JP2019086527A - Imaging apparatus, accessory apparatus, control method, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent malfunctions caused by noise which is generated due to changeover of a switch on a communication line.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 100 which is available when multiple accessory apparatuses 200, 300 are connected includes: signal transmission channels CS to be used for signal transmission between the imaging apparatus and the accessory apparatuses; and data communication channels DATA to be used for data communication between the imaging apparatus and the accessory apparatus. A camera control unit 205 executes data communication or processing in accordance with accessory signals input from one of the accessory apparatuses via the signal transmission channels. When the accessory apparatuses include at least one switching accessory apparatus having a channel switch 3033 for connecting/disconnecting the signal transmission channels, the camera control unit has an input invalid period in which data communication or processing is not executed in accordance with signals from the signal transmission channels when changing over the channel switch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, an accessory device, a control method, and a control program.

  In an interchangeable lens type camera system including an imaging device (hereinafter referred to as a camera body) to which the interchangeable lens can be attached and removed, the camera body controls the operation of the interchangeable lens and the interchangeable lens transmits data necessary for control and imaging to the camera body. Communication is provided to provide and / or provide. In particular, when imaging a recording moving image or a live view display moving image using an interchangeable lens, smooth lens control according to the imaging cycle is required. Therefore, between imaging timing of the camera body and control timing of the interchangeable lens Need to synchronize. Therefore, the camera body needs to complete reception of data from the interchangeable lens and transmission of commands such as various instructions and requests to the interchangeable lens within the imaging cycle. However, communication of a large amount of data at a higher speed is required by increasing the amount of data received from the interchangeable lens by the camera body or shortening the imaging cycle (increased frame rate).

  Further, an adapter such as a wide converter or a teleconverter (extender) may be connected between the camera body and the interchangeable lens, and these adapters communicate with the camera body in the same manner as the interchangeable lens. Therefore, the camera system requires a communication system in which the camera body can perform one-to-many communication with a plurality of accessory devices including an interchangeable lens and an adapter. As a communication method for realizing one-to-many communication between a communication master and a plurality of communication slaves, there is an I2C communication method disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1.

NXP company data: I2C bus specification and user manual Rev5.0J-October 9, 2012 [May 20, 2017 Internet search URL: http://www.nxp.com/documents/user_manual/UM10204_EN. pdf]

  However, the address of the communication slave that can be specified by the I2C bus is fixed by the user or selected from the fixed width or a few bits (about several bits) for each communication slave. In any of these cases, the communication master needs to know in advance the addresses of a plurality of communication slaves connected to it.

  On the other hand, in a camera system in which a plurality of accessory devices as communication slaves can be connected and connected, the camera body, which is a communication master, previously determines how many accessory devices (for example, devices to be newly used) are connected. There are times when you can not know. In this case, it is assumed that addresses assignable to the communication sleeve are from 0 to n. If you do not know the type and number of connected accessory devices, the camera communication for authenticating (confirming) the accessory devices to all the addresses from 0 to n including the address where the accessory device does not exist There is a need to do. If noise occurs in the communication line when performing this authentication communication, a communication error or other malfunction will occur, and it will take time to perform authentication communication again, and the start of imaging by the imaging system will be delayed.

  The present invention provides an imaging device, an accessory device, a control method, and a control program capable of avoiding a malfunction due to noise generated by switching of a channel switch provided in a communication line.

  An imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention is an imaging device that can be used with a plurality of accessory devices connected. The imaging device is connected to a signaling channel used for signal transmission between the imaging device and the plurality of accessory devices, and a data communication channel used for data communication between the imaging device and the plurality of accessory devices. The camera communication unit includes: a camera communication unit; and a camera control unit that performs data communication or processing in accordance with an accessory signal input from any of a plurality of accessory devices via a signal transmission channel. When the plurality of accessory devices include at least one switchable accessory device having a channel switch for switching between connection and disconnection of the signal transmission channel, the camera control unit controls the signal transmission channel when switching the channel switch. And an input invalid period in which data communication or processing is not performed in response to a signal from the device.

  An accessory device according to another aspect of the present invention is an accessory device connected to an imaging device that can be used with a plurality of accessory devices connected. The accessory device is connected to a signaling channel used for signal transmission between the imaging device and the plurality of accessory devices, and a data communication channel used for data communication between the imaging device and the plurality of accessory devices. An accessory communication unit, and an accessory control unit that inputs an accessory signal to an imaging device via a signal transmission channel and performs data communication or processing. When the plurality of accessory devices include at least one switchable accessory device having a channel switch for switching between connection and disconnection of the signal transmission channel, the accessory control unit controls switching of the channel switch from the signal transmission channel. It is characterized by providing an input invalid period in which data communication or processing is not performed according to a signal.

  A control method according to another aspect of the present invention is an imaging device that can be used with a plurality of accessory devices connected, and a signal transmission used for signal transmission between the imaging device and the plurality of accessory devices. The present invention is applied to an imaging device connected to a channel and a data communication channel used for data communication between the imaging device and a plurality of accessory devices. The control method is any of a plurality of accessory devices via a signaling channel, where the plurality of accessory devices includes at least one switchable accessory device having a channel switch that switches connection and disconnection of the signaling channel. Performing data communication or processing in accordance with an accessory signal input from the device, and providing an input invalid period in which data communication or processing is not performed in response to a signal from the signaling channel when switching the channel switch It is characterized by including.

  A control method according to another aspect of the present invention is an accessory device connected to an imaging device that can be used in a state where a plurality of accessory devices are connected, and the signal transmission between the imaging device and the plurality of accessory devices The present invention is applied to an accessory device connected to a signal transmission channel used for data communication and a data communication channel used for data communication between an imaging device and a plurality of accessory devices. The control method inputs an accessory signal to the imaging device via the signaling channel when the plurality of accessory devices includes at least one switchable accessory device having a channel switch that switches connection and disconnection of the signaling channel. And performing the data communication or processing, and providing an input invalid period in which the data communication or processing is not performed in response to the signal from the signaling channel when switching the channel switch. .

  A computer program that causes the computer of the imaging device or accessory device to operate according to the control method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid the malfunction of the imaging device or the accessory device due to the noise generated by switching of the channel switch provided in the communication line.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a communication circuit of a camera body, an interchangeable lens, and an adapter in Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a communication format in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing communication waveforms in broadcast communication in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing communication waveforms in P2P communication in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing communication waveforms at the time of communication mode switching in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of a camera body in broadcast communication in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of the interchangeable lens and the adapter in broadcast communication in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of a camera body in P2P communication in Embodiment 1. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of the interchangeable lens and the adapter in P2P communication in Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing communication waveforms in authentication communication processing in the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the said authentication communication process. The figure which shows the CS dead period and the CS change disregard period in the said authentication communication processing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an imaging system including an imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a camera body) 200 which is Embodiment 1 of the present invention, an interchangeable lens 100 which is an accessory apparatus, and an intermediate adapter apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as an adapter) 300. Hereinafter, the configuration of the camera system will be shown. The present embodiment shows the camera body 200 which is usable in a state in which the interchangeable lens 100 is connected via the adapter 300 (a state in which a plurality of accessory devices are connected).

  Although FIG. 1 shows a camera system in which one adapter 300 is connected between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 as an example, a plurality of adapters are connected and connected between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 It is also good.

  In the camera system of this embodiment, communication is performed between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 and the adapter 300 using a plurality of communication methods. The camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100, and the adapter 300 transmit control commands and data (information) via the respective communication units. In addition, each communication unit supports a plurality of communication methods, and by switching to the same communication method in synchronization with each other in synchronization with each other according to the type of data to be communicated and the communication purpose, optimal communication for various situations You can choose the method.

  First, more specific configurations of the interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200, and the adapter 300 will be described.

  The interchangeable lens 100 and the adapter 300 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount 400 which is a coupling mechanism. Similarly, the adapter 300 and the camera body 200 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount 401 which is a coupling mechanism. The interchangeable lens 100 and the adapter 300 acquire power from the camera body 200 via power supply terminals (not shown) provided on the mounts 400 and 401. Then, power supplies necessary for the operations of various actuators to be described later and the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 are supplied. The interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200 and the adapter 300 communicate with each other via communication terminal units (shown in FIG. 2) provided on the mounts 400 and 401.

  The interchangeable lens 100 has an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system includes, in order from the object OBJ side, a field lens 101, a magnification varying lens 102 that performs magnification variation, and an aperture unit 114 that adjusts the amount of light. Furthermore, the imaging optical system includes a vibration reduction lens 103 that reduces (corrects) image blurring, and a focus lens 104 that performs focus adjustment.

  The variable magnification lens 102 and the focus lens 104 are held by lens holding frames 105 and 106, respectively. The lens holding frames 105 and 106 are movably guided in the optical axis direction (indicated by a broken line in the drawing) by a guide shaft (not shown), and are driven in the optical axis direction by the stepping motors 107 and 108. The stepping motors 107 and 108 move the zoom lens 102 and the focus lens 104 in synchronization with the drive pulse, respectively.

  The anti-vibration lens 103 shifts in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the imaging optical system to reduce an image blur caused by camera shake (such as camera shake).

  A lens microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a lens microcomputer) 111 is a lens control unit (accessory control unit) that controls the operation of each part in the interchangeable lens 100. Further, the lens microcomputer 111 receives a control command and a transmission request command transmitted from the camera body 200 via a lens communication unit (accessory communication unit) 112 including a lens communication interface circuit. The lens microcomputer 111 performs lens control corresponding to the control command, and transmits lens data corresponding to the transmission request command to the camera body 200 via the lens communication unit 112.

  The lens microcomputer 111 outputs drive signals to the zoom drive circuit 119 and the focus drive circuit 120 in response to commands relating to zooming and focusing among the control commands to drive the stepping motors 107 and 108. As a result, zoom processing for controlling the zooming operation by the zoom lens 102 and AF (Auto Focus) processing for controlling the focusing operation by the focus lens 104 are performed.

  The aperture unit 114 includes aperture blades 114a and 114b. The state (position) of the diaphragm blades 114 a and 114 b is detected by the Hall element 115. The output from the Hall element 115 is input to the lens microcomputer 111 via the amplification circuit 122 and the A / D conversion circuit 123. The lens microcomputer 111 outputs a drive signal to the diaphragm drive circuit 121 based on the input signal from the A / D conversion circuit 123 to drive the diaphragm actuator 113. Thereby, the light amount adjusting operation by the diaphragm unit 114 is controlled.

  Further, the lens microcomputer 111 controls the anti-vibration actuator (voice coil motor) through the anti-vibration drive circuit 125 according to camera shake detected by a shake sensor (not shown) such as a vibration gyro provided in the interchangeable lens 100. Etc.) 126. Thereby, the image stabilization processing for controlling the shift operation (anti-vibration operation) of the anti-vibration lens 103 is performed.

  The interchangeable lens 100 also has a manual operation ring (hereinafter simply referred to as operation ring) 130 and a ring rotation detector 131. The ring rotation detector 131 is configured by, for example, a photo interrupter that outputs a two-phase signal according to the rotation of the operation ring 130. The lens microcomputer 111 can detect the amount of rotational operation of the operation ring 130 using the two-phase signal. Also, the lens microcomputer 111 can notify the camera microcomputer 205 of the amount of rotational operation of the operation ring 130 via the lens communication unit 112.

  The adapter 300 is, for example, an extender for changing the focal length, and includes a variable power lens 301 and an adapter microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as an adapter microcomputer) 302. The adapter microcomputer 302 is an adapter control unit (accessory control unit) that controls the operation of each unit in the adapter 300. The adapter microcomputer 302 also receives a control command and a transmission request command transmitted from the camera body 200 via an adapter communication unit (accessory communication unit) 303 including a communication interface circuit. The adapter microcomputer 302 performs adapter control corresponding to the control command, and transmits adapter data corresponding to the transmission request command to the camera body 200 via the adapter communication unit 303.

  The camera body 200 includes an imaging device 201 such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, an A / D conversion circuit 202, a signal processing circuit 203, a recording unit 204, a camera microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a camera microcomputer) 205, and And a unit 206.

  The imaging element 201 photoelectrically converts an object image formed by the imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 100 and outputs an electric signal (analog signal). The A / D conversion circuit 202 converts an analog signal from the imaging element 201 into a digital signal. The signal processing circuit 203 performs various kinds of image processing on the digital signal from the A / D conversion circuit 202 to generate a video signal. The signal processing circuit 203 also generates, from the video signal, focus information indicating the contrast state of the subject image (the focus state of the imaging optical system) and luminance information indicating the exposure state. The signal processing circuit 203 outputs the video signal to the display unit 206, and the display unit 206 displays the video signal as a live view image used for confirmation of composition, focus state, and the like.

  A camera microcomputer 205 as a camera control unit controls the camera body 200 in accordance with inputs from camera operation members such as imaging instruction switches and various setting switches (not shown). Further, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a control command related to the zooming operation of the zoom lens 102 to the lens microcomputer 111 according to the operation of the zoom switch (not shown) via the camera communication unit 208 including the communication interface circuit. Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits, via the camera communication unit 208, to the lens microcomputer 111 a control command related to the light amount adjustment operation of the diaphragm unit 114 according to the luminance information and the focus adjustment operation of the focus lens 104 according to the focus information. . The camera microcomputer 205 also transmits a transmission request command for acquiring control information and status information of the interchangeable lens 100 to the lens microcomputer 111 as necessary. Further, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a transmission request command for acquiring control information and status information of the adapter 300 to the adapter microcomputer 302.

  Next, a communication circuit configured between the camera body 200 (camera microcomputer 205), the interchangeable lens 100 (lens microcomputer 111), and the adapter 300 (adapter microcomputer 302) will be described with reference to FIG. The camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 perform communication using signal lines (channels) connected via the communication terminal units provided in the mounts 400 and 401 described above.

  As the signal line, a signal line (first signal line: corresponding to a signal transmission channel) CS for transmitting a signal for communication control, and a signal line (second signal line: data for communicating data) And DATA) corresponding to a communication channel.

  The signal line CS is connected to the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111. Therefore, the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 can detect High and Low as the state of the signal line CS. The signal line CS is pull-up connected to a power supply (not shown) in the camera body 200. The signal line CS can be connected (open drain connection) to the ground GND via the ground switch 1121 in the interchangeable lens 100, the ground switch 2081 in the camera body 200, and the ground switch 3031 in the adapter 300. .

  With this configuration, the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 can set the signal line CS to Low by turning on (connecting) the ground switches 2081, 1121, and 3031, respectively. The camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 can set the signal line CS to High by turning off (cut off) the ground switches 2081, 1121, and 3031, respectively.

  Further, in the adapter 300 as a switch-equipped accessory device, a CS switch (channel switch) 3033 is provided. The adapter microcomputer 302 can connect and disconnect the signal line CS by switching the CS switch 3033 between the connected state and the disconnected state. In the cut state of the CS switch 3033, the signal output state from the adapter 300 to the signal line CS from the camera body side (camera body 200 in this embodiment) and the signal output state from the adapter 300 to the signal line CS are on the interchangeable lens side (In this embodiment, it is not transmitted to the interchangeable lens 100 itself). That is, broadcast communication described later can not be performed from the adapter 300 to the communication slave on the interchangeable lens side.

  However, when switching the connection and disconnection of the CS switch 3033, noise may be generated as an unnecessary signal, and this noise may cause a malfunction of the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302. The measures against this noise will be described later.

  Further, the details of the communication control signal (instruction or notification) transmitted through the signal line CS and the output processing thereof will be described later.

  The signal line DATA is a single-wire bidirectional data communication line that can be used while switching the data transmission direction. The signal line DATA can be connected to the lens microcomputer 111 via the input / output changeover switch 1122 in the interchangeable lens 100, and can be connected to the camera microcomputer 205 via the input / output changeover switch 2082 in the camera body 200. Also, the signal line DATA can be connected to the adapter microcomputer 302 via the input / output changeover switch 3032 in the adapter 300. Each microcomputer includes a CMOS data output unit for transmitting data and a CMOS data input unit for receiving data (all not shown). Each microcomputer can select whether to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit or to the data input unit by switching the input / output switching switch.

  When transmitting data, the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 each set an input / output switch so as to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit. Further, when receiving data, the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 each set an input / output switch so as to connect the signal line DATA to the data input unit. Details of the input / output switching process of the signal line DATA will be described later.

Although FIG. 2 shows an example of the communication circuit, another communication circuit may be used. For example, the signal line CS can be pulled down to GND in the camera body 200, and can be connected to a power supply (not shown) via the ground switch 1121 of the interchangeable lens 100, the ground switch 2081 of the camera body 200, and the ground switch 3031 of the adapter 300. It is good also as composition. Further, in the interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200 and the adapter 300, the signal line DATA may always be connected to the data input unit, and the connection / disconnection between the signal line DATA and the data output unit may be switchable by a switch. .
[Communication data format]
Next, the format of communication data exchanged between the camera body 200 (camera microcomputer 205), the interchangeable lens 100 (lens microcomputer 111), and the adapter 300 (adapter microcomputer 302) will be described using FIG. This communication data format is common to broadcast communication which is the first communication described later and P2P communication which is the second communication. Here, a communication data format in the case of performing so-called asynchronous communication in which transmission and reception are performed at a communication bit rate in accordance with the agreement, which is determined in advance between the microcomputers, will be described.

  First, in the non-transmission state where data transmission is not performed, the signal level (voltage level) is maintained at High. Next, in order to notify the data receiving side of the start of data transmission, the signal level is set to Low for one bit period. This one bit period is called start bit ST. Subsequently, 1-byte data is transmitted in an 8-bit period from the next 2nd bit to the 9th bit. The bit array of data starts from the most significant data D7 as MSB first format, continues with data D6, data D5,..., Data D1, and ends with the least significant data D0. The parity PA information of 1 bit is added to the 10th bit, and the signal level is made High at the end of the stop bit SP indicating the end of the transmission data, and the 1 frame period started from the start bit ST ends. Do.

Although FIG. 3 shows an example of the communication data format, another communication data format may be used. For example, the bit arrangement of data may be LSB first or 9 bits long, or parity PA information may not be added. The communication data format may be switched between broadcast communication and P2P communication.
Broadcast communication
Next, broadcast communication (first communication) will be described. Broadcast communication is a point-to-multipoint communication in which one of the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 simultaneously transmits data to the other two (that is, simultaneous transmission). This broadcast communication is performed using the signal line CS and the signal line DATA. Further, the communication mode in which the broadcast communication is performed is also referred to as a broadcast communication mode (first communication mode).

  FIG. 4 shows signal waveforms in broadcast communication performed between the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302. Here, as an example, a case where the adapter microcomputer 302 performs broadcast communication with the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 in response to the broadcast communication from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 will be described.

  First, the camera microcomputer 205 serving as the communication master starts Low output to the signal line CS in order to notify the lens microcomputer 111 serving as the communication slave and the adapter microcomputer 302 to start broadcast communication. Next, the camera microcomputer 205 outputs the data to be transmitted to the signal line DATA. On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 start Low output to the signal line CS at the timing when the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA is detected. At this time, since the camera microcomputer 205 has already started Low output to the signal line CS, the signal level of the signal line CS does not change.

  Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 205 cancels the Low output to the signal line CS when the output of the stop bit SP is completed. On the other hand, after the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 receive up to the stop bit SP input from the signal line DATA, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 analyze the received data and perform internal processing associated with the received data. Then, when preparation for receiving the next data is completed, the Low output to the signal line CS is released. As described above, the signal level of the signal line CS becomes High when all of the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 cancel the Low output to the signal line CS. Therefore, the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 can confirm that the signal level of the signal line CS becomes high after the low output to the signal line CS is released. The camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 each confirm that the signal level of the signal line CS has become High, thereby completing the current communication process and preparing for the next communication. Can be judged.

  Next, when the adapter microcomputer 302 confirms that the signal level of the signal line CS returns to High, it outputs a Low output to the signal line CS to notify the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 to start broadcast communication. To start.

  Subsequently, the adapter microcomputer 302 outputs the data to be transmitted to the signal line DATA. Also, the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 start Low output to the signal line CS at the timing when the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA is detected. At this time, since the adapter microcomputer 302 has already started to output Low to the signal line CS, the signal level transmitted to the signal line CS does not change. Thereafter, when the output of the stop bit SP is completed, the adapter microcomputer 302 cancels the Low output to the signal line CS. On the other hand, after receiving up to the stop bit SP input from the signal line DATA, the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 perform analysis of the received data and internal processing associated with the received data. Then, after preparation for receiving the next data is completed, the Low output to the signal line CS is released.

  As described above, the signal transmitted by the signal line CS in the broadcast communication functions as a signal indicating the start (execution) and the execution of the broadcast communication.

Although FIG. 4 shows an example of broadcast communication, other broadcast communication may be performed. For example, data transmitted in one broadcast communication may be 1-byte data as shown in FIG. 4, but may be 2-byte or 3-byte data. The broadcast communication may be one-way communication from the camera microcomputer 205 as the communication master to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 as the communication slaves.
[P2P communication]
Next, P2P communication performed between the camera body 200 (camera microcomputer 205), the interchangeable lens 100 (lens microcomputer 111), and the adapter 300 (adapter microcomputer 302) will be described. In P2P communication, the camera body 200, which is a communication master, designates (selects) one partner (specific accessory device) with which the adapter 300 communicates with the interchangeable lens 100, which is a communication slave, and only with the designated communication slave This is a one-to-one communication (individual communication) that transmits and receives data. This P2P communication is also performed using the signal line CS and the signal line DATA. The communication mode in which P2P communication is performed is also referred to as P2P communication mode (second communication mode).

  FIG. 5 shows, as an example, signal waveforms of P2P communication exchanged between the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer (specified accessory device) 111 designated as the communication partner. In response to the 1-byte data transmission from the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits 2-byte data to the camera microcomputer 205. The process of switching the communication mode (broadcast communication mode and P2P communication mode) and the process of specifying the communication partner in P2P communication will be described later.

  First, the camera microcomputer 205, which is a communication master, outputs data to be transmitted to the lens microcomputer 111 to the signal line DATA. After ending the output of the stop bit SP, the camera microcomputer 205 starts Low output (waiting request) to the signal line CS. After the camera microcomputer 205 is ready to receive the next data, the camera microcomputer 205 cancels the Low output to the signal line CS. On the other hand, after detecting the Low signal input from the signal line CS, the lens microcomputer 111 analyzes the received data input from the signal line DATA and performs internal processing associated with the received data. Thereafter, when confirming that the signal level of the signal line CS has returned to High, the lens microcomputer 111 continuously outputs data to be transmitted for two bytes to the signal line DATA.

  After the lens microcomputer 111 finishes outputting the stop bit SP of the second byte, it starts Low output to the signal line CS. Thereafter, when the lens microcomputer 111 is ready to receive the next data, the lens microcomputer 111 cancels the Low output to the signal line CS. The adapter microcomputer 302 not designated as the communication partner of the P2P communication does not output a signal to the signal line CS and the signal line DATA.

  As described above, the signal transmitted by the signal line CS in P2P communication functions as a notification signal indicating the end of data transmission and a standby request for the next data transmission.

Although FIG. 5 shows an example of P2P communication, other P2P communication may be performed. For example, one byte of data may be transmitted on signal line DATA, or three or more bytes of data may be transmitted. May be
[Communication mode switching process and communication partner specification process]
Next, the process of switching the communication mode and the process of specifying the communication partner in P2P communication will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows signal waveforms at the time of communication mode switching and communication partner designation exchanged between the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302. The designation of the communication partner of P2P communication is performed by broadcast communication. Here, as an example, when the adapter microcomputer 302 is designated from the camera microcomputer 205 as the communication partner of P2P communication, and P2P communication of 1 byte data from the camera microcomputer 205 and P2P communication of 1 byte data from the adapter microcomputer 302 are executed. Explain. After that, the lens microcomputer 111 is designated from the camera microcomputer 205 as a communication partner of P2P communication, and P2P communication of 2-byte data from the camera microcomputer 205 and P2P communication of 3-byte data from the lens microcomputer 111 are executed.

  First, the camera microcomputer 205, which is a communication master, executes broadcast communication in the procedure described with reference to FIG. What is notified by this broadcast communication is slave designation data which designates a partner to communicate with the camera microcomputer 205 in the next P2P communication. The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302, which are communication slaves at this time, determine whether or not they are specified as communication partners of P2P communication based on the slave specification data received by the broadcast communication. Based on the determination result, the communication mode between the camera microcomputer 205 and the designated communication slave (specific accessory device) is switched from the broadcast communication mode to the P2P communication mode. Here, since the adapter microcomputer 302 is designated as the communication partner, in the next P2P communication, data transmission / reception is performed between the camera microcomputer 205 and the adapter microcomputer 302 according to the procedure described in FIG. Here, 1 byte data is transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 to the adapter microcomputer 302, and then 1 byte data is transmitted from the adapter microcomputer 302 to the camera microcomputer 205.

  When the P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 205 and the adapter microcomputer 302 ends, the camera microcomputer 205 can specify again the communication partner to be communicated by P2P communication by broadcast communication. Here, in order to designate the lens microcomputer 111 as a communication partner of the next P2P communication, the lens microcomputer 111 is set as slave designation data, and broadcast communication is executed according to the procedure described in FIG. In response to the broadcast communication, the adapter microcomputer 302 ends the P2P communication, and at the same time, the communication mode of the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 is switched to the P2P communication mode. If broadcast communication is not performed here, P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 205 and the adapter microcomputer 302 is continued.

  In the next P2P communication, data transmission / reception is performed between the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 according to the procedure described with reference to FIG. Here, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits 2-byte data to the lens microcomputer 111, and then the lens microcomputer 111 transmits 3-byte data to the camera microcomputer 205.

As described above, it is possible to specify a communication counterpart of P2P communication by broadcast communication, and simultaneously switch between broadcast communication and P2P communication.
[Communication control process]
Next, communication control processing performed among the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 will be described. First, processing in the broadcast communication mode will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 7A and 7B. 7A shows processing performed by the camera microcomputer 205, and FIG. 7B shows processing performed by the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302. A camera microcomputer 205, a lens microcomputer 111, and an adapter microcomputer 302, which are computers, execute this processing and other processing described later according to a communication control program as a computer program.

  When an event to start broadcast communication occurs in step S100, the camera microcomputer 205 turns on (connects) the ground switch 2081 in step S101 to set the signal line CS to low. As a result, the start of the broadcast communication is notified to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302. The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 that have detected Low of the signal line CS in step S200 permit data reception from the signal line DATA in step S201.

  Next, the camera microcomputer 205 operates the input / output selector switch 2082 in step S102 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit, and performs data transmission in step S103. When the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 detect the start bit of the signal line DATA in step S202, the ground switch 1121 and the ground switch 3031 are turned on (connected) in order to indicate that communication processing is in progress in step S205. Thereby, the Low output to the signal line CS is started. Thereafter, when it is determined in step S206 that all data has been received in the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302, data reception from the signal line DATA is prohibited in step S207. Further, in step S208, the ground switch 1121 and the ground switch 3031 are turned off (blocked) to indicate that the communication processing has ended, and the Low output to the signal line CS is released. The number of bytes of data to be transmitted and received is not limited, as long as the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 recognize the data.

  Subsequently, in step S104, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the data transmitted in step S103 is a bidirectional command including transmission from the lens microcomputer 111 or the adapter microcomputer 302. If the command is not a bidirectional command, the camera microcomputer 205 turns off (cuts off) the ground switch 2081 in step S105 to cancel the Low output to the signal line CS, and the process proceeds to step S116. If the command is a bidirectional command, the camera microcomputer 205 operates the input / output selector switch 2082 in step S106 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input unit. Then, in step S107, the ground switch 2081 is turned off (cut off) to release the low output to the signal line CS, and in step S108, the process waits for the signal line CS to be high.

  On the other hand, in step S209, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 determine whether the data received in step S206 is a bidirectional command including transmission from itself. The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 proceed to step S215 if they are not bidirectional commands, and wait until the signal line CS becomes high at step S210 if they are bidirectional commands. When the signal line CS becomes High, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 turn on (connect) the ground switches 1121 and 3031 in step S211 to set the signal line CS to Low, thereby notifying the start of broadcast communication. Do. When the camera microcomputer 205 detects Low of the signal line CS in step S109, the camera microcomputer 205 permits data reception from the signal line DATA in step S110.

  Subsequently, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 operate the input / output selector switches 1122 and 3032 in step S212 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit, and perform data transmission in step S213. When the camera microcomputer 205 detects the start bit of the signal line DATA in step S111, it turns on (connects) the ground switch 2081 in order to indicate that communication processing is in progress in step S112. Thereby, the Low output to the signal line CS is started. The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 cancel the Low output to the signal line CS by turning off (cut off) the ground switches 1121 and 3031 in step S214 after the transmission of all the data is completed.

  If it is determined in step S113 that all data has been received, the camera microcomputer 205 prohibits data reception from the signal line DATA in step S114. Then, the camera microcomputer 205 turns off (cuts off) the ground switch 2081 in order to indicate that the communication processing is completed in step S115, and cancels the Low output to the signal line CS. The number of bytes of data to be transmitted and received is not limited, as long as the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 recognize the data.

  Subsequently, at step S116, the camera microcomputer 205 stands by until the signal line CS becomes high. When the signal line CS becomes High, the camera microcomputer 205 determines in step S117 whether or not the lens microcomputer 111 or the adapter microcomputer 302 has been designated as a communication partner of P2P communication based on the data transmitted in step S103. When the camera microcomputer 205 does not designate the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 as the communication counterpart, the process is ended as it is, and when one is designated, the camera microcomputer 205 shifts to the P2P communication mode in step S118.

  On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 stand by until the signal line CS becomes High in step S215. When the signal line CS becomes High, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 determine in step S216 whether or not the camera microcomputer 205 designates it as a communication partner of P2P communication based on the data received in step S206. If the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 have not been designated as the communication partner, the processing ends. When it is designated as the communication partner, the designated microcomputer among the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 permits data reception from the signal line DATA in step S217, and shifts to the P2P communication mode in step S218.

  If the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 do not detect the start bit in step S202, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 confirm in step S203 whether the signal line CS has become high. When the signal line CS becomes High (returns), the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 prohibit data reception from the signal line DATA in step S204 and end the processing. This is processing for a communication slave not designated as a communication counterpart of P2P communication to cope with Low output to the signal line CS by P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 205 and another communication slave.

  Next, processing in the P2P communication mode will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 8A shows processing performed by the camera microcomputer 205, and FIG. 8B shows processing performed by a microcomputer designated as a communication partner of P2P communication among the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 (hereinafter referred to as a specific microcomputer).

  When an event to start P2P communication occurs in step S300, the camera microcomputer 205 operates the input / output switch 2082 in step S301 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit, and performs data transmission in step S302. After that, when all data transmission is completed, the camera microcomputer 205 turns on (connects) the ground switch 2081 in step S303 to start Low output to the signal line CS. On the other hand, when the specific microcomputer detects Low of the signal line CS in step S400, it determines that data transmission from the camera microcomputer 205 is completed, and analyzes data received from the signal line DATA in step S401.

  Subsequently, in step S304, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the data transmitted in step S302 is a bidirectional command including transmission from the specific microcomputer. If the camera microcomputer 205 does not use the bidirectional command, the ground switch 2081 is turned off (blocked) in step S305 to release the low output to the signal line CS. Then, after waiting until the signal line CS becomes High in step S306, the process proceeds to step S311. If the command is a bidirectional command, the camera microcomputer 205 operates the input / output selector switch 2082 in step S307 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input unit. Then, the ground switch 2081 is turned off (cut off) in step S308 to release the Low output to the signal line CS.

  On the other hand, after waiting for the signal line CS to become High in step S402, the specific microcomputer determines in step S403 whether the data received in step S401 is a bidirectional command including transmission from itself. If the command is not a bi-directional command, the specific microcomputer turns on (connects) and off (cuts off) the ground switch (1121 or 3031) in steps S404 and S405. Thus, the low output to the signal line CS is started and released, and the process proceeds to step S411. If the command is a bidirectional command, the specific microcomputer operates the input / output selector switch (1122 or 3032) in step S406 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit, and performs data transmission in step S407. After that, when all data transmission is completed, the specific microcomputer turns on (connects) the ground switch (1121 or 3031) in step S408 to start the Low output to the signal line CS.

  Subsequently, when the camera microcomputer 205 detects Low of the signal line CS in step S609, it determines that the data transmission from the specific microcomputer is completed in step S310, and analyzes the data received from the signal line DATA. On the other hand, the specific microcomputer operates the input / output selector switch (1122 or 3032) in step S409 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input unit. Thereafter, the specific microcomputer turns off (cuts off) the ground switch (1121 or 3031) in step S410 to release the Low output to the signal line CS.

  Next, the camera microcomputer 205 stands by until the signal line CS becomes High in step S311. Thereafter, when an event to start broadcast communication occurs in step S312, the camera microcomputer 205 shifts to the broadcast communication mode in step S313. On the other hand, the specific microcomputer waits until the signal line CS becomes High in step S411, and ends the process.

As described above, in this embodiment, the meaning (function) of the signal transmitted through the signal line CS is appropriately switched between the broadcast communication and the P2P communication. As a result, communication among the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 can be realized with a small number of signal lines (number of channels).
[Authentication communication process]
Next, the authentication communication process in the present embodiment will be described using FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 shows signal waveforms in authentication communication processing performed between the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302.

  At the top of the figure, data communicated by the signal line DATA is shown, "camera" indicates data output from the camera microcomputer 205, "adapter" indicates data output from the adapter microcomputer 302, and "lens" indicates a lens. The data which the microcomputer 111 outputs are shown, respectively. "CS signal (camera)" indicates a signal output state of the signal line CS (hereinafter referred to as "CS signal state") detected by the camera microcomputer 205, and "CS output (camera)" is output by the camera microcomputer 205 to the signal line CS. Indicates a signal. "CS signal (adapter)" indicates a CS signal state detected by the adapter microcomputer 302, and "CS output (adapter)" indicates a signal output from the adapter microcomputer 302 to the signal line CS. “CSSW” indicates the state of the CS switch 3033 controlled by the adapter microcomputer 302, and “Low” indicates the connection state. “CS signal (lens)” indicates a CS signal state detected by the lens microcomputer 111, and “CS output (lens)” indicates a signal output from the lens microcomputer 111 to the signal line CS.

  The flowchart of FIG. 10 shows the flow of authentication communication processing. In this authentication communication processing, power supply from the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 100 and the adapter 300 is started in response to detection of connection of the interchangeable lens 100 by the lens detection switch 1123 provided in the camera body 200. Be done accordingly.

  FIG. 11 shows timings and periods of CS insensitive setting (S502, S505, S506, S516, S518) and CS change ignoring setting (S511, S514, S522, S524) in the authentication communication process shown in FIG. The dotted lines in the CS signal (camera), CS signal (adapter) and CS signal (lens) in FIG. 11 indicate the timing and period of the CS insensitive setting and the CS change neglected setting in FIG.

  At the start of the authentication communication process, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits an authentication start request command via the signal line DATA by broadcast communication in step S500. That is, authentication start communication is performed. This process is performed as pre-processing of authentication communication by the camera microcomputer 205. At this time, the CS switch 3033 is set in the connection state. The processes in the broadcast communication and the P2P communication to be performed later are as described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B and FIGS. 8A and 8B. Also, as described above, the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 have different signals (Low) during communication with the camera microcomputer 205 (communication start to end) and communication standby in broadcast communication and P2P communication. And High) output. The signals indicating the communication and the communication standby correspond to the accessory signal.

  In step S501, the camera microcomputer 205 that has transmitted the authentication start request command shifts to a state in which a signal change of the signal line CS is not detected during a predetermined period, in other words, a state in which a signal change is not received. That is, the CS insensitivity setting is performed. After that, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the camera microcomputer 205 returns to the state of sensing (accepting) a signal change of the signal line CS in step S502. That is, the CS insensitivity setting is canceled. Thus, in this embodiment, a CS dead period is provided as an input invalid period in which no signal change of the signal line CS is detected. As a result, even if a signal change due to noise occurs on the signal line CS by the adapter microcomputer 302 switching the CS switch 3033 in step S512 described later, this is within the CS dead period, thereby preventing a malfunction of the camera microcomputer 205 can do.

  The adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 that have received the authentication start request command perform broadcast communication reception processing in steps S510 and S521, respectively. If the received result is an authentication start request command, the adapter microcomputer 302 proceeds to step S511.

  In step S511, the adapter microcomputer 302 sets CS change ignoring. At the same time, in step S522, the lens microcomputer 111 also performs the CS change disregard setting. This CS change neglect setting is a setting in which processing is not normally performed in response to a signal change of the signal line CS when the signal on the signal line CS returns to the original within a short time after the change of the signal. . In other words, while the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 detect (accept) the signal change of the signal line CS for a predetermined period, the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 shift to a state of ignoring (accepting) this. That is, even if the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 detect a signal change of the signal line CS, they recognize that there is no signal change of the signal line CS. The predetermined period (hereinafter, referred to as CS change neglect period) in which the setting of ignoring the change of the CS signal is also equivalent to the input invalid period.

  Thereafter, the adapter microcomputer 302 switches the CS switch 3033 from the connected state to the disconnected state in step S512. Thereafter, when the CS change neglecting period is completed through step S513 described later, the adapter microcomputer 302 shifts to a state of sensing a signal change of the signal line CS in step S514. That is, the CS change ignore setting is canceled. As a result, even if a signal change due to noise occurs on the signal line CS due to the switching of the CS switch 3033 in step S512, since this is within the CS change disregard period, it is possible to prevent the malfunction of the adapter microcomputer 302.

  Here, the switching timing of the CS switch 3033 is after the adapter microcomputer 302 releases the low output to the signal line CS (after step S208 in FIG. 7B), but it is immediately before or simultaneously with the release of the low output. I don't care.

  On the other hand, the camera microcomputer 205 that has canceled the CS insensitive setting in step S502 performs the process of step S503 in response to the Low output to the signal line CS by the adapter microcomputer 302 being canceled and the communication circuit becoming in communication standby. . In step S503, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits an authentication request command via the signal line DATA by broadcast communication. That is, authentication request communication is performed. The camera microcomputer 205 performs authentication communication in the subsequent processing. The authentication request command is slave designation data for designating a communication slave that has received it by broadcast communication as a designated slave (specific accessory device). Since the signal line CS is disconnected by the CS switch 3033 in step S512, the Low output to the signal line CS in step S503 is not detected by the lens microcomputer 111.

  On the other hand, since the signal line DATA is connected, the authentication request command is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 111. However, the authentication request command is a command based on broadcast communication in which data can be received only when the signal line CS is Low. Therefore, the lens microcomputer 111 that has received the authentication request command in the state where the signal line CS is High ignores this.

  In step S513, the adapter microcomputer 302 receives an authentication request command via the signal line DATA by broadcast communication. The adapter microcomputer 302 having received the authentication request command assumes that this is the reception of the authentication request command for the first time, so that it is the slave designation data transmitted to itself and that the next P2P communication to be performed is the communication directed to itself. Interpret. When this reception is completed, the adapter microcomputer 302 cancels the CS change ignore setting in step S514.

  Next, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits an ID communication request command via the signal line DATA by P2P communication in step S504. That is, authentication information communication is performed. At this time, the camera microcomputer 205 does not recognize that the communication partner of P2P communication is the adapter microcomputer 302. This is because, at this point in time, it has not yet been known how many accessories are connected to the camera body 200. The camera microcomputer 205 merely knows that any one of the connected communication slaves responds to the P2P communication by designating the designated slave according to the authentication request command transmitted in step S503.

  The adapter microcomputer 302 designated as the designated slave receives the ID communication request command by P2P communication in step S515, and responds to this by the camera microcomputer via the signal line DATA of its own ID information (authentication information) by P2P communication. Send to 205.

  Next, when receiving the ID information (authentication information), the camera microcomputer 205 performs CS insensitivity setting again in step S505. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the camera microcomputer 205 cancels the CS insensitivity setting in step S506. As a result, even if a signal change due to noise occurs on the signal line CS by the adapter microcomputer 302 switching the CS switch 3033 in step S517 described later, this is within the CS dead period, causing the camera microcomputer 205 to malfunction. It can be prevented.

  Similarly, in step S516, the adapter microcomputer 302 performs CS insensitive setting. After that, when the predetermined period (CS insensitive period) has elapsed, the adapter microcomputer 302 switches the CS switch 3033 from the disconnection state to the connection state in step S517. The adapter microcomputer 302 that has switched the CS switch 3033 to the connected state cancels the CS insensitivity setting in step S518. As a result, even if a signal change due to noise occurs on the signal line CS due to the switching of the CS switch 3033 in step S517, since this is within the CS dead period, the adapter microcomputer 302 can be prevented from malfunctioning.

  Here, the timing for switching the CS switch 3033 is after the adapter microcomputer 302 releases the low output to the signal line CS (after step S410 in FIG. 8B), but it is immediately before or simultaneously with the release of the low output. It does not matter.

  In addition, P2P communication in steps S504 and S515 may be performed only between one reciprocation between the camera microcomputer 205 and the adapter microcomputer 302 as shown in FIG. 9, or may be performed more than two reciprocations.

  Furthermore, although the timing at which the CS switch 3033 is switched to the connection state is after step S515 in this flowchart, it may be performed before step S515 (after receiving the authentication request command at step S513). This is because the adapter microcomputer 302 that has received the authentication request command through broadcast communication recognizes that it is the slave designation data for itself, and the lens microcomputer 111 that has not received the authentication request command with the slave designation data for itself. Is not recognized. Therefore, even if the CS switch 3033 is switched to the connected state after step S513, only the adapter microcomputer 302 responds to the ID communication request command in step S515.

  Next, in response to the Low output to the signal line CS by the adapter microcomputer 302 being canceled by the camera microcomputer 205 and the communication circuit becoming in communication standby, the authentication request is again performed via the signal line DATA by broadcast communication in step S507. Send a command Here, since the signal line CS is connected, the adapter microcomputer 302 receives the authentication request command in step S519, and further receives the lens microcomputer 111 in step S523. However, since the adapter microcomputer 302 has already completed communication (that is, authentication) in response to the authentication request command and the ID communication request command, the authentication request command is ignored here. On the other hand, since the lens microcomputer 111 receives the first authentication request command, it interprets it as slave designation data for itself, and prepares for P2P communication. When reception is completed, the lens microcomputer 111 cancels the CS change disregard setting in step S524.

  Thereafter, in step S508, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits an ID communication request command via the signal line DATA by P2P communication. Also here, the camera microcomputer 205 does not recognize that the partner of the P2P communication is the lens microcomputer 111. This is for the same reason as for the adapter microcomputer 302. In step S525, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits its own ID information (authentication information) to the camera microcomputer 205 through the signal line DATA by P2P communication in response to the ID communication request command. When the camera microcomputer 205 confirms that the received ID information is that of the interchangeable lens 100, it determines that the communication slave to be authenticated is not connected. Then, in step S509, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits an authentication end request command for ending the authentication communication process through the broadcast communication via the signal line DATA. That is, the authentication end communication is performed. In steps S520 and 526, the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 receive an authentication end request command. Thus, the authentication communication process ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the camera microcomputer 205 uses broadcast communication and P2P communication while sequentially specifying a designated slave using broadcast communication whenever the CS output state indicates that communication is waiting for the designated slave. Perform authentication communication.

  According to the present embodiment, in the camera system performing communication by the two lines (two channels) of the signal line CS and the signal line DATA, the accessory devices closer to the camera body 200 are sequentially sequentially switched by switching the CS switch 3033 provided in the adapter 300 Authentication communication can be performed. Finally, authentication communication can be performed on the interchangeable lens. Thereby, even if a plurality of accessory devices are connected to the camera body 200, authentication communication can be performed in a short time.

Moreover, even if noise is generated by switching the CS switch 3033 while performing this authentication communication, the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 provide a CS dead period or a CS change neglect period to avoid a malfunction. be able to. That is, it is possible to prevent the authentication communication from being redone. Thereby, even if a plurality of accessory devices are connected to the camera body 200, authentication communication can be performed in a short time.
[Modification]
Hereinafter, the modification of Example 1 is demonstrated. In the first embodiment, the case of providing the CS dead period and the CS change neglect period when performing authentication communication among the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 has been described. However, when communication other than authentication communication is performed among the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111, a CS dead period or a CS change disregard period may be provided. That is, when the camera microcomputer 205 performs authentication communication or other specific communication while sequentially specifying the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111, a CS dead period or a CS change disregard period may be provided. In the first embodiment, the case where the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 perform data communication in response to various request commands has been described. However, processing different from data communication may be performed, and also in this case, a CS dead period or a CS change neglect period may be provided.

  The ID information as authentication information that the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 transmit to the camera microcomputer 205 in response to the ID communication request command is a serial number for each type of accessory device (for example, interchangeable lens is 00, extender is 01) It may be information of Also, the information may be information assigned a meaning for each bit. Furthermore, multiple bytes of information may be used. The ID information may be information indicating the type or function of the accessory device.

  In the authentication communication process described above, the case where the camera microcomputer 205 confirms that the ID information is that of the interchangeable lens 100 and determines the end of the authentication communication has been described. Alternatively, the ID information may include information indicating an interchangeable lens and information indicating an end of authentication communication, and the camera microcomputer 205 may detect the end of the authentication communication by detecting the information. Further, apart from the communication of the ID information, confirmation communication for confirming to the communication slave whether or not the authentication communication can be ended may be separately performed by P2P communication before and after the ID communication.

  In the first embodiment, although the case where the camera microcomputer 205 does not instruct the timing to connect the CS switch 3033 is described, a CS switch connection command is provided, and the camera microcomputer 205 transmits it by P2P communication during authentication communication processing. May be In this case, since the CS switch connection command is transmitted and received by P2P communication, the adapter microcomputer 302 may transmit the authentication information to the camera microcomputer 205.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the CS change neglecting period is provided for the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 after the reception of the authentication start request command (steps S510 and S521) has been described. However, in place of the CS change neglect period, a CS dead period may be provided as in the camera microcomputer 205.

  In the first embodiment, the case where one adapter 300 is connected between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 has been described, but a plurality of adapters may be connected and connected. Even when a plurality of adapters are connected as described above, each adapter and the interchangeable lens 100 can be authenticated in a short time by the same procedure as the procedure described in the first embodiment. At this time, a plurality of adapters that simultaneously receive the authentication start request command by broadcast communication cause the CS switch to be disconnected almost simultaneously. Therefore, subsequent authentication is always performed while sequentially designated one by one from an adapter closer to the camera body 200. Then, as in the case where one adapter is connected, the interchangeable lens 100 is finally authenticated, and a series of authentication communication processing is completed.

  Further, when the adapter 300 is not connected and the interchangeable lens 100 is directly connected to the camera body 200, a part of the authentication communication to the adapter 300 is performed in the authentication communication processing shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Authentication communication with the interchangeable lens 100 is performed without being performed.

Furthermore, as described above, the adapter 300 in the first embodiment may be an extender, or an adapter including a drivable optical member (a focus lens, an aperture, an antivibration lens, etc.) or various sensors (phase difference sensor, The adapter may be an angular velocity sensor or the like.
(Other embodiments)
The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. Can also be realized. It can also be implemented by a circuit (eg, an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

  The embodiments described above are only representative examples, and various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments when the present invention is implemented. For example, in the above embodiment, an example using an interchangeable lens and an intermediate adapter as an accessory device is shown, but as an accessory device, using an interchangeable lens directly attached to the camera body and a strobe directly attached to the camera body It is also good.

100 Interchangeable Lens 200 Camera Body 300 Adapter 111 Lens Microcomputer 205 Camera Microcomputer 302 Adapter Microcomputer 112 Lens Communication Unit 208 Camera Communication Unit 303 Adapter Communication Unit

Claims (19)

An imaging device that can be used with a plurality of accessory devices connected,
A camera connected to a signaling channel used for signal transmission between the imaging device and the plurality of accessory devices, and a data communication channel used for data communication between the imaging device and the plurality of accessory devices Communication department,
A camera control unit for performing the data communication or processing in accordance with an accessory signal input from any of the plurality of accessory devices via the signal transmission channel;
Where the plurality of accessory devices includes at least one switchable accessory device having a channel switch that switches connection and disconnection of the signaling channel.
The image pickup apparatus, wherein the camera control unit provides an input invalid period in which the data communication or the processing is not performed according to a signal from the signal transmission channel when switching the channel switch.   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit does not receive the input signal in the input invalid period.   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit invalidates the input signal received in the input invalid period. The camera control unit
As the data communication, it is possible to perform first communication for the plurality of accessory devices and second communication for a specific accessory device among the plurality of accessory devices,
Each time the accessory signal indicating waiting for the first communication is received from each accessory device via the signaling channel, the first accessory is sequentially designated using the first communication, Perform specific communication with the specific accessory device using the first and second communication,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the input invalid period is provided when switching the channel switch for performing the specific communication while sequentially specifying the specific accessory device. .   5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the camera control unit provides the input invalid period when switching the channel switch before starting the specific communication with the switch-equipped accessory device.   6. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the camera control unit provides the input invalid period when switching the channel switch after starting the specific communication with the switch-equipped accessory device. .   7. The identification communication according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the specific communication is an authentication communication in which the camera control unit requests the specific accessory device to transmit authentication information and receives the authentication information from the specific accessory device. An imaging device according to any one of the preceding claims. The accessory device connected to a usable imaging device in a state where a plurality of accessory devices are connected,
An accessory connected to a signaling channel used for signaling between the imaging device and the plurality of accessory devices, and a data communication channel used for data communication between the imaging device and the plurality of accessory devices Communication department,
An accessory control unit that inputs an accessory signal to the imaging device via the signal transmission channel and performs the data communication or processing;
Where the plurality of accessory devices includes at least one switchable accessory device having a channel switch that switches connection and disconnection of the signaling channel.
The accessory device, wherein the accessory control unit provides an input invalid period in which the data communication or the processing is not performed according to a signal from the signal transmission channel when the channel switch is switched.   The accessory device according to claim 8, which is the accessory device with a switch.   The accessory device according to claim 8, wherein the accessory control unit does not receive the input signal in the input invalid period.   The accessory device according to claim 8, wherein the accessory control unit invalidates the input signal received in the input invalid period. The imaging device can perform, as the data communication, first communication for the plurality of accessory devices and second communication for a specific accessory device among the plurality of accessory devices.
The accessory control unit
Outputting the accessory signal indicating waiting for the first communication to the signaling channel;
When designated as the specified accessory device by the imaging device which sequentially designates the specified accessory device using the first communication each time a signal indicating the standby state is received from each of the accessory devices, Perform a specific communication with the imaging device using a second communication,
12. The input invalid period is provided at the time of switching the channel switch for performing the specific communication while the imaging device sequentially specifies the specific accessory device. Accessory device as described.   The accessory device according to claim 12, wherein the accessory control unit provides the input invalid period when switching the channel switch before starting the specific communication with the imaging device.   The accessory device according to claim 12, wherein the accessory control unit provides the input invalid period when switching the channel switch after starting the specific communication with the imaging device.   The identification communication according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the specific communication is an authentication communication in which the accessory control unit receives a request for authentication information from the imaging device and transmits the authentication information to the imaging device. The accessory device as described in a paragraph. An imaging device usable in a state where a plurality of accessory devices are connected, and a signal transmission channel used for signal transmission between the imaging device and the plurality of accessory devices, the imaging device, and the plurality of accessory devices Control method of an imaging device connected to a data communication channel used for data communication between
Where the plurality of accessory devices includes at least one switchable accessory device having a channel switch that switches connection and disconnection of the signaling channel.
Performing the data communication or processing in response to an accessory signal input from any of the plurality of accessory devices via the signaling channel;
A control method of an image pickup apparatus, comprising the step of providing an input invalid period in which the data communication or the processing is not performed according to a signal from the signal transmission channel when switching the channel switch. It is the accessory device connected to an imaging device which can be used in a state where a plurality of accessory devices are connected, and a signal transmission channel used for signal transmission between the imaging device and the plurality of accessory devices and the imaging device A control method of an accessory device connected to a data communication channel used for data communication between the plurality of accessory devices and
Where the plurality of accessory devices includes at least one switchable accessory device having a channel switch that switches connection and disconnection of the signaling channel.
Providing an accessory signal to the imaging device via the signaling channel and performing the data communication or processing;
A control method of an accessory device including the step of providing an input invalid period in which the data communication or the processing is not performed according to a signal from the signal transmission channel when switching the channel switch.   A control program that is a computer program that causes a computer of an imaging device that can be used with a plurality of accessory devices connected to operate according to the control method according to claim 16.   A control program which is a computer program for operating a computer of the accessory device connected to an imaging device usable with a plurality of accessory devices connected according to the control method according to claim 17.