Intermediate accessory device, image pickup device, image pickup system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an intermediate attachment device, an image pickup device, an image pickup system, and a storage medium. An intermediate attachment device having an optical member and configured to be detachably attached between a replaceable lens device and an image pickup device includes a storage device that stores, in association with first identification information for identifying the replaceable lens device, characteristic information related to a combined optical characteristic of the replaceable lens device and the intermediate attachment device, the characteristic information being associated with state information related to a state of the replaceable lens device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of this disclosure relates to intermediate accessory devices, image acquisition devices, image acquisition systems, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] An imaging system (also known as an image acquisition system) is known, comprising a camera body (imaging device or image acquisition device) and accessory devices (interchangeable lens devices and intermediate accessory devices, such as wide-angle converters or teleconverters attached between the camera body and the interchangeable lens devices) as system components. In this imaging system, the camera body controls the accessory devices. In order to properly control focusing, aperture stop, and zoom in the imaging system, the camera body needs to obtain interchangeable lens device-specific control information required for control from the interchangeable lens devices.

[0003] When an intermediate accessory device is attached between the camera body and the interchangeable lens assembly, it is necessary to consider not only the control information specific to the interchangeable lens assembly, but also the control information specific to the intermediate accessory device required for control.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-205705 discusses an imaging system in which a camera body identifies a component that combines control information specific to the replaceable lens device and control information specific to the intermediate accessory device based on identification information of an intermediate accessory device and a replaceable lens device attached to the camera body. In the imaging system, the combination is performed by the component identified by the camera body.

[0005] In the imaging system discussed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-205705, the components of the imaging system, identified by the camera body, need to combine control information specific to the replaceable lens device and control information specific to the intermediate accessory device. Therefore, the components require resources (hardware, software, and time) for combination. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure provides, for example, an intermediate accessory device that facilitates the control of an image pickup device with a replaceable lens device.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, an intermediate accessory device having optical components and configured to be detachably attached between a replaceable lens device and an image pickup device includes a storage device that stores characteristic information related to the combined optical characteristics of the replaceable lens device and the intermediate accessory device in association with first identification information for identifying the replaceable lens device, the characteristic information being associated with state information related to the state of the replaceable lens device.

[0008] Other features of the invention will become clear from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 An example configuration of an imaging system according to a first exemplary embodiment is illustrated.

[0010] Figure 2 An example of storing information is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 An example of the configuration information for the attachment data group is shown.

[0012] Figure 4 An example of the order of the attachment data is shown.

[0013] Figure 5 An example of an attachment data version table is shown.

[0014] Figure 6 An example of a table showing the starting address of the attachment data is provided.

[0015] Figure 7 An example of a table showing the size of the attachment data is provided.

[0016] Figure 8 An example of a checksum table for attachment data is shown.

[0017] Figure 9 An example of a table showing the size of the attachment data configuration information is provided.

[0018] Figure 10 An example of an attachment data group is shown.

[0019] Figure 11 An example of the attached data is shown.

[0020] Figure 12 An example of the configuration information for the attachment data is shown.

[0021] Figure 13 An example of the order of individual data is shown.

[0022] Figure 14 An example of an individual data version table is shown.

[0023] Figure 15 An example of an individual data starting address table is shown.

[0024] Figure 16 An example of an individual data size table is shown.

[0025] Figure 17 An example of an individual data checksum table is shown.

[0026] Figure 18 An example of an individual data configuration information size table is shown.

[0027] Figure 19 An example of an individual data set is shown.

[0028] Figure 20 An example of individual data is shown.

[0029] Figure 21 An example of individual data configuration information is shown.

[0030] Figure 22 An example of a data table is shown.

[0031] Figure 23 An example processing flow for individual data acquisition is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 24 An example processing flow for retrieving attachment data is illustrated.

[0033] Figure 25 An example processing flow for updating all data items is shown.

[0034] Figure 26 An example processing flow for updating attachment data is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings used to illustrate exemplary embodiments, in principle (unless otherwise specifically described), the same elements are assigned the same reference numerals and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0036] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 5 A first exemplary embodiment is described. The imaging system according to the first exemplary embodiment includes a first communication path for communication between a camera body (imaging device) and a replaceable lens device, and a second communication path for communication between the camera body and an adapter (intermediate accessory device). Figure 1 An example configuration of an imaging system according to a first exemplary embodiment is illustrated. (Reference) Figure 1 The replaceable lens assembly 10 includes movable optical components. The camera body 20 includes an image sensor. An adapter 30 (an intermediate accessory device, such as an extender) is detachably attached between the replaceable lens assembly 10 and the camera body 20.

[0037] The replaceable lens assembly 10, adapter 30, and camera body 20 can be attached to and detached from each other via mounting bases 101, 301, 302, and 201. Mounting base 101 is formed on the replaceable lens assembly 10, mounting bases 301 and 302 are formed on the adapter 30, and mounting base 201 is formed on the camera body 20. Mounting bases 101, 301, 302, and 201 are respectively provided with one or more contacts (terminals) 102, 303, 305, and 202 for performing communication based on a first communication method. Contacts 102, 303, 305, and 202 are configured to become electrically connected to each other when the replaceable lens 10, adapter 30, and camera body 20 are attached (connected) to each other. The first communication method is used by the camera body 20 to control movable optical components in the replaceable lens assembly 10.

[0038] Mounting bases 101, 301, 302, and 201 are also provided with one or more contacts (terminals) 103, 304, 306, and 203 for performing communication based on a second communication method. Contacts 103, 304, 306, and 203 are configured to become interconnected when the replaceable lens 10, adapter 30, and camera body 20 are attached to each other. The second communication method is used for one-to-many communication (broadcast communication) and one-to-one communication (peer-to-peer (P2P) communication) between the camera body 20, the replaceable lens assembly 10, and the adapter 30.

[0039] The focusing lens unit 104 is used to focus the subject. The zoom lens unit 105 is used for zooming (magnification). The aperture unit (aperture stop) 106 is used to adjust the amount of light or the diameter. The image shake (IS) lens unit 107 is used to reduce image shake. The focus control unit 108 is used to control the drive of the focusing lens unit 104. The zoom control unit 109 is used to control the drive of the zoom lens unit 105. The aperture control unit 110 is used to control the drive of the aperture unit 106. The IS control unit 111 is used to control the drive of the IS lens unit 107. The focus control unit 108, zoom control unit 109, aperture control unit 110, and IS control unit 111 may include, for example, a position detection unit and a motor. The shake detection unit 112 is used to detect shake (vibration) of the replaceable lens assembly 10 and may include, for example, a gyroscope.

[0040] Control unit 113 controls the replaceable lens device 10. First communication unit 114 is used to perform communication within the replaceable lens device 10 based on a first communication method. Second communication unit 115 is used to perform communication within the replaceable lens device 10 based on a second communication method. Control unit 113, first communication unit 114, and second communication unit 115 can be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) or processing unit (not shown) within the replaceable lens device 10.

[0041] Image sensor 204 is used to capture images formed via replaceable lens assembly 10 and adapter 30, and may include, for example, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. Control unit 205 controls camera body 20. First communication unit 208 is used to perform communication within camera body 20 based on a first communication method. Second communication unit 209 is used to perform communication within camera body 20 based on a second communication method. Control unit 205, first communication unit 208, and second communication unit 209 may be configured by a CPU or processing unit (not shown) within camera body 20. Video display unit (image display unit) 206 displays video (images) captured by image sensor 204 during imaging, and may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor. Operating member 207 is used to set imaging conditions (imaging control), and may include, for example, a disc ring and switches.

[0042] Optical components (adapter optical components) 307 are included in adapter 30 and may include, for example, a magnifying lens unit and a neutral density (ND) filter. A second communication unit 308 is used to perform communication in adapter 30 based on a second communication method. A control unit 309 controls adapter 30. The second communication unit 308 and control unit 309 may be configured by a CPU (processing unit) (not shown) in adapter 30. A storage unit 310 stores control information (control information set) corresponding to the identification information of the replaceable lens device 10 and may include, for example, flash memory. The control information will be described below. The control information is also referred to as characteristic information regarding the combined optical characteristics of the replaceable lens device 10 and the intermediate accessory device. The characteristic information may include at least one of first characteristic information for controlling the driving of the optical components included in the replaceable lens device 10 and second characteristic information for controlling the correction of video data captured by the imaging device. The storage unit 310 stores the characteristic information in association with the first identification information used to identify the replaceable lens device 10.

[0043] According to this exemplary embodiment, video information is acquired by light incident on the replaceable lens device 10. More specifically, the light incident on the replaceable lens device 10 forms an image (optical image) on the image sensor 204 via the focusing lens unit 104, the zoom lens unit 105, the aperture unit 106, the IS lens unit 107, and the adapter optics 307. The image is converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor 204. The electrical signal is converted into a video signal by the control unit 205. The video signal is then displayed by the video display unit 206, recorded on a recording medium, or transmitted to an external device.

[0044] A description of the processing flow according to this exemplary embodiment will be given, wherein the camera body 20 acquires control information related to the combination of the replaceable lens device 10 and the adapter 30, and then acquires video data using the control information. When the power to the camera body 20 is turned on and the camera body 20 is activated, the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 transmits a communication command to the replaceable lens device 10 for acquiring identification information (first identification information) about the replaceable lens device 10 based on a first communication method. Therefore, the control unit 205 acquires the identification information of the replaceable lens device 10 from the adapter 30. Through broadcast communication based on a second communication method, the control unit 205 identifies that the adapter 30 is attached to the camera body 20. Then, the control unit 205 transmits a communication command to the adapter 30 for transmitting the identification information of the replaceable lens device 10 based on the second communication method. Therefore, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 acquires (identifies) the identification information.

[0045] Then, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 identifies the control information (also called accessory data) associated with the identification information corresponding to the combination of the replaceable lens device 10 and the adapter 30. According to this exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the identification information (such as 01h to 05h (described below)) is completely identical (common) between the first and second communication methods. For example, the identification information of the replaceable lens device A in the first communication method and the identification information associated with the control information corresponding to the combination of the replaceable lens device A and the adapter 30 in the second communication method are both 01h. The identification information in the second communication method can correspond to the combination further combined with the camera body 20 as described above. In this case, control information corresponding to the combination of the replaceable lens device 10, the adapter 30, and the camera body 20 can be identified. For example, the camera body 20 is included in the combination because the control information can vary depending on the size (image size) of the image sensor included in the camera body 20.

[0046] The control information is configured to adapt to various combinations between multiple types of interchangeable lens devices 10 and multiple types of adapters 30 (associated with each piece of identification information used to identify the interchangeable lens device 10). The control information includes individual information (also called individual data) as imaging control information related to imaging (condition) control (e.g., focal length control). The control information also includes individual information (also called individual data) as correction control information related to correction control of video data (e.g., correction control for peripheral light reduction). The control information may include at least one of imaging control information (first control information) and correction control information (second control information). Commands used by the camera body 20 to perform controls related to the interchangeable lens device 10 can be determined based on information and individual information related to imaging conditions to be set or already set in the imaging system. The auxiliary data and individual data, as well as the processing used to determine the commands, will be described in detail below.

[0047] To acquire individual data, the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 transmits a command to the adapter 30 to request configuration information (also known as accessory data group configuration information or first configuration information) indicating the attributes of the accessory data group. Therefore, the control unit 205 receives the configuration information from the adapter 30. The accessory data configuration information and the processing for acquiring individual data will be described in detail below.

[0048] The camera body 20 can acquire individual data corresponding to the combination of the replaceable lens device 10 and the adapter 30 from the adapter 30 based on the first identification information and the identification information (second identification information) for identifying individual data included in the accessory data set configuration information. According to this exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the second identification information is exactly the same (common) for the first communication method and the second communication method.

[0049] Individual information serving as imaging control information, besides focal length, may also be related to, for example, f-number and focus sensitivity (the ratio of the amount of image plane movement to the amount of movement of the focusing lens unit 104). Individual information may also be related to the amount of movement of the focusing lens unit 104 used to correct the amount of defocus detected by the autofocus (AF) sensor. In addition to information used to correct for reduced peripheral light, individual information serving as correction control information may also include information used to correct magnification chromatic aberration and distortion in video data acquired by the camera body 20.

[0050] The control unit 205 of the camera body 20 requests necessary individual information from the adapter 30 based on the first configuration information and the second configuration information, and obtains the individual information from the adapter 30. The method of obtaining the information will be described in detail below. Once the individual information is obtained from the adapter 30, the control unit 205 requests status information about the state of the replaceable lens device 10 from the replaceable lens device 10 via the first communication unit 208 and obtains the status information from the replaceable lens device 10. Based on the individual information and the status information, the control unit 205 determines a command to be executed by the camera body 20 to control the replaceable lens device 10 in relation to the combination of the replaceable lens device 10 and the adapter 30. This command may be, for example, a command to control the imaging conditions (optical components) in the replaceable lens device 10, or a command to correct the correction of video data.

[0051] The camera body 20 performs corrections on the video data based on commands. For example, if the command relates to correction of magnification chromatic aberration, the command may include coefficients of an nth-order polynomial highly correlated with the image to obtain values ​​(multiplication values) for correction. Based on the commands, the video display unit 206 of the camera body 20 displays imaging conditions (e.g., focal length, subject distance, and F-number) in an imaging system comprising the interchangeable lens assembly 10 and the adapter 30. In the interchangeable lens assembly 10, movable optical components are actuated based on commands.

[0052] As described above, the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 acquires individual information corresponding to the combination of the interchangeable lens device 10 and the adapter 30 in order to appropriately perform control related to the interchangeable lens device 10. Since the control unit 205 can acquire only the individual information immediately needed when power is supplied, the time period before the camera becomes ready to image can be shortened.

[0053] The following describes the processing flow in which the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 transmits a communication command for acquiring control information to the replaceable lens device 10 and receives control information from the replaceable lens device 10. First, the control unit 205 generates a communication command for acquiring specific control information from the replaceable lens device 10. This command includes an identifier for a first communication method. This identifier uniquely identifies the requested control information and may be a string. The identifier requests identification information from the replaceable lens device 10. This command is transmitted to the replaceable lens device 10 via a first communication unit 208. The control unit 113 in the replaceable lens device 10 receives the communication command via a first communication unit 114 and then interprets the command. The control unit 113 generates a communication command corresponding to the content of the communication command and transmits this command to the camera body 20 via the first communication unit 114. The control unit 205 of the camera body 20 receives the communication command from the replaceable lens device 10 via the first communication unit 208 and then interprets the command. The identifier can be an identifier associated with the optical system of the replaceable lens device 10 (e.g., 01h) or an identifier associated with the name of the replaceable lens device 10 (e.g., 02h). The identifier is not limited to hexadecimal numbers, but can be any number that uniquely identifies the type of the replaceable lens device 10.

[0054] The following describes the process flow in which the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 notifies the adapter 30 of the identification information of the replaceable lens device 10. First, the control unit 205 generates a communication command to notify the adapter 30 of the identification information of the replaceable lens device 10. The control unit 205 transmits the communication command to the adapter 30 via the second communication unit 209. The control unit 309 of the adapter 30 receives the communication command via the second communication unit 308 and then interprets the command. Therefore, the control unit 309 can identify the replaceable lens device 10. When another adapter, including an optical system, is attached between the replaceable lens device 10 and the adapter 30, the replaceable lens device 10 identifies the other adapter and transmits its identification information to the camera body 20. The other adapter is identified by the replaceable lens device 10 through communication between the replaceable lens device 10 and the other adapter (communication via contacts).

[0055] The above configuration enables the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 to obtain control information corresponding to the combination of the replaceable lens device 10 and the adapter 30 through first communication with the replaceable lens device 10 and second communication with the adapter 30. If another adapter is also attached as described above, the control unit 205 can obtain control information corresponding to the combination of the replaceable lens device 10, the other adapter, and the adapter 30.

[0056] The following will refer to Figures 2 to 22 This describes the control information stored in storage unit 310. Figures 2 to 22 In the table shown, the first column indicates the starting address of the data, the second column indicates the name of the data, and the third column indicates the value when the data has a value. The starting address is a unique number. The starting address is represented by an 8-digit hexadecimal number (from 00000000h to FFFFFFFFh).

[0057] Figure 2 An example of stored information is shown. The control unit 309 of adapter 30 needs the stored information to identify the accessory data corresponding to the accessory data identifier. (See reference...) Figure 2 The stored information includes the configuration information of the attachment data group and the attachment data group itself.

[0058] Figure 3 This example illustrates the configuration information for an attachment data group. The attachment data group configuration information is used to identify specific attachment data from the attachment data group. The attachment data group configuration information includes the attachment data group configuration information checksum, attachment data group configuration information size, attachment data group configuration information identifier, and attachment data group configuration information version. The attachment data group configuration information also includes the total number of attachment data items and the attachment data order. The attachment data group configuration information also includes an attachment data version table, an attachment data starting address table, and an attachment data size table. The attachment data group configuration information also includes an attachment data checksum table and an attachment data configuration information size table.

[0059] The checksum of the annex data group configuration information is a value obtained as the sum of all data items included in the annex data group configuration information, excluding the checksum itself. Checks (detections) for communication errors (data anomalies caused by communication errors) can be performed by comparing the above value with the value obtained as the sum of all data items acquired during communication.

[0060] The size of the attachment data group configuration information indicates the size (in bytes) of the attachment data group configuration information and is used to read the attachment data group configuration information from storage unit 310.

[0061] The attachment data group configuration information identifier indicates that the attachment data group configuration information is associated with a specific type of adapter 30. For example, the attachment data group configuration information identifier stored in a type 1 adapter 30 is 01h, and the attachment data group configuration information identifier stored in a type 2 adapter 30 is 02h. The attachment data group configuration information identifier is not limited to hexadecimal numbers, but can be any number that uniquely identifies the type of adapter 30. When updating the overall storage information, the attachment data group configuration information identifier can be used to update the overall storage information stored in the storage unit 310 of the adapter 30.

[0062] The Attachment Data Group Configuration Information Version indicates the version of the Attachment Data Group Configuration Information. A higher version number indicates a newer version. The Attachment Data Group Configuration Information version can be used to determine whether control information needs to be updated.

[0063] The total number of attachment data items indicates the total number of attachment data identifiers and is used together with the attachment data order (described below) to identify an attachment data item.

[0064] Figure 4 An example of attachment data ordering is shown. Attachment data ordering includes multiple attachment data identifiers. Attachment data ordering indicates the arrangement order of multiple attachment data items, which is equal to the total number of attachment data items.

[0065] The accessory data identifier is information used to identify accessory data and can be identification information (first identification information) of the replaceable lens device 10. For example, when the replaceable lens device 10 is replaceable lens device A, the accessory data identifier is 01h. When the replaceable lens device 10 is replaceable lens device B, the accessory data identifier is 02h. The accessory data identifier is not limited to hexadecimal numbers but can be any number that uniquely identifies the accessory data.

[0066] Figure 5 This example illustrates an attachment data version table. An attachment data version table contains multiple attachment data versions. An attachment data version is a number indicating the version of a specific attachment data item arranged according to its order. A higher version number indicates a newer version. Attachment data versions can be used to determine whether attachment data needs to be updated.

[0067] Figure 6 An example of an attachment data start address table is provided. The attachment data start address table includes multiple attachment data start addresses. Each attachment data start address indicates the starting address of a specific attachment data item arranged according to its attachment data order.

[0068] Figure 7 An example of an attachment data size table is shown. The attachment data size table includes multiple attachment data sizes. Each attachment data size indicates the size of a specific attachment data item arranged according to its order.

[0069] Figure 8 An example of an attachment data checksum table is shown. The attachment data checksum table includes multiple attachment data checksums. The attachment data checksum is a value obtained as the sum of the attachment data items. Communication error checking can be performed by comparing this value with the value obtained as the sum of the attachment data items obtained in the communication.

[0070] Figure 9An example of an attachment data configuration information size table is provided. The attachment data configuration information size table includes multiple attachment data configuration information sizes. The attachment data configuration information size indicates the size of the attachment data configuration information associated with a specific set of attachment data arranged according to the attachment data order.

[0071] Figure 10 An example of an attachment data group is shown. An attachment data group includes multiple attachment data items.

[0072] Figure 11 An example of accessory data is shown. The accessory data corresponds to the combination of adapter 30 and replaceable lens device 10 and includes accessory data configuration information and individual data sets.

[0073] Figure 12 An example of attachment data configuration information is provided. Attachment data configuration information is used to identify an individual data item from an individual data group. Attachment data configuration information includes an attachment data configuration information checksum, an attachment data configuration information identifier, and an attachment data configuration information version. Attachment data configuration information also includes the total number of individual data items, the order of individual data items, an individual data version table, an individual data starting address table, an individual data size table, an individual data checksum table, and an individual data configuration information size table.

[0074] The checksum for the attachment data configuration information is a value obtained by summing all data items included in the attachment data configuration information, excluding the checksum itself. Communication error checking can be performed by comparing this value with the value obtained as the sum of all data items received during communication.

[0075] The total number of individual data items is used together with the order of individual data items (described below) to identify an individual data item.

[0076] Figure 13 An example of individual data order is illustrated. The individual data order includes multiple individual data identifiers. The individual data order indicates the arrangement order of multiple individual data items, equal to the total number of individual data items. Individual data identifiers are used to identify specific portions of the control information corresponding to the combination of adapter 30 and replaceable lens device 10. The aforementioned second configuration information is information indicating the attributes of multiple partial information items respectively associated with multiple second identification information items, and is also referred to as accessory data configuration information. For example, when the partial information is related to subject distance, the individual data identifier is 01h. When the partial information is related to focus sensitivity, the individual data identifier is 02h. Individual data identifiers are not limited to hexadecimal numbers, but can be any number that uniquely identifies individual data.

[0077] Figure 14An example of an individual data version table is shown. An individual data version table contains multiple individual data versions. An individual data version is a number indicating the version of a specific piece of individual data arranged in the order of the individual data. A larger version number indicates a newer version.

[0078] Figure 15 An example of an individual data start address table is shown. The individual data start address table includes multiple individual data start addresses. Each individual data start address indicates the starting address of a specific individual data item arranged according to its individual data order.

[0079] Figure 16 An example of an individual data size table is shown. The individual data size table includes multiple individual data sizes. Each individual data size indicates the size of a specific individual data set arranged according to its order.

[0080] Figure 17 An example of an individual data checksum table is shown. The individual data checksum table contains multiple individual data checksums. An individual data checksum is a value obtained as the sum of all data items included in the individual data. Communication error checking can be performed by comparing this value with the value obtained as the sum of all data items obtained in the communication.

[0081] Figure 18 An example of an individual data configuration information size table is provided. The individual data configuration information size table includes multiple individual data configuration information sizes. Each individual data configuration information size indicates the size of the individual data configuration information for a specific individual data item arranged according to the order of the individual data.

[0082] Figure 19 An example of an individual data group is shown. An individual data group consists of multiple individual data items.

[0083] Figure 20 An example of individual data is shown. The individual data corresponds to the combination of adapter 30 and replaceable lens device 10, and includes individual data configuration information and a data table.

[0084] Figure 21An example of individual data configuration information is provided. Individual data configuration information includes an individual data configuration information checksum, an individual data configuration information identifier, and an individual data configuration information version. It also includes the total number of data items in the data table, the individual data starting address, and the individual data size. The individual data configuration information checksum is a value obtained as the sum of all data items included in the individual data configuration information, excluding the checksum itself. Communication error checking can be performed by comparing this value with the value obtained as the sum of all data items obtained through communication. The individual data version is a number indicating the version of the individual data. A larger version number indicates a newer version. The individual data table starting address indicates the starting address of the individual data table. The individual data table size indicates the size of the individual data table.

[0085] Figure 22 An example of a data table is illustrated. This example indicates that the data in the data table (part of the control information) is related to focal length. The data table serves as an index showing the index value for the focal length. The index value is the focal length of the interchangeable lens assembly 10, and the individual data is the focal length corresponding to the combination of the interchangeable lens assembly 10 and the adapter 30. In this example, it is assumed that the adapter 30 includes a magnifying optical system that magnifies the focal length by 1.5 times. This data table allows the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 to obtain the focal length corresponding to the combination of the interchangeable lens assembly 10 and the adapter 30 by using the focal length of the interchangeable lens assembly 10 as the INDEX value.

[0086] The following describes a method for using data with the above data structure (data stored in storage unit 310).

[0087] Obtaining individual data

[0088] To obtain individual data, the following configuration information is used: Attachment Data Group Configuration Information (First Configuration Information), Attachment Data Configuration Information (Second Configuration Information), and Individual Data Configuration Information (Third Configuration Information).

[0089] Get attachment data

[0090] To obtain the attachment data, the attachment data group configuration information (first configuration information) and attachment data configuration information (second configuration information) in the storage information are used.

[0091] Update the entire storage information

[0092] To update the entire storage information, use the attached data group configuration information.

[0093] Update attachment data

[0094] To update the attachment data, use the attachment data group configuration information and the attachment data configuration information.

[0095] Update individual data

[0096] To update individual data, use the attachment data group configuration information, attachment data configuration information, and individual data configuration information.

[0097] Processing flow for acquiring individual data

[0098] The camera body 20's control unit 205 processes the acquisition of individual data from the adapter 30. Figure 23 An example flow for individual data acquisition and processing is illustrated. In this example, it is assumed that the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 has already acquired the accessory data identifier from the camera body 20.

[0099] exist Figure 23 In step S101, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 sets the address and size of the accessory data group configuration information in the storage unit 310. The information regarding the address and size remains unchanged and is known to the control unit 309.

[0100] In step S102, the storage unit 310 outputs the attachment data group configuration information to the control unit 309 according to the set address and size.

[0101] In step S103, the control unit 309 identifies the starting address of the attachment data corresponding to the attachment data identifier based on the attachment data identifier and the attachment data group configuration information. Similarly, the control unit 309 identifies the attachment data size, the attachment data checksum, and the size of the attachment data configuration information.

[0102] In step S104, the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 requests the adapter 30 to read the size of the accessory data configuration information from the (unchanging and known) accessory data start address.

[0103] In step S105, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 transmits the accessory data configuration information identified in step S103 to the camera body 20.

[0104] In step S106, the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 transmits the starting address and size of the individual data configuration information to the adapter 30.

[0105] In step S107, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 sets the starting address and size in the storage unit 310.

[0106] In step S108, the storage unit 310 outputs individual data configuration information to the control unit 309 according to the set starting address and size.

[0107] In step S109, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 transmits individual data configuration information to the camera body 20.

[0108] In step S110, the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 performs a communication error check on the communication data using the received individual data configuration information and the individual data configuration information checksum included in the individual data configuration information. If a communication error is detected, the process can be repeated from step S106. The control unit 205 identifies the individual data starting address corresponding to the individual data configuration information identifier that is the same as the first communication identifier included in the individual data configuration information. The control unit 205 also identifies the individual data size corresponding to the individual data configuration information identifier. The control unit 205 determines whether new individual data needs to be acquired based on the version of the individual data configuration information. The control unit 205 pre-queries the replaceable lens device 10 for available commands via the first communication. In step S110, the control unit 205 identifies individual data with the same individual data configuration information identifier as the first communication identifier of the command. The camera body 20 may have a command list for each type of replaceable lens 10.

[0109] In step S111, the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 transmits the individual data starting address and individual data size identified in step S110 to the adapter 30.

[0110] In step S112, the adapter 30 sets the starting address and size of the individual data in the storage unit 310.

[0111] In step S113, the storage unit 310 outputs the individual data starting address and individual data size to the control unit 309 of the adapter 30.

[0112] In step S114, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 transmits individual data to the camera body 20.

[0113] In step S115, the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 performs a communication error check based on the individual data identification information in the received individual data. If a communication error is detected, the process can be repeated from step S111.

[0114] The above processing enables the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 to acquire the required individual data from the adapter 30. Therefore, the control unit 205 can perform control related to the replaceable lens device 10 based on the status information acquired from the replaceable lens device 10.

[0115] Processing flow for obtaining attachment data

[0116] The following describes the process by which the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 obtains accessory data from the adapter 30. This process is performed, for example, when the replaceable lens assembly 10 and the adapter 30 are first attached to the camera body 20. It is assumed that the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 has already obtained the accessory data identifier (first identification information) from the camera body 20. Figure 24 An example flow for acquiring and processing attachment data is shown. Figure 24 The processing in steps S101 to S105 and Figure 23 The processing is similar to that in [the previous section], and its redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0117] In step S201, the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 transmits the attachment data start address and attachment data size received in step S105 to the adapter 30.

[0118] In step S202, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 sets the starting address and size of the attachment data in the storage unit 310.

[0119] In step S203, the storage unit 310 outputs the attachment data to the control unit 309 according to the set attachment data start address and attachment data size.

[0120] In step S204, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 transmits accessory data to the camera body 20.

[0121] In step S205, the camera body 20 performs a communication error check based on the attachment data checksum received in step S105. If a communication error is detected, the process in step S201 can be repeated.

[0122] The control unit 205 of the camera body 20 can obtain the accessory data configuration information by retrieving the accessory data configuration information size from the top of the accessory data. This allows the necessary individual data to be obtained by using the individual data start address and individual data size included in the accessory data configuration information.

[0123] This exemplary embodiment enables the provision of an intermediate accessory device that facilitates the control of the interchangeable lens device by the imaging apparatus. This exemplary embodiment also enables the provision of an imaging apparatus that is advantageous in controlling the interchangeable lens device. This exemplary embodiment further enables the provision of an imaging system that can produce the effects of both the interchangeable lens device and the imaging apparatus.

[0124] The entire process of updating stored information

[0125] The camera body 20's control unit 205 transmits the entire storage information to the adapter 30 to update the processing flow of the storage information stored in the storage unit 310. Figure 25 An example flow for updating the entire data is illustrated. It is assumed that control unit 205 already has new stored information via the storage medium.

[0126] In step S301, the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 transmits new stored information (update information) to the adapter 30.

[0127] In step S302, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 performs a communication error check by verifying and performing a check on the configuration information of the received accessory data set. If a communication error is detected, the process can be repeated from step S301.

[0128] In step S303, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 writes the received storage information into the storage unit 310 using the size of the received accessory data group configuration information data as the write data size. It is assumed that the starting address for writing is known.

[0129] In step S304, the storage unit 310 transmits the result of writing the storage information to the control unit 309.

[0130] In step S305, the control unit 309 checks whether the stored information stored in the storage unit 310 is consistent with the transmitted stored information.

[0131] In step S306, the control unit 309 notifies the camera body 20 that the update is complete.

[0132] The above processing enables the storage information in storage unit 310 to be updated with storage information from camera body 20 (or external device).

[0133] Processing flow for updating attachment data

[0134] The process of updating specific accessory data in the storage unit 310 of the adapter 30 by the control unit 205 of the camera body 20. Figure 26 This example illustrates a workflow for updating attachment data. The processing in steps S303 to S306 is similar to... Figure 25 The processing is similar, and its redundant description will be omitted. It is assumed that the control unit 309 of adapter 30 has already read the accessory data configuration information from storage unit 310.

[0135] In step S401, the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 requests accessory data configuration information from the adapter 30.

[0136] In step S402, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 transmits accessory data configuration information to the camera body 20.

[0137] In step S403, the control unit 205 of the camera body 20 performs a communication error check by verifying the received accessory data configuration information in the received accessory data configuration information. If a communication error is detected, the process can be repeated from step S401. The control unit 205 identifies the accessory data to be updated based on the accessory data configuration information received from the adapter 30. The method for identifying the accessory data will be described below.

[0138] In step S404, the control unit 205 transmits the accessory data to be updated, which was identified in step S403, to the adapter 30.

[0139] In step S405, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 performs a communication error check by using the attachment data checksum of the received attachment data. If a communication error is detected, the process can be repeated from step S404. When there are multiple attachment data items to be updated, the processes in steps S404 to S405 and steps S303 to S306 are repeated.

[0140] In step S406, the control unit 205 transmits new accessory data configuration information as update information.

[0141] In step S407, the control unit 309 of the adapter 30 performs a communication error check by using the received accessory data configuration information checksum in the received accessory data configuration information. If a communication error is detected, the process can be repeated from step S405.

[0142] The method for identifying attachment data to be updated is described below. Attachment data to be updated can be identified by checking the version of the attachment data configuration information. If the version is the latest version, then control unit 309 determines that there is no attachment data to be updated. On the other hand, if the version is not the latest version, then control unit 309 performs the following processing. More specifically, control unit 309 determines whether each attachment data version is the latest version. Therefore, control unit 309 identifies attachment data whose version is not the latest version as data to be updated. Control unit 309 also identifies attachment data to be added as attachment data to be updated.

[0143] The data unit to be updated can be individual data rather than supplementary data. In this case, the control unit 309 can perform this determination based on the individual data configuration information version. The stored information stored in the storage unit 310 has the above-described data structure, enabling the camera body 20 to efficiently update the stored information not only as a whole but also on a supplementary and individual data basis.

[0144] This exemplary embodiment enables the provision of an intermediate accessory device that facilitates the control of the interchangeable lens device by the imaging apparatus. This exemplary embodiment also enables the provision of an imaging apparatus that is advantageous in controlling the interchangeable lens device. This exemplary embodiment further enables the provision of an imaging system that can produce the effects of both the interchangeable lens device and the imaging apparatus.

[0145] Other embodiments

[0146] One or more embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by a computer that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transient computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more embodiments described above and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more embodiments described above, and by a method performed by a computer of a system or device by, for example, reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform the functions of one or more embodiments described above and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more embodiments described above. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include a network of individual computers or individual processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), storage devices for distributed computing systems, optical discs (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0147] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (programs) that perform the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads out and executes the program.

[0148] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An intermediate accessory device having optical components and configured to be detachably attached between a replaceable lens device and an image pickup device, the intermediate accessory device comprising: A storage device stores characteristic information related to the combined optical characteristics of the replaceable lens assembly and the intermediate accessory assembly, wherein the characteristic information is associated with state information regarding the state of the replaceable lens assembly, and the characteristic information is used to control the driving of the optical components included in the replaceable lens assembly and / or control the correction of image data acquired by the image acquisition device. The feature information includes first feature information associated with first identification information used to identify the replaceable lens device. The first characteristic information includes a first part of information associated with the second identification information, and the second identification information is used to identify the first part of information.

2. The intermediate attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device stores first configuration information indicating attributes of multiple first characteristic information respectively associated with multiple first identification information.

3. The intermediate attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device stores second configuration information indicating attributes of multiple first portion information respectively associated with multiple second identification information.

4. The intermediate attachment device according to claim 2, wherein the attribute is related to the version of the information.

5. The intermediate attachment device according to claim 2, wherein the attributes are related to the order of the information.

6. The intermediate attachment device according to claim 2, wherein the attribute is related to the address of the information.

7. The intermediate attachment device according to claim 2, wherein the attribute is related to the size of the information.

8. The intermediate attachment device according to claim 2, wherein the attribute is related to communication error checking of the information.

9. The intermediate accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the first identification information is the same as the identification information used to identify the replaceable lens device in the communication between the replaceable lens device and the image acquisition device.

10. The intermediate accessory device of claim 1, wherein the storage device rewritably stores a portion of the information associated with the second identification information.

11. An image pickup device configured to be detachably attached to an intermediate accessory device having optical components and configured to be detachably attached between an interchangeable lens device and an image pickup device, the image pickup device comprising: The communication unit is configured to transmit first identification information for identifying the replaceable lens device to the intermediate accessory device, and to receive characteristic information from the intermediate accessory device related to the combined optical characteristics of the replaceable lens device and the intermediate accessory device, wherein the characteristic information is associated with state information regarding the state of the replaceable lens device, and the characteristic information is used to control the driving of optical components included in the replaceable lens device and / or control the correction of image data obtained by the image pickup device. The feature information includes first feature information associated with the first identification information. The first characteristic information includes a first part of information associated with the second identification information, and the second identification information is used to identify the first part of information.

12. The image acquisition apparatus of claim 11, wherein the communication unit is configured to transmit second identification information to an intermediate attachment device and receive a first portion of information associated with the second identification information from the intermediate attachment device.

13. The image acquisition device according to claim 12, wherein the communication unit has the function of receiving configuration information indicating the attributes of multiple first part information respectively associated with multiple second identification information.

14. The image acquisition device of claim 12, wherein the image acquisition device rewrites the first portion of information associated with the second identification information stored in the intermediate accessory device.

15. An image acquisition system, comprising: The intermediate accessory device according to claim 1; as well as An image acquisition device that can be detachably attached to an intermediate accessory device.

16. An image acquisition system, comprising: The image acquisition device according to claim 11; as well as An intermediate accessory device having optical components and configured to be detachably attached between an interchangeable lens device and an image pickup device.

17. A non-transitory storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform processing in an intermediate accessory device, the intermediate accessory device having optical components and configured to be detachably attached between a replaceable lens device and an image pickup device, the processing comprising: Receive first identification information from the image pickup device for identifying the replaceable lens device; as well as Characteristic information related to the combined optical characteristics of the replaceable lens assembly and intermediate accessory assembly is transmitted to the image acquisition device. This characteristic information is associated with status information regarding the state of the replaceable lens assembly, and is used to control the driving of the optical components included in the replaceable lens assembly and / or to control the correction of image data acquired by the image acquisition device. The feature information includes first feature information associated with the first identification information. The first characteristic information includes a first part of information associated with the second identification information, and the second identification information is used to identify the first part of information.

18. A non-transitory storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform processing in an image pickup device configured to be detachably attached to an intermediate accessory device having optical components and configured to be detachably attached between an interchangeable lens device and the image pickup device, the processing comprising: The first identification information used to identify the replaceable lens device is transmitted to the intermediate accessory device; as well as The intermediate accessory device receives characteristic information related to the combined optical characteristics of the replaceable lens device and the intermediate accessory device, wherein the characteristic information is associated with state information regarding the state of the replaceable lens device, and the characteristic information is used to control the driving of the optical components included in the replaceable lens device and / or control the correction of image data acquired by the image pickup device. The feature information includes first feature information associated with the first identification information. The first characteristic information includes a first part of information associated with the second identification information, and the second identification information is used to identify the first part of information.

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