Camera device, accessory device, communication control method thereof, and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus, an accessory apparatus, a communication control method thereof, and a storage medium. The photographing apparatus includes a camera communication unit and a camera controller. The camera controller receives an accessory transmissible size indicating a data size that the accessory apparatus can continuously transmit and an accessory receivable size indicating a data size that the accessory apparatus can continuously receive from the accessory apparatus. The camera controller sets a first continuously receivable data size based on a data size that the camera controller can continuously receive and the accessory transmissible size. The camera controller sets a first continuously transmissible data size based on a data size that the camera controller can continuously transmit and the accessory receivable size. The camera controller communicates with the accessory apparatus with a data size determined by an upper limit determined by the first continuously receivable data size and the first continuously transmissible data size.

Description

[0001] (This application is a divisional application of an application with a filing date of June 26, 2019, application number 2019105614040, and invention name “Camera device, accessory device, communication control method thereof, and storage medium”.) Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an image pickup system including an image pickup device (hereinafter referred to as a camera body) and accessory devices (hereinafter referred to as accessories) such as an interchangeable lens and an adapter, which can communicate with each other. Background Art

[0003] Interchangeable lens camera systems can connect adapters (intermediate accessories) such as wide / telephoto converters, mount conversion adapters, and ND filter adapters between the camera body and the interchangeable lens. In this case, in order to achieve high-quality imaging, smooth lens control, etc., it is necessary to send and receive a large amount of data at high speed. In addition, the combination of the camera body and accessories requires higher speed and optimization of communication speed while ensuring mutual compatibility.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 5208169 discloses an image pickup system for correcting optical information of an interchangeable lens based on optical information of an intermediate accessory connected between a camera body communicating with the interchangeable lens and the interchangeable lens. Since the intermediate accessory as a communication master acquires identification (ID) information of the interchangeable lens as a communication slave, the image pickup system starts correction processing of the optical information.

[0005] The I2C communication method, which is a communication method for realizing one-to-many communication between a communication master device and a plurality of communication slave devices, utilizes two lines, a serial clock line and a serial data line.

[0006] However, in the case where an intermediate accessory is used as a communication master device as in the camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5208169, appropriate processing cannot be started when a plurality of intermediate accessories are connected between the camera body and the interchangeable lens. Since "one-to-one" communication is performed between the camera body and the accessories and in the case of switching between these accessories, the camera system is not suitable for high-speed communication.

[0007] On the other hand, the I2C communication method is a clock-synchronized open-drain communication in which the receiving side needs to return an acknowledgement (ACK) to the transmitting side for each single data communication, and has difficulties in high-speed communication. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention provides a camera device and an accessory device that can provide communication therebetween at a higher or optimal communication speed.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image capture device is capable of detachably attaching an accessory device, the image capture device comprising: a camera communication unit configured to provide a communication path to the accessory device; and a camera controller configured to communicate with the accessory device via the camera communication unit, characterized in that the camera controller receives an accessory transmittable size indicating a data size that the accessory device can continuously transmit and an accessory receivable size indicating a data size that the accessory device can continuously receive from the accessory device, wherein the camera controller sets a first continuously receivable data size based on the data size that the camera controller can continuously receive and the accessory transmittable size, the camera controller sets the first continuously transmittable data size based on the data size that the camera controller can continuously transmit and the accessory receivable size, and the camera controller communicates with the accessory device by determining a data size whose upper limit is determined by the first continuously receivable data size and the first continuously transmittable data size.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, an accessory device is capable of being detachably attached to a camera device, and the accessory device includes: an accessory communication unit, which is configured to provide a communication path to the camera device; and an accessory controller, which is configured to communicate with the camera device via the accessory communication unit, and is characterized in that the accessory controller sends to the camera device an accessory transmittable size representing a size of data that the accessory controller can continuously send and an accessory receivable size representing a size of data that the accessory controller can continuously receive.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a camera device is capable of attaching an accessory device, the camera device includes a camera controller configured to communicate with the accessory device, and is characterized in that the camera controller receives first information related to a data size that the accessory device can receive, sets a data size to be sent to the accessory device based on the first information, and communicates with the accessory device based on the setting.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, an accessory device is attachable to a camera device, the accessory device comprising an accessory controller configured to communicate with the camera device, wherein the accessory controller sends first information related to a size of data that the accessory device can receive and second information related to a size of data that the accessory device can send.

[0013] The communication control method of the above-mentioned camera device or accessory device also constitutes another aspect of the present invention. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing a computer of the camera device to execute the communication control method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication control method for a camera device is provided, wherein the camera device is capable of detachably and communicatively attaching an accessory device, and the communication control method includes the following steps: instructing the camera device to receive from the accessory device an accessory transmittable size indicating a data size that the accessory device can continuously send and an accessory receivable size indicating a data size that the accessory device can continuously receive; instructing the camera device to set a first continuously receivable data size based on the data size that the camera device can continuously receive and the accessory transmittable size; instructing the camera device to set a first continuously transmittable data size based on the data size that the camera device can continuously send and the accessory receivable size; and instructing the camera device to communicate with the accessory device using a data size whose upper limit is determined by the first continuously receivable data size and the first continuously transmittable data size.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication control method for an accessory device is provided, wherein the accessory device is detachably and communicatively attachable to a camera device, and the communication control method comprises the following steps: instructing the accessory device to send an accessory transmittable size to the camera device, which indicates a size of data that the accessory device can continuously send; and instructing the accessory device to send an accessory receivable size to the camera device, which indicates a size of data that the accessory device can continuously receive.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which enables a computer of a camera device to execute a communication control method for the camera device, wherein the camera device is capable of detachably and communicatively attaching an accessory device, and wherein the communication control method includes the following steps: instructing the camera device to receive from the accessory device an accessory transmittable size representing a data size that the accessory device can continuously send and an accessory receivable size representing a data size that the accessory device can continuously receive; instructing the camera device to set a first continuously receivable data size based on the data size that the camera device can continuously receive and the accessory transmittable size; instructing the camera device to set a first continuously transmittable data size based on the data size that the camera device can continuously send and the accessory receivable size; and instructing the camera device to communicate with the accessory device by using a data size whose upper limit is determined by the first continuously receivable data size and the first continuously transmittable data size.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication control method for a camera device is provided, wherein the camera device is capable of communicatively attaching an accessory device, and wherein the communication control method comprises the following steps: instructing the camera device to receive first information related to a data size that the accessory device can receive; instructing the camera device to set a data size to be sent to the accessory device based on the first information; and instructing the camera device to communicate with the accessory device based on the setting.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which enables a computer of a camera device to execute a communication control method of the camera device, wherein the camera device is capable of detachably and communicatively attaching an accessory device, and the communication control method includes the following steps: instructing the camera device to receive first information related to a data size that the accessory device can receive; instructing the camera device to make settings for a data size to be sent to the accessory device based on the first information; and instructing the camera device to communicate with the accessory device based on the settings.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication control method for an accessory device is provided, wherein the accessory device is communicatively attached to a camera device, and wherein the communication control method comprises the following steps: instructing the accessory device to send first information related to a size of data that the accessory device can receive and second information related to a size of data that the accessory device can send.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which enables a computer of an accessory device to execute a communication control method for the accessory device, wherein the accessory device is detachably and communicatively attached to a camera device, and the communication control method includes the following steps: instructing the accessory device to send first information related to a size of data that the accessory device can receive and second information related to a size of data that the accessory device can send.

[0021] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a camera system according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2A and 2B It is a diagram for explaining a structure used for the first communication according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the initial communication with the accessory and the processing flow for obtaining corrected optical information according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an initial communication process between the camera and the lens according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5A and 5B A flowchart showing an initial communication process between the camera and the accessory according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 6A and 6B A flowchart showing a process flow of determining a first accessory according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a process flow for searching for dynamic accessories according to the second embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 8A and 8B A flowchart showing the flow of optical information correction processing corresponding to the operation of the dynamic accessory according to the second embodiment.

[0030] Figures 9A-9E Illustrative information communicated in the initial communication is shown.

[0031] Fig.10 is a flowchart showing a process flow for acquiring correction identification information and a correction process using the correction identification information according to the third embodiment.

[0032] Fig.11 It is a diagram for explaining a structure used for the second communication according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Fig.12 It is a diagram for explaining a modification example of the first communication according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Fig.13 1 is a block diagram for explaining a structure of a camera system in which a terminal is an interchangeable lens according to a fourth embodiment.

[0035] Fig.14 : is a block diagram for explaining the structure of a camera system in which a terminal is an intermediate accessory according to a fourth embodiment.

[0036] Fig.15 : is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of detecting a communication error in the second communication according to the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Fig.16: is a block diagram showing the structure of a camera system including a camera body, an interchangeable lens, and an intermediate adapter according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig.17 A configuration of a first communication circuit in a camera system according to a fifth embodiment is shown.

[0039] Fig.18 is a waveform diagram showing the communication data format according to the fifth embodiment.

[0040] Fig.19A is a waveform diagram showing a communication waveform in the first communication mode according to the fifth embodiment.

[0041] Fig.19B is another waveform diagram showing the communication waveform in the first communication mode according to the fifth embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 20 is a waveform diagram showing a communication waveform in the second communication mode according to the fifth embodiment.

[0043] Fig.21 : is a waveform diagram showing a communication waveform when the communication mode is switched according to the fifth embodiment.

[0044] Fig.22A A flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the first communication mode according to the fifth embodiment is illustrated.

[0045] Fig. 22B Another flowchart illustrating the processing procedure in the first communication mode according to the fifth embodiment is illustrated.

[0046] Fig.23A A flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the second communication mode according to the fifth embodiment is illustrated.

[0047] Fig. 23B Another flowchart illustrating the processing procedure in the second communication mode according to the fifth embodiment is illustrated.

[0048] Fig.24 A flowchart illustrating a camera activation processing procedure according to the fifth embodiment is illustrated.

[0049] Fig.25 is a diagram showing a memory mapping format for each communication command according to the fifth embodiment.

[0050] Fig.26 is a diagram showing a communication command format according to the fifth embodiment.

[0051] Fig.27A and 27B A flowchart showing a communication processing procedure using memory mapping according to the fifth embodiment is illustrated.

[0052] Fig.28 is a flowchart showing another communication processing procedure using memory mapping according to the fifth embodiment.

[0053] Fig.29 An extended format of a memory map for each communication command according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Specific embodiments

[0054] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] In the following, accessories include interchangeable lenses or intermediate accessories.

[0056] In the following embodiments, the camera body, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory are each collectively referred to as a unit. In addition, the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory are each collectively referred to as an accessory.

[0057] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, an accessory related to correction is an interchangeable lens, or an intermediate accessory whose correction processing necessity information is “necessary”.

[0058] In the following embodiments, the intermediate accessory related to correction is an intermediate accessory required to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens.

[0059] In the following embodiments, the first accessory is the accessory that stores the optical information of all other accessories.

[0060] In the following embodiments, the first intermediate accessory is an intermediate accessory having optical information of other intermediate accessories.

[0061] In the following embodiments, the first unit is a unit that stores optical information of all accessories.

[0062] The following embodiments consider whether each unit has the optical information of other units, but this is not necessarily related to the sale date or manufacturing date of the unit. For example, due to firmware upgrades, the optical information stored in the unit can be changed regardless of the sale date or manufacturing date of each unit.

[0063] First embodiment

[0064] A first embodiment will be described below.

[0065] < Camera system structure ( Figure 1 )>

[0066] Reference Figure 1 The structure of the camera system of this embodiment will be described.

[0067] The camera system has a first communication path used as a communication path for sending a control command from the camera body 20 to the interchangeable lens 10, and sending operation information and optical information from the interchangeable lens 10 to the camera body 20. The camera system also has a second communication path used as a communication path for transmitting the operation information and optical information between the camera body 20 and the plurality of intermediate accessories 30 and 40. Hereinafter, communication performed through the first communication path will be referred to as first communication, and communication performed through the second communication path will also be referred to as second communication.

[0068] Here, the first communication path communicates between the first communication section 207 on the camera side and the first communication section 114 on the lens side via mounts 202 and 305, 303 and 405, 403 and 102 to be described later. The first communication section 207 on the camera side and the first communication section 114 on the lens side are exemplary communication controllers.

[0069] Thus, in the present embodiment, communication performed between a specific unit and a unit different from the specific unit will be referred to as one-to-one communication.

[0070] Here, the second communication path is a path through which the second communication unit 208 on the camera side communicates with the communication unit of each accessory. At this time, the second communication unit 208 on the camera side communicates via at least a part of the mounts 203 and 306 and the mounts 304, 406, 404 and 103. For example, the communication unit 208 on the camera side communicates with the second communication unit 115 on the lens side and the second communication units 308 and 408 on the intermediate accessory side through the second communication path. The communication unit 208 on the camera side, the second communication unit 115 on the lens side, the second communication unit 308 on the intermediate accessory side, and the second communication unit 408 on the intermediate accessory side are exemplary communication controllers.

[0071] Thus, in the present embodiment, communication performed between a specific unit and a plurality of units different from the specific unit will be referred to as one-to-many communication.

[0072] exist Figure 1 , the interchangeable lens 10 is an interchangeable lens for controlling a movable optical member related to image capture. The camera body 20 is a camera body for capturing images. Intermediate accessories 30 and 40 are intermediate accessories such as extenders installed between the interchangeable lens 10 and the camera body 20.

[0073] In the interchangeable lens 10, the intermediate accessory 40, the intermediate accessory 30, and the camera body 20, mounts 101 and 401, 402 and 301, 302 and 201 are detachably attached, respectively. Here, the mount 101 is provided to the interchangeable lens 10, the mounts 401 and 402 are provided to the intermediate accessory 40, the mounts 301 and 302 are provided to the intermediate accessory 30, and the mount 201 is provided to the camera body 20.

[0074] First communication contacts 102, 403, 405, 303, 305, and 202, which are contact terminals having one or more contacts for performing first communication, are provided to the mounts 101, 401, 402, 301, 302, and 201. Here, when the interchangeable lens 10, the intermediate accessories 30 and 40, and the camera body 20 are connected to each other, the first communication contacts 102, 403, 405, 303, 305, and 202 are electrically connected to each other. In the first embodiment, the first communication is also used for the camera body 20 to control the optical member of the interchangeable lens 10.

[0075] The mounts 101, 401, 402, 301, 302, and 201 have second communication contacts 103, 404, 406, 304, 306, and 203 as contact terminals each having one or more contacts for performing second communication. Here, the second communication contacts 103, 404, 406, 304, 306, and 203 are configured to be conducted when the interchangeable lens 10, the intermediate accessories 30 and 40, and the camera body 20 are connected to each other. The first embodiment configures the second communication so that the camera body 20 can perform one-to-many communication with the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 and the interchangeable lens 10.

[0076] Thus, the first communication path and the second communication path are different from each other, and correspond to the first communication which is a one-to-one communication between the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10, and the second communication which performs a one-to-many communication between the camera body and a plurality of accessories. Thus, compared with these communications having a single communication path, for example, an interchangeable lens control instruction can be sent to the interchangeable lens at a more appropriate timing in the first communication. Since the interchangeable lens control instruction can be quickly sent to the interchangeable lens at a timing desired by the camera body, a plurality of optical members mounted on the interchangeable lens can be quickly and accurately controlled.

[0077] The interchangeable lens 10 includes a focus lens 104, a zoom lens 105, an aperture 106, and an image stabilization lens 107 that constitute an optical system; a controller (108 to 111) for controlling each optical member; and a lens controller 113 for controlling the entire lens. The interchangeable lens 10 also includes a first communication unit 114 on the lens side for performing a first communication, a second communication unit 115 on the lens side for performing a second communication, a blur amount detector 112 for detecting a blur amount, and a lens operating member 116 as an operating member provided to the interchangeable lens. Each structure will be described.

[0078] The focus lens 104 is configured to change the focus state of a captured image. The zoom lens 105 is configured to scale the captured image. The iris 106 is configured to adjust the light amount of the captured image. The image stabilizing lens 107 corrects image blur of a subject image.

[0079] The focus lens controller 108 performs position detection and drive control of the focus lens 104. The zoom lens controller 109 performs position detection and drive control of the zoom lens 105. The aperture controller 110 performs position detection and drive control of the aperture 106. The image stabilization (IS) controller 111 performs position detection and drive control of the image stabilization lens 107. The focus lens controller 108, the zoom lens controller 109, the aperture controller 110, and the image stabilization controller 111 each include, for example, a position sensor such as an absolute value encoder and a drive motor such as an ultrasonic motor or a stepping motor. The blur amount detector 112 detects the vibration amount of the interchangeable lens 10, and includes, for example, a gyro sensor.

[0080] The lens controller 113 controls the lens and has a memory not shown. The lens controller 113 is an exemplary communication controller. The lens first communication unit 114 performs first communication with the interchangeable lens 10. The lens second communication unit 115 performs second communication with the interchangeable lens 10.

[0081] The memory included in the lens controller 113 includes a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and stores control software (firmware) executed by the CPU, and inherent information and status information related to the interchangeable lens 10. The inherent information is, for example, a model name (identification (ID) information), optical characteristics, and correction information. The status information includes, for example, an operating state (normal mode and safe mode), position information (or magnification) of the zoom lens 105, position information of the focus lens 104, F value of the aperture 106, position information of the image stabilization lens 107, firmware version and update status, etc. However, it is not limited to these examples. The memory also stores a program to be executed when the interchangeable lens 10 is operated in a safe mode described later.

[0082] The lens controller 113 has a programmable processor such as a CPU, and realizes various operations including the operation of the interchangeable lens 10 described later by reading and executing a program from a memory. For example, the lens controller 113 performs an operation corresponding to a command received from the camera controller 205 in a first communication described later. The operation corresponding to the command includes, for example, control of each of the focus lens controller 108, the zoom lens controller 109, the iris controller 110, and the image stabilization controller 111, and updating of firmware stored in the memory.

[0083] The lens controller 113 updates the firmware by, for example, overwriting the old firmware stored in the memory with the new firmware received from the camera body 20 in the first communication. The lens controller 113 manages the update process by recording data (update status data) indicating the status of the update process of the firmware in the memory. For example, the lens controller 113 sets the update status data to a value indicating "not completed" before overwriting the firmware, and sets the update status data to a value indicating "completed" when the firmware overwriting is completed. The value indicating "completed" may be different between a value indicating "normal completion" and a value indicating "abnormal completion". The value indicating "abnormal completion" may be a different value depending on the cause of the abnormality.

[0084] For example, in the case where the interchangeable lens 10 is removed during the firmware update, the power supply to the interchangeable lens 10 is cut off, and the update processing is interrupted when the update status data indicates a value of "not completed". For example, when the power is supplied again, the lens controller 113 checks the update status data, and if the value indicates an uncompleted state, the lens controller 113 shifts to an operation-restricted mode (safe mode) because the firmware update is interrupted. The operating state of the interchangeable lens 10 stored in the memory is rewritten to the safe mode. In the safe mode, only limited functions are available, wherein these limited functions include processing required for updating the firmware. More specifically, the processing required for updating the firmware is a processing of sending the identification information and operating state information (or a firmware update request) of the interchangeable lens 10 to the camera body 20. The processing of updating the firmware recorded in the memory with the firmware received from the camera body 20 is the processing required for updating the firmware.

[0085] Other processing such as control of the focus lens controller 108 is not available.

[0086] Typically, the memory capacity is not large enough to redundantly store the entire firmware. The available capacity for storing programs in safe mode is limited. In safe mode, only limited functions are provided, which include the minimum functions required such as sending the working status of the interchangeable lens 10 and updating the firmware. In the case where the lens controller 113 receives a request for processing that cannot be performed in safe mode (such as a request for driving the focus lens 104) through the first communication in safe mode, the lens controller 113 ignores the request. The lens operating member 116 is an operating member set to the interchangeable lens 10, such as a switch or an electronic ring. When the lens operating member 116 is operated, an operation signal is output to the lens controller 113.

[0087] Next, the following describes the structure of the camera body 20. The camera body 20 includes: an image sensor 204; a camera controller 205 for controlling the camera body; an image display unit 206 for displaying an image captured by the camera body 20; and a camera operating member 209 as an operating member provided to the camera body 20. The camera body 20 includes a camera first communication section 207 for controlling first communication and second communication, and a camera second communication section 208. Each structure will be described.

[0088] The image sensor 204 is an imaging element such as a CMOS image sensor for capturing an image.

[0089] The camera controller 205 is configured to control the camera body and has a memory not shown. The camera controller 205 is an exemplary communication controller. The camera first communication section 207 performs first communication in the camera body 20. The camera second communication section 208 performs second communication in the camera body 20. The camera controller 205, the camera first communication section 207, and the camera second communication section 208 are configured using, for example, a CPU in the camera body 20.

[0090] The image display unit 206, such as a liquid crystal monitor, is used to display images captured by the camera body 20, image data recorded in the recording medium 211, and a GUI, etc. At this time, the image display unit 206 is also used to display a menu for the user to instruct the firmware update of the interchangeable lens 10 or the intermediate accessories 30 or 40. When the camera controller 205 detects that the mounted interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 are in the safe mode, it can also notify the user that the firmware needs to be updated by displaying a message, etc.

[0091] The camera operation member 209 sets imaging conditions such as a dial ring and a switch, etc. When the camera operation member 209 is operated, an operation signal is output to the camera controller 205 .

[0092] A medium interface (IF) 210 is an interface configured to perform recording and reading of data with respect to a storage medium 211 such as a removable memory card or the like.

[0093] The recording medium 211 is used as a recording destination of image data and audio data obtained by imaging in the camera body 20. The recording medium 211 is also used as a new firmware supply source when the firmware of the camera body 20, the interchangeable lens 10, and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 are updated.

[0094] The intermediate accessories 30 and 40 include intermediate accessory optical members 307 and 407, intermediate accessory second communication units 308 and 408 configured to perform second communication, and intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 configured to control the intermediate accessories. The intermediate accessories 30 and 40 include intermediate accessory operating members 310 and 410 as operating members provided on the intermediate accessories. Each structure will be described.

[0095] The intermediate accessory optical members 307 and 407 in the present embodiment are, for example, optical members that change the optical characteristics of a captured image, such as a variator lens and an ND filter.

[0096] The middleware second communication units 308 and 408 perform second communication between the middleware 30 and 40 .

[0097] The intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 are controllers for controlling the intermediate accessories 30 and 40, respectively, and have memories not shown. The intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 are each an exemplary communication controller. The intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 and the intermediate accessory second communication units 308 and 408 include a CPU of the intermediate accessory.

[0098] Each memory included in the intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 includes a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and stores control software (firmware) executed by the CPU and inherent information and status information related to the intermediate accessories 30 and 40. The inherent information is, for example, the model name (identification information), optical characteristics, and correction information. The status information is, for example, the operating state (normal mode and safe mode), the operating information (position and speed) of the intermediate accessory operating members 310 and 410, the firmware version, and the update status. However, it is not limited to these examples. The memory also stores a program to be executed when the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 are operated in the safe mode described later.

[0099] The intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 have a programmable processor such as a CPU, and realize various operations including the operations of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 described later by reading and executing a program from a memory. For example, the intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 perform operations corresponding to instructions received from the camera controller 205 in the second communication described later, such as transmission of operation information of the intermediate accessory operating members 310 and 410, and updating of firmware stored in the memory.

[0100] The intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 update the firmware by overwriting the old firmware stored in the memory with the new firmware received from the camera body 20 through the first communication, for example. The intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 control the update process by storing data (update status data) indicating the status of the firmware update process in the memory. For example, before overwriting the firmware, the intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 set the update status data to a value indicating "not completed", and when the firmware overwriting is completed, the intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 set the update status data to a value indicating "completed". The value indicating "completed" may be different between a value indicating "normal completion" and a value indicating "abnormal completion". The value indicating "abnormal completion" may be a value that differs depending on the cause of the abnormality.

[0101] For example, in the case where the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 are removed during the firmware update, the power supply to the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 is cut off, and the update processing is interrupted in the case where the update status data has a value indicating "not completed". For example, when the power is supplied again, the intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 check the update status data, and when the value indicates an uncompleted state, the intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 transition to the operation restricted mode (safe mode). The operation states of each of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 stored in the memory are rewritten to the safe mode.

[0102] In the safe mode, only limited functions can be performed, and these limited functions include processing required for updating firmware. More specifically, the processing required for updating firmware includes sending authentication information (such as identification information of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40, and information indicating that it is in the safe mode (or a request for firmware update)) to the camera body 20. The processing of updating the firmware stored in the memory with the firmware received from the camera body 20 is also the processing required for updating the firmware. Other processing such as the transmission of operation information of the intermediate accessory operating members 310 and 410 is not available.

[0103] Generally, the memory capacity is not large enough to redundantly store the entire firmware. The available capacity for storing programs in the safe mode is limited. In the safe mode, only limited functions are provided, which include the minimum functions required such as sending the operating status of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 and updating the firmware. The intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 ignore requests for processing that cannot be executed in the safe mode when, for example, sending and receiving the operation information of the intermediate accessory operating members 310 and 410 through the second communication in the safe mode.

[0104] The intermediate accessory operating members 310 and 410 are operating members provided on the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 , such as switches and electronic rings, etc. When the intermediate accessory operating members 310 and 410 are operated, an operating signal is output to the intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409 .

[0105] The second communication connection switches 311 and 411 are switches provided on the second communication lines of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 and closer to the lens than the second communication part of the intermediate accessories. The second communication connection switches 311 and 411 can be controlled to be short-circuited and open-circuited by the intermediate accessory controllers 309 and 409, respectively. Thus, the second communication connection switches 311 and 411 can cut off the second communication on the lens side from themselves. In other words, the second communication connection switches 311 and 411 can change the communication state of the second communication by controlling the short-circuit and open-circuit of these switches.

[0106] In the first embodiment, the flow until light incident on the interchangeable lens 10 is output as an image is as follows.

[0107] Light incident on the interchangeable lens 10 passes through the focus lens 104, the zoom lens 105, the diaphragm 106, the image stabilization lens 107, and the intermediate optical members 407 and 307, forms an image on the image sensor 204, and is converted into an electrical signal. The electrical signal output from the image sensor 204 is converted into an image signal by the camera controller 205, and is output to the image display unit 206.

[0108] <first communication( Figure 2A and 2B )>

[0109] Now refer to Figure 2A and 2B The first communication will be described.

[0110] Figure 2AThe structure for providing the first communication is shown. The first communication in this embodiment exemplifies the clock synchronous communication, but can be applied to the asynchronous communication. Asynchronous communication will be described later as a modified example. The first communication contacts 102, 403, 405, 303, 305 and 202 respectively include first communication LCLK terminals 102a, 405a, 405a, 305a and 202a as terminals of the clock line LCLK output from the camera first communication section 207. The present embodiment includes first communication DCL terminals 102b, 403b, 405b, 303b, 305b and 202b as terminals of the data line DCL output from the camera first communication section 207 of the clock synchronous communication as well. The first communication DCL terminals 102b, 403b, 405b, 303b, 305b and 202b are each an exemplary first communication terminal. Likewise, the first communication DLC terminals 102c, 403c, 405c, 303c, 305c and 202c are terminals of the data line DLC output from the lens first communication section 114 of clock synchronous communication. The first communication DLC terminals 102c, 403c, 405c, 303c, 305c and 202c are each an exemplary third communication terminal.

[0111] like Figure 2A As shown, the clock line LCLK and the data line DCL are pulled up in the interchangeable lens 10. The clock line LCLK and the data line DLC are pulled up in the camera body 20.

[0112] The clock line LCLK, the data line DCL, and the data line DLC in the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 are short-circuited between the first communication contacts 403 and 405 and between the first communication contacts 303 and 305, respectively.

[0113] Figure 2BThe waveforms of the clock line LCLK, the data line DCL, and the data line DLC in the first communication are illustrated. The camera first communication unit 207 outputs a clock to the clock line LCLK, and outputs 8-bit data of B7 to B0 to the data line DCL according to the leading edge signal of the clock line LCLK. Similarly, the lens first communication unit 114 outputs 8-bit data of B7 to B0 to the data line DLC according to the leading edge signal of the clock line LCLK. The camera first communication unit 207 receives 8-bit data of B7 to B0 of the data line DLC according to the leading edge signal of the clock line LCLK. Similarly, the lens first communication unit 114 receives 8-bit data of B7 to B0 of the data line DCL according to the leading edge signal of the clock line LCLK. The camera first communication unit 207 and the lens first communication unit 114 can exchange communication data with each other. When the lens first communication unit 114 receives the 8-bit data of B7 to B0 of the data line DCL, the lens first communication unit 114 sends a low output to the clock line LCLK for the Tbusy time, and then releases the low output. Here, the Tbusy time is the time when the interchangeable lens 10 is processing the received data, and the camera first communication unit 207 does not send data until the clock line LCLK changes from low to high after the data is sent. The flow control of the first communication can be performed by this signal control. Repeating the above process can transmit data between the camera first communication unit 207 and the lens first communication unit 114 through the first communication.

[0114] <Second communication( Fig.11 )>

[0115] Reference now Fig.11 , one of the communication circuits that can provide "one-to-many" communication between the camera body 20, the interchangeable lens 10, and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 will be described. The communication circuit is not limited to this example as long as "one-to-many" communication is available. In the case where there are multiple communication circuits, other communication circuits can use "one-to-one" communication such as clock synchronous serial communication and UART communication.

[0116] As in the first communication, the camera second communication portion 208, the lens second communication portion 115, and the intermediate accessory second communication portions 308 and 408 are connected to each other via the contact portion. More specifically, the camera second communication portion 208, the lens second communication portion 115, and the intermediate accessory second communication portions 308 and 408 are connected via the second communication contacts 103, 404, 406, 304, 306, and 203. In the present embodiment, the second communication contacts 103, 404, 406, 304, 306, and 203 include CS signal terminals 103a, 404a, 406a, 304a, 306a, and 203a and DATA signal terminals 103b, 404b, 406b, 304b, 306b, and 203b, respectively. The camera second communication section 208 , the lens second communication section 115 , and the intermediate accessory second communication section 308 communicate with each other through a CS signal line connected via a CS signal terminal and a DATA signal line connected via a DATA signal terminal.

[0117] The DATA signal terminal that each of the second communication contacts 103 , 404 , 406 , 304 , 306 , and 203 has is an exemplary second communication terminal.

[0118] The camera communication circuit includes a ground switch 221 and an input / output selector switch 222. The lens communication circuit includes a ground switch 121 and an input / output selector switch 122. The intermediate accessory communication circuit includes ground switches 321 and 421 and input / output switches 322 and 422.

[0119] The signal lines include a CS signal line (first signal line) for propagating a signal for performing communication flow control and a DATA signal line (second signal line) for propagating data to be transmitted and received.

[0120] The CS signal line is connected to the camera second communication unit 208, the intermediate accessory second communication unit 308, and the lens second communication unit 115, and the (high and low) state of the signal line can be detected. The CS signal line is pulled up to a power supply not shown in the camera body. The CS signal line can be connected to GND (open drain connection) via the ground switch 121 of the interchangeable lens 10, the ground switch 221 of the camera body 20, and the ground switches 321 and 421 of the intermediate adapter. This structure can set the state of the CS signal line to a low state by turning on (connecting) the ground switch to the interchangeable lens 10, the camera body 20, and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40. On the other hand, when all the interchangeable lenses 10, the camera body 20, and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 are disconnected (cut off) their connection switches, the state of the CS signal line can be changed to high. The CS signal line is used to distinguish between broadcast communication and P2P communication, or to switch the communication direction in P2P communication.

[0121] The DATA signal line is a single-line bidirectional data transmission line that can be used by switching the data propagation direction. The DATA signal line can be connected to the lens second communication unit 115 via the input / output switch 122 of the interchangeable lens 10. The DATA signal line can be connected to the camera second communication unit 208 via the input / output switch 222 of the camera body 20. The DATA signal line can be connected to the intermediate accessory second communication unit 308 or 408 via the input / output switch 322 or 422 of the intermediate accessory 30 or 40, respectively. Each microcomputer includes a data output unit (CMOS system) for sending data and a data input unit (CMOS system) for receiving data. Operating the input / output switch can select whether the DATA signal line is connected to the data output unit or the data input unit. In the case where the interchangeable lens 10, the camera body 20, and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 each send data, the structure enables them to operate the input / output switch to connect the DATA signal line to the data output unit. On the other hand, the interchangeable lens 10, the camera body 20, and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 each receive data by operating each input / output switch to connect the DATA signal line to the data input unit.

[0122] Broadcast communication and P2P communication performed through a CS signal and a data signal will now be described.

[0123] Since the CS signal line goes low when any unit is connected to GND, the CS signal line serves as a trigger for broadcast communication.

[0124] When the camera body, which is the main body of communication, pulls the CS signal line low, broadcast communication starts. When the CS signal line is low, the data received by the accessory via the DATA line is determined to be broadcast data.

[0125] Each accessory can request broadcast communication from the camera body by pulling the CS signal line low.

[0126] A unit that detects the low level of the CS signal line can notify other units that the process of broadcast communication is continuing by turning on its own ground switch during the broadcast process. By defining the second communication to start and end with the broadcast communication, the DATA signal line of the accessory can basically maintain the receiving state. When the camera and the accessory perform P2P communication, the accessory to communicate is initially specified through broadcast communication. The camera that has completed the transmission of the broadcast communication and the specified accessory perform P2P communication.

[0127] In P2P communication, the camera initially transmits data, and the accessory that receives the data transmits the data to the camera. After that, this operation is performed alternately. In P2P communication, the CS signal in communication is distinguished from broadcast communication by being maintained high. The CS signal in P2P communication is used as a busy signal. In other words, one of the camera and the accessory sets the CS signal to low to notify the other party that its own data transmission is completed, and sets the CS signal to high to notify that its own data reception is ready.

[0128] When the P2P communication ends, the camera broadcasts the end of the P2P communication.

[0129] In this way, the camera can communicate data to multiple accessories via two communication lines.

[0130] although Fig.11 An exemplary communication circuit in the present invention is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the CS signal line is pulled down to GND in the camera body 20, and can be connected to the power supply via the ground switch 121 of the interchangeable lens 10, the ground switch 221 of the camera body 20, and the ground switches 321 and 421 of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40. The DATA signal line can be always connected to each data input unit, and the connection / disconnection between the DATA signal line and each data output unit can be operated by a switch.

[0131] The second communication can be implemented by the same communication method as the first communication, bidirectional asynchronous communication, a master / slave method, a token passing method, or the like.

[0132] Initial communication with accessories and acquisition of corrected optical information ( Figure 3 )>

[0133] Reference now Figure 3 , the following flow will be described: the camera body 20 acquires authentication information of the accessory through initial communication with the accessory, and further acquires optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 after correction based on the optical information of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40. The optical information of the intermediate accessories including the variator lens is, for example, the magnification changed by the insertion of the intermediate accessories. The optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 includes information such as focal length, F value (aperture value), focus sensitivity, and focus correction amount.

[0134] Figure 3 The following processing flow is shown: After power is first supplied after the intermediate accessory and the interchangeable lens are mounted, the camera body 20 acquires optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 corrected based on optical information of the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 .

[0135] When the camera body 20 is activated in S301, the flow proceeds to S302.

[0136] After proceeding to S302 , the camera body 20 supplies power to the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 via mount contacts for power supply, not shown, and proceeds to S303 and S304 .

[0137] After proceeding to S303, the camera controller 205 performs initial communication with the interchangeable lens 10 in the first communication. In the initial communication, the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 10 is acquired.

[0138] Here, the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 10 includes the ID information and the operation status information of the interchangeable lens 10. The interchangeable lens ID information may be information such as a model number (ID) for identifying the type (model) of the interchangeable lens, or optical data identification information indicating optical data unique to the interchangeable lens. Information indicating the function of the interchangeable lens or information such as a production number (serial number) capable of identifying an individual in the same model may be included.

[0139] The operation status information is information that can identify whether the interchangeable lens 10 is operating in the normal mode or the safe mode. In other words, it is information that can identify whether the firmware update is interrupted (operation in the safe mode) or not (normal operation).

[0140] Will refer to later Figure 4 The flow of the sub-process S303 for acquiring the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 10 through the first communication will be described.

[0141] After proceeding to S304, the camera controller 205 performs initial communication with the accessory through the second communication, and acquires authentication information of the accessory.

[0142] Here, the authentication information of the accessory includes identification information of the accessory, correction processing necessity information, and operation status information.

[0143] The intermediate accessory identification information may be information such as a model number (ID) for identifying the type (model) of the intermediate accessory, or optical data identification information representing optical data unique to the intermediate accessory. It may include information representing the function of the intermediate accessory or information such as a production number (serial number) that can identify an individual in the same model.

[0144] The correction processing necessity information is information indicating whether it is necessary to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 by attachment of an accessory. If the accessory is an intermediate accessory and does not affect the optical system of the interchangeable lens 10, the correction processing is not necessary. In a case where the camera controller 205 previously knows that the correction processing by mounting the intermediate accessory is not necessary based on the intermediate accessory correction processing necessity information, the camera ignores the intermediate accessory in the process of acquiring the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10.

[0145] An intermediate accessory that does not require correction processing is, for example, an intermediate accessory that is equipped with an optical member optically designed to offset the influence of its own width on the optical system and is installed to add an operating element. Another example is a mount converter that can change the flange focal length suitable for the camera body by installing the mount converter between an interchangeable lens having a mount with a short flange back and the camera body.

[0146] The operation status information is information that can identify whether the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 are operating in normal mode or safe mode. In other words, the operation status information is information that can identify whether the update of the firmware is interrupted (operation in safe mode) or the update of the firmware is normal (normal operation).

[0147] Will refer to later Figure 5A and 5B The flow of the sub-process S304 for acquiring the authentication information of the intermediate accessory through the second communication will be described. S303 and S304 use different communication paths, and thus are processed in parallel or in sequence.

[0148] When the authentication information of the interchangeable lens and the authentication information of the attached accessory are acquired in S303 and S304 , the flow proceeds to S305 .

[0149] After entering S305, the camera controller 205 determines whether there is an intermediate accessory that requires correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the correction processing necessity information acquired in S304. If an intermediate accessory (also referred to as an intermediate accessory related to correction) for which the correction processing necessity information is "necessary" is attached, the flow enters S306.

[0150] After entering S306, the camera controller 205 determines whether there is an accessory whose optical information is not stored in the camera controller 205 among the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessories whose correction processing necessity information is "necessary" in S305. The interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessories whose correction processing necessity information is "necessary" in S305 will be referred to as correction-related accessories. In the case where there is an accessory whose optical information is not stored in the camera controller 205 among the correction-related accessories, the camera controller 205 cannot perform correction processing of the optical information of the interchangeable lens. In this case, in order to search for the correction processing requester, the flow enters S307.

[0151] After entering S307, the camera controller 205 determines the accessory (also referred to as the first accessory) that stores the optical information of all other accessories among the accessories related to the calibration. The method for determining the first accessory may be, for example, based on the identification information obtained from the accessory, or the accessory may be inquired through communication. Fig. 6A and 6B To explain the details.

[0152] When the first accessory is determined in S307 , the process proceeds to S308 .

[0153] After entering S308, the camera controller 205 sends the identification information of the accessory related to other correction to the first accessory determined in S307, and requests the first accessory to perform correction processing of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10. As an example, in the case where the first accessory is an interchangeable lens, the present embodiment performs communication through the first communication. In the case where the first accessory is an intermediate accessory, communication is performed through the second communication.

[0154] The controller of the first accessory that has received the calibration request in S308 performs calibration processing of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 using the stored optical information of the accessory related to other calibrations.

[0155] In S309 , the camera controller 205 acquires the optical information corrected by the first accessory.

[0156] On the other hand, in S306, if the camera controller 205 determines that there is no accessory for which the camera controller 205 does not have optical information among the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessories for which the correction processing necessity information is "necessary" in S305, the flow proceeds to S310. In this case, the camera controller 205 stores the optical information of all accessories.

[0157] When the flow proceeds to S310, the camera controller 205 corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens using the optical information of the interchangeable lens and the optical information of the intermediate accessory stored in the camera controller 205.

[0158] In the case where the camera controller 205 determines in S305 that there is no intermediate accessory that requires correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens, the intermediate accessory is not attached, or the correction processing necessity information is "not required" for all attached intermediate accessories. As processing when correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens is not required, the flow proceeds to S311.

[0159] When the flow proceeds to S311, the camera controller 205 determines whether the camera body 20 stores the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 based on the identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 included in the interchangeable lens authentication information acquired in S303. If the camera controller 205 does not store the optical information of the interchangeable lens, the flow proceeds to S312.

[0160] After proceeding to S312 , the camera controller 205 acquires optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 from the lens controller 113 through the first communication.

[0161] On the other hand, when it is determined in S311 that the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is stored, the camera controller 205 acquires the optical information from the data table in the camera in S313.

[0162] After the optical information is acquired in S309, S310, S312 or S313, the process proceeds to S314, and the optical information acquisition sequence ends.

[0163] After the optical information is acquired, the first communication path is used for communication by which the camera body 20 controls the interchangeable lens 10, and the second communication path is used for communication by which the camera body 20 periodically acquires operation information of the intermediate accessory operating members 310 and 410. Based on the occupancy rate of each communication path and the immediacy required for communication and control, for communication for periodically acquiring operation information of the operating member 116 in the interchangeable lens, any of the first communication path and the second communication path may be used.

[0164] <Initial communication processing of first communication by camera and interchangeable lens ( Figure 4 )>

[0165] Figure 4 The flow of sub-process S303 as initial communication between the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10 in the camera system according to the first embodiment is shown. In the initial communication, the camera controller 205 acquires authentication information of the interchangeable lens 10 from the lens controller 113.

[0166] When the neutron treatment starts at S401, the process enters S402.

[0167] After entering S402 , the camera controller 205 transmits an interchangeable lens authentication information transmission request (corresponding to a first transmission request) to the lens controller 113 through the first communication.

[0168] Now refer to Fig.9A The interchangeable lens authentication information request according to the present embodiment is information for requesting the camera controller 205 to send two pieces of information as authentication information. The authentication information request includes an identification information request and an operation status information request for the interchangeable lens.

[0169] When the lens controller 113 receives the request to transmit the interchangeable lens authentication information in S403, the process proceeds to S404. Then, the lens controller 113 transmits the interchangeable lens authentication information (corresponding to the first information) to the camera controller 205 through the first communication.

[0170] Now refer to Fig. 9B Authentication information transmitted from the interchangeable lens 10 to the camera controller 205 will be described. The authentication information includes identification information and operation status information.

[0171] When receiving the interchangeable lens authentication information in S405, the camera controller 205 proceeds to S406 and stores the received interchangeable lens authentication information.

[0172] The sub-process S303 ends with S407.

[0173] <Initial communication processing by second communication between camera and intermediate accessory ( Figure 5A and 5B )>

[0174] Figure 5A and 5B The flow of sub-process S304 as initial communication processing between the camera body 20 and the accessory in the camera system according to the first embodiment is described. In the initial communication, the camera controller 205 acquires authentication information of the accessory. The authentication information of the accessory will be described later.

[0175] When the neutron treatment starts at S501, the process enters S502.

[0176] After entering S502 , the camera controller 205 transmits an authentication information request for the accessory (corresponding to a second transmission request) to the intermediate accessory controller 309 through the second communication.

[0177] Now refer to Fig. 9CThe accessory authentication information request according to the present embodiment is described below. The accessory authentication information request is information for requesting the camera controller 205 to send accessory authentication information. In the present embodiment, the accessory authentication information includes accessory identification information, operation status information, correction processing necessity information, and terminal information.

[0178] When the intermediate accessory controller 309 receives the accessory authentication information request in S503 , the process proceeds to S506 .

[0179] In S506 , the intermediate accessory controller 309 transmits the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 30 to the camera controller 205 through the second communication.

[0180] Now refer to Fig.9D The following describes authentication information which the intermediate accessory sends to the camera controller 205. The authentication information includes identification information (as illustrative third information), operation status information, correction processing necessity information, and terminal information.

[0181] If the intermediate component changes the optical characteristics, the correction processing necessity information is information indicating “necessary.” If the intermediate component does not change the optical characteristics, the correction processing necessity information is information indicating “not necessary.”

[0182] In the present embodiment, the terminal information is information indicating whether the intermediate adapter is a terminal of the second communication viewed from the camera body 20. If the intermediate adapter is an end of the second communication viewed from the camera body 20, the terminal information is information indicating "terminal". If the intermediate adapter is not a terminal of the second communication viewed from the camera body 20, the terminal information is information indicating "non-terminal".

[0183] One-to-many communication like the second communication can specify a transmission destination by, for example, adding identification information of the accessory to the header of the communication data. However, since the camera controller 205 does not have accessory information at the stage of S502, the transmission destination cannot be specified by the communication data.

[0184] Thus, one exemplary way in which the camera body 20 sequentially communicates with a plurality of accessories in this sub-process may be the following method using the second communication connection switches 311 and 411. Assume that the second communication connection switches 311 and 411 are short-circuited in a stable state.

[0185] In S501, the camera controller 205 transmits the sub-processing start information through the second communication. Since the second communication connection switches 311 and 411 are short-circuited, each accessory receives the sub-processing start information. Each intermediate accessory that receives the sub-processing start information opens its own second communication connection switch. As a result, only the intermediate accessory controller 309 is connected to the camera controller 205, and the camera controller 205 can receive the data to be transmitted. When the intermediate accessory controller 309 that has completed processing the received data short-circuits the second communication connection switch 311, the intermediate accessory controller 409 can receive the data transmitted by the camera controller 205. The intermediate accessory 30 that short-circuited the second communication connection switch does not respond to the transmission information of the camera controller 205 until the sub-processing end information transmitted by the camera controller 205 is received in S522 when the sub-processing ends.

[0186] In the present embodiment, even when the intermediate accessory 30 operates in the safety mode, the camera body 20 and the intermediate accessory 30 do not end the sub-processing, and perform initial communication with the accessory connected via the intermediate accessory 30. However, in the case where an accessory operating in the safety mode is attached, the initial communication with the attached accessory may not be performed via the accessory. For example, when the operating state of the intermediate accessory 30 is the safety mode, the intermediate accessory controller 309 short-circuits the second communication connection switch 311 even if the processing of the received data is completed. Then, by setting the terminal information to "terminal", the sub-processing can be immediately ended by sending the authentication information to the camera controller 205.

[0187] Since the intermediate accessories 40 function similarly, the camera controller 205 can communicate with multiple accessories in sequence.

[0188] In S504 and S505 , since the second communication connection switch 311 is open, the intermediate accessory 40 and the lens controller 113 do not receive the information transmission request transmitted from the camera controller 205 in S502 .

[0189] In S506 , the intermediate accessory controller 309 transmits the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 30 to the camera controller 205 via the second communication. Then, the intermediate accessory controller 309 short-circuits the second communication connection switch 311 . Thus, the intermediate accessory controller 409 can receive the data transmitted by the camera controller 205 .

[0190] When the camera controller 205 receives the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 30 in S507, the process proceeds to S508 and stores the received authentication information.

[0191] As described above, when the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 30 is acquired in S502 to S508, the flow proceeds to S509. In S509, S511, and S513 to S515, the camera controller 205 acquires the authentication information of the intermediate accessory 40, similarly to S502, S503, and S506 to S508.

[0192] In S510, the intermediate accessory controller 309 receives the authentication information request transmitted by the camera controller 205, but does not respond because it has not yet received the sub-processing end information.

[0193] In S512 , as in S504 and S505 , since the second communication connection switch 411 is open, the lens controller 113 does not receive the information transmission request transmitted from the camera controller 205 in S509 .

[0194] Although the first embodiment is an example of a total of three accessories connected to one interchangeable lens and two intermediate accessories, only one intermediate accessory may be connected or three or more intermediate accessories may be connected. Since any number of intermediate accessories can be attached, the accessory information acquisition process can be terminated by acquiring the accessory terminal information.

[0195] The terminal information of the accessory may be obtained by another method. For example, similar to S502 and S509, when the camera controller 205 sends an authentication information request assuming that an intermediate accessory is attached, the terminal information returned from the lens second communication unit 115 may notify the camera controller 205 of the interchangeable lens. Alternatively, the intermediate accessory 40 may detect that it is a terminal based on the connection state of a terminal or the like not shown, and notify the camera body 20 of this fact in S513. The present embodiment describes that the terminal information is notified by the lens controller 113 returning authentication information including the terminal information in response to the authentication information request from the camera controller 205.

[0196] In S516, the camera body 20 transmits an authentication information request (corresponding to a second transmission request) in the second communication, as in S502 and S509. In S517 and S518, the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 do not respond because they have not received the sub-processing end information, as in S510.

[0197] When receiving the authentication information request in S519 , the lens controller 113 proceeds to S520 , and transmits the authentication information to the camera controller 205 through the second communication.

[0198] Now refer to Fig.9EThe following describes the authentication information that the lens controller 113 sends to the camera controller 205. The authentication information includes identification information (as an exemplary second information), operation status information, correction processing necessity information, and terminal information.

[0199] Since the interchangeable lens 10 is not an intermediate accessory, by its attachment, correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is not required. Thus, the correction processing necessity information is information indicating that correction processing is not required.

[0200] Since the interchangeable lens 10 according to the present embodiment is a terminal of the second communication viewed from the camera body 20 , the terminal information is information indicating that the interchangeable lens 10 is a terminal of the second communication.

[0201] When the camera controller 205 acquires the authentication information in S521 , the flow proceeds to S522 and this series of initial communication processing ends.

[0202] Although the correction processing necessity information may be acquired as in the present embodiment in order to shorten the communication processing, if there is no communication correction processing necessity information, it is determined that the correction processing is necessary for all the intermediate components.

[0203] The sub-process S304 ends at S522.

[0204] This embodiment explains processing using a method for sequentially communicating with a plurality of accessories using the second communication connection switch. However, other methods may be used as long as communication with a plurality of accessories is possible. For example, detecting a voltage level connected to an unillustrated terminal of the accessory itself may provide information on the number of attachments from the camera body side. In this case, the number of information transmission requests sent from the camera is counted, and the information is sent to the camera body only when the information is consistent with the installation order of the accessories.

[0205] Sub-processing S307 for determining the first accessory ( Fig. 6A and 6B )>

[0206] Reference now Fig. 6A and 6B , the flow of sub-process S307 in which the camera body 20 searches for a first accessory among accessories related to correction through communication according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0207] Fig. 6A and 6BThe flow of sub-process S307 in which the camera controller 205 determines the first accessory among accessories related to optical correction in the camera system according to the first embodiment is shown. It is now assumed that the camera controller 205 does not store optical information of the interchangeable lens 10, the intermediate accessory 30, and the intermediate accessory 40. It is also assumed that both the correction processing necessity information of the intermediate accessory 30 and the correction processing necessity information of the intermediate accessory 40 are "necessary".

[0208] When the neutron treatment starts at S601, the process enters S602.

[0209] After entering S602, the camera controller 205 transmits the identification information of the intermediate accessory 40 and the optical information presence / absence response request to the intermediate accessory controller 309 through the second communication, and inquires the intermediate accessory controller 309 whether it stores the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40. For example, when the identification information of the intermediate accessory is added to the beginning of the communication data and the accessory refers to the value at the beginning of the communication data, the accessory can determine whether the communication is directed to it.

[0210] When the intermediate accessory controller 309 receives the identification information and the optical information response request of the intermediate accessory 40 in S603, the flow proceeds to S604.

[0211] In S604 , the intermediate accessory controller 309 transmits information on whether the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40 is stored to the camera controller 205 through the second communication.

[0212] When the camera controller 205 receives the presence or absence of optical information of the intermediate accessory 40 from the intermediate accessory 30 in S605 , the flow proceeds to S606 .

[0213] In S606, the camera controller 205 determines an intermediate accessory (also referred to as a first intermediate accessory) having optical information of the other intermediate accessories.

[0214] If the intermediate accessory controller 309 stores the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40, the flow proceeds to S607, and the camera controller 205 determines that the intermediate accessory 30 is the first intermediate accessory.

[0215] If the intermediate accessory controller 309 does not store the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40 , the flow proceeds to S608 , and the camera controller 205 determines that the intermediate accessory 40 is the first intermediate accessory and stores the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 .

[0216] Even if three or more intermediate accessories are attached, the first intermediate accessory can be determined. For example, in the case where three accessories are attached, the same processing as S602 to S605 is performed between two of the accessories. If the first intermediate accessory is found, the flow proceeds to S609.

[0217] After entering S609, the camera controller 205 transmits a response request (third indication information) for the presence or absence of the identification information and optical information (fourth information) of the first intermediate accessory determined in S607 or S608 to the lens controller 113 through the first communication. In other words, the camera controller 205 inquires whether the optical information of the first intermediate accessory is stored.

[0218] When the lens controller 113 receives the identification information of the first intermediate accessory and the optical information presence / absence response request in S610 , the flow proceeds to S611 , and transmits information on whether the optical information of the first intermediate accessory is stored to the camera controller 205 through the first communication.

[0219] When the camera controller 205 receives the presence or absence of the optical information of the first intermediate accessory from the interchangeable lens 10 in S612, the flow proceeds to S613, and the lens controller 113 determines whether the optical information of the first intermediate accessory is stored. Thus, the first accessory is determined.

[0220] If the camera controller 205 determines that the lens controller 113 stores the optical information of the first intermediate accessory, the flow proceeds to S614. In S614, it is determined that the interchangeable lens 10 is the first accessory, and the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 and the intermediate accessory 40 is stored. If the camera controller 205 determines that the lens controller 113 does not store the optical information of the first intermediate accessory, the flow proceeds to S615.

[0221] In S615, the camera controller 205 determines that the first intermediate accessory is the first accessory.

[0222] When the first accessory is determined in S614 or S615, the flow proceeds to S616, and the camera controller 205 stores the identification information and the accessory type of the first accessory. When the first accessory is stored, the flow proceeds to S617, and the sub-process S307 ends.

[0223] <Effects of the First Embodiment>

[0224] As described above, the first embodiment independently includes a first communication path through which the camera and the interchangeable lens can communicate with each other, and a second communication path through which the camera and the accessory can communicate with each other. Then, a unit for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens is determined based on the identification information of each unit acquired by communication using each communication path and the intermediate accessory correction processing necessity information. Thus, the present embodiment can communicate at a desired timing between the units of the imaging device, the interchangeable lens, and the intermediate accessory while appropriately correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens.

[0225] Second embodiment

[0226] The first embodiment describes a method for correcting the optical information of an interchangeable lens based on the optical information of an intermediate accessory in a startup sequence immediately after the interchangeable lens is mounted. The second embodiment describes a method for correcting the optical information of an interchangeable lens in a case where the optical system in the accessory is dynamically changed by operating an operating member provided in the accessory.

[0227] Examples of the optical system of an accessory that is dynamically changed by operating an operation member provided in the intermediate accessory include a variable magnification lens, a variable transmittance ND filter, and the like.

[0228] When an interchangeable lens is attached and the current optical system is determined, the second embodiment performs the processing described in the first embodiment. Thus, the camera controller 205 grasps the units in the interchangeable lens 10, the camera body 20, and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 for storing optical information of all accessories.

[0229] It is assumed that the camera controller 205 recognizes an accessory whose optical system is dynamically changeable via identification information of the accessory acquired through the operation as in the first embodiment.

[0230] Hereinafter, an accessory whose optical information changes dynamically and the correction processing necessity information is "necessary" will be expressed as a dynamic intermediate accessory. An intermediate accessory whose optical information does not change dynamically and the correction processing necessity information is "unnecessary" will be referred to as a static intermediate accessory. An interchangeable lens whose optical information changes dynamically will be referred to as a dynamic lens, and an interchangeable lens whose optical information does not change dynamically will be referred to as a static lens.

[0231] The present embodiment explains the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 installed between the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10, but is applicable even in the case where only one of these intermediate accessories is installed.

[0232] <Dynamic accessory search process ( Figure 7 )>

[0233] Figure 7 The relationship between the first embodiment and the present embodiment is shown. When the camera system is activated in S701, the flow proceeds to S702.

[0234] In S702, the camera controller 205 executes Figure 3The processing shown in the figure, such as initial communication, determination of the first unit, and correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens, etc. The initial communication acquires information corresponding to whether the optical system is dynamically changed (also referred to as dynamic accessory information) from the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40. For example, the camera controller 205 obtains information related to whether the optical system is dynamically changed in Figure 4 S402 and Figure 5A and 5B A sending request is sent to the accessory at a timing when the identification information is obtained in S502 and S509, and the accessory sends dynamic accessory information in response to the sending request. The authentication information may be included in the dynamic accessory information, and the camera controller 205 may obtain the authentication information including the mobile accessory information in response to the sending request for the authentication information sent to the accessory. The camera controller 205 may determine whether the accessory is a dynamic accessory based on the identification information of the accessory obtained in S702 without separately obtaining the dynamic accessory information. In this case, the memory (not shown) of the camera controller 205 may be configured to store information (such as a table) indicating the correspondence between the identification information of the accessory and whether the optical system changes dynamically. Thus, the camera controller 205 can determine whether the accessory is a dynamic accessory based on the identification information of the accessory.

[0235] When sub-process S702 is completed, the flow proceeds to S703.

[0236] In S703, the camera controller 205 determines whether a dynamic accessory is attached based on the dynamic accessory information. More specifically, in the case where the camera controller 205 acquires information indicating that the optical system is dynamically changed from any accessory as dynamic accessory information, the camera controller 205 determines that a dynamic accessory is attached. In the case where the camera controller 205 does not acquire information indicating that the optical system is dynamically changed as dynamic accessory information, the camera controller 205 determines that a dynamic accessory is not attached. If a dynamic accessory is attached, the flow proceeds to S704.

[0237] In S704, the camera controller 205 performs a sub-process for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the change in the optical information of the dynamic accessory. When the dynamic accessory is not attached or when the dynamic accessory is not operated, there is no need to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens, so the flow proceeds to S705 to complete the optical correction processing of the interchangeable lens.

[0238] <Correction processing of optical information corresponding to the operation of dynamic accessories ( Fig. 8A and 8B )>

[0239] Reference now Fig. 8A and8B , sub-process S704 for correcting the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the change of the optical information corresponding to the operation of the dynamic accessory according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0240] exist Fig. 8A and 8B In the sub-process shown, the intermediate accessory 30 is a dynamic accessory, the interchangeable lens 10 is a first unit and a static lens, and the intermediate accessory 40 is a static accessory. In other words, it is assumed that Figure 7 In S702 the camera controller 205 and the lens controller 113 have so identified.

[0241] When the sequence starts in S801, the flow proceeds to S802.

[0242] In S802, the camera controller 205 transmits an optical data identification information transmission request to the intermediate accessory controller 309 of the intermediate accessory 30 which is a dynamic accessory through the second communication.

[0243] When receiving the optical data identification information transmission request in S803 , the intermediate accessory controller 309 proceeds to S804 , and transmits the optical data identification information to the camera controller 205 through the second communication.

[0244] The optical data identification information of the dynamic accessory is information related to the correction parameters of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10, such as the current optical information in the present embodiment. For example, in the case where the intermediate accessory has a zoom lens, the optical data identification information is information related to the current magnification. For example, in the case where the intermediate accessory has an ND filter, the optical data identification information is information for correcting the current optical path length. The optical data identification information may be other information as long as the first unit can identify the optical state of the dynamic accessory. The optical data identification information may be information of multiple available states added to information such as a model number (ID) used for type (model) identification, or optical data identification information representing optical data that changes dynamically. The optical data identification information may be information representing the function of an accessory, or information such as a production number (serial number) that can identify an individual in the same model.

[0245] When the camera controller 205 receives the optical data identification information in S805, the flow proceeds to S806.

[0246] In S806, the camera controller 205 determines whether the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 has changed based on the optical data identification information. For example, the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 received in the initial communication in S702 is compared with the optical data identification information received in S805. If the optical information has not changed, the flow returns to S802, and the camera controller 205 retransmits the optical data identification information transmission request after a predetermined time has passed.

[0247] If the camera controller 205 determines in S806 that the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 has changed, the flow proceeds to S807 as processing for correcting the optical information of the optical lens.

[0248] As in S802 , S803 , S804 , S805 , and S806 , the camera controller 205 may recognize a change in the optical information of the dynamic accessory by communicating with the dynamic accessory at a constant time period in a polling manner to receive the presence or absence of a change in the optical information.

[0249] When the optical information of the dynamic accessory changes, an interrupt signal may be received from the dynamic accessory. For example, it is assumed that the intermediate accessory 30 as the dynamic accessory has an operating member that changes the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30. Then, when the operation of the operating member is detected, an interrupt signal may be sent from the intermediate accessory controller 309 described later to the camera controller 205. After the camera controller 205 receives the interrupt signal from the intermediate accessory controller 309 and determines in S806 that the optical data identification information has changed, the above-mentioned S802, S803, S804, and S805 may be executed.

[0250] The optical data identification information reflecting the change may be communicated as in S802, S803, S804, and S805. Alternatively, only the change of the optical data identification information may be notified to the camera controller 205, and the camera controller 205 may calculate the current optical data identification information and start communication.

[0251] After proceeding to S807, the camera controller 205 transmits the optical data identification information of the intermediate accessory 30 and a correction request (also referred to as an optical correction request) of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 to the lens controller 113 of the interchangeable lens 10 as the first unit through the first communication.

[0252] When the lens controller 113 receives the optical data identification information and the optical calibration request from the intermediate accessory 30 in S808 , the flow proceeds to S809 .

[0253] In S809 , the lens controller 113 acquires the current optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 from the table within the lens controller 113 based on the optical data identification information of the intermediate accessory 30 , and proceeds to S809 .

[0254] In S810 , the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is corrected based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40 as the static intermediate accessory and the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30 acquired in the sub-process S702 .

[0255] When the calibration is completed, in S811 , the lens controller 113 transmits the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 after the calibration to the camera controller 205 through the first communication.

[0256] Upon receiving the optical information of the interchangeable lens corrected by the camera controller 205 in S812 , the flow proceeds to S813 , and the optical information is stored in the camera controller 205 .

[0257] At the end of S813 , the process returns to S802 to monitor the change of the optical information of the dynamic accessory again.

[0258] This embodiment describes one of the intermediate accessories as a dynamic accessory and the interchangeable lens 10 as a first unit. Even in the case where there are a plurality of dynamic accessories or in the case where the first unit is a unit other than the interchangeable lens, correction processing can be performed similarly.

[0259] When the first unit recognizes that only the first unit is a dynamic accessory, optical correction can be performed when the first unit recognizes that its own optical information has changed, and optical data of the interchangeable lens 10 that has undergone optical correction can be sent to the camera body 20.

[0260] The correction processing of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is performed not only based on the optical information of the dynamic accessory acquired in S805, but also based on the optical information of the static intermediate accessory such as the optical information of the intermediate accessory 40 in S810. When the static intermediate accessory is attached, the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is pre-corrected by the optical information of the static intermediate accessory, and when the optical information changes dynamically, the final correction processing can be performed by the optical information of the dynamic accessory.

[0261] <Effects of the Second Embodiment>

[0262] As described above, in the second embodiment, the camera controller 205 detects a change in the optical information of the intermediate accessory 30. Then, the camera body 20 sends information on the change in the optical information and a correction request for the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 to the lens controller 113. Then, the lens controller 113 corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 and sends the optical information to the camera controller 205.

[0263] Thereby, even when the optical information of the accessory changes dynamically, the optical information of the interchangeable lens can be appropriately corrected.

[0264] Third embodiment

[0265] The present embodiment will focus on optical data identification information representing optical data unique to an accessory, which is used as intermediate accessory identification information.

[0266] In the case where a new product accessory has the same optical system as a known accessory, or is an accessory that can be corrected by the same correction method as a known accessory, a new model number is assigned to product-specific information such as a model number (ID) as intermediate accessory identification information. Therefore, in the case where the necessity of correcting the optical information of an interchangeable lens is determined based on the model number (ID) or the like and the model number (ID) is unknown, the lens optical information cannot be corrected based on the optical characteristics of the accessory.

[0267] Therefore, the present embodiment uses optical data identification information as intermediate accessory identification information. The present embodiment associates the intermediate accessory identification information with the correction method. More specifically, a combination of information related to the correction method and information related to the correction parameters is set to the optical data identification information. Such optical data identification information will be referred to as correction identification information hereinafter. The information related to the correction method according to the present embodiment is information corresponding to the optical component of the intermediate accessory, and the information related to the correction parameters is information corresponding to the optical information of the intermediate accessory according to the optical characteristics of the optical component. For example, in the case where the intermediate accessory is a zoom adapter having a zoom lens, the information related to the correction method is information representing the zoom lens, and the information related to the correction parameters is magnification information related to the zoom lens.

[0268] The lens controller 113 may store the information related to the correction method and the information related to the correction parameters in such a manner that the two information are associated with each other. If other information is required to correct the optical information, the other information may also be stored in such a manner that the other information is associated with the information related to the correction method and the information related to the correction parameters.

[0269] The information on the correction method and the information on the correction parameters are sent to the lens controller 113 via the camera controller 205. Thus, even if it is newly necessary to calibrate an intermediate accessory having different information on the correction parameters, the existing unit (the interchangeable lens 10 in this embodiment) can be calibrated by resetting the magnification information as the correction parameters.

[0270] Thus, the optical information of the interchangeable lens can be corrected using the optical data identification information based on the optical characteristics of the accessory. For example, if there is an optical system identical to that of an existing product, or an accessory that can be corrected by the same method as that of an existing product, and the model number (ID) is unknown, the optical information of the interchangeable lens can be corrected.

[0271] When using the correction identification information, it is ineffective to store the correction algorithm in each unit, so the correction unit can be predetermined. This embodiment describes the correction unit being predetermined as an interchangeable lens. A correction method for an interchangeable lens using the correction identification information will be described. In the case where the first unit performs correction as in the first and second embodiments, the correction identification information can be used in the same manner.

[0272] <Acquisition Process of Corrected Optical Information According to the Third Embodiment ( Fig.10 )>

[0273] Fig.10 The processing flow when power is initially supplied after each accessory is installed is shown, in which the camera body 20 obtains correction information from each accessory, sends the correction information to the interchangeable lens 10 to request the interchangeable lens 10 to perform correction, and obtains optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 after correction.

[0274] When the camera body 20 is activated in S1001, the flow proceeds to S1002.

[0275] When the flow proceeds to S1002 , the camera body 20 supplies power to the interchangeable lens 10 and the intermediate accessories 30 and 40 through mount contacts for power supply, not shown, and the flow proceeds to S1003 .

[0276] The sub-process S1003 as the initial communication process with the accessory through the second communication is substantially the same as the sub-process S304 in the first embodiment. In S1003, the above-mentioned corrected identification information is acquired as the identification information of the intermediate accessory.

[0277] When the calibration identification information of the accessory is obtained in S1003, the process enters S1004.

[0278] After entering S1004, the camera controller 205 sends the intermediate accessory correction identification information acquired in S1003 to the interchangeable lens 10, and requests the interchangeable lens 10 to correct the optical information. When the interchangeable lens acquires the intermediate accessory correction identification information, the flow enters S1005.

[0279] After entering S1005, the interchangeable lens controller 113 determines whether or not the optical information itself needs to be corrected based on the intermediate accessory correction identification information. If an intermediate accessory for which optical information is to be corrected is attached, the flow enters S1006.

[0280] In S1006, the interchangeable lens controller 113 corrects its own optical information based on the intermediate accessory correction identification information, and transmits the corrected optical information to the camera.

[0281] In S1005, if no intermediate accessories are attached, or if all attached intermediate accessories are intermediate accessories that do not require correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens, no correction processing is required, and thus the flow proceeds to S1007.

[0282] In S1007, the interchangeable lens controller 113 sends its own optical information to the camera.

[0283] The transmission timing of the optical information in S1006 and S1007 may be immediately after the completion of the correction, or may be the timing requested from the camera.

[0284] After the optical information is acquired in S1006 or S1007, the process proceeds to S1008 and the optical information acquisition sequence ends.

[0285] Thus, a camera system independently having a first communication path through which the camera and the interchangeable lens can communicate with each other and a second communication path through which the camera and the intermediate accessory can communicate with each other can appropriately correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens based on the optical information of the intermediate accessory.

[0286] The first embodiment illustrates an example in which both the identification information of an accessory and the correction processing necessity information are included in the authentication information of the accessory. On the other hand, even if only the correction processing necessity information is added to the authentication information of the accessory and the correction processing necessity information indicates that correction is "necessary", the correction processing necessity information can be acquired separately. Thus, regardless of the correction processing necessity information, in the case where the correction processing necessity information indicates that correction is "not required", the communication volume can be reduced compared to the case where the correction identification information is acquired. In this case, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, both the intermediate accessory identification information and the correction processing necessity information are acquired. In other words, in the case where the correction processing necessity information is "necessary" for correction and the correction identification information is acquired separately, the intermediate accessory identification information and the correction identification information are acquired as information for identifying the accessory. Thus, the communication volume in the case where the correction processing necessity information indicates that correction is "not required" can be reduced, and regardless of whether the correction processing necessity information is "necessary" or "not required" for correction, the intermediate accessory identification information can be used for other applications.

[0287] When it is determined based on the information about the correction method included in the correction identification information that the lens controller 113 does not store information corresponding to the information about the correction method, control may be performed so that the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is not corrected.

[0288] <Effects of the Third Embodiment>

[0289] As described above, the camera controller 205 acquires information about the correction method and information about the correction parameters from the intermediate accessory controller 309, and sends the two pieces of information to the lens controller 113. Thus, if the correction method is known even for a new accessory, the lens controller 113 can correct the optical information based on the accessory.

[0290] Fourth embodiment

[0291] The above embodiment explains that the camera body 20 acquires the identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 (also referred to as the first lens identification information) as the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 10 in the initial communication with the interchangeable lens 10 through the first communication. The above embodiment explains that the camera body 20 acquires the identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 (also referred to as the second lens identification information) as the authentication information of the interchangeable lens 10 in the initial communication with the accessory through the second communication. The present embodiment focuses on the relationship between the first lens identification information and the second lens identification information.

[0292] As described above, the identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 and accessories may be information such as a model number (ID) for identifying the type (model) of the corresponding unit. The identification information may include information indicating the function of the interchangeable lens, or information such as a production number (serial number) that can identify an individual in the same model.

[0293] In the camera system according to the present embodiment, the interchangeable lens 10 can communicate with the camera body 20 through both the first communication and the second communication, and as described in the first embodiment, performs initial communication with the camera body 20 through the first communication and the second communication. The interchangeable lens 10 transmits the identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 (the above-mentioned first lens identification information and the second lens identification information) to the camera body 20 in the initial communication through any of the first communication and the second communication.

[0294] At this time, the lens controller 113 may transmit the same information as the first lens identification information and the second lens identification information, but the present embodiment intentionally transmits information as the second lens identification information different from the first lens identification information to the camera controller 205. Thus, the lens controller 113 effectively uses the second lens identification information transmitted to the camera controller 205 through the second communication.

[0295] The first lens identification information and the second lens identification information of the present embodiment will be described more specifically. The first lens identification information is information capable of identifying the type (model) of the interchangeable lens 10, such as a model number (ID) or the like.

[0296] On the other hand, the second lens identification information is information different from the first lens identification information, such as information indicating that the interchangeable lens 10 is a lens, etc. In this case, the second lens identification information is information indicating that the interchangeable lens 10 is a lens but does not correspond to the type (model) of the interchangeable lens 10. Thus, for example, regardless of the type (model) of the interchangeable lens 10, the second lens identification information can be made inherent information.

[0297] Thus, in the present embodiment, the lens controller 113 does not perform the following operation: the first identification information to be transmitted in the initial communication through the first communication which is the one-to-one communication between the camera body 20 and the interchangeable lens 10 is transmitted through the second communication which is the one-to-many communication between the camera body 20 and the accessory. The second communication transmits the information indicating the lens or the information indicating the non-intermediate accessory to the camera controller 205 as the second identification information.

[0298] As described above, in this embodiment, selective use of the first lens identification information and the second lens identification information can achieve the following effects, for example.

[0299] For example, the identification information acquired by the camera controller 205 from the lens controller 113 through the first communication is set to the system for the interchangeable lens, and the identification information acquired by the camera controller 205 from the controller of each accessory through the second communication can be set to the system for the intermediate accessory. This structure can provide a camera system with scalability for intermediate accessories that appear in the future.

[0300] For example, this configuration can also be used to grasp the number of intermediate accessories connected. This is because an accessory that transmits identification information other than the second identification information to the camera controller 205 is not the interchangeable lens 10 and can therefore be determined to be an intermediate accessory.

[0301] In the case where the number of connected intermediate accessories is known, for example, in the case where a predetermined number of intermediate accessories or more are attached, a warning operation can be performed to the user, or the function of one of these intermediate accessories can be limited. This structure can reduce power consumption and maintain communication quality. In the case of sending a large amount of data such as firmware upgrade to the intermediate accessory, the transition to the intermediate accessory firmware upgrade mode is permitted only when it is determined that only one intermediate accessory is connected.

[0302] Determining that the interchangeable lens 10 is not an intermediate accessory but a lens can reduce information to be sent from the lens controller 113 to the camera controller 205 in the initial communication through the second communication. For example, the lens controller 113 may not return correction processing necessity information to the camera controller 205. This is because, by mounting the interchangeable lens 10 that is not an intermediate accessory, correction of the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 is made unnecessary.

[0303] Alternatively, for example, it is possible to electrically determine whether the terminal accessory is an interchangeable lens or an intermediate accessory, and the determination result can be used for comparison with the second identification information. A detailed description will be given below. Communication errors can be determined by verifying the matching of hardware processing as described.

[0304] This embodiment describes the following exemplary method: in the initial communication with the interchangeable lens or the intermediate accessory according to the first to fourth embodiments, it is electrically determined whether the terminal accessory is an interchangeable lens or an intermediate accessory. In addition, this embodiment describes the error handling in which the determination result is determined by the identification information obtained through the second communication and there is a mismatch in the terminal accessory through the second communication.

[0305] <Configuration of Camera System According to Fourth Embodiment> Fig.13 and Fig.14 )>

[0306] An exemplary method of electrically determining whether a terminal accessory is an interchangeable lens or an intermediate accessory will now be described. This determination is performed in the initial communication through the second communication.

[0307] The structure in which the interchangeable lens 10 is attached to the terminal of the second communication will now be described. Fig.13 As shown, the mount 201 of the camera body 20 includes an identification terminal 212. The mount 302 of the intermediate accessory 30 includes an identification terminal 313. The mount 402 of the intermediate accessory 40 includes an identification terminal 413, and the mount 401 includes an identification terminal 412. The mount 101 of the interchangeable lens 10 includes identification terminals. A line connected via these identification terminals (also referred to as an identification line) is connected to the resistor 118 provided in the interchangeable lens 10. The line is pulled up via the resistor 213 provided in the camera body 20. A value obtained by dividing the voltage level of the pull-up power source by the resistance values ​​of the resistors 118 and 213 is input to the camera controller 205.

[0308] Next, the following describes a configuration in which the second communication terminal is the middleware 40. Fig.14 As shown, as in the case where the terminal of the second communication is an interchangeable lens, the identification line via the identification terminals 212, 313, 312 and 413 is connected to the resistor 414 provided to the intermediate accessory 40. The input to the camera controller 205 has a value obtained by dividing the voltage level of the pull-up power supply of the camera body 20 by the resistance values ​​of the resistors 414 and 213.

[0309] <Second communication error determination method according to the fourth embodiment ( Fig.15 )>

[0310] Now assume that the resistor used by the interchangeable lens 10 and the resistor used by the intermediate accessory at the terminal have different resistance values ​​in advance. Thus, it is possible to electrically determine whether the terminal accessory is an interchangeable lens based on the level of the input signal via the identification terminal.

[0311] If the terminal accessory determined electrically is an interchangeable lens 10, the second identification information should be obtained as the identification information of the terminal accessory acquired through the initial communication via the second communication. On the other hand, in the case where the terminal accessory determined electrically is an intermediate accessory, the identification information of the terminal accessory acquired in the initial communication via the second communication should be different from the second identification information, and more specifically should be the intermediate accessory identification information.

[0312] However, if there is any problem in the second communication, the above correspondence may be inconsistent. Therefore, if there is an inconsistency between the terminal accessories determined electrically and the identification information obtained through the second communication, it is determined that a communication error has occurred, and a retry is performed from the initial communication to achieve more accurate communication.

[0313] Thus, by comparing the electrical identification information with the identification information acquired through the second communication, it can be determined whether the communication through the second communication is correctly performed. It can be determined whether the acquired identification information is correct. Thus, a communication error through the second communication can be detected.

[0314] <Effects of the Fourth Embodiment>

[0315] As described above, in the present embodiment, the second lens identification information is information different from the first lens identification information corresponding to the type (model) of the interchangeable lens 10 and information indicating that the interchangeable lens 10 is a lens. This structure can improve the recognition performance of accessories that communicate by the second communication, for example.

[0316] Modifications

[0317] The above embodiment describes the first accessory as an accessory that stores the optical information of all other accessories among the accessories related to correction. However, the first accessory may be an accessory that has the largest amount of optical information among the accessories related to correction. Some accessories may not have optical information. In this case, the missing optical information can be obtained from other units.

[0318] In the initial communication of the above embodiment, the lens controller 113 transmits identification information of the interchangeable lens 10 in S404 and S520. For example, the identification information transmitted in S520 may be identification information indicating that the accessory is not an intermediate accessory.

[0319] In the above embodiments Figure 5A and 5B In the initial communication in , each accessory sends a plurality of information as authentication information to the camera controller 205, but only the required information may be sent. In this case, the camera identifies the required information and sends an information request to each accessory.

[0320] Although the above embodiment describes two intermediate accessories, if three or more intermediate accessories are provided, the first intermediate accessory may be provided as an intermediate accessory that stores all or more optical information of other intermediate accessories among the plurality of intermediate accessories.

[0321] In the second embodiment, the dynamic accessory can correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10. In this case, the dynamic accessory can acquire the optical information of other accessories in advance. When the dynamic accessory corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10, the corrected optical information is sent to the camera body 20.

[0322] In the second embodiment, in the case where a plurality of first accessories exist, the dynamic accessories can correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 .

[0323] The third embodiment explains that the camera body 20 corrects the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10. On the other hand, the optical information may be corrected in the interchangeable lens 10. In this case, the camera controller 205 sends a request to correct the optical information of the interchangeable lens 10 to the lens controller 113. At this time, in the case where the optical information of the intermediate accessory that needs to be corrected is insufficient, the interchangeable lens 10 may acquire the optical information of the intermediate accessory from the camera body 20 or the intermediate accessory as needed.

[0324] The fourth embodiment explains an example in which the camera controller 205 acquires information about the correction method and information about the correction parameters from the intermediate accessory controller 309 and sends the two pieces of information to the lens controller 113. In the case where the intermediate accessory 30 is a dynamic intermediate accessory as described in the second embodiment, and the information about the correction parameters is variable, when the change is detected, the information about the correction parameters can be re-acquired. In other words, in the case where the operation of the operating member of the intermediate accessory 30 is detected, the camera controller 205 acquires the information about the correction parameters from the intermediate accessory controller 309 and sends the information to the lens controller 113.

[0325] The first embodiment describes clock synchronous communication as the first communication method, but asynchronous communication may be performed. Fig.12 To illustrate asynchronous communication.

[0326] Figure 2A and 2B Three-wire clock synchronous communication is shown. Instead, the same effect can be obtained by using three-wire asynchronous communication including three wires of the communication channel 1. Fig.12: shows the signal waveform in the three-wire asynchronous communication. In place of the clock communication line (LCLK) described above, the three-wire asynchronous communication provides an RTS communication line (RTS). The RTS communication line is a signal line for transmitting a signal for controlling the communication timing through the camera-lens communication line (DCL) and the communication timing through the first lens-camera communication line (DLC) from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111. For example, the RTS communication line is used for notifications such as a transmission request (transmission instruction) of lens data from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 and a switching request (switching instruction) of the communication processing described later. The notification related to the transmission request channel is performed by switching the signal level (voltage level) on the transmission request channel between a high level (first level) and a low level (second level). In the following description, the signal supplied to the RTS communication line is referred to as a transmission request signal RTS. The transmission request signal RTS is transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 as a communication master device to the lens microcomputer 111 as a communication slave device. When the lens microcomputer 111 receives the transmission request RTS, the signal level of the lens data signal DLC is set to low for a 1-bit period to notify the camera microcomputer 205 of the start of transmission of 1 frame of the lens data signal DLC. This 1-bit period will be referred to as a start bit ST indicating the start of 1 frame. In other words, the data frame starts from the start bit ST. The start bit ST is set at the head bit of each frame of the lens data signal DLC. Next, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits 1 byte of lens data in an 8-bit period from the next 2nd bit to the 9th bit. The data bit arrangement starts with the most significant data D7 in the MSB-first format, continues to the data D6 and the data D5 in this order, and ends with the least significant data D0. The lens microcomputer 111 adds 1-bit parity information PA to the 10th bit, and sets the signal level of the lens data signal DLC to high for the period of the end bit SP indicating the end of 1 frame. Thus, the data frame period starting from the start bit ST ends.

[0327] Fifth embodiment

[0328] The fifth embodiment will focus on the second communication in the above embodiment. The first communication as "one-to-many" communication and the second communication as "one-to-one" communication described in this embodiment are performed in the second communication described in the above embodiment through the second communication path.

[0329] Fig.16The fifth embodiment of the present invention will describe an imaging system (hereinafter referred to as a camera system) in which a plurality of accessory devices including an interchangeable lens 5100 and an intermediate adapter 5300 are detachably and communicatively mounted on a camera body 5200 as an imaging device.

[0330] The interchangeable lens 5100 may be directly attached to the camera body 5200 (without the intermediate adapter 5300 ), or two or more intermediate adapters may be attached between the camera body 5200 and the interchangeable lens 5100 .

[0331] The camera system uses a plurality of communication circuits (communication paths) to communicate control commands and internal information between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300. In addition, the camera system can always perform optimal communication in various situations by switching the plurality of communication circuits to the same communication mode in synchronization with each other according to the type of data to be communicated and the purpose of communication.

[0332] The interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount 5010 as a coupling mechanism. Likewise, the intermediate adapter 5300 and the camera body 5200 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount 5011 as a coupling mechanism. The interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 obtain power from the camera body 5200 through power terminals (not shown) provided on the mounts 5010 and 5011, respectively. Thus, power required for the operation of various actuators, a lens microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as lens microcomputer 5) 5111, and an adapter microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as adapter microcomputer 5) 5302 described later is supplied.

[0333] The interchangeable lens 5100, the camera body 5200, and the intermediate adapter 5300 perform first communication, which is "one-to-many" communication, via communication terminal portions 5012 and 5013 provided to the mounts 5010 and 5011. In addition, the interchangeable lens 5100, the camera body 5200, and the intermediate adapter 5300 perform second communication, which is different from the first communication, via communication terminal portions 5014 and 5015 provided to the mounts 5010 and 5011. The second communication is not "one-to-many" communication, but "one-to-one" communication such as clock synchronous serial communication or UART communication. The present embodiment provides two types of communication, the first communication and the second communication, but the number of types of communication may be three or more.

[0334] The interchangeable lens 5100 has an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system includes, in order from the object OBJ side, a field lens 5101, a zoom lens (variable power lens) 5102 for performing magnification change, an aperture unit 5114 for adjusting light intensity, an image stabilization lens 5103, and a focus lens 5104 for performing focus adjustment. The zoom lens 5102 and the focus lens 5104 are held by lens holders 5105 and 5106, respectively. The lens holders 5105 and 5106 are movably guided by guide shafts not shown in the optical axis direction extending along the optical axis (indicated by dotted lines in the figure), and are driven by stepping motors 5107 and 5108 in the optical axis direction. The stepping motors 5107 and 5108 move the zoom lens 5102 and the focus lens 5104, respectively, in synchronization with the drive pulse.

[0335] The image stabilization lens 5103 is shifted in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system by an image stabilization actuator 5126 such as a voice coil motor. Thus, an image stabilization operation is performed to reduce image blur caused by camera shake such as hand vibration. The diaphragm unit 5114 includes aperture blades 5114a and 5114b, and the amount of light is adjusted by driving the aperture blades 5114a and 5114b in the opening and closing direction via the diaphragm actuator 5113. The positions of the aperture blades 5114a and 5114b are detected by the Hall element 5115, and are input to the lens microcomputer 5111 via the amplifier circuit 5122 and the A / D converter circuit 5123.

[0336] The interchangeable lens 5100 has a lens electronic ring 5130 as an operating member. The lens electronic ring 5130 is rotatable around the optical axis by a user, and the rotation amount and direction of the lens electronic ring 5130 are detected by a rotation detector 5131 such as a photointerrupter and input to the lens microcomputer 5111. The operating member may be a switch, a button, and a dial, or may be a touch panel, and the interchangeable lens 5100 may include a plurality of operating members.

[0337] The lens microcomputer 5111 as an accessory controller controls the operation of each component in the interchangeable lens 5100. The lens microcomputer 5111 receives a control command or a transmission request command transmitted from the camera body 5200 via a lens first communication circuit 5141 for performing a first communication or a lens second communication circuit 5142 for performing a second communication. The lens microcomputer 5111 performs lens control corresponding to the control command, and transmits lens data (accessory data) corresponding to the transmission request command to the camera body 5200 via the lens first communication circuit 5141 and the lens second communication circuit 5142. The lens microcomputer 5111 transmits the corresponding lens data to the camera body 5200 according to the operation of each component in the interchangeable lens 5100. The lens first communication circuit 5141 and the lens second communication circuit 5142 constitute an accessory communication section in the interchangeable lens 5100.

[0338] The lens microcomputer 5111 outputs a drive signal to the zoom drive circuit 5119 and the focus drive circuit 5120 according to commands related to magnification and focusing among the control commands and the operation of the operating member, thereby driving the stepping motors 5107 and 5108. This structure provides zoom control for controlling magnification using the zoom lens 5102 and focus control for controlling focusing using the focus lens 5104.

[0339] The lens microcomputer 5111 drives the image stabilization actuator 5126 via the image stabilization drive circuit 5125 according to an image stabilization-related command in the control command or camera shake detected by a vibration sensor (not shown) such as a vibration gyro provided in the interchangeable lens 5100. Thus, image stabilization control for controlling the shift drive of the image stabilization lens 5103 is performed.

[0340] The lens microcomputer 5111 outputs a drive signal to the diaphragm drive circuit 5121 according to a command related to light amount adjustment among control commands or an operation of an operation member to drive the diaphragm actuator 5113. Thus, light amount adjustment control for controlling the diaphragm unit 5114 is performed.

[0341] The intermediate adapter 5300 is, for example, a telephoto or wide-angle converter for changing the focal length, and includes a variator lens added to the imaging optical system and an adapter microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the adapter microcomputer 5) 5302. An intermediate adapter other than the telephoto or wide-angle converter may be used, such as a mount converter for changing the flange focal length.

[0342] The intermediate adapter 5300 has an adapter electronic ring 5310 as an operating member. The adapter electronic ring 5310 is rotatable around the optical axis by the user, and the rotation amount and direction of the adapter electronic ring 5310 are detected by a rotation detector 5311 such as a photointerrupter and input to the adapter microcomputer 5302. The operating member may be a switch, a button, and a dial, or may be a touch panel, and the intermediate adapter 5300 may include a plurality of operating members.

[0343] The adapter microcomputer 5302 as an accessory controller controls the operation of each component in the intermediate adapter 5300. The adapter microcomputer 5302 receives a control command or a transmission request command transmitted from the camera body 5200 via the adapter first communication circuit 5341 for performing the first communication or the adapter second communication circuit 5342 for performing the second communication. The adapter microcomputer 5302 performs intermediate adapter control corresponding to the control command, or transmits adapter data (accessory data) corresponding to the transmission request command to the camera body 5200 via the adapter first communication circuit 5341 and the adapter second communication circuit 5342. The adapter microcomputer 5302 transmits the corresponding adapter data to the camera body 5200 according to the operation of each component in the intermediate adapter 5300. The adapter first communication circuit 5341 and the adapter second communication circuit 5342 constitute an accessory communication section in the intermediate adapter 5300.

[0344] The camera body 5200 includes an image sensor 5201 such as a CCD sensor and a CMOS sensor, an A / D converter circuit 5202 , a signal processing circuit 5203 , a recorder 5204 , a camera microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as camera microcomputer 5 ) 5205 , and a display unit 5206 .

[0345] The image sensor 5201 performs photoelectric conversion on the subject image formed by the imaging optical system and outputs an electrical signal (analog signal). The A / D converter circuit 5202 converts the analog signal from the image sensor 5201 into a digital signal. The signal processing circuit 5203 performs various image processing on the digital signal from the A / D converter circuit 5202 to generate an image signal. The signal processing circuit 5203 also generates focus information representing the contrast state of the subject image (focus state of the imaging optical system) and brightness information representing the exposure state based on the image signal. The signal processing circuit 5203 outputs the image signal to the display unit 5206. The display unit 5206 displays the image signal as a live view image for confirming the composition and focus state, etc.

[0346] The camera microcomputer 5205 as a camera controller controls the operation of each component in the camera body 5200 according to input from camera operating members such as an image pickup instruction switch and various setting switches not shown. For example, the exposure time of the image sensor 5201 is controlled or the sensitivity of the A / D converter circuit 5202 is controlled to perform exposure control.

[0347] The camera microcomputer 5205 transmits a control command and a transmission request command to the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 via the camera first communication circuit 5241 for performing the first communication or the camera second communication circuit 5242 for performing the second communication. For example, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits a control command related to zoom control of the zoom lens 5102 to the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 in response to the operation of the zoom switch not shown. A control command related to light amount adjustment control according to brightness information and a control command related to focus control according to focus information are transmitted to the interchangeable lens 5100. The camera first communication circuit 5241 and the camera second communication circuit 5242 constitute a camera communication section.

[0348] The camera microcomputer 5205 receives lens data from the interchangeable lens 5100 and adapter data from the intermediate adapter 5300. The camera microcomputer 5205 transmits control commands related to the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 to the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 based on operation information of an operation member included in the lens data or the adapter data obtained via the camera first communication circuit 5241 and the camera second communication circuit 5242.

[0349] The camera microcomputer 5205 transmits a transmission request command for acquiring control information and status information to the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 as necessary.

[0350] Reference now Fig.17 , a communication circuit for performing first communication ("one-to-many" communication) between the camera body 5200 and the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 will be described. The communication circuit described below is merely illustrative, and a structure other than the following structure may be used as long as the communication circuit is configured to provide "one-to-many" communication.

[0351] The first communication is performed by the camera microcomputer 5205 via the camera first communication circuit 5241, by the lens microcomputer 5111 via the lens first communication circuit 5141, and by the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the adapter first communication circuit 5341. The camera first communication circuit 5241, the lens first communication circuit 5141, and the adapter first communication circuit 5341 provide the first communication through signal lines (CS and DATA) connected via the communication terminal portions 5012 and 5013 provided to the mounts 5010 and 5011. The camera first communication circuit 5241 includes a ground switch 52081 and an input / output switch 52082. The lens first communication circuit 5141 includes a ground switch 51121 and an input / output switch 51122. The adapter first communication circuit 5341 includes a ground switch 53031 and an input / output switch 53032.

[0352] The signal line includes two lines, a signal line CS (first signal line) for propagating a signal for controlling communication and a signal line DATA (second signal line) for propagating data to be transmitted and received. The signal line CS is connected to the camera microcomputer 5205, the adapter microcomputer 5302, and the lens microcomputer 5111, and its (high or low) state is detectable. The signal line CS is pull-up connected to a power source not shown in the camera body 5200, and is connectable to GND via the ground switch 51121 of the interchangeable lens 5100, the ground switch 52081 of the camera body 5200, and the ground switch 53031 of the intermediate adapter 5300. In other words, an open drain connection is established.

[0353] With this structure, the interchangeable lens 5100, the camera body 5200, and the intermediate adapter 5300 can make the state of the signal line CS low by turning on (connecting) their ground switches. On the other hand, when all of the interchangeable lenses 5100, the camera body 5200, and the intermediate adapter 5300 turn off (cut off) the ground switches, the state of the signal line CS can be turned high. The details of the content of the control signal propagated using the signal line CS in communication and the operation process will be described later.

[0354] The signal line DATA is a single-line bidirectional data transmission line that can be used while switching the data propagation direction. The signal line DATA can be connected to the lens microcomputer 5111 via the input / output switch 51122, the transmission buffer 51123, and the reception buffer 51124 of the interchangeable lens 5100. The signal line DATA can be connected to the camera microcomputer 5205 via the input / output switch 52082, the transmission buffer 52083, and the reception buffer 52084 of the camera body 5200. The signal line DATA can be connected to the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the input / output switch 53032, the transmission buffer 53033, and the reception buffer 53034 of the intermediate adapter. The camera microcomputer 5205 , the lens microcomputer 5111 , and the adapter microcomputer 5302 operate the respective input / output switches 52082 , 51152 , and 53032 to select whether the signal line DATA is connected to the transmission buffers 51123 , 52083 , and 53033 or the reception buffers 51024 , 52084 , and 53034 .

[0355] With this structure, in the case where the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 transmit data, the three operate their own input / output switches 52082, 51122, and 53032 to connect the signal line DATA to the transmission buffers 51123, 52083, and 53033. This enables data transmission. On the other hand, in the case where the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 receive data, the three operate their own input / output switches 52082, 51122, and 53032 to connect the signal line DATA to the reception buffers 51024, 52084, and 53034, respectively. This enables data reception. The transmission buffers 51123, 52083, and 53033 and the reception buffers 51024, 52084, and 53034 have a structure capable of continuous transmission and reception within the buffer size range. The details of the input / output switching process of the signal line DATA during communication will be described later.

[0356] Fig.17 The structure of the communication circuit shown is only illustrative, and other structures are possible. For example, the signal line CS is pulled down to GND in the camera body 5200, and is connected to a power source not shown via the ground switch 51121 of the interchangeable lens 5100, the ground switch 52081 of the camera body 5200, and the ground switch 53031 of the intermediate adapter 5300. The signal line DATA can be always connected to each data input unit, and the connection / disconnection between the signal line DATA and each data output unit can be switched by a switch.

[0357] Reference now Fig.18 The signal waveform shown will explain the format of communication data communicated through the signal line DATA between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300 for the first communication ("one-to-many" communication). This format is common to the broadcast communication mode as the first communication mode and the P2P communication mode as the second communication mode to be described below. The format of the communication data is based on so-called asynchronous communication, in which transmission and reception are performed at a communication bit rate corresponding to a communication speed defined in advance between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300.

[0358] Initially, the non-transmission state in which data transmission is not performed maintains the signal level high. Then, in order to notify the data receiving side that data transmission has started, the signal level is set to a low level and lasts for a 1-bit period. The 1-bit period is called the start bit ST. 1 byte of data is transmitted in the 8-bit period from the next 2nd bit to the 9th bit. The data bit arrangement starts from the most significant data D7 according to the MSB priority format, and continues to be data D6, data D5, data D4, data D3, data D2 and data D1 in sequence, and ends with the least significant data D0. Then, 1 bit of parity PA information is added to the 10th bit, and finally, the signal level is made high during the end bit SP indicating the end of the transmitted data. Thus, the 1-frame period starting from the start bit ST ends.

[0359] Fig.18 The communication data format shown is only illustrative, and other communication data formats can be used. For example, the data bit arrangement can be LSB first or nine bits long, or parity PA information may not be added to the data. Between the broadcast communication as the first communication mode to be described later and the P2P communication as the second communication mode, the data format can be switched.

[0360] Reference now Fig.19A and 19B The signal waveforms shown will explain broadcast communication performed using the signal line CS and the signal line DATA between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300. The broadcast communication performs "one-to-many" simultaneous distribution in which data is sent from one of the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 to the other two at the same time.

[0361] Fig.19A Exemplary broadcast communication performed from the adapter microcomputer 5302 to the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111 in response to broadcast communication from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 is shown.

[0362] Initially, the camera microcomputer 5205 as a communication master starts to send a low output to the signal line CS to notify the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 as communication slaves of the start of broadcast communication (5401). Next, the camera microcomputer 5205 stores the data to be sent in the transmission buffer 52083, and outputs the data to the signal line DATA according to the above-mentioned communication format at the start of transmission (5402). On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 start to send a low output to the signal line CS at the timing of detecting the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA (5403, 5404). Since the camera microcomputer 5205 has already started to send a low output to the signal line CS at this time, the signal level sent to the signal line CS does not change.

[0363] Next, the camera microcomputer 5205 terminates the output of the end bit SP of the final data, and then stops the low output to the signal line CS (5405). On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 store the data in the reception buffers 51124 and 53034 whenever they receive data up to the end bit SP input from the signal line DATA. Then, when the low output to the signal line CS is detected, the data is taken out from the reception buffers 51124 and 53034, and the data is processed internally. After the preparation for receiving the next data is completed, the low output to the signal line CS is released (5406, 5407). As described above, in the case where the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 all cancel the low output to the signal line CS, the signal level of the signal line CS becomes high. Therefore, the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 each confirm that the signal level of the signal line CS becomes high after the low output to the signal line CS is released. Thereby, the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 can each end the processing related to the current communication, and determine that preparation for the next communication is ready.

[0364] Next, after confirming that the signal level of the signal line CS has returned to the high level, the adapter microcomputer 5302 starts Low output to the signal line CS to notify the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111 of the start of broadcast communication (5411).

[0365] Next, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stores the data to be transmitted in the transmission buffer 53033, and outputs the data to the signal line DATA (5412) according to the above-mentioned communication format at the start of transmission. On the other hand, the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111 start the low output to the signal line CS (5413, 5414) at the timing of detecting the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA. Since the adapter microcomputer 5302 has already started the low output to the signal line CS at this time, the signal level transmitted to the signal line CS does not change.

[0366] Next, after the output of the end bit SP of the final data is completed, the adapter microcomputer 5302 releases the low output to the signal line CS (5415). On the other hand, each time the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111 receive data up to the end bit SP input from the signal line DATA, the data is stored in the reception buffers 52084 and 51124, and when the low output to the signal line CS is detected, the data is taken out from the reception buffers 52084 and 51124. Then, the data is internally processed, and after the preparation for receiving the next data is completed, the low output to the signal line CS is released (5416, 5417).

[0367] Fig.19B An example is shown in which the lens microcomputer 5111 notifies the start of broadcast communication. In this example, in response to broadcast communication from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302, broadcast communication is performed from the adapter microcomputer 5302 to the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111.

[0368] Initially, the lens microcomputer 5111 starts the Low output to the signal line CS to notify the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 of the start of the broadcast communication (5421). Next, upon detecting that the signal level of the signal line CS has become a Low level, the camera microcomputer 5205 starts the Low output to the signal line CS (5422). Since the lens microcomputer 5111 has already started the Low output to the signal line CS at this time, the signal level transmitted to the signal line CS does not change.

[0369] Next, the camera microcomputer 5205 stores the data to be transmitted in the transmission buffer 52083, and outputs the data to the signal line DATA according to the above-mentioned communication format at the start of transmission (5423). On the other hand, the adapter microcomputer 5302 starts the output of low to the signal line CS at the timing of detecting the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA (5424). Since the camera microcomputer 5205 has already started the output of low to the signal line CS at this time, the signal level transmitted to the signal line CS does not change.

[0370] Next, the camera microcomputer 5205 terminates the output of the end bit SP of the final data, and then releases the low output to the signal line CS (5425). On the other hand, each time the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 receive data up to the end bit SP from the signal line DATA, the data is stored in the reception buffers 51124 and 53034, and when the low output to the signal line CS is detected, the data is taken out from the reception buffers 51124 and 53034. Then, the data is processed internally, and after the preparation for receiving the next data is completed, the low output to the signal line CS is released (5426, 5427). As described above, in the case where the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 all release the low output to the signal line CS, the signal level of the signal line CS becomes high. Therefore, the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 each confirm that the signal level of the signal line CS becomes high after the low output to the signal line CS is released. Thereby, the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302 can each end the processing related to the current communication, and determine that preparation for the next communication is ready.

[0371] Next, after confirming that the signal level of the signal line CS becomes High again, the adapter microcomputer 5302 starts Low output to the signal line CS to notify the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111 of the start of broadcast communication (5431).

[0372] Next, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stores the data to be transmitted in the transmission buffer 53033, and outputs the data to the signal line DATA (5432) according to the above-mentioned communication format at the start of transmission. On the other hand, the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111 start the low output to the signal line CS (5433, 5434) at the timing of detecting the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA. Since the adapter microcomputer 5302 has already started the low output to the signal line CS at this time, the signal level transmitted to the signal line CS does not change.

[0373] Next, the adapter microcomputer 5302 terminates the output of the end bit SP of the final data, and then releases the low output to the signal line CS (5435). On the other hand, after receiving the data up to the end bit SP input from the signal line DATA, the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111 store the data in the reception buffers 52084 and 51124 each time the data is received. Then, when the low output to the signal line CS is detected, the data is taken out from the reception buffers 52084 and 51124. The data is internally processed, and after the preparation for receiving the next data is completed, the low output to the signal line CS is released (5436, 5437).

[0374] exist Fig.19B In the example shown, in the case where broadcast communication is started from the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 as the communication slaves, the camera microcomputer 5205 as the communication master cannot judge which of the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 has made the signal line CS low at the timing of 5421. Therefore, the camera microcomputer 5205 needs to communicate with both the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 to acquire information on whether the broadcast communication has been started by both.

[0375] The timing at which the camera microcomputer 5205 sends a low output to the signal line CS to start broadcast communication may coincide with the timing at which the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 make the signal line CS low to start broadcast communication. In this case, the camera microcomputer 5205 cannot detect that the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 have sent a low output to the signal line CS. Therefore, the camera microcomputer 5205 as the communication master can send a permission notification for permitting the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 as the communication slaves to start broadcast communication.

[0376] As mentioned above Fig.19A and 19B As described above, the signal propagated using the signal line CS in the broadcast communication is used as a signal indicating that the broadcast communication has started and the communication process is in progress.

[0377] Fig.19A and 19B An exemplary communication waveform of the broadcast communication in the first communication that can provide "one-to-many" communication is shown, but the communication waveform of the broadcast communication in the first communication can be other communication waveforms. For example, Fig.19A and 19BThe data to be transmitted in one broadcast communication is set to 1 byte, but the data may be set to 2 bytes or 3 bytes. The broadcast communication may be set to one-way limited communication from the camera microcomputer 5205 as a communication master to the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 as communication slaves.

[0378] Reference now Fig. 20 The signal waveforms shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 will explain P2P communication performed between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300 using the signal line CS and the signal line DATA. In the P2P communication, the camera body 5200 as a communication master selects one communication partner from among the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 as communication slaves. Then, "one-to-one" individual communication is performed in which data is transmitted and received between the camera body 5200 and the selected communication slave.

[0379] Here, an example is illustrated in which the camera microcomputer 5205 selects the lens microcomputer 5111 as the communication partner, and in response to 1-byte data transmission from the camera microcomputer 5205, 2-byte data is transmitted from the lens microcomputer 5111 to the camera microcomputer 5205. The number of transmitted bytes may not be 1 byte or 2 bytes as described above, as long as it is a number of bytes with which both the transmission side and the reception side can communicate continuously. A method for switching between broadcast communication and P2P communication and a method for selecting a communication partner for P2P communication will be described later.

[0380] Initially, the camera microcomputer 5205 as a communication master stores 1-byte data to be transmitted in the transmission buffer 52083, and outputs the data to the signal line DATA (5501) according to the above-mentioned communication format at the start of transmission. After completing the output of the end bit SP of the final data, the camera microcomputer 5205 starts the low output to the signal line CS (5502). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 5205 releases the low output to the signal line CS after the preparation for receiving the next data is completed (5503).

[0381] On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 5111 stores the data in the receiving buffer 51124 each time it receives data up to the end bit SP input from the signal line DATA. Then, when a low signal is detected from the signal line CS, the data stored in the receiving buffer 51124 is analyzed and the data is processed internally. Thereafter, when the lens microcomputer 5111 confirms that the signal level of the signal line CS has returned to a high level, the lens microcomputer 5111 stores the 2-byte data to be transmitted in the transmission buffer 51123, and continuously outputs the data to the signal line DATA according to the above-mentioned communication format at the same time as the transmission starts (5504). After the lens microcomputer 5111 finishes outputting the end bit SP of the second byte, the lens microcomputer 5111 starts outputting low to the signal line CS (5505). Thereafter, after the lens microcomputer 5111 is ready to receive the next data, it releases the outputting low to the signal line CS (5506).

[0382] The adapter microcomputer 5302 which is not selected as the communication partner of the P2P communication does not participate at all in the operations of the signal line CS and the signal line DATA.

[0383] As mentioned above Fig. 20 As described above, the signal propagated using the signal line CS in the P2P communication is used as a notification signal indicating the end of transmission on the transmission side and a standby request for the next data transmission. Fig. 20 The communication waveform of the P2P communication shown is only illustrative, and other communication waveforms may be used. For example, the data to be transmitted may be 1 byte or other number of bytes.

[0384] Reference now Fig.21 The signal waveforms shown will explain the method for switching between broadcast communication and P2P communication (communication mode switching) and the method for selecting a communication partner for P2P communication. The communication partner for P2P communication is selected by broadcast communication. Now assume the following exemplary P2P communication. Initially, the camera microcomputer 5205 selects (designates) the adapter microcomputer 5302 as the communication partner for P2P communication. Then, P2P communication is performed by sending 1 byte of data from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the adapter microcomputer 5302 and sending 1 byte of data from the adapter microcomputer 5302 to the camera microcomputer 5205. Next, the camera microcomputer 5205 designates the lens microcomputer 5111 as the communication partner for P2P communication. Then, P2P communication is performed by sending 2 bytes of data from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the lens microcomputer 5111 and sending 3 bytes of data from the lens microcomputer 5111 to the camera microcomputer 5205.

[0385] Initially, the camera microcomputer 5205 as a communication master device is based on Fig.19A The process described above performs broadcast communication (5601). The content notified by the broadcast communication is slave device designation data that designates the communication partner with the camera microcomputer 5205 in the next P2P communication. The lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302, which are communication slave devices, determine whether they are designated as the communication partner of the P2P communication based on the slave device designation data received by the broadcast communication. With the broadcast communication, the camera microcomputer 5205 and the communication slave device designated by the slave device designation data switch from the broadcast communication to the P2P communication (5602).

[0386] Next, according to Fig. 20 1. The process shown in FIG. 1 is to transmit and receive data (5603) by P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 designated as the communication partner. Here, 1-byte data is transmitted from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the adapter microcomputer 5302, and then the 1-byte data is transmitted from the adapter microcomputer 5302 to the camera microcomputer 5205.

[0387] When the P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 ends, the camera microcomputer 5205 can specify the communication partner of the P2P communication again by broadcast communication. Here, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets the lens microcomputer 5111 as the slave device designation data to designate the lens microcomputer 5111 as the communication partner of the next P2P communication, and Fig.19A The process described above performs broadcast communication (5604). When the adapter microcomputer 5302 ends P2P communication through the broadcast communication, the lens microcomputer 5111 switches from broadcast communication to P2P communication (5605). If broadcast communication is not performed, P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 continues.

[0388] Next, the camera microcomputer 5205 and the lens microcomputer 5111 perform the following operations according to Fig. 20 The process described transmits and receives data by P2P communication. Here, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits 2-byte data to the lens microcomputer 5111, and then the lens microcomputer 5111 transmits 3-byte data to the camera microcomputer 5205 (5606).

[0389] As described above, the first communication capable of "one-to-many" communication can select a communication counterpart of P2P communication through broadcast communication while switching between broadcast communication and P2P communication.

[0390] Reference now Fig.22A and22B , processing (communication control method) in a broadcast communication mode which is a first communication mode performed between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300 will be described. An exemplary broadcast communication from the camera body 5200 to the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 will now be described.

[0391] Fig.22A The broadcast communication transmission processing in the broadcast communication mode in which data is transmitted from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 is shown. The broadcast communication transmission processing starts when the camera microcomputer 5205 satisfies the requirement to start broadcast communication, such as when the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits a transmission request of lens data or adapter data, or when the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 transmit a low output to the signal line CS to request the start of broadcast communication. The camera microcomputer 5205 executes this processing according to a computer program.

[0392] In the following description, S represents a step. In S5700, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns on (connects) the ground switch 52081 to set the signal line CS to a low level, thereby notifying the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 of the start of broadcast communication. The lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 start broadcast communication by receiving the start notification of broadcast communication. Fig. 22B The broadcast communication reception process.

[0393] Next, in S5701, the camera microcomputer 5205 operates the input / output switch 52082 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit.

[0394] Next, in S5702, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits data using the signal line DATA, and proceeds to S5703 when transmission of all data is completed. The number of bytes of the data to be transmitted here may be any size as long as the number of bytes is equally recognized between the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302, and has a size that can be transmitted and received at one time using the transmission buffer and the reception buffer in each microcomputer.

[0395] In S5703, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines whether the transmitted data in S5702 is a bidirectional command including transmission from the lens microcomputer 5111 or the adapter microcomputer 5302. If the transmitted data is not a bidirectional command, the camera microcomputer 5205 proceeds to S5704, and if the transmitted data is a bidirectional command, the camera microcomputer 5205 proceeds to S5705.

[0396] In S5704, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns off (turns off) the ground switch 52081 to release the low output to the signal line CS to indicate the end of the communication process. Then, the flow proceeds to S5715.

[0397] In S5705, the camera microcomputer 5205 operates the input / output switch 52082 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input unit.

[0398] Next, in S5706, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns off (turns off) the ground switch 52081 to release the low output to the signal line CS to indicate that the communication processing has ended.

[0399] Next, in S5707, the camera microcomputer 5205 stands by until the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 complete reception of data or until the signal line CS becomes high. When the signal line CS becomes high, the flow proceeds to S5708.

[0400] In S5708, the camera microcomputer 5205 stands by until the signal line CS becomes low to wait for data transmission from the lens microcomputer 5111 or the adapter microcomputer 5302. If the signal line CS becomes low, the flow proceeds to S5709.

[0401] In S5709, the camera microcomputer 5205 permits data reception from the signal line DATA. Next, in S5710, the camera microcomputer 5205 stands by until the start bit of the signal line DATA is detected. If the start bit is detected, the flow proceeds to S5711.

[0402] In S5711, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns on (connects) the ground switch 52081 to indicate that the communication process is in progress, and starts low output to the signal line CS.

[0403] Next, in S5712, the camera microcomputer 5205 stands by until all the data are received. When the reception of all the data is completed, the flow proceeds to S5713. The number of bytes of the data to be received here may be any size as long as the number of bytes is equally recognized between the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302, and may be a size that can be transmitted and received at one time using the transmission buffer and the reception buffer in each microcomputer.

[0404] Next, in S5713, the camera microcomputer 5205 prohibits data reception from the signal line DATA.

[0405] Then, in S5714, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns off (turns off) the ground switch 52081 to indicate that the communication process has ended, and releases the low output to the signal line CS. Thus, the flow proceeds to S5715.

[0406] In S5715, the camera microcomputer 5205 stands by until the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 complete data reception or until the signal line CS becomes high. If the signal line CS becomes high, the flow proceeds to S5716.

[0407] In S5716, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines whether the communication partner of the P2P communication is specified for the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 based on the data transmitted in S5702. If the camera microcomputer 5205 specifies the communication partner, the flow proceeds to S5717. Otherwise, the camera microcomputer 5205 ends the broadcast communication transmission processing while maintaining the broadcast communication mode.

[0408] In S5717, the camera microcomputer 5205 shifts from the broadcast communication mode to the P2P communication mode, and ends the broadcast communication transmission processing.

[0409] The above-described processing can transmit data using broadcast communication from the camera body 5200 to the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 .

[0410] Fig. 22B 2 shows a broadcast communication reception process in which the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 receive data from the camera microcomputer 5205. In addition to the broadcast communication mode or the P2P communication mode, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 also recognize a broadcast communication start notification and start the broadcast communication reception process when the signal line CS becomes low during communication standby. The lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 execute the process according to a computer program.

[0411] In S5720, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 permit reception of data from the signal line DATA.

[0412] Next, in S5721, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 determine whether the start bit of the signal line DATA is received, and if the start bit has not been received, the flow proceeds to S5722, and if the start bit has been received, the flow proceeds to S5724.

[0413] In S5722, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 determine whether the signal line CS is high. If the signal line CS is high, the flow proceeds to S5723 to end the reception processing of the broadcast communication, and if the signal line CS is not high, the flow returns to S5721 to continue waiting for the start bit reception.

[0414] In S5723, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 prohibit data reception from the signal line DATA, and end the broadcast communication reception processing.

[0415] In S5724, when the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 are in the P2P communication mode, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 shift to the broadcast communication mode.

[0416] In S5725, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 turn on (connect) the ground switch 51121 and the ground switch 53031 to start low output to the signal line CS to indicate that the communication process is in progress.

[0417] In S5726, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 wait until all the data are received. Then, if the reception of all the data is completed, the flow proceeds to S5727. The number of bytes of the data to be received here may be any size as long as the number of bytes is equally recognized between the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302, and may be a size that can be transmitted and received at one time using the transmission buffer and the reception buffer in each microcomputer.

[0418] In S5727, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 prohibit data reception from the signal line DATA.

[0419] Next, in S5728, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 turn off (turn off) the ground switch 51121 and the ground switch 53031 to release the low output to the signal line CS to indicate that the communication processing has ended.

[0420] Next, in S5729, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 determine whether the data received in S5725 is a bidirectional command indicating transmission from themselves. If the received data is a bidirectional command, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 proceed to S5730, otherwise proceed to S5735.

[0421] In S5730, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 stand by until the other microcomputers 5 complete data reception or until the signal line CS becomes high. When the signal line CS becomes high, the flow proceeds to S5731.

[0422] In S5731, in order to notify the start of the broadcast communication, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 turn on (connect) the ground switch 51121 and the ground switch 53031 to set the signal line CS to the low level.

[0423] Next, in S5732, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 operate the input / output switch 51122 and the input / output switch 53032 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit.

[0424] Next, in S5733, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 transmit data using the signal line DATA, and when all data transmission is completed, the flow proceeds to S5734. The number of bytes of the data to be transmitted here may be any size as long as the number of bytes is equally recognized among the camera microcomputer 5205, the lens microcomputer 5111, and the adapter microcomputer 5302, and may have a size that can be transmitted and received at one time using the transmission buffer and the reception buffer in each microcomputer.

[0425] In S5734, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 turn off (shut off) the grounding switch 51121 and the grounding switch 53031 to release the low output to the signal line CS to indicate that the own data transmission processing is completed.

[0426] Next, in S5735, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 stand by until the other microcomputer 5 completes data reception or until the signal line CS becomes high. When the signal line CS becomes high, the flow proceeds to S5736.

[0427] In S5736, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 determine whether the communication partner of the P2P communication is specified by the camera microcomputer 5205 based on the data received in S5726. If the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 are specified as the communication partner, the flow proceeds to S5737, otherwise, the broadcast communication mode is maintained and the broadcast communication reception processing is ended.

[0428] In S5737, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 permit data reception from the signal line DATA.

[0429] Next, in S5738, the lens microcomputer 5111 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 shift from the broadcast communication mode to the P2P communication mode, and end the broadcast communication reception processing.

[0430] The above-described processing enables reception of data using broadcast communication from the camera body 5200 to the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 .

[0431] Reference now Fig.23A and 23B , processing performed in the P2P communication mode as the second communication mode between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300 will be described. An exemplary P2P communication from the camera body 5200 as a communication master to the intermediate adapter 5300 as a communication slave will be described.

[0432] Fig.23A 1004 shows a P2P communication transmission process performed by the camera microcomputer 5205 as a communication master in the P2P communication mode. The P2P communication transmission process starts when the camera microcomputer 5205 satisfies a requirement to start P2P communication. The camera microcomputer 5205 executes this process according to a computer program.

[0433] In S5800, the camera microcomputer 5205 operates the input / output switch 52082 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit.

[0434] Next, in S5801, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits data using the signal line DATA. Then, after the transmission of all data is completed, the camera microcomputer 5205 proceeds to S5802. The number of bytes of the data to be transmitted here may have any size as long as the number of bytes is equally recognized between the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302, and may have a size that can be transmitted and received at one time using the transmission buffer and the reception buffer in each microcomputer. If the camera microcomputer 5205 can divide and transmit the transmission data, the data may have a size that can be received at one time using the reception buffer in the adapter microcomputer 5302.

[0435] In S5802, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns on (connects) the ground switch 52081 to start low output to the signal line CS, and notifies the adapter microcomputer 5302 of completion of data transmission by P2P communication. Upon receiving the completion of data transmission by P2P communication, the adapter microcomputer 5302 starts Fig. 23B The P2P communication receiving process.

[0436] In S5803, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines whether the data transmitted in S5802 is a bidirectional command including also data transmission from the adapter microcomputer 5302. If the transmission data is not a bidirectional command, the camera microcomputer 5205 proceeds to S5804. If the transmission data is a bidirectional command, the flow proceeds to S5805.

[0437] In S5804, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns off (turns off) the ground switch 52081 to release the low output to the signal line CS, thereby detecting that the adapter microcomputer 5302 has completed the data reception. Then, the flow proceeds to S5809.

[0438] In S5805, the camera microcomputer 5205 operates the input / output switch 52082 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input unit.

[0439] Next, in S5806, in order to detect the completion of data transmission from the adapter microcomputer 5302, the camera microcomputer 5205 turns off (turns off) the ground switch 52081 and releases the low output to the signal line CS.

[0440] Next, in S5807, the camera microcomputer 5205 stands by until the data transmission from the adapter microcomputer 5302 is completed or until the signal line CS becomes low. Then, when the signal line CS becomes low, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines that the data transmission from the adapter microcomputer 5302 is completed, and the flow proceeds to S5808. The number of bytes of the data to be received here may have any size as long as the number of bytes is equally recognized between the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302, and may have a size that can be transmitted and received at one time using the transmission buffer and reception buffer of each microcomputer. If the adapter microcomputer 5302 can divide and transmit the transmission data, the transmission data may be a size that can be received at one time by the reception buffer in the camera microcomputer 5205.

[0441] In S5808, the camera microcomputer 5205 analyzes the data received from the signal line DATA.

[0442] Next, in S5809, the camera microcomputer 5205 stands by until the signal line CS becomes high. Then, when the signal line CS becomes high, this means that the camera microcomputer 5205 completes the current P2P communication, and the flow proceeds to S5810.

[0443] In S5810, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines whether to start broadcast communication in the next communication. If the camera microcomputer 5205 starts broadcast communication, the flow proceeds to S5811. If P2P communication is to continue, the P2P communication transmission processing ends in the P2P communication mode.

[0444] In S5811, the camera microcomputer 5205 shifts from the P2P communication mode to the broadcast communication mode, and ends the P2P communication transmission processing.

[0445] The above-described processing can transmit and receive data using P2P communication from the camera body 5200 as a communication master to the intermediate adapter 5300 .

[0446] Fig. 23B 1004 shows a P2P communication reception process performed by the adapter microcomputer 5302 in the P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302 as a communication slave. The P2P communication reception process starts when the adapter microcomputer 5302 receives data of the P2P communication. The adapter microcomputer 5302 executes the process according to a computer program.

[0447] In S5820, the adapter microcomputer 5302 analyzes the data received from the signal line DATA.

[0448] Next, in S5821, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stands by until the signal line CS becomes high or until the processing is completed in S5804 or S5806. When the signal line CS becomes high, the adapter microcomputer 5302 proceeds to S5822.

[0449] In S5822, the adapter microcomputer 5302 determines whether the received data analyzed in S5820 is a bidirectional command including data transmission from the adapter microcomputer 5302. If the received data is not a bidirectional command, the adapter microcomputer 5302 proceeds to S5823, and if the received data is a bidirectional command, the adapter microcomputer 5302 proceeds to S5824.

[0450] In S5823, the adapter microcomputer 5302 starts low output to the signal line CS by turning on (connecting) and off (cutting off) the ground switch 53031 to notify the camera microcomputer 5205 that data reception has been completed. Then, the flow proceeds to S5828.

[0451] In S5824, the adapter microcomputer 5302 operates the input / output switch 53032 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit.

[0452] Next, in S5825, the adapter microcomputer 5302 transmits data using the signal line DATA, and proceeds to S5826 when transmission of all data is completed. The number of bytes of the data to be transmitted here may have any size as long as the number of bytes is equally recognized between the camera microcomputer 5205 and the adapter microcomputer 5302, and may have a size that can be transmitted and received at one time using the transmission buffer and reception buffer of each microcomputer. If the adapter microcomputer 5302 can divide and transmit transmission data, the transmission data may have a size that can be received at one time using the reception buffer in the camera microcomputer 5205.

[0453] Next, in S5826, the adapter microcomputer 5302 turns on (connects) the ground switch 53031 and starts low output to the signal line CS in order to notify the camera microcomputer 5205 of the completion of the P2P communication. Thereby, the adapter microcomputer 5302 notifies the camera microcomputer 5205 of the completion of data transmission by the P2P communication.

[0454] Next, in S5827, the adapter microcomputer 5302 operates the input / output switch 53032 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input unit.

[0455] Next, in S5828, the adapter microcomputer 5302 turns off (turns off) the ground switch 53031 and releases the low output to the signal line CS.

[0456] Next, in S5829, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stands by until the signal line CS becomes High to detect that the P2P communication is completed by the camera microcomputer 5205. When the signal line CS becomes High, the adapter microcomputer 5302 ends the P2P communication reception processing.

[0457] The above-described processing transmits and receives data using P2P communication of the intermediate adapter 5300 as a communication slave device.

[0458] Reference now Fig.24A flowchart will be used to explain the communication processing of starting up through the first communication at a higher speed or an optimal communication speed while ensuring compatibility between the camera body 5200, the interchangeable lens 5100, and the intermediate adapter 5300, which have different release dates. An exemplary communication processing (camera body startup processing) performed by the camera body 5200 and the intermediate adapter 5300 in the case where the interchangeable lens 5100 is connected to the camera body 5200 via one intermediate adapter 5300 will be described. However, the communication slave device may be the interchangeable lens 5100. This processing is performed for all of the multiple accessories connected to the camera body 5200, including the interchangeable lens that can perform the first communication. The camera microcomputer 5205 performs the following processing according to the computer program.

[0459] In S5900, the camera microcomputer 5205 performs authentication communication for identifying the type and number of accessories attached via the camera first communication circuit 5241. Then, when the authentication of all installed accessories (here, the intermediate adapter 5300 and the interchangeable lens 5100) is completed, the process enters S5901. The authentication communication is performed at a communication bit rate corresponding to a mutually predefined communication speed. However, if an accessory is attached that can be identified through authentication as being capable of a communication bit rate for higher-speed communication, the communication bit rate of the P2P communication mode as the second communication mode can be changed for the accessory. The authentication communication is performed within the range of a mutually predefined continuous transmittable data size (hereinafter referred to as the second continuously transmittable data size).

[0460] In S5901, the camera microcomputer 5205 performs initial setting processing that can be started using the authentication information acquired in S5900. This initial setting is, for example, displaying the attachment state of the accessory on the display unit 206 or setting optical information to the signal processing circuit 5203. As the initial setting, the second communication can be used to notify the interchangeable lens 5100 of the information of the intermediate adapter 5300 to acquire the optical information used by the intermediate adapter 5300 from the interchangeable lens 5100. Thus, by acquiring the information of the attached accessory in advance, processing using the information can be started early, and the camera body 5200 can be started quickly.

[0461] Next, in S5902, the camera microcomputer 5205 receives the adapter transmittable size (accessory transmittable size) from the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. The adapter transmittable size is a data size (the number of data or the amount of data) that the adapter microcomputer 5302 can continuously transmit. The adapter transmittable size is determined by, for example, the buffer size of the transmission buffer 53033. As with the authentication communication, the adapter transmittable size is also transmitted and received within the range of the second continuous transmittable data size.

[0462] In S5903, the camera microcomputer 5205 compares the adapter transmittable size with the camera receivable size which is the data size which it can continuously receivable. If the camera receivable size is smaller than the adapter transmittable size, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets the camera receivable size to the camera-adapter maximum receivable size which is the first continuously receivable data size described later in S5904. On the other hand, if the adapter transmittable size is smaller than the camera receivable size, the adapter transmittable size is set to the camera-adapter maximum receivable size in S5905. If the adapter microcomputer 5302 can divide and transmit the transmission data, the flow can proceed from S5903 to S5904.

[0463] The camera receivable size is determined by, for example, the buffer size of the reception buffer 52084. The camera-adapter maximum reception size is the maximum data size that the camera microcomputer 5205 can continuously receive from the adapter microcomputer 5302. The subsequent data size received by the adapter microcomputer 5302 from the camera microcomputer 5205 is controlled using this camera-adapter maximum reception size as an upper limit.

[0464] The camera microcomputer 5205 which proceeds to S5906 from S5904 and S5905 receives information on the memory map for each command from the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. This processing enables the camera microcomputer 5205 to recognize a command that the adapter microcomputer 5302 can process. Fig.25 To explain the details of the memory map.

[0465] Next, in S5907, the camera microcomputer 5205 receives the adapter individual information from the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. The adapter individual information is information indicating the optical components and mounting functions of the intermediate adapter 5300, etc. Since the data amount of the adapter individual information is large, the communication efficiency can be improved by communicating the adapter individual information after determining the camera-adapter maximum receiving size. As with the authentication communication, the adapter individual information is also transmitted and received within the range of the second continuously transmittable data size.

[0466] Next, in S5908, the camera microcomputer 5205 receives the adapter receivable size (accessory receivable size) from the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. The adapter receivable size is a data size that can be continuously received by the adapter microcomputer 5302. The adapter receivable size is determined by, for example, the buffer size of the reception buffer 53034. As with the authentication communication, the adapter receivable size is also transmitted and received within the range of the second continuously transmittable data size.

[0467] Next, in S5909, the camera microcomputer 5205 compares the adapter receivable size with the camera transmittable size which is the size of its own continuously transmittable data. If the camera transmittable size is smaller than the adapter receivable size, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets the camera transmittable size to the camera-adapter maximum transmit size which is the first continuously transmittable data size described later in S5910. If the adapter receivable size is smaller than the camera transmittable size, the adapter receivable size is set to the camera-adapter maximum transmit size in S5911. If the camera microcomputer 5205 can divide and transmit the transmit data, the flow can proceed from S5909 to S5911.

[0468] The camera transmittable size is determined by, for example, the buffer size of the transmit buffer 52083. The camera-adapter maximum transmit size is the maximum data size that can be continuously transmittable from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the adapter microcomputer 5302. Then, the transmit data size from the camera microcomputer 5205 to the adapter microcomputer 5302 is controlled using this size as an upper limit.

[0469] In S5912, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits the camera individual information to the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. The camera individual information is information such as the installed functions of the camera body 5200. Since the data amount of the camera individual information is large, the communication efficiency can be improved by communicating the camera individual information after determining the camera-adapter maximum transmission size. After this S5912, the camera microcomputer 5205 ends this camera body startup processing.

[0470] The camera microcomputer 5205 sets the above-mentioned first continuously receivable data size and first continuously transmittable data size for each accessory (interchangeable lens 5100 or intermediate adapter 5300). Then, the camera microcomputer 5205 communicates with each accessory at a data size using the first continuously receivable data size and first continuously transmittable data size set for each accessory as an upper limit.

[0471] The above-described camera body startup processing performed when the camera body 5200 is started can set an optimum communication data size even in a combination of the camera body 5200 and accessories (interchangeable lens 5100 and intermediate adapter 5300) having different release dates. The camera body 5200 can be started at high speed.

[0472] Reference now Fig.25 , an example of the format of a predefined memory mapping (data configuration information) between a camera body 5200 and an accessory (interchangeable lens 5100 or an intermediate adapter 5300) in a second communication mode (P2P communication mode) of a first communication ("one to many" communication) will be described. The memory mapping is defined for each communication command. The memory mapping 51000 includes a plurality of data 51002, and an address 51001 is assigned to each data. The value 51003 of each data is updated at a fixed value or at any timing. The memory mapping described here follows the communication protocol, and the data configuration within the memory of each microcomputer may be different from the format according to the present embodiment.

[0473] The memory mapping is defined for each communication command. In the case where the communication master receives the memory mapped data, P2P communication is performed by specifying the communication command and address corresponding to the data to be received, and the communication slave takes out the specified data from the memory mapping and sends the data to the communication master using P2P communication. Similarly, in the case where the communication master sends the memory mapped data, the communication slave stores the specified data in the memory mapping by specifying the communication command and address corresponding to the data to be sent. At this time, multiple continuous data can be sent and received by specifying the data size together with the address.

[0474] Reference now Fig.26 , an exemplary communication command predefined between the camera body 5200 and the accessory in the second communication mode by the first communication will be described. An example will be described in which the camera microcomputer 5205 functions as a communication master and the adapter microcomputer 5302 functions as a communication slave. Fig.26 DC in the table indicates transmission data from the communication master device to the communication slave device, and 1-byte data is transmitted successively from 1. DA indicates transmission data from the communication slave device to the communication master device, and 1-byte data is transmitted successively from 1.

[0475] A data receiving command 51100 will be described as an exemplary communication command (data transmission request) for receiving data from a communication slave device using memory mapping by the communication master device. The data DC transmitted from the camera microcomputer 5205 is a total of 5 bytes of data, which includes the communication byte number, command, memory mapping address, the number of received data (bytes) N, and a checksum in sequence. The data DA transmitted from the adapter microcomputer 5302 is a total of (N+3) bytes of data, which includes the communication byte number, command, N data of data 1 to data N, and a checksum in sequence. The DA command or the checksum is used to detect an error in the communication from the communication master device to the communication slave device. If an error is detected, the communication master device performs (retries) the same communication again.

[0476] The camera microcomputer 5205 sets the reception data number N so that DA does not exceed the camera-adapter maximum reception size. In other words, the following conditions are set:

[0477] The number of received data N ≤ the maximum receiving size of the camera-adapter - 3.

[0478] In addition, the camera-adapter maximum transmission size predefined between the camera body 5200 and the accessory needs to be 5 bytes or more, which is the transmission size of DC.

[0479] Next, the data transmission command 51101 will be described as an exemplary communication command for causing the communication master device to transmit data to the communication slave device using memory mapping. The data DC transmitted from the camera microcomputer 5205 is a total of (N+4) bytes of data, which includes the number of communication bytes, a command, a memory mapping address, N data of data 1 to data N, and a checksum in sequence. The data DA transmitted from the adapter microcomputer 5302 is a total of 4 bytes of data, which includes the number of communication bytes, a command, the number of received data N, and a checksum in sequence. The DA command and the checksum are used to detect an error in the communication from the communication slave device to the communication master device. If an error is detected, the communication slave device performs (retries) the same communication again.

[0480] The camera microcomputer 5205 sets the number N of transmission data (bytes) so that DC does not exceed the above-mentioned camera-adapter maximum transmission size. In other words, the following conditions are set:

[0481] The number of data to be sent N ≤ the maximum send size of the camera-adapter - 4.

[0482] The camera-adapter maximum receiving size predefined between the camera body 5200 and the accessory needs to be 4 bytes or more, which is the sending size of the DA.

[0483] Next, a data transmission command 51102 is described as an exemplary communication command for causing the communication master device to sequentially transmit data from the data of the start address to the communication slave device using the memory map. This command is intended to transmit a large amount of data from the data of the start address, and is repeated until the transmission of all the data is completed, and is used, for example, to upgrade the adapter microcomputer 5302. The data DC transmitted from the camera microcomputer 5205 is a total of (N+3) bytes of data, which sequentially includes the number of communication bytes, a command, N data of data 1 to data N, and a checksum. The data DA transmitted from the adapter microcomputer 5302 is a total of 4 bytes of data, which sequentially includes the number of communication bytes, a command, the number of received data N, and a checksum. The DA command and the checksum are used to detect an error in the communication from the communication slave device to the communication master device. If an error is detected, the communication slave device performs (retries) the same communication again.

[0484] The camera microcomputer 5205 sets the transmission data number N so that DC does not exceed the above-mentioned camera-adapter maximum transmission size. In other words, the following conditions are set:

[0485] The number of data to be sent N ≤ the maximum send size of the camera-adapter - 3.

[0486] The camera-adapter maximum receiving size predefined between the camera body 5200 and the accessory needs to be 4 bytes or more, which is the sending size of the DA.

[0487] Reference now Fig.27A and 27B , the communication processing performed using memory mapping in the second communication mode of the first communication will be described. An exemplary communication processing performed between the camera body 5200 as the communication master device and the intermediate adapter 5300 as the communication slave device will be described, but the communication slave device may be the interchangeable lens 5100.

[0488] Reference now Fig.27A , a description will be given of a process (memory map reception process) by which the camera body 5200 receives continuous data on the memory map from the intermediate adapter 5300. The camera microcomputer 5205 performs data reception using the data reception command 51100 described above.

[0489] In S51200, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets a command corresponding to data requested to be sent (data transmission request), a start address S_ADR of the memory map, and a total number of received data A_N.

[0490] Next, in S51201, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets the memory mapping address ADR and the number of received data N to be transmitted in the current communication according to the set start address S_ADR and the total number of received data A_N. For example, the following conditions are set:

[0491] Memory mapping address ADR = starting address S_ADR

[0492] The number of received data N = the total number of received data A_N.

[0493] Then, the number of received data N is limited so that DA does not exceed the above-mentioned maximum receiving size of the camera-adapter. In other words, if the number of received data N> the maximum receiving size of the camera-adapter-3, the following conditions are reset:

[0494] The number of received data N = the maximum receiving size of the camera-adapter - 3.

[0495] In addition, reset the following conditions:

[0496] Starting address S_ADR = starting address S_ADR + number of received data N

[0497] The total number of received data A_N=the total number of received data A_N-the number of received data N.

[0498] Therefore, once the data to be sent at this time is determined, the remaining data number is reset to the total number of received data A_N, so it can be determined whether there is data to be sent next.

[0499] Next, in S51202 , the camera microcomputer 5205 stores the command, the memory mapping address ADR, and the number of received data N set in S51200 and S51201 in the reception buffer 52084 according to the DC format of the data reception command 51100 .

[0500] Next, in S51203, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits DC to the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. The camera microcomputer 5205 receives DA from the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. The camera microcomputer 5205 may divide the transmission data, store the divided data in the transmission buffer 52083, and repeat the transmission data in S51202 and S51203, thereby transmitting the transmission data a plurality of times.

[0501] Next, in S51204, the camera microcomputer 5205 takes out the received data stored in the reception buffer 52084 and stores the data in a predetermined memory. In the case where the camera microcomputer 5205 detects a communication error such as a checksum error when taking out the received data, the following conditions are reset:

[0502] Starting address S_ADR = starting address S_ADR - number of received data N

[0503] The total number of received data A_N=the total number of received data A_N+the number of received data N.

[0504] Thereby, the start address S_ADR and the total number of received data A_N can be returned to the values ​​before communication, and communication retry control is available.

[0505] Next, in S51205, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines whether the reception of all the data from the adapter microcomputer 5302 is completed, and if the reception is completed, the flow ends, otherwise the flow returns to S51201. In this embodiment, since the remaining data number is set as the total number of received data A_N, if the total number of received data A_N is 1 or more, the camera microcomputer 5205 returns to S51201.

[0506] Reference now Fig.27B , a process (memory map transmission process) in which the camera body 5200 transmits continuous data on the memory map from the intermediate adapter 5300 will be described. The camera microcomputer 5205 performs data transmission using the above-mentioned data transmission commands 51101 and 51102.

[0507] In S51210, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets a command corresponding to the data to be transmitted (data reception request), a start address S_ADR of the memory map, and a total number of transmission data A_N. However, in the case of transmitting data using the data transmission command 51102, the start address S_ADR does not need to be set.

[0508] Next, in S51211, the camera microcomputer 5205 sets the memory mapping address ADR and the number of transmission data N to be transmitted in the current communication according to the set start address S_ADR and the total number of transmission data A_N. For example, the following conditions are set:

[0509] Memory mapping address ADR = starting address S_ADR

[0510] The number of data sent N = the total number of data sent A_N.

[0511] After that, the camera microcomputer 5205 limits the number of transmission data N so that DA does not exceed the above-mentioned camera-adapter maximum receiving size. In other words, in the case where the number of transmission data N>camera-adapter maximum transmission size-4, the following conditions are reset:

[0512] The number of data to be sent N = the maximum receiving size of the camera-adapter - 4.

[0513] In addition, reset the following conditions:

[0514] Starting address S_ADR = starting address S_ADR + number of data to be sent N

[0515] The total number of sent data A_N=the total number of sent data A_N-the number of sent data N.

[0516] Thus, once the data to be sent at this time is determined, the remaining data number is reset to the total number of sent data A_N, so it can be determined whether there is data to be sent next. However, when using the data send command 51102 to send data, there is no need to set the memory mapping address ADR and the start address S_ADR.

[0517] Next, in S51212, the camera microcomputer 5205 stores continuous data including the commands set in S51210 and S51211, the memory mapping address ADR, the number of transmission data N, and the checksum in the transmission buffer 52083 according to the DC format of the data transmission commands 51101 and 51102.

[0518] Next, in S51213, the camera microcomputer 5205 transmits DC to the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 5205 receives DA from the adapter microcomputer 5302 via the camera first communication circuit 5241. The camera microcomputer 5205 may divide the transmission data, store the divided data in the transmission buffer 52083, and transmit the transmission data a plurality of times by repeating the transmission of DC in S51212 and S51213.

[0519] Next, in S51214, the camera microcomputer 5205 takes out the transmission data stored in the transmission buffer 52083 and stores the data in a predetermined memory. When the camera microcomputer 5205 detects a communication error such as a checksum error when taking out the transmission data, the following conditions are reset.

[0520] Starting address S_ADR = starting address S_ADR-number of data to be sent N

[0521] The total number of sent data A_N=the total number of sent data A_N+the number of sent data N.

[0522] Thereby, the start address S_ADR and the total number of transmission data A_N can be returned to the values ​​before communication, and communication retry control is available.

[0523] Next, in S51215, the camera microcomputer 5205 determines whether the transmission of all data to the adapter microcomputer 5302 is completed. If the transmission is completed, the flow ends, otherwise the flow returns to S51211. In this embodiment, since the number of remaining data is set as the total transmission data number A_N, if the total transmission data number A_N is 1 or more, the camera microcomputer 5205 returns to S51211.

[0524] Reference now Fig.28 , a process (intermediate adapter communication process) performed when the intermediate adapter 5300 receives P2P communication from the camera body 5200 will be described. The adapter microcomputer 5302 executes this process in accordance with a computer program.

[0525] In S51220, the adapter microcomputer 5302 takes out the reception data stored in the reception buffer 53034 and stores the reception data in a predetermined memory.

[0526] Next, in S51221, the adapter microcomputer 5302 analyzes which command is received based on the reception data stored in the predetermined memory.

[0527] Next, in S51222, the adapter microcomputer 5302 performs processing corresponding to the received command, such as storing the received data in a predetermined memory, causing the installation function to operate, and storing information of the installation function in a predetermined memory, and the like.

[0528] Next, in S51223, the adapter microcomputer 5302 determines whether the received command is a data reception command from the camera microcomputer 5205. If the data reception command has been received, the flow proceeds to S51224; otherwise, the flow proceeds to S51225.

[0529] In S51224, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stores data in the transmission buffer 53033 according to the received data reception command. For example, data of the number of reception data indicated in the data reception command 51100 is taken out from the memory mapping address indicated in the data reception command 51100 in the memory mapping corresponding to the data reception command 51100. Then, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stores the read data in the transmission buffer 53033 according to the DA format.

[0530] On the other hand, in S51225, the adapter microcomputer 5302 determines whether the received command is a data transmission command (51101 or 51102) from the camera microcomputer 5205. If a data transmission command has been received, the flow proceeds to S51226; otherwise, the flow proceeds to S51229.

[0531] In S51226, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stores the data in the memory map corresponding to the received data transmission command. In other words, the adapter microcomputer 5302 updates the existing data with the received data. For example, in the case where the adapter microcomputer 5302 receives the data transmission command 51101, the adapter microcomputer 5302 successively stores the data received from the camera microcomputer 5205 from the address indicated by the data transmission command 51101 in the memory map. In the case where the adapter microcomputer 5302 receives the data transmission command 51102, if this is the first time, the adapter microcomputer 5302 successively stores the data received from the camera microcomputer 5205 from the start address of the memory map, otherwise, successively stores the data received from the camera microcomputer 5205 from the address next to the address storing the previous data.

[0532] Next, in S51227, the adapter microcomputer 5302 stores the data to be responsively transmitted in the transmission buffer 53033 according to the DA format in the received data transmission command.

[0533] On the other hand, in S51229, the adapter microcomputer 5302 determines whether the received data transmission command is a command requiring a response with respect to the camera microcomputer 5205. If the received data transmission command is a command requiring a response with respect to the camera microcomputer 5205, the flow proceeds to S51227. If the received data transmission command is not a command requiring a response with respect to the camera microcomputer 5205, the flow ends.

[0534] The adapter microcomputer 5302 proceeds to S51228 from S51224 or S51227, and transmits the DA stored in the transmission buffer 53033 to the camera microcomputer 5205 via the first adapter communication circuit 5341. Then, the flow ends. The adapter microcomputer 5302 may divide the transmission data, store the divided data in the transmission buffer 53033, and transmit the transmission data a plurality of times by repeating the transmission of DA in S51224 or S51227 and S51228.

[0535] The above-described processing enables communication with the intermediate adapter 5300 within a continuously communicable range, and thus communication can be performed at an optimal communication speed corresponding to the communication performance of the intermediate adapter 5300.

[0536] This embodiment can provide "one-to-many" communication between the camera body 5200 and multiple accessories including the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 at a higher speed or at an optimal communication speed while ensuring their compatibility, even when the release dates of the camera body 5200 and the multiple accessories including the interchangeable lens 5100 and the intermediate adapter 5300 are different from each other.

[0537] Sixth embodiment

[0538] A sixth embodiment according to the present invention will be described. The sixth embodiment has the same structure as that of the fifth embodiment, but in the case of using a camera and an accessory with different release dates, this embodiment can perform communication with an optimal data amount while ensuring command compatibility, and perform optimal control for the accessory. Receiving the memory map size as memory map information at the time of startup of the camera body can provide communication and control according to the extended state of the memory map in the accessory.

[0539] Reference now Fig.29 , an exemplary extended format of a memory map predefined between the camera body 5200 and the accessory in the second communication mode (P2P communication mode) of the first communication ("one to many" communication) will be described. The extended format of the memory map is defined for each communication command.

[0540] The memory map 51300 has an extended format for the memory map 51000 described in the fifth embodiment, and includes a plurality of data 51302. An address 51301 is assigned to each of the plurality of data 51302. The value 51303 of each data is a fixed value or is updated at an arbitrary timing. The addresses up to address N-1 in the address 51301 are the same addresses as those in the memory map 51000, and the subsequent addresses up to address N+M-1 are extended address areas.

[0541] exist Fig.24 In S5906 of the flowchart shown, the adapter microcomputer 5302 corresponding to the memory map 51000 transmits the memory map size N as memory map information to the camera microcomputer 5205. On the other hand, the adapter microcomputer 5302 corresponding to the memory map 51300 transmits the memory map size N+M-1 to the camera microcomputer 5205 as memory map information.

[0542] At this time, as long as the camera microcomputer 5205 corresponds to the memory map 51000, data is communicated in the address area up to address N-1 for any adapter microcomputer 5302. On the other hand, in the case where the camera microcomputer 5205 corresponds to the memory map 51300, data communication is performed in the address area up to address N-1 with the adapter microcomputer 5302 that transmits the memory map size N. Data communication is performed in the address area up to address N+M-1 for the adapter microcomputer 5302 that transmits the memory map size N+M-1.

[0543] This structure can provide control within the corresponding data range for each adapter microcomputer 5, thereby enabling communication and control according to the extended state of the memory map in the accessory.

[0544] Instead of the memory map size itself, the content sent to the camera microcomputer 5205 as the memory map information may be information associated with the memory map size such as a memory map version, etc. In other words, the content may be information related to the memory map size.

[0545] Even in the case where the release dates of the camera body and multiple accessories including interchangeable lenses and intermediate adapters are different from each other, the present embodiment can provide "one-to-many" communication between the camera body and these multiple accessories using the optimal amount of data and optimal control over the accessories while ensuring compatibility.

[0546] Other embodiments

[0547] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0548] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention 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, equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An accessory device that can be attached to a imaging device, the accessory device includes an accessory controller configured to communicate with the imaging device, Characterized in that, The accessory controller sends a first piece of information related to the data size that the accessory device can send and a second piece of information indicating memory mapping information, Wherein, the accessory controller receives a request for data based on the first piece of information and the second piece of information, Wherein, the memory mapping corresponding to the memory mapping information includes a plurality of data, addresses corresponding to each of the plurality of data, and values of the respective data.

2. The accessory device according to claim 1, Characterized in that, The accessory controller sends the memory mapping information for each of a plurality of communication commands.

3. The accessory device according to claim 2, Characterized in that, The value of each data is a fixed value or updated at any timing.

4. The accessory device according to claim 3, Characterized in that, The accessory controller receives a first request including a first communication command, first address information represented by the memory mapping information corresponding to the first communication command, and first data size information of the data represented by the first address information.

5. The accessory device according to claim 4, Characterized in that, In response to receiving the first request, the accessory controller sends the first communication command and data with a data size represented by the first data size information requested by the first request.

6. The accessory device according to claim 5, Characterized in that, The data size represented by the first data size information is equal to or less than the data size represented by the first piece of information.

7. The accessory device according to claim 6, Characterized in that, The accessory controller sends a third piece of information related to the data size that the accessory device can receive, and the accessory controller receives camera data with a data size equal to or less than the data size represented by the third piece of information.

8. The accessory device according to claim 7, Characterized in that, The accessory controller sends the individual information of the accessory device after sending the first piece of information.

9. The accessory device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Characterized in that, The accessory device is an intermediate accessory that can be installed between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens unit.

10. The accessory device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Characterized in that, The accessory device is an interchangeable lens unit.

11. An imaging device that can detachably attach an accessory device, the imaging device includes a camera controller configured to communicate with the accessory device, Characterized in that, The camera controller receives a first piece of information related to the data size that the accessory device can send and a second piece of information indicating memory mapping information, Wherein, the camera controller sends a request for data based on the first piece of information and the second piece of information, Among them, the memory mapping corresponding to the memory mapping information includes a plurality of data, addresses corresponding to each of the plurality of data, and values of each of the data.

12. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein, the camera controller receives the memory mapping information for each of the plurality of communication commands.

13. The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein, the value of each data is a fixed value or updated at any timing.

14. The imaging device according to claim 13, wherein, the camera controller sends a first request including a first communication command, first address information represented by the memory mapping information corresponding to the first communication command, and first data size information of the data represented by the first address information.

15. The imaging device according to claim 14, wherein, in response to sending the first request, the camera controller receives the first communication command and data with a data size represented by the first data size information requested by the first request.

16. The imaging device according to claim 15, wherein, the data size represented by the first data size information is equal to or less than the data size represented by the first information.

17. The imaging device according to claim 16, wherein, the camera controller receives third information related to the data size that the accessory device can receive, and the camera controller sends camera data with a data size equal to or less than the data size represented by the third information.

18. The imaging device according to claim 17, wherein, the camera controller receives the individual information of the accessory device after receiving the first information.

19. The imaging device according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein, the accessory device is an intermediate accessory that can be installed between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens unit.

20. The imaging device according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein, the accessory device is an interchangeable lens unit.

21. A communication control method for an accessory device that can be attached to an imaging device, the communication control method comprises the following steps: sending first information related to the data size that the accessory device can send and second information representing memory mapping information; and receiving a request for data based on the first information and the second information, wherein, the memory mapping corresponding to the memory mapping information includes a plurality of data, addresses corresponding to each of the plurality of data, and values of each of the data.

22. A communication control method for an imaging device that can detachably attach an accessory device, the communication control method comprises the following steps: receiving first information related to the data size that the accessory device can send and second information representing memory mapping information; and sending a request for data based on the first information and the second information, Among them, the memory mapping corresponding to the memory mapping information includes a plurality of data, addresses corresponding to each of the plurality of data, and values of the respective data.

Images