Accessory, accessory control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an accessory having an aperture unit and capable of achieving appropriate aperture control.SOLUTION: An accessory (300) is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens (100) and an imaging device (200). The accessory includes a first aperture unit (303) that adjusts the amount of incident light from the interchangeable lens, control means (301) that controls the first aperture unit, and communication means (302) that communicates with each of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device. The control means changes a method of communication processing with the interchangeable lens or the imaging device depending on whether or not received information received via the communication means is information relating to aperture control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6(A)

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an accessory, a control method for an accessory, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, in order to expand the functions of a lens-interchangeable camera system, accessories have been proposed that are attached between a camera body (imaging device) and an interchangeable lens. Patent Document 1 discloses an accessory that is attached between an interchangeable lens and a camera body, and controls the aperture of the interchangeable lens when a manual aperture operation by a user is received. Patent Document 2 discloses an accessory that is attached between an interchangeable lens and a camera body, and distributes a focus drive request from the camera body between processing of a focus drive unit of the interchangeable lens and processing of a focus drive unit of the accessory. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-30295 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-247578 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The accessory disclosed in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the aperture mechanism of the interchangeable lens is used, and therefore does not work with interchangeable lenses whose aperture mechanism cannot be electrically controlled via the mount. The accessory disclosed in Patent Document 1 also uses the aperture mechanism of the interchangeable lens. For this reason, when a lens with low noise or control resolution or an interchangeable lens that does not provide sufficient bokeh effect is attached, it may not be possible to provide the aperture function desired by the user.

[0005] The accessory disclosed in Patent Document 2 performs focus control on the premise that both the interchangeable lens and the accessory are provided with a driving member for focus drive. For example, if the interchangeable lens does not have an aperture driving member or does not have a communication function, processing cannot be performed.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an accessory having an aperture unit that is capable of achieving appropriate aperture control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An accessory as one aspect of the present invention is an accessory that is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens and an imaging device, and has a first aperture unit that adjusts the amount of incident light from the interchangeable lens, a control means for controlling the first aperture unit, and a communication means for communicating with each of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device, wherein the control means changes the method of communication processing with the interchangeable lens or the imaging device depending on whether received information received via the communication means is information relating to aperture control.

[0008] Other objects and features of the present invention are illustrated in the following examples. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an accessory having an aperture unit that is capable of achieving appropriate aperture control. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to first and second embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of each communication section of the camera body, intermediate accessory, and interchangeable lens in the first to fourth embodiments. [Diagram 3] 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a protocol for communication implemented between a camera body, an intermediate accessory, and an interchangeable lens in each embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is an external view of an intermediate accessory in accordance with first to fourth embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a start-up sequence in the first to fourth embodiments. [Figure 6(A)] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an operation in a moving image shooting mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 6(B)] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an operation in a still image shooting mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 6(C)] 6A to 6C are explanatory diagrams of timing for disabling aperture control by operating a manual aperture ring in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the intermediate accessory in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a modified example of the start-up sequence in the first to fourth embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an operation in a still image shooting mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 10(A)] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to the third and fourth embodiments. [Figure 10(B)] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation in a moving image shooting mode in the third embodiment. [Figure 10(C)] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation in a still image shooting mode in the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation in a moving image shooting mode in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is an explanatory diagram of each communication unit of a camera body and an intermediate accessory in a fifth embodiment, and an external view of the intermediate accessory. [Figure 13(A)] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a start-up sequence in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13(B)] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation in a moving image shooting mode in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13(C)] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation in a still image shooting mode in the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. EXAMPLES

[0012] <Camera system configuration> First, a camera system (imaging system) 10 in a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the camera system 10. The camera system 10 has an interchangeable lens 100, a camera body (imaging device) 200, and an intermediate accessory (accessory) 300 that is detachably attached between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100. The camera body 200 can be used with both the interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate accessory 300 attached. Note that in this embodiment, the intermediate accessory 300 is composed of one accessory, but it may be composed of multiple accessories.

[0013] In this embodiment, communication is performed between the interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200, and the intermediate accessory 300. The interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200, and the intermediate accessory 300 transmit control commands and data (information) via their respective lens communication circuits (communication means) 112, 208, 302.

[0014] The specific configurations of the interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200, and the intermediate accessory 300 will be described below. The interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate accessory 300 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount 400. The mount 400 is shown in a schematic state in which the mount provided on the interchangeable lens 100 and the mount provided on the intermediate accessory 300 are coupled together. The camera body 200 and the intermediate accessory 300 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount 401. The mount 401 is shown in a schematic state in which the mount provided on the camera body 200 and the mount provided on the intermediate accessory 300 are coupled together. A communication terminal is provided on the mount surface of each of the mounts provided on the interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200, and the intermediate accessory 300. When each unit is connected via the mount, the corresponding communication terminals come into contact with each other, enabling communication via the communication terminal.

[0015] The interchangeable lens 100 receives power from the camera body 200 via power terminals (not shown) provided on the mounts 400 and 401, and supplies power to various actuators (described below) and a lens microcomputer (lens microcomputer) 111. The intermediate accessory 300 receives power from the camera body 200 via power terminals (not shown) provided on the mount 401, and supplies power to an accessory microcomputer (control means (accessory microcomputer)) 301.

[0016] The following describes the configuration of the interchangeable lens 100. The interchangeable lens 100 has an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system includes, in order from the object side to the image side, a field lens 101, a zoom lens 102 that changes the magnification, an aperture unit 114 that adjusts the amount of light, an anti-vibration lens 103, and a focus lens 104 that adjusts the focus.

[0017] The zoom lens 102 and the focus lens 104 are held by lens holding frames 105 and 106, respectively. Stepping motors 107 and 108 drive the lens holding frames 105 and 106, respectively, in synchronization with drive pulses, along the optical axis of the imaging optical system, indicated by the dashed line. The vibration-proof lens 103 reduces image blur caused by camera shake or the like by moving in a direction that includes a component perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system.

[0018] The lens microcomputer 111 controls the operation of each part in the interchangeable lens 100. The lens microcomputer 111 receives control commands and transmission request commands transmitted from the camera body 200 or the intermediate accessory 300 via the lens communication circuit 112. The lens microcomputer 111 performs lens control corresponding to the control command, and transmits lens data corresponding to the transmission request command to the camera body 200 or the intermediate accessory 300 via the lens communication circuit 112. For example, in response to a command related to magnification change or focusing among the control commands, the lens microcomputer 111 outputs a drive signal to a zoom drive circuit 119 and a focus drive circuit 120 to drive the stepping motors 107 and 108. This allows zoom processing for controlling the magnification change operation by the zoom lens 102 and AF (autofocus) processing for controlling the focus adjustment operation by the focus lens 104 to be performed.

[0019] The aperture unit (second aperture unit) 114 is an aperture aperture unit having aperture blades 114a and 114b. The Hall element 115 detects the state (position) of the aperture blades 114a and 114b. The detection result by the Hall element 115 is input to the lens microcomputer 111 via the amplifier circuit 122 and the A / D conversion circuit 123. The lens microcomputer 111 outputs a drive signal to the aperture drive circuit 121 based on the input signal from the A / D conversion circuit 123 to drive the aperture actuator 113. This causes the aperture unit 114 to adjust the amount of light. The drive method of the aperture actuator 113 is not limited and any known method may be used.

[0020] Furthermore, the lens microcomputer 111 drives an anti-vibration actuator 126 such as a voice coil motor via an anti-vibration drive circuit 125 in response to vibration detected by a vibration sensor (not shown) such as a vibration gyroscope provided in the interchangeable lens 100. This performs anti-vibration processing that controls the shift operation (anti-vibration operation) of the anti-vibration lens 103.

[0021] The configuration of the intermediate accessory 300 will be described below. The intermediate accessory 300 includes an accessory microcomputer 301, and controls various members included in the intermediate accessory. The accessory microcomputer 301 receives a control command or a transmission request command transmitted from the camera body 200 via the accessory communication circuit 302. The accessory microcomputer 301 performs accessory control in response to the control command, or transmits a control command to the interchangeable lens 100 via the accessory communication circuit 302. Then, as a result of performing accessory control, or based on information received from the interchangeable lens 100 via the accessory communication circuit 302, the accessory microcomputer 301 transmits a response to the transmission request command received from the camera body 200 to the camera body 200. In addition, the accessory microcomputer 301 does not necessarily transmit a transmission request command to the interchangeable lens 100 via the accessory communication circuit 302 only in response to a communication request from the camera body 200. For example, when an accessory operation ring (operation member) 310 (described later) or the like is operated, a communication request is transmitted to the interchangeable lens 100 via the accessory communication circuit 302 as necessary.

[0022] The intermediate accessory 300 also includes a manual aperture operation ring (so-called electronic ring) 310 that can be rotated by the user, and a ring rotation detector 311. The ring rotation detector 311 is configured, for example, with a photointerrupter that outputs a two-phase signal in response to the rotation of the manual aperture operation ring 310. The accessory microcomputer 301 can detect the amount (including the direction) of rotation of the manual aperture operation ring 310 using the two-phase signal.

[0023] Furthermore, the intermediate accessory 300 includes an accessory operation unit 320 other than the manual aperture operation ring 310. The accessory operation unit 320 is, for example, a switch, a button, a touch panel, or the like, and may include a plurality of operation members.

[0024] The intermediate accessory 300 also includes an accessory aperture unit (first aperture unit) 303 that adjusts the amount of light incident from the interchangeable lens 100. The accessory aperture unit 303 is an aperture unit having aperture blades 303a and 303b. A Hall element 305 detects the state (position) of the aperture blades 303a and 303b. The detection result by the Hall element 305 is input to the accessory microcomputer 301 via an amplifier circuit 306 and an A / D conversion circuit 307. The accessory microcomputer 301 outputs a drive signal to an aperture drive circuit 308 based on an input signal from the A / D conversion circuit 307 to drive the aperture actuator 304. This allows the accessory aperture unit 303 to adjust the amount of light. Note that the drive method of the aperture actuator 304 is not limited, and any known method may be used. In this embodiment, the accessory aperture unit 303 is controlled to operate in conjunction with the user's operation of a manual aperture operation ring 310, but the intermediate accessory 300 does not necessarily have to include the manual aperture operation ring 310. For example, manual aperture operation information may be configured to be transmitted from the camera body 200 or the interchangeable lens 100 via the accessory communication circuit 302 .

[0025] Furthermore, the intermediate accessory 300 may, for example, have a function of an extender for changing the focal length, a wide converter for changing the focal length, or a mount converter for changing the flange back length.

[0026] The following describes the configuration of the camera body 200. The camera body 200 includes an imaging element 201 such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, an A / D conversion circuit 202, a signal processing circuit 203, a recording unit 204, a camera microcomputer (camera microcomputer) 205, and a display unit 206.

[0027] The image sensor 201 performs photoelectric conversion on a subject image formed by an imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 100, and outputs an electrical signal (analog signal). The A / D conversion circuit 202 converts the analog signal from the image sensor 201 into a digital signal. The signal processing circuit 203 performs various image processes on the digital signal from the A / D conversion circuit 202 to generate a video signal.

[0028] The signal processing circuit 203 also generates, from the video signal, focus information indicating the contrast state of the subject image, i.e., the focus state of the imaging optical system, and luminance information indicating the exposure state. The signal processing circuit 203 outputs the video signal to a display unit 206, and the display unit 206 displays the video signal as a live view image used to check the composition, focus state, etc.

[0029] The camera microcomputer 205 controls the camera body 200 in response to input from an operation unit 207, such as an image capture instruction switch and various setting switches. The camera microcomputer 205 also transmits control commands and transmission request commands to the interchangeable lens 100 or intermediate accessory 300 via a camera communication circuit 208, and receives lens data or accessory data from the interchangeable lens 100 or intermediate accessory 300. For example, the camera microcomputer 205 generates focus error information in the signal processing circuit 203 based on information related to optical characteristics, such as aperture diameter information, received from the interchangeable lens 100 or intermediate accessory 300 via the camera communication circuit 208. Then, the camera microcomputer 205 generates focus information based on the generated focus error information, and transmits a control command related to focus adjustment operation to the interchangeable lens 100. For example, the camera microcomputer 205 also transmits a transmission request command to the interchangeable lens 100 to acquire lens data related to focus adjustment operation, and receives lens data related to focus adjustment operation from the interchangeable lens 100.

[0030] Next, the communication sections of the camera body 200, the intermediate accessory 300, and the interchangeable lens 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the lens communication circuit 112, the accessory communication circuit 302, and the camera communication circuit 208.

[0031] A mount 400 provided between the interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate accessory 300 is provided with various communication terminals. The interchangeable lens 100 is provided with communication terminals (LCLK1121, DCL1122, DLC1123, ATTACH1124, POWER1125). The intermediate accessory 300 is provided with communication terminals (LCLK3021, DCL3022, DLC3023, ATTACH3024, POWER3025). The ATTACH signal 3024 enables the intermediate accessory 300 to determine the attachment state of the interchangeable lens 100, and supplies power via POWER3025. Other communication terminals are also used for communication.

[0032] Similarly, various communication terminals are provided on the mount 401 provided between the intermediate accessory 300 and the camera body 200. The intermediate accessory 300 is provided with communication terminals (LCLK3026, DCL3027, DLC3028, ATTACH3029, POWER3030). The camera body 200 is provided with communication terminals (LCLK2081, DCL2082, DLC2083, ATTACH2084, POWER2085). The camera body 200 can determine the attachment state of the intermediate accessory 300 by the ATTACH signal 2084, and supplies power by the POWER2085. Communication is possible using other communication terminals. Note that the ATTACH signal 2084 is configured to be in a signal state of attachment when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the intermediate accessory 300 (the ATTACH signal 3024 indicates the attachment state) and the intermediate accessory 300 is attached to the camera body 200.

[0033] Next, with reference to Figures 3(A) to (C), an example of a communication method performed using each terminal between the interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate accessory 300, and between the intermediate accessory 300 and the camera body 200 will be described. Figures 3(A) to (C) are explanatory diagrams of an example of a protocol for communication performed between the camera body 200, the intermediate accessory 300, and the interchangeable lens 100.

[0034] This communication is implemented by a three-wire clock-synchronized serial communication method between a device acting as a main communication that transmits control commands and data transmission request commands, and a device acting as a sub communication that transmits data in response to a data transmission request command. Communication processing between the camera body 200 and the intermediate accessory 300 is performed with the camera communication circuit 208 acting as the main communication and the accessory communication circuit 302 acting as the sub communication. Communication processing between the intermediate accessory 300 and the interchangeable lens 100 is performed with the accessory communication circuit 302 acting as the main communication and the lens communication circuit 112 acting as the sub communication.

[0035] The clock signal LCLK is mainly used as a data synchronization clock signal from the communication main to the communication sub. The communication signal DCL is used to transmit data such as control commands and data transmission request commands from the communication main to the communication sub. The data signal DLC is used to transmit data from the communication sub to the communication main.

[0036] The main and sub communication circuits communicate with each other in a full-duplex manner, in which they transmit and receive data simultaneously in synchronization with a common clock signal LCLK.

[0037] FIG. 3A shows the waveform of a communication signal for one frame, which is the smallest communication unit. First, the communication main transmits a clock signal LCLK, which is a set of eight-cycle pulses, and transmits a communication signal DCL to the communication sub in synchronization with the clock signal LCLK. At the same time, the communication main receives a data signal DLC output from the communication sub in synchronization with the clock signal LCLK. In this way, one byte (8 bits) of data is transmitted and received between the communication main and the communication sub in synchronization with one set of clock signals LCLK. The period during which one byte of data is transmitted and received is called a data frame. After the data frame, a communication pause period is inserted by communication standby request information (hereinafter simply referred to as a communication standby request) BUSY, which is notified from the communication sub to the communication main. The communication pause period is called a BUSY frame. A communication unit consisting of a set of a data frame and a BUSY frame is called one frame.

[0038] 3B shows the waveform of a communication signal consisting of three frames, in which the communication main transmits a command CMD1 to the communication sub, and receives two bytes of data DT1a and DT1b in response to the command CMD. Between the communication main and the communication sub, the type and number of bytes of data DT corresponding to each command CMD are determined in advance.

[0039] In the first frame, the communication main transmits a clock signal LCLK and also transmits a command CMD1 corresponding to the data DT1a and DT1b requested to be transmitted as a communication signal DCL. The data signal DLC in this frame is treated as invalid data.

[0040] Next, the communication main outputs the clock signal LCLK for eight cycles, and then switches the communication terminal state on the communication main side from output format to input format. After the communication sub has completed switching the communication terminal state on the communication main side, it switches the communication terminal state on the communication sub side from input format to output format. Then, the communication sub sets the signal level of the clock signal LCLK to LOW to notify the communication main of a communication standby request BUSY. The communication main maintains the communication terminal state in input format while the communication standby request BUSY is being notified, and suspends communication to the communication sub.

[0041] The communication sub generates data DT1a corresponding to the command CMD1 during the period when the communication standby request BUSY is notified. After completing preparations to transmit the next frame of data signal DLC, the communication sub sets the signal level of the clock signal LCLK to HIGH to notify the communication main that the communication standby request BUSY has been released. When the communication main recognizes that the communication standby request BUSY has been released, it receives the data DT1a from the communication sub by transmitting one frame of the clock signal LCLK to the communication sub. Then, in the same manner, the communication main receives the data DT1b.

[0042] FIG. 3C shows the communication main sending a command CMD2 to the communication sub to request acquisition of communication data, and also sending DT2A, DT2B, and DT2C from the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 100. The interchangeable lens 100 sends the corresponding 3-byte lens data DT2a, DT2b, and DT2c to the camera body 200, showing a waveform of a communication signal consisting of 4 frames. The communication sub notifies the communication main of a communication standby request BUSY in the first frame, but does not notify the communication main of a communication standby request BUSY in the second to fourth frames. This makes it possible to shorten the time between frames. On the other hand, in this communication method, the communication sub cannot notify the communication main of a communication standby request BUSY. For this reason, it is necessary to create information to respond to the communication main during the communication standby request BUSY after the command CMD2 received in the first frame, or to prepare information to respond to the communication main before performing this communication.

[0043] Next, the external appearance of the intermediate accessory 300 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4(A) and (B). Figs. 4(A) and (B) are external views of the intermediate accessory 300. A manual aperture ring (electronic ring) 411 corresponds to the manual aperture operation ring 310. Fig. 4(A) shows the inside of the mount on the interchangeable lens 100 side so that it can be seen, and 412 is a lens side communication terminal, which corresponds to 3021 to 3025 in Fig. 2. Fig. 4(B) shows the inside of the mount on the camera body 200 side so that it can be seen, and 413 is a camera side communication terminal, which corresponds to 3026 to 3030 in Fig. 2.

[0044] Next, a startup sequence when the power is turned on in a state in which the camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100, and the intermediate accessory 300 are combined will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the startup sequence.

[0045] In process 500, the camera body 200 detects that both the intermediate accessory 300 and the interchangeable lens 100 are attached by the ATTACH signal 2084 in FIG.

[0046] In process 501, power for driving the lens microcomputer 111 and various actuators of the lens is supplied from the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 100 via the POWER terminal 2085 in Fig. 2. This power supply is supplied to the POWER terminal 1125 of the interchangeable lens 100 via the POWER terminals 3030 and 3025 of the intermediate accessory 300. This makes it possible to drive the accessory microcomputer 301 and accessory aperture unit 303 of the intermediate accessory 300 with power supplied from the camera body 200.

[0047] In process 502, communication data for handshake to confirm establishment of communication is transmitted from the camera communication circuit 208 to the lens communication circuit 112. This communication data is received by the accessory communication circuit 302, and in process 503, the accessory communication circuit 302 communicates it to the lens communication circuit 112. The lens communication circuit 112 then transmits a response to the communication to the camera communication circuit 208, and this communication data is received by the accessory communication circuit 302, and in process 505, the accessory communication circuit 302 responds with this communication data to the camera communication circuit 208. In this way, by the intermediate accessory 300 once processing the communication performed between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100, it becomes possible to exchange communication data even if, for example, the communication methods used by the camera communication circuit 208 and the lens communication circuit 112 are different.

[0048] Here, a process of performing authentication communication between the camera communication circuit 208 and the lens communication circuit 112 using the communication method shown in FIG. 3C will be described. In this communication method, the camera communication circuit 208 requests the lens communication circuit 112 to obtain lens authentication information and transmits the camera authentication information to the lens communication circuit 112 in a full-duplex communication method. As described below, this communication also requires the accessory communication circuit 302 to communicate with the camera communication circuit 208 once, similar to the above-mentioned handshake communication. However, in this communication method, as described with reference to FIG. 3C, the accessory communication circuit 302, which is the communication sub, cannot notify the camera communication circuit 208, which is the communication main, of a communication standby request BUSY. For this reason, the intermediate accessory 300 needs to obtain the lens authentication information of the interchangeable lens 100 in advance. Therefore, in process 506, the intermediate accessory 300 performs dummy authentication communication between the interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate accessory 300 in advance using the communication method shown in FIG. 3C. At this time, the intermediate accessory 300 has not yet obtained the camera authentication information. In the communication method shown in FIG. 3C, the camera authentication information to be transmitted to the interchangeable lens 100 is a provisional value, and lens authentication information is also acquired.

[0049] In process 507, the "information as to whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 has a manual aperture function" included in the lens authentication information acquired from the interchangeable lens 100 in process 506 is updated to the information "has a manual aperture function" and stored.

[0050] In process 508, authentication communication is performed from the camera body 200 using the communication method shown in Fig. 3(C), and the intermediate accessory 300 responds to the communication. In this communication process, the intermediate accessory 300 obtains correct camera authentication information from the camera body 200, and responds to the camera body 200 with the partially updated lens authentication information stored in process 506.

[0051] By the above process, even in the case of full-duplex communication as in the communication method shown in FIG. 3C, the intermediate accessory 300 can mediate communication between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100. Note that in this embodiment, the method of acquiring lens authentication information from the interchangeable lens 100 in advance by process 505 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the first frame in FIG. 3C, the intermediate accessory 300 may notify the camera body 200 of a communication standby request BUSY. In this case, the intermediate accessory 300 may perform authentication communication with the interchangeable lens 100 during this period and respond with the result to the camera body 200.

[0052] When an aperture initialization request is sent from the camera body 200 in process 510, the intermediate accessory 300 starts initialization processing of the accessory aperture unit 303 in process 511. If the "information on whether the interchangeable lens 100 has a manual aperture function" contained in the lens authentication information acquired from the interchangeable lens 100 in process 506 indicates "has manual aperture function," the manual aperture function of the interchangeable lens 100 is disabled. That is, in process 512, the intermediate accessory 300 makes a communication request to the interchangeable lens 100 to disable the manual aperture function of the interchangeable lens 100.

[0053] In process 513, the intermediate accessory 300 requests the interchangeable lens 100 to initialize the aperture unit 114. In process 514, the interchangeable lens 100 performs initialization of the aperture unit 114. In process 515, the intermediate accessory 300 is notified of completion of initialization of the aperture unit 114.

[0054] In process 516, the intermediate accessory 300 confirms the completion of the initialization process of the accessory aperture unit 303 that was started in process 511, and notifies the camera body 200 of the completion of the aperture initialization in process 517. As described above, in this embodiment, the initialization process of the accessory aperture unit 303 and the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100 are performed simultaneously, but considering the case where the power supplied from the camera body 200 is small, there may be cases where they cannot be driven simultaneously. In such a case, the intermediate accessory 300 may arbitrate the order of the aperture initialization process so that the initialization process of either one of the accessory aperture unit 303 and the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100 is completed first so that the initialization processes of the accessory aperture unit 303 and the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100 are not performed simultaneously.

[0055] In process 518, photometry processing of the camera body 200 is performed and live view display is started with appropriate exposure control. In process 519, the camera body 200 transmits the live view display implementation status, and the intermediate accessory 300 transmits this content to the interchangeable lens 100 and enables the operation of the accessory aperture unit 303. This makes it possible for the user to drive the aperture by operating the manual aperture ring 411, as will be described later with reference to Figures 6(A) to 6(C). The above processes complete the startup processes by the camera body 200, interchangeable lens 100, and intermediate accessory 300.

[0056] Here, a method for exclusively executing the initialization processes of the accessory aperture unit 303 and the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100 when the power supplied from the camera body 200 is low will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a modified example of the startup sequence in Fig. 5, and shows a method in which the intermediate accessory 300 arbitrates the order of the aperture initialization processes so that the initialization processes of the accessory aperture unit 303 and the aperture unit 114 are not performed simultaneously.

[0057] In process 530, the intermediate accessory 300 acquires power supply information to the interchangeable lens 100 from the camera body 200. In process 531, the intermediate accessory 300 determines whether or not to drive the accessory aperture unit 303 and the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100 in parallel (whether or not to perform initialization processes simultaneously) based on the power supply information. In process 532, the intermediate accessory 300 completes initialization of the accessory aperture unit 303. Thereafter, in process 513, the intermediate accessory 300 requests the interchangeable lens 100 to initialize the aperture unit 114, and in process 514, the interchangeable lens 100 initializes the aperture unit 114.

[0058] For example, the accessory microcomputer 301 determines whether or not the power supplied from the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If the power is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the accessory microcomputer 301 drives the accessory aperture unit 303 while the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100 is being driven. On the other hand, if the power is less than the predetermined threshold, the accessory aperture unit 303 is not driven while the aperture unit 114 is being driven.

[0059] Next, with reference to Fig. 6(A) and Fig. 6(B), the operation in the video shooting mode (processing 601 and after) and the still image shooting mode (processing 621 and after) in a state in which the camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100, and the intermediate accessory 300 are combined will be described. Fig. 6(A) is an explanatory diagram of the operation at the time of system startup in the video shooting mode, and Fig. 6(B) is an explanatory diagram of the operation at the time of system startup in the still image shooting mode. Note that each operation shown in Fig. 6(A) and Fig. 6(B) is mainly executed by commands from the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, or the accessory microcomputer 301.

[0060] <Example of video recording mode> In process 601, the camera body 200 notifies the setting information regarding the aperture drive timing. In this embodiment, two types of notifications are made for this communication: "lens-driven" and "camera-driven". When "lens-driven" is set, the aperture unit is driven immediately in response to the aperture operation by the user. On the other hand, when "camera-driven" is set, the display is switched when the aperture is set by the user, but the aperture is not driven immediately. For example, in the case of still image shooting mode, from the viewpoint of AF accuracy, the aperture is set to be brighter than a predetermined aperture diameter in the live view display state, and "camera-driven" is set in the control to narrow the aperture diameter to the aperture diameter set during still image shooting. In process 602, the intermediate accessory 300 stores this setting information (lens-driven mode).

[0061] 4A and 4B is detected. In this embodiment, the intermediate accessory 300 is provided with the manual aperture ring 411, but manual aperture operation information may be communicated from the camera body 200 or the interchangeable lens 100.

[0062] In process 604 , the accessory microcomputer 301 drives the accessory aperture unit 303 in accordance with the amount of ring operation detected in process 603 .

[0063] Thereafter, a request to obtain aperture information is sent from the camera body 200 in process 605. The aperture information requested by the camera body 200 in this process includes, for example, "aperture maximum aperture," "minimum aperture diameter," and "manual ring operation aperture diameter." "Aperture maximum aperture" refers to aperture information when the aperture is in the maximum aperture state. "Minimum aperture diameter" refers to aperture information when the aperture is at its narrowest state. "Manual ring operation aperture diameter" refers to aperture diameter information when a manual ring operation is performed.

[0064] The specifications for the maximum aperture differ depending on the model of the attached interchangeable lens 100, and in the case of a zoom lens, for example, the specifications also change according to the zoom position. For this reason, in process 606, the intermediate accessory 300 requests the interchangeable lens 100 to obtain maximum aperture information.

[0065] The intermediate accessory 300 (accessory microcomputer 301) acquires maximum aperture information from the interchangeable lens 100 in process 607, and acquires the current aperture stop amount (control amount) of the accessory aperture unit 303 in process 608. The intermediate accessory 300 then generates current manual ring operation aperture stop information in process 609. Furthermore, minimum aperture stop information can be calculated from the above-mentioned maximum aperture information and the amount of aperture stop that the accessory aperture unit 303 can mechanically stop down.

[0066] In process 610, the intermediate accessory 300 responds with the aperture information generated in processes 606 to 609 to the camera body 200. In process 611, the camera body 200 displays the current aperture information on the display unit 206 of the camera body 200.

[0067] Processes 612 to 618 show an example of communication processes not related to the aperture (accessory aperture unit 303). For example, a focus drive request transmitted from the camera body 200 passes through the intermediate accessory 300 in process 613 and is propagated as is to the interchangeable lens 100 as in process 614. Also, when a request to obtain focus position information is made from the camera body 200 in process 615, the communication request is propagated as is to the interchangeable lens 100 in process 616, and response information is also communicated as in processes 617 and 618. As described above, the accessory microcomputer 301 of the intermediate accessory 300 determines according to the communication data whether the intermediate accessory 300 arbitrates the communication order or edits the data, or propagates the data as is.

[0068] That is, the accessory microcomputer 301 changes the method of communication processing with the interchangeable lens 100 or the camera body 200 depending on whether the information received via the accessory communication circuit 302 is information related to aperture control. Here, the information related to aperture control is information necessary for controlling at least one of the accessory aperture unit 303 or the aperture unit 114.

[0069] For example, the accessory microcomputer 301 determines whether the received information is information related to aperture control. Here, if the received information is not information related to aperture control, the first communication process performed between the intermediate accessory 300 and the camera body 200 and the second communication process performed between the intermediate accessory 300 and the interchangeable lens 100 are performed in the same manner. On the other hand, if the received information is information related to aperture control, the accessory microcomputer 301 differentiates the first communication process from the second communication process. For example, if the received information received from one of the camera body 200 or the interchangeable lens 100 is not information related to aperture control, the accessory microcomputer 301 transmits the received information as is to the other of the camera body 200 or the interchangeable lens 100. On the other hand, if the received information is information related to aperture control, the accessory microcomputer 301 edits the received information and responds. Here, editing means, for example, performing a process required for controlling the accessory aperture unit 303 on the information (data) related to aperture control and transmitting the processed data to the camera body 200 or the interchangeable lens 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] <Example of still image shooting mode> In process 621, the camera body 200 notifies the intermediate accessory 300 of the "camera-driven" setting as an aperture drive timing setting notification. In process 622, the intermediate accessory 300 stores this setting information (camera-driven mode).

[0071] In process 623, manual aperture operation information is detected in the same manner as in process 603, but since the "camera-driven" setting is stored as described above, the accessory aperture unit 303 is not controlled at this timing.

[0072] Processes 624 to 630 are similar to processes 605 to 611 described in the video mode. The intermediate accessory 300 generates various aperture information and returns it to the camera body 200, which then displays it on the display unit 206 as the aperture setting value.

[0073] When a still image shooting operation for shooting a still image is accepted by the operation unit 207 of the camera body 200 in process 631, an aperture drive instruction specifying aperture diameter information for still image shooting is transmitted from the camera body 200 in process 632. At this time, since there is a possibility that the internal state of the lens, such as the zoom position, has changed since the intermediate accessory 300 acquired the aperture diameter information from the interchangeable lens 100 in process 625, the current aperture diameter information is acquired again from the interchangeable lens 100 in processes 633 and 634.

[0074] In process 635 , the accessory microcomputer 301 calculates the amount of aperture reduction to be performed based on the open aperture diameter acquired in process 633 for the aperture diameter specified by the camera body in process 632 .

[0075] In process 636, the accessory aperture unit 303 is driven according to the aperture amount calculated in process 635, and in process 637, a response is sent to the camera body 200 notifying the completion of the aperture drive for still image shooting.

[0076] Next, the moving image shooting mode and the still image shooting mode will be described with reference to Fig. 7, particularly with respect to the part where branching processing occurs in the behavior of the intermediate accessory 300 of this embodiment. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the intermediate accessory 300. Each step in Fig. 7 is mainly executed by the accessory microcomputer 301.

[0077] In step S701, the intermediate accessory 300 transitions to a repeat process. In step S702, the intermediate accessory 300 determines whether there is a change notification of the aperture drive timing setting from the camera body 200. If a change notification has been received from the camera body 200, the process proceeds to step S703, where the intermediate accessory 300 stores either the lens-driven mode or the camera-driven mode.

[0078] In step S704, the intermediate accessory 300 determines whether or not a manual aperture ring operation has been detected. If a manual aperture ring operation has been detected, the process proceeds to step S705, where it determines whether or not the aperture drive timing setting notified from the camera body 200 is "lens driven." If the setting is "lens driven," the accessory microcomputer 301 drives and controls the accessory aperture unit 303 in step S706.

[0079] When the intermediate accessory 300 is requested to obtain aperture information from the camera body 200 in step S707, in step S708, the intermediate accessory 300 obtains the maximum aperture from the interchangeable lens 100. Next, in step S709, the intermediate accessory 300 obtains the aperture amount of the accessory aperture unit 303 and generates various types of aperture information.

[0080] In step S710, the intermediate accessory 300 determines whether or not the camera body 200 supports the manual aperture function based on the camera authentication information acquired from the camera body 200 in process 508 of Fig. 5. If it is determined that the camera body 200 supports the manual aperture function, the process proceeds to step S711. On the other hand, if it is determined that the camera body 200 does not support (is not compatible with) the manual aperture function, the process proceeds to step S712.

[0081] In step S711, an appropriate response is made for each of the aperture information requested by the camera body 200, for example, "maximum aperture diameter," "minimum aperture diameter," and "manual ring operation aperture diameter." Meanwhile, in step S712, when "maximum aperture diameter," "minimum aperture diameter," and "manual ring operation aperture diameter" are requested from the camera body 200, the information on "manual ring operation aperture diameter" is responded to in all cases. This causes the lens to behave as if the aperture cannot be controlled from the camera body 200.

[0082] In step S713, the intermediate accessory 300 determines whether an aperture drive request for still image shooting has been transmitted from the camera body 200. If there is a request from the camera body 200 and the aperture drive timing setting notified from the camera body 200 in step S714 is "camera driven," then in step S715 the intermediate accessory 300 controls the accessory aperture unit 303 to achieve the requested aperture.

[0083] Next, the timing of invalidating the aperture control by operating the manual aperture ring will be described with reference to Fig. 6(C) Fig. 6(C) is an explanatory diagram of the timing of invalidating the aperture control by operating the manual aperture ring.

[0084] For example, when the camera body 200 transmits a state of transition to a power saving mode in which the display unit 206 is turned off in process 641, the intermediate accessory 300 disables the aperture drive by the manual aperture ring operation in process 642. Therefore, even if the camera body 200 detects a manual aperture operation in process 643, the accessory microcomputer 301 does not drive the accessory aperture unit 303. In this way, the notification of the power saving mode (power saving request) from the camera body 200 can be used as a trigger to disable the aperture control. Alternatively, the aperture control may be disabled when there is no communication from the camera body 200 for a predetermined time (when no communication is performed for a predetermined time). After that, when the camera body performs the handshake communication in process 502 described in FIG. 5, the accessory microcomputer 301 enables the drive of the accessory aperture unit 303 by the manual aperture operation in process 644.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the intermediate accessory 300 located between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 appropriately controls communication so as to realize the aperture drive timing set by the camera body 200 when the user performs a manual aperture operation. This makes it possible to realize aperture drive at the desired timing, and by appropriately realizing the exchange of aperture diameter information, it is possible to provide a camera system with a highly accurate manual aperture function. EXAMPLES

[0086] Next, a description will be given of Example 2 of the present invention. The configuration of the camera system of this example is the same as that of Example 1. In the camera system of this example, the intermediate accessory 300 always drives the accessory aperture unit 303 during manual aperture ring operation, regardless of the setting information of the aperture drive timing notified from the camera body 200.

[0087] The operation of the intermediate accessory 300 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation in the still image shooting mode in this embodiment. In Fig. 9, the same processes as those in the first embodiment are given the same numbers.

[0088] 9 shows a case where the camera body 200 is in still image shooting mode after process 621. In process 621, the camera body 200 notifies the camera of the "camera-driven" setting as the aperture drive timing setting notification, but the intermediate accessory 300 does not refer to this information.

[0089] Thereafter, when manual aperture operation information is detected in process 623, drive control of the accessory aperture unit 303 is not performed in embodiment 1, but in this embodiment, drive control of the accessory aperture unit 303 is performed in process 650. On the other hand, when a still image shooting operation for still image shooting is accepted by the operation unit 207 of the camera body 200 in process 631, an aperture drive instruction specifying aperture diameter information for still image shooting is transmitted from the camera body 200 in process 632. At this time, unlike embodiment 1, the accessory microcomputer 301 does not drive the accessory aperture unit 303.

[0090] In this embodiment, even when the camera body 200 is in a still image shooting mode, the accessory aperture unit 303 of the intermediate accessory 300 is driven in response to a user operation. Therefore, even when the control of the camera body 200 is in a state in which the aperture is expected to be fully open, the intermediate accessory 300 located between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 can appropriately control communication. This makes it possible to appropriately exchange aperture diameter information and provide a camera system with a more accurate manual aperture function than before. EXAMPLES

[0091] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the camera system of this embodiment also has a manual aperture function in the interchangeable lens 100. In the case where both the interchangeable lens 100 and the intermediate accessory 300 have manual aperture functions, the camera system of this embodiment automatically executes the manual aperture function of the device operated by the user.

[0092] First, a camera system (imaging system) 10a in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10(A). FIG. 10(A) is a block diagram of the camera system 10a. The camera system 10a is different from the camera system 10 in the first embodiment in that it has an interchangeable lens 100a instead of the interchangeable lens 100. In addition to the configuration of the interchangeable lens 100, the interchangeable lens 100a includes a lens-side manual aperture operation ring (electronic ring) 130 that can be rotated by a user, and a ring rotation detector 131. The ring rotation detector 131 is, for example, configured with a photointerrupter that outputs a two-phase signal in response to the rotation of the lens-side manual aperture operation ring 130. The lens microcomputer 111 can detect the rotation operation amount (including the direction) of the lens-side manual aperture operation ring 130 using the two-phase signal.

[0093] Next, with reference to Fig. 10(B) and Fig. 10(C), the operation of the video shooting mode (processing 601 and after) and the still image shooting mode (processing 621 and after) in a state in which the camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100, and the intermediate accessory 300 are combined will be described. Fig. 10(B) is an explanatory diagram of the operation in the video shooting mode, and Fig. 10(C) is an explanatory diagram of the operation in the still image shooting mode. In Fig. 10(B) and Fig. 10(C), the same numbers are given to processes that are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0094] <Example of video recording mode> In process 601, the camera body 200 notifies the intermediate accessory 300 of "lens-driven" as setting information related to the aperture drive timing. In process 602, the intermediate accessory 300 stores the lens-driven mode. In process 1001, the intermediate accessory 300 transmits to the interchangeable lens 100 that the aperture drive timing is "lens-driven" as setting information related to the aperture drive timing from the camera body 200. At this time, whether or not the intermediate accessory 300 performs the above communication is conditional on the condition that "information on whether the interchangeable lens 100 has a manual aperture function" included in the lens authentication information acquired from the interchangeable lens 100 at startup has the manual aperture function. Processes 603 to 611 are processes performed when the user performs a manual aperture operation on the intermediate accessory 300, and are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0095] Thereafter, when the interchangeable lens 100 detects a lens-side manual aperture operation by the user in process 1002, the interchangeable lens 100 drives the lens-side aperture unit 114 in process 1003, and the manual ring operation aperture diameter information managed by the interchangeable lens 100 is updated.

[0096] In process 1004, the intermediate accessory 300 periodically transmits a request to obtain aperture information to the interchangeable lens 100, and in process 1005, the interchangeable lens 100 responds to the intermediate accessory 300 with various aperture information including the manual ring operation aperture information described above.

[0097] The intermediate accessory 300 can recognize that the manual ring operation of the interchangeable lens 100 has been performed based on the aperture information obtained in process 1005, and drives the accessory aperture unit 303 to the fully open state in process 1006. The aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100a in process 1003 and the accessory aperture unit 303 in process 1006 are driven simultaneously. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the aperture unit 114 and the accessory aperture unit 303 may be driven exclusively as described with reference to FIG. 8 depending on the circumstances of the power supply from the camera body 200. Thereafter, processes 605, 610, and 611 are performed, thereby updating the display of aperture information on the display unit 206 in response to the manual aperture operation of the interchangeable lens 100a.

[0098] Then, when the user again performs manual aperture operation on the intermediate accessory 300 in process 1007, the intermediate accessory 300 controls the accessory aperture unit 303 (aperture drive control) in process 1008 according to the amount of ring operation by the user detected in process 1007. In process 1009, the intermediate accessory 300 transmits an aperture full-open drive request to the interchangeable lens 100. In process 1010, the interchangeable lens 100a drives the aperture unit 114 to the full open position, and the manual ring operation aperture diameter information managed by the interchangeable lens 100 is also updated.

[0099] In process 1011, the intermediate accessory 300 periodically transmits a request to obtain aperture information to the interchangeable lens 100, and in process 1012, the interchangeable lens 100 responds with various types of aperture information including the manual ring operation aperture aperture information described above to the intermediate accessory 300. Note that, by performing the stop-down control of the intermediate accessory 300 in process 1008 prior to driving the interchangeable lens 100 to the maximum aperture in process 1010, there is an advantage in that a sudden change in aperture can be avoided, but the order of these aperture drives may be either first.

[0100] In process 1013, operation amount information of the accessory aperture unit 303 is acquired, and in process 1014, current manual ring operation aperture information is generated by combining this with the open aperture information of the interchangeable lens 100 acquired in process 1012.

[0101] Processes 1015, 1016, and 1017 are similar to processes 605, 610, and 611, and the aperture information resulting from the manual aperture operation of the intermediate accessory is displayed and updated on the display unit 206.

[0102] <Example of still image shooting mode> In process 621, the camera body 200 notifies the intermediate accessory 300 of "camera-driven" as setting information related to the aperture drive timing. In process 622, the intermediate accessory 300 stores the camera-driven mode. In process 1021, the intermediate accessory 300 transmits to the interchangeable lens 100a the fact that the setting information related to the aperture drive timing from the camera body 200 is "camera-driven". Processes 623 to 630 are processes performed when the user performs a manual aperture operation on the intermediate accessory 300, and are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0103] After that, even if the interchangeable lens 100a detects a lens-side manual aperture operation by the user in process 1023, the interchangeable lens 100 has received the "camera-driven" setting and will not drive the aperture. Meanwhile, the manual ring operation aperture diameter information managed by the interchangeable lens 100 is updated as setting value information according to the lens-side manual aperture operation amount.

[0104] Thereafter, processes 1004, 1005, and 1006 are similar to the processes for assigning the same numbers in the moving image shooting mode described above, and processes 624, 629, and 630 are similar to the processes for assigning the same numbers in the still image shooting mode of Example 1. The display of the aperture information on the display unit 206 in response to the operation of the manual aperture of the interchangeable lens 100a is updated, and the user can recognize that the aperture during shooting will be set based on the aperture information displayed on the display unit 206.

[0105] Thereafter, in processes 631 to 637, aperture control for shooting is performed by user operation in the same manner as in embodiment 1. In this embodiment, aperture control during shooting is realized by driving the accessory aperture unit 303, but the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100 may also be used. Then, in process 1022, the user performs manual aperture operation of the intermediate accessory 300 again.

[0106] In processes 1023 and 1024, the intermediate accessory 300 periodically acquires aperture information for the interchangeable lens 100. In processes 1025 and 1026, the intermediate accessory 300 generates current manual ring operation aperture information by combining operation amount information of the accessory aperture unit 303 and open aperture information of the interchangeable lens 100. Processes 1027, 1028, and 1029 are similar to processes 624, 629, and 630, and the aperture information resulting from the manual aperture operation of the intermediate accessory 300 is displayed and updated on the display unit 206.

[0107] In this embodiment, when manual aperture operation is possible in both the intermediate accessory 300 and the interchangeable lens 100a, manual aperture operation is possible in both the intermediate accessory 300 and the interchangeable lens 100. Furthermore, when either aperture unit is operated, the intermediate accessory 300 appropriately transmits aperture information related to the light beam incident on the camera mount portion of the camera body 200 to the camera body 200. As a result, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a camera system having a manual aperture function with higher accuracy than conventionally possible. EXAMPLES

[0108] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the camera system of this embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, when both the interchangeable lens 100a and the intermediate accessory 300 have a manual aperture function, the manual aperture function of the device on which the user has performed an operation is automatically executed, and the aperture position of the aperture unit of the device on which no operation has been performed is maintained.

[0109] The moving image shooting mode in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation in the moving image shooting mode. Note that the same numbers are used for the processes that are the same as those in the first and third embodiments.

[0110] Processes 601 to 1005 are the same as those in the third embodiment, and after the accessory aperture unit 303 is operated (process 604) based on a "lens-driven" notification from the camera body 200, the lens aperture unit 114 is operated (process 1003).

[0111] In process 1101, the intermediate accessory 300 compares the manual ring operation aperture diameter information acquired from the interchangeable lens 100a in processes 1004 and 1005 with the accessory manual ring operation aperture diameter information. Here, the accessory manual ring aperture diameter information is generated using the current aperture control amount of the accessory aperture unit 303 of the intermediate accessory 300 and the maximum aperture diameter information acquired from the interchangeable lens 100a.

[0112] If "lens manual ring operation aperture diameter information" ≧ "accessory manual ring operation aperture diameter information", "lens manual ring operation aperture diameter information" is managed as the current manual ring aperture diameter information. On the other hand, if "lens manual ring operation aperture diameter information" < "accessory manual ring operation aperture diameter information", "accessory manual ring operation aperture diameter information" is managed as the current manual ring aperture diameter information. Note that a larger value indicates a more narrow aperture.

[0113] When a request to obtain aperture information is sent from the camera body 200 in process 1102, the current manual ring aperture information managed in process 1101 is responded to in process 1103. Then, in process 1104, the current aperture information is displayed on the display unit 206 of the camera body 200, thereby displaying narrower aperture information for the accessory aperture unit 303 of the intermediate accessory 300 and the aperture unit 114 of the interchangeable lens 100a.

[0114] In this embodiment, when both the intermediate accessory 300 and the interchangeable lens 100 are capable of manual aperture operation, both the manual aperture operation of the intermediate accessory 300 and the manual aperture operation of the interchangeable lens 100 are operable. When either aperture unit is operated, the intermediate accessory 300 appropriately transmits aperture information incident on the camera mount to the camera body 200. In addition, the aperture unit that is not being operated is configured to maintain its current position, thereby improving responsiveness when switching between the aperture operations of both. This makes it possible to provide a camera system with a manual aperture function with higher accuracy than ever before. EXAMPLES

[0115] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic configuration of the camera system of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, this embodiment differs from the camera system of the first embodiment in that, instead of the interchangeable lens 100, it has a communication terminal for communicating with the camera body 200 and an interchangeable lens 100b that does not have a communication function. That is, the camera body 200 and the intermediate accessory 300 cannot communicate with the interchangeable lens 100b at all, and therefore cannot obtain information about the interchangeable lens 100b via communication. This embodiment provides a manual aperture function in the intermediate accessory 300 even with such an interchangeable lens 100b.

[0116] 12A is an explanatory diagram of each communication section of the camera body 200 and the intermediate accessory 300. It is the same as the first embodiment except that the interchangeable lens 100b has no communication terminal. In this configuration, the accessory communication circuit 302 of the intermediate accessory 300 does not detect the attachment of the interchangeable lens 100 by the ATTACH signal 3024. On the other hand, power is supplied from the camera body 200 via the POWER signals 2085 and 3030, making it possible to drive the accessory microcomputer 301 and accessory aperture unit 303 of the intermediate accessory 300.

[0117] Fig. 12(B) shows the inside of the mount of interchangeable lens 100b so that it can be seen, with 412 being a lens-side communication terminal, which corresponds to 3021 to 3025 in Fig. 2. Fig. 12(C) shows the inside of the mount of camera body 200 so that it can be seen, with 413 being a camera-side communication terminal, which corresponds to 3026 to 3030 in Fig. 2. Reference numerals 1201, 1202, and 1203 are provided as members for setting this information by user operation when maximum aperture information cannot be obtained from interchangeable lens 100b via communication, but they do not necessarily have to have the same configuration.

[0118] Reference numeral 1201 denotes an operation ring (an input means capable of inputting aperture information relating to a light beam incident on the camera body 200) for selecting the maximum aperture when an interchangeable lens 100b without electronic contacts is attached. Reference numeral 1202 denotes an index for setting the maximum aperture of the interchangeable lens 100b attached by the user. Reference numeral 1203 denotes a mark for specifying the maximum aperture. The maximum aperture information of the selected index 1202 can be electrically recognized by the accessory microcomputer 301.

[0119] Next, a startup sequence when the power is turned on in a state in which the camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100, and the intermediate accessory 300 are combined will be described with reference to Fig. 13(A). Fig. 13(A) is an explanatory diagram of the startup sequence in this embodiment. However, as described above, the interchangeable lens 100b cannot perform communication.

[0120] In process 500, the camera body 200 detects that the intermediate accessory 300 is also attached by the ATTACH signal 2084 in Fig. 2. In process 501, power for driving the accessory microcomputer 301 and various actuators of the intermediate accessory 300 is supplied from the camera body 200 to the intermediate accessory 300 via the POWER terminal 2085 in Fig. 2.

[0121] In process 502, the camera body 200 transmits communication data for a handshake to confirm that communication has been established to the interchangeable lens 100b. This communication data is received by the intermediate accessory 300, but communication with the interchangeable lens 100b is not possible. For this reason, in process 1210, dummy lens authentication information including support for the manual aperture function is generated, and in process 507, the intermediate accessory 300 responds to the camera body 200 with the handshake communication.

[0122] When authentication communication is sent from the camera body 200 in process 508, the intermediate accessory 300 responds to the camera body 200 with the lens authentication information generated in process 1210. When an aperture initialization request is sent from the camera body 200 in process 510, the intermediate accessory 300 performs initialization processing of the accessory aperture unit 303 in process 511, and responds to the camera body 200 with completion of aperture initialization in process 516. The subsequent processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0123] Next, operations in the moving image shooting mode (processing 601 and after) and the still image shooting mode (processing 621 and after) will be described with reference to Fig. 13(B) and (C). Fig. 13(B) is an explanatory diagram of operations in the moving image shooting mode. Fig. 13(C) is an explanatory diagram of operations in the still image shooting mode.

[0124] <Example of video recording mode> Processes 601 to 605 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the intermediate accessory 300 stores the "lens-led" setting notification from the camera body 200, and drives the accessory aperture unit 303 when a manual aperture operation is detected.

[0125] When a request for obtaining aperture information is sent from the camera body in process 605, in this embodiment, in process 1220, the intermediate accessory 300 obtains the setting value of the aperture open diameter information by the user's operation. More specifically, by operating the operation ring 1201, the setting information when the user sets the aperture open diameter of the currently attached interchangeable lens 100b is obtained. The intermediate accessory 300 generates current manual ring operation aperture diameter information in process 609 using the aperture open diameter information set by the user described above and the current aperture narrowing amount of the accessory aperture unit 303 obtained in process 608. In addition, the minimum aperture diameter information can be calculated from the aperture open diameter information described above and the amount of aperture narrowing that the accessory aperture unit 303 can mechanically narrow. In process 610, the aperture diameter information generated in process 609 is responded to the camera body 200, and the information is displayed on the display unit 206 in process 611.

[0126] <Example of still image shooting mode> Processes 621 to 623 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the "camera-driven" setting notification from the camera body is stored, and a manual aperture operation is detected. As described above, since the "camera-driven" setting is stored, the intermediate accessory 300 does not control the accessory aperture unit 303 at this timing.

[0127] When a request to obtain aperture information of the aperture unit 114 is sent from the camera body 200 in process 624, in this embodiment, the setting value of the aperture maximum aperture information operated by the user is obtained in process 1220. This process is the same as that described in the video shooting mode. The intermediate accessory 300 generates current manual ring operation aperture aperture information in process 609 using the aperture maximum aperture information set by the user described above and the current aperture stop amount of the accessory aperture unit 303 obtained in process 608. In process 629, the intermediate accessory 300 responds with the aperture information generated in process 609 to the camera body 200. In process 630, the camera body 200 displays the information on the display unit 206.

[0128] In process 631, when a still image shooting operation for still image shooting is accepted by the operation unit 207 of the camera body 200, an aperture drive instruction specifying aperture diameter information for still image shooting is transmitted from the camera body 200 in process 632. At this time, the intermediate accessory 300 determines the amount of aperture reduction from the difference between the aperture maximum aperture information set by the user described above and the aperture diameter information for still image shooting described above. In process 636, the intermediate accessory 300 controls the accessory aperture unit 303 and responds to the camera body 200 with a completion notification in process 637.

[0129] In this embodiment, when the interchangeable lens 100b does not have a communication terminal, the user can set the maximum aperture information of the interchangeable lens 100b in the intermediate accessory 300. This allows the intermediate accessory 300 to appropriately transmit aperture information incident on the camera mount during manual aperture operation to the camera body 200, making it possible to provide a camera system with a more accurate manual aperture function than ever before.

[0130] [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.

[0131] According to each embodiment, an accessory (intermediate accessory) attached between various interchangeable lenses and an imaging device has an aperture function. Therefore, even if an interchangeable lens does not have an aperture function or the performance of an aperture unit of an interchangeable lens is insufficient, a highly functional manual aperture function can be provided. Also, according to each embodiment, an accessory aperture unit (first aperture unit) can be used without using an aperture unit (second aperture unit) of an interchangeable lens. Therefore, by appropriately communicating with an imaging device or an interchangeable lens, it is possible to realize camera control according to the status of the accessory aperture unit. Therefore, according to each embodiment, an accessory, an accessory control method, and a program that can realize appropriate aperture control in an accessory having an aperture unit can be provided.

[0132] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) An accessory that is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens and an imaging device, a first aperture unit for adjusting the amount of incident light from the interchangeable lens; A control means for controlling the first aperture unit; a communication means for communicating with each of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device; The accessory is characterized in that the control means changes a method of communication processing with the interchangeable lens or the imaging device depending on whether or not the received information received via the communication means is information regarding aperture control. (Configuration 2) The control means determining whether or not the received information received via the communication means is information regarding the aperture control; When the received information is not information related to the aperture control, a first communication process performed between the accessory and the imaging device and a second communication process performed between the accessory and the interchangeable lens are performed in the same manner; 2. The accessory according to configuration 1, wherein when the received information is information relating to the aperture control, the first communication process and the second communication process are differentiated. (Configuration 3) The control means When the received information received from one of the imaging device and the interchangeable lens is not information related to the aperture control, the received information is transmitted as is to the other of the imaging device and the interchangeable lens; 3. The accessory according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the received information is information regarding aperture control, the received information is edited. (Configuration 4) The device further includes an operating member operable by a user, 4. The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the control means acquires user operation information used for the aperture control from the operation member. (Configuration 5) The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the control means acquires user operation information used for the aperture control from at least one of the interchangeable lens or the imaging device via the communication means. (Configuration 6) The accessory described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that when the control means receives an aperture initialization request from the imaging device via the communication means, it communicates the aperture initialization request to the interchangeable lens and initializes the first aperture unit. (Configuration 7) The accessory described in any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the control means enables operation of the first aperture unit after initialization of the second aperture unit of the interchangeable lens is completed. (Configuration 8) The accessory described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the control means enables operation of the first aperture unit after power supply from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens is started. (Configuration 9) The control means determining whether or not the power supplied from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold; When the power is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, driving the first aperture unit while driving the second aperture unit of the interchangeable lens; The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that when the power is less than the predetermined threshold, the first aperture unit is not driven while the second aperture unit is driven. (Configuration 10) the control unit does not drive the first aperture unit when a power saving request is transmitted from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens via the communication unit, or when no communication is transmitted for a predetermined period of time, The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the first aperture unit starts to be driven in response to a subsequent communication from the imaging device. (Configuration 11) An accessory described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that when the control means obtains authentication information of the interchangeable lens from the interchangeable lens via the communication means, the control means adds information indicating that the interchangeable lens supports a manual aperture function to the authentication information and transmits the information to the imaging device. (Configuration 12) The control means acquiring authentication information of the imaging device from the imaging device via the communication means; 12. The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that it is determined whether the imaging device is compatible with control of the interchangeable lens having a manual aperture function, based on the authentication information. (Configuration 13) The control means when aperture information of a light beam incident on a mount unit is requested from the imaging device, aperture information generated based on at least one of interchangeable lens aperture information acquired from the interchangeable lens via the communication means and information relating to a control amount of the first aperture unit is transmitted to the imaging device; 13. The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein when the driving state of the first aperture unit is requested from the imaging device, the driving state is transmitted to the imaging device. (Configuration 14) The control means When the imaging device requests aperture information, the aperture information when the second aperture unit is set to the fully open state is obtained from the interchangeable lens and transmitted to the imaging device; when the image capture device requests information on the minimum aperture when the aperture is narrowed to the maximum, the minimum aperture information is obtained using the information on the maximum aperture and the amount of narrowing that the first aperture unit can narrow, and the minimum aperture information is transmitted to the image capture device; An accessory described in any one of configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that when manual aperture diameter information due to manual aperture operation is requested from the imaging device, the accessory obtains the manual aperture diameter information using the open aperture diameter information and the current aperture amount of the first aperture unit and transmits the manual aperture aperture information to the imaging device. (Configuration 15) The accessory described in any one of configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that when the control means receives a request from the imaging device for either maximum aperture information, minimum aperture information, or manual aperture information, it obtains the manual aperture information using the maximum aperture information obtained from the interchangeable lens via the communication means and the current aperture amount of the first aperture unit, and transmits the manual aperture information to the imaging device. (Configuration 16) An accessory described in any one of configurations 1 to 15, characterized in that the control means switches its response to a request for information regarding the aperture diameter requested by the imaging device based on information regarding whether the imaging device supports control of the interchangeable lens having a manual aperture function. (Configuration 17) the control means controls the first aperture unit based on user operation information used for controlling the first aperture unit, rather than on an aperture control request from the imaging device; 17. The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, wherein the aperture control request is not transmitted to the interchangeable lens. (Configuration 18) the control means controls the first aperture unit based on an aperture control request from the imaging device even when the control means has acquired user operation information used for controlling the first aperture unit; 17. The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, wherein the aperture control request is not transmitted to the interchangeable lens. (Configuration 19) The control means acquiring setting information of an aperture driving method from the imaging device via the communication means; 19. The accessory described in any one of configurations 1 to 18, wherein the aperture drive method is switched based on the setting information. (Configuration 20) An accessory described in any one of configurations 1 to 19, characterized in that the control means transmits information to the interchangeable lens prohibiting the manual aperture function when the authentication information of the interchangeable lens includes information indicating that the interchangeable lens supports a manual aperture function. (Configuration 21) The control means determining whether or not authentication information of the interchangeable lens includes information indicating that the interchangeable lens supports a manual aperture function; When the interchangeable lens having the manual aperture function is attached and user operation information used for controlling the first aperture unit is acquired, a second aperture unit of the interchangeable lens is brought into an open state to control the first aperture unit; An accessory as described in any one of configurations 1 to 20, characterized in that when it is detected via the communication means that the manual aperture function of the interchangeable lens has been executed, the first aperture unit is controlled to an open state. (Configuration 22) The imaging device further includes an input unit capable of inputting aperture information related to a light beam incident on the imaging device, The control means When communication with the interchangeable lens cannot be performed, the aperture information can be input via the input means; when the aperture information is requested by the imaging device, transmitting aperture information generated based on at least one of the input aperture information and information regarding a control amount of the first diaphragm unit to the imaging device; 22. The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 21, wherein when the driving state of the first aperture unit is requested from the imaging device, the driving state is transmitted to the imaging device. (Configuration 23) The control means when aperture information is requested by the imaging device, acquiring the aperture information input by the input means and transmitting the information to the imaging device; When the imaging device requests minimum aperture information, the aperture minimum aperture information is obtained using the maximum aperture information and the aperture stop amount that the accessory aperture unit can stop down, and the minimum aperture information is transmitted to the imaging device; The accessory described in configuration 22, characterized in that when manual aperture diameter information based on manual aperture operation is requested from the imaging device, the accessory obtains the manual aperture diameter information using the open aperture diameter information and the current aperture closing amount of the first aperture unit and transmits the manual aperture diameter information to the imaging device. (Configuration 24) The accessory described in configuration 22, characterized in that when the imaging device requests either maximum aperture information, minimum aperture information, or manual aperture information, the control means transmits to the imaging device the manual aperture information obtained using the maximum aperture information input by the input means and the current aperture amount of the first aperture unit. (Configuration 25) An accessory described in any one of configurations 1 to 24, characterized in that the control means switches the response to a request for information regarding aperture diameter from the imaging device based on information regarding whether the imaging device supports control of the interchangeable lens having a manual aperture function. (Method 1) A method for controlling an accessory that is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens and an imaging device, comprising the steps of: a communication step of communicating with each of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device via a communication means; a control step of controlling a first aperture unit that adjusts the amount of incident light from the interchangeable lens, A method for controlling an accessory, characterized in that, in the communication step, a method of communication processing with the interchangeable lens or the imaging device is changed depending on whether the received information received via the communication means is information regarding aperture control. (Configuration 26) A program for causing a computer to execute the accessory control method according to method 1.

[0133] 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]

[0134] 100 Interchangeable Lenses 200 Camera body (imaging device) 300 Accessories 301 Accessory microcomputer (control means) 302 Accessory communication circuit (communication means) 303 Accessory aperture unit (first aperture unit)

Claims

1. An accessory that is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens and an imaging device, a first aperture unit for adjusting the amount of light incident from the interchangeable lens; A control means for controlling the first diaphragm unit; a communication means for communicating with each of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device; The accessory is characterized in that the control means changes a method of communication processing with the interchangeable lens or the imaging device depending on whether or not the received information received via the communication means is information regarding aperture control.

2. The control means determining whether or not the received information received via the communication means is information regarding the aperture control; When the received information is not information related to the aperture control, a first communication process performed between the accessory and the imaging device and a second communication process performed between the accessory and the interchangeable lens are performed in the same manner; 2. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein when the received information is information relating to the aperture control, the first communication process and the second communication process are differentiated.

3. The control means When the received information received from one of the imaging device and the interchangeable lens is not information related to the aperture control, the received information is transmitted as is to the other of the imaging device and the interchangeable lens; The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein when the received information is information regarding the aperture control, the received information is edited.

4. The device further includes an operating member operable by a user, 2. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the control means acquires user operation information used for controlling the aperture from the operation member.

5. 2 . The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit acquires user operation information used for the aperture control from at least one of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device via the communication unit.

6. The accessory described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the control means receives an aperture initialization request from the imaging device via the communication means, it communicates the aperture initialization request to the interchangeable lens and initializes the first aperture unit.

7. The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the control means enables the operation of the first aperture unit after initialization of the second aperture unit of the interchangeable lens is completed.

8. The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit enables the operation of the first aperture unit after the supply of power from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens is started.

9. The control means determining whether or not the power supplied from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold; When the power is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, driving the first aperture unit while driving the second aperture unit of the interchangeable lens; 6. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the first aperture unit is not driven while the second aperture unit is driven if the power is less than the predetermined threshold.

10. the control unit does not drive the first aperture unit when a power saving request is transmitted from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens via the communication unit, or when no communication is transmitted for a predetermined period of time, The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the first aperture unit is started to be driven in response to a subsequent communication from the imaging device.

11. The accessory described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the control means obtains authentication information of the interchangeable lens from the interchangeable lens via the communication means, the control means adds information indicating that the interchangeable lens supports a manual aperture function to the authentication information and transmits the information to the imaging device.

12. The control means acquiring authentication information of the imaging device from the imaging device via the communication means; The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the authentication information is used to determine whether the imaging device is compatible with control of the interchangeable lens having a manual aperture function.

13. The control means when aperture information of a light beam incident on a mount unit is requested from the imaging device, aperture information generated based on at least one of interchangeable lens aperture information acquired from the interchangeable lens via the communication means and information relating to a control amount of the first aperture unit is transmitted to the imaging device; 6. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein, when the driving state of the first aperture unit is requested from the imaging device, the driving state is transmitted to the imaging device.

14. The control means When the imaging device requests aperture information, the aperture information when the second aperture unit is set to the fully open state is obtained from the interchangeable lens and transmitted to the imaging device; when the image capture device requests information on the minimum aperture when the aperture is narrowed to the maximum, the minimum aperture information is acquired using the information on the maximum aperture and the amount of narrowing that the first aperture unit can narrow, and the information is transmitted to the image capture device; The accessory according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when manual aperture diameter information based on manual aperture operation is requested from the imaging device, the accessory obtains the manual aperture diameter information using the open aperture diameter information and the current aperture amount of the first aperture unit and transmits the manual aperture diameter information to the imaging device.

15. The accessory described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the control means receives a request from the imaging device for either maximum aperture information, minimum aperture information, or manual aperture information, it obtains the manual aperture information using the maximum aperture information obtained from the interchangeable lens via the communication means and the current aperture amount of the first aperture unit, and transmits the manual aperture information to the imaging device.

16. The accessory described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control means switches its response to a request for information regarding the aperture diameter requested by the imaging device based on information regarding whether the imaging device is compatible with control of the interchangeable lens having a manual aperture function.

17. the control means controls the first aperture unit based on user operation information used for controlling the first aperture unit, not based on an aperture control request from the imaging device; 6. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the aperture control request is not transmitted to the interchangeable lens.

18. the control means controls the first aperture unit based on an aperture control request from the imaging device even when the control means has acquired user operation information used for controlling the first aperture unit; 6. An accessory according to claim 1, wherein the aperture control request is not transmitted to the interchangeable lens.

19. The control means acquiring setting information of an aperture driving method from the imaging device via the communication means; The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the aperture driving method is switched based on the setting information.

20. The accessory described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the authentication information of the interchangeable lens includes information indicating that the interchangeable lens supports a manual aperture function, the control means transmits information to the interchangeable lens prohibiting the manual aperture function.

21. The control means determining whether or not authentication information of the interchangeable lens includes information indicating that the interchangeable lens supports a manual aperture function; When the interchangeable lens having the manual aperture function is attached and user operation information used for controlling the first aperture unit is acquired, a second aperture unit of the interchangeable lens is brought into an open state to control the first aperture unit; 6. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein when it is detected via the communication means that the manual aperture function of the interchangeable lens has been executed, the accessory controls the first aperture unit to be in an open state.

22. The imaging device further includes an input unit capable of inputting aperture information related to a light beam incident on the imaging device, The control means When communication with the interchangeable lens cannot be performed, the aperture information can be input via the input means; when the aperture information is requested by the imaging device, aperture information generated based on at least one of the input aperture information and information regarding a control amount of the first diaphragm unit is transmitted to the imaging device; 6. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein, when the driving state of the first aperture unit is requested from the imaging device, the driving state is transmitted to the imaging device.

23. The control means when aperture information is requested by the imaging device, acquiring the aperture information input by the input means and transmitting the information to the imaging device; When the imaging device requests minimum aperture information, the aperture minimum aperture information is obtained using the maximum aperture information and the aperture stop amount that the accessory aperture unit can stop down, and the minimum aperture information is transmitted to the imaging device; The accessory according to claim 22, characterized in that, when manual aperture diameter information based on manual aperture operation is requested from the imaging device, the aperture manual aperture diameter information is obtained using the aperture open diameter information and the current aperture amount of the first aperture unit, and the aperture manual aperture diameter information is transmitted to the imaging device.

24. The accessory described in claim 22, characterized in that when the control means receives a request from the imaging device for any of maximum aperture information, minimum aperture information, or manual aperture information, it transmits to the imaging device the manual aperture information obtained using the maximum aperture information input by the input means and the current aperture amount of the first aperture unit.

25. The accessory described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control means switches its response to a request for information regarding aperture diameter from the imaging device based on information regarding whether the imaging device supports control of the interchangeable lens having a manual aperture function.

26. A method for controlling an accessory that is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens and an imaging device, comprising the steps of: a communication step of communicating with each of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device via a communication means; a control step of controlling a first aperture unit that adjusts the amount of incident light from the interchangeable lens, A method for controlling an accessory, characterized in that, in the communication step, a method of communication processing with the interchangeable lens or the imaging device is changed depending on whether the received information received via the communication means is information regarding aperture control.

27. A program causing a computer to execute the accessory control method according to claim 26.

Images