Control device, display device, imaging system, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a control device advantageous in terms of, for example, operability.SOLUTION: A control device (100) that can communicate with units (200, 300, 400, 500) including a display device in an imaging system (10), comprises: a communication section (101) that communicates with the units; and a processing section (102) that causes the communication section to transmit, to the units, display data superimposed by the display device based on specification information for specifying the units acquired by the communication section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a display device, an imaging system, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, imaging systems are known that are configured with a control device in a lens device or the like and a display device in at least one imaging device that can communicate with the control device. Patent Document 1 discloses a control device (camera) in a camera system including multiple camera devices that specifies the role of the camera device based on the imaging conditions specified for the camera device. Patent Document 2 discloses a control device (camera) that measures its own position and displays an image based on peripheral information about its own position superimposed on a through (live view) image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-012832 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-094955 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an imaging system involving multiple users, information required for a user observing a display device constituting the imaging system may not be displayed, which is undesirable in terms of operability of the imaging unit operated by the user.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device that is advantageous in terms of operability of an imaging unit, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control device as one aspect of the present invention is a control device capable of communicating with a unit including a display device in an imaging system, and has a communication unit that communicates with the unit, and a processing unit that causes the communication unit to transmit display data to be superimposed by the display device to the unit based on specific information identifying the unit obtained by the communication unit.

[0007] Other objects and features of the present invention are illustrated in the following examples. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a control device that is advantageous in terms of operability of an imaging unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 11 is a flowchart showing a role identification process in the first and second embodiments. [Diagram 3] 11 is a flowchart showing a display specification process in the first and second embodiments. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart showing a display content determination process in the first and second embodiments. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a display information creation process in each embodiment. [Figure 6] 3 is an example of a UI according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 11 is an example of roles and display specifications in each embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of a UI according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a role identification process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12]13 is a flowchart showing a display specification process in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing a display content determination process in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is an example of a UI according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an imaging system as a modified example of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] First, the problem of a conventional imaging system composed of a control device such as a lens device and at least one display device capable of communicating with the control device will be described. Information transmitted and received between devices constituting the imaging system is image and video information, and it is assumed that a general video information transmission and communication protocol can be used, so menu information such as device status and settings may not be applicable. In addition, in an imaging system, multiple display devices (external UIs) having a display unit other than a lens, such as accessories for operating a camera VF or lens, and display-only devices such as monitors and tablets, may be connected. In recent years, with the diversification of shooting applications, the devices connected to lenses have also become more diverse, and there are many cases where simply displaying predetermined information on a display device connected for communication does not necessarily provide the information that is necessary for, for example, a photographer.

[0012] In an imaging system, there are various roles, such as a cameraman who operates the camera and lenses, a video engineer (VE) who adjusts the camera and various video equipment, a switcher who switches the screen in video production, etc. Furthermore, there are also cases where roles are divided into more detailed roles, such as a focus man who specializes in operating the focus lens and a person who adjusts the angle of view.

[0013] In addition, in a shooting environment, various UIs may be configured in various places, such as the camera VF and camera accessories, lenses and lens accessories, VE and switcher surroundings, etc. In particular, in recent years, the number of devices that can be connected to PCs and tablets has been increasing, and these devices may also be used as UIs for the imaging system.

[0014] The operations and check items vary depending on these various roles. For example, a cameraman needs information about shooting operations, while a VE or switcher needs information that gives an overview of the entire system. Also, the display format and information that is suitable for each type of UI differs. For example, a large display is more suitable for displaying a list, and since the VF displays images, displaying too much information on top of it can affect shooting.

[0015] Also, depending on the camera and other interfaces, some information can be sent and received, while others cannot. Also, whether or not information can be sent and received may depend on the product generation and firmware version. In any case, it is necessary to make it possible to display the necessary information while avoiding duplication of information display between devices that are connected for communication. To improve the user's operability during imaging, the display of the external UI must always provide necessary information to the person viewing the UI. These UIs should have a display format that matches the display capabilities of the UI, and information that matches the role of the person viewing the UI and the UI itself in the entire imaging system. For this reason, it is desirable for an information storage device that stores information to be able to identify the role of the photographer or operator and the display unit of the device to be connected for communication, and to determine the content to be displayed on the external UI based on the identified information.

[0016] Each embodiment will be described in detail below. EXAMPLES

[0017] First, an imaging system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the imaging system 10. The imaging system 10 is configured to include a lens device 100, a camera device 200, and an operation device 300. In this embodiment, the lens device 100 is described as an information holding device (control device), and the camera device 200 and the operation device 300 are each external UIs (units including a display device). In this embodiment, the operation device 300 is, for example, an accessory that operates a zoom lens of the lens device 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0018] First, the lens device 100 will be described. The lens device 100 has an L communication unit 101, an L calculation unit (processing unit) 102, and an L display unit 107. The lens device 100 also has a lens group (zoom lens, focus lens), an aperture, and an operation unit (none of which are shown). The L communication unit 101 is a communication unit that communicates with other communication connection devices such as the camera device 200 or the operation device 300. The L communication unit 101 transmits data input from the L calculation unit 102 to other communication connection devices that are connected to the L communication unit, and also outputs received data from other communication connection devices to the L calculation unit 102. In this embodiment, the L communication unit 101 outputs at least identification information received from other communication connection devices to the L calculation unit 102. The L communication unit 101 also outputs C display data, which will be described later, to the camera device 200, and also outputs D display data to the operation device 300.

[0019] The L calculation unit 102 is a control unit such as a CPU, and has at least an L role specification unit 103, an L display specification unit 104, an L display content determination unit 105, and an L display information creation unit 106. The L calculation unit 102 also outputs L display data, which will be described later, to the L display unit 107, and outputs display data other than the L display data (C display data, D display data) to the L communication unit 101.

[0020] The L role identification unit 103 performs a role identification process for identifying the role (type of user) of the user (operator or photographer) who operates each device in the imaging system 10 including the lens apparatus 100, based on the identification information of each device input from the L communication unit 101. The identified role information is handled by the L display identification unit 104, the L display content determination unit 105, and the L display information creation unit 106. The detailed processing flow of the role identification process will be described later with reference to FIG. 2. The term "role" will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0021] In an imaging system including the lens apparatus 100, the L display specification unit 104 performs a display specification process for specifying display information such as the presence or absence of a display unit of each device and the display capacity of the display unit, based on the identification information of each device input from the L communication unit 101. The specified display information is handled by the L display specification unit 104, the L display content determination unit 105, and the L display information creation unit 106. Note that a detailed processing flow of the display specification process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0022] The L display content determination unit 105 has a role of determining what to display on which display unit in the imaging system 10, based on the role information identified by the L role identification unit 103 and the display information identified by the L display identification unit 104. Specifically, a display content determination process is performed to determine the content to be displayed on a target external UI and its own UI (L display unit 107). The determined display content information is handled by the L display information creation unit 106. Note that the details of the display content determination process and the processing flow will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0023] The L display information creation unit 106 performs a display information creation process to create display data to be displayed on an external UI based on the role information identified by the L role identification unit 103, the display information identified by the L display identification unit 104, or the display content information determined by the L display content determination unit 105. That is, the L display information creation unit 106 generates display data based on information on at least one of the role and performance of the display device corresponding to the identification information. The display data is data such as a character string that is actually displayed on the display unit. For example, the L display information creation unit 106 creates C display data to be displayed on the camera device 200 and D display data to be displayed on the operation device 300, and outputs them to the L communication unit 101. The detailed processing flow of the display information creation process will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. The L display information creation unit 106 creates not only display data for the external UI, but also L display data to be displayed on the L display unit 107, which will be described later. The created L display data is output to the L display unit 107.

[0024] The L display unit 107 is a display device, and is at least a UI that is visible to the user. It displays the L display data input from the L calculation unit 102. The display device is, but is not limited to, an LCD or an organic EL. In this embodiment, the lens device 100 does not necessarily have to have the L display unit 107.

[0025] Next, the camera device 200 will be described. The camera device 200 is an imaging device equipped with an imaging unit, and is configured to include a C communication unit 201, a C calculation unit 202, and a C display unit 207. The C communication unit 201 is a communication unit that communicates with other communication connection devices such as the lens device 100. The C communication unit 201 transmits data input from the C calculation unit 202 to other communication connection devices that are connected to the C communication unit 202, and also outputs data received from other communication connection devices to the C calculation unit 202. In this embodiment, the C communication unit 201 outputs at least C display data received from the lens device 100 to the C calculation unit 202. In addition, the C communication unit 201 outputs identification information input from the C calculation unit 202 to the lens device 100.

[0026] The C calculation unit 202 is a control unit such as a CPU, and has at least a C display information creation unit 206. The C calculation unit 202 also outputs C display data input from the C communication unit 201 to the C display unit 207, and outputs its own identification information to the C communication unit 201. The C display information creation unit 206 converts the C display data input from the C communication unit 201 into display data that matches the display format of the C display unit 207, and outputs it to the C display unit 207. The C display unit 207 is a display device, and is at least a UI that is visible to the user, such as a camera VF. The C display unit 207 displays the display data converted by the C display information creation unit 206. The display device is, but is not limited to, an LCD or an organic EL.

[0027] Next, the operation device 300 will be described. The operation device 300 is a device for operating the lens device 100, and is used to operate, for example, a zoom lens and a focus lens (not shown) configured in the lens device 100. The operation device 300 is configured with a D communication unit 301, a D calculation unit 302, and a D display unit 307. Note that in this embodiment, the operation device 300 is an operation device capable of operating a focus lens in the lens device 100, but is not limited thereto, and may be an operation device capable of operating other members such as a zoom lens.

[0028] The D communication unit 301 is a communication unit that communicates with other communication-connected devices such as the lens apparatus 100. The D communication unit 301 transmits data input from the D calculation unit 302 to the other communication-connected devices with which it is communicatively connected, and also outputs data received from the other communication-connected devices to the D calculation unit 302. In this embodiment, the D communication unit 301 outputs at least D display data received from the lens apparatus 100 to the D calculation unit 302. The D communication unit 301 also outputs identification information input from the D calculation unit 302 to the lens apparatus 100.

[0029] The D calculation unit 302 is a control unit such as a CPU. The D calculation unit 302 outputs the D display data input from the D communication unit 301 to the D display unit 307, and outputs its own identification information to the D communication unit 301. The D calculation unit 302 also has a D display information creation unit 306, and converts the display data into display data suited to the D display unit 307 described later. The D display unit 307 is a display device, and is at least a UI that is visible to the user. The D display unit 307 displays the display data converted by the D display information creation unit 306. The display device is, but is not limited to, an LCD or an organic EL.

[0030] Next, a role identification process performed by the L role identification unit 103 of the lens device 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the role identification process. After the lens device 100 is powered on, when the lens device 100 is connected to the camera device 200 or the operation device 300 for communication, the process proceeds to step S201. Note that Fig. 2 describes a case where the lens device 100 is connected to the camera device 200 for communication, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0031] First, in step S201, the L role identification unit 103 determines whether or not the installation location of the communication connection partner (camera device 200) has been identified. If the installation location of the connection partner has been identified, the process proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if the installation location cannot be identified, the process proceeds to step S203. The installation location is, for example, the distance between the lens device 100 and the camera device 200, the connection form such as wired or wireless, etc. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and any information that can determine the relationship with the lens device 100 within the imaging system 10 may be used.

[0032] In step S202, the L role identification unit 103 stores the installation location information identified in step S201 as acquired information Rc, and proceeds to step S203. In step S203, the L role identification unit 103 determines whether or not identification information has been received from the communication connection partner (camera device 200). If the L role identification unit 103 has received the identification information, the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if the L role identification unit 103 has not received the identification information, the process proceeds to step S205. The identification information is identification information of the camera device 200 or identification information of the operation device 300, and may include information regarding the type and communication format of the device that is communication-connected to the lens device 100 (information regarding the performance of the device).

[0033] In step S204, the L role identification unit 103 stores the identification information received in step S203 as acquired information R (Rc), and proceeds to step S205. In step S205, the L role identification unit 103 identifies the role of the communication connection partner (camera device 200) based on the acquired information Rc. Details of the identified role will be described later with reference to FIG. 7, but it is information relating to "main photographer", for example. Also, "photography support" may be identified as the role of the UI. In this embodiment, the identified role is "main photographer" (or "angle of view adjuster").

[0034] Next, in step S206, the L role identification unit 103 registers the role information R' (Rc') identified in step S205, and ends the role identification process. Note that the L role identification unit 103 performs the process for the operation device 300 in the flow of steps S201 to S206 described above, but can store acquired information Rd different from acquired information Rc as acquired information R, and register role information Rd'.

[0035] Next, the display specification process performed by the L display specification unit 104 of the lens device 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the display specification process. First, when the role information of the communication connection partner is specified in the role specification process described with reference to Fig. 2, the process proceeds to step S301. Note that Fig. 3 describes a case where the lens device 100 is communication-connected to the camera device 200, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0036] In step S301, the L-display specification unit 104 determines whether or not the communication connection partner (camera device 200) has a display unit. If it is determined that the communication connection partner has a display unit, the process proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication connection partner does not have a display unit, the process proceeds to step S303. If information can be obtained from communication information or product information from the communication connection partner, the L-display specification unit 104 makes a determination based on the obtained information. On the other hand, if information cannot be obtained from communication information or product information from the communication connection partner, the L-display specification unit 104 may make a determination based on preset conditions or settings.

[0037] In step S302, the L display specification unit 104 stores information indicating that the communication connection partner has a display unit as the acquired information S(Sc), and proceeds to step S304. In step S303, the L display specification unit 104 stores information indicating that the communication connection partner does not have a display unit as the acquired information Sc, and proceeds to step S304.

[0038] In step S304, the L display specification unit 104 determines whether or not the identification information of the display unit has been acquired. If it is determined that the identification information of the display unit has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if it is determined that the identification information of the display unit has not been acquired, the process proceeds to step S306. Details of the identification information of the display unit (display identification information) will be described later with reference to FIG. 7, but it is information that can identify, for example, display capabilities such as "whether the display is in color" or "the number of characters displayed", or a use such as "video display".

[0039] In step S305, the L display specification unit 104 stores the identification information of the display unit as acquired information Sc, and proceeds to step S306. In step S306, the L display specification unit 104 registers the acquired information S(Sc) as display information S'(Sc') linked to the communication connection partner, and ends the display specification process. Note that the L display specification unit 104 performs processing for the operation device 300 in the flow of the above-mentioned steps S301 to S306, but can store acquired information Sd different from the acquired information Sc as the acquired information S, and register the display information S'(Sd').

[0040] Next, a display content determination process performed by the L display content determination unit 105 of the lens device 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the display content determination process. Note that Fig. 4 describes a case where the lens device 100 determines the contents of the C display data to be transmitted to the camera device 200, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0041] First, when a display request is made after the role identification process in FIG. 3 and the display identification process in FIG. 4 are completed, the process proceeds to step S401. In step S401, the L display content determination unit 105 acquires role information R' (Rc') registered in the role identification process. Then, in step S402, the L display content determination unit 105 acquires display information S' (Sc') registered in the display identification process. Then, in step S403, the L display content determination unit 105 determines display content SInfo (SInfo_c). In this embodiment, the L display content determination unit 105 monitors communication data between the lens device 100 and the camera device 200, and sets information that is not actually being communicated as display content SInfo_c.

[0042] Next, in step S404, the L display content determination unit 105 determines the display target St (St_c) for displaying the display content SInfo (SInfo_c), and proceeds to step S405. Next, in step S405, the L display content determination unit 105 registers the display information SFin (SFin_c), and ends the display content determination process.

[0043] The L display content determination unit 105 performs processing for the operation device 300 in the flow of steps S401 to S405 described above. However, in step S403, it determines the display content SInfo_d as the display content SInfo, in step S404 it determines the display target St_d as the display target St, and in step S405 it registers the display information SFin_d as the display information SFin. For example, the display information SFin_d registered for the operation device 300 can be registered separately from the display information SFin_c registered for the camera device 200, and the actual information may be the same based on the determined information.

[0044] Next, a display information creation process performed by the L display information creation unit 106 of the lens device 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the display information creation process. Note that Fig. 5 describes a case where the lens device 100 creates C display data to be transmitted to the camera device 200, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0045] First, when the display content determination process of Fig. 4 is completed and a display information creation request is made, the process proceeds to step S501. In step S501, the L display information creation unit 106 acquires the display information SFin_c determined in the display content determination process. Then, in step S502, the L display information creation unit 106 acquires the target data (display target St_c) determined in the display content determination process based on the display information SFin_c.

[0046] Next, in step S503, the L display information creation unit 106 creates C display data by converting the target data into a displayable format based on the display information SFin_c acquired in step S501 and the target data (display target St_c) acquired in step S502. In this embodiment, the C display data is ASCII data, but is not limited to this. For example, if the display device is the same as the lens device 100, the data may be converted into output data suited to the display device. Also, if information on the number of display pixels can be acquired, information such as on / off for each display pixel may be output.

[0047] Next, in step S504, the L display information creation unit 106 outputs the C display data created in step S503 to the L communication unit 101, and ends the display information creation process. Note that the L display information creation unit 106 performs processing for the operation device 300 in the flow of steps S501 to S504 described above. However, it is possible to create D display data in step S503 and output the D display data to the L communication unit 101 in step S504.

[0048] The camera device 200 displays the C display data received from the lens device 100 on the C display unit 207. The operation device 300 displays the D display data received from the lens device 100 on the D display unit 307. Note that the actual display by this process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0049] Next, referring to Figs. 6(a) and (b), an example of a UI displayed on the external UI of this embodiment is shown. Fig. 6(a) is an example of a UI displayed on the C display unit 207, and Fig. 6(b) is an example of a UI displayed on the D display unit 307. The dotted lines in the figures indicate C display data in Fig. 6(a) and D display data in Fig. 6(b), and are added for the purpose of explaining the figures, but are not actually displayed. In this embodiment, information within the dotted lines is added as shown in Figs. 6(a) and (b). The C display data displays information necessary for the "main photographer" or "view angle adjuster", and as an example, zoom speed information and effective value. In addition, the display data is limited to two lines so as not to interfere with the confirmation of the image display. The D display data displays information necessary for the "focus operator", and as an example, focus position information and focus operation right information.

[0050] Next, an example of roles and display specifications in this embodiment will be shown with reference to Figs. 7(a) to (c). Fig. 7(a) is an example of roles, and Fig. 7(b) is an example of display specifications. Fig. 7(c) is an image diagram showing locations in an imaging system 10. Note that the imaging system 10 shown in Fig. 7(c) is an example. Also, the shaded portion in Fig. 7(c) indicates a display unit.

[0051] FIG. 7(a) is a table in which the location of the photographer is associated with the role to be specified. The "location" in the table is the location of the photographer or operator. For example, it may be a location where the camera device 200 or the lens device 100 can actually be operated, a location where only a specific operation device 300 can be operated, or a location away from the camera device 200 or the lens device 100, such as a VE or a switcher. In FIG. 7(c), the locations of the photographer or operator are indicated by P1 to P3. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and may be subdivided based on information such as the connection form (wired or wireless) and distance to the camera device 200, which is the main photographing device.

[0052] The role is the role of the photographer or operator in the aforementioned location in the imaging system 10. Examples include "main photographer", "angle of view adjustment", "focus operation", "monitoring", and "system monitoring". However, this embodiment is not limited to these, and roles may be registered since they differ depending on the shooting mode. In order to display information for supporting the operation of each role (such as information for operation support or remote operation support), information that can support the specified role is obtained from the information holding device. For example, for the "main photographer", the "shooting support" information is lens position information, and for "system monitoring", the communication status of multiple shooting devices and equipment is information.

[0053] FIG. 7(b) is a table in which the display unit is associated with the display capability and use of the specified display unit. The "display unit" in the table is a UI that can be displayed in the imaging system 10. For example, it may be a camera VF, a lens, an accessory such as an operating device, a VE (video engineering) system, or a dedicated display device. In FIG. 7(c), the display units are indicated by D1 to D3. D1' indicates a viewfinder that the photographer actually looks through with his or her eyes, and may be displayed in the same manner as D1, or the display contents may be displayed separately. Note that this embodiment is not limited to this, and any device that can be identified by communication may be used.

[0054] Next, the display capabilities and uses to be specified will be described. First, the display capabilities include the displayable range (number of lines and number of characters), size, black and white or color, etc. These pieces of information can be determined in advance, or may be identified through communication. Also, the information holding device may determine whether the display is higher, equal, or lower than its own display unit. Also, information on whether it is easy for the photographer to view when taking a picture may be included.

[0055] The display purpose may be for display only or for video overlay. Even in the case where the display capability is high as described above, it is difficult to display a lot of information when the main purpose is video display and support information is video overlay. For this reason, it is necessary to decide the display contents taking the purpose into consideration. A correspondence table as shown in Figs. 7(a) and (b) may be stored, for example, in the L calculation unit 102 or in a non-volatile memory (not shown), or the logic or priority order for specifying the role or display may be changed by settings.

[0056] With the above configuration, the role and display unit of the device connected for communication can be identified, and the content to be displayed on the external UI can be determined based on the identified information, so that the display of the external UI always becomes information necessary for the person viewing the UI. Even if the communication data between the camera device 200 and the lens device 100 is changed, the display content is determined by looking at the communication data, so the change in the communication data is reflected in the display of the external UI. Even if the display capacity of the display unit of the operation device 300 is changed, if the information of the display unit can be identified, the display of the external UI can be changed according to the display capacity. By performing the above processing, it becomes possible to display information according to the role and display unit of the device connected for communication on the external UI. In this embodiment, the example of role information shown in FIG. 7(a) is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0057] In this embodiment, the display information is identification information such as the presence or absence of a display unit and display capabilities, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be information such as whether or not transmission and reception of C display data is supported, or it may be setting information for the display unit of each device. By being able to obtain setting information for the display unit, it may be possible to display depending on the settings, but it is possible to change the display information output from the lens device 100 depending on whether or not it is actually displayed.

[0058] In the display content determination process, in this embodiment, communication information with the communication connection partner is monitored, and information that is not actually communicated is set as the display content, but this is not limited to this. For example, information on an abnormal state or the like may be information that the user should be aware of even if it is duplicated, and the display content may be determined taking into consideration the above-mentioned display settings.

[0059] In addition, in the present embodiment, the role and the display unit are automatically determined based on information acquired from each device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the role and the display unit themselves may be settable, or the priority order for determining the display contents may be settable.

[0060] In addition, in this embodiment, the start trigger of the role specification process, the display specification process, the display content determination process, and the display information creation process is a communication connection with another communication connection device, but this is not limited to this. For example, the trigger may be a switch operation in the imaging system, or at least one of these processes may not be performed in conjunction with each other. Also, the display of the C display data is always displayed, but this is not limited to this. For example, it may be displayed only when a switch to which an additional information display function is assigned is operated.

[0061] In this embodiment, the display information created in the display information creation process is mainly output to an external UI, but may be output to the L display unit 107 included in the lens device 100. In this embodiment, the lens device 100 performs the role specification process, the display specification process, the display content determination process, and the display information creation process, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least a part of the above-mentioned processes may be configured to be performed by the camera device 200 or the operation device 300.

[0062] As described above, the lens device 100 of this embodiment is a control device capable of communicating with a unit (camera device 200, operation device 300) including a display device in the imaging system 10. The lens device 100 has a communication unit (L communication unit 101), an information identification unit (L role identification unit 103, L display identification unit 104), and a display content determination unit (L display content determination unit 105). The communication unit communicates with the display device. The information identification unit identifies specific information related to the display device in the imaging system 10 through communication. The display content determination unit determines display information to be displayed on the display device based on the specific information. The communication unit transmits display data created based on the display information to the display device. Preferably, the specific information includes role information of the display device in the imaging system 10 (e.g., zoom operation) and display specific information of a display unit provided in the display device (a device that displays information necessary for the role, information that identifies a display location (e.g., camera VF)). Also preferably, the information specifying unit includes a role specifying unit (L role specifying unit 103) that specifies role information, and a display specifying unit (L display specifying unit 104) that specifies display specification information.

[0063] According to this embodiment, it is possible to display necessary information in an optimal location for the photographer depending on the role of the photographer. EXAMPLES

[0064] Next, an imaging system 10a according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5 and 7 to 9. In this embodiment, components similar to those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0065] The configuration of the imaging system 10a will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the imaging system 10a. In the first embodiment, an example was described in which, in addition to the lens device 100, lens accessories essential for photography, such as the camera device 200 and the operation device 300, were used. The camera device 200 and the operation device 300 already have general display specifications determined to some extent, and it is desirable to add necessary display information from the lens device 100 thereto. However, it is also conceivable that a display-only device such as a tablet may be used in the photography environment, and in such a case, it is desirable to make the photography more efficient by effectively using the display-only device. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the display-only device is an external UI.

[0066] 8 is configured by adding a display device (display-only device) 400 such as a monitor to the imaging system 10a shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the lens device 100 is described as an information holding device (control device), and the camera device 200, the operation device 300, and the display device 400 are each external UIs (units including a display device).

[0067] First, the lens device 100 will be described. The configuration of the lens device 100 is the same as that of the lens device 100 described with reference to Fig. 1. Also, as in the first embodiment, Figs. 2 to 4 are used for the role specification process performed by the L role specification unit 103, the display specification process performed by the L display specification unit 104, and the display content determination process performed by the L display content determination unit 105. The display information creation process by the L display information creation unit 106 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 as in the first embodiment. However, in the display information creation process of this embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, U display data to be displayed on the display device 400 is created and output to the L communication unit 101.

[0068] Next, the display device 400 will be described. The display device 400 is a device capable of displaying character strings and images and capable of communication connection, and may be a general-purpose display device other than a conventional photographing device, such as a tablet. The display device 400 is configured to include a U communication unit 401, a U calculation unit 402, and a U display unit 407. In this embodiment, the display device 400 is a tablet such as a smartphone, but is not limited to this.

[0069] The U communication unit 401 is a communication unit that communicates with other communication connection devices such as the lens device 100. The data input from the U calculation unit 402 is transmitted to other communication connection devices that are connected to the communication unit, and the received data from the other communication connection devices is output to the U calculation unit 402. In this embodiment, at least the U display data received from the lens device 100 is output to the U calculation unit 402. Also, the identification information input from the U calculation unit 402 is output to the lens device 100. The U calculation unit 402 is a control unit such as a CPU. The U display data input from the U communication unit 401 is output to the U display unit 407, and its own identification information is output to the U communication unit 401. Also, the U calculation unit 402 constitutes a U display information creation unit 406, and converts the display data into display data that matches the U display unit 407 described later. The U display unit 407 is a display device, and is at least a UI that is visible to the user. The display data converted by the U display information creation unit 406 is displayed. The display device is an LCD or an organic EL, but is not limited to these.

[0070] Next, a role identification process in this embodiment will be described. The roles of the camera device 200 and the operation device 300 are the same as those in the embodiment 1, with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 2. Below, identification of the role of the display device 400 will be described as a comparison with the embodiment 1.

[0071] In steps S202 and S204, information is stored in the acquired information Ru, and in step S205, the role of the display device 400 is identified based on the acquired information Ru. The roles identified in this embodiment are, for example, "additional information display" and "status display" in Fig. 7. This is a device that is not essential for conventional photographing devices, and is the role of the display device for additional status confirmation to improve the efficiency of photographing. In step S206, role information Ru' is registered, and the process ends.

[0072] Next, the display specification process in this embodiment will be described. The display information of the camera device 200 and the operation device 300 is assumed to be the same as that of the first embodiment, using the flowchart in Fig. 3. In the following, the specification of the display information of the display device 400 will be described as a comparison with the first embodiment.

[0073] In steps S302, S303, and S305, information is stored in the acquired information Su. In step S306, display information Su' of the display device 400 is registered based on the acquired information Su. The display information specified in this embodiment is, for example, "dedicated display device" in FIG. 7. Although "depends on acquired results" is written in the table, it also depends on the display application in the tablet and the screen size and resolution of the tablet itself, so if this information regarding display can be acquired, it is possible to make the display content more suitable for the display unit.

[0074] Next, the display content determination process in this embodiment will be described. The display contents of the camera device 200 and the operation device 300 are assumed to be the same as those in the first embodiment, with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 4. Below, the determination of the display contents of the display device 400 will be described as a comparison with the first embodiment.

[0075] In step S401, role information Ru' is obtained, and in step S402, display information Su' is obtained. In step S403, display content SInfo_u is determined. In this embodiment, information regarding the state of the lens device 100 is set as the display content SInfo_u. In step S404, a display target St_u is determined, and in step S405, display information SFin_u is registered, and the process ends.

[0076] The display information creation process is the same as in the first embodiment, and the only difference is that the display device 400 creates U display data based on the display information SFin_u and outputs the created U display data to the L communication unit 101.

[0077] Next, an example of a UI displayed on the external UI of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9(a) to (c). Figs. 9(a) to (c) are examples of a UI displayed on the external UI. Compared with Fig. 6 described in the first embodiment, Fig. 9(a) is similar to Fig. 6(a), Fig. 9(b) is similar to Fig. 6(b), and the only difference from Fig. 6 is that Fig. 9(c) has been added. Fig. 9(c) shows an example of the U display unit 407.

[0078] With regard to Fig. 9(c), the dotted line in the figure indicates the U display unit 407, which is added for the purpose of illustrating the figure and is not actually displayed. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, everything displayed on the U display unit 407 is U display data. The U display data displays information necessary for "status display" as "additional information display", and examples include the enabled / disabled state of a function and the source of a command operation. Also, as a display unit that does not display images, an example is shown in which the entire display area is used only for the above-mentioned "status display".

[0079] By performing the above processing, even when a display-only device not present in a conventional imaging system becomes an external UI, it becomes possible to display information according to the role and display unit of the device on the external UI. In this embodiment, the L display unit 107 is not necessarily required, and even when the L display unit 107 is not present, it is possible to check the status of the lens device 100 on the display device 400. In this embodiment, the role of the display device 400 as a dedicated display device is to display additional information and status, but this is not limited. Even if it is called a tablet, some display apps and devices do not have high display capabilities, so it is sufficient that the optimal display content is determined according to the acquired display information. For example, all status information may be displayed at a glance, or when the display area is limited, the display characters may be scrolled.

[0080] In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the content of communication with the camera device 200 or the operation device 300, the communication frequency, or the display frequency may be monitored, and the monitored information may be reflected in the display of the display device 400. In the first embodiment, information not included in the content of communication with the camera device 200 is output to the camera device 200 as C display data, but, for example, information not transmitted to the camera device 200 or the operation device 300 may be displayed on the display device 400 dedicated to display.

[0081] In this embodiment, the display device 400 is communicatively connected to the lens device 100, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be communicatively connected to the camera device 200 or the operation device 300. The operation device 300 may transmit D display data transmitted from the lens device 100 to the display device 400, and the D display data may be displayed on the U display unit 407. This allows an operator of the operation device 300 that does not include the D display unit 307 to check necessary information.

[0082] According to this embodiment, it is possible to display necessary information in an optimal location for the photographer depending on the role of the photographer. EXAMPLES

[0083] Next, an imaging system 10b according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and FIG. 10 to FIG. 14. In this embodiment, components similar to those described in the first or second embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. In the first or second embodiment, the device that is directly connected to the lens device 100, which is an information holding device, is regarded as the external UI. However, in addition to the device that is directly connected to the lens device 100, there is also an imaging system in which the device that is connected via several devices is the external UI. For example, the VE system 500 is connected to one or more cameras, and is not directly connected to the lens device 100. In addition, the VE has a role of adjusting the image, and may actually perform operations such as fine adjustment of the focus, and therefore requires information different from that of the camera device 200.

[0084] The configuration of the imaging system 10b will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a block diagram of the imaging system 10b. In the imaging system 10b, the operation device 300 is deleted and a VE system 500 is added, compared to the imaging system 10 of Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the lens device 100 is described as an information holding device (control device), and the camera device 200 and the VE system 500 are each external UIs (units including a display device). The camera device 200 is directly connected to the lens device 100 for communication, as in the first and second embodiments. On the other hand, the VE system 500 is directly connected to the camera device 200 for communication, not the lens device 100.

[0085] First, the lens device 100 will be described. The configuration of the lens device 100 is the same as that of the lens device 100 described with reference to Fig. 1. For the L display information creation unit 106, the display information creation process uses Fig. 5 as in the first embodiment, but is different in that it also creates V display data to be displayed on the VE system 500 and outputs it to the L communication unit 101.

[0086] In this embodiment, the L communication unit 101 can determine that the VE system 500 is connected to the camera device 200 through communication, based on the identification information received from the camera device 200. In addition, both the C display data and the V display data are transmitted to the camera device 200, but the V display data is assigned with identification data A that identifies it as being for the VE system 500.

[0087] Next, the camera device 200 will be described. The configuration of the camera device 200 is the same as that of the camera device 200 described with reference to Fig. 1. When the C communication unit 201 is connected to the VE system 500 for communication, it transmits the identification information received from the VE system 500 to the lens device 100. In addition, the C display data received from the lens device 100 is output to the C calculation unit 202, and the V display data is determined to be data for the VE system 500 based on the added identification data A, and is transmitted to the VE system 500.

[0088] Next, the VE system 500 will be described. The VE system 500 is configured with a V communication unit 501, a V calculation unit 502, and a V display unit 507. The V communication unit 501 is a communication unit that communicates with other communication connection devices such as the camera device 200. The V communication unit 501 transmits data input from the V calculation unit 502 to other communication connection devices that are connected to the V calculation unit 502, and outputs received data from other communication connection devices to the V calculation unit 502. In this embodiment, the V display data received from at least the camera device 200 is output to the V calculation unit 502. Also, the identification information input from the V calculation unit 502 is output to the camera device 200. The V calculation unit 502 is a control unit such as a CPU, and has at least a V display information creation unit 506. Also, the V calculation unit 502 outputs the V display data input from the V communication unit 501 to the V display unit 507, and outputs its own identification information to the V display data.

[0089] The V display information creation unit 506 converts the V display data input from the V communication unit 501 into display data that matches the display format of the V display unit 507, and outputs it to the V display unit 507. The V display unit 507 is a display device, and is at least a UI that is visible to the user, such as a monitor. It displays the display data converted by the V display information creation unit 506. The display device may be an LCD or an organic EL, but is not limited to these.

[0090] Next, the role identification process performed by the L role identification unit 103 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the role identification process. First, after the lens device 100 is powered on, when it is connected to the camera device 200 (including the VE system 500) for communication, the process proceeds to step S201. Hereinafter, the case where it is connected to the VE system 500 for communication will be described.

[0091] In step S201, the L-role identification unit 103 judges whether or not the installation location of the communication connection partner (VE system 500) has been identified. If the installation location of the VE system 500 has been identified, the process proceeds to step S1101. On the other hand, if the installation location of the VE system 500 cannot be identified, the process proceeds to step S203. The installation location refers to, for example, the distance between the VE system 500 and the camera device 200, the connection form such as wired or wireless, etc.

[0092] In step S1101, the L-role identifying unit 103 stores the installation location information identified in step S201 as acquired information Rn (Rcv), and proceeds to step S203. The acquired information Rcv indicates the acquired information of the VE system 500 acquired from the camera device 200.

[0093] In step S203, the L-role identification unit 103 judges whether or not identification information has been received from the communication connection partner (VE system 500). If identification information has been received, the process proceeds to step S1102. On the other hand, if identification information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S1103. Here, the identification information is information that can identify the VE system 500.

[0094] In step S1102, the L role identification unit 103 stores the identification information in the acquired information Rn (Rcv), and proceeds to step S1103. In step S1103, the L role identification unit 103 identifies the role of the communication connection partner (VE system 500) based on the acquired information Rcv. In this embodiment, the role to be identified is "VE" (or "VE support") (see FIG. 7). Next, in step S1104, the L role identification unit 103 registers the role information Rn' (Rcv') identified in step S1103, and ends the role identification process.

[0095] Next, the display specification process performed by the L display specification unit 104 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the display specification process. First, when the role information of the communication connection partner is specified in the role specification process described with reference to Fig. 11, the process proceeds to step S301. Note that Fig. 12 describes the case where a communication connection is made with the VE system 500.

[0096] In step S301, the L display specification unit 104 judges whether or not the communication connection partner (VE system 500) has a display unit. If it is judged that a display unit is present, the process proceeds to step S1201. On the other hand, if it is judged that a display unit is not present, the process proceeds to step S1202. In practice, the L display specification unit 104 acquires information on the VE system 500 from the camera device 200. If information on the VE system 500 can be acquired from communication information or product information from the communication connection partner, the L display specification unit 104 makes a judgment based on the acquired information. On the other hand, if information on the VE system 500 cannot be acquired from communication information or product information, the L display specification unit 104 may be determined based on preset conditions or settings. This is the same as in FIG. 3.

[0097] In step S1201, the L display identification unit 104 stores the fact that the communication connection partner has a display unit as acquired information Sn(Scv), and proceeds to step S304. The acquired information Scv indicates the acquired information of the VE system 500 acquired from the camera device 200. In step S1202, the L display identification unit 104 stores the fact that the communication connection partner does not have a display unit in the acquired information Sn(Scv), and proceeds to step S304.

[0098] In step S304, the L display specification unit 104 determines whether or not the identification information of the display unit has been acquired. If it is determined that the identification information of the display unit has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S1203. On the other hand, if it is determined that the identification information of the display unit has not been acquired, the process proceeds to step S1204. In this embodiment, the display to be specified is "high display capability" (or "video overlay") (see FIG. 7).

[0099] In step S1203, the L display specification unit 104 stores the acquired identification information as acquired information Sn(Sc), and proceeds to step S306. In step S1204, the L display specification unit 104 registers the acquired information Scv as display information Sn'(Scv') linked to the communication connection partner, and ends the display specification process.

[0100] Next, the display content determination process performed by the L display content determination unit 105 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the display content determination process. Note that Fig. 13 describes a case where the contents of the V display data to be transmitted to the VE system 500 are determined. First, when a display request is made after the role specification process in Fig. 11 and the display specification process in Fig. 12 are completed, the process proceeds to step S1301.

[0101] In step S1301, the L display content determination unit 105 acquires role information Rn' (Rcv') registered in the role identification process. Then, in step S1302, the L display content determination unit 105 acquires display information Sn' (Scv') registered in the display identification process. Then, in step S1303, the L display content determination unit 105 determines display content Sinfo (SInfo_cv). The display content SInfo_cv indicates the display content of the VE system 500 to be transmitted to the camera device 200.

[0102] In this embodiment, the information to be displayed as SInfo_cv is as follows. First, information to support the VE, specifically, focus command values ​​and operation authority information to support operations related to fine focus adjustment, is used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the display device 400 described in the second embodiment is not configured, a status list of the lens device 100 to be displayed on the display device 400 is used.

[0103] Next, in step S1304, the L display content determination unit 105 determines the display target St_cv that displays the display content SInfo_cv. The display target St_cv indicates the VE system 500 that is the display target communicating via the camera device 200. Next, in step S1305, the L display content determination unit 105 adds additional information Zn(Zv) indicating that the display information SFin_cv including the display content SInfo_cv and the display target St_cv is for the VE system 500. Next, in step S1306, the L display content determination unit 105 registers the display information SFin_cv to which the additional information Zv has been added, and ends the display content determination process. The display information SFin_cv indicates the display information of the VE system 500 to be transmitted to the camera device 200. By adding the additional information Zv, it is possible to identify that the data is for the VE system 500 as communication data as well.

[0104] Next, an example of a UI displayed on the external UI of this embodiment will be shown with reference to Figs. 14(a) to (d). Fig. 14(a) is an example of a UI displayed on the C display unit 207, and Fig. 14(d) is an example of a UI displayed on the V display unit 507. Figs. 14(b) and (c) are the same as Figs. 9(b) and (c) respectively described in the second embodiment, and are shown for comparison, but are not displayed in this embodiment. Fig. 14(b) is an example of the D display unit 307, and Fig. 14(c) is an example of the U display unit 407.

[0105] The dotted lines in the figures indicate C display data in FIG. 14(a) and V display data in FIG. 14(d), and are added for the purpose of explanation of the figures and are not actually displayed. In this embodiment, the information within the dotted lines is added as shown in the figures. The C display data displays information necessary for the "main photographer" or the "viewing angle adjuster", and the display contents are the same as those in FIG. 6(a) of the first embodiment. The V display data displays information necessary for the "VE". In addition, the contents of the D display data and U display data in FIGS. 14(b) and (c) shown for comparison are included in the V display data. The reason for this is that the focus command value and focus operation right information in the D display data and the lens status list information in the U display data are not necessary for the "main photographer" but are necessary for the "VE".

[0106] By performing the above processing, it becomes possible to display information according to the role and display unit of the device not only for devices that are directly connected to the information holding device, but also for external UIs that are not directly connected to the information holding device.

[0107] In this embodiment, the role information is the same as the information shown in Fig. 7(a), but is not limited thereto. Also, the role information may specify the role of the devices constituting the UI, the role of each UI, or the role of the person viewing the UI. Also, in this embodiment, the display content is information supporting fine adjustment of the focus, but is not limited thereto. For example, support information for the operation of adjusting the back focus lens may be displayed.

[0108] In this embodiment, the entire surface of the V display unit 507 is used for the V display data, but in reality, the display range of the V display data may be limited to the displayable area of ​​the V display unit 507 because the image is also displayed. In this embodiment, the role of the VE system 500 is only to support the VE, but it may also display information that is not displayed on the camera device 200 to support the cameraman. For this reason, for example, communication information (communication contents, communication frequency, or display frequency) between the lens device 100 and the camera device 200 may be monitored, and the monitoring result may be reflected in the V display data. In this embodiment, the device that is directly connected to the information holding device for communication is the camera device 200, and the device that is not directly connected to the information holding device for communication is the VE system 500. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, the device that is directly connected to the information holding device for communication may be the operation device 300 described in the first or second embodiment, and the device that is not directly connected to the information holding device for communication may be the display device 400 described in the second embodiment.

[0109] According to this embodiment, it is possible to display necessary information in an optimal location for the photographer depending on the role of the photographer. EXAMPLES

[0110] Next, an imaging system 10c according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 5, 7, and 11 to 16. In this embodiment, components similar to those described in the first to third embodiments are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. In the first to third embodiments, an example was described in which the lens device 100, which is an information holding device (control device), has an L role specification unit 103, an L display specification unit 104, an L display content determination unit 105, and an L display information creation unit 106. Therefore, the lens device 100 performs all of the role specification process, the display specification process, the display content determination process, and the display information creation process, but it is not necessary for the information holding device to perform all of the above-mentioned processes. Since there are various forms of imaging systems, it may be more efficient to share the above-mentioned processes among devices connected for communication and cooperate between the devices, and information may be displayed in accordance with the roles and display units.

[0111] The configuration of an imaging system 10c in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a block diagram of the imaging system 10c. The imaging system 10c is different from the imaging system 10a in Fig. 8 in that a VE system 500 is added. Another difference is that a role specification unit, a display specification unit, and a display content determination unit are added to the camera device 200 and the VE system 500.

[0112] First, the camera device 200 will be described. The camera device 200 has a C role specification unit 203 which is a role specification unit, a C display specification unit 204 which is a display specification unit, and a C display content determination unit 205 which is a display content determination unit. Each of these units performs the same process as the L role specification unit 103, the L display specification unit 104, and the L display content determination unit 105, respectively.

[0113] Next, the operation device 300 will be described. The operation device 300 has a D role specification unit 303 which is a role specification unit, a D display specification unit 304 which is a display specification unit, and a D display content determination unit 305 which is a display content determination unit. Each of these units performs the same process as the L role specification unit 103, the L display specification unit 104, and the L display content determination unit 105, respectively.

[0114] Next, the display device 400 will be described. The display device 400 has a U role specification unit 403 which is a role specification unit, a U display specification unit 404 which is a display specification unit, and a U display content determination unit 405 which is a display content determination unit. Each of these units performs the same process as the L role specification unit 103, the L display specification unit 104, and the L display content determination unit 105, respectively.

[0115] Next, a description will be given of the VE system 500. The VE system 500 has a V role specification unit 503 which is a role specification unit, a V display specification unit 504 which is a display specification unit, and a V display content determination unit 505 which is a display content determination unit. Each of these units performs the same processing as the L role specification unit 103, the L display specification unit 104, and the L display content determination unit 105, respectively.

[0116] According to this embodiment, even in an imaging system in which a plurality of devices are communicatively connected, it is possible to more efficiently display information according to the role of the device and the display unit.

[0117] In this embodiment, all of the devices have a role specification unit, a display specification unit, and a display content determination unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only the lens device 100 and the camera device 200 may have a role specification unit. In particular, the VE system 500 has a strong affinity with the camera device 200, and the operation device 300 has a strong affinity with the lens device 100. Therefore, when the lens device 100 or the camera device 200 collectively transmits and receives identification information to devices with strong affinity, it is more likely that the role to be specified, the display unit, and the display content to be determined will be highly accurate. An example will be described with reference to FIG. 16.

[0118] Fig. 16 is a block diagram of an imaging system 10d as a modified example of this embodiment. The imaging system 10d in Fig. 16 omits some components compared to the imaging system 10c in Fig. 15. The lens device 100 and the camera device 200 have the same configurations as those in Fig. 15, but the operation device 300, the display device 400, and the VE system 500 have different configurations. The specific differences will be briefly described below.

[0119] First, the operation device 300 in Fig. 16 does not have the D role specification unit 303 and the D display specification unit 304 in Fig. 15. That is, the operation device 300 in Fig. 16 is configured to determine display contents to be displayed on itself based on display data from the lens device 100 with high affinity, without specifying a role or a display unit, and to display the determined display contents.

[0120] Next, the display device 400 in Fig. 16 does not have the U role specification unit 403 in Fig. 15 and does not specify a role. As an example, the display device 400 is configured to determine where on the U display unit 407 to display the data based on the display data from the lens device 100 using the U display specification unit 404, to determine the display content to be displayed on the display device 400 itself, and then to display the determined display content.

[0121] Next, the VE system 500 in Fig. 16 does not have the V role specification unit 503, the V display specification unit 504, and the V display content decision unit 505 in Fig. 15. Therefore, the VE system 500 in Fig. 16 is configured to create display information based on display data from a camera device 200 with high affinity, without specifying a role or a display unit.

[0122] The above configuration is an example, and the presence or absence of the role specification unit, the display specification unit, and the display content determination unit may be different, and the effect will not change. In this embodiment, the specification of the role and the display unit, and the determination of the display content are automatically determined based on the transmitted and received information, but are not limited to this. For example, the role and the display unit may be set, and the priority of the device may be set. In this embodiment, when each device is connected for communication, the correspondence / non-compatibility of the role specification unit, the display specification unit, and the display content determination unit may be transmitted and received, and based on the information, it may be determined which device will take on which function of the role specification unit, the display specification unit, and the display content determination unit. In addition, the above-mentioned functions may be set.

[0123] According to this embodiment, it is possible to display necessary information in an optimal location for the photographer depending on the role of the photographer.

[0124] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0125] According to each embodiment, it is possible to display necessary information on a display unit appropriate for the photographer according to the role of the photographer. Therefore, according to each embodiment, it is possible to provide a control device, a display device, an imaging system, a control method, and a program that are advantageous in terms of operability of the imaging unit, for example.

[0126] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations and methods.

[0127] (Configuration 1) A control device capable of communicating with a unit including a display device in an imaging system, A communication unit that communicates with the unit; A control device comprising: a processing unit that causes the communication unit to transmit display data to be superimposed by the display device to the unit based on specific information identifying the unit acquired by the communication unit. (Configuration 2) The control device according to configuration 1, wherein the processing unit generates the display data based on information relating to at least one of a role and a performance of the display device corresponding to the specific information. (Configuration 3) 3. The control device according to configuration 2, wherein the role is specified according to the type of user who operates the unit. (Configuration 4) 4. The control device according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the performance is specified by the type of the unit. (Configuration 5) 5. The control device according to any one of configurations 2 to 4, wherein the processing unit generates display data corresponding to the role. (Configuration 6) 6. The control device according to any one of configurations 2 to 5, wherein the role relates to operation content for imaging. (Configuration 7) 7. The control device according to any one of configurations 2 to 6, wherein the role relates to a role of a user who operates the unit. (Configuration 8) 8. The control device according to any one of configurations 2 to 7, wherein the performance relates to at least one of a screen size, a resolution, and a number of pixels of the display device. (Configuration 9) 9. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the processing unit generates the display data based on a communication frequency of information by the communication unit. (Configuration 10) 10. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the processing unit generates the display data based on a frequency of displaying information on the display device. (Configuration 11) 11. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the processing unit generates display data based on information that is not displayed by the display device. (Configuration 12) 12. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the processing unit has information that associates the specific information with information regarding at least one of a role and a performance of the display device. (Configuration 13) 13. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the communication unit communicates with the unit via a unit different from the unit. (Configuration 14) A control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13; An imaging system comprising the unit. (Configuration 15) the control device is included in one of a lens device, an imaging device, an operation device, a display-only device, and a VE system; 15. The imaging system according to configuration 14, wherein the unit is included in another one of the lens device, the imaging device, the operation device, the display-only device, and the VE system. (Configuration 16) the identification of the unit is performed by at least one of a lens device, an imaging device, an operation device, a display-only device, and a VE system; 16. The imaging system according to configuration 14 or 15, wherein the display data is generated by one of the lens device, the imaging device, the operation device, the display-only device, and the VE system. (Configuration 17) 17. The imaging system according to any one of configurations 14 to 16, wherein the processing unit determines a unit that performs at least one of identifying the unit and generating the display data. (Method 1) A control method in a control device capable of communicating with a unit including a display device in an imaging system, comprising: a communication step for communicating with said unit; and a transmitting step of transmitting display data to be superimposed by the display device to the unit based on specific information for identifying the unit obtained by the communication. (Configuration 19) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to method 1.

[0128] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d Imaging system 100 Lens device (control device) 101 L Communications Department (Communications Department) 102 L calculation unit (processing unit) 200 Camera equipment (unit) 300 Operation device (unit) 400 display device 500 VE system (unit)

Claims

1. a communication unit capable of communicating with a unit including a display device in the imaging system; a processing unit that acquires second information regarding a role of the display device based on first information regarding the unit acquired by the communication unit, and acquires third information to be used for display by the display device based on the second information, The control device is characterized in that the communication unit transmits the three pieces of information to the unit.

2. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit acquires the third information based on information relating to the performance of the display device.

3. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the role corresponds to a type of user who operates the unit.

4. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the performance corresponds to the type of the unit.

5. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the role corresponds to a user's operation for capturing an image using the imaging system.

6. The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the performance relates to at least one of the size, resolution, and number of pixels of the display surface of the display device.

7. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit acquires the third information based on a frequency of communication by the communication unit.

8. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit acquires the third information based on a frequency of display of information by the display device.

9. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit acquires the third information based on information that is not displayed on the display device.

10. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit acquires the third information based on information indicating a relationship between the role and a location of the display device in the imaging system.

11. The control device described in Claim 2, characterized in that the processing unit acquires the third information based on information indicating the relationship between the location of the display device in the imaging system and the performance.

12. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; an imaging system comprising the unit;

13. the control device is included in one of a lens device, an imaging device, an operation device, a display-only device, and a VE system; 13. The imaging system according to claim 12, wherein the unit is included in another one of the lens device, the imaging device, the operation device, the display-only device, and the VE system.

14. A method for controlling a unit including a display device in an imaging system, comprising: acquiring second information about a role of the display device based on first information about the unit acquired through communication with the unit; acquiring third information to be displayed by the display device based on the second information; and a step of transmitting the three pieces of information to the unit.

15. A program causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 14.

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