JP2000307925A - Photographing system and optical device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate the transfer delay of information by forming a signal independently of a request command, deciding whether or not communicated information is information communicated by a request command of a 1st device and prohibiting decision processing by a deciding means when the communicated information is prescribed information. SOLUTION: In the case the fast transfer of SW information is started while an instruction from a bCPU 122 of a camera part is transferred to a aCPU 102, the aCPU 102 detects the on/off change of the SW. The camera part recognizes that video recording start of a VTR is necessary and a fast video recording start can be performed by such a manner that the aCPU 102 transfers the SW information after focus lens position information 204 to the bCPU 122 even without a SW information request command from the bCPU 122. Here, even through the bCPU 122 has to decide whet data transmitted from the aCPU 102 is, it finds that the SW information is transferred together when it decodes a header part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to communication between an optical accessory such as a photographic lens for television for photographing television and an optical device such as a camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a broadcasting television system, communication has been performed using analog signals as an interface between a camera and a lens. For example, the lens system is controlled by specifying the voltage of the lens to determine the position of the focus lens or IRIS, or to determine the speed of the zoom lens. Conversely, the focus lens, zoom lens, The lens information is transmitted by sending a voltage indicating the position of the IRIS to the camera. On the other hand, in the lens, a feedback system using a potentiometer as a position sensor is configured to perform an analog servo control system.

[0003] In addition, since analog signals have limitations on the number of types and the accuracy of the types, a serial interface has recently been used as a communication function between a camera and a lens.

However, in the above conventional example, since information is exchanged using serial communication, for example, a lens side determines communication data in response to a request from a camera, and transfers data corresponding to the request to the camera side. Become.
Therefore, when a large amount of information has to be transferred, there is a time difference between the first data and the last data. Further, even if it is desired to transfer the state information to the camera at a high speed in the state of the lens, the information cannot be transferred unless there is a request from the next camera.

[0005] That is, there is an information delay because all the information is put in the serial communication.

For example, in a single-lens reflex camera, when communication between the flash and the camera is performed by serially communicating the light emission and the timing of the aperture and the shutter, the communication cannot be performed without delay when necessary. Further, in the AF system, when transmitting position data information to the camera while the focus lens or the zoom lens is moving, serial communication does not perform real-time communication, causing a delay in the system.

Therefore, the present applicant has proposed that information requiring emergency communication be communicated even when there is no request signal.

[0008]

However, in the above proposal, since it is not determined whether or not the transmitted information is based on the request, even if the information is transmitted due to an error or the like, the processing for the information is not performed. Will be performed. For this purpose, it is sufficient to judge whether or not the communicated information is based on the request, and perform the process. However, if this judgment is performed on the urgent information, it is determined that the information is not the information based on the request. become.

[0009]

According to claim 1 of the present invention,
A request command and information are serially communicated between a first device constituting the imaging system and a second device electrically connected to the first device, and based on the request command from the first device. An imaging system that serially communicates information from the second device to the first device, wherein the second device is provided with a signal generation unit that forms a signal independently of the request command;
With the signal from the signal generation unit, predetermined information is communicated to the first device independently of a request command from the first device, and the first device transmits Determining means for performing a determination process for determining whether or not the information is communicated according to a request command of the first device, and prohibiting means for prohibiting the determination by the determining means when the communicated information is the predetermined information. An object of the present invention is to provide a photographing system that has solved the above-mentioned problem as a configuration having the same.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, when the first device determines that the communicated information is not the information communicated by the request command, The above problem has been solved by a configuration in which the processing according to the above is prohibited, and when the communicated information is the predetermined information, the processing is performed on the information irrespective of whether or not the information is communicated by the request command. System.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the first device determines that the communicated information is information communicated according to a request command, the first device determines the information. The present invention provides a system that performs processing for.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing system comprising a first device and a second device electrically connected to the first device.
A photographing system for performing serial communication of a request command and information with the first device and serially communicating information from the second device to the first device based on the request command from the first device; A signal generating unit for forming a signal independently of the request command is provided in the device, and a signal from the signal generating unit is used to output predetermined information independently of the request command from the first device. Communicate with the first device and
The first device performs a predetermined process on the communicated information when the communicated information is the information communicated according to the request command of the first device, and performs the request when the communicated information is the predetermined information. An object of the present invention is to provide a system which has a processing means for performing a predetermined process on the information irrespective of whether or not the information is communicated by a command.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, as the configuration of the processing means, when it is determined that the communicated information is not the information communicated by the request command, the processing for the information is performed. Is prohibited.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the signal generating section is configured to generate the signal by operating an operation member provided in the second device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, a camera is used as the first device and a lens device is used as the second device.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the camera of the seventh aspect has a recording device for recording a video signal.
Further, the predetermined information is information for controlling the operation of the recording apparatus, and the camera controls the operation of the recording apparatus based on the information.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the camera according to the seventh aspect has a monitor means for monitoring an image through a lens device, and the predetermined information controls a display state of the image by the monitor means. It is information.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the monitor means has a function of displaying an image transmitted from an external device to the camera independently of the image via the lens device. The switching of the image by the monitor means is controlled by the predetermined information.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the signal from the signal generating unit sends predetermined information to the first device independently of a request command from the first device. It is intended to communicate by.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, serial communication of a request command and information is performed between a first device constituting a photographing system and a second device electrically connected to the first device, A signal provided in the second device, which communicates information from the second device serially to the first device based on a request command from the first device and forms a signal independently of the request command. In an optical device used as the first device in the imaging system that communicates predetermined information to the first device independently of the request command with a signal from the generating unit, the communicated information is The above problem is caused by a configuration including a determination unit that performs a determination process of determining whether the information is information communicated by a command, and a prohibition unit that prohibits the determination by the determination unit when the communicated information is the predetermined information. Solve There is provided an the optical device.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, when the determination means determines that the communicated information is not the information communicated by the request command, the processing based on the information is prohibited, and When the received information is the predetermined information, the information is processed irrespective of whether or not the communication is performed in response to the request command.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, when the judging means judges that the communicated information is the information communicated in accordance with the request command, the processing is performed on the information. It was made.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, serial communication of a request command and information is performed between a first device constituting a photographing system and a second device electrically connected to the first device, A signal provided in the second device, which communicates information from the second device serially to the first device based on a request command from the first device and forms a signal independently of the request command. In an optical device used as the first device in the imaging system that communicates predetermined information to the first device independently of the request command with a signal from the generating unit, the communicated information is When the information communicated by the command is the information communicated by the request command, a predetermined process is performed on the information, and when the communicated information is the predetermined information, the information communicated by the request command Whether or not There is provided an optical device which overcomes the above problems as a configuration having a processing means for performing predetermined processing on without the information regardless of the.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fifteenth aspect, when it is determined by the processing means that the transmitted information is not the information transmitted by the request command, the processing for the information is performed. It is configured to prohibit.

According to a seventeenth aspect, in the fifteenth and sixteenth aspects, the signal generator is configured to generate the signal by operating an operation member provided in the second device.

The invention of claim 18 is the invention of claim 15, 15, 16,
In 17, a camera is configured as a first device, and a lens device is configured as a second device.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the camera according to the eighteenth aspect, wherein the camera has a recording device for recording a video signal, the predetermined information is information for controlling an operation of the recording device, and the camera is the information for controlling the operation of the recording device. To control the operation of the recording apparatus.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the camera according to the eighteenth aspect, wherein the camera has monitor means for monitoring an image via the lens device, and the predetermined information is information for controlling a display state of the image by the monitor means. It was made.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the twentieth aspect, the monitor means has a function of displaying an image sent from an external device to the camera independently of the image via the lens device. The switching of images by the monitor means is controlled by predetermined information.

The invention of claim 22 is based on claims 12, 13, and
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21
, The predetermined information communicated to the first device is configured to be serially communicated.

[0031]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an optical device showing a first embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 101 denotes a lens unit for photographing, and 121 denotes a camera unit for photographing through the optical system of the lens unit 101.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a microcomputer which is a control device (hereinafter abbreviated as aCPU) for managing a lens unit and controlling a servo system. 103 is a driver for driving the motor 104, 113 is a clutch for transmitting the driving force from the motor 104, and 106 is a clutch 1
13 is an optical lens connected. The clutch 113 is connected to an SW (switch, hereinafter abbreviated as SMCHG-SW) 114 as an operation member for switching the optical lens 106 between a servo mode and a manual mode. When the SMCHG-SW 114 is in the servo mode, the clutch 113 can transmit the driving force from the motor 104 to the lens 106, and the SMCHG-SW 114
Is in the manual mode, the clutch 113 is configured to be unable to transmit the driving force from the motor 104 to the lens 106. Here, since the SMCHG-SW 114 is also connected to the aCPU 102, the lens unit 10
6 can be determined in the servo mode.

Reference numeral 107 denotes an encoder for detecting the position of the optical lens 106, and reference numeral 108 denotes a counter for counting the output from the encoder 107. 112 is a timer, and the timer 112 and the counter 108 are aC
APU 102 is connected to the PU 102
By using the value of 8 and the value of the timer 112, the position and speed of the optical lens 106 can be known. Reference numeral 105 denotes a manual operation unit for manually moving the optical lens 106.

A demand command setting unit 131 is connected to the lens unit 101, and the demand command setting unit 131
Since the A / D converter 111 for A / D conversion of the command is connected, a demand command value for controlling the optical lens 106 can be input to the aCPU 102.

The camera unit 121 has a control device (hereinafter referred to as bCP).
U) (abbreviated as U)
ACPU 102 of the lens unit 101 and serial communication 141
Can be done.

Further, a camera section 121 includes a viewfinder 123 for monitoring a captured image, a VTR (recorder) 124 for recording the image,
A microphone 125 for voice recording is provided.

A switch RET-SW 151 as an operation member for switching an image on the viewfinder 123 and a switch VTR-SW 152 as an operation member for activating the VTR are mounted on the lens unit 101.
a It is connected to the CPU 102.

FIG. 7 shows an image diagram of a photographing system having the configuration shown in FIG. Here, the camera unit 121 may be connected to a sub-adjustment room (not shown), and the imaging system can be controlled by a controller called a camera control unit (not shown, hereinafter, referred to as CCU). Further, a plurality of photographing systems are connected to the sub-adjustment room, and it is possible to select an image to be aired. In addition, in the sub-adjustment room, a VTR for video from each imaging system and a VTR for on-air exist separately from the VTR 123 of the camera unit 121, and it is also possible to record on each VTR.
Here, as shown in FIG.
Can monitor the video being shot by himself or the video in the air,
It is also possible to display an object distance (hereinafter, referred to as OD), a focal length (hereinafter, referred to as FD), an IRIS position, and the like based on the information from 1.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the aC
The serial communication 141 between the PU 102 and the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121 will be described.
The case of a lens is taken as an example.

The serial data transmission terminal aTx210 of the aCPU 102 of the lens unit 101 is connected to a transfer line aSD
201 is connected to the serial data receiving terminal bRx211 of the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121 by a
It is possible to transfer information, instructions, and the like of the CPU 102 to the bCPU 121. Also, a of the lens unit 101
Serial data receiving terminal aRx212 of CPU 102
Is transmitted from the camera unit 121 by the transfer line bSD202.
Serial data transmission terminal bTx213 of CPU 122
, And can transfer information and instructions of the bCPU 122 to the aCPU 102.

When the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121 sends a focus / lens position request command 203 from the terminal bTx 213 to the terminal aRx 212 of the aCPU 102 of the lens unit 101 using the transfer line bSD 202,
U102 receives the command from the terminal aRx212, determines the content of the command, reads the position information of the focus lens from the counter 108, and transfers the value to the transfer line a.
Focus from terminal aTx210 using SD201
Terminal bT of bCPU 122 as lens position information 204
x213.

Similarly, the bCPU 122 sends the focus / lens position information and SW information request command 205 to aC.
When transferred to the PU 102, the aCPU determines the command and transfers the focus / lens position information 204 and the SW information 206 to the bCPU 122.

The configuration of the serial communication data will be described with reference to FIG. The basic configuration includes a header section 301 and a data section 302. It is assumed that the header 301 has 8 bits, and the data 302 has a bit number depending on the header 301, for example, 16 bits for the focus / lens position, 8 bits for the SW information, and the like.

The transfer contents of the serial communication will be described with reference to FIG. (1) In the case of a focus / lens position request command, the header section 301 is “10H” and there is no data section 302. (2) In the case of focus / lens position information, the header section 301 is “20H”, and the data section 302 is 16 bits long. Focus / lens position information data (3) In case of SW information request Header section 301 is "11H", data section 302 is absent (4) In case of SW information Header section 301 is "21H" and data section is each SW information 8-bit ON / OFF data assigned in bit units (5) In the case of a focus / lens position and SW information request (composite instruction) Header section 301 is "12H", data section 302 is not present (6) Information for composite instruction Header section 301 and data section 302 for transfer information
(7) Bit allocation of SW information bit 0: VTR-SW 152 bit 1: RET-SW 151 bit 2: SW1 bit 3: SW2 bit 4: SW3 bit 5: SW4 bit 6: SW5 bit, but 7: 7 It is assumed that SW1 to SW6 are assigned SW (not shown). Each bit is 1: ON,
0: OFF is assumed.

Referring to FIG. 5, bCPU1 of camera unit 121
A description will be given of a case where high-speed transfer of SW information is performed when no command from 22 is sent to the aCPU 102 of the lens unit 101.

It is assumed that the aCPU 102 detects an ON / OFF change of SW when no data exists in the transfer line bSD202. Here, it is assumed that the SW that has changed ON / OFF is RET-SW 151 and the SW has changed from the OFF state to the ON state.

This operation is generally performed when the user wants to switch the image on the viewfinder 123 of the camera section 121 from the image captured by the cameraman to the image on air. Photographers want to quickly see what's on the air, so they need to switch the video quickly.

Therefore, it is necessary to set the bit 1 of the SW information from 0 to 1, transfer this SW information to the camera section 121, and switch the viewfinder 123 in the camera section 121.

However, the SW information is stored in the bC
If there is no SW information request command from the PU 122, the aCPU 102 of the lens unit 101 cannot transfer the data, so that the video switching of the viewfinder 123 is delayed.

Therefore, the aCPU 102 is replaced by the bCPU 122
SW information is sent to bCPU even if there is no SW information request command from
By transferring the image to the camera 122, the camera unit 121 recognizes that image switching of the viewfinder 123 is necessary, and quick image switching becomes possible.

Here, it is necessary for the bCPU 122 to determine what the data sent from the aCPU 102 is, but it suffices to determine the header section 301 based on the data configuration of the serial communication described above. Camera unit 1 using FIG.
The instruction from the CPU 122 is a
A description will be given of a case where high-speed transfer of SW information is performed during transfer to the CPU 102.

It is assumed that the aCPU 102 detects an ON / OFF change of SW when data exists in the transfer line bSD202. Here, there is an ON / OFF change S
It is assumed that W is VTR-SW 152, that the state has changed from the OFF state to the ON state, and that the data of the bSD 202 is the focus / lens position information request 203.

This operation is generally an operation for recording an image of a video taken by a cameraman on the VTR 124. Since the photographer wants to immediately record the video being photographed, it is necessary to quickly start the VTR 124.

Therefore, it is necessary to set the bit 0 of the SW information from 0 to 1, transfer this SW information to the camera unit 121, and start recording on the VTR 124 in the camera unit 121.

However, the SW information is stored in the bC
If there is no SW information request command from the PU 122, the aCPU 102 of the lens unit 101 cannot transfer data.
24 will be delayed.

Therefore, the aCPU 102 is replaced by the bCPU 122
Even if there is no SW information request command from the CPU, the bCPU 122 continues the SW information after the focus / lens position information 204.
To the VTR in the camera unit 121.
It is recognized that it is necessary to start recording 124, and it is possible to start recording quickly.

Here, it is necessary for the bCPU 122 to determine what the data sent from the aCPU 102 is. This is the same as in the case of the RET-SW 151 described above, and if the header 301 is decoded, the SW information is also included. You can see that it was transferred to.

Here, a communication algorithm will be described with reference to a flowchart. Here, the aCP of the lens unit 101
In order to process the serial communication 141 between the U102 and the bCPU 122 of the camera unit 121, it is assumed that each CPU uses interrupt processing.

First, the main processing of the lens unit will be described with reference to FIG. At step 901, the lens system is initialized. For example, in the lens unit 101, aCPU1
02, the initialization of the memory and port, and when the encoder 107 is a relative position output type, a predetermined position (for example, a position where a mechanical end or an absolute position detection SW is present) for obtaining the absolute position of the lens 106. ) Until the lens 106
Is driven, and when the absolute value can be determined, the counter 106
To set the absolute position, start the timer 112, and the like.

Subsequently, in step 911, the state of the servo / manual switch SW114 is checked, and if the servo mode is set, the flow proceeds to step 902. In step 902, the state of the demand command setting unit 131 is changed to A /
Input from the D converter 111.

In step 903, PID control of the lens 106 according to the demand information is performed. Where PID
The control indicates normal proportional, integral, and differential control, and the content is different from the gist of the present invention, and thus the description is omitted.

At step 904, RET-SW 151
And SW information such as the VTR-SW 152 and the like, and the state of each SW is checked in step 905. If a change in the state is detected in at least one or more SWs, the process proceeds to step 906, and ChgSw
Flag = 1 is set, and the process proceeds to step 908. If no change in SW state is detected in step 905, the process proceeds to step 907, where ChgSwFlag =
The value is set to 0, and the procedure goes to step 908.

Here, the state change of the SW indicates a change from the ON state to the OFF state or from the OFF state to the ON state. Similarly, it is assumed that an SW having three or more states has changed its value (state).

In step 908, the flag ChgSwF
The state of the flag is checked, and if ChgSwFlag = 1, the process proceeds to step 909, where the SW information is transferred.
01, ChgSwFlag = 0. And
It returns to step 911. In step 908,
If ChgSwFlag = 0, the process returns to step 911.

If it is determined in step 911 that the servo / manual switch SW 114 is set to the manual mode, the process proceeds to step 912, where the lens 10 is switched to the manual mode.
6 is checked, and if the lens 106 is being driven,
Go to step 913, stop the lens 106, and go to step 904. If it is determined in step 912 that the lens 106 is not being driven, the process proceeds to step 904. Here, the lens 106 of the lens unit 101
Denotes a focus lens, a zoom lens, or the like, and the lens 106 is a movable member other than the lens, for example, an IR lens.
It may be an IS, an extender, or a movable member such as panning or tilting in a pan / tilt system. The drive command may be not only a command from the demand 131, but also a command from an accessory such as a shot box or an operation panel switcher, or a command from the camera unit 121. Since the drive command is analog, the A / D converter 111 is used, but the drive command may be digital (parallel or serial). In steps 904 to 909 described above,
The switch information is serially transmitted to the camera side independently of a request from the camera by operating the operation member on the lens side of the photographer.

Next, the flow of a communication interrupt process of the lens unit 101 will be described with reference to FIG. Camera section 121
When there is communication from the lens unit 101, the lens unit 101 enters a communication interrupt processing routine. First, in step 1001, it is checked whether a command has been input from the camera unit 101. If it is determined that there was no command,
Go to step 1007. If it is confirmed that there is a command, the process proceeds to step 1002.

In step 1002, it is checked whether the command is a request for focus position information. If it is determined that the request is the focus position information request, the process proceeds to step 1012 to transfer the focus position information. Then, go to step 1007. If it is determined in step 1002 that the request is not a focus position information request, the process proceeds to step 1003.

In step 1003, it is checked whether the command is a SW information request. In the case of a request for SW information, the process goes to step 1013 to transfer the SW information.
In step 1023, ChgSwFlag = 0 is set. Then, go to step 1007. Step 100
If it is determined in step 3 that the request is not a SW information request, the process proceeds to step 1004. In step 1004, it is checked whether the command is a focus position and SW information request. In the case of the focus position and SW information request, go to step 1014, and
Transfer W information. Further, at step 1024, Chg
It is assumed that SwFlag = 0. Then, go to step 1007. If it is determined in step 1004 that the request is not a focus position and SW information request, the process proceeds to step 1005.

In step 1005, it is checked whether the command is a request for zoom position information. In the case of a zoom position request, the process proceeds to step 1015, and the zoom position information information is transferred. Then, go to step 1007. If it is determined in step 1005 that the request is not a zoom position information request, the process proceeds to step 1006. Step 100
At 6, check whether the command is an IRIS location information request. In the case of an IRIS location information request, go to step 1016 to transfer the IRIS location information. Then, go to step 1007. In step 1006, I
If it is determined that the request is not the RIS position information request, the process proceeds to step 1007.

In step 1007, the flag ChgSw
Check Flag. If ChgSwFlag = 1, the SW information is transferred in step 1017, and
At 027, ChgSwFlag = 0. Then, the communication interrupt processing ends. In step 1007, Ch
If gSwFlag = 0, the communication interrupt processing ends. Here, the composite command such as the request of the focus position and the SW information as the determination of the command is not limited to this, and the request of the zoom position and the focus position information, the request of the IRIS position and the SW information, and the three Needless to say, a request command based on the above combination, such as a combination of a focus position, a zoom position, and a SW information request, can be used.

Steps 1007, 1017, 102
Numeral 7 is for transferring switch information in this interrupt process even if there is no request command when the process shifts to the interrupt process in FIG. 10 immediately after step 906 in FIG. 9 is performed.

Next, the flow of the camera section 121 will be described. The main processing of the camera unit will be described with reference to FIG.
After turning on the power of the camera unit 121, the camera system is initialized in step 1401.

In step 1402, it is checked whether the VTR is operating. If the VTR is operating, PID control of the VTR is performed in step 1403. Then, go to step 1404. If it is determined in step 1402 that the VTR is not operating, the process proceeds to step 1404.

In step 1404, distortion correction is performed as processing of an image passed through the optical system of the lens unit 101.

At step 1405, registration correction is performed.

In step 1406, IRIS gain calculation is performed.

In step 1407, information on the lens unit 101 is requested as needed. And step 140
Return to 2.

Next, the flow of the communication interrupt processing of the camera section 121 will be described with reference to FIG. First, step 11
At 01, it is determined whether the input information is SW information. If it is determined that the information is SW information, step 1111 is executed.
Calls the subroutine "VTR-SW processing". Further, in step 1121, the subroutine "RET-SW
Call "process" and go to step 1102. If it is determined in step 1101 that the information is not the SW information, the process proceeds to step 1102.

At step 1102, it is checked whether the input information is focus position information. If it is determined that the information is the focus position information, it is checked in step 1122 whether the focus position information has been requested. If the focus position information request has not been made, the communication interrupt is ended. If the focus position information request has been made, the focus position information is displayed on the VF in step 1112, and the communication interrupt is ended. Step 1102
If it is determined that the information is not focus position information, the process proceeds to step 1103.

In step 1103, it is checked whether the input information is zoom position information. If it is determined that the information is the zoom position information, it is checked in step 1123 whether the zoom position information request has been made. If the request for zoom position information has not been made, the communication interruption processing is ended. If the request for zoom position information has been made, the zoom position information is displayed on the VF in step 1113, and the communication interruption processing ends. If it is determined in step 1103 that the information is not zoom position information, the process proceeds to step 1104. In step 1104, it is checked whether the input information is IRIS position information. If it is determined that the information is IRIS position information, it is checked in step 1124 whether or not an IRIS position information request has been made. If the IRIS position information request has not been made, the communication interruption processing is ended. If the IRIS position information request has been made, the IRIS information is displayed on the VF in step 1114, and the communication interruption processing ends. If it is determined in step 1104 that the information is not IRIS position information, the communication interrupt processing ends.

As described above, when data reception processing by serial communication is performed on the camera side, it is preferentially checked whether or not the data requires high-speed processing (in this example, SW information). If it is determined that the data processing is performed, the data processing is performed regardless of the data request.
If it is determined that there is no need to perform other high-speed processing, check whether the data has been requested, and if it is determined that a data request has been made, process the received data and request the data. If it is determined that the data transfer has been performed even though the data transfer has not been performed, the data processing is performed as irregular data and the current data processing is not performed. This makes it possible to distinguish between data requiring high-speed processing and normal processing data.

Next, a subroutine "VTR-SW processing"
Will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step 1201, the VTR-SW
Check the status of. If it is determined that the switch is on, the process proceeds to step 1204. If it is determined in step 1201 that the switch is off, the process proceeds to step 1202.

At step 1204, it is checked whether or not the VTR is recording. If it is determined that the VTR is recording, the subroutine "VTR-SW processing" ends. If it is determined in step 1204 that the VTR is not recording, in step 1205, recording of the VTR is started. Then, the subroutine "VTR-SW processing" ends.

At step 1202, it is checked whether or not the VTR is recording. If it is determined that the VTR is recording, the process proceeds to step 1203, where the recording of the VTR is stopped, and the subroutine "VTR-SW processing" ends. If it is determined in step 1202 that the VTR is not recording, the subroutine "VTR-SW processing" ends.

Next, the subroutine "RET-SW processing" will be described with reference to FIG.

First, at step 1301, RET-SW
Check the status of. If it is determined that the switch is on, the process proceeds to step 1304. If it is determined in step 1301 that it is in the off state,
go to.

At step 1304, the contents of the VF monitor are checked. If it is determined that the screen is the on-air screen, the subroutine "RET-SW processing" is ended. If it is determined in step 1304 that the content of the VF monitor is a shooting screen, the process proceeds to step 1305 to set the content of the VF monitor to the on-air screen. Then, the subroutine "RET-SW processing" ends. Step 1302
Then, the contents of the VF monitor are checked. If it is determined that the screen is a shooting screen, the subroutine "RET-SW processing"
To end. If it is determined in step 1302 that the content of the VF monitor is an on-air screen,
At step 3, the VF monitor content is set on the shooting screen. Then, the subroutine "RET-SW processing" ends.

Although the RET-SW and VTR-SW information have been described as examples of the high-speed transfer information, it is easy to apply the present invention to other SW information.

Further, the present invention can be applied to data requiring high-speed transfer in addition to the SW, for example, strobe light emission timing, aperture information of a single-lens reflex camera, and focus / lens position information in an AF system.

Further, although the communication between the lens and the camera is shown, the present invention can be applied to the communication between the camera platform and the lens or the camera.

[0092]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, serial communication of a request command and information is performed between a first device constituting a photographing system and a second device electrically connected to the first device. In the imaging system that serially communicates information from the second device to the first device based on a request command from the first device, a signal is sent to the second device independently of the request command. Providing a signal generating unit for forming, with a signal from the signal generating unit, communicating predetermined information to the first device independently of a request command from the first device,
The first device is a determining unit that performs a determination process of determining whether the communicated information is information communicated according to a request command of the first device, and the communicated information is the predetermined information. Sometimes, a configuration is provided that has a prohibiting unit that prohibits the judgment by the judging unit, so that quick communication can be performed independently of the request command, and even if quick communication can be performed, it is determined whether the information is based on the request. Can be performed.

According to the fourth aspect, serial communication of a request command and information is performed between a first device constituting the photographing system and a second device electrically connected to the first device. A signal generating unit for forming a signal to the second device independently of the request command in an imaging system for serially communicating information from a second device to the first device based on a request command from the device And, with a signal from the signal generator, communicating predetermined information to the first device independently of a request command from the first device, and the first device communicates with the first device. When the information is the information communicated by the request command of the first device, perform a predetermined process on the information,
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit configured to perform a predetermined process on the information when the communicated information is the predetermined information, regardless of whether the information is the information communicated by the request command. In the same manner as in the above, it is possible to quickly determine whether communication and information are requested.

Further, according to the second, third, fifth to eleventh aspects, it is possible to realize preferable communication when quick communication is required for communication between the lens and the camera.

According to the twelfth and fifteenth aspects, it is possible to provide an optical device having the same effects as the first and fourth aspects.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize preferable communication between the lens and the camera when quick communication is required.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system block diagram showing the overall configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a serial communication diagram for explaining communication in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of serial communication data.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing data contents.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining emergency processing when there is no camera command;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining emergency processing when there is a camera command;

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a camera and a lens adopting the system configuration of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state in a finder.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a main process in a lens.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an interrupt process in a lens.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of an interrupt process in the camera.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of a VTR-SW treatment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a RET-SW process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a main process in the camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 lens unit 102 aCPU (computer) 112 timer 121 camera unit 122 bCPU (computer) 123 recording device 124 viewfinder 141 serial communication 151 RET-SW 152 VTR-SW

Claims (22)

[Claims] A serial communication of a request command and information is performed between a first device constituting an imaging system and a second device electrically connected to the first device. An imaging system that serially communicates information from a second device to a first device based on a request command of the second device;
A signal generating unit for forming a signal independently of the request command is provided in the device, and a signal from the signal generating unit is used to output predetermined information independently of the request command from the first device. The first device communicates with the first device, and the first device performs a determination process of determining whether or not the communicated information is information communicated according to a request command of the first device. An image capturing system, comprising: a prohibition unit that prohibits the determination by the determination unit when the obtained information is the predetermined information. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines that the transmitted information is not the information transmitted by the request command, and prohibits the processing based on the information. 2. The photographing system according to claim 1, wherein when the information is the predetermined information, processing is performed on the information regardless of whether or not communication has been performed according to a request command. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first device performs a process on the information when the determination unit determines that the communicated information is information communicated according to a request command. The imaging system according to item 2. 4. A serial communication of a request command and information is performed between a first device constituting an imaging system and a second device electrically connected to the first device, and An imaging system that serially communicates information from a second device to a first device based on a request command of the second device;
A signal generating unit for forming a signal independently of the request command is provided in the device, and a signal from the signal generating unit is used to output predetermined information independently of the request command from the first device. While communicating with the first device, the first device performs a predetermined process on the communicated information when the communicated information is the information communicated by the request command of the first device, and When the information is the predetermined information, irrespective of whether it is the information communicated by the request command or not, there is provided a processing system for performing predetermined processing on the information. 5. The processing means according to claim 4, wherein when it is determined that the communicated information is not the information communicated by the request command, the processing means prohibits processing on the information.
An imaging system according to item 1. 6. The photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal generating unit generates the signal by operating an operation member provided in the second device. system. 7. The photographing system according to claim 6, wherein the first device is a camera, and the second device is a lens device. 8. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera has a recording device for recording a video signal, the predetermined information is information for controlling an operation of the recording device, and the camera controls an operation of the recording device based on the information. The photographing system according to claim 7, wherein: 9. The camera according to claim 7, wherein said camera has monitor means for monitoring an image via a lens device, and said predetermined information is information for controlling a display state of an image by said monitor means. The imaging system described. 10. The monitor means has a function of displaying an image sent from an external device to a camera independently of the image via the lens device, and displays the image by the monitor means based on the predetermined information. 10. The imaging system according to claim 9, wherein switching is controlled. 11. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein predetermined information is serially communicated to the first device independently of a request command from the first device by a signal from the signal generation unit. Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
The imaging system according to 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. 12. A serial communication of a request command and information is performed between a first device constituting an imaging system and a second device electrically connected to the first device, and the first device transmits A signal from a signal generator provided in the second device, which communicates information from the second device to the first device serially based on the request command, and forms a signal independently of the request command. In the optical device used as the first device in the imaging system that communicates predetermined information to the first device independently of the request command, the communicated information is communicated by the request command. An optical apparatus comprising: a determination unit that performs a determination process of determining whether information is information; and a prohibition unit that prohibits a determination by the determination unit when the communicated information is the predetermined information. 13. The optical device, when the determination means determines that the communicated information is not the information communicated by the request command, prohibits the processing based on the information, and determines that the communicated information is the predetermined information. 13. The optical apparatus according to claim 12, wherein when the information is the information, the processing is performed on the information regardless of whether or not the communication is performed according to the request command. 14. The optical device according to claim 13, wherein when the determination unit determines that the communicated information is information communicated by a request command, the optical device performs processing on the information. An optical device according to claim 1. 15. Serial communication of a request command and information is performed between a first device constituting an imaging system and a second device electrically connected to the first device, and A signal from a signal generator provided in the second device, which communicates information from the second device to the first device serially based on the request command, and forms a signal independently of the request command. In the optical device used as the first device in the imaging system that communicates predetermined information to the first device independently of the request command, the communicated information is communicated by the request command. When the information is the information communicated by the request command, a predetermined process is performed on the information, and when the communicated information is the predetermined information, it is determined whether or not the information is the information communicated by the request command. Regardless An optical device comprising processing means for performing predetermined processing on information. 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the processing means prohibits the processing of the transmitted information when it is determined that the transmitted information is not the information transmitted by the request command. Optical device. 17. The optical device according to claim 15, wherein the signal generation unit generates the signal by operating an operation member provided in the second device. 18. The method according to claim 18, wherein the first device is a camera, and the second device is a camera.
15.The device according to claim 15, wherein the device is a lens device.
18. The optical device according to 6 or 17. 19. The camera has a recording device for recording a video signal, the predetermined information is information for controlling the operation of the recording device, and the camera controls the operation of the recording device based on the information. The optical device according to claim 18, wherein: 20. The camera according to claim 18, wherein the camera has monitor means for monitoring an image through a lens device, and the predetermined information is information for controlling a display state of the image by the monitor means. The optical device according to any one of the preceding claims. 21. The monitor means has a function of displaying an image sent from an external device to a camera independently of an image via the lens device, and displays the image by the monitor means based on the predetermined information. 21. The optical device according to claim 20, wherein switching is controlled. 22. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information communicated to the first device is serially communicated.
2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Or the optical device according to 21.