Adapter device, imaging device, and control method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an adapter device, an imaging device, and a control method thereof. In a first communication mode, a control unit controls a signal level at another contact based on a first command received from the imaging device via one contact and a signal level indicated by the accessory device via another contact. In a second communication mode, the control unit receives a second command and data indicating a second communication mode via the one contact. After receiving the data, the control unit transmits the data via the yet another contact. The control unit controls communication in the second communication mode based on the signal level of the yet another contact and the second command.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to communication between a camera and an accessory attached to the camera. Background Art

[0002] It is known that accessories such as electronic flashes are attached to cameras via an accessory shoe arranged on the camera. It is also known that adapters are attached between a camera and an accessory (such as an electronic flash) and relay communication between the camera and the accessory.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-529749 discusses a technology capable of attaching an electronic flash to an adapter and wirelessly controlling the electronic flash using the adapter.

[0004] However, Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-529749 does not consider the possibility that the camera and the electronic flash may have different configurations for notification or communication. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to providing an adapter device, an imaging apparatus, and a control method thereof that enable appropriate communication even if a camera (imaging apparatus) and an accessory have different configurations for notification or communication.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an adapter device is attachable between a camera and an accessory device, the adapter device including one or more circuits configured to function as a control unit. The control unit is configured to control communication with the camera via first, second, and third contacts, and communication with the accessory device via fourth and fifth contacts. The control unit has a first communication mode and a second communication mode different from the first communication mode. In the second communication mode, the control unit is configured to receive a second command and data via the first contact and then transmit the data via the fourth contact. In the first communication mode, data transmission via the fourth contact based on data received from the first contact or data transmission via the second contact based on data received via the fifth contact is controlled. The control unit is configured to perform communication in the first communication mode based on connection detection communication with the accessory device in the second communication mode and a first command corresponding to an instruction to enter the first communication mode.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a camera device capable of attaching an accessory device via an adapter device includes one or more circuits configured to function as a control unit, the control unit configured to control communication with the adapter device via first, second, and third contacts. The control unit has a first communication mode and a second communication mode different from the first communication mode, and is configured to send second commands and data via the first contacts in the second communication mode, wherein in the first communication mode, communication with the accessory device via the adapter device is controlled via the first and second contacts. The control unit is configured to perform communication in the first communication mode based on connection detection communication with the accessory device in the second communication mode and transmission of a first command corresponding to an instruction to enter the first communication mode.

[0008] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 1C is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a camera, an adapter, and an electronic flash according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 : are diagrams illustrating an operation sequence when the adapter is connected to the camera according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an electronic flash imaging operation of the camera according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 is a timing chart illustrating communication among the camera, the adapter, and the electronic flash according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 : are diagrams illustrating operations of the electronic flash and the adapter based on the charging state of the electronic flash according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an interrupt signal from the electronic flash to the camera according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating light emission control of an electronic flash by a camera according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an electronic flash imaging operation according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a camera connection detection operation of the electronic flash according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an electronic flash connection detection operation of the adapter according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a charging voltage detection operation of the electronic flash according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the adapter obtains the charging status of the electronic flash according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 is a timing chart illustrating flash emission operations of the camera, adapter, and electronic flash during pre-emission according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 14 is a timing chart illustrating flat emission operation during pre-emission of the camera, the adapter, and the electronic flash according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 is a timing chart illustrating flash lighting operations of the camera, adapter, and electronic flash during main lighting according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 16 is a timing chart illustrating flat light emission operations during main light emission of the camera, adapter, and electronic flash according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating an interruption operation of an electronic flash to a camera according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating an interruption operation of the adapter to the camera according to the second exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Hereinafter, a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 1CThe electrical configuration of a camera 100 serving as an electronic device as a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an adapter 200 detachably attached to the camera 100, and an electronic device 300 (in this exemplary embodiment, an electronic flash 300) attached to the adapter 200 is shown. The adapter 200 and the electronic flash 300 are examples of accessories to be attached to the camera 100. Accessories may also be referred to as accessory devices.

[0029] In this exemplary embodiment, an electronic flash is described as an example of external device 300. However, some or all of the control according to this exemplary embodiment can be applied to an accessory other than the electronic flash. The electronic flash 300 and the adapter 200 can also be referred to as accessory devices. If the adapter is not separately defined, the accessory device may include the adapter. The adapter can be referred to as an intermediate accessory.

[0030] <Configuration of Camera 100>

[0031] The camera 100 and the adapter 200 are electrically connected by one-to-one contact between a plurality of contacts (terminals) TC01 to TC21 of the camera connection unit 141 and a plurality of contacts TA01 to TA21 of the adapter connection unit 211 .

[0032] The camera 100 is powered by a battery 111. The battery 111 is attachable to and detachable from the camera 100. A camera control unit A 101 and a camera control unit B 102 serving as control units of the camera 100 are circuits for controlling the entire camera 100 and include microcomputers having built-in central processing units (CPUs).

[0033] The camera control unit A 101 monitors switches for camera operations (not shown). Even when the camera 100 is in a standby state (low power consumption mode), the camera control unit A 101 continues to operate and controls the system power supply based on user operations.

[0034] The camera control unit B 102 is responsible for controlling the image sensor 122 and the display unit 127. The camera control unit B 102 stops operating when the camera 100 is in a standby state (low power consumption mode).

[0035] The system power supply unit 112 is a circuit for generating power to be supplied to various circuits of the camera 100. The system power supply unit 112 includes a direct current to direct current (DC / DC) converter circuit, a low dropout (LDO) regulator, and a charge pump circuit. The 1.8 V voltage generated by the system power supply unit 112 based on the power charged from the battery 111 is constantly supplied to the camera control unit A101 as a camera microcomputer power supply VMCU_C.

[0036] Furthermore, a plurality of types of voltages generated by the system power supply unit 112 are supplied to the camera control unit B 102 as the camera microcomputer power supply VMCU2_C at predetermined timings. The camera control unit A101 controls the system power supply unit 112 to control turning on and off power to various circuits of the camera 100.

[0037] The optical lens 121 is attachable to and detachable from the camera 100. Incident light from a subject via the optical lens 121 forms an image on an image sensor 122 (including a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor or a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor). The subject image formed on the image sensor 122 is encoded into a digital imaging signal.

[0038] The image processing unit 123 performs image processing such as noise reduction processing and white balance processing on the digital camera signal to generate image data, and converts the image data into an image file in the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format to be recorded in the recording memory 126 .

[0039] The image processing unit 123 also generates video random access memory (VRAM) image data to be displayed on the display unit 127 based on the image data.

[0040] The memory control unit 124 controls the transmission and reception of image data and other data generated by the image processing unit 123. The volatile memory 125 is a memory capable of high-speed reading and writing (such as 3rd generation double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR3 SDRAM)). The volatile memory 125 is used as a workspace for image processing performed by the image processing unit 123.

[0041] The recording memory 126 is a readable and writable recording medium that is detachably attached to the camera 100 via a connection unit (not shown). Examples include a Secure Digital (SD) card and a CFexpress card.

[0042] The display unit 127 is a display arranged on the back side of the camera 100 and includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel or an organic electroluminescent (EL) display panel. The backlight unit 128 adjusts the brightness of the display unit 127 by changing the intensity of the backlight to the display unit 127.

[0043] The accessory power supply unit A 131 and the accessory power supply unit B 132 serving as power supply units are each a voltage conversion circuit for converting a voltage supplied from the system power supply unit 112 into a predetermined voltage. In the present exemplary embodiment, the accessory power supply units A 131 and B 132 generate 3.3 V as the accessory power supply VACC.

[0044] The accessory power supply unit A 131 is a power supply unit including an LDO regulator with low self-power consumption. The accessory power supply unit B 132 is a circuit including a DC / DC converter circuit. Compared to the accessory power supply unit A 131, a higher current can pass through the accessory power supply unit B 132.

[0045] The self-power consumption of the accessory power supply unit B 132 is higher than the self-power consumption of the accessory power supply unit A 131 .

[0046] At low load currents, accessory power supply unit A 131 is therefore more efficient than accessory power supply unit B 132. At high load currents, accessory power supply unit B 132 is more efficient than accessory power supply unit A 131.

[0047] The camera control unit A 101 controls on and off of voltage output of the accessory power supply unit A 131 and the accessory power supply unit B 132 based on the operating state of the adapter 200 .

[0048] The protection circuit 133, serving as a protection unit, includes a current fuse element, a polyswitch, or an electronic fuse circuit that combines a resistor, an amplifier, and a switch element. If the power current supplied to the adapter 200 from the accessory power supply unit A 131 and the accessory power supply unit B 132 exceeds a predetermined value, i.e., is excessive (abnormal), the protection circuit 133 outputs an overcurrent detection signal DET_OVC.

[0049] In the present exemplary embodiment, the protection circuit 133 is an electronic fuse circuit. If a current of 1 A or more flows, the protection circuit 133 notifies the camera control unit A 101 using an overcurrent detection signal DET_OVC. The overcurrent detection signal DET_OVC indicates an overcurrent with a high level.

[0050] The camera connection unit 141 is a connector for establishing an electrical connection with the adapter 200 via 21 contacts TC01 to TC21 arranged in a row. The contacts TC01 to TC21 are arranged in this order from one end to the other end in the arrangement direction.

[0051] The contact TC01 is connected to the ground terminal (GND). The contact TC01 serves not only as a reference potential contact but also as a contact for controlling the wiring impedance of the differential signal D1N and the differential signal D1P.

[0052] Differential signal D1N connected to contact TC02 and differential signal D1P connected to contact TC03 form a differential data communication signal pair for data communication and are connected to camera control unit B102. Contacts TC02 and TC03, as well as contacts TC07 to TC17, TC19, and TC20 described later, are communication contacts.

[0053] The contact TC04 is connected to GND, and serves as a reference potential contact between the camera 100 and the adapter 200. The contact TC04 is located outside a contact TC05 to be described later in the arrangement direction of the contacts.

[0054] The contact TC05 serving as a power supply contact is connected to the accessory power supply VACC generated by the accessory power supply unit A 131 and the accessory power supply unit B 132 via the protection circuit 133 .

[0055] The contact TC06 serving as an attachment detection contact is connected to an accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET. The accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET is pulled up to the camera microcomputer power supply VMCU_C via a resistance element Rp134 (10 kΩ).

[0056] The camera control unit A 101 can detect whether the adapter 200 is attached by reading the signal level of the accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET.

[0057] If the signal level (potential) of the accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET is high (predetermined potential), it is detected that the adapter 200 is not attached. If the signal level (potential) is low (GND potential as described below), it is detected that the adapter 200 is attached.

[0058] Signal lines SCLK connected to contact TC07, MOSI connected to contact TC08, MISO connected to contact TC09, and CS connected to contact TC10 are signal lines through which signals used for serial peripheral interface (SPI) communication with the camera control unit B102, which serves as the communication master, are communicated. Signals SCLK, MOSI, MISO, and CS are communicated via these lines, respectively. If signal CS is asserted, SPI communication is enabled. In this exemplary embodiment, a low level of the CS signal is considered an asserted level. However, a high level may be used as the asserted level. Synchronously with the clock signal transmitted from the camera control unit B102 via signal line SCLK, the camera control unit B102 transmits data via signal line MOSI, and the adapter control unit 201 transmits data via signal line MISO. This exemplary embodiment will be described using the case where the data being communicated is 8-bit data as an example. The signals SCLK, MOSI, MISO, and CS used by the camera control unit B 102 for communication will also be referred to as serial communication signals 151 .

[0059] The contact TC11 is connected to a communication request signal / WAKE for the adapter 200 to request the camera control unit A101 to communicate.

[0060] The communication request signal / WAKE is pulled up to the camera microcomputer power supply VMCU_C via a resistor. The camera control unit A 101 can receive a communication request from the adapter 200 by detecting a falling edge (assertion) of the communication request signal / WAKE.

[0061] The signal SDA connected to the contact TC12 and the signal SCL connected to the contact TC13 are signals used for inter-integrated circuit (I2C) communication with the camera control unit A 101 serving as a communication master. The signals SDA and SCL used by the camera control unit A 101 for communication will also be referred to as serial communication signals 152.

[0062] Signals SDA and SCL are pulled up to the camera microcomputer power supply VMCU_C for open-drain communication. In this exemplary embodiment, the communication frequency is 100 kbps.

[0063] A signal FNC1 connected to the contact TC14 , a signal FNC2 connected to the contact TC15 , a signal FNC3 connected to the contact TC16 , and a signal FNC4 connected to the contact TC17 are function signals whose functions may be changed based on the type of attached accessory.

[0064] The contact TC18 is connected to GND. Like the contact TC04, the contact TC18 serves as a reference potential contact between the camera 100 and the adapter 200.

[0065] The differential signal D2N connected to the contact TC19 and the differential signal D2P connected to the contact TC20 are a data communication signal pair for performing data communication. The differential signals D2N and D2P are connected to the camera control unit B 102.

[0066] The contact TC21 is connected to GND. The contact TC21 serves not only as a reference potential contact but also as a contact for controlling the wiring impedance of the differential signals D2N and D2P.

[0067] <Configuration of Adapter 200>

[0068] The adapter control unit 201 serving as a control unit of the adapter 200 is a circuit for receiving commands from the camera 100 and controlling the entire adapter 200. The adapter control unit 201 may include a microcomputer having a CPU.

[0069] The adapter control unit 201 has a level shift function that shifts the voltage levels of the output voltages of the camera 100 and the electronic flash 300 to voltage levels receivable by a desired receiving device, thereby enabling the camera 100 and the electronic flash 300 to communicate with each other. The adapter control unit 201 also has a function of detecting the state of the electronic flash 300 and converting that state into a state that can be determined by the camera 100. The details of this function will be described later.

[0070] The adapter power supply unit 202 is a circuit for generating power to be supplied to various components of the adapter 200. The voltage generated by the adapter power supply unit 202 is supplied to the adapter control unit 201. By controlling the adapter power supply unit 202, the power supply to various circuits of the adapter 200 is turned on and off.

[0071] In the present exemplary embodiment, the adapter 200 operates only with power supplied from the camera 100 .

[0072] The adapter connection unit 211 is used to establish an electrical connection with the camera 100 via 21 contacts TA01 to TA21 arranged in a row. The contacts TA01 to TA21 are arranged in this order from one end to the other end in the arrangement direction.

[0073] Contact TA01 is connected to GND.

[0074] In this exemplary embodiment, contacts TA02 and TA03 are not electrically connected inside adapter 200 .

[0075] The contact TA04 is connected to GND, and serves as a reference potential contact between the camera 100 and the adapter 200. The contact TA04 is located outside a contact TA05 to be described later in the arrangement direction of the contacts.

[0076] A contact TA05 serving as a power supply contact is connected to the adapter power supply unit 202. The accessory power supply VACC supplied from the camera 100 is connected to the contact TA05.

[0077] The contact TA06 serving as an attachment detection contact is directly connected to GND. When the adapter 200 is attached to the camera 100, the contact TA06 serves as a contact for causing the camera 100 to detect attachment of the adapter 200 by setting the aforementioned accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET to a low GND level (GND potential).

[0078] Signal SCLK connected to contact TA07, signal MOSI connected to contact TA08, signal MISO connected to contact TA09, and signal CS connected to contact TA10 are used for SPI communication with the adapter control unit 201 serving as a communication slave. Signals SCLK, MOSI, MISO, and CS used by the adapter control unit 201 for communication will also be referred to as serial communication signals 251.

[0079] The contact TA11 is connected to a communication request signal / WAKE for the adapter 200 to request communication with the camera 100. If the adapter control unit 201 determines to communicate with the camera 100, the adapter control unit 201 issues a communication request to the camera 100 by outputting a low-level communication request signal / WAKE (asserting the communication request signal / WAKE).

[0080] The signal SDA connected to the contact TA12 and the signal SCL connected to the contact TA13 are used for I2C communication with the adapter control unit 201 serving as a communication slave. The signals SDA and SCL used by the adapter control unit 201 for communication will also be referred to as serial communication signals 252.

[0081] Signal FNC1 connected to contact TA14 and signal FNC2 connected to contact TA15 are used as signals XON and ST_DET, respectively, in adapter 200 and are connected to adapter control unit 201. These function signals will be described later.

[0082] Contacts TA16 and TA17 are contacts for transmitting signals FNC3 and FNC4, respectively. In this exemplary embodiment, contacts TA16 and TA17 will be described as having no electrical connection inside adapter 200. Contacts TA16 and TA17 themselves may be omitted.

[0083] The contact TA18 is connected to GND. Like the contact TA04, the contact TA18 serves as a reference potential contact between the camera 100 and the adapter 200.

[0084] The contacts TA19 and TA20 are terminals for transmitting differential signals. In this exemplary embodiment, the contacts TA19 and TA20 will be described as having no electrical connection inside the adapter 200. The contacts TA19 and TA20 themselves may be omitted.

[0085] Contact TA21 is connected to GND.

[0086] The external device connection unit 212 is a connector terminal for connection with the external device 300, and is also referred to as an adapter connection unit 212. The present exemplary embodiment deals with an example in which the external device 300 is an electronic flash.

[0087] The signal line SCLK_ST connected to the contact TA101, the signal line MOSI_ST connected to the contact TA102, and the signal line MISO_ST connected to the contact TA103 are signal lines through which signals used for SPI communication with the camera control unit B 102, which serves as the communication master, are communicated. The signals SCLK_ST, MOSI_ST, and MISO_ST are respectively communicated via the signal lines SCLK_ST, MOSI_ST, and MISO_ST. Synchronously with a clock signal transmitted from the adapter control unit 201 via the signal line SCLK_ST, the adapter control unit 201 transmits data via the signal line MOSI_ST, and the electronic flash control unit 301 transmits data via the signal line MISO_ST. This exemplary embodiment is described using the case where the data communicated here is 8-bit data as an example.

[0088] The signals SCLK_ST, MOSI_ST, and MISO_ST used by the adapter control unit 201 for communication will also be referred to as serial communication signals 261 .

[0089] The connection detection circuit 203 is a circuit for detecting connection of the external device 300 to the external device connection unit 212. The adapter control unit 201 can detect connection of the external device 300 to the external device connection unit 212 by receiving an output signal of the connection detection circuit 203.

[0090] The contact TA104 is a terminal for detecting the state of the electronic flash 300 using a signal CCC connected thereto.

[0091] The current detection circuit 204 detects the synchronization current of the electronic flash 300 and outputs a detection state signal CCC_I to the adapter control unit 201. The details will be described later.

[0092] The voltage detection circuit 205 detects the voltage output by the electronic flash 300 and outputs a detection state signal CCC_V to the adapter control unit 201. Details will be described later.

[0093] The contact TA105 communicates a lighting trigger signal XOUT for triggering the electronic flash 300 to emit light, and is connected to the drain of a field effect transistor (FET) 206. The FET 206 is switched based on a signal XON_FET from the adapter control unit 201.

[0094] Contact TA106 is connected to GND.

[0095] <Configuration of Electronic Flash 300>

[0096] The electronic flash 300 is connected to the adapter 200 via the electronic flash connection unit 308 .

[0097] The electronic flash control unit 301 controls various components in the electronic flash 300 based on control received from the camera 100 via the adapter 200 and user operations.

[0098] The electronic flash 300 includes a battery 302 . An electronic flash power supply unit 303 connected to the battery 302 generates power to be supplied to various components in the electronic flash 300 .

[0099] The electronic flash charging unit 304 is charged with a voltage for the electronic flash 300 to emit light.

[0100] The electronic flash lighting unit 305 emits light using the voltage used to charge the electronic flash charging unit 304 .

[0101] The voltage detection circuit 306 detects the voltage level of the signal MOSI_ST output from the adapter 200, and outputs the detected state to the electronic flash control unit 301. The details will be described later.

[0102] The current source 307 has a function of notifying the adapter 200 of the charging state of the electronic flash charging unit 304. If detecting that the electronic flash charging unit 304 is in a charged state capable of emitting light, the electronic flash control unit 301 controls the current source 307 to synchronously control a predetermined current.

[0103] The signal XOUT from the adapter 200 is connected to the base of the transistor 309. If the FET 206 is turned on, the transistor 309 is turned on to output a signal / XOUT=H to the electronic flash control unit 301.

[0104] <Communication Between the Camera 100 and the Adapter 200>

[0105] Figure 2 An operation sequence according to the present exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0106] In step S801, the adapter 200 is connected to the camera 100. The accessory detection signal / ACC_DET is asserted, and the camera 100 detects that the adapter 200 is attached.

[0107] In step S802 , the camera 100 starts outputting the accessory power VACC.

[0108] In step S803 , the adapter 200 asserts the communication request signal / WAKE to notify the camera 100 of permission of communication.

[0109] In step S804 , in order to obtain accessory information about the adapter 200 , the camera 100 issues a communication request using the serial communication signal 152 .

[0110] In step S805 , the adapter 200 transmits the accessory information to the camera 100 using the serial communication signal 252 .

[0111] The accessory information includes information indicating that the adapter 200 is an adapter accessory for using the electronic flash 300 and information indicating that the signals FNC1 and FNC2 are used for electronic flash control. Operations of the signals FNC1 and FNC2 will be described later.

[0112] In step S806 , the camera 100 determines the accessory information and determines that the connected adapter 200 is a relay accessory for using the electronic flash 300 .

[0113] In step S807, the camera 100 performs initial communication with the electronic flash 300 using the adapter 200 using the serial communication signal 151. The initial communication includes commands for the adapter control unit 201 to detect attachment of the electronic flash 300 and to perform power supply settings of various blocks.

[0114] In step S808 , the adapter 200 negates the communication request signal / WAKE, and then transitions to a state of waiting for a communication request from the electronic flash 300 .

[0115] <Flowchart for Describing Operation of Camera 100>

[0116] Reference will be made later in this article Figure 3 The operation of the camera 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 3 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of electronic flash imaging. Operations in the various steps described below are appropriately performed by the camera control unit B 102. For example, the operation of the camera 100 is controlled by executing a program stored in a memory (not shown) within the CPU included in the camera control unit B 102.

[0117] In step S200 , the camera control unit B 102 determines whether the electronic flash 300 is connected via the adapter 200 .

[0118] If the electronic flash 300 is not connected (NO in step S200 ), the process proceeds to step S205 .

[0119] If the electronic flash 300 is connected ("YES" in step S200), the process proceeds to step S201. In step S201, the camera control unit B 102 obtains electronic flash information from the electronic flash 300 via the adapter 200. The electronic flash information obtained here includes information to be used in electronic flash imaging. Examples of this information include the emission mode and emission amount information set in the electronic flash 300.

[0120] Reference will be made later in this article Figure 4 The determination of electronic flash connection in step S200 and the acquisition of electronic flash information in step S201 are described.

[0121] In step S202 , the camera control unit B 102 obtains electronic flash charging information from the electronic flash 300 .

[0122] In step S203 , the camera control unit B 102 determines the charging state of the electronic flash 300 based on the obtained electronic flash charging information.

[0123] Reference will be made later in this article Figure 5 Operations of the electronic flash 300 and the adapter 200 based on the charging state of the electronic flash 300 are described.

[0124] If it is determined that the electronic flash 300 has been charged, that is, "electronic flash charge OK" ("YES" in step S203), the process proceeds to step S204. If it is determined in step S203 that the electronic flash 300 has not been charged, that is, "electronic flash charge OK" ("NO" in step S203), the process proceeds to step S205.

[0125] In steps S204 and S205, the camera control unit B 102 controls the automatic exposure (AE) operation. The AE operation is a process for calculating the brightness of the subject area based on the signal obtained from the image sensor 122 and determining exposure parameters for image capture. Exposure parameters include International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sensitivity, shutter speed, and lens aperture value. The difference between steps S204 and S205 lies in whether the exposure parameters are determined based on the conditions under which the electronic flash 300 is emitting light. In step S204, the camera control unit B 102 determines the exposure parameters based on the conditions under which the electronic flash 300 is emitting light.

[0126] On the other hand, in step S205 , the camera control unit B 102 determines exposure parameters for a situation where the electronic flash 300 does not emit light.

[0127] For example, in step S204, taking into account the possibility that the captured image may be overexposed (the image sensor 122 may be saturated) due to the light emitted from the electronic flash 300, the camera control unit B 102 sets the upper limit value of the ISO sensitivity to an upper limit value lower than the ISO sensitivity determined in step S205.

[0128] In step S206, the camera control unit B 102 controls the electronic flash 300 to emit light and perform an exposure operation. Figure 7 The lighting operation of the electronic flash 300 is described.

[0129] In step S207 , the camera control unit B 102 performs an exposure operation without causing the electronic flash 300 to emit light.

[0130] <Attachment Detection of Electronic Flash 300 via Adapter 200 and Associated Communication>

[0131] Will refer to Figure 4 Determination of electronic flash connection and acquisition of electronic flash information in steps S200 and S201 and communication operation with the electronic flash 300 are described. The electronic flash information includes model determination information about the electronic flash 300 and setting information about the electronic flash 300.

[0132] The camera 100 initially transmits a command 1 for the adapter 200 using the serial communication signal 151 (time T30). The command 1 for the adapter 200 is used to activate the serial communication signal 261 of the adapter 200. The adapter control unit 201 receives the command 1 for the adapter 200 and sets the voltage levels of the signals SCLK_ST and MOSI_ST to the level VSTH (time T31).

[0133] The voltage detection circuit 306 in the electronic flash 300 detects that the voltage level of the signal MOSI_ST is higher than the threshold Vth_ST2 and asserts the internal signal C_DET300. If the internal signal C_DET300 is asserted, the electronic flash control unit 301 determines that the camera 100 is connected and sets the voltage level of the signal MISO_ST to the level VSTL (time T32).

[0134] The connection detection circuit 203 in the adapter 200 detects that the voltage level of the signal MISO_ST is higher than the threshold value Vth_ST3 and asserts the internal signal ST_DET200 (time T32 ).

[0135] If the internal signal ST_DET200 is asserted, the adapter control unit 201 determines that the electronic flash 300 is connected, and asserts the signal ST_DET(FNC2). The adapter control unit 201 thereby notifies the camera 100 that the electronic flash 300 is connected.

[0136] Through the above-described processing, the camera control unit B 102 detects that the electronic flash 300 is connected. Such communication for connection detection will also be referred to as connection detection communication. Thus, the adapter 200 converts electronic flash connection detection information based on the output voltage level of the electronic flash 300 into a digital signal, eliminating the need for the camera 100 to include a mechanism for detecting analog information.

[0137] The camera 100 detects the connection of the electronic flash 300 and transmits a command 2 for the adapter 200 using the serial communication signal 151 to control the electronic flash 300 (time T33). The adapter 200 receives the command 2 for the adapter 200 and enters a mode (electronic flash communication mode) for shifting the voltage levels of the output voltages of the camera 100 and the electronic flash 300 to a voltage level receivable by the intended receiving device and outputting the resulting output voltages, thereby enabling the camera 100 and the electronic flash 300 to communicate with each other (time T34). Therefore, the command 2 for the adapter 200 corresponds to an instruction to enter the electronic flash communication mode.

[0138] The high level of the signals SCLK_ST, MOSI_ST, and MISO_ST is level VSTH, while the low level is level VSTL. The threshold between the high and low levels is Vth_ST1. Level VSTL is higher than thresholds Vth_ST2 and Vth_ST3. Therefore, even when the signals MOSI_ST and MISO_ST are at level VSTL, the adapter 200 and the electronic flash 300 can detect the connection with each other.

[0139] When not in communication (signal SCLK_ST is fixed at a high level), the electronic flash 300 is in a communicable state if signal MISO_ST is at a level VSTH, and in a non-communicable (busy) state if signal MISO_ST is at a level VSTL.

[0140] exist Figure 4 At time T35, the electronic flash 300 completes internal initialization related to attachment to the camera 100, enters a state capable of communicating with the camera 100, and sets the signal MISO_ST to the level VSTH. As the signal MISO_ST changes to the level VSTH, the adapter 200 changes the signal MISO to a high level. In response to the change in the signal MISO to a high level, the camera 100 detects that the electronic flash 300 has exited the busy state. At time T36, the camera 100 begins communicating with the electronic flash 300. At time T37, to analyze the received communication, the electronic flash control unit 301 sets the signal MISO_ST to the level VSTL to notify the camera 100 of the busy state. At times T38 and T39, the camera 100 detects that the electronic flash 300 has again exited the busy state and begins the next communication.

[0141] The camera 100 performs a series of communications for controlling the electronic flash 300 and deactivates the CS signal (time T40). When the CS signal is deactivated, the adapter control unit 201 cancels the electronic flash communication mode. Regardless of the states of the SCLK and MOSI signals, the voltage levels of the SCLK_ST and MOSI_ST signals are set to the VSTH level. Regardless of the state of the MISO_ST signal, the output signal MISO is set to a low level.

[0142] <Sending the electronic flash charging status>

[0143] Will refer to Figure 5 The operation of the adapter control unit 201 detecting the charging state of the electronic flash 300 is described.

[0144] The electronic flash control unit 301 detects that the electronic flash charging unit 304 is in a charging state capable of emitting light and controls the current source 307 to synchronize a predetermined current. The current detection circuit 204 detects that the synchronization current of the electronic flash 300 is higher than a predetermined current threshold CCC_I_TH and sets the detection state signal CCC_I to a high level.

[0145] The camera 100 communicates with the adapter 200 using the serial communication signal 151 at a predetermined timing such as the timing of light emission control to check the charging state of the electronic flash 300. The adapter control unit 201 receives the communication for checking the charging state of the electronic flash 300 and transmits a detection state signal CCC_I to the camera 100.

[0146] <Sending a Communication Request from an Electronic Flash>

[0147] Will refer to Figure 6 An operation for notifying the camera 100 of a communication request from the electronic flash 300 via the adapter 200 is described.

[0148] When requesting communication from the camera 100, the electronic flash control unit 301 applies a predetermined voltage to the terminal CCC (contact TA204). The voltage detection circuit 205 detects that the voltage is higher than the predetermined voltage threshold CCC_V_TH and sets the detection state signal CCC_V to a high level. The adapter control unit 201 detects that the detection state signal CCC_V is at a high level and asserts the communication request signal / WAKE as an interrupt signal output to the camera 100.

[0149] The camera 100 starts communicating with the electronic flash control unit 301 through an interrupt operation using the communication request signal / WAKE.

[0150] Will refer to Figure 7 Describes the control of the X signals (XON, XON_FET, XOUT, and / XOUT) used to emit the electronic flash.

[0151] To cause the electronic flash 300 to emit light, the camera 100 asserts the signal FNC1 (XON).

[0152] When signal XON is asserted, the adapter control unit 201 sets signal XON_FET to a high level to turn on FET 206, thereby setting signal XOUT to a low level. The low level of signal XOUT turns on transistor 309 of electronic flash 300, and signal / XOUT goes high. The electronic flash control unit 301 detects that signal / XOUT is at a high level and starts a predetermined light-emitting operation.

[0153] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, even if the configurations for notification and communication of the camera 100 and the accessory (including the electronic flash 300 ) are different, the camera 100 and the accessory can communicate appropriately.

[0154] Since the adapter 200 has a mode of shifting the level of a communication signal between the camera 100 and the electronic flash 300 and a mode of outputting the terminal state of the electronic flash 300 to the camera 100 through communication, the camera 100 can obtain various types of electronic flash information.

[0155] A second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. In the second exemplary embodiment, an automatic light control mode should be set. In the automatic light control mode, pre-lighting is performed on the subject. Light reflected from the subject is received by the image sensor 122, and an appropriate light emission amount (main light emission amount) for actual imaging is calculated based on the result of light reception, and imaging is performed with appropriate exposure (exposure). The camera 100, the adapter 200, and the electronic flash 300 have a configuration in conjunction with the image sensor 122. Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 1C The operation of the adapter 200 when connected to the camera 100 is similar to that of the adapter 200 when connected to the camera 100. Figure 2 Describes the operation.

[0156] Figure 8 This is a flowchart for describing electronic flash photography in the automatic light control mode.

[0157] As in the first exemplary embodiment, reference will also be made to Figure 4 Communication with the electronic flash 300 via the adapter 200 is described.

[0158] In step S300, the camera 100 sends a command 1 ( Figure 4 : time T30).

[0159] The command 1 for the adapter 200 is a command for activating the serial communication signal 261 of the adapter 200 .

[0160] The adapter control unit 201 receives the command 1 for the adapter 200 and sets the voltage levels of the signals SCLK_ST and MOSI_ST to the level VSTH ( Figure 4 : time T31).

[0161] At time T31 , the voltage detection circuit 306 in the electronic flash 300 detects that the voltage level of the signal MOSI_ST is higher than the threshold Vth_ST2 and asserts the internal signal C_DET300 . Figure 9 Here, a control flow chart of the electronic flash 300 is shown.

[0162] exist Figure 9In step S400 , if the electronic flash control unit 301 detects that the internal signal C_DET300 is asserted, the electronic flash control unit 301 determines that the camera 100 is connected (YES in step S400 ), and the process proceeds to step S401 .

[0163] In step S401, the electronic flash control unit 301 sets the voltage level of the signal MISO_ST to the level VSTL ( Figure 4 : time T32).

[0164] At time T32 , the connection detection circuit 203 in the adapter 200 detects that the voltage level of the signal MISO_ST is higher than the threshold value Vth_ST3 and asserts the internal signal ST_DET200 . Figure 10 A control flow chart of the adapter 200 is shown here.

[0165] exist Figure 10 In step S500 , if the adapter control unit 201 detects that the signal ST_DET200 is asserted, the adapter control unit 201 determines that the electronic flash 300 is connected (YES in step S500 ), and the processing proceeds to step S501 .

[0166] In step S501 , the adapter control unit 201 asserts the signal ST_DET ( FNC2 ) to notify the camera 100 that the electronic flash 300 is connected.

[0167] In step S301, if the camera 100 detects that the electronic flash 300 is connected due to the assertion of the signal ST_DET (FNC2) ("YES" in step S301), the process proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, if the signal ST_DET (FNC2) is not asserted and the electronic flash is determined to be not connected ("NO" in step S301), the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, as in combination with Figure 3 As described in step S205 , the camera 100 determines the exposure parameters for the condition where the electronic flash 300 does not emit light.

[0168] In step S302, the camera 100 performs periodic communication with the electronic flash 300 via the adapter 200. Periodic communication refers to communication for transmitting and receiving setting information related to the camera 100 to and from the electronic flash 300. The communication operation is similar to the above-described Figure 4 When the regular communication is completed, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0169] In step S303 , the camera 100 obtains electronic flash charging information.

[0170] Figure 11 This is a flowchart when the electronic flash 300 monitors the charging state.

[0171] In step S600, the electronic flash control unit 301 compares the charging voltage of the electronic flash charging unit 304 with a predetermined threshold value. If the voltage is higher than the predetermined threshold value ("YES" in step S600), the process proceeds to step S601. In step S601, the electronic flash control unit 301 turns off the charging control. In step S602, the electronic flash control unit 301 controls the current source 307 to synchronously control a predetermined current.

[0172] On the other hand, if the voltage is lower than or equal to the predetermined threshold (NO in step S600), the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, the electronic flash control unit 301 turns on the charging control. In step S604, the electronic flash control unit 301 turns off the current source 307.

[0173] The electronic flash control unit 301 periodically performs Figure 11 The control shown is for charging control.

[0174] In step S303 , the camera 100 may obtain the state of the detection state signal CCC_I by communicating with the adapter 200 using the serial communication signal 151 .

[0175] In step S304 , the camera control unit B 102 determines the charging state of the electronic flash 300 based on the obtained electronic flash charging information.

[0176] If it is determined that the electronic flash 300 has been charged, that is, "electronic flash charge OK" ("YES" in step S304), the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electronic flash 300 has not been charged, that is, "electronic flash charge OK" is not determined ("NO" in step S304), the process proceeds to step S306.

[0177] In steps S305 and S306, the camera control unit B 102 controls the AE operation. In step S305, the camera control unit B 102 determines exposure parameters for the condition in which the electronic flash 300 emits light.

[0178] In contrast, in step S306 , the camera control unit B 102 determines exposure parameters for a situation in which the electronic flash 300 does not emit light.

[0179] In step S307, the camera control unit B 102 monitors the release button (not shown). If the release button is pressed (ON) (YES in step S307), the process proceeds to step S308 to perform image capture processing. On the other hand, if the release button is not pressed (NO in step S307), the process returns to step S301, and the camera control unit B 102 repeats the operations in steps S301 to S307.

[0180] In steps S308, S309, and S310, the camera control unit B 102 checks the connection and change status of the electronic flash 300. The connection of the electronic flash 300 is checked in a similar manner to that in step S301. The charging status is checked in a similar manner to that in step S304 or by using the result of the determination made in step S304. If the electronic flash 300 is not connected or the electronic flash 300 is not "electronic flash charge OK" ("No" in step S308 or "No" in step S310), processing proceeds to step S319.

[0181] In step S319, the camera control unit B 102 determines exposure parameters for a situation in which the electronic flash 300 does not emit light. In step S320, the camera control unit B 102 performs an exposure operation without causing the electronic flash 300 to emit light.

[0182] In steps S308 , S309 , and S310 , if the electronic flash 300 is connected and “electronic flash charging OK” (YES in step S308 , and YES in step S310 ), the process proceeds to step S311 .

[0183] In step S311 , the camera control unit B 102 performs an AE operation to determine exposure parameters for the condition in which the electronic flash 300 emits light.

[0184] In step S312, the camera control unit B 102 transmits information for pre-emission control on the electronic flash 300. The information to be transmitted includes the emission trigger type, emission method, and emission amount.

[0185] As described below, possible lighting trigger types include "SCLK synchronous lighting" and "XOUT synchronous lighting", where "SCLK synchronous lighting" means that the electronic flash 300 lights up synchronously with the assertion of the signal SCLK_ST, and "XOUT synchronous lighting" means that the electronic flash 300 lights up synchronously with the assertion of the signal SCLK_ST and the signal XOUT.

[0186] Possible lighting methods include "flash lighting," in which the electronic flash lighting unit 305 is turned on only once to emit blinking light, and "flat lighting," in which the electronic flash lighting unit 305 is controlled to periodically turn on and off to emit a predetermined amount of light for a predetermined time. If the lighting method is flat lighting, the information for pre-lighting control includes information related to the lighting time.

[0187] In step S313 , the camera control unit B 102 controls the electronic flash 300 via the adapter 200 to perform pre-emission.

[0188] Pre-lighting is performed by "SCLK-synchronized flash lighting" or "SCLK-synchronized flat lighting".

[0189] After a predetermined time has elapsed, the camera 100 transmits a command 4 for the adapter 200 using the serial communication signal 151 (time T141; see Figure 14 ). The adapter 200 receives the command 4 for the adapter 200, and the adapter control unit 201 controls the signal SCLK_ST to the level VSTH.

[0190] In step S314 , the camera control unit B 102 obtains electronic flash information during and after pre-emission from the electronic flash 300 .

[0191] In step S315 , the camera control unit B 102 calculates the emission amount (main emission amount) of the electronic flash 300 used for imaging based on the pre-emission processing in step S313 and the electronic flash information obtained in step S314 .

[0192] In step S316, the camera control unit B 102 transmits information for main lighting control of the electronic flash 300. The information to be transmitted includes the lighting trigger type, lighting method, and lighting amount. If the lighting method is flat lighting, information on lighting time is included.

[0193] In step S317 , the camera control unit B 102 controls the electronic flash 300 via the adapter 200 to perform main emission, and controls the exposure operation of the image sensor 122 .

[0194] The main lighting is performed by "XOUT synchronized flash lighting" or "SCLK synchronized flat lighting".

[0195] In step S318, the camera control unit B 102 communicates with the electronic flash 300 to obtain the status after the main emission.

[0196] <Pre-emission (S313): SCLK-synchronized flash emission (step S313)>

[0197] Figure 13 3 is a timing diagram illustrating "SCLK-synchronized flash lighting." The camera 100 transmits Command 3 for the adapter 200 using the serial communication signal 151 (time T130). The adapter 200 receives Command 3 for the adapter 200, and the adapter control unit 201 controls the signal SCLK_ST to 0V. In the electronic flash 300, the electronic flash control unit 301 detects that the signal SCLK_ST is set to 0V and, based on the information received in step S312, controls the electronic flash lighting unit 305 to perform a flash lighting operation.

[0198] After a predetermined time has elapsed, the camera 100 transmits a command 4 for the adapter 200 using the serial communication signal 151 (time T131). The adapter 200 receives the command 4 for the adapter 200, and the adapter control unit 201 controls the signal SCLK_ST to a level VSTH.

[0199] <Pre-emission: SCLK-synchronized flat emission (step S313)>

[0200] Figure 14 312 is a timing diagram illustrating "SCLK-synchronized flat-line lighting." The camera 100 transmits Command 3 for the adapter 200 using the serial communication signal 151 (time T140). The adapter 200 receives Command 3 for the adapter 200, and the adapter control unit 201 controls the signal SCLK_ST to 0V. In the electronic flash 300, the electronic flash control unit 301 detects that the signal SCLK_ST is set to 0V and controls the electronic flash lighting unit 305 to perform flat-line lighting operation based on the information received in step S312. After lighting for the duration based on the information received in step S312, the electronic flash control unit 301 stops lighting.

[0201] <Main Lighting: XOUT Synchronous Flash Lighting (Step S317)>

[0202] Figure 15 3 is a timing chart showing "XOUT synchronized flash firing." The camera 100 transmits Command 3 for the adapter 200 using the serial communication signal 151 (time T150). The adapter 200 receives Command 3 for the adapter 200, and the adapter control unit 201 controls the signal SCLK_ST to 0 V. Because the "XOUT synchronized flash firing" communication is received in step S316, the electronic flash 300 does not fire at time T150.

[0203] The camera 100 then asserts FNC1 (XON) (time T151 ).

[0204] When signal XON is asserted, the adapter control unit 201 sets signal XON_FET to a high level to turn on FET 206, thereby setting signal XOUT to a low level. Setting signal XOUT to a low level turns on transistor 309 of the electronic flash 300, and signal / XOUT goes high. The electronic flash control unit 301 detects that signal / XOUT is high and starts a flash lighting operation.

[0205] After a predetermined time has passed since the assertion of signal XON, camera control unit B 102 deactivates FNC1(XON) (time T152). With signal XON deactivated, adapter control unit 201 sets signal XON_FET to a low level to turn off FET 206, causing signal XOUT to be set to a high level. Setting signal XOUT to a high level turns off transistor 309 of electronic flash 300, and signal / XOUT goes to a low level. The predetermined time is determined based on the shutter speed set in camera 100.

[0206] After a predetermined time has elapsed, the camera 100 transmits a command 4 for the adapter 200 using the serial communication signal 151 (time T153). The adapter 200 receives the command 4 for the adapter 200, and the adapter control unit 201 controls the signal SCLK_ST to the level VSTH.

[0207] <Main Light Emitting: SCLK Synchronous Flat Light Emitting (Step S317)>

[0208] Figure 16 1 is a timing diagram showing "SCLK synchronized flat lighting" for main lighting. The camera 100 transmits command 3 for the adapter 200 using the serial communication signal 151 (time T160). The adapter 200 receives command 3 for the adapter 200, and the adapter control unit 201 controls the signal SCLK_ST to 0V.

[0209] In the electronic flash 300 , the electronic flash control unit 301 detects that the signal SCLK_ST is set to 0 V, and controls the electronic flash lighting unit 305 to perform a flat lighting operation based on the information received in step S316 .

[0210] Next, the camera 100 asserts the signal FNC1(XON) based on the open / closed state of the shutter (time T161). When the signal XON is asserted, the adapter control unit 201 sets the signal XON_FET to a high level to turn on the FET 206, causing the signal XOUT to be set to a low level. The low level of the signal XOUT turns on the transistor 309 of the electronic flash 300, and the signal / XOUT goes high.

[0211] After a predetermined time has passed since the assertion of signal XON, the camera 100 deactivates signal FNC1(XON) (time T162). With signal XON deactivated, the adapter control unit 201 sets signal XON_FET to a low level to turn off FET 206, causing signal XOUT to be set to a high level. Setting signal XOUT to a high level turns off transistor 309 of the electronic flash 300, and signal / XOUT goes to a low level.

[0212] The predetermined time is determined based on the shutter speed set in the camera 100 .

[0213] After emitting light for the duration based on the information received in step S316 , the electronic flash 300 stops emitting light.

[0214] After a predetermined time has elapsed, the camera 100 transmits a command 4 for the adapter 200 using the serial communication signal 151 (time T164). The adapter 200 receives the command 4 for the adapter 200, and the adapter control unit 201 controls the signal SCLK_ST to the level VSTH.

[0215] As described above, the electronic flash 300 continues to emit light during the period in which the signal XOUT is asserted.

[0216] This “SCLK-synchronized flat light emission” for main light emission is used for electronic flash photography at a high shutter speed.

[0217] The signal XOUT is controlled based on the open / closed state of the shutter. The image sensor 122 exposes the subject image with light during the period in which the signal XOUT is asserted.

[0218] <Sending a Communication Request from an Electronic Flash>

[0219] Will refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 Details of an operation for notifying the camera 100 of a communication request from the electronic flash 300 via the adapter 200 are described.

[0220] Figure 17This is a flowchart when the electronic flash 300 requests communication from the camera 100 .

[0221] In step S900 , the electronic flash control unit 301 applies a predetermined voltage to the terminal CCC when requesting communication to the camera 100 .

[0222] In steps S901 and S902 , the electronic flash control unit 301 turns off application of a predetermined voltage to the terminal CCC after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0223] Figure 18 A control flow chart of the adapter 200 is shown here.

[0224] In step S1000, if the CCC voltage (voltage applied to terminal CCC) is higher than the predetermined threshold CCC_V_TH and the detection state signal CCC_V becomes high level (YES in step S1000), the process proceeds to step S1001. In step S1001, the adapter control unit 201 asserts the communication request signal / WAKE.

[0225] The camera 100 starts communicating with the electronic flash control unit 301 by an interrupt operation due to the communication request signal / WAKE. Figure 6 A timing diagram showing such an operation is shown.

[0226] As described above, according to the present exemplary embodiment, even if the camera 100 and the accessory (including the electronic flash 300 ) have different configurations for notification or communication, the automatic light amount control operation of the electronic flash 300 can be appropriately performed.

[0227] Although the electronic device connected to the adapter 200 has been described as the electronic flash 300 in the exemplary embodiment, a device different from the electronic flash 300 (such as a global positioning system (GPS) unit) may also be applied.

[0228] Other embodiments

[0229] The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by providing software (program) that performs the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0230] While the present disclosure includes exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An adapter device capable of being attached between a camera device and an accessory device, the adapter device comprising: a control unit configured to control communication with the camera apparatus via the first, second, and third contacts, and communication with the accessory device via the fourth and fifth contacts, wherein the control unit has a first communication mode and a second communication mode different from the first communication mode, and the control unit is configured to, in the second communication mode, receive a second command and data via the first contact and then transmit the data via the fourth contact, wherein, in the first communication mode, data transmission via the fourth contact based on data received from the first contact or data transmission via the second contact based on data received via the fifth contact is controlled, and The control unit is configured to perform communication in the first communication mode based on the connection detection communication with the accessory device in the second communication mode and a first command corresponding to an instruction to enter the first communication mode.

2. The adapter device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit is configured to control the sending of a third notification via the third contact based on the reception of a second notification via the fifth contact in the connection detection communication, wherein the reception of the second notification via the fifth contact is based on the sending of the first notification via the fourth contact, and the sending of the first notification via the fourth contact is based on the reception of the second command via the first contact.

3. The adapter device according to claim 2, wherein The control unit is configured to issue the first notification by changing a signal level of the fourth contact from a first signal level to a second signal level higher than the first signal level.

4. The adapter device according to claim 2, wherein The second notification is issued by changing the signal level of the fifth contact from a third signal level to a fourth signal level higher than the third signal level.

5. An adapter device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein The control unit is configured to issue the third notification by changing a signal level of the third contact from a fifth signal level to a sixth signal level higher than the fifth signal level.

6. An adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The control unit is configured to communicate data to be communicated via the first contact and the fifth contact in synchronization with a clock signal received via the sixth contact.

7. An adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first communication mode is a mode in which a voltage level of data received via the first contact point is changed and the data is transmitted via the fourth contact point.

8. A camera apparatus capable of attaching an accessory device via an adapter device, the camera apparatus comprising: a control unit configured to control communication with the adapter device via the first, second and third contacts, wherein the control unit has a first communication mode and a second communication mode different from the first communication mode, and the control unit is configured to send second commands and data via the first contact in the second communication mode, wherein in the first communication mode, communication with the accessory device via the adapter device is controlled via the first contact and the second contact, and The control unit is configured to perform communication in the first communication mode based on the connection detection communication with the accessory device in the second communication mode and the sending of a first command corresponding to an instruction to enter the first communication mode.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, wherein The control unit is configured to receive a notification via the third contact point based on the transmission of the second command via the first contact point in the connection detection communication.

10. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The control unit is configured to receive the notification by changing the signal level of the third contact from a fifth signal level to a sixth signal level higher than the fifth signal level.

11. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The control unit is configured to communicate data to be communicated via the first contact and the fifth contact in synchronization with a clock signal transmitted via the sixth contact.

12. A method for controlling an adapter device, the adapter device being attachable between a camera apparatus and an accessory device, the control method comprising: controlling communication with the camera apparatus via the first, second, and third contacts, and communication with the accessory device via the fourth and fifth contacts, wherein the control includes performing communication in a first communication mode and communication in a second communication mode different from the first communication mode, and in the second communication mode, receiving a second command and data via the first contact and then transmitting the data via the fourth contact, wherein in the first communication mode, the transmission of data via the fourth contact based on data received from the first contact or the transmission of data via the second contact based on data received via the fifth contact is controlled, and The communication in the first communication mode is performed based on the connection detection communication with the accessory device in the second communication mode and the first command corresponding to the instruction to enter the first communication mode.

13. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, the imaging apparatus being capable of attaching an accessory device via an adapter device, the method comprising: controlling communication with the adapter device via the first, second and third contacts, wherein the controlling includes performing communication in a first communication mode and communication in a second communication mode different from the first communication mode, and in the second communication mode, sending a second command and data via the first contact, wherein in the first communication mode, communication with the accessory device via the adapter device is controlled via the first contact and the second contact, and The communication in the first communication mode is performed based on the connection detection communication with the accessory device in the second communication mode and the sending of the first command corresponding to the instruction to enter the first communication mode.

Images