JP6768419B2 - Accessory device, image pickup device and communication control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging device (hereinafter referred to as a camera body) capable of communicating with each other and an accessory device such as an interchangeable lens.

In an accessory-replaceable camera system that includes a camera body to which an accessory device can be attached and detached, communication is performed so that the camera body controls the accessory device and the accessory device provides the camera body with data necessary for the control and imaging. It is said. In particular, when an interchangeable lens is used to image a video for recording or a video for live view display, smooth lens control is required according to the imaging cycle, so the imaging timing of the camera body and the control timing of the interchangeable lens Need to be synchronized. Therefore, the camera body needs to complete the reception of data from the interchangeable lens and the transmission of various commands and requests to the interchangeable lens within the imaging cycle. However, as the amount of data received by the camera body from the interchangeable lens increases and the imaging cycle is shortened (higher frame rate), communication of a large amount of data is required in a shorter time.

In Patent Document 1, when a large amount of data is transmitted from the interchangeable lens to the camera body, the communication channel normally used for data transmission from the camera body to the interchangeable lens is changed to communication for data transmission from the interchangeable lens to the camera body. A camera system that switches to a channel is disclosed. In this camera system, a communication channel originally used for data transmission from the interchangeable lens to the camera body is separately prepared, so when transmitting a large amount of data, data transmission from the interchangeable lens to the camera body is performed through two communication channels. Will be done.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-121638

However, in the camera system disclosed in Patent Document 1, in the channel where the communication direction is switched, the data transmitted from the interchangeable lens to the camera body may collide with the data transmitted from the camera body to the interchangeable lens at the time of the switching. Need to avoid. For example, if the camera body or the microcomputer of the interchangeable lens continues to transmit data between the two when an error (reset) occurs that makes it impossible to accurately recognize the communication direction due to a circuit abnormality due to static electricity, data collision occurs. To do.

The present invention is an imaging device and an accessory that can avoid a collision of data transmitted from each of the imaging device and the accessory device when an error that makes it impossible to recognize the communication direction occurs in either the imaging device or the accessory device. Provide the device.

In the imaging device as one aspect of the present invention, an accessory device is detachably attached. The image pickup device includes a notification channel used for notification from the image pickup device to the accessory device, a first data communication channel used for data transmission from the accessory device to the image pickup device, and an image pickup device, and the image pickup device. A camera communication unit that provides three channels consisting of a second data communication channel used for data transmission with the accessory device, and a camera control unit that controls data communication between the accessory device via the camera communication unit. And have. The camera communication unit sets the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel so as to be switchable between the first direction from the image pickup device to the accessory device and the second direction from the accessory device to the image pickup device. The camera control unit notifies the accessory device of the occurrence of the error via the notification channel when an error occurs in which the camera communication unit cannot recognize the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel. It is characterized by performing.

Further, the accessory device as another aspect of the present invention is detachably attached to the image pickup device. The accessory device includes a notification channel used for notification from the image pickup device to the accessory device, a first data communication channel used for data transmission from the accessory device to the image pickup device, and an image pickup device, and the image pickup device. An accessory communication unit that provides three channels consisting of a second data communication channel used for data transmission to and from the accessory device, and an accessory control unit that controls data communication between the image pickup device and the image pickup device via the accessory communication unit. And have. The image pickup device sets the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel so as to be switchable between the first direction from the image pickup device to the accessory device and the second direction from the accessory device to the image pickup device. The accessory control unit transmits data to the image pickup device in response to receiving an error notification from the image pickup device via the notification channel to notify the occurrence of an error that makes it impossible to recognize the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel. It is characterized by stopping.

Further, the accessory device as another aspect of the present invention is detachably attached to the image pickup device. The accessory device includes a notification channel used for notification from the image pickup device to the accessory device, a first data communication channel used for data transmission from the accessory device to the image pickup device, and an image pickup device, and the image pickup device. An accessory communication unit that provides three channels consisting of a second data communication channel used for data transmission to and from the accessory device, and an accessory control unit that controls data communication between the image pickup device and the image pickup device via the accessory communication unit. And have. The accessory communication unit sets the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel so as to be switchable between the first direction from the image pickup device to the accessory device and the second direction from the accessory device to the image pickup device. When an error occurs in the accessory communication unit that makes it impossible to recognize the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel, the accessory control unit notifies the image pickup apparatus of the occurrence of the error via the first communication channel. It is characterized by performing an error notification for the purpose.

In the imaging device as another aspect of the present invention, an accessory device is detachably attached. The image pickup device includes a notification channel used for notification from the image pickup device to the accessory device, a first data communication channel used for data transmission from the accessory device to the image pickup device, and an image pickup device, and the image pickup device. A camera communication unit that provides three channels consisting of a second data communication channel used for data transmission with the accessory device, and a camera control unit that controls data communication between the accessory device via the camera communication unit. And have. The accessory device is set so that the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel can be switched between the first direction from the image pickup device to the accessory device and the second direction from the accessory device to the image pickup device. The camera control unit causes the accessory device to transmit data by notifying the accessory device of the transmission request via the notification channel, and the data from the accessory device to the second data communication channel via the first communication channel. It is characterized in that the transmission request notification to the accessory device is canceled in response to receiving the error notification for notifying the occurrence of the error that the transmission direction cannot be recognized.

A communication control program as a computer program for causing the computer of the imaging device and the accessory device to operate the above-mentioned imaging device and the accessory device also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

According to the present invention, when an error that the communication direction cannot be recognized occurs in either the image pickup device or the accessory device, collision of data transmitted from each of the image pickup device and the accessory device is avoided, and stable data is obtained. Can communicate.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the interchangeable lens type camera system which is an Example of this invention. The figure which shows the communication circuit between a camera body and an interchangeable lens in an Example. The figure which shows the communication waveform in the DLC2ch communication setting in an Example. The figure which shows the transition of the initial communication setting and the DLC2ch communication setting in the buffer direction in an Example. The timing chart which shows the transmission process of the communication direction recognition error by the camera microcomputer in an Example. The flowchart which shows the transmission process of the communication direction recognition error of FIG. The timing chart which shows the transmission process of the communication direction recognition error by the lens microcomputer in an Example. The flowchart which shows the transmission process of the communication direction recognition error of FIG.

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

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an imaging system (hereinafter referred to as a camera system) including a camera body 200 as an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an interchangeable lens 100 as an accessory device detachably attached thereto. Is shown.

The camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 transmit control commands and internal information via their respective communication units. In addition, each communication unit supports multiple communication formats, and by switching to the same communication format in synchronization with each other according to the type of communication data and communication purpose, the optimum communication format for various situations can be selected. It is possible to do.

First, a specific configuration of the interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 will be described. The interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount 300, which is a coupling mechanism. The interchangeable lens 100 receives power from the camera body 200 via a power supply terminal (not shown) provided on the mount 300, and operates various actuators and a lens microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a lens microcomputer) 111, which will be described later. Let me. Further, the interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 communicate with each other via a communication terminal portion (shown in FIG. 2) provided on the mount 300.

The interchangeable lens 100 has an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system includes a field lens 101, a variable magnification lens 102 that performs magnification change, an aperture unit 114 that adjusts the amount of light, an image shake correction lens 103, and a focus lens 104 that adjusts focus, in order from the subject OBJ side. including.

The variable magnification lens 102 and the focus lens 104 are held by lens holding frames 105 and 106, respectively. The lens holding frames 105 and 106 are movably guided in the optical axis direction shown by a broken line in the drawing by a guide shaft (not shown), and are driven in the optical axis direction by stepping motors 107 and 108, respectively. The stepping motors 107 and 108 move the variable magnification lens 102 and the focus lens 104 in synchronization with the drive pulse, respectively.

The image shake correction lens 103 moves in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the image pickup optical system to reduce image shake caused by camera shake or the like.

The lens microcomputer 111 is an accessory control unit that controls the operation of each part in the interchangeable lens 100. The lens microcomputer 111 receives a control command transmitted from the camera body 200 via the lens data transmission / reception unit 112b as an accessory communication unit, and receives a transmission request for lens data (accessory data). Further, the lens microcomputer 111 performs lens control corresponding to the control command, and transmits the lens data corresponding to the transmission request to the camera body 200 via the lens data transmission / reception unit 112b. The lens microcomputer 111 performs an operation related to communication with the camera body 200 (camera microcomputer 205 described later) according to a communication control program as a computer program.

Further, the lens microcomputer 111 outputs a drive signal to the zoom drive circuit 119 and the focus drive circuit 120 in response to commands related to scaling and focusing among control commands to drive the stepping motors 107 and 108. As a result, zoom processing for controlling the variable magnification operation by the variable magnification lens 102 and AF (autofocus) processing for controlling the focus adjustment operation by the focus lens 104 are performed.

The interchangeable lens 100 includes a manual focus ring 130 that can be rotated by the user, and a focus encoder 131 that detects the amount of rotation of the manual focus ring 130. The lens microcomputer 111 moves the focus lens 104 by driving the stepping motor 108 to the focus drive circuit 120 according to the rotation operation amount of the manual focus ring 130 detected by the focus encoder 131. As a result, MF (manual focus) is performed.

The diaphragm unit 114 includes diaphragm blades 114a and 114b. The states of the diaphragm blades 114a and 114b are detected by the Hall element 115 and input to the lens microcomputer 111 via the amplifier circuit 122 and the A / D conversion circuit 123. The lens microcomputer 111 outputs a drive signal to the aperture drive circuit 121 based on the input signal from the A / D conversion circuit 123 to drive the aperture actuator 113. Thereby, the light amount adjustment operation by the diaphragm unit 114 is controlled.

Further, the lens microcomputer 111 drives the vibration-proof actuator 126 via the vibration-proof drive circuit 125 in response to the vibration detected by a vibration sensor (not shown) such as a vibration gyro provided in the interchangeable lens 100. As a result, the image shake correction process for controlling the movement of the image shake correction lens 103 is performed.

The camera body 200 displays an image sensor 201 such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, an A / D conversion circuit 202, a signal processing circuit 203, a recording unit 204, and a camera microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a camera microcomputer) 205. It has a part 206.

The image sensor 201 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the image pickup optical system in the interchangeable lens 100 and outputs an electric signal (analog signal). The A / D conversion circuit 202 converts the analog signal from the image sensor 201 into a digital signal. The signal processing circuit 203 performs various image processing on the digital signal from the A / D conversion circuit 202 to generate a video signal.

Further, the signal processing circuit 203 also generates the contrast state of the subject image, that is, the focus information indicating the focus state of the imaging optical system and the luminance information indicating the exposure state from the video signal. The signal processing circuit 203 outputs a video signal to the display unit 206, and the display unit 206 displays the video signal as a live view image used for checking the composition, focus state, and the like. Further, the signal processing circuit 203 outputs a video signal to the recording unit 204, and the recording unit 204 records the video signal.

The camera microcomputer 205 as a camera control unit controls the camera body 200 in response to an input from the camera operation unit 207 including an imaging instruction switch (not shown), various setting switches, and the like. Further, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a control command related to the variable magnification operation of the variable magnification lens 102 to the lens microcomputer 111 in response to an operation of a zoom switch (not shown) via the camera data transmission / reception unit 208b. Further, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits to the lens microcomputer 111 control commands related to the light amount adjusting operation of the aperture unit 114 according to the luminance information and the focus adjusting operation of the focus lens 104 according to the focus information via the camera data transmission / reception unit 208b. To do. The camera microcomputer 205 performs an operation related to communication with the lens microcomputer 111 according to a communication control program as a computer program.

Next, the communication circuit configured between the camera body 200 (camera microcomputer 205) and the interchangeable lens 100 (lens microcomputer 111) and the communication processing performed between them will be described with reference to FIG. The camera microcomputer 205 has a function of managing a communication method and communication settings with the lens microcomputer 111, and a function of notifying the lens microcomputer 111 of a transmission request or the like. Further, the lens microcomputer 111 has a function of generating lens data and a function of transmitting the lens data. Further, the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 have registers 123 and 210, which are storage elements, and reset circuits 124 and 209 for initializing the inside, respectively. The reset circuit in this embodiment is Low active.

The camera microcomputer 205 has a camera communication interface circuit 208a, and the lens microcomputer 111 has a lens communication interface circuit 112a. The camera microcomputer 205 (camera data transmission / reception unit 208b) and the lens microcomputer 111 (lens data transmission / reception unit 112b) include a communication terminal unit (indicated by three squares in the figure) provided on the mount 300 and the communication interface circuits 208a and 112a. Communicate via. In this embodiment, the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 perform (3-wire) pace-synchronized serial communication using three channels. The camera communication interface circuit 208a and the camera data transmission / reception unit 208b constitute the camera communication unit 208, and the lens communication interface circuit 112a and the lens data transmission / reception unit 112b constitute the lens communication unit 112 as an accessory communication unit.

The above three channels are composed of a transmission request channel as a notification channel, a first data communication channel, and a second data communication channel. The transmission request channel is used for notification of a lens data transmission request (transmission instruction) from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111, a communication setting switching request (switching instruction) described later, and the like. Notification on the transmission request channel is performed by switching the signal level (voltage level) of the transmission request channel between High (first level) and Low (second level). In the following description, the signal supplied to the transmission request channel is referred to as a transmission request signal RTS.

The first data communication channel is used for transmitting lens data from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205. In the following description, the lens data transmitted as a signal from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205 in the first data communication channel is referred to as a lens data signal DLC. The second data communication channel is used for transmitting camera data from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111. In the following description, the camera data transmitted as a signal from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 in the second data communication channel is referred to as a camera data signal DCL.

Further, in this embodiment, the second data communication channel can be used for transmitting lens data from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205 by switching the communication direction (communication setting) in the communication interface circuits 208a and 112a. It has become. That is, in the signal circuit of the second data communication channel, the input / output buffers are configured in parallel so that the input / output directions can be switched, and each can be exclusively selected. Register data in the register 123 in the lens microcomputer 111 and the register 210 in the camera microcomputer 205 as initial values of the input / output direction (data transmission direction: hereinafter referred to as the buffer direction) of the buffer of the signal circuit of the second data communication channel. Is remembered. The camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 recognize and set the communication direction by reading the register data at the start of communication. As a result, in the first communication between the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111, the buffer direction in which the camera data signal DCL is always transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 (the buffer direction indicated by the white triangle in the figure). Communication is started from.

In the following description, the lens data transmitted as a signal from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205 on the second data communication channel is referred to as a second lens data signal DLC2. Further, in order to distinguish the lens data signal DLC transmitted from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205 on the first data communication channel together with the transmission of the second lens data signal DLC2 from the second lens data signal DLC2, the first lens data signal DLC2 is transmitted. Lens data signal DLC.

Further, the communication setting for transmitting the lens data signal DLC from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205 only on the first data communication channel (that is, transmitting the camera data signal DCL on the second data communication channel) is set as a normal communication setting (that is, the camera data signal DCL is transmitted on the second data communication channel). The first setting). On the other hand, a communication setting for transmitting the first and second lens data signals DLC and DLC2 on both the first and second data communication channels is called a DLC 2ch communication setting (second setting).

Next, the DLC 2ch communication setting will be described with reference to FIG. Circled numbers 1 to 3 in the figure indicate timing, and are indicated by "1" to "3" in the following sentences. When an event to start communication in the camera microcomputer 205 occurs, the camera microcomputer 205 sets the level of the transmission request signal RTS to Low (hereinafter, referred to as asserting the transmission request signal RTS) to the lens microcomputer 111. "1" to notify the communication request.

In response to the assertion of the transmission request signal RTS, the lens microcomputer 111 starts transmitting the data frames of the first and second lens data signals DLC and DLC2 to the camera microcomputer 205. When the camera microcomputer 205 completes the reception of the data from the lens microcomputer 111, the level of the transmission request signal RTS is set to High (hereinafter, the transmission request signal RTS is referred to as negating). By negating the transmission request signal RTS, the transmission request notification is canceled, that is, the communication suspension request notification is sent to the lens microcomputer 111. Further, the camera microcomputer 205 starts transmitting the data frames of the first and second lens data signals DLC and DLC2 by asserting the transmission request signal RTS again “3”.

The DLC2ch communication setting is specialized as a communication setting used only for data transfer from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205, and data transfer from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 is not possible with this DLC2ch communication setting. By transmitting the first and second lens data signals DLC and DLC2 to the camera microcomputer 205 on the two channels in this way, it is possible to transmit a large amount of lens data in a short time (high speed).

Next, the transition in the buffer direction in the second data communication channel (DCL / DLC2) will be described with reference to FIG. In the normal communication setting at the start of communication, the buffer directions of the camera and lens communication interface circuits 208a and 112a (hereinafter referred to as the camera buffer direction and the lens buffer direction, respectively) are the first column in FIG. 4 (the column of the circled number 1: Hereinafter, the same applies). That is, both the camera buffer direction and the lens buffer direction are directions corresponding to transmission from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 (hereinafter referred to as the lens direction). The direction corresponding to the transmission from the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205, which is opposite to the lens direction, is referred to as the camera direction.

Here, when switching the buffer direction of the normal communication setting to the buffer direction of the DLC2ch communication setting, the collision between the camera data signal DCL transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 and the second lens data signal DLC2 transmitted from the lens microcomputer 111. Need to be avoided. In this embodiment, the camera buffer direction is first switched to the camera direction as shown in the second column in FIG. 4, and then the lens buffer direction is switched to the camera direction as shown in the third column of the DLC 2ch. Set the buffer direction in the communication settings. Thereby, the collision between the camera data signal DCL and the second lens data signal DLC2 can be avoided.

Further, when returning the buffer direction of the DLC2ch communication setting (the third column in FIG. 4) to the buffer direction of the normal communication setting (the first column of the same), the lens buffer direction is first set to the lens as shown in the second column. After switching to the direction, follow the procedure to switch the camera buffer direction to the lens direction. Thereby, the collision between the camera data signal DCL and the second lens data signal DLC2 can be avoided.

Here, if at least one of the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 is reset due to an abnormality in the internal circuit caused by static electricity or the like during or after the buffer direction is switched in the second data communication channel, The current communication direction cannot be recognized. Even when such a communication direction recognition error occurs, it is necessary to avoid collision (data collision) between the camera data signal DCL transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 and the second lens data signal DLC2 transmitted from the lens microcomputer 111. There is.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 perform a process (error notification process) for mutually notifying the occurrence of a communication direction recognition error as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8. Avoid data conflicts on data communication channels. The camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 perform this processing according to the above communication control program. Further, in the following description, "S" indicates a step.

First, an error notification process when a communication direction recognition error occurs due to a reset in the camera microcomputer 205 (hereinafter referred to as a camera reset) will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 5 and the flowchart of FIG. The circled numbers 1 to 3 in FIGS. 5 and 6 indicate the timing, and are indicated by "1" to "3" in the following sentences. Further, in FIG. 6, C: indicates a process performed by the camera microcomputer 205, and L: indicates a process performed by the lens microcomputer 111.

In S101, the camera microcomputer 205 in the DLC2ch communication setting asserts the transmission request signal RTS to notify the lens microcomputer 111 of the transmission request "1". After confirming this, the lens microcomputer 111 starts transmitting the data frames of the first and second lens data signals DLC and DLC2 in S102.

Next, in S103, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether or not the specified amounts of the first and second lens data signals DLC and DLC2 have been received from the lens microcomputer 111. If the camera microcomputer 205 has completed receiving the specified amount of data, it proceeds to S104, negates the transmission request signal RTS, notifies the lens microcomputer 111 of the communication suspension request, and completes the data transmission / reception. On the other hand, if the reception of the specified amount of data is not completed, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to S105.

In S105, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether or not a camera reset has occurred. If the camera reset has not occurred, the camera microcomputer 205 returns to S103 and waits for the completion of receiving the specified amount of data. On the other hand, when a camera reset occurs, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to S106, negates the transmission request signal RTS using the reset signal generated in the internal circuit of the camera body 200 as a trigger, and notifies the lens microcomputer 111 of the communication suspension request. 2 ". The camera buffer direction at this time is still held in the camera direction.

Further, in response to the negate of the transmission request signal RTS, the lens microcomputer 111 stops the transmission of the data frame in S107, and starts counting the time during which the negate of the transmission request signal RTS is maintained (hereinafter referred to as the negate time). To do. Then, when the negate time reaches the predetermined time in S108 (the predetermined time elapses after the negate), the lens microcomputer 111 proceeds to S109.

In S109, the lens microcomputer 111 recognizes that the camera microcomputer 205 has received an error notification indicating that a communication direction recognition error has occurred, and in order to avoid data collision, the lens buffer direction is changed from the camera direction to the lens direction. Switch to "3".

After that, in S110, the camera microcomputer 205 switches the camera buffer direction from the camera direction to the lens direction in the communication recovery process from the reset. Then, in S111, the camera microcomputer 205 restores communication by transmitting the camera data signal DCL to the lens microcomputer 111 on the second data communication channel.

Next, an error notification process when a communication direction recognition error occurs due to a reset in the lens microcomputer 111 (hereinafter referred to as a lens reset) will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 7 and the flowchart of FIG. The circled numbers 1 to 4 in FIGS. 7 and 8 indicate the timing, and are indicated by "1" to "4" in the following sentences. Further, in FIG. 8, C: indicates a process performed by the camera microcomputer 205, and L: indicates a process performed by the lens microcomputer 111.

In S201, the camera microcomputer 205 in the DLC2ch communication setting asserts the transmission request signal RTS to notify the lens microcomputer 111 of the transmission request "1". After confirming this, the lens microcomputer 111 starts transmitting the data frames of the first and second lens data signals DLC and DLC2 in S202.

Next, in S203, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether or not the specified amounts of the first and second lens data signals DLC and DLC2 have been received from the lens microcomputer 111. If the camera microcomputer 205 has completed receiving the specified amount of data, the process proceeds to S204, negates the transmission request signal RTS, notifies the lens microcomputer 111 of the communication suspension request, and completes the data transmission / reception. On the other hand, if the reception of the specified amount of data is not completed, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to S205.

In S205, the lens microcomputer 111 determines whether or not a lens reset has occurred. If the lens reset has not occurred, the process returns to S203. Here, the camera microcomputer 205 waits for the completion of receiving a specified amount of data. On the other hand, when the lens reset occurs, the lens microcomputer 111 proceeds to S206 and stops the transmission of the data frame triggered by the reset signal generated in the internal circuit of the interchangeable lens 100.

Then, in S207, the lens microcomputer 111 reads the register data which is the initial value in the lens buffer direction of the second data communication channel, assuming that the communication direction recognition error has occurred, and changes the lens buffer direction from the camera direction to the lens direction. "3" to switch. This avoids data collisions.

Next, in S208, the camera microcomputer 205 asserts the transmission request signal RTS, and then determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the data transmission from the lens microcomputer 111 is interrupted (from the data transmission stop). When a predetermined time has elapsed from the stop of data transmission, the camera microcomputer 205 proceeds to S209. In S209, the camera microcomputer 205 recognizes that the lens microcomputer 111 has received an error notification indicating that a communication direction recognition error has occurred, negates the transmission request signal RTS, and notifies the lens microcomputer 111 of the communication suspension request. "4".

After that, in S210, the camera microcomputer 205 switches the camera buffer direction from the camera direction to the lens direction. Then, in S211 the camera microcomputer 205 restores the communication by transmitting the camera data signal DCL to the lens microcomputer 111 on the second data communication channel.

As described above, if at least one of the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 is reset during or after the buffer direction is switched in the second data communication channel, a communication direction recognition error may occur. However, according to this embodiment, the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 can avoid the data collision in the second data communication channel by performing the process of notifying each other of the occurrence of the communication direction recognition error.

Further, there is a possibility of data collision due to a communication direction recognition error that occurs while switching the buffer direction. The buffer direction of the DLC2ch communication setting (column 3 in FIG. 4) is changed to the buffer direction of the normal communication setting (first). It is a case of switching to the column). Specifically, due to the camera reset that occurred during the switching from the buffer direction of the DLC2ch communication setting to the buffer direction shown in the second column of FIG. 4, only the camera buffer direction was switched to the buffer direction of the normal communication control unit. This is the case. In this case, since the lens buffer direction is still the same as when the DLC 2ch communication is set, a data collision occurs in the second data communication channel. However, in this embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the camera microcomputer 205 negates the transmission request signal RTS with the reset signal as a trigger, and when the negate time reaches a predetermined time, a communication direction recognition error occurs. Is notified to the lens microcomputer 111 of the occurrence of. This makes it possible to avoid data collisions in the second data communication channel.

In each of the above embodiments, an interchangeable lens has been described as an example of the accessory device, but another accessory device such as a lighting device (flash) may be used.
(Other Examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be performed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

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

100 Interchangeable lens 111 Lens microcomputer 112 (112a, 112b) Lens communication unit 200 Camera body 205 Camera microcomputer 208 (208a, 208b) Camera communication unit

Claims (18)

An imaging device to which an accessory device is detachably attached.
Between the accessory device, a notification channel used for notification from the image pickup device to the accessory device, a first data communication channel used for data transmission from the accessory device to the image pickup device, and the image pickup device. A camera communication unit provided with three channels composed of a second data communication channel used for data transmission between the device and the accessory device.
It has a camera control unit that controls data communication with the accessory device via the camera communication unit.
The camera communication unit switches the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel between the first direction from the image pickup device to the accessory device and the second direction from the accessory device to the image pickup device. Set to enable
When an error occurs in which the camera control unit cannot recognize the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel in the camera communication unit, the error occurs in the accessory device via the notification channel. An imaging device characterized by performing an error notification for notifying. The camera control unit
By switching the signal level of the notification channel from the first level to the second level, the accessory device is notified of the transmission request requesting the data transmission.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the error occurs, the error notification is performed by maintaining the signal level of the notification channel at the first level for a predetermined time. As a communication setting between the image pickup device and the accessory device, a setting in which the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel is the first direction is set as the first setting, and the data transmission direction is the second setting. When the setting that is in the direction of is the second setting,
The imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the camera control unit notifies the error when the error occurs in the state where the second setting is made. The third aspect of the present invention, wherein the camera control unit switches the second setting to the first setting when the error notification is performed in the state where the second setting is made. Imaging device. An accessory device that is removable and attached to the image pickup device.
Between the image pickup device, a notification channel used for notification from the image pickup device to the accessory device, a first data communication channel used for data transmission from the accessory device to the image pickup device, and the image pickup device. An accessory communication unit provided with three channels composed of a second data communication channel used for data transmission between the accessory device and the accessory device.
It has an accessory control unit that controls data communication with the image pickup device via the accessory communication unit.
The image pickup device can switch the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel between the first direction from the image pickup device to the accessory device and the second direction from the accessory device to the image pickup device. Set to
The accessory control unit receives an error notification from the imaging device via the notification channel to notify the occurrence of an error that makes it impossible to recognize the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel. An accessory device characterized by stopping the transmission of the data to the device. When the signal level of the notification channel is switched from the first level to the second level, the image pickup apparatus receives a transmission request notification requesting the data transmission.
The accessory device according to claim 5, wherein the error notification is received by maintaining the signal level of the notification channel at the first level for a predetermined time. As a communication setting between the accessory device and the imaging device, a setting in which the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel is the first direction is set as the first setting, and the data transmission direction is the second setting. When the setting that is in the direction of is the second setting,
5. or 6, the accessory control unit switches the second setting to the first setting in response to receiving the error notification in the state where the second setting is made. The accessory device described in. An accessory device that is removable and attached to the image pickup device.
Between the image pickup device, a notification channel used for notification from the image pickup device to the accessory device, a first data communication channel used for data transmission from the accessory device to the image pickup device, and the image pickup device. An accessory communication unit provided with three channels composed of a second data communication channel used for data transmission between the accessory device and the accessory device.
It has an accessory control unit that controls data communication with the image pickup device via the accessory communication unit.
The accessory communication unit switches the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel between the first direction from the image pickup device to the accessory device and the second direction from the accessory device to the image pickup device. Set to enable
When an error occurs in the accessory communication unit that makes it impossible to recognize the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel, the accessory control unit connects the image pickup device to the image pickup device via the first communication channel. An accessory device characterized by performing error notification for notifying the occurrence of an error. The accessory control unit
The data is transmitted to the imaging device via the first communication channel in response to the transmission request notification received by switching the signal level of the notification channel from the first level to the second level.
The accessory device according to claim 8, wherein when the error occurs, the error notification is performed by stopping the data transmission on the first communication channel for a predetermined time. As a communication setting between the accessory device and the imaging device, a setting in which the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel is the first direction is set as the first setting, and the data transmission direction is the second setting. When the setting that is in the direction of is the second setting,
The accessory device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the accessory control unit notifies the error when the error occurs in the state where the second setting is made. The tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the accessory control unit switches the second setting to the first setting when the error notification is performed in the state where the second setting is made. Accessory device. An imaging device to which an accessory device is detachably attached.
Between the accessory device, a notification channel used for notification from the image pickup device to the accessory device, a first data communication channel used for data transmission from the accessory device to the image pickup device, and the image pickup device. A camera communication unit provided with three channels composed of a second data communication channel used for data transmission between the device and the accessory device.
It has a camera control unit that controls data communication with the accessory device via the camera communication unit.
The accessory device can switch the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel between the first direction from the image pickup device to the accessory device and the second direction from the accessory device to the image pickup device. Set to
The camera control unit
By notifying the accessory device of a transmission request via the notification channel, the accessory device is made to transmit the data.
In response to receiving an error notification from the accessory device via the first communication channel to notify the occurrence of an error that makes it impossible to recognize the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel, the said to the accessory device. An imaging device characterized by canceling a transmission request notification. The imaging according to claim 12, wherein the camera control unit receives the error notification by stopping the data transmission from the accessory device via the first communication channel for a predetermined time. apparatus. As a communication setting between the image pickup device and the accessory device, a setting in which the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel is the first direction is set as the first setting, and the data transmission direction is the second setting. When the setting that is in the direction of is the second setting,
A 12 or 13 claim, wherein the camera control unit switches the second setting to the first setting in response to receiving the error notification in a state where the second setting is made. The imaging apparatus according to. An image pickup device to which the accessory device is detachably mounted, and a notification channel used for notification from the image pickup device to the accessory device and data transmission from the accessory device to the image pickup device between the image pickup device and the accessory device. A third data communication channel composed of a first data communication channel used for the above and a second data communication channel used for data transmission between the image pickup device and the accessory device is provided, and the second data communication is provided. A computer that operates a computer of an imaging device that sets a data transmission direction in a channel so as to be switchable between a first direction from the imaging device to the accessory device and a second direction from the accessory device to the imaging device. It ’s a program
When the computer encounters an error that makes it impossible to recognize the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel, an error notification for notifying the accessory device of the occurrence of the error via the notification channel. A communication control program characterized by performing. An accessory device that is detachably attached to the image pickup device, and is a notification channel used for notification from the image pickup device to the accessory device, and data transmission from the accessory device to the image pickup device. Operate the computer of the accessory device provided with three channels including the first data communication channel used for the above and the second data communication channel used for data transmission between the image pickup device and the accessory device. It ’s a computer program
The image pickup device is set so that the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel can be switched between the first direction from the image pickup device to the accessory device and the second direction from the accessory device to the image pickup device. In response to receiving an error notification from the imaging device via the notification channel to notify the computer of the occurrence of an error in which the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel cannot be recognized. A communication control program characterized by stopping the transmission of the data to the imaging device. An accessory device that is detachably attached to the image pickup device, and a notification channel used for notification from the image pickup device to the accessory device and data transmission from the accessory device to the image pickup device between the image pickup device and the image pickup device. A third data communication channel composed of a first data communication channel used for the above and a second data communication channel used for data transmission between the image pickup device and the accessory device is provided, and the second data communication is provided. A computer program for operating the computer of the accessory device that sets the data transmission direction in the channel to be switchable between the first direction from the image pickup device to the accessory device and the second direction from the accessory device to the image pickup device. And
In order to notify the imaging device of the occurrence of the error via the first communication channel when an error that makes it impossible to recognize the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel occurs in the computer. A communication control program characterized by giving an error notification of. An image pickup device to which the accessory device is detachably mounted, and a notification channel used for notification from the image pickup device to the accessory device and data transmission from the accessory device to the image pickup device between the image pickup device and the accessory device. Operates a computer of an imaging device provided with three channels including a first data communication channel used for the above and a second data communication channel used for data transmission between the imaging device and the accessory device. It ’s a computer program
The accessory device is set so that the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel can be switched between the first direction from the image pickup device to the accessory device and the second direction from the accessory device to the image pickup device. If you do
On the computer
By notifying the accessory device of a transmission request via the notification channel, the accessory device is made to transmit the data.
In response to receiving an error notification from the accessory device via the first communication channel to notify the occurrence of an error that makes it impossible to recognize the data transmission direction in the second data communication channel, the said to the accessory device. A communication control program characterized by canceling a transmission request notification.