JP4205217B2 - Interchangeable lens camera system and interchangeable lens - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a lens-interchangeable camera system that can prevent malfunction of a camera and an interchangeable lens and wasteful replacement of a battery.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, in a camera equipped with an electric drive mechanism and a control microcomputer, a battery that uses a dry battery or a lithium battery pack as a power source, detects whether the capacity of the power source is sufficient, and indicates the power status to the camera operator. A check device is provided. Conventionally, in this type of device, in order to detect whether the capacity of the power supply is sufficient, it is necessary to detect the power supply voltage by connecting a load to the battery in order to take into account the internal resistance of the battery. It was. As a method for this load, for example, there is a technique disclosed in JP-A-61-249033. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-249033, a power supply voltage is detected by energizing a motor used for winding a camera film or charging a shutter and a diaphragm as a load for detecting the power supply voltage. Proposed.
[0003]
Also, the battery check device stores a power check voltage value that guarantees that all the electric drive mechanisms and control microcomputers provided in the camera body can function normally, and this power check voltage value and the detected power supply voltage The values were compared and showed the camera operator the situation regarding the capacity of the power supply.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In interchangeable lens cameras, functions such as auto focus adjustment (AF), power zoom, and camera shake prevention have been developed, and motors and electromagnetic magnets for electric drive have been installed on the interchangeable lens side. If the power consumption on the lens side is ignored, malfunctioning will occur if the battery capacity decreases. For this reason, the battery check device stores the power check voltage value that can guarantee the function including the electric drive device and the control microcomputer provided on the camera body side and the electric drive device on the interchangeable lens side. It was. When determining the power check voltage value, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the camera by considering an interchangeable lens with the maximum power consumption (load is maximum) that is expected to be attached to the camera body.
[0005]
However, in this battery check device, it is necessary to consider various electric drive devices that are expected to be installed in the interchangeable lens in the future. The situation regarding the capacity of the battery cannot be properly indicated, and there is a problem that the replacement time of the battery is advanced.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to appropriately indicate the situation regarding the battery capacity to the operator of the camera, thereby causing malfunction of the camera and the interchangeable lens. It is an object of the present invention to provide an interchangeable lens camera system and an interchangeable lens that can be effectively used while preventing battery waste.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the interchangeable lens camera system according to the first aspect of the present invention has an interchangeable interchangeable lens 300 and a plurality of electrical contacts 305 between the lens and the camera, as shown in FIG. In a camera system comprising a camera body 200 that communicates various information through the electrical contacts 305 and supplies power to the lens from the camera, a value relating to a check voltage that ensures that all functions of the interchangeable lens 300 are normally operated on the interchangeable lens side. A first storage means 317 for storing VL and a lens control means 319 for controlling the lens are provided, and a value VB relating to a check voltage for ensuring that all functions of the camera body 200 are normally operated is stored on the camera body side. Second storage means 225, voltage detection means 226 for detecting the power supply voltage, and camera control means 23 for controlling the camera The lens control means 319 transmits a value related to the check voltage of the first storage means 317 to the camera body 200, and the camera control means 239 exchanges the voltage value detected by the voltage detection means 226 with The value VL relating to the voltage of the first storage means 317 received from the lens 300 and the value VB relating to the voltage of the second storage means 225 of the camera body are respectively compared, and based on the comparison result, the camera operator It is characterized by appropriately showing the situation regarding capacity.
[0008]
Further, the interchangeable lens of the second invention of the present application, as shown in the interchangeable lens 300 of FIG. 1, is a first storage means 317 for storing a value related to a check voltage that guarantees that all functions of the interchangeable lens operate normally, An electrical contact 305 comprising terminals SCK, SI, SO provided for communicating with the camera body 200 and terminals MP, PGND receiving power supply from the camera body 200, and a check voltage of the first storage means 317 The lens control means 319 which transmits the value regarding to the camera main body 200 is provided.
[0009]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the interchangeable lens camera system of the third invention of the present application has an interchangeable interchangeable lens 300 and a plurality of electrical contacts 305 between the lens and the camera, and various information can be transmitted through the electrical contacts 305. First memory for storing a value VL relating to a check voltage for ensuring that all functions of the interchangeable lens 300 are normally operated on the interchangeable lens side in the camera system including the camera main body 200 that supplies power to the lens from the communication and the camera. Means 317 and lens control means 319 for controlling the lens, and a second storage means 225 for storing a value VB relating to a check voltage for ensuring that all functions of the camera body 200 are normally operated on the camera body side; The lens includes a voltage detection means 226 for detecting a power supply voltage and a camera control means 239 for controlling the camera. The control unit 319 receives the detection voltage value of the voltage detection unit 226 from the camera body 200, compares the value VL related to the check voltage of the first storage unit 317 with the detection voltage value, and compares the comparison result with the camera body 200. The camera control unit 239 transmits the detection voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 226 to the interchangeable lens 300, receives the comparison result from the interchangeable lens 300, and the value related to the voltage of the second storage unit 225. VB is compared with the detection voltage value of the voltage detection means, and the situation regarding the battery capacity is appropriately shown to the camera operator based on the comparison result and the comparison result received from the interchangeable lens 300. It is.
[0010]
Further, the interchangeable lens of the fourth invention of the present application, as shown in the interchangeable lens 300 of FIG. 1, is a first storage means 317 for storing a value relating to a check voltage that guarantees that all the functions of the interchangeable lens operate normally, An electrical contact 305 comprising terminals SCK, SI, SO provided for communicating with the camera body 200 and terminals MP, PGND receiving power supply from the camera body 200, and the voltage detection means 226 from the camera body 200. And a lens control unit 319 for comparing a value VL relating to a check voltage in the first storage unit 317 with the detection voltage value and transmitting the comparison result to the camera body 200. To do.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the interchangeable lens camera system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first storage means 317 stores a value VL related to a check voltage that guarantees that all functions of the interchangeable lens 300 are normally operated on the interchangeable lens side. A plurality of electrical contacts 305 are provided between the lens and the camera, and power is supplied from the camera to the lens through the electrical contacts 305. In addition, the lens control unit 319 communicates various information including information in the first storage unit 317 through this contact. The second storage means 225 stores a value VB related to a check voltage that ensures that all functions of the camera body 200 are normally operated on the camera body side. The camera control means 239 for controlling the camera has the voltage value detected by the voltage detection means 226, the value VL relating to the voltage of the first storage means 317 acquired by communication from the interchangeable lens, and the second storage means 225 of the camera body. The voltage value VB is compared with each other. Then, based on the comparison result, the situation regarding the battery capacity is appropriately shown to the operator of the camera.
[0012]
The interchangeable lens of the second invention of the present application is an interchangeable lens mounted on the camera body 200 described in the embodiment of the first invention of the present application. As shown in the interchangeable lens 300, all functions of the interchangeable lens are normal. Is stored in the first storage means 317 for storing a value relating to the check voltage that guarantees the operation. An electrical contact 305 including terminals SCK, SI, and SO provided for communicating with the camera body 200 and terminals MP and PGND receiving power supply from the camera body 200 is provided. Then, a control means 319 for transmitting a value VL relating to the check voltage of the first storage means 317 to the camera body 200 is provided.
[0013]
Next, an embodiment of the interchangeable lens camera system of the third invention of the present application will be described in comparison with the first invention of the present application. In the first and third inventions of the present application, the value VL related to the check voltage that guarantees that all functions of the interchangeable lens 300 are normally operated on the interchangeable lens side is stored in the first storage means 317, and the camera on the camera body side. The value VB related to the check voltage that guarantees that all the functions of the main body 200 operate normally is stored in the second storage unit 225, and the voltage detection unit 226 is provided. However, the first invention of the present application transmits the value VL related to the check voltage of the first storage means 317 to the camera body 200 and compares the value VL related to the check voltage received on the camera body side with the detection voltage. The third invention transmits the detection voltage value detected by the voltage detection means 226 of the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 300, and the value VL related to the check voltage stored in the first storage means 317 and the received detection voltage value on the interchangeable lens side. And the comparison result is transmitted to the camera body. That is, it can be said that the difference is in the lens control means 319 and the camera control means 239.
[0014]
Here, the control of the third invention of the present application will be clarified. The lens control unit 319 receives the detection voltage value of the voltage detection unit 226 from the camera body 200, compares the value VL related to the check voltage of the first storage unit 317 with the detection voltage value, and transmits the comparison result to the camera body 200. To do. The camera control unit 239 transmits the detection voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 226 to the interchangeable lens 300, receives the comparison result from the interchangeable lens 300, and the value VB related to the voltage in the second storage unit 225 and the voltage detection unit 226. The detected voltage value is compared, and the situation regarding the battery capacity is appropriately shown to the camera operator based on the comparison result and the comparison result received from the interchangeable lens.
[0015]
The interchangeable lens of the fourth invention of the present application is an interchangeable lens mounted on the camera body 200 described in the embodiment of the third invention of the present application. As shown in the interchangeable lens 300, all functions of the interchangeable lens are normal. Is stored in the first storage means 317 for storing a value relating to the check voltage that guarantees the operation. An electrical contact 305 including terminals SCK, SI, and SO provided for communicating with the camera body 200 and terminals MP and PGND receiving power supply from the camera body 200 is provided. The lens control unit 319 receives the detection voltage value of the voltage detection unit 226 from the camera body 200, compares the value VL related to the check voltage in the first storage unit 317 with the detection voltage value, and transmits the comparison result to the camera body. It is equipped with.
[0016]
As described above, according to the present invention, the check voltage value VB for ensuring that all the functions of the camera body are normally operated, the check voltage value VL for ensuring that all the functions of the interchangeable lens are normally operated, Since the detected voltage values are compared with each other, it is possible to appropriately indicate the situation regarding the battery capacity to the camera operator, and it is possible to prevent malfunction of the camera and the interchangeable lens and wasteful replacement of the battery.
[0017]
【Example】
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 2 is a block diagram in which the interchangeable lens camera system is applied to a single-lens reflex camera. In FIG. 2, an interchangeable lens 300 is a lens barrel that is interchangeably attached to the camera body 200, and has a plurality of electrical contacts 305 that communicate various information between the lens and the camera and supply power from the camera to the lens. Yes. Reference numerals 301 to 304 denote lens groups, and the first group lens 301 can adjust the focus position on the film surface by moving back and forth on the optical axis. The second lens group 302 can move back and forth on the optical axis, thereby changing the focal length of the photographing lens and changing the photographing magnification. The third group lens 303 acts so as to correct the focus movement due to the movement of the second group lens 302. The third group lens 303 is a mechanism that moves back and forth in conjunction with a mechanical cam cylinder (not shown) by changing the magnification of the second group lens 302. Reference numeral 304 denotes a four-group lens.
[0018]
A focus motor driving circuit 306 moves the first lens group 301 back and forth by the focus driving motor 307 and automatically adjusts the focus. Reference numeral 309 denotes an aperture motor drive circuit that drives the aperture motor 310 in steps to adjust the aperture of the photographing lens to a predetermined aperture.
[0019]
Here, the plurality of electrical contacts 305 provided on the lens mount will be described. The contact L0 is connected to the focus motor drive circuit 306 and the aperture motor drive circuit 309 on the lens side, and supplies power for driving the motor. The contact L1 is a ground for motor power. The contact L2 is connected to the lens microcomputer 320 and supplies power. The contacts L3, L4, and L5 perform known serial communication between the lens and the camera. There are a clock contact L3 for sending a communication synchronization signal from the camera to the lens, a contact L4 for sending various commands from the camera to the lens, and a contact L5 for sending various lens information from the lens to the camera. The contact L6 is a ground for power supply of the lens microcomputer 320.
[0020]
When the lens microcomputer 320 is connected to the camera microcomputer 240 via a plurality of electrical contacts 305 and receives an automatic focus adjustment operation command from the camera, the lens microcomputer 320 outputs a control signal to the focus motor drive circuit 306 to operate the focus drive motor 307. Then, the first group lens 301 is moved back and forth to automatically adjust the focus. At this time, the movement amount of the first lens group 301 is sent to the lens microcomputer 320 as a pulse signal by the photo interrupter 308 and monitored. The lens microcomputer 320 controls the focus drive motor 307 to stop when the camera command position is reached. On the other hand, when an aperture command is received from the camera, a control signal is output to the aperture motor drive circuit 309, the aperture motor 310 is stepped, and the aperture of the photographic lens is adjusted to a predetermined aperture.
[0021]
The lens microcomputer 320 is connected to a 4-bit encoder ZENC interlocked with the movement of the second group lens 302 by a zooming operation, and receives zoom position information obtained by dividing the focal length from wide to tele. The ROM built in the lens microcomputer 320 stores various lens specific information, for example, an open aperture value, an actual focal length, a feed amount conversion coefficient, and the like corresponding to the 16 divided zoom positions. Part 318 is present. The ROM further includes a check voltage VL storage circuit 317 that stores a check voltage value VL that ensures that all functions of the interchangeable lens 300 operate normally. When the lens microcomputer 320 receives from the camera microcomputer 240 a transmission request command for various lens unique information, the lens microcomputer 320 transmits unique information corresponding to the current zoom position to the camera. In response to a transmission request command for a value related to the check voltage, the corresponding information is transmitted to the camera. A method for setting a value to be stored in the check voltage VL storage circuit 317 will be described later.
[0022]
The camera body 200 has a main mirror 201 so as to be set or moved obliquely in the optical path according to the viewfinder observation state and the photographing state. This main mirror is translucent, and in the finder observation state, almost half of the light flux from the subject is guided to the focus plate 203, and the photographing screen can be observed by the pentaprism 204 and the eyepiece lens 205. Here, the remaining half of the light quantity passes through the main mirror 201, is reflected by the sub mirror 202, and enters the focus detection optical system 206 provided under the mirror box. On the other hand, in the photographing state, the main mirror 201 moves out of the optical path, and when the shutter 210 is opened, the luminous flux of the subject reaches the photosensitive member 212 made of a silver salt film or the like.
[0023]
Connected to the camera microcomputer 240 are a focus detection circuit 207, a main mirror drive circuit 209, a shutter drive circuit 211, a film drive circuit 214, a film travel detection circuit 215, a photometry circuit 217, a switch sense circuit 219, and an LCD display circuit 220. Yes. The camera microcomputer 240 is connected to the lens microcomputer 320 via a plurality of electrical contacts 305, and communicates various information and issues an operation command to the lens from the camera.
[0024]
The focus detection circuit 207 performs accumulation time control and readout control of the CCD line sensor in the focus detection optical system 206 in accordance with a signal from the camera microcomputer 240, and outputs pixel information to the camera microcomputer 240. The camera microcomputer 240 performs A / D conversion on the pixel information, detects a focus shift amount by a known phase difference detection method, and transmits an automatic focus adjustment operation command to the lens microcomputer 320 to perform focus adjustment.
[0025]
The main mirror drive circuit 209 controls the main mirror drive motor 208 in accordance with a signal from the camera microcomputer 240, and moves the main mirror 201 to an oblique setting or leaving position in the optical path. The main mirror drive motor 208 also performs mechanical charging of the spring for operating the shutter 210.
[0026]
The shutter drive circuit 211 controls the energization time of the front curtain magnet and the rear curtain magnet constituting the shutter 210 in accordance with the signal from the camera microcomputer 240 and adjusts the exposure time of the photosensitive member 212.
[0027]
The film driving circuit 214 controls the film driving motor 213 in accordance with a signal from the camera microcomputer 240 to wind up the photosensitive member 212 made of a silver salt film or the like. Further, the film driving motor 213 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the film is rewound by a rewinding mechanism (not shown).
[0028]
The film running detection circuit 215 outputs the film movement amount to the camera microcomputer 240 as a pulse signal. The camera microcomputer 240 stops the film drive motor 213 when it reaches the position for one frame of film. In the case of the film rewinding operation, the film driving motor 213 is stopped when the stoppage of the pulse signal is detected.
[0029]
The photometric circuit 217 controls the photometric sensor 216 in accordance with a signal from the camera microcomputer 240 and outputs photometric information to the camera microcomputer 240. The camera microcomputer 240 performs A / D conversion on the photometric information, and calculates the shutter speed and aperture value for exposure control.
[0030]
The switch sense circuit 219 detects a switch SW1 that is turned on by a first stroke of a release button (not shown), a switch SW2 that is turned on by a second stroke, a setting button switch and a timing switch that are not shown, and outputs them to the camera microcomputer 240. To do. The camera microcomputer 240 starts photometry and AF operations when the switch SW1 is turned on, and starts an exposure operation when the switch SW2 is turned on. The camera function is set according to the button when the other setting button switch is turned on. The timing switch is used for timing adjustment in sequence control in camera operation.
[0031]
The LCD display circuit 220 displays the camera status on the in-viewfinder LCD 221 and the external LCD 222 in accordance with the signal from the camera microcomputer 240.
[0032]
The battery 223 provided in the camera body 200 is connected to the main mirror drive circuit 209, the shutter drive circuit 211, and the film drive circuit 214, and serves as a drive power source for the film drive motor 213 and the shutter drive magnet 211a. Further, in accordance with a control signal from the camera microcomputer 240, power is supplied from the lens motor power switch circuit 218 to the focus motor drive circuit 306 and the aperture motor drive circuit 309 via the terminal L0 of the electrical contact 305. The DC / DC converter 224 supplies the stabilized power to the lens microcomputer 320 via the camera microcomputer 240 and the terminal L2 of the electrical contact 305. The battery 223 is also connected to the analog input terminal of the camera microcomputer 240, and can detect the voltage value by A / D conversion.
[0033]
The ROM built in the camera microcomputer 240 stores a program for controlling the camera operation and camera-specific information. Further, the ROM includes a check voltage VB storage circuit 225 that stores a check voltage value VB that ensures that all functions of the camera body 200 operate normally. The check voltage values stored in the check voltage VB storage circuit 225 of the camera microcomputer 240 and the check voltage VL storage circuit 317 of the lens microcomputer 320 are used for camera battery check.
[0034]
Here, the battery check operation employed in this embodiment will be described. The camera microcomputer 240 A / D converts the analog input of the battery 223 and detects the voltage value. In addition, it is necessary to give an appropriate load to the battery prior to A / D conversion. Therefore, a known load operation such as reverse rotation of the mirror drive motor 208 is performed within a range that does not affect the position of the main mirror 201. Then, the check voltage value VB stored in the check voltage VB storage circuit 225 is compared with the detected detection voltage value. At this time, if it is determined that the detected voltage value is lower than the check voltage value VB, a warning is given to the operator of the camera.
[0035]
Next, the camera microcomputer 240 transmits a transmission request command for a value related to the check voltage to the lens microcomputer 320 via the terminals L3 and L4 of the electrical contact 305. Then, the lens microcomputer 320 transmits the check voltage value VL of the check voltage VL storage circuit 317 to the camera via the terminal L5 of the electrical contact 305. The camera microcomputer 240 compares the check voltage value VL received from the lens with the previously detected voltage value. At this time, if it is determined that the detected voltage value is lower than the check voltage value VL, a warning is given to the operator of the camera.
[0036]
A method for setting the check voltage value VB stored in the check voltage VB storage circuit 225 of the camera microcomputer 240, which constitutes the battery check, will be described. There are three electric drive mechanisms provided in the camera body 200: a main mirror drive motor 208, a shutter drive magnet 211a, and a film drive motor 213. A power supply voltage value at which the camera can operate normally when each drive mechanism is operated is obtained by experiment or measurement. For example, the lower limit of the main mirror drive motor 208 is 4.2V, the shutter drive magnet 211a has a lower limit of 3.8V, and the film drive motor 213 has a lower limit of 4.0V. There was a risk of malfunction. In this case, if 4.2V of the main mirror drive motor 208 having the maximum voltage value is adopted as the battery check voltage value, it can be guaranteed that all functions of the camera body 200 are normally operated. However, the check voltage VB storage circuit 225 of the camera microcomputer 240 stores a value corresponding to 4.2V. If the camera specification allows the main mirror drive motor 208 and the film drive motor 213 to be driven simultaneously in parallel, a power supply voltage value that can operate normally even during simultaneous parallel drive is obtained, and the maximum voltage value including this value is obtained. The indicated value may be stored in the check voltage VB storage circuit 225.
[0037]
Next, a method for setting the check voltage value VL to be stored in the check voltage VL storage circuit 317 of the lens microcomputer 320 will be described. There are two electric drive mechanisms provided in the interchangeable lens 300, a focus drive motor 307 and an aperture motor 310. A power supply voltage value at which the interchangeable lens 300 can operate normally when each drive mechanism is operated is obtained by experiment or measurement. For example, the focus drive motor 307 has a lower limit of 4.1 V, and the aperture motor 310 has a lower limit of 3.8 V. There is a possibility that malfunction occurs at a voltage value lower than this. In this case, if 4.1 V of the focus drive motor 307 having the maximum voltage value is adopted as the battery check voltage value, it can be guaranteed that all the functions of the interchangeable lens 300 are normally operated. However, a value corresponding to 4.1 V is stored in the check voltage VL storage circuit 317 of the lens microcomputer 320. In addition, if the lens specification is such that the focus drive motor 307 and the aperture motor 310 are simultaneously driven in parallel, a power supply voltage value that can be normally operated even during the simultaneous parallel drive is obtained, and a value indicating the maximum voltage value including this value is obtained. May be stored in the check voltage VL storage circuit 317.
[0038]
FIG. 3 shows a lens barrel that is replaceably attached to the camera body 200 of the single-lens reflex camera shown in FIG. This interchangeable lens 350 is obtained by adding an electric zoom mechanism to the interchangeable lens 300 of FIG. 1, and portions having the same configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Here, only the additional part will be described. Reference numeral 311 denotes a zoom motor drive circuit, and the zoom motor 312 rotates a mechanical cam cylinder (not shown) to move the second group lens 302 and the third group lens 303 back and forth, thereby changing the focal length of the photographing lens. The shooting magnification can be changed. The lens microcomputer 320 is connected to switches ZW and ZT for instructing the rotation direction of the electric zoom. The lens microcomputer 320 drives the zoom motor 312 in the wide direction when detecting ON of the switch ZW, and drives in the tele direction when detecting ON of the switch ZT.
[0039]
Next, a method for setting the check voltage value VL to be stored in the check voltage VL storage circuit 317 of the lens microcomputer 320 in FIG. 3 will be described. There are three electric drive mechanisms provided in the interchangeable lens 350: a focus drive motor 307, an aperture motor 310, and a zoom motor 312. A power supply voltage value at which the interchangeable lens 350 can operate normally when each drive mechanism is operated is obtained by experiment or measurement. For example, the lower limit of the focus drive motor 307 is 4.1V, the lower limit of the aperture motor 310 is 3.8V, and the lower limit of the zoom motor 312 is 4.5V. There was a fear. In this case, if 4.5V of the zoom motor 312 having the maximum voltage value is adopted as the battery check voltage value, it can be guaranteed that all functions of the interchangeable lens 350 are normally operated. However, the check voltage VL storage circuit 317 of the lens microcomputer 320 stores a value corresponding to 4.5V.
[0040]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the LCD display used for the battery check, which is displayed on the external LCD 222 of FIG. In FIG. 4, a indicates that the battery has sufficient capacity. The display b shows a state where the capacity of the battery is decreasing. On the other hand, the display of c warns that the battery capacity is insufficient and that it is time to replace the battery. This warning means a case where the detected voltage value of the battery is lower than the check voltage value that guarantees that all functions of the camera and the interchangeable lens operate normally, as described in the battery check operation. For this reason, it is desirable that the camera microcomputer 240 performs control so as to prohibit the photographing operation of the camera at the same time when a warning display of the battery replacement time is performed.
[0041]
Next, an operation flow of the interchangeable lens camera system will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of lens control performed by the lens control circuit 319 of the lens microcomputer 320. First, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as #) 501, initial settings such as clearing the internal RAM of the lens microcomputer 320 and initial data set, input / output settings of each port, and communication mode settings with the camera microcomputer 240 are performed. In step # 502, various operation commands transmitted from the camera microcomputer 240 are waited for. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the next upon completion of reception.
[0042]
If the operation command from the camera is a command for requesting transmission of various unique information of the lens in # 503, the process proceeds to # 504, the unique information corresponding to the current zoom position is read from the lens unique information storage unit 318, and sent to the camera microcomputer 240. Transmit and return to # 502.
[0043]
If the operation command from the camera is a check voltage transmission request command in # 505, the process proceeds to # 506, the check voltage value VL is read from the check voltage VL storage circuit 317, transmitted to the camera microcomputer 240, and the process returns to # 502.
[0044]
In step # 507, if the operation command from the camera is an aperture command, the process proceeds to step # 508, a control signal is output to the aperture motor drive circuit 309, the aperture motor 310 is stepped, and the aperture of the taking lens is set to a predetermined aperture. Adjust and return to # 502.
[0045]
In step # 509, if the operation command from the camera is an aperture opening command, the process proceeds to step # 510, a control signal is output to the aperture motor driving circuit 309, the aperture motor 310 is stepped, and the aperture of the taking lens is set to the open position. To return to # 502.
[0046]
In step # 511, if the operation command from the camera is a standby command, the process proceeds to step # 512, and the lens microcomputer 320 is set in the low power consumption mode, and waits until communication from the camera is resumed. Thereafter, when the transmission of the operation command from the camera is resumed, the camera exits the standby state and returns to # 502.
[0047]
In step # 513, it is determined whether or not the operation command from the camera is an automatic focus adjustment operation (AF operation) command. Here, if not applicable, the operation command is not accepted by the lens microcomputer 320, and the process returns to # 502 to wait for completion of reception of the operation command again.
[0048]
On the other hand, if applicable, the process proceeds to # 514, a control signal is output to the focus motor drive circuit 306, the focus drive motor 307 is operated, the first group lens 301 is moved back and forth, and the focus is automatically adjusted. In # 515, the amount of movement of the first lens group 301 is counted by a pulse signal output from the photo interrupter 308, and # 515 is looped until the camera command position is reached. Then, when it reaches the command position, it exits from the loop. At # 516, control is performed to stop the focus drive motor 307, and the process returns to # 502.
[0049]
FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of camera control performed by the camera control circuit 239 of the camera microcomputer 240. First, in # 401, initial setting such as clearing of the internal RAM of the camera microcomputer 240 and initial data setting, input / output setting of each port, communication mode setting with the lens microcomputer 320, and the like is performed. In step # 402, a standby command is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 320, and the lens microcomputer 320 is set to the low power consumption mode. Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 240 is set to the low power consumption mode and waits until the release button is operated. Thereafter, the switch SW1 is turned on by the first stroke of the release button to exit the standby state, and the battery is checked in # 403. Details of the battery check will be described later.
[0050]
In step # 404, it is determined whether or not the switch SW1 is turned on in the first stroke of the release button. If the switch SW1 is on, the process proceeds to step # 407, and if it is off, the process proceeds to step # 405. In # 407, the lens unique information transmission request command is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 320, and the unique information is received.
[0051]
Next, the photometric information output from the photometric circuit 217 is A / D converted to obtain the subject luminance value BV. Then, an appropriate exposure amount EV = SV + BV is calculated from the film sensitivity SV and the subject brightness BV. Subsequently, the shutter speed and the aperture value are determined from the appropriate exposure amount EV according to the exposure mode.
[0052]
Next, in # 408, the pixel information output from the focus detection circuit 207 is A / D converted, and the amount of focus shift is detected by a known phase difference detection method. In step # 409, an automatic focus adjustment operation (AF operation) command is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 320 to perform focus adjustment.
[0053]
In # 410, it is determined whether or not the switch SW2 is turned on by the second stroke of the release button. If it is ON, the process proceeds to # 411, and if it is OFF, the process returns to # 404 and loops from # 404 to # 410. . During this time, if it is determined in # 404 that the switch SW1 has been turned OFF from ON in the first stroke, the process proceeds to # 405, and it is determined whether or not the 6-second timer is ON. Here, if it is within 6 seconds from the time when the switch SW1 is turned from ON to OFF, the process proceeds to # 406, the same photometry and exposure calculation as # 407 is performed, and the process returns to # 404, and then the steps # 404 to # 406 are looped. If it is determined in step # 405 that 6 seconds have elapsed, the process returns to step # 402 to enter the standby state. The function of this 6-second timer is to continue the photometry and exposure calculation until 6 seconds have passed since the switch SW1 was turned from ON to OFF in the first stroke of the release button. The camera operation is not interrupted even if a finger is temporarily removed from the release button by an operation or the like.
[0054]
In step # 411, the shutter drive circuit 211 energizes the front curtain magnet and the rear curtain magnet constituting the shutter 210 to keep the shutter blades running.
[0055]
Next, at # 412, a control signal is output to the main mirror drive circuit 209 to start mirror up. In step # 413, a stop command is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 320, and the stop operation is performed to the stop value determined by the exposure calculation in step # 407. In # 414, the process waits while looping # 414 until the mirror up completion signal is detected, and proceeds to # 415 when the completion signal is detected.
[0056]
In # 415, the front curtain magnet is de-energized and travels through the front curtain. Then, in # 416, it is determined whether or not the exposure timer is ON. If it is within the time corresponding to the shutter speed determined by the exposure calculation in # 407, # 416 is looped. Then, waiting for the exposure timer to turn on, at # 417, the energization of the rear curtain magnet is cut off, the rear curtain is run, and the exposure operation is completed.
[0057]
After the exposure operation is completed, an aperture opening command is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 320 at # 418 to perform the aperture opening operation. Subsequently, at # 419, a control signal is output to the main mirror drive circuit 209 to start mirror down. In # 420, the process waits while looping # 420 until a mirror down completion signal is detected, and proceeds to # 421 upon detection of the completion signal. In # 421, a control signal is output to the film driving circuit 214, and winding is started. With the winding operation, a pulse signal is output from the film running detection circuit 215. In # 422, this pulse signal is counted, and the film drive motor 213 is stopped at a position corresponding to one frame of the film, and the winding is completed. This is the camera operation for one frame shooting, and the process returns to # 404 and proceeds to the next shooting.
[0058]
FIG. 7 is a control flowchart showing the battery check operation of # 403 in FIG. First, at # 430, a control signal is output to the main mirror drive circuit 209, and the main mirror drive motor 208 is driven in reverse rotation to apply a load to the battery 223. In # 431, 1 ms is waited as a time for the battery voltage drop to stabilize. In step # 432, the analog input of the battery 223 is A / D converted, and the voltage value is detected. At # 433, the main mirror drive motor 208 is stopped. The reverse rotation time of the main mirror drive motor 208 is set in a range that does not affect the position of the main mirror 201.
[0059]
Next, in # 434, the check voltage value VB stored in the check voltage VB storage circuit 225 is compared with the detected detection voltage value. At this time, if it is determined that the detected voltage value is lower than the check voltage value VB, a warning is given to the camera operator and the process proceeds to # 439, and if not, the process proceeds to the next. In # 435, a transmission request command for a value related to the check voltage is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 320. In step # 436, the check voltage value VL of the check voltage VL storage circuit 317 is received from the lens microcomputer 320. In # 437, the check voltage value VL received from the lens is compared with the detected voltage value detected previously. At this time, if it is determined that the detected voltage value is lower than the check voltage value VL, a warning is given to the camera operator and the process proceeds to # 439, and if not, the process proceeds to the next. In # 438, a control signal is output to the LCD display circuit 220, the display of FIG. 4a is performed on the external LCD 222, the camera operator is informed that the battery capacity is sufficient, and the process returns to the main flow.
[0060]
In # 439, a control signal is output to the LCD display circuit 220, and the display shown in FIG. 4C is performed on the external LCD 222 to warn the camera operator that the battery capacity is insufficient and the battery replacement time is reached. When this warning is displayed, in order to control to prohibit the photographing operation of the camera at the same time, a standby command is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 320 at # 440, and the lens microcomputer 320 is set to the low power consumption mode. The camera microcomputer 240 is set to the low power consumption mode and waits for battery replacement.
[0061]
As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the check voltage value VB that guarantees that all the functions of the camera body are normally operated, and the check voltage value that guarantees that all the functions of the interchangeable lens are normally operated. VL is compared with the detected voltage value of the battery, and if it is determined that the detected voltage value is lower than the check voltage value VB or the check voltage value VL, the camera operator is warned that it is time to replace the battery. Although it has been described that the malfunction of the camera and the interchangeable lens and the wasteful replacement of the battery can be prevented, the check voltage values VB and VL are not limited to one each. By preparing, it becomes possible to appropriately show the situation regarding the battery capacity to the operator of the camera.
[0062]
For example, in the check voltage VL storage circuit 317 of the lens microcomputer 320, a check voltage that guarantees that all functions of the interchangeable lens are normally operated as described above, that is, a check voltage value VL1 that determines a battery replacement warning, and Two types of check voltage values VL2 for discriminating attention of battery capacity reduction are stored. Similarly, the check voltage VB storage circuit 225 of the camera microcomputer 240 also stores two types, a check voltage value VB1 for determining a battery replacement warning and a check voltage value VB2 for determining a notice of battery capacity reduction.
[0063]
Next, a control flow church showing the battery check operation of this configuration will be described with reference to FIG. Note that steps from # 430 to # 433 are the same as in FIG.
[0064]
In # 450, transmission request commands for the values VL1 and VL2 relating to the check voltage are transmitted to the lens microcomputer 320. In step # 451, the check voltage values VL1 and VL2 of the check voltage VL storage circuit 317 are received from the lens microcomputer 320. (In this case, it is necessary to change to transmit the check voltage values VL1 and VL2 in # 506 of the lens control flow diagram 5). Next, in # 452, the check voltage value VB1 stored in the check voltage VB storage circuit 225 Is compared with the detected voltage value. At this time, if it is determined that the detected voltage value is lower than the check voltage value VB1, a battery replacement warning is given to the camera operator and the process proceeds to # 458, and if not, the process proceeds to the next. In step # 453, the check voltage value VL1 received from the lens is compared with the previously detected voltage value. At this time, if it is determined that the detected voltage value is lower than the check voltage value VL1, a battery replacement warning is given to the camera operator and the process proceeds to # 458, and if not, the process proceeds to the next.
[0065]
In # 454, the check voltage value VB2 stored in the check voltage VB storage circuit 225 is compared with the detected detection voltage value. At this time, if it is determined that the detected voltage value is lower than the check voltage value VB2, the camera operator is warned of a decrease in battery capacity, and the process proceeds to # 457. Otherwise, the process proceeds to the next. In step # 455, the check voltage value VL2 received from the lens is compared with the detected voltage value detected previously. At this time, if it is determined that the detected voltage value is lower than the check voltage value VL2, the camera operator is warned of a decrease in battery capacity, and the process proceeds to # 457. If not, the process proceeds to the next. In # 456, a control signal is output to the LCD display circuit 220, the display of FIG. 4a is performed on the external LCD 222, the camera operator is informed that the battery capacity is sufficient, and the process returns to the main flow.
[0066]
In step # 457, a control signal is output to the LCD display circuit 220, and the display shown in FIG. 4B is displayed on the external LCD 222 to inform the camera operator that the battery capacity is low. In other words, since the battery replacement time is approaching, it informs the user to prepare a spare battery and returns to the main flow.
[0067]
In # 458, a control signal is output to the LCD display circuit 220, and the display of FIG. 4C is performed on the external LCD 222 to warn the camera operator that the battery capacity is insufficient and it is time to replace the battery. When this warning is displayed, a standby command is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 320 at # 459 in order to control to prohibit the photographing operation of the camera at the same time, and the lens microcomputer 320 is set to the low power consumption mode. The camera microcomputer 240 is set to the low power consumption mode and waits for battery replacement.
[0068]
In this way, the check voltage values VB1 and VB2 are provided on the camera body, and the check voltage values VL1 and VL2 are provided on the interchangeable lens so that the camera operator is warned that the battery capacity is low and the battery replacement time is reached. If it comprised, the situation regarding the capacity | capacitance of a battery was demonstrated appropriately. Further, if the number of stored voltages is increased to three and four, the battery capacity can be displayed, for example, by a bar graph.
[0069]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The lens-interchangeable camera system of this embodiment has the same optical configuration and circuit configuration as the first embodiment of the present invention described above, and FIG. Therefore, description of the optical configuration and the circuit configuration is omitted. The differences from the first embodiment described above are the lens control circuit 319 of the lens microcomputer 320 and the camera control circuit 239 of the camera microcomputer 240. Therefore, the operation flow of each control circuit will be described.
[0070]
FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of lens control performed by the lens control circuit 319 of the lens microcomputer 320. First, in # 501, initial settings such as clearing the internal RAM of the lens microcomputer 320 and initial data set, input / output settings of each port, communication mode setting with the camera microcomputer 240, and the like are performed. In step # 502, various operation commands transmitted from the camera microcomputer 240 are waited for. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the next upon completion of reception.
[0071]
If the operation command from the camera is a command for requesting transmission of various unique information of the lens in # 503, the process proceeds to # 504, the unique information corresponding to the current zoom position is read from the lens unique information storage unit 318, and sent to the camera microcomputer 240. Transmit and return to # 502.
[0072]
In step # 520, if the operation command from the camera is a lens battery check command, the process proceeds to step # 521, and the detection voltage value is received from the camera body. In step # 522, the check voltage value VL stored in the check voltage VL storage circuit 317 is compared with the received detection voltage value. If the detected voltage value is lower than the check voltage value VL, the process proceeds to # 524, where “1” is transmitted as a signal to warn the battery replacement to the camera body, and the process returns to # 502. On the other hand, if the detected voltage is high, the process proceeds to # 523, "0" is transmitted to the camera body as a signal indicating that the battery capacity is sufficient, and the process returns to # 502.
[0073]
Hereinafter, the lens operation flow from # 507 to # 516 is the same as that in FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.
[0074]
Next, an operation flow of the camera control circuit 239 of the camera microcomputer 240 will be described. Since the main flow of the camera control circuit 239 is the same as that of FIG. 6 described in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. However, only the battery check operation of # 403 is different and will be described with reference to FIG.
[0075]
FIG. 10 is a control flowchart showing the battery check operation of # 403 in FIG. First, at # 460, a control signal is output to the main mirror drive circuit 209, and the main mirror drive motor 208 is driven in reverse rotation to apply a load to the battery 223. In # 461, 1 ms is waited as a time for the voltage drop of the battery to stabilize. In step # 462, the analog input of the battery 223 is A / D converted to detect a voltage value. At # 463, the main mirror drive motor 208 is stopped.
[0076]
Next, at # 464, a lens battery check command is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 320, and subsequently, at # 465, the detected voltage value detected at # 462 is transmitted. In step # 466, the comparison result is received from the lens microcomputer 320. When the comparison result received from the lens is “0”, it means that the battery capacity is sufficient, and when it is “1”, it means that the battery is in a warning state.
[0077]
In # 467, it is determined whether or not the comparison result received from the lens is “1”. If “1”, the camera operator is warned and the process proceeds to # 470. If not, the process proceeds to the next. In # 469, the check voltage value VB stored in the check voltage VB storage circuit 225 is compared with the detected detection voltage value. At this time, if it is determined that the detected voltage value is lower than the check voltage value VB, a warning is given to the operator of the camera and the process proceeds to # 470, and if not, the process proceeds to the next. At # 468, a control signal is output to the LCD display circuit 220, the display of FIG. 4a is performed on the external LCD 222, the camera operator is informed that the battery capacity is sufficient, and the process returns to the main flow.
[0078]
In # 470, a control signal is output to the LCD display circuit 220, and the display shown in FIG. 4C is performed on the external LCD 222 to warn the camera operator that the battery capacity is insufficient and it is time to replace the battery. When this warning is displayed, in order to control to prohibit the photographing operation of the camera at the same time, in # 471, a standby command is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 320, and the lens microcomputer 320 is set to the low power consumption mode. The camera microcomputer 240 is set to the low power consumption mode and waits for battery replacement.
[0079]
Thus, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the interchangeable lens side is configured to compare the check voltage value VL that ensures that all functions of the interchangeable lens operate normally and the detection voltage value received from the camera. The check voltage value VB that guarantees that all functions of the camera main body are normally operated is compared with the detection voltage value on the camera main body side, and the detection voltage value is determined from the check voltage value VB or the check voltage value VL. When it is determined that the battery is low, the camera operator is warned that it is time to replace the battery, so that it is possible to prevent malfunction of the camera and the interchangeable lens and wasteful replacement of the battery. explained. Also in the second embodiment, the check voltage values VB and VL are not limited to one each. By preparing a plurality of check voltage values VB and VL, it is possible to appropriately indicate the situation regarding the battery capacity to the camera operator. It becomes. For example, it is possible to pay attention to a decrease in battery capacity in advance before displaying a warning for sudden battery replacement. Further, if the number of check voltages stored is increased, the battery capacity can be displayed in a bar graph.
[0080]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the interchangeable lens camera system of the first and third inventions of the present application, the check voltage value VB for ensuring that all the functions of the camera body operate normally, and all the functions of the interchangeable lens are provided. Since the check voltage value VL that guarantees normal operation and the detected voltage value of the battery are compared with each other, it is possible to appropriately indicate the situation regarding the capacity of the battery to the camera operator. This has the effect of preventing lens malfunctions and effectively using the battery without wasting it.
[0081]
Further, according to the interchangeable lens of the second invention of the present application, since the check voltage value VL that guarantees that all the functions of the interchangeable lens are normally operated is communicated to the camera body, the camera body has all functions of the camera body. The check voltage value VB that guarantees the normal operation of the battery, the check voltage value VL obtained from the interchangeable lens, and the detected voltage value of the battery can be compared with each other. Thus, it is possible to prevent the malfunction of the camera and the interchangeable lens, and it is possible to effectively use the battery without wasting it.
[0082]
Further, according to the interchangeable lens of the fourth invention of this application, the check voltage value VL that guarantees that all functions of the interchangeable lens are normally operated is compared with the detection voltage value of the battery received from the camera body, and the comparison result Is transmitted to the camera body, the camera body compares the check voltage value VB with the detection voltage value of the voltage detection means, and based on the comparison result and the comparison result received from the interchangeable lens, It is possible to appropriately indicate the situation regarding the capacity of the battery, and it is possible to prevent malfunction of the camera and the interchangeable lens, and to effectively use the battery without wasting it.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram in which the present invention is applied to a single-lens reflex camera system.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an interchangeable lens to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an LCD display used for a battery check according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating lens control of the interchangeable lens according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating camera control of the camera body according to the first and second examples of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a battery check operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a modified battery check operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating lens control of an interchangeable lens according to a second example of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a battery check operation according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
200 Camera body
220 LCD display circuit
223 battery
225 Check voltage VB storage circuit (second storage means)
226 Voltage detection circuit (voltage detection means)
239 Camera control circuit (camera control means)
240 camera microcomputer
300 interchangeable lenses
305 Electrical contact
317 Check voltage VL memory circuit (first memory means)
319 Lens control circuit (lens control means)
320 Lens microcomputer

Claims (4)

In a camera system comprising an interchangeable lens and a camera body having a plurality of electrical contacts between the lens and the camera, communicating various information through the contacts and supplying power to the lens from the camera, the interchangeable lens side of the interchangeable lens side A first storage means for storing a value relating to a check voltage for guaranteeing that all the functions are normally operated; and a lens control means for controlling the lens, wherein all functions of the camera are normally operated on the camera body side. A second storage means for storing a value relating to the check voltage to be guaranteed; a voltage detection means for detecting a power supply voltage; and a camera control means for controlling the camera; wherein the lens control means is a check voltage of the first storage means. The camera control means receives the voltage value detected by the voltage detection means and the interchangeable lens. An interchangeable lens system comprising display means for comparing a value relating to the voltage of the first storage means and a value relating to the voltage of the second storage means of the camera body, and displaying a status based on the comparison result. Camera system. It is a camera body that can exchange lenses, has multiple electrical contacts between the lens and the camera, communicates various information through the contacts, and supplies power to the lens from the camera, and operates all the functions of the camera normally. A second storage means for storing a value relating to the check voltage to be guaranteed; a voltage detection means for detecting a power supply voltage; and a camera control means for controlling the camera, wherein the camera control means is a voltage detected by the voltage detection means. A display means for comparing the value with the value relating to the voltage of the first storage means received from the interchangeable lens and the value relating to the voltage of the second storage means of the camera body, and displaying the status based on the comparison result; The interchangeable lens mounted on the camera body stores a value relating to a check voltage that ensures that all functions of the interchangeable lens operate normally. A value relating to a check voltage of the first storage means, an electrical contact composed of a storage means, a terminal provided for communicating with the camera body, and a terminal receiving power supply from the camera body. An interchangeable lens comprising control means for transmitting to In a camera system comprising an interchangeable lens and a camera body having a plurality of electrical contacts between the lens and the camera, communicating various information through the contacts and supplying power to the lens from the camera, the interchangeable lens side of the interchangeable lens side A first storage means for storing a value relating to a check voltage for guaranteeing that all the functions are normally operated; and a lens control means for controlling the lens, wherein all functions of the camera are normally operated on the camera body side. A second storage means for storing a value relating to the check voltage to be guaranteed, a voltage detection means for detecting a power supply voltage, and a camera control means for controlling the camera, wherein the lens control means is connected to the voltage detection means from the camera body. The detection voltage value is received, the value related to the check voltage of the first storage means is compared with the detection voltage value, and the comparison result is sent to the camera body. The camera control means transmits the detection voltage value detected by the voltage detection means to the interchangeable lens, receives the comparison result from the interchangeable lens, and determines the value relating to the voltage of the second storage means and the voltage detection means. An interchangeable lens camera system comprising display means for comparing a detection voltage value and displaying a status based on the comparison result and a comparison result received from the interchangeable lens. It is a camera body that can exchange lenses, has multiple electrical contacts between the lens and the camera, communicates various information through the contacts, and supplies power to the lens from the camera, and operates all the functions of the camera normally. A second storage means for storing a value related to the check voltage to be guaranteed; a voltage detection means for detecting a power supply voltage; and a camera control means for controlling the camera, wherein the camera control means is detected by the voltage detection means. The voltage value is transmitted to the interchangeable lens, the comparison result is received from the interchangeable lens, the value relating to the voltage of the second storage means is compared with the detection voltage value of the voltage detection means, and the comparison result is received from the interchangeable lens. An interchangeable lens attached to a camera body provided with a display means for displaying a status based on a comparison result, wherein all functions of the interchangeable lens are operated normally. A first storage means for storing a value related to the check voltage to be verified, a terminal provided for communicating with the camera body, a terminal for receiving power supply from the camera body, An exchange comprising: a control means for receiving a detection voltage value of the voltage detection means, comparing a value related to a check voltage of the first storage means with the detection voltage value, and transmitting a comparison result to the camera body. lens.

Images