JP6736730B2 - Imaging device, accessory device, and communication control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging system including an imaging device (hereinafter, referred to as a camera body) that can communicate with each other and an accessory device (hereinafter, simply referred to as an accessory) such as an interchangeable lens and an intermediate adapter.

The image pickup system as described above has a rotation function in order to perform optical adjustments such as a focal length, a focus state, and an aperture, set an ISO sensitivity, and select enable/disable of functions such as autofocus and image stabilization. Operation members such as an operation ring and a slide switch are provided. Further, the imaging system has an auto power-off function that automatically shifts the power supply of the entire imaging system to a power saving state (sleep state) when no operation is performed for a certain period of time. When detecting some operation in the sleep state, the imaging system returns (that is, starts) from the sleep state to the normal operation state.

In Patent Document 1, an operation restriction state (power-saving state) in which identification information of an interchangeable lens is transmitted to an intermediate adapter, and when the identification information determines that the interchangeable lens is a specific interchangeable lens There is disclosed an imaging system for shifting to.

Patent No. 5208169

The conventional auto power off function shifts the entire imaging system including the interchangeable lens, the intermediate adapter and the camera body to the sleep state. However, in order to reduce power consumption after performing normal communication in the imaging system, for example, only accessories that do not require communication need to be put into a sleep state.

Further, in the imaging system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the intermediate adapter is shifted to the power saving state when it is determined that the interchangeable lens is a specific interchangeable lens. For example, when the intermediate adapter has an operation member, , It is necessary to communicate the operation of the operation member to the camera body.

The present invention provides an imaging system capable of identifying an accessory that does not require communication.

An imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention is an imaging device capable of mounting a plurality of accessory devices including a lens device, and a first camera communication unit that provides a first communication path with the lens device. And a second camera communication unit that provides a second communication path between the plurality of accessory devices attached to the imaging device, and the first camera communication unit or the second camera communication unit. And a camera control unit that controls the communication, the camera control unit transmitting a first request to the plurality of accessory devices via the second communication path, and receiving the first request. From each of the plurality of accessory devices, first information corresponding to whether or not to stop communication with the imaging device is received via the second communication path, and the first information is received according to the first information. It is characterized by controlling communication with the plurality of accessory devices via a second communication path .

An accessory device as another aspect of the present invention is an accessory device that is mounted on an imaging device capable of mounting a plurality of accessory devices including a lens device, and is provided between the imaging device and the lens device. A first accessory communication unit that establishes communication through the first communication path, a second accessory communication unit that provides a second communication path between the imaging device, and the first accessory communication unit Or an accessory control unit that controls communication via the second accessory communication unit, wherein the accessory control unit receives a first request from the imaging device via the second communication path. Accordingly, the first information corresponding to whether or not to stop the communication with the imaging device is transmitted to the imaging device via the second communication path .

An imaging system including the above-described imaging device and accessory device also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

A communication control method according to another aspect of the present invention is an imaging device capable of mounting a plurality of accessory devices including a lens device, wherein a first communication path is provided between the lens device and the accessory device. A second camera communication unit that provides a second communication path between the first camera communication unit and the plurality of accessory devices attached to the imaging device; and the first camera communication unit or the second camera communication unit. A communication control method for an imaging device, comprising: a camera control unit that controls communication via a camera communication unit, the method comprising: transmitting a first request to the plurality of accessory devices via the second communication path. , Receiving, from each of the plurality of accessory devices that have received the first request, first information corresponding to whether or not to stop communication with the imaging device, via the second communication path. And controlling communication with the plurality of accessory devices via the second communication path according to the first information .

A communication control method according to another aspect of the present invention is an accessory device mounted on an imaging device capable of mounting a plurality of accessory devices including a lens device. A first accessory communication section that establishes communication through a first communication path between them; a second accessory communication section that provides a second communication path between the imaging apparatus and the first accessory communication section; And a accessory control unit for controlling communication via the second accessory communication unit, the communication control method for an accessory device, wherein a first request is issued from the imaging device via the second communication path. A step of receiving, and a step of transmitting, in response to the first request, first information corresponding to whether or not the accessory device stops communication to the imaging device via the second communication path. It is characterized by having .

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

According to the present invention, the imaging device can identify an accessory device that does not require communication, so unnecessary communication can be reduced and the immediacy of communication can be improved. Further, since the accessory device shifts to the power saving state after identifying the accessory device that does not require communication, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the first communication in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the second communication in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a process from acquisition of second communication stop information of an accessory (interchangeable lens and intermediate adapter) to shifting to a normal operation state in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a process in which the camera body acquires accessory identification information and second communication stop information in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a process in which the camera body acquires detailed accessory information according to the first exemplary embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of performing accessory operation setting in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a process in which the camera body responds to a communication request from an accessory in the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of retrying authentication communication due to a communication error in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing signal waveforms in start-stop synchronization communication in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Block diagram illustrating the configuration of the camera system of Example 5 FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for first communication according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. Flowchart showing the flow of processing for initial communication with the accessory of Example 5 and for obtaining corrected optical information. Flowchart showing the initial communication process between the camera and the lens of the fifth embodiment Flowchart showing the initial communication process between the camera and the accessory of the fifth embodiment The flowchart which shows the flow of the process which determines the 1st accessory of Example 5. Flowchart showing a flow of processing for searching for a dynamic accessory of the sixth embodiment Flowchart showing a flow of optical information correction processing according to operation of the dynamic accessory of Example 6. Diagram showing an example of information communicated in the initial communication Flowchart showing a flow of processing for acquiring correction identification information and correction processing using the correction identification information according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for second communication according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. The figure explaining the modification of the 1st communication of Example 5. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a camera system in a case where an end of Example 8 is an interchangeable lens. FIG. A block diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera system when an end of Embodiment 8 is an intermediate accessory. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process which detects the communication error of the 2nd communication of Example 8.

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

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an imaging system (hereinafter referred to as a camera system) that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In this camera system, a plurality of accessory devices (hereinafter collectively referred to as accessories) including an interchangeable lens 10 and a plurality of intermediate adapters 30 and 40 are detachably and communicably attached to a camera body 20 which is an imaging device. Used in the state. The intermediate adapters 30 and 40 are a teleconverter or a wide converter for changing the focal length, a mount converter for changing the flange back length, an ND filter having a dimming function, and the like. The interchangeable lens 10 may be directly attached to the camera body 20 (not via the intermediate adapters 30 and 40), or only one intermediate adapter may be provided between the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10. Good.

The mount 202 of the camera body 20 and the mount 302 of the intermediate adapter 30 are mechanically and electrically coupled, and the mount 301 of the intermediate adapter 30 and the mount 402 of the intermediate adapter 40 are mechanically and electrically coupled. Further, the mount 301 of the intermediate adapter 40 and the mount 101 of the interchangeable lens 10 are mechanically and electrically coupled. The camera body 20 is provided with a camera first communication unit 207, a camera second communication unit 208, and a camera control unit 205 as a computer. The camera first communication unit 207 and the camera second communication unit 208 form a camera communication unit.

The interchangeable lens 10 is provided with a first lens communication unit 114, a second lens communication unit 115, and a lens control unit (accessory control unit) 113 as a computer. The first lens communication unit 114 and the second lens communication unit 115 constitute an accessory communication unit. The intermediate adapters 30 and 40 are respectively provided with adapter second communication units 308 and 408 as accessory communication units and adapter control units (accessory control units) 309 and 409 as computers.

Between the camera first communication unit 207 and the lens first communication unit 114, the first communication contact units 202, 305, 303, 405, 403, provided on the mounts 201, 302, 301, 402, 401, 101. A first communication path is provided using 102. The camera control unit 205 and the lens control unit 113 perform “one-to-one” communication (hereinafter, also referred to as first communication) via the first communication path. Further, between the camera second communication unit 208, the adapter second communication units 308, 408, and the lens second communication unit 115, the second communication contact unit provided on the mounts 201, 302, 301, 402, 401, 101. A second communication path is provided using 203, 306, 304, 406, 404 and 103. The camera control unit 205 performs “one-to-many” communication (hereinafter, also referred to as second communication) between the lens control unit 113 and the adapter control units 309 and 409 via this second communication path.

By performing the first communication and the second communication via separate communication paths, for example, in the first communication, compared to the case where the first communication and the second communication are performed via the same communication path. A command or request can be transmitted from the camera body 20 to the interchangeable lens 10 at a more appropriate timing. Accordingly, the camera body 20 can control the interchangeable lens 10 at higher speed and with higher accuracy.

The intermediate adapters 30 and 40 have second communication connection switches 311 and 411, respectively. The second communication connection switches 311 and 411 are respectively provided on the second communication path and closer to the interchangeable lens than the adapter second communication units 308 and 408, and perform a switching operation to connect and disconnect the second communication path. To do. The switching operation of the second communication connection switches 311 and 411 is controlled by the adapter control units 309 and 409, respectively. By providing these second communication connection switches 311 and 411 on the intermediate adapters 30 and 40, the intermediate adapters 30 and 40 themselves can change the state of second communication (opening and blocking).

The interchangeable lens 10 has an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system sequentially from a subject side (not shown), a focus lens 104 that performs focus adjustment, a zoom lens (variable magnification lens) 105 that performs zooming, a diaphragm (iris) unit 106 that adjusts the amount of light, and image blurring. The image stabilizing lens 107 is included. The focus lens 104 and the zoom lens 105 are driven in the optical axis direction, which is the direction in which the optical axis of the imaging optical system extends, by the focus driving unit 108 and the zoom driving unit 109, respectively. The focus drive unit 108 and the zoom drive unit 109 include an actuator such as a stepping motor and its drive circuit.

The diaphragm unit 106 includes a plurality of diaphragm blades (not shown), and drives the iris driving unit 110 in the opening/closing direction to adjust the light amount. The iris driving unit 110 includes an actuator such as a stepping motor and its driving circuit.

The anti-vibration lens 107 is shift-driven by the anti-vibration drive unit 111 in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the imaging optical system in response to camera shake such as camera shake. The anti-vibration driving unit 111 includes an actuator such as a voice coil motor and its drive circuit. The interchangeable lens 10 is provided with a shake detection unit 112 such as a gyro sensor for detecting camera shake.

The interchangeable lens 10 also includes a lens operating unit 116. The lens operation unit 116 includes a plurality of operation members such as a lens operation ring, a switch, a button, a dial, and a touch panel that can be rotated by the user around the optical axis. The operation of the lens operating unit 116 is detected by the lens control unit 113.

The lens control unit 113 controls the operation of each unit in the interchangeable lens 10. Specifically, the camera control unit 205 receives a control command or a transmission request command transmitted from the camera body 20 by the first communication, and performs lens control corresponding to the control command. In addition, the lens control unit 113 transmits to the camera body 20 optical information of the image pickup optical system and operation information of the lens operation unit 116 corresponding to the transmission request command transmitted from the camera body 20 by the first or second communication. .. Further, the lens control unit 113 controls the shift drive (that is, the image stabilization operation) of the image stabilization lens 107 via the image stabilization drive unit 111 based on the shake signal from the shake detection unit 112.

The intermediate adapters 30 and 40 have adapter operating units 310 and 410. The adapter operation units 310 and 410 include a plurality of operation members such as an adapter operation ring, a switch, a button, a dial, and a touch panel that can be rotated by the user around the optical axis. The operations on the adapter operating units 310 and 410 are detected by the adapter control units 309 and 409.

The adapter control units 309 and 409 control the operation of each unit in the intermediate adapters 30 and 40, respectively. Each of the adapter control units 309 and 409 receives the control command and the transmission request command transmitted from the camera body 20 by the first communication. Further, the adapter control units 309 and 409 perform adapter control corresponding to the control command. Further, the adapter control units 309 and 409 display the optical information of the intermediate adapters 30 and 40 and the operation information of the adapter operation units 310 and 410 corresponding to the transmission request command transmitted from the camera body 20 by the first or second communication. It is transmitted to the camera body 20.

The camera body 20 has an image sensor 204 such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, a camera control unit 205, and a video display unit 206. The image pickup element 204 is a photoelectric conversion element such as a CMOS sensor, and picks up (photoelectrically converts) a subject image formed by an image pickup optical system. The video display unit 206 displays the video signal generated by imaging as a live view image used for confirmation of the composition, focus state, and the like, or reproduces and displays the image recorded by imaging.

The camera control unit 205 controls the operation of each unit in the camera body 20 according to the operation of the camera operation unit 209 including an imaging instruction switch (not shown), various setting switches, and the like. For example, the exposure time of the image sensor 204 is controlled for exposure control. Further, the camera control unit 205 transmits a control command to the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate adapters 30 and 40 by the first communication. For example, the camera control unit 205 transmits a control command related to zoom control to the interchangeable lens 10 according to the operation of the zoom switch included in the camera operation unit 209. In addition, the camera control unit 205 transmits, to the interchangeable lens 10, a control command related to the light amount adjustment control according to the luminance information of the video signal and a control command related to the focus control according to the focus information obtained from the image sensor 204. To do.

Further, the camera control unit 205 transmits a transmission request command for acquiring optical information and operation information to the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate adapters 30 and 40, and the lens optical information from the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate adapters 30 and 40 are transmitted. Receive adapter optical information from 40. Further, the camera control unit 205 receives the operation information of the lens and adapter operating units 116, 310, 410 from the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate adapters 30, 40, and sends a control command corresponding thereto to the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate adapters 30, 40. Send to 40.

Next, the first communication will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2A shows the configuration of the first communication circuit for performing the first communication by the three-line clock synchronous communication. The first communication contact portions 102, 403, 405, 303, 305, 202 are terminals of a clock line LCLK, which is a signal line for a clock signal output for performing clock synchronous communication from the camera first communication portion 207, It includes first LCLK terminals 102a, 403a, 405a, 303a, 305a, 202a. The first communication contact points 102, 403, 405, 303, 305, 202 are the first DCL terminals 102b, 403b as the terminals of the data line DCL from which the data signal of the clock synchronous communication is output from the first camera communication section 207. , 405b, 303b, 305b, 202b. Further, the first communication contact portions 102, 403, 405, 303, 305, 202 are the first DLC terminals 102c, 403c, as terminals of the data line DLC to which the data signal of the clock synchronous communication is output from the first lens communication portion 114. 405c, 303c, 305c, 202c.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the clock line LCLK and the data line DCL are pulled up in the interchangeable lens 10. The clock line LCLK and the data line DLC are pulled up in the camera body 20.

The clock line LCLK, the data line DCL, and the data line DLC in the intermediate adapters 30 and 40 are short-circuited between the first communication contact portions 303 and 305 and between the first communication contact portions 403 and 405, respectively.

FIG. 2B shows signal waveforms of the clock line LCLK, the data line DCL, and the data line DLC when the first communication is performed. The first camera communication unit 207 outputs a clock signal to the clock line LCLK, and outputs 8-bit data B7 to B0 to the data line DCL at the rising edge of the clock signal. The first lens communication unit 114 outputs 8-bit data B7 to B0 to the data line DLC at the rising edge of the clock signal. The first camera communication unit 207 receives 8-bit data B7 to B0 from the data line DLC in synchronization with the rising edge of the clock signal. The first lens communication unit 114 receives 8-bit data B7 to B0 from the data line DCL in synchronization with the rising edge of the clock signal. In this way, the camera first communication unit 207 and the lens first communication unit 114 can send and receive data to and from each other.

Upon receiving the 8-bit data B7 to B0 from the data line DCL, the first lens communication unit 114 maintains the clock signal LOW for the time Tbusy during the time Tbusy, and maintains the clock signal LOW for the time Tbusy. To cancel. The time Tbusy is a time for processing the data received by the interchangeable lens 10, and the first camera communication unit 207 does not perform the next data transmission until the clock line LCLK changes from LOW to HIGH after the data transmission. The first camera communication unit 207 and the first lens communication unit 114 perform data transmission and reception by the first communication by repeating the above processing.

Next, the second communication will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the second communication circuit for performing the second communication. The second camera communication unit 208, the second lens communication unit 115, and the second adapter communication units 308 and 408 are communicably connected via the second communication contact units 203, 306, 304, 406, 404, and 103. .. A CS signal line (first signal line) is provided through the CS contacts 203a, 306a, 304a, 406a, 404a, 103a of the second communication contact parts 203, 306, 304, 406, 404, 103. Further, a DATA signal line (second signal line) is provided through the DATA contacts 203b, 306b, 304b, 406b, 404b, 103b of the second communication contact parts 203, 306, 304, 406, 404, 103. There is. The CS signal line is a signal line for propagating a signal (command) for controlling communication, and the DATA signal line is a signal line for propagating transmitted/received data.

The camera body 20 is provided with a ground switch 221 and an input/output changeover switch 222. The interchangeable lens 10 is provided with a ground switch 121 and an input/output changeover switch 122. The intermediate adapters 30 and 40 are provided with a ground switch 321 and an input/output changeover switch 322.

The camera control unit 205, the lens control unit 113, and the adapter control units 309 and 409 pass through the second camera communication unit 208, the second lens communication unit 115, and the second adapter communication unit 308 and 408, respectively, on the CS signal line state (Hi and Hi). Low) can be detected. The CS signal line is pull-up connected to a power source (not shown) in the camera body 20, and is an open drain connection that can be connected to GND via the ground switches 221, 121, 321, 421. With this configuration, the second camera communication unit 208, the second lens communication unit 115, and the second adapter communication units 308 and 408 turn on (connect) the ground switches 221, 121, 321, and 421, respectively. Can be set to Low. Further, by turning off (cutting off) all the ground switches 221, 121, 321, 421, the CS signal line can be set to Hi. The CS signal line is used to distinguish between broadcast communication and P2P communication, and to switch the communication direction in P2P communication.

The DATA signal line is a single-line bidirectional data transmission line that can be used while switching the data propagation direction. The DATA signal line is connected to the lens second communication unit 115 via the input/output changeover switch 122 of the interchangeable lens 10 and is connected to the camera second communication unit 208 via the input/output changeover switch 222 of the camera body 20. The intermediate adapters 30 and 40 are connected to the adapter second communication units 308 and 408 via the input/output changeover switch 322, respectively.

The second camera communication unit 208, the second lens communication unit 115, and the second adapter communication units 308 and 408 each have a data output unit (CMOS system) for transmitting data and a data input unit (CMOS) for receiving data. Method) and. The camera second communication unit 208, the lens second communication unit 115, and the adapter second communication units 308 and 408 operate the input/output changeover switches 222, 122, 322, and 422, respectively, so that the DATA signal line serves as a data output unit. It is possible to select which one of the data input units is connected.

That is, the second camera communication unit 208, the second lens communication unit 115, and the second adapter communication units 308 and 408 transmit the data themselves, the second camera communication unit 208, the second lens communication unit 115, and the second lens communication unit 115. The input/output change-over switches 222, 122, 322, 422 are operated to connect the DATA signal line to the data output section through the adapter second communication sections 308, 408. On the other hand, when the device itself receives the data, the input/output is switched so as to connect the DATA signal line to the data input unit through the camera second communication unit 208, the lens second communication unit 115, and the adapter second communication units 308 and 408. The switches 222, 122, 322, 422 are operated.

Here, broadcast communication and P2P communication performed by the CS signal line and the DATA signal line will be described. The CS signal line becomes Low when any of the ground switches 221, 121, 321, 421 is turned on. This Low of the CS signal line is used as a trigger for broadcast communication. Broadcast communication is started when the camera control unit 205, which is a communication master, sets the CS signal line to Low through the second camera communication unit 208. The lens control unit 113 and the adapter control units 309 and 409 determine that the data received via the DATA line when the CS signal line is Low is the data in the broadcast communication. Further, the lens control unit 113 and the adapter control units 309 and 409 can request broadcast communication to the camera control unit 205 by setting the CS signal line to Low.

The camera control unit 205, the lens control unit 113, and the adapter control units 309 and 409 that have detected the Low of the CS signal line turn on their own ground switches during the processing of the broadcast communication. As a result, it is possible to notify another control unit that the processing for the broadcast communication is continuing.

By defining that the second communication starts with broadcast communication and ends with broadcast communication, the DATA signal line of the accessory may basically keep the receiving state. When the camera control unit 205 performs P2P communication with the accessories (lens control unit 113 and adapter control units 309 and 409), first, the accessory to be communicated is designated by broadcast communication. The camera control unit 205, which has completed the transmission of the broadcast communication, performs the P2P communication with the designated accessory.

In P2P communication, first, the camera control unit 205 transmits data to the accessory, and the accessory that receives the data transmits the data to the camera control unit 205. Thereafter, these are alternately performed. P2P communication is distinguished from broadcast communication by maintaining the CS signal line during communication at High. The CS signal line in P2P communication is used as a busy signal. That is, each of the camera control unit 205 and the accessory sets the CS signal line to Low to notify the communication partner that the data transmission from itself has been completed, and the CS signal to notify that the data reception is ready. Make the line High.

When the P2P communication ends, the camera control unit 205 notifies each accessory of the end of the P2P communication by broadcast communication. In this way, the camera control unit 205 can perform data communication with a plurality of accessories via the two communication lines.

The communication circuit shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and other communication circuits may be used. For example, a CS signal line is connected to GND in the camera body 20 by pull-down connection, and not shown via the ground switch 121 of the interchangeable lens 10, the ground switch 221 of the camera body 20, and the ground switches 321 and 421 of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40. It may be configured to be connectable to a power source. Further, the DATA signal line may be always connected to the camera second communication unit 208, the lens second communication unit 115, and the data input units of the adapter second communication units 308 and 408. In this case, the connection and disconnection of the DATA signal line and the data output units of the camera second communication unit 208, the lens second communication unit 115, and the adapter second communication units 308 and 408 may be switched by a switch.

In the present embodiment, the first communication circuit described above performs communication requiring immediateness between the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10, and operates the operation members provided on the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate adapters 30 and 40. The second communication circuit performs low-immediate communication such as communication of quantity. As a result, it is possible to ensure the immediacy of control of the interchangeable lens 10. Since the first communication is one-to-one communication between the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10, there is no risk of data collision unlike in one-to-many communication, and communication for avoiding the data collision can be omitted. Higher communication is possible.

Further, by using only the second communication circuit for communication between the camera body 20 and the accessory (the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate adapters 30 and 40), the accessory needs to support the high speed and advanced communication protocol of the first communication. Disappears. Therefore, the cost of the accessory can be reduced.

On the other hand, in the second communication, there is a risk of data collision because this is one-to-many communication. In order to avoid this, the procedure for occupying communication is performed as described above. When the camera body 20 communicates with a certain accessory to be communicated, the identification information (ID) indicating the accessory to be communicated is notified by broadcast communication. Then, only the communication target accessory responds to the communication from the camera body 20 until the camera body 20 notifies the opening of the second communication circuit by broadcast communication.

As described above, when the operation amount of the operation member provided in the accessory is mainly transmitted as the content of the communication exchanged in the second communication, most of the communication depends on the communication request from the accessory. Be started. When the communication request can be made simply by changing the level of the signal line common to all the accessories as in the present embodiment, the camera body 20 that has received the communication request sequentially confirms whether the request has been made to each accessory. There is a need to.

Therefore, it is effective for the camera body 20 to know whether each of the plurality of attached accessories is an accessory that makes a communication request from the viewpoint of reducing the communication amount. For example, when a communication request is generated from any of the plurality of accessories, if there is only one accessory making the communication request, only the accessory may be inquired about the cause of the communication request generation.

In this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 10 uses both the first communication and the second communication for communication with the camera body 20. At this time, the first communication is used for communication requiring immediateness so that the interchangeable lens 10 transmits status information indicating the state to the camera body 20 and communication for transmitting control parameters from the camera body 20 to the interchangeable lens 10. To use. On the other hand, the second communication is used for communication with low immediacy such as communication of the operation amount of the operation member provided on the interchangeable lens 10 to the camera body 20.

Next, the process from the camera body 20 receiving the second communication stop information as the first information from the accessory to the use of the second communication stop information in the normal operation state of the camera system (communication control method) Will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The normal operation state is a state in which the camera system 20 completes the setting of each accessory by the camera body 20 after the end of initial communication described later. Further, the camera control unit 205, the adapter control units 309 and 409, and the lens control unit 113 execute the following processing according to the computer program.

The camera control unit 205 activated by turning on the power in step S<b>401 proceeds to step S<b>402, and supplies power (hereinafter, referred to as accessory power supply) to the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 via a power supply mount contact (not shown). ..

Next, in step S403, the camera control unit 205 performs initial communication with the lens control unit 113 by the first communication. In the initial communication, the identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 (hereinafter referred to as lens identification information) is received. The lens identification information may be model number information used to identify the type (model) of the interchangeable lens 10, or may be optical data information indicating optical data unique to the interchangeable lens 10. Further, it may be information indicating the function of the interchangeable lens 10 or a manufacturing number (serial number) capable of identifying an individual in the same model.

In step S404, the camera control unit 205 performs initial communication with the accessory (lens control unit 113 and adapter control units 309 and 409) by the second communication, and receives accessory authentication information. A series of communication in S404 will be referred to as accessory authentication communication in the following description. Here, the accessory authentication information includes accessory identification information (lens identification information and adapter identification information) and second communication stop information. That is, the information exchanged in the accessory authentication communication is the basic information necessary for performing communication by designating the specific accessory as the communication target by the second communication.

The lens identification information transmitted from the lens control unit 113 to the camera control unit 205 by the second communication may be the same information as the lens identification information transmitted by the first communication, or may be an interchangeable lens. It may be a specific value shown. On the other hand, the adapter identification information is used to specify the communication target of the P2P communication by the second communication, and therefore, it is necessary to make the information so that the intermediate adapters 30 and 40 do not overlap. The adapter identification information may be model number information used to identify the type (model) of the intermediate adapter 30 or 40, or may be optical data information indicating optical data unique to the intermediate adapter 30 or 40. Good. Further, it may be information indicating the functions of the intermediate adapters 30 and 40, or a manufacturing number (serial number) capable of identifying an individual in the same model.

The second communication stop information indicates the operating status of the second communication after the accessory authentication communication, and is logical type information that can take a binary value of “true” or “false”. That is, the second communication stop information is information corresponding to whether or not to stop the second communication. The accessory for which the second communication stop information is “true” stops the operation of the second communication unit (115, 308 or 408) after transmitting the second communication stop information. The state in which the second communication unit is stopped continues until the accessory power supply is cut off. When the accessory power is cut off and then re-supplied (re-input), the accessory is activated in a state in which the second communication is possible (a state in which the second communication unit is operating).

Further, when the accessory for which the second communication stop information is “true” is the intermediate adapter (30 or 40), it does not have the first communication control unit, and therefore the adapter second communication unit (308 or 408) alone is used. Alternatively, the adapter control unit (309 or 409) and the adapter operation unit (310 and 410) may be stopped. In this case, the accessory does not restart until it is re-supplied after the accessory power supply is cut off and the accessory power supply is cut off.

For an accessory for which the second communication stop information is “true”, the camera control unit 205 does not communicate with the accessory by the second communication until after the accessory power is supplied again to the accessory after the accessory authentication communication. Therefore, the camera control unit 205 holds (stores) the second communication stop information until the power supply to the accessory is stopped. Then, when the power supply to the accessory is stopped, the second communication stop information held until then is initialized. If the accessory identification information acquired by the accessory authentication communication is unnecessary, the camera control unit 205 discards it.

Accessories that do not perform the second communication after the accessory authentication communication include an interchangeable lens that communicates with the camera control unit 205 only in the first communication and an intermediate adapter that does not have an operation member. Since the intermediate adapter having no operation member does not need to perform communication in the normal operation state after accessory authentication communication, it is not necessary to hold adapter identification information for designating a communication target by P2P communication. However, in order for the camera control unit 205 to know the number of accessories connected to the camera body 20, it is necessary for the intermediate adapter to perform accessory authentication communication.

The timing at which the accessory stops the second communication may be the timing at which the accessory authentication communication with all the accessories ends, or the timing at which each accessory ends its own accessory authentication communication.

The camera control unit 205 grasps the number of attached accessories while sequentially performing accessory authentication communication by the second communication with respect to the plurality of accessories attached to the camera body 20. From the viewpoint of power consumption and communication quality, when a predetermined number or more of accessories are attached, a warning operation may be performed to the user, or the function of one of the accessories may be limited.

The details of the process in which the camera control unit 205 acquires the second communication stop information from the accessory through the second communication will be described later. Since S403 and S404 are performed using different communication paths, the camera control unit 205 may perform these processes in parallel, or may perform them in any order. The camera control unit 205, which has acquired the lens identification information, the accessory authentication information, and the second communication stop information in S403 and S404, proceeds to S405.

After that, the first communication is used for the communication in which the camera control unit 205 acquires the status information of the interchangeable lens 10 and the communication for transmitting the control parameter to the interchangeable lens 10, and the other communication is performed by the second communication. ..

In S405, the camera control unit 205 specifies the accessory to be communicated by notifying the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate adapters 30 and 40 of the accessory identification information of the accessory to be communicated by broadcast communication. Then, the accessory detailed information is acquired by P2P communication from the communication target accessory whose second communication stop information is “false”. The accessory detailed information includes information indicating the function of each accessory, for example, operating function information such as having an operating member such as an operating ring and a slide switch, and changing the optical characteristics by operating the operating member, This is information about the user interface. Further, the accessory detailed information includes information on the name of the accessory when it is recorded in the captured image file. Further, the accessory detailed information also includes communication request factors (which will be described later) that may occur with the accessory. As described above, the accessory detailed information includes various kinds of information regarding the corresponding accessory and has a larger data amount than the accessory authentication information.

In addition, since the accessory settings and states may change depending on the camera information such as the model of the camera body 20 and the firmware version, in this step, the camera information is transmitted from the camera control unit 205 to the communication target accessory.

The accessory detailed information has a larger data size than the information exchanged in the accessory authentication communication. However, since it is not necessary to exchange accessory detailed information with an accessory whose second communication stop information is "true", it is possible to reduce the communication amount by using the second communication stop information.

In S406, the camera control unit 205 sets an accessory for which the second communication stop information is “false” in order to shift to the normal operation state. Here, the setting of the operation member of the accessory is performed by the second communication, and the process will be described later. Further, here, the setting for the accessory whose second communication stop information is "true" is not performed.

The process of proceeding from S407 to S408 and returning to S407 again indicates a normal operation state of the camera system. In the normal operation state, the camera control unit 205 resets the accessory by the second communication and acquires change information from the accessory. As the change information, for example, information on the operation amount when the operation member of the accessory is operated, information indicating a change in the optical information when the optical member such as the ND filter is inserted, and the accessory reset process are executed. In this case, information indicating that the reset process has been performed is included. As with S406, the accessory is reset by designating the accessory to be communicated by notifying the accessory identification information of the accessory to be communicated from the camera control unit 205 by broadcast communication, and then performing P2P communication with the accessory to be communicated. Done.

The camera control unit 205 may periodically inquire of the target accessory about change information. However, when the change information is information on the amount of operation of the operating member, the time during which the operating member is operated is limited, so that a reply of "operation amount=0" is returned in most cases. Therefore, in that unnecessary communication is not performed, the accessory requests communication from the camera control unit 205 when the operation member is operated instead of polling, and the camera control unit 205 receives the communication request and changes information. Is preferably obtained.

In S407, the camera control unit 205 determines whether or not the accessory setting needs to be changed due to the user changing the setting in the camera body 20 or the like. When it is necessary to change the accessory setting, the camera control unit 205 proceeds to S406 to set the accessory again, and proceeds to S407 to return to the normal operation state again.

On the other hand, if it is not necessary to change the accessory setting in S407, the camera control unit 205 proceeds to S408. In S408, the camera control unit 205 determines whether or not there is a communication request from the accessory. The communication request from the accessory is made by the accessory setting the CS signal line to Low. The camera control unit 205 may detect that the CS signal line is Low by generating an interrupt when detecting an edge falling to Low, or by polling the level of the CS signal line. May be.

When detecting the communication request from the accessory, the camera control unit 205 proceeds to step S409, and performs the communication request process for the accessory whose second communication stop information is “false”. First, the camera control unit 205 inquires of the cause of the communication request to the accessory (hereinafter, referred to as communication request factor). The accessory for which the second communication stop information is “true” has stopped the second communication and does not make a communication request, so that it is not necessary to inquire the cause of the communication request. Then, when the camera control unit 205 receives the communication request factor as the second information corresponding to the communication request factor from the accessory, the camera control unit 205 performs a process according to the communication request factor and returns to S406.

By using the second communication stop information in this way, unnecessary (unnecessary) communication for setting or communication request for an accessory that does not require communication can be avoided. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required to activate the camera system and the time required to acquire change information from the accessory. In addition, the power consumption of the accessory that does not use the second communication can be suppressed.

In order to realize this, it is important that the accessory that has transmitted the second communication stop information keeps stopping the second communication until the power is turned on again. This is because when the accessory that has transmitted the second communication stop information activates the second communication by a trigger other than the power-on again, the camera control unit 205 cannot detect it. Therefore, the accessory cannot be the target of communication for acquiring the setting and the communication request factor.

Next, the processing of the authentication communication as the initial communication performed by the camera body 20 (camera control unit 205) and the accessories (adapter control units 309 and 409 and the lens control unit 113) in S404 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It will be explained using. In the authentication communication, the camera control unit 205 acquires accessory authentication information from the accessory. As described above, the accessory authentication information includes the accessory identification information and the second communication stop information.

In S502, the camera control unit 205 that started this processing in S501 transmits an authentication information request as a first request to the adapter control unit 309 of the intermediate adapter 30 by the second communication.

The adapter control unit 309 that has received the authentication information request in S503 proceeds to S506, and transmits the accessory authentication information of the intermediate adapter 30 to the camera control unit 205 by the second communication. The accessory authentication information includes accessory identification information and second communication stop information.

The second communication stop information indicates “true” if the intermediate adapter 30 stops the second communication after the end of the authentication communication, and indicates “false” if the second communication is not stopped. The termination information is information indicating that it is the termination of the second communication as seen from the camera body 20. If the intermediate adapter 30 is the end of the second communication as viewed from the camera body 20, the end information is transmitted in addition to the accessory authentication information to indicate that the end information is “the end”.

In one-to-many communication such as the second communication, the destination can be specified by adding the accessory identification information to the beginning of the communication data. However, at the stage of S502, since the camera control unit 205 does not have any accessory information, it is not possible to specify the destination by communication data. Therefore, as an example of means for the camera body 20 to sequentially communicate with a plurality of accessories, a method of using the second communication connection switches 311 and 411 provided in the intermediate adapters 30 and 40 can be used as follows. In the normal operation state, the second communication connection switches 311 and 411 are in the connected state.

In step S501, the camera control unit 205 notifies each accessory of the start information of this processing by broadcast communication in the second communication. Since the second communication connection switches 311 and 411 are in the connected state, each accessory receives the start information of this processing.

The adapter control units 309 and 409 that have received the start information of this processing switch the second communication connection switches 311 and 411 to the disconnected state. As a result, only the adapter control unit 309 is connected to the camera control unit 205, and the data transmitted by the camera control unit 205 can be received. The adapter control unit 309 that has completed the processing on the received data switches the second communication connection switch 311 to the connected state, so that the adapter control unit 409 of the intermediate adapter 40 can receive the data transmitted by the camera control unit 205. Like On the other hand, the adapter control unit 309 that has switched the second communication connection switch 311 to the connected state transmits from the camera control unit 205 until it receives the end information of this process transmitted by the camera control unit 205 in S522 when this process ends. Do not respond to notifications that are given.

After that, the adapter control unit 409 that has completed the processing on the received data switches the second communication connection switch 411 to the connected state as described later, so that the lens control unit 113 receives the data transmitted by the camera control unit 205. Will be able to. In this way, the camera control unit 205 can sequentially communicate with a plurality of accessories.

In S504 and S505, since the second communication connection switch 311 is in the disconnected state, the adapter control unit 409 and the lens control unit 113 do not receive the authentication information request transmitted from the camera control unit 205.

In step S506, the adapter control unit 309 transmits the accessory authentication information of the intermediate adapter 30 to the camera control unit 205 by the second communication. Then, the second communication connection switch 311 is switched to the connected state. As a result, as described above, the adapter control unit 409 can receive the data transmitted by the camera control unit 205.

Upon receiving the accessory authentication information from the intermediate adapter 30 in S507, the camera control unit 205 proceeds to S508 and stores the received accessory authentication information. After that, the camera control unit 205 proceeds to S509. In S509, S511, and S513 to S515, the camera control unit 205 acquires accessory authentication information from the intermediate adapter 40, as in S502, S503, and S506 to S508.

In S510, the adapter control unit 309 receives the authentication information request transmitted by the camera control unit 205, but does not respond because the end information of this process has not been received. Further, in S512, since the second communication connection switch 411 is in the disconnected state, the lens control unit 113 does not receive the authentication information request transmitted from the camera control unit 205 in S511.

This embodiment is an example in which one interchangeable lens 10 and two intermediate adapters 30 and 40, that is, a total of three accessories, are connected to the camera body 20. However, only one intermediate adapter may be connected, or three or more intermediate adapters may be connected. Since any number of intermediate adapters can be attached, it is preferable that the process of acquiring the accessory authentication information is ended by acquiring the end information from the last accessory (interchangeable lens).

Also, the termination information from the last accessory may be obtained by another method. For example, as in S502 and S509, when the camera control unit 205 transmits the authentication information request to the accessory on the assumption that the intermediate adapter is attached, by the termination information returned from the lens second communication unit 115, It may be announced that the responding accessory is an interchangeable lens. Further, the intermediate adapter 40 may detect that it is the end by the connection state of the terminal (not shown) and notify the camera body 20 of the end information in S513. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the lens control unit 113 responds to the authentication information request from the camera control unit 205 with the accessory authentication information including the termination information, and thereby the termination information is notified.

In S516, similarly to S502 and S509, the camera control unit 205 transmits the authentication information request to the accessory by the second communication. In S517 and S518, as in S510, the adapter control units 309 and 409 do not respond because the end information of this process has not been received.

In step S519, the lens control unit 113 that has received the authentication information request proceeds to step S520, and transmits the accessory authentication information to the camera control unit 205 by the second communication. Since the interchangeable lens 10 is the end of the second communication when viewed from the camera body 20, the accessory authentication information from the lens controller 113 includes end information.

Upon receiving the accessory authentication information from the lens control unit 113 in S521, the camera control unit 205 proceeds to S522 and stores the received accessory authentication information. Then, the camera control unit 205 proceeds to S523 in accordance with the termination information included in the stored accessory authentication information, ends this processing (authentication communication), and ends this processing by broadcast communication in the second communication. Notify each accessory.

The accessory for which the second communication stop information is "true" stops the second communication according to the end information and does not respond to the second communication until the power is turned on again. When the accessory for which the second communication stop information is "true" is the intermediate adapter (30 or 40), it is preferable to stop the operation of the adapter control unit (309 or 409) in order to reduce power consumption. If the accessory for which the second communication stop information is “true” is the interchangeable lens 10, the second communication is stopped, but the first communication can be used, so the lens control unit 113 performs the operation. Do not stop.

As described above, the camera body 20 sequentially communicates with the plurality of accessories 30, 40, 10 using the second communication connection switches 311 and 411. However, another method may be used as long as it can communicate with a plurality of accessories. For example, by detecting the voltage level of a terminal (not shown) connected to the accessory itself, it is possible to know the order of attachment from the camera body side. In this case, the number of authentication information requests transmitted from the camera body may be counted, and the accessory authentication information may be transmitted to the camera body only when it matches the mounting order of itself.

Next, in S405 of FIG. 4, the process of acquiring the accessory detailed information from the accessory in which the camera control unit 205 has not stopped the second communication by the second communication after the end of the authentication communication, using the flowchart of FIG. explain. Here, the second communication stop information of the intermediate adapter 30 and the interchangeable lens 10 is “false”, and the second communication stop information of the intermediate adapter 40 is “true”.

The camera control unit 205 that started this processing in S601 proceeds to S602, and in order to perform P2P communication with the intermediate adapter 30, the accessory identification information of the intermediate adapter 30 acquired in the authentication communication is broadcasted in the second communication. To send to each accessory. The accessory identification information of the intermediate adapter 30 is received by the intermediate adapter 30 and the interchangeable lens 10 in S603 and S605. In S604, the intermediate adapter 40 does not receive the information transmitted by the broadcast communication because the second communication is stopped.

The intermediate adapter 30 (adapter control unit 309) that has received its own accessory identification information in S603 advances to S606, and shifts to P2P communication. In S605, the interchangeable lens 10 (lens control unit 113) also acquires the accessory identification information of the intermediate accessory 30, but does not perform the post-reception processing because it is different from the accessory identification information of itself. Further, the adapter control unit 309 performs the transition process to the P2P communication in S606 before returning the CS signal line to High.

When the broadcast communication of the accessory identification information is completed in this way, the camera control unit 205 proceeds to S607 and transmits the above-described camera information to the adapter control unit 309 by P2P communication. In step S608, the adapter control unit 309 receives the camera information, and the process proceeds to step S611. In S609, the adapter control unit 409 does not receive the camera information because the second communication is stopped. Further, in S610, the lens control unit 113 does not receive the camera information, because the accessory identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 has not been received.

In S611, the adapter control unit 309 stores the received camera information. The adapter control unit 309 changes the setting of the intermediate adapter 30 based on the camera information, and if necessary, also changes the accessory detailed information transmitted to the camera control unit 205 in S615. The adapter control unit 309 storing the camera information proceeds to S612 and transmits a camera information reception completion notification to the camera control unit 205.

Upon receiving the camera information reception completion notification in S613, the camera control unit 205 proceeds to S614 and transmits an accessory detailed information request to the adapter control unit 309 by P2P communication. The accessory detailed information request is received by the adapter control unit 309 in S615. However, in S616, the adapter control unit 409 does not receive the accessory detailed information request. In S617, the lens control unit 113 does not receive the accessory detailed information request because the accessory identification information received in S605 is different from its own.

The adapter control unit 309 that has received the accessory detailed information request proceeds to S618, and transmits the accessory detailed information to the camera control unit 205 by P2P communication. Upon receiving the accessory detailed information in S619, the camera control unit 205 proceeds to S620 and stores the received accessory detailed information of the intermediate adapter 30. The camera control unit 205 performs processing for the setting and communication request for the intermediate adapter 30, based on the accessory detailed information. The processing up to this point is related to the detailed accessory information for the intermediate adapter 30.

The camera control unit 205, which has acquired the accessory detailed information of the intermediate adapter 30 that is the first accessory from the camera body 20 in step S620, proceeds to step S621 to perform the same processing for the intermediate adapter 40 that is the second accessory. move on. However, since the second communication stop information of the intermediate adapter 40 is “true”, the camera control unit 205 does not acquire the accessory detailed information from the intermediate adapter 40, and acquires the accessory detailed information from the interchangeable lens 10 which is the third accessory. Proceed to S622 to obtain.

Since the second communication stop information of the interchangeable lens 10 is "false", the camera control unit 205 acquires the detailed accessory information transmitted from the interchangeable lens 10 in S624, in the same manner as in S602 to S620 in S622. .. When the acquisition of the accessory detailed information is completed, the accessory detailed information of all the accessories recognized as the second communication stop information being “false” is acquired in the authentication communication, and therefore the camera control unit 205 proceeds to S623, and the present process To finish.

Next, in S406 of FIG. 4, a process in which the camera control unit 205 sets an accessory whose second communication is not stopped by the second communication will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7. Also here, the second communication stop information of the intermediate adapter 30 and the interchangeable lens 10 is “false”, and the second communication stop information of the intermediate adapter 40 is “true”. Further, this process is performed not only after S405 in FIG. 4, but also when the setting of the accessory needs to be changed due to the change of the setting of the camera body 20 by a user operation or the like.

The basic flow of this process is the same as the acquisition process of the accessory detailed information in S405. First, the camera control unit 205 that started this process in S701 broadcasts the accessory identification information of the intermediate adapter 30 in S702. Notify the accessory. The intermediate adapter 30 (adapter control unit 309) that has received its own accessory identification information in S703 shifts to P2P communication in S706. In S704, the intermediate adapter 40 (adapter control unit 409) whose second communication stop information is "true" does not receive the accessory identification information. Further, in S705, the interchangeable lens 10 (lens control unit 113) also receives the accessory identification information of the intermediate accessory 30.

Next, in step S<b>707, the camera control unit 205 transmits information regarding the settings of the intermediate adapter 30 (accessory setting information) to the adapter control unit 309. The adapter control unit 309 that has received this accessory setting information in S708 sets the operation of the intermediate adapter 30 in accordance with the accessory setting information in S711, and returns the setting completion to the camera control unit 205 in S712. In S713, the camera control unit 205 receives the setting completion of the intermediate adapter 30. In addition, in S709, the adapter control unit 409 does not receive the accessory setting information. Further, in step S710, the lens control unit 113 does not receive the accessory setting information because the accessory identification information received in step S705 is different from its own. Further, the camera control unit 205 does not make the above setting for the intermediate adapter 40 (S714). Next, the camera body 20 transmits the accessory setting to the interchangeable lens 20. Next, in S715, the camera body 20 transmits the accessory setting to the interchangeable lens 20.

Next, in S716, the camera control unit 205 sets the interchangeable lens 10 similarly to the setting of the intermediate adapter 30 (S705, S710, S716). Then, in S717, since the setting of all the accessories for which the second communication stop information is “false” has been completed, the camera control unit 205 shifts to the normal operation state in the second communication band (second communication band). ) Is communicated to each accessory by broadcast communication. The adapter control unit 309 and the lens control unit 113 that have received this communication in S718 and S721 determine that the communication request is in a permitted state. This communication request permitted state continues until the camera control unit 205 performs (normal) broadcast communication again. In step S719, the adapter control unit 409 does not receive the second communication band release notification.

Next, in S409 of FIG. 4, the camera control unit 205 confirms the communication request factor with respect to the accessory by the second communication, and performs the process according to the communication request factor with reference to the flowchart of FIG. explain. Also here, the second communication stop information of the intermediate adapter 30 and the interchangeable lens 10 is “false”, and the second communication stop information of the intermediate adapter 40 is “true”. Further, it is assumed that the communication request is made from the intermediate adapter 30 and the communication request factor is that the adapter operation ring provided in the intermediate adapter 30 is operated.

The basic flow of this processing is the same as the accessory detailed information acquisition processing in S405. First, the camera control unit 205, which started this processing in S801, broadcasts the accessory identification information of the intermediate adapter 30 in S802. Notify the accessory. The intermediate adapter 30 (adapter control unit 309) that has received its own accessory identification information in S803 shifts to P2P communication in S806. In S804, the intermediate adapter 40 (adapter control unit 409) whose second communication stop information is "true" does not receive the accessory identification information. Further, in S805, the interchangeable lens 10 (lens control unit 113) also receives the accessory identification information of the intermediate accessory 30.

Next, in step S807, the camera control unit 205 transmits a communication request factor transmission request to the adapter control unit 309. The adapter control unit 309 having received the communication request factor transmission request in S808 transmits the communication request factor to the camera control unit 205 in S811. In S809, the adapter control unit 409 does not receive the communication request factor transmission request. Further, in step S810, the lens control unit 113 does not receive the communication request factor transmission request because the accessory identification information received in step S805 is different from its own.

Upon receiving the communication request factor in S812, the camera control unit 205 determines in S813 that the communication request factor is an operation of the adapter operation ring, and transmits a transmission request of the operation amount to the adapter control unit 309 in S814. To do. The adapter control unit 309, which has received the operation amount transmission request in S815, transmits the operation amount of the adapter device ring to the camera control unit 205 in S818. In S816, the adapter control unit 409 does not receive the operation amount transmission request. In step S817, the lens control unit 113 does not receive the operation amount transmission request because the accessory identification information received in step S805 is different from its own.

The camera control unit 205, which has received the operation amount in S819, reflects the operation amount in the setting of the camera body 20 in S820. Specifically, when the adapter operation ring has a function of changing the aperture value (Av), the Av setting for calculating the exposure value (Ev) and the shutter speed (Tv) in the camera body 20 is changed. If necessary, the Av control amount may be transmitted to the interchangeable lens 10 by the first communication to cause the interchangeable lens 10 (lens control unit 113) to change the aperture value. The camera control unit 205 does not send the communication request factor transmission request to the intermediate adapter 40 (adapter control unit 409) whose second communication stop information is “true” (S821).

Next, in step S822, the camera control unit 205 transmits a communication request factor transmission request to the lens control unit 113. The camera control unit 205 has already obtained the communication request factor from the intermediate adapter 30, but there is a possibility that the interchangeable lens 10 also has a communication request factor at the same time, so the lens control unit 113 also receives the communication request factor. To inquire. The lens control unit 113 that has received the communication request factor transmission request in S823 transmits the communication request factor to the camera control unit 205 if the communication request factor occurs in the interchangeable lens 10.

When the acquisition of the communication request factors from all the accessories in which the communication request factors may occur is completed in this way, the camera control unit 205 proceeds to step S824, and broadcasts the second communication band release notification to shift to the normal operation state. To communicate with each accessory. The adapter control unit 309 and the lens control unit 113 that have received this communication in S825 and S828 determine that the communication request is in a permitted state. This communication request permitted state continues until the camera control unit 205 performs (normal) broadcast communication again. In step S826, the adapter control unit 409 does not receive the second communication band release notification.

When the communication request factor occurs after receiving the communication request factor transmission request, the adapter control unit 309 and the lens control unit 113 make a communication request to the camera control unit 205 after receiving the second communication band release notification. Specifically, this is the case when the operation member of the intermediate adapter 30 is operated during S818 to S825, or when a communication request factor other than the operation of the operation member occurs on the intermediate adapter 30 during S811 to S825. In these cases, the adapter control unit 309 makes a communication request to the camera control unit 205 after receiving the second communication band release notification.

According to this embodiment, the first communication path that enables communication between the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10 and the communication between the camera body 20 and all accessories (the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate adapters 30 and 40) are possible. And a second communication path that is independent of each other. Through the second communication path, setting of all accessories and second communication responding to communication requests from these accessories are performed. In the accessory setting and the response to the communication request, the communication amount can be reduced by specifying the accessory to be communicated based on the second communication stop information acquired by the authentication communication.

On the other hand, it is possible to stop the second communication by the accessory that has transmitted “true” as the second communication stop information. An accessory that does not have a communication means other than the second communication, such as the intermediate adapters 30 and 40 of this embodiment, can stop the operation of the adapter controller. By thus providing the second communication stop information, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the accessory.
Further, the camera body 20 does not request the transmission of the accessory detailed information for the accessory for which the second communication stop information acquired by the authentication communication is “true”. Therefore, the accessory does not need to perform the process of determining the target of the P2P communication based on the accessory identification information transmitted by the broadcast communication, the process of inquiring the detailed accessory information, and the like, and the accessory can respond to the authentication communication. It also contributes to cost reduction of accessories.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, a process of acquiring the second communication stop information of each accessory in the authentication communication immediately after mounting the accessory on the camera body 20 and determining the accessory to be the target of the second communication thereafter based on the acquired information explained. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a process will be described in which the second communication stop information is set to “true” after shifting to the normal operation state.

When such processing is required, the product name, optical information, etc. of the accessory are notified to the camera body by the accessory detailed information, but when the accessory is not reset or the communication request does not occur, the transition to the normal operation state is performed. The accessory may stop the second communication. Further, there is a case where the accessory shifts to a state where it is not necessary to perform the second communication due to the change of the setting.

As a method of notifying the camera body that the accessory has stopped the second communication, there is a method in which the accessory issues a communication request to the camera body and notifies the second communication stop as a communication request factor. In addition, the state transition of the accessory and the stop of the second communication of the accessory are associated in advance, and the second communication of the accessory is stopped when the camera body performs the setting for the accessory accompanied by the stop of the second communication. There is also a way to determine that you are doing. Furthermore, there is a method of restarting the camera body from authentication communication due to a communication error or a communication request factor.

Hereinafter, a method of notifying the stop of the second communication as the communication request factor will be described. In the processing described with reference to FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, the communication request can be made because the notification of release of the second communication band is notified to each accessory by broadcast communication after S406 ends, and the accessory receives the notification. (S717). Therefore, in the authentication communication, the accessory for which the second communication stop information is "false" needs to respond to the communication in the accessory detailed information acquisition processing (S405) and the communication for setting the accessory (S406). When the accessory stops the second communication after transmitting the accessory detailed information to the camera body, the accessory makes a communication request to the camera body immediately after the processing of S406 ends. Then, as the communication request factor, the fact that the second communication stop information has changed from “false” to “true” is notified, and then the second communication is stopped. After receiving the communication request factor, the camera body does not perform the second communication with the accessory thereafter.

Also, when the accessory changes to a state in which it is not necessary to perform the second communication due to the change in the setting, the same processing is performed. Specifically, the setting of the accessory is changed in S406 in response to the setting change of the camera body. When S406 ends, the accessory is notified of the release of the second communication band by broadcast communication, and the accessory whose second communication stop information is "true" by the subsequent communication request notifies the camera body of that fact. To do.

In this way, it is possible for an accessory whose second communication stop information was "false" during authentication communication to notify the camera body at the timing when the second communication stop information was "true".

That is, the accessory can stop the second communication in accordance with the state transition, and further notify the camera body that the second communication has been stopped. As a result, the second communication can be stopped after performing necessary communication such as communication of accessory detailed information and communication for setting the accessory, and it is possible to reduce the communication amount and power consumption, and The accessory detailed information can be communicated by the communication of 2.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, processing when the second communication stop information is “true” from the time of authentication communication will be described, and in the second embodiment, the second communication stop information becomes “true” after shifting to the normal operation state. The processing in the case has been described. In the present embodiment, a method for notifying the camera body when the second communication stop information of the accessory for which the second communication is stopped changes from “true” to “false” will be described.

A rare case where the second communication stop information changes from “true” to “false” is, for example, when the accessory is affected by disturbance and an unexpected reset process occurs. When an unexpected reset process occurs, the accessory returns to the initial state. Since the accessory in the initial state has not notified the camera body of the second communication stop information, the accessory does not stop the second communication. In order for the accessory to stop the second communication, it is necessary to send the second communication stop information to the camera body. On the other hand, even if the accessory tries to send a communication request to the camera body in order to notify the second communication stop information, the camera body recognizes that the second communication of the accessory is stopped. Do not contact us. Therefore, with a normal communication request, the camera body cannot be notified that the accessory whose second communication stop information is "true" has changed to "false".

Therefore, in this embodiment, if the communication error occurs in the broadcast communication, the camera body retries from the authentication communication. As a result, the accessory for which the reset process has occurred intentionally causes a communication error, and thus it is possible to retransmit the second communication stop information to the camera body 20 in the authentication communication performed again.

In the flowchart of FIG. 9, when an unexpected reset process occurs in the accessory that has stopped the second communication in the normal operation state, a second communication stop information is retransmitted to the camera body 20 by causing a communication error. The processing will be described. The processing from S901 to S908 in FIG. 9 is the same as the processing from S401 to S408 in FIG.

It is assumed that an unexpected reset process occurs in the intermediate adapter 40 that suspends the second communication in the normal operation state where the process proceeds from S907 to S908 and returns to S907. The intermediate adapter 40 (adapter control unit 409) that has undergone the reset process turns on the ground switch 421 to set the CS signal line to Low. The camera body 20 (camera control unit 205) that has detected the CS signal line Low moves from S908 to S909.

In S909, the camera body 20 notifies each accessory by broadcast communication of the accessory identification information of the intermediate adapter 30 whose second communication stop information is “false” in order to acquire the communication request factor (S802 of FIG. 8). At this time, if the intermediate adapter 40 keeps the CS signal line Low, the broadcast communication that ends due to the CS signal line going High does not end. For this reason, the CS signal line is provided with a permissible time in the low state, and when the low state exceeds the permissible time, the camera body 20 and the accessory can determine the communication error. When a communication error occurs in the broadcast communication of the first authentication communication of the communication request processing, the camera body 20 returns from S910 to S904 and performs the authentication communication. Thereby, the camera body 20 can re-acquire (re-receive) the second communication stop information from the intermediate adapter 40 in which the unexpected reset process has occurred. When the intermediate adapter 40 is restarted due to an unexpected reset as described above, it is possible to shift to the sleep state again by sending “true” as the second communication stop information. On the other hand, when “false” is transmitted as the second communication information, the camera body 20 becomes an accessory setting and communication request factor acquisition target.

When there is no accessory whose second communication stop information is "false", the second communication units of all the accessories are stopped, and therefore the communication request itself cannot occur. Therefore, the camera body 20 may determine that a communication error has occurred at the time when the communication request is generated, return to S904, and perform the authentication communication.

In the present embodiment, an arrangement is made such that when signal control different from a normal communication protocol is performed (that is, when communication error occurs in broadcast communication, authentication communication is performed again. Even when an unexpected reset process occurs in the accessory that has stopped communication and the second communication is restarted, the accessory can re-notify the camera body of the second communication stop information. Therefore, the second communication can be stopped again.

Further, when the accessory in which the second communication is stopped wants to enable the second communication, the second communication stop information may be notified as “false” when the authentication communication is redone. At this time, the accessory sends a request for discarding the second communication stop information to the camera body, and the camera body discards the received second communication stop information (“true”) in response to receiving the discard request. Then, the new second communication stop information (“false”) retransmitted by the accessory may be received again.

However, depending on the possibility and frequency of using the second communication, the “true” of the second communication stop information may be recognized as the communication target accessory of the second communication without being sent to the camera body 20. ..

In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the case where the first communication circuit performs the three-line clock synchronous communication has been described, but instead of this, the three-line start/stop synchronous communication may be performed. FIG. 10 shows a signal waveform in three-line start/stop communication. In the case of three-line start/stop communication, an RTS communication line (RTS) is provided instead of the clock line (LCLK) shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b). The RTS communication line transmits a signal for controlling the timing of communication by the camera-lens communication line (DCL) and communication by the lens-camera communication line (DLC) from the camera body (camera control unit) to the interchangeable lens (lens control unit). This is a signal line for For example, the RTS communication line is used for notification of a lens data transmission request (transmission instruction) from the camera body to the interchangeable lens or a communication processing switching request. The notification of the transmission request is performed by switching the signal level of the RTS communication line between High and Low. In the following description, the signal supplied to the RTS communication line is referred to as the transmission request signal RTS.

The transmission request signal RTS is sent from the camera body as the communication master to the interchangeable lens as the communication slave. When the interchangeable lens receives the transmission request signal RTS, the signal level of the lens data signal DLC is set to Low for one bit period in order to notify the camera body of the start of transmission of one frame of the lens data signal DLC as shown in FIG. And This 1-bit period is called a start bit ST indicating the start of 1 frame. That is, the data frame starts from this start bit ST. The start bit ST is provided at the head bit of each frame of the lens data signal DLC.

Subsequently, the interchangeable lens transmits 1-byte lens data in the next 8-bit period from the second bit to the ninth bit. The bit arrangement of the data is MSB first format, starting from the highest data D7, continuing in order with data D6 and data D5, and ending with the lowest data D0. Then, the interchangeable lens adds 1-bit parity information PA to the 10th bit, and sets the signal level of the lens data signal DLC in the period of the stop bit SP indicating the end of one frame to High. As a result, the data frame period started from the start bit ST ends.

According to each of the above-described embodiments, the imaging device can identify the accessory device that does not require communication, so unnecessary communication can be reduced and the immediacy of communication can be improved. Further, since the accessory device shifts to the power saving state after identifying the accessory device that does not require communication, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

The fifth embodiment will be described below.
A more detailed description will be given by focusing on the accessory identification information of the above-described embodiment.

Hereinafter, the accessory refers to an interchangeable lens or an intermediate accessory.

In the following embodiments, the camera body, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory are collectively referred to as a unit. Further, each of the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory is collectively referred to as an accessory.

In addition, in the following embodiments, the accessory related to the correction is an interchangeable lens or an intermediate accessory whose correction processing necessity information is “necessary”.

Further, in the following examples, the intermediate accessory related to the correction is an intermediate accessory that requires correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens.

In addition, in the following embodiments, the first accessory is an accessory that holds optical information of all other accessories.

In addition, in the following embodiments, the first intermediate accessory is an intermediate accessory that has optical information of other intermediate accessories.

In addition, in the following embodiments, the first unit is a unit that holds optical information of all accessories.

Incidentally. In the following examples, attention is paid to whether or not each unit has optical information of another unit, but this is not necessarily related to the release date or manufacturing date of the unit. For example, due to firmware upgrade or the like, the optical information stored in each unit may change irrespective of the release date or manufacturing date of the unit.

<Camera system configuration (Fig. 11)>
The configuration of the camera system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The camera system has a first communication path that is a communication path for transmitting control commands from the camera body 2000 to the interchangeable lens 1000 and for transmitting operation information and optical information from the interchangeable lens 1000 to the camera body 2000. Further, it has a second communication path that is a communication path for transmitting operation information and optical information between the camera body 2000 and the plurality of intermediate accessories 3000, 4000. Hereinafter, the communication performed through the first communication path is also referred to as first communication (first communication), and the communication performed through the second communication path is also referred to as second communication (second communication).

Here, in the first communication path, mutual communication between the first communication unit 20700 on the camera side and the first communication unit 11400 on the lens side is performed by the mounts 20200 and 30500, 30300 and 40500, 40300 and 10200 described later. It is a route through. The first communication unit 20700 on the camera side and the first communication unit 11400 on the lens side are examples of communication control means.

In this way, communication performed by a unit with one unit different from the unit is also referred to as one-to-one communication in this embodiment.

The second communication path is a path through which the second communication unit 20800 on the camera side communicates with the communication unit of each accessory. At that time, the communication is performed from the second communication unit 20800 on the camera side via the mounts 20300 and 30600, and the communication is performed via at least a part of the mounts 30400 and 40600, 40400 and 10300. The communication unit 208 on the camera side communicates with the second communication unit 11500 on the lens side and the second communication units 30800 and 40800 on the intermediate accessory side through the second communication path, for example. The communication unit 20800 on the camera side, the second communication unit 11500 on the lens side, the second communication unit 30800 on the intermediate accessory side, and the 40800 on the intermediate accessory side are each examples of communication control means.

In this way, communication performed by a unit with a plurality of units different from the unit is also referred to as one-to-many communication in this embodiment.

In FIG. 11, an interchangeable lens 1000 is an interchangeable lens that controls a movable optical member related to photographing. The camera body 2000 is a camera body that captures an image. The intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 are intermediate accessories such as extenders mounted between the interchangeable lens 1000 and the camera body 2000.

Mounts 10100 and 40100, 40200 and 30100, 30200 and 20100 are detachably attached to the interchangeable lens 1000, the intermediate accessory 4000, the intermediate accessory 3000, and the camera body 2000, respectively. Here, the mount 10100 is provided in the interchangeable lens 1000, the mounts 40100 and 40200 are provided in the intermediate accessory 4000, the mounts 30100 and 30200 are provided in the intermediate accessory 3000, and the mount 20100 is provided in the camera body 2000. ..

The mounts 10100, 40100, 40200, 30100, 30200, 20100 each have a first communication contact group 10200, 40300, 40500, 30300, 30500, which is a contact terminal group having one or more contacts for performing first communication. 20200 is provided. Here, the first communication contact group 10200, 40300, 40500, 30300, 30500, 20200 is configured to conduct when the interchangeable lens 1000, the intermediate accessory 3000, the intermediate accessory 4000, and the camera body 2000 are connected. In the fifth embodiment, the first communication is also used for the camera body 2000 to control the optical member of the interchangeable lens 1000.

Further, the mounts 10100, 40100, 40200, 30100, 30200, and 20100 each have a second communication contact group 10300, 40400, 40600, 30400, which is a contact terminal group having one or more contacts for performing second communication. 30600 and 20300 are provided. Here, the second communication contact group 10300, 40400, 40600, 30400, 30600, 20300 is configured to conduct when the interchangeable lens 1000, the intermediate accessory 3000, the intermediate accessory 4000, and the camera body 2000 are connected. In the fifth embodiment, the second communication is configured such that the camera body 2000 can perform one-to-many communication with the intermediate accessory 3000, the intermediate accessory 4000, and the interchangeable lens 1000.

As described above, the first communication, which is one-to-one communication between the camera body 2000 and the interchangeable lens 1000, and the second communication, which performs integrated communication between the camera body and the plurality of accessories, are different from each other. A first communication path and a second communication path are provided. As a result, compared to the case where communication is performed using the same communication path, for example, in the first communication, the interchangeable lens control command can be transmitted to the interchangeable lens at a more intended timing. Since the interchangeable lens control command transmission can be immediately transmitted to the interchangeable lens at the timing intended by the camera body, a plurality of optical members mounted on the interchangeable lens can be controlled at high speed and with high accuracy.

The interchangeable lens 1000 controls a focus lens 10400, a zoom lens 10500, an iris 10600, a blur correction lens 10700 that configure an optical system, a control unit (10800, 10900, 11000, 11100) that controls each optical member, and the entire lens. The lens control unit 11300 is provided. Further, the interchangeable lens 1000 includes a first communication unit 11400 on the lens side for performing the first communication, a second communication unit 11500 on the lens side for performing the second communication, a blur amount detecting unit 11200 for detecting the blur amount, and an interchangeable lens. A lens operation member 11600, which is an operation member provided, is provided. Each configuration will be described.

The focus lens 10400 is for changing the focus state of a captured image. The zoom lens 10500 is for zooming a captured image. The iris 10600 is for adjusting the light amount of a captured image. The blur correction lens 10700 is a blur correction lens for correcting image blur of a subject image.

The focus lens control unit 10800 performs position detection and drive control of the focus lens 10400. The zoom lens controller 10900 performs position detection and drive control of the zoom lens 10500. The iris control unit 11000 performs position detection and drive control of the iris 10600. The blur correction control unit 11100 is a blur correction control unit for performing position detection and drive control of the blur correction lens 10700. The focus lens control unit 10800, the zoom lens control unit 10900, the iris control unit 11000, and the blur correction control unit 11100 each include a position sensor such as an absolute value encoder and a drive motor such as an ultrasonic motor or a stepping motor. The shake amount detection unit 11200 is for detecting the amount of vibration of the interchangeable lens 1000, and is composed of, for example, a gyro sensor.

The lens control unit 11300 is for controlling the lens and has a memory (not shown). The lens controller 11300 is an example of a communication controller. The lens-side first communication unit 11400 is for performing first communication with the interchangeable lens 1000. The second lens side communication unit 11500 is for performing second communication with the interchangeable lens 1000.

The memory included in the lens control unit 11300 is composed of a rewritable non-volatile memory, and stores control software (firmware) executed by the CPU and unique information and status information regarding the interchangeable lens 1000. The unique information is, for example, a model name (identification information), optical characteristics, correction information and the like. In addition, the state information includes, for example, an operating state (normal/safe mode), position information (or magnification) of the zoom lens 10500, position information of the focus lens 10400, F value of the iris 10600, position information of the blur correction lens 10700, firmware version, For example, the update status. However, it is not limited to these. The memory also stores a program that is executed when operating the interchangeable lens 1000 in the safe mode described later.

Further, the lens control unit 11300 has a programmable processor such as a CPU, and by reading a program from the memory and executing the program, various operations including the operation of the interchangeable lens 1000 described later are realized. For example, the lens control unit 11300 executes an operation according to a command received from the camera control unit 20500 in the first communication described below. The operation according to the command includes, for example, control of the focus lens control unit 10800, the zoom lens control unit 10900, the iris control unit 11000, and the blur correction control unit 11100, and updating of the firmware stored in the memory.

The lens controller 11300 updates the firmware by overwriting the old firmware stored in the memory with the new firmware received from the camera body 2000 in the first communication, for example. Further, the lens control unit 11300 manages the update process by recording data (update state data) representing the state of the firmware update process in the memory. For example, the lens control unit 11300 sets the update state data to a value indicating “not completed” before overwriting the firmware, and sets the update state data to a value indicating “complete” when the firmware overwrite is completed. The value indicating “completed” may be different from the value indicating “normally completed” and the value indicating “abnormally completed”. The value indicating “abnormal completion” may be a different value depending on the cause of the abnormality.

For example, if the interchangeable lens 1000 is removed during the firmware update, the power supply to the interchangeable lens 1000 is cut off, so the update process is interrupted while the update state data remains a value indicating “incomplete”. For example, the lens control unit 11300 checks the update state data when power is supplied again, and if the value is a value indicating an incomplete state, the operation is limited because the firmware update is in a suspended state. To the specified mode (safe mode). Further, the operating state of the interchangeable lens 1000 stored in the memory is rewritten to the safe mode. In the safe mode, only limited functions including the processing necessary for updating the firmware can be executed. The process required to update the firmware is specifically a process of transmitting the identification information of the interchangeable lens 1000 and the operation state information (or a request for updating the firmware) to the camera body 2000. The process of updating the firmware recorded in the memory with the firmware received from the camera body 2000 is also a process necessary for updating the firmware.

Other processes, such as control of the focus lens controller 10800, cannot be performed.

Normally, the memory capacity is not large enough to store the entire firmware in duplicate. Therefore, the capacity available for program storage for safe mode is limited. Therefore, in the safe mode, only limited functions are provided, including the minimum necessary functions such as transmitting the operating state of the interchangeable lens 1000 and updating the firmware. When the lens control unit 11300 receives a request for processing that cannot be executed in the safe mode, such as a drive request for the focus lens 10400, in the first communication during the safe mode, the request is ignored. The lens operating member 11600 is an operating member mounted on the interchangeable lens 1000, and is, for example, a switch or an electronic ring. When the lens operating member 11600 is operated, an operation signal is output to the lens controller 11300.

Next, the configuration of the camera body 2000 will be described. The camera body 2000 includes an image sensor 20400, a camera control unit 20500 that controls the camera body, an image display unit 20600 that displays images taken by the camera body 2000, and a camera operation member 20900 that is an operation member provided in the camera body 2000. Equipped with. Further, the camera body 2000 includes a camera side first communication unit 20700 and a camera side second communication unit 20800 that control the first communication and the second communication. Each configuration will be described.

The image sensor 20400 is an image sensor for capturing an image, and is, for example, a CMOS image sensor.

The camera control unit 20500 is for controlling the camera body and has a memory (not shown). The camera control unit 20500 is an example of a communication control unit. The camera-side first communication unit 20700 is for the camera body 2000 to perform the first communication. The camera-side second communication unit 20800 is for performing second communication in the camera body 2000. The camera control unit 20500, the camera-side first communication unit 20700, and the camera-side second communication unit 20800 are configured using the CPU in the camera body 2000, for example.

The image display unit 20600 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor, and is used to display images captured by the camera body 2000, image data recorded on the recording medium 21100, GUI, and the like. At this time, the image display unit 20600 is also used to display a menu for the user to instruct to update the firmware of the interchangeable lens 1000 or the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000. Further, when the camera control unit 20500 detects that the interchangeable lens 1000 and the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 that are mounted are in the safe mode, the camera control unit 20500 can notify the user that a firmware update is necessary by displaying a message or the like. ..

The camera operating member 20900 is for setting shooting conditions, and is, for example, a dial ring or a switch. When the camera operation member 20900 is operated, an operation signal is output to the camera control unit 20500.

The media IF 21000 is an interface for recording and reading data with respect to the recording medium 21100 which is, for example, a removable memory card.

The recording medium 21100 is used as a recording destination of image data and audio data obtained by shooting with the camera body 2000. The recording medium 21100 is also used as a supplier of new firmware when updating the firmware of the camera body 2000, the interchangeable lens 1000, and the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000.

Each of the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 includes intermediate accessory optical members 30700 and 40700, intermediate accessory side second communication units 30800 and 40800 that perform second communication, and 30900 and 40900 that controls the intermediate accessory. Further, each of the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 includes intermediate accessory operating members 31000 and 41000 which are operating members provided in the intermediate accessory. Each configuration will be described.

The intermediate accessory optical members 30700 and 40700 of this embodiment are, for example, optical members that change the optical characteristics of a captured image, and are, for example, variable power lenses and ND filters.

The intermediate accessory side second communication units 30800 and 40800 are communication units for performing the second communication with the intermediate accessory 3000 and the intermediate accessory 4000.

The intermediate accessory control units 30900 and 40900 are control units for controlling the intermediate accessory 3000 and the intermediate accessory 4000, respectively, and have memories (not shown). Each of the intermediate accessory control units 30900 and 40900 is an example of a communication control unit. The intermediate accessory control units 30900 and 40900 and the intermediate accessory-side second communication units 30800 and 40800 are configured using the CPU of the intermediate accessory.

The memory included in the intermediate accessory control units 30900 and 40900 is composed of a rewritable non-volatile memory, and stores control software (firmware) executed by the CPU and unique information and status information regarding the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000. The unique information is, for example, a model name (identification information), optical characteristics, correction information and the like. Further, the status information is, for example, an operation status (normal/safe mode), operation information (position and speed) of the intermediate accessory operating members 31000 and 41000, firmware version and update status, and the like. However, it is not limited to these. The memory also stores a program that is executed when the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 are operated in the safe mode described later.

The intermediate accessory control units 30900 and 40900 have a programmable processor such as a CPU, and by reading a program from a memory and executing the program, various operations including operations of the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 described later are realized. To do. For example, the intermediate accessory control units 30900 and 40900 operate according to a command received from the camera control unit 20500 in the second communication described later, such as transmission of operation information of the intermediate accessory operation members 31000 and 41000, and firmware stored in the memory. Perform an update.

The intermediate accessory control units 30900 and 40900 update the firmware by overwriting the old firmware stored in the memory with the new firmware received from the camera body 2000 in the first communication, for example. The intermediate accessory control units 30900 and 40900 manage the update processing by recording data (update status data) indicating the status of the firmware update processing in the memory. For example, the intermediate accessory control units 30900 and 40900 set the update status data to a value indicating “not completed” before overwriting the firmware, and set the update status data to a value indicating “complete” when the firmware overwrite is completed. The value indicating “completed” may be different from the value indicating “normally completed” and the value indicating “abnormally completed”. The value indicating “abnormal completion” may be a different value depending on the cause of the abnormality.

For example, if the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 are removed during the firmware update, the power supply to the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 is cut off, and the update process is interrupted with the update status data indicating a value of “incomplete”. It For example, the intermediate accessory control units 30900 and 40900 check the updated state data when the power is supplied again, and if the value indicates the incomplete state, shift to the mode (safe mode) in which the operation is restricted. .. Further, the 00 operation state of the intermediate accessories 3000 and 40 stored in the memory is rewritten to the safe mode.

In the safe mode, only limited functions including the processing necessary for updating the firmware can be executed. Specifically, the processing required to update the firmware includes, in the camera body 2000, authentication information such as identification information of the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 and information indicating a safe mode (or a firmware update request). This is the process of transmitting. Further, the process of updating the firmware recorded in the memory with the firmware received from the camera body 2000 is also a process necessary for updating the firmware. Other processes, such as transmission of operation information of the intermediate accessory operation members 31000 and 41000, cannot be performed.

Normally, the memory capacity is not large enough to store the entire firmware in duplicate. Therefore, the capacity available for program storage for safe mode is limited. Therefore, in the safe mode, only limited functions are provided, including minimum necessary functions such as transmission of the operating states of the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 and updating of firmware. When the intermediate accessory control units 30900 and 40900 receive a request for processing that cannot be executed in the safe mode in the second communication during the safe mode, for example, when transmitting and receiving operation information of the intermediate accessory operating members 31000 and 41000, the request is ignored.

The intermediate accessory operating members 31000 and 41000 are operating members provided in the intermediate accessory 3000 and the intermediate accessory 4000, respectively, and are switches or electronic rings, for example. When the intermediate accessory operating members 31000, 41000 are operated, an operation signal is output to the intermediate accessory control units 30900, 40900.

The second communication connection switch 31100 and the second communication connection switch 41100 are switches provided on the second communication line of the intermediate accessory 3000 and the intermediate accessory 4000, respectively, and on the lens side of the intermediate accessory side second communication unit. The second communication connection switch 31100 and the second communication connection switch 41100 can control short circuit/open by the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 and the intermediate accessory control unit 40900, respectively. By providing these, it becomes possible to cut off the second communication on the lens side with respect to itself. That is, it is possible to change the communication state of the second communication by controlling the short circuit/release of these switches.

In Example 5, the flow until the light incident on the interchangeable lens 1000 is output as an image is as follows.

The light incident on the interchangeable lens 1000 passes through the focus lens 10400, the zoom lens 10500, the iris 10600, the blur correction lens 10700, and the intermediate accessory optical members 40700 and 30700 to form an image on the image sensor 20400, and is converted into an electric signal. The electric signal output from the image sensor 20400 is converted into a video signal by the camera control unit 20500 and output to the video display unit 20600.

<First communication (Fig. 12)>
Next, the first communication will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12A shows a configuration for performing the first communication. The first communication of the present embodiment exemplifies the case where clock synchronous communication is performed, but start-stop synchronous communication may be performed. Asynchronous communication will be described later as a modified example. The first communication contact groups 10200, 40300, 40500, 30300, 30500, and 20200 have first communication LCLK terminals 10200a, 40300a, 40500a, and 30300a that are terminals of the clock line LCLK output from the camera-side first communication unit 20700. , 30500a and 20200a are included. The present embodiment also includes first communication DCL terminals 10200b, 40300b, 40500b, 30300b, 30500b, 20200b which are terminals of the data line DCL output from the camera side first communication unit 20700 for clock synchronous communication. There is. Each of the first communication DCL terminals 10200b, 40300b, 40500b, 30300b, 30500b, 20200b is an example of the first communication terminal. Similarly, the first communication DLC terminals 10200c, 40300c, 40500c, 30300c, 30500c, 20200c, which are the terminals of the data line DLC output from the lens-side first communication unit 11400 for clock synchronous communication, are included. Each of the first communication DLC terminals 10200c, 40300c, 40500c, 30300c, 30500c, and 20200c is an example of the third communication terminal.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the clock line LCLK and the data line DCL are pulled up in the interchangeable lens 1000. The clock line LCLK and the data line DLC are pulled up in the camera body 2000.

The intermediate accessory 3000, the clock line LCLK, the data line DCL, and the data line DLC in the intermediate accessory 4000 are short-circuited between the first communication contacts 40300 and 40500 and 30300 and 30500, respectively.

FIG. 12B shows waveforms of the clock line LCLK, the data line DCL, and the data line DLC when the first communication is performed. The first camera side communication unit 20700 outputs a clock to the clock line LCLK and outputs 8-bit data of B7 to B0 to the data line DCL according to the rising signal of the clock line LCLK. Similarly, the first lens side communication unit 114 outputs 8-bit data B7 to B0 to the data line DLC in response to the rising signal of the clock line LCLK. Further, the first camera side communication unit 20700 receives the 8-bit data of B7 to B0 of the data line DLC in synchronization with the rising signal of the clock line LCLK. Similarly, the first lens side communication unit 11400 receives the 8-bit data of B7 to B0 of the data line DCL in synchronization with the rising signal of the clock line LCLK. As described above, the camera-side first communication unit 207 and the lens-side first communication unit 114 can exchange communication data with each other. Upon receiving the 8-bit data of B7 to B0 of the data line DCL, the first lens side communication unit 11400 outputs the clock line LCLK LOW for the time Tbusy, and then releases the LOW output. Here, the Tbusy time is the time during which the interchangeable lens 10 is processing the received data, and the first camera side communication unit 20700 does not perform data transmission until the clock line LCLK changes from LOW to HIGH after data transmission. ing. By this signal control, the flow control of the first communication can be performed. By repeating the above processing, data can be transmitted between the camera-side first communication unit 20700 and the lens-side first communication unit 114 by the first communication.

<Second communication (Fig. 21)>
Next, referring to the configuration diagram of FIG. 21, one of communication circuits capable of “one-to-many” communication configured between the camera body 2000, the interchangeable lens 1000, the intermediate accessory 3000, and the intermediate accessory 4000. Will be described. It should be noted that the communication circuit is not limited to this as long as "one-to-many" communication is possible. Further, when a plurality of communication circuits are provided, other communication circuits may be "one-to-one" communication such as clock-synchronized serial communication or UART communication.

The camera-side second communication unit 20800, the lens-side second communication unit 115, and the intermediate accessory second communication units 30800 and 40800 are connected via the contact portion as in the first communication. More specifically, the second communication contact group is connected via the second communication contact group 10300, 40400, 40600, 30400, 30600, 20300. In this embodiment, the second communication contact groups 10300, 40400, 40600, 30400, 30600, 20300 are CS signal terminals 10300a, 40400a, 40600a, 30400a, 30600a, 20300a and DATA signal terminals 10300b, 40400b, 40600b, 30400b, 30600b. , 20300b. The camera side second communication unit 20800, the lens side second communication unit 11500, and the intermediate accessory second communication unit 30800 are a CS signal line connected via a CS signal terminal and a DATA signal line connected via a DATA signal terminal. Use to communicate.

The DATA signal terminals included in the second communication contact groups 10300, 40400, 40600, 30400, 30600, and 20300 are examples of second communication terminals.

The camera communication circuit is composed of a ground switch 22100 and an input/output changeover switch 22200. The lens communication circuit is composed of a ground switch 12100 and an input/output changeover switch 12200. The intermediate accessory communication circuit is composed of ground switches 32100 and 42100 and input/output changeover switches 32200 and 42200.

The signal lines are a CS signal line (first signal line) for propagating a signal for flow control of communication and a DATA signal line (second signal line) for propagating data to be transmitted and received. Composed of books.

The CS signal line is connected to the camera side second communication unit 20800, the intermediate accessory second communication unit 30800, and the lens side second communication unit 11500, and is configured to be able to detect the state (Hi/Low) of the signal line. .. Further, the CS signal line is pull-up connected to a power source (not shown) in the camera body. The CS signal line is configured to be connectable to GND via the ground switch 12100 of the interchangeable lens 1000, the ground switch 22100 of the camera body 2000, and the ground switches 32100 and 42100 of the intermediate adapter (open drain connection). With this configuration, the interchangeable lens 1000, the camera body 2000, and the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 can each have a CS signal line set to Low by turning on (connecting) a ground switch. On the other hand, when the interchangeable lens 1000, the camera body 2000, and the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 all turn off (shut off) their connection switches, the state of the CS signal line can be set to Hi. The CS signal line is used to distinguish between broadcast communication and P2P communication, or for switching the communication direction in P2P communication.

The DATA signal line is a single-line bidirectional data transmission line that can be used while switching the data propagation direction. The DATA signal line can be connected to the second lens side communication unit 11500 via the input/output changeover switch 12200 of the interchangeable lens 1000. Further, the DATA signal line can be connected to the camera side second communication unit 20800 via the input/output changeover switch 22200 of the camera body 2000. Further, the DATA signal line can be connected to the intermediate accessory second communication units 30800 and 40800 via the input/output changeover switches 32200 and 42200 of the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000, respectively. Each microcomputer is provided with a data output unit (CMOS system) for transmitting data and a data input unit (CMOS system) for receiving data. By operating the input/output changeover switch, it is possible to select whether to connect the DATA signal line to the data output section or the data input section. With this configuration, the interchangeable lens 1000, the camera body 2000, and the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 each operate the input/output changeover switch so as to connect the DATA signal line to the data output unit when transmitting data. It becomes possible to send. On the other hand, the interchangeable lens 1000, the camera body 2000, and the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 can receive data by operating the input/output changeover switches so that the DATA signal line is connected to the data input unit when receiving the data. It will be possible.

Here, the broadcast communication and the P2P communication performed by the CS signal and the data signal will be described.

The CS signal line is set to LOW when any unit is connected to GND, and is used as a trigger for broadcast communication.

Broadcast communication is started by the camera body, which is the main body of communication, pulling the CS signal line to LOW. It is determined that the data received by the accessory through the DATA line when the CS signal line is LOW is broadcast data.

In addition, each accessory can request broadcast communication from the camera body by pulling the CS signal line LOW.

The unit that has detected the LOW of the CS signal line can inform other units that the process for the broadcast communication is continuing by turning on the ground switch of itself during the process of the broadcast. By defining that the second communication starts with broadcast communication and ends with broadcast communication, the DATA signal line of the accessory basically needs to maintain the reception state. When the camera performs P2P communication with the accessory, first, the accessory to be communicated is designated by broadcast communication. The camera that has completed the transmission of the broadcast communication and the designated accessory perform the P2P communication.

In P2P communication, first, the camera transmits data, and the accessory that receives the data transmits the data to the camera. Thereafter, this is alternately performed. In P2P communication, the CS signal during communication is kept HIGH to be distinguished from broadcast communication. The CS signal in P2P communication is used as a busy signal. That is, the camera and the accessory are set to LOW in order to notify the other party that the data transmission from itself has been completed, and set to HIGH in order to notify that the data reception is ready.

When the P2P communication ends, the camera broadcasts the end of the P2P communication.

In this way, the camera can perform data communication with the plurality of accessories via the two communication lines.

Note that FIG. 21 shows an example of the communication circuit in the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a CS signal line is connected to GND in the camera body 2000 by pull-down connection, and not shown via the ground switch 12100 of the interchangeable lens 1000, the ground switch 22100 of the camera body 2000, and the ground switches 32100 and 42100 of the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000. It may be configured to be connectable to a power supply. The DATA signal line may be always connected to each data input section, and the connection/disconnection between the DATA signal line and each data output section may be operated by a switch.

The second communication can be realized by the same communication method as the first communication, bidirectional asynchronous communication, master/slave method, token passing method, or the like.

<Initial communication with accessory and acquisition process of corrected optical information (FIG. 13)>
Next, a flow in which the camera body 2000 acquires the authentication information of the accessory by initial communication with the accessory and further acquires the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 corrected based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory 3000 and the intermediate accessory 4000 This will be described using 13. The optical information of the intermediate accessory is, for example, when the intermediate accessory has a variable power lens, the magnification that changes due to the insertion of the intermediate accessory. The optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 is, for example, information such as focal length, aperture, focus sensitivity, focus correction amount, and the like.

FIG. 13 is a process in which the camera body 2000 acquires the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 corrected based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory 3000 and the intermediate accessory 4000 after supplying power for the first time after mounting the intermediate accessory and the interchangeable lens. Shows the flow of.

When the camera body 2000 is activated in S30100, the process proceeds to S30200.

Upon transitioning to S30200, the camera body 2000 supplies power to the interchangeable lens 1000, the intermediate accessory 3000, and the intermediate accessory 4000 via a power supply mount contact (not shown), and transitions to S30300 and S30400.

Upon transitioning to S30300, the camera control unit 20500 performs initial communication with the interchangeable lens 1000 in the first communication. In the initial communication, the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 1000 is acquired.

Here, the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 1000 includes identification information and operation state information of the interchangeable lens 1000. The interchangeable lens identification information may be information such as a model number (ID) used to identify the type (model) of the interchangeable lens, or may be optical data identification information indicating optical data unique to the interchangeable lens. .. Further, it may include information indicating the function of the interchangeable lens and information such as a manufacturing number (serial number) capable of identifying an individual in the same model.

The operating state information is information that can be used to identify whether the interchangeable lens 1000 is operating normally or operating in safe mode. In other words, whether the firmware update is in a suspended state (operating in safe mode) or not. (Normal operation) is the information that can be identified.

The flow of the sub-process S30300 for acquiring the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 1000 in the first communication will be described later with reference to FIG.

Upon transitioning to S30400, the camera control unit 20500 performs initial communication with the accessory in the second communication and acquires authentication information of the accessory.

Here, the accessory authentication information includes accessory identification information, correction process necessity information, and operation state information.

The intermediate accessory identification information may be information such as a model number (ID) used to identify the type (model) of the intermediate accessory, or may be optical data identification information indicating optical data unique to the intermediate accessory. .. Further, it may include information indicating a function of the intermediate accessory, information such as a manufacturing number (serial number) capable of identifying an individual in the same model, and the like.

The correction processing necessity information is information indicating whether or not the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 needs to be corrected by mounting the accessory. If the accessory is an intermediate accessory and does not affect the optical system of the interchangeable lens 1000, the correction process is unnecessary. If the camera control unit 20500 knows in advance that the correction processing by mounting the intermediate accessory is unnecessary based on the intermediate accessory correction processing necessity information, the camera ignores the intermediate accessory in the acquisition processing of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000. can do.

As an intermediate accessory that does not require a correction process, for example, there is an intermediate accessory that is equipped with an optical member that is optically designed to cancel the influence of its own width on the optical system and that is attached for the purpose of adding an operating member. Further, a mount converter or the like that is mounted between the interchangeable lens of the mount having a short flange back and the camera body to change the flange back length suitable for the camera body can be given.

The operation state information is information that can be used to identify whether the intermediate accessories 3000 and 4000 are operating normally or operating in safe mode. In other words, the firmware update is in a suspended state (operating in safe mode), This is information that can be identified whether or not (normal operation).

The flow of the sub-process S30400 for acquiring the authentication information of the intermediate accessory in the second communication will be described later with reference to FIG. Since S30300 and S30400 use different communication paths, the processes may be performed in parallel or sequentially.

When the authentication information of the interchangeable lens and the authentication information of the attached accessory are acquired in S30300 and S30400, the process proceeds to S305.

Upon transitioning to S30500, the camera control unit 20500 determines whether or not there is an intermediate accessory that requires correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the correction processing necessity information acquired in S30400. If the intermediate accessory whose correction processing necessity information is “necessary” (also referred to as an intermediate accessory related to correction) is attached, the process proceeds to S30600.

Upon transitioning to S30600, the camera control unit 20500 determines whether or not there is an accessory for which the camera control unit 20500 does not hold optical information, among the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessories whose correction process necessity information is “Necessary” in S30500. To judge. The interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory for which the correction processing necessity information is “necessary” in S30500 are also referred to as correction-related accessories. If the camera control unit 20500 has an accessory that does not have optical information among the accessories related to the correction, the camera control unit 20500 cannot perform the correction process of the optical information of the interchangeable lens. In this case, the process proceeds to S30700 to search for a correction processing request destination.

Upon transitioning to S30700, the camera control unit 20500 determines an accessory (also referred to as a first accessory) that holds optical information of all other accessories among the accessories related to the correction. As a method for determining the first accessory, for example, the identification information acquired from the accessory may be used for the determination, or the accessory may be inquired by communication. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the first accessory is determined in S30700, the process proceeds to S30800.

Upon transitioning to S30800, the camera control unit 205 transmits the identification information of the accessory relating to other corrections to the first accessory determined in S307, and requests correction processing of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000. In this embodiment, as an example, when the first accessory is an interchangeable lens, communication is performed by the first communication. When the first accessory is an intermediate accessory, the second communication is performed.

The control unit of the first accessory that has received the correction request in S30800 performs the correction process of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 using the optical information of the other accessory related to the correction that is held.

In step S30900, the camera control unit 20500 acquires the optical information corrected by the first accessory.

On the other hand, in S30600, the camera control unit 20500 determines that there is no interchangeable lens and an accessory for which the correction processing necessity information is “necessary” in S30500, in which the camera control unit 20500 does not hold optical information. In the case, the process proceeds to S31000. In this case, the camera control unit 20500 holds the optical information of all accessories.

Upon transitioning to S31000, the camera control unit 20500 corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens using the optical information of the interchangeable lens and the optical information of the intermediate accessory held by the camera control unit 20500.

Further, in S30500, when the camera control unit 20500 determines that there is no intermediate accessory that requires the correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens, the intermediate accessory is not attached, or the correction processing of all the attached intermediate accessories is performed. The necessity information is “No”. Therefore, as a process when it is not necessary to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens, the process proceeds to S31100.

Upon transitioning to S31100, it is determined whether or not the camera body 2000 holds the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 based on the identification information of the interchangeable lens 1000 included in the interchangeable lens authentication information acquired in S30300. When the camera control unit 20500 does not hold the optical information of the interchangeable lens, the process proceeds to S31200.

Upon transitioning to S31200, the camera control unit 20500 acquires the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 from the lens control unit 11300 in the first communication.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S31100 that the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 is held, the camera control unit 20500 acquires the optical information from the data table in the camera in S31300.

After acquiring the optical information in S30900, S31000, S31200, or S31300, the process proceeds to S31400, and the optical information acquisition sequence ends.

After obtaining the optical information, the first communication path is used for communication for the camera body 2000 to control the interchangeable lens 1000, and the second communication path is used by the camera body 2000 for the intermediate accessory operating member 31000 and the intermediate accessory operating member 41000. It is used for communication to constantly acquire the operation information of. The communication for constantly acquiring the operation information of the operation member 11600 of the interchangeable lens takes into consideration the occupancy of each communication path and the immediacy required for communication and control, and the first communication path and the second communication path. Any of the above communication paths may be used.

<Initial communication processing by the first communication between the camera and the interchangeable lens (FIG. 14)>
FIG. 14 shows the flow of a sub-process S30300 that is initial communication performed by the camera body 2000 with the interchangeable lens 1000 in the camera system of the fifth embodiment. In the initial communication, the camera control unit 20500 acquires the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 1000 from the lens control unit 11300.

When the sub process is started in S40100, the process proceeds to S40200.

Upon transitioning to S40200, the camera control unit 20500 transmits an interchangeable lens authentication information transmission request (corresponding to the first transmission request) to the lens control unit 11300 in the first communication.

Here, the interchangeable lens authentication information request of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The interchangeable lens authentication information request of this embodiment is information that the interchangeable lens 1000 requests the camera control unit 20500 to transmit two pieces of authentication information. The authentication information request includes an interchangeable lens identification information request and an operation state information request.

In S40300, when the lens control unit 11300 receives the interchangeable lens authentication information transmission request, the process proceeds to S40400. Then, the lens control unit 11300 transmits the interchangeable lens authentication information (corresponding to the first information) to the camera control unit 20500 in the first communication.

Here, the authentication information transmitted by the interchangeable lens 1000 to the camera control unit 20500 will be described with reference to FIG. The authentication information includes identification information and operating state information.

When the camera control unit 20500 receives the interchangeable lens authentication information in step S40500, the process advances to step S40600 to store the received interchangeable lens authentication information.

After S40700, the sub-process S30300 ends.

<Initial communication processing by the second communication between the camera and the intermediate accessory (FIG. 15)>
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a sub-process S30400 that is an initial communication process performed by the camera body 2000 and the accessory in the camera system of the fifth embodiment. In the initial communication, the camera control unit 20500 acquires the authentication information of the accessory. The authentication information of the accessory will be described later.

When the sub process is started in S50100, the process proceeds to S50200.

Upon transitioning to S50200, the camera control unit 20500 transmits an accessory authentication information request (corresponding to the second transmission request) to the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 in the second communication.

Here, the request for the authentication information of the accessory of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The accessory authentication information request is information for the accessory to request the camera control unit 20500 to transmit the accessory authentication information. In the present embodiment, the accessory authentication information includes accessory identification information, operating state information, correction processing necessity information, and termination information.

When the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 receives the accessory authentication information request in S50300, the process proceeds to S50600.

In S50600, the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 transmits the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 3000 to the camera control unit 20500 by the second communication.

Here, the authentication information transmitted by the intermediate accessory to the camera control unit 20500 will be described with reference to FIG. The authentication information includes identification information (which is an example of third information), operation state information, correction processing necessity information, and termination information.

The correction processing necessity information is information indicating "necessary" if the intermediate accessory changes the optical characteristics. If the optical characteristics are not changed, the information indicates "no".

In the present embodiment, the termination information is information indicating whether or not it is the termination of the second communication as seen from the camera body 2000. If the intermediate adapter is the end of the second communication as seen from the camera body 2000, the end information is information indicating “it is the end”. If it is not the end of the second communication as viewed from the camera body 2000, the end information is information indicating “not the end”.

In the one-to-many communication such as the second communication, the transmission destination can be designated by, for example, adding the identification information of the accessory to the beginning of the communication data. However, since the camera control unit 20500 does not have any accessory information at the stage of S50200, the destination of the transmission cannot be specified by the communication data.

Therefore, as an example of means for the camera body 2000 to sequentially communicate with a plurality of accessories in this sub-process, there is a method of using the second communication connection switch 31100 and the second communication connection switch 41100 as follows. It is assumed that the second communication connection switch 31100 and the second communication connection switch 41100 are short-circuited in the steady state.

In S50100, the camera control unit 20500 transmits this sub-process start information by the second communication. Since the second communication connection switch 31100 and the second communication connection switch 41100 are short-circuited, each accessory receives this sub-process start information. Each intermediate accessory that has received this sub-process start information opens its second communication connection switch. As a result, only the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 is connected to the camera control unit 20500, and the data transmitted by the camera control unit 20500 can be received. The intermediate accessory control unit 40900 can receive the data transmitted by the camera control unit 20500 by causing the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 that has completed the processing on the received data to short-circuit the second communication connection switch 31100. The intermediate accessory 3000 having the second communication connection switch short-circuited does not respond to the transmission information of the camera control unit 20500 until it receives the sub-process end information transmitted by the camera control unit 20500 in S52200 when the sub-process ends.

In the present embodiment, even if the intermediate accessory 3000 is operating in the safe mode, the camera body 2000 and the intermediate accessory 3000 do not end this sub-process, and the accessory connected via the intermediate accessory 3000. Make initial communication with. However, when the accessory operating in the safe mode is attached, the initial communication with the accessory attached via the accessory may not be performed. For example, when the operation state of the intermediate accessory 3000 is the safe mode, the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 does not short-circuit the second communication connection switch 31100 even if the processing on the received data is completed. Then, this sub-process may be immediately terminated by transmitting the authentication information to the camera control unit 20500 with the termination information as “termination”.

By taking the same behavior for the intermediate accessory 4000, the camera control unit 20500 can sequentially communicate with a plurality of accessories.

In S50400 and S50500, since the second communication connection switch 31100 is opened, the intermediate accessory 4000 and the lens controller 11300 do not receive the information transmission request transmitted from the camera controller 20500 in S50200.

In S50600, the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 transmits the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 3000 to the camera control unit 20500 by the second communication. Then, the second communication connection switch 31100 is short-circuited. Accordingly, the intermediate accessory control unit 40900 can receive the data transmitted by the camera control unit 20500.

When the camera control unit 20500 receives the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 3000 in S50700, the process proceeds to S50800. Then, the received authentication information is stored.

As described above, when the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 3000 is acquired in S50200 to S50800, the process proceeds to S50900. In S50900, S51100, and S51300 to S51500, the camera control unit 20500 acquires the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 4000 as in S50200, S50300, and S50600 to S50800.

In S51000, the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 receives the authentication information request transmitted by the camera control unit 20500, but does not respond because it has not received this sub-process end information.

In S51200, as in S50400 and S50500, the second communication connection switch 41100 is opened, so the lens control unit 11300 does not receive the information transmission request transmitted from the camera control unit 20500 in S50900.

Example 5 is an example in which one interchangeable lens and two intermediate accessories are connected in total, but only one intermediate accessory may be connected or three or more intermediate accessories may be connected. Since any number of intermediate accessories may be attached, it is preferable that the accessory information acquisition process be ended by acquiring the accessory end information.

The accessory termination information may be obtained by another method. For example, similarly to S50200 and S50900, when the camera control unit 20500 transmits the authentication information request assuming that the intermediate accessory is attached, the interchangeable lens is obtained by the termination information returned from the lens second communication unit 11500. You may be notified that there is. Further, the intermediate accessory 4000 may detect that it is the terminal by the connection state of a terminal (not shown) or the like, and notify the camera body 2000 in S51300. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the lens control unit 11300 responds to the authentication information request from the camera control unit 20500 with the authentication information including the termination information to notify the termination information.

In S51600, the camera body 20 transmits an authentication information request (corresponding to the second transmission request) in the second communication, as in S50200 and S50900. In S51700 and S51800, the intermediate accessory 3000 and the intermediate accessory 4000 do not respond because they have not received this sub-process end information as in S51000.

When the lens control unit 11300 receives the authentication information request in S51900, the process proceeds to S52000, and the authentication information is transmitted to the camera control unit 20500 by the second communication.

Here, the authentication information transmitted from the lens control unit 113 to the camera control unit 20500 will be described with reference to FIG. The authentication information includes identification information (which is an example of second information), operation state information, correction processing necessity information, and termination information.

Since the interchangeable lens 1000 is not an intermediate accessory, it is not necessary to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 by mounting it. Therefore, the correction process necessity information is information indicating that the correction process is unnecessary.

Further, since the interchangeable lens 1000 of the present embodiment is the end of the second communication when viewed from the camera body 2000, the termination information is information indicating that the interchangeable lens 1000 is the end of the second communication.

When the camera control unit 20500 acquires the authentication information in step S52100, the process advances to step S52200, and the series of initial communication processes ends.

In order to shorten the communication process, it is preferable to acquire the correction process necessity information as in the present embodiment, but if the correction information necessity information is not exchanged, the correction process is necessary for all the intermediate accessories. Judge that there is.

After S52200, the sub-process S30400 ends.

In this embodiment, the processing using the means for sequentially communicating with a plurality of accessories using the second communication connection switch has been described in this embodiment. However, another means may be used as long as it can communicate with a plurality of accessories. For example, by detecting the voltage level of a terminal (not shown) connected to the accessory itself, it is possible to know the order of attachment from the camera body side. In that case, the number of information transmission requests transmitted from the camera is counted, and the information is transmitted to the camera body only when it matches the mounting order of itself.

<Sub-process S30700 (FIG. 16) for determining the first accessory>
In the fifth embodiment, the flow of the sub-process S30700 in which the camera body 2000 searches for the first accessory among the accessories related to the correction by communication will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow of a sub-process S30700 in which the camera control unit 20500 determines the first accessory among the accessories related to the optical correction in the camera system of the fifth embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the camera control unit 20500 does not hold the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000, the intermediate accessory 3000, and the intermediate accessory 4000. Further, it is assumed that both the correction processing necessity information of the intermediate accessory 3000 and the intermediate accessory 4000 are “necessary”.

When the sub process is started in S60100, the process proceeds to S60200.

Upon transitioning to S60200, the camera control unit 20500 transmits the 00 identification information of the intermediate accessory 40 and the optical information presence/absence reply request to the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 in the second communication, and holds the optical information of the intermediate accessory 4000. Inquire. The method of designating the destination is, for example, by adding the identification information of the intermediate accessory to the beginning of the communication data in the transmission data and referring to the value at the beginning of the communication data by the accessory to determine whether the communication is addressed to itself. Good.

When the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 receives the identification information of the intermediate accessory 4000 and the optical information presence/absence reply request in S60300, the process proceeds to S60400.

In S60400, the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 transmits to the camera control unit 20500 by the second communication whether or not the optical information of the intermediate accessory 4000 is held.

When the camera control unit 20500 receives the presence or absence of the optical information of the intermediate accessory 4000 from the intermediate accessory 3000 in S60500, the process proceeds to S60600.

In S60600, the camera control unit 20500 determines an intermediate accessory (also referred to as a first intermediate accessory) having optical information of another intermediate accessory.

When the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 holds the optical information of the intermediate accessory 4000, the process proceeds to S60700, and the camera control unit 20500 determines that the intermediate accessory 3000 is the first intermediate accessory.

When the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 does not hold the optical information of the intermediate accessory 4000, the process proceeds to S60800, and the intermediate accessory 4000 is the first intermediate accessory and the camera control is performed when the optical information of the intermediate accessory 3000 is held. The unit 20500 makes the determination.

Even when three or more intermediate accessories are attached, the first intermediate accessory can be determined similarly. For example, when three accessories are attached, the same processing as S60200 to S60500 is performed between the two accessories. When the first intermediate accessory is found, the process proceeds to S60900.

Upon transitioning to S60900, the camera control unit 20500 requests the lens control unit 11300 for the presence/absence reply of the identification information and the optical information (fourth information) of the first intermediate accessory determined in S60700 or S60800 in the first communication. (Third instruction information) is transmitted. In other words, ask if it holds the optical information of the first intermediate accessory.

When the lens control unit 11300 receives the identification information of the first intermediate accessory and the optical information presence/absence reply request in S61000, the process proceeds to S61100, and it is determined in the first communication whether or not the optical information of the first intermediate accessory is held. And transmits it to the camera control unit 20500.

When the camera control unit 20500 receives the presence/absence of the optical information of the first intermediate accessory from the interchangeable lens 1000 in S61200, the process proceeds to S61300, and the lens control unit 11300 holds the optical information of the first intermediate accessory. To judge. This determines the first accessory.

When the camera control unit 20500 determines that the lens control unit 11300 holds the optical information of the first intermediate accessory, the process proceeds to S61400. In S61400, it is determined that the interchangeable lens 1000 is the first accessory and holds the optical information of the intermediate accessory 3000 and the intermediate accessory 4000. When the camera control unit 20500 determines that the lens control unit 11300 does not hold the optical information of the first intermediate accessory, the process proceeds to S61500.

In S61500, the camera control unit 20500 determines that the first intermediate accessory is the first accessory.

When the first accessory is determined in S61400 or S61500, the process proceeds to S61600, and the camera control unit 20500 stores the identification information of the first accessory and the accessory type. When the first accessory is stored, the process moves to S61700 and the sub-process S30700 ends.

<Effect of Example 5>
As described above, the fifth embodiment independently has the first communication path through which the camera and the interchangeable lens can communicate and the second communication path through which the camera and the accessory can communicate. Then, the unit for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens is determined based on the identification information of each unit and the intermediate accessory correction processing necessity information acquired by the communication using the respective communication paths. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens and to perform communication at a more intended timing among the units of the imaging device, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory.

In the fifth embodiment, a method of correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory in the startup sequence immediately after mounting the interchangeable lens has been described. Example 6 In Example 6, a method of correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens when the optical system of the accessory dynamically changes by operating the operation member provided in the accessory will be described.

Examples of dynamically changing the optical system of the accessory by operating the operation member provided in the intermediate accessory include a variable power lens having a variable magnification and an ND filter having a variable transmittance.

In the sixth embodiment, the process described in the fifth embodiment is executed when the current optical system is determined by mounting the interchangeable lens. As a result, the camera control unit 20500 recognizes the unit holding the optical information of all the accessories among the interchangeable lens 1000, the camera body 2000, the intermediate accessory 3000, and the intermediate accessory 4000.

Further, it is assumed that the camera control unit 20500 recognizes the accessory whose optical system can dynamically change, based on the accessory identification information acquired by the operation as in the fifth embodiment.

Hereinafter, an accessory whose optical information dynamically changes and whose correction processing necessity information is “necessary” is referred to as a dynamic accessory. An intermediate accessory whose correction process necessity information is “No” in which the optical information does not change dynamically is referred to as a static intermediate accessory. An interchangeable lens whose optical information changes dynamically is called a dynamic lens, and an interchangeable lens whose optical information does not change dynamically is called a static lens.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the intermediate accessory 3000 and the intermediate accessory 4000 are mounted between the camera body 2000 and the interchangeable lens 1000 will be described. However, in the case where only one of the intermediate accessories is mounted. However, this embodiment can be applied.

<Dynamic accessory search processing (FIG. 17)>
FIG. 17 shows the relationship between the fifth embodiment and this embodiment. When the camera system is activated in S70100, the process proceeds to S70200.

In S70200, the camera control unit 20500 executes the process described in FIG. That is, for example, the initial communication, the first unit is determined, and the optical information of the interchangeable lens is corrected. In the initial communication, information (also referred to as dynamic accessory information) corresponding to whether or not the optical system dynamically changes is acquired from the interchangeable lens 1000, the intermediate accessory 3000, and 4000. For example, the camera control unit 20500 transmits a transmission request to the accessory at the timing of acquiring the identification information in S40200 of FIG. 14, S50200, and S50900 of FIG. The accessory transmits the dynamic accessory information in response to the transmission request. The authentication information may be included in the dynamic accessory information, and the authentication information including the moving body accessory information may be acquired as a response to the transmission request of the authentication information transmitted to the accessory by the camera control unit 20500. Note that the camera control unit 20500 may determine whether or not it is a dynamic accessory from the accessory identification information acquired in S70200, without separately acquiring the dynamic accessory information. In this case, the memory (not shown) of the camera control unit 20500 may be configured to have the identification information of the accessory and the information (table or the like) indicating the correspondence relationship of whether or not the optical system dynamically changes. Thereby, the camera control unit 20500 can determine whether or not the accessory is a dynamic accessory based on the identification information of the accessory.

When the sub process S70200 ends, the process moves to S70300.

In S70300, the camera control unit 20500 determines whether or not the dynamic accessory is attached based on the dynamic accessory information described above. More specifically, when the information indicating that the optical system dynamically changes as the dynamic accessory information is acquired from any of the accessories, the camera control unit 20500 determines that the dynamic accessory is attached. To do. Further, when the information indicating that the optical system dynamically changes is not acquired as the dynamic accessory information, the camera control unit 20500 determines that the dynamic accessory is not mounted. If the dynamic accessory is attached, the process proceeds to S70400.

In S704, 00, the camera control unit 20500 executes a sub-process of correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the change of the optical information of the dynamic accessory. When the dynamic accessory is not attached or when the dynamic accessory is not operated, there is no need to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens, and therefore the process proceeds to S70500, and the optical correction process for the interchangeable lens ends.

<Optical information correction processing according to operation of dynamic accessory (FIG. 18)>
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 18, a sub-process S70400 for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the change of the optical information according to the operation of the dynamic accessory, which is Embodiment 6 of the present invention, will be described.

In the sub-process shown in FIG. 18, it is assumed that the intermediate accessory 3000 is a dynamic accessory, the interchangeable lens 1000 is a first unit and a static lens, and the intermediate accessory 4000 is a static intermediate accessory. That is, it is assumed that the camera control unit 20500 and the lens control unit 11300 recognize that way in S70200 of FIG.

When the sequence starts in S80100, the process proceeds to S80200.

In S80200, the camera control unit 20500 transmits an optical data identification information transmission request to the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 of the intermediate accessory 3000 that is a dynamic accessory by the second communication.

When the intermediate accessory control unit 30900 receives the optical data identification information transmission request in S80300, the process proceeds to S80400, and the optical data identification information is transmitted to the camera control unit 20500 in the second communication.

It should be noted that the optical data identification information of the dynamic accessory is information regarding a parameter for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000, and is assumed to be, for example, current optical information in the present embodiment. For example, when the intermediate accessory has a variable power lens, it is information on the current magnification. Further, for example, when the intermediate accessory has an ND filter, it is information for correcting the current optical path length. The optical data identification information may be other information as long as the first unit can recognize the optical state of the dynamic accessory. In addition, information such as a model number (ID) used for identifying the type (model) may be added with information on a plurality of possible states, or optical data identification information indicating dynamically changing optical data. May be Further, it may include information indicating the function of the accessory and information such as a manufacturing number (serial number) capable of identifying an individual in the same model.

When the camera control unit 20500 receives the optical data identification information in S80500, the process proceeds to S80600.

In S80600, the camera control unit 20500 determines whether the optical information of the intermediate accessory 3000 has changed based on the optical data identification information. For example, the optical information of the intermediate accessory 3000 received in the initial communication of S70200 is compared with the optical data identification information received in S80500. If the optical information has not changed, the process returns to S80200, and the camera control unit 20500 retransmits the optical data identification information transmission request after a lapse of a predetermined time.

When the camera control unit 20500 determines in S80600 that the optical information of the intermediate accessory 3000 has changed, the process proceeds to S80700 and shifts to a process for correcting the optical information of the optical lens.

As a means for the camera control unit 20500 to recognize the change in the optical information of the dynamic accessory, as shown in S80200, 80300, 80400, 80500, and S80600, the optical accessory is communicated with the dynamic accessory at a constant cycle by polling. Whether or not information has changed may be received.

Also, an interrupt signal may be received from the dynamic accessory when the optical information of the dynamic accessory changes. For example, it is assumed that the intermediate accessory 3000 that is a dynamic accessory has an operation member that changes the optical information of the intermediate accessory 3000. In this case, it may be possible to detect that the operation member is operated and transmit an interrupt signal from the intermediate accessory control unit 30900, which will be described later, to the camera control unit 20500. Further, even if the camera control unit 20500 receives the interrupt signal from the intermediate accessory control unit 309 and determines in S80600 that the optical data identification information has changed, the above-described S80200, S80300, S80400, and S80500 may be executed. good.

Further, the optical data identification information in which the change is reflected may be exchanged as in S80200, S80300, S80400, and S80500. Further, only the change of the optical data identification information may be notified to the camera control unit 20500, and the camera control unit 20500 may calculate the current optical data identification information and start the exchange.

When the process proceeds to S80700, the camera control unit 20500 uses the first communication to transmit the optical data identification information of the intermediate accessory 3000 and the correction request for the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 (also referred to as an optical correction request) through the first communication. 1000 lens control unit 11300.

Upon receiving the optical data identification information of the intermediate accessory 3000 and the optical correction request in S80800, the lens control unit 11300 transitions to S80900.

In S80900, the lens control unit 11300 acquires the current optical information of the intermediate accessory 3000 from the table in the lens control unit 11300 based on the optical data identification information of the intermediate accessory 3000, and transitions to S80900.

In S81000, the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 is corrected based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory 4000 which is the static intermediate accessory acquired in the sub-process S70200 and the optical information of the intermediate accessory 3000.

When the correction is completed, in S81100, the lens control unit 11300 transmits the corrected optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 to the camera control unit 20500 in the first communication.

When the optical information of the interchangeable lens corrected by the camera control unit 20500 is received in S81200, the process proceeds to S81300 and the optical information is stored in the camera control unit 20500.

When S81300 ends, the process returns to S80200 to monitor the change in the optical information of the dynamic accessory again.

In this embodiment, one of the intermediate accessories is a dynamic accessory, and the optical lens 1000 is the first unit. In addition, even when there are a plurality of dynamic accessories or when the first unit is a unit other than the interchangeable lens, the correction process can be similarly performed.

Further, when only the first unit is a dynamic accessory, if the first unit recognizes that, the optical correction is performed at the stage when it recognizes that the optical information of itself changes. The optical data of the interchangeable lens 1000 later may be transmitted to the camera body 2000.

The correction process of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 is performed in consideration of not only the optical information of the dynamic accessory acquired in S80500 but also the optical information of the static intermediate accessory like the optical information of the intermediate accessory 4000 in S81000. .. When the static intermediate accessory is attached, it is corrected in advance with the optical information of the static intermediate accessory, and when the optical information changes dynamically, the final correction processing is performed with the optical information of the dynamic accessory. May be.

<Effect of Example 6>
As described above, in the sixth embodiment, the camera control unit 20500 detects the change in the optical information of the intermediate accessory 3000. Then, the camera body 2000 transmits information regarding changes in optical information and a request for correcting optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 to the lens controller 11300. Then, the lens control unit 11300 corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 and sends it to the camera control unit 20500.

Thereby, even when the optical information of the accessory dynamically changes, the optical information of the interchangeable lens can be appropriately corrected.

In the present embodiment, description will be made focusing on a case where optical data identification information indicating optical data unique to an accessory is used as the intermediate accessory identification information.

The product-specific information such as the intermediate accessory identification information such as the model number (ID) is an accessory that can be corrected when the accessory of the new product has the same optical system as the known accessory, or by the same correction method as the known accessory. However, a new model number is assigned. Therefore, if the necessity of correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens is determined based on the model number (ID) or the like, and if the model number (ID) is unknown, the optical characteristics of the lens are considered in consideration of the optical characteristics of the accessory. The information could not be corrected.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the optical data identification information is used as the intermediate accessory identification information. In this embodiment, the intermediate accessory identification information is associated with the correction method. More specifically, a combination of the information about the correction method and the information about the correction parameter is used as the optical data identification information. Hereinafter, such optical data identification information is referred to as correction identification information. The information regarding the correction method of the present embodiment is information corresponding to the optical member of the intermediate accessory, and the information regarding the correction parameter is information corresponding to the optical information of the intermediate accessory according to the optical characteristics of the optical member. Taking a case where the intermediate accessory is a variable power adapter having a variable power lens as an example, the information regarding the correction method is information indicating the variable power lens, and the information regarding the correction parameter is magnification information of the variable power lens.

The lens controller 11300 may be configured to store the information about the correction method and the information about the correction parameter in association with each other. If other information is required to correct the optical information, that information may also be stored in association with the information regarding the correction method and the information regarding the correction parameter.

As described above, the information about the correction method and the information about the correction parameter are transmitted to the lens controller 11300 via the camera controller 20500. As a result, even if it becomes necessary to perform correction in consideration of an intermediate accessory that newly has different information regarding correction parameters, the existing unit (interchangeable lens 1000 in this embodiment) can be set by resetting magnification information that is a correction parameter. Can be corrected by

In this way, by using the optical data identification information, the optical information of the interchangeable lens can be corrected in consideration of the optical characteristics of the accessory. For example, if the accessory has an optical system similar to that of an existing product, or if it is an accessory that can be corrected by the same method as that of an existing product, even if its model number (ID) is unknown, The information can be corrected.

When the correction identification information is used, it is not efficient to store the correction algorithm in each unit, so it is preferable to predetermine the unit to be corrected. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the unit for performing correction is predetermined as an interchangeable lens. A method of correcting the interchangeable lens when using the correction identification information will be described. The correction identification information can be used similarly when the correction is performed by the first unit as in the fifth and sixth embodiments.

<Process for Obtaining Corrected Optical Information in Example 7 (FIG. 20)>
FIG. 20 shows that when the accessory is mounted and power is supplied for the first time, the camera body 2000 acquires the correction information from each accessory, sends it to the interchangeable lens 1000 to request the correction, and the corrected interchangeable lens. The flow of processing which acquires 1000 optical information is shown.

When the camera body 2000 is activated in S100100, the process proceeds to S100200.

Upon transitioning to S100200, the camera body 2000 supplies power to the interchangeable lens 1000, the intermediate accessory 3000, and the intermediate accessory 4000 via a power supply mount contact (not shown), and transitions to S100300.

The sub-process S100300, which is the initial communication process with the accessory by the second communication, is almost the same as the sub-process S30400 in the fifth embodiment. In S100300, the above-mentioned correction identification information is acquired as the identification information of the intermediate accessory.

When the correction authentication information of the accessory is acquired in S100300, the process proceeds to S100400.

Upon transitioning to S100400, the camera control unit 20500 transmits the intermediate accessory correction identification information acquired in S100300 to the interchangeable lens 1000, and requests correction of optical information. When the interchangeable lens acquires the correction identification information of the intermediate accessory, the process proceeds to S100500.

Upon transitioning to S100500, the interchangeable lens control unit 11300 determines whether or not the own optical information needs to be corrected by the intermediate accessory correction identification information. If an intermediate accessory that requires correction of optical information is attached, the process proceeds to S100600.

Upon transitioning to S100600, the interchangeable lens control unit 11300 corrects its own optical information based on the intermediate accessory correction identification information, and transmits the corrected optical information to the camera.

Further, in S100500, if the intermediate accessories are not attached, or if all the attached intermediate accessories are intermediate accessories that do not require correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens, correction processing is not necessary, and thus S100700. Transition to.

In S100700, the interchangeable lens control unit 11300 transmits its own optical information to the camera.

The transmission timing of the optical information in S100600 and S100700 may be immediately after the completion of the correction, or may be the timing requested by the camera.

After the optical information is acquired in S100600 or S100700, the process proceeds to S100800, and the optical information acquisition sequence ends.

In this way, in the camera system that independently has the first communication path through which the camera and the interchangeable lens can communicate and the second communication path through which the camera and the intermediate accessory can communicate, exchange based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory. The optical information of the lens can be corrected appropriately.

Further, in the fifth embodiment, an example is shown in which the accessory authentication information includes the accessory identification information and the correction process necessity information. On the other hand, if the authentication information of the accessory has only the correction processing necessity information and the correction processing necessity information indicates the correction “necessary”, the correction processing necessity information may be acquired separately. good. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication when the correction processing necessity information indicates correction “no”, as compared with the case where the correction identification information is acquired regardless of the necessity of the correction processing necessity information. is there. In this case, as in the above-described embodiment, both the intermediate accessory identification information and the correction processing necessity information are acquired. That is, when the correction processing necessity information is “correction required” and the correction identification information is acquired separately, both the intermediate accessory identification information and the correction identification information are acquired as the information for identifying the accessory. This reduces the amount of communication when the correction processing necessity information indicates correction “no”, and makes it possible to reduce the amount of communication regardless of whether the correction processing necessity information is correction “necessary” or “no”. The identification information can be used for another purpose.

If it is determined that the lens control unit 11300 does not store information corresponding to the information regarding the correction method based on the information regarding the correction method that includes the correction identification information, the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000. You may control so that it may not correct.

<Effect of Example 7>
As described above, the camera control unit 20500 acquires the information regarding the correction method and the information regarding the correction parameter from the intermediate accessory control unit 30900, and transmits these information to the lens control unit 11300. Accordingly, the lens control unit 11300 can correct the optical information in consideration of the accessory, if the correction method is known even for the new accessory.

In the above-described embodiment, the camera body 2000 acquires the identification information of the interchangeable lens 1000 (also referred to as the first lens identification information) as the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 1000 in the initial communication with the interchangeable lens 1000 in the first communication. I explained that. Further, it has been described that the camera body 2000 acquires the identification information (also referred to as second lens identification information) of the interchangeable lens 1000 as the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 1000 in the initial communication performed with the accessory in the second communication. In this embodiment, an embodiment in which attention is paid to the relationship between the first lens identification information and the second lens identification information will be described.

As described above, the identification information of the interchangeable lens 1000 and the accessory may be information such as a model number (ID) used to identify the type (model) of the corresponding unit. Further, it may include information indicating the function of the interchangeable lens and information such as a manufacturing number (serial number) capable of identifying an individual in the same model.

Here, in the camera system of the present embodiment, the interchangeable lens 1000 can communicate with the camera body 2000 by both the first communication and the second communication, and as described in the fifth embodiment, the first communication and the second communication can be performed. Initial communication is performed with the camera body 2000 by both of the two communications. The interchangeable lens 1000 transmits identification information (the above-mentioned first lens identification information and second lens identification information) of the interchangeable lens 1000 to the camera body 2000 in both initial communication of the first communication and the second communication. ..

At this time, the lens controller 11300 may send the same information as the first lens identification information and the second lens identification information, but in the present embodiment, the first lens identification information is intentionally used as the second lens identification information. Information different from the information is transmitted to the camera control unit 20500. Thereby, the lens control unit 11300 effectively utilizes the second lens identification information transmitted to the camera control unit 20500 by the second communication.

The first lens identification information and the second lens identification information of this embodiment will be described more specifically. The first lens identification information is information that enables the type (model) of the interchangeable lens 1000 to be identified, and is, for example, a model number (ID).

On the other hand, the second lens identification information is different from the first lens identification information, and is, for example, information indicating that the interchangeable lens 1000 is a lens. In this case, the second lens identification information is information indicating that the interchangeable lens 1000 is a lens, and is information that does not correspond to the type (model) of the interchangeable lens 10. From this, for example, the second lens identification information can be unique information that does not depend on the type (model) of the interchangeable lens 1000.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the lens control unit 11300 transmits the first identification information transmitted in the initial communication of the first communication, which is one-to-one communication between the camera body 2000 and the interchangeable lens 1000, to the camera body 2000. It is not transmitted in the second communication assuming one-to-many communication with each accessory. In the second communication, as the second identification information, information indicating that it is a lens, in other words, information indicating that it is not an intermediate accessory is transmitted to the camera control unit 10500.

In the present embodiment, by selectively using the first lens identification information and the second lens identification information as described above, it is possible to achieve the effects described below, for example.

For example, the identification information acquired by the camera control unit 20500 from the lens control unit 11300 in the first communication is used as a system for the interchangeable lens, and the identification information acquired by the camera control unit 20500 from the control unit of each accessory in the second communication is intermediate. It can be treated as a system for accessories. This makes it possible to provide a camera system that has expandability for intermediate accessories that may appear in the future.

It can also be used, for example, to grasp the number of intermediate accessory connections. This is because it is possible to determine that the accessory that transmits the identification information other than the second identification information to the camera control unit 10500 is an intermediate accessory because the interchangeable lens 1000 is not the accessory.

When the number of connected intermediate accessories is known, for example, when a predetermined number or more of intermediate accessories are attached, a warning operation may be performed to the user, or the function of one of the intermediate accessories may be restricted. Good. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption and maintain communication quality. When transmitting a large amount of data such as firmware up to the intermediate accessory, the transition to the firmware up mode of the intermediate accessory may be permitted only when it is determined that only one intermediate accessory is connected. ..

Further, it is possible to reduce the information to be transmitted from the lens control unit 11300 to the camera control unit 10500 in the initial communication of the second communication by determining that the interchangeable lens 1000 is a lens rather than an intermediate accessory. .. For example, the correction processing necessity information may not be returned from the lens control unit 11300 to the camera control unit 10500. This is because it is not necessary to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 by mounting the interchangeable lens 1000 that is not an intermediate accessory.

In addition, for example, it may be used to electrically determine whether the accessory at the end is an interchangeable lens or an intermediate accessory, and compare the determination result with the second identification information. The details will be described below. As described below, the communication error can be determined by confirming the consistency with the hardware processing.

In the present embodiment, an example will be described of a method for electrically determining whether the accessory at the end is the interchangeable lens or the intermediate accessory in the initial communication with the interchangeable lens or the intermediate accessory in the fifth to seventh embodiments. To do. Further, error processing when there is a mismatch with the accessory which is the end of the second communication determined by the identification information acquired by the second communication will be described.

<Configuration of Camera System in Example 8 (FIGS. 23 and 24)>
An example of a method for electrically determining whether the accessory at the end is the interchangeable lens or the intermediate accessory will be described below. The determination is made in the initial communication of the second communication.

First, the configuration when the interchangeable lens 1000 is attached to the end of the second communication will be described. As shown in FIG. 23, the mount 20100 of the camera body 2000 includes an identification terminal 21200. The mount 30200 of the intermediate accessory 3000 includes an identification terminal 31300, and the mount 30200 includes an identification factor 31300. Further, the mount 40200 of the intermediate accessory 4000 includes the identification terminal 41300, and the mount 40100 includes the identification terminal 41200. Further, the mount 10100 of the interchangeable lens 1000 includes an identification terminal. A line (also referred to as an identification line) connected through these identification terminals is connected to a resistor 11800 provided on the interchangeable lens 1000. Further, this line is pull-up connected through a resistor 21300 provided in the camera body 2000. A value obtained by dividing the voltage level of the pull-up power supply by the resistance values of the resistor 11800 and the resistor 21300 is input to the camera control unit 20500.

Next, the configuration when the end of the second communication is the intermediate accessory 4000 will be described. As shown in FIG. 24, similarly to the case where the end of the second communication is the interchangeable lens, the identification line via the identification terminals 21200, 31300, 31200, 41300 is connected to the resistor 41400 provided in the intermediate accessory 4000. ing. The input to the camera control unit 20500 is a value obtained by dividing the voltage level of the pull-up power supply of the camera body 2000 by the resistance values of the resistor 41400 and the resistor 21300.

<Second communication error determination method in the eighth embodiment (FIG. 25)>
Here, the resistance value of the resistor used for the interchangeable lens 1000 and the resistance value of the resistor used for the intermediate accessory at the end are defined in advance to be different values. This makes it possible to electrically determine whether or not the accessory at the end is the interchangeable lens based on the level of the input signal via the identification terminal.

When the accessory at the end electrically determined is the interchangeable lens 1000, the second identification information should be obtained as the identification information about the accessory at the end acquired in the initial communication by the second communication. On the other hand, when the electrically accessory terminal accessory is an intermediate accessory, the terminal accessory identification information acquired in the initial communication by the second communication should be different from the second identification information. Specifically, it should be the intermediate accessory identification information.

However, if some problem occurs in the second communication, there may be a discrepancy in the above correspondence. Therefore, if there is a mismatch between the electrically identified end accessory and the identification information acquired by the second communication, it is determined that a communication error has occurred, and retry is performed from the initial communication, thereby performing more accurate communication. be able to.

In this way, by collating the electrical identification information with the identification information acquired by the second communication, it is possible to confirm whether the second communication is correctly performed. It is possible to determine whether the acquired identification information is correct. This makes it possible to detect a communication error in the second communication.

<Effect of Example 8>
As described above, in the present embodiment, the second lens identification information is information different from the first lens identification information corresponding to the type (model) of the interchangeable lens 1000 and indicating the lens. And Thereby, for example, it is possible to further improve the identification performance of the accessory that communicates by the second communication.

<Other Examples>
In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the first accessory has been described as an accessory that holds the optical information of all other accessories among the accessories related to the correction. However, among the accessories related to the correction, the accessories that have the most mutual optical information may be used. That is, there may be accessories that do not have optical information. In this case, in this case, the missing optical information may be acquired from another unit.

In addition, in the initial communication of the above-described embodiment, the lens control unit 11300 transmits the identification information of the interchangeable lens 1000 in S40400 and S52000. Here, for example, the identification information transmitted in S52000 may be identification information indicating that the accessory is not an intermediate accessory.

In addition, in the initial communication of FIG. 15 of the above-described embodiment, each accessory transmits a plurality of information as authentication information to the camera control unit 20500, but only the necessary information may be transmitted. In this case, the camera identifies the necessary information and sends an information request to each accessory.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the number of intermediate accessories is two has been described. However, in the case of three or more intermediate accessories, whether or not all of the plurality of intermediate accessories have optical information of other intermediate accessories, What has more is the first intermediate accessory.

In Example 6, the dynamic accessory may correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000. In this case, the dynamic accessory may acquire the optical information of another accessory in advance. When the dynamic accessory corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000, the corrected optical information is transmitted to the camera body 2000.

In Example 6, when there are a plurality of first accessories, the dynamic accessory may correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000.

The seventh embodiment has described the case where the camera body 2000 corrects the optical information of the optical lens 1000. On the other hand, optical information may be corrected in the interchangeable lens 1000. In this case, the camera control unit 20500 sends a request for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens 1000 to the lens control unit 11300. At that time, the interchangeable lens 1000 may acquire the optical information of the intermediate accessory from the camera body 2000 or the intermediate accessory as necessary when the optical information of the intermediate accessory requiring correction is insufficient. ..

In the eighth embodiment, an example has been described in which the camera control unit 20500 obtains the information about the correction method and the information about the correction parameter from the intermediate accessory control unit 30900, and transmits the information to the lens control unit 11300. Here, when the intermediate accessory 3000 is the dynamic intermediate accessory as described in the sixth embodiment and the information regarding the correction parameter can change, the information regarding the correction parameter is reacquired according to the detection of the change. You may. That is, when it is detected that the operation member of the intermediate accessory 3000 is operated, the camera control unit 20500 obtains the information about the correction parameter from the intermediate accessory control unit 30900, and transmits the information to the lens control unit 11300. It may be done.

In the fifth embodiment, the case where clock synchronous communication is performed as the first communication method has been described, but the asynchronous communication may be performed. Asynchronous communication will be described with reference to FIG.

Note that FIG. 12 exemplifies the case of performing 3-line clock synchronous communication. Alternatively, the same effect can be realized even when the three-line start/stop synchronization communication, which is also realized by using the three lines of the communication channel 1, is adopted. FIG. 22 shows a signal waveform in the communication of the three-line start/stop synchronous communication. In the case of three-line start/stop synchronous communication, an RTS communication line (RTS) is provided instead of the clock communication line (LCLK) described above. The RTS communication line is a signal line for transmitting from the camera microcomputer 20500 to the lens microcomputer 11100 a signal that controls the timing of communication by the camera-lens communication line (DCL) and communication by the first lens-camera communication line (DLC). Is. For example, it is used for notification of a lens data transmission request (transmission instruction) from the camera microcomputer 20500 to the lens microcomputer 11100 and a communication processing switching request (switching instruction) described later. The notification on the transmission request channel is performed by switching the signal level (voltage level) on the transmission request channel between High (first level) and Low (second level). In the following description, the signal supplied to the RTS communication line is referred to as the transmission request signal RTS. The transmission request signal RTS is sent from the camera microcomputer 20500 as a communication master to the lens microcomputer 11100 as a communication slave. When the lens microcomputer 11100 receives the transmission request RTS, as shown in FIG. 22, the camera microcomputer 20500 is notified of the start of transmission of one frame of the lens data signal DLC. Therefore, the signal level of the lens data signal DLC is set to Low for one bit period. And This 1-bit period is called a start bit ST indicating the start of 1 frame. That is, the data frame starts from this start bit ST. The start bit ST is provided at the head bit of each frame of the lens data signal DLC. Subsequently, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits 1-byte lens data in the next 8-bit period from the second bit to the ninth bit. The bit arrangement of the data is MSB first format, starting from the highest data D7, continuing in order with data D6 and data D5, and ending with the lowest data D0. Then, the lens microcomputer 11100 adds 1-bit parity information PA to the 10th bit and sets the signal level of the lens data signal DLC in the period of the stop bit SP indicating the end of one frame to High. As a result, the data frame period started from the start bit ST ends.

The above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

The present invention provides a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and a process in which one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. But it can be achieved. Further, it can be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

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

10 interchangeable lens 20 camera body 30, 40 intermediate adapter 113 lens control unit 205 camera control unit 309, 409 adapter control unit

Claims (37)

An imaging device capable of mounting a plurality of accessory devices including a lens device,
A first camera communication unit that provides a first communication path with the lens device;
A second camera communication unit that provides a second communication path between the plurality of accessory devices attached to the imaging device;
A camera control unit that controls communication via the first camera communication unit or the second camera communication unit,
The camera control unit,
Transmitting a first request to the plurality of accessory devices via the second communication path,
From each of the plurality of accessory devices that have received the first request, receive first information corresponding to whether or not to stop communication with the imaging device via the second communication path,
An imaging apparatus, which controls communication with the plurality of accessory devices via the second communication path according to the first information. The camera control unit,
From the received first information, determine the accessory device as a communication target among the plurality of accessory devices,
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein communication is performed with the accessory device that is determined to be the communication target. The camera control unit,
Hold the first information until the power supply to the accessory device is stopped,
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first information is initialized when the power supply is stopped. The camera control unit receives authentication information including the first information and identification information of the accessory device from each of the plurality of accessory devices that have received the first request. The imaging device according to any one of 1 to 3. The camera control unit receives the authentication information from each of the plurality of accessory devices in an initial communication performed when power is supplied from the imaging device to the plurality of accessory devices. The imaging device according to claim 4. The imaging information according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the authentication information transmitted from the accessory device that is the end of the second communication path with respect to the imaging device includes end information that indicates the end. apparatus. 7. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the camera control unit receives the authentication information of the lens device via the first camera communication unit. The camera control unit,
It is possible to perform first communication with one of the plurality of accessory devices, and it is possible to perform second communication with the plurality of accessory devices,
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the authentication information is received by the second communication. The second camera communication unit has a first contact portion and a second contact portion,
In the first communication, the camera control unit transmits data via the second contact unit while the signal level of the first contact unit is maintained at the first signal level, In the second communication, data is transmitted via the second contact portion while the signal level of the first contact portion is maintained at the second signal level higher than the first signal level. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein The camera control unit,
Receiving a communication request and second information corresponding to a factor of the communication request from the accessory device,
The image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the image pickup apparatus or the accessory apparatus is controlled according to the second information. When the factor is a change in the first information, the camera control unit transmits the first request to the plurality of accessory devices as control according to the second information, The imaging device according to claim 10, wherein the first information is re-received from the accessory device that has transmitted the second information. The camera control unit,
In response to receiving a request to discard the first information from the accessory device, discard the received first information,
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first information is re-received from the accessory device. The first camera communication unit has a third contact portion, a fourth contact portion, and a fifth contact portion,
The camera control unit performs data transmission via the fourth contact unit and data reception via the fifth contact unit in synchronization with transmission of a clock signal via the third contact unit. The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that. The first camera communication unit has a third contact portion, a fourth contact portion, and a fifth contact portion,
The camera control unit receives data via the fifth contact unit in response to the transmission of the notification via the third contact unit, and responds to the reception by operating the fourth contact unit. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus transmits data via the image pickup apparatus. An accessory device mounted on an imaging device capable of mounting a plurality of accessory devices including a lens device,
A first accessory communication unit in which communication is conducted via a first communication path between the imaging device and the lens device;
A second accessory communication unit that provides a second communication path between the imaging device and
An accessory control unit that controls communication via the first accessory communication unit or the second accessory communication unit,
The accessory control unit,
In response to receiving the first request from the imaging device via the second communication path, the first communication corresponding to whether to stop the communication with the imaging device is the second communication. An accessory device for transmitting to the image pickup device via a route. 16. The accessory according to claim 15, wherein the accessory control unit communicates with the imaging device in response to the imaging device discriminating the accessory device as a communication target from the first information. apparatus. 16. The accessory control unit, after transmitting the first information to the imaging device, suspends communication with the imaging device until power supply to the accessory device is stopped. Or the accessory device according to item 16. 18. The accessory control unit transmits authentication information including the first information and identification information of the accessory device to the imaging device in response to the first request. The accessory device according to any one of claims. 19. The accessory control unit transmits the authentication information to the imaging device in an initial communication performed in response to power being supplied from the imaging device to the accessory device. The accessory device described. In the case where the accessory device is the end of the second communication path to the imaging device,
20. The accessory device according to claim 18, wherein the authentication information includes termination information indicating the termination. The accessory device is an intermediate accessory device,
21. The accessory device according to claim 18, wherein the authentication information transmitted from the lens device conducts the accessory control unit. The accessory device is a lens device,
The accessory device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the accessory control unit transmits authentication information of the lens device via the first accessory communication unit. The imaging device is capable of performing first communication with one of the plurality of accessory devices attached to the imaging device and performing second communication with the plurality of accessory devices. Is possible to do,
The accessory device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the accessory control unit transmits the authentication information to the imaging device by the second communication. The second accessory communication unit has a first contact portion and a second contact portion,
In the first communication, the accessory control unit transmits data via the second contact unit while the signal level of the first contact unit is maintained at the first signal level, In the second communication, data is transmitted via the second contact portion while the signal level of the first contact portion is maintained at the second signal level higher than the first signal level. The accessory device according to claim 23, wherein: 25. The accessory device according to claim 15, wherein the accessory control unit transmits a communication request and second information corresponding to a factor of the communication request to the imaging device. .. When the factor is a change in the first information, the accessory control unit receives the first request according to the second information from the imaging device, and outputs the first information to the first information. The accessory device according to claim 25, wherein the accessory device is retransmitted to the imaging device. The accessory control unit,
The accessory device according to any one of claims 15 to 26, wherein a request for discarding the first information is transmitted to the imaging device, and the new first information is retransmitted. 28. The accessory device according to claim 15, wherein the accessory control unit shifts to a sleep state when communication with the imaging device is stopped. The accessory device has a switch that can be switched between a connection state for connecting communication with the other accessory device among the plurality of accessory devices mounted on the image pickup device and a disconnection state for disconnecting the communication. Then
The accessory control unit switches the switch to the disconnection state and transmits the first information to the imaging device in response to receiving the first request with the switch in the connection state. The accessory device according to any one of claims 15 to 28. 30. The accessory device according to claim 29, wherein the accessory control unit switches the switch to the connection state after transmitting the first information. The first accessory communication unit has a third contact portion, a fourth contact portion, and a fifth contact portion,
A clock signal is transmitted from the image pickup device to the lens device through the third contact portion, and data is transmitted from the image pickup device to the lens device through the fourth contact portion in synchronization with the transmission. 30. The accessory device according to any one of claims 15 to 29, wherein data is transmitted from the lens device to the imaging device via the fifth contact portion. The first accessory communication unit has a third contact portion, a fourth contact portion, and a fifth contact portion,
In response to the transmission of the notification from the image pickup device to the lens device via the third contact portion, the transmission of data from the lens device to the image pickup device via the fifth contact portion is performed. 30. The accessory device according to claim 15, wherein data is transmitted from the imaging device to the lens device via the fourth contact portion in response to the transmission. .. An imaging system including an imaging device and a plurality of accessory devices including a lens device attached to the imaging device,
The imaging device is
A first camera communication unit that provides a first communication path with the lens device;
A second camera communication unit that provides a second communication path between the plurality of accessory devices attached to the imaging device;
And a camera control unit that controls communication via the first camera communication unit or the second camera communication unit,
The camera control unit transmits a first request to the plurality of accessory devices via the second communication path,
Each of the plurality of accessory devices sends first information corresponding to whether or not to stop communication with the imaging device via the second communication path in response to receiving the first request. Sent to the imaging device,
The image pickup system, wherein the camera control unit controls communication with the plurality of accessory devices via the second communication path according to the first information. An imaging device capable of mounting a plurality of accessory devices including a lens device, the first camera communication unit having a first communication path between the lens device and the plurality of accessory devices mounted on the imaging device. A second camera communication unit that provides a second communication path with the accessory device, and a camera control unit that controls communication via the first camera communication unit or the second camera communication unit. A communication control method for an imaging device, comprising:
Transmitting a first request to the plurality of accessory devices via the second communication path;
Receiving first information corresponding to whether or not to stop communication with the imaging device from each of the plurality of accessory devices that have received the first request, via the second communication path. ,
Controlling the communication with the plurality of accessory devices via the second communication path according to the first information. An accessory device mounted on an imaging device capable of mounting a plurality of accessory devices including a lens device, wherein communication is conducted via a first communication path between the imaging device and the lens device. Controlling the communication via the second accessory communication unit and the second accessory communication unit that provides a second communication path between the accessory communication unit and the imaging device. A communication control method for an accessory device having an accessory control unit,
Receiving a first request from the imaging device via the second communication path;
Transmitting, in response to the first request, first information corresponding to whether or not the accessory device stops communication, to the imaging device via the second communication path. Control method for accessory device. A computer program for causing a computer of an imaging device to execute processing according to the communication control method according to claim 34. A computer program that causes a computer of an accessory device that can be attached to an imaging device to execute processing according to the communication control method according to claim 35.