JP6529217B2 - Imaging device, interchangeable lens device, and control program for imaging device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lens-interchangeable imaging device.

  In an imaging (camera) system including an imaging device (hereinafter referred to as a camera) such as a digital camera or video camera capable of lens exchange and an interchangeable lens device (hereinafter referred to as a lens) mounted on the camera In many cases, power supply is performed. In such a camera system, not only the reduction of the power consumption of the camera itself but also the reduction of the power consumption of the lens is required.

  For example, in the camera, when the main power is on and the user does not operate the camera for a predetermined time, the power saving state (standby state) in which the power consumption of the camera and the lens is low automatically There is one having a so-called auto-standby function which makes the transition to In such a camera, when the user operates the camera again after transitioning to the power saving state, the camera automatically returns to the normal state in which imaging can be performed as before transitioning to the power saving state. Processing is performed.

  In the camera system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the camera outputs a first specific signal to the lens, the lens shifts to the sleep state (standby state). Then, in the sleep state, the lens is returned to the normal state by outputting a second specific signal from the camera or performing some operation on the lens side.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 04-102835

  However, in the above-described conventional camera system, although power is low even in the power saving state, it is often necessary to always supply power from the camera to the lens.

  For example, when returning from the power saving state to the normal state, the lens state (the position of the movable lens performing zooming or focusing, the aperture value, etc.) is returned to the state before transition to the power saving state. Imaging can be performed immediately after return. However, in order to perform this process, it is necessary to hold information indicating the state of the lens before transition to the power saving state in the storage unit, and when the storage unit is provided in the lens, the camera It is necessary to supply low power from the lens to the lens during the power saving state. In addition, in order to prevent the careless movement (displacement) of the movable lens due to external force such as impact in the power saving state, energization for holding the stop is performed to an actuator such as a stepping motor that moves the movable lens. There is a case. In these cases, if the power saving state is performed for a long time, a decrease in the remaining battery power of the camera becomes a problem.

  In addition, some lenses do not have a storage unit that stores information indicating the state of the lens before the transition to the power saving state described above. Even when such a lens is attached to the camera, if the camera supplies power to the lens in the power saving state, power is wasted. On the other hand, even if the lens without the storage unit as described above is attached to the camera, the lens can be restored to the state before transition to the power saving state when returning from the power saving state to the normal state. This makes it possible to realize a more convenient camera system for the user.

  Furthermore, when performing position control of the movable lens (control of the actuator for moving the movable lens) in the open loop control method, first, lens reset processing for moving the movable lens to the reference position is performed, and from the reference position Position control is performed by detecting the movement amount of For example, by performing a lens reset process when the power of the camera is turned on, even if a positional deviation occurs in the movable lens after using the previous camera, the position control of the movable lens during imaging at this time can be performed with high accuracy. Imaging becomes possible. However, if reset processing is always performed also when returning from the power saving state to the normal state based on the same concept, it takes time for the return processing. For this reason, it is not possible to perform imaging in a short time (immediately) from a state in which the camera is not temporarily operated, and there is a risk of missing a photo opportunity. That is, the usability of the camera system is reduced.

  The present invention provides a lens-interchangeable imaging device capable of achieving lower power saving by performing transition to an appropriate power saving state according to the lens attached. Further, according to the present invention, even if the lens does not have a storage unit for storing state information, the lens can be restored to the state before transition to the power saving state, or the lens reset processing can be performed only when necessary. A lens-interchangeable imaging device that can be used easily.

An imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention is an imaging device to which an interchangeable lens device having a movable lens can be attached and detached, and includes control means for instructing transition of the state of the interchangeable lens device . Movable before the transition from the first state in which the motion for the second state is possible to the second state waiting for the return to the first state, without using the pre-transition lens information indicating the state of the interchangeable lens device The start mode in which the lens reset process for moving the lens to the reference position is performed to start is set as the first start mode, and the interchangeable lens device is stored in the lens side storage means of the interchangeable lens device without performing the lens reset process. When the start mode to be started by performing return processing to the state before transition using the pre-transition lens information is set as the second start mode, the control means turns off the power at which the power is shut off in the imaging device When the first activation event for transitioning from the state to the imaging enabled state occurs, the first activation mode is instructed to the interchangeable lens device, and imaging can be performed for the imaging device powered on When a second activation event for transitioning from a standby state to an imaging enabled state waiting for a transition to a state occurs, a second activation mode is instructed to the interchangeable lens device, and the imaging device transitions to a standby state When an event occurs, after instructing the interchangeable lens device to transition from the first state to the second state and storing the pre-transition lens information in the lens storage means, the interchangeable lens device to the pre-transition lens In response to receiving a notification indicating that the information has been stored , reduce the power supplied to the interchangeable lens device.

Also, an interchangeable lens apparatus as another aspect of the present invention is Naru detachable interchangeable lens apparatus to the upper Symbol imaging device, and the movable lens, from the first state operation that is possible for imaging It has lens side storage means for storing pre-transition lens information indicating the state of the interchangeable lens device prior to transition to the second state where return to the first state is awaited, and according to an instruction from the imaging device The first state is transitioned to the second state, and the pre-transition lens information is stored in the lens side storage means. Then, after storing pre-transition lens information, the imaging device is notified that the pre- transition lens information has been stored, and lens reset processing is performed to move the movable lens to the reference position without using the pre-transition lens information. Of the first activation mode to be activated and the second activation mode to be activated by performing return processing to the state before transition using the pre-transition lens information without performing lens reset processing, an instruction is given from the imaging device The transition from the second state to the first state is performed according to the start mode.

Further, a control program according to another aspect of the present invention is a control program that causes a computer of an imaging device to which the interchangeable lens device having a movable lens can be attached and detached to control the imaging device. The start-up mode can be instructed to the interchangeable lens device in the second state waiting for the return to the first state where the operation for the lens is possible, and from the first state The first activation mode is activated by performing lens reset processing for moving the movable lens to the reference position without using the pre-transition lens information indicating the state of the interchangeable lens device prior to transition to the second state The start-up mode in which the interchangeable lens device performs the return processing to the state before transition using the pre-transition lens information stored in the interchangeable lens device without performing the lens reset processing When the start mode of 2 is selected, the control program causes the imaging apparatus to generate a first activation event that causes the imaging apparatus to transition from a power-off state in which the power is shut off to an imaging enabled state in which imaging is possible. The second start event causes the interchangeable lens device to instruct the first start mode, and the power-on imaging device waits for the transition to the imaging enabled state to transition from the standby state to the imaging enabled state. When it occurs, the interchangeable lens device is instructed to instruct the second start mode, and when an event to transition to the standby state occurs in the imaging device, the interchangeable lens device is instructed to transition to the second state After that, in response to receiving information from the interchangeable lens device indicating that the interchangeable lens device stores pre-transition lens information, the power supplied to the interchangeable lens device is Ru was Gensa.

Furthermore, a control program according to another aspect of the present invention is a control program that causes a computer of an imaging device to which an interchangeable lens device having a movable lens and a lens side storage unit can be attached and detached to control the imaging device. The imaging device can instruct the start-up mode to the interchangeable lens device in the second state of waiting for the return to the first state in which the operation for imaging is possible, and the interchangeable lens device The start mode is activated by performing lens reset processing for moving the movable lens to the reference position without using pre-transition lens information indicating the state of the interchangeable lens device before transition from the first state to the second state In the first start mode, the interchangeable lens device does not perform lens reset processing, and performs return processing to the state before transition using the pre-transition lens information stored in the interchangeable lens device. An external force detection unit that detects an external force that causes the imaging apparatus to shift the position of the movable lens when the interchangeable lens device is in the second state when the moving start mode is the second start mode. Is used to detect an external force that causes positional displacement of the movable lens when the interchangeable lens device is in the second state, and when the external force is detected, the first interchangeable lens device is instructed to perform the first activation mode If no external force is detected , the interchangeable lens device is instructed to indicate one of the first start mode and the second start mode, and the interchangeable lens device is transitioned to the second state. It indicates that the pre-transition lens information is stored from the interchangeable lens device after instructing the transition from the first state to the second state and the storage of the pre-transition lens information to the lens side storage means In response to receiving the knowledge Ru reduce the supply power to the interchangeable lens apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the interchangeable lens device is activated by performing lens reset processing in response to the activation event generated in the imaging device after the transition to the standby state (second state) of the interchangeable lens device, or the lens reset Select whether to execute recovery processing and start without processing. Therefore, it is possible to perform imaging in a short time from the standby state while maintaining high accuracy in position control of the movable lens.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to shift to an appropriate standby state (second state as a power saving state) according to whether or not the interchangeable lens device has a storage unit for storing pre-transition lens information. Therefore, unnecessary increase in power consumption of the imaging device can be suppressed. Further, according to the present invention, regardless of whether or not the interchangeable lens device has a storage unit for storing pre-transition lens information, the return processing using the pre-transition lens information is made possible. A user-friendly imaging system can be realized.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the positional displacement of the movable lens occurs due to an external force after transition of the interchangeable lens device to the standby state (second state), lens reset processing is performed, and in other cases, lens reset. Perform recovery processing without performing processing. Thereby, it is possible to perform imaging in a short time from the standby state while maintaining high accuracy of position control of the movable lens.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera system including a camera and an interchangeable lens that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing power saving transition processing of the camera in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing camera start-up processing according to the first embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the camera system containing the camera which is Example 2 of this invention, and an interchangeable lens. 6 is a flowchart showing camera start-up processing according to the second embodiment.

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

  First, a lens-interchangeable imaging device (hereinafter referred to as a camera) which is Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and two lens-type interchangeable lens devices (hereinafter referred to simply as an interchangeable lens) which can be selectively attached to the camera. And an outline of the imaging system configured by

  The camera and the interchangeable lens of each lens type are coupled (mounted) to each other through the mount, and communicate with each other through the conductive terminal provided in the mount, or the power source for the lens from the camera to the interchangeable lens Supply of

  The camera is an imaging device such as a digital still camera or a video camera that captures (photo-electrically converts) a subject image formed by an imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens with an imaging element to generate a still image or a moving image. Then, the camera is capable of imaging in such an imaging enabled state, a standby state waiting for return to the imaging enabled state, and a camera power off state (main power off state) in which the main power of the camera is shut off (off). It is possible to transition to

  The first lens type interchangeable lens (first interchangeable lens device: hereinafter referred to as A type lens) includes an imaging optical system, and an operation for imaging such as driving of the imaging optical system, for example, zooming (zooming) , Focus and aperture operations are possible. A storage unit is provided for storing lens backup information indicating the state (referred to as a lens state in the following description, which will be described in detail later). On the other hand, the second lens type interchangeable lens (second interchangeable lens device: hereinafter referred to as a B type lens) has an imaging optical system and can perform an operation for imaging, but stores lens backup information Does not have a storage unit for In addition, the A-type lens has a first state (hereinafter referred to as a normal state) in which an operation for imaging is possible and a second state (hereinafter referred to as a standby state) waiting for return to the normal state. It can be transitioned. The standby state is one of power saving states in which power consumption is smaller than that in the normal state. In the standby state, power for storing and storing is supplied to the storage unit storing the lens backup information described above, but power supply to other power supply destinations is interrupted.

  On the other hand, the B-type lens is also capable of transitioning to the normal state and the second state waiting for return to the normal state. However, the second state in the B-type lens is a state in which the power supply to all the power supply destinations in the B-type lens is shut off, and in the following description, it is referred to as a rest state (third state). Similarly to the standby state, the hibernation state is one of power saving states in which the power consumption is smaller than in the normal state (the power consumption is smaller than in the standby state). In the following description, the standby state of the A-type lens and the inactive state of the B-type lens are collectively referred to as a power saving state.

  In addition, both of the A and B type lenses have a first activation mode and a second activation mode, which will be described later, as modes for performing activation processing as internal processing at the time of activation. The boot process is performed by selecting one of the boot modes.

  Then, the camera instructs these A and B type lenses to transition from the normal state to the power saving state. The camera also instructs the A and B type lenses to return (start) from the power saving state to the normal state.

  The camera also has a lens type discrimination function for discriminating between A type lens and B type lens, and a storage unit for storing lens backup information indicating the lens state of the B type lens acquired from the B type lens.

  Furthermore, the camera selects (determines) the start mode of the interchangeable lens in response to the start event (this will also be described in detail later) generated in the camera, and issues an instruction to the interchangeable lens. By instructing such an interchangeable lens, power saving of the imaging system can be further enhanced.

  Next, specific configurations and operations of the camera and the A and B type lenses of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a camera 200 and the configuration of an interchangeable lens 100 mechanically coupled (mounted) to the camera 200 via a mount 300 by a bayonet mechanism or the like. The mount 300 is also provided with a conductive terminal for electrically connecting the camera 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 to perform mutual communication and to supply power from the camera 200 to the interchangeable lens 100.

  The configuration shown in the interchangeable lens 100 in FIG. 1 is a configuration common to the A and B type lenses. However, the lens-side lens backup information (LBI) storage unit 150 as lens-side storage means shown in parentheses in the interchangeable lens 100 is provided only for the A-type lens.

  The interchangeable lens 100 includes, in order from the side of the object OB, a field lens 101, a magnification varying lens 102, a diaphragm unit 114 for adjusting the light quantity, an afocal lens 103, and a focusing lens 104 for focusing. And an imaging optical system including

  The variable magnification lens 102 and the focus lens 104 are held by lens holding frames 105 and 106, respectively. The lens holding frames 105 and 106 are moved in the optical axis direction (the direction of the arrow in the figure) by driving the stepping motors 107 and 108.

  A lens microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a lens microcomputer) 111 as a lens control unit controls the stepping motor 107 via the drive circuit 119 in accordance with the operation of a zoom switch (not shown) provided on the interchangeable lens 100. The lens microcomputer 111 drives the stepping motor 108 via the drive circuit 120 in response to a zoom driving request received from the camera microcomputer 205 which is a microcomputer on the camera 200 side through the lens communication unit 112 in the lens microcomputer 111. Thereby, the zooming lens 102 is moved to perform zooming. In addition, the lens microcomputer 111 drives the stepping motor 108 via the drive circuit 120 in response to the operation of the focus operation ring 130 provided on the interchangeable lens 100 or the focus drive request received from the camera microcomputer 205 through the lens communication unit 112. Do. Thereby, the focusing lens 104 is moved to perform focusing. The operation of the focus operation ring 130 is detected by a photo interrupter 131 as a focus operation sensor.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the stepping motors 107 and 108 are controlled by the open loop control method. Therefore, when the interchangeable lens 100 (imaging system) is activated, the stepping motors 107 and 108 are driven to move the variable magnification lens 102 and the focus lens 104 to predetermined reference positions, respectively, and counters for detecting these positions. Need to be reset. This process is called lens reset process. Therefore, in order to detect that the variable magnification lens 102 and the focus lens 104 have moved to the reference position, the interchangeable lens 100 is provided with a reset position sensor (not shown) configured by a photo interrupter or the like. The position detection counter counts the position of each lens by counting the number of pulses applied to the coil of the stepping motor after reset or the number of signals generated by the slit plate and the photo interrupter for each predetermined rotation amount of the stepping motor. Makes it detectable.

  Further, the lens microcomputer 111 controls the diaphragm unit 114 via the drive circuit 121 in response to the diaphragm drive request received from the camera microcomputer 205 through the lens communication unit 112. The diaphragm unit 114 includes diaphragm blades 114 a and 114 b movable in the opening and closing direction, and adjusts the light amount by moving the diaphragm blades 114 a and 114 b by the diaphragm actuator 113. The positions of the diaphragm blades 114 a and 114 b detected by the Hall element 115 are input to the lens microcomputer 111 via the amplification circuit 122 and the A / D conversion circuit 123. The lens microcomputer 111 controls the diaphragm actuator 113 via the drive circuit 121 based on the input signal.

  Further, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits various information and data to the camera microcomputer 205 in response to a transmission request from the camera microcomputer 205, and performs operation and control according to various requests and instructions from the camera microcomputer 205.

  The lens power supply unit 140 receives a lens power supply supplied from the camera 200 via the mount 300. Then, the lens power supply is converted by the voltage conversion circuit (not shown) into voltages required for the lens microcomputer 111, the drive circuits 119 to 121, and the lens side LBI storage unit 150 (only for the A type lens). Above, power these. In addition, in the standby state of the A-type lens, the lens power supply unit 140 shuts off (stops) the power supply to each unit other than the lens microcomputer 111 and the lens-side LBI storage unit 150 to reduce the power consumption of the A-type lens. Reduce

  The lens side LBI storage unit 150 is a lens of the interchangeable lens 100 of the A type lens immediately before the transition from the normal state to the standby state (after receiving an instruction for transition from the camera microcomputer 205 to the standby state and before transition to the standby state). Remember (hold) the state.

  The lens state of the interchangeable lens 100 includes information indicating the position of the variable magnification lens 102 (zoom position), the position of the focus lens 104 (focus position), the operation position of the diaphragm unit 114, and the like. Then, information indicating the lens state is stored in the lens side LDI storage unit 150 of the A type lens as lens backup information. This lens backup information restores the lens state of the A type lens to the state immediately before the transition to the standby state (the lens state before the transition) when receiving a start instruction in the start mode to be described later from the camera microcomputer 205 Information (first pre-transition lens information).

  The lens power supply unit 140 of the A-type lens needs to supply power for holding information to the lens side LBI storage unit 150 in order to maintain storage of lens backup information in the lens side LBI storage unit 150 in the standby state There is. However, the information holding power is low power consisting of a low current value and a low voltage value of about several microamperes. Therefore, in the standby state, the lens power supply unit 140 of the A-type lens converts the normal power voltage conversion circuit optimized for the normal operation power in the normal state to the low power voltage conversion optimized for the information holding power. Switch to the circuit. As a result, the lens side LBI storage unit 150 is supplied with information holding power lower than the power supply to each part required in the normal state.

  On the other hand, in the case of a B-type lens which is not provided with the lens side LBI storage unit 150, it is not necessary to supply information holding power as in the case of the A-type lens. For this reason, in the B type lens, when transitioning from the normal state to the pause state, the lens power supply unit 140 cuts off the power supply to all the power supply destinations.

  The camera 200 includes an imaging element 201, an A / D conversion circuit 202, a signal processing circuit 203, a recording unit 204, and a camera microcomputer 205 as a camera control unit and a power control unit. The camera 200 further includes a display unit 206 and a camera side LBI storage unit 220 as an imaging device side storage unit.

  The imaging element 201 is configured by a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor that photoelectrically converts an object image formed by the interchangeable lens 100. The analog electrical signal output from the imaging device 201 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 202, and the digital signal is input to the signal processing circuit 203. The signal processing circuit 203 performs various types of image processing on the input digital signal to generate a video signal. The image processing circuit 203 also generates focus information indicating the focus state of the image, and generates luminance information indicating the exposure state. The video signal output from the signal processing circuit 203 is sent to the recording unit 204 and recorded, or sent to the display unit 206 and displayed as a finder image.

  The camera microcomputer 205 performs control or setting regarding imaging according to an input from an imaging instruction switch or a setting switch (not shown). In addition, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a zoom drive request, an aperture drive request and a focus drive request to the lens microcomputer 111 via the camera communication unit 208 and the communication terminal of the mount 300 provided therein, or the like. Send requests and instructions. Thus, the camera microcomputer 205 controls the entire imaging system.

  The camera side LBI storage unit 220 stores (holds) the lens state immediately before the transition to the pause state in the B type lens (that is, after the transition instruction to the pause state from the camera microcomputer 205 and before the transition to the pause state) It is provided to The lens state of the interchangeable lens 100 is as described above. The camera microcomputer 205 receives this information indicating the lens state (second pre-transition lens information) from the lens microcomputer 111 by communication as lens backup information, and stores the information in the camera-side LDI storage unit 220. The lens backup information of the B-type lens is a lens state (transition before the B-type lens is put into the paused state when the B-type lens is temporarily put into the paused state and power supply is started again (lens power is turned on). It is stored to return to the front lens state).

  The camera power supply unit 209 receives power supply from a battery 210 built in the camera 200, converts the voltage into a voltage necessary for each part of the camera 200 such as the camera microcomputer 205, the signal processing circuit 203, and the display unit 206, and the like. Supply power. The camera power supply unit 209 also supplies power to the interchangeable lens 100 electrically connected to the camera 200 through the power supply terminal provided on the mount 300. Furthermore, the camera power supply unit 209 also performs control of shutoff and restart of the power supply to the interchangeable lens 100 according to an instruction in the power management control by the camera microcomputer 205.

  In the power management control by the camera microcomputer 205, the interchangeable lens 100 mounted on the camera 200 determines the A type lens or the B type lens, and performs different power management control according to the result. The determination of the lens type is performed by the camera microcomputer 205 acquiring the identification information of the interchangeable lens 100 from the lens microcomputer 111 by communication, or detecting the terminal indicating the lens type among the conductive terminals provided on the mount 300. Do. However, the determination method of the lens type is not limited to the above method, and determination may be made based on the amount of current of the power supply terminal, or a part of the mount 300 may have a shape unique to the lens type and may be determined using this The following method may be used.

  Next, power management control by the camera microcomputer 205 will be described in detail using the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3. The camera microcomputer 205 performs power management control in accordance with a camera control program which is a computer program. On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 also performs processing in response to an instruction from the camera microcomputer 205 in accordance with a lens control program which is a computer program, and transmits lens status information indicating the processing status of the interchangeable lens 100 to the camera microcomputer 205. To

  First, power saving transition processing performed as power management control for causing the interchangeable lens 100 to shift from the normal state to the power saving state (standby state or hibernate state) when the camera 200 transitions from the imaging enabled state to the standby state It demonstrates using the flowchart of 2.

  In step C100, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether an event to cause the interchangeable lens 100 to transition to the power saving state (hereinafter, referred to as a power saving transition event) has occurred on the camera 200 side. As the power saving transition event, the user operates the power switch of the camera 200 in the standby mode (a power saving mode or a transition mode to the pause mode) by the user, or the user does not Including not having done the operation of.

  When a power saving transition event occurs, the camera microcomputer 205 starts power saving transition preparation processing in the following step C101. For example, the display on the display unit 206 provided in the camera 200 is turned off, or the stop instruction is issued while the focus lens 104 is driven. Then, when the power saving transition preparation process is completed, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step C102.

  In step C102, the camera microcomputer 205 determines the lens type of the interchangeable lens (mounted lens device: hereinafter simply referred to as mounted lens) 100 mounted on the camera 200. That is, it is determined whether the mounted lens is an A-type lens provided with the lens side LBI storage unit 150 or a B-type lens not provided with the lens side LBI storage unit 150. If the mounted lens is an A-type lens, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step C103, and transmits a transition instruction to the standby state (hereinafter referred to as a standby transition instruction) to the lens microcomputer 111 of the A-type lens.

  The lens microcomputer 111 having received the standby transition instruction, as preparation processing for transition to the standby state, the lens of the A-type lens immediately before the transition to the standby state (after receiving the power saving transition instruction and before transition to the power saving state) Backup information (first pre-transition lens information) is acquired. Then, the lens backup information is stored in the lens side LDI storage unit 150.

  Next, in step C104, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether or not the preparation for transition to the standby state has been completed in the A type lens. Specifically, it is determined by lens status information notified from the lens microcomputer 111 by communication. If it is determined that the transition preparation process to the standby state is completed, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step C105.

  In step C105, the camera microcomputer 205 switches the internal circuit of the camera power supply unit 209 from a normal current regulation circuit with a large output current (which is a normal level) to a low current regulation circuit with a smaller output current. As a result, the power supply of low power is continued without interrupting the power supply to the lens power supply unit 140 of the A-type lens. This is due to the following reasons. In the A type lens in the standby state, an operation requiring a large amount of power, such as driving of an actuator, is not performed. However, in order to enable the lens power supply unit 140 to generate the information holding power (and the minute power for the lens microcomputer 111) supplied to the lens side LDI storage unit 150, even if the current capacity is low, the lens power supply unit This is because the power supply to 140 needs to be continued. Further, even if a short circuit occurs between the power supply terminal provided on the mount 300 and the other conductive terminal in the power saving state, it is possible to prevent a large problem due to low power supply.

  On the other hand, the lens power supply unit 140 changes from the normal power voltage conversion circuit to the low power voltage conversion circuit in response to the completion of the transition preparation process to the standby state or the reduction of the power supplied from the camera power supply unit 209. Then, the lens side LBI storage unit 150 is supplied with information holding power.

  As described above, the transition process to the standby state (power saving state) when the A-type lens is attached to the camera 200 is completed. Then, the camera microcomputer 205 causes the camera 200 to transition to the standby state.

  Further, the camera microcomputer 205, which has determined in step C102 that the mounted lens is a B-type lens, proceeds to step C106. In step C106, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a transition instruction to a pause state (hereinafter, referred to as pause transition instruction) to the B-type lens (lens microcomputer 111).

  The lens microcomputer 111 having received the pause transition instruction acquires lens backup information (second pre-transition lens information) of the B-type lens immediately before transition to the pause state as preparation for transition to the pause state.

  Then, in the next step C107, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether or not the transition lens preparation processing to the pause state is completed in the interchangeable lens 100. This determination is also performed based on lens status information from the lens microcomputer 111, as in the determination in step C104. If it is determined that the transition preparation process to the pause state is completed, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step C108.

  In step C108, the camera microcomputer 205 acquires lens backup information from the lens microcomputer 111 of the B-type lens by communication, and stores the information in the camera side LBI storage unit 220. When acquisition and storage of lens backup information are completed, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step C109.

  In step C109, the camera microcomputer 205 does not need to continue the power supply to the B-type lens in the paused state, and thus cuts off the power supply to the B-type lens from the camera power supply unit 209.

  Even if the camera 200 is in the standby state, the B-type lens whose power supply is interrupted is in the same state as the state in which the lens power supply is turned off. That is, by interrupting the supply of the lens power supply from the camera power supply unit 209 to the lens power supply unit 140, the power consumption of the interchangeable lens 100 in the inactive state can be almost zero, so the usage time of the battery 210 is reduced. It can be extended. In addition, even if a short occurs between the power supply terminal provided on the mount 300 and another conductive terminal when the B-type lens is in a resting state, a large problem occurs because power is not supplied. Can be prevented.

  As described above, the transition process to the resting state when the B-type lens is attached to the camera 200 is completed. Then, the camera microcomputer 205 causes the camera 200 to transition to the standby state.

  Next, when the camera 200 transitions from the standby state to the imaging enabled state, the startup processing performed as power management control for causing the interchangeable lens 100 to transition from the power saving state to the normal state will be described using the flowchart of FIG. explain.

  First, in step C200, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether an event (hereinafter referred to as a start event) for causing the interchangeable lens 100 to return or start in the camera 200 has occurred. The start-up event includes a half-press operation of the shutter button (imaging instruction switch) by the user in the standby state, an on operation of the camera power switch (power on), and the like.

  When a start-up event occurs, in the following step C201, the camera microcomputer 205 starts camera start-up processing for causing the camera 200 to transition from the standby state to the imaging enabled state. For example, the display on the display unit 206 is turned on, the photometry and focus detection sensor (not shown) are activated, and the imaging mode is reset. Then, when the camera activation process is completed, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step C202.

  In step C202, the camera microcomputer 205 performs processing to start power supply to the mounted lens mounted on the camera 200. In this process, when the mounted lens is an A-type lens, the camera microcomputer 205 switches the internal circuit of the camera power supply unit 209 from the low current regulation circuit to the normal current regulation circuit. Thereby, power supply for normal operation (supply of power for lens) is started to the A-type lens. On the other hand, when the mounted lens is a B-type lens, the camera microcomputer 205 sets a normal current regulation circuit as an internal circuit of the camera power supply unit 209, and starts supplying power for normal operation to the interchangeable lens 100.

  Next, in step C203, the camera microcomputer 205 selects (determines) the start mode of the attached lens. The start mode includes a reset mode as a first start mode and a return mode as a second start mode.

  The reset mode is a mode in which transition to the normal state is performed after the lens reset process described above is performed. By transitioning to the normal state through the reset mode, high positional accuracy without positional errors of the variable magnification lens 102 and the focus lens 104 due to step out of the stepping motors 107 and 108 can be obtained. The reset mode is selected on the condition that the first activation event of the activation events has occurred in the camera 200. The first activation event is an event such as an operation or handling for causing the camera 200 to transition from a camera power off state where the power is shut off to an imaging enabled state where imaging is possible. Specifically, the first activation event includes an on operation of the power switch of the camera 200, replacement of the interchangeable lens 100, removal of the battery 210, and the like.

  On the other hand, in the return mode, the lens state before the transition to the power saving state is returned using the lens backup information stored in the lens side or the camera side LDI storage unit 150, 220 without performing the lens reset process. It is a mode to perform processing. In the return mode, since the lens reset process is not performed, it is possible to shift to the normal state in a short time as compared with the reset mode. The return mode is selected on the condition that a second activation event different from the first activation event has occurred in the camera 200 among the activation events. The second activation event is an event such as an operation or handling for causing the camera 200 in the standby state to transition to the imaging enabled state, and various operations other than the power switch on operation (for example, half-press operation of the shutter button or setting switch Operation).

  The camera microcomputer 205 that has selected the reset mode in step C203 proceeds to step C204, and instructs the lens microcomputer 111 to start in the reset mode. The lens microcomputer 111 that has received this instruction starts the initialization process including the lens reset process described above.

  Then, in step C205, the camera microcomputer 205 waits for the initialization process to be completed in the mounted lens, proceeds to step C215, and ends the activation process in the reset mode.

  On the other hand, the camera microcomputer 205 that has selected the return mode in step C203 proceeds to step C210, and determines the lens type of the mounted lens. If it is determined that the interchangeable lens 100 is an A-type lens, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step C211, and transmits an instruction to start up in the return mode to the lens microcomputer 111.

  The lens microcomputer 111 of the A-type lens reads the lens backup information stored in the lens side LBI storage unit 150 when receiving an instruction to start in the return mode. Then, based on the lens backup information, a restoration process is performed to restore the A type lens to the lens state immediately before the transition from the normal state to the standby state.

  Then, in the next step C212, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether or not the return processing has been completed for the A-type lens based on lens status information from the lens microcomputer 111. When the return processing is completed, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step C215 and ends the start processing.

  Thus, the start-up process in the return mode when the A-type lens is attached to the camera 200 is completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step C210 that the mounted lens is a B-type lens, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step C213 and reads lens backup information from the camera side LBI storage unit 220. Then, the read lens backup information and an instruction for starting in the return mode using this are sent to the lens microcomputer 111 of the B type lens.

  The lens microcomputer 111 of the B-type lens that has received the backup information and the start instruction in the return mode restores the B-type lens to the lens state immediately before the transition from the normal state to the pause state based on the lens backup information. Perform recovery processing.

  In the next step C <b> 212, the camera microcomputer 205 determines based on lens status information from the lens microcomputer 111 whether or not the return processing is completed in the B-type lens. When the return processing is completed, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step C215 and ends the start processing.

  Thus, the start-up process in the return mode when the B-type lens is attached to the camera 200 is completed.

  According to this embodiment, since the mounted lens can be transitioned to an appropriate power saving state (standby state or hibernate state) for each lens type, unnecessary increase in power consumption of the camera can be suppressed. In addition, even in the case of a mounted lens of a type that does not have a storage unit for storing lens backup information before transition to the power saving state, the lens state before the transition can be restored at startup from the power saving state. It is possible to realize an imaging system that is more convenient for the user.

  Further, in this embodiment, in response to an activation event that occurs after transition of the mounted lens to the standby state (standby state or pause state), the mounted lens is subjected to lens reset processing and then activated or lens reset processing is not performed. Select whether to execute recovery processing and start. Therefore, it is possible to perform imaging in a short time from the standby state while maintaining high accuracy in position control of the movable lens.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the recovery process using the lens backup information is possible regardless of whether or not the mounted lens has the LBI storage unit, thereby realizing an imaging system that is more convenient for the user. be able to.

  Next, an overview of an imaging system constituted by a lens interchangeable type camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention and two lens type interchangeable lens devices which can be selectively attached to the camera will be described. As in the first embodiment, the two lens types of interchangeable lenses are an A-type lens provided with a lens side LBI storage unit and a B-type lens not provided with the same.

  In the interchangeable lens in the power saving state, energization of a motor coil for holding a stop torque of a stepping motor for moving a variable magnification lens and a focus lens (hereinafter referred to as a movable lens) is turned off. At this time, when an external force such as an impact acts on the interchangeable lens, the positional displacement of the movable lens occurs due to the external force, and as a result, the relationship between the count value of the position detection counter that controls the stepping motor and the position of the movable lens There is a risk of misalignment (step out). In such a case, if the lens reset process described in the first embodiment is performed at the time of starting the interchangeable lens, the problem in position control of the movable lens is solved but until the start process is completed to perform the lens reset process. The problem is that it takes time to

  For this reason, in this embodiment, the amount of force of external force such as impact causing displacement of the movable lens in the power saving state of the interchangeable lens is detected by the impact detecting unit as external force detecting means provided on the camera side or the interchangeable lens side. Do. Then, the necessity of the lens reset process is determined using this detection result. That is, the lens reset process is performed when an external force of a force that may cause positional displacement of the movable lens is detected, and the lens reset process is not performed (limited) when such an external force is not detected. As a result, since unnecessary lens reset processing is not performed, the time required for the start processing can be shortened.

  The specific configuration and operation of the camera and A and B type lenses of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The basic configurations of the camera of this embodiment and the A and B type lenses are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment.

  However, the camera 200A of this embodiment includes the camera side impact detection unit 211 as the above-described impact detection unit, and the camera microcomputer 205 starts the mode of the interchangeable lens 100A according to the detection result (presence or absence of external force). Select (determine). The camera side impact detection unit 211 is configured by an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and the like.

  As shown in parentheses in FIG. 4, the interchangeable lens 100 may be provided with a lens side impact detection unit 141 similar to the camera side impact detection unit 211. In this case, the camera side impact detection unit 211 may be omitted.

  The camera microcomputer 205 previously stores, as a threshold, the amount of force of the external force that may cause positional displacement of the movable lens (102, 104). Then, when the detection result by the camera side impact detection unit 211 or the lens side impact detection unit 141 is equal to or higher than the threshold (or higher than the threshold), it is determined that an external force that causes displacement of the movable lens is applied. . That is, it is determined that displacement of the movable lens has occurred.

  FIG. 5 shows startup processing performed by the camera microcomputer 205 as different power management control depending on the lens type at the time of transition from the power saving state of the mounted lens to the normal state and the presence or absence of positional deviation of the movable lens. ing. Also in this embodiment, the camera microcomputer 205 performs power management control in accordance with the camera side control program which is a computer program. On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 also performs processing in response to an instruction from the camera microcomputer 205 in accordance with a lens control program which is a computer program, and transmits lens status information indicating the processing status of the interchangeable lens 100 to the camera microcomputer 205. To

  In FIG. 5, the process of steps C200 to C202 is the same as the process of steps C200 to C202 in the flowchart of FIG. 3 in the first embodiment.

The camera microcomputer 205 which has started the power supply to the mounted lens in step C202 determines whether or not the positional deviation of the movable lens has occurred from the detection result by the camera side impact detector 211 or the lens side impact detector 141 in step C300. judge. In other words, it is determined whether or not an external force equal to or greater than the threshold value has acted. The process of step C300 is performed instead of step C203 in the first embodiment. If it is determined that positional displacement of the movable lens has occurred, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step C204 and instructs the lens microcomputer 111 to start in the reset mode. The lens microcomputer 111 that has received this instruction starts initialization processing including lens reset processing. The subsequent processes of steps C205 and C215 by the camera microcomputer 205 are the same as in the first embodiment.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step C300 that no positional displacement of the movable lens has occurred, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to step C210 and determines the lens type of the mounted lens. Thereafter, at steps C211 to C213 described in the first embodiment, the camera microcomputer 205 causes the mounted lens to perform startup processing in the return mode according to the lens type.

  According to this embodiment, since the lens reset process is not performed unless an external force that causes the positional displacement of the movable lens is applied, the time required for the start process can be shortened. On the other hand, when an external force that causes positional displacement of the movable lens is applied, lens reset processing is performed, so that subsequent positional control of the movable lens can be performed with high accuracy.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the camera and the interchangeable lens are connected for communication and power supply via the conductive terminal provided on the mount has been described, but communication and power supply are possible with other configurations. May be

  The embodiments described above are only representative examples, and various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments when the present invention is implemented.

  It is possible to provide an imaging device such as a power saving type digital camera or a video camera.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Interchangeable lens 102 Variable magnification lens 104 Focus lens 200 Camera 205 Camera microcomputer

Claims (7)

An imaging apparatus to which an interchangeable lens device having a movable lens is detachably attachable,
It has control means for instructing transition of the state of the interchangeable lens device ,
A pre-transition lens indicating a state of the interchangeable lens device before transitioning to a second state in which the interchangeable lens device waits for return to the first state from a first state in which an operation for imaging is possible The start mode in which the lens reset process for moving the movable lens to the reference position is performed without using information is set as the first start mode, and the interchangeable lens apparatus performs the exchange without performing the lens reset process. When the start mode to be started by performing the return processing to the state before the transition using the pre-transition lens information stored in the lens side storage means of the lens apparatus is the second start mode,
The control means
In the image pickup apparatus, when the first start event for transitioning from the power-off state in which the power is cut off to the image pickup possible state capable of imaging occurs, an instruction is given to the interchangeable lens device to the first start mode. When the second activation event for causing the imaging apparatus, which has been powered on, to transition from the standby state to the imaging enabled state is awaited, the interchangeable lens apparatus causes the imaging apparatus to wait for the transition to the imaging enabled state. Instructing the second activation mode ,
When an event of transitioning to the standby state occurs in the imaging device, the transition from the first state to the second state with respect to the interchangeable lens device and the pre-transition lens to the lens side storage means An image pickup apparatus characterized by, after instructing storage of information, reducing power supplied to the interchangeable lens apparatus in response to receiving a notification indicating that the pre-transition lens information has been stored from the interchangeable lens apparatus. The first activation event is at least one of an operation of turning on the power, replacement of the interchangeable lens device, and attachment of a battery,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second activation event is an operation on the imaging apparatus other than an operation of turning on the power. When the external force is detected by an external force detection unit that detects an external force that causes positional displacement of the movable lens when the interchangeable lens device is in the second state, the control unit causes the interchangeable lens device to detect the external force. To instruct the first activation mode, and when the external force is not detected, to instruct one of the first activation mode and the second activation mode to the interchangeable lens device. The imaging device according to claim 1. An imaging apparatus to which an interchangeable lens device having a movable lens and a lens side storage unit is attachable / detachable, comprising control means for instructing transition of the interchangeable lens device ,
Pre-transition lens information indicating the state of the interchangeable lens device before transitioning from the first state in which the interchangeable lens device can perform an operation for imaging to the second state waiting for return to the first state The start mode in which the lens reset process for moving the movable lens to the reference position is performed without using the lens is set as the first start mode, and the interchangeable lens device does not perform the lens reset process; When the start mode to be started by performing restoration processing to the state before the transition using the pre-transition lens information stored in the means is the second start mode,
When the external force is detected by an external force detection unit that detects an external force that causes positional displacement of the movable lens when the interchangeable lens device is in the second state, the control unit causes the interchangeable lens device to detect the external force. To instruct the first start mode, and when the external force is not detected, to instruct the interchangeable lens device one of the first start mode and the second start mode ;
When transitioning the interchangeable lens device to the second state, the transition from the first state to the second state in the interchangeable lens device and storage of the pre-transition lens information in the lens side storage means after instructing the image pickup apparatus according to claim Rukoto power supplied is reduced with respect to the interchangeable lens device in response to receiving a notification indicating that it has stored the transition front lens information from the interchangeable lens apparatus. It is an interchangeable lens apparatus which can be attached or detached with respect to the imaging device as described in any one of Claims 1-4 ,
Movable lens,
A lens for storing pre-transition lens information indicating the state of the interchangeable lens device before transitioning to the second state, which waits for return to the first state from a first state in which an operation for imaging is possible Have side storage means,
The transition from the first state to the second state is made in response to an instruction from the imaging device, and the pre-transition lens information is stored in the lens side storage means,
After storing the pre-transition lens information, the imaging device is notified that the pre-transition lens information has been stored,
The first start mode for starting by performing lens reset processing for moving the movable lens to the reference position without using the pre-transition lens information, and the pre-transition lens information without performing the lens reset process Among the second activation modes activated by performing recovery processing to the state before the transition, transition from the second state to the first state is performed according to the activation mode instructed from the imaging device. Interchangeable lens device. A control program that causes a computer of an imaging device to which an interchangeable lens device having a movable lens can be attached and detached to control the imaging device,
The imaging device can instruct a start mode to the interchangeable lens device in a second state of waiting for a return to a first state in which an operation for imaging is possible, and the exchange A lens reset process is performed to move the movable lens to the reference position without using pre-transition lens information indicating the state of the interchangeable lens device before transition from the first state to the second state. The start-up mode to be started is referred to as a first start-up mode, and the interchangeable lens device does not perform the lens reset process, and uses the pre-transition lens information stored in the interchangeable lens device to switch to the state before the transition. When the start mode to be started by performing recovery processing is the second start mode,
The control program causes the imaging device to
In the image pickup apparatus, when the first start event for transitioning from the power-off state in which the power is cut off to the image pickup possible state capable of imaging occurs, an instruction is given to the interchangeable lens device to the first start mode. And when the second start-up event for transitioning from the standby state to the imaging enabled state, which waits for the transition to the imaging enabled state, to the imaging device with the power turned on occurs in the interchangeable lens device And instructing the second activation mode ,
When an event for transitioning to the standby state occurs in the imaging device, after instructing the interchangeable lens device to transition to the second state, the interchangeable lens device transmits the pre-transition lens from the interchangeable lens device a control program of an image pickup apparatus according to claim Rukoto power supplied is reduced with respect to the interchangeable lens device in response to receiving the information indicating that the storage of information. A control program that causes a computer of an imaging apparatus to which an interchangeable lens apparatus having a movable lens and a lens side storage unit can be attached and detached to control the imaging apparatus,
The imaging device is
It is possible to instruct the start-up mode to the interchangeable lens device in the second state of waiting for return to the first state in which an operation for imaging is possible;
A lens reset process for moving the movable lens to a reference position without using pre-transition lens information indicating the state of the interchangeable lens device before transition from the first state to the second state. The start mode to be started is the first start mode, and the state before the transition is performed using the pre-transition lens information stored in the interchangeable lens device without the interchangeable lens device performing the lens reset process. When the start mode to be started by performing return processing to the second start mode is
The control program causes the imaging device to
The movable member is movable when the interchangeable lens device is in the second state by using an external force detection unit that detects an external force that causes positional displacement of the movable lens when the interchangeable lens device is in the second state. Let the external force that causes the lens position shift be detected,
When the external force is detected, the interchangeable lens device is instructed to instruct the first start mode,
If the external force is not detected, the interchangeable lens device is instructed to instruct one of the first activation mode and the second activation mode .
When transitioning the interchangeable lens device to the second state, the transition from the first state to the second state in the interchangeable lens device and storage of the pre-transition lens information in the lens side storage means after instructing the control program of the image pickup apparatus according to claim Rukoto power supplied is reduced with respect to the interchangeable lens device in response to receiving a notification indicating that it has stored the transition front lens information from the interchangeable lens device .