JP2003015011A - Interchangeable lens and lens interchangeable type camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interchangeable lens whose power consumption is restrained to be low and whose basic photographing function can act even when the lens is attached to a conventional body. SOLUTION: This interchangeable lens 14 is driven when driving voltage is supplied from a camera body 12 side, and has at least two control means 20 and 30 whose communication lines are connected to communication terminals on the camera body side in parallel and whose processing functions are separated. Then, the 1st control means 20 is equipped with state monitoring means 201b, 201c and 201e for detecting the state of the lens 14, and state setting means 201a, 201d and 201f for setting the working state of the other control means. The state setting means controls the state of the other designated control means 30 when the state monitoring means detects the specified condition.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an interchangeable lens removably mounted on a camera body and an interchangeable lens type camera equipped with the interchangeable lens.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an interchangeable lens which is detachably mounted on a camera body, there is an interchangeable lens having a ROM in which optical data regarding a photographing lens is stored. With such an interchangeable lens, the optical data stored in the ROM when it is mounted on the camera body is taken into the camera body, and based on the optical data, the camera body side performs control related to shooting such as exposure control. Is to be done.

There is also proposed an interchangeable lens mounted on a camera body in which control means is provided (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-43875). This type of interchangeable lens
It is necessary to receive power supply from the camera body side,
Advanced functions such as ultrasonic motor control and camera shake correction can be processed at high speed, and as the processing function increases, the amount of power consumed by the control means increases.

[0004]

However, when these interchangeable lenses are mounted on the camera body, the power supply capacity on the camera body side is limited, so that the control means is operated at high speed at the same time as mounting. Is not preferable. In particular, when an interchangeable lens with advanced functions is attached to a camera body that has been released so far, it is necessary to keep the power consumption inside the interchangeable lens low immediately after attachment, considering the compatibility. Attached to
Basic shooting functions are required to be operable.

Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce the power consumption in the interchangeable lens, and to use the interchangeable lens which can operate the basic photographing function even when it is attached to the conventional body. Is to provide.

[0006]

[Means and actions / effects for solving the problems]

In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides an interchangeable lens having the following configuration.

The interchangeable lens is an interchangeable lens which is driven by being supplied with a drive voltage from the camera body side, in which a communication line is connected in parallel to a communication terminal on the camera body side and at least processing functions are separated. The first control means includes two control means, the first control means includes a state monitoring means for detecting a state of the interchangeable lens and a state setting means for setting an operating state of the other control means. The means controls the state of the designated other control means when the state monitoring means detects a predetermined condition.

In the above construction, at least two control means are provided, and three or more control means may be provided if necessary.
Since the communication lines are connected in parallel to the communication terminals on the camera body side, the control means can simultaneously receive the signals from the camera body side. Then, the state monitoring means stored in the first control means monitors the signal and the state of the lens, and controls the operating state such as communication line control and state transition of other control means in accordance with the signal. To do.

According to the above construction, while the data processing operation is independently performed by each control means, the operating state thereof is controlled by the first control means, so the control by the first control means is performed. It is possible to determine whether or not the other control means is activated. Therefore, by distributing the functions possessed by the respective control means, it is possible to switch the functions exhibited by the entire lens by freely switching between driving only the first control means and driving all the control means. it can. Therefore, the power consumption in the interchangeable lens can be suppressed to a low level, and the basic photographing function can be operated even when the interchangeable lens is mounted on the conventional body.

The interchangeable lens of the present invention can be constructed in various modes as follows.

[0012] Preferably, the state setting means sets a drive voltage for the other designated control means.

In the above configuration, the state setting means controls the supply of the drive voltage to the other control means by, for example, on / off controlling the drive voltage to the other control means. Therefore, the power consumption in the interchangeable lens can be suppressed low by controlling the voltage of other control means that is not necessary.

Preferably, the state setting means controls the state transition of the other designated control means.

In the above-mentioned structure, the state setting means controls the state of the control means in accordance with the function or function setting of the camera in which the interchangeable lens is mounted by, for example, performing state transition control such as operation of other control means or standby. The state can be transited. Therefore, the power consumption in the interchangeable lens can be suppressed low by, for example, stopping other control means that are not necessary or keeping them in a standby state.

In the above structure, preferably, the state transition control is for transitioning the at least two control means from an operating state to a standby state, and the other designated control means are in a state transition. That the first
The notification means for notifying the control means of
The control means shifts to the standby state after receiving from the notification means the information indicating that the state transition has been performed for the other designated control means.

In the above arrangement, the first control means controls the other control means. Therefore, when putting the entire lens in the standby state, the other control means must be in the standby state. By setting the first control means to the standby state after the confirmation by the first control means, the entire lens can be easily transited to the state.

Further, in the above-mentioned configuration, preferably, the state transition control is a transition from a standby state to an operating state, and the other designated control means is the operating state of the first control means. After that, the operation state is transitioned to.

In the above arrangement, the first control means controls the other control means, and therefore, if at least the first control means stored in the interchangeable lens is driven, the exchange is performed. Since at least the minimum function of the lens can be exerted, when driving the lens, it is preferable that the first control unit is brought into the operating state and then the other control units are brought into the operating state.

The present invention also provides an interchangeable lens having the following configuration.

The interchangeable lens is an interchangeable lens which is driven by being supplied with a drive voltage from the camera body side, and a communication line is connected in parallel to a communication terminal on the camera body side so that processing functions are separated. At least two control means are provided, and each control means receives a command transmitted from the camera body side, and opens the communication line according to the command.

When a plurality of control means are connected in series, the first control means also receives from the camera body side the communication to be passed to the subsequent control means, transmits the communication to the other control means, and the other control means. Since the transmission data processed by must be received and transmitted to the camera body side, it is necessary to simultaneously communicate with the other microcomputer side of the camera body side. Therefore, the sequence of the first control means becomes complicated and the software load increases. Further, there is a problem that it is necessary to request the control means to have a high processing capacity, which leads to an increase in cost.

On the other hand, in the above arrangement, the control means can receive signals simultaneously from the camera body side because the communication line is connected in parallel to the communication terminal on the camera body side. Then, in order to prevent the transmission data to the camera body side from colliding with each other in response to the command signal and preventing correct data from being transmitted, by switching the data output line according to the command,
Open.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, normal data can be transmitted in a simple sequence.

The lens having the above structure is specifically embodied by the following structure.

Preferably, the control means is capable of disconnecting each of the communication lines of the two control means and the determination means for determining the information contained in the command and by which control means should be processed. A switch for the first control means, which has at least two switch means connected to each other and a switch control means for controlling ON / OFF of each of the at least two switch means, and which is judged by the judging means to process the command. The communication line of the control means is connected to the control means, and the communication line of the other control means is opened to the switch control means for the other control means determined not to process the command.

In the above structure, preferably, the mark discriminating means is stored in any one control means.

In the above construction, the discriminating means is stored in the first control means, so that the first control means receives and discriminates the command transmitted from the camera body side. Then, under the control of the switch control means for controlling the switch means of all the control means according to the individual command, only the communication line of the use control means for processing the received command is connected, and the communication line of the non-use control means ( Both the data input line and the data output line or the data output line) are disconnected.

According to the above construction, since only the first control means receives and determines all the commands, it is not necessary to switch the data output port every time permission / prohibition of update or port setting is made. There is no delay in the processing with respect to the update from the body side.

In the above configuration, preferably, the discriminating means is stored in each of the at least two control means, and each of the discriminating means processes the received command by the control means in which the command is stored. The switch means disconnects only the output line of the unused control means under the control of the switch control means.

In the above structure, the discriminating means is stored in each control means, and each control means can discriminate the command. Then, the non-use control means that does not process the command can disconnect only its own data output line and continue the input by the switch means. It is not necessary to switch between the two, and there is no processing delay with respect to the update from the camera body side. In addition, the processing can be performed with a simple sequence without delay in communication from the camera body side.

The present invention also provides an interchangeable lens type camera having the following configuration.

The interchangeable lens type camera comprises a camera body having a drive power source section, and an interchangeable lens mounted on the camera body and driven by receiving a drive voltage from the drive power source section. The interchangeable lens has at least two control means in which communication lines are connected in parallel to the communication terminals on the camera body side, and the first interchangeable lens is provided.
Control means includes state monitoring means for detecting the state of the interchangeable lens, and state setting means for setting the operating state of the other control means. Is detected, the state of the designated other control means is controlled.

According to the above configuration, in the above configuration,
Since the communication line is connected in parallel to the communication terminal on the camera body side, the control means can simultaneously receive signals from the camera body side. Then, in order to prevent the transmission data to the camera body side from colliding with each other in response to the command signal and the correct data cannot be transmitted, the output line of the data is switched according to the command to release the data.

Preferably, the interchangeable lens type camera comprises a camera body having a drive power source section, and an interchangeable lens mounted on the camera body and driven by receiving a drive voltage from the drive power source section. The interchangeable lens includes at least two control means in which communication lines are connected in parallel to the communication terminals on the camera body side,
Each of the control means receives a command transmitted from the camera body side, and opens the data output line according to the command.

According to the above construction, since the communication line is connected in parallel to the communication terminal on the camera body side, the control means can simultaneously receive signals from the camera body side. Then, in order to prevent the transmission data to the camera body side from colliding with each other in response to the command signal and the correct data cannot be transmitted, the output line of the data is switched according to the command to release the data.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, normal data can be transmitted in a simple sequence.

[0038]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An interchangeable lens camera according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a lens interchangeable camera to which an interchangeable lens according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted. In FIG. 1, the interchangeable lens type camera 10 is
Camera body (camera body) 12 and camera body 12
And an interchangeable lens 14 attached to the.

The camera body 12 is provided with a drive power supply unit for supplying a drive voltage to each drive unit, a control unit for executing predetermined arithmetic processing, and the like inside the casing 121, and The lens mounting portion 12 is provided on the front center portion of the 121
2 is formed.

A terminal plate 123 having a plurality of electric contacts to which a driving power source section and a control section are connected is provided on the inner peripheral edge of the lens mounting section 122, and the outer peripheral edge of the lens mounting section 122 is replaced. Camera body 1 with lens 14
A mount lock pin 124 for locking to 2 is provided.

A mount lock releasing pin 125 is provided on the side of the lens mounting portion 122 of the housing 121, and when the mount lock releasing pin 125 is pressed,
The lock state of the mount lock pin 124 is released.
The interchangeable lens type camera 10 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 121.
Main switch 126 for switching the operating state to an inoperable state, a function key 127 for switching various functions, and a mode key 12 for switching various modes.
8. A release button 129 for causing the control unit and the like to perform exposure calculation, focus adjustment, and exposure control, a display unit 130 for displaying the focal length, exposure time, aperture value, and the like are provided.

The interchangeable lens 14 is an AF for moving the taking lens and the taking lens inside the housing 141.
A lens drive unit including a motor is provided, and a control unit and the like driven by a drive voltage supplied from a drive power supply unit inside the camera body 12 are provided. Also,
A terminal plate 142 having a plurality of electric contacts to which a control unit and the like are connected is attached to an end surface of the housing 141 so that the interchangeable lens 14 is connected to each corresponding electric contact of the terminal plate 123 of the camera body 12. Is composed of.

Further, a mount lock groove 143 for locking the interchangeable lens on the camera body by engaging the mount lock pin 124 on the camera body side 12 is formed on the end surface of the housing 141.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing each control configuration on the camera body 12 side. On the camera body 12a side, a DC-DC converter 44 that outputs a direct current, and a DC-D
A battery 42 for driving the C converter 44,
The body microcomputer 40 driven by the drive voltage supplied from the DC-DC converter 44, the protection resistor 46 directly connected to the output side of the DC-DC converter 44, and both ends of the protection resistor 46 which are on / off controlled by the body microcomputer 40. And a motor power switch 48 for controlling the supply of the drive voltage of the motor built in the interchangeable lens 14 which is on / off controlled by the body microcomputer 40.

The DC-DC converter 44 is driven by the battery 42 when the main switch 126 is turned on, and outputs a low drive voltage Vcc that can drive the body microcomputer 20. Further, as will be described later, the circuit is switched by an instruction signal from the body microcomputer 40 according to a request from the first and second lens microcomputers 20 and 30 and the body microcomputer 40 by operating the operation buttons 127, 128 and 129 of the camera body. High drive voltage V
cc is output.

The protection resistor 46 is provided for electrostatic protection and overcurrent protection. That is, when the interchangeable lens is not attached to the camera body 12, since the terminal plate 123 is exposed, the semiconductor element is not destroyed by the static electricity charged when a part of the human body touches the electrical contacts. To do so. Further, when the interchangeable lens 14 whose electric circuit is short-circuited is mounted on the camera body 12, it prevents an excessive current from flowing to the DC-DC converter 44.

The body microcomputer 40 has a CPU 401 for performing a predetermined calculation and control process, a ROM 402 for storing a predetermined process program and data, a RAM 402 for temporarily storing the process data, and a second lens microcomputer 4
A state (mode) changing unit 403 for switching the operation mode 0 and a communication unit 404 for communicating with the first lens microcomputer 20 are provided. The state (mode) changing unit 403 and the communication unit 404 are controlled by the CPU 401.

The CPU 401 is provided with a lens type determination unit 401a for determining the type of interchangeable lens mounted on the camera body 12. Note that the CPU 401
Is provided with other means (not shown) for executing various calculation processes necessary for photographing such as exposure calculation process and calculation process for focus adjustment.

The communication section 404 is arranged so that when the release button 129 is half pressed, the first and second lens microcomputers 2
The CS signal, which is a communication permission signal for permitting communication, the SCK signal, which is a serial carrier clock signal, and the SO signal, which is a command signal, are transmitted to the 0, 30 side, while the first and second lens microcomputers 20 are transmitted. , 30 to receive a DATA signal including an optical data signal relating to the taking lens and other optical data signals obtained by arithmetic processing.

The mode (state) changing unit 403 causes the first lens microcomputer 20 to operate when the lens type determining unit 401a determines the lens type of the interchangeable lens 14 by communication with the first lens microcomputer 20 in the communication unit. A signal for controlling a WAKE signal, which is a signal for switching and setting the processing mode, to be transmitted to the second lens microcomputer 30 is transmitted. This signal is transmitted via the SCK and CS signals. Further, the state (mode) changing unit 403 determines that the motor 38 on the lens side is not used as a result of the lens type determining unit 401a determining the lens type of the interchangeable lens 14 by communication with the first lens microcomputer 20. When the determination is made, a signal for stopping the power supply is transmitted to the motor power switch 48 via the line 84.

When a high level voltage is required, such as when the communication lens 14 is controlled or operated by the second lens microcomputer, the state (mode) changing section is operated by the line 83.
The short circuit 47 is controlled via the switch so that the switch is turned on. At this time, the short circuit 47 becomes conductive and both ends of the protection resistor 46 are short-circuited, so that the high drive voltage Vcc is supplied to the interchangeable lens side.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a control configuration on the lens 14 side. On the interchangeable lens 14 side, in order to generate the first lens microcomputer 20 and the second lens microcomputer 30 driven by the drive voltage supplied from the DC-DC converter 44, and a basic clock signal for driving this lens microcomputer. Oscillator circuit 34 and DC-DC converter 44
The first and second voltage detectors 2 for judging whether or not the driving voltage (Vcc) supplied from the device is higher than a predetermined reference value.
2, 32, a power supply switch 24 which is on / off controlled by the first lens microcomputer 20 to switch power supply to the second lens microcomputer 30, a driver 36 driven by the second lens microcomputer to drive the motor 38, a focus lens or And a motor 38 for driving the zoom lens. The first lens microcomputer is a 4-bit microcomputer, and mainly controls communication between the camera body side and the lens side. On the other hand, the second lens microcomputer controls higher-level processing than the first lens microcomputer, such as camera shake correction in addition to AF control and AE control based on the distance measurement signal and the photometry signal. In FIG. 3, the oscillator circuit sends the basic clock signal only to the second lens microcomputer. However, as will be described later, only the second lens microcomputer actively divides the system clock. The system clock is also transmitted to the first lens microcomputer.

The first lens microcomputer 20 includes a CPU 201 (first CPU) for performing predetermined calculation and control processing, and a ROM 20 in which predetermined processing programs and data are stored.
2, a RAM 203 for temporarily storing processing data,
A communication unit 204 for communicating with the body microcomputer 40 is provided. The communication unit 204 is controlled by the CPU 201. Further, the ROM 202 stores optical data regarding shooting and lens type data indicating a lens type.

The CPU 201 includes a data processing unit 201.
a, a signal determination unit 201b, a voltage determination unit 201c, a state setting unit 201d, a command determination unit 201e, and a mode change unit 201f are provided. The data processing unit 201a
The optical data of the lens and the type data of the lens are mainly processed in the communication between the lens and the body. The command determination unit 201e determines the type and sequence of each signal of CS, SCK, and Vcc communicated from the body microcomputer. The voltage determination unit 201c determines whether the voltage detected by the voltage detector 22 is within a predetermined range. The state setting unit 201d changes the operating state (operating mode) of the first lens microcomputer to any one of a standby state, an operating state, and a stopped state according to the drive voltage Vcc determined by the voltage determining unit 201c. To do. The stopped state is the first lens microcomputer when the battery is exhausted to such an extent that a voltage that can normally drive the first lens microcomputer 20 cannot be output or when the main switch 126 on the body 12 side is turned off. The drive of 20 is completely stopped. Further, the standby state is to suppress useless battery consumption by setting the first lens microcomputer 20 in the standby state when the camera body 12 is in the standby state.
The operating state is a state in which the first lens microcomputer 20 is driven.

The signal judging section 201b is provided in the body microcomputer 4
The SO (command) signal sent from 0 determines which lens microcomputer has a function-related signal. Predetermined functions are assigned to the first and second lens microcomputers so as to control or calculate the functions they are in charge of. The SO (command) signal sent from the body microcomputer 40 indicates which lens microcomputer at the beginning. Is a command to process. The signal determination unit 201b determines the lens microcomputer that should function based on this information.

The mode changing unit 201f changes the operation mode of the second lens microcomputer 30 based on the result of the signal determination transmitted from the body microcomputer 40. The operating state (operating mode) of the second lens microcomputer 30 is a standby state, an operating state, or a stopped state, and is performed by controlling the supply of the WAKE signal and voltage from the first lens microcomputer, as will be described later. That is, the mode changing unit 201
f is the transmission of the WAKE signal and the second lens microcomputer 30 based on the result of the signal determination from the body microcomputer 40.
ON / OFF control of the power supply switch 24 is performed via a line 81 for controlling power supply to the power supply. Further, the mode changing unit 201f transmits a signal for switching the processing speed mode of the second lens microcomputer 30 according to the result of the signal determination. This change is executed by changing the system clock frequency by the processing speed setting unit 305 of the second lens microcomputer, as will be described later.

The communication unit 204 receives the CS signal, the SCK signal and the SO signal transmitted from the communication unit 404 of the body microcomputer 40, while receiving R from the body microcomputer 40.
The optical data relating to the taking lens stored in the OM 202 and the optical data obtained by the arithmetic processing in the data processing unit 201a are used as DATA signals in the body microcomputer 40.
Send to.

The second lens microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 301 (second CPU) for performing predetermined calculation and control processing, and a ROM 30 in which predetermined processing programs and data are stored.
2, a RAM 303 for temporarily storing processing data,
A communication unit 304 for communicating with the body microcomputer 40,
A processing speed setting unit 305 for switching and setting the processing speed mode of the second lens microcomputer 30 and a reset detection unit 306 for detecting whether or not the CPU 301 has been reset are provided. The communication unit 304 and the processing speed setting unit 305 are controlled by the CPU 301. Further, the ROM 302 stores optical data relating to shooting and basic data for performing functions possessed by the second lens microcomputer such as AF control, AE control, and camera shake correction.

The CPU 301 includes a data processing unit 301.
a, a state setting unit 301b, a command determination unit 301c, and a motor control unit 301d are provided. Data processing unit 2
01a is the first lens microcomputer 20 and the body microcomputer 4
In communication with 0, the optical data of the lens, the data regarding the position of the zoom lens or the focus lens, and the data regarding photographing such as the value of the aperture are processed. The command determination unit 301c determines the type and sequence of each signal of CS, SCK, and Vcc communicated from the body microcomputer.

The state setting unit 301b receives the WAKE signal from the first lens microcomputer and the drive voltage Vcc in accordance with the second voltage.
Standby state of lens microcomputer operating state (operating mode),
The setting is changed to either the operating state or the stopped state. The stopped state means, for example, that the type of the body wearing this lens is old and the second lens microcomputer 30
Since the second lens microcomputer 30 is not used at all, or when the main switch 126 on the body 12 side is turned off, the driving of the second lens microcomputer 30 is completely stopped. It is something to do. Further, the standby state means that the second lens microcomputer 30 is set to the standby state when the camera body 12 is in the standby state, or the operation button on the camera body side is selected, for example, when the image is taken in the manual focus mode. The function of the lens microcomputer is temporarily put in a standby state to suppress wasteful battery consumption. The operating state is a state in which the second lens microcomputer 30 is driven.

The motor control section 301d includes a data processing section 3
This is for controlling the driver 36 according to the result of the arithmetic processing performed by 01a, for example, for controlling the driving of a motor such as a zoom lens or a focus lens.

The communication unit 304 receives the CS signal, the SCK signal and the SO signal transmitted from the communication unit 404 of the body microcomputer 40, while the optical data concerning the photographing lens stored in the ROM 302 for the body microcomputer 40 and The optical data obtained by the arithmetic processing in the data processing unit 301a is used as a DATA signal in the body microcomputer 4
Send to 0.

The processing speed setting unit 305 divides the basic clock signal output from the oscillation circuit 34 by the frequency dividing circuit 30.
5a, a system clock generation unit 305b that receives a signal from the oscillation circuit 34 or the frequency division circuit 305a and generates a clock signal for the second lens microcomputer 30, and a system clock generation unit 305b on the oscillation circuit 34 side or the frequency division circuit 305a. And a switch unit 305c including an electronic switch circuit for switching to the side. The data processing unit 301a of the second lens microcomputer 30 receives the instruction signal from the mode changing unit 201f of the first lens microcomputer 20, and the data processing unit 301a of the second lens microcomputer 30 processes the switch unit 305c of the processing speed setting unit 305 to switch the clock frequency. , The second lens microcomputer 30 is set to the high speed processing mode, while the switch means 305c is switched to lower the clock frequency to set the second lens microcomputer 30 to the low speed processing mode.

According to this processing speed setting unit 305, the system clock generating unit 305 is operated by the switch means 305c.
When b is directly connected to the oscillation circuit 34, the system clock generation unit 305b generates a high-frequency clock signal to set the second lens microcomputer 30 to the high-speed processing mode, while the switch means 305c switches the system clock. When the generation unit 305b is connected to the frequency dividing circuit 305a, the system clock generation unit 305b generates a low-frequency clock signal, and the second lens microcomputer 30 is set to the low-speed processing mode.

The reset detector 306 detects that the voltage supplied to the second lens microcomputer has dropped below a predetermined value. That is, this is for detecting that the power supply switch 24 is turned off to reset the second lens microcomputer and the supply of the drive voltage Vcc to the second lens microcomputer 30 is stopped. When the reset detector 306 operates, the second lens microcomputer 30 stops operating. When the second lens microcomputer is reset, the switch means 305c is connected to the frequency dividing circuit 305a. Therefore, at the time of restart, the second lens microcomputer starts operation in the low speed processing mode.

Next, the process of communication between the body microcomputer 40 and the lens side microcomputer will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, communication between the body 12 and the lens 14 is performed by the body microcomputer 40.
The SO (command) signal, SCK signal, and CS signal are output from the communication unit 404 of the
The signals are input to the communication units 204 and 304 of the first and second lens microcomputers connected in parallel. The first and second lens microcomputers 20 and 3 receiving the above signals
0 performs command processing independently. Regarding the output of the data corresponding to the commands received by the first and second lens microcomputers 20 and 30, respectively, the first lens microcomputer 20 and the second lens microcomputer 30 are determined by the signal determination unit 201b of the CPU 201 of the first lens microcomputer 20. Can be appropriately switched between. That is, when the signal determination unit 201b of the first lens microcomputer 20 determines that the command is for a function owned by the first lens microcomputer 20, the second switch means 28 is controlled via the line 82 to control the second lens microcomputer 20. 30 communication units 30
Disconnect communication line 4 (data output line and data input line). On the other hand, when it is determined that the command is for the function owned by the second lens microcomputer 30,
The first switch means 26 is controlled via the line 81 to
The data output line of the communication unit 204 of the lens microcomputer 20 is cut off.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the control operation for the communication between the body and the lens. First, each lens microcomputer determines whether or not the CS signal is at the L level at predetermined time intervals (step 11). When the CS signal is at H level, each lens microcomputer is not allowed to communicate. If the CS signal is at the L level, communication is permitted for each lens microcomputer, and preparations are made for communication (step 12). In the initial state, only the first lens microcomputer 20 is in the data output permitting state, and the communication line of the second lens microcomputer is cut off by the second switch means 28. When the communication preparation is completed, each lens microcomputer starts communication (step 13). After starting the communication, each lens microcomputer determines whether the command sent from the body microcomputer 40 is received, and waits until the command is received (step 1
4).

When the command is received, the determination process is performed by the signal determination unit 201b of the first lens microcomputer 20 (step 15). FIG. 5 shows a flowchart for explaining the control operation for command determination. As a premise of the command determination process, it is necessary that a command has been received (step 151). If the command has been received, a first determination is made (step 152). In the first determination, it is determined whether or not the communication from the body microcomputer 40 is a communication related to the function of the first lens microcomputer. When the communication from the body microcomputer 40 is related to the function of the first lens microcomputer, only the first lens microcomputer 20 is in the data output permission state in the initial state, so the first lens microcomputer 20 outputs the data as it is. Data set is performed (step 156).

If it is judged by the first judgment that the communication from the body microcomputer 40 is not the communication concerning the function owned by the first lens microcomputer, the first lens microcomputer 20
Switches the first switch means 26 via the line 81 to disconnect the data output line of the first lens microcomputer (step 153).

Next, the signal determination section 201b of the first lens microcomputer 20 makes a second determination (step 15).
4). The second determination is whether or not the communication from the body microcomputer 40 is a communication related to the function of the second lens microcomputer. When the communication from the body microcomputer 40 is the communication relating to the function of the second lens microcomputer, the first lens microcomputer 20 switches the second switch means 28 via the line 82 to open the output data line of the first lens microcomputer. After that, the second lens microcomputer 20 sets output data (step 156).

When it is judged by the second judgment that the communication from the body microcomputer 40 is not the communication concerning the function possessed by the second lens microcomputer, the second body microcomputer ignores the received command and does not process it. Even if the second lens microcomputer processes the command received, even if the second lens microcomputer 30 processes the data, the communication line of the second lens microcomputer is already opened in the initial state. The signal is not transmitted to the microcomputer 40 (step 155).

Note that steps 154 and 155 can be omitted if there are only two lens microcomputers as in the present embodiment. In this case, step 1
When it is determined in 52 that the function is not owned by the first lens microcomputer, the output line of the first lens microcomputer 20 is disconnected in step 153, and at the same time, the data communication line of the second lens microcomputer 30 is unconditionally connected. May be processed as follows.

The lens microcomputer that has performed the determination process and that has been determined to be the command for the function owned by the received command continues to transmit and receive data (step 17) and process the data (step 18). When data reception is completed, output data set is performed (step 19). This transmission / reception of command data is repeated until the CS signal becomes H level (step 20). When the CS signal becomes H level, the data communication of the lens microcomputer is prohibited and the communication ends (step 21).

The lens microcomputer that has performed the determination process and determined that the received command is not the command for the function owned by the lens microcomputer continues to only receive data because the data output line (communication line) is disconnected. Step 22). The command data received at this time is
It is ignored in the lens microcomputer and no processing is performed.
Then, this command data is received until the CS signal becomes H level (step 23), and when the CS signal becomes H level, the data communication of the lens microcomputer is prohibited and the communication ends (step 21).

Next, the command communication between the body lenses will be described in detail with respect to the case where a command for the function owned by the second lens microcomputer is transmitted from the body microcomputer 40. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a sequence when the communication regarding the function owned by the second lens microcomputer is performed. First, at T1, the CS signal changes from H level to L level. As a result, the first and second lens microcomputers respectively detect this and start preparations for communication. Next S at T2
When the CK signal is generated, the type determination and connection confirmation of the camera body side and the lens side are performed. At this time, the communication line of the second lens microcomputer 30 is cut off as described above, the HZ state (high impedance) is indicated by the reference numeral 71, and the data output line of the second lens microcomputer is opened. Therefore, the second lens microcomputer receives the data but does not perform any processing.

The signal transmitted from the body microcomputer during the period from T2 to T3 and T4 to T5 causes the first
The lens microcomputer processes the data and sets the data for the next communication. The signals transmitted between T6 and T7 include:
It includes information (mode signal) which lens microcomputer should process the subsequently transmitted command signal. This information is received by each lens microcomputer, but the first lens microcomputer makes a judgment about this information. The first lens microcomputer determines that the command is for a function owned by the second lens microcomputer, and the next SC
The first and second switch means 26 and 28 are switched until the K signal is transmitted (T9). As a result, the data output line of the first lens microcomputer is disconnected, the HZ state is established as indicated by reference numeral 72, and the communication line of the second lens microcomputer is connected. Hereinafter, the first lens microcomputer receives data but does not perform any processing.

After T9, the data 70 regarding the function owned by the second lens microcomputer is transmitted from the body microcomputer. The second lens microcomputer that receives this processes the data transmitted at each clock, sets the data for the next communication, and transmits the data regarding the owned function to the body microcomputer. At T14, when the communication is completed, the CS signal changes to the H level, and the communication of each lens microcomputer is prohibited.

Next, the state transition control of the lens microcomputer will be described. As described above, the first lens microcomputer 20
Is the drive voltage Vcc detected by the voltage detector 22.
The state changes depending on the value of. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the DC-DC converter 44 is operated by the voltage detector 22.
The state transitions depending on whether the drive voltage Vcc supplied from is higher or lower than the first reference value V1 and higher or lower than the second reference value V2. Each reference value V
Although 1 and V2 can be set to arbitrary values, the value of V1 must be at least such that the first lens microcomputer can be normally driven.

If it is determined that the drive voltage Vcc is lower than the first reference value V1, the state setting unit 201d of the first lens microcomputer puts the data processing unit 201a into a stopped state, and thus predetermined arithmetic processing cannot be executed. To be done. When it is determined that the drive voltage Vcc is between the first reference value V1 and the second reference value V2, the state setting unit 201d of the first lens microcomputer causes the data processing unit 201 to operate.
a becomes a standby state. Furthermore, when it is determined that the drive voltage Vcc is higher than the second reference value V2, the state setting unit 201d of the first lens microcomputer causes the data processing unit 201a.
To the operating state.

On the other hand, as described above, the second lens microcomputer changes its state by the supply of the WAKE signal and the drive voltage Vcc from the first lens microcomputer. Therefore, when the state of the second lens microcomputer changes,
The lens microcomputer needs to be in a driving state, and is required to be in the same or higher operating state than the operating state of the second lens microcomputer. For example, when the second lens microcomputer is in the operating state, the first lens microcomputer
It is never in a stopped or standby state.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing a sequence for supplying power to the second lens microcomputer. This is a sequence performed when the second lens microcomputer in the stopped state is brought into the operating state, for example, when the interchangeable lens 14 is attached to the body 12. As a premise, the first lens microcomputer is required to be in an operating state. When the first lens microcomputer is not in the operating state, the drive voltage Vcc is made higher than V2 by the control of the body microcomputer.

First, when the lens is mounted on the body, a lens lock switch (not shown) is activated. T in this state
1, when the main switch 126 is turned on,
A lens mounting signal is output and DC-D of the camera body 12
The drive voltage Vcc is supplied from the C converter 44 to the lens 14. At the same time, the first lens microcomputer 20 is driven to disconnect the first switch 24 via the line 81 so that the drive voltage Vcc is not supplied to the second microcomputer. At T2 to T3 and T4 to T5, the CS signal becomes L level and at the same time, the SCK signal is transmitted from the body, and the body 12 and the lens 14 communicate with each other. Specifically, optical data and lens type data are transmitted from the first lens microcomputer 20 to the body microcomputer 40 side. The body microcomputer 40 that has received these pieces of information determines what kind of interchangeable lens is mounted in the lens type determination unit 401a, and whether the body 12 itself has the control function of the second lens microcomputer. Check.
In the communication up to T5, when it is determined that the body 12 can control the second lens microcomputer, after a predetermined process, the body microcomputer 40 turns on the motor power switch via the line 84 to drive the motor drive voltage. V
pp is supplied to the lens 14 side.

After that, the SCK signal rises to the H level at T7 and falls to the L level at T9. On the other hand, the CS signal falls to the L level at T8 during the period when the SCK signal is at the H level, and rises to the H level at T10 after the SCK signal becomes the L level. When the motor drive voltage Vpp is supplied and the SCK signal is at the H level at the moment when the CS signal falls at T7, the first lens microcomputer 20 that has discriminated that is in a state of driving the second lens microcomputer. It is designed to perform transition processing.

According to this sequence, the first lens microcomputer 20 performs a state transition process to bring the second lens microcomputer into the driving state, turns on the power supply switch 24 via the line 81 at T11, and drives the second lens microcomputer 30 with the driving voltage. After supplying Vcc, the WAKE signal is transmitted to the second lens microcomputer at T12. The second lens microcomputer 30 receives this and performs processing, and at T13, transmits a MODE signal to the first lens microcomputer to notify that the driving is completed. The MODE signal is transmitted from the second lens microcomputer to the first lens microcomputer, and when the second lens microcomputer is in the operating state, the H level signal is continuously transmitted to the first lens microcomputer.

Then, the second lens microcomputer which has been driven is the body microcomputer 40 as described in FIG.
It is ready to communicate with. This period T14
When the CS signal becomes L level and communication is permitted at the same time, and the SCK signal becomes H level at the same time, commands are transmitted / received, and optical data processed by the second lens microcomputer 2 and the state of the lens The data is transmitted to the body microcomputer 40, and the lens microcomputer discriminated by the signal discriminating unit 201b carries out a command processing calculation.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a sequence for stopping the power supply to the second lens microcomputer when the second lens microcomputer in the standby state is stopped, for example. First, the DC of the lens microcomputer 40
The drive voltage Vcc from the DC converter 44 falls below a predetermined value, and the supply of the drive voltage Vpp to the motor 38 is stopped. The voltage detector 22 detects this, the power supply switch 24 is turned off via the line 81, and the supply of the drive voltage Vcc to the second lens microcomputer is stopped. At the same time, a WAKE signal is output from the first lens microcomputer 20 to the second lens microcomputer, and a stop signal is transmitted to the second lens microcomputer. The second lens microcomputer in which the supply of driving power is stopped is the reset detection unit 3
It is reset and stopped by 06.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing a sequence of stopping the power supply to the second lens microcomputer when the second lens microcomputer in the operating state is stopped, for example. First, by operating the operation buttons 126 to 129 of the body 12, the body microcomputer 40 turns off the motor power switch 48 via the line 84 at T1. The supply of the motor drive voltage Vpp from the body microcomputer 40 is stopped. After that, the "SCK" signal rises to the H level at T2, and
At 4, it falls to the L level. On the other hand, the CS signal is
At the time T3 during which the SCK signal is at the H level, it falls and becomes the L level, and at T5 after the SCK signal becomes the L level, it rises and becomes the H level. C
At the moment when the S signal falls at T3, the supply of the motor drive voltage Vpp is stopped and the SCK signal is at the H level, and the first lens microcomputer 20 that has determined that stops the second lens microcomputer. The state transition processing is performed.

According to this sequence, the first lens microcomputer 20 performs a state transition process for bringing the second lens microcomputer 20 into the stopped state, turns off the power supply switch via the line 81 at T6, and drives the second lens microcomputer 30 with a driving voltage. When the supply of Vcc is stopped and the WAKE signal is set to the second
Send to lens microcomputer. The second lens microcomputer 30 receives this and performs processing. At T7, the MODE signal to the first lens microcomputer falls to the L level and shifts to the stopped state.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing a sequence when, for example, the second lens microcomputer in the operating state is transited to the standby state. Body operation buttons 1
By the operations from 26 to 128, the body microcomputer 40
For the first lens microcomputer, the SCK signal is set to the H level at T1, and the standby (STB
Y) Send the command. The first lens microcomputer that has received the standby command continues to receive the H-level MODE signal from the second lens microcomputer, and since it is not ready for standby yet, it returns a No signal to the lens microcomputer 40. And at T3,
WAK that shifts to the standby state for the second lens microcomputer
Send E signal. At T4 again, the STBY command is transmitted from the body microcomputer 40 to the first lens microcomputer 40, and a No signal is returned to the lens microcomputer 40. Next, at T6, a MODE signal of L level is transmitted from the second lens microcomputer to the first lens microcomputer 20, and the first lens microcomputer receives this,
It is determined that the second lens microcomputer is ready for standby.

At T7, the first lens microcomputer which has received the STBY signal transmitted from the body microcomputer 40 has the second lens microcomputer ready for standby.
A YES signal is returned to the body microcomputer 40.
In response to this, the body microcomputer 40 turns off the motor power switch at T9, stops the supply of the motor drive voltage Vpp, and completes the standby state transition of the second lens microcomputer. When the second lens microcomputer is on standby, the drive voltage Vcc supply to the second lens microcomputer is not stopped in consideration of future driving of the second lens microcomputer.

When the first lens microcomputer transits to the standby state after the second lens microcomputer enters the standby state,
The first lens microcomputer transmits a signal to that effect to the body microcomputer 40. Upon receiving the signal, the body microcomputer 40 controls the drive voltage supplied from the DC-DC converter 44 to the first lens microcomputer so as to be a value between V1 and V2 by switching the circuit, and receives the signal. Then, the first lens microcomputer shifts to the standby state. After that, at T10, the SCK signal rises to the H level, and the body microcomputer transits to the standby state.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing a sequence for transitioning the second lens microcomputer in the standby state to the operating state. In FIG. 12, the case where the body microcomputer and the first lens microcomputer are also in the standby state and transits to the operating state will be described. First, by operating the operation buttons 126 to 128, at T1, the SCK signal falls from the H level to the L level. By this sequence, the body microcomputer 40 is brought into an operating state, and at the same time, the switch 48 is turned on to start supplying the motor drive voltage Vpp. Next, at T2, the CS signal falls to L level. This sequence is determined to activate the first lens microcomputer,
The first lens microcomputer transits to the operating state. The first lens microcomputer in the operating state transmits an H-level WAKE signal to the second lens microcomputer at T4, and the second lens microcomputer receiving this signal becomes the operating state, and
In 5, the first lens microcomputer has an H-level MODE
It sends a signal to notify that it is in the operating state. T5
After that, the command communication is performed as shown in FIG. 6. For example, at T6 and T7, the CS signal falls to the L level and the communication between the body microcomputer and the first and second lens microcomputers is permitted. At the same time, the SCK signal rises to H level and command communication is performed.

FIG. 13 is a view showing the control arrangement of the interchangeable lens according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The interchangeable lens 14b according to the present embodiment has the same basic configuration as the interchangeable lens according to the first embodiment, but is different in that the CPU 601 of the second lens microcomputer 60 has the signal determination unit 601e independently.

As described above, at the beginning of the command transmitted from the body microcomputer 40, information on which microcomputer should be processed is stored, and the first lens microcomputer 50 and the second lens microcomputer 60 which have received this information. Each of the signal determining units 501b and 601e determines whether the received command is to be processed by which lens microcomputer, that is, the command to be processed by its own lens microcomputer.

When it is determined that the received command should not be processed by the lens microcomputer of its own, the first and second lens microcomputers 50 and 60 pass through lines 85 and 86, respectively. First switch means 5
6. The second switch means 58 is turned off to disconnect the data output line. On the other hand, when it is determined that the received command is to be processed by the lens microcomputer of its own, the first and second lens microcomputers 50 and 60 respectively receive the first switch via lines 85 and 86. The means 56 and the second switch means 58 are turned on to connect the data output lines.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the control operation for command determination in the interchangeable lens according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Also in this embodiment, the communication between the body and the lens is performed by the command communication according to the sequence shown in FIG. 4, and the only difference is that the determination process in step 15 of FIG. 4 is changed. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining this step in detail.

First, until the command is transmitted from the body microcomputer 40, the first and second lens microcomputers 50,
When the body microcomputer 40 sends a command, the communication unit 504, 6 of the first and second lens microcomputers 60, 60 determines whether the command has been received at predetermined intervals (step 31).
04 respectively receives this command. Regarding the received command, the signal determination unit 501 of each lens microcomputer
b and 601e determine which microcomputer is the command relating to the function possessed (step 3).
2).

If each lens microcomputer determines that the command is a command relating to its own function, data output is permitted (step 33), and if it is determined not to be a command relating to its own function, The data output line is cut off to prohibit data output (step 34).

The switching of the switch means 56 and 58 via the lines 85 and 86 is performed in advance by allocating the functions possessed by the lens microcomputer so that both are connected and the processing that enables data output is not performed. Need to be kept. So, for example, in the initial state,
The data output line of the first lens microcomputer 50 may be connected, the data output line of the second lens microcomputer 60 may be disconnected, and the data output line may be appropriately switched according to the received command. preferable.

As described above, in the lens interchangeable camera according to the present embodiment, the first lens microcomputer and the second lens microcomputer are connected in parallel with the communication line of the body microcomputer, and the first lens microcomputer is used to By monitoring the status of the 2-lens microcomputer and controlling the driving voltage supply, status transition, and command switching of the second lens microcomputer, the functions possessed by the respective lens microcomputers can be allocated. It is possible to switch the functions exhibited by the entire lens by driving only the first lens microcomputer or freely switching all the lens microcomputers. Therefore, the power consumption in the interchangeable lens can be suppressed to a low level, and the basic photographing function can be operated even when the interchangeable lens is mounted on the conventional body.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be implemented in various other modes.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an interchangeable lens camera to which an interchangeable lens according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a control configuration of an interchangeable lens type camera to which an interchangeable lens according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a control configuration of the interchangeable lens according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control operation for body-lens communication.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a control operation for command determination.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a sequence when communication regarding a function owned by the second lens microcomputer is performed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relationship between a driving voltage value of a first lens microcomputer and an operating state.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing a sequence when power is supplied to the second lens microcomputer.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a sequence for stopping the power supply to the second lens microcomputer.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing another sequence when the power supply to the second lens microcomputer is stopped.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing a sequence when the microcomputer of the interchangeable lens is put in a standby state.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing a sequence when the microcomputer of the interchangeable lens in a standby state is brought into an operating state.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a control configuration of an interchangeable lens according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a control operation for command determination in the interchangeable lens of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 interchangeable lens camera 12 camera body 14 Interchangeable lens 20 First lens microcomputer 22 First voltage detector 24 power supply switch 26 First Switch Means 28 Second switch means 30 Second lens microcomputer 32 Second voltage detector 34 Oscillation circuit 36 driver 38 motor 40 body microcomputer 42 battery 44 DC-DC converter 46 short circuit 48 motor power switch

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Junji Takahata             2-3-3 Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture             Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hironori Kamishita             2-3-3 Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture             Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H044 AE07                 2H051 AA06 EC04 EC09 EC10 GB09                 2H101 EE08 EE21

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An interchangeable lens which is driven by being supplied with a drive voltage from a camera body side, wherein a communication line is connected in parallel to a communication terminal on the camera body side and at least two processing functions are separated. And a state setting unit configured to set an operating state of the other control unit, wherein the state setting unit has a control unit. An interchangeable lens, characterized in that, when the status monitoring means detects a predetermined condition, the status of the designated other control means is controlled. 2. The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, wherein the state setting unit sets a drive voltage for the other designated control unit. 3. The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, wherein the state setting unit controls the state transition of the other designated control unit. 4. The state transition control includes the at least 2
One of the control means is changed from an operating state to a standby state, and the other designated control means has a notification means for notifying the first control means that the state has been changed. 4. The first control means transitions to a standby state after receiving information from the notification means to the effect that a state transition has been made with respect to the other designated control means. interchangeable lens. 5. The state transition control is for transiting from a standby state to an operating state, and the other designated control means operates after the first control means has entered the operating state. The interchangeable lens according to claim 3, wherein the interchangeable lens is transited to a state. 6. An interchangeable lens which is driven by being supplied with a drive voltage from the camera body side, wherein a communication line is connected in parallel to a communication terminal on the camera body side and at least two processing functions are separated. An interchangeable lens comprising two control means, each control means receiving a command transmitted from the camera body side, and opening a communication line in response to the command. 7. The control means is capable of disconnecting each of the communication lines of the two control means and a determination means for determining which information is included in the command and which control means should be processed. A switch control unit for at least two switch units connected to each other, and a switch control unit for controlling ON / OFF of each of the at least two switch units, the switch control unit for the use control unit determined to process the command 7. The communication line of the control means is connected to the switch control means for the unused control means which is determined not to process the command, and the communication line of the unused control means is opened. Interchangeable lens described. 8. The interchangeable lens according to claim 7, wherein the discriminating means is stored in any one control means. 9. The discriminating means is stored in each of the at least two control means, and whether each of the discriminating means should process the received command by the control means in which the command is stored. 8. The interchangeable lens according to claim 7, wherein the switch means cuts only the output line of the unused control means under the control of the switch control means. 10. A camera body having a drive power source section,
A lens-interchangeable camera that is mounted on the camera body and is driven by receiving a drive voltage from the drive power supply unit, wherein the interchangeable lens communicates in parallel with a communication terminal on the camera body side. It has at least two control means to which a line is connected, the first control means is a state monitoring means for detecting the state of the interchangeable lens, and a state setting means for setting the operating states of the other control means. The lens interchangeable camera, wherein the state setting means controls the state of the designated other control means when the state monitoring means detects a predetermined condition. 11. A camera body having a drive power source section,
A lens-interchangeable camera that is mounted on the camera body and is driven by receiving a drive voltage from the drive power supply unit, wherein the interchangeable lens communicates in parallel with a communication terminal on the camera body side. It has at least two control means to which lines are connected, and each control means receives a command transmitted from the camera body side, and opens the data output line in response to the command. Interchangeable lens camera.