Image pickup apparatus and control method thereof, accessory apparatus and control method thereof, storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The invention discloses an image pickup apparatus and a control method thereof, an accessory apparatus and a control method thereof, a storage medium, and a computer program product. The image pickup apparatus is connectable with a first accessory apparatus including a first operation ring having a rotating end. When the first accessory device or a second accessory device connected to the image pickup device together with the first accessory device includes a second operation ring having no rotating end, the controller assigns a function related to control of the first accessory device or the image pickup device to the first operation ring and the second operation ring, and the controller performs control corresponding to operation of the first operation ring and the second operation ring. The controller assigns a first function to the first operation ring, and assigns a second function to the second operation ring or restricts assignment of the first function to the second operation ring if the first function is included in the functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device equipped with accessory devices such as a replaceable lens or an intermediate adapter. Background Art

[0002] In some of the accessory devices as described above, an operation ring is provided as an operation member that can be rotated by a user. Functions such as a manual focusing function, a manual aperture function, and a manual shutter speed function are assigned to the operation ring.

[0003] There are two types of operation rings: an infinitely rotatable (endless) ring without a rotating end (operation end) and a finitely rotatable ring with a rotating end. The rotational position of the finitely rotatable ring is associated with a set value in the function assigned to the finitely rotatable ring. In this case, if the same function is assigned to both the finitely rotatable ring and the endless ring, the operation of the endless ring causes a mismatch between the rotational position of the finitely rotatable ring and the set value.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-222731 discloses an imaging device equipped with an operation member that is not used for aperture adjustment when an operation ring (a finitely rotatable ring) for a manual aperture function is provided on a replaceable lens. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-184008 discloses an optical device that enables re-setting the correspondence between the rotational range of a finitely rotatable ring for a manual focusing function and a set value.

[0005] However, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-222731 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-184008 do not consider the case where each of the finitely rotatable ring and any other operation member such as an endless ring is a general operation member capable of being assigned multiple functions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect among multiple aspects of the present disclosure provides an imaging device capable of appropriately assigning functions to an endless ring and a finitely rotatable ring.

[0007] A camera device according to one aspect of the present disclosure can be connected to a first accessory device including a first operation ring having a rotating end. The camera device includes: a processor configured to, when the first accessory device or a second accessory device connected to the camera device together with the first accessory device includes a second operation ring without a rotating end, assign functions related to the control of the first accessory device or the camera device to the first operation ring and the second operation ring, and configured to perform the control corresponding to the operations of the first operation ring and the second operation ring. The processor assigns a first function to the first operation ring, and when the first function is included in the functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring, assigns a second function different from the first function to the second operation ring or restricts the assignment of the first function to the second operation ring.

[0008] A camera device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a processor configured to assign functions to a first operation ring having a rotating end and a second operation ring without a rotating end, and configured to perform control corresponding to the operations of the first operation ring and the second operation ring among the functions assigned to the first operation ring and the second operation ring. When at least a part of the functions that can be assigned to the first operation ring includes the functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring, the processor assigns a function different from the function assigned to the second operation ring to the first operation ring.

[0009] An accessory device according to still another aspect of the present disclosure can be connected to a camera device. The accessory device includes: a first operation ring having a rotating end; a second operation ring without a rotating end; and a processor configured to send information to the camera device that enables control corresponding to the operations of each of the first operation ring and the second operation ring among the functions assigned to each of the first operation ring and the second operation ring.

[0010] Other features of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the camera system in Example 1.

[0012] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the ring customization process on the camera side in Example 1.

[0013] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the ring customization process on the lens side in Example 1.

[0014] Figure 4 : is a flowchart showing the ring function assignment process on the camera side in Example 1.

[0015] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Functions assignable to the operation rings in Example 1 are shown.

[0016] Figure 6 The combination of the initial functions of the operation rings in Example 1 is shown.

[0017] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B and Figure 7C An example of setting values and their numbers for the manual aperture function, limited rotation ring information, and limited rotation ring position conversion data in Example 1 is shown.

[0018] Figure 8 : is a flowchart showing the limited rotation ring position data generation process on the camera side in Example 1.

[0019] Figure 9A and Figure 9B Function allocation example 1 in example 1 is shown.

[0020] Figure 10A and Figure 10B Example 2 of the function allocation in Example 1 is shown.

[0021] Figure 11A and Figure 11B Example 3 of function allocation in Example 1 is shown.

[0022] Figure 12 The sequence of the ring customization process in Example 1 is shown.

[0023] Figure 13A and Figure 13B Functions assignable to the operation rings in Example 2 are shown.

[0024] Figure 14 The combination of the initial functions of the operation ring in Example 2 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] As used hereinafter, the term "unit" may refer to a software context, a hardware context, or a combination of a software context and a hardware context. In a software context, the term "unit" refers to functionality, an application, a software module, a function, a routine, an instruction set, or a program executable 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 that, when executed by the CPU, cause the CPU to perform operations corresponding to the unit or function. In a hardware context, the term "unit" refers to a hardware element, a circuit, an assembly, a physical structure, a system, a module, or a subsystem. According to a specific embodiment, the term "unit" may include mechanical, optical, or electrical components, or any combination thereof. The term "unit" may include active (e.g., transistor) components or passive (e.g., capacitor) components. The term "unit" may include a semiconductor device having a substrate and other material layers, where the substrate and other material layers have various conductive concentrations. The term "unit" may include a CPU or a programmable processor that can execute a program stored in the memory to perform a specified function. The term "unit" may include logic elements (e.g., AND, OR) implemented by transistor circuits or any other switching circuits. In a combination of a software context and a hardware context, the term "unit" or "circuit" refers to any combination of the software context and the hardware context as described above. In addition, the terms "element", "assembly", "component", or "device" may also refer to a "circuit" that is integrated or not integrated with a packaging material.

[0026] Examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] In Example 1, the following case will be described: An accessory device detachably connected to a imaging device is equipped with an operation ring having a rotating end (a first operation ring; hereinafter referred to as a limited rotation ring) and an operation ring not having a rotating end (a second operation ring as an infinite rotation ring, hereinafter referred to as an endless ring). In this example, mutually different functions are assigned to the limited rotation ring and the endless ring by a ring customization function of the imaging device.

[0029] Configuration of the camera system

[0030] Figure 1 The configuration of a lens interchangeable type camera system including a camera body 200 as the imaging device in Example 1 and a replaceable lens 100 as the accessory device is shown. The replaceable lens 100 is connected (mechanically and electrically) to the camera body 200 through a mount 300 as a connection mechanism.

[0031] An intermediate adapter, as at least one other accessory device (second accessory device), can be connected between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens (first accessory device) 100. In this case, mutually different functions can be assigned to the limited rotation ring and the endless ring provided on the intermediate adapter through the ring customization function.

[0032] In the case where one of the limited rotation ring and the endless ring is provided on the interchangeable lens and the other is provided on the intermediate adapter, mutually different functions can be assigned to the limited rotation ring and the endless ring through the ring customization function. This also applies to the case where the camera body 200 to which the interchangeable lens 100 including one of the limited rotation ring and the endless ring is connected is connected to another accessory device including the other of the limited rotation ring and the endless ring by cable or wirelessly. This also applies in the case where one of the limited rotation ring and the endless ring is provided on the interchangeable lens or the intermediate adapter and the other is provided on the camera body.

[0033] The interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 can communicate through communication terminals (not shown) provided on the mount 300. Power is supplied from the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 100 through power terminals (not shown) provided on the mount 300.

[0034] The interchangeable lens 100 includes an optical unit 103. The optical unit 103 includes an imaging optical system, which includes a field lens 104, a zoom lens 105 for changing magnification, a diaphragm unit 113 for adjusting the amount of light, an image stabilization lens 116 for reducing (correcting) image blur, and a focusing lens 109 for performing focus adjustment, as optical elements arranged in sequence from the subject OBJ side.

[0035] The zoom lens 105 and the focusing lens 109 are respectively held by a lens holder 106 and a lens holder 110. The lens holder 106 and the lens holder 110 are movably guided in the optical axis direction in which the optical axis (shown by a dashed line in the figure) extends by a guide shaft (not shown), and can be driven in the optical axis direction by an actuator (M) 107 and an actuator (M) 111. The diaphragm unit 113 includes aperture blades 113a and 113b with a variable opening diameter, and the aperture blades 113a and 113b can be driven by a diaphragm actuator (ACT) 114. The image stabilization lens 116 can be driven in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction by an image stabilization actuator (ACT) 117.

[0036] The interchangeable lens 100 includes an operation unit 120. The operation unit 120 includes a limited rotation ring 130 and an endless ring 140.

[0037] The limited rotation ring 130 is constituted by a ring member that is provided around the outer cylinder of the interchangeable lens 100 and can be operatively rotated by the user about the optical axis, and the rotation operation of the limited rotation ring 130 is mechanically restricted at the rotation end portions, which are the respective end portions of a predetermined rotation range. The rotation position detection unit 131 detects the rotation position of the limited rotation ring 130 and transmits position information indicating the detected rotation position to the lens microcomputer 101.

[0038] The endless ring 140 is constituted by a ring member that is provided around the outer cylinder of the interchangeable lens 100 and can be operatively rotated by the user about the optical axis, and the endless ring 140 can be rotated operatively infinitely (not restricted by rotation end portions). The rotation position detection unit 141 detects the rotation position of the endless ring 140 and transmits position information indicating the detected rotation position to the lens microcomputer 101.

[0039] The lens microcomputer 101 is constituted by a computer including a CPU and the like, obtains the position information of the limited rotation ring 130 from the rotation position detection unit 131, and obtains operation amount information indicating the operation amount (change amount of the rotation position) of the endless ring 140 based on the position information from the rotation position detection unit 141.

[0040] In the following description, the limited rotation ring and the endless ring are collectively referred to as operation rings. Further, the position information of the limited rotation ring and the operation amount information of the endless ring are collectively referred to as operation information (information corresponding to the operation) of the operation rings.

[0041] In this example, some of the multiple functions (different from each other) can be selectively assigned to the operation rings (130 and 140). The multiple functions include a manual focusing function for moving the focusing lens 109 according to the operation information of the operation rings and a manual aperture function for changing the opening diameter of the aperture diaphragm unit 113 according to the operation information. The functions also include a manual zoom function for moving the zoom lens 105 according to the operation information, a manual ISO function for changing the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor 203 according to the operation information, and a manual white balance (WB) function for changing the white balance according to the operation information. The set values of the respective functions (e.g., the F value (F-number) of the manual aperture function) are held in the camera body 200 or the interchangeable lens 100, and the set values are selected according to the operation information.

[0042] The lens microcomputer 101 can communicate with the camera microcomputer 201 in the camera body 200 via the lens communication unit 102. The lens microcomputer 101 controls the driving of the optical unit 103 and obtains the state of the optical unit 103 through the control circuits 108, 112, 115, and 118 based on the commands and signals received from the camera microcomputer 201.

[0043] The interchangeable lens 100 may include a plurality of finite rotation rings and a plurality of endless rings, and may include a switch capable of switching between enabling and disabling the operation of the finite rotation ring 130.

[0044] One or more setting values, such as a range of F-values that can be set by a manual aperture function and a range of focal lengths that can be set by a manual zoom function, may be printed on the outer periphery of the finite rotation ring 130. In addition, a display unit for displaying the setting value of the function assigned to the finite rotation ring 130 may be provided on the interchangeable lens 100.

[0045] The camera body 200 includes an image sensor 203 such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, an A / D conversion circuit 204, a signal processing circuit 205, a recorder 206, a camera microcomputer 201, a display unit 207, and a camera operation unit 210.

[0046] The image sensor 203 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 100 and outputs an electrical signal (analog signal). The A / D conversion circuit 204 converts the analog signal from the image sensor 203 into a digital signal. The signal processing circuit 205 generates an image signal by performing various types of image processing on the digital signal from the A / D conversion circuit 204. The signal processing circuit 205 also generates focus information indicating the contrast state (focus state of the imaging optical system) of the subject image and luminance information indicating the exposure state of the subject image from the image signal. The signal processing circuit 205 outputs the image signal to the display unit 207, and the display unit 207 displays the image signal as a live view image for confirming composition and focus state, etc.

[0047] The camera microcomputer 201, which is a control component, is a computer including a CPU, etc., and controls the camera body 200 based on inputs from the camera operation unit 210 including a shooting instruction switch and various setting switches, etc. Through the camera communication unit 202, the camera microcomputer 201 sends various types of commands and signals to the interchangeable lens 100 and receives lens data from the interchangeable lens 100. For example, the camera microcomputer 201 sends an aperture control command including an aperture control amount to the interchangeable lens 100 based on an input from the camera operation unit 210, so that the lens microcomputer 101 controls the aperture diaphragm unit 113. The camera microcomputer 201 also sends a control timing signal periodically generated at the signal processing circuit 205 to the interchangeable lens 100.

[0048] Function Assignment to the Operation Ring

[0049] Figure 2This is a flowchart showing the ring customization process executed by the camera microcomputer 201, which serves as the allocation unit, according to a computer program in the ring customization function of the camera body 200. When the interchangeable lens 100 is mounted on the camera body 200 and the camera body 200 is powered on, the camera microcomputer 201 starts this process. The reference sign "S" means "step".

[0050] At S500, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the following process for receiving (acquiring) information related to the operation ring configuration (the presence of a limited rotation ring and a non-endless ring) of the interchangeable lens 100 mounted on the camera body 200 (hereinafter referred to as operation ring configuration information) from the lens microcomputer 101 of the interchangeable lens 100. The camera microcomputer 201 receives the operation ring configuration information from the lens microcomputer 101 by sending a transmission request command for the operation ring configuration information to the lens microcomputer 101. The operation ring configuration information is used in subsequent processes.

[0051] Subsequently, at S501, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether it is necessary to allocate functions to the operation rings indicated by the received operation ring configuration information, and performs the process of S502 when function allocation is required. When initially executing S501 after power-on, the camera microcomputer 201 determines that function allocation is required. The camera microcomputer 201 also determines that function allocation is required when the user selects or changes function allocation through the camera operation unit 210. When it has been determined that function allocation is not required, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the process of S503.

[0052] At S502, the camera microcomputer 201 performs a ring function allocation process for specifying the functions to be allocated to the operation rings. This process will be described in detail later. As described above, in this example, different functions are allocated to the limited rotation ring and the non-endless ring. In this case, the functions can be functions for controlling different control objects in the optical unit 103, or one of the functions can be a function for controlling a control object, and the other function can be an invalid function that does not perform any control of a control object. Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the process of S503.

[0053] At S503, the camera microcomputer 201 performs a process for receiving (acquiring) the operation information of the operation rings. Specifically, the operation information is received from the lens microcomputer 101 by sending a transmission request command for the operation information to the lens microcomputer 101. The operation information of the operation rings to which invalid functions are allocated is not received.

[0054] Subsequently, at S504, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether to set information (hereinafter referred to as function control information) for indicating the set value of the function assigned to the operation ring. The function control information includes information for controlling the camera set value of the camera body 200 and information for controlling the lens set value of the optical unit 103. The function control information may include information for indicating whether to send the lens set value to the lens microcomputer 101 and information for indicating the timing of sending the lens set value to the lens microcomputer 101. When setting the function control information, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the process of S505. Regarding the specification of the function control information, it is possible to specify only the function control information of the function assigned to the limited rotation ring, or it is possible to specify only the function control information of the function assigned to the endless ring. In addition, it is possible to determine in advance whether to set the function control information for each function, or it is possible to determine whether to set the function control information in the process of S502. For example, in the case where an invalid function is assigned to the operation ring, the function control information is not specified. In the case where the function control information is not specified, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the process of S506.

[0055] Subsequently, at S505, based on the operation information of the operation ring obtained at S503, the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information for the function determined to set the function control information at S504. For example, in the case where the manual aperture function is assigned to the operation ring, the target F value is generated as the lens set value. In this example, the function control information is generated based on the operation information of the operation ring by using the ring position to set value conversion table to be described later. Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the process of S506.

[0056] At S506, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether to send a control information sending command including the function control information generated for the function assigned to the operation ring to the lens microcomputer 101, and proceeds to S507 if the command is to be sent, or proceeds to S508 if the command is not to be sent. For example, in the case where the function assigned to the operation ring is a function for controlling the optical unit 103, it is determined to send a control information sending command to the lens microcomputer 101. In the case where the operation information of the operation ring has not changed (the rotation position of the limited rotation ring has not changed or the operation amount of the endless ring is zero), it is determined not to send a control information sending command. In the case where the function assigned to the operation ring is not a function for controlling the optical unit 103, it is also determined not to send a control information sending command. Specifically, in the case where a camera body side function is assigned to the operation ring, or in the case where the function for controlling the optical unit 103 is assigned by the lens microcomputer 101 itself, it is determined not to send a control information sending command.

[0057] The timing and period for sending the control information transmission command can be adjusted based on a control timing signal periodically generated at the signal processing circuit 205, or can be only the timing immediately before the start of still image shooting.

[0058] At S507, the camera microcomputer 201 sends a control information transmission command to the lens microcomputer 101. In the case of allocating a manual aperture function to the operation ring, the function control information included in the control information transmission command includes the target F value as a lens setting value. Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 201 proceeds to the process of S508.

[0059] At S508, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether to continue the process in the stable state of the camera body 200, and in the case of continuing the process, proceeds to the process of S501. When the camera body 200 is powered off, the interchangeable lens 100 is removed from the camera body 200, or the camera body 200 is not operated by the user within a predetermined time and the camera microcomputer 201 transitions to the sleep state, the process in the stable state ends. In this case, at S509, this process ends. In the case of ending this process, the function assigned to the operation ring at S502 can be held in the non-volatile memory installed in the camera body 200.

[0060] Figure 3 It is a flowchart showing the process executed by the lens microcomputer 101 according to a computer program in the ring customization function.

[0061] At S600, the lens microcomputer 101 determines whether a transmission request command for the operation ring configuration information is received from the camera microcomputer 201, and in the case of receiving the command, proceeds to the process of S601, or in the case of not receiving the command, proceeds to the process of S602.

[0062] At S601, the lens microcomputer 101 sends the operation ring configuration information to the camera microcomputer 201. Then, the lens microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of S602.

[0063] At S602, the lens microcomputer 101 determines whether a transmission request command for information related to the limited rotation ring (hereinafter referred to as limited rotation ring information) is received from the camera microcomputer 201, and in the case of receiving the command, proceeds to the process of S603, or in the case of not receiving the command, proceeds to the process of S604.

[0064] Unlike the operation information of the finite rotation ring, the finite rotation ring information is information indicating the specifications of the finite rotation ring. For example, the finite rotation ring information is information indicating the success or failure of the function assignment to the finite rotation ring, or information indicating the range within which the finite rotation ring can operate. The information indicating the operable range of the finite rotation ring can be the information of the minimum and maximum values of the position information of the finite rotation ring, or can be the total number of values of the position information of the finite rotation ring.

[0065] At S603, the lens microcomputer 101 sends the finite rotation ring information to the camera microcomputer 201. Then, the lens microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of S604.

[0066] At S604, the lens microcomputer 101 determines whether a transmission request command for the operation information of the operation ring is received from the camera microcomputer 201, and in the case of receiving the command, proceeds to the process of S605, or in the case of not receiving the command, proceeds to the process of S606.

[0067] At S605, the lens microcomputer 101 sends the operation information to the camera microcomputer 201. Then, the lens microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of S606.

[0068] At S606, the lens microcomputer 101 determines whether a control information transmission command including function control information is received from the camera microcomputer 201, and in the case of receiving the command, proceeds to the process of S607, or in the case of not receiving the command, proceeds to the process of S608.

[0069] At S607, the lens microcomputer 101 controls the optical element as the relevant control object in the optical unit 103 based on the function control information (lens setting value) included in the received control information transmission command. Then, the lens microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of S608.

[0070] At S608, the lens microcomputer 101 determines whether to continue the process in the stable state of the interchangeable lens 100, and in the case of continuing the process, proceeds to the process of S600. In the case of receiving a request command to end the operation from the camera microcomputer 201, or in the case where the interchangeable lens 100 has not been operated by the user within a predetermined time and the lens microcomputer 101 has shifted to the sleep state, the process in the stable state is ended. In this case, at S609, this process ends.

[0071] Figure 4 It shows the Figure 2 flowchart of the process performed by the camera microcomputer 201 at S502 for determining the function to be assigned to the operation ring.

[0072] At S700, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether the interchangeable lens 100 includes a limited rotation ring based on the operation ring configuration information acquired at S500 in Figure 2 . In the case where a limited rotation ring is included, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the process of S703, or in the case where a limited rotation ring is not included, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the process of S701.

[0073] At S701, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether the interchangeable lens 100 includes a non-endless ring based on the operation ring configuration information. In the case where a non-endless ring is included, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the process of S702, or in the case where a non-endless ring is not included, the camera microcomputer 201 ends this process at S709.

[0074] At S702, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns one of the plurality of functions assignable to the non-endless ring to the non-endless ring. This process of function assignment to the non-endless ring is different between the initial setting and the change of the assigned function by a user operation, and each function assignment process will be described later. When the process of S702 has ended, the camera microcomputer 201 ends this process at S709.

[0075] At S703, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether to acquire limited rotation ring information, and in the case where this information is to be acquired, performs the process of S704, or in the case where this information is not acquired, performs the process of S705. It is possible to determine whether to acquire limited rotation ring information only based on the presence of the limited rotation ring, and it is possible to determine that limited rotation ring information is to be acquired in the case where a limited rotation ring is included but the limited rotation ring information has not been acquired. Alternatively, it is possible to receive determination data for determining whether to acquire limited rotation ring information from the interchangeable lens 100, and to determine whether to acquire limited rotation ring information based on this data.

[0076] At S704, the camera microcomputer 201 sends a limited rotation ring information transmission request for acquiring limited rotation ring information to the lens microcomputer 101, and receives the limited rotation ring information transmitted from the lens microcomputer 101. Then, the lens microcomputer 101 performs the process of S705.

[0077] At S705, similarly to S701, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether the interchangeable lens 100 includes a non-endless ring, and in the case where a non-endless ring is included, performs the process of S707, or in the case where a non-endless ring is not included, performs the process of S706.

[0078] At S706, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns one of the multiple functions assignable to the finite rotation ring to the finite rotation ring. Then, the lens microcomputer 101 performs the process of S708.

[0079] At S707, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns one of the multiple functions assignable to the finite rotation ring to the finite rotation ring, and assigns one of the multiple functions assignable to the endless ring to the endless ring. In this case, functions different from each other are assigned to the finite rotation ring and the endless ring. Then, the lens microcomputer 101 performs the process of S708.

[0080] The processes of function assignment to the finite rotation ring at S706 and S707 are different between the initial setting and the change of the assigned function by a user operation, and each process will be described later.

[0081] At S708, the camera microcomputer 201 generates finite rotation ring position conversion data for the function assigned to the finite rotation ring. The finite rotation ring position conversion data is data for generating function control information based on the finite rotation ring information. The finite rotation ring position conversion data is data for converting the position information of the finite rotation ring into a set value of a function (control) (that is, information related to the set value corresponding to the rotation position of the finite rotation ring), and the finite rotation ring position conversion data corresponds to the above-mentioned ring position to set value conversion table. The generation of the finite rotation ring position conversion data will be described later. The data related to the set value corresponding to the rotation position of the finite rotation ring may be data for indicating the set value itself for the rotation position of the finite rotation ring, or may be data that can be converted into a set value.

[0082] Functions assignable to the operation ring

[0083] Figure 5A and Figure 5B show the functions assignable to the operation ring by the ring customization function in this example. Figure 5A shows a first function group, which is a plurality of functions assignable to the finite rotation ring, and Figure 5B shows a second function group, which is a plurality of functions assignable to the endless ring. The first function group and the second function group are held in the camera body 200 as function group data and do not change according to the operation ring configuration of the interchangeable lens 100.

[0084] In Figure 4At S706 and S707 therein, the camera microcomputer 201 selects one function from the first function group based on a change in the operation ring configuration, a change in the image capture mode of the camera body 200, and a change in the function assigned by a user operation to be described later, and assigns the function to the limited rotation ring. The first function group includes the manual aperture function, the manual focus function, the manual zoom function, the manual ISO function, and the invalid function described above.

[0085] The ring function assignment process in the case where the camera microcomputer 201 assigns the manual focus function to the operation ring at S502 therein will be described first. When the user selects the manual focus function on the ring function assignment setting screen displayed on the display unit (function selection unit) 207 of the camera body 200 as described later, the manual focus function is assigned. This is the same for other functions. The manual focus function can be assigned when the user operates a physical switch (not shown) provided on the interchangeable lens 100 for selecting the manual focus function. Information on the physical switch can be included in the limited rotation ring information. Figure 2

[0086] The manual focus function is a function for controlling the drive of the focus lens 109 based on a user operation of the operation ring of the interchangeable lens 100, and the camera microcomputer 201 does not perform automatic focus (AF) control of the focus lens 109. Therefore, the camera microcomputer 201 Figure 2 does not receive the operation information of the operation ring to which the manual focus function is assigned at S503 therein. The camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information including information for indicating the manual focus mode at S505, and sends the function control information to the lens microcomputer 101 at S507. Figure 3 When the lens microcomputer 101 has received the information for indicating the manual focus mode at S606 therein, the lens microcomputer 101 controls the focus lens 109 based on the operation information of the operation ring to which the manual focus function is assigned at S607.

[0087] ​The following describes the ring function assignment process in the case where the camera microcomputer 201 assigns the manual aperture function to the operation ring at S502. The manual aperture function is a function for controlling the driving of the aperture diaphragm unit 113 according to the user operation of the operation ring. In the case where the manual aperture function is assigned to the operation ring, the camera microcomputer 201 receives the operation information of the operation ring to which the manual aperture function is assigned at S503. Then, the camera microcomputer 201 determines the function control information for setting the manual aperture function at S504, and generates a target F value as a lens setting value based on the operation information of the operation ring to which the manual aperture function is assigned at S505. Then, at S506, the camera microcomputer 201 determines that it is immediately before the start of exposure for still image shooting in the still image shooting mode, or at a timing in a predetermined cycle in the moving image shooting mode, and sends the lens setting value to the lens microcomputer 101 at S507. In the case where the target F value to be sent is the same as the previous target F value, it can be determined not to send the lens setting value to the lens microcomputer 101. In the still image shooting mode, from the viewpoint of the autofocus (AF) accuracy, in the state where the live view image is being displayed, the F value can be set to be as bright as possible. Therefore, a different target F value from the target F value generated based on the operation information of the operation ring can be sent to the lens microcomputer 101. In the case where the target F value has been received from the camera microcomputer 201 at S606, the lens microcomputer 101 controls the aperture diaphragm unit 113 based on the received target F value at S607.

[0088] The following describes the ring function assignment process in the case where the camera microcomputer 201 assigns the manual ISO function to the operation ring at S502. The manual ISO function is a function for controlling the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor 203 included in the camera body 200 according to the user operation of the operation ring. In the case where the manual ISO function is assigned to the operation ring, the camera microcomputer 201 receives the operation information of the operation ring to which the manual ISO function is assigned at S503. Then, the camera microcomputer 201 determines the function control information for setting the manual ISO function at S504, and designates an ISO value as a camera setting value at S505. Since the manual ISO function is a function that does not control the optical unit 103 of the interchangeable lens 100, the camera microcomputer 201 does not send the lens setting value to the lens microcomputer 101 at S506.

[0089] The following describes the ring function assignment process when the camera microcomputer 201 assigns an invalid function to the operation ring at S502. When an invalid function is assigned to the operation ring, the camera microcomputer 201 does not receive the operation information of the operation ring at S503, and determines that no function control information is set at S504. Since the invalid function is a function that does not control anything, the camera microcomputer 201 does not send a lens setting value to the lens microcomputer 101 at S506.

[0090] The first function group is not limited to Figure 5A the functions shown, and may also include other functions such as a manual WB function. The camera microcomputer 201 sets the manual aperture function in the first function group as the initial function. However, the initial function can be changed according to the image shooting mode, or can be preset by the user. The initial settings for setting the initial function will be described later.

[0091] At Figure 4 S702 and S707 in, the camera microcomputer 201 selects a function in the second function group according to the change in the operation ring configuration, the change in the image shooting mode of the camera body 200, and the change in the assigned function by user operation to be described later, and assigns this function to the endless ring. The second function group includes the above-mentioned manual aperture function, manual focusing function, manual ISO function, manual WB function, and invalid function. The second function group may include other functions such as a manual shutter speed function.

[0092] The camera microcomputer 201 sets priorities for the multiple functions included in the second function group. At Figure 5B , the larger the numerical value of the priority, the lower the priority level, and the priority level decreases in the order of the manual aperture function, manual focusing function, manual ISO function, manual WB function, and invalid function. However, these priorities are merely exemplary, and other priorities can be set. The camera microcomputer 201 sets the initial setting function based on the priorities.

[0093] Initial settings for assigned functions

[0094] Figure 6 Shows the initial functions assigned to the operation ring in the initial settings for each operation ring configuration. When the interchangeable lens 100 only includes a limited rotation ring, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns the manual aperture function, which is the initial setting function in the first function group, to the limited rotation ring at Figure 4 S706 in.

[0095] When the interchangeable lens 100 only includes an endless ring, the camera microcomputer 201 is at Figure 4At S702 in it, the manual aperture function, which is the function with the highest priority in the second function group, is assigned to the endless ring.

[0096] When the interchangeable lens 100 includes both a limited rotation ring and an endless ring, the camera microcomputer 201 Figure 4 At S707 in it, first, the manual aperture function, which is the initial function in the first function group, is assigned to the limited rotation ring. Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns the manual focus function with the highest priority among those other than the manual aperture function in the second function group to the endless ring.

[0097] A physical switch (function selection unit) (not shown) for selecting a function can be provided on the interchangeable lens 100. In this case, the initial setting functions to be assigned to the limited rotation ring and the endless ring can be set according to the user operation of the physical switch. When the information on the initial setting functions is held in the non-volatile memory, the initial setting functions can be set based on this information.

[0098] Generation of Limited Rotation Ring Position Conversion Data

[0099] The following will refer to Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C and Figure 8 to describe the generation of the limited rotation ring position conversion data (ring position to setting value conversion table).

[0100] Figure 7A Shows the number of setting values of the F value in the limited rotation ring position conversion data in the manual aperture function and its setting value table. In this example, within the operable range of the limited rotation ring obtained from the limited rotation ring information, four (mMax) F values (F4.0, F5.6, F8, and F11) from 0 to 3 can be set.

[0101] Figure 7B Shows the limited rotation ring information that can be obtained from the interchangeable lens 100. The limited rotation ring information indicates the success or failure of the function assignment to the limited rotation ring as described above and the operable range of the limited rotation ring. The operable range of the limited rotation ring in this example consists of 10 levels (nMax) that the position of the limited rotation ring can take.

[0102] Figure 7C Shows the ring position to setting value conversion table in the manual aperture function, and this ring position to setting value conversion table is Figure 8It is generated in the finite rotation ring position conversion data generation process shown. In this table, the F values at 4 levels are associated with the positions of the finite rotation ring at 10 levels from "0" to "9". Specifically, F4.0 is associated with the positions of the finite rotation ring at "0" to "2", F5.6 is associated with the positions at "3" and "4", F8 is associated with the positions at "5" to "7", and F11 is associated with the positions at "8" and "9". From this table, the target F value corresponding to the position of the finite rotation ring is read, and the lens setting value in the manual aperture function is generated.

[0103] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the finite rotation ring position conversion data generation process. First, at S800, the camera microcomputer 201 initializes the counter variables m and n to zero.

[0104] Subsequently, at S801, the camera microcomputer 201 compares n / nMax and (m + 1) / mMax. The value nMax is the operable range (10 levels) of the finite rotation ring included in the finite rotation ring information, and the value mMax is the number of F values (4) that can be set within the operable range of the finite rotation ring. If n / nMax is equal to or greater than (m + 1) / mMax, the process of S802 is performed; otherwise, the process of S803 is performed.

[0105] At S802, the camera microcomputer 201 increments the counter variable m by 1. Then, the lens microcomputer 101 performs the process of S803.

[0106] At S803, the camera microcomputer 201 substitutes the F value specified by the counter variable m in the setting value table including 4 F values into the target F value specified by the counter variable n in the ring position to setting value conversion table.

[0107] Subsequently, at S804, the camera microcomputer 201 increments the counter variable n by 1.

[0108] Subsequently, at S805, the camera microcomputer 201 compares the counter variable n with nMax, and if n is less than nMax, this process continues at S801. The camera microcomputer 201 ends this process if n is equal to or greater than nMax. Thus, the generation of the ring position to setting value conversion table is completed.

[0109] Generated in this way Figure 7C The ring position to setting value conversion table shown can be used to Figure 2 set the target F value as the function control information (lens setting value) based on the position information of the finite rotation ring at S505.

[0110] The calculation method of converting the position of the finite rotation ring to the set value is not limited to the above references Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C and Figure 8 the methods described. For example, as the finite rotation ring information, the camera microcomputer 201 can acquire the F value at the current position (actual position) of the finite rotation ring and the maximum F value and the minimum F value as the maximum set value and the minimum set value that the aperture stop unit 113 can take within the operable range of the finite rotation ring. Then, the F value can be associated with each position of the finite rotation ring according to the relationship between the current F value and the maximum F value and the minimum F value.

[0111] Function Assignment Example 1

[0112] Figure 9A and Figure 9B show examples of the ring function assignment setting screen displayed on the display unit 207. The ring function assignment setting screen displays IRIS (aperture) (manual aperture function), FOCUS (focus) (manual focus function), ZOOM (zoom) (manual zoom function), ISO (manual ISO function), and NULL (invalid) (invalid function) in the first function group that can be assigned to the finite rotation ring. In addition, IRIS, FOCUS, ISO, WB (manual WB function), and NULL in the second function group that can be assigned to the endless ring are displayed. When the user performs an operation to select the functions to be assigned to the finite rotation ring and the endless ring while viewing the ring function assignment setting screen including the invalid function for the ring, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns functions to the finite rotation ring and the endless ring.

[0113] Figure 9A and Figure 9B show examples of automatically assigning functions other than the functions assigned to the finite rotation ring to the endless ring when the functions assigned to the finite rotation ring are changed. Specifically, Figure 9A shows a state where IRIS is assigned to the finite rotation ring and FOCUS is assigned to the endless ring (displayed in gray). The black solid line frame is a selection box that is moved by the user operation, and the selection box in the figure is located on FOCUS that can be assigned to the finite rotation ring.

[0114] Figure 9BShows the state after the user selects FOCUS as the function to be assigned to the limited rotation ring (in other words, changes IRIS to FOCUS). When FOCUS is selected for the limited rotation ring, IRIS, which has the highest priority among the second function group assignable to the endless ring except FOCUS, is automatically assigned. In this case, the target F value can be set to the F value corresponding to the settings and state of the camera body 200, or the F value set by the previous operation of the endless ring can be maintained and set as the target F value. Alternatively, the F value, which is a preset initial value, can be set as the target F value.

[0115] When the function of IRIS is switched from the function of the endless ring to the function of the limited rotation ring, the target F value as the lens setting value is changed to the target F value corresponding to the position information of the limited rotation ring. For example, when the target F value is set to F8.0 by the endless ring and the ring position of the limited rotation ring is "1", and IRIS is switched to the function of the limited rotation ring, the target F value is changed to F4.0 corresponding to the ring position "1" of the limited rotation ring.

[0116] Function assignment example 2

[0117] Figure 10A and Figure 10B Shows an example of the ring function assignment setting screen displayed on the display unit 207, which is different from the ring function assignment setting screens in Figure 9A and Figure 9B As in Figure 9A and 9B the ring function assignment setting screen displays IRIS, FOCUS, ZOOM, ISO, and NULL in the first function group assignable to the limited rotation ring. In addition, IRIS, FOCUS, ISO, WB, and NULL in the second function group assignable to the endless ring are displayed.

[0118] Figure 10A and Figure 10B Show an example of restricting the function assignable to the endless ring to other functions except the function assigned to the limited rotation ring when selecting the function to be assigned to the limited rotation ring. Specifically, Figure 10A shows the state where FOCUS is assigned to the limited rotation ring and IRIS is assigned to the endless ring. In this state, FOCUS assigned to the limited rotation ring cannot be selected for the endless ring (hatched). The selection box shown by the solid black frame is located on WB assignable to the endless ring.

[0119] Figure 10BShows the state where the user moves the selection box for the endless ring to FOCUS. In this case, the selection box changes from a solid black box to a dashed black box to indicate that FOCUS cannot be assigned to the endless ring. In other words, the functions assignable to the endless ring are limited to functions other than the FOCUS assigned to the finite rotation ring. Instead of changing the selection box, the user can be prevented from moving the selection box for the endless ring to the functions assigned to the finite rotation ring.

[0120] Function Assignment Example 3

[0121] Figure 11A and Figure 11B Shows an example of a ring function assignment setting screen displayed on the display unit 207, which is different from Figure 9A and Figure 9B and also Figure 10A and Figure 10B The ring function assignment setting screen displays FOCUS, IRIS, ISO, WB, and NULL in the second function group assignable to the endless ring. In this example, IRIS has been assigned to the finite rotation ring by the user operation of the above physical switch, and the first function group for the finite rotation ring is not displayed on the ring function assignment setting screen.

[0122] Figure 11A and Figure 11B Shows an example where an invalid function is automatically set for the endless ring when IRIS (IRIS is the same function as the function assigned to the finite rotation ring) is selected for the endless ring. Specifically, when the user selects IRIS as the function to be assigned to the endless ring as shown in Figure 11A as shown in Figure 11B an invalid function is automatically assigned to the endless ring instead of IRIS. In this case, “(NULL)” is displayed in the box for IRIS on the ring function assignment setting screen.

[0123] The above function assignment examples 1 to 3 are merely exemplary, and any other function assignment can be made. For example, an operation unit capable of jointly assigning the functions of the finite rotation ring and the endless ring according to user operations can be provided on the camera body 200.

[0124] The above description has presented the case where the same functions for controlling the same controlled object are not allocated to the finite rotation ring and the endless ring. However, functions for controlling the same controlled object can be allocated to the finite rotation ring and the endless ring, and the set values (or the ranges of set values) that can be set by one ring and those that can be set by the other ring can be different from each other. In this case, the functions for controlling the same controlled object are different functions from each other because the set values that can be set using these functions are different from each other. For example, in the case where the manual aperture function is allocated to the finite rotation ring and the endless ring, the target F value that can be set by the finite rotation ring can be offset relative to the target F value that can be set by the endless ring. In this case, the coarse adjustment function and the fine adjustment function in the manual aperture function are allocated to the endless ring and the finite rotation ring respectively as separate functions. However, the coarse adjustment function and the fine adjustment function in the manual aperture function can be allocated to the finite rotation ring and the endless ring respectively as separate functions.

[0125] Sequence of ring customization processing

[0126] Figure 12 Shows the processing flow in the camera body 200 (camera microcomputer 201) and the interchangeable lens 100 (lens microcomputer 101) during the ring customization processing. Hereinafter, the detailed description of the processing that has been referred to Figures 2 to 4 will be omitted.

[0127] In process 3000, the camera microcomputer 201 performs an accessory determination process for determining the type of accessory device mounted on the camera body 200 and the operation ring configuration of the accessory device.

[0128] In process 3001, the camera microcomputer 201 performs a reference Figure 2 to the processing described in S502 in Figure 4 as the initial setting of the initial function of the operation ring.

[0129] In process 3002, as described above at Figure 4 S704, the camera microcomputer 201 sends a transmission request command for the finite rotation ring information to the lens microcomputer 101. In the case where the transmission request command for the finite rotation ring information has been received at Figure 3 S602, the lens microcomputer 101 sends the finite rotation ring information to the camera microcomputer 201 in process 3003 (S603).

[0130] In process 3004, as described above at S503, the camera microcomputer 201 sends a transmission request command for operation information (current position information) of the finite rotation ring to the lens microcomputer 101. In the case where the transmission request command for the operation information has been received at S604, the lens microcomputer 101 sends the current position information of the finite rotation ring to the camera microcomputer 201 in process 3005 (S605).

[0131] In process 3006, as described above at S505 to S507, the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information based on the position information of the finite rotation ring, and assigns a function for controlling an optical member corresponding to the function control information to the finite rotation ring.

[0132] In process 3007, as described above at S507, the camera microcomputer 201 sends a control information transmission command (function control information) to the lens microcomputer 101. In the case where the function control information has been received, the lens microcomputer 101 controls an optical element corresponding to the relevant function in process 3008 (S606) based on the lens setting value included in the received function control information.

[0133] In process 3009, as described above at S503, the camera microcomputer 201 sends a transmission request command for operation information (operation amount information) of the endless ring to the lens microcomputer 101. In the case where the transmission request command for the operation information of the endless ring has been received at S604, the lens microcomputer 101 sends the operation amount information of the endless ring to the camera microcomputer 201 in process 3010 (S605).

[0134] In process 3011, as described above at S505 to S507, the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information based on the operation amount information of the endless ring, and assigns a function for controlling an optical member corresponding to the function control information to the endless ring.

[0135] In process 3012, in the case of changing the function assigned to the operation ring, the camera microcomputer 201 determines at S501 that a function assignment to the operation ring is required, and performs a ring function assignment process for determining the function to be assigned to the operation ring as described above with reference to S502 and Figure 4 as described.

[0136] In process 3013, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the same process as process 3004. In process 3014, the lens microcomputer 101 performs the same process as process 3005.

[0137] In process 3015, as in process 3006, the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information based on the position information of the finite rotation ring and assigns to the finite rotation ring the function of controlling the optical member corresponding to the function control information.

[0138] In process 3016, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the same process as process 3009. In process 3017, the lens microcomputer 101 performs the same process as process 3010.

[0139] In process 3018, the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information for the endless ring with a function different from the function assigned in process 3011 and assigns to the endless ring the function of controlling the optical member corresponding to the function control information.

[0140] In the above Example 1, in the case where the interchangeable lens includes a finite rotation ring to which multiple functions can be selectively assigned, a function different from the function assigned to the finite rotation ring is assigned to the endless ring provided on the interchangeable lens or other accessory device. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a mismatch between the rotational position of the finite rotation ring and the set value due to the assignment of the same function to the finite rotation ring and the endless ring, thereby achieving excellent operability of the interchangeable lens.

[0141] In Example 1 above, a function assignment example has been described in which the assignment to the finite rotation ring is specified to have a higher priority than the assignment to the endless ring, but the assignment to the endless ring can be specified to have a higher priority than the assignment to the finite rotation ring. In this case, it is sufficient to exchange the objects of the respective processes related to the function assignment described in Example 1 above between the finite rotation ring and the endless ring.

[0142] Example 2

[0143] Example 2 will be described below. Similarly in Example 2, in the case where the interchangeable lens includes a finite rotation ring and an endless ring, functions for controlling the same control object are not assigned to the finite rotation ring and the endless ring, and a function different from the function assigned to the finite rotation ring is assigned to the endless ring. The configuration of the camera system in this example is the same as the configuration in Example 1, but the first function group assignable to the finite rotation ring and the second function group assignable to the endless ring in this example are different from those in Example 1.

[0144] Functions assignable to the operation ring

[0145] Figure 13A and Figure 13B shows the functions assignable to the operation ring by the ring customization function in this example. Figure 13Ashows a first functional group of a plurality of functions assignable to a finite rotation ring, and Figure 13B shows a second functional group of a plurality of functions assignable to an endless ring.

[0146] The first functional group includes a manual aperture (accessory-dominant) function as an accessory-dominant control function (the dominant control function is the second control function), a manual aperture (camera-dominant) function as a camera-dominant control function (the camera-dominant control function is the first control function), a manual focus function, and a null function. In this example, the manual aperture (accessory-dominant) function is set as the initial function of the finite rotation ring.

[0147] The manual aperture (accessory-dominant) function is a function in which, using this function, the lens microcomputer 101 controls the aperture diaphragm unit 113 as the first control object without passing through the camera microcomputer 201 based on the operation information of the operation ring. When the manual aperture (accessory-dominant) function is assigned to the operation ring, the camera microcomputer 201 Figure 2 does not receive the operation information of the operation ring to which the manual aperture (accessory-dominant) function is assigned at S503 in. Then, the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information for indicating that the manual aperture (accessory-dominant) function is assigned to the finite rotation ring at S505, and at S507, sends this function control information to the lens microcomputer 101.

[0148] In Figure 3 when the function control information for indicating that the manual aperture (accessory-dominant) function is assigned to the finite rotation ring has been received at S606 in, the lens microcomputer 101 directly (without passing through the camera microcomputer 201) controls the aperture diaphragm unit 113 based on the operation information of the finite rotation ring. The manual aperture (accessory-dominant) function, which is a function of controlling the aperture diaphragm unit 113 without passing through the camera microcomputer 201, has better responsiveness than the manual aperture (camera-dominant) function to be described next.

[0149] The manual aperture (camera - dominant) function is a function by which the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information for the aperture diaphragm unit 113 at S505 based on the operation information of the operation ring obtained at S503, and sends this function control information to the lens microcomputer 101 at S507. The manual aperture (camera - dominant) function is a function by which the camera microcomputer can control the aperture diaphragm unit 113 at an optional timing at S506. For example, in the case of setting a bright F - value in the state of displaying a live - view image from the viewpoint of AF accuracy in the still - image shooting mode and performing control for reducing the aperture to the set F - value during still - image shooting, the manual aperture (camera - dominant) function is allocated.

[0150] The manual aperture (accessory - dominant) function and the manual aperture (camera - dominant) function have the same control target (the aperture diaphragm unit 113), but these two functions are different functions.

[0151] The second function group includes the manual aperture (camera - dominant) function, the manual focusing function, the manual ISO function, and the invalid function. As Figure 13B shown, priorities are set for the multiple functions included in the second function group.

[0152] Based on the operation state of a physical switch capable of switching the validity of the operation of the operation ring, the invalid function for disconnecting the operation ring from the control of any control target can be allocated to the operation ring.

[0153] Initial setting of allocated functions

[0154] Figure 14 Shows the initial functions allocated to the operation rings in the initial setting for each operation ring configuration. In the case where the interchangeable lens 100 includes only a limited - rotation ring, the camera microcomputer 201 allocates the manual aperture (accessory - dominant) function, which is the initial function in the first function group, to the limited - rotation ring at S706 in Figure 4 In the case where the interchangeable lens 100 includes only an endless ring, the camera microcomputer 201 allocates the manual aperture (camera - dominant) function, which is the function with the highest priority in the second function group, to the endless ring at S702 in

[0155] In the case where the interchangeable lens 100 includes both a limited - rotation ring and an endless ring, the camera microcomputer 201 in Figure 4 allocates the manual aperture (camera - dominant) function, which is the function with the highest priority in the second function group, to the endless ring at S702 in

[0156] In the case where the interchangeable lens 100 includes both a limited - rotation ring and an endless ring, the camera microcomputer 201 in Figure 4At S707 therein, a manual aperture (accessory-dominated) function, which is the initial function in the first function group, is first allocated to the finite rotation ring. Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 201 allocates the highest-priority invalid function in the second function group, except for the following manual aperture (camera-dominated) function, to the endless ring, where the manual aperture (camera-dominated) function is related to the control of the aperture stop unit 113 of the first control object (optical element) that is the same control object as that of the manual aperture (accessory-dominated) function. In this case, other functions (e.g., manual focusing function) can be allocated to the endless ring, except for the manual aperture (camera-dominated) function, the manual aperture (accessory-dominated) function, and the invalid function.

[0157] In the above Example 2, similarly, in the case where the interchangeable lens includes a finite rotation ring to which multiple functions can be selectively allocated, functions different from those allocated to the finite rotation ring are allocated to the endless ring provided on the interchangeable lens or other accessory devices. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a mismatch between the rotation position of the finite rotation ring and the set value caused by allocating the same function to the finite rotation ring and the endless ring, thereby achieving excellent operability of the interchangeable lens.

[0158] Other embodiments

[0159] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method, that is, a software (computer program product including computer programs / instructions) that executes the functions of the above embodiments is provided to a system or device through a network or various storage media, and a computer (central processing unit (CPU), microprocessing unit (MPU)) of the system or device reads and executes the computer programs / instructions.

[0160] Although the present disclosure has described example embodiments, it should be understood that some embodiments are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be construed in the broadest manner so as to cover all such modifications as well as equivalent structures and functions.

[0161] According to the present disclosure, in the case where multiple functions can be respectively allocated to the first operation ring and the second operation ring, these functions can be appropriately allocated to the first operation ring and the second operation ring.

Claims

1. An imaging device capable of being connected to a first accessory device including a first operation ring having a rotating end, the imaging device comprising: a controller configured to (a) allocate functions related to the control of the first accessory device or the imaging device to the first operation ring and a second operation ring when the first accessory device or a second accessory device connected to the imaging device together with the first accessory device includes a second operation ring without a rotating end, and configured to (b) perform the control corresponding to the operations of the first operation ring and the second operation ring, wherein the controller (a) allocates a first function to the first operation ring, and (b) when the first function is included in the functions that can be allocated to the second operation ring, allocates a second function different from the first function to the second operation ring or restricts the allocation of the first function to the second operation ring.

2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The first function and the second function are functions for controlling mutually different control objects in the first accessory device or the imaging device.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The first function and the second function are functions for providing mutually different setting values in the control of the same control object in the first accessory device or the imaging device.

4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller generates information related to a setting value based on information related to the first operation ring obtained from the first accessory device, where the setting value is a setting value for the control corresponding to the rotation position of the first operation ring in the first function.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein, The information related to the first operation ring includes (a) a setting value corresponding to the actual position of the first operation ring and (b) the maximum and minimum values of the setting values within the range in which the first operation ring can operate.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller allocates the first function and the second function to the first operation ring and the second operation ring based on information related to the configuration of at least one of the first operation ring and the second operation ring obtained from the first accessory device or the second accessory device.

7. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein When allocating the second function to the second operation ring, the controller allocates an invalid function as the second function to the second operation ring, and through the invalid function, the control corresponding to the operation of the second operation ring is not performed.

8. The imaging device according to claim 1, Among them, wherein the controller is capable of allocating a first control function to each of the first operation ring and the second operation ring, the first control function being used to cause the imaging device to control a first control object according to the operations of each of the first operation ring and the second operation ring, wherein the controller is capable of allocating a second control function to the first operation ring, the second control function being used to cause the first accessory device to control the first control object without passing through the imaging device according to the operation of the first operation ring, and Among them, when the first function, which is the first control function or the second control function, is assigned to the first operation ring, the controller assigns the second function, which is different from the first control function and the second control function, to the second operation ring.

9. The imaging device according to claim 8, Among them, The functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring include an invalid function, wherein through the invalid function, the control corresponding to the operation of the second operation ring is not performed, and wherein the invalid function is the second function that is different from the first control function and the second control function.

10. The imaging device according to claim 1, Among them, The controller can assign a second control function to at least one of the first operation ring and the second operation ring, and the second control function is used to enable the first accessory device to control a first control object without passing through the imaging device according to the operation of the at least one operation ring, and wherein, when the second control function is assigned to the at least one operation ring, the controller performs communication for enabling the first accessory device to control the first control object in the second control function.

11. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller assigns the second function, which is different from the first function and is selected by the user, to the second operation ring.

12. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein, When restricting the assignment of the first function to the second operation ring, the controller restricts the user from selecting the first function as the function to be assigned to the second operation ring.

13. An imaging device, which includes a controller configured to: Assign functions to a first operation ring having a rotating end and a second operation ring not having a rotating end, and Among the functions assigned to the first operation ring and the second operation ring, perform control corresponding to the operations of the first operation ring and the second operation ring, Characterized in that, When at least a part of the functions that can be assigned to the first operation ring includes the functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring, the controller assigns a function different from the function assigned to the second operation ring to the first operation ring.

14. An accessory device that can be connected to an imaging device, the accessory device is characterized by including: A first operation ring having a rotating end; A second operation ring not having a rotating end; And A controller configured to send information to the imaging device so that control corresponding to the operations of the first operation ring and the second operation ring can be performed among the functions assigned to each of the first operation ring and the second operation ring.

15. The accessory device according to claim 14, wherein, The controller sends information related to the first operation ring to the imaging device, wherein the information related to the first operation ring is used to generate information related to the following setting value, and the setting value is the setting value for the control corresponding to the rotating position of the first operation ring in the first function of the imaging device.

16. The accessory device according to claim 14, Among them, When a first control function for causing the imaging device to control a first control object according to an operation of the first operation ring is assigned to the first operation ring, the controller transmits information corresponding to the operation of the first operation ring to the imaging device, and wherein, when a second control function for causing the accessory device to control the first control object without going through the imaging device according to the operation of the first operation ring is assigned to the first operation ring, the controller controls the first control object according to the operation of the first operation ring.

17. A control method for an imaging device, the imaging device being capable of being connected to a first accessory device including a first operation ring having a rotating end, the control method comprising the following steps: When the first accessory device or a second accessory device connected to the imaging device together with the first accessory device includes a second operation ring without a rotating end, assign functions related to the control of the first accessory device or the imaging device to the first operation ring and the second operation ring; And Perform the control corresponding to the operations of the first operation ring and the second operation ring, wherein the control method (a) assigns a first function to the first operation ring, and (b) when the first function is included among the functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring, assigns a second function different from the first function to the second operation ring or restricts the assignment of the first function to the second operation ring.

18. A control method for an imaging device, the control method comprising the following steps: Assign functions to a first operation ring having a rotating end and a second operation ring without a rotating end; And Among the functions assigned to the first operation ring and the second operation ring, perform control corresponding to the operations of the first operation ring and the second operation ring, wherein, when the functions that can be assigned to the first operation ring include at least a part of the functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring, the control method assigns a function different from the function assigned to the second operation ring to the first operation ring.

19. A control method for an accessory device, the accessory device being capable of being connected to an imaging device, the accessory device including a first operation ring having a rotating end and a second operation ring without a rotating end, the control method comprising the following steps: Transmit information to the imaging device that enables control corresponding to the operations of each of the first operation ring and the second operation ring among the functions assigned to each of the first operation ring and the second operation ring.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

21. A computer program product including a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

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