Image pickup apparatus, system, adapter, control method, storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

An imaging apparatus, a system, an adapter, a control method, a storage medium, and a computer program product are provided. The image pickup apparatus has a first contact unit and a second contact unit. The first communication unit performs a first communication via the first contact unit. The second communication unit performs second communication via the first contact unit. The detection unit detects a voltage of the second contact unit after a corresponding accessory of the plurality of accessories has been connected. When the detected voltage of the second contact unit satisfies the first condition, control is performed to start the second communication. The predetermined adapter is configured to supply a voltage satisfying a first condition to the second contact unit in a case where the predetermined adapter is connected to the image pickup apparatus.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image pickup apparatus, a system, an adapter, a control method, a storage medium, and a computer program product. BACKGROUND

[0002] A lens-attachable / removable and interchangeable lens type camera system has become widespread. In such a system, the camera obtains lens information by communicating with a lens mounted thereon; as a result, appropriate control can be performed for the interchangeable lens, and as a result of displaying the lens information on a monitor of the camera, the user can be informed of the lens information.

[0003] Further, there are cases where an adapter is installed between the camera and the interchangeable lens. For example, there are adapters that convert the mount so that a lens having a different mount shape and that cannot be directly mounted on the camera can be mounted (a mount conversion adapter), and the like. In this case, the command transmission from the camera to the interchangeable lens and the data transmission from the interchangeable lens to the camera are performed via the adapter.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-3208 discloses a system that includes a channel for camera-lens communication and a channel for camera-adapter communication in a case where an intermediate accessory like an adapter is installed between the camera and the interchangeable lens.

[0005] Further, Japanese Patent No. 6360261 discloses a lens system technology that switches between camera-interchangeable lens data communication and interchangeable lens-intermediate accessory data communication according to the polarity of a specific terminal after the intermediate accessory has been identified based on the polarity of the specific terminal.

[0006] In a case where an adapter is installed between the camera (image pickup apparatus) and the interchangeable lens, there is a possibility that the interchangeable lens installed on the camera via the adapter does not support a communication standard between the camera and the interchangeable lens for the interchangeable lens that can be directly mounted on the camera, and supports a different communication standard. SUMMARY

[0007] At least part of aspects of the present disclosure provides a technology that enables an image pickup apparatus to communicate with an interchangeable lens that does not support a communication standard between the image pickup apparatus and the interchangeable lens for the interchangeable lens that can be directly mounted on the image pickup apparatus, and supports a different communication standard, in a case where the interchangeable lens is mounted on the image pickup apparatus via an adapter.

[0008] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a camera device is provided, comprising: a first contact unit and a second contact unit for connecting each of a plurality of accessories including a predetermined adapter to the camera device; a first communication unit configured to perform first communication via the first contact unit; a second communication unit configured to perform second communication via the first contact unit; a detection unit configured to detect a voltage of the second contact unit after a corresponding accessory of the plurality of accessories has been connected; and a control unit configured to control the initiation of the second communication if the detected voltage of the second contact unit satisfies the first condition, wherein the predetermined adapter is configured to provide a voltage satisfying the first condition to the second contact unit when connected to the camera device, the predetermined adapter including a third contact unit for connecting a predetermined interchangeable lens supporting the second communication to the predetermined adapter, and the predetermined adapter including a communication path that allows the second communication from the camera device to reach the third contact unit.

[0009] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a system is provided that includes a camera device according to the first aspect and a predetermined adapter.

[0010] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, an adapter is provided that can be connected to a camera device, wherein the camera device includes: a first contact unit; a second contact unit; a first communication unit configured to perform first communication via the first contact unit; and a second communication unit configured to perform second communication via the first contact unit, the adapter including: a third contact unit configured to connect to the first contact unit of the camera device when the adapter is connected to the camera device; a fourth contact unit configured to connect to the second contact unit of the camera device when the adapter is connected to the camera device; a fifth contact unit for connecting a predetermined replaceable lens supporting the second communication to the adapter; and a communication path configured to allow the second communication from the camera device to reach the fifth contact unit, wherein the adapter is configured to provide a voltage satisfying a first condition to the second contact unit of the camera device via the fourth contact unit of the adapter when connected to the camera device.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a control method is provided, executed by a camera device, wherein the camera device includes: a first contact unit and a second contact unit for connecting each of a plurality of accessories including a predetermined adapter to the camera device; a first communication unit configured to perform a first communication via the first contact unit; and a second communication unit configured to perform a second communication via the first contact unit, the control method comprising: detecting a voltage of the second contact unit after a corresponding accessory of the plurality of accessories has been connected; and controlling to initiate the second communication if the detected voltage of the second contact unit satisfies the first condition, wherein the predetermined adapter is configured to provide a voltage satisfying the first condition to the second contact unit when connected to the camera device, the predetermined adapter including a third contact unit for connecting a predetermined interchangeable lens supporting the second communication to the predetermined adapter, and the predetermined adapter including a communication path that allows the second communication from the camera device to reach the third contact unit.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program is provided, wherein, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the control method according to the fourth aspect is performed.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program, wherein, when the computer program is executed by a processor, a control method according to a fourth aspect is performed.

[0014] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiments is given by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a camera system according to a first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the startup process of the camera 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a camera system according to a second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the startup process of the camera 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a camera system according to a third embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the startup process of the camera 100 according to the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In the following, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Several features are described in the embodiments, but not all such features are required, and several such features can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are given the same or similar configuration, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0022] [First Embodiment]

[0023] <Structure of a Camera System>

[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a camera system according to a first embodiment. The camera system includes a camera 100 (video recording device), an interchangeable lens 150 (interchangeable lens device), and an adapter 160 (adapter device) disposed between the camera 100 and the interchangeable lens 150.

[0025] Camera 100 includes a camera mount A. Adapter 160 includes a lens mount B that can be connected to camera mount A. Therefore, adapter 160 can be directly mounted on camera 100 (directly connected to camera 100).

[0026] Furthermore, adapter 160 includes a camera mount C, which is different from camera mount A, on the opposite side of lens mount B. Interchangeable lens 150 includes a lens mount D that can be connected to camera mount C. Therefore, interchangeable lens 150 can be directly mounted on adapter 160 (directly connected to adapter 160).

[0027] Unlike lens mount B, the shape of lens mount D of interchangeable lens 150 prevents it from being connected to camera mount A of camera 100. Therefore, interchangeable lens 150 cannot be directly mounted on camera 100, but can be mounted on camera 100 via adapter 160. Note that interchangeable lenses including lens mount B (not shown) can be directly mounted on camera 100.

[0028] <Functions of the terminals on camera mount A and lens mount B>

[0029] Next, the functions of the terminals common to both camera mount A and lens mount B will be described.

[0030] The VDD terminal is used to supply power from the camera 100 to camera accessories mounted on the camera 100, primarily for communication power used in communication control. Camera accessories (hereinafter referred to simply as "accessories") are a general term for devices (such as adapters and interchangeable lenses) that can be connected to a camera mount (such as camera mount A or camera mount C). For example, an adapter 160 including a lens mount B, an interchangeable lens (not shown) including a lens mount B, and an interchangeable lens 150 including a lens mount D are equivalent to camera accessories.

[0031] Note that in the following text, by omitting the term "terminal," "VDD terminal" may be simply referred to as "VDD." This also applies to terminals other than VDD terminals; for example, "GND terminal," described later, may be simply referred to as "GND."

[0032] The GND terminal is a grounding terminal used to indicate a ground level (which is a reference voltage level corresponding to various types of terminals, including the VDD terminal). Although the GND terminal is referred to as a grounding terminal, it can be any terminal that indicates a reference voltage level, and the indicated voltage level can be any level other than a ground level.

[0033] The MIF terminal is used to detect the installation of camera accessories (e.g., adapter 160 or interchangeable lenses including lens mount B (not shown)) on camera 100. Camera 100 detects the installation (connection to camera 100) and removal (disconnection) of camera accessories from camera 100 by detecting the voltage level of the MIF terminal. In this embodiment, camera 100 determines that no accessory is installed when the voltage of the MIF terminal is high (H), and determines that an accessory is installed when the voltage of the MIF terminal is low (L).

[0034] The LCLK terminal is used to output clock signals from the camera 100 to the camera accessories. In addition, the LCLK terminal also serves as a terminal for the camera 100 to monitor the busy status of the accessories.

[0035] The DCL terminal is used to output communication data from the camera 100 to camera accessories.

[0036] The DLC terminal is used to output communication data from camera accessories to camera 100.

[0037] In this embodiment, the LCLK terminal, DCL terminal, and DLC terminal are used in the first communication, which will be described later. Furthermore, the DCL terminal and DLC terminal are used not only in the first communication but also in the second communication, which will be described later.

[0038] Note that although the terminals of camera mount A are contact pins and the terminals of lens mount B are contact surfaces, it is permissible to use a structure inverted in shape.

[0039] <Functions of the terminals on camera mount C and lens mount D>

[0040] Next, the functions of the terminals common to both the camera mount C and the lens mount D will be described.

[0041] The VDD terminal is the terminal that supplies power from the camera 100 for use in controlling the interchangeable lens 150. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the voltage supplied to the camera mount C and the lens mount D is 11.0V.

[0042] The GND terminal is a grounding terminal used to indicate a ground level (which is a reference voltage level corresponding to the VDD terminal). Although the GND terminal is called a grounding terminal, it can be any terminal that indicates a reference voltage level, and the indicated voltage level can be any level other than the ground level.

[0043] The DCL terminal is used to output communication data from the camera 100 to the interchangeable lens 150.

[0044] The DLC terminal is used for communication data output from the interchangeable lens 150 to the camera 100.

[0045] In this embodiment, the DCL terminal and the DLC terminal are used in the second communication described later.

[0046] Note that although the terminals of camera mount C are contact pins and the terminals of lens mount D are contact surfaces, it is permissible to use a structure inverted in shape.

[0047] <Structure of Camera 100>

[0048] Next, the structure of the camera 100 will be described. The camera 100 includes a terminal for a camera mount A, and includes a contact unit 101, a contact unit 102, a power supply unit 103, and a camera control unit 104. The camera control unit 104 contains a first communication unit 105, a second communication unit 106, and a polarity detection unit 107.

[0049] The contact unit 101 (first contact unit) is a group of contacts used for communication controlled by the first communication unit 105 or the second communication unit 106, and consists of three terminals (i.e., LCLK, DCL and DLC).

[0050] Contact unit 102 (second contact unit) is a group of contacts designed to detect polarity to determine whether a camera accessory connected to camera 100 is an adapter 160. In the following description, it is assumed that contact unit 102 consists of three terminals. However, there is no particular limitation on the number of terminals included in contact unit 102, and it is sufficient for contact unit 102 to include one or more terminals.

[0051] The power supply unit 103 generates power to be supplied to camera accessories mounted on the camera 100 via VDD. In addition, the power supply unit 103 also generates power to be supplied to the interior of the camera 100 (such as the camera control unit 104).

[0052] The camera control unit 104 plays a role in the control of the camera 100; for example, the camera control unit 104 calculates the focusing lens drive amount used for focus control, generates image data according to the state of the release switch, and so on. Note that the camera control unit 104 is composed of one or more processors or circuits (e.g., ASICs) that implement one or more functions, and each unit can be controlled by one or more processors, for example, that reads and executes programs stored in memory.

[0053] The first communication unit 105 performs camera-lens communication (hereinafter referred to as "first communication") to send commands for instructions or requests to an interchangeable lens (not shown) including a lens mount B and to receive lens information from the interchangeable lens. Figure 1 As shown, the first communication unit 105 uses three communication lines corresponding to LCLK, DCL, and DLC in the contact unit 101 for communication. The first communication can be performed, for example, synchronous clock communication or asynchronous communication; however, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the first communication is performed via synchronous clock communication. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the camera 100 is configured such that, if an accessory has been detected using the MIF terminal, the first communication unit 105 is used to communicate with the camera accessory first.

[0054] The second communication unit 106 is a communication unit for communicating with the interchangeable lens 150, including the lens mount D. The second communication unit 106 performs camera-lens communication (hereinafter referred to as "second communication") to send commands for instructions or requests to the interchangeable lens 150 and to receive lens information from the interchangeable lens 150. The second communication is a communication standard capable of communicating with interchangeable lenses that do not support the first communication. Figure 1As shown, the second communication unit 106 uses two communication lines corresponding to DCL and DLC in the contact unit 101 for communication. Furthermore, the second communication unit 106 performs asynchronous communication using a different standard than that of the first communication unit 105. In this embodiment, DCL and DLC, which are the two terminals in the contact unit 101 used by the first communication unit 105, are also used by the second communication unit 106.

[0055] Note that in this specification, when using at least a portion of the terminals inside the contact unit 101 (first contact unit), expressions such as "using contact unit 101" and "via contact unit 101" are used. Therefore, both the first communication using the three terminals of contact unit 101 and the second communication using the two terminals of contact unit 101 are communication using contact unit 101 (or communication performed via contact unit 101). In this respect, this also applies to contact units other than contact unit 101.

[0056] The polarity detection unit 107 detects the polarity of the voltage on the contact unit 102. The detected polarity is used to determine the type of camera accessory mounted on the camera 100 (see later). Figure 2 (Describe details).

[0057] <Interchangeable lens 150 structure>

[0058] Next, the structure of the interchangeable lens 150 will be described. The interchangeable lens 150 has a lens mount D and includes a contact unit 151, a power supply unit 152, and a lens control unit 153. A second communication unit 154 is provided inside the lens control unit 153.

[0059] Contact unit 151 (third contact unit) is a group of contacts used for second communication with camera 100, and consists of two terminals (i.e. DCL and DLC).

[0060] The power supply unit 152 supplies the voltage supplied from the adapter 160 via the VDD terminal to, for example, the lens control unit 153 inside the interchangeable lens 150.

[0061] The lens control unit 153 plays a role in the control of the interchangeable lens 150; for example, the lens control unit 153 obtains position information of the focusing lens (not shown) and information of the aperture. Note that the lens control unit 153 is composed of one or more processors or circuits (e.g., ASICs) that implement one or more functions, and each unit can be controlled by one or more processors, for example, that reads and executes programs stored in memory.

[0062] The second communication unit 154 is a communication unit used for second communication with the second communication unit 106 of the camera 100. The second communication unit 154 receives commands from the camera 100 and sends information about the interchangeable lens 150. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the second communication unit 154 uses two communication lines corresponding to DCL and DLC in the contact unit 151 for communication.

[0063] <Structure of Adapter 160>

[0064] Next, the structure of adapter 160 will be described. Adapter 160 has a lens mount B and a camera mount C, and includes contact unit 161, contact unit 162, contact unit 163 and power supply unit 164.

[0065] Contact unit 161 (first contact unit) is a group of contacts used for first communication with camera 100, and consists of three terminals (i.e., LCLK, DCL, and DLC). Furthermore, contact unit 161 is also used for second communication between camera 100 and interchangeable lens 150. Contact unit 161 of adapter 160 can be connected to contact unit 101 of camera 100.

[0066] Contact unit 162 (second contact unit) is a contact unit configured to connect to contact unit 102 of camera 100 when adapter 160 is mounted on camera 100. Similar to contact unit 102, there is no particular limitation on the number of terminals included in contact unit 162, and it is sufficient for contact unit 162 to include one or more terminals.

[0067] The adapter 160 is configured to provide a voltage of predetermined polarity to the contact unit 102 via the contact unit 162 when mounted on the camera 100. For example... Figure 1 As shown, of the three terminals included in contact unit 162, the upper and central terminals are connected to GND, and the lower terminal is connected to VDD via a resistor. Therefore, in Figure 1 In the example, adapter 160 is configured to provide voltages of polarities L, L, and H to the three terminals in contact unit 102 from the top. However, the voltages supplied to contact unit 102 by adapter 160 are not limited to... Figure 1 Example (to be referenced later) Figure 2 (Describe details).

[0068] Contact unit 163 (third contact unit) is a group of contacts used for second communication between camera 100 and interchangeable lens 150, and consists of two terminals (i.e., DCL and DLC). Contact unit 163 of adapter 160 can be connected to contact unit 151 of interchangeable lens 150. For example... Figure 1As shown, adapter 160 includes a communication path that allows second communication from camera 100 via contact unit 101 and contact unit 161 to reach contact unit 163.

[0069] The power supply unit 164 converts the power supplied from the camera 100 via the VDD terminal into a voltage compatible with the interchangeable lens 150 including the lens mount D, and supplies power with the converted voltage.

[0070] <Process for starting camera 100>

[0071] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the process for starting the camera 100 according to the first embodiment. When the user has operated the power button (not shown) of the camera 100, the power supply of the camera 100 becomes ON, and the power supply unit 103 begins to supply operating power; therefore, the camera control unit 104 begins the startup process of this flowchart. It is assumed that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the processing of each step in this flowchart is implemented by the camera control unit 104 executing the program stored in the ROM (not shown).

[0072] In step S202, the camera control unit 104 detects the MIF terminal. If the voltage at the MIF terminal is H, the camera control unit 104 determines that the camera accessory including the lens mount B is not installed, and continues detecting the MIF terminal in step S202 until the MIF terminal changes to L. If the voltage at the MIF terminal is L, the camera control unit 104 determines that the accessory including the lens mount B is installed, and proceeds to step S203.

[0073] In step S203, the camera control unit 104 begins to supply VDD voltage to the accessory.

[0074] In step S204, the first communication unit 105 inside the camera control unit 104 performs initial communication for the first communication. The communication method of the first communication unit 105 is a communication method intended for communication with the interchangeable lens including the lens mount B. The startup processing sequence of the camera 100 is configured such that, if an accessory has been detected using the MIF terminal, the interchangeable lens including the lens mount B is first identified via the first communication.

[0075] In the initial communication of the first communication, the first communication unit 105 sends commands such as confirming communication with the interchangeable lens, obtaining the lens ID (a command for identifying the installed accessory), and obtaining the focal length and f-number.

[0076] When an interchangeable lens supporting the first communication is installed on the camera 100, the camera control unit 104 can identify the type of the installed interchangeable lens by obtaining initial information and lens ID of the interchangeable lens via the first communication.

[0077] However, in Figure 1 In this configuration, instead of the interchangeable lens including lens mount B, adapter 160 is mounted on camera 100, and interchangeable lens 150, which does not support the first communication, is mounted on adapter 160. Therefore, camera control unit 104 cannot receive a response to commands sent from first communication unit 105, and the initial communication of the first communication fails.

[0078] In step S205, the camera control unit 104 determines whether the initial communication of the first communication has been successful. If the initial communication of the first communication has been successful, the process proceeds to step S206; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S207.

[0079] In step S206, the camera control unit 104 identifies that the installed replaceable lens is a lens that supports the first communication. Afterward, the startup process ends, and the operation of the camera control unit 104 transitions to the normal sequence of the first communication.

[0080] In step S207, the polarity detection unit 107 inside the camera control unit 104 detects the polarity (H or L) of the voltage at each terminal in the contact unit 102.

[0081] In step S208, the camera control unit 104 determines whether the polarity detected in step S207 is a predetermined polarity. If the detected polarity is the predetermined polarity, the process proceeds to step S209; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0082] Step S208 determines whether the accessory mounted on (connected to) the camera 100 is an adapter 160 (a predetermined adapter). Compared to the adapter 160, which is configured to provide a voltage of a predetermined polarity to the contact unit 102, an interchangeable lens (not shown) including a lens mount B and supporting first communication is configured to provide a voltage of a different polarity to the contact unit 102. Furthermore, there may be accessories other than the adapter 160 and the interchangeable lens including the lens mount B that can be connected to the camera 100, and such accessories (predetermined accessories) are also configured to provide a voltage of a different polarity to the contact unit 102. Therefore, based on the fact that the polarity detected in step S207 is the predetermined polarity, the camera control unit 104 can determine that the corresponding accessory mounted on the camera 100 is the adapter 160 among a plurality of accessories that can be mounted on the camera 100.

[0083] exist Figure 1 In the example, for the three corresponding terminals included in the contact unit 102, the predetermined polarities from top to bottom are L, L, and H. However, the predetermined polarities are not limited to this. Furthermore, the criteria used to determine the voltage in step S208 are not limited to polarity. In a more general description, the camera control unit 104 can proceed to step S209 if the voltage detected by the contact unit 102 meets a first condition, and proceed to step S212 if the voltage detected by the contact unit 102 does not meet the first condition. Figure 2 The determination of whether the detected polarity is a predetermined polarity is an example of determining whether the voltage detected by the contact unit 102 satisfies the first condition. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, it is sufficient for the contact unit 102 to include one or more terminals. Therefore, it can be considered that the voltage detected by the contact unit 102 satisfies the first condition if each of the one or more voltages detected in one or more terminals satisfies its corresponding condition.

[0084] The corresponding conditions can be based on polarity, or they can be based on a specific voltage value or voltage range. Figure 1 In one example, contact unit 102 includes three terminals, and the corresponding conditions for the terminals, from top to bottom, are L, L, and H. As another example, contact unit 102 may include one terminal, and the corresponding condition may be a voltage range of 2V to 3V. In this case, contact unit 162 of adapter 160 includes one terminal, and adapter 160 is configured to provide a voltage in the range of 2V to 3V to one terminal of contact unit 102 via one terminal of contact unit 162.

[0085] In step S209, the second communication unit 106 inside the camera control unit 104 performs initial communication for the second communication. The communication method of the second communication unit 106 is a communication method designed for communication with the interchangeable lens including the lens mount D. Similarly, in the initial communication of the second communication, similar to the initial communication of the first communication, the camera control unit 104 can identify the type of the installed interchangeable lens by obtaining initial information such as the installed interchangeable lens and the lens ID.

[0086] In step S210, the camera control unit 104 determines whether the initial communication of the second communication has been successful. If the initial communication of the second communication has been successful, the process proceeds to step S211; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S212. Figure 1 In the example, when the interchangeable lens 150 supporting the second communication is connected to the camera 100 via the adapter 160, it is determined that the initial communication of the second communication has been successful.

[0087] In step S211, the camera control unit 104 identifies that the installed replaceable lens is a lens that supports the second communication. Afterward, the startup process ends, and the operation of the camera control unit 104 transitions to the normal sequence of the second communication.

[0088] In step S212, the camera control unit 104 identifies that the installed replaceable lens does not support the first and second communications. In this case, the camera control unit 104 determines that a replaceable lens supported by the camera 100 has not yet been installed and terminates the startup process. For example, if it is determined in step S208 that the polarity is not the predetermined polarity, the process transitions from step S208 to step S212. Therefore, it can be considered that the camera control unit 104 performs control to prevent the initiation of the second communication when the detected polarity is not the predetermined polarity (when the voltage detected by the contact unit 102 does not meet the first condition).

[0089] <Summary of the First Embodiment>

[0090] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the camera system includes a camera 100 supporting a first communication and a second communication, an adapter 160, and an interchangeable lens 150 supporting the second communication.

[0091] Camera 100 includes contact units 101 and 102 for connecting each of a plurality of accessories, including adapter 160, to camera 100. Furthermore, camera 100 includes a first communication unit 105 for first communication via contact unit 101 and a second communication unit 106 for second communication via contact unit 101. Additionally, camera 100 is controlled to detect voltage on contact unit 102 after a corresponding accessory among the plurality of accessories has been connected, and to initiate second communication if the detected voltage satisfies a first condition.

[0092] The adapter 160 is configured to provide a voltage to the contact unit 102 that satisfies a first condition when connected to the camera 100. Furthermore, the adapter 160 includes a contact unit 163 for connecting an interchangeable lens 150 supporting second communication to the adapter 160, and a communication path for the second communication from the camera 100 to reach the contact unit 163.

[0093] Unlike interchangeable lenses that include lens mount B, interchangeable lens 150 does not support first communication. Therefore, in Figure 1In the camera system, the initial communication of the first communication fails in the startup processing sequence of camera 100. However, based on the fact that the voltage of contact unit 102 meets the first condition, camera 100 can recognize that the accessory connected to camera 100 is the adapter 160 to which the interchangeable lens 150 can be connected, and initiates the second communication.

[0094] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, in the case where the replaceable lens is mounted on the camera device via an adapter, the camera device can communicate with the replaceable lens, which does not support the communication standard between the camera device and the replaceable lens for use with a replaceable lens that can be directly mounted on the camera device, and supports different communication standards.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the camera 100 controls whether to initiate the second communication based on the voltage of the contact unit 102. Therefore, it is sufficient for the adapter 160 to be configured to provide a voltage to the contact unit 102 that satisfies the first condition, and the adapter 160 does not require special control for initiating the second communication with the camera 100, nor does it need to include functions for communicating with the camera 100. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the complexity of the adapter 160's structure can be suppressed.

[0096] [Second Embodiment]

[0097] The first embodiment has been described with respect to the case where the adapter 160 includes the power supply unit 164. In contrast, the second embodiment will be described with respect to the case where the adapter 160 does not include the power supply unit 164. Note that in the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are assigned to structures and processes that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0098] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a camera system according to a second embodiment. Figure 3 In the camera system, with Figure 1 Unlike other camera systems, adapter 160 does not include a power supply unit 164. Adapter 160 is configured to supply power from power supply unit 103 to interchangeable lens 150 without voltage conversion. Additionally, a line is added for sending control signals from camera control unit 104 to power supply unit 103. In this embodiment, it is intended that power supply unit 103 directly supplies a voltage compatible with interchangeable lens 150.

[0099] Figure 4This is a flowchart of the startup process of the camera 100 according to the second embodiment. When the user operates the power button (not shown) of the camera 100, the power of the camera 100 is turned on, and the power supply unit 103 begins to supply operating power; therefore, the camera control unit 104 begins the startup process of this flowchart. It is assumed that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the processing of each step in this flowchart is implemented by the camera control unit 104 executing the program stored in the ROM (not shown).

[0100] In step S402, the camera control unit 104 controls the power supply unit 103 to supply power of a first voltage to the adapter 160. The first voltage is supported by an interchangeable lens (not shown) including the lens mount B.

[0101] In step S403, the camera control unit 104 controls the power supply unit 103 to supply power at a second voltage to the adapter 160. This second voltage is supported by the interchangeable lens 150, including the lens mount D, and is higher than the first voltage. Therefore, the power required to initiate operation of the interchangeable lens 150 is supplied; this enables the second communication unit 154 within the lens control unit 153 of the interchangeable lens 150 to perform second communication.

[0102] Thus, in this embodiment, a first voltage lower than the second voltage (the voltage supported by the interchangeable lens including lens mount B) is supplied from the VDD terminal of the camera 100 until it is determined in step S208 that the polarity detected in step S207 is a predetermined polarity. If the second voltage is supplied from the VDD terminal of the camera 100 in step S402, then when the interchangeable lens including lens mount B is already mounted on the camera 100, a voltage higher than the voltage supported by the interchangeable lens including lens mount B is supplied to the interchangeable lens. As a result, there is a possibility that a malfunction may occur in the interchangeable lens. In this embodiment, after determining that the detected polarity is a predetermined polarity, control is performed to change the power supply voltage to the second voltage, thereby suppressing the possibility of supplying a voltage higher than the voltage supported by the interchangeable lens including lens mount B to the interchangeable lens.

[0103] [Third Embodiment]

[0104] The third embodiment will be described with respect to the camera mount A of camera 100 and the lens mount B of adapter 160, including TYPE terminals. Note that in the description of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments are assigned to structures and processes that are the same as or similar to those in the first and second embodiments. The following mainly describes the differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0105] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a camera system according to a third embodiment. Figure 5 In the camera system, with Figure 3 Unlike other camera systems, the camera mount A of camera 100 includes a contact unit 504 (fourth contact unit) containing a TYPE terminal, and the lens mount B of adapter 160 includes a contact unit 564 (fourth contact unit) containing a TYPE terminal.

[0106] Contact unit 504 (TYPE terminal) is a contact unit (terminal) used to identify the type of camera accessory installed on camera 100. Camera 100 detects the voltage of the TYPE terminal and, if the voltage falls within predetermined range 1, identifies the accessory as an interchangeable lens (not shown) including lens mount B. Furthermore, if the voltage falls within predetermined range 2, camera 100 identifies the accessory as an adapter including lens mount B. Additionally, if the voltage falls outside both predetermined range 1 and predetermined range 2, camera 100 detects an error. The TYPE terminal of the interchangeable lens (not shown) with lens mount B is pulled down and connected to the GND terminal via a resistor, ensuring the voltage falls within predetermined range 1. The TYPE terminal of the adapter 160 is pulled down and connected to the GND terminal via a resistor, ensuring the voltage falls within predetermined range 2.

[0107] Note that there is a possibility that adapters with various specifications may exist as adapters including lens mount B. Therefore, even if the voltage of the TYPE terminal falls within the predetermined range 2, the installed adapter does not necessarily have to be the adapter 160 of this embodiment (an adapter that can install the interchangeable lens 150 supporting the second communication).

[0108] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the startup process of the camera 100 according to the third embodiment. When the user operates the power button (not shown) of the camera 100, the power of the camera 100 is turned on, and the power supply unit 103 begins to supply operating power; therefore, the camera control unit 104 begins the startup process of this flowchart. It is assumed that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the processing of each step in this flowchart is implemented by the camera control unit 104 executing the program stored in the ROM (not shown).

[0109] In step S602, the camera control unit 104 identifies the TYPE terminal. The camera control unit 104 identifies the type of camera accessory based on the voltage level of the TYPE terminal.

[0110] In step S603, the camera control unit 104 determines whether the voltage of the TYPE terminal falls within a predetermined range 1. If the voltage of the TYPE terminal falls within the predetermined range 1, the process proceeds to step S204; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S604.

[0111] In step S604, the camera control unit 104 determines whether the voltage of the TYPE terminal falls within a predetermined range 2. If the voltage of the TYPE terminal falls within the predetermined range 2, the process proceeds to step S207; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0112] Note that, although Figure 6 The processing of step S205 is similar to Figure 2 Step S205, but in this embodiment, the destination of the process transition in the case where the initial communication of the first communication has failed is step S212, not step S207.

[0113] Thus, in this embodiment, the camera 100 also includes a contact unit 504, which, together with contact units 101 and 102, is used to connect each of a plurality of accessories to the camera 100. The camera control unit 104 controls the initiation of first communication when the voltage detected by the contact unit 504 (TYPE terminal) falls within a predetermined range 1 (meeting a second condition). Furthermore, the camera control unit 104 controls the initiation of second communication without initiating first communication when the voltage detected by the contact unit 504 (TYPE terminal) does not fall within the predetermined range 1 (not meeting the second condition) and the voltage detected by the contact unit 102 meets the first condition.

[0114] Furthermore, if the voltage at the TYPE terminal falls outside both predetermined range 1 and predetermined range 2, the camera control unit 104 can identify that the installed replaceable lens does not support the first and second communications without needing to determine the polarity of the contact unit 102. Similarly, if the voltage at the TYPE terminal falls within predetermined range 1 and the initial communication of the first communication has failed, the camera control unit 104 can identify that the installed replaceable lens does not support the first and second communications without needing to determine the polarity of the contact unit 102.

[0115] Other embodiments

[0116] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (including computer program products of computer programs) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads and executes the computer program.

[0117] While this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image pickup apparatus comprising: first and second contact units for connecting each of a plurality of accessories including a predetermined adapter to the image pickup apparatus; a first communication unit configured to perform first communication via the first contact unit; a second communication unit configured to perform second communication via the first contact unit; a detection unit configured to detect a voltage of the second contact unit after a corresponding accessory of the plurality of accessories has been connected; and a control unit configured to control to start the second communication in a case where the detected voltage of the second contact unit satisfies a first condition, wherein the predetermined adapter is configured to supply the second contact unit with a voltage satisfying the first condition in a case where it is connected to the image pickup apparatus, the predetermined adapter includes a third contact unit for connecting a predetermined interchangeable lens that supports the second communication to the predetermined adapter, and the predetermined adapter includes a communication path that causes the second communication from the image pickup apparatus to reach the third contact unit.

2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of accessories includes a predetermined accessory, the predetermined accessory is configured to supply the second contact unit with a voltage that does not satisfy the first condition in a case where it is connected to the image pickup apparatus, and the control unit controls to refrain from starting the second communication in a case where the detected voltage of the second contact unit does not satisfy the first condition.

3. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit: controls to start the first communication after the corresponding accessory has been connected, and controls to start the second communication in a case where the first communication has failed and the detected voltage of the second contact unit satisfies the first condition.

4. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a fourth contact unit for connecting each of the plurality of accessories to the image pickup apparatus together with the first and second contact units, wherein the control unit: detects a voltage of the fourth contact unit after the corresponding accessory has been connected, controls to start the first communication in a case where the detected voltage of the fourth contact unit satisfies a second condition, and controls to start the second communication without starting the first communication in a case where the detected voltage of the fourth contact unit does not satisfy the second condition and the detected voltage of the second contact unit satisfies the first condition.

5. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of accessories includes an interchangeable lens that supports the first communication, and the interchangeable lens that supports the first communication is configured to supply the second contact unit with a voltage that does not satisfy the first condition in a case where it is connected to the image pickup apparatus.

6. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a power supply unit, wherein the control unit: ​ after the corresponding accessory has been connected, control is performed to supply power at a first voltage from the power supply unit to the corresponding accessory, and in a case where the detected voltage of the second contact unit satisfies the first condition, control is performed to change the voltage of the power supplied to the corresponding accessory from the first voltage to a second voltage higher than the first voltage.

7. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined adapter is configured to supply the power supplied from the power supply unit to the predetermined interchangeable lens without transforming the voltage of the power.

8. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second contact unit includes one or more than one terminal, and the detected voltage of the second contact unit satisfies the first condition in a case where each of one or more than one voltage respectively detected in the one or more than one terminal satisfies a corresponding respective condition.

9. A system including an image pickup apparatus and a predetermined adapter, wherein the image pickup apparatus is the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An adapter connectable to an image pickup apparatus, wherein the image pickup apparatus including: a first contact unit; a second contact unit; a first communication unit configured to perform first communication via the first contact unit; and a second communication unit configured to perform second communication via the first contact unit, the adapter including: a third contact unit configured to connect to the first contact unit of the image pickup apparatus in a case where the adapter has been connected to the image pickup apparatus; a fourth contact unit configured to connect to the second contact unit of the image pickup apparatus in a case where the adapter has been connected to the image pickup apparatus; a fifth contact unit for connecting a predetermined interchangeable lens supporting the second communication to the adapter; and a communication path configured to cause the second communication from the image pickup apparatus to reach the fifth contact unit, wherein the adapter is configured to provide, to the second contact unit of the image pickup apparatus via the fourth contact unit of the adapter, a voltage satisfying a first condition in a case where connected to the image pickup apparatus.

11. A control method executed by an image pickup apparatus, wherein, the image pickup apparatus including: a first contact unit and a second contact unit for connecting each of a plurality of accessories including a predetermined adapter to the image pickup apparatus; a first communication unit configured to perform first communication via the first contact unit; and a second communication unit configured to perform second communication via the first contact unit, the control method including: after a corresponding accessory of the plurality of accessories has been connected, detecting a voltage of the second contact unit; and in a case where the detected voltage of the second contact unit satisfies a first condition, controlling to start the second communication, wherein the predetermined adapter is configured to provide, to the second contact unit, a voltage satisfying the first condition in a case where connected to the image pickup apparatus, The predetermined adapter includes a third contact unit for connecting a predetermined interchangeable lens supporting the second communication to the predetermined adapter, and The predetermined adapter includes a communication path that reaches the second communication from the image pickup apparatus to the third contact unit.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein The control method according to claim 11 is performed when the computer program is executed by a processor.

13. A computer program product including a computer program, wherein The control method according to claim 11 is performed when the computer program is executed by a processor.

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