JP2018205705A - Imaging device, interchangeable lens, intermediate accessory, and control method for them - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an imaging device, interchangeable lens, intermediate accessory and control methods for them that can conduct communication at a more intended timing among the imaging device, the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory as properly correcting optical information on the interchangeable lens.SOLUTION: A camera control unit 205 is configured to acquire information about an optical correction of an interchangeable lens 10 by second communication from an intermediate accessory via a second communication route, and the camera control unit 205 is configured to control communication so that the information is used in the optical correction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, an interchangeable lens, an intermediate accessory, and the like in a camera system that includes an imaging device that communicates with each other and one or more intermediate accessories and an interchangeable lens.

  As a camera system including a camera body and an interchangeable lens, a system in which a camera body (also referred to as an imaging device) performs imaging processing, image recording, and interchangeable lens control is known. In the camera system, it is also known that the interchangeable lens performs focus driving and diaphragm driving in accordance with a control command from the camera body.

  In order to appropriately perform focus drive and aperture drive in such a camera system, the camera body uses optical information specific to the interchangeable lens (for example, information on focal length, aperture, focus sensitivity, focus correction amount, etc.) on the interchangeable lens. Need to get from. The optical information of the interchangeable lens may be held in advance by the camera body, or may be acquired from the interchangeable lens by communication.

  Further, in a camera system including a camera body and an interchangeable lens, an intermediate accessory may be further mounted between the camera body and the interchangeable lens. Intermediate accessories include, for example, a variable power lens such as a wide converter and a teleconverter that changes the focal length of the interchangeable lens, an ND filter that changes the transmittance, and other types of interchangeable lenses. Can be considered.

  Considering not only the optical information of the interchangeable lens but also the optical information specific to the intermediate accessory in order to appropriately perform focus driving and aperture driving when an intermediate accessory that changes the optical characteristics or the like is mounted. There is a need. Specifically, it is necessary to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for correcting optical information of an interchangeable lens in consideration of optical characteristics of an intermediate accessory. The intermediate accessory of Patent Document 1 has a CPU inside. The CPU determines whether the interchangeable lens is new with respect to the intermediate accessory based on the identification information acquired from the interchangeable lens. If the interchangeable lens is newer than the intermediate accessory (designated later), the intermediate accessory does not have the optical information of the interchangeable lens, so the interchangeable lens itself is corrected for the optical information of the interchangeable lens. In order to do so, identification information and optical information of the intermediate accessory are sent. On the other hand, if it is determined that the interchangeable lens is older than the intermediate accessory, the intermediate accessory has optical information of the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens.

Japanese Patent No. 5208169

  According to Patent Document 1, even when an intermediate accessory with a new design is combined with an old camera body with an old design (function), the camera body and the interchangeable lens do not have optical information of the intermediate accessory. The optical information of the interchangeable lens can be corrected.

  However, the communication system disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem.

  For example, in the disclosure of Patent Document 1, the interchangeable lens control signal cannot be transmitted to the interchangeable lens at an intended timing while communication is performed between the intermediate accessory and the camera body. If the interchangeable lens control signal cannot be immediately transmitted to the interchangeable lens at the timing intended by the camera body, the plurality of optical members mounted on the interchangeable lens may not be controlled at high speed and with high accuracy.

  In recent years, the amount of lens information acquired from an interchangeable lens by a camera body tends to increase due to the advancement of imaging control. Furthermore, it has become necessary to communicate a large amount of data within a shorter time due to shortening of the imaging cycle (that is, higher frame rate). For this reason, there is a further demand for a technique for performing communication at a more intended timing between the units of the imaging device, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides an imaging apparatus, an interchangeable lens, and an intermediate that can perform communication at a more intended timing between the units of the imaging apparatus, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory while appropriately correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens. The purpose is to provide accessories. Moreover, it aims at providing these control methods.

  One aspect of the present invention is an imaging device capable of mounting an interchangeable lens and an intermediate accessory mounted between the interchangeable lens and the imaging device, and a first communication path capable of communicating with the interchangeable lens. First communication control means for controlling first communication via the second communication control means, second communication control means for controlling second communication via a second communication path capable of mutual communication with the intermediate accessory, A storage unit that stores information acquired by the acquisition unit from the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory, and optical information of the interchangeable lens is corrected in any of the imaging device, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory. Determining means for determining whether or not the first communication control means responds to the first instruction information transmitted to the interchangeable lens by the first communication control means. The first information including the identification information of the interchangeable lens is acquired from the interchangeable lens, and the second communication control means transmits the second information transmitted to the intermediate accessory by the second communication control means. Second information including identification information of the intermediate accessory and information indicating whether correction of optical information of the interchangeable lens is necessary is acquired from the intermediate accessory as a response to the instruction information, and the determining unit Determines which unit of the imaging device, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory should correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the first information and the second information. It is characterized by comprising.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interchangeable lens that can be attached to an intermediate accessory attached to the imaging device, and the first lens via a first communication path that can communicate with the imaging device. First communication control means for controlling communication, second communication control means for controlling second communication via a second communication path capable of mutual communication with the imaging apparatus via the intermediate accessory, Storage means for storing identification information of the interchangeable lens and optical information of the interchangeable lens, and the first communication control means responds to the first instruction information acquired from the imaging apparatus as the interchangeable lens. The second communication control means includes a plurality of information including the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory as a response to the second instruction information acquired from the imaging device. Accessories It characterized in that the accessory is configured to transmit information indicating the end of the second communication medium.

  Another aspect of the present invention is an intermediate accessory mounted between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens, and communication control means for controlling communication via a communication path capable of mutual communication with the imaging device; Storage means for storing identification information and optical information of the intermediate accessory, and the communication control means exchanges identification information of the intermediate accessory as a response to the first instruction information acquired from the imaging device. Information indicating whether or not correction of optical information of the lens is necessary is transmitted to the imaging device through the communication.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus capable of mounting an interchangeable lens and an intermediate accessory mounted between the interchangeable lens and the imaging apparatus, wherein the first transmits information to the interchangeable lens. The second communication terminal for acquiring information from the intermediate accessory, the second communication terminal for obtaining information from the intermediate accessory, and the information for requesting the information regarding the correction method of the optical information of the interchangeable lens and the information regarding the parameter of the correction. The information about the correction method and the information about the correction parameter are acquired from the intermediate accessory in response to transmission through the terminal, and the information about the correction method and the information about the correction parameter are obtained from the first accessory. A communication control means for transmitting to the interchangeable lens via a communication terminal is provided.

  Another aspect of the present invention is an intermediate accessory mounted between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens, and a first communication terminal through which information transmitted from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens is conducted. , A second communication terminal for transmitting a response to the request received from the imaging device, information on a method for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens, information on the parameter for the correction, and transmission via the second communication terminal And a communication control unit configured to connect the information regarding the correction method and the information regarding the correction parameter to the first communication terminal.

  Another aspect of the present invention is an interchangeable lens that can be attached to an intermediate accessory attached to the imaging device, and includes a first communication terminal that receives information transmitted from the imaging device, and the imaging A third communication terminal for transmitting information to the apparatus, information on a method for correcting optical information of the interchangeable lens transmitted to the imaging apparatus, and information on a parameter for the correction are transmitted via the first communication terminal. Communication control means for controlling communication to receive, and correction means for correcting optical information based on information on the correction method and information on the correction parameters, and the communication control means includes the correction The communication is controlled to transmit the optical information corrected by the means via the third communication terminal.

  While appropriately correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens, it is possible to perform communication between the units of the imaging device, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory at a more intended timing.

1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a camera system according to a first embodiment. The figure explaining the structure for the 1st communication of Example 1. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for acquiring corrected optical information according to the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart illustrating initial communication processing between the camera and the lens according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating initial communication processing between the camera and the accessory according to the first exemplary embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process which determines the 1st accessory of Example 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process which searches the dynamic accessory of Example 2. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of optical information correction processing according to the operation of the dynamic accessory of the second embodiment. Flowchart showing a flow of processing for acquiring optical information according to the third embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the information communicated by initial communication The flowchart which shows the flow of the process which acquires correction | amendment identification information of Example 4, and the correction | amendment process using correction | amendment identification information. The figure explaining the structure for the 2nd communication of Example 1. FIG.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the accessory refers to an interchangeable lens or an intermediate accessory.

  In the following embodiments, the camera body, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory are also collectively referred to as a unit. Each of the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory is also collectively referred to as an accessory.

  In the following embodiments, an accessory related to correction is an interchangeable lens or an intermediate accessory whose correction processing necessity information is “necessary”.

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

  In the following embodiments, the first accessory is an accessory that holds optical information of all other accessories.

  In the following embodiments, the first intermediate accessory is an intermediate accessory having optical information of other intermediate accessories.

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

  Note that. In the following embodiments, attention is paid to whether or not each unit has optical information of other units, but this is not necessarily related to the unit release date or the manufacturing date. For example, the optical information stored in each unit can change due to the firmware upgrade or the like, regardless of the unit release date or the manufacturing date.

  Example 1 will be described below.

<Configuration of camera system (FIG. 1)>
The configuration of the camera system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

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

  Here, the first communication path is communication between the first communication unit 207 on the camera side and the first communication unit 114 on the lens side, and mounts 202 and 305, 303 and 405, 403 and 102 described later. This is a route through The first communication unit 207 on the camera side and the first communication unit 114 on the lens side are examples of communication control units.

  As described above, communication performed by a unit with one unit different from the unit is also referred to as one-to-one communication in this embodiment.

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

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

  In FIG. 1, an interchangeable lens 10 is an interchangeable lens that controls a movable optical member related to photographing. The camera body 20 is a camera body that captures images. The intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40 are intermediate accessories such as extenders attached between the interchangeable lens 10 and the camera body 20.

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

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

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

  As described above, the first communication that is one-to-one communication between the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10 and the second communication that performs multiple communication between the camera body and the plurality of accessories are different. One communication path and a second communication path are provided. Thereby, compared with the case where communication is performed using the same communication path, for example, in the first communication, the interchangeable lens control command can be transmitted to the interchangeable lens at a more intended timing. Since the interchangeable lens control command can be transmitted to the interchangeable lens immediately at the timing intended by the camera body, a plurality of optical members mounted on the interchangeable lens can be controlled at high speed and with high accuracy.

  The focus lens 104 is for changing the focus state of the captured video. The zoom lens 105 is for zooming the captured image. The iris 106 is for adjusting the amount of light of the captured image. The shake correction lens 107 is a shake correction lens for correcting image blur of a subject image.

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

  The lens control unit 113 is for controlling the lens and has a memory (not shown). The lens control unit 113 is an example of a communication control unit. The lens side first communication unit 114 is for performing the first communication with the interchangeable lens 10. The lens-side second communication unit 115 is for performing second communication with the interchangeable lens 10. The lens control unit 113, the lens-side first communication unit 114, and the lens-side second communication unit 115 are configured using, for example, a CPU in the interchangeable lens 10. The lens operation member 116 is an operation member provided in the interchangeable lens 10 and is, for example, a switch or an electronic ring.

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

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

  The image display unit 206 displays an image captured by the camera body 20 and is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor. The camera operation member 209 is for setting shooting conditions, and is, for example, a dial ring or a switch.

  As an example, the intermediate accessory optical members 307 and 407 of the present embodiment are optical members that cause a change in optical characteristics with respect to a captured image, such as a variable power lens or an ND filter.

  The intermediate accessory-side second communication units 308 and 408 are communication units for performing second communication with the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40. The intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 are control units for controlling the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40, respectively, and have a memory (not shown). Each of the intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 is an example of a communication control unit. The intermediate accessory control units 309 and 409 of the present embodiment are included in, for example, CPUs in the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40, respectively.

  The intermediate accessory operation members 310 and 410 are operation members provided in the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40, respectively, and are, for example, switches or electronic rings.

  The second communication connection switch 311 and the second communication connection switch 411 are switches provided on the second communication line of the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40 and on the lens side from the intermediate accessory-side second communication unit, respectively. The second communication connection switch 311 and the second communication connection switch 411 can be controlled to be short-circuited / opened by the intermediate accessory control unit 309 and the intermediate accessory control unit 409, respectively. By providing these, it is possible to block the second communication on the lens side from itself. That is, the communication state of the second communication can be changed by controlling the short circuit / release of these switches.

  In Example 1, the flow until the light incident on the interchangeable lens 10 is output as an image is as follows.

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

<First communication (Fig. 2)>
Next, the first communication will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2A illustrates a configuration for performing the first communication. The first communication of the present embodiment illustrates the case where clock synchronous communication is performed, but asynchronous communication may be performed. The first communication contact groups 102, 403, 405, 303, 305, and 202 have first communication LCLK terminals 102a, 403a, 405a, and 303a that are terminals of the clock line LCLK output from the camera side first communication unit 207, respectively. , 305a and 202a. The present embodiment also includes first communication DCL terminals 102b, 403b, 405b, 303b, 305b, and 202b that are terminals of the data line DCL output from the camera side first communication unit 207 for clock synchronous communication. Yes. Each of the first communication DCL terminals 102b, 403b, 405b, 303b, 305b, and 202b is an example of a first communication terminal. Similarly, first communication DLC terminals 102c, 403c, 405c, 303c, 305c, and 202c, which are terminals of the data line DLC output from the lens side first communication unit 114 for clock synchronous communication, are included. Each of the first communication DLC terminals 102c, 403c, 405c, 303c, 305c, and 202c is an example of a third communication terminal.

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

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

  FIG. 2B shows waveforms of the clock line LCLK, the data line DCL, and the data line DLC when the first communication is performed. The camera-side first communication unit 207 outputs a clock to the clock line LCLK and outputs 8-bit data B7 to B0 to the data line DCL in accordance with the rising signal of the clock line LCLK. Similarly, the lens side first communication unit 114 outputs 8-bit data B7 to B0 to the data line DLC in accordance with the rising signal of the clock line LCLK. Further, the camera-side first communication unit 207 receives 8-bit data B7 to B0 of the data line DLC in accordance with the rising signal of the clock line LCLK. Similarly, the lens side first communication unit 114 receives 8-bit data B7 to B0 of the data line DCL in accordance with the rising signal of the clock line LCLK. Thus, the camera-side first communication unit 207 and the lens-side first communication unit 114 can exchange communication data with each other. When the lens side first communication unit 114 receives 8-bit data of B7 to B0 of the data line DCL, the lens side first communication unit 114 outputs the clock line LCLK LOW for the time Tbusy, and then cancels the LOW output. Here, the Tbusy time is a time during which the interchangeable lens 10 is processing the received data, and the camera-side first communication unit 207 does not transmit data until the clock line LCLK changes from LOW to HIGH after data transmission. ing. By this signal control, the flow control of the first communication can be performed. By repeating the above processing, data can be transmitted between the camera side first communication unit 207 and the lens side first communication unit 114 by the first communication.

  Here, the second communication can be realized by the same communication method as the first communication, a bidirectional asynchronous communication, a master / slave method, a token passing method, or the like.

<Second communication (FIG. 12)>
Next, with reference to the configuration diagram of FIG. 12, one of the communication circuits capable of “one-to-many” communication configured between the camera body 20, the interchangeable lens 10, and the intermediate adapter 30 will be described. Even when the intermediate adapter 40 is inserted, the operation is the same as in the present description. Note that the communication circuit is not limited to this as long as “one-to-many” communication is possible. Further, when a plurality of communication circuits are provided, the other communication circuits may be “one-to-one” communication such as clock synchronous serial communication or UART communication.

  The camera-side second communication unit 208, the lens-side second communication unit 115, and the intermediate accessory second communication unit 308 are connected via a contact portion, similarly to the first communication. More specifically, the second communication contact group is connected via the second communication contact group 103, 404, 406, 304, 306, 203. In the present embodiment, the second communication contact groups 103, 404, 406, 304, 306, 203 each have a CS signal terminal and a DATA signal terminal. The camera-side second communication unit 208, the lens-side second communication unit 115, and the intermediate accessory second communication unit 308 are a CS signal line connected via a CS signal terminal and a DATA signal line connected via a DATA signal terminal. Communicate using. The DATA signal terminal included in each of the second communication contact groups 103, 404, 406, 304, 306, and 203 is an example of a second communication terminal.

  The camera communication circuit includes a ground switch 221 and an input / output changeover switch 222. The lens communication circuit includes a ground switch 121 and an input / output changeover switch 122. The intermediate accessory communication circuit includes a ground switch 321 and an input / output changeover switch 322.

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

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

  The DATA signal line is a single-line bidirectional data transmission line that can be used while switching the data propagation direction. The DATA signal line can be connected to the lens-side second communication unit 115 via the input / output changeover switch 122 of the interchangeable lens 10. The DATA signal line can be connected to the camera-side second communication unit 208 via the input / output changeover switch 222 of the camera body 20. The DATA signal line can be connected to the intermediate accessory second communication unit 308 via the input / output changeover switch 322 of the intermediate accessory 30. Each microcomputer is provided with a data output unit (CMOS system) for transmitting data and a data input unit (CMOS system) for receiving data. By operating the input / output changeover switch, it is possible to select whether the DATA signal line is connected to the data output unit or the data input unit. With this configuration, when the interchangeable lens 10, the camera body 20, and the intermediate accessory 30 transmit data, data transmission is performed by operating the input / output changeover switch so that the DATA signal line is connected to the data output unit. It becomes possible. On the other hand, when the interchangeable lens 10, the camera body 20, and the intermediate adapter 30 receive data, the data can be received by operating the input / output changeover switch so that the DATA signal line is connected to the data input unit. Become.

  Here, broadcast communication and P2P communication performed by a CS signal and a data signal will be described.

  The CS signal line falls to LOW when any unit is connected to GND, so it is used as a trigger for broadcast communication.

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

  Each accessory can request broadcast communication from the camera body by pulling the CS signal line LOW.

  A unit that detects LOW of the CS signal line can inform other units that the processing for broadcast communication is continued by turning on its own ground switch during the broadcast processing. By stipulating that the second communication starts with broadcast communication and ends with broadcast communication, the DATA signal line of the accessory should basically maintain the reception state. When the camera performs P2P communication with the accessory, first, the accessory to be communicated is designated by broadcast communication. The camera that has completed transmission of broadcast communication and the designated accessory perform P2P communication.

  In P2P communication, a camera first transmits data, and an accessory that receives the data transmits data to the camera. Thereafter, this is performed alternately. In P2P communication, the CS signal in communication is distinguished from broadcast communication by maintaining HIGH. The CS signal in P2P communication is used as a busy signal. That is, the camera and the accessory are set to LOW to notify the other party that the data transmission from the camera and the accessory has been completed, and set to HIGH to notify that the data reception is ready.

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

  In this way, the camera can perform data communication with a plurality of accessories via two communication lines.

  Although FIG. 12 shows an example of the communication circuit in the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the CS signal line can be pulled down to GND in the camera body 20 and connected to a power source (not shown) via the ground switch 121 of the interchangeable lens 10, the ground switch 221 of the camera body 20, and the ground switch 321 of the intermediate accessory 30. It is good also as a simple structure. Further, the DATA signal line may be always connected to each data input unit, and the connection / disconnection between the DATA signal line and each data output unit may be operated by a switch.

<Acquisition processing of corrected optical information (FIG. 3)>
Next, a flow in which the camera body 20 acquires the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 corrected based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40 will be described with reference to FIG. The optical information of the intermediate accessory is, for example, a magnification that is changed by inserting the intermediate accessory when the intermediate accessory has a variable power lens. The optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is information such as a focal length, a diaphragm, a focus sensitivity, and a focus correction amount.

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

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

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

  In step S303, the camera control unit 205 performs initial communication with the interchangeable lens 10 through first communication. In the initial communication, identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 is acquired. The interchangeable lens identification information may be information such as a model number (ID) used for identifying the type (model) of the interchangeable lens, or may be optical data identification information indicating optical data unique to the interchangeable lens. . Moreover, the information which shows the function which an interchangeable lens has, information, such as a manufacturing number (serial number) which can identify the individual in the same model, may be included.

  The flow of the sub-process S303 for acquiring the interchangeable lens 10 identification information by the first communication will be described later with reference to FIG. In step S304, the camera control unit 205 performs initial communication with the accessory through second communication, and acquires authentication information of the accessory.

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

  The intermediate accessory identification information may be information such as a model number (ID) used for identifying the type (model) of the intermediate accessory, or may be optical data identification information indicating optical data unique to the intermediate accessory. . Further, information indicating the function of the intermediate accessory and information such as a manufacturing number (serial number) that can identify an individual in the same model may be included.

  The correction process necessity information is information indicating whether or not the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 needs to be corrected by mounting the accessory. If the accessory is an intermediate accessory and does not affect the optical system of the interchangeable lens 10, correction processing is not necessary. If the camera control unit 205 knows in advance that the correction process due to the attachment of the intermediate accessory is unnecessary based on the information on whether or not the intermediate accessory correction process is required, the camera ignores the intermediate accessory in the optical information acquisition process of the interchangeable lens 10. can do.

  As an intermediate accessory that does not require correction processing, for example, there is an intermediate accessory that is provided with an optical member that is optically designed so as to cancel the influence of its width on the optical system, and is mounted for the purpose of adding an operation member. In addition, a mount converter that changes the flange back length suitable for the camera body by mounting between the interchangeable lens of the mount with a short flange back and the camera body may be used.

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

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

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

  After the transition to S306, the camera control unit 205 determines whether there is an accessory for which the camera control unit 205 does not have optical information among the interchangeable lenses and intermediate accessories whose correction processing necessity information is “necessary” in S305. Determine whether. Note that the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory whose correction processing necessity information is “necessary” in S305 is also referred to as an accessory related to correction. If there is an accessory for which the camera control unit 205 does not have optical information among the accessories related to correction, the camera control unit 205 cannot perform correction processing of the optical information of the interchangeable lens. In this case, the process proceeds to S307 in order to search for a correction processing request destination.

  In step S307, the camera control unit 205 determines an accessory (also referred to as a first accessory) that holds optical information of all other accessories among the accessories related to correction. As a determination method of the first accessory, for example, the determination may be made based on the identification information acquired from the accessory, or the accessory may be inquired by communication. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

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

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

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

  In step S309, the camera control unit 205 acquires the optical information corrected by the first accessory.

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

  In step S310, the camera control unit 205 corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens by using the optical information of the interchangeable lens and the optical information of the intermediate accessory held by the camera control unit 205.

  In S305, if the camera control unit 205 determines that there is no intermediate accessory that requires correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens, the intermediate accessory is not attached or all intermediate accessories that are attached are corrected. Necessity information is “No”. Therefore, the process proceeds to S311 as a process in the case where it is not necessary to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens.

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

  In step S312, the camera control unit 205 acquires the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 from the lens control unit 113 through the first communication.

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

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

  After the optical information acquisition, the first communication path is used for communication for the camera body 20 to control the interchangeable lens 10, and the second communication path is for the camera body 20 to be the intermediate accessory operation member 310 and the intermediate accessory operation member 410. It is used for communication to constantly acquire the operation information. The communication for constantly obtaining the operation information of the operation member 116 of the interchangeable lens is performed by taking into consideration the occupation rate of each communication path and the immediacy required for communication and control, Any of the communication paths may be used.

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

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

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

  In S403, when the lens control unit 113 receives the interchangeable lens identification information transmission request, the process proceeds to S404. Then, the lens control unit 113 transmits the interchangeable lens identification information to the camera control unit 205 through the first communication.

  When the camera control unit 205 receives the interchangeable lens identification information in S405, the process proceeds to S406, and the received interchangeable lens identification information is stored.

  With S407, the sub-process S303 ends.

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

  When the sub-process is started in S501, the process proceeds to S502.

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

  Here, the authentication information request according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The authentication information request according to the present embodiment is information that the accessory requests the camera control unit 205 to transmit three pieces of information as authentication information. The authentication information request includes an accessory identification information request, a correction processing necessity information request, and a termination information request.

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

  In step S <b> 506, the intermediate accessory control unit 309 transmits authentication information of the intermediate accessory 30 to the camera control unit 205 through the second communication.

  Here, authentication information transmitted from the intermediate accessory to the camera control unit 205 will be described with reference to FIG. The authentication information includes identification information, correction process necessity information, and termination information.

  The correction processing necessity information is information indicating “necessary” if the intermediate accessory changes the optical characteristics. If the optical characteristic is not changed, the information indicates “NO”.

  In the present embodiment, the termination information is information indicating whether the second communication is terminated as viewed from the camera body 20. If the intermediate adapter is the end of the second communication when viewed from the camera body 20, the end information is information indicating “end”. If it is not the end of the second communication when viewed from the camera body 20, the end information is information indicating “not the end”.

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

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

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

  Since the intermediate accessory 40 also takes the same behavior, the camera control unit 205 can sequentially communicate with a plurality of accessories.

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

  In step S <b> 506, the intermediate accessory control unit 309 transmits authentication information of the intermediate accessory 30 to the camera control unit 205 through the second communication. Then, the second communication connection switch 311 is short-circuited. Accordingly, the intermediate accessory control unit 409 can receive data transmitted by the camera control unit 205.

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

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

  In S510, the intermediate accessory control unit 309 receives the authentication information request transmitted from the camera control unit 205, but does not respond because the sub-process end information is not received.

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

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

  The terminal information of the accessory may be acquired by another method. For example, similarly to S502 and S509, when the camera control unit 205 transmits an authentication information request on the assumption that an intermediate accessory is attached, the interchangeable lens is used by the termination information returned from the lens second communication unit 115. You may be notified. Further, the intermediate accessory 40 may detect that it is the terminal end by a connection state of a terminal (not shown) and notify the camera body 20 in S513. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which termination information is notified when the lens control unit 113 returns authentication information including termination information in response to an authentication information request from the camera control unit 205.

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

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

  Here, authentication information transmitted from the lens control unit 113 to the camera control unit 205 will be described with reference to FIG. The authentication information includes identification information, correction process necessity information, and termination information.

  Since the interchangeable lens 20 is not an intermediate accessory, the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 need not be corrected by the mounting. Therefore, the correction process necessity information is information indicating that the correction process is unnecessary.

  Further, since the interchangeable lens 20 of the present embodiment is the end of the second communication as viewed from the camera body 20, the end information is information indicating that the interchangeable lens 20 is the end of the second communication.

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

  In order to shorten the communication process, it is preferable to obtain the correction process necessity information as in the present embodiment. However, when the correction information necessity information is not exchanged, the correction process is necessary in all intermediate accessories. Judge that there is.

  With S522, the sub-process S304 ends.

  In the present embodiment, in the present embodiment, processing using a means for sequentially communicating with a plurality of accessories using the second communication connection switch has been described. However, another means may be used as long as it can communicate with a plurality of accessories. For example, by detecting the voltage level of a terminal (not shown) connected to the accessory itself, it is possible to grasp the number of the accessory mounted from the camera body side. In that case, the number of information transmission requests transmitted from the camera is counted, and the information is transmitted to the camera body only when it matches the mounting order of itself.

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

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

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

  In step S602, the camera control unit 205 transmits the identification information of the intermediate accessory 40 and the optical information presence / absence response request to the intermediate accessory control unit 309 through the second communication, and holds the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40. Inquire whether or not. For example, the transmission destination can be specified by adding the identification information of the intermediate accessory to the transmission data at the beginning of the communication data and referring to the value at the beginning of the communication data by the accessory to determine whether the communication is addressed to itself. Good.

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

  In step S <b> 604, the intermediate accessory control unit 309 transmits to the camera control unit 205 by the second communication whether the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40 is held.

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

  In step S <b> 606, the camera control unit 205 determines an intermediate accessory (also referred to as a first intermediate accessory) having optical information of another intermediate accessory.

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

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

  Even when three or more intermediate accessories are mounted, it is possible to determine the first intermediate accessory in the same manner. For example, when three accessories are mounted, the same processing as S602 to S605 is performed between the two accessories. If the first intermediate accessory is found, the process proceeds to S609.

  In step S609, the camera control unit 205 requests the lens control unit 113 to return the first intermediate accessory identification information and optical information (fourth information) determined in step S607 or S608 in the first communication. (Third instruction information) is transmitted. In other words, an inquiry is made as to whether the optical information of the first intermediate accessory is held.

  When the lens control unit 113 receives the identification information of the first intermediate accessory and the optical information presence / absence reply request in S610, the process proceeds to S611, and the first communication determines whether or not the optical information of the first intermediate accessory is held. To the camera control unit 205.

  When the camera control unit 205 receives the presence / absence of optical information of the first intermediate accessory from the interchangeable lens 20 in S612, the process proceeds to S613, and whether or not the lens control unit 113 holds the optical information of the first intermediate accessory. Determine whether. Thereby, the first accessory is determined.

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

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

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

<Effect of Example 1>
As described above, the first embodiment independently includes the first communication path through which the camera and the interchangeable lens can communicate and the second communication path through which the camera and the accessory can communicate. Then, a unit for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens is determined based on the identification information of each unit acquired by communication using each communication path and the intermediate accessory correction process necessity information. Thereby, communication can be performed at a more intended timing among the units of the imaging apparatus, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory while appropriately correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens.

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

  Examples of dynamically changing the optical system of the accessory by operating an operation member provided in the intermediate accessory include a variable power lens having a variable magnification, an ND filter having a variable transmittance, and the like.

  In Example 2, when the interchangeable lens is attached and the current optical system is determined, the process described in Example 1 is executed. Accordingly, it is assumed that the camera control unit 205 grasps a unit that holds optical information of all the accessories among the interchangeable lens 10, the camera body 20, the intermediate accessory 30, and the intermediate accessory 40. Hereinafter, such a unit holding optical information of all accessories is referred to as a first unit.

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

  Hereinafter, an accessory whose optical information changes dynamically and whose correction processing necessity information is “necessary” is expressed as a dynamic accessory. An intermediate accessory whose optical information does not change dynamically and whose correction process necessity information is “No” is referred to as a static intermediate accessory. An interchangeable lens whose optical information changes dynamically is called a dynamic lens, and an interchangeable lens whose optical information doesn't change dynamically is called a static lens.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40 are mounted between the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10 will be described. However, only one of the intermediate accessories is mounted. Even if it exists, a present Example is applicable.

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

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

  When the subprocess S702 ends, the process proceeds to S703.

  In step S <b> 703, the camera control unit 205 determines whether a dynamic accessory is attached based on the above-described dynamic accessory information. More specifically, when information indicating that the optical system dynamically changes is acquired as dynamic accessory information from any accessory, the camera control unit 205 determines that the dynamic accessory is mounted. To do. Further, when information indicating that the optical system dynamically changes is not acquired as the dynamic accessory information, the camera control unit 205 determines that the dynamic accessory is not attached. If a dynamic accessory is attached, the process proceeds to S704.

  In step S <b> 704, the camera control unit 205 executes a sub process for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the change in the optical information of the dynamic accessory. When the dynamic accessory is not attached or when the dynamic accessory is not operated, it is not necessary to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens. Therefore, the process proceeds to S705, and the optical correction processing of the interchangeable lens ends.

<Optical Information Correction Process According to Dynamic Accessory Operation (FIG. 8)>
Hereinafter, a sub-process S704 for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the change of the optical information according to the operation of the dynamic accessory that is the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

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

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

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

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

  It should be noted that the optical data identification information of the dynamic accessory is information regarding parameters for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10, and is assumed to be, for example, current optical information in this embodiment. For example, when the intermediate accessory has a variable power lens, the current magnification information. For example, when the intermediate accessory has an ND filter, the information is information for correcting the current optical path length. The optical data identification information may be other information as long as the first unit can recognize the optical state of the dynamic accessory. In addition, information such as a model number (ID) used for identifying the type (model) may be provided with a plurality of possible status information, or optical data identification information indicating dynamically changing optical data It may be. Moreover, the information which shows the function which an accessory has, information, such as a manufacturing number (serial number) which can identify the individual in the same model, may be included.

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

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

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

  As a means for the camera control unit 205 to recognize a change in the optical information of the dynamic accessory, as in S802, 803, 804, 805, and S806, optical communication is performed by performing communication with the dynamic accessory at a constant period by polling. You may receive the presence or absence of a change of information.

  An interrupt signal may be received from the dynamic accessory when the optical information of the dynamic accessory changes. For example, it is assumed that the intermediate accessory 30 that is a dynamic accessory has an operation member that changes the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30. In this case, it may be detected that the operation member has been operated, and an interrupt signal is transmitted from the intermediate accessory control unit 309 described later to the camera control unit 205. Further, the camera control unit 205 receives the interrupt signal from the intermediate accessory control unit 309 and determines that the optical data identification information has changed in S806, and then executes S802, 803, 804, and 805 described above. good.

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

  In step S807, the camera control unit 205 transmits the optical data identification information of the intermediate accessory 30 and the optical information correction request (also referred to as an optical correction request) of the interchangeable lens 10 through the first communication as the first unit. To the 10 lens control units 113.

  In S808, when the lens control unit 113 receives the optical data identification information and the optical correction request of the intermediate accessory 30, the process proceeds to S809.

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

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

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

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

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

  In the present embodiment, the case where one of the intermediate accessories is a dynamic accessory and the optical lens 10 is the first unit has been described. In addition, even when there are a plurality of dynamic accessories or when the first unit is a unit other than an interchangeable lens, the correction process can be performed in the same manner.

  Further, when only the first unit is a dynamic accessory, if the first unit recognizes that, the optical correction is performed at the stage of recognizing that its own optical information has changed, and the optical correction is performed. The optical data of the later interchangeable lens 10 may be transmitted to the camera body 20.

  The correction process of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is performed in consideration of not only the optical information of the dynamic accessory acquired in S805 but also the optical information of the static intermediate accessory, such as the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40 in S810. . If a static intermediate accessory is installed, it is corrected in advance using the optical information of the static intermediate accessory, and if the optical information changes dynamically, a final correction process is performed using the optical information of the dynamic accessory. May be.

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

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

  In the first embodiment, it has been described that the camera control unit 205 determines the first unit for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens by determining the presence or absence of the optical information of the unit based on the identification information of the unit. In the third embodiment, a case where a unit for correcting optical information of an interchangeable lens is determined in advance will be described.

  An example in which the unit for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens is determined in advance is as follows. For example, when it is detected from the accessory identification information that an accessory that does not hold optical information is attached to the camera, the camera requests a firmware upgrade from the user, and the optical information of the accessory is acquired by firmware upgrade. Can be mentioned. In this case, the camera corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens.

  In the third embodiment, it is assumed that it is determined in advance that the camera corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens. Even when it is determined in advance that the interchangeable lens or the specific intermediate accessory corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens, the same processing as in the third embodiment may be performed.

  Further, when the optical characteristics of the accessory dynamically change as in the second embodiment, the communication amount can be reduced by using the accessory as a unit that corrects optical information of the interchangeable lens. .

<Acquisition processing of corrected optical information in Embodiment 2 (FIG. 9)>
FIG. 9 shows that the camera body 20 acquires the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 corrected based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40 when power is supplied for the first time after mounting the intermediate accessory and the interchangeable lens. The flow of processing is shown.

  When the camera body 20 is activated in S901, the process proceeds to S902.

  When the process proceeds to S902, the camera body 20 supplies power to the interchangeable lens 10, the intermediate accessory 30, and the intermediate accessory 40 via a power supply mount contact (not shown), and the process proceeds to S903 and S904.

  Sub-process S903 that is an initial communication process with the interchangeable lens 10 by the first communication is the same as the sub-process S303 in the first embodiment. Sub-process S904, which is an initial communication process with the accessory by the second communication, is the same as sub-process S304 in the first embodiment.

  Since S903 and S904 use different communication paths, the processes may be performed in parallel or sequentially.

  When the identification information of the interchangeable lens and the authentication information of the accessory are acquired in S903 and S904, the process proceeds to S905.

  In step S905, the camera control unit 205 determines whether there is an intermediate accessory that requires correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the identification information of the intermediate accessory acquired in step S904. If an intermediate accessory that requires correction of optical information of the interchangeable lens is attached, the process proceeds to S906.

  In step S906, the camera control unit 205 corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens using the optical information of the interchangeable lens and the optical information of the intermediate accessory held by itself.

  In S905, if no intermediate accessory is attached, or if all attached intermediate accessories are intermediate accessories that do not require correction of optical information of the interchangeable lens, correction processing is not necessary, so S907. Transition to.

  In step S907, the camera control unit 205 acquires optical information from the data table stored in itself.

  After acquiring optical information in S906 or S907, the process proceeds to S908, and the optical information acquisition sequence ends.

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

  Similarly, it may be determined in advance that the interchangeable lens corrects its own optical information based on the information of the intermediate accessory. In that case, the camera acquires only the identification information of the intermediate accessory in the initial communication, and notifies it to the interchangeable lens. The interchangeable lens that receives it determines whether or not the optical information can be corrected based on the identification information of the intermediate accessory.

  If correction is possible, the corrected optical information of the interchangeable lens is notified to the camera. If correction is impossible, the camera is notified of this, and the camera that receives the notification performs a predetermined action such as prompting the user to upgrade the interchangeable lens. In this way, the optical information of the interchangeable lens can be appropriately corrected based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory.

  After the optical information acquisition, the first communication path is used for communication for the camera body 20 to control the interchangeable lens 10, and the second communication path is for the camera body 20 to be the intermediate accessory operation member 310 and the intermediate accessory operation member 410. It is used for communication to constantly acquire the operation information. The communication for constantly obtaining the operation information of the operation member 116 of the interchangeable lens is performed by taking into consideration the occupation rate of each communication path and the immediacy required for communication and control, Any of the communication paths may be used.

<Effect of Example 3>
As described above, in the embodiment, the optical information of the optical lens 10 is corrected in the camera body 20. That is, in Example 3, it is not necessary to determine which unit performs optical information correction. For this reason, in the third embodiment, the processing time can be shortened as compared with the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the description will be focused on the case where the optical accessory identification information indicating the accessory-specific optical data is used as the intermediate accessory identification information.

  Product-specific information such as the model number (ID) for the intermediate accessory identification information is an accessory that can be corrected by the same correction method as a known accessory when the accessory of the new product has the same optical system as a known accessory. But a new model number is assigned. Therefore, when it is determined whether or not the optical information of the interchangeable lens needs to be corrected based on the model number (ID) or the like, if the model number (ID) is unknown, the optical characteristics of the lens are considered in consideration of the optical characteristics of the accessory. The information could not be corrected.

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

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

  In this way, information regarding the correction method and information regarding the correction parameter are transmitted to the lens control unit 113 via the camera control unit 205, so that correction that takes into account intermediate accessories that newly have different information regarding the correction parameter is taken into account. However, it is possible to perform correction by an existing unit (interchangeable lens 10 in this embodiment) by resetting magnification information that is a correction parameter.

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

  In addition, when using correction | amendment identification information, since it is not efficient to memorize | store a correction | amendment algorithm in each unit, it is preferable to determine beforehand the unit which implements correction | amendment. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a unit that performs correction is determined in advance as an interchangeable lens. In addition, a method for correcting an interchangeable lens when using correction identification information will be described. In the case where correction is performed by the first unit as in the first and second embodiments, the correction identification information can be similarly used.

<Acquisition Process of Corrected Optical Information in Example 4 (FIG. 11)>
FIG. 11 shows that when power is supplied for the first time after each accessory is mounted, the camera body 20 acquires correction information from each accessory, transmits it to the interchangeable lens 10 to request correction, and the corrected interchangeable lens. 10 shows a flow of processing for acquiring ten pieces of optical information.

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

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

  Sub-process S1003 that is an initial communication process with the accessory by the second communication is substantially the same as sub-process S304 in the first embodiment. In S1003, the above-described corrected identification information is acquired as identification information of the intermediate accessory.

  When the correction authentication information for the accessory is acquired in S1003, the process proceeds to S1004.

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

  In step S1005, the interchangeable lens control unit 113 determines whether correction of its own optical information by the intermediate accessory correction identification information is necessary. If an intermediate accessory that requires correction of optical information is attached, the process proceeds to S1006.

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

  In S1005, if no intermediate accessory is attached, or if all attached intermediate accessories are intermediate accessories that do not require correction of optical information of the interchangeable lens, correction processing is not necessary, so S1007. Transition to.

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

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

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

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

  In the first embodiment, the accessory authentication information includes the accessory identification information and the correction process necessity information. On the other hand, if only the correction process necessity information is included in the authentication information of the accessory and the correction process necessity information indicates correction “necessary”, the correction process necessity information may be acquired separately. good. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication when the correction processing necessity information indicates the correction “No”, as compared with the case where the correction identification information is acquired regardless of whether the correction processing necessity information is necessary. is there. In this case, similar to the above-described embodiment, both the intermediate accessory identification information and the correction process necessity information are acquired. That is, when the correction process necessity information is correction “necessary” and the correction identification information is separately acquired, both the intermediate accessory identification information and the correction identification information are acquired as information for identifying the accessory. As a result, the communication amount when the correction process necessity information indicates correction “No” is reduced, and the intermediate accessory is used regardless of whether the correction process necessity information is correction “necessary” or “no”. The identification information can be used for other purposes.

  If the lens control unit 113 determines that the information corresponding to the information related to the correction method is not stored based on the information related to the correction method included in the correction identification information, the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is stored. You may control not to correct | amend.

<Effect of Example 4>
As described above, the camera control unit 205 acquires the information related to the correction method and the information related to the correction parameter from the intermediate accessory control unit 309, and transmits these information to the lens control unit 113. Accordingly, the lens control unit 113 can correct the optical information in consideration of the accessory if the correction method is known even if it is a new accessory.

<Other examples>
In the above-described embodiment, the first accessory has been described as an accessory that holds optical information of all other accessories among the accessories related to correction. However, the accessory which has the most optical information among the accessories related to correction may be used. That is, there may be an accessory that does not have optical information. In that case, in this case, the missing optical information may be obtained from another unit.

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

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

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where there are two intermediate accessories has been described. If there are three or more intermediate accessories, a plurality of intermediate accessories have all the optical information of other intermediate accessories, It is assumed that what has more is the first intermediate accessory.

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

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

  In the third embodiment, the case where the optical information of the optical lens 10 is corrected in the camera body 20 has been described. On the other hand, the optical information may be corrected in the interchangeable lens 10. In this case, instead of S906 in FIG. 9, the camera control unit 205 transmits a request for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 to the lens control unit 113. At this time, if the optical information of the intermediate accessory that needs to be corrected is insufficient, the interchangeable lens 10 may acquire the optical information of the intermediate accessory from the camera body 20 or the intermediate accessory as necessary. .

  In the fourth embodiment, an example in which the camera control unit 205 acquires information about the correction method and information about the correction parameter from the intermediate accessory control unit 309 and transmits the information to the lens control unit 113 has been described. Here, when the intermediate accessory 30 is a dynamic intermediate accessory as described in the second embodiment, and the information regarding the correction parameter can change, the information regarding the correction parameter is reacquired according to the detection of the change. You may do it. That is, when it is detected that the operation member of the intermediate accessory 30 has been operated, the camera control unit 205 acquires information regarding the correction parameters from the intermediate accessory control unit 309 and transmits the information to the lens control unit 113. You may make it do.

  In addition, you may combine each Example mentioned above suitably.

  The present invention supplies a program for realizing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program But it can be realized. Further, it can be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary.

Claims (44)

An imaging device capable of mounting an interchangeable lens and an intermediate accessory to be mounted between the interchangeable lens and the imaging device,
First communication control means for controlling first communication via a first communication path capable of mutual communication with the interchangeable lens;
Second communication control means for controlling second communication via a second communication path capable of mutual communication with the intermediate accessory;
Storage means for storing information acquired by the acquisition means from the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory;
Determining means for determining which optical information of the interchangeable lens is to be corrected in any of the imaging device, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory;
The first communication control means receives first information including identification information of the interchangeable lens as a response to the first instruction information transmitted to the interchangeable lens by the first communication control means. Obtained from interchangeable lenses,
The second communication control unit corrects the identification information of the intermediate accessory and the optical information of the interchangeable lens as a response to the second instruction information transmitted to the intermediate accessory by the second communication control unit. Second information including information indicating whether or not is necessary from the intermediate accessory,
Based on the first information and the second information, the determination unit determines which unit of the imaging device, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens. An imaging apparatus characterized by determining. The second communication control means can also communicate with the interchangeable lens,
The information indicating the end of the second communication is acquired from the interchangeable lens as a response to the second instruction information transmitted to the interchangeable lens. Imaging device.   The second instruction information requests accessory identification information, information indicating whether correction of optical information of the interchangeable lens is necessary, and information indicating the end of the second communication. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising information.   When the storage means has optical information of the interchangeable lens that has acquired the first information and optical information of the intermediate accessory that has acquired the second information, the determining means is the imaging lens of the interchangeable lens. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical information is corrected to be corrected.   When the storage means does not have the optical information of the interchangeable lens that has acquired the first information and the optical information of the intermediate accessory that has acquired the second information, the determining means includes the intermediate accessory and the 2. The optical information of the interchangeable lens is determined to be corrected in an accessory having the largest amount of optical information of another accessory from among a plurality of accessories including the interchangeable lens. Item 5. The imaging device according to any one of items 4 to 4.   The first communication control means transmits third instruction information for requesting third information indicating the presence / absence of optical information and identification information of the first intermediate accessory to the interchangeable lens, and the acquisition is performed as a response 6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a unit obtains the third information as the third information from the interchangeable lens by the first communication.   When the second communication control unit acquires information indicating that the optical information of the first intermediate accessory is included as the third information from the interchangeable lens, the determination unit performs the replacement in the interchangeable lens. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein it is determined to correct optical information of the lens.   When the second communication control unit acquires information indicating that the optical information of the first intermediate accessory does not exist as the third information from the interchangeable lens, the determination unit includes 8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the optical information of the interchangeable lens is determined to be corrected.   The first intermediate accessory and the second intermediate accessory are mounted on the imaging apparatus, and the second intermediate accessory is used as the third information by the second communication control unit. When the instruction information for requesting information indicating the presence or absence of the optical information is transmitted, the second communication control means indicates that the optical information of the second intermediate accessory is included as the third information in response. The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the imaging apparatus is an accessory that receives information.   When the determination unit determines to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens in any of a plurality of accessories including the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory, the second communication control unit replaces the accessory with the accessory. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein instruction information for requesting correction of optical information of the lens is transmitted.   If the second communication control unit does not acquire information indicating that correction of optical information of the interchangeable lens is necessary, the determination unit determines not to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein An intermediate accessory removably attached to the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
An intermediate accessory that transmits the second information to the imaging device as a response to the second instruction information received from the imaging device via the second communication path. An interchangeable lens that can be attached to an intermediate accessory attached to an imaging device,
First communication control means for controlling first communication via a first communication path capable of mutual communication with the imaging device;
Second communication control means for controlling second communication via a second communication path capable of communicating with the imaging apparatus via the intermediate accessory;
Storage means for storing identification information of the interchangeable lens and optical information of the interchangeable lens,
The first communication control means transmits information including identification information of the interchangeable lens to the imaging apparatus as a response to the first instruction information acquired from the imaging apparatus, and the second communication control means As a response to the second instruction information acquired from the imaging device, information indicating that the accessory is the end of the second communication among a plurality of accessories including the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory is transmitted. An interchangeable lens characterized by: Having correction means for correcting optical information of the interchangeable lens;
When the acquisition unit acquires the third instruction information that instructs to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens with the interchangeable lens, the correction unit adds the optical information of the intermediate accessory stored in the storage unit. Based on the optical information of the interchangeable lens,
14. The interchangeable lens according to claim 13, wherein the first communication control unit transmits the optical information corrected by the correction unit to the imaging apparatus as a response to the third instruction information. The second instruction information includes information requesting information indicating whether correction of optical information of the interchangeable lens is necessary,
The second communication control unit, when acquiring the second instruction information, transmits information indicating that correction of optical information of the interchangeable lens is unnecessary to the imaging device. Item 15. The interchangeable lens according to item 13 or claim 14.   The interchangeable lens according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the first instruction information includes information for requesting identification information of the interchangeable lens.   The second instruction information includes information requesting information indicating whether an accessory that has acquired the second instruction information from among the plurality of accessories is an end of the second communication. The interchangeable lens according to any one of claims 13 to 16. An intermediate accessory attached between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens,
Communication control means for controlling communication via a communication path capable of mutual communication with the imaging device;
Storage means for storing identification information and optical information of the intermediate accessory,
The communication control means, as a response to the first instruction information acquired from the imaging device, the identification information of the intermediate accessory and information indicating whether correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens is necessary, An intermediate accessory that transmits to the imaging device by communication.   The information indicating that the correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens is not necessary is transmitted as a response to the second instruction information from the imaging device acquired by the communication control unit. Intermediate accessories as described. Correction means for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens,
The communication control unit corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens stored in the storage unit when the third instruction information indicating that the optical information of the interchangeable lens is corrected by an intermediate accessory is acquired from the imaging device. ,
The intermediate accessory according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the optical information corrected by the correction unit is transmitted to the imaging apparatus as a response to the third instruction information. The first instruction information includes information requesting information indicating whether or not the communication is terminated.
21. The communication control unit according to claim 18, wherein the communication control unit transmits information indicating that the communication is not terminated as a response to the first instruction information. Intermediate accessory. A switch for changing a communication state of the communication;
When the communication control means acquires the first instruction information,
The intermediate accessory according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the switch is controlled to short-circuit the switch.   The communication control means does not transmit a response to the first instruction information when the first instruction information is acquired after controlling the switch to short-circuit. Intermediate accessories as described in   The intermediate accessory according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the communication control unit controls to open the switch when acquiring information indicating that the initial communication is started from the imaging apparatus. An imaging device control method capable of mounting an interchangeable lens and an intermediate accessory to be mounted between the interchangeable lens and the imaging device,
A first communication control step for controlling a first communication via a first communication path capable of communicating with the interchangeable lens;
A second communication control step for controlling a second communication via a second communication path capable of communicating with the intermediate accessory;
A storage step of storing information acquired by the acquisition unit from the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory;
A determination step for determining which optical information of the interchangeable lens is to be corrected in which unit of the imaging device, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory;
In the first communication control step, as a response to the first instruction information transmitted to the interchangeable lens by the first communication control means, first information including identification information of the interchangeable lens is used as the response. Obtained from interchangeable lenses,
In the second communication control step, the identification information of the intermediate accessory and the optical information of the interchangeable lens are corrected as a response to the second instruction information transmitted to the intermediate accessory by the second communication control unit. Second information including information indicating whether or not is necessary from the intermediate accessory,
In the determining step, based on the first information and the second information, in which unit of the imaging device, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory the optical information of the interchangeable lens is corrected A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, characterized by: A method for controlling an interchangeable lens that can be attached to an intermediate accessory attached to an imaging device,
A first communication control step for controlling a first communication via a first communication path capable of mutual communication with the imaging device;
A second communication control step for controlling second communication via a second communication path capable of mutual communication with the imaging device via the intermediate accessory,
In the first communication control step, information including identification information of the interchangeable lens is transmitted to the imaging device as a response to the first instruction information acquired from the imaging device, and the second communication control means As a response to the second instruction information acquired from the imaging device, information indicating that the accessory is the end of the second communication among a plurality of accessories including the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory is transmitted. And a method for controlling an interchangeable lens. A method for controlling an intermediate accessory mounted between an imaging device and an interchangeable lens,
A communication control step of controlling communication via a communication path capable of mutual communication with the imaging device;
In the communication control step, as a response to the first instruction information acquired from the imaging device, identification information of the intermediate accessory and information indicating whether correction of optical information of the interchangeable lens is necessary, An intermediate accessory control method comprising: transmitting to the imaging apparatus by communication. An imaging device capable of mounting an interchangeable lens and an intermediate accessory to be mounted between the interchangeable lens and the imaging device,
A first communication terminal for transmitting information to the interchangeable lens;
A second communication terminal for obtaining information from the intermediate accessory;
Information regarding the correction method from the intermediate accessory in response to transmission via the second communication terminal of information requesting information regarding the correction method of the optical information of the interchangeable lens and information regarding the correction parameter; and And a communication control means for acquiring information relating to a correction parameter and transmitting information relating to the correction method and information relating to the correction parameter to the interchangeable lens via the first communication terminal. An imaging device.   The information indicating whether or not the optical information of the interchangeable lens needs to be corrected is acquired from the intermediate accessory via the second communication terminal. If the information is information indicating that correction is necessary, the correction information 29. The imaging apparatus according to claim 28, wherein information regarding a method and information regarding the correction parameter are acquired.   30. The imaging apparatus according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the information related to the correction method is information corresponding to an optical member included in the intermediate accessory.   31. The imaging apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the information regarding the correction parameter is information corresponding to optical characteristics of the optical member. The information on the correction method is information corresponding to the intermediate accessory having a variable power lens,
32. The imaging apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the information regarding the correction parameter is information corresponding to a magnification by the variable power lens. An intermediate accessory attached between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens,
A first communication terminal through which information transmitted from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens is conducted;
A second communication terminal for transmitting a response to the request received from the imaging device;
Communication control means for transmitting information about the correction method of the optical information of the interchangeable lens, information about the correction parameter, and the second communication terminal;
An intermediate accessory characterized in that the information relating to the correction method and the information relating to the correction parameter conduct the first communication terminal.   The communication control unit responds to a request received in response to transmission of information corresponding to necessity of correction as information corresponding to necessity of correction of the interchangeable lens via transmission of the first communication terminal. 34. The intermediate accessory according to claim 33, wherein information related to the correction method and information related to the correction parameter are transmitted via the first communication terminal.   The intermediate accessory according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the information on the correction method is information corresponding to an optical member included in the intermediate accessory.   36. The intermediate accessory according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the information regarding the correction parameter is information corresponding to an optical characteristic of the optical member. The information on the correction method is information corresponding to the intermediate accessory having a variable power lens,
The intermediate accessory according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the information related to the correction parameter is information corresponding to a magnification by the variable power lens. An interchangeable lens that can be attached to an intermediate accessory attached to an imaging device,
A first communication terminal for receiving information transmitted from the imaging device;
A third communication terminal for transmitting information to the imaging device;
Communication control means for controlling communication so as to receive information on a correction method of optical information of the interchangeable lens transmitted to the imaging apparatus and information on the correction parameter via the first communication terminal; Correction means for correcting optical information based on information on a correction method and information on the correction parameters;
The interchangeable lens, wherein the communication control unit controls communication so that the optical information corrected by the correction unit is transmitted via the third communication terminal.   39. The interchangeable lens according to claim 38, wherein the information related to the correction method is information corresponding to an optical member included in the intermediate accessory.   40. The interchangeable lens according to claim 38, wherein the information relating to the correction parameter is information corresponding to optical characteristics of the optical member. The information on the correction method is information corresponding to the intermediate accessory having a variable power lens,
41. The interchangeable lens according to claim 38, wherein the information on the correction parameter is information corresponding to a magnification by the variable power lens.   An interchangeable lens and an intermediate accessory to be mounted between the interchangeable lens and the imaging device can be mounted, and a first communication terminal that transmits information to the interchangeable lens and information from the intermediate accessory are acquired. A second communication terminal comprising: a second communication terminal for controlling the optical information of the interchangeable lens; and information regarding a parameter for the correction. Information on the correction method and information on the correction parameter are acquired from the intermediate accessory in response to transmission via the intermediate accessory, and the information on the correction method and the information on the correction parameter are sent to the first communication terminal. And a communication control step of transmitting to the interchangeable lens through the image pickup apparatus. A first communication terminal that is mounted between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens and through which information transmitted from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens is conducted, and a second that transmits a response to the request received from the imaging device A control method of an intermediate accessory having a communication terminal,
A first step of transmitting information relating to the correction method of optical information of the interchangeable lens and information relating to the correction parameter to the imaging device via the second communication terminal; information relating to the correction method; and A method for controlling an intermediate accessory, characterized in that the information related to the correction parameter includes a second step of conducting the first communication terminal. A first communication terminal that can be attached to an intermediate accessory attached to the imaging device, and that receives information transmitted from the imaging device; a third communication terminal that transmits information to the imaging device; A control method of an interchangeable lens having
A first communication control unit that receives information about a correction method of optical information of the interchangeable lens transmitted from the intermediate accessory to the imaging apparatus and information about a parameter of the correction via the first communication terminal. Communication control steps of
A correction step of correcting optical information based on information on the correction method and information on the correction parameters;
A method for controlling an interchangeable lens, further comprising: a second communication control step of controlling communication so that the optical information corrected by the correction means is transmitted via the third communication terminal.

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