JP2013222129A - Interchangeable lens and communication method of interchangeable lens - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interchangeable lens capable of suitably transmitting lens information to a camera body even when the lens information is stored by a form different from a normal data form when the state of the lens is changed.SOLUTION: The communication method of an interchangeable lens comprises: transmitting whole optical information for each state of a plurality of lenses to a camera body during the first lens connection when the camera body is a first type (S3); transmitting lens information according to the present lens state during the first lens connection when the camera body is a second or third type (S3); performing a second camera control for transmitting lens information according to a request when the camera body is the second type (S13) and performing a third camera control for forcibly intercepting a communication when the camera body is the third type (S15), when the lens state of the interchangeable lens (S7) is changed.

Description

  The present invention relates to an interchangeable lens and an interchangeable lens communication method, and more particularly to an interchangeable lens and an interchangeable lens communication method capable of transmitting lens information stored in a memory in the interchangeable lens to the camera body side.

  In the interchangeable lens, various lens information used for distortion correction, camera shake correction, AF and the like of the photographing optical system is stored. In general, when the interchangeable lens is mounted on the camera body, the lens information is collectively transmitted from the interchangeable lens to the camera body in response to a data transmission request from the camera body. Since the amount of data of the lens information transmitted at this time is large and takes time, various devices have been made. For example, in Patent Document 1, basic data is first transmitted at a time, and correction data is transmitted later.

JP 2008-122550 A

  With the interchangeable lens disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is possible to transmit sufficient information with respect to changes in the normal lens state such as zoom control and focus control. However, with a new type of interchangeable lens such as a super macro switching type, the lens information after super macro switching cannot be kept within the continuous range of normal lens state changes, and the lens information after switching is replaced with normal data. Since it is prepared in a format different from the format, it is difficult to transmit all lens information in response to a request from the camera body as in the past. That is, it is difficult to transmit lens information of the interchangeable lens to the camera body when the lens state is switched.

  In addition, in the type of lens in which each group is independently controlled, the lens has a myriad of characteristics even though it is a single lens. On the camera body side, it may not be possible to handle all of the myriad personalities on the lens side. It is difficult to ensure compatibility of necessary lens information communication with interchangeable lenses and camera bodies sold in the past.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even when the lens information is stored in a format different from the normal data format when the lens state is switched, it is appropriately applied to the camera body. It is an object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable lens that can transmit and a communication method of the interchangeable lens. It is another object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable lens and an interchangeable lens communication method capable of transmitting lens information to a camera body even when communicating lens information in various different types.

  In order to achieve the above object, an interchangeable lens according to a first aspect of the present invention is an interchangeable lens having a communication function for communicating lens information with a camera body that is detachably mounted. A lens configuration variable mechanism that switches to any of the above, a memory unit that stores optical information for each of a plurality of lens states of the interchangeable lens, and a communication target camera when a connection detection signal is received from the camera body A communication control unit that switches a transmission mode of the optical information stored in the memory unit according to the type of the main body.

  The interchangeable lens according to a second aspect of the present invention is the interchangeable lens according to the first aspect, wherein the communication control unit, when the camera body belongs to the first type, is mounted on the camera body of the interchangeable lens. All of the optical information for each of the plurality of lens states is transmitted to the camera body.

  The interchangeable lens according to a third aspect of the present invention is the interchangeable lens according to the first aspect, wherein when the camera body belongs to the second type, the communication control unit is currently installed when the interchangeable lens is attached to the camera body. Optical information corresponding to the set lens state is transmitted to the camera body, and when the lens state is changed, the camera body is requested to reacquire lens information.

  The interchangeable lens according to a fourth invention is the interchangeable lens according to the first invention, wherein when the camera body belongs to a third type, the communication control unit is currently attached to the camera body of the interchangeable lens. Optical information according to the set lens status is sent to the camera body, and when the lens status changes, the communication is forcibly cut off, and when the connection is reestablished, the changed lens status is restored. The corresponding lens information is transmitted.

  The interchangeable lens according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the interchangeable lens according to the first aspect, wherein the lens form variable mechanism has an actuator for each of two or more of the plurality of lens groups, and can be individually controlled. It is.

  An interchangeable lens communication method according to a sixth aspect of the invention is an interchangeable lens communication method for communicating lens information with a camera body that is detachably mounted. When the camera body is the first type, In the first lens connection process, the first camera control is performed to transmit all the optical information for each of the plurality of lens states to the camera body. When the camera body is the second or third type, the first lens connection is performed. Sometimes when lens information corresponding to the current lens state is transmitted, and when there is a lens information request from the camera body when the lens state of the interchangeable lens changes, the second lens information corresponding to the request is transmitted. On the other hand, if there is no lens information request, a third camera control for forcibly blocking communication is performed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an interchangeable lens that can appropriately transmit lens information stored in a format different from a normal data format when the lens state is switched. Can do. Moreover, even when the lens information is communicated in various different types, an interchangeable lens that can transmit the lens information to the camera body can be provided.

It is an internal block diagram along the optical axis direction of a lens about the internal mechanism of the interchangeable lens concerning one embodiment of the present invention. In the interchangeable lens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the positional relationship of each lens group in various focal lengths and super macro mode. It is a figure which shows the structure of the data in the interchangeable lens in one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating mainly an electrical configuration of a camera system including an interchangeable lens according to an embodiment of the present invention and a first type camera body. It is a block diagram which shows mainly an electrical structure of the camera system which consists of the interchangeable lens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and the 2nd or 3rd type camera main body. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of lens control of the interchangeable lens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the camera side and lens side at the time of mounting | wearing the interchangeable lens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention with the 1st type camera main body. It is a flowchart which shows the process by the side of a camera and a lens at the time of mounting | wearing the 2nd type camera main body with the interchangeable lens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the camera side and lens side at the time of mounting | wearing the 3rd type camera main body with the interchangeable lens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows lens connection communication between the interchangeable lens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and a camera main body. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the data of the transmission / reception by communication between the interchangeable lens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and a camera main body. It is a figure which shows the example of the camera main body with which the interchangeable lens which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is mounted | worn.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment will be described using a camera system including an interchangeable lens to which the present invention is applied and a camera body to which the interchangeable lens is attached according to the drawings. An interchangeable lens according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a communication function for communicating lens information with a camera body that is detachably mounted. This interchangeable lens has a plurality of lens groups therein, and each lens group is controlled by an individual actuator such as focusing or zooming drive. Further, the interchangeable lens has a control unit (also referred to as CPU) and a storage unit (also referred to as memory unit), and the storage unit stores various lens information of the optical system. The control unit transmits the lens information stored in the storage unit in response to a type of the camera body or a data request from the camera body. In addition to normal zooming, the interchangeable lens is set to a super macro mode when set to a predetermined focal length (details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5), and the state of the lens is switched to plural.

  The camera body according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a digital camera, and has an imaging unit. The imaging unit converts a subject image into image data. Based on the converted image data, the subject The image is displayed in live view on the display unit located on the back of the main unit. The photographer determines the composition and the photo opportunity by observing the live view display. During the release operation, image data is recorded on the recording medium. The image data recorded on the recording medium can be reproduced and displayed on the display unit when the reproduction mode is selected.

  This camera body is classified into one of the first to third types. When the interchangeable lens is attached to the first type camera body, lens information corresponding to a plurality of lens states is collectively transmitted from the interchangeable lens to the camera body (details will be described later using FIG. 7). When an interchangeable lens is attached to the second type camera body, lens information corresponding to the currently set lens state is transmitted, and the lens state of the interchangeable lens is switched, and the associated lens information is displayed each time the camera is switched. It transmits to the main body (details will be described later using FIG. 8). When the third type camera body is attached to the interchangeable lens, lens information corresponding to the currently set lens state is transmitted, and the lens communication is forcibly cut off every time the interchangeable lens state is switched. Returning to the initial state, lens information corresponding to the lens state is transmitted from the interchangeable lens side (details will be described later using FIG. 9). As described above, the interchangeable lens according to the present embodiment switches communication control depending on the type of the camera body.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the optical axis direction of the interchangeable lens 100 according to the present embodiment. The interchangeable lens 100 includes a lens group including a first lens group G1, a second lens group G2, a third lens group G3, a fourth lens group G4, and a fifth lens group G5. The first lens group G1 and the fifth lens group G5 are fixed to the fixed frame 1 by a member (not shown). The second lens group G2 is a focusing lens group, and can be moved in the optical axis direction by a motor 3 as an actuator. As the motor 3, various motors such as a stepping motor can be used. In this embodiment, a voice coil motor which is a kind of linear motor is used. Further, the position of the second lens G2 is detected by various position detection sensors. In the present embodiment, the position is detected by an MR sensor (magnetic sensor) (not shown).

  The third lens group G3 and the fourth lens G4 are lens groups for changing the focal length. The third lens group G3 is moved in the optical axis direction by a motor 5 as an actuator, and the fourth lens group is moved in the optical axis direction by a motor 9. A force attracting each other by the elastic member 11 is applied between the third lens group G3 and the fourth lens group G4, but the third and fourth lens groups G3 and G4 are driven separately. Although various motors can be used as the motors 5 and 9, a stepping motor is used in this embodiment. Further, the position of the third lens group G3 can be detected by the linear encoder 7, and the positions of the third lens group G3 and the fourth lens group G4 are relatively determined according to the number of pulses applied by the stepping motor. The position can be detected.

  As described above, in this embodiment, each of two or more lens groups out of a plurality of lens groups has an actuator and can be controlled individually. Each lens group is composed of a single lens or a plurality of lenses.

  FIG. 2 shows the positions of the first lens group G1 to the fifth lens G5 in the optical axis direction according to the focal length. 2A shows the position of each lens group at the wide end W, FIGS. 2B and 2C show the position of each lens group at intermediate focal lengths S1 and S2, and FIG. ) Indicates the position of each lens group at the telephoto end T. As described above, the first and fifth lens groups G1 and G5 are fixed, and the third and fourth lens groups G3 and G4 are individually moved in accordance with the change in focal length, and the second lens group G2 is moved. Focus by moving.

  In the present embodiment, when the second lens G2 is moved to the object side in the vicinity of the positions of the third and fourth lens groups G3 and G4 corresponding to the focal length S2, the subject is focused to the subject in the super macro area. (See FIG. 2 (e)). However, in order to suppress the aberration of the lens, it is necessary to finely correct the positions of the third lens group G3 and the fourth lens group G4.

  As described above, the interchangeable lens 100 according to this embodiment is provided with drive sources (motors 3, 5, and 9) in the second lens group G2, the third lens group G3, and the fourth lens group G4, and is driven individually. I have control. For this reason, the lens state is switched from the normal zooming state to a special state that enables super macro photography. In the present specification, an example of normal zooming and super macro switching will be mainly described. However, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 12, switching of lens states is not limited to this example. Further, the normal zoom mode is switched to the super macro mode by an operation member (not shown).

  When switched to the super macro shooting state, the depth becomes shallower and the required focus accuracy needs to be increased, and the demand for strobe light control increases, and the aperture and focus accuracy also increase. Further, when making a picture by image processing, it is necessary to have fine aberration data at each lens position, such as correction of spherical aberration and the like, and variation of lateral chromatic aberration. Therefore, the accuracy of the lens information to be held changes greatly according to the switching of the lens state.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows changes in the structure of data to be held in accordance with the switching of the lens state. FIG. 3A shows a data structure in the case of normal zooming, the horizontal axis indicates the focal length and the vertical axis indicates the focus position, and the lens information at the position of the black circle at the intersection is the memory unit 103 (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5).

  FIG. 3B shows the stored data structure in the super macro state. In the super macro state, as shown in FIG. 2E, the third lens group G3 and the fourth lens group G4 are set to positions corresponding to a specific focal length, and the second lens group is focused on the closest side. The lens group G2 is moved. Since high-precision data is required in the super macro area, fine lens information is stored in the memory unit 103 at a specific focal length and on the close side as shown in FIG. As described above, in the present embodiment, the structure of the lens information to be held varies greatly depending on the lens state.

  Next, lens information communication in the lens system including the interchangeable lens 100 according to the present embodiment and the camera main bodies 200 and 200a will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, there are three types of camera bodies of the camera system according to the present embodiment: the first type, the second type, and the third type. According to the transmission method of the lens information stored in the interchangeable lens 100, it is divided into first, second, and third types.

  As described above, the interchangeable lens 100 stores lens information in the memory unit 103 with a different data structure depending on the lens state (normal zoom and super macro). When the interchangeable lens 100 is mounted, the first type camera body 200 requests the interchangeable lens 100 to transmit lens information corresponding to all lens states, and stores the lens information corresponding to all lens states. Details of the first type will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 7.

  When the interchangeable lens 100 is attached, the second type camera body 200a requests the interchangeable lens 100 for lens information corresponding to the set lens state, and stores this lens information. When the lens state of the interchangeable lens 100 changes, the fact is transmitted from the interchangeable lens 100 to the camera body 200a, and the camera body 200a requests transmission of lens information according to the changed lens state, and stores this lens information. Details of the second type will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8.

  The third type camera body is a conventional camera body, and when the interchangeable lens 100 is mounted, the interchangeable lens 100 is requested for lens information corresponding to the lens state, and this lens information is stored. When the lens state of the interchangeable lens 100 changes, that fact is transmitted from the interchangeable lens 100 to the camera body, but the camera body does not request the interchangeable lens 100 to transmit lens information. Therefore, the interchangeable lens 100 blocks communication with the camera body. When the communication is interrupted, the camera body initializes the communication state and requests the interchangeable lens 100 to transmit the lens information again. Therefore, the interchangeable lens 100 transmits the lens information according to the changed lens state. Details of the third type will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration of a camera system in which the first type camera body 200 is attached to the interchangeable lens 100. In the interchangeable lens 100, a lens CPU 101, a lens memory unit 103, a lens communication unit 105, and a lens form variable mechanism 107 are provided.

  The lens CPU 101 controls the interchangeable lens 100 according to a program stored in the lens memory 103 and a control command from the camera CPU 201 on the camera body 200 side. As control, for example, in-focus driving by movement of the second lens group G2 in the photographing optical system, zooming operation by movement of the third and fourth lens groups, and the like are performed in accordance with a command from the camera CPU 201. In addition, the current state of the second, third, and fourth lens groups G2, G3, and G4 and the like are detected and transmitted as lens information to the camera body 200 side. Further, the setting state of the lens form variable mechanism 107 is detected and transmitted to the camera body 200 side as lens state information. Further, when the lens CPU 101 receives a connection detection signal from the camera body, the lens CPU 101 functions as a communication control unit that switches the transmission mode of the optical information stored in the lens memory unit 105 according to the type of the camera body to be communicated. Fulfills the function.

  The lens form variable mechanism 103 is a mechanism for switching to any one of a plurality of lens states of the interchangeable lens, such as switching between normal zoom and super macro. Specifically, the lens form is varied and driven by the individual motors 3, 5, 9 and operation members such as an operation ring (not shown). In the present embodiment, there are two types of specific lens forms, a normal zoom and a super macro. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as will be described later with reference to FIG. May be. For this reason, the lens shape variable mechanism 103 will be described as being switchable to the first to nth lens shapes.

  In addition to the program for the lens CPU 101 described above, the lens memory unit 105 stores unique information such as optical information of the interchangeable lens 100, adjustment values at the time of factory shipment, and the like. As described with reference to FIG. 3, the data structure is different between the normal zoom and the super macro. Moreover, there may be other lens forms as shown in FIG. Therefore, the lens memory unit 105 stores lens information for each lens form.

  The lens communication unit 107 communicates with the camera body 200. That is, when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera body 200, it is connected to the camera communication unit 205 in the camera body 200, and communication is possible between the lens CPU 101 and the body CPU 201.

  The camera body 200 shown in FIG. 4 belongs to the first type described above. In the camera body 200, there are a camera CPU 201, a camera memory unit 203, a camera communication unit 205, a bus 207, a focus control unit 213, an aperture control unit 213, a camera shake correction control unit 215, an image processing control unit 217, an imaging unit (not configured). A display unit (not shown) and the like are provided.

  The camera CPU 201 controls the entire camera according to a program stored in the camera memory unit 203. In controlling the entire camera, various control instructions such as focusing and aperture control are output to the lens CPU 101, and optical information for each of a plurality of lens states stored in the lens memory unit 105 in the interchangeable lens 100 is output. Requests that all be transmitted to the camera body, and receives the lens information. The lens information transmission request will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The camera memory unit 203 connected to the camera CPU 201 includes various memories such as a rewritable volatile memory such as a RAM, a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, and a loadable storage medium. The nonvolatile memory stores various data for adjustment in addition to the program for the camera CPU 201 described above. In addition, as described above, since lens information corresponding to a plurality of lens forms is transmitted from the lens memory unit 105 in the interchangeable lens 100, the lens information is stored for each lens form for all of the plurality of lens forms. .

  A camera communication unit 205 connected to the camera CPU 201 communicates with the interchangeable lens 100. That is, when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera body 200, the camera communication unit 205 is connected to the lens communication unit 107 in the interchangeable lens 100, and communication is possible between the lens CPU 101 and the camera CPU 201.

  The camera CPU 201 is connected to a bus 207, and a focus control unit 211, an aperture control unit 213, a camera shake correction control unit 215, and an image processing control unit 217 are connected to the bus 207 as lens information utilization units. Yes.

  The focus control unit 211 extracts contrast information based on the image data output from the imaging unit. The camera CPU 201 controls the second lens group G2 in the photographing optical system via the lens CPU 101 and the like so that the extracted contrast information has a peak. Focus control is performed using lens information transmitted from the lens memory unit 105. Note that the defocus direction and the defocus amount may be obtained by phase difference AF.

  The aperture control unit 213 extracts luminance information based on the image data output from the imaging unit, and calculates an aperture value for proper exposure based on the extracted luminance information. The aperture value is calculated using the lens information transmitted from the lens memory unit 105. The camera CPU 201 controls the diaphragm disposed in the photographing optical system via the lens CPU 101 and the like. The aperture value may be calculated by the camera CPU 201 as a matter of course.

  Based on a detection signal from a camera shake sensor (not shown), the camera shake correction control unit 215 moves the image sensor so as to cancel the camera shake applied to the camera body 200. This reduces the effects of camera shake. The camera shake correction control is performed using the lens information transmitted from the lens memory unit 105.

  The image processing control unit 217 controls image processing of image data output from the imaging unit. Image processing includes gamma correction, white balance, compression / expansion processing, still image processing, moving image processing, and the like. The image processing control is performed using lens information transmitted from the lens memory unit 105.

  FIG. 5 shows the configuration of a camera system in which the interchangeable lens 100 is mounted with the second or third type camera body 200a. The interchangeable lens 100 is the same as the interchangeable lens shown in FIG.

  Similar to the camera CPU 201, the camera CPU 201a in the camera body 200a controls the entire camera in accordance with a program stored in the camera memory unit 203. In controlling the entire camera, various control instructions such as focusing and aperture control are output to the lens CPU 101, and output of lens information stored in the lens memory unit 105 in the interchangeable lens 100 is requested. Receive lens information.

  At the time of this lens information transmission request, if the camera body 201a is of the second type, a lens information transmission request is made to the interchangeable lens 100 as described later with reference to FIG. Lens information corresponding to the currently set lens form is received. That is, in the case of the first type camera body, all lens information is received, but in the case of the second type, only lens information corresponding to the currently set lens form is received, and the lens form is received. When is changed, only lens information corresponding to this lens form is received.

  When the camera body 201a is of the third type, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, a lens information transmission request is made to the interchangeable lens 100, and the lens form currently set from the interchangeable lens 100 is set. The lens information corresponding to is received. When the lens form of the interchangeable lens 100 is changed, even if the fact is transmitted from the interchangeable lens 100 to the camera body 200a, the camera body 200a does not make a lens information request. Cut off. When the communication is interrupted, the camera body 200a initializes the communication, and at that time, the lens information request is made to the interchangeable lens 100. Therefore, the interchangeable lens 100 transmits the lens information corresponding to the changed lens form. To do.

  Similar to the memory unit 203, the memory unit 203a includes various memories such as a rewritable volatile memory such as a RAM, a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, and a loadable storage medium. The nonvolatile memory stores various data for adjustment in addition to the program for the main body CPU. However, unlike the memory unit 203, only lens information corresponding to a single lens form is stored.

  The focus control unit 211, aperture control unit 213, etc. other than the camera CPU 201a and camera memory unit 203a on the camera body 200a side may be the same as the focus control unit 211, aperture control unit 213, etc. in the camera body 200, Moreover, since it is a 2nd, 3rd type and it is good also as a different structure, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows the lens side control operation of the interchangeable lens 100 in the present embodiment. This flowchart is executed by the lens CPU 101 in accordance with a program stored in the lens memory 105.

  When the lens side processing is started and the camera body is connected, first, a lens information acquisition command or a lens form designation command is transmitted from the camera body 200, 200a. In this step, whether or not these commands are received. Is determined (S1).

  When the lens information acquisition command or the lens form designation command is acquired as a result of the determination in step S1, lens information transmission is executed (S3). First, when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera body 200 that is the first type, a lens form designation command that designates the lens form 1 to the lens form n sequentially from the camera body 200 regardless of the lens state. Is transmitted, the interchangeable lens 100 transmits lens information corresponding to the received command to the camera body 200. Detailed operation of the communication control when the first type camera 200 is mounted will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera body 200a of the second or third type, a normal information acquisition command is received. In this case, the interchangeable lens 100 transmits lens information corresponding to the currently set lens state. For example, when the normal zoom is currently set, lens information having a data structure as shown in FIG. 3A is transmitted. When the super macro mode is set, lens information having a data structure as shown in FIG. 3B is transmitted. Therefore, in this step, only the lens information corresponding to the currently set lens form among the first to nth lens forms is transmitted to the camera body 200a. The detailed operation of communication control (including steps S3 to S13 described later) when the second type camera is mounted will be described with reference to FIG. 8 and when the third type camera body is mounted. Detailed operation of the communication control (including steps S3 to S15 described later) will be described with reference to FIG.

  Once lens information is transmitted in step S3, camera type information is stored (S5). When the lens information transmission in step S3 is completed, a notification command indicating which of the first, second, and third type cameras is received from the camera body 200, 200a. Therefore, in this step, the received camera type is stored. It should be noted that the camera type can be determined on the lens side based on how to receive an acquisition command transmitted from the camera. If the command specifies the lens form (1 to n), it is determined that the camera is the first type. Here, the confirmed camera type information is stored in the lens memory unit 105 on the interchangeable lens side, and is used for determination in step S11 described later.

  Once the camera type is stored in step S5, it is next determined whether or not the lens state of the interchangeable lens 100 has changed (S7). Here, for example, it is determined whether or not the lens has been changed to another lens form such as a change from the normal zoom to the super macro mode. If no change is made, a standby state is entered. During this time, if there is an instruction from the camera body 200a, processing according to the instruction is executed.

  If the result of determination in step S7 is that the lens state has changed, a lens state switching signal is output (S9). Here, the camera body 200a is notified that the lens state has been changed, and the lens state after the change is also notified.

  Subsequently, the camera type is determined (S11). Here, the determination is made based on the camera type stored in step S5.

  If the result of determination in step S11 is that the attached camera body is a second type camera, second camera control is carried out (S13). Here, lens information corresponding to the changed lens state is transmitted to the camera body 200a. As described above, the detailed operation when the second type camera body 200a is mounted, including step S13, will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S11 is that the mounted camera body is a third type camera, third camera control is performed (S15). Here, since there is no request for lens information, the interchangeable lens 100 forcibly blocks communication with the camera body 200a. By this interruption, the camera body 200a initializes the communication state and requests lens information, and therefore outputs lens information corresponding to the changed lens state. As described above, detailed operations including the camera body 200a of the third type including step S15 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If the camera type is the first type, only the lens state switching signal is transmitted to the camera body 200 in step S9, and no special control as in steps S13 and S15 is performed. In the case of the first type camera, in step S1 and S3, lens information corresponding to all lens states (1 to n) is transmitted to the camera body 200 and stored on the camera body 200 side. This is because the camera body 200 reads and uses lens information corresponding to the lens state switching signal in step S9.

  If the result of determination in step S11 is that the camera is of the first type, or if second camera control is performed in step S13, or if third camera control is performed in step S15, the process returns to the beginning.

  Next, an operation when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the first type camera 200 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, the flow on the left is camera-side processing, which is executed by the camera CPU 201 according to a program stored in the camera memory 203. The flow on the right side is lens-side processing, and the lens CPU 101 executes it according to the program stored in the lens memory 105 as described above.

  When the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera body 200, the camera side detects lens connection (S101). Here, it is determined whether communication is possible through the camera communication unit 205 and the lens communication unit 107.

  When communication is established, the lens basic information is read (S103). Here, the camera body 200 transmits a transmission request for basic lens information to the interchangeable lens 100. When the interchangeable lens 100 receives this transmission request, it sends a basic lens information response (S201), and transmits the basic lens information to the camera body 200.

  If the lens basic information is read in step S103, then the lens extension information 1 is read (S105). As described above, the first type camera body acquires all lens information corresponding to all lens forms when the interchangeable lens is mounted. In this step, the extension information 1 following the basic information is read. The extension information 1 is information according to the first lens form, and the interchangeable lens 100 makes a lens extension information 1 response (S203).

  Once the lens extension information 1 has been read, the camera body 200 next reads the lens extension information 2 (S107), and in response to this, the interchangeable lens 100 makes a lens extension information 2 response (S205).

  When the lens extension information 2 is read, lens extension information 3, lens extension information 4,..., Lens extension information n is read (S109). In response to this, the interchangeable lens 100 performs a lens extension information 3 response, a lens extension information 4 response,..., A lens extension information n response (S209).

  When the lens extension information n is read, the lens information is stored (S111). Here, the lens information read in steps S103 to S111 is stored in the camera memory unit 203 for each lens form. In steps S103 to S111, the lens information may be stored in the camera memory unit 203 each time lens information is read. In addition, the interchangeable lens 100 stores that the lens information is read from the lens memory unit 105 in steps S201 to S209.

  Once the lens information is stored in step S111, a first type correspondence notification is performed (S113). Here, the interchangeable lens 100 is notified that the camera body 200 is the first type. Needless to say, the camera body 200 may be notified when the lens connection is detected in step S101.

  In step S113, when the interchangeable lens 100 is notified that it is the first type, the interchangeable lens 100 stores correspondence information (S213). Even if this correspondence information storage is not performed, there is no significant problem in processing.

  If the first type correspondence notification is made in step S113, lens mounting is then completed (S115). Here, since the lens information has been read, the operation when the interchangeable lens is mounted is terminated.

  When lens mounting is completed in step S115, and correspondence information is stored in step S213, normal loop processing during lens connection is executed (S120, S220). Here, normal processing is executed in the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a lens function switching operation has been performed in the interchangeable lens 100 (S221). Here, for example, it is determined whether or not a switching operation from the normal zoom to the super macro mode is performed in order to change the lens form. If the result of this determination is that there has been no switching operation, processing returns to step S220 and normal loop processing is executed.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S221 is that there has been a switching operation, switching notification to state n is made (S223). Here, the camera body 200 is notified via the lens communication unit 107 that the camera state n of the interchangeable lens 100 has been switched. When this notification is made, the process returns to step S230, and normal loop processing is executed.

  In the camera body 200, normal loop processing is executed, and then it is determined whether or not a lens function switching notification is detected (S121). Here, it is determined whether or not the notification of switching to state n in step S223 has been received. If the result of this determination is that it has not been received, processing returns to step S120 and normal loop processing is executed.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S121 is that a lens function switching notification has been received, next, the usage information in the camera body 200 is replaced with the extended information n. Here, the lens information corresponding to the camera state transmitted in step S223 is changed. When this replacement is performed, the process returns to step S120, and normal loop processing is performed.

  As described above, when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the first type camera body 200, lens information corresponding to all lens forms is transmitted to the camera body 200 for each lens form at the time of attachment, and Lens information is stored in the camera memory unit 203. For this reason, when the lens form of the interchangeable lens 100 is changed, the camera body 200 performs various controls using the corresponding lens information only by transmitting the changed lens form to the camera body 200. Can do.

  Next, the operation when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the second type camera 200a will be described with reference to FIG. Also in FIG. 8, the flow on the left is camera side processing, which is executed by the camera CPU 201 in accordance with a program stored in the camera memory 203. The flow on the right side is also lens-side processing, and is executed by the lens CPU 101 according to the program stored in the lens memory 105 as described above.

  When the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera body 200, the camera side detects lens connection (S101). Here, as in the flow of FIG. 7, it is determined whether communication is possible through the camera communication unit 205 and the lens communication unit 107.

  Once lens connection is detected, lens information is read out (S133). Here, the camera body 200 a makes a lens information transmission request to the interchangeable lens 100. In response to this request, the interchangeable lens 100 makes a lens current form information response (S231). Here, lens information corresponding to the currently set lens state is transmitted to the camera body 200a. If it is already in the custom state (extended state different from the basic state) at the first connection, it responds by switching to the extended information. At this time, the interchangeable lens 100 stores that only lens information corresponding to the currently set lens state is transmitted and no other lens information is transmitted.

  In step S133, the camera body 200a reads lens information. When the lens information is received, the camera body 200a next stores lens information (S135). Unlike the case of the first type camera body, here, lens information of only a single lens form is acquired and stored in the camera memory unit 203.

  Once the lens information is stored in step S135, a second type correspondence notification is performed (S137). Here, the interchangeable lens 100 is notified that the camera body 200 is the second type. Of course, the fact that the camera body 200 belongs to the second type may be notified when the lens connection is detected in step S101.

  In step S137, when the interchangeable lens 100 is notified that it is the first type, the interchangeable lens 100 stores correspondence information (S233). Even if this correspondence information storage is not performed, there is no significant problem in processing.

  If the second type correspondence notification is made in step S137, lens mounting is then completed (S139). Here, since the lens information has been read, the operation when the interchangeable lens is mounted is terminated.

  When lens mounting is completed in step S139 and correspondence information is stored in step S233, normal loop processing during lens connection is executed (S140, S240). Here, normal processing is executed in the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a lens function switching operation has been performed in the interchangeable lens 100 (S241). Here, for example, it is determined whether or not a switching operation from the normal zoom to the super macro mode is performed in order to change the lens form. If the result of this determination is that there has been no switching operation, processing returns to step S240 and normal loop processing is executed.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S241 is that there has been a switching operation, internal function switching and reconnection preparation are carried out (S243). Here, the internal function is switched according to the operation unit of the interchangeable lens 100, and preparation for reconnection between the camera body and the interchangeable lens is performed.

  Subsequently, the interchangeable lens 100 transmits a lens function switching information reacquisition request to the camera body 200a (S245). When this notification is made, the process returns to step S230, and normal loop processing is executed.

  The camera body 200a determines whether a lens function switching information reacquisition request has been received (S141). If the result of this determination is that a request has not been received, processing returns to step S140 and normal loop processing is executed. On the other hand, if there is a request, the photographing state is temporarily terminated and preparation for lens reconnection is made (S143). In step S241, a change in the lens state is detected, and the lens information corresponding to the changed lens state is not stored in the camera body 200a. Therefore, the change is made by temporarily ending the shooting state and reconnecting. Prepare to acquire lens information corresponding to the lens state. When preparation for lens reconnection is completed, the process returns to step S101, and lens information is acquired in step S133.

  As described above, when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the second type camera body 200a, at the time of attachment, only lens information corresponding to the currently set lens form is transmitted to the camera body 200a, and the camera memory unit 203 is provided. Is remembered. Further, when the lens form of the interchangeable lens 100 is changed, reconnection is performed to transmit the lens information corresponding to the changed lens form to the camera body 200, and the lens information corresponding to the changed lens form. Communication. In the case of the second type camera body, it is only necessary to always store necessary lens information, so that the memory capacity can be reduced and the communication time can be shortened.

  Next, the operation when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the third type camera 200a will be described with reference to FIG. Also in FIG. 9, the flow on the left is camera side processing, which is executed by the camera CPU 201 in accordance with a program stored in the camera memory 203. The flow on the right side is also lens-side processing, and is executed by the lens CPU 101 according to the program stored in the lens memory 105 as described above.

  When the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera body 200, the camera side detects lens connection (S101). Here, as in the flow of FIG. 7, it is determined whether communication is possible through the camera communication unit 205 and the lens communication unit 107.

  When the lens connection is detected, the camera body 200a reads the lens information (S131), stores the lens information (S135), and completes the lens mounting (S137). On the other hand, the interchangeable lens 100 performs a lens current form information response (S231) and stores correspondence information (S233). In this way, in the case of the third type camera body 200a, the second type correspondence notification in step S137 and step S233 are compared with the case of the second type camera body 200a shown in FIG. Since there is no correspondence information storage, the detailed description will be omitted.

  When lens mounting is completed in step S139 and correspondence information is stored in step S233, normal loop processing during lens connection is executed (S160, S260). Here, normal processing is executed in the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a lens function switching operation has been performed in the interchangeable lens 100 (S261). Here, for example, it is determined whether or not a switching operation from the normal zoom to the super macro mode is performed in order to change the lens form. If the result of this determination is that there has been no switching operation, processing returns to step S240 and normal loop processing is executed.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S261 is that there has been a switching operation, internal function switching and reconnection preparation are carried out (S263). Here, the internal function is switched according to the operation unit of the interchangeable lens 100, and preparation for reconnection between the camera body and the interchangeable lens is performed.

  Subsequently, the interchangeable lens 100 transmits a lens function switching information reacquisition request to the camera body 200a (S265). In response to this request, the third type camera body 200a is a conventional type camera body and does not have any response function, and therefore does not respond at all (see S161). If there is no response for a predetermined time after the request, the interchangeable lens 100 forcibly cuts lens communication (S267). Here, since the camera body recognizes that it is the second type camera body or the camera body does not respond to the reconnection request, the communication between the camera communication unit 205 and the lens communication unit 107 is forcibly cut off. Intentionally responds abnormally. When the forced shut-off is performed, the process returns to step S231.

  The camera body 200a determines whether or not the lens communication is forcibly cut off (S163), and if it is not forcibly cut off, the camera body 200a returns to step S160 to execute a normal loop process. On the other hand, if it is detected that the lens is forcibly blocked, preparation for reconnecting the lens is performed (S165). In step S261, a change in the lens state is detected, and the lens information corresponding to the changed lens state is not stored in the camera body 200a, and a lens information transmission request is not transmitted. The lens information corresponding to the changed lens state is prepared for acquisition. This forcible shut-off is the same as normal lens disconnection. Similar to reconnection, a series of processing such as shooting, movie recording, AF, and AE is suspended, lens information before switching is discarded, and lens information is updated. Prepare for. When preparation for lens reconnection is completed, the process returns to step S101, and lens information is acquired in step S133.

  As described above, when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the third type camera body 200a, at the time of attachment, only lens information corresponding to the currently set lens form is transmitted to the camera body 200a, and the camera memory unit 203 is provided. Is remembered. Further, when the lens form of the interchangeable lens 100 is changed, the interchangeable lens 100 forcibly cuts off the lens communication and reconnects to communicate lens information corresponding to the changed lens form. Even in a conventional third type camera body, as in the first and second types, necessary lens information can be acquired even if an interchangeable lens having a plurality of lens forms is attached.

  Next, communication between the camera bodies 200 and 200a and the interchangeable lens 100 will be described using a timing chart shown in FIG. At time T1, the camera bodies 200 and 200a transmit a lens connection confirmation signal to the interchangeable lens 100. When the interchangeable lens 100 receives the lens connection confirmation signal, the interchangeable lens 100 transmits a lens connection response signal to the camera bodies 200 and 200a at time T2.

  When receiving the lens connection response, the camera bodies 200 and 200a transmit a lens reset request at time T3. When the interchangeable lens 100 performs a lens reset, it transmits a lens reset response signal at time T4. In addition, in the lens connection detection in step S101 of FIGS. 7-9, the process in time T1-T4 is performed.

  When the camera body 200, 200a receives the lens reset response, the camera body 200, 200a then makes a lens specific information transmission request at time T5. In response to this, the interchangeable lens 100 returns lens specific information at time T6. The lens specific information includes a plurality of information depending on the lens form. Transmission / reception of lens specific information at times T5 and T6 is executed in S103, S201 in FIG. 7, S231 in FIG. 8 and FIG.

  Between the times T1 and T6, processing at the time of the first lens connection is performed. In the case of the camera body of the first type, the lens information of the extended information 1 to the extended information n is transmitted / received in addition to the basic information during the transmission / reception of lens specific information performed at times T5 and T6.

  When the processing for the first lens connection is completed, the lens state is transmitted and received at intervals of about 100 ms. That is, at times T11, T21, T31,..., The camera bodies 200, 200a transmit a lens state information request to the interchangeable lens 100. At times T12, T22, T32,. The lens state information is transmitted to 200 and 200a. Note that the determination of the lens function switching operation detection in S221 in FIG. 7, S241 in FIG. 8, and S261 in FIG. 9 may be performed in response to a lens state information request from the camera body. May be executed automatically.

  As described above, when the lens is connected for the first time, the lens-specific information is transmitted and received as shown at times T1 to T6. After completion of the lens connection process, only simple status information is periodically updated as shown at times T11, T12.

  Next, transmission / reception of lens specific information between the camera body and the interchangeable lens at the time of the initial connection will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), commands and parameters for transmitting basic information are transmitted from the camera bodies 200, 200a to the interchangeable lens 100, and in response to this, the camera body is exchanged from the interchangeable lens 100. Data 1, data 2,..., Data n are returned to 200 and 200a.

  FIG. 11B shows a case where zoom dependent information is transmitted. In addition to the zoom-dependent information, all information related to the first lens configuration is transmitted. When the camera body is of the second and third types, the information communication is completed when the communication shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B is performed.

  When the camera body is the first type, communication is performed in the order of FIGS. 11C, 11D, and 11E following the communication illustrated in FIGS. That is, basic data communication of the second lens form is performed as shown in FIG. 11C, zoom dependent data communication of the second lens form is performed as shown in FIG. Communication of basic data of the third lens form is performed as shown in e). Thereafter, communication of basic data and zoom-dependent data corresponding to the number of lens forms that can be implemented by the interchangeable lens 100 is performed.

  Next, lens forms applicable in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, there are various lens forms other than the normal zoom and super macro mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, there is a 2D / 3D switching lens. This interchangeable lens has two optical systems, one is a stereo lens 113 for enabling stereo shooting (3D), and the other is a normal lens 111 for performing normal shooting (2D). These optical systems can be switched. The camera bodies of the second and third types that do not recognize the switching function recognize it as a single lens and acquire lens information according to the 2D / 3D switching state.

  As an applicable lens form, there is a front converter as shown in FIG. Examples of the front converter include a teleconverter for increasing the focal distance, a wide converter for shortening the focal distance, a fisheye converter for imparting a fisheye effect, and a tilt converter for imparting a tilt effect. Since the second and third types of camera bodies do not recognize the presence of the conversion lens, the camera body recognizes and processes as a single lens. For example, when only the interchangeable lens 100 is combined, such as the interchangeable lens 100 + teleconverter 300A and the interchangeable lens 100 + teleconverter 300B, the lens CPU in the interchangeable lens 100 detects this combination and updates the lens information. You can do it.

  As an applicable lens form, there is a rear converter as shown in FIG. As a rear converter, as in the case of a teleconverter, a teleconverter for increasing the focal length, a wide converter for shortening the focal length, a fisheye converter for imparting a fisheye effect, and a tilt effect There is a tilt converter. In this case, a converter CPU may be provided in the rear converter 400, and the lens information may be updated according to the mounted interchangeable lenses 100A and 100B. Since the camera bodies of the second and third types do not recognize the presence of the rear converter, the camera body can be recognized and processed as a single lens.

  As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the connection detection signal is received from the camera body, the transmission mode of the optical information stored in the memory unit according to the type of the camera body to be communicated with Is switched. For this reason, even when the lens state is switched, even lens information stored in a format different from the normal data format can be appropriately transmitted to the camera body. Further, even when the lens information is communicated in various different types, the lens information can be transmitted to the camera body.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the interchangeable lens can be attached to the first to third camera bodies. However, the camera body types may not include all of the first to third types as a system, and may include a fourth type camera body.

  In the present embodiment, the digital camera is used as the photographing device. However, the camera may be a digital single-lens reflex camera or a compact digital camera, and may be used for moving images such as video cameras and movie cameras. It can be a camera. In any case, the present invention can be applied as long as the photographing lens can be exchanged and the lens information stored in the memory in the interchangeable lens can be transmitted to the camera body side.

  In addition, regarding the operation flow in the claims, the specification, and the drawings, even if it is described using words expressing the order such as “first”, “next”, etc. It does not mean that it is essential to implement in this order.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Fixed frame, 3 ... Motor, 5 ... Motor, 7 ... Linear encoder, 9 ... Motor, 11 ... Elastic member, 100 ... Interchangeable lens, 101 ... Lens CPU 103 ... Lens shape variable mechanism 105 ... Lens memory unit 107 ... Lens communication unit 200, 200a ... Camera body 201, 201a ... Camera CPU 1, 203, 203a ..Camera memory unit, 207 ... Bus, 111 ... Normal lens, 113 ... Stereo lens, 211 ... Focus control unit, 213 ... Aperture control unit, 215 ... Handshake correction control , 217: Image processing control unit, 300A, 300B: Front teleconverter, 400: Rear converter, G1: First lens group,
G2: Second lens group, G3: Third lens group, G4: Fourth lens group, G5: Fifth lens group

Claims (6)

In an interchangeable lens equipped with a communication function for communicating lens information with a detachable camera body,
A lens form variable mechanism that switches to any one of a plurality of lens states of the interchangeable lens;
A memory unit storing optical information for each of a plurality of lens states of the interchangeable lens;
A communication control unit that switches the transmission mode of the optical information stored in the memory means according to the type of the camera body to be communicated when receiving a connection detection signal from the camera body;
An interchangeable lens comprising:   When the camera main body belongs to the first type, the communication control unit transmits all of the optical information for each of the plurality of lens states to the camera main body when the interchangeable lens is attached to the camera main body. The interchangeable lens according to claim 1.   When the camera body belongs to the second type, the communication control unit transmits optical information corresponding to the currently set lens state to the camera body when the interchangeable lens is attached to the camera body. The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, wherein when the lens state is changed, the camera body is requested to reacquire lens information.   When the camera body belongs to the third type, the communication control unit transmits optical information corresponding to the currently set lens state to the camera body when the interchangeable lens is attached to the camera body. In addition, when the lens state is changed, the communication is forcibly interrupted, and when reconnecting, lens information corresponding to the changed lens state is transmitted. Interchangeable lens.   2. The interchangeable lens according to claim 1, wherein the lens shape variable mechanism has an actuator for each of two or more lens groups of the plurality of lens groups and can be individually controlled. In a communication method of an interchangeable lens that communicates lens information with a camera body that is detachably mounted,
When the camera body is the first type, the first camera control is performed to transmit all of the optical information for each of the plurality of lens states to the camera body during the first lens connection process.
When the camera body is of the second or third type, the lens information corresponding to the current lens state is transmitted when the lens is first connected,
When there is a lens information request from the camera body when the lens state of the interchangeable lens changes, the second camera control is performed to transmit lens information according to the request, while there is no lens information request. The third camera control for forcibly blocking communication is performed.
An interchangeable lens communication method characterized by the above.