10 can communicate with the camera body 20 through both the first communication and the second communication. Initial communication is performed with the camera body 20 through both of the two communications. The interchangeable lens 10 transmits identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 (the above-mentioned first lens identification information and second lens identification information) to the camera body 20 in both the first communication and the second communication. .

At this time, the lens control unit 113 may send the same information as the first lens identification information and the second lens identification information, but in this embodiment, the first lens identification information may be intentionally sent as the second lens identification information. Information different from the above information is transmitted to the camera control unit 205. This aims to effectively utilize the second lens identification information that the lens control unit 113 transmits to the camera control unit 205 through the second communication.

The first lens identification information and the second lens identification information of this embodiment will be explained in more detail. The first lens identification information is information that makes it possible to identify the type (model) of the interchangeable lens 10, and is assumed to be a model number (ID) as an example.

On the other hand, the second lens identification information is different from the first lens identification information, and as an example, it is assumed that the second lens identification information is information indicating that the interchangeable lens 10 is a lens. In this case, the second lens identification information is information indicating that the interchangeable lens 10 is a lens, and is information that does not correspond to the type (model) of the interchangeable lens 10. Therefore, for example, the second lens identification information can be unique information regardless of the type (model) of the interchangeable lens 10.

As described above, in this embodiment, the lens control unit 113 transmits the first identification information in the initial communication of the first communication, which is one-to-one communication between the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10, to the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10. It is not transmitted in the second communication, which assumes one-to-many communication with each accessory. In the second communication, information indicating that it is a lens, in other words, information indicating that it is not an intermediate accessory, is transmitted to the camera control unit 105 as second identification information.

In this embodiment, by selectively using the first lens identification information and the second lens identification information as described above, it is possible to achieve the effects described below, for example.

For example, the identification information that the camera control unit 205 acquires from the lens control unit 113 in the first communication is used as a system for interchangeable lenses, and the identification information that the camera control unit 205 acquires from the control unit of each accessory in the second communication is used as an intermediate system. It can be treated as a system for accessories. This makes it possible to create a camera system that is expandable with respect to intermediate accessories that may appear in the future.

It can also be used, for example, to grasp the number of intermediate accessories connected. This is because the accessory that transmits identification information other than the second identification information to the camera control unit 105 is not the interchangeable lens 10, so it can be determined that it is an intermediate accessory.

When the number of intermediate accessories connected is known, for example, if more than a predetermined number of intermediate accessories are attached, a warning operation may be performed to the user, or the function of one of the intermediate accessories may be restricted. Good too. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption and maintain communication quality. When sending a large amount of data such as a firmware update to an intermediate accessory, it may be possible to allow the intermediate accessory to transition to firmware update mode only when it is determined that only one intermediate accessory is connected. .

Furthermore, by determining that the interchangeable lens 10 is a lens rather than an intermediate accessory, it is also possible to reduce the information that should be sent from the lens control unit 113 to the camera control unit 105 in the initial communication of the second communication. . For example, the lens control unit 113 may not respond to the camera control unit 105 with the correction processing necessity information. This is because the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 does not need to be corrected by attaching the interchangeable lens 10, which is not an intermediate accessory.

Further, for example, it may be used to electrically determine whether the terminal accessory is an interchangeable lens or an intermediate accessory, and to compare the determination result with the second identification information. This will be explained in more detail below. As described above, communication errors can also be determined by checking consistency with hardware processing.

In this embodiment, an example of a method of electrically determining whether the terminal accessory is an interchangeable lens or an intermediate accessory in the initial communication with the interchangeable lens or intermediate accessory in Examples 1 to 4 will be described. Furthermore, an explanation will be given of error processing when there is a mismatch in the determination result with the accessory at the end of the second communication determined based on the identification information acquired through the second communication.

<Configuration of camera system in Example 4 (FIGS. 12 and 13)>
An example of a method for electrically determining whether a terminal accessory is an interchangeable lens or an intermediate accessory will be described below. Note that this determination is made in the initial communication of the second communication.

First, a configuration in which the interchangeable lens 10 is attached to the end of the second communication will be described. As shown in FIG. 1218, the mount 201 of the camera body 20 includes an identification terminal 212. Further, the mount 302 of the intermediate accessory 30 includes an identification terminal 313, and the mount 302 includes an identification element 313. Further, the mount 402 of the intermediate accessory 40 includes an identification terminal 413, and the mount 401 includes an identification terminal 412. Furthermore, the mount 101 of the interchangeable lens 10 includes an identification terminal. A line (also referred to as an identification line) connected via these identification terminals is connected to a resistor 118 provided on the interchangeable lens 10. Further, this line is connected in a pull-up manner through a resistor 213 provided within the camera body 20. A value obtained by dividing the voltage level of the pull-up power supply by the resistance values of resistor 118 and resistor 213 is input to camera control unit 205 .

Next, a configuration in which the end of the second communication is the intermediate accessory 40 will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, the identification line via the identification terminals 212, 313, 312, 413 is connected to the resistor 414 provided on the intermediate accessory 40, as in the case where the end of the second communication is an interchangeable lens. ing. The input to the camera control unit 205 is a value obtained by dividing the voltage level of the pull-up power supply of the camera body 20 by the resistance values of the resistor 414 and the resistor 213.

<Second communication error determination method in Example 4 (FIG. 15)>
Here, the resistance value of the resistor used for the interchangeable lens 10 and the resistance value of the resistor used for the final intermediate accessory are determined in advance to be different values. This makes it possible to electrically determine whether the terminal accessory is an interchangeable lens from the level of the input signal via the identification terminal.

If the electrically determined terminal accessory is the interchangeable lens 10, the second identification information should be obtained as the terminal accessory identification information acquired in the initial communication using the second communication. On the other hand, if the electrically determined terminal accessory is an intermediate accessory, the identification information of the terminal accessory acquired in the initial communication by the second communication should be different information from the second identification information. Specifically, it should be intermediate accessory identification information.

However, if some problem occurs in the second communication, a discrepancy may occur in the above-mentioned correspondence relationship. Therefore, if there is a mismatch between the electrically determined terminal accessory and the identification information obtained through the second communication, it is determined that a communication error has occurred, and communication is performed more accurately by retrying from the initial communication. be able to.

In this way, by comparing the electrical identification information with the identification information acquired through the second communication, it can be confirmed whether the second communication is communicating correctly. It can be determined whether the acquired identification information is correct. This makes it possible to detect a communication error in the second communication.

<Effects of Example 4>
As explained above, in this embodiment, the second lens identification information is information different from the first lens identification information corresponding to the type (model) of the interchangeable lens 10, and is information indicating that it is a lens. shall be. Thereby, for example, it is possible to further improve the identification performance of the accessory that communicates through the second communication.

<Other Examples>
In the above-described embodiment, the first accessory is an accessory that holds the optical information of all other accessories related to correction. However, among the accessories involved in correction, the accessories that have the most optical information of each other may be used. In other words, there may be accessories that do not have optical information. In that case, the missing optical information may be acquired from another unit.

Furthermore, in the initial communication of the above embodiment, the lens control unit 113 transmits identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 in S404 and S520. Here, for example, the identification information transmitted in S520 may be identification information indicating that the accessory is not an intermediate accessory.

Further, in the initial communication shown in FIG. 5 of the above-described embodiment, each accessory transmits a plurality of pieces of information as authentication information to the camera control unit 205, but only necessary information may be transmitted. In this case, the camera specifies the necessary information and sends an information request to each accessory.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where there are two intermediate accessories has been described, but in the case where there are three or more intermediate accessories, one of the plurality of intermediate accessories may have all the optical information of the other intermediate accessories. Assume that the one that has more is the first intermediate accessory.

In the second embodiment, the dynamic accessory may correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10. In this case, the dynamic accessory may acquire optical information of other accessories in advance. When the dynamic accessory corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10, it transmits the corrected optical information to the camera body 20.

In the second embodiment, if there are a plurality of first accessories, the dynamic accessory may correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10.

In the third embodiment, a case has been described in which the optical information of the optical lens 10 is corrected in the camera body 20. On the other hand, the optical information may be corrected in the interchangeable lens 10. In this case, the camera control unit 205 transmits a request to the lens control unit 113 to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10. In this case, if the optical information of the intermediate accessory that requires correction is insufficient, the interchangeable lens 10 may acquire the optical information of the intermediate accessory from the camera body 20 or the intermediate accessory as necessary. .

In the fourth embodiment, an example has been described in which the camera control unit 205 acquires information regarding a correction method and information regarding correction parameters from the intermediate accessory control unit 309, and transmits this information to the lens control unit 113. Here, if the intermediate accessory 30 is a dynamic intermediate accessory as described in the second embodiment, and the information regarding the correction parameter can change, the information regarding the correction parameter is re-acquired in response to the detection of the change. You may do so. That is, when it is detected that the operating member of the intermediate accessory 30 has been operated, the camera control unit 205 acquires information regarding correction parameters from the intermediate accessory control unit 309 and transmits this information to the lens control unit 113. You may also do this.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a case has been described in which clock synchronous communication is performed as the first communication method, but start-stop synchronous communication may also be performed. Asynchronous communication will be explained using FIG. 12.

Note that FIG. 2 illustrates a case where three-wire clock synchronous communication is performed. Instead, the same effect can be achieved even if three-wire asynchronous communication, which is also achieved by using the three wires of communication channel 1, is adopted. FIG. 1217 shows signal waveforms in three-wire asynchronous communication. In the case of three-wire asynchronous communication, an RTS communication line (RTS) is provided in place of the aforementioned clock communication line (LCLK). The RTS communication line is a signal line for transmitting signals from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 to control the timing of communication by the camera-lens communication line (DCL) and communication by the first lens-camera communication line (DLC). It is. For example, it is used to notify a request to transmit lens data (transmission instruction) from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111, a request to switch communication processing (switching instruction), etc., which will be described later. The notification on the transmission request channel is performed by switching the signal level (voltage level) on the transmission request channel between High (first level) and Low (second level). In the following description, the signal supplied to the RTS communication line will be referred to as a transmission request signal RTS. The transmission request signal RTS is sent from the camera microcomputer 205 as a communication master to the lens microcomputer 111 as a communication slave. When the lens microcomputer 111 receives the transmission request RTS, it sets the signal level of the lens data signal DLC to Low for one bit period in order to notify the camera microcomputer 205 of the start of transmission of one frame of the lens data signal DLC. This 1-bit period is called a start bit ST indicating the start of one frame. That is, the data frame starts from this start bit ST. The start bit ST is provided at the first bit of each frame of the lens data signal DLC. Subsequently, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits 1 byte of lens data in an 8-bit period from the 2nd bit to the 9th bit. The data bit arrangement is in MSB first format, starting with the most significant data D7, successively followed by data D6, data D5, and ending with the least significant data D0. Then, the lens microcomputer 111 adds 1 bit of parity information PA to the 10th bit, and sets the signal level of the lens data signal DLC to High during the period of the stop bit SP indicating the end of one frame. As a result, the data frame period started from the start bit ST ends.

Example 5 will be described focusing on the second communication in the above-described example. The first communication and second communication in this embodiment are executed in the second communication performed by the second communication path in the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows the configuration of Example 5 of the present invention. In Example 5, an imaging system (hereinafter referred to as a camera system) in which a plurality of accessory devices including an interchangeable lens 5100 and an intermediate adapter 5300 are detachably and communicably attached to a camera body 5200 as an imaging device will be described.

Note that the interchangeable lens 5100 may be attached directly to the camera body 5200 (not via the intermediate adapter 5300), or two or more intermediate adapters may be attached between the camera body 5200 and the interchangeable lens 5100. .

In this camera system, control commands and internal information are communicated between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300 using a plurality of communication circuits (communication paths). In addition, this camera system allows multiple communication circuits to synchronize with each other and switch to the same communication mode depending on the type of data to be communicated and the communication purpose, thereby ensuring optimal communication at all times in a variety of situations. can.

Interchangeable lens 5100 and intermediate adapter 5300 are mechanically and electrically connected via mount 5010, which is a coupling mechanism. Similarly, intermediate adapter 5300 and camera body 5200 are mechanically and electrically connected via mount 5011, which is a coupling mechanism. The interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 obtain power from the camera body 5200 via power terminals (not shown) provided on the mounts 5010 and 5011, respectively. This supplies power necessary for the operation of various actuators, a lens microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as lens microcomputer 5) 5111, and an adapter microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as adapter microcomputer 5) 5302, which will be described later.

Furthermore, the interchangeable lens 5100, camera body 5200, and intermediate adapter 5300 perform first communication as "one-to-many" communication via communication terminal sections 5012 and 5013 provided on mounts 5010 and 5011. Furthermore, the interchangeable lens 5100, camera body 5200, and intermediate adapter 5300 perform a second communication different from the first communication via communication terminal sections 5014 and 5015 provided on the mounts 5010 and 5011. The second communication is not "one-to-many" communication but "one-to-one" communication such as clock synchronous serial communication or UART communication. In this embodiment, two types of communication, first and second communication, are performed, but the number of types of communication may be three or more.

Interchangeable lens 5100 has an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system includes, in order from the object OBJ side, a field lens 5101, a zoom lens (variable magnification lens) 5102 that changes magnification, an aperture unit 5114 that adjusts the amount of light, an anti-vibration lens 5103, and a focus lens 5104 that adjusts focus. . The zoom lens 5102 and focus lens 5104 are held by lens holding frames 5105 and 5106, respectively. The lens holding frames 5105 and 5106 are movably guided in the optical axis direction in which the optical axis (indicated by a broken line in the figure) extends by a guide shaft (not shown), and are driven in the optical axis direction by stepping motors 5107 and 5108. Ru. Stepping motors 5107 and 5108 respectively move zoom lens 5102 and focus lens 5104 in synchronization with drive pulses.

The anti-vibration lens 5103 is shifted and driven in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system by an anti-vibration actuator 5126 such as a voice coil motor. This performs a vibration-proofing operation that reduces image blur caused by camera shake such as hand shake. The aperture unit 5114 includes aperture blades 5114a and 5114b, and adjusts the amount of light by driving these in the opening/closing direction by an aperture actuator 5113. The positions of the aperture blades 5114a and 5114b are detected by the Hall element 115 and input to the lens microcomputer 5111 via the amplifier circuit 5122 and A/D conversion circuit 5123.

Furthermore, the interchangeable lens 5100 has a lens electronic ring 5130 as an operating member. The lens electronic ring 5130 can be rotated around the optical axis by the user, and the amount and direction of rotation are detected by a rotation detector 5131 such as a photointerrupter and input to the lens microcomputer 5111. Note that the operating members may be switches, buttons, and dials, or may be a touch panel, and the interchangeable lens 5100 may include a plurality of operating members.

A lens microcomputer 5111 serving as an accessory control unit controls the operation of each part within the interchangeable lens 5100. The lens microcomputer 5111 receives control commands and transmission requests transmitted from the camera body 5200 via a lens first communication circuit 5141 for performing first communication or a lens second communication circuit 5142 for performing second communication. Receive commands. The lens microcomputer 5111 performs lens control corresponding to the control command, and transmits lens data (accessory data) corresponding to the transmission request command to the camera body 5200 via the lens first and second communication circuits 5141 and 5142. do. Further, the lens microcomputer 5111 transmits corresponding lens data to the camera body 5200 in accordance with the operation of each part within the interchangeable lens 5100. The lens first and second communication circuits 5141 and 5142 constitute an accessory communication section in the interchangeable lens 5100.

Further, the lens microcomputer 5111 outputs drive signals to the zoom drive circuit 5119 and the focus drive circuit 5120 to drive the stepping motors 5107 and 5108 in accordance with commands related to zooming and focus adjustment among the control commands and operations of operating members. As a result, zoom control for controlling magnification change by the zoom lens 5102 and focus control for controlling focus adjustment by the focus lens 5104 are performed.

In addition, the lens microcomputer 5111 sends commands via the anti-shake drive circuit 5125 in response to commands related to anti-shake among the control commands or camera shake detected by a shake sensor (not shown) such as a vibrating gyro provided in the interchangeable lens 5100. to drive the anti-vibration actuator 5126. As a result, anti-vibration control for controlling the shift drive of the anti-vibration lens 5103 is performed.

Further, the lens microcomputer 5111 outputs a drive signal to the aperture drive circuit 5121 to drive the aperture actuator 5113 in accordance with a command related to light intensity adjustment among the control commands or an operation of an operating member. Thereby, light amount adjustment control for controlling the diaphragm unit 5114 is performed.

The intermediate adapter 5300 is, for example, a teleconverter or a wide converter for changing the focal length, and includes a variable magnification lens 301 added to the imaging optical system and an adapter microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as adapter microcomputer 5) 5302. Note that an intermediate adapter other than a telephoto or wide converter may be used, such as a mount converter that changes the flange back length.

The intermediate adapter 5300 has an adapter electronic ring 5310 as an operating member. The adapter electronic ring 5310 can be rotated around the optical axis by the user, and the amount and direction of rotation are detected by a rotation detector 5311 such as a photointerrupter and input to the adapter microcomputer 5302. Note that the operating members may be switches, buttons, and dials, or may be a touch panel, and the intermediate adapter 5300 may include a plurality of operating members.

The adapter microcomputer 5302 as an accessory control unit controls the operation of each part within the intermediate adapter 5300. The adapter microcomputer 5302 receives control commands and transmission requests transmitted from the camera body 5200 via an adapter first communication circuit 5341 for performing first communication or an adapter second communication circuit 5342 for performing second communication. Receive commands. The adapter microcomputer 5302 controls the intermediate adapter corresponding to the control command, and transmits adapter data (accessory data) corresponding to the transmission request command to the camera body 5200 via the adapter first and second communication circuits 5341 and 5342. or Further, the adapter microcomputer 5302 transmits corresponding adapter data to the camera body 5200 according to the operation of each part within the intermediate adapter 5300. Adapter first and second communication circuits 5341 and 5342 constitute an accessory communication section in intermediate adapter 5300.

The camera body 5200 includes an image sensor 5201 such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, an A/D conversion circuit 5202, a signal processing circuit 5203, a recording section 5204, a camera microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as camera microcomputer 5) 5205, and a display section 5206. .

The image sensor 5201 photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by an imaging optical system and outputs an electric signal (analog signal). An A/D conversion circuit 5202 converts an analog signal from the image sensor 5201 into a digital signal. The signal processing circuit 5203 performs various image processing on the digital signal from the A/D conversion circuit 5202 to generate a video signal. The signal processing circuit 5203 also generates focus information indicating the contrast state of the subject image (focus state of the imaging optical system) and brightness information indicating the exposure state from the video signal. Signal processing circuit 5203 outputs the video signal to display section 5206. The display unit 5206 displays the video signal as a live view image used for checking the composition, focus state, and the like.

A camera microcomputer 5205 serving as a camera control unit controls operations of various parts within the camera body 5200 in response to inputs from camera operation members such as an imaging instruction switch and various setting switches (not shown). For example, the exposure time of the image sensor 5201 is controlled for exposure control, and the sensitivity of the A/D conversion circuit 5202 is controlled.

The camera microcomputer 5205 also sends control commands and commands to the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 via a camera first communication circuit 5241 for performing first communication or a camera second communication circuit 5242 for performing second communication. Send a send request command. For example, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits a control command related to zoom control of the zoom lens 5102 to the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 in response to operation of a zoom switch (not shown). Furthermore, control commands related to light amount adjustment control according to brightness information and control commands related to focus control according to focus information are transmitted to the interchangeable lens 5100. Camera first and second communication circuits 5241 and 5242 constitute a camera communication section.

Further, camera microcomputer 5205 receives lens data from interchangeable lens 5100 and adapter data from intermediate adapter 5300. Further, the camera microcomputer 5205 sends control commands related to the interchangeable lens 5100 and the operation member according to the operation information of the operation member included in the lens data or adapter data obtained via the camera first and second communication circuits 5241 and 5242. Send to intermediate adapter 5300.

In addition, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits a transmission request command for acquiring control information and status information to the interchangeable lens 5100 and intermediate adapter 5300 as necessary.

Next, with reference to FIG. 17, a communication circuit for performing the first communication ("one-to-many" communication) between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300 will be described. Note that the communication circuit described below is merely an example, and any communication circuit that can perform "one-to-many" communication may have a configuration other than the configuration described below.

The first communication is performed by the camera microcomputer 5205 via the camera first communication circuit 5241, by the lens microcomputer 5111 via the lens first communication circuit 5141, and by the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the adapter first communication circuit 5341. The camera first communication circuit 5241, the lens first communication circuit 5141, and the adapter first communication circuit 5341 are connected to signal lines (CS and DATA described later) via communication terminal sections 5012 and 5013 provided on the mounts 5010 and 5011. ) to perform the first communication. The camera first communication circuit 5241 includes a ground switch 52081 and an input/output changeover switch 52082. The first lens communication circuit 5141 includes a grounding switch 51121 and an input/output changeover switch 51122. The adapter first communication circuit 5341 includes a ground switch 53031 and an input/output changeover switch 53032.

The signal line consists of two signal lines: a signal line CS (first signal line) that propagates signals for controlling communication, and a signal line DATA (second signal line) that propagates data to be transmitted and received. . The signal line CS is connected to the camera microcomputer 5205, the adapter microcomputer 5302, and the lens microcomputer 5111, and the state (Hi/Low) of the signal line CS can be detected. Further, the signal line CS is pulled up and connected to a power source (not shown) within the camera body 5200, and is connected via a ground switch 51121 of the interchangeable lens 5100, a ground switch 52081 of the camera body 5200, and a ground switch 53031 of the intermediate adapter 5300. It can be connected to GND. That is, open drain connection is possible.

With this configuration, the interchangeable lens 5100, camera body 5200, and intermediate adapter 5300 can set the state of the signal line CS to Low by turning on (connecting) their respective ground switches. On the other hand, by turning off (blocking) the grounding switches of all of the interchangeable lens 5100, camera body 5200, and intermediate adapter 5300, the state of the signal line CS can be set to Hi. Note that details of the contents of the control signal propagated using the signal line CS during communication and the operating procedure will be described later.

The signal line DATA is a single-wire bidirectional data transmission line that can be used while switching the data propagation direction. The signal line DATA can be connected to the lens microcomputer 5111 via an input/output switch 51122, a transmission buffer 51123, and a reception buffer 51124 of the interchangeable lens 5100. Further, the signal line DATA can be connected to the camera microcomputer 5205 via the input/output switch 52082, the transmission buffer 52083, and the reception buffer 52084 of the camera body 5200. Further, the signal line DATA can be connected to the adapter microcomputer 5302 via an input/output switch 53032, a transmission buffer 53033, and a reception buffer 53034 of the intermediate adapter. The camera microcomputer 5205, lens microcomputer 5111, and adapter microcomputer 5302 connect the signal line DATA to the transmission buffer 51123, 52083, 53033 or to the reception buffer 51024, 52084 by operating the respective input/output changeover switches 52082, 51122, and 53032. , 53034.

With this configuration, when the camera microcomputer 5205, lens microcomputer 5111, and adapter microcomputer 5302 transmit data themselves, the input/output switch 52082 connects the signal line DATA to the transmission buffers 51123, 52083, and 53033. , 51122, 53032. This allows data transmission. On the other hand, when the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 themselves receive data, the respective input/output changeover switches 52082, 51122 are used to connect the signal line DATA to the reception buffers 51024, 52084, and 53034. , 53032. This enables data reception. Further, the transmission buffers 51123, 52083, 53033 and the reception buffers 51024, 52084, 53034 have a configuration that allows continuous transmission and reception within the respective buffer sizes. Details of the input/output switching procedure of the signal line DATA during communication will be described later.

The configuration of the communication circuit shown in FIG. 17 is merely an example, and other configurations may be used. For example, the signal line CS is pulled down to GND within the camera body 5200, and connected to a power source (not shown) via the ground switch 51121 of the interchangeable lens 5100, the ground switch 52081 of the camera body 5200, and the ground switch 53031 of the intermediate adapter 5300. This may be a possible configuration. Alternatively, the signal line DATA may be configured to be always connected to each data input section, and the connection/disconnection between the signal line DATA and each data output section may be switched by a switch.

Next, referring to the signal waveform shown in FIG. 18, data is exchanged between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300 using the signal line DATA in order to perform the first communication ("one-to-many" communication). This section explains the format of communication data. Note that this format is common to a first communication mode, which is a broadcast communication mode, and a second communication mode, which is a P2P communication mode, which will be described later. Furthermore, the format of the communication data is based on so-called start-stop synchronous communication, in which transmission and reception are performed at a communication bit rate that is in accordance with a mutually defined communication speed in advance.

First, in a non-transmission state where no data is being transmitted, the signal level is maintained at a Hi state. Next, the signal level is set to Low level for one bit period in order to notify the data receiving side of the start of data transmission. This 1-bit period is called a start bit ST. Subsequently, 1 byte of data is transmitted during the next 8-bit period from the 2nd bit to the 9th bit. The data bit arrangement follows the MSB first format, starting with the most significant data D7, successively followed by data D6, data D5, data D4, data D3, data D2, data D1, and ending with the least significant data D0. Subsequently, 1-bit parity PA information is added to the 10th bit, and the signal level is set to Hi during a stop bit SP period indicating the end of the transmission data. This completes the 51 frame period starting from the start bit ST.

Note that the communication data format shown in FIG. 18 is only an example, and other communication data formats may be adopted. For example, the bit arrangement of the data may be LSB first or 9 bits long, and parity PA information may not be added to the data. Furthermore, the data format may be switched between broadcast communication, which is a first communication mode, and P2P communication, which is a second communication mode, which will be described later.

Next, referring to the signal waveforms shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the signal line CS and the signal line DATA are used between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300 to perform the first communication. Broadcast communication performed will be explained. Broadcast communication performs "one-to-many" simultaneous distribution in which data is simultaneously transmitted from any one of the camera microcomputer 5205, lens microcomputer 5111, and adapter microcomputer 5302 to the other.

FIG. 19A shows, as an example, a case where broadcast communication is performed from the adapter microcomputer 5302 to the camera microcomputer 5205 and lens microcomputer 5111 in response to broadcast communication from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the lens microcomputer 5111 and adapter microcomputer 5302.

First, the camera microcomputer 5205, which is a communication master, starts outputting a low signal to the signal line CS in order to notify the lens microcomputer 5111 and adapter microcomputer 5302, which are communication slaves, that broadcast communication is to be started (5401). Next, the camera microcomputer 5205 stores the data to be transmitted in the transmission buffer 52083, and outputs it to the signal line DATA according to the above-mentioned communication format at the start of transmission (5402). On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 start low output to the signal line CS at the timing when they detect the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA (5403, 5404). Note that at this point, the camera microcomputer 5205 has already started low output to the signal line CS, so the signal level propagated to the signal line CS does not change.

Next, the camera microcomputer 5205 releases the low output to the signal line CS after outputting the stop bit SP of the final data (5405). On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 store data in the reception buffers 51124 and 53034 every time they receive up to the stop bit SP input from the signal line DATA. Then, when a low signal to the signal line CS is detected, data is taken out from the reception buffers 51124 and 53034, and internal processing is performed on the data. Furthermore, after preparations for receiving the next data are completed, the low output to the signal line CS is canceled (5406, 5407). As described above, the signal level of the signal line CS becomes Hi when the camera microcomputer 5205, lens microcomputer 5111, and adapter microcomputer 5302 all cancel their Low outputs to the signal line CS. Therefore, the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 confirm that the signal level of the signal line CS becomes Hi after each releases the Low output to the signal line CS. Thereby, the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 can each conclude the processing related to the current communication and determine that they are ready for the next communication.

Next, after confirming that the signal level of the signal line CS has returned to Hi, the adapter microcomputer 5302 sends a Low signal to the signal line CS to notify the camera microcomputer 5205 and lens microcomputer 5111 that broadcast communication will start. Start outputting (5411).

Next, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stores the data to be transmitted in the transmission buffer 53033, and outputs it to the signal line DATA according to the communication format described above at the start of transmission (5412). On the other hand, the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111 start low output to the signal line CS at the timing when they detect the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA (5413, 5414). Note that at this point, the adapter microcomputer 5302 has already started low output to the signal line CS, so the signal level propagated to the signal line CS does not change.

Next, after the adapter microcomputer 5302 finishes outputting the stop bit SP of the final data, it releases the Low output to the signal line CS (5415). On the other hand, the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111 store data in the receive buffers 52084 and 51124 every time they receive up to the stop bit SP input from the signal line DATA, and when they detect a low signal to the signal line CS, they store the data in the receive buffers 52084 and 51124. Extract data from 51124. Then, after performing internal processing on the data and making preparations for receiving the next data, the low output to the signal line CS is canceled (5416, 5417).

FIG. 19B shows, as an example, a case where the lens microcomputer 5111 notifies the start of broadcast communication. In this example, in response to broadcast communication from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the lens microcomputer 5111 and adapter microcomputer 5302, the adapter microcomputer 5302 performs broadcast communication to the camera microcomputer 5205 and lens microcomputer 5111.

First, the lens microcomputer 5111 starts outputting a low signal to the signal line CS in order to notify the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 that broadcast communication will start (5421). Next, when the camera microcomputer 5205 detects that the signal level of the signal line CS has become Low level, it starts outputting Low to the signal line CS (5422). Note that at this point, the lens microcomputer 5111 has already started low output to the signal line CS, so the signal level propagated to the signal line CS does not change.

Next, the camera microcomputer 5205 stores the data to be transmitted in the transmission buffer 52083, and outputs it to the signal line DATA according to the above-described communication format at the same time as the transmission starts (5423). On the other hand, the adapter microcomputer 5302 starts outputting Low to the signal line CS at the timing when it detects the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA (5424). Note that at this point, the camera microcomputer 5205 has already started low output to the signal line CS, so the signal level propagated to the signal line CS does not change.

Next, after the camera microcomputer 5205 finishes outputting the stop bit SP of the final data, it releases the Low output to the signal line CS (5425). On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 store data in the receive buffers 51124 and 53034 every time they receive up to the stop bit SP input from the signal line DATA, and when they detect a low signal to the signal line CS, they store the data in the receive buffers 51124 and 53034. Extract data from 53034. Then, after performing internal processing on the data and making preparations for receiving the next data, the low output to the signal line CS is canceled (5426, 5427). As described above, the signal level of the signal line CS becomes Hi when the camera microcomputer 5205, lens microcomputer 5111, and adapter microcomputer 5302 all cancel their Low outputs to the signal line CS. Therefore, after each of the camera microcomputer 5205, lens microcomputer 5111, and adapter microcomputer 5302 releases the Low output to the signal line CS, they confirm that the signal level of the signal line CS becomes Hi. Thereby, the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 can each conclude the processing related to the current communication and determine that they are ready for the next communication.

Next, after confirming that the signal level of the signal line CS has returned to Hi, the adapter microcomputer 5302 sends a Low signal to the signal line CS to notify the camera microcomputer 5205 and lens microcomputer 5111 that broadcast communication will start. Start outputting (5431).

Next, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stores the data to be transmitted in the transmission buffer 53033, and outputs it to the signal line DATA according to the communication format described above at the start of transmission (5432). On the other hand, the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111 start low output to the signal line CS at the timing when they detect the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA (5433, 5434). Note that at this point, the adapter microcomputer 5302 has already started low output to the signal line CS, so the signal level propagated to the signal line CS does not change.

Next, after the adapter microcomputer 5302 finishes outputting the stop bit SP of the final data, it releases the Low output to the signal line CS (5435). On the other hand, the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111 store data in the reception buffers 52084 and 51124 each time they receive data up to the stop bit SP input from the signal line DATA. Then, upon detecting a low level on the signal line CS, data is taken out from the reception buffers 52084 and 51124. Furthermore, after performing internal processing on the data and making preparations for receiving the next data, the Low output to the signal line CS is canceled (5436, 5437).

In the example shown in FIG. 19B, when broadcast communication is started from the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302, which are communication slaves, the camera microcomputer 5205, which is the communication master, connects the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 to the signal line CS. At the time of 5421, it is not possible to determine whether the signal has been set to Low. Therefore, the camera microcomputer 5205 needs to communicate with both the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 to obtain information as to whether broadcast communication has started.

Furthermore, the timing when the camera microcomputer 5205 outputs Low to the signal line CS to start broadcast communication and the timing when the lens microcomputer 5111 and adapter microcomputer 5302 lower the signal line CS to Low to start broadcast communication are different. There may be a match. In this case, the camera microcomputer 5205 cannot detect that the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 output Low to the signal line CS. For this reason, the camera microcomputer 5205 may issue a permission notification to permit the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302, which are communication slaves, to start broadcast communication.

As described above using FIGS. 19A and 19B, the signal propagated using the signal line CS in broadcast communication functions as a signal indicating that broadcast communication has started and that communication processing is being executed.

Note that in FIGS. 19A and 19B, an example of the communication waveform of the broadcast communication in the first communication in which "one-to-many" communication is possible has been described, but the communication waveform of the broadcast communication in the first communication is another communication waveform. Good too. For example, in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the data transmitted in one broadcast communication is 1 byte, but it may be 2 or 3 bytes. Further, broadcast communication may be limited to one direction from the camera microcomputer 5205, which is a communication master, to the lens microcomputer 5111 and adapter microcomputer 5302, which are communication slaves.

Next, with reference to the signal waveforms shown in FIG. 20, P2P communication performed between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300 using the signal line CS and the signal line DATA will be described. In P2P communication, the camera body 5200, which is a communication master, selects one communication partner from among the interchangeable lens 5100 and intermediate adapter 5300, which are communication slaves. Then, "one-to-one" individual communication is performed in which data is transmitted and received only between the camera body 5200 and the selected communication slave.

Here, the camera microcomputer 5205 selects the lens microcomputer 5111 as the communication partner, and in response to the 1-byte data transmission from the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111 transmits 2-byte data to the camera microcomputer 5205. shows. Note that the number of bytes to be transmitted does not have to be 51 bytes or 2 bytes as described above, but may be any number of bytes that can be continuously communicated by both the transmitting side and the receiving side. Further, a method of switching between broadcast communication and P2P communication and a method of selecting a communication partner in P2P communication will be described later.

First, the camera microcomputer 5205, which is the communication master, stores 51 bytes of data to be transmitted in the transmission buffer 52083, and outputs it to the signal line DATA according to the communication format described above at the start of transmission (5501). After the camera microcomputer 5205 finishes outputting the stop bit SP of the final data, it starts outputting Low to the signal line CS (5502). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 5205 releases the Low output to the signal line CS after completing preparations for receiving the next data (5503).

On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 5111 stores data in the reception buffer 51124 every time up to the stop bit SP input from the signal line DATA is received. When a Low signal input from the signal line CS is detected, data stored in the reception buffer 51124 is analyzed and internal processing is performed on the data. After that, when the lens microcomputer 5111 confirms that the signal level of the signal line CS has returned to Hi, it stores the 2 bytes of data to be transmitted in the transmission buffer 51123, and as soon as the transmission starts, it continuously transfers the data to the signal line DATA according to the communication format described above. (5504). After the lens microcomputer 5111 finishes outputting the stop bit SP of the second byte, it starts outputting Low to the signal line CS (5505). Thereafter, the lens microcomputer 5111 releases the Low output to the signal line CS after completing preparations for receiving the next data (5506).

Note that the adapter microcomputer 5302 that is not selected as a communication partner for P2P communication is not involved in the operation of the signal line CS and the signal line DATA at all.

As described above using FIG. 20, the signal propagated using the signal line CS in P2P communication functions as a notification signal indicating the end of transmission on the transmitting side and a request to wait for the next data transmission. Note that the communication waveform of P2P communication shown in FIG. 20 is only an example, and other communication waveforms may be used. For example, the data to be transmitted may be one byte at a time or some other number of bytes.

Next, with reference to the signal waveform shown in FIG. 21, a method for switching between broadcast communication and P2P communication (communication mode switching) and a method for selecting a communication partner in P2P communication will be described. Selection of a communication partner in P2P communication is performed by broadcast communication. Here, a case where the following P2P communication is performed will be explained as an example. First, the camera microcomputer 5205 selects (designates) the adapter microcomputer 5302 as a communication partner for P2P communication. Then, P2P communication is performed in which 1-byte data is transmitted from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the adapter microcomputer 5302, and 1-byte data is transmitted from the adapter microcomputer 5302 to the camera microcomputer 5205. Next, the camera microcomputer 5205 designates the lens microcomputer 5111 as the communication partner for P2P communication. Then, P2P communication is performed in which 2-byte data is transmitted from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the lens microcomputer 5111, and 3-byte data is transmitted from the lens microcomputer 5111 to the camera microcomputer 5205.

First, the camera microcomputer 5205, which is a communication master, performs broadcast communication according to the procedure described in FIG. 19A (5601). What is notified in this broadcast communication is slave designation data that designates the other party with which the camera microcomputer 5205 will communicate in the next P2P communication. The lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302, which are communication slaves, determine whether or not they have been designated as a communication partner for P2P communication from slave designation data received through broadcast communication. Through this broadcast communication, the camera microcomputer 5205 and the communication slave specified by the slave specification data switch from broadcast communication to P2P communication (5602).

Next, according to the procedure explained in FIG. 20, data is transmitted and received by P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 designated as the communication partner (5603). Here, 1 byte data is transmitted from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the adapter microcomputer 5302, and then 1 byte data is transmitted from the adapter microcomputer 5302 to the camera microcomputer 5205.

When the P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 ends, the camera microcomputer 5205 can again specify the communication partner of the P2P communication by broadcast communication. Here, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets the lens microcomputer 5111 in the slave designation data in order to designate the lens microcomputer 5111 as the communication partner for the next P2P communication, and performs broadcast communication according to the procedure described in FIG. 19A (5604). As a result of this broadcast communication, the adapter microcomputer 5302 ends P2P communication, while the lens microcomputer 5111 switches from broadcast communication to P2P communication (5605). Note that if broadcast communication is not performed here, P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 continues.

Next, the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111 transmit and receive data in P2P communication according to the procedure explained in FIG. 20. Here, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits 2-byte data to the lens microcomputer 5111, and then the lens microcomputer 5111 transmits 3-byte data to the camera microcomputer 5205 (5606).

As described above, in the first communication capable of "one-to-many" communication, it is possible to select a communication partner for P2P communication by broadcast communication, and it is also possible to switch between broadcast communication and P2P communication at the same time.

Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 22A and 22B, processing (communication control method) in the broadcast communication mode as the first communication mode performed between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300 will be explained. do. Here, as an example, a case will be described in which broadcast communication is performed from the camera body 5200 to the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300.

FIG. 22A shows broadcast communication transmission processing in the broadcast communication mode in which data is transmitted from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302. This broadcast communication transmission process is started when a requirement to start broadcast communication occurs in the camera microcomputer 5205. For example, when a transmission request for lens data or adapter data is made, or when the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 set the signal line CS to a low output in order to request the start of broadcast communication. The camera microcomputer 5205 executes this process according to a computer program.

In the following description, S means step. In S5700, the camera microcomputer 5205 notifies the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 of the start of broadcast communication by turning on (connecting) the grounding switch 52081 and setting the signal line CS to Low level. Upon receiving this broadcast communication start notification, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 start the broadcast communication reception process described with reference to FIG. 22B.

Next, in S5701, the camera microcomputer 5205 operates the input/output changeover switch 52082 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output section.

Next, in S5702, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits data using the signal line DATA, and when the transmission of all data is completed, the process advances to S5703. The number of bytes of data to be transmitted here only needs to be recognized by the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302, and should be of a size that can be transmitted and received at one time by the transmission/reception buffer of each microcomputer 5.

In S5703, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines whether the data transmitted in step S5702 is a bidirectional command that also includes transmission from the lens microcomputer 5111 or the adapter microcomputer 5302. The camera microcomputer 5205 proceeds to S5704 if the transmitted data is not a bidirectional command, and proceeds to S5705 if the transmitted data is a bidirectional command.

In S5704, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns off (blocks) the ground switch 52081 to cancel the Low output to the signal line CS to indicate that the communication process has ended. Then, the process advances to S5715.

In S5705, the camera microcomputer 5205 operates the input/output changeover switch 52082 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input section.

Next, in S5706, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns off (blocks) the grounding switch 52081 to cancel the Low output to the signal line CS to indicate that the communication process has ended.

Next, in S5707, the camera microcomputer 5205 waits until the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 complete data reception, that is, until the signal line CS becomes Hi. When the signal line CS becomes Hi, the process advances to S5708.

In S5708, the camera microcomputer 5205 waits until the signal line CS becomes Low in order to wait for data transmission from the lens microcomputer 5111 or the adapter microcomputer 5302. When the signal line CS becomes Low, the process advances to S5709.

In S5709, the camera microcomputer 5205 allows data reception from the signal line DATA. Subsequently, in S5710, the camera microcomputer 5205 waits until the start bit of the signal line DATA is detected. When the start bit is detected, the process advances to S5711.

In S5711, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns on (connects) the ground switch 52081 to indicate that communication processing is in progress, and starts outputting Low to the signal line CS.

Next, in S5712, the camera microcomputer 5205 waits until all data is received. When reception of all data is completed, the process advances to S5713. The number of bytes of data received here only needs to be recognized by the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302, and should be of a size that can be transmitted and received at one time by the transmission/reception buffer of each microcomputer.

Next, in S5713, the camera microcomputer 5205 prohibits data reception from the signal line DATA.

Then, in S5714, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns off (blocks) the grounding switch 52081 to indicate that the communication process has ended, and cancels the Low output to the signal line CS. After that, the process advances to S5715.

In S5715, the camera microcomputer 5205 waits until the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 complete data reception, that is, until the signal line CS becomes Hi. When the signal line CS becomes Hi, the process advances to S5716.

In S5716, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines whether or not the data transmitted in step S5702 has specified a communication partner in P2P communication for the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302. If the camera microcomputer 5205 has specified a communication partner, the process proceeds to step S5717; if the communication partner has not been specified, the camera microcomputer 5205 ends the broadcast communication transmission process while maintaining the broadcast communication mode.

In S5717, the camera microcomputer 5205 shifts from the broadcast communication mode to the P2P communication mode and ends the broadcast communication transmission process.

By performing the above processing, it is possible to realize data transmission from the camera body 5200 to the interchangeable lens 5100 and intermediate adapter 5300 using broadcast communication.

FIG. 22B shows broadcast communication reception processing in which the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 receive data from the camera microcomputer 5205. The lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 recognize that when the signal line CS goes to Low level during communication standby, regardless of whether the mode is broadcast communication mode or P2P communication mode, it is a broadcast communication start notification and starts broadcast communication reception processing. The lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 execute this process according to a computer program.

In S5720, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 permit data reception from the signal line DATA.

Next, in S5721, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 determine whether the start bit of the signal line DATA has been received. If not, the process proceeds to S5722, and if it has been received, the process proceeds to S5724.

In S5722, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 determine whether the signal line CS is Hi or not. If it is Hi, the process proceeds to S5723 to end the broadcast communication reception process, and if not Hi, they start receiving the start bit. Return to S5721 to continue waiting.

In S5723, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 prohibit data reception from the signal line DATA, and end the broadcast communication reception process.

In S5724, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 shift to the broadcast communication mode if they are in the P2P communication mode.

Next, in S5725, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 turn on (connect) the ground switch 51121 and the ground switch 53031 and start low output to the signal line CS to indicate that communication processing is in progress.

In S5726, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 wait until all data is received. When reception of all data is completed, the process advances to S5727. The number of bytes of data received here only needs to be recognized by the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302, and should be of a size that can be transmitted and received at one time by the transmission/reception buffer of each microcomputer 5.

In S5727, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 prohibit data reception from the signal line DATA.

Next, in S5728, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 turn off (block) the ground switch 51121 and the ground switch 53031 to cancel the Low output to the signal line CS to indicate that the communication process has ended.

Next, in S5729, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 determine whether the data received in S5725 is a bidirectional command meaning transmission from themselves. If the received data is a bidirectional command, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 proceed to S5730; otherwise, the process proceeds to S5735.

In S5730, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 wait until the other microcomputer 5 completes data reception, that is, until the signal line CS becomes Hi. When the signal line CS becomes Hi, the process advances to S5731.

In S5731, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 turn on (connect) the ground switch 51121 and the ground switch 53031 to set the signal line CS to Low level in order to notify the start of broadcast communication.

Next, in S5732, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 operate the input/output changeover switch 51122 and the input/output changeover switch 53032 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output section.

Next, in S5733, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 transmit data using the signal line DATA, and when all data transmission is completed, the process advances to S5734. The number of bytes of data to be transmitted here only needs to be recognized by the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302, and should be of a size that can be transmitted and received at one time by the transmission/reception buffer of each microcomputer 5.

In S5734, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 turn off (block) the grounding switch 51121 and the grounding switch 53031 to cancel the low output to the signal line CS to indicate that their own data transmission processing has ended. .

Next, in S5735, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 wait until the other microcomputer 5 completes data reception, that is, until the signal line CS becomes Hi. When the signal line CS becomes Hi, the process advances to S5736.

In S5736, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 determine whether they have been designated by the camera microcomputer 5205 as a communication partner for P2P communication based on the data received in S5726. If the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 have been designated as communication partners, the process proceeds to S5737; otherwise, they maintain the broadcast communication mode and end the broadcast communication reception process.

In S5737, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 permit data reception from the signal line DATA.

Next, in S5738, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 shift from the broadcast communication mode to the P2P communication mode and end the broadcast communication reception process.

By performing the above processing, it is possible to realize data reception from the camera body 5200 to the interchangeable lens 5100 and intermediate adapter 5300 using broadcast communication.

Next, with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, a description will be given of processing performed in the P2P communication mode, which is the second communication mode, between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300. Here, as an example, a case will be described in which P2P communication is performed from the camera body 5200 as a communication master to the intermediate adapter 5300 as a communication slave.

FIG. 23A shows P2P communication transmission processing performed by the camera microcomputer 5205, which is the communication master, in the P2P communication mode. This P2P communication transmission processing is started when a requirement to start P2P communication occurs in the camera microcomputer 5205. The camera microcomputer 5205 executes this process according to a computer program.

In S5800, the camera microcomputer 5205 operates the input/output changeover switch 52082 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output section.

Next, in S5801, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits data using the signal line DATA. Then, when the camera microcomputer 5205 completes sending all data, the process advances to S5802. The number of bytes of data to be transmitted here only needs to be recognized by the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 to be consistent, and it is sufficient that the data is of a size that can be transmitted and received at one time by the transmission/reception buffer of each microcomputer 5. Further, if the camera microcomputer 5205 can divide the transmission data and send it, the data may be of any size that can be received at one time by the reception buffer of the adapter microcomputer 5302.

In S5802, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns on (connects) the ground switch 52081, starts low output to the signal line CS, and notifies the adapter microcomputer 5302 of completion of data transmission by P2P communication. The adapter microcomputer 5302 starts the P2P communication reception process described in FIG. 23B by receiving the completion of data transmission of this P2P communication.

In S5803, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines whether the data transmitted in S5802 is a bidirectional command that also includes data transmission from the adapter microcomputer 5302. The camera microcomputer 5205 proceeds to S5804 if the transmitted data is not a bidirectional command, and proceeds to S5805 if the transmitted data is a bidirectional command.

In S5804, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns off (blocks) the ground switch 52081 to cancel the Low output to the signal line CS in order to detect that the adapter microcomputer 5302 has completed data reception. Then, the process advances to S5809.

In S5805, the camera microcomputer 5205 operates the input/output changeover switch 52082 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input section.

Next, in S5806, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns off (blocks) the grounding switch 52081 to cancel the Low output to the signal line CS in order to detect that data transmission from the adapter microcomputer 5302 is completed.

Next, in S5807, the camera microcomputer 5205 waits until the data transmission from the adapter microcomputer 5302 is completed, that is, until the signal line CS becomes Low. Then, when the signal line CS becomes Low, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines that data transmission from the adapter microcomputer 5302 has ended, and proceeds to S5808. The number of bytes of data received here only needs to be recognized by the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 to be the same, and it is sufficient that the data is of a size that can be transmitted and received at one time by the transmission/reception buffer of each microcomputer 5. Furthermore, if the adapter microcomputer 5302 can divide the transmission data and send it, the data may be of any size that can be received at one time by the reception buffer of the camera microcomputer 5205.

In S5808, the camera microcomputer 5205 analyzes the data received from the signal line DATA.

Next, in S5809, the camera microcomputer 5205 waits until the signal line CS becomes Hi. Then, when the signal line CS becomes Hi, the camera microcomputer 5205 indicates that the current P2P communication has been completed, and the process proceeds to S5810.

In S5810, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines whether to start broadcast communication in the next communication. If the camera microcomputer 5205 wants to start broadcast communication, the process advances to S5811, and if it continues to perform P2P communication, it ends the P2P communication transmission process while remaining in the P2P communication mode.

In S5811, the camera microcomputer 5205 shifts from the P2P communication mode to the broadcast communication mode, and ends the P2P communication transmission process.

By performing the above processing, it is possible to realize data transmission and reception using P2P communication from the camera body 5200, which is the communication master, to the intermediate adapter 5300.

FIG. 23B shows P2P communication reception processing performed by the adapter microcomputer 5302 in P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302, which is a communication slave. This P2P communication reception process is started when the adapter microcomputer 5302 receives P2P communication data. The adapter microcomputer 5302 executes this process according to the computer program.

In S5820, the adapter microcomputer 5302 analyzes the data received from the signal line DATA.

Next, in S5821, the adapter microcomputer 5302 waits until the signal line CS becomes Hi, that is, the completion of the processing in S5804 or S5806. When the signal line CS becomes Hi, the adapter microcomputer 5302 proceeds to S5822.

In S5822, the adapter microcomputer 5302 determines whether the received data analyzed in S5820 is a bidirectional command that also includes data transmission from the adapter microcomputer 5302. The adapter microcomputer 5302 proceeds to S5823 if the received data is not a bidirectional command, and proceeds to S5824 if the received data is a bidirectional command.

In S5823, the adapter microcomputer 5302 starts low output to the signal line CS by turning on (connecting) and off (blocking) the ground switch 53031 in order to notify the camera microcomputer 5205 that data reception has been completed. . Then, the process advances to S5828.

In S5824, the adapter microcomputer 5302 operates the input/output changeover switch 53032 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output section.

Next, in S5825, the adapter microcomputer 5302 transmits data using the signal line DATA, and when the transmission of all data is completed, the process advances to S5826. The number of bytes of data to be transmitted here only needs to be recognized by the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 to be consistent, and it is sufficient that the data is of a size that can be transmitted and received at one time by the transmission/reception buffer of each microcomputer 5. Furthermore, if the adapter microcomputer 5302 can divide the transmission data and send it, the data may be of any size that can be received at one time by the reception buffer of the camera microcomputer 5205.

Next, in S5826, the adapter microcomputer 5302 turns on (connects) the grounding switch 53031 and starts outputting Low to the signal line CS in order to notify the camera microcomputer 5205 that P2P communication has been completed. As a result, the adapter microcomputer 5302 notifies the camera microcomputer 5205 of the completion of data transmission through P2P communication.

Next, in S5827, the adapter microcomputer 5302 operates the input/output changeover switch 53032 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input section.

Next, in S5828, the adapter microcomputer 5302 turns off (blocks) the grounding switch 53031 to cancel the Low output to the signal line CS.

Next, in S5829, the adapter microcomputer 5302 waits until the signal line CS becomes Hi in order to detect that the camera microcomputer 5205 has completed P2P communication. The adapter microcomputer 5302 ends the P2P communication reception process when the signal line CS becomes Hi.

By performing the above processing, data transmission and reception using P2P communication by the intermediate adapter 5300, which is a communication slave, can be realized.

Referring to the flowchart in FIG. 24, the camera body 5200, interchangeable lens 5100, and intermediate adapter 5300, which are released at different times, perform the first communication at a higher or optimum communication speed while ensuring their compatibility. The startup communication process for this will be explained. Here, as an example, when the interchangeable lens 5100 is connected to the camera body 5200 via one intermediate adapter 5300, communication processing (camera body startup processing) performed between the camera body 5200 and the intermediate adapter 5300 will be explained. do. However, the communication slave may be an interchangeable lens 5100. Further, this process is performed for all of the plurality of accessories connected to the camera body 5200, including the interchangeable lens capable of first communication. The camera microcomputer 5205 performs the following processing according to a computer program.

In S5900, the camera microcomputer 5205 performs authentication communication via the camera first communication circuit 5241 to recognize what kind of accessories are attached and how many. Then, when the authentication of all attached accessories (here, the intermediate adapter 5300 and the interchangeable lens 5100) is completed, the process advances to S5901. Note that the authentication communication is performed at a communication bit rate in accordance with a communication speed mutually defined in advance. However, if an accessory whose communication bit rate that allows faster communication has been determined through authentication is installed, the communication bit rate of the P2P communication mode, which is the second communication mode, may be changed for that accessory. . Further, the authentication communication is performed within a mutually predefined continuous transmittable data size (hereinafter referred to as a second consecutive transmittable data size).

In S5901, the camera microcomputer 5205 performs initial setting processing that can be started using the authentication information acquired in S5900. Initial settings include, for example, displaying the attachment state of accessories on the display unit 206 and setting optical information on the signal processing circuit 5203. Further, as an initial setting, the optical information for the intermediate adapter 5300 may be acquired from the interchangeable lens 5100 by notifying the interchangeable lens 5100 of the information about the intermediate adapter 5300 using the second communication. In this way, by obtaining information on the attached accessory in advance, processing using that information can be started early, and the startup of the camera body 5200 can be sped up.

Next, in S5902, the camera microcomputer 5205 receives the adapter transmittable size (accessory transmittable size) from the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. The adapter transmittable size is the data size (the number of data or the amount of data) that the adapter microcomputer 5302 can transmit continuously. The adapter transmittable size is determined by the buffer size of the transmit buffer 53033, for example. Further, the adapter transmittable size is also transmitted and received within the range of the second consecutively transmittable data size, similarly to the authentication communication.

In S5903, the camera microcomputer 5205 compares the adapter transmittable size and the camera receivable size, which is the data size that it can continuously receive. If the camera receivable size is smaller than the adapter transmittable size, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets the camera receivable size to the camera-adapter maximum reception size as a first continuous receivable data size to be described later in S5904. On the other hand, if the adapter transmittable size is smaller than the camera receivable size, the adapter transmittable size is set to the camera-adapter maximum receive size in S5905. Furthermore, if the adapter microcomputer 5302 is capable of dividing and transmitting the transmission data, the process may transition from S5903 to S5904.

The camera receivable size is determined, for example, by the buffer size of the reception buffer 52084. Further, the camera-adapter maximum reception size is the maximum data size that the camera microcomputer 5205 can continuously receive from the adapter microcomputer 5302. The subsequent size of data received from the adapter microcomputer 5302 by the camera microcomputer 5205 is controlled using this camera-adapter maximum received size as the upper limit.

The camera microcomputer 5205, which has proceeded from S5904 and S5905 to S5906, receives memory map information for each command from the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. Through this process, the camera microcomputer 5205 can recognize commands that the adapter microcomputer 5302 can handle. Details of the memory map will be described later using FIG. 25.

Next, in S5907, the camera microcomputer 5205 receives adapter individual information from the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. The adapter individual information is information indicating the optical members, installed functions, etc. that the intermediate adapter 5300 has. Since the amount of data of adapter individual information is large, communication efficiency can be improved by communicating adapter individual information after the camera-adapter maximum reception size is determined .

Next, in S5908, the camera microcomputer 5205 receives the adapter receivable size (accessory receivable size) from the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. The adapter receivable size is the data size that the adapter microcomputer 5302 can receive continuously. The adapter receivable size is determined by the buffer size of the reception buffer 53034, for example .

Next, in S5909, the camera microcomputer 5205 compares the adapter receivable size and the camera transmittable size, which is the data size that it can continuously transmit. If the camera transmittable size is smaller than the adapter receivable size, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets the camera transmittable size to the camera-adapter maximum transmission size as a first continuous transmittable data size to be described later in S5910. Furthermore, if the adapter receivable size is smaller than the camera transmittable size, the adapter receivable size is set to the camera-adapter maximum transmission size in S5911. Further, if the camera microcomputer 5205 is capable of dividing and transmitting the transmission data, the process may transition from S5909 to S5911.

The size that can be transmitted by the camera is determined by the buffer size of the transmission buffer 52083, for example. Further, the camera-adapter maximum transmission size is the maximum data size that can be continuously transmitted from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the adapter microcomputer 5302. From this point on, the size of data sent from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the adapter microcomputer 5302 is controlled with this size as the upper limit.

In S5912, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits camera individual information to the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. The camera individual information is information such as the installed functions of the camera body 5100. Since the amount of data for camera individual information is large, communication efficiency can be increased by communicating camera individual information after the maximum transmission size between camera and adapter is determined. After S5912, the camera microcomputer 5205 ends the camera body startup process.

The camera microcomputer 5205 sets the above-described first continuously receivable data size and first continuously transmittable data size for each accessory (interchangeable lens 5100 and intermediate adapter 5300). Then, the camera microcomputer 5205 communicates with each accessory using a data size whose upper limit is the first continuously receivable data size and the first continuously transmittable data size set for each accessory.

By performing the above camera body startup process when the camera body 5200 is started, the optimal communication data size can be set even when the camera body 5200 and accessories (interchangeable lens 5100 and intermediate adapter 5300) are combined with different release dates. be able to. Further, the camera body 5200 can be started up at high speed.

Next, referring to FIG. 25, in the second communication mode (P2P communication mode) of the first communication (“one-to-many” communication), a An example of the format of the specified memory map (data arrangement information) will be explained. A memory map is defined for each communication command. The memory map 51000 is composed of a plurality of pieces of data 51002, and each piece of data is assigned an address 51001. The value 51003 of each data is a fixed value or updated at an arbitrary timing. Note that the memory map described here is a communication regulation, and the data arrangement in the memory of each microcomputer may be different from the format of this embodiment.

A memory map is defined for each communication command. When the communication master receives memory map data, it specifies the communication command and address corresponding to the data it wants to receive and performs P2P communication, and the communication slave retrieves the specified data from the memory map and performs P2P communication. Send to communication master. Similarly, when the communication master sends data in the memory map, the communication slave stores the specified data in the memory map by specifying a communication command and address corresponding to the data to be sent. At this time, by specifying the data size together with the address, multiple pieces of data may be sent and received consecutively.

Next, with reference to FIG. 26, an example of communication commands predefined between the camera body 5200 and the accessory in the second communication mode of the first communication will be described. Here, as an example, the camera microcomputer 5205 is assumed to be a communication master, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 is assumed to be a communication slave. Further, DC in the table of FIG. 26 is transmission data from the communication master to the communication slave, and data for each byte is successively transmitted starting from 1. DA is transmission data from a communication slave to a communication master, and data of each byte is successively transmitted starting from 1.

First, a data reception command 51100, which is an example of a communication command (data transmission request) for a communication master to receive data from a communication slave using a memory map, will be described. The data DC sent from the camera microcomputer 5205 is a total of 5 bytes of data including the number of communication bytes, a command, a memory map address, the number N of received data (bytes), and a checksum in this order. The data DA transmitted from the adapter microcomputer 5302 is a total of (N+3) bytes including the number of communication bytes, a command, N pieces of data from data 51 to data N, and a checksum in this order. The DA command and checksum are used to detect errors in communication from the communication master to the communication slave. If an error is detected, the communication master re-executes (retries) the same communication.

The camera microcomputer 5205 sets the number N of received data so that the DA does not exceed the camera-adapter maximum reception size described above. That is,
Number of received data N≦Camera-adapter maximum receiving size - 3
and set. Furthermore, the camera-adapter maximum transmission size predefined between the camera body 5200 and the accessory must be 5 bytes or more, which is the DC transmission size.

Next, a data transmission command 51101 will be described as an example of a communication command used by the communication master to cause a communication slave to transmit data using a memory map. The data DC sent from the camera microcomputer 5205 is a total of (N+4) bytes of data including the number of communication bytes, a command, a memory map address, N pieces of data from data 51 to data N, and a checksum in this order. . Furthermore, the data DA transmitted from the adapter microcomputer 5302 is a total of 4 bytes of data including the number of communication bytes, a command, the number N of received data, and a checksum in this order. The DA command and checksum are used to detect errors in communication from the communication slave to the communication master. If an error is detected, the communication slave re-executes (retries) the same communication.

The camera microcomputer 5205 sets the number N of transmission data (bytes) so that the DC does not exceed the camera-adapter maximum transmission size described above. That is,
Number of transmitted data N≦Camera-adapter maximum transmission size - 4
and set. Furthermore, the camera-adapter maximum reception size predefined between the camera body 5200 and the accessory must be 4 bytes or more, which is the DA transmission size.

Next, a data transmission command 51102, which is an example of a communication command for the communication master to use the memory map and cause the communication slave to transmit data sequentially starting from the data at the first address, will be explained. This command is intended to transmit a large amount of data that needs to be transmitted starting from the data at the first address, so it is a command that is repeated until all data has been transmitted, and is used, for example, to update the firmware of the adapter microcomputer 5302. The data DC transmitted from the camera microcomputer 5205 is a total of (N+3) bytes of data including the number of communication bytes, a command, N pieces of data from data 51 to data N, and a checksum in this order. Furthermore, the data DA transmitted from the adapter microcomputer 5302 is a total of 4 bytes of data including the number of communication bytes, a command, the number N of received data, and a checksum in this order. The DA command and checksum are used to detect errors in communication from the communication slave to the communication master. If an error is detected, the communication slave re-executes (retries) the same communication.

The camera microcomputer 5205 sets the number N of data to be transmitted so that the DC does not exceed the camera-adapter maximum transmission size described above. That is,
Number of transmitted data N≦Camera-adapter maximum transmission size - 3
and set. Furthermore, the camera-adapter maximum reception size predefined between the camera body 5200 and the accessory must be 4 bytes or more, which is the DA transmission size.

Next, communication processing performed using the memory map in the second communication mode in the first communication will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B. Here, as an example, communication processing performed between the camera body 5200, which is the communication master, and the intermediate adapter 5300, which is the communication slave, will be described, but the communication slave may be the interchangeable lens 5100.

First, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 27A, a process for the camera body 5200 to receive continuous data on a memory map from the intermediate adapter 5300 (memory map reception process) will be described. The camera microcomputer 5205 receives data using the data reception command 51100 described above.

In S51200, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets the command (data transmission request) corresponding to the data requested to be transmitted, the memory map start address S_ADR, and the total number of received data A_N.

Next, in S51201, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets the memory map address ADR and the number N of received data to be transmitted in the current communication according to the set start address S_ADR and the total number of received data A_N. for example,
Memory map address ADR = start address S_ADR
Number of received data N = total number of received data A_N
and set. Thereafter, the number N of received data is limited so that the DA does not exceed the camera-adapter maximum reception size described above. In other words, if the number of received data N>camera-adapter maximum reception size - 3,
Number of received data N = camera-adapter maximum reception size - 3
and reset it. and,
Start address S_ADR = Start address S_ADR + number of received data N
Total number of received data A_N = Total number of received data A_N - Number of received data N
and reset it. As a result, at the same time as the data to be transmitted this time is determined, the number of remaining data is reset to the total number of received data A_N, so that it can be determined whether there is any data to be transmitted next time.

Next, in S51202, the camera microcomputer 5205 stores the command set in S51200 and S51201, the memory map address ADR, and the number of received data N in the transmission buffer 52083 according to the DC format of the data reception command 51100.

Next, in S51203, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits DC to the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 5205 receives DA from the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 5205 may divide and store the transmission data in the transmission buffer 52083, and repeat the steps up to the DC transmission in S51202 and S51203, thereby dividing the transmission data into multiple transmissions.

Next, in S51204, the camera microcomputer 5205 retrieves the received data stored in the receive buffer 52084 and stores it in a predetermined memory. If the camera microcomputer 5205 detects a communication error such as a checksum error when extracting received data,
Start address S_ADR = Start address S_ADR - Number of received data N
Total number of received data A_N = Total number of received data A_N + Number of received data N
and reset it. Thereby, the start address S_ADR and the total number of received data A_N can be returned to the values before communication, and communication retry control becomes possible.

Subsequently, in S51205, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines whether or not the reception of all data from the adapter microcomputer 5302 has been completed. If the reception has been completed, this process ends; otherwise, the process returns to S51201. In this embodiment, the number of remaining data is set to the total number of received data A_N, so if the total number of received data A_N is 1 or more, the camera microcomputer 5205 returns to S51201.

Next, a process for the camera body 5200 to transmit continuous data on the memory map from the intermediate adapter 5300 (memory map transmission process) will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 27B. The camera microcomputer 5205 performs data transmission using the data transmission commands 51101 and 51102 described above.

In S51210, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets the command (data reception request) corresponding to the data to be transmitted, the memory map start address S_ADR, and the total number of transmission data A_N. However, when transmitting data using the data transmission command 51102, there is no need to set the start address S_ADR.

Next, in S51211, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets the memory map address ADR and the number of transmission data N to be transmitted in the current communication according to the set start address S_ADR and the total number of transmission data A_N. for example,
Memory map address ADR = start address S_ADR
Number of transmitted data N = Total number of transmitted data A_N
and set. Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 5205 limits the number N of transmitted data so that the DA does not exceed the camera-adapter maximum reception size described above. In other words, if the number of transmitted data N>camera-adapter maximum transmission size - 4,
Number of transmitted data N = camera-adapter maximum receiving size - 4
and reset it. and,
Start address S_ADR = Start address S_ADR + Number of transmitted data N
Total number of transmitted data A_N = Total number of transmitted data A_N - Number of transmitted data N
and reset it. As a result, at the same time as the data to be transmitted this time is determined, the number of remaining data is reset to the total number of transmission data A_N, so it becomes possible to determine whether there is data to be transmitted next time. However, when transmitting data using the data transmission command 51102, it is not necessary to set the memory map address ADR and start address S_ADR.

Next, in S51212, the camera microcomputer 5205 transfers the command set in S51210 and S51211, the continuous data including the memory map address ADR and the number of transmission data N, and the checksum to the transmission buffer 52083 according to the DC format of the data transmission commands 51101 and 51102. Store in.

Next, in S51213, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits DC to the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 5205 receives the DA from the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. Further, the camera microcomputer 5205 may divide and store the transmission data in the transmission buffer 52083, and repeat the steps up to DC transmission in S51212 and S51213, thereby dividing the transmission data into multiple transmissions.

Next, in S51214, the camera microcomputer 5205 takes out the received data stored in the reception buffer 52084 and stores it in a predetermined memory. If the camera microcomputer 5205 detects a communication error such as a checksum error when extracting received data,
Start address S_ADR = Start address S_ADR - Number of transmitted data N
Total number of transmitted data A_N = Total number of transmitted data A_N + Number of transmitted data N
and reset it. As a result, the start address S_ADR and the total number of transmitted data A_N can be returned to the values before communication, and communication retry control becomes possible.

Next, in S51215, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines whether or not the transmission of all data to the adapter microcomputer 5302 has been completed. If the transmission has been completed, this process ends; otherwise, the process returns to S51211. . In this embodiment, since the number of remaining data is set to the total number of transmission data A_N, if the total number of transmission data A_N is 1 or more, the camera microcomputer 5205 returns to S51211.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 28, a process (intermediate adapter communication process) performed when the intermediate adapter 5300 receives P2P communication from the camera body 5200 will be described. The adapter microcomputer 5302 executes this process according to the computer program.

In S51220, the adapter microcomputer 5302 retrieves the received data stored in the receive buffer 53034 and stores it in a predetermined memory.

Next, in S51221, the adapter microcomputer 5302 analyzes which command was received from the received data stored in a predetermined memory.

Next, in S51222, the adapter microcomputer 5302 performs processing corresponding to the received command. For example, the received data is stored in a predetermined memory, the installed function is operated, and information about the installed function is stored in a specified memory.

Next, in S51223, the adapter microcomputer 5302 determines whether the received command is a data reception command from the camera microcomputer 5205. If a data reception command has been received, the process advances to S51224; otherwise, the process advances to S51225.

In S51224, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stores data in the transmission buffer 53033 according to the received data reception command. For example, from the memory map address indicated in the data reception command 51100 out of the memory map corresponding to the data reception command 51100, data equal to the number of received data indicated in the data reception command 51100 is extracted. Then, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stores the read data in the transmission buffer 53033 according to the DA format.

On the other hand, in S51225, the adapter microcomputer 5302 determines whether the received command is a data transmission command (51101 or 51102) from the camera microcomputer 5205. If a data transmission command has been received, the process advances to S51226; otherwise, the process advances to S51229.

In S51226, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stores data in the memory map corresponding to the received data transmission command. That is, the adapter microcomputer 5302 updates existing data with the received data. For example, when the adapter microcomputer 5302 receives the data transmission command 51101, it continuously stores the data received from the camera microcomputer 5205 from the address indicated in the data transmission command 51101 in the memory map. In addition, when the adapter microcomputer 5302 receives the data transmission command 51102, if this is the first time, the adapter microcomputer 5302 receives the data from the camera microcomputer 5205 from the first address of the memory map, otherwise from the address next to the address where the data was stored last time. Continuously store the data.

Next, in S51227, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stores data to be transmitted in response in the transmission buffer 53033 according to the format of the DA in the received data transmission command.

On the other hand, in S51229, the adapter microcomputer 5302 determines whether the received data transmission command is a command that requires a response from the camera microcomputer 5205, and if so, the process advances to S51227. Otherwise, this process ends.

The adapter microcomputer 5302 that has proceeded from S51224 or S51227 to S51228 transmits the DA stored in the transmission buffer 53033 to the camera microcomputer 5205 via the adapter first communication circuit 5341. Then, this process ends. In addition, the adapter microcomputer 5302 may divide and store the transmission data in the transmission buffer 53033, and may divide the transmission data into a plurality of times and transmit the transmission data by repeating the steps up to the DA transmission in S51224 or S51227 and S51228. .

By performing the above processing, communication can be performed with the intermediate adapter 5300 within a range where the intermediate adapter 5300 can continuously communicate, so that communication can be performed at the optimal communication speed that matches the communication performance of the intermediate adapter 5300. .

According to this embodiment, "one-to-many" communication between the camera body 5200 and a plurality of accessories including the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 can be performed while guaranteeing their compatibility even if their release dates are different from each other. , can be done at higher or optimal communication speeds.

Example 6 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 6 has the same configuration as Embodiment 5, but when using camera bodies and accessories released at different times, it is possible to communicate with an optimal amount of data while ensuring command compatibility. This is an example in which accessories can be controlled. By receiving the memory map size as memory map information when the camera body is started, communication and control can be performed in accordance with the memory map expansion status of the accessory.

With reference to FIG. 29, an example of an extended format of a memory map defined in advance between the camera body 5200 and the accessory in the second communication mode (P2P communication mode) in the first communication (“one-to-many” communication) will be described. . The extended format of the memory map is defined for each communication command.

The memory map 51300 has an extended format for the memory map 51000 described in the fifth embodiment, and includes a plurality of data 51302. An address 51301 is assigned to each of the plurality of pieces of data 51302. The value 51303 of each data is a fixed value or updated at an arbitrary timing. Note that among addresses 51301, addresses up to address N-1 are the same addresses as in memory map 51000, and subsequent addresses up to address N+M-1 are an extended address area.

In S5906 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 24, the adapter microcomputer 5302 corresponding to the memory map 51000 transmits the memory map size N to the camera microcomputer 5205 as memory map information. On the other hand, the adapter microcomputer 5302 corresponding to the memory map 51300 transmits the memory map size N+M-1 to the camera microcomputer 5205 as memory map information.

At this time, if the camera microcomputer 5205 is compatible with the memory map 51000, data communication is performed with either adapter microcomputer 5302 in the address area up to address N-1. On the other hand, if the camera microcomputer 5205 is compatible with the memory map 51300, data communication is performed in the address area up to address N-1 for the adapter microcomputer 5302 that sends the memory map size N. . Furthermore, data communication is performed in the address area up to address N+M-1 with respect to the adapter microcomputer 5302 that sends the memory map size N+M-1.

By employing such a configuration, each adapter microcomputer 5 can be controlled within the range of corresponding data, so communication and control can be performed in accordance with the expansion status of the memory map of the accessory.

Note that instead of the memory map size itself being sent to the camera microcomputer 5205 as memory map information, information associated with the memory map size, such as a memory map version, may be sent. That is, any information regarding the memory map size may be used.

According to this embodiment, "one-to-many" communication between the camera body and multiple accessories including interchangeable lenses and intermediate adapters can be performed in an optimal manner while guaranteeing compatibility even if these accessories are released at different times. It is possible to communicate with large amounts of data and control accessories optimally.
(Other examples)
The present invention provides a system or device with a program that implements one or more of the functions of the embodiments described above via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. This can also be achieved by processing. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

The embodiments described above are merely representative examples, and various modifications and changes can be made to each embodiment when implementing the present invention.

100 Interchangeable lens (accessory device)
111 Lens microcomputer 141,241,341 First communication circuit 142,242,342 Second communication circuit 200 Camera body (imaging device)
205 Camera microcomputer 300 Intermediate adapter (accessory device)
302 adapter microcomputer

Claims (27)

An imaging device to which an accessory device can be attached, the imaging device comprising:
a camera control unit communicating with the attached accessory device;
The camera control unit receives first information regarding the data size after receiving second information regarding the data size, and communicates based on the first information and the second information,
The camera control unit transmits data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the first information,
The image capturing device is characterized in that the camera control unit requests the accessory device to send data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the second information. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit transmits individual information of the imaging device after receiving the first information. The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the camera control unit receives individual information of the accessory device after receiving the second information. The imaging device according to claim 3, wherein the camera control unit receives individual information of the accessory device before receiving the first information. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the camera control unit receives information regarding a memory map corresponding to the command after receiving the second information. 6. The camera control unit specifies a data address indicated by the memory map and requests the accessory device to send data having a data size smaller than or equal to the data size indicated by the second information. imaging device. The imaging device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the camera control unit receives information regarding the memory map before receiving the first information. further comprising a first communication line and a second communication line that enable communication with the accessory device,
The camera control unit is capable of communication in a first mode and a second mode,
In the first mode, after transmitting data via the second communication line, the signal level of the first communication line changes from a first level to a second level;
In the second mode, after the signal level of the first communication line changes from the first level to the second level, while the signal level is maintained at the second level, the signal level of the first communication line changes from the first level to the second level. 8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein data is transmitted via a communication line. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a lens device is attached to the imaging device via the accessory device. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the accessory device is an adapter unit that can be attached between the imaging device and a lens device. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the accessory device is a lens device. An accessory device that can be attached to an imaging device,
an accessory control unit that communicates with the attached imaging device;
The accessory control unit transmits first information regarding the data size after transmitting second information regarding the data size, and communicates based on the first information and the second information,
The accessory control unit receives data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the first information,
The accessory device is characterized in that the accessory control unit receives from the imaging device a request for data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the second information. The accessory device according to claim 12, wherein the accessory control unit receives individual information of the imaging device after transmitting the first information. The accessory device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the accessory control unit transmits individual information of the accessory device after transmitting the second information. The accessory device according to claim 14, wherein the accessory control unit transmits individual information of the accessory device before transmitting the first information. The accessory device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the accessory control unit transmits information regarding a memory map corresponding to the command after transmitting the second information. The accessory control unit receives a request for data specified by a data address indicated by the memory map, and transmits corresponding data whose data size is equal to or less than the data size indicated by the second information. 17. The accessory device of claim 16 . The accessory device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the accessory control unit transmits information regarding the memory map before transmitting the first information. further comprising a first communication line and a second communication line that enable communication with the imaging device,
The accessory control unit is capable of communication in a first mode and a second mode,
In the first mode, after receiving data via the second communication line, the signal level of the first communication line changes from a first level to a second level;
In the second mode, after the signal level of the first communication line changes from the first level to the second level, while the signal level is maintained at the second level, the signal level of the first communication line changes from the first level to the second level. Accessory device according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that data is received via a communication line. The accessory device according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the accessory device is an adapter unit that can be attached between the imaging device and the lens device. Accessory device according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that the accessory device is a lens device. A communication control method for an imaging device in which an accessory device can be communicably mounted, the method comprising:
causing the imaging device to receive first information regarding data size after receiving second information regarding data size;
causing the imaging device to communicate based on the first information and the second information;
causing the imaging device to transmit data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the first information;
A communication control method for an imaging device, comprising the step of causing the accessory device attached to the imaging device to request data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the second information. 23. The communication control method for an imaging device according to claim 22, wherein the accessory device is an adapter unit that can be attached between the imaging device and a lens device. 23. The communication control method for an imaging device according to claim 22, wherein the accessory device is a lens device. A communication control method for an accessory device that can be communicably attached to an imaging device, the method comprising:
causing the accessory device to transmit first information regarding data size after transmitting second information regarding data size;
causing the accessory device to communicate based on the first information and the second information;
causing the accessory device to receive data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the first information;
A communication control method for an accessory device, comprising the step of causing the accessory device to receive a request for data whose data size is less than or equal to the data size indicated by the second information from the attached imaging device. 26. The communication control method for an accessory device according to claim 25, wherein the accessory device is an adapter unit that can be attached between the imaging device and the lens device. 26. The communication control method for an accessory device according to claim 25, wherein the accessory device is a lens device.