Accessory and control method thereof, storage medium and computer program product

Abstract

The invention discloses an accessory, a control method thereof, a storage medium and a computer program product. The accessory is detachably mounted between the interchangeable lens and the image pickup apparatus. The accessory includes: a first aperture unit configured to adjust an amount of light incident from the interchangeable lens; a communication unit configured to communicate with each of the interchangeable lens and the imaging apparatus; and a control unit configured to control the first aperture unit, and change a communication processing method with the interchangeable lens or the image pickup apparatus according to whether reception information received via the communication unit is information related to aperture control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an accessory and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] In a lens-interchangeable camera system, accessories that can be attached between a camera body (camera device) and an interchangeable lens are generally used to expand functions. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-30295 discloses an accessory that can be attached between an interchangeable lens and a camera body, the accessory being configured to control an aperture stop (diaphragm) in the interchangeable lens while accepting a manual ring operation by a user. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-247578 discloses an accessory that can be attached between an interchangeable lens and a camera body, the accessory being configured to distribute a focus drive request from a camera body between processing of a focus drive unit of an interchangeable lens and processing of a focus drive unit of the accessory.

[0003] The accessory disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-30295 is based on the premise of using the aperture mechanism of the interchangeable lens, and is therefore not applicable to an interchangeable lens whose aperture mechanism cannot be electrically controlled via the mounting unit. The accessory disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-30295 also uses the aperture mechanism in the interchangeable lens. Therefore, in the case where an interchangeable lens with low noise or low control resolution or an interchangeable lens that does not provide a sufficient image degradation effect is attached, the aperture function expected by the user may not be provided.

[0004] The accessory disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-247578 performs focus control on the premise that both the interchangeable lens and the accessory include a drive member for focus drive. For example, in the case where the interchangeable lens does not have an aperture drive member or does not have a communication function, processing cannot be performed. Summary of the invention

[0005] An accessory according to one aspect of the present disclosure is detachably mounted between an interchangeable lens and an imaging device. The accessory includes: a first aperture unit configured to adjust the amount of light incident from the interchangeable lens; a communication unit configured to communicate with each of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device; and a control unit configured to: control the first aperture unit, and change a communication processing method with the interchangeable lens or the imaging device according to whether received information received via the communication unit is information related to aperture control.

[0006] Further features of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 The respective communication units in the camera body, the intermediate accessory, and the interchangeable lens in the first to fourth embodiments are described.

[0009] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C An example of a communication protocol implemented between a camera body, an intermediate accessory, and an interchangeable lens in each embodiment is described.

[0010] Figure 4A and Figure 4B 1 and 2 are external views of intermediate components according to the first to fourth embodiments.

[0011] Figure 5 The startup sequence according to the first to fourth embodiments has been described.

[0012] Fig. 6A The operation in the moving image shooting mode according to the first embodiment has been described.

[0013] Figure 6B The operation in the still image shooting mode according to the first embodiment has been described.

[0014] Figure 6C The timing for deactivating the aperture control by the manual ring operation according to the first embodiment is described.

[0015] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the intermediate accessory according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a modification of the startup sequence in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0017] Fig. 9 The operation in the still image shooting mode according to the second embodiment has been described.

[0018] Fig. 10A is a block diagram of an imaging system according to the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C The operation in the moving image recording mode according to the third embodiment has been described.

[0020] Fig. 10D and Fig. 10E The operation in the still image recording mode according to the third embodiment has been described.

[0021] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The operation in the moving image recording mode according to the fourth embodiment has been described.

[0022] Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C The appearance diagrams of the respective communication units of the camera body and the intermediate accessories and the intermediate accessories according to the fifth embodiment are described.

[0023] Fig.13A The startup sequence according to the fifth embodiment is described.

[0024] Fig. 13B The operation in the moving image recording mode according to the fifth embodiment has been described.

[0025] Fig. 13C The operation in the still image recording mode according to the fifth embodiment has been described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, the term "unit" may refer to a software context, a hardware context, or a combination of software and hardware contexts. In the software context, the term "unit" refers to functionality, an application, a software module, a function, a routine, an instruction set, or a program that can be executed by a programmable processor (such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), or a specially designed programmable device or controller). The memory contains instructions or programs, wherein the instructions or programs, when executed by the CPU, cause the CPU to perform operations corresponding to the unit or function. In the hardware context, the term "unit" refers to a hardware element, circuit, assembly, physical structure, system, module, or subsystem. According to a specific embodiment, the term "unit" may include mechanical, optical, or electronic components, or any combination thereof. The term "unit" may include active (e.g., transistors) or passive (e.g., capacitors) components. The term "unit" may include a semiconductor device having a substrate and other material layers, wherein the other material layers have various conductivity concentrations. The term "unit" may include a CPU or a programmable processor that can execute a program stored in a memory to perform a specific function. The term "unit" may include a logic element (e.g., AND, OR) implemented by a transistor circuit or any other switching circuit. In a combination of software and hardware contexts, the term "unit" or "circuit" refers to any combination of software and hardware contexts as described above. In addition, the term "element," "assembly," "component," or "device" may also refer to a "circuit" that is integrated with or not integrated with a packaging material.

[0027] Now, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be given. Corresponding elements in the various drawings will be represented by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0028] First embodiment

[0029] Camera system configuration

[0030] Reference Figure 1 , a description will be given of a camera system (imaging system) 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a camera system 10. The camera system 10 includes an interchangeable lens 100, a camera body (imaging device) 200, and an intermediate accessory (accessory) 300 detachably mounted between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100. The camera body 200 can be used while the interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate accessory 300 are attached to each other. In the present embodiment, the intermediate accessory 300 includes a single accessory, but may include a plurality of accessories.

[0031] In the present embodiment, communication is performed between the interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200, and the intermediate accessory 300. The interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200, and the intermediate accessory 300 transmit control commands and data (information) via their respective communication circuits (communication units) 112, 208, and 302.

[0032] A description will now be given of the specific configurations of the interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200, and the intermediate accessory 300. The interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate accessory 300 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount 400. The mount 400 is shown as a schematic representation of a state in which a mount provided on the interchangeable lens 100 and a mount provided on the intermediate accessory 300 are combined together. The camera body 200 and the intermediate accessory 300 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount 401. The mount 401 is shown as a schematic representation of a state in which a mount provided on the camera body 200 and a mount provided on the intermediate accessory 300 are combined together. Communication terminals are provided on mount faces of respective mounts provided on the interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200, and the intermediate accessory 300. In a case in which the respective units are connected via the mounts, the corresponding communication terminals come into contact with each other, and communication is activated via the communication terminals.

[0033] The interchangeable lens 100 receives power from the camera body 200 via power terminals not shown provided on the mounts 400 and 401, and supplies power to various actuators and a lens microcomputer (lens microcomputer) 111 to be described later. The intermediate accessory 300 receives power from the camera body 200 via power terminals not shown provided on the mount 401, and supplies power to an accessory microcomputer (control unit (accessory microcomputer)) 301.

[0034] A description will now be given of the configuration of the interchangeable lens 100. The interchangeable lens 100 includes an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system includes, in order from the object side to the image side, a field lens 101, a zoom lens 102 configured to provide variable magnification, an aperture unit 114 configured to adjust the amount of light, an image stabilizing lens 103, and a focus lens 104 configured to provide focus adjustment.

[0035] The zoom lens 102 and the focus lens 104 are respectively held by lens holders 105 and 106. Stepping motors (M) 107 and 108 drive the lens holders 105 and 106 along the optical axis of the imaging optical system indicated by the dotted line in synchronization with the drive pulse. The image stabilization lens 103 reduces image blur caused by camera shake (hand-held shake) or the like by moving in a direction having a component perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system.

[0036] The lens microcomputer 111 controls the operation of each component in the interchangeable lens 100. The lens microcomputer 111 receives a control command and a transmission request command transmitted from the camera body 200 or the intermediate accessory 300 via the lens communication circuit 112. The lens microcomputer 111 performs lens control corresponding to the control command, and transmits lens data corresponding to the transmission request command to the camera body 200 or the intermediate accessory 300 via the lens communication circuit 112. For example, the lens microcomputer 111 drives the stepping motors 107 and 108 by outputting a drive signal to the zoom drive circuit 119 and the focus drive circuit 120 in response to commands related to magnification and focus in the control command. Thus, a zoom process for controlling the magnification operation of the zoom lens 102 and an auto focus (AF) process for controlling the focus operation of the focus lens 104 can be performed.

[0037] The aperture unit (second aperture unit) 114 is an aperture stop unit having aperture blades 114a and 114b. The Hall element 115 detects the state (position) of the aperture blades 114a and 114b. The detection result of the Hall element 115 is input to the lens microcomputer 111 via the amplifier circuit 122 and the A / D conversion circuit 123. The lens microcomputer 111 outputs a drive signal to the aperture drive circuit 121 based on the input signal from the A / D conversion circuit 123 to drive the aperture actuator 113. Thus, the light amount operation of the aperture unit 114 is performed. The driving method of the aperture actuator 113 is not limited, and any known method can be used.

[0038] The lens microcomputer 111 drives an image stabilization actuator 126 such as a voice coil motor via an image stabilization drive circuit 125 based on vibration detected by a vibration sensor (such as a vibration gyro) not shown provided in the interchangeable lens 100. Thus, image stabilization processing for controlling the shift operation (image stabilization operation) of the image stabilization lens 103 is performed.

[0039] A description will now be given of the configuration of the intermediate accessory 300. The intermediate accessory 300 includes an accessory microcomputer 301 for controlling various members included in the intermediate accessory. The accessory microcomputer 301 receives a control command and a transmission request command transmitted from the camera body 200 via the accessory communication circuit 302. The accessory microcomputer 301 performs accessory control in response to the control command, or transmits a control command to the interchangeable lens 100 via the accessory communication circuit 302. Then, as a result of performing accessory control, or based on information received from the interchangeable lens 100 via the accessory communication circuit 302, a response corresponding to the transmission request command received from the camera body 200 is transmitted to the camera body 200. The accessory microcomputer 301 does not necessarily transmit the transmission request command to the interchangeable lens 100 via the accessory communication circuit 302 only in response to a communication request from the camera body 200. For example, in the case of operating an accessory operating ring (operating member) 310 (described later) or the like, a communication request is transmitted to the interchangeable lens 100 via the accessory communication circuit 302 as needed.

[0040] The intermediate accessory 300 also includes a manual ring operation ring (so-called electronic ring) 310 rotatable by a user and a ring rotation detector 311. The ring rotation detector 311 includes, for example, a photointerrupter that outputs a two-phase signal in response to the rotation of the manual aperture operation ring 310. The accessory microcomputer 301 can detect the rotation amount (including direction) of the manual aperture operation ring 310 using the two-phase signal.

[0041] The intermediate accessory 300 includes an accessory operation unit 320 in addition to the manual aperture operation ring 310. The accessory operation unit 320 includes, for example, a switch, a button, or a touch panel, and may include a plurality of operation members.

[0042] The intermediate accessory 300 also includes an accessory aperture unit (first aperture unit) 303 configured to adjust the amount of light incident from the interchangeable lens 100. The accessory aperture unit 303 is an aperture stop unit having aperture blades 303a and 303b. A Hall element 305 detects the state (position) of the aperture blades 303a and 303b. The detection result of the Hall element 305 is input to the accessory microcomputer 301 via an amplifier circuit 306 and an A / D conversion circuit 307. The accessory microcomputer 301 outputs a drive signal to an aperture drive circuit 308 based on an input signal from the A / D conversion circuit 307 to drive the aperture actuator 304. Thus, light amount adjustment by the accessory aperture unit 303 is performed. The driving method of the aperture actuator 304 is not limited, and any known method can be used. This embodiment controls the accessory aperture unit 303 to operate in conjunction with the user's operation of the manual aperture operation ring 310, but the intermediate accessory 300 does not necessarily have to include the manual aperture operation ring 310. For example, manual ring operation information may be transmitted from the camera body 200 or the interchangeable lens 100 via the accessory communication circuit 302.

[0043] The intermediate accessory 300 may have a function of, for example, an extender configured to change the focal length, a wide-angle converter configured to change the focal length, or a mount converter configured to change the flange back length.

[0044] A description will now be given of the configuration of the camera body 200. The camera body 200 includes an image sensor 201 such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, an A / D conversion circuit 202, a signal processing circuit 203, a recorder 204, a camera microcomputer (camera microcomputer) 205, and a display unit 206.

[0045] The image sensor 201 performs photoelectric conversion on the subject image formed by the imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 100, and outputs an electric signal (analog signal). The A / D conversion circuit 202 converts the analog signal from the image sensor 201 into a digital signal. The signal processing circuit 203 performs various image processing on the digital signal from the A / D conversion circuit 202 to generate a video signal.

[0046] The signal processing circuit 203 also generates the contrast state of the subject image, that is, focus information related to the focus state of the imaging optical system and brightness information related to the exposure state from the video signal. The signal processing circuit 203 outputs the video signal to the display unit 206 for displaying the video signal as a live view image for checking the composition, focus state, etc.

[0047] The camera microcomputer 205 controls the camera body 200 according to inputs from the operation unit 207 such as an image pickup instruction switch and various setting switches. The camera microcomputer 205 transmits a control command and a transmission request command to the interchangeable lens 100 or the intermediate accessory 300 via the camera communication circuit 208, and receives lens data or accessory data from the interchangeable lens 100 or the intermediate accessory 300. For example, the camera microcomputer 205 generates focus shift information in the signal processing circuit 203 based on information related to optical characteristics such as aperture diameter information received from the interchangeable lens 100 or the intermediate accessory 300 via the camera communication circuit 208. Then, based on the generated focus shift information, the camera microcomputer 205 generates focus information, and transmits a control command related to a focus operation to the interchangeable lens 100. For example, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a transmission request command to the interchangeable lens 100 to obtain lens data related to a focus operation, and receives lens data related to a focus operation from the interchangeable lens 100.

[0048] Reference now Figure 2 , a description will be given of the communication unit of the camera body 200, the intermediate accessory 300, and the interchangeable lens 100. Figure 2 The lens communication circuit 112, the accessory communication circuit 302, and the camera communication circuit 208 are illustrated.

[0049] The mount 400 provided between the interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate accessory 300 has various communication terminals. The interchangeable lens 100 has communication terminals (LCLK 1121, DCL 1122, DLC 1123, ATTACH 1124, POWER 1125). The intermediate accessory 300 has communication terminals (LCLK 3021, DCL 3022, DLC 3023, ATTACH 3024, POWER 3025). The intermediate accessory 300 can determine the attachment state of the interchangeable lens 100 through the ATTACH signal 3024 and supply power through the POWER 3025. Other communication terminals may be used for communication.

[0050] Similarly, various communication terminals are provided on the mount 401 arranged between the intermediate accessory 300 and the camera body 200. The intermediate accessory 300 has communication terminals (LCLK 3026, DCL 3027, DLC 3028, ATTACH 3029, POWER 3030). The camera body 200 has communication terminals (LCLK 2081, DCL 2082, DLC 2083, ATTACH 2084, POWER 2085). The camera body 200 can judge the attachment state of the intermediate accessory 300 through the ATTACH signal 2084 and supply power through the POWER 2085. Other communication terminals may be used for communication. The ATTACH signal 2084 is configured as a signal state in the attachment state while the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the intermediate accessory 300 (the ATTACH signal 3024 indicates the attachment state) and the intermediate accessory 300 is attached to the camera body 200.

[0051] Reference now Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C , a description will be given of an example of a communication method performed between the interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate accessory 300 and between the intermediate accessory 300 and the camera body 200 using the respective terminals. Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C An example of a protocol for communication among the camera body 200 , the intermediate accessory 300 , and the interchangeable lens 100 has been described.

[0052] This communication is performed using a three-wire clock synchronous serial communication method, and is a communication method performed between a device serving as a main communication component that transmits a control command and a data transmission request command, and a device serving as a sub-communication component that transmits data in response to the data transmission request command. In the communication processing performed between the camera body 200 and the intermediate accessory 300, the camera communication circuit 208 serves as the main communication component, and the accessory communication circuit 302 serves as the sub-communication component. In the communication processing performed between the intermediate accessory 300 and the interchangeable lens 100, the accessory communication circuit 302 serves as the main communication component, and the lens communication circuit 112 serves as the sub-communication component.

[0053] The clock signal LCLK is mainly used as a data synchronization clock signal from the main communication component to the slave communication component. The communication signal DCL is used to transmit data such as control commands and data transmission request commands from the main communication component to the slave communication component. The data signal DLC is used to transmit data from the slave communication component to the main communication component.

[0054] The master communication component and the slave communication component communicate using a full-duplex communication method in which they transmit and receive data in synchronization with each other and simultaneously with a common clock signal LCLK.

[0055] Figure 3A The waveform of the communication signal of one frame as the minimum communication unit is shown. First, the main communication component transmits a clock signal LCLK with a group of eight-cycle pulses, and also transmits a communication signal DCL to the sub-communication component synchronously with the clock signal LCLK. At the same time, the main communication component receives the data signal DLC output from the sub-communication component synchronously with the clock signal LCLK. In this way, one byte (8 bits) of data is transmitted and received between the main communication component and the sub-communication component synchronously with a pair of clock signals LCLK. The period of transmitting and receiving one byte of data will be referred to as a data frame. After the data frame, a communication pause period is inserted by notifying the communication standby request information (hereinafter referred to as communication standby request) BUSY (busy) from the sub-communication component to the main communication component. The communication pause period will be referred to as a BUSY frame. The communication unit consisting of a group of data frames and BUSY frames will be referred to as a frame.

[0056] Figure 3B The waveform of the communication signal composed of three frames is shown, in which the main communication component transmits a command CMD1 to the sub-communication component and receives 2-byte data DT1a and DT1b in response to the command CMD1. Between the main communication component and the sub-communication component, the type and number of bytes of the data DT corresponding to each command CMD are predetermined.

[0057] In the first frame, the master communication component transmits the clock signal LCLK and transmits the command CMD1 corresponding to the data DT1a and DT1b requested to be transmitted as the communication signal DCL. The data signal DLC in this frame is regarded as invalid data.

[0058] Next, the main communication component outputs the clock signal LCLK in eight cycles, and then switches the communication terminal state on the main communication component side from the output format to the input format. After the secondary communication component has completed the switching of the communication terminal state on the main communication component side, the communication terminal state on the secondary communication component side is switched from the input format to the output format. The secondary communication component then sets the signal level of the clock signal LCLK to a low level (LOW) so as to notify the main communication component of the communication standby request BUSY. The main communication component maintains the communication terminal state in the input format during the notification of the communication standby request BUSY, and suspends the communication to the secondary communication component.

[0059] During the notification period of the communication standby request BUSY, the secondary communication component generates data DT1a corresponding to the command CMD1. After the transmission preparation of the next frame of the data signal DLC is completed, the secondary communication component sets the signal level of the clock signal LCLK to a high level (HIGH) to notify the main communication component that the communication standby request BUSY has been cleared. In the case where the main communication component recognizes that the communication standby request BUSY has been cleared, the main communication component receives data DT1a from the secondary communication component by sending a frame of the clock signal LCLK to the secondary communication component. Next, the main communication component similarly receives data DT1b.

[0060] Figure 3C It is shown that the main communication component transmits the command CMD2 to the sub-communication component to request the acquisition of communication data and DT2A, DT2B and DT2C are transmitted from the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 100. Then, the interchangeable lens 100 transmits the corresponding 3-byte lens data DT2a, DT2b and DT2c to the camera body 200, and the waveform of the 4-frame communication signal is shown. In the first frame, the sub-communication component notifies the main communication component of the communication standby request BUSY, but in the second frame to the fourth frame, the sub-communication component does not notify the main communication component of the communication standby request BUSY. Therefore, the interval between frames can be reduced. On the other hand, in this communication method, the sub-communication component cannot notify the main communication component of the communication standby request BUSY. Therefore, it is necessary to create information to respond to the main communication component during the communication standby request BUSY after the command CMD2 received in the first frame, or to prepare information to respond to the main communication component before performing the communication.

[0061] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B , a description will be given of the appearance of the intermediate accessory 300 according to the present embodiment. Figure 4A and Figure 4B 4 is an external view of the intermediate component 300. The manual aperture ring (electronic ring) 411 corresponds to the manual aperture operation ring 310. Figure 4A The interior of the mount on the interchangeable lens 100 side is shown, and reference numeral 412 denotes Figure 2 3021 to 3025 in correspondence with the lens side communication terminals. Figure 4B The interior of the mount on the camera body 200 side is shown, and reference numeral 413 denotes Figure 2 3026 to 3030 in correspondence with the camera side communication terminals.

[0062] Reference now Figure 5 , a description will be given of a startup sequence when the power is turned on in a state where the camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100, and the intermediate accessory 300 are combined. Figure 5Describes the startup sequence.

[0063] In process 500, the camera body 200 is Figure 2 The ATTACH signal 2084 in detects that both the intermediate accessory 300 and the interchangeable lens 100 are attached.

[0064] In process 501, power for driving the lens microcomputer 111 and various actuators of the lens is supplied via Figure 2 The power terminal 2085 in the middle is supplied from the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 100. The power is supplied to the power terminal 1125 of the interchangeable lens 100 via the power terminals 3030 and 3025 of the intermediate accessory 300. Thus, the accessory microcomputer 301 and the accessory aperture unit 303 of the intermediate accessory 300 can be driven by the power supplied from the camera body 200.

[0065] In process 502, handshake communication data for confirming establishment of communication is transmitted from the camera communication circuit 208 to the lens communication circuit 112. The communication data is received by the accessory communication circuit 302, and in process 503, the accessory communication circuit 302 communicates the communication data to the lens communication circuit 112. The lens communication circuit 112 then transmits a response (AcK) to the communication to the camera communication circuit 208, and the accessory communication circuit 302 receives the communication data in process 504, and responds to the camera communication circuit 208 with the communication data in process 505. Therefore, since the intermediate accessory 300 processes the communication between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 at once, the communication data can be communicated even if, for example, the communication method is different between the camera communication circuit 208 and the lens communication circuit 112.

[0066] Now we will give the usage Figure 3C The communication method shown in the figure is a description of the processing of authentication communication performed between the camera communication circuit 208 and the lens communication circuit 112. In this communication method, the camera communication circuit 208 requests the lens communication circuit 112 to obtain lens authentication information and transmits the camera authentication information to the lens communication circuit 112 in a full-duplex communication method. As described below, similar to the above-mentioned handshake communication, this communication also requires the accessory communication circuit 302 to mediate the communication with the camera communication circuit 208. However, in this communication method, as described in reference Figure 3C As described above, the accessory communication circuit 302 as the slave communication unit cannot notify the camera communication circuit 208 as the master communication unit of the communication standby request BUSY. Therefore, the intermediate accessory 300 needs to obtain the lens authentication information related to the interchangeable lens 100 in advance. Therefore, in the process 506, the intermediate accessory 300 uses Figure 3CThe communication method shown in the figure performs dummy authentication communication with the interchangeable lens 100 in advance. At this time, the intermediate accessory 300 has not yet obtained the camera authentication information, so the intermediate accessory 300 uses Figure 3C The illustrated communication method transmits a temporary value as camera authentication information to the interchangeable lens 100 and acquires the lens authentication information.

[0067] In process 507 , the intermediate accessory 300 updates “information on whether the interchangeable lens 100 has a manual aperture function” included in the lens authentication information acquired from the interchangeable lens 100 in process 506 to “interchangeable lens 100 has a manual aperture function”, and stores the lens authentication information.

[0068] In process 508, use Figure 3C The communication method shown performs authentication communication from the camera body 200, and the intermediate accessory 300 responds to the communication. In this communication process, the intermediate accessory 300 acquires correct camera authentication information from the camera body 200, and responds to the camera body 200 in process 509 with the partially updated lens authentication information stored in process 506.

[0069] Through the above processing, even if Figure 3C In the case of duplex communication such as the communication method shown in FIG. 1 , the intermediate accessory 300 may also mediate the arbitration communication between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100. In the present embodiment, the lens authentication information is acquired in advance from the interchangeable lens 100 in the process 505, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. Figure 3C In the first frame of , the intermediate accessory 300 may notify the camera body 200 of the communication standby request BUSY. In this case, the intermediate accessory 300 may perform authentication communication with the interchangeable lens 100 during this period and respond to the camera body 200 with the result.

[0070] In the case where the aperture initialization request is transmitted from the camera body 200 in the process 510, the intermediate accessory 300 starts the initialization process of the accessory aperture unit 303 in the process 511. In the case where the “information on whether the interchangeable lens 100 has a manual aperture function” included in the lens authentication information acquired from the interchangeable lens 100 in the process 506 is “the interchangeable lens 100 has a manual aperture function”, the manual aperture function of the interchangeable lens 100 is deactivated. That is, in the process 512, the intermediate accessory 300 makes a communication request to the interchangeable lens 100 to deactivate the manual aperture function of the interchangeable lens 100.

[0071] In process 513, the intermediate accessory 300 requests the interchangeable lens 100 to initialize the aperture unit 114. In process 514, the interchangeable lens 100 performs the initialization process of the aperture unit 114. In process 515, the intermediate accessory 300 is notified that the initialization of the aperture unit 114 is completed.

[0072] In process 516, the intermediate accessory 300 confirms the completion of the initialization process of the accessory aperture unit 303 started in process 511, and notifies the camera body 200 of the completion of the aperture initialization in process 517. As described above, the present embodiment performs the initialization processes of the accessory aperture unit 303 and the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100 at the same time. However, in the case where the power supplied from the camera body 200 is low, they may not be driven at the same time. In this case, the intermediate accessory 300 may arbitrate the order of the aperture initialization processes so that the initialization process of one of the accessory aperture unit 303 and the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100 is completed first, and the initialization processes of the accessory aperture unit 303 and the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100 are not performed at the same time.

[0073] In process 518, the metering (photometry) processing of the camera body 200 is performed, and the live view display is started with appropriate exposure control. In process 519, the camera body 200 transmits the live view display realization status, and the intermediate accessory 300 transmits the content to the interchangeable lens 100 in process 520, and activates the operation of the accessory aperture unit 303 in process 521. Therefore, as will be referred to later Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C As described above, the aperture stop can be driven by a user operation of the manual aperture ring 411. The above processing completes the start-up processing of the camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100, and the intermediate accessory 300.

[0074] Reference now Figure 8 , a description will be given of a method of exclusively performing initialization processing of the accessory aperture unit 303 and the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100 in a case where the power supplied from the camera body 200 is low. Figure 8 yes Figure 5 1 and 2 . The embodiment of the present invention is a variation of the startup sequence in FIG. 1 , and shows a method in which the intermediate accessory 300 arbitrates the order of the aperture initialization processing so that the initialization processing of the accessory aperture unit 303 and the aperture unit 114 are not performed simultaneously.

[0075] In process 530, the intermediate accessory 300 acquires the power supply information of the interchangeable lens 100 from the camera body 200. In process 531, the intermediate accessory 300 determines whether to drive the accessory aperture unit 303 and the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100 in parallel (whether to perform the initialization process at the same time) based on the power supply information. In process 532, the intermediate accessory 300 completes the initialization of the accessory aperture unit 303. Thereafter, the intermediate accessory 300 requests the interchangeable lens 100 to initialize the aperture unit 114 in process 513, and the interchangeable lens 100 initializes the aperture unit 114 in process 514.

[0076] For example, the accessory microcomputer 301 determines whether the electric power supplied from the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. If the electric power is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the accessory microcomputer 301 drives the accessory aperture unit 303 while the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100 is being driven. On the other hand, if the electric power is less than the predetermined threshold value, the accessory aperture unit 303 is not driven while the aperture unit 114 is being driven.

[0077] Reference now Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , a description will be given of the operations of the moving image shooting mode (in or after the process 601) and the still image shooting mode (in or after the process 621) in a state where the camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100, and the intermediate accessory 300 are combined. Fig. 6A Explains the operation during system startup in motion image shooting mode, Figure 6B Explains the operation when the system starts up in still image shooting mode. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The respective operations shown are mainly executed by commands from the camera microcomputer 205 , the lens microcomputer 111 , or the accessory microcomputer 301 .

[0078] Example of motion picture shooting mode

[0079] In process 601, the camera body 200 notifies the intermediate accessory 300 of setting information related to the aperture drive timing. This embodiment performs two types of notifications as the communication: "lens active" and "camera active". In the "lens active" setting, the aperture unit is driven as soon as the user performs an aperture operation. On the other hand, in the "camera active" setting, when the user performs the aperture setting, the display is switched, but the aperture unit is not driven immediately. For example, in the still image shooting mode, from the viewpoint of AF accuracy, in the live view display state, the aperture diameter is set to be brighter than the predetermined aperture diameter, and in the aperture narrowing (adjustment) control of the aperture diameter set during still image shooting, "camera active" is set. In process 602, the intermediate accessory 300 stores the setting information (lens active mode).

[0080] In process 603, it is detected Figure 4A and Figure 4B The manual aperture ring 411 is shown to have been operated. In the present embodiment, the intermediate accessory 300 includes the manual aperture ring 411 , but the manual ring operation information may be communicated from the camera body 200 or the interchangeable lens 100 .

[0081] In process 604 , the accessory microcomputer 301 drives the accessory aperture unit 303 according to the ring operation amount detected in process 603 .

[0082] Thereafter, in process 605, a request for acquiring aperture diameter information is transmitted from the camera body 200. In this process, the diameter information requested by the camera body 200 includes, for example, "maximum aperture diameter", "minimum aperture diameter", and "manual ring operation aperture diameter". The "maximum aperture diameter" refers to diameter information when the aperture is fully open. The "minimum aperture diameter" refers to diameter information when the aperture is narrowest. The "manual ring operation aperture diameter" refers to diameter information when the manual ring is operated.

[0083] The maximum aperture diameter has different specifications depending on the model of the attached interchangeable lens 100, and in the case of a zoom lens, it also varies depending on the zoom position. Therefore, in process 606, the intermediate accessory 300 requests the interchangeable lens 100 to acquire the maximum aperture diameter information.

[0084] The intermediate accessory 300 (accessory microcomputer 301) acquires the maximum aperture diameter information from the interchangeable lens 100 in process 607, and acquires the current aperture adjustment amount (control amount) of the accessory aperture unit 303 in process 608. Then, the intermediate accessory 300 generates current manual ring operation diameter information in process 609. The minimum aperture diameter information can be calculated from the maximum aperture diameter information and the aperture adjustable amount by which the accessory aperture unit 303 can be mechanically adjusted.

[0085] In process 610, the intermediate accessory 300 responds to the camera body 200 with the diameter information generated in processes 606 to 609. In process 611, the camera body 200 displays the current diameter information on the display unit 206 of the camera body 200.

[0086] Processing 612 to processing 618 show an example of communication processing that is not related to the aperture stop (accessory aperture unit 303). For example, in processing 613, the focus drive request transmitted from the camera body 200 is transmitted as is (forwarded) to the interchangeable lens 100 via the intermediate accessory 300 as in processing 614. In the case where a request to acquire focus position information is made from the camera body 200 in processing 615, the communication request is transmitted as is to the interchangeable lens 100 in processing 616, and response information is also communicated as in processing 617 and processing 618. As described above, whether the intermediate accessory 300 arbitrates the communication order or edits the data, or transmits the data as is, is determined by the accessory microcomputer 301 of the intermediate accessory 300 based on the communication data.

[0087] That is, the accessory microcomputer 301 changes the communication processing method with the interchangeable lens 100 or the camera body 200 according to whether the reception information received via the accessory communication circuit 302 is information related to aperture control. Here, the information related to aperture control is information required to control at least one of the accessory aperture unit 303 and the aperture unit 114.

[0088] For example, the accessory microcomputer 301 determines whether the received information is information related to aperture control. Here, in the case where the received information is not information related to aperture control, the first communication process performed between the intermediate accessory 300 and the camera body 200 and the second communication process performed between the intermediate accessory 300 and the interchangeable lens 100 are performed using the same method. On the other hand, in the case where the received information is information related to aperture control, the accessory microcomputer 301 performs the first communication process and the second communication process using different methods. For example, in the case where the received information received from one of the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 is not information related to aperture control, the accessory microcomputer 301 transmits the received information as it is to the other of the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100. On the other hand, in the case where the received information is information related to aperture control, the received information is edited and responded to. Here, editing includes, for example, performing processing required for controlling the accessory aperture unit 303 on the information (data) related to aperture control and sending the processed data to the camera body 200 or the interchangeable lens 100, but is not limited to this example.

[0089] Example of still image shooting mode

[0090] In process 621, the camera body 200 notifies the intermediate accessory 300 of the "camera active" setting as the diaphragm drive timing setting notification. In process 622, the intermediate accessory 300 stores the setting information (camera active mode).

[0091] In process 623 , similarly to process 603 , the manual ring operation information is detected, but since the “camera active” setting has been stored as described above, the accessory aperture unit 303 is not controlled at this time.

[0092] Processing 624 to processing 630 are similar to processing 605 to processing 611 in the description of the moving image mode, and the intermediate accessory 300 generates various diameter information, responds to the camera body 200, and displays the various diameter information on the display unit 206 as aperture setting values.

[0093] In a case where the operation unit 207 of the camera body 200 accepts a still image shooting operation (release operation) for still image shooting in process 631, an aperture drive command designating aperture diameter information for still image shooting is transmitted from the camera body 200 in process 632. At this time, since the internal state of the lens such as the zoom position may have changed since the intermediate accessory 300 acquired the maximum aperture diameter information from the interchangeable lens 100 in process 625, the current aperture diameter information is acquired again from the interchangeable lens 100 in processes 633 and 634.

[0094] In process 635 , the accessory microcomputer 301 calculates the aperture adjustment amount to be driven based on the maximum aperture diameter acquired in process 633 for the aperture diameter designated by the camera body in process 632 .

[0095] In process 636 , the accessory aperture unit 303 is driven using the aperture adjustment amount calculated in process 635 , and a response is transmitted to the camera body 200 in process 637 to notify the camera body 200 of the completion of the aperture driving for still image shooting.

[0096] Reference now Figure 7 , a description will be given of the behavior of the intermediate accessory 300 according to the present embodiment (particularly, a portion where branch processing occurs) for the moving image shooting mode and the still image shooting mode. Figure 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of the intermediate accessory 300 . Figure 7 The various steps in the process are mainly executed by the accessory microcomputer 301.

[0097] In step S701, the intermediate accessory 300 shifts to repetitive processing. In step S702, the intermediate accessory 300 determines whether there is a change notification of the aperture drive timing setting from the camera body 200. In the case where the change notification has been received from the camera body 200, the flow proceeds to step S703, in which the intermediate accessory 300 stores the lens active mode or the camera active mode.

[0098] In step S704, the intermediate accessory 300 determines whether a manual ring operation has been detected. In the case where a manual ring operation has been detected, the flow proceeds to step S705, where it is determined whether the current aperture drive timing setting notified by the camera body 200 is "lens active". In the case where the setting is "lens active", in step S706, the accessory microcomputer 301 drives and controls the accessory aperture unit 303.

[0099] When the intermediate accessory 300 is requested to obtain diameter information from the camera body 200 in step S707, the intermediate accessory 300 obtains the maximum aperture diameter from the interchangeable lens 100 in step S708. Next, in step S709, the intermediate accessory 300 obtains the aperture adjustment amount of the accessory aperture unit 303 and generates various diameter information.

[0100] In step S710, the intermediate component 300 is based on Figure 5 The camera authentication information acquired from the camera body 200 in the process 508 is used to determine whether the camera body 200 supports the manual aperture function. If it is determined that the manual aperture function is supported, the flow proceeds to step S711. On the other hand, if it is determined that the manual aperture function is not supported, the flow proceeds to step S712.

[0101] In step S711, the intermediate accessory 300 appropriately responds to the diameter information (e.g., “maximum aperture diameter”, “minimum aperture diameter”, and “manual ring operation aperture diameter”) requested by the camera body 200. In step S712, in the case where the camera body 200 requests “maximum aperture diameter”, “minimum aperture diameter”, and “manual ring operation aperture diameter”, the intermediate accessory 300 generally responds with information related to “manual ring operation aperture diameter”. Thus, the intermediate accessory 300 can behave as if the lens has an aperture stop that cannot be controlled by the camera body 200.

[0102] In step S713, the intermediate accessory 300 determines whether an aperture drive request for still image shooting has been transmitted from the camera body 200. In a case where there is a request from the camera body 200 and the aperture drive timing setting notified by the camera body 200 in step S714 is "camera active", in step S715, the intermediate accessory 300 controls the accessory aperture unit 303 to realize the requested diameter.

[0103] Reference Figure 6C , a description will now be given of the timing for deactivating aperture control by the manual ring operation. Figure 6C The timing for deactivating the aperture control operated by the manual ring is described.

[0104] For example, in the case where the state transitions to the power saving mode in which the display unit 206 is turned off, when the state transitioning to the power saving mode is transmitted from the camera body 200 in process 641, the intermediate accessory 300 deactivates the aperture drive by the manual ring operation in process 642. Therefore, even if the manual ring operation is detected in process 643, the accessory microcomputer 301 does not drive the accessory aperture unit 303. Therefore, the notification of the power saving mode from the camera body 200 (power saving request) can be used as a trigger for deactivating the aperture control. Alternatively, in the case where there is no communication from the camera body 200 for a predetermined time (in the case where no communication is performed for a predetermined time), the aperture control may be deactivated. Thereafter, in the case where there is communication from the camera body 200, the aperture control is deactivated. Figure 5 In the case of the handshake communication of the process 502 described in , in the process 644 , the accessory microcomputer 301 activates the driving of the accessory aperture unit 303 by the manual ring operation.

[0105] In this embodiment, the intermediate accessory 300 between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 appropriately controls the communication to realize the aperture drive timing set by the camera body 200 when the user performs the manual ring operation. Thus, the aperture drive can be realized at a desired timing, and by appropriately communicating the aperture diameter information, a camera system having a highly accurate manual aperture function can be provided.

[0106] Second embodiment

[0107] A description will now be given of a second embodiment according to the present disclosure. The configuration of the camera system according to the present embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. In the camera system according to the present embodiment, during manual ring operation, the intermediate accessory 300 always drives the accessory aperture unit 303 regardless of the aperture drive timing setting information notified from the camera body 200.

[0108] Reference Fig. 9 , a description will be given of the operation of the intermediate accessory 300 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 9 The operation in the still image shooting mode in this embodiment has been described. Fig. 9 The processing in which is the corresponding processing in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0109] Fig. 9 The camera body 200 is shown to be in the still image shooting mode after the process 621. In the process 621, the camera body 200 notifies the intermediate accessory 300 of the "camera active" setting as the aperture drive timing setting notification, but the intermediate accessory 300 does not refer to the information.

[0110] Thereafter, in the case where the manual ring operation information is detected in process 623, the first embodiment does not control the driving of the accessory aperture unit 303, but the present embodiment controls the driving of the accessory aperture unit 303 in process 650. On the other hand, in the case where the operation unit 207 of the camera body 200 accepts the still image shooting operation for still image shooting in process 631, in process 632, an aperture driving command designating aperture diameter information for still image shooting is transmitted from the camera body 200. At this time, unlike the first embodiment, the accessory microcomputer 301 does not drive the accessory aperture unit 303.

[0111] In the present embodiment, even in a case where the camera body 200 is in the still image shooting mode, the accessory aperture unit 303 of the intermediate accessory 300 is driven in response to a user operation. Therefore, even in a state where the maximum aperture state is desired as a control of the camera body 200, the intermediate accessory 300 between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 can appropriately control communication. Therefore, the present embodiment can appropriately communicate aperture diameter information and provide the camera system with a more accurate manual aperture function than before.

[0112] Third embodiment

[0113] A description will now be given of a third embodiment according to the present disclosure. In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the camera system according to the present embodiment has a manual aperture function in the interchangeable lens 100. In the camera system according to the present embodiment, in the case where both the interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate accessory 300 have the manual aperture function, the camera system according to the present embodiment automatically executes the manual aperture function of the device operated by the user.

[0114] Reference Fig. 10A , a description will be given of a camera system (imaging system) 10a according to the present embodiment. Fig. 10A1 is a block diagram of a camera system 10a. The camera system 10a is different from the camera system 10 according to the first embodiment in that the camera system 10a has an interchangeable lens 100a instead of the interchangeable lens 100. In addition to the configuration of the interchangeable lens 100, the interchangeable lens 100a also includes a lens-side manual aperture operation ring (electronic ring) 130 that can be rotated by a user, and a ring rotation detector 131. The ring rotation detector 131 includes, for example, a photointerrupter that outputs a two-phase signal according to the rotation of the lens-side manual aperture operation ring 130. The lens microcomputer 111 can detect the rotation amount (including direction) of the lens-side manual aperture operation ring 130 using the two-phase signal.

[0115] Reference now Fig. 10B , Fig. 10C , Fig. 10D and Fig. 10E , a description will be given of the operations of the moving image shooting mode (in and after processing 601) and the still image shooting mode (in and after processing 621) in a state where the camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100a, and the intermediate accessory 300 are combined. Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C Explains the operation in the motion picture shooting mode. Fig. 10D and Fig. 10E Explains operations in still image shooting mode. Fig. 10B , Fig. 10C , Fig. 10D and Fig. 10E The processing in which is the corresponding processing in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0116] Example of motion picture shooting mode

[0117] In process 601, the camera body 200 notifies the intermediate accessory 300 of "lens active" as setting information related to the aperture drive timing. In process 602, the intermediate accessory 300 stores the lens active mode. In process 1001, the intermediate accessory 300 transmits "lens active" to the interchangeable lens 100a as information related to the aperture drive timing for indicating the timing from the camera body 200 (notification in lens active mode). At this time, whether the intermediate accessory 300 performs the above communication depends on the condition that "information related to whether the interchangeable lens 100a has a manual aperture function" included in the lens authentication information acquired from the interchangeable lens 100a at the time of startup has the manual aperture function. Processes 603 to 611 are performed when the user performs a manual ring operation on the intermediate accessory 300, and are similar to the processes of the first embodiment.

[0118] Thereafter, when the interchangeable lens 100a detects the user's lens side manual ring operation in process 1002, the interchangeable lens 100a drives the lens side aperture unit 114 in process 1003 and updates the manual ring operation aperture diameter information managed by the interchangeable lens 100a.

[0119] In process 1004, the intermediate accessory 300 periodically transmits a request for acquiring diameter information to the interchangeable lens 100a, and in process 1005, the interchangeable lens 100a responds to the intermediate accessory 300 with various diameter information including the above-mentioned manual ring operation aperture diameter information.

[0120] The intermediate accessory 300 can recognize that the manual ring operation of the interchangeable lens 100a has been performed based on the diameter information obtained in the process 1005, and drive the accessory aperture unit 303 to the maximum aperture state in the process 1006. The aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100a in the process 1003 and the accessory aperture unit 303 in the process 1006 are driven simultaneously. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this example, and depending on the situation of the power supply from the camera body 200, the aperture unit 114 and the accessory aperture unit 303 may be driven as described in reference to FIG. Figure 8 Thereafter, processing 605, processing 610, and processing 611 are performed, thereby updating the display of the diameter information on the display unit 206 according to the manual aperture operation of the interchangeable lens 100a.

[0121] Then, in the case where the user performs a manual ring operation of the intermediate accessory 300 again in process 1007, the intermediate accessory 300 controls the accessory aperture unit 303 (aperture drive control) in process 1008 according to the amount of the user's ring operation detected in process 1007. In process 1009, the intermediate accessory 300 transmits a maximum aperture drive request to the interchangeable lens 100a. In process 1010, the interchangeable lens 100a drives the aperture unit 114 to the maximum aperture, and the manual ring operation aperture diameter information managed by the interchangeable lens 100a is also updated.

[0122] In process 1011, the intermediate accessory 300 periodically transmits a request for obtaining diameter information to the interchangeable lens 100a, and in process 1012, the interchangeable lens 100a responds to the intermediate accessory 300 with various diameter information including the above-mentioned manual ring operation aperture diameter information. Advantageously, the aperture adjustment control of the intermediate accessory 300 in process 1008 can be performed before the maximum aperture drive of the interchangeable lens 100a in process 1010 to avoid a sudden change in the aperture diameter, but the order of these aperture drives is not limited.

[0123] In processing 1013, operation amount information related to the accessory aperture unit 303 is obtained, and in processing 1014, the current manual ring operation aperture diameter information is generated by combining the operation amount information related to the accessory aperture unit 303 and the maximum aperture diameter information related to the interchangeable lens 100a obtained in processing 1012.

[0124] Process 1015 , process 1016 , and process 1017 are similar to process 605 , process 610 , and process 611 , and diameter information obtained from the manual ring operation of the intermediate accessory is displayed on the display unit 206 and updated.

[0125] Example of still image shooting mode

[0126] In process 621, the camera body 200 notifies the intermediate accessory 300 of "camera active" as setting information related to the aperture drive timing. In process 622, the intermediate accessory 300 stores the camera active mode. In process 1021, the intermediate accessory 300 transmits "camera active" to the interchangeable lens 100a as setting information related to the aperture drive timing from the camera body 200. Processes 623 to 630 are performed in the case where the user performs a manual ring operation of the intermediate accessory 300, and are similar to the processes of the first embodiment.

[0127] Thereafter, in process 1020, even if the interchangeable lens 100a detects the user's lens side manual ring operation, the interchangeable lens 100a has received the "camera active" setting and does not drive the aperture. The manual ring operation aperture diameter information managed by the interchangeable lens 100a is updated as setting value information according to the lens side manual ring operation amount.

[0128] Thereafter, processing 1004, processing 1005, and processing 1006 are similar to the processing denoted by the same reference numerals in the above-mentioned moving image shooting mode, and processing 624, processing 629, and processing 630 are similar to the processing denoted by the same reference numerals in the still image shooting mode in the first embodiment. The display of the diameter information on the display unit 206 is updated according to the manual ring operation of the interchangeable lens 100a, and the user can recognize the aperture value during image capture set by the diameter information displayed on the display unit 206.

[0129] Thereafter, in process 631 to process 637, aperture control for image capture by user operation is similar to the first embodiment. This embodiment implements aperture control during image capture by driving the accessory aperture unit 303, but the aperture unit 114 in the interchangeable lens 100a may be used. Then, in process 1022, the user performs manual aperture operation of the intermediate accessory 300 again.

[0130] In the processes 1023 and 1024, the intermediate accessory 300 periodically acquires diameter information for the interchangeable lens 100a. In the processes 1025 and 1026, the intermediate accessory 300 generates current manual ring operation aperture diameter information by combining the operation amount information about the accessory aperture unit 303 and the maximum aperture diameter information about the interchangeable lens 100a. The processes 1027, 1028, and 1029 are similar to the processes 624, 629, and 630, and the diameter information as a result of the manual ring operation of the intermediate accessory 300 is displayed and updated on the display unit 206.

[0131] In the present embodiment, in the case where the manual ring operation is possible in both the intermediate accessory 300 and the interchangeable lens 100a, both the manual ring operation of the intermediate accessory 300 and the manual diaphragm operation of the interchangeable lens 100a can be performed. Furthermore, regardless of which diaphragm unit is operated, the intermediate accessory 300 appropriately transmits the diameter information about the light beam incident on the camera mount of the camera body 200 to the camera body 200. Therefore, the present embodiment can provide a camera system having a manual diaphragm function with higher precision than before.

[0132] Fourth embodiment

[0133] A description will now be given of a fourth embodiment according to the present disclosure. The configuration of the camera system according to the present embodiment is similar to that of the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, in the case where both the interchangeable lens 100a and the intermediate accessory 300 have a manual aperture function, the manual aperture function of the device operated by the user is automatically executed, and the aperture position of the aperture unit of the device not operated is maintained.

[0134] Reference now Fig.11A and Fig. 11B , a description will be given of the moving image recording mode according to the present embodiment. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B The operation in the moving image recording mode is described. Processes that are corresponding processes in the first embodiment and the third embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0135] Processing 601 to processing 1005 are similar to those of the third embodiment, and after the operation of the accessory aperture unit 303 is performed based on the “lens active” notification from the camera body 200 (processing 604 ), the lens side aperture unit 114 is operated (processing 1003 ).

[0136] In process 1101, the intermediate accessory 300 compares the manual ring operation aperture diameter information acquired from the interchangeable lens 100a in processes 1004 and 1005 with the accessory manual ring operation aperture diameter information. Here, the accessory manual ring aperture diameter information is generated using the current aperture adjustment amount (control amount) of the accessory aperture unit 303 of the intermediate accessory 300 and the maximum aperture diameter information acquired from the interchangeable lens 100a.

[0137] In the case where "lens manual ring operation aperture diameter information" ≥ "accessory manual ring operation aperture diameter information", "lens manual ring operation aperture diameter information" is managed as the current manual ring aperture diameter information. On the other hand, in the case where "lens manual ring operation aperture diameter information" < "accessory manual ring operation aperture diameter information", "accessory manual ring operation aperture diameter information" is managed as the current manual ring aperture diameter information. A larger value means a narrower aperture.

[0138] In the case where a request for acquiring diameter information is transmitted from the camera body 200 in process 1102, a response is made to the current manual ring aperture diameter information managed in process 1101 in process 1103. Then, in process 1104, the current diameter information is displayed on the display unit 206 of the camera body 200 so that narrower diameter information is displayed for the accessory aperture unit 303 in the intermediate accessory 300 and the aperture unit 114 in the interchangeable lens 100a.

[0139] In the present embodiment, in the case where both the intermediate accessory 300 and the interchangeable lens 100a can provide manual ring operation, both the manual ring operation of the intermediate accessory 300 and the manual ring operation of the interchangeable lens 100a can be performed. In the case where either aperture unit is operated, the intermediate accessory 300 appropriately transmits the diameter information incident on the camera mount to the camera body 200. The aperture unit that is not being operated is made to maintain its current position, thereby improving the responsiveness of switching between their aperture operations. Therefore, the present embodiment can provide the camera system with a more accurate manual aperture function than before.

[0140] Fifth embodiment

[0141] A description will now be given of a fifth embodiment according to the present disclosure. The basic configuration of the camera system according to the present embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. On the other hand, the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that, instead of the interchangeable lens 100, the camera system includes an interchangeable lens 100b that does not have a communication terminal for communicating with the camera body 200 or does not have a communication function. In other words, the camera body 200 or the intermediate accessory 300 cannot communicate with the interchangeable lens 100b at all, and therefore cannot obtain information related to the interchangeable lens 100b via communication. Even with such an interchangeable lens 100b, the present embodiment provides a manual aperture function for the intermediate accessory 300.

[0142] Fig. 12A The communication unit of the camera body 200 and the intermediate accessory 300 is described. They are similar to the first embodiment except that the interchangeable lens 100b has no communication terminal. In this configuration, the accessory communication circuit 302 of the intermediate accessory 300 does not detect the attachment of the interchangeable lens 100b by the ATTACH signal 3024. On the other hand, power is supplied from the camera body 200 via the POWER signals 2085 and 3030, and the accessory microcomputer 301 and the accessory aperture unit 303 of the intermediate accessory 300 can be driven.

[0143] Fig. 12B The interior of the mount of the interchangeable lens 100b is shown, and reference numeral 412 denotes Figure 2 3021 to 3025 in correspondence with the lens side communication terminals. Fig. 12C The interior of the mounting member of the camera body 200 is shown, and reference numeral 413 denotes Figure 2 Reference numerals 1201, 1202, and 1203 are provided as members for setting the maximum aperture diameter information by user operation when the maximum aperture diameter information cannot be acquired from the interchangeable lens 100b via communication, but do not necessarily have the same configuration.

[0144] Reference numeral 1201 denotes an operation ring for selecting the maximum aperture diameter in the case where the interchangeable lens 100b without an electronic contact is attached (an input unit capable of inputting diameter information about a light beam entering the camera body 200). Reference numeral 1202 denotes an index for the user to set the maximum aperture diameter of the attached interchangeable lens 100b. Reference numeral 1203 denotes a mark for designating the maximum aperture diameter. The accessory microcomputer 301 can electrically recognize the maximum aperture diameter information about the selected index 1202.

[0145] Reference now Fig.13A, a description will be given of a startup sequence when the power is turned on in a state where the camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100b, and the intermediate accessory 300 are combined. Fig.13A The startup sequence according to the present embodiment is explained. As described above, the interchangeable lens 100b is not capable of communication.

[0146] In process 500, the camera body 200 is Figure 2 The ATTACH signal 2084 in the middle accessory 300 detects that the middle accessory 300 is attached. In the process 501, the power for driving the accessory microcomputer 301 and various actuators of the middle accessory 300 is supplied via Figure 2 The power terminal 2085 in the middle supplies power from the camera body 200 to the intermediate component 300 .

[0147] In process 502, handshake communication data for confirming the establishment of communication is transmitted from the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 100b. The communication data is received by the intermediate accessory 300, but communication with the interchangeable lens 100b is not available. Therefore, in process 1210, dummy lens authentication information including supportability of the manual aperture function is generated, and in process 507, the intermediate accessory 300 responds to the camera body 200 with handshake communication.

[0148] In the case where authentication communication is transmitted from the camera body 200 in process 508, the intermediate accessory 300 responds to the camera body 200 with the lens authentication information generated in process 1210. In the case where an aperture initialization request is transmitted from the camera body 200 in process 510, the intermediate accessory 300 performs initialization processing of the accessory aperture unit 303 in process 511, and responds to the camera body 200 with aperture initialization completion in process 516. The subsequent processing is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0149] Reference now Fig. 13B and Fig. 13C , a description will be given of operations in the moving image shooting mode (in and after processing 601) and the still image shooting mode (in and after processing 621). Fig. 13B The operation in the moving image shooting mode is explained. Fig. 13C Explains the operation in the still image shooting mode.

[0150] Example of motion picture shooting mode

[0151] Processing 601 to processing 605 are similar to those of the first embodiment, and the intermediate accessory 300 stores the “lens active” setting notification from the camera body 200 and drives the accessory aperture unit 303 when a manual ring operation is detected.

[0152] In the case where a request for acquiring aperture diameter information is transmitted from the camera body in process 605, in the present embodiment, in process 1220, the intermediate accessory 300 acquires the setting value of the maximum aperture diameter information by the user operation. More specifically, by operating the operation ring 1201, the setting information set by the user as the maximum aperture diameter of the currently attached interchangeable lens 100b is acquired. In process 609, the intermediate accessory 300 generates the current manual ring operation maximum aperture diameter information using the maximum aperture diameter information set by the user and the current aperture adjustment amount of the accessory aperture unit 303 acquired in process 608. The minimum aperture diameter information can be calculated based on the maximum aperture diameter information and the aperture adjustable amount that the accessory aperture unit 303 can be mechanically adjusted. In process 610, the diameter information generated in process 609 is responded to the camera body 200, and the information is displayed on the display unit 206 in process 611.

[0153] Example of still image shooting mode

[0154] Processing 621 to processing 623 are similar to the processing of the first embodiment, storing the "Camera Active" setting notification from the camera body and detecting the manual ring operation. As described above, the "Camera Active" setting is stored, so the intermediate accessory 300 does not control the accessory aperture unit 303 at this time.

[0155] In the case where a request for acquiring the diameter information about the aperture unit 114 is transmitted from the camera body 200 in process 624, in the present embodiment, the setting value of the maximum aperture diameter information set by the user is acquired in process 1220. This process is similar to the process described in the moving image shooting mode. The intermediate accessory 300 generates the current manual ring operation aperture diameter information in process 609 using the maximum aperture diameter information set by the user and the current aperture adjustment amount of the accessory aperture unit 303 acquired in process 608. In process 629, the intermediate accessory 300 responds to the camera body 200 with the diameter information generated in process 609. In process 630, the camera body 200 displays the information on the display unit 206.

[0156] In the case where the operation unit 207 of the camera body 200 accepts the still image shooting operation for still image shooting in the process 631, the aperture drive command designating the aperture diameter information for still image shooting is transmitted from the camera body 200 in the process 632. At this time, the intermediate accessory 300 determines the aperture adjustment amount based on the difference between the maximum aperture diameter information set by the user and the aperture diameter information for still image shooting. In the process 636, the intermediate accessory 300 controls the accessory aperture unit 303, and responds to the camera body 200 with a completion notification in the process 637.

[0157] In the present embodiment, in the case where the interchangeable lens 100b has no communication terminal, the intermediate accessory 300 can set the maximum aperture diameter information related to the interchangeable lens 100b by user operation. Thus, the intermediate accessory 300 appropriately transmits the diameter information incident on the camera mount during the manual ring operation to the camera body 200, and can provide a camera system having a more accurate manual aperture function than before.

[0158] In various embodiments, an accessory (intermediate accessory) attached between various interchangeable lenses and an imaging device has an aperture function. Therefore, even if the interchangeable lens does not have an aperture function or the performance of the aperture unit of the interchangeable lens is insufficient, a high-function manual aperture function can be provided. In various embodiments, the accessory aperture unit (first aperture unit) can be used without using the aperture unit (second aperture unit) of the interchangeable lens. Therefore, by appropriately communicating with the imaging device or the interchangeable lens, camera control corresponding to the condition of the accessory aperture unit can be achieved. Therefore, various embodiments can provide accessories, accessory control methods, and storage media that can each achieve appropriate aperture control in an accessory having an aperture unit.

[0159] Other embodiments

[0160] 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.

[0161] Although the disclosure describes exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that some embodiments are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0162] This embodiment can provide an accessory having an aperture unit that can achieve appropriate aperture control.

Claims

1. An accessory that can be detachably mounted between an interchangeable lens and a camera device, the accessory comprising: a first aperture unit configured to adjust an amount of light incident from the interchangeable lens; a communication unit configured to communicate with each of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device; as well as A control unit configured to: controlling the first aperture unit, and A communication processing method with the interchangeable lens or the image pickup apparatus is changed depending on whether reception information received via the communication unit is information related to aperture control.

2. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to: determining whether the received information received via the communication unit is information related to the aperture control, in a case where the received information is not information related to the aperture control, performing a first communication process performed between the accessory and the imaging apparatus and a second communication process performed between the accessory and the interchangeable lens using the same method, and When the received information is information related to the aperture control, the first communication process and the second communication process are performed using different methods.

3. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to: in a case where the received information is not information related to the aperture control, transmitting the received information received from one of the image pickup apparatus and the interchangeable lens as it is to the other of the image pickup apparatus and the interchangeable lens, and In a case where the received information is information related to the aperture control, the received information is edited.

4. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to, in a case where the control unit receives an aperture initialization request from the image pickup apparatus via the communication unit, communicate the aperture initialization request to the interchangeable lens and initialize the first aperture unit.

5. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to activate the operation of the first aperture unit after initialization of the second aperture unit of the interchangeable lens is completed.

6. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to activate an operation of the first aperture unit after power supply from the image pickup apparatus to the interchangeable lens starts.

7. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to: determining whether the power supplied from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, When the electric power is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, while the second aperture unit of the interchangeable lens is being driven, driving the first aperture unit, and When the electric power is less than the predetermined threshold value, the first aperture unit is not driven while the second aperture unit is being driven.

8. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to: when the image pickup apparatus communicates a power saving request to the interchangeable lens through the communication unit, or when no communication is performed for a predetermined period of time, the first aperture unit is not driven, and The first aperture unit starts to be driven according to subsequent communication from the image pickup device.

9. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to add information indicating that the interchangeable lens supports a manual aperture function to the authentication information when the control unit obtains authentication information related to the interchangeable lens from the interchangeable lens through the communication unit, and transmit the added information to the camera device.

10. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to: transmitting, to the imaging device, diameter information generated based on at least one of interchangeable lens diameter information acquired from the interchangeable lens via the communication unit and information about an aperture adjustment amount of the first aperture unit, in a case where the imaging device requests diameter information about a light beam incident on a mount portion; and In a case where the image pickup apparatus requests the driving state of the first aperture unit, the driving state is transmitted to the image pickup apparatus.

11. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to: in a case where the image pickup device requests the maximum aperture diameter information, when the second aperture unit is set to the maximum aperture state, acquiring the maximum aperture diameter information from the interchangeable lens and transmitting the maximum aperture diameter information to the image pickup device, in a case where the imaging device requests minimum aperture diameter information for minimizing the aperture, acquiring the minimum aperture diameter information using the maximum aperture diameter information and the aperture adjustment amount of the first aperture unit, and transmitting the minimum aperture diameter information to the imaging device, and When the imaging device requests manual aperture diameter information through a manual ring operation, the manual aperture diameter information is acquired using the maximum aperture diameter information and a current aperture adjustment amount of the first aperture unit and transmitted to the imaging device.

12. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to obtain the manual aperture diameter information using the maximum aperture diameter information obtained from the interchangeable lens via the communication unit and the current aperture adjustment amount of the first aperture unit, and transmit the manual aperture diameter information to the camera device when the camera device requests any one of the maximum aperture diameter information, the minimum aperture diameter information and the manual aperture diameter information.

13. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to switch a response to a request for information related to an aperture diameter requested by the imaging apparatus based on information related to whether the imaging apparatus supports control of the interchangeable lens having a manual aperture function.

14. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to: controlling the first aperture unit based on user operation information for controlling the first aperture unit instead of based on an aperture control request from the image pickup apparatus, and The aperture control request is not transmitted to the interchangeable lens.

15. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to: even if the control unit acquires user operation information for controlling the first aperture unit, the first aperture unit is controlled based on an aperture control request from the image pickup apparatus, and The aperture control request is not transmitted to the interchangeable lens.

16. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to: acquiring setting information for an aperture driving method from the image pickup device via the communication unit, and The aperture driving method is switched based on the setting information.

17. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to transmit information for deactivating a manual iris diameter function to the interchangeable lens if the authentication information about the interchangeable lens includes information indicating that the interchangeable lens supports the manual iris function.

18. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit is configured to: determining whether the authentication information related to the interchangeable lens includes information indicating that the interchangeable lens supports a manual aperture function, controlling the first aperture unit by setting the second aperture unit of the interchangeable lens to a maximum aperture state when the interchangeable lens having the manual aperture function is attached and user operation information for controlling the first aperture unit is acquired, and When the control unit detects via the communication unit that the manual aperture function of the interchangeable lens is executed, the first aperture unit is controlled to a maximum aperture state.

19. An accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that The control unit is configured to switch a response to a request for information about an aperture diameter from the imaging apparatus based on information about whether the imaging apparatus supports control of the interchangeable lens having a manual aperture function.

20. A method for controlling an accessory, wherein the accessory is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens and an image pickup device, the method comprising: a communication step for communicating with each of the interchangeable lens and the camera device via a communication unit; as well as a control step for controlling a first aperture unit configured to adjust a light amount of incident light from the interchangeable lens, The communication step is characterized in that the communication processing method with the interchangeable lens or the imaging device is changed according to whether the reception information received via the communication unit is information related to aperture control.

21. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 20.

22. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 20.

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