JP6479242B2 - Camera and communication control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera system including a camera capable of communicating with each other and an accessory device such as an interchangeable lens or an adapter.

  In an interchangeable lens type camera system including a camera to which an interchangeable lens can be attached and detached, communication is performed for the camera to control the operation of the interchangeable lens and for the interchangeable lens to provide the camera with data necessary for its control and imaging. . In particular, when recording movies and live view display movies using an interchangeable lens, smooth lens control is required in accordance with the imaging cycle, so the camera's imaging timing and the interchangeable lens's control timing are synchronized. It is necessary to take Therefore, the camera needs to complete the reception of data from the interchangeable lens and the transmission of commands such as various instructions and requests to the interchangeable lens within the imaging cycle. However, as the amount of data received by the camera from the interchangeable lens increases or the imaging cycle is shortened (high frame rate), communication of a large amount of data at higher speed is required.

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

NXP Document: I2C Bus Specification and User Manual Rev5.0J-2-October 9, 2012 [May 20, 2017 Internet search URL: http://www.nxp.com/documents/user_manual/UM10204_EN. pdf]

  In the communication system that performs the one-to-many communication, each of the plurality of accessory devices can notify the camera of a request to start communication or cancel the low power consumption mode. However, in such a many-to-one state, the camera cannot determine which accessory device of the plurality of accessory devices has notified the request at the stage of receiving the request. For this reason, it is necessary to perform communication for confirming whether or not the request has been made to all accessory devices, which increases the communication load on the camera.

  The present invention provides a camera, an accessory device, a communication control method, a communication control program, and a camera system that can reduce the communication load of the camera when the camera performs one-to-many communication with a plurality of accessory devices.

  The camera as one aspect of the present invention is a camera that can be used in a state where a plurality of accessory devices are connected. The camera uses a signal transmission channel used for signal transmission between the camera and the plurality of accessory devices, and a data communication channel used for data communication between the camera and the plurality of accessory devices. A camera control unit that controls communication with the accessory device, the camera control unit is capable of holding information about requests to the camera for each of the plurality of accessory devices, and the plurality of accessory devices in the signal transmission channel In response to detecting a signal output for the request from any one of the devices, response communication for the request is performed in the data communication channel with respect to the accessory device selected based on the information.

  The accessory device connected to the camera also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

  A control method according to another aspect of the present invention is a camera that can be used in a state where a plurality of accessory devices are connected, and a signal used for signal transmission between the camera and the plurality of accessory devices. The present invention is applied to a camera connected to a transmission channel and a data communication channel used for data communication between the camera and a plurality of accessory devices. The control method includes a step of holding information regarding a request for the camera for each of the plurality of accessory devices, and a step of detecting a signal output for the request for the camera from any of the plurality of accessory devices in the signal transmission channel. And responding to the request in the data communication channel with respect to the accessory device selected from the plurality of accessory devices based on the information in response to the detection of the signal. .

  A communication control program according to another aspect of the present invention is a camera that can be used in a state where a plurality of accessory devices are connected, and is used for signal transmission between the camera and the plurality of accessory devices. A computer program that causes a computer of a camera connected to a signal transmission channel and a data communication channel used for data communication between the camera and a plurality of accessory devices to execute processing. The processing includes maintaining information regarding a request for the camera for each of the plurality of accessory devices, and detecting a signal output for the request for the camera from any of the plurality of accessory devices in the signal transmission channel; And responding to the request in a data communication channel with respect to an accessory device selected based on the information among a plurality of accessory devices in response to detection of the signal.

  A camera system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a camera that can be used in a state where a plurality of accessory devices are connected, and an accessory device among the plurality of accessory devices. The camera performs communication using a signal transmission channel used for signal transmission between the camera and the plurality of accessory devices and a data communication channel used for data communication between the camera and the plurality of accessory devices. It has a camera control unit to control. The accessory device includes an accessory control unit that controls communication performed using the signal transmission channel and the data communication channel. The accessory control unit can output a signal for a request to the camera in the signal transmission channel, and the camera control unit can hold information on the request for each of the plurality of accessory devices. In response to detecting a signal output for the request from any one of the accessory devices, a response communication to the request is performed in the data communication channel to the accessory device selected based on the information. Features.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the communication load of a camera that performs one-to-many communication with a plurality of accessory devices.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication circuit of a camera (camera microcomputer), an interchangeable lens (lens microcomputer), and an adapter (adapter microcomputer) in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a communication format in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating communication waveforms in broadcast communication according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the communication waveform in the P2P communication in Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the communication waveform at the time of communication mode switching in Example 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating camera processing in broadcast communication according to the first exemplary embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing of an interchangeable lens and an adapter in broadcast communication according to the first exemplary embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a camera in P2P communication according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of an interchangeable lens and an adapter in P2P communication in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating communication waveforms in broadcast communication started from an interchangeable lens and an adapter in the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating communication processing of communication request function information according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing when a communication request is output in the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the communication process of the communication request permission information in Example 2 of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a communication waveform when the interchangeable lens and the adapter are switched between an active state and a sleep state in the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing for switching an interchangeable lens and an adapter between an active state and a sleep state in Embodiment 2. The flowchart which shows the communication process of the sleep cancellation request permission information in Example 3 of this invention. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing when a sleep release request is output in the third embodiment. The figure explaining another communication channel.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a camera system that includes a camera 200 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and an interchangeable lens 100 that is an accessory device and an intermediate adapter device (hereinafter simply referred to as an adapter) 300. The camera 200 of this embodiment can be used in a state where the interchangeable lens 100 and the adapter 300 are connected together.

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

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

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

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

  The interchangeable lens 100 has an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system includes, in order from the subject OBJ side, a field lens 101, a zoom lens 102 that performs zooming, and a diaphragm unit 114 that adjusts the amount of light. Further, the imaging optical system includes an anti-vibration lens 103 that reduces (corrects) image blur and a focus lens 104 that performs focus adjustment.

  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 guided by a guide shaft (not shown) so as to be movable in the optical axis direction (indicated by a broken line in the figure), and are driven by the stepping motors 107 and 108 in the optical axis direction. The stepping motors 107 and 108 move the zoom lens 102 and the focus lens 104 in synchronization with the drive pulse, respectively.

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

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

  In addition, the lens microcomputer 111 drives the stepping motors 107 and 108 by outputting drive signals to the zoom drive circuit 119 and the focus drive circuit 120 in response to commands relating to scaling and focusing among the control commands. Thus, zoom processing for controlling the zooming operation by the zoom lens 102 and AF (auto focus) processing for controlling the focus adjustment operation by the focus lens 104 are performed.

  The aperture unit 114 includes aperture blades 114a and 114b. The state (position) of the diaphragm blades 114a and 114b is detected by the Hall element 115. The output from the Hall element 115 is input to the lens microcomputer 111 via the amplifier circuit 122 and the 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 quantity adjustment operation by the diaphragm unit 114 is controlled.

  Further, the lens microcomputer 111 receives a vibration-proof actuator (voice coil motor) via a vibration-proof drive circuit 125 in accordance with camera shake detected by a shake sensor (not shown) such as a vibration gyro provided in the interchangeable lens 100. Etc.) 126 is driven. As a result, an image stabilization process for controlling the shift operation (image stabilization operation) of the image stabilization lens 103 is performed.

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

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

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

  The image sensor 201 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 100 and outputs an electrical 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 focus information indicating the contrast state of the subject image (focus state of the imaging optical system) and luminance information indicating the exposure state from the video signal. 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 200 in response to inputs from camera operation members such as an imaging instruction switch (not shown) and various setting switches. In addition, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a control command related to a zooming operation of the zoom lens 102 to the lens microcomputer 111 according to an operation of a zoom switch (not shown) via a camera communication unit 208 including a communication interface circuit. Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits, via the camera communication unit 208, a control command related to the light amount adjustment operation of the diaphragm unit 114 according to the luminance information and the focus adjustment operation of the focus lens 104 according to the focus information to the lens microcomputer 111. . The camera microcomputer 205 transmits a transmission request command for acquiring control information and status information of the interchangeable lens 100 to the lens microcomputer 111 as necessary. Further, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a transmission request command for acquiring control information and status information of the adapter 300 to the adapter microcomputer 302.

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

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

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

  With this configuration, the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 can turn the signal line CS Low by turning on (connecting) the ground switches 2081, 1121, and 3031, respectively. In addition, the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 can set the signal line CS to Hi by turning off (shut off) the ground switches 2081, 1121, and 3031, respectively. Details of a communication control signal (instruction or notification) transmitted through the signal line CS and its output processing will be described later.

  The signal line DATA is a single-line bidirectional data communication line that can be used while switching the data transmission direction. The signal line DATA can be connected to the lens microcomputer 111 via the input / output changeover switch 1122 in the interchangeable lens 100, and can be connected to the camera microcomputer 205 via the input / output changeover switch 2082 in the camera 200. Further, the signal line DATA can be connected to the adapter microcomputer 302 via the input / output changeover switch 3032 in the adapter 300. Each microcomputer includes a CMOS data output unit for transmitting data and a CMOS data input unit for receiving data (none of which is shown). Each microcomputer can select whether the signal line DATA is connected to the data output unit or the data input unit by switching the input / output changeover switch.

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

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

  First, in a non-transmission state in which data transmission is not performed, the signal level is maintained at Hi. Next, in order to notify the data reception side of the start of data transmission, the signal level is set to Low for one bit period. This one bit period is called a start bit ST. Subsequently, 1-byte data is transmitted in an 8-bit period from the second bit to the ninth bit. The bit arrangement of data starts with the most significant data D7 in MSB first format, continues with data D6, data D5,..., Data D1, and ends with the least significant data D0. In the 10th bit, 1-bit parity PA information is added. Finally, the frame level started from the start bit ST is completed by setting the signal level to Hi during the stop bit SP indicating the end of the transmission data. To do.

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

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

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

  After that, the camera microcomputer 205 cancels the Low output to the signal line CS when it finishes outputting the stop bit SP. On the other hand, after receiving the stop bit SP input from the signal line DATA, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 analyze the received data and perform internal processing associated with the received data. When the preparation for receiving the next data is completed, the Low output to the signal line CS is canceled. As described above, the signal level of the signal line CS becomes Hi when all of the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 cancel the Low output to the signal line CS. Therefore, each of the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 can confirm that the signal level of the signal line CS becomes Hi after releasing the Low output to the signal line CS. Each of the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 confirms that the signal level of the signal line CS has become Hi, and thus completes the current communication process and is ready for the next communication. Can be judged.

  Next, when confirming that the signal level of the signal line CS has returned to Hi, the adapter microcomputer 302 outputs Low to the signal line CS in order to notify the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 that broadcast communication is to be started. To start.

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

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

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

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

  First, the camera microcomputer 205 as a communication master outputs data to be transmitted to the lens microcomputer 111 to the signal line DATA. The camera microcomputer 205 starts Low output (standby request) to the signal line CS after completing the output of the stop bit SP. After the camera microcomputer 205 is ready to receive the next data, the camera microcomputer 205 cancels the Low output to the signal line CS. On the other hand, after detecting the Low signal input from the signal line CS, the lens microcomputer 111 analyzes the received data input from the signal line DATA and performs internal processing associated with the received data. Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the signal level of the signal line CS has returned to Hi, the lens microcomputer 111 outputs data to be transmitted to the signal line DATA continuously for 2 bytes.

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

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

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

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

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

  In the next P2P communication, data is transmitted and received between the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 according to the procedure described in FIG. Here, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits 2-byte data to the lens microcomputer 111, and then the lens microcomputer 111 transmits 3-byte data to the camera microcomputer 205.

As described above, it is possible to designate a communication partner of P2P communication by broadcast communication, and at the same time, switching between broadcast communication and P2P communication can be performed.
[Communication control processing]
Next, communication control processing performed between the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 will be described. First, processing in the broadcast communication mode will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 7A and 7B. 7A shows processing performed by the camera microcomputer 205, and FIG. 7B shows processing performed by the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302. Each of the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302, which are computers, executes this processing and other processing described later in accordance with a communication control program as a computer program.

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

  Next, the camera microcomputer 205 operates the input / output changeover switch 2082 in step S102 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit, and performs data transmission in step S103. When the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 detect the start bit of the signal line DATA in step S202, the lens switch 1111 and the ground switch 3031 are turned on (connected) to indicate that communication processing is being performed in step S205. Thereby, the Low output to the signal line CS is started. Thereafter, when it is determined that all data has been received in the lens microcomputer 111, the adapter microcomputer 302, and step S206, data reception from the signal line DATA is prohibited in step S207. Further, in step S208, the ground switch 1121 and the ground switch 3031 are turned off (shut off) to indicate that the communication process has ended, and the Low output to the signal line CS is released. Here, the number of bytes of data to be transmitted and received is not limited, and it is sufficient that the recognition is consistent among the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 104, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether or not the data transmitted in step S <b> 103 is a bidirectional command including transmission from the lens microcomputer 111 or the adapter microcomputer 302. If the command is not a bidirectional command, the camera microcomputer 205 turns off (cuts off) the ground switch 2081 in step S105 to release the Low output to the signal line CS, and proceeds to step S116. If it is a bidirectional command, the camera microcomputer 205 operates the input / output changeover switch 2082 in step S106 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input unit. In step S107, the ground switch 2081 is turned off (shut off) to release the Low output to the signal line CS, and the process waits until the signal line CS becomes Hi in step S108.

  On the other hand, in step S209, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 determine whether the data received in step S206 is a bidirectional command including transmission from itself. If the command is not a bidirectional command, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 proceed to step S215. If the command is a bidirectional command, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 wait until the signal line CS becomes Hi in step S210. When the signal line CS becomes Hi, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 notify the start of broadcast communication by turning on (connecting) the ground switches 1121 and 3031 and setting the signal line CS to low in step S211. To do. When the camera microcomputer 205 detects Low of the signal line CS in step S109, the camera microcomputer 205 permits data reception from the signal line DATA in step S110.

  Subsequently, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 operate the input / output changeover switches 1122 and 3032 in step S212 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit, and perform data transmission in step S213. When the camera microcomputer 205 detects the start bit of the signal line DATA in step S111, the camera microcomputer 205 turns on (connects) the ground switch 2081 to indicate that communication processing is being performed in step S112. Thereby, the Low output to the signal line CS is started. The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 release the Low output to the signal line CS by turning off (shut off) the ground switches 1121 and 3031 in step S214 after transmission of all data is completed. If the camera microcomputer 205 determines that all data has been received in step S113, it prohibits data reception from the signal line DATA in step S114. In step S115, the camera microcomputer 205 turns off (cuts off) the ground switch 2081 to release the Low output to the signal line CS in order to indicate that the communication process has ended. Here, the number of bytes of data to be transmitted and received is not limited, and it is sufficient that the recognition is consistent among the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302.

  Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 205 waits until the signal line CS becomes Hi in step S116. When the signal line CS becomes Hi, the camera microcomputer 205 determines in step S117 whether or not the lens microcomputer 111 or the adapter microcomputer 302 has been designated as a communication partner for P2P communication based on the data transmitted in step S103. If the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 are not designated as communication partners, the camera microcomputer 205 ends the process as it is, and if any is designated, the camera microcomputer 205 shifts to the P2P communication mode in step S118.

  On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 stand by until the signal line CS becomes Hi in step S215. When the signal line CS becomes Hi, in step S216, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 determine whether or not the camera microcomputer 205 has designated the communication partner for P2P communication based on the data received in step S206. If the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 are not designated as communication partners, the process is terminated. If it is designated as the communication partner, the designated microcomputer out of the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 permits data reception from the signal line DATA in step S217, and shifts to the P2P communication mode in step S218.

  If the start microcomputer is not detected in step S202, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 confirm whether or not the signal line CS is Hi in step S203. When the signal line CS becomes Hi (returns), the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 prohibit data reception from the signal line DATA in step S204 and end the processing. This is processing for a communication slave not designated as a communication partner of P2P communication to respond to Low output to the signal line CS by P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 205 and another communication slave.

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

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

  Subsequently, in step S304, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether the data transmitted in step S302 is a bidirectional command including transmission from the specific microcomputer. If it is not a bidirectional command, the camera microcomputer 205 turns off (cuts off) the ground switch 2081 in step S305 to cancel the low output to the signal line CS. In step S306, the process waits until the signal line CS becomes Hi before proceeding to step S311. If the command is a bidirectional command, the camera microcomputer 205 operates the input / output changeover switch 2082 in step S307 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input unit. In step S308, the ground switch 2081 is turned off (shut off) to cancel the low output to the signal line CS.

  On the other hand, after waiting for the signal line CS to become Hi in step S402, the specific microcomputer determines in step S403 whether the data received in step S401 is a bidirectional command including transmission from itself. If it is not a bidirectional command, the specific microcomputer turns on (connects) and turns off (cuts off) the ground switch (1121 or 3031) in steps S404 and S405. Thereby, the Low output to the signal line CS is started and canceled, and the process proceeds to Step S411. In the case of a bidirectional command, the specific microcomputer operates the input / output changeover switch (1122 or 3032) in step S406 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit, and performs data transmission in step S407. Thereafter, when all data transmission is completed, the specific microcomputer starts low output to the signal line CS by turning on (connecting) the ground switch (1121 or 3031) in step S408.

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

  Next, the camera microcomputer 205 waits until the signal line CS becomes Hi in step S311. Thereafter, when an event for starting broadcast communication occurs in step S312, the camera microcomputer 205 shifts to the broadcast communication mode in step S313. On the other hand, the specific microcomputer waits until the signal line CS becomes Hi in step S411 and ends the processing.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the meaning (function) of the signal transmitted through the signal line CS is appropriately switched between broadcast communication and P2P communication. As a result, communication among the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 can be realized with a small number of signal lines (number of channels).

  Next, communication processing when broadcast communication performed between the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 is started from the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 that are communication slaves will be described. A communication slave that starts broadcast communication notifies the camera microcomputer 205 of a communication request (communication request).

  FIG. 9 shows signal waveforms in the broadcast communication. FIG. 9 shows a case where the lens microcomputer 111 notifies the camera microcomputer 205 of a communication request and the camera microcomputer 205 starts broadcast communication as an example. Broadcast communication from the adapter microcomputer 302 to the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 is performed in response to broadcast communication from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302.

  First, the lens microcomputer 111 starts low output to the signal line CS in order to notify the camera microcomputer 205 and the adapter microcomputer 302 of a communication request for starting broadcast communication. Next, when the camera microcomputer 205 detects that the signal level of the signal line CS has become Low, the camera microcomputer 205 starts outputting Low to the signal line CS. At this time, since the lens microcomputer 111 has already started to output Low to the signal line CS, the signal level of the signal line CS does not change.

  Next, the camera microcomputer 205 outputs data to be transmitted to the signal line DATA. On the other hand, the adapter microcomputer 302 starts Low output to the signal line CS at the timing when the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA is detected. At this time, since the camera microcomputer 205 has already started outputting Low to the signal line CS, the signal level of the signal line CS does not change.

  Next, the camera microcomputer 205 cancels the Low output to the signal line CS after completing the output of the stop bit SP. On the other hand, after receiving the stop bit SP input from the signal line DATA, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 perform analysis of the received data and internal processing associated with the received data. Then, after preparation for receiving the next data is completed, the Low output to the signal line CS is canceled. As described above, the signal level of the signal line CS becomes Hi when all of the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 cancel the Low output to the signal line CS. Therefore, the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 confirm that the signal level of the signal line CS becomes Hi after each canceling the Low output to the signal line CS. As a result, it is possible to determine that the processing related to the current communication in each microcomputer is completed and that preparations for the next communication are completed.

  Next, when the adapter microcomputer 302 confirms that the signal level of the signal line CS has returned to Hi, the adapter microcomputer 302 notifies the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 of a communication request for starting broadcast communication to the signal line CS. Starts low output. Next, the adapter microcomputer 302 outputs data to be transmitted to the signal line DATA. On the other hand, the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 start outputting Low to the signal line CS at the timing when the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA is detected. At this time, since the adapter microcomputer 302 has already started outputting Low to the signal line CS, the signal level of the signal line CS does not change.

  Subsequently, the adapter microcomputer 302 terminates the output of the stop bit SP, and then cancels the Low output to the signal line CS. On the other hand, after receiving up to the stop bit SP input from the signal line DATA, the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 perform analysis of the received data and internal processing associated with the received data. Then, after preparation for receiving the next data is completed, the Low output to the signal line CS is canceled.

  In this way, the lens and adapter microcomputers 111 and 302, which are communication slaves, output a broadcast communication request only when all of the camera, lens and adapter microcomputers 205, 111, and 302 are in the broadcast communication mode.

  When the communication slave lens and adapter microcomputers 111 and 302 output a communication request for broadcast communication, the camera microcomputer 205 as a communication master determines which communication slave has output Low to the signal line CS at this time. Can not be determined. Therefore, the camera microcomputer 205 needs to perform response communication (for example, communication requesting the cause of the communication request) regarding the communication request for broadcast communication to both the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302.

  In addition, at the timing when the camera microcomputer 205 outputs Low to the signal line CS to start broadcast communication, the lens microcomputer 111 or the adapter microcomputer 302 may output Low to the signal line CS for a communication request. In this case, the camera microcomputer 205 cannot detect that the lens microcomputer 111 or the adapter microcomputer 302 has output Low to the signal line CS. For this reason, the camera microcomputer 205 may notify the lens and adapter microcomputers 111 and 302 of a permission notification permitting them to output a communication request for starting broadcast communication.

  As described above, in this embodiment, broadcast communication for simultaneously transmitting data from the camera microcomputer 205 as a communication master to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 as communication slaves can be started from the communication slave. This eliminates the need for the camera microcomputer 205 to constantly communicate with the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302, thereby reducing wasted communication and reducing the amount of communication.

  Next, communication processing of information (hereinafter referred to as communication request function information) indicating whether or not a communication request function is provided as information regarding a request (request) in the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. Here, as an example, a case where the adapter microcomputer 302 does not have a communication request function and the lens microcomputer 111 has a communication request function will be described.

  In step S500C, the camera microcomputer 205 designates the adapter microcomputer 302 using broadcast communication (transmits slave designation data to the adapter microcomputer 302). In response to this, the adapter microcomputer 302 receives that it is a communication slave (specific accessory device: hereinafter designated slave) designated by the camera microcomputer 205 in step S500A. The lens microcomputer 111 receives information that it is not the designated slave in step S500L.

  In the next step S501C, the camera microcomputer 205 requests the adapter microcomputer 302 to transmit communication request function information using P2P communication. In response, adapter microcomputer 302, which is a designated slave, receives a transmission request for communication request function information in step S501A. On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 that is not a designated slave does not receive P2P communication.

  In the next step S502A, the adapter microcomputer 302 transmits communication request function information indicating that there is no communication request function to the camera microcomputer 205 using P2P communication. On the other hand, the camera microcomputer 205 receives the communication request function information indicating that there is no communication request function from the adapter microcomputer 302 in step S502C, and holds this in the internal memory.

  The camera microcomputer 205 designates the lens microcomputer 111 as a designated slave using broadcast communication in the next step S503C. In response to this, the lens microcomputer 111 receives that it is a designated slave in step S503L. On the other hand, the adapter microcomputer 302 receives that it is not the designated slave in step S503A and ends the process. In step S504C, the camera microcomputer 205 requests the lens microcomputer 111 to transmit communication request function information using P2P communication. In response to this, the lens microcomputer 111, which is the designated slave, receives a transmission request for communication request function information in step S504. On the other hand, the adapter microcomputer 302 that is not a designated slave does not receive P2P communication.

  In step S505L, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits communication request function information indicating that the camera microcomputer 205 has a communication request function using P2P communication, and ends the process. In step S505C, the camera microcomputer 205 receives the communication request function information indicating the presence of the communication request function from the lens microcomputer 111, holds it in the internal memory, and ends the process.

  Thus, the camera microcomputer 205 can acquire communication request function information from the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 using broadcast communication and P2P communication.

  Next, processing when a communication request is output from the communication slave will be described with reference to FIG. In step S600C, the camera microcomputer 205 designates the lens microcomputer 111 as a designated slave using broadcast communication. In response to this, the lens microcomputer 111 receives that it is a designated slave in step S600L. On the other hand, in step S600A, adapter microcomputer 302 receives that it is not a designated slave and ends the process.

  Next, in step S601C, the camera microcomputer 205 requests transmission of information indicating a factor (hereinafter referred to as a communication request factor) that outputs a communication request to the lens microcomputer 111 that is a designated slave using P2P communication. In response to this, the lens microcomputer 111 receives a transmission request for a communication request factor (information) in step S601L. The adapter microcomputer 302 that is not the designated slave does not receive P2P communication.

  Next, in step S602L, the lens microcomputer 111 has changed the rotation operation position (operation ring value) of the operation ring 130 as a communication request factor to the camera microcomputer 205 using P2P communication (the operation ring has changed). ). In response to this, the camera microcomputer 205 receives a change in operation ring in step S602C.

  In step S <b> 603 </ b> C, the camera microcomputer 205 requests the lens microcomputer 111 to transmit an operation ring value that is information regarding a communication request factor (with an operation ring change) using P2P communication. In response to this, the lens microcomputer 111, which is the designated slave, receives the operation ring value transmission request in step S603L. On the other hand, the adapter microcomputer 302 that is not a designated slave does not receive P2P communication.

  Subsequently, in step S604L, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits an operation ring value to the camera microcomputer 205 using P2P communication, and ends the process. In response to this, the camera microcomputer 205 receives the operation ring value in step S604C and ends the process.

  Based on the communication request function information described above, the camera microcomputer 205 holds in the internal memory that the lens microcomputer 111 has a communication request function and the adapter microcomputer 302 does not have a communication request function. For this reason, the camera microcomputer 205 that has received the communication request makes a transmission request (response communication to the request) of the communication request factor to the lens microcomputer 111 selected as having the communication request function. However, the adapter microcomputer 302 does not need to make a transmission request for the communication request factor, and does not make the transmission request. The adapter microcomputer 302 also does not transmit a communication request factor (with an operation ring change) to the camera microcomputer 205. Thereby, useless communication can be reduced and the amount of communication can be reduced.

  Moreover, as information regarding a request (request), not only the communication request function information described above but also a communication request factor (information) may be included. Specifically, in step S505L in FIG. 10, the lens microcomputer 111 informs the camera microcomputer 205 in advance that the cause of the communication request is the operation of the operation ring 130 in addition to the communication request function information indicating that the communication request function is present. Keep informed. Thereby, when the communication request is output, the camera microcomputer 205 does not need to perform communication for acquiring the communication request factor shown in steps S601C and S602C of FIG. Thereby, the communication amount can be further reduced.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information related to the request in this embodiment is communication request permission / rejection information indicating permission and prohibition of communication request output to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 which are communication slaves by the camera microcomputer 205 which is a communication master.

  The flowchart of FIG. 12 shows communication processing for communication request permission / rejection information in the present embodiment. Here, as an example, a case where the adapter microcomputer 302 is prohibited from outputting a communication request and the lens microcomputer 111 is permitted to output a communication request will be described.

  In step S700C, the camera microcomputer 205 designates the adapter microcomputer 302 using broadcast communication. In response, adapter microcomputer 302 receives that it is a designated slave in step S700A. Further, the lens microcomputer 111 receives that it is not a designated slave in step S700L.

  Next, in step S <b> 701 </ b> C, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits communication request prohibition indicating prohibition of output of the communication request as communication request permission information to the adapter microcomputer 302 using P2P communication. At this time, the camera microcomputer 205 holds the communication request prohibition for the adapter microcomputer 302 in the internal memory. The adapter microcomputer 302 that is the designated slave receives the communication request prohibition in step S701A. On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 that is not a designated slave does not receive P2P communication.

  Next, in step S702A, the adapter microcomputer 302 transmits to the camera microcomputer 205 that the setting for prohibiting the communication request has been completed using P2P communication. In response to this, the camera microcomputer 205 receives the completion of the setting of the communication request prohibition in the adapter microcomputer 302 in step S702C.

  Next, in step S703C, the camera microcomputer 205 designates the lens microcomputer 111 using broadcast communication. In response to this, the lens microcomputer 111 receives that it is a designated slave in step S703L. On the other hand, adapter microcomputer 302 receives that it is not the designated slave in step S703A, and ends the process.

  Next, in step S <b> 704 </ b> C, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits communication request permission indicating permission of output of the communication request as communication request permission information to the lens microcomputer 111 using P2P communication. At this time, the camera microcomputer 205 holds the communication request permission for the lens microcomputer 111 in the internal memory. The lens microcomputer 111 that is the designated slave receives a communication request permission in step S704L. On the other hand, the adapter microcomputer 302 that is not a designated slave does not receive P2P communication.

Next, in step S705L, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the fact that the communication request permission setting has been completed to the camera microcomputer 205 using P2P communication, and ends the process. In response to this, the camera microcomputer 205 receives that the setting of permission of the communication request in the lens microcomputer 111 is completed in step S705C, and ends the process.
In this way, the camera microcomputer 205 can set prohibition and permission of communication request output to the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 using broadcast communication and P2P communication.

  The processing when a communication request is output from the communication slave to the camera microcomputer 205 is the same as the processing described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG.

  In this embodiment, the camera microcomputer 205 holds in the internal memory that the adapter microcomputer 302 is prohibited from outputting a communication request and the lens microcomputer 111 is permitted to output a communication request. For this reason, the camera microcomputer 205 that has received the communication request makes a transmission request (related to the request) of the communication request factor to the lens microcomputer 111 that has been selected as having permitted the output of the communication request. However, it is not necessary to make a transmission request for the communication request factor to the adapter microcomputer 302, and the transmission request is not made. As a result, useless communication can be reduced and the communication amount can be reduced.

  The camera microcomputer 205 serving as a communication master may set permission and prohibition of communication requests for all communication slaves using broadcast communication. For example, when the camera 200 shifts to a reproduction mode in which a captured image is reproduced, output of a communication request can be prohibited for all communication slaves. As a result, communication requests from all the communication slaves are not output, so that communication waste can be eliminated and the amount of communication can be reduced.

  The camera microcomputer 205 receives information on the presence / absence of the communication request function described in the first embodiment and information on the cause of the communication request from each communication slave, and permits and prohibits output of the communication request to the necessary communication slave. May be transmitted.

  Further, when the camera microcomputer 205 can change the function assignment according to the operation of the operation ring 130, the permission and prohibition of the output of the communication request may be switched according to the function assignment state. Specifically, when there is no function assignment according to the operation of the operation ring 130, it is not necessary to know the operation ring value, and therefore it is unnecessary communication by prohibiting the output of the communication request of the lens microcomputer 111. The amount of communication can be reduced by reducing.

  Furthermore, by allowing permission and prohibition of communication request output for each cause of the communication request, the amount of communication can be further reduced. For example, a case where the interchangeable lens 100 includes an operation ring 130 and an operable switch (not shown) will be described. The camera microcomputer 205 allows the lens microcomputer 111 to output a communication request when the operation of the operation ring 130 is a factor (specific factor), and prohibits outputting a communication request when the switch operation is a factor. To do. When the function assignment to the operation ring 130 or the switch (not shown) can be changed, permission and prohibition of communication request output are set according to the function assignment. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication by reducing unnecessary communication.

  Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. The information related to the request in this embodiment is sleep release request permission / rejection information indicating permission and prohibition of output of a sleep release request to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 which are communication slaves by the camera microcomputer 205 which is a communication master.

  First, the sleep process performed in the present embodiment will be described. The sleep process is a process of switching the operation state of the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 between an active state (normal power consumption state) and a sleep state (low power consumption state). The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 communicate with the camera microcomputer 205 steadily, operate in an active state without delay in response to a user operation, and sleep state in which less power is consumed than in the active state and no data communication is performed. And can be switched. The camera microcomputer 205 switches the lens and adapter microcomputers 111 and 302 to the sleep state when there is no user operation for a predetermined time in the active state. Thereby, power saving can be achieved. When a user operation occurs in the sleep state, the lens and adapter microcomputers 111 and 302 are switched to the active state.

  FIG. 13A shows signal waveforms of communication performed between the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 when the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 are switched from the active state to the sleep state.

  First, communication when the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 are shifted from the active state to the sleep state will be described. Communication when the camera microcomputer 205 shifts the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 from the active state to the sleep state is performed by broadcast communication. The camera microcomputer 205, which is a communication master, executes broadcast communication according to the procedure described in FIG. What is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 by this broadcast communication is sleep instruction data for shifting these from the active state to the sleep state. The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302, which are communication slaves, execute a transition process to a sleep state in response to receiving sleep instruction data by broadcast communication, and when the transition process is completed, a Low output to the signal line CS is output. To release.

  Next, communication when the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 are shifted from the sleep state to the active state will be described. The process in which the camera microcomputer 205 shifts the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 from the sleep state to the active state is performed by broadcast communication. The camera microcomputer 205, which is a communication master, executes broadcast communication according to the procedure described in FIG. What is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 by this broadcast communication is active instruction data indicating an instruction (request) for shifting the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 from the sleep state to the active state. The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302, which are communication slaves, execute the transition process to the active state in response to receiving the active instruction data by broadcast communication, and when the transition process is completed, the Low to the signal line CS Cancel the output. The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 may transition from the sleep state to the active state when receiving active instruction data or when receiving a start bit through the signal line DATA.

  FIG. 13A shows an example in which the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 shift from the sleep state to the active state by broadcast communication started from the camera microcomputer 205. On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 in the sleep state may request the camera microcomputer 205 to output active instruction data for instructing the shift to the active state. The request for outputting the active instruction data to the camera microcomputer 205 is hereinafter referred to as a sleep release request.

  FIG. 13B shows an example in which the lens microcomputer 111 outputs a sleep release request. For example, when a transition event to the active state is generated by a user operation in the sleep state, the lens microcomputer 111 outputs a Low to the signal line CS to output a sleep release request to the camera microcomputer 205. Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 205 performs broadcast communication according to the procedure described in FIG. 9 and transmits active instruction data to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer. Thereby, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 shift to the active state.

  It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the lens and adapter microcomputers 111 and 302 shift from the sleep state to the active state when the signal level of the signal line CS becomes Low. However, in this case, the lens microcomputer 111 or the adapter microcomputer 302 outputs a sleep release request so that they shift to an active state. Therefore, in order for the camera microcomputer 205 as the communication master to control the shift of the lens and adapter microcomputers 111 and 302 to the sleep state, the shift is executed by transmitting the active command data on the signal line DATA. It is desirable.

  Next, processing for shifting the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302, which are communication slaves, from the active state to the sleep state will be described using the flowchart of FIG. First, when an event that causes the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 to transition from the active state to the sleep state occurs in step S800, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step S801. In step S801, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits sleep instruction data to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 by broadcast communication. When the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 receive the sleep instruction data from the camera microcomputer 205 in step S900, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 execute a sleep transition process in step S901. The sleep transition process includes a process of turning off the internal power supply, a process of setting a transition factor for shifting to the next active state, and the like.

  Subsequently, when an event for causing the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 to shift from the sleep state to the active state occurs in step S802, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step S804. In step S803, if a sleep release request for requesting transmission of active instruction data is received from the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302, the process also proceeds to step S804.

  In step S804, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits active instruction data to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 by broadcast communication.

  On the other hand, when an event requesting the transition to the active state occurs in the sleep state in step S902, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 proceed to step S904. In step S904, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 output a sleep release request for requesting the camera microcomputer 205 to transmit active instruction data. Thereafter, when active instruction data is received from the camera microcomputer 205 by broadcast communication in step S905, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 execute a sleep release process in step S906. Even if the sleep cancel request is not output, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 execute the sleep cancel process in step S906 when the active instruction data is received from the camera microcomputer 205 by broadcast communication in step S903.

  In the present embodiment, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 can be appropriately switched from the camera microcomputer 205 to the active state and the sleep state by using the signal line CS and the signal line DATA. The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 can request the camera microcomputer 205 to transmit active instruction data even when they are in the sleep state.

  Next, communication of sleep release request permission / rejection information in the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. Here, as an example, a case where the adapter microcomputer 302 is prohibited from outputting a sleep cancel request and the lens microcomputer 111 is permitted to output a sleep cancel request will be described.

  In step S1000C, the camera microcomputer 205 designates the adapter microcomputer 302 as a designated slave using broadcast communication. In response, adapter microcomputer 302 receives that it is a designated slave in step S1000A. The lens microcomputer 111 receives that it is not a designated slave in step S1000L.

  Next, in step S1001C, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a sleep cancel request prohibition as sleep cancel request permission information using P2P communication, and holds the sleep cancel request prohibition in the internal memory. The adapter microcomputer 302 that is the designated slave receives the sleep release request inhibition in step S1001A. The lens microcomputer 111 that is not the designated slave does not receive P2P communication.

  Next, in step S1002A, the adapter microcomputer 302 transmits to the camera microcomputer 205 that the setting for prohibiting the sleep release request has been completed using P2P communication. In response to this, the camera microcomputer 205 receives the completion of setting of the sleep cancel request prohibition in the adapter microcomputer 302 in step S1002C.

  Next, in step S1003C, the camera microcomputer 205 designates the lens microcomputer 111 as a designated slave using broadcast communication. In response to this, the lens microcomputer 111 receives that it is a designated slave in step S1003L. The adapter microcomputer 302 receives that it is not the designated slave in step S1003A and ends the process.

  Next, in step S1004C, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits sleep release request permission as sleep release request permission information using P2P communication, and holds the sleep release request permission in the internal memory. The lens microcomputer 111 that is the designated slave receives the sleep release request permission in step S1004L. The adapter microcomputer 302 that is not the designated slave does not receive P2P communication.

  Next, in step S1005L, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits the completion of setting of the sleep release request permission to the camera microcomputer 205 using P2P communication, and ends the process. In response to this, the camera microcomputer 205 receives the completion of setting of the sleep release request permission in the lens microcomputer 111 in step S1005C, and ends the process.

  In this way, the camera microcomputer 205 can set permission and prohibition of the sleep release request to the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 using broadcast communication and P2P communication.

  Next, processing when a sleep release request is output from the camera microcomputer 205 serving as a communication master after the lens microcomputer 111 serving as a communication slave and the adapter microcomputer 302 shift to the sleep state will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. . In step S1100C, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a sleep release request to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 using broadcast communication. In response to this, the adapter microcomputer 302 executes a sleep release process in step S1100A. Further, the lens microcomputer 111 also executes a sleep release process in step S1100L.

  Next, in step S1101C, the camera microcomputer 205 designates the lens microcomputer 111 as a designated slave using broadcast communication. In response to this, the adapter microcomputer 302 receives that it is not the designated slave in step S1101A. Further, the lens microcomputer 111 receives that it is a designated slave in step S1101L.

  Next, in step S1102C, the camera microcomputer 205 requests the lens microcomputer 111 to transmit information indicating a cause of a sleep release request (hereinafter referred to as a sleep release request cause) using P2P communication. In response to this, the lens microcomputer 111, which is the designated slave, receives a transmission request for a sleep release request factor (information) in step S1102L. On the other hand, the adapter microcomputer 302 that is not a designated slave does not receive P2P communication.

  Next, in step S1103L, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits operation ring change presence information as a communication request factor to the camera microcomputer 205 using P2P communication. In response to this, the camera microcomputer 205 receives operation ring change presence information in step S1103C.

  Next, in step S1104C, the camera microcomputer 205 requests the lens microcomputer 111 to transmit an operation ring value that is information related to a communication request factor (with an operation ring change) using P2P communication. In response to this, the lens microcomputer 111, which is the designated slave, receives the operation ring value transmission request in step S1104L. On the other hand, the adapter microcomputer 302 that is not a designated slave does not receive P2P communication.

  Next, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits an operation ring value to the camera microcomputer 205 using P2P communication in step S1105L. In response to this, the camera microcomputer 205 receives the operation ring value in step S1105C.

  Next, in step S1106C, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a sleep shift command instructing the shift to the sleep state to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 using broadcast communication, and ends the process. In response to receiving the sleep transition command in step S1106A, adapter microcomputer 302 executes the sleep transition process and ends the process. In step S1106L, the lens microcomputer 111 also executes a sleep shift process in response to receiving the sleep shift command, and ends the process.

  As described with reference to FIG. 15, the camera microcomputer 205 prohibits the adapter microcomputer 302 from outputting a sleep release request. For this reason, when the sleep release request is output from the communication slave, in this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 15, the camera microcomputer 205 prohibits the adapter microcomputer 302 from outputting the sleep release request. In addition, the internal memory holds that the lens microcomputer 111 is permitted to output the sleep release request. For this reason, the camera microcomputer 205 that has received the sleep release request communicates with the lens microcomputer 111 selected as having permitted the output of the sleep release request to confirm whether or not the sleep release request has been transmitted (to the request). Response communication). However, it is not necessary to perform communication for confirming whether or not the sleep release request is transmitted to the adapter microcomputer 302, and the communication is not performed. As a result, useless communication can be reduced and the communication amount can be reduced.

  Note that permission and prohibition of the output of the sleep release request may be set for all communication slaves using broadcast communication. For example, when the camera 200 shifts to a playback mode in which a captured image is played back, a sleep shift command can be transmitted while prohibiting the output of a sleep release request to all communication slaves. As a result, the sleep release request is not output from the communication slave, so that not only unnecessary communication can be reduced and the amount of communication can be reduced, but also unnecessary sleep release processing can be prevented. it can.

  In addition, the camera microcomputer 205 receives information on the presence / absence of a function for outputting a wake-up request from each communication slave and information on the cause of the wake-up request, and permits and prohibits the output of the sleep wake-up request to a necessary communication slave May be transmitted.

  Further, when the camera microcomputer 205 can change the function assignment according to the operation of the operation ring 130, permission and prohibition of the output of the sleeve release request may be switched according to the function assignment state. Specifically, when there is no function assignment according to the operation of the operation ring 130, it is not necessary to perform activation (wakeup) processing by operating the operation ring 130. For this reason, the output of the sleep release request of the lens microcomputer 111 can be prohibited. As a result, useless communication can be reduced and the communication amount can be reduced.

  Further, by allowing permission and prohibition of the output of the sleep cancel request for each factor of the sleep cancel request, it is possible to further reduce the communication amount. For example, a case where the interchangeable lens 100 includes an operation ring 130 and an operable switch (not shown) will be described. The camera microcomputer 205 permits the lens microcomputer 111 to output a sleep release request when the operation of the operation ring 130 is a factor (specific factor), and outputs a sleep release request when the switch operation is a factor. Is prohibited. If the function assignment to the operation ring 130 or a switch (not shown) can be changed, permission and prohibition of the output of the sleep release request are set according to the function assignment. As a result, it is possible to reduce unnecessary communication and reduce the amount of communication. In addition, unnecessary sleep release processing can be prevented.

  Further, if the sleep transition process is performed after prohibiting the output of the sleep cancel request, standby power necessary for outputting the sleep cancel request becomes unnecessary, which is more effective for power saving.

  Information related to the request (request) includes information related to the communication request described in the first and second embodiments (communication request function information, communication request permission information and communication request factor information), and sleep release request permission information described in the third embodiment. May be used in combination. In this case, by handling these in common as requests, the camera microcomputer 205 can handle the communication request in the active state and the sleep release request in the sleep state without separating them.

  The embodiment described above can be used in combination with another communication channel in addition to the communication channel including the notification channel CS and the data communication channel DATA.

  An example thereof will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 17, the same members as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. Moreover, in FIG. 17, illustration of a part of member described in FIG. 1 is abbreviate | omitted. The notification channel CS and the data communication channel DATA described above are communication lines for communication called third communication. In the third communication, when the operation member 304 is operated by the user, the adapter microcomputer 302 and the camera microcomputer 205 communicate the operation and the operation amount. Even when the operation member 130 is operated by the user, communication may be performed between the lens microcomputer 111 and the camera microcomputer 205 using the third communication line.

  In addition to the communication unit 112, the lens microcomputer 111 controls a communication unit 131 for performing first communication and a communication unit 132 for performing second communication. In addition to the communication unit 112, the camera microcomputer 205 controls the communication unit 209 for performing the first communication and the communication unit 210 for performing the second communication.

  First, the first communication will be described. The first communication is communication performed via the communication unit 131 and the communication unit 209. The communication unit 131 performs communication via the notification channel CS1, the data communication channel DCL, and the data communication channel DLC based on an instruction from the lens microcomputer 111, and the communication unit 209 based on an instruction from the camera microcomputer 205. The communication unit 131 and the communication unit 209 set the voltage level of the notification channel CS1, the communication rate (data amount per unit time) and communication voltage in asynchronous communication. Further, in response to an instruction from the lens microcomputer 111 or the camera microcomputer 205, data is transmitted / received via the data communication channel DCL and the data communication channel DLC.

  The notification channel CS1 is a signal line used for notification of a communication request from the camera 200 to the interchangeable lens 100. The data communication channel DCL is a channel used when data is transmitted from the camera 200 to the interchangeable lens 100, and the data communication channel DLC is a channel used when data is transmitted from the interchangeable lens 100 to the camera 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 200 is also performed by first communication. The camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 communicate the identification information of the interchangeable lens 100, and when it is determined that the interchangeable lens 100 mounted with the camera 200 is compatible with start-stop synchronization communication, the communication method is changed from clock synchronization communication to start-stop synchronization communication. Switch. Further, 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 third communication that performs communication including the adapter 300. If 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 via P2P communication.

Next, the second communication will be described. The second communication is a one-way communication from the interchangeable lens 100 to the camera 200. The second communication is performed via the communication unit 132 and the communication unit 210. The communication unit 132 communicates via the notification channel CS2 and the data communication channel DLC2 based on an instruction from the lens microcomputer 111, and the communication unit 210 based on an instruction from the camera microcomputer 205. The camera communication unit 208 and the lens communication unit 118 transmit and receive data by clock synchronous communication or asynchronous communication. By using the data communication channel DLC2 of the second communication channel together with the data communication channel DLC of the first communication, it becomes possible to transmit a large amount of data from the interchangeable lens 100 to the camera 200 in a short time.
(Other examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  Each embodiment described above is only a representative example, and various modifications and changes can be made to each embodiment in carrying out the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Interchangeable lens 200 Camera 300 Adapter 111 Lens microcomputer 205 Camera microcomputer 302 Adapter microcomputer 112 Lens communication part 208 Camera communication part 303 Adapter communication part

Claims (14)

A camera that can be used with a plurality of accessory devices connected thereto,
Using a signal transmission channel used for signal transmission between the camera and the plurality of accessory devices, and a data communication channel used for data communication between the camera and the plurality of accessory devices, A camera control unit that controls communication with a plurality of accessory devices;
The camera control unit
Information about a request for the camera for each of the plurality of accessory devices can be held;
In response to detecting a signal output for the request from any of the plurality of accessory devices in the signaling channel, for the accessory device selected based on the information, in the data communication channel, the A camera characterized by performing response communication to a request. The information about the request is information indicating whether the accessory device has a function of outputting the request,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit performs the response communication with respect to an accessory device having the function among the plurality of accessory devices. The information on the request is information indicating whether the accessory device has a factor for outputting the request,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit performs the response communication with respect to an accessory device having the factor among the plurality of accessory devices. The information on the request is information indicating that the accessory device is permitted or prohibited from outputting the request,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit performs the response communication with respect to an accessory device that is permitted to output the request among the plurality of accessory devices.   The camera according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the response communication is communication for confirming a factor of the request. The information on the request is information indicating that the output of the request is permitted for a specific factor included in the accessory device, and that the output of the request is prohibited for a factor different from the specific factor,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit performs the response communication with respect to an accessory device that is permitted to output the request for the specific factor among the plurality of accessory devices.   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the request is a request for performing communication with the camera.   The camera according to claim 1, wherein the request is a request for causing the camera to cancel a low power consumption state of the accessory device.   The camera according to claim 8, wherein the response communication is communication for confirming whether or not a request for canceling the low power consumption state is transmitted. The camera control unit
A first communication for transmitting data to the plurality of accessory devices simultaneously and a second communication for transmitting data to one accessory device of the plurality of accessory devices;
The information is acquired from each of the plurality of accessory devices by performing the second communication with each of the plurality of accessory devices. The listed camera. An accessory device connected to the camera according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An accessory communication unit connected to the signal transmission channel and the data communication channel;
An accessory device comprising: an accessory control unit that outputs a signal for the request to the signal transmission channel and performs further response communication with respect to the response communication when the response communication is received from the camera. A camera that can be used in a state in which a plurality of accessory devices are connected, a signal transmission channel used for signal transmission between the camera and the plurality of accessory devices, and the camera and the plurality of accessory devices. A control method for a camera connected to a data communication channel used for data communication between
Holding information about requests to the camera for each of the plurality of accessory devices;
Detecting a signal output for a request to the camera from any of the plurality of accessory devices in the signaling channel;
And responding to the request in the data communication channel with respect to the accessory device selected based on the information among the plurality of accessory devices in response to detection of the signal. Camera communication control method. A camera that can be used in a state in which a plurality of accessory devices are connected, a signal transmission channel used for signal transmission between the camera and the plurality of accessory devices, and the camera and the plurality of accessory devices. A computer program for causing a camera computer connected to a data communication channel used for data communication between the computers to execute processing,
The process is
Holding information about requests to the camera for each of the plurality of accessory devices;
Detecting a signal output for a request to the camera from any of the plurality of accessory devices in the signaling channel;
And performing response communication with respect to the request in the data communication channel to an accessory device selected based on the information among the plurality of accessory devices in response to detection of the signal. Control program. A camera system having a camera that can be used in a state in which a plurality of accessory devices are connected, and an accessory device of the plurality of accessory devices,
The camera uses a signal transmission channel used for signal transmission between the camera and the plurality of accessory devices, and a data communication channel used for data communication between the camera and the plurality of accessory devices. A camera control unit for controlling communication performed by
The accessory device includes an accessory control unit that controls communication performed using the signal transmission channel and the data communication channel;
The accessory controller can output a signal for a request to the camera in the signaling channel;
The camera control unit can hold information regarding the request for each of the plurality of accessory devices, and detects a signal output for the request from any of the plurality of accessory devices in the signal transmission channel. In response, a response communication to the request is performed in the data communication channel with respect to the accessory device selected based on the information.

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