JP2008233192A - Interchangeable lens and camera system having memory - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interchangeable lens and a camera system capable of enlarging an information volume without impairing high speed reading of a focal distance corresponding data of conventional lenses even when enlargement of zoom magnification and additional request of lens information arise. <P>SOLUTION: The interchangeable lens having a communication means communicating lens information with a camera body detachably mounted includes a memory storing lens data read by the camera body through the communication means. A memory region of the memory includes a page management part for writing quick reading data used in high speed control in a page unit out of the lens data changed in a focal distance, and a common management part for writing data not used in the high speed control as common data out of data changed by the focal distance and data not changed by the focal distance. The page management part sets a page from a first address of the memory region. The common management part is arranged after the page management part of the memory region and writes data from a final address of the memory region. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an interchangeable lens and a camera system that are detachably attached to a camera body, have a memory, and have a memory from which data written in the memory is read by communication with the camera body.

In a single-lens reflex camera that is a conventional camera system with interchangeable lenses, the camera body and interchangeable lenses are used in various combinations. In this case, the camera body reads lens information from the lens memory and uses it for shooting control. For example, in a zoom lens, since it is necessary to change lens information due to a change in focal length due to zooming, the lens information is written in a memory by a page memory method for each focal length range (Patent Documents 1 and 2). Then, if the focal length fluctuates due to zooming, the page corresponding to the fluctuating focal length is detected and addressed by the zoom code output device, and the camera body side is addressed without worrying about fluctuation of the focal length The lens memory page information was read.
JP-A-11-223865 JP-A-11-231398

  This conventional page memory method eliminates the need for memory address management and does not need to specify addresses on the camera body side, so it can be read at high speed. I had to write.

  Digital cameras, on the other hand, are required to have higher performance in AF, exposure, etc. with higher functionality such as an increase in the number of pixels, an increased zoom magnification, and an expanded shooting distance range. It was. Therefore, in a camera system in which lenses can be exchanged, more detailed lens information is required to cope with these various functions and performance, and a large-capacity memory needs to be mounted in the interchangeable lens.

  The present invention has been made on the basis of such a problem of the prior art, and impairs the high-speed reading of the focal length correspondence data of the conventional lens communication even when a zoom magnification enlargement or a request for adding lens information occurs. It is an object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable lens and a camera system capable of expanding the information amount without any problem.

  The present invention for solving this problem is an interchangeable lens provided with a communication unit that communicates lens information with a camera body that is detachably mounted, and stores lens data, and the lens data is stored in the communication unit. A memory that is read into the camera body through the memory, and the memory area of the memory includes a page management unit in which fast-reading data used for high-speed control is written in units of pages among lens data that changes with a focal length, and a focus A common management unit in which data not used for the high-speed control among data that does not change with distance and data that changes with focal length is written as common data, and the page management unit has an initial address of the memory area And the common management unit is arranged after the page management unit in the memory area, and the memory area Characterized in that it comprises a memory having a memory, wherein the data from the final address is written.

  In a preferred embodiment, an assembly date and memory version information are written in the common management unit from the final address.

In an embodiment according to another aspect, additional common data is written in the common management unit, and index data for designating an address of the additional common data is sequentially written in the common management unit from the last address. The index data that designates the address of the additional common data is preferably the number of additional common data bytes and the additional common data start address.
Actually, the additional common data is an assembly date and memory version information.

In still another embodiment, additional zoom data different for each focal length is written in the common management unit, and index data for specifying an address of the additional zoom data is written in the common management unit in order from the last address.
It is preferable that the index data specifying the address of the additional zoom data is the additional zoom data head address and the number of additional zoom data bytes.
As the additional zoom data, it is preferable that the moving amount of the focus plane per one pulse of the AF pulse (Δ focus plane / AF pulse) is set and written for each of a plurality of shooting distance ranges.

  Actually, the zoom function, zoom code detecting means for detecting the current zoom code by converting the focal length fluctuating by zooming into a predetermined zoom range and detecting the current zoom code, and the photographing distance fluctuating by the focus adjustment within the predetermined photographing distance range Distance code detecting means for detecting a current distance code by converting each distance code, and the memory includes speed code data corresponding to each of the zoom code and the distance code. The page of the memory means corresponding to the code detected by the code detection means and the distance code detection means is designated, and the speed reading data written on the page is communicated to the camera body.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interchangeable lens provided with a communication means for communicating lens information, a communication means for detachably mounting the interchangeable lens, and communicating the lens information with the communication means of the mounted interchangeable lens. The interchangeable lens includes a memory in which lens data is stored and the lens data is read into the camera body via the communication unit, and the memory area of the memory includes: Of the lens data that changes with the focal length, the page management unit where the speed reading data used for high speed control is written in units of pages, and the data that does not change with the focal length and the data that changes with the focal length, used for the high speed control A common management unit in which data that is not to be written is written as common data, and the page management unit includes a first portion of the memory area. A page is set from the address, the common management unit is arranged after the page management unit of the memory area, and data is written from the last address of the memory area, and the data is designated by specifying the address. It is characterized by communicating with the camera body.

  According to the interchangeable lens of the present invention, it is possible to easily increase the amount of information without impairing the high-speed reading corresponding to the focal length of the conventional lens communication, even if a zoom magnification enlargement or a request for adding lens information occurs. In addition, even if the amount of information is expanded, the amount of additional memory can be reduced, and the data in the common management unit can be correctly referred to by referring to the index for specifying the highest address, regardless of the amount of additional memory.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main part of a single-lens reflex camera system to which the present invention is applied.

  The camera body 10 includes a camera CPU 11 that comprehensively controls the entire camera, a camera peripheral circuit 13 that performs an auxiliary operation while communicating with the camera CPU 11, and a battery 15 that supplies power to these circuits and the attached interchangeable lens 50. It has.

  On the other hand, the interchangeable lens 50 includes a lens CPU 51 that controls the function of the interchangeable lens 50, a lens peripheral circuit 53 that drives a mounted AF motor or the like under the control of the lens CPU 51, and a nonvolatile lens memory that stores lens information. And a lens interface IC (gate array) 57 as a logic IC that relays communication between the camera CPU 11 and the lens CPU 51 and the EEPROM 55. The lens CPU 51 and other electronic circuits and electronic components mounted on the interchangeable lens 50 are operated by the power supplied from the camera peripheral circuit 13. In this embodiment, the SPI method is adopted as the communication method of the EEPROM 55.

  The camera body 10 has a basic camera function such as a phase difference AF sensor unit, an AF motor and an image sensor, and a digital camera function, as in a conventional single-lens reflex camera. On the other hand, the interchangeable lens 50 includes a zoom optical system, a diaphragm mechanism, a focus adjustment mechanism, and the like similar to a conventional zoom lens, and further includes an in-lens AF motor that drives the focus adjustment mechanism manually instead of the in-body AF motor. You can also.

  The camera CPU 11 and the lens interface IC 57 are connected via a set / reset terminal RESL, a serial clock terminal SCKL, and a serial input / output terminal SIOL. Thus, the lens interface IC 57 operates (synchronously) with the serial clock output from the camera CPU 11 to the serial clock terminal SCKL, and changes the level of the set / reset terminal RESL and the command (from the serial input / output terminal SIOL). It is configured to operate logically by a serial communication signal).

  The lens interface IC 57 uses one of a plurality of setting pins as a capacity setting pin (memory capacity setting pin EEP), and is set to switch the addressing byte of the EEPROM 55 according to the level. When the memory capacity is small, addressing is possible with 1 byte, but when the memory capacity is large, 2 bytes are required for addressing. Therefore, when addressing with 1 byte, the memory capacity setting pin EEP is set to a low (“L”) level, and when addressing with 2 bytes, the memory capacity setting pin EEP is set to a high (“H”) level. As described above, since the number of addressing bytes can be selected according to the memory capacity, it is possible to correspond to the installed memory capacity. In this embodiment, since the SPI method is adopted as the EEPROM communication method, a memory capacity of 4 kilobits (address designation 9 bits) or less is set as a small memory capacity, and a memory capacity of 8 kilobits (address specification 10 bits) or more is set as a large memory capacity. By using the EEPROM 55 as a lens memory, it becomes possible to write and rewrite lens information after mounting it on an interchangeable lens, thereby further increasing versatility and convenience.

  The setting pins (first setting pin group) LT1, LT2, setting pins (second setting pin group) LD0 to LD7, and setting pins (third setting pin group) ND0 to ND4 of the lens interface IC 57 are exchanged. Lens information (fixed information) that does not change in the lens 50 is assigned to form a fixed information setting pin group. An example of the contents is as shown in the table of FIG. 10C, the setting pins LT1 and LT2 are lens type setting pin LT information for setting the lens type, and the setting pins LD0 to LD7 are AF, AF direction, macro, throwing Lens function setting pin LD information for setting lens functions such as light, and setting pins ND0 to ND4 are shortest shooting distance setting pin ND information representing the shortest shooting distance.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a distance code is assigned to the three input pins DC0 to DC2 provided in the lens interface IC 57, and a zoom code is assigned to the eight input pins ZC0 to ZC7. Connected to the input pins DC0 to DC2 is a distance code output device 61 that divides the fluctuating shooting distance into a plurality of ranges and outputs a distance code for identifying each range so that the current shooting distance can be detected. The input pins ZC0 to ZC7 include a zoom code output device 63 that divides the changing focal length into a plurality of ranges and outputs a zoom (focal length) code for identifying each range to detect the current focal length. Connected. A general-purpose code related to general-purpose data is assigned to the four input pins GP0 to GP3, and is set depending on whether the low / high signal is grounded.

  Known distance code output device 61 and zoom code output device 63 are used. For example, a code plate provided on a lens barrel or the like that moves relative to the focus adjustment lens group, and a brush that moves integrally with the focus adjustment lens group and is in sliding contact with the code plate. More specifically, the code plate is divided into a number in which the distance range from the shortest shooting distance to infinity can be identified by 3 bits, and a 3-bit electric high voltage generated when the brush contacts the conductive portion of each range. / A distance code consisting of a low signal is assigned. Thus, an electrical high / low signal corresponding to the area where the brush contacts is input to the input pins DC0 to DC2 as a distance code. Similarly, the zoom code output device 63 is also configured by an 8-bit code plate and a brush mechanism, and an electric high / low signal corresponding to the focal length range generated when the brush contacts the conductive portion is set as a zoom coat. Input to ZC0 to ZC7.

  The lens interface IC 57 analyzes (decodes) the distance code and zoom code based on the combination of the distance code input pins DC0 to DC2 and the zoom code input pins ZC0 to ZC7, specifies the corresponding page of the EEPROM 55, and performs addressing. A logic circuit is provided.

  The camera body 10 can read the lens data of the page addressed by the distance code input setting pins DC0 to DC2 and the zoom code input pins ZC0 to ZC7 from the EEPROM 55. Communication with the EEPROM 55 is executed by the lens interface IC 57 performing hardware and sequential addressing according to the levels of the distance code input pins DC0 to DC2 and the zoom code input pins ZC0 to ZC7.

  The circuit mounted on the interchangeable lens 50 can switch the corresponding page of the EEPROM 55 in hardware by the zoom code signal and the distance code signal that change by zooming and focus adjustment, so that the memory address management is performed on the camera body 10 side. Therefore, it is possible to acquire lens data at a high speed according to the focal length and the shooting distance.

  In the memory area of the EEPROM 55 of the interchangeable lens 50, the page management unit in which lens data corresponding to the zoom code is written for each page by the page memory method used in the conventional interchangeable lens is stored from the lowest memory address. It is secured (FIG. 2 (A), FIG. 3 (A)). In this embodiment, a memory area for one page is allocated to one zoom code. Each page has a memory area of 16 bytes from PD0 to PD15, and predetermined lens data is allocated in units of 2 bytes. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, since there are eight pages from 00 to 07, a page set according to zoom data can be specified and data written on the page can be read out by a conventional communication method. it can.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to cope with an increase in memory by specifying a 2-byte address, so that the number of pages of the page management unit can be further increased. For example, it is possible to divide the focal length range into a larger number and store data of each focal length range. Therefore, appropriate data corresponding to the focal length can be stored even in an interchangeable lens with a high zoom magnification. In this case, it is not necessary to change the communication algorithm of the camera body.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the page management unit, a common management unit is provided in the memory area of the EEPROM 55 as an extended region that can store common data that does not change at the focal length. In this embodiment, a common management unit is provided after the lowest memory address of the page management unit.

  FIG. 2B shows a memory map of the common data expansion method according to the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, all the memory addresses subsequent to the lowest memory address set as the page management unit are used as a common management unit, and the assembly date and ROM version information are written in 4 bytes from the last address of the common management unit to the first address side. A new common data writing area was set in the common management section other than.

  By arranging the common data sequentially from the last address of the memory, the common data can be read by designating the address from the last address regardless of the memory capacity. For example, in FIG. 2B, the total memory capacity is 256 bytes (2K bits), but a final address FFh of 256 bytes can be specified by a final address 1FFh of 1-byte addressing (9 bits). Therefore, if the number of pages and common data increase from the memory arrangement state of FIG. 2 and 2K bits become insufficient, the memory is changed to 4K bits and the common data is similarly arranged from the last address (1FFh). Can respond.

  FIG. 3B shows an embodiment of an index type memory map that can be further added to the zoom data managed by the page memory type. In the index method, the last address of the common management unit, that is, an area of 8 bytes of the memory highest address (final address) (addresses FFF8h to FFFFh) is secured as an index area. The number of additional common data bytes, the additional zoom data head address, and the number of additional zoom data bytes are set as index data. By reading and analyzing the index data, the addresses and data lengths of the additional zoom data and the additional common data can be known, and these data can be read.

  The memory capacity of this embodiment is a maximum capacity of 512K bits that can be handled by 2-byte addressing. However, if the memory has a minimum capacity of 8K bits or more for 2-byte addressing, the memory capacity is always 8 from the last address specified by addresses FFF8 to FFFFh Byte index data can be read. Of course, even in the case of 1-byte addressing, it is also possible to adopt the index method in the same manner by simply changing the final address designation to 1FFh.

In this embodiment, as the additional zoom data, the amount of movement of the focus surface per AF pulse (Δ focus surface / AF pulse) is set for each of a plurality of shooting distance ranges and written to addresses 0080h to 00BFh. .
Furthermore, ROM data version and assembly date are set as common data, and are written in addresses 00E0h to 00E3h.
These pieces of information are read by calculating the address based on the head address read from the index data, the number of data bytes, and the zoom code (and distance code if necessary) obtained by code plate information communication.

  When the interchangeable lens 50 is attached to a conventional camera body that does not support the common data expansion method or the index method, only the page data of the EEPROM 55 corresponding to the zoom code is read by this page memory method. When attached to the camera body 10 compatible with the data expansion method or index method, in addition to the page data of the EEPROM 55 corresponding to the zoom code, additional data set by the common data expansion method or index method is read out. obtain.

  Further, according to this embodiment, pages 00 to 07 can be obtained by locating common data such as a lens model number, lens serial ID, lens addition function, AF backlash, and the like with low speed reading at the final address. It is also possible to reduce the data to be stored in the memory and effectively use the memory.

  Next, the AF process including the data reading process in this camera system will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the timing charts and the data correspondence tables shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 show processing on the camera body 10 side controlled by the camera CPU 11, and FIG. 7 shows processing on the interchangeable lens 50 side, in which the operation of the lens interface IC 57 is sequentially shown.

  The AF process shown in FIG. 4 is a subroutine during a main process relating to a known camera system, and is called from the main process when the photometry switch is turned on by half-pressing the release button. This AF processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B which collectively show timing charts related to main communication in the camera system.

  In the AF process, first, lens communication with the interchangeable lens 50 is executed (S101). In this lens communication, only LROM communication which is so-called old communication is executed. That is, the page data of the EEPROM 55 addressed by the distance code input pins DC0 to DC2 and the zoom code input pins ZC0 to ZC7 is read from the interchangeable lens 50.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the mounted interchangeable lens is a lens compatible with the common data expansion method or index method, that is, whether or not the interchangeable lens is compatible with expansion lens communication (S103). If the lens is compatible with extended lens communication (S103: YES), extended lens communication is executed (S105). In the extended lens communication, the address data corresponding to the distance code and the zoom code is read from the EEPROM 55 with reference to the index data.

  Subsequently, focus detection data (a pair of subject image data) is received from the AF sensor (S107), and a defocus calculation based on a phase difference is executed to obtain a defocus amount (S109). Then, it is checked whether or not the in-focus state is obtained based on the obtained defocus amount (S111). If the in-focus state is obtained, the AF process is terminated (S111; YES, AF end). If it is not in focus (S111: NO), the following processing is executed.

  Based on the obtained defocus amount, the number of AF drive pulses and the drive direction necessary for focusing are calculated, and lens information (Δ focus plane / AF pulse) corresponding to the shooting distance is received by extension lens communication. If this happens, the number of AF drive pulses is corrected based on this lens information (S113). Next, it is checked whether or not the lens is a CPU mounted lens, that is, whether or not an in-lens AF motor is mounted (S115). If the in-lens AF motor is not mounted (S115: NO), the in-camera AF motor is driven in the driving direction obtained in step S113 by the number of AF driving pulses (S121), and the process returns to S107. The above loop processing of S107 to S111: NO, S113, S115: NO, and S121 is repeated while not focused, and this AF processing is terminated when focused (S111: YES, AF end).

  If the mounted interchangeable lens 50 is equipped with an in-lens AF motor (S115: YES), lens communication is executed, the drive direction and the corrected number of drive pulses are transmitted to the interchangeable lens 50, and the lens CPU 51 is transmitted. The in-lens AF motor is driven (S117). Then, it waits for the lens communication to receive the in-lens AF motor drive end signal output from the lens CPU 51 (S119), and returns to S107 when it is received. The above loop processing of S107 to S111: NO, S113, S115: YES, S117, and S119 is repeated while not focused, and this AF process is terminated when focused (S111: YES, AF end). The lens CPU 51 drives the in-lens AF motor by the received AF drive pulse, and outputs the in-lens AF motor drive end signal to the camera CPU 11 via the lens interface IC 57 when the driving is completed.

  Details of lens communication executed in S101, S117, and S119 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 and the timing charts shown in FIGS.

  In the lens communication process, first, old communication (lens ROM communication) is executed with the mounted interchangeable lens 50, and lens information corresponding to the distance code and zoom code is read from the EEPROM 55 (S201).

  Next, it is checked whether or not the new communication can be executed (S203). If the new communication cannot be executed (S203; NO), the process returns (RETURN). In the lens capable of new communication, lens CPU communication for communication between the camera CPU 11 and the lens CPU 51, EEPROM communication for communication between the camera CPU 11 and the EEPROM 55, and code plate information communication for receiving code plate information from the interface IC 57. Three additional functions are possible. If new communication can be executed (S203: YES), it is checked whether the communication means is lens CPU communication, EEPROM communication, or code plate information communication (S205), and the following communication processing is performed according to the communication means. Execute. It should be noted that which communication destination is switched to or which communication is executed depends on the state of the camera body 10 and the interchangeable lens 50.

"Lens CPU communication"
The case of lens CPU communication (S205: CPU) will be described with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG. FIG. 9A shows a timing chart regarding communication between the camera CPU 11 and the lens interface IC 57. In the lens CPU communication, first, the reset / set terminal RESL is lowered to a low level and then raised to a high level to initialize communication of the lens interface IC 57 (S211). Thereafter, the CPU command is transmitted from the serial input / output terminal SIOL in synchronization with the serial clock output from the clock terminal SCKL (S213), and then the CPU communication for transmitting / receiving data corresponding to the CPU command is executed (S215). (RETURN).

  The CPU command output in S213 is 2 bytes, and the lens CPU 51 interprets the information of 2 bytes input after the reset / set terminal RESL falls to the low level and then rises to the high level as a command, and the third byte. The rest is interpreted as data. The number of bytes of data to be received is predetermined by the command. The data input / output direction is determined by the least significant bit (LSB) of the second byte of the CPU command. “0” indicates the direction from the camera to the lens, and “1” indicates the direction from the lens to the camera. FIGS. 9B and 9C show timing charts relating to communication between the lens CPU 51 and the lens interface IC 57. FIG. 9B shows the case where the lens CPU 51 inputs data from the camera CPU 11 via the lens interface IC 57. FIG. 9C shows a timing chart in which the lens CPU 51 outputs data to the camera CPU 11 via the lens interface IC 57.

"EEPROM communication"
The case of EEPROM communication (S205: EEPROM) will be further described with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG. When the EEPROM communication is started, first, the reset / set terminal RESL is dropped to a low level and then raised to a high level to initialize the communication of the interface IC 57 (S221).

  Next, an EEPROM command is transmitted to switch the connection of the communication terminal of the lens interface IC 57 to the EEPROM 55 (S223). By this switching, the camera CPU 11 enters an EEPROM communication state in which the camera CPU 11 can directly communicate with the EEPROM 55.

  Subsequently, the reset / set terminal RESL is dropped to a low level (S225), EEPROM communication is executed, and the process returns (S227, RETURN). In this EEPROM communication, the camera CPU 11 directly executes the read / write control of the EEPROM 55, and data writing and data reading by address designation of the camera CPU 11 can be performed.

  In the EEPROM communication, at the time of writing, the camera CPU 11 first outputs a write permission (write enable) signal (FIG. 12 (A)), followed by a write command, a write upper address, a write lower address, and write data. After that, the reset / set terminal RESL is raised to a high level (FIG. 12B). With the above sequence, direct writing of data corresponding to the upper address and lower address of the EEPROM 55 becomes possible.

In EEPROM communication, it is not necessary to output a write enable signal during reading. After entering the EEPROM communication state, a read command, a read upper address, and a read lower address are output, and then data is synchronized with the serial clock. Can be received. When the communication is terminated, the reset / set terminal RESL is raised to a high level (FIG. 12C). With the above sequence, the corresponding data can be directly read from the upper address and the lower address of the EEPROM 55.
These EEPROM communication writing / reading sequences conform to the SPI communication specifications.

"Code board information communication"
Processing in the case of code plate information communication (S205: CODE) will be further described with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG. 11A is a timing chart of code plate information communication, and FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a data correspondence table. When the code board information communication is started, first, the reset / set terminal RESL is lowered to a low level and then raised to a high level to initialize communication of the lens interface IC 57 (S231), and then a code board information read command is transmitted. The code plate information can be read (S233). Subsequently, after a low level is output to the reset / set terminal RESL (S235), a serial clock is output, and when code plate information is received from the lens interface IC 57, the process returns (S237, RETURN). In this code board information communication, the level of the memory capacity setting pin EEP for identifying the number of addressing bytes of the EEPROM 55, the distance code input pins DC0 to 2, the general code input pins GP0 to 3 and the zoom code input pins ZC0 to ZC7 are input. The first byte is received as EEPROM capacity, distance information, and general-purpose signal data, and the second byte is received as zoom information data (see FIG. 11B).

"Extended lens communication"
Next, the extended lens communication executed in S105 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Extended lens communication is a communication process executed by a protocol equivalent to lens CPU communication. In the extended lens communication, the common data expansion method is executed by sequentially reading a prescribed number of bytes from the last address of the EEPROM. The number of bytes to be read is managed on the camera side according to the ROM data version (FCh, FDh data) (see FIG. 2B). Hereinafter, the remaining index method in the extended lens communication will be described.

"Index method"
In this extended lens communication, first, code plate information communication (S231 to S237 in FIG. 5 and FIG. 11) is executed with the interchangeable lens 50 (lens interface IC 57) to read the memory capacity setting pin EEPROM information, and the EEPROM 55 It is determined whether the capacity is 4K bits or less or 8K bits or more (S301).

  Next, EEPROM communication is executed to read data in the index part of the EEPROM 55 (S303). In this embodiment, 4 bytes from the last address of the EEPROM 55 are fixed as index data (see FIG. 3B). By specifying the final address as FFFFh when the memory capacity setting pin EEP is 8K bits or more and when it is 4K bits or less, the index data can be read regardless of the actual capacity of the EEPROM. Further, communication with these EEPROMs is executed by the algorithm and sequence according to S221 to S227 and FIG.

The camera CPU 11 analyzes the read data of the index part and calculates the address and capacity of the extension data (S305).
The code plate information communication is executed again, and the distance code and the zoom code detected by the distance code detection device 61 and the zoom code detection device 63 are acquired (S307).
Through the EEPROM communication, the extension data is read from the address of the EEPROM 55 corresponding to the distance code and zoom code acquired in S307, and the process returns (S309, RETURN).

"LROM communication processing of interchangeable lenses"
The LROM communication process on the interchangeable lens 50 side will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 10A is a timing chart on the camera body 10 side (between the camera body 10 and the lens interface IC 57), FIG. 10B is a timing chart on the interchangeable lens 50 side (between the lens interface IC 57 and the EEPROM 55), and FIG. It is a figure which shows data correspondence with a table | surface.

  When the reset / set terminal RESL falls to the low level, the terminal CSEE is lowered to the low level, and in synchronization with the clock output from the clock terminal SCKL, the setting pin data SP0 to SP2 are transmitted in the first three bytes of communication. Output 3 bytes. The setting pin data SP0 to SP2 are the lens type setting pins (first setting pin group) LT1 and LT2 of the lens interface IC 57, the lens function setting pins (second setting pin group) LD0 to LD7, and the shortest representing the shortest shooting distance. Shooting distance setting pins (third setting pin group) ND0 to ND4, and the level of each setting pin is sequentially read by the lens interface IC 57, decoded, and output.

  The page data of the EEPROM 55 designated by the zoom code input pins ZC0 to ZC7 is read by communication for 16 bytes after the fourth byte. The lens interface IC 57 of this embodiment outputs a clock input from the clock terminal SCKL to the terminal SCKEE, outputs a read command and address data to the terminal SIEE, and reads data output from the terminal SOEE. The read data is transmitted (transferred) to the camera CPU 11 via the terminal SIOL.

The LROM communication process on the interchangeable lens 50 side will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7 and the timing chart of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the sequence of the lens interface IC 57 related to LROM communication. However, the lens interface IC 57 of this embodiment is a logic IC, and the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is processed in hardware.
The lens interface IC 57 executes LROM communication by a serial clock output to the clock terminal SCKL in a state where the camera CPU 11 drops the reset / set terminal RESL to a low level.

  The lens interface IC 57 waits for the level of the reset / set terminal RESL to fall to a low level (S401: NO, S401). When the reset / set terminal RESL falls to the low level (S401: YES), the zoom code (the level of the zoom code input pins ZC0 to ZC7) is read, and the read zoom code is converted into the address data of the EEPROM 51 (S403).

  Next, the level of the memory capacity setting pin EEP is read and checked for high / low (S405). When the EEPROM 55 is 4K bits or less, the memory capacity setting pin EEP is set to a low level, and when the EEPROM 55 is 8K bits or more, the memory capacity setting pin EEP is set to a high level.

  When the memory capacity setting pin EEP is at a low level (S405: Low), nothing is done to the EEPROM 55 in the first byte communication, and the lens type setting pin LT information is sent to the camera CPU 11 (S411). ). In the second byte communication, a read command is transmitted to the EEPROM 55, and lens function setting pin LD information is transmitted to the camera CPU 11 (S413). In the communication of the third byte, the 1-byte address converted in S403 is transmitted to the EEPROM 55, and the shortest shooting distance setting pin ND information is transmitted to the camera CPU 11 (S415). Thus, in the communication from the 4th byte to the 19th byte, the data in the EEPROM 55 is sequentially received from the address transmitted in S415, and the received data is transmitted (transferred) to the camera CPU 11 (S431). When the transmission is completed, it waits for the reset / set terminal RESL to change to the high level (S433: NO, S433), and when it changes to the high level, the LROM communication processing is ended (S433: YES, END).

  When the memory capacity setting pin EEP is at a high level (S405: High), in the first byte communication, a read command is transmitted to the EEPROM 55, and lens type setting pin LT information is transmitted to the camera CPU 11 ( S421). In the communication of the second byte, the upper address _H among the addresses converted in S403 is transmitted to the EEPROM 55, and the lens function setting pin LD information is transmitted to the camera CPU 11 (S423). In the communication of the third byte, the lower address _L of the addresses converted in S403 is transmitted to the EEPROM 55, and the shortest shooting distance setting pin ND information is transmitted to the camera CPU 11 (S425). Thus, in the communication from the 4th byte to the 19th byte, data is sequentially received from the EEPROM 55 from the addresses indicated by the upper address_H and the lower address_L transmitted in S423 and S425, and these data are transmitted to the camera CPU 11. (S431). When the transmission is completed, it waits for the reset / set terminal RESL to change to the high level (S433: NO, S433), and when it changes to the high level, the LROM communication processing is ended (S433: YES, END).

  As described above, in the conventional page memory method, it is necessary to write data that does not change with the focal length to all pages, and a large capacity memory is required. However, by arranging these data in a common data area, the memory capacity Can be reduced. In addition, even when a request for adding lens information occurs, it is possible to refer to the additional data via the index data, so that the lens information can be freely added. Furthermore, by arranging the index data portion at the highest address, lens information can be read without worrying about memory capacity, and compatibility of a camera with interchangeable lenses can be maintained.

It is a figure which shows the principal part of the single-lens reflex camera system provided with the interchangeable lens to which this invention is applied with a block. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing an example of a memory map in a memory means of an interchangeable lens to which the invention is applied, where FIG. 5A shows a memory map of a conventional part, and FIG. 4B shows a memory map of an extended part using a common data extension method. FIG. It is a figure which shows the other Example of the memory map in the memory means of the interchangeable lens to which this invention is applied, Comprising: (A) is a memory map of a conventional part, (B) is a memory map of the expansion part using an index system. FIG. It is a figure which shows embodiment of AF process in the single-lens reflex camera system provided with the interchangeable lens to which invention is applied with a flowchart. It is a figure which shows embodiment of the lens communication process in the single-lens reflex camera system provided with the interchangeable lens to which invention is applied with a flowchart. It is a figure which shows embodiment of the expansion lens communication process in the single-lens reflex camera system provided with the interchangeable lens to which invention is applied with a flowchart. It is a figure which shows embodiment of the LROM communication process in the interchangeable lens to which invention is applied with a flowchart. It is a figure which divides | segments and shows the timing chart of the whole communication outline | summary in the single-lens reflex camera system provided with the interchangeable lens to which this invention is applied to (A) and (B). It is a figure which shows the timing chart of lens CPU communication in the single-lens reflex camera system provided with the interchangeable lens to which this invention is applied, Comprising: (A) is communication between a camera body and an interchangeable lens (lens interface IC), (B), (C) is a diagram showing communication between the lens interface IC and the lens CPU. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a timing chart of lens ROM communication in a single-lens reflex camera system including an interchangeable lens to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a timing chart between a camera body and an interchangeable lens (lens interface IC). (B) is a figure which shows the timing chart between lens interface IC and EEPROM, (C) is a figure which shows an example of setting pin information and its content by a table | surface. (A) is a figure which shows the setting pin reading process in the single-lens reflex camera system provided with the interchangeable lens to which this invention is applied with a timing chart, (B) is a figure which shows the Example of the content of a setting pin with a table | surface. 4A and 4B are timing charts showing EEPROM read / write processing in a single-lens reflex camera system including an interchangeable lens to which the present invention is applied, in which (A) is a write enable, (B) is a write, and (C) is an operation related to reading. It is a figure shown with a timing chart.

Explanation of symbols

10 Camera body 11 Camera CPU
50 Interchangeable lens 51 Lens CPU
55 EEPROM
57 Lens interface IC (logic IC, gate array)
61 Distance code output device 63 Zoom code output device EEP Memory capacity setting pin LT1 LT2 Lens type setting pin (first setting pin group)
LD0 to LD7 Lens function setting pins (second setting pin group)
ND0 to ND4 Shortest shooting distance setting pin (third setting pin group)
DC0 to DC2 Distance code input pins GP0 to GP3 General-purpose data input pins ZC0 to ZC7 Zoom code input pins

Claims (10)

An interchangeable lens provided with a communication means for communicating lens information with a detachably mounted camera body,
A memory for storing lens data, and the lens data is read into the camera body via the communication means;
The memory area of the memory includes a page management unit in which fast-reading data used for high-speed control is written in units of pages among lens data that changes with focal length, data that does not change with focal length, and data that changes with focal length A common management unit in which data not used for the high-speed control is written as common data,
In the page management unit, a page is set from the first address of the memory area,
The interchangeable lens having a memory, wherein the common management unit is arranged after the page management unit in the memory area, and data is written from a final address of the memory area. The interchangeable lens provided with the memory according to claim 1, wherein the common management unit includes a memory in which an assembly date and memory version information are written from the final address. 2. The interchangeable lens having a memory according to claim 1, wherein additional common data is written to the common management unit, and index data for designating an address of the additional common data is sequentially written from the last address to the common management unit. Interchangeable lens with memory. 4. The interchangeable lens having a memory according to claim 3, wherein the index data for designating an address of the additional common data is a memory having the number of additional common data bytes and an additional common data start address. 5. The interchangeable lens having a memory according to claim 3, wherein the additional common data is an assembly date and memory version information. 2. The interchangeable lens having a memory according to claim 1, wherein additional zoom data different for each focal length is written in the common management unit, and index data for designating an address of the additional zoom data is finally stored in the common management unit. An interchangeable lens with a memory written in order from the address. 7. The interchangeable lens comprising a memory according to claim 6, wherein the index data for designating an address of the additional zoom data is a memory that is the additional zoom data start address and the number of additional zoom data bytes. 8. The interchangeable lens having a memory according to claim 6, wherein the additional zoom data includes an amount of movement of a focus plane per one AF pulse (Δ focus plane / AF) set for each of a plurality of shooting distance ranges. An interchangeable lens having a memory that is data relating to (pulse). An interchangeable lens comprising the memory according to claim 1, wherein a zoom function is detected, and a zoom code detection for detecting a current zoom code by converting a focal length changing due to zooming into a zoom code for each predetermined zoom range. Means, and distance code detection means for detecting a current distance code by encoding a distance that varies with focus adjustment into a distance code for each predetermined shooting distance range,
Speed reading data corresponding to each zoom code and distance code is written in the memory,
The communication means includes a memory that designates a page of the memory means corresponding to the code detected by the zoom code detection means and the distance code detection means, and communicates the speed reading data written on the page to the camera body. interchangeable lens. A camera comprising an interchangeable lens provided with a communication means for communicating lens information, and a camera body provided with the interchangeable lens detachably attached and a communication body for the attached interchangeable lens and a communication means for communicating lens information A system,
The interchangeable lens includes a memory that stores lens data, and the lens data is read into the camera body via the communication unit,
The memory area of the memory includes a page management unit in which fast-reading data used for high-speed control is written in units of pages among lens data that changes with focal length, data that does not change with focal length, and data that changes with focal length A common management unit in which data not used for the high-speed control is written as common data,
In the page management unit, a page is set from the first address of the memory area,
The common management unit is arranged after the page management unit of the memory area, and data is written from the last address of the memory area,
A camera system, wherein the data is communicated to the camera body by designating the address.

Images