JP2023177479A - Accessory devices, imaging apparatus, imaging system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an accessory device that enables information to be easily exchanged between the plurality of accessory devices.SOLUTION: An accessory device (100, 300) is provided, removably fitted to an imaging apparatus (200), and includes an accessory control unit (111, 302) that communicates with the imaging apparatus. The accessory device is one of a first accessory device (300) and a second accessory device (100) that can be fitted to the imaging apparatus via at least the first accessory device. The accessory control unit acquires, while the other accessory device of the first accessory device or the second accessory device transmits first data to the imaging apparatus, the first data from the other accessory device, and changes processing based on the first data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

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

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a camera body communicates with an accessory device including an interchangeable lens and an intermediate adapter. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for performing broadcast communication in which the camera body communicates with all accessory devices, and P2P communication in which the camera body specifies one accessory device and performs one-to-one communication. .

Patent No. 6427287

With the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to exchange information between two accessory devices. When exchanging information between two accessory devices, it is conceivable that one of the two accessory devices becomes a new master and communicates with the other accessory device that is a slave. However, with this communication method, it is necessary to solve the problem of conflict with the camera body that already exists as a master, and the imaging system becomes complicated due to the multi-master configuration.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an accessory device that can easily exchange information between a plurality of accessory devices.

An accessory device according to one aspect of the present invention is an accessory device that is removably attached to an imaging device, and includes an accessory control unit that communicates with the imaging device, and the accessory device is a first accessory device. or a second accessory device that can be attached to the imaging device via at least the first accessory device, and the accessory control unit is one of the first accessory device or the second accessory device. While the other accessory device is transmitting the first data to the imaging device, the first data is acquired from the other accessory device, and the processing is changed based on the first data. .

Other objects and features of the invention are illustrated in the following examples.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an accessory device that can easily exchange information between a plurality of accessory devices.

1 is a block diagram of a camera system in Example 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication circuit of a camera system in Example 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a data format in Example 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of communication waveforms according to the broadcast communication method in Example 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of communication waveforms according to the P2P communication method in Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of communication waveforms when switching communication methods in Example 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of a broadcast communication method in Example 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a P2P communication method in the first embodiment. 2 is a schematic diagram of communication waveforms according to the broadcast communication method in Example 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the camera system in Example 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a camera system in Example 2. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing of the camera system in Example 2. FIG.

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

First, with reference to FIG. 1, a camera system (imaging system) 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a camera system 10. As shown in FIG. The camera system 10 includes a camera body (imaging device) 200, an interchangeable lens (lens device) 100, and an intermediate adapter (adapter device) 300 that can be attached between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100. Ru. The interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate adapter 300 are each accessory devices that are removably attached to the camera body 200.

Communication based on a plurality of communication methods is performed between the accessory device including the interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate adapter 300 and the camera body 200. In this embodiment, "communication method" means a broadcast communication method and a P2P communication method. Hereinafter, the broadcast communication method may be referred to as a first communication method, and the P2P communication method may be referred to as a second communication method.

The camera system 10 changes the communication method between the camera body 200 and the accessory device as appropriate. In this embodiment, an example in which one intermediate adapter 300 is attached between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of intermediate adapters may be installed between them.

In this embodiment, in broadcast communication, data is simultaneously transmitted from the camera body 200 as a communication master to each accessory device as a communication slave. When the camera body 200 performs P2P communication, which is one-to-one communication with a specific accessory device, information indicating the communication partner with the camera body 200 in the P2P communication is notified to each accessory device through broadcast communication. .

At the timing when P2P communication is started, each accessory device is notified of the communication partner of the camera body 200, so in P2P communication, the camera body 200 sends information for identifying the communication partner to each accessory device. There's no need to. In this way, by selecting a communication partner with the camera body 200 in broadcast communication and then switching to P2P communication, which is a one-on-one communication method between the camera body 200 and the selected communication partner, P2P can be achieved. Communication speed in communication can be improved.

<Configuration of camera system 10>
As shown in FIG. 1, the camera system 10 includes a camera body 200, an intermediate adapter (first accessory device) 300 as an accessory device that can be attached to the camera body 200, and an interchangeable lens (second accessory device) 100. and has. The camera body 200 is configured so that a plurality of accessory devices can be attached thereto. Furthermore, the intermediate adapter 300 and the interchangeable lens 100 are each accessory devices that can be attached to the camera body 200. The first accessory device may include a plurality of intermediate adapters. Note that in both cases, the interchangeable lens 100 is connected directly to the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 is connected to the camera body 200 via an intermediate adapter 300 or the like. 200 will be explained.

The camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100, and the intermediate adapter 300 transmit control commands and internal information via their respective communication units. Each communication unit supports broadcast communication and P2P communication, and performs communication based on the communication method determined by camera body 200.

First, the specific configurations of the interchangeable lens 100, intermediate adapter 300, and camera body 200 will be described. The intermediate adapter 300 and the camera body 200 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount 401 that is a coupling mechanism. The intermediate adapter 300 receives power from the camera body 200 via a power terminal (not shown) provided on the mount 401, and controls the adapter microcomputer 302.

Interchangeable lens 100 and intermediate adapter 300 are mechanically and electrically connected via mount 400, which is a coupling mechanism. The interchangeable lens 100 receives power from the camera body 200 via a power terminal (not shown) provided on the mount 400 and a power terminal (not shown) provided on the mount 401 described above. The power received from the camera body 200 is used to control various actuators and a lens microcomputer 111, which will be described later. Furthermore, the interchangeable lens 100, intermediate adapter 300, and camera body 200 communicate with each other via communication terminals (see FIG. 2) provided on the mounts 400 and 401.

Next, the configuration of the interchangeable lens 100 will be explained. 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 variable magnification lens 102 that changes magnification, an aperture unit 114 that adjusts the amount of light, an image stabilization lens 103, and a focus lens 104 that adjusts focus. including.

The variable power 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 figure by a guide shaft (not shown), and are driven in the optical axis direction by stepping motors 107 and 108, respectively. Stepping motors 107 and 108 respectively move variable magnification lens 102 and focus lens 104 in synchronization with drive pulses. The image blur correction lens 103 reduces image blur caused by hand shake or the like by moving in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system.

The lens microcomputer 111 is an accessory control unit that controls the operation of each part within the interchangeable lens 100. The lens microcomputer 111 receives a control command transmitted from the camera body 200 via a lens communication unit 112 serving as an accessory communication unit, and receives a request to transmit lens data. Further, the lens microcomputer 111 performs lens control corresponding to the control command, and transmits lens data corresponding to the transmission request to the camera body 200 via the lens communication section 112. Further, the lens microcomputer 111 outputs drive signals to the zoom drive circuit 119 and the focus drive circuit 120 to drive the stepping motors 107 and 108 in response to commands related to magnification change and focusing among the control commands. As a result, zoom processing for controlling the magnification changing operation by the variable magnification lens 102 and autofocus processing for controlling the focusing operation for the focus lens 104 are performed.

The aperture unit 114 includes aperture blades 114a and 114b. The states of the aperture blades 114a and 114b are detected by the Hall element 115 and input to the lens microcomputer 111 via the amplifier circuit 122 and A/D conversion circuit 123. The lens microcomputer 111 outputs a drive signal to the aperture drive circuit 121 based on the input signal from the A/D conversion circuit 123 to drive the aperture actuator 113. Thereby, the light amount adjustment operation by the diaphragm unit 114 is controlled. Further, the lens microcomputer 111 drives the anti-vibration actuator 126 via the anti-vibration drive circuit 125 in response to shake detected by a shake sensor (not shown) such as a vibrating gyro provided in the interchangeable lens 100. As a result, image stabilization processing for controlling the shift operation of the image stabilization lens 103 is performed.

Next, the configuration of the intermediate adapter 300 will be explained. In this embodiment, the intermediate adapter 300 is an extender for extending the focal length of the interchangeable lens 100. However, the intermediate adapter 300 is not limited to an extender, and may be an accessory device having other functions. For example, the intermediate adapter 300 may have a built-in filter that changes the transmittance of light transmitted through the interchangeable lens 100. Alternatively, the intermediate adapter 300 may include a plurality of filters having different light transmittances inside, and may select an appropriate filter depending on the shooting situation or the like.

The intermediate adapter 300 in this embodiment includes a variable magnification lens 301 that extends the focal length of the interchangeable lens 100, and an adapter microcomputer 302 as an accessory control unit that controls the operation of each part within the intermediate adapter 300. The adapter microcomputer 302 receives a control command transmitted from the camera body 200 via an adapter communication unit 303 serving as an accessory communication unit, and performs adapter control corresponding to the control command. Further, the adapter microcomputer 302 transmits adapter data corresponding to a transmission request from the camera body 200 to the camera body 200 via the adapter communication unit 303.

Next, the configuration of the camera body 200 will be explained. The camera body 200 includes an image sensor 201 such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, an A/D conversion circuit 202, a signal processing circuit 203, a recording section 204, a camera microcomputer (camera microcomputer) 205, and a display section 206. has.

The image sensor 201 photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by the imaging optical system within the interchangeable lens 100 and outputs an electric signal (analog signal). The A/D conversion circuit 202 converts an analog signal from the image sensor 201 into a digital signal. The signal processing circuit 203 performs various 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 the contrast state of the subject image, that is, focus information indicating the focus state of the imaging optical system and brightness 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 checking the composition, focus state, and the like.

A camera microcomputer 205 serving as a camera control unit controls the camera body 200 in response to inputs from camera operation members such as an imaging instruction switch and various setting switches (not shown). Further, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a control command regarding the variable power operation of the variable power lens 102 to the lens microcomputer 111 via the camera communication unit 208 in response to the operation of a zoom switch (not shown). The camera microcomputer 205 also transmits control commands to the lens microcomputer 111 via the camera communication unit 208 regarding the light amount adjustment operation of the diaphragm unit 114 according to the brightness information and the focus adjustment operation of the focus lens 104 according to the focus information. In broadcast communication, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits data to the intermediate adapter 300 and the interchangeable lens 100 all at once, and in P2P communication, performs one-to-one data communication with either the intermediate adapter 300 or the interchangeable lens 100. I do.

<Communication circuit configuration>
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a communication circuit that performs communication between the camera body 200, the intermediate adapter 300, and the interchangeable lens 100 that constitute the camera system 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication circuit in the camera system 10. Camera system 10 includes a notification channel CS used for notification of communication timing, and a data communication channel DATA used for data communication.

As described with reference to FIG. 1, the camera body 200 and the intermediate adapter 300 are connected via the mount 401. Mount 401 is provided with at least two communication terminals. Further, the intermediate adapter 300 and the interchangeable lens 100 are connected via a mount 400. Mount 400 is provided with at least two communication terminals. Communication terminals provided on each mount constitute a notification channel CS and a data communication channel DATA.

The notification channel CS is connected to the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111, and each microcomputer can detect the signal level (voltage level) of the notification channel CS. Further, the notification channel CS is connected in a pull-up manner to a power source (not shown) disposed within the camera body 200. Further, the notification channel CS can be connected to the ground via the ground switch 2081 included in the camera body 200, and can be connected to the ground via the ground switch 3031 included in the intermediate adapter 300. The notification channel CS can be connected to ground via a ground switch 1121 included in the interchangeable lens 100.

In such a circuit configuration, by connecting any of the grounding switches included in the camera body 200, intermediate adapter 300, and interchangeable lens 100 (first setting), the signal level of the notification channel CS is set to Low ( (first level). Also, by setting all the grounding switches included in the camera body 200, intermediate adapter 300, and interchangeable lens 100 to a cutoff state (first setting), the signal level of the notification channel CS is set to High (second level). Is possible.

Each microcomputer can change the connection state between the notification channel CS and the ground by changing the connection state of the ground switch. In other words, each microcomputer can set the signal level of the notification channel CS to either High or Low by changing the connection state of the ground switch. For example, the camera microcomputer 205 can set the signal level of the notification channel CS to Low by connecting the grounding switch 2081 included in the camera body 200. In this embodiment, setting the ground switch to the connected state is described as "performing a low output to the notification channel CS". Moreover, turning off the ground switch is described as "outputting a high level to the notification channel CS". That is, all the microcomputers perform High output to the notification channel CS, so that the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes High. On the other hand, when one of the microcomputers outputs a Low output to the notification channel CS, the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes Low. Note that the role of the notification channel CS during data communication will be described later.

The data communication channel DATA is a bidirectional data communication channel in which the direction of data propagation can be switched. The data communication channel DATA is connected to the camera microcomputer 205, adapter microcomputer 302, and lens microcomputer 111. The data communication channel DATA is connected to the camera microcomputer 205 via an input/output changeover switch 2082 included in the camera body 200. The camera microcomputer 205 is equipped with a data output section for transmitting data and a data input section for receiving data. Then, depending on the operation of the input/output changeover switch 2082, the data communication channel DATA can be selectively connected to one of the data output section and the data input section.

Further, the data communication channel DATA is connected to the adapter microcomputer 302 via an input/output changeover switch 3032 included in the intermediate adapter 300. The adapter microcomputer 302 is equipped with a data output section for transmitting data and a data input section for receiving data. Then, depending on the operation of the input/output changeover switch 3032, the data communication channel DATA can be selectively connected to one of the data output section and the data input section.

The data communication channel DATA is connected to the lens microcomputer 111 via an input/output changeover switch 1122 included in the interchangeable lens 100. The lens microcomputer 111 is equipped with a data output section for transmitting data and a data input section for receiving data. Then, depending on the operation of the input/output changeover switch 1122, the data communication channel DATA can be selectively connected to one of the data output section and the data input section. By employing such a circuit configuration, it is possible to appropriately switch the data propagation direction of the data communication channel DATA.

<Data format>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the format of data communicated via the data communication channel DATA will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the data format, which is used in an asynchronous communication method in which the communication speed is set in advance on both the data sending side and the data receiving side, and data communication is performed at the communication bit rate based on this setting. Indicates the data format. The communication bit rate indicates the amount of data that can be transferred per second, and is expressed in bits per second (bps). FIG. 3 shows the signal waveform of one frame, which is the minimum communication unit.

When no data communication is being performed, the signal level of the data communication channel DATA is maintained at High level. Subsequently, in order to notify the data receiving side of the start of data transmission, the signal level of the data communication channel DATA is set to Low for one bit period. This 1-bit period is called a start bit ST, and a data frame starts from the start bit ST. One byte of data is transmitted in an 8-bit period from the second bit to the ninth bit following the start bit ST.

The data bit arrangement is in MSB (Most Significant Bit) first format, starting with the most significant data D7, successively followed by data D6, data D5, and ending with the least significant data D0. Then, 1-bit parity information (PA) is added to the 10th bit, and the signal level of the data communication channel DATA is set to High during a stop bit SP period indicating the end of one frame. As a result, the data frame period started from the start bit ST ends. Note that the parity information does not need to be one bit, and multiple bits of parity information may be added. Further, parity information is not essential, and a format in which no parity information is added may be used.

Alternatively, the bit arrangement of the data may be in LSB (Least Significant Bit) first format, starting with the lowest data D0, successively followed by data D1, data D2, and ending with the highest data D7. In this embodiment, 1 byte of data is transmitted in an 8-bit period, but 1 byte of data may be transmitted in a bit period other than 8 bits.

<Broadcast communication>
Next, broadcast communication will be explained with reference to FIG. 4. In broadcast communication, the camera body 200 is the communication master, and the intermediate adapter 300 and the interchangeable lens 100 are communication slaves. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of signal waveforms exchanged in broadcast communication. The camera microcomputer 205 of the camera body 200, which is a communication master, notifies the lens microcomputer 111 and adapter microcomputer 302, which are communication slaves, of the start of broadcast communication by outputting a Low output to the notification channel CS. Next, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits data to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 via the data communication channel DATA.

On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 output Low to the notification channel CS in response to detecting the above-mentioned start bit ST via the data communication channel DATA. Note that at the time when the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 output Low output to the notification channel CS, the camera microcomputer 205 outputs Low output, so the signal level of the notification channel CS remains Low.

The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 notify the communication standby request by outputting Low to the notification channel CS. The communication standby request is for temporarily stopping communication in the camera system, and the presence or absence of the communication standby request is determined based on the signal level of the notification channel CS.

After transmitting all the data, the camera microcomputer 205 outputs High to the notification channel CS. After receiving the stop bit SP transmitted from the data communication channel DATA, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 analyze the received data and perform internal processing corresponding to the received data. Thereafter, after preparations for executing the next communication are completed, a High output is performed to the notification channel CS. All the components constituting the camera system output High to the notification channel CS, so that the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes High. The camera microcomputer 205, lens microcomputer 111, and adapter microcomputer 302 confirm that the signal level of the notification channel CS has returned to High, and that each component making up the camera system is now ready for the next communication. can do.

As described above, in broadcast communication, the data sending side notifies the data receiving side of the start of broadcast communication by outputting a Low output to the notification channel CS and changing the signal level of the notification channel CS from High to Low. There is. Further, the data receiving side notifies each component of the lens system of the cancellation of the communication standby request by changing the output to the notification channel CS from Low output to High output. Note that the data transmitted and received in one broadcast communication is not limited to one byte, but may be multiple bytes of data.

On the other hand, it is preferable that only the camera body 200 can transmit data through broadcast communication. If the intermediate adapter 300 or the interchangeable lens 100 attempts to become a sender and changes the CS to Low output when the notification channel CS is in a High state, there is a possibility that the timing will overlap with that of another party. In this case, for example, the intermediate adapter 300 and the interchangeable lens 100 may start transmitting different data at the same time. When switching from broadcast communication to P2P communication, the camera microcomputer 205 only sends data to the lens microcomputer 111 and adapter microcomputer 302 to instruct the switching of the communication method (including data specifying the other party to perform P2P communication). be exposed.

<P2P communication>
Next, P2P communication as the second communication method in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In P2P communication, the camera body 200 serves as a communication master and performs individual one-on-one communication with one component selected as a communication slave among the components constituting the camera system.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of signal waveforms exchanged in P2P communication. Here, an example is shown in which the interchangeable lens 100 is selected as the communication slave. Information indicating communication slaves in P2P communication is transmitted by broadcast communication. In P2P communication, the data transmitting side does not output a Low output to the notification channel CS, but transmits data to the data receiving side while maintaining the notification channel CS High. That is, the voltage level of the notification channel CS during data transmission from the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate adapter 300 is made different between broadcast communication and P2P communication. When switching from broadcast communication to P2P communication is executed, data transmission from camera microcomputer 205, which is a communication master, is first started. FIG. 5 shows an example in which after the camera microcomputer 205 transmits 1 byte of data to the lens microcomputer 111, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits 2 bytes of data to the camera microcomputer 205.

After the switching from broadcast communication to P2P communication is completed in each component constituting the camera system 10, the camera microcomputer 205 as a communication master transmits data to the lens microcomputer 111 via the data communication channel DATA. When the data transmission is completed, the camera microcomputer 205 outputs a low signal level on the notification channel CS to notify a communication standby request. Then, after the camera microcomputer 205 completes preparations to receive data as a data receiving side, the signal level of the notification channel CS is returned to High output.

On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 recognizes that the data transmission from the camera microcomputer 205 is completed when the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes Low, and starts analyzing the received data and performing internal processing corresponding to the received data. Execute. In the example of FIG. 5, the data received from the camera microcomputer 205 includes a data transmission request from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205, and the lens microcomputer 111 also generates data to be transmitted to the camera microcomputer 205. Thereafter, when the signal level of the notification channel CS returns to High, the lens microcomputer 111 recognizes that the communication standby request has been cancelled, and transmits 2 bytes of data to the camera microcomputer 205. When the data transmission is completed, the lens microcomputer 111 outputs the signal level of the notification channel CS to Low to notify the communication standby request. Then, after the lens microcomputer 111 completes preparations for receiving data as a data receiving side, the signal level of the notification channel CS is returned to High output.

Note that the adapter microcomputer 302 that is not selected as a communication partner for P2P communication does not change the output to the notification channel CS and does not participate in data transmission. On the other hand, the data communication channel DATA is connected to the data input section of the adapter microcomputer 302 so that communication data between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 flowing through the data communication channel DATA can be received.

The lens microcomputer 111 determines whether P2P communication is being continued or whether switching to broadcast communication has been performed based on the data transmission timing from the camera microcomputer 205 after returning the signal level of the notification channel CS to High. . If data is received from the camera microcomputer 205 while the signal level of the notification channel CS remains High, the lens microcomputer 111 determines that P2P communication is continuing. On the other hand, if data is received from the camera microcomputer 205 after the signal level of the notification channel CS changes to Low, the lens microcomputer 111 determines that P2P communication has been switched to broadcast communication.

As described above, in P2P communication, the data sending side notifies the data receiving side that data transmission by the data sending side has been completed by changing the signal level of the notification channel CS from High output to Low output. . Therefore, in P2P communication, a plurality of data frames can be continuously transmitted until the data transmitting side changes the signal level of the notification channel CS. Since the system configuration is not such that communication from the communication master is inserted every time a communication slave transmits one data frame, communication between the camera microcomputer 205 and accessory devices such as the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 can be performed at high speed. can be done.

In the camera system 10, the camera microcomputer 205, lens microcomputer 111, and adapter microcomputer 302 switch the notification channel CS between grounded and ungrounded so that the voltage level of the notification channel CS changes after data is transmitted. Such a change in the voltage level of the notification channel CS is used as a signal for switching between the data transmitting side and the data receiving side. Then, the data transmitting side notifies the communication standby request by keeping the signal level of the notification channel CS low until the data receiving side is ready to receive data in the next communication.

<Switching communication method>
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an overview of communication performed by switching between broadcast communication and P2P communication will be described. In both broadcast communication and P2P communication, the camera body 200 serves as a communication master and executes communication with the intermediate adapter 300 and the interchangeable lens 100. Information indicating the communication partner with the camera body in P2P communication is notified in broadcast communication.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of communication waveforms in communication performed by switching between broadcast communication and P2P communication. First, information indicating that the adapter microcomputer 302 has been selected as a communication partner in P2P communication is transmitted and received in broadcast communication, and then P2P communication is performed between the camera microcomputer 205 and the adapter microcomputer 302. Hereinafter, information indicating a communication partner in P2P communication will be referred to as communication partner specification data. Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described in which communication partner designation data itself has a function as a command for switching from broadcast communication to P2P communication. Note that, apart from the communication partner designation data, switching to P2P communication may be executed by transmitting and receiving a signal instructing switching from broadcast communication to P2P communication.

When the switching to P2P communication is completed, the adapter microcomputer 302 notifies the camera microcomputer 205 of the completion of switching the communication method by outputting a high level to the notification channel CS. When the switch to P2P communication is completed, the camera microcomputer 205 also outputs a High output to the notification channel CS. When the camera microcomputer 205 detects that the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes High, it starts P2P communication shown in FIG.

On the other hand, after receiving the communication partner designation data, the lens microcomputer 111 that has not been selected as a communication partner in P2P communication sends a High output to the notification channel CS when the analysis and internal processing of the data received from the camera microcomputer 205 are completed. conduct. Then, during the period when P2P communication is being performed between the camera microcomputer 205 and the adapter microcomputer 302, the settings are maintained so that the contents of the P2P communication can be received without changing the output to the notification channel CS. Note that the outline of communication in the P2P communication method is as described with reference to FIG. 5, so detailed explanation of P2P communication will be omitted here.

When the P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 205 and the adapter microcomputer 302 ends, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits communication partner designation data indicating that the lens microcomputer 111 has been selected as the communication partner in the P2P communication by broadcast communication. Thereafter, P2P communication is performed between the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111. Note that the adapter microcomputer 302 recognizes that switching from P2P communication to broadcast communication has been executed because the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes Low before data is transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205.

<Communication flow in broadcast communication>
Next, a communication flow in broadcast communication will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the broadcast communication method. FIG. 7 shows a communication flow of the camera microcomputer 205 as a communication master and a communication flow of the adapter microcomputer 302 as a communication slave. The communication flow of the lens microcomputer 111 is substantially the same as the communication flow of the adapter microcomputer 302, so the communication flow of the lens microcomputer 111 is not shown here.

First, in step S100, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether an event to start broadcast communication has occurred. If an event that starts broadcast communication occurs, the process advances to step S101. On the other hand, if an event to start broadcast communication has not occurred, the determination in step S100 is repeated.

In step S101, the camera microcomputer 205 outputs a Low output to the notification channel CS, and by setting the signal level of the notification channel CS to Low, notifies the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 of the start of broadcast communication. Subsequently, in step S102, the camera microcomputer 205 connects the data communication channel DATA to the data output section of the camera microcomputer 205 by operating the input/output changeover switch 2082. Then, in step S103, the camera microcomputer 205 starts data transmission.

Subsequently, in step S104, the camera microcomputer 205 releases the Low output to the notification channel CS after data transmission is completed. Subsequently, in step S105, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the signal level of the notification channel CS has become High. This determination continues until the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes High. When the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes High, in step S106, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the data transmitted in step S103 is communication partner designation data. If the data is communication partner designation data, the process advances to step S107, and the camera microcomputer 205 shifts to P2P communication. On the other hand, if the data is not communication partner designation data, the camera microcomputer 205 continues broadcast communication.

Next, a communication flow in the adapter microcomputer 302 will be explained. First, in step S200, the adapter microcomputer 302 determines whether the signal level of the notification channel CS has become Low. This determination continues until the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes Low. In response to the signal level of the notification channel CS becoming Low, data transmission from the camera microcomputer 205, which is the communication master, is started. Therefore, in step S201, the adapter microcomputer 302 permits reception of data on the data communication channel DATA.

Subsequently, in step S202, the adapter microcomputer 302 determines whether a start bit has been received. Upon receiving the start bit, the adapter microcomputer 302 starts analyzing the received data and starts internal processing corresponding to the received data. Then, in step S203, the adapter microcomputer 302 performs a Low output to the notification channel CS. As a result, each component constituting the camera system 10 is notified of the communication standby request.

Subsequently, in step S204, the adapter microcomputer 302 determines whether a stop bit has been received. This determination continues until a stop bit is received. Upon receiving the stop bit, in step S205, the adapter microcomputer 302 prohibits reception of data on the data communication channel DATA, and continues analysis of the received data and internal processing corresponding to the received data. When the internal data processing is completed and the next data communication is ready, in step S206, the adapter microcomputer 302 releases the low output to the notification channel CS and performs high output.

Subsequently, in step S207, the adapter microcomputer 302 determines whether the signal level of the notification channel CS has become High. This determination continues until the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes High. When the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes High, the process advances to step S208. In step S208, the adapter microcomputer 302 determines whether the data received from the camera microcomputer 205 is communication partner designation data (slave designation data).

If the data is communication partner designation data, the process advances to step S209, and the adapter microcomputer 302 permits data reception on the data communication channel DATA. Then, in step S210, the adapter microcomputer 302 transitions from broadcast communication to P2P communication. Here, if the device itself is selected as a communication partner of the camera microcomputer 205 in P2P communication, it performs transmission and reception in response to requests from the camera microcomputer 205 as a communication slave in the subsequent P2P communication. On the other hand, if it is not selected as a partner for P2P communication, it does not affect the content of the subsequent P2P communication, and receives data flowing through the data communication channel DATA and analyzes its content or ignores it. On the other hand, if the data received from the camera microcomputer 205 in step S208 is not communication partner designation data, the adapter microcomputer 302 continues broadcast communication without transitioning to P2P communication.

<Communication flow in P2P communication>
Next, a communication flow in P2P communication will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing according to the PSP communication method. FIG. 8 shows a communication flow of the camera microcomputer 205 as a communication master and a communication flow of the lens microcomputer 111 as a communication slave. Note that the communication flow of the adapter microcomputer 302 is substantially the same as the communication flow of the lens microcomputer 111, so the communication flow of the adapter microcomputer 302 is not shown here.

First, in step S300, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether an event to start P2P communication has occurred. If an event that starts P2P communication occurs, the process advances to step S301. On the other hand, if an event to start P2P communication has not occurred, the determination in step S300 is repeated.

In step S301, the camera microcomputer 205 connects the data communication channel DATA to the data output section of the camera microcomputer 205 by operating the input/output changeover switch 2082. Then, in step S302, the camera microcomputer 205 starts data transmission. Subsequently, in step S303, the camera microcomputer 205 outputs a Low output to the notification channel CS, thereby setting the signal level of the notification channel CS to Low. As a result, the camera microcomputer 205 issues a communication standby request to the lens microcomputer 111, which is a communication slave. During the period when the signal level of the notification channel CS is Low, the lens microcomputer 111 does not transmit data to the camera microcomputer 205.

Subsequently, in step S304, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the data transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 in step S302 includes a transmission request command. The transmission request command is a command that requests the communication slave to transmit data to the camera microcomputer 205. If the data transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 in step S302 does not include a transmission request command, no data is transmitted from the lens microcomputer 111. In this case, the process advances to step S305, and the camera microcomputer 205 checks whether the lens microcomputer 111 has notified a communication standby request. Specifically, in step S305, the low output to the notification channel CS in the camera microcomputer 205 is canceled. Then, in step S306, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the signal level of the notification channel CS is Low. Thereby, it is possible to determine whether the lens microcomputer 111 has set the signal level of the notification channel CS to Low, that is, whether the lens microcomputer 111 is notifying a communication standby request.

The lens microcomputer 111 that has received the data from the camera microcomputer 205 notifies the communication standby request by outputting a Low output to the notification channel CS for a certain period of time in order to analyze and internally process the data. Step S306 is performed to recognize the notification standby request from the lens microcomputer 111. The signal level of the notification channel CS may temporarily become High after step S305. At this time, by performing the determination in step S306, the process waits until the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes Low. After confirming that the signal level of the notification channel CS has become Low in step S306, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step S311.

On the other hand, in step S304, if the data transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 in step S302 is a transmission request command, the process advances to step S307. In step S307, the camera microcomputer 205 connects the data communication channel DATA to the data input section of the camera microcomputer 205 by operating the input/output changeover switch 2082. Then, in step S308, the camera microcomputer 205 releases the low output to the notification channel CS and performs high output.

The camera microcomputer 205 receives data from the lens microcomputer 111 while the signal level of the notification channel CS is High. Then, in step S309, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the signal level of the notification channel CS has become Low. In response to the signal level of the notification channel CS becoming Low, the camera microcomputer 205 determines that data transmission by the lens microcomputer 111 has been completed. Then, in step S310, the camera microcomputer 205 performs data analysis.

Subsequently, in step S311, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the signal level of the notification channel CS has become High. This determination continues until the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes High. A state in which the signal level of the notification channel CS is High means that the lens microcomputer 111 as a communication slave is in a state in which data communication is possible.

When the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes High, the process advances to step S312, and the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether an event for shifting to broadcast communication has occurred. If a shift event to broadcast communication occurs, the process advances to step S313, and the camera microcomputer 205 shifts to broadcast communication. On the other hand, if the transition event to broadcast communication has not occurred, the camera microcomputer 205 continues to perform P2P communication.

Next, a communication flow of the lens microcomputer 111 as a communication slave will be explained. When the lens microcomputer 111 executes switching from broadcast communication to P2P communication, it first receives data transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 . While receiving data transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205, the signal level of the notification channel CS is maintained at High.

Subsequently, in step S400, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether the signal level of the notification channel CS has become Low. In response to the signal level of the notification channel CS becoming Low, the lens microcomputer 111 determines that data transmission by the camera microcomputer 205 has been completed. Then, in step S401, the lens microcomputer 111 performs data analysis.

Subsequently, in step S402, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether the signal level of the notification channel CS has become High. This determination continues until the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes High. A state in which the signal level of the notification channel CS is Low is a state in which the camera microcomputer 205 is notifying a communication standby request. When the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes High, in step S403, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether the data received from the camera microcomputer 205 includes a transmission request command.

If the data received from the camera microcomputer 205 does not include a transmission request command, the process advances to step S404. In step S404, the lens microcomputer 111 notifies the camera microcomputer 205 of a communication standby request by setting the signal level of the notification channel CS to Low for internal processing of the data received from the camera microcomputer 205. When the lens microcomputer 111 becomes communicable, in step S405, the lens microcomputer 111 sets the signal level of the notification channel CS to High, cancels the communication standby request, and then proceeds to step S411.

On the other hand, if the data received from the camera microcomputer 205 in step S403 includes a transmission request command, the process advances to step S406. In step S406, the lens microcomputer 111 connects the data communication channel DATA to the data output section of the lens microcomputer 111 by operating the input/output changeover switch 1122. Then, in step S407, the lens microcomputer 111 starts transmitting data to the camera microcomputer 205.

After data transmission to the camera microcomputer 205 is completed, in step S408, the lens microcomputer 111 outputs a Low output to the notification channel CS, thereby setting the signal level of the notification channel CS to Low. Thereby, the lens microcomputer 111 issues a communication standby request to the camera microcomputer 205, which is the communication master. During the period when the signal level of the notification channel CS is Low, the camera microcomputer 205 does not transmit data to the lens microcomputer 111.

In step S409, the lens microcomputer 111 connects the data communication channel DATA to the data input section of the lens microcomputer 111 by operating the input/output changeover switch 1122. Then, in step S410, the lens microcomputer 111 releases the low output to the notification channel CS and performs high output.

In step S411, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether the signal level of the notification channel CS has become High. This determination continues until the signal level of the notification channel CS becomes High. A state in which the signal level of the notification channel CS is High means that the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 are in a communicable state.

<Communication request from communication slave>
Next, a communication request from a communication slave will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of communication waveforms according to the broadcast communication method, and shows how the lens microcomputer 111 as a communication slave requests the camera microcomputer 205 to start broadcast communication. A communication request to the camera microcomputer 205 causes the microcomputer included in the accessory device to proactively resume communication with the camera microcomputer 205 while communication from the camera microcomputer 205 to the microcomputer included in the accessory device is temporarily stopped. executed when

For example, this may occur when there is a change in the state of the focal length or the like as will be described later, or when an operating member is operated by the user. When the camera system 10 restarts communication from a suspended state, it is basically appropriate for the camera microcomputer 205, which is the communication master, to take the initiative in restarting the communication. Providing the microcomputer of the accessory device, which is a communication slave, with a function to restart communication may cause communication to be restarted at a timing unexpected by the camera microcomputer 205, which is a communication master. For this reason, it is not preferable to provide a communication slave with the function of restarting communication indefinitely. Therefore, in this embodiment, the microcomputer included in the accessory device issues a communication start request to the camera microcomputer 205, so that the microcomputer of the accessory device, which is a communication slave, has a function of restarting communication.

In FIG. 9, the lens microcomputer 111 first outputs a Low output to the notification channel CS, thereby setting the signal level of the notification channel CS to Low. In response to the signal level of the notification channel CS becoming Low, the camera microcomputer 205 outputs a Low output to the notification channel CS and then starts broadcast communication. Note that the flow of broadcast communication after the Low output is performed to the notification channel CS is the same as the flow described with reference to FIG. 4, so the description here will be omitted.

In the broadcast communication at this time, since the camera microcomputer 205 does not yet know which communication slave has output the communication request, it first specifies the adapter microcomputer 302 connected to the camera body 200 and starts P2P communication. do. The camera microcomputer 205 checks whether any event has occurred during P2P communication with the adapter microcomputer 302, and ends P2P if no event has occurred.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 205 designates the lens microcomputer 111 as the other party of P2P communication through broadcast communication, and similarly confirms the occurrence of an event. In the example of FIG. 9, since the lens microcomputer 111 has issued a communication request, the lens microcomputer 111 notifies the camera of the occurrence of an event, and then uses P2P communication (not shown) to respond to requests depending on the content of the event that has occurred. communication. Note that although a communication request from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205 is shown here, the concept is the same for a communication request from the adapter microcomputer 302.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the processing of the camera system 10 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the camera system 10.

First, in step S500, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether the state of the interchangeable lens 100 has changed. If a change in state occurs, the process advances to step S501, and a communication request is output from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205. The communication request is executed by the lens microcomputer 111 outputting a Low output to the notification channel CS. A change in state refers to, for example, a physical or electrical change in the variable power lens 102, the aperture unit 114, the image stabilization lens 103, the focus lens 104, or a switch (operation member). Note that it is not necessary to output a communication request for all of these illustrated state changes, and it is sufficient to output a communication request only when a specific change occurs among these.

Subsequently, in step S502, the camera microcomputer 205 that has received the communication request transmits communication partner designation data through broadcast communication, designates the adapter microcomputer 302 as the partner in P2P communication, and then requests event information acquisition through P2P communication. Send. Subsequently, in step S503, the adapter microcomputer 302 returns event information to the camera microcomputer 205 through P2P communication. Subsequently, in step S504, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether any event is written in the returned event information. If it is determined that some event has occurred in the intermediate adapter 300, the process advances to step S505. On the other hand, if it is determined that no event has occurred, the process advances to step S512.

In step S512, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits communication partner designation data through broadcast communication, designates the lens microcomputer 111 as a partner in P2P communication, and then transmits an event information acquisition request through P2P communication. Subsequently, in step S513, the lens microcomputer 111 returns event information to the camera microcomputer 205 through P2P communication. Subsequently, in step S514, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether any event is written in the returned event information. If it is determined that some event has occurred in the interchangeable lens 100, the process advances to step S515. On the other hand, if it is determined that no event has occurred, the process returns to step S500, and the lens microcomputer 111 monitors changes in the state of the interchangeable lens 100.

In step S515, the camera microcomputer 205 analyzes the type of event based on the event information returned from the lens microcomputer 111. Subsequently, in step S516, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a transmission request for detailed information to the lens microcomputer 111 via P2P communication, depending on the event that has occurred. Subsequently, in step S517, the lens microcomputer 111 returns detailed information (second data) according to the content of the event to the camera microcomputer 205. Here, the detailed information represents the amount of change caused by the change in the state, changed position information, and the like. Furthermore, information indicating the type of data held by the adapter microcomputer 302 (adapter optical data, first data) that is newly required within the lens microcomputer 111 in response to a change in state is also included. Note that details of the adapter optical data will be described later. Subsequently, in step S518, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether all detailed information has been acquired from the lens microcomputer 111. If acquisition of all detailed information has not been completed, the process returns to step S516, and the camera microcomputer 205 requests the lens microcomputer 111 for information that has not yet been acquired.

In step S519, the adapter microcomputer 302 analyzes the detailed information described above based on the content of the P2P communication performed between the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111. Here, the adapter microcomputer 302 is not designated by the camera microcomputer 205 as a partner for P2P communication this time. However, as described above, by connecting the data communication channel DATA to the data input section of the adapter microcomputer 302, detailed information output from the lens microcomputer 111 can be obtained. Subsequently, in step S520, the adapter microcomputer 302 determines whether or not it is necessary to transmit the adapter optical data (first data) as a result of analyzing the detailed information described above. If the adapter optical data is not needed, the process advances to step S522, where the adapter microcomputer 302 shifts the communication line to a broadcast communication standby state and ends the process. On the other hand, if it is necessary to transmit the adapter optical data in step S520, the process advances to step S521, and the adapter microcomputer 302 outputs a communication request to the camera microcomputer 205.

When the camera microcomputer 205 detects the communication request, the process proceeds to step S505 via steps S502, S503, and S504. In step S505, the camera microcomputer 205 analyzes the type of event based on the event information returned from the adapter microcomputer 302. Subsequently, in step S506, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a transmission request for detailed information to the adapter microcomputer 302 via P2P communication in accordance with the event that has occurred. Subsequently, in step S507, the adapter microcomputer 302 returns detailed information according to the content of the event to the camera microcomputer 205. Here, the detailed information is information including adapter optical data based on the detailed lens information analyzed by the adapter microcomputer 302 in step S519.

Subsequently, in step S508, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether all detailed information has been acquired from the adapter microcomputer 302. If acquisition of all detailed information has not been completed, the process returns to step S506, and the camera microcomputer 205 requests the adapter microcomputer 302 for information that has not yet been acquired.

In step S509, the lens microcomputer 111 analyzes the detailed information described above based on the content of the P2P communication performed between the camera microcomputer 205 and the adapter microcomputer 302. Here, the lens microcomputer 111 is not designated by the camera microcomputer 205 as a partner for P2P communication this time. However, as described above, by connecting the data communication channel DATA to the data input section of the lens microcomputer 111, detailed information output from the adapter microcomputer 302 can be obtained. The lens microcomputer 111 uses the adapter optical data (first data) included in the acquired detailed information to change the processing performed within the lens microcomputer 111 (such as the contents of various calculation processes). This includes, for example, deriving (obtaining) control parameters for driving the driving device included in the interchangeable lens 100 or deriving (obtaining) various data to be sent to the camera microcomputer 205. Note that the details will be described later.

Subsequently, in step S510, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether it is necessary to further transmit any data as a result of analyzing the detailed information described above. If data transmission is not necessary, the process advances to step S522, where the lens microcomputer 111 shifts the communication line to a broadcast communication standby state and ends the process. On the other hand, if data transmission is required, the process advances to step S511, and the lens microcomputer 111 outputs a communication request to the camera microcomputer 205. Thereafter, the process returns to step S502, and the operations described above are repeated until they are no longer necessary.

Here, the adapter optical data and how to use it within the interchangeable lens 100 will be explained. In this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 100 includes an image stabilization lens 103, and by driving this lens, camera shake can be optically corrected. In order to perform appropriate image stabilization, it is necessary to calculate the drive amount, which is one of the control parameters of the correction lens 103, based on a correction coefficient that takes into account the characteristics of all the optical members that make up the interchangeable lens 100. This correction coefficient is a coefficient that changes depending on the position of the variable magnification lens 102 and the focus lens 104, and the correction coefficient corresponding to each position is stored in the lens microcomputer 111.

However, when an adapter with an optical member such as the intermediate adapter 300 is attached, the optimum correction coefficient changes due to its influence, and the optimum drive amount cannot be calculated using only the correction coefficient stored in the lens microcomputer 111. Can not. Therefore, in this embodiment, control parameters are calculated using optimal correction coefficients by acquiring necessary adapter optical data from the adapter microcomputer 302 in accordance with changes in the state of the variable magnification lens 102, focus lens 104, etc.

The image stabilization described above is one example, and this embodiment is not limited to this. Various actuators used for F-number correction, focus lens position correction (computer zoom) according to magnification change, etc. It may also be adapter optical data related to the derivation of control parameters. In addition to actuator control, adapter optical data related to the derivation of data used for correcting the focus position and data used for image processing calculations is transmitted from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205 via communication. good.

Further, in this embodiment, the adapter microcomputer 302 analyzes detailed information about the lens microcomputer 111 communicated between the lens microcomputer 111 and the camera microcomputer 205 (step S519), and then the adapter microcomputer 302 outputs a communication request. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the camera microcomputer 205 performs P2P communication with the adapter microcomputer 302 according to detailed information received from the lens microcomputer 111, and sends appropriate adapter optical data. may be requested.

Further, the adapter optical data does not need to be linked to the state of the interchangeable lens 100. For example, consider a case where the interchangeable lens 100 is a single focus lens and the open F-number changes when the intermediate adapter 300 including the variable magnification lens 301 is attached. Here, since the F value is determined by focal length/aperture diameter, simply changing the focal length with the variable magnification lens 301 changes the F value. In this case, instead of waiting for some state change in step S500, the lens microcomputer 111 may proceed to step S501 in response to another trigger, such as a desire to calculate a target position for driving the aperture unit 114. good.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the camera system 10a in this embodiment. Note that in FIG. 11, the same members as in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Further, in FIG. 11, some of the members shown in FIG. 1 are omitted. The aforementioned notification channel CS and data communication channel DATA are communication lines for second communication.

In addition to the lens communication section 112, the lens microcomputer 111 controls a communication section 131 for performing first communication. In addition to the camera communication unit 208, the camera microcomputer 205 controls a communication unit 209 for performing first communication.

The first communication is communication performed via the communication unit 131 and the communication unit 209. The communication unit 131 communicates based on instructions from the lens microcomputer 111, and the communication unit 209 communicates based on instructions from the camera microcomputer 205 via the notification channel CTL, data communication channel DCL, and data communication channel DLC. The communication unit 131 and the communication unit 209 set the voltage level of the notification channel CTL, the communication rate (data amount per unit time) during start-stop synchronization communication, and the communication voltage. Further, the communication unit 131 and the communication unit 209 receive instructions from the lens microcomputer 111 or the camera microcomputer 205, and transmit and receive data via the data communication channel DCL and the data communication channel DLC.

The notification channel CTL is a signal line used for notification of a communication request from the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 100 and as a clock signal. The data communication channel DCL is a channel used when transmitting data from the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 100, and the data communication channel DLC is a channel used when transmitting data from the interchangeable lens 100 to the camera body 200. .

In the first communication, the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 communicate by clock synchronous communication or start-stop synchronous communication. Initial communication performed when the interchangeable lens 100 is connected to the camera body 200 is also first performed by the first communication. The camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 communicate identification information of the interchangeable lens 100, and when it is determined that the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the camera body 200 is compatible with asynchronous communication, the communication changes from clock synchronous communication to asynchronous communication. Switch the method. Furthermore, as a result of the communication of the identification information, the camera microcomputer 205 may identify whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 is compatible with the second communication including the intermediate adapter 300. When the camera microcomputer 205 determines that the interchangeable lens 100 is compatible with the third communication, the camera microcomputer 205 may perform authentication communication for recognizing the interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate adapter 300 by P2P communication. This embodiment is different in that a first communication, which is a communication line (a channel different from the data communication channel DATA and the notification channel CS) that directly connects the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100, is added. Different from 1. That is, in this embodiment, the intermediate adapter 300 cannot transmit or receive via the first communication.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the processing of the camera microcomputer 205, lens microcomputer 111, and adapter microcomputer 302 of the camera system 10a will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the camera system 10a.

First, in step S600, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate adapter 300 (accessory device) are attached to the camera body 200. If the accessory device is attached, the process advances to step S601. In step S601, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the first communication has been established. More specifically, the camera microcomputer 205 performs predetermined communication with the lens microcomputer 111 via communication lines (CTL, DCL, DLC) for performing the first communication shown in FIG. Based on the content of the reply, it is determined that the first communication was performed normally. In the predetermined communication, the data that the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 first send to each other may be determined in advance. Alternatively, it may be something like a password, such as when the camera microcomputer 205 sends a specific value (eg, 0AH), the lens microcomputer 111 replies with another specific value (eg, AOH). If the first communication is performed normally and communication is established, the process advances to step S602. In step S602, the camera microcomputer 205 receives basic lens data from the lens microcomputer 111. The basic lens data includes, for example, information on the type of the interchangeable lens 100, design values such as focal length, subject distance, and aperture F-number, information associated with an individual such as a serial number, and focus adjustment value, but is not limited to these. It's not something you can do. For example, the identification information described with reference to FIG. 11 may also be included.

After acquiring the lens basic data, in step S603, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the second communication has been established. More specifically, the camera microcomputer 205 performs predetermined communications with the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 via communication lines (CS, DATA) for performing the second communication shown in FIG. Then, the camera microcomputer 205 determines that the second communication was performed normally based on the contents of the replies from each microcomputer. Since the first communication and the second communication are performed on separate communication lines, step S603 may be performed before or at the same time as step S602. Further, step S603 may be performed before or at the same time as step S601. When the second communication is established, the camera microcomputer 205 checks the adapter basic data in step S604. The basic adapter data includes, for example, type information of the intermediate adapter, the magnification of the variable power lens 301, design values such as the type of retained adapter optical data, and information linked to an individual such as a serial number. Since the basic data of the interchangeable lens 100 has already been acquired in the first communication, only the adapter basic data is acquired in the second communication.

Subsequently, in step S605, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits the acquired adapter basic data to the lens microcomputer 111 through the first communication. At this time, the lens microcomputer 111 analyzes the adapter basic data and determines whether the adapter microcomputer 302 holds the adapter optical data necessary for the lens microcomputer 111. In step S606, the camera microcomputer 205 requests the lens microcomputer 111 to transmit specification information through the first communication. As described above, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether or not necessary adapter optical data exists based on the analysis result of the adapter basic data. If it is determined that there is necessary adapter optical data, the camera uses information such as the type of necessary adapter optical data and what changes in the state of the interchangeable lens 100 that make the adapter optical data necessary. A reply is sent to the microcomputer 205. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no necessary adapter optical data, a predetermined value such as "00H" or "FFH" representing "no necessary adapter optical data" is returned as the specification information.

Subsequently, in step S607, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether or not a change in the state of the interchangeable lens 100 specified by the above-mentioned specification information has been received. This state change refers to, for example, a physical or electrical change in the variable power lens 102, the aperture unit 114, the image stabilization lens 103, the focus lens 104, or a switch (operation member). Here, to simplify the explanation, it is assumed that the position of the focus lens 104 changes. When the camera microcomputer 205 receives the position information of the focus lens 104, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits the information to the adapter microcomputer 302 through second communication in step S608. In step S609, the camera microcomputer 205 requests adapter optical data from the adapter microcomputer 302 through second communication based on the designation information received from the lens microcomputer 111.

The position information of the focus lens 104 in step S607 may be received through either the first communication or the second communication. When receiving the position information of the focus lens 104 in the second communication, the adapter microcomputer 302 can also receive the information at the same time as in the first embodiment, so step S608 does not need to be performed. To achieve this effect, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the position information of the focus lens 104 to the camera microcomputer 205 in the first communication when the intermediate adapter 300 is not attached, and in the first communication when the intermediate adapter 300 is attached. You may stop transmitting and transmit in the second communication. Even if the intermediate adapter 300 is not attached, the position information of the focus lens 104 is sent to the camera microcomputer 205 for purposes other than acquiring adapter optical data, such as autofocus control or use as parameters for image processing of captured images. This is the case when there is.

Next, the processing of the lens microcomputer 111 will be explained. When the lens microcomputer 111 is started, it first determines in step S700 whether the transmission of basic data has been completed. If the basic data transmission has not been completed, wait for it to complete. On the other hand, if the transmission of the basic data has been completed, in step S701, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether any state change has occurred in the interchangeable lens 100. A certain state change is as described above. If a state change occurs, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits state information to the camera microcomputer 205 in step S702. More specifically, in the first communication, the camera microcomputer 205 replies to the status confirmation communication periodically performed. Alternatively, as described in the first embodiment, a communication request may be sent using the second communication, and status information may be sent using the second communication.

Subsequently, in step S703, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether designation information has already been transmitted to the camera microcomputer 205. The designation information is as described with reference to FIG. 12. If the designation information has been transmitted, the process advances to step S704, and the lens microcomputer 111 waits for the adapter microcomputer 302 to transmit the adapter optical data in the second communication. The adapter microcomputer 302 returns designation information to the camera microcomputer 205 in P2P communication with the camera microcomputer 205, but the lens microcomputer 111 can also acquire this information as in the first embodiment.

Upon receiving the adapter optical data, in step S705, the lens microcomputer 111 performs arithmetic processing using the received data. The contents of the arithmetic processing include calculation of control parameters and data to be sent to the camera microcomputer 205, as in the first embodiment. After that, if the state of the lens changes again, the same operation is performed again from step S701. If the designation information has not been transmitted in step S703, the adapter optical data cannot be acquired, so the adapter optical data is not used in the above calculation.

Next, the processing of the adapter microcomputer 302 will be explained. When the adapter microcomputer 302 is started, it first determines in step S800 whether or not the transmission of basic data has been completed. If the basic data transmission has not been completed, wait for it to complete. On the other hand, if the basic data transmission has been completed, in step S801, the adapter microcomputer 302 waits for reception of an adapter optical data transmission request. If an adapter optical data transmission request has been received, in step S802, the adapter microcomputer 302 derives adapter optical data according to the lens state information. The lens state information is, for example, position information of the focus lens 104, and is received from the camera microcomputer 205 or the lens microcomputer 111 in a second communication at an arbitrary timing in a step not shown. If an adapter optical data transmission request is received before receiving lens state information, the adapter optical data is derived using a predetermined lens state. The adapter optical data is similar to the data described in Example 1. Subsequently, in step S803, the adapter microcomputer 302 transmits the derived adapter optical data through the second communication in response to the adapter optical data transmission request received in step S802.

The flowchart in FIG. 12 has been described in a manner in which data is exchanged in response to a change in the lens state, but as described in the first embodiment, the adapter optical data does not need to be linked to the lens state. For example, consider a case where the interchangeable lens 100 is a single focus lens and the open F-number changes when the intermediate adapter 300 including the variable magnification lens 301 is attached. In this case, instead of waiting for lens status information in step S607, the camera microcomputer 205 may issue an adapter optical data transmission request to the adapter microcomputer 302 at a predetermined cycle. Rather than waiting for a state change in step S701, the lens microcomputer 111 also monitors the adapter optical data returned by the adapter microcomputer 302 in response to an adapter optical data transmission request sent by the camera microcomputer 205 at a predetermined cycle in step S704. Bye. Instead of deriving the adapter optical data according to the lens state information in step S802, the adapter microcomputer 302 may transmit a value that is uniquely determined regardless of the lens state. Further, the adapter microcomputer 302 may transmit a plurality of values corresponding to a plurality of lens states at once, even if the adapter optical data is linked to the lens state, and is not limited to the current lens state.

In this embodiment, the lens microcomputer 111 that specifies the necessary adapter optical data and the camera microcomputer 205 that requests it need to have the functions of this embodiment. On the other hand, the adapter microcomputer 302 does not need to have the functions of this embodiment, but only needs to have the adapter optical data required by the lens microcomputer 111 and be able to send a reply to the camera body 200 in response to a transmission request from the camera microcomputer 205. However, since the adapter microcomputer 302 has the functions of this embodiment, it can be used in a wider variety of ways. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to realize a system that is highly compatible with the conventional configuration.

(Other examples)
The present invention provides a system or device with a program that implements one or more functions of the embodiments described above via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. This can also be achieved by processing. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

According to each of the embodiments, an accessory device, an imaging device, an imaging system, a method for controlling an accessory device and an imaging device, and a program are provided that can easily exchange information between a plurality of accessory devices. Can be done.

The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.
(Configuration 1)
An accessory device removably attached to an imaging device, the accessory device comprising:
an accessory control unit that communicates with the imaging device;
The accessory device is either a first accessory device or a second accessory device that can be attached to the imaging device via at least the first accessory device,
The accessory control unit includes:
While the other accessory device of the first accessory device or the second accessory device is transmitting the first data to the imaging device, the first data is acquired from the other accessory device. ,
An accessory device that changes processing based on the first data.
(Configuration 2)
the first accessory device is an adapter device;
The accessory device according to configuration 1, wherein the second accessory device is a lens device.
(Configuration 3)
The accessory device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the processing includes processing related to acquisition of data transmitted by the accessory control unit to the imaging device.
(Configuration 4)
The accessory device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the process includes a process related to acquisition of a control parameter for the accessory control unit to drive a drive device of the accessory device.
(Configuration 5)
The accessory control unit includes:
controlling communication using a data communication channel used for data communication with the imaging device and a notification channel used for notification of a communication method of the communication performed via the data communication channel;
a first communication method used for communicating between the first accessory device and the second accessory device and the imaging device; and a first communication method specified by the imaging device in the first communication method. a second communication method for communicating between one of the first accessory device or the second accessory device and the imaging device;
A configuration characterized in that, while the other accessory device is transmitting the first data to the imaging device using the second communication method, the first data is acquired from the other accessory device. 5. The accessory device according to any one of 1 to 4.
(Configuration 6)
The accessory control unit is characterized in that it transmits second data indicating that it wants to acquire the first data among the data of the other accessory device to the imaging device using the second communication method. The accessory device according to configuration 5.
(Configuration 7)
7. The accessory device according to configuration 5 or 6, wherein the accessory control unit transmits the second data to the imaging device via a channel different from the data communication channel and the notification channel.
(Configuration 8)
8. The accessory device according to any one of configurations 5 to 7, wherein the accessory control unit communicates with the imaging device using the second communication method based on a change in the state of the accessory device.
(Configuration 9)
9. The accessory device according to any one of configurations 5 to 8, wherein the accessory control unit issues a communication request to the imaging device using the first communication method based on a change in the state of the accessory device.
(Configuration 10)
10. The accessory device according to configuration 8 or 9, wherein the state of the accessory device is a state related to at least one of a focal length, a subject distance, an F number, or a position of an image stabilization lens.
(Configuration 11)
The accessory device is the second accessory device,
The accessory control unit includes:
if the accessory device is directly attached to the imaging device, transmitting data based on a change in the state of the accessory device to the imaging device via a channel different from the data communication channel and the notification channel;
When the accessory device is attached to the imaging device via the first accessory, at least a portion of the data is transmitted to the imaging device via the data communication channel and the notification channel. The accessory device according to any one of configurations 5 to 10.
(Configuration 12)
The accessory device is the first accessory device,
The accessory control unit may communicate with the imaging device using the second communication method based on the first data acquired from the second accessory device using the second communication method. The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10.
(Configuration 13)
The accessory device is the first accessory device,
The accessory control unit is characterized by making a communication request to the imaging device using the first communication method based on the first data acquired from the second accessory device using the second communication method. The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10.
(Configuration 14)
An imaging device to which a plurality of accessory devices are removably attached, the imaging device comprising:
a camera control unit that communicates with the plurality of accessory devices;
The plurality of accessory devices include a first accessory device and a second accessory device that can be attached to the imaging device via at least the first accessory device,
The camera control unit communicates to the other of the first accessory device or the second accessory device based on second data received from one of the first accessory device or the second accessory device. An imaging device characterized by changing.
(Configuration 15)
An imaging system comprising an imaging device and a plurality of accessory devices removably attached to the imaging device,
The imaging device includes a camera control unit that communicates with the plurality of accessory devices,
The plurality of accessory devices include a first accessory device and a second accessory device that can be attached to the imaging device via at least the first accessory device,
One of the first accessory device or the second accessory device includes an accessory control unit that communicates with the imaging device,
The accessory control unit sends, to the imaging device, second data indicating that it is desired to acquire first data among data possessed by the other accessory device of the first accessory device or the second accessory device. send,
The camera control unit changes communication to the other accessory device based on the second data,
The accessory control unit acquires the first data from the other accessory device while the other accessory device is transmitting the first data to the imaging device,
An imaging system characterized in that processing is changed based on the first data.
(Method 1)
A method for controlling an accessory device removably attached to an imaging device, the method comprising:
The accessory device is either a first accessory device or a second accessory device that can be attached to the imaging device via at least the first accessory device,
While the other accessory device of the first accessory device or the second accessory device is transmitting the first data to the imaging device, the first data is acquired from the other accessory device. step and
A method for controlling an accessory device, comprising the step of changing processing based on the first data.
(Method 2)
A method for controlling an imaging device to which a plurality of accessory devices are removably attached, the method comprising:
The plurality of accessory devices include a first accessory device and a second accessory device that can be attached to the imaging device via at least the first accessory device,
modifying communications to the other of the first accessory device or the second accessory device based on second data received from one of the first accessory device or the second accessory device; A method for controlling an imaging device, comprising:
(Configuration 16)
A program that causes a computer to execute the method for controlling an accessory device according to method 1.
(Configuration 17)
A program that causes a computer to execute the method for controlling an imaging device according to method 2.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the invention.

In each embodiment, the imaging device and the accessory device are configured to be able to communicate using a first communication method (broadcast communication method) and a second communication method (P2P communication method), but the invention is not limited to this. However, it is also applicable to other communication methods.

100 Interchangeable lens (accessory device)
111 Lens microcomputer (accessory control section)
200 Camera body (imaging device)
300 Intermediate adapter (accessory device)
302 Adapter microcomputer (accessory control unit)

Claims (19)

An accessory device removably attached to an imaging device, the accessory device comprising:
an accessory control unit that communicates with the imaging device;
The accessory device is either a first accessory device or a second accessory device that can be attached to the imaging device via at least the first accessory device,
The accessory control unit includes:
While the other accessory device of the first accessory device or the second accessory device is transmitting the first data to the imaging device, the first data is acquired from the other accessory device. ,
An accessory device that changes processing based on the first data. the first accessory device is an adapter device;
The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the second accessory device is a lens device. The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the processing includes processing related to acquisition of data transmitted by the accessory control unit to the imaging device. The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the processing includes processing related to acquisition of control parameters for the accessory control unit to drive a drive device of the accessory device. The accessory control unit includes:
controlling communication using a data communication channel used for data communication with the imaging device and a notification channel used for notification of a communication method of the communication performed via the data communication channel;
a first communication method used for communicating between the first accessory device and the second accessory device and the imaging device; and a first communication method specified by the imaging device in the first communication method. a second communication method for communicating between one of the first accessory device or the second accessory device and the imaging device;
Claim characterized in that the first data is acquired from the other accessory device while the other accessory device is transmitting the first data to the imaging device using the second communication method. The accessory device according to any one of items 1 to 4. The accessory control unit is characterized in that it transmits second data indicating that it wants to acquire the first data among the data of the other accessory device to the imaging device using the second communication method. The accessory device according to claim 5. The accessory device according to claim 5, wherein the accessory control unit transmits the second data to the imaging device via a channel different from the data communication channel and the notification channel. The accessory device according to claim 5, wherein the accessory control unit communicates with the imaging device using the second communication method based on a change in the state of the accessory device. The accessory device according to claim 5, wherein the accessory control unit issues a communication request to the imaging device using the first communication method based on a change in the state of the accessory device. 9. The accessory device according to claim 8, wherein the state of the accessory device is a state related to at least one of a focal length, a subject distance, an F-number, or a position of an image stabilization lens. The accessory device is the second accessory device,
The accessory control unit includes:
if the accessory device is directly attached to the imaging device, transmitting data based on a change in the state of the accessory device to the imaging device via a channel different from the data communication channel and the notification channel;
When the accessory device is attached to the imaging device via the first accessory, at least a portion of the data is transmitted to the imaging device via the data communication channel and the notification channel. The accessory device according to claim 5. The accessory device is the first accessory device,
The accessory control unit may communicate with the imaging device using the second communication method based on the first data acquired from the second accessory device using the second communication method. The accessory device according to claim 1. The accessory device is the first accessory device,
The accessory control unit is characterized by making a communication request to the imaging device using the first communication method based on the first data acquired from the second accessory device using the second communication method. The accessory device according to claim 1. An imaging device to which a plurality of accessory devices are removably attached, the imaging device comprising:
a camera control unit that communicates with the plurality of accessory devices;
The plurality of accessory devices include a first accessory device and a second accessory device that can be attached to the imaging device via at least the first accessory device,
The camera control unit communicates to the other of the first accessory device or the second accessory device based on second data received from one of the first accessory device or the second accessory device. An imaging device characterized by changing. An imaging system comprising an imaging device and a plurality of accessory devices removably attached to the imaging device,
The imaging device includes a camera control unit that communicates with the plurality of accessory devices,
The plurality of accessory devices include a first accessory device and a second accessory device that can be attached to the imaging device via at least the first accessory device,
One of the first accessory device or the second accessory device includes an accessory control unit that communicates with the imaging device,
The accessory control unit sends, to the imaging device, second data indicating that it is desired to acquire first data among data possessed by the other accessory device of the first accessory device or the second accessory device. send,
The camera control unit changes communication to the other accessory device based on the second data,
The accessory control unit acquires the first data from the other accessory device while the other accessory device is transmitting the first data to the imaging device,
An imaging system characterized in that processing is changed based on the first data. A method for controlling an accessory device removably attached to an imaging device, the method comprising:
The accessory device is either a first accessory device or a second accessory device that can be attached to the imaging device via at least the first accessory device,
While the other accessory device of the first accessory device or the second accessory device is transmitting the first data to the imaging device, the first data is acquired from the other accessory device. step and
A method for controlling an accessory device, comprising the step of changing processing based on the first data. A method for controlling an imaging device to which a plurality of accessory devices are removably attached, the method comprising:
The plurality of accessory devices include a first accessory device and a second accessory device that can be attached to the imaging device via at least the first accessory device,
modifying communications to the other of the first accessory device or the second accessory device based on second data received from one of the first accessory device or the second accessory device; A method for controlling an imaging device, comprising: A program that causes a computer to execute the method for controlling an accessory device according to claim 16. A program that causes a computer to execute the method for controlling an imaging device according to claim 17.