IMAGE DEVICE

Abstract

Imaging device to which an interchangeable lens (200) can be attached, wherein the interchangeable lens (200) includes an aperture (260) and an aperture control unit (261) configured to drive the aperture (260), the imaging device comprising: an imaging element (110) configured to reset the accumulated charge; a shutter (180) configured to block and open an optical path to the imaging element (110); a shutter control unit (181) configured to control the shutter (180); a control unit configured to command an imaging operation; and a controller (140) configured to control the aperture control unit (261) and the imaging element (110) according to the command from the operating unit, characterized in that the controller (140) is configured to detect a prediction time of an aperture operation of the aperture control unit (261); and to initiate a charge reset process of the imaging element according to the prediction time of the aperture operation in order to complete the charge reset process at or before completion of the aperture operation.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device to which an interchangeable lens can be attached. State of the art

[0002] The published Japanese patent application JP2017-188804A discloses an imaging device for suppressing a shutter release delay between a user's actuation of a shutter release and the completion of the exposure. The imaging device comprises an imaging element that can sequentially reset the accumulated charge for each pixel row. The imaging device controls its mechanical elements, including the imaging element and a shutter, such that the resetting of the accumulated charge in all pixel rows of the imaging element is completed before or simultaneously with the front shutter curtain reaching an open state.

[0003] JP 6 424 876 B2 relates to a camera with an interchangeable lens. The interchangeable lens comprises a storage device that stores a computational expression that calculates a drive time required to drive a driven element by a desired quantity of drive at a desired speed through a drive device; a prediction device that applies the combination information to the computational expression to perform a prediction calculation and predicts the drive time; and a transmission device that transmits the predicted drive time as lens-side determination data, enabling a camera-side device to determine whether lens data is properly stored in the storage device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In an imaging device, the shutter release delay largely depends on the release time of a mechanical shutter and the release time of the lens's aperture. In particular, the time required for the aperture operation, starting from the beginning of the exposure, varies depending on the difference in the lens and / or the aperture setting until a specific f-number is reached, which affects the shutter release delay.

[0005] Although the imaging element undergoes charge reset before the start of exposure, it is desirable for this reset to be completed immediately before exposure to suppress dark current in the imaging element. However, since the aperture control time varies, a time delay can occur between the completion of the aperture operation and the start of exposure due to the charge reset of the imaging element.

[0006] The present invention was conceived in view of the problems described above, and it is an objective to provide an imaging device that effectively reduces a shutter release delay due to an aperture control time.

[0007] The imaging device according to the present invention is an imaging device to which an interchangeable lens can be attached, the interchangeable lens comprising an aperture and an aperture control unit configured to control the aperture. The imaging device comprises: an imaging element configured to reset the accumulated charge; a shutter configured to block and open an optical path to the imaging element; a shutter control unit configured to drive the shutter; an operating unit configured to instruct an imaging operation; and a controller configured to control the actuation of the aperture control unit and the actuation of the imaging element according to the instruction from the operating unit.The controller is configured to: detect a prediction time of an aperture operation of the aperture control unit; and initiate a charge reset process of the imaging element according to the prediction time of the aperture operation in order to complete the charge reset process at or before completion of the aperture operation.

[0008] The imaging device according to the present invention is effective in reducing a trigger time delay due to an aperture control time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows an overall configuration of an imaging device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 2 shows a time diagram of an imaging process of the imaging device according to a comparative example. Fig. Figure 3 shows a time diagram of an imaging process of the imaging device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram describing the operation of a slotted shutter during an imaging process. Fig. Figure 5 shows a diagram illustrating a relationship between an aperture control time and the aperture in the imaging device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 6 shows a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the imaging device according to embodiment 1 when an interchangeable lens is attached. Fig. Figure 7 shows a flowchart illustrating an imaging process by the imaging device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 8 shows a diagram that compares the trigger time delay between the imaging device of embodiment 1 and an imaging device of a comparison example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] In the following, an embodiment is described in detail, possibly with reference to the drawings. Any explanations deemed unnecessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known aspects or duplicate descriptions of essentially identical components may be avoided. This serves to prevent unnecessary, redundant descriptions in the following text and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0010] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are intended to enable the person skilled in the art to fully understand the present invention and are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter. 1. Design 11-1. Configuration

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 shows a configuration of a camera system 1 according to embodiment 1. The camera system 1 comprises a camera housing 100 (an example of an imaging device) and an interchangeable lens 200, which is detachably attached to the camera housing 100.

[0012] In Fig. Figure 1 does not show an electrical setup with a detailed power supply system for the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200. 1-1-1. Camera body configuration

[0013] The camera housing 100, for example, is a mirrorless imaging device without an optical viewfinder. The camera housing 100 comprises an imaging element 110, a liquid crystal display 120, a main control unit 140, a housing-side mounting 150, a power supply 160, and a card slot 170.

[0014] The main controller 140 includes, for example, an arithmetic processing circuit, such as a CPU (processor) and an MPU (microprocessor), a memory containing a ROM, and peripheral circuitry. The main controller 140 controls the entire camera system 1 by reading and executing a predetermined control program stored in the internal ROM. The main controller 140 controls the entire camera system 1 according to a command from a control element, such as a shutter release 130. The main controller 140 uses DRAM 141 as working memory when performing a control or image processing operation. The main controller 140 uses flash memory 142 as storage for a lens ID, aperture control information, and an offset time, as described later.

[0015] The shutter release 130 is an operating button that can be operated by an operator. For example, a user fully presses the shutter release 130 to initiate an imaging operation and half-presses the shutter release 130 to initiate an autofocus operation. Although not shown, the camera body 100 may, in addition to the shutter release 130, include a control unit such as a hardware button with a zoom button or a control dial for selecting an operating mode, a software button with an interactive control panel (touch panel) arranged on the liquid crystal display 120, or another such button.

[0016] The imaging element 110 consists of a CMOS sensor (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) that converts a subject image (optical image) formed by an optical system of the interchangeable lens 200 into an electrical signal via photoelectric conversion. The imaging element 110 captures an image of an object, thereby generating and outputting image data. The generated image data is digitized by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 111. The image data digitized by the ADC 111 undergoes predetermined image processing by the main controller 140. Predetermined image processing includes, for example, gamma correction, white balance correction, error correction, YC conversion, electronic zoom, and / or JPEG compression. The imaging element 110 operates at a time controlled by a timer 112.The operation of the imaging element 110 includes an imaging operation of a stationary image or a moving image.

[0017] The timer 112 provides a control signal to activate the imaging element 110 at a predetermined time based on a signal from the main control unit 140. The control signal includes a vertical synchronization signal and a clock signal for operating the imaging element 110.

[0018] The liquid crystal display screen 120 is formed from a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display screen 120 displays an image represented by display image data processed by the main controller 140. The liquid crystal display 120 can selectively display both a moving image and a static image. The liquid crystal display 120 can also be formed from an organic EL (electroluminescent) screen instead of a liquid crystal display screen.

[0019] The card slot 170 is designed to receive an SD card 171 and controls the SD card 171 based on control from the main controller 140. The SD card 171 can store an image file generated by image processing of the main controller 140.

[0020] Power supply 160 provides the power consumed by camera system 1. Power supply 160 can be, for example, a dry cell battery or a rechargeable battery. Power supply 160 can also supply power to camera system 1 externally via a power cable.

[0021] A housing-side mounting or bracket 150 has a multitude of connection ports and can be mechanically and electrically connected to a lens-side mounting 150 of the interchangeable lens 200 via these ports. The housing-side mounting 150 can receive data from and send data to the interchangeable lens 200 via the lens-side mounting 250. The housing-side mounting 150 transmits a control signal received from the main control 140 to the lens control 240 via the lens-side mounting 250. For example, information about the control of an aperture, received by the main control 140, is transmitted to the lens control 240 via the lens-side mounting 250. Furthermore, the housing-side mounting 150 transmits a signal received from the lens control 240 to the main control 140 via the lens-side mounting 250.For example, the housing-side mounting 150 transmits a signal via the lens-side mounting 250 to the main control 140, indicating an aperture control value received by the lens control 240. The aperture control is described later.

[0022] The body-side mount 150 also supplies power to the interchangeable lens 200 via the lens-side mount 250, which is received from the power supply 160. When the body-side mount 150 detects the attachment of the interchangeable lens 200, it receives ID information and lens parameters of the attached interchangeable lens 200 and transmits this information and these parameters to the main controller 140. The lens parameters include a lens ID of the interchangeable lens 200 and aperture control information, as described later.

[0023] The 180 closure is a mechanical closure, such as a slotted closure with a front curtain 180a and a back curtain 180b ( Fig. 4), which will be described later. The shutter 180, for example, is a so-called normally open shutter, in which an opening is open in the normal state (a state in which no external action is taken). The shutter 180 is located in front of the imaging element 110 and opens and closes by actuating a shutter control unit 181, which is controlled by the main control 140. When the shutter 180 is in the closed state, the light from the subject that has passed through the optical system of the interchangeable lens 200 is blocked. The main control 140 detects via the shutter control unit 181 whether the shutter 180 is in an open or closed state. 1-1-2. Configuration of the interchangeable lens

[0024] The interchangeable lens 200 comprises an optical system, a lens control 240, and a lens-side mounting 250. The optical system includes a zoom lens 210, an OIS lens 220, an aperture 260, and a focusing lens 230.

[0025] The zoom lens 210 is a lens for changing the magnification of a subject image produced by the optical system. The zoom lens 210 comprises one or more lenses. The zoom lens control unit 211 includes a zoom ring or the like, which can be operated by a user. Operation by the user causes the zoom lens 210 to move along an optical axis AX of the optical system.

[0026] A control value from the zoom lens control unit 210 is detected and transmitted to the lens control 240. By receiving the detection result, the lens control 240 can determine the zoom magnification in the optical system.

[0027] The OIS lens 220 is a lens for correcting blur in a subject image produced by the optical system of the interchangeable lens 200. The OIS lens 220 reduces blur in a subject image on the imaging element 110 by moving in a direction that corrects blur in the camera system 1. The OIS lens 220 comprises one or more lenses. The OIS drive unit 221 drives the OIS lens 220 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis AX of the optical system under the control of an OIS processing unit 223. The OIS drive unit 221 can, for example, consist of a magnet and a flat coil. A position sensor 222 is a sensor that detects the position of the OIS lens 220 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis AX of the optical system. The position sensor 222 can, for example, consist of a magnet and a Hall effect sensor.The OIS processing unit 223, for example, is formed from an IC chip and controls the OIS control unit 221 based on a detection result from the position sensor 222 and a detection result from a shake detector (not shown), such as a gyroscope. The OIS processing unit 223 receives a detection result from the shake detector. In addition, the OIS processing unit 223 transmits a signal to the lens control 240 indicating the status of the optical blur correction processing of an image.

[0028] The aperture 260 is a component for adjusting the amount of light passing through the optical system. The aperture 260 comprises, for example, a multitude of aperture blades and is capable of adjusting the amount of light by increasing or decreasing the opening formed by these blades. The aperture control unit 261, for example, includes a stepper motor and is a control unit for increasing or decreasing the opening of the aperture 260. The aperture control unit 261 receives a control signal from the lens control 240 to adjust the aperture, such as an aperture value (f-number) or a control value. Accordingly, the aperture control unit 261 changes the opening of the aperture 260.

[0029] The focus lens 230 is a lens for changing the focus state of a subject image produced by the optical system on the imaging element 110. The focus lens 230 is formed from one or more lenses. The focus control unit 231, for example, includes a stepper motor and controls the focus lens 230 to move forward and backward along the optical axis AX of the optical system by controlling the lens control 240. This allows the focus state of the subject image produced by the optical system on the imaging element 110 to be changed.

[0030] The lens control 240, for example, consists of an arithmetic processing circuit, such as a CPU (processor) or an MPU (microprocessor), memory, and peripheral circuits. The lens control 240 controls the entire interchangeable lens 200 based on a control signal from the main control 140. For example, based on a control signal from the main control 140, the lens control 240 controls the aperture control unit 261 to perform an aperture operation. The lens control 240 performs signal transmission and reception with the main control 140 via the lens-side mount 250 and the camera body-side mount 150. The lens control 240 uses DRAM 241 as working memory during control. Flash memory 242 stores programs and lens parameters used in controlling the lens control 240.

[0031] The lens-side mounting 250 has a multitude of connection ports and can be mechanically and electrically connected to the housing-side mounting 150 of the camera housing 100 via these ports. As previously described, the lens-side mounting 250 can send data to and receive data from the housing-side mounting 150.

[0032] A method for controlling the imaging element 110 can be either a rolling shutter system or a global shutter system. The rolling shutter method is a method for performing a charge reset operation for each pixel row (horizontal row) of the imaging element 110. In the rolling shutter method, the exposure and readout operations are also performed for each pixel row, which is why the exposure and readout times differ between the individual pixel rows. In contrast, the global shutter method is a method in which all pixels of the imaging element 110 are reset and exposed simultaneously. Therefore, the timing of the charge reset termination in the global shutter method can be more easily adjusted to the timing of the other operations compared to the timing of the charge reset termination in the rolling shutter method.Thus, the present embodiment uses a global shutter method, as described later, in which the aperture operation and the termination of charge reset are controlled so that they are completed at substantially the same time, and in which the exposure is started for all pixels simultaneously. 1-2. Operation

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows a time diagram of the imaging process according to a comparative example. Fig. Figure 3 shows a time diagram of the imaging process according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows the operation of the 180° shutter along the timing diagrams of the Fig. 2 and the Fig. 3. In Fig. Reference numeral 4 denotes a front curtain of the closure 180 and reference numeral 180b a rear curtain of the closure 180.

[0034] If the imaging process includes an aperture operation, the imaging process is carried out according to the following procedure. (i) The trigger is fully pressed by a user. (ii) The front curtain 180a of the shutter 180 begins to close (transition from T1 to T2 in Fig. 4) At the same time, the aperture operation begins to obtain an aperture with a specific f-number. (iii) With the front curtain closed 180a (T3 in Fig. 4) The aperture operation is performed, and the charge reset process (including preparation for charge reset and a charge reset operation) of the imaging element 110 is started. (iv) After completion of charge reset, the front curtain 180a is opened to start exposure (T4 in Fig. 4), and the exposure begins (T4 to T5 in Fig. 4). (v) After the exposure is complete, the rear curtain closes 180b (T6 to T7 in Fig. 4), and the image data is read out.

[0035] As previously described, during the aperture operation, the amount and speed of the aperture change depending on a specific f-number and the respective difference in the interchangeable lens. Therefore, it is difficult to predict when the aperture operation will be complete. Since, in the comparative example, the exposure only starts after the aperture operation is complete, time may be needed between the completion of the aperture operation and the start of the exposure for charge reset, as shown in Fig. 2 shown.

[0036] In the present embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the aperture operation time is predicted, and charge reset is initiated according to the prediction, so that the aperture operation is completed simultaneously with the completion of charge reset. This reduces the time delay. In particular, when using the global shutter method, charge reset is performed simultaneously for all pixels. Therefore, if charge reset is completed at the same time as the aperture operation, the shutter lag can be suppressed. The aperture operation time is predicted according to the following procedure. 1-2-1. Operation with lens attached

[0037] The interchangeable lens 200 stores lens parameters in memory at the time of delivery from the factory. These parameters include a lens ID for identifying the interchangeable lens 200, as well as aperture control information. This information comprises an aperture control value (STEP) and an aperture rate (STEP / s) of the interchangeable lens 200. The aperture control value is specified, for example, by the number of steps of a stepper motor corresponding to a maximum aperture control value, ranging from a minimum f-number at which the aperture is fully open to a maximum f-number at which the aperture is fully open. Let's assume the minimum f-number is f / 4.0 and the maximum f-number is f / 22.0, with the maximum aperture control value in between being 18 steps.The aperture speed indicates the number of steps per second. It is generally assumed that the aperture speed is 500 steps per second.

[0038] Fig. Figure 6 shows a flowchart illustrating an operation of the camera body 100 when the interchangeable lens 200 is attached.

[0039] When the attachment of the interchangeable lens 200 is detected (S101), the main control unit 140 of the camera body 100 receives the lens parameters, including the aperture control information, and stores them in the flash memory 142 (S102). Furthermore, the main control unit 140 sends a command to the lens control unit 240, controls the aperture control unit 261 to move the aperture 260 from the minimum f-number to the maximum f-number, and measures the time (first control time) (S103). The measured first control time is, for example, 50 ms.

[0040] The control time is then calculated from the minimum aperture time (maximum aperture) to the maximum aperture time (minimum aperture) based on the maximum aperture control value (18 steps) and the aperture rate (500 steps per second) stored in memory. In this example, the control time is 18 steps per 500 steps = 36 ms.

[0041] The difference between the initial drive time of 50 ms, which represents an actual measured value, and the calculated drive time of 36 ms is 14 ms. This difference is set as an offset time, including the excitation time of the aperture control unit 261 (S104). The offset time is the time required for an aperture operation, independent of the drive quantity of the aperture operation, and varies depending on the specific interchangeable lens 200. As shown in the diagram of the Fig. As shown in Figure 5, it is assumed that the time required to control an aperture is theoretically proportional to the aperture size, although in practice a certain offset time, which depends on the specific interchangeable lens 200, is required. The main controller 140 stores the detected offset time in the flash memory 142 together with the lens ID (S105).

[0042] As previously described, the lens ID, lens control information, and offset time of the interchangeable lens 200, which are obtained as previously described, are stored in the flash memory 142 of the camera body 100. When the same interchangeable lens 200 is attached again, the main controller 140 reads the information stored in the flash memory 142 according to the lens ID and performs the subsequent imaging operation. 1-2-2. Mapping operation

[0043] Fig. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of an imaging process.

[0044] When the shutter release button is fully pressed by a user (S111), the main control 140 controls the shutter control unit 181 to close the front curtain of the shutter 180 (S112). Simultaneously, the main control 140, via the lens control 240, controls the aperture control unit 161. Specifically, when the aperture speed is changed, the main control 140 calculates an actual control value between the current aperture and a specified aperture (S113). For example, if the aperture is changed from F4.0 to F8.0, the actual control value is assumed to be 4 stops.

[0045] The main controller 140 reads the offset time and aperture control information from the flash memory 142 (S114). The main controller 140 calculates an aperture operation time (second control time) required to reach the specified aperture value, which can be predicted based on the aperture speed (500 steps per second) contained in the aperture control information (S115). Here, 4 (steps) / 500 (steps per second) = 8 ms. The main controller 140 further adds an offset time of 14 ms to the 8 ms to obtain 22 ms, which is set as the prediction time for the aperture operation (S116).

[0046] A charge reset start time for imaging element 110 is calculated (S117). The previously described global shutter method is used as a drive method for imaging element 110, and the time required for charge reset is set to, for example, 13 ms. If, in this case, the main controller 140 starts charge reset 9 ms after the start of the aperture operation, the aperture operation can be completed at essentially the same time as the end of charge reset.

[0047] The main control 140 performs the aperture operation and charge reset simultaneously (S118). Once the aperture operation and charge reset are complete (Yes in S119), the main control 140 actuates the shutter control unit 181 to open the front curtain of the shutter 180 (S120) and performs an exposure operation (S121). After the exposure is complete (Yes in S122), the main control 140 actuates the shutter control unit 181 to close the rear curtain of the shutter 180 (S123). Simultaneously, the pixels for each row of the imaging element 110 are read out and the read data is stored in memory (S124). The imaging operation is completed by the above procedure.

[0048] It should be noted that the sequence of execution processes in the flowchart above is not necessarily limited to the description above and the execution sequence can be changed or some of the processes can be carried out simultaneously without deviating from the core of the invention.

[0049] Fig. Figure 8 shows a diagram illustrating the trigger delays of the present embodiment and the comparative example when an imaging process is performed with an aperture operation (starting from the minimum f-number). As shown in the figure, according to the present embodiment, the time delay of the imaging process can be suppressed by the aperture operation. In particular, it can be seen that the effect is greater the larger the aperture control value. 1-3. Effect etc.

[0050] In the camera housing 100 according to the present embodiment, the main controller 140 detects a predicted time for an aperture operation of the aperture control unit 261; and starts the charge reset operation of the imaging element 110 according to the predicted time for the aperture operation in order to complete the charge reset at or before the completion of the aperture operation. Regardless of the respective differences of the interchangeable lens 200 and the variations in the aperture operating time due to the aperture control value, the charge reset of the imaging element 110 is started in accordance with a time preset for the completion of the aperture operation, so that the charge reset is completed simultaneously with the completion of the aperture operation. Therefore, an exposure operation can be started immediately after the charge reset, and a shutter release delay caused by variations in the aperture operating time is reduced. 2. Other embodiments

[0051] As previously described, one embodiment was described as an example of the methods disclosed in the present application. However, the present invention is not limited to these methods and can also be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like are made in a suitable manner. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine one component with another component in the previously described embodiment to create a new embodiment.

[0052] (1) In the above embodiment, the lens ID, aperture control information and offset time are determined by the Fig. The information obtained in the methods described in section 6 is stored in the flash memory 142 of the camera housing 100 when the interchangeable lens 200 is attached. This information is read from the flash memory 142 and used the next time the same interchangeable lens 200 is attached. Thus, the main control 140 must be configured in Fig. The 6 processes shown for the same interchangeable lens 200 are executed only once.

[0053] (2) In the above embodiment, a CMOS sensor is used as the imaging element 110, although the present invention is not limited thereto. A CCD sensor (charge-coupled device) can also be used.

[0054] Furthermore, the rolling shutter method can be used as the drive method for the imaging element 110. In this case, the charge reset is performed for each pixel row (horizontal row) of the imaging element 110, and the control is implemented such that the charge reset of the last pixel row is completed simultaneously with the termination of the aperture operation.

[0055] (3) In the above embodiment, the camera body 100 can be a single-lens reflex camera with a movable mirror and an optical viewfinder. In this case, the shutter 180 can be a normally closed shutter, which is closed in a normal state except at the time of exposure.

[0056] (4) The numerical values ​​described above for determining an aperture prediction time are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these numerical values ​​or their approximations. [List of reference symbols] 1 camera system 100 camera bodies 110 Imaging element 111 A / D converter 112 timers 120 LCD monitor 130 triggers 140 Main control 141 DRAM 142 flash memory 150 housing-side mounting 160 Power supply 170 card slots 171 SD card 180 closure 180a Front curtain 180b Back curtain 181 Shutter control unit 200 interchangeable lenses 210 zoom lens 211 Zoom lens control unit 220 OIS lens 221 OIS control unit 222 Position sensor 223 OIS processing unit 230 Focus lens 231 Focus control unit 240 lens control 241 DRAM 242 flash memory 250 lens-side mounting 260 aperture 261 Aperture control unit AX Optical Axis

Claims

Imaging device to which an interchangeable lens (200) can be attached, the interchangeable lens (200) comprising an aperture (260) and an aperture control unit (261) configured to drive the aperture (260), the imaging device comprising: an imaging element (110) configured to reset the accumulated charge; a shutter (180) configured to block and open an optical path to the imaging element (110); a shutter control unit (181) configured to control the shutter (180); and an operating unit configured to command an imaging operation.and a controller (140) configured to control the aperture control unit (261) and the imaging element (110) according to the command from the operating unit, characterized in that the controller (140) is configured to detect a prediction time of an aperture operation of the aperture control unit (261); and to initiate a charge reset process of the imaging element according to the prediction time of the aperture operation in order to complete the charge reset process at or before completion of the aperture operation. Imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control (140) is configured to start the charge reset process according to the prediction time of the aperture operation in order to complete the charge reset process essentially at the same time as the aperture operation is completed. Imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the charge reset process comprises the collective reset of the charge of all pixels of the imaging element (110). Imaging device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit (140) of the interchangeable lens (200) attached to the imaging device is configured to control the shutter control unit (181) and the aperture control unit (261) in parallel when it receives the command from the operating unit, and to start an exposure process in response to the completion of the aperture operation. Imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control (140) is configured to start the exposure process after completion of the charge reset process. Imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, when the interchangeable lens (200) is attached to the imaging device, the control (140) is configured to: acquire aperture control information of the interchangeable lens (200); measure a first actuation time, wherein the first actuation time is a time required to actuate the aperture control unit (261) between a minimum f-number and a maximum f-number of the interchangeable lens (200); acquire an offset time including an excitation time of the aperture control unit (261) based on the first actuation time and the aperture control information; and store the offset time in a memory (142), wherein the aperture control information comprises both an aperture control value and an aperture speed of the interchangeable lens (200). Imaging device according to claim 6, characterized in that upon receipt of the imaging command including setting the aperture (260) to a predetermined f-number, the controller (140) is configured to: calculate a second control time based on the aperture control information, wherein the second control time is a time required to control the aperture control unit (261) so that the current aperture achieves the predetermined f-number from the current f-number; and determine the prediction time of the aperture operation based on the second control time and the offset time.

Images