Accessory, accessory control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an accessory having an aperture unit and capable of appropriately achieving storage and reproduction of aperture information of the aperture unit.SOLUTION: An accessory (300) is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens (100) and an imaging device (200). The accessory includes an aperture unit (303), communication means (302) that communicates with each of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device, memory means (321) that stores aperture information of the aperture unit, and control means (301) that controls the aperture unit using the aperture information. The control means has at least one of a first memory mode for storing the aperture information at a first timing and a second memory mode for storing the aperture information at a second timing, and has at least one of a first reproduction mode for controlling the aperture unit using the aperture information at a third timing, and a second reproduction mode for controlling the aperture unit using the aperture information at a fourth timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5(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 a lens-interchangeable camera system, accessories that are attached between a camera body and an interchangeable lens have been proposed to expand the functions. Patent Document 1 discloses an accessory that is attached between an interchangeable lens and a camera body and enables a user to store a focus position and control playback. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-47507 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The accessory disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not have an aperture unit. To realize the storage and playback of aperture information of the aperture unit inside the accessory, it is necessary to consider the state of the aperture unit of the accessory in addition to the optical information of the interchangeable lens. In Patent Document 1, the storage and playback of the focus position is performed immediately when the user operates it, but the storage timing and playback timing of the aperture information of the aperture unit may differ between still image shooting and video shooting.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide an accessory having an aperture unit, which is capable of appropriately storing and reproducing aperture information of the aperture unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] 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 includes an aperture unit that adjusts the amount of light incident from the interchangeable lens, communication means for communicating with each of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device, memory means for storing aperture information of the aperture unit, and control means for controlling the aperture unit using the aperture information, wherein the control means acquires, through a user's operation, first instruction information that instructs control of the aperture unit, second instruction information that instructs storage of the aperture information, and third instruction information that instructs playback of the aperture information, and when the second instruction information is acquired, has at least one of a first storage mode in which the aperture information at a first timing when the second instruction information is acquired is stored in the storage means, and a second storage mode in which the aperture information at a second timing different from the first timing is stored in the storage means, and when the third instruction information is acquired, has at least one of a first playback mode in which the aperture unit is controlled using the aperture information at a third timing when the third instruction information is acquired, and a second playback mode in which the aperture unit is controlled using the aperture information at a fourth timing different from the third timing.

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

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an accessory having an aperture unit, which is capable of appropriately storing and reproducing aperture information of the aperture unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an imaging system in each embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of each communication unit of the camera body, intermediate accessory, and interchangeable lens in each embodiment. [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] FIG. 2 is an external view of an intermediate accessory in the first embodiment. [Figure 5(A)] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a storage operation of the aperture diameter in a moving image shooting mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 5(B)] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a reproduction operation of the aperture diameter in a moving image shooting mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 5(C)] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a storage operation of the aperture diameter in a still image shooting mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 5(D)] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a reproduction operation of the aperture diameter in a still image shooting mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an external view of an intermediate accessory in the second embodiment. [Figure 7(A)] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a storage operation of the aperture diameter in a still image shooting mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 7(B)] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a reproduction operation of the aperture diameter in a still image shooting mode in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 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

[0011] <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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The aperture unit 114 is an aperture stop 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The intermediate accessory 300 also includes an accessory operation unit 320 other than the manual aperture operation ring 310, and an accessory storage unit (storage means) 321. 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.

[0023] The accessory storage unit 321 is, for example, a non-volatile memory. In this embodiment, as described later, it stores aperture information of the accessory aperture unit (aperture unit) 303. The aperture information stored in the accessory storage unit 321 can be reproduced at a predetermined timing. The aperture information may include information on the aperture drive amount of the accessory aperture unit 303. The aperture information may also include aperture information when the interchangeable lens 100 is fully open.

[0024] In this embodiment, the accessory microcomputer 301 can receive a user's operation to store the aperture (aperture information) or a user's operation to play back the aperture through the accessory operation unit 320, and stores the aperture information in the accessory storage unit 321 through the user's operation to store the aperture. Since the accessory storage unit 321 is a non-volatile memory, the stored state is maintained even when the power supply to the camera body 200 is turned off. Note that the user's operation to store or play back the aperture may be realized by communication between the camera body 200 or the interchangeable lens 100 without providing an operation member as described above. The intermediate accessory 300 also has an accessory notification unit 322 for notifying the user of information. The notification member of the accessory notification unit 322 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a speaker, a vibrator, or the like. The accessory notification unit 322 may have a plurality of notification members. As described later, in this embodiment, the accessory notification unit 322 is used to notify the user of the storage and playback state of the aperture information.

[0025] The intermediate accessory 300 also includes an accessory aperture unit (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 .

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Next, the external appearance of the intermediate accessory 300 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4(A) and (B). Figures 4(A) and (B) are external views of the intermediate accessory 300. Figure 4(A) shows the inside of the mount on the interchangeable lens 100 side, and Figure 4(B) shows the inside of the mount on the camera body 200 side.

[0045] The electronic ring 411 is a first operation member that can be operated by the user, and corresponds to the manual aperture operation ring 310. The electronic ring 411 outputs first instruction information that instructs the control (operation, target position) of the accessory aperture unit 303 by the user's operation. The lens side communication terminal 402 corresponds to 3021 to 3025 in FIG. 2. The camera side communication terminal 403 corresponds to 3026 to 3030 in FIG. 2. The aperture diameter storage button 404 is a second operation member that can be operated by the user. The aperture diameter storage button 404 outputs second instruction information that instructs storage of aperture information by the user's operation. The aperture diameter playback button 405 is a third operation member that can be operated by the user. The aperture diameter playback button 405 outputs third instruction information that instructs playback of aperture information by the user's operation. The aperture diameter storage button 404 and the aperture diameter playback button 405 are included in the accessory operation unit 320. Operation notification lamp 406 is included in accessory notification unit 322, and is used to notify the user that the user has performed an operation to store and reproduce the aperture (aperture information).

[0046] Next, with reference to Fig. 5(A) to Fig. 5(D), the operation of storing and reproducing the aperture diameter (aperture information) in a state in which the camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100, and the intermediate accessory 300 are combined will be described. Fig. 5(A) is an explanatory diagram of the operation of storing the aperture diameter in the video shooting mode. Fig. 5(B) is an explanatory diagram of the operation of reproducing the aperture diameter in the video shooting mode. Fig. 5(C) is an explanatory diagram of the operation of storing the aperture diameter in the still image shooting mode. Fig. 5(D) is an explanatory diagram of the operation of reproducing the aperture diameter in the still image shooting mode.

[0047] <Example of video recording mode> In process 501, the camera body 200 notifies the setting information regarding the aperture drive timing. In this embodiment, the communication is performed in two ways: "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, while 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 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 502, this setting information is stored in the intermediate accessory 300.

[0048] In process 503, the accessory microcomputer 301 detects that the electronic ring (manual aperture ring) 411 shown in Figures 4(A) and (B) has been operated (first instruction information). In this embodiment, a case is described in which the intermediate accessory 300 is equipped with the electronic ring 411, but manual aperture operation information may be communicated from the camera body 200 or the interchangeable lens 100. In process 504, the accessory microcomputer 301 drives the accessory aperture unit 303 (aperture drive) according to the amount of ring operation detected in process 503.

[0049] Thereafter, at any timing, a request to obtain aperture information is sent from the camera body 200 in process 505. The aperture information requested by the camera body 200 in this process includes, for example, the maximum aperture, minimum aperture, and manual ring operation aperture. The maximum aperture is aperture information when the aperture is in the maximum aperture state. The minimum aperture is aperture information when the aperture is at its narrowest state. The manual ring operation aperture is aperture information when the manual ring is operated.

[0050] The specifications of the maximum aperture differ depending on the model of the attached interchangeable lens 100, and for example, in the case of a zoom lens, the specifications also change according to the zoom position. For this reason, in process 506, the intermediate accessory 300 requests the interchangeable lens 100 to obtain maximum aperture information.

[0051] The intermediate accessory 300 generates current manual ring operation aperture diameter information in process 509, using the maximum aperture information acquired from the interchangeable lens 100 in process 507 and the current aperture stop amount of the accessory aperture unit 303 obtained in process 508. Furthermore, minimum aperture diameter information can be calculated from the maximum aperture information described above and the amount that the accessory aperture unit 303 can mechanically stop down.

[0052] In process 510, the aperture information generated in processes 506 to 509 is returned to the camera body 200. In process 511, the current aperture information is displayed on the display unit 206 of the camera body 200. In process 512, the accessory microcomputer 301 detects that the aperture memory button 404 shown in Figures 4(A) and (B) has been operated (second instruction information). In processes 513 to 515, the interchangeable lens 100's maximum aperture information and manual aperture ring operation amount information are acquired by the same processes as processes 506 to 508.

[0053] In process 516, the accessory microcomputer 301 generates current manual ring operation aperture diameter information from the maximum aperture information of the interchangeable lens 100 and the operation amount information of the manual aperture ring, and stores the aperture diameter information in the accessory storage unit 321. For example, in process 514, information that the maximum aperture is F8.0 is received from the interchangeable lens 100. Then, in process 515, if the aperture amount of the accessory aperture unit 303 is 0.5 steps, F9.5 (8.0 + (11-8) × 0.5) is stored as the current aperture diameter. Alternatively, if the aperture amount is 0.125 steps, F8.375 (8.0 + (11-8) × 0.125) is stored as the current aperture diameter.

[0054] In process 517, the operation notification lamp 406 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is turned on for a predetermined time to notify the user that a storage operation has been performed in response to a request to store the aperture diameter by the user.

[0055] Through the above process, the aperture diameter information is stored by the user operation. After this, the aperture diameter may be changed by the user operation, and the stored aperture diameter is restored by performing the aperture diameter regeneration operation described in FIG. 5(B) below.

[0056] In process 518, the accessory microcomputer 301 detects that the aperture reproduction button 405 shown in Figs. 4A and 4B has been operated (third operation information). In process 519, the accessory microcomputer 301 reads and acquires the aperture information stored in process 516 from the accessory storage unit 321. Note that only one aperture information may be stored, or multiple pieces of aperture information may be stored and one of them may be readable. In process 520, the operation notification lamp 406 shown in Figs. 4A and 4B is turned on. In processes 521 to 523, the accessory microcomputer 301 generates current aperture information by acquiring the open aperture information of the interchangeable lens 100 and the operation amount information of the accessory aperture unit 303 through processes similar to those of processes 506 to 508.

[0057] In process 524, the accessory microcomputer 301 calculates the aperture control amount based on the difference between the stored aperture diameter information read out in process 519 and the current aperture diameter information generated in process 523. In process 525, the accessory microcomputer 301 drives the accessory aperture unit 303 using the aperture control amount (aperture regeneration drive). For example, if the aperture open diameter acquired from the interchangeable lens 100 in process 522 is F5.6 and the aperture amount of the accessory aperture unit 303 obtained in process 523 is 0.5 step, the current aperture diameter is F6.8 (5.6+(8-5.6)×0.5). If the stored F-value read out in process 519 is F9.5, the aperture regeneration drive amount in process 524 is 2.7 step (9.5-6.8). Note that the calculation formula for the aperture regeneration drive amount illustrated here shows a case where calculation is performed using an F-value up to the first decimal place, but it may be obtained by calculation processing with finer resolution.

[0058] Processes 526 to 532 are similar to processes 505 to 510, and when a request to acquire aperture information is transmitted from the camera body 200, the intermediate accessory 300 generates current aperture information, responds to the camera body 200, and updates the display of the aperture information on the display unit 206. In process 533, the intermediate accessory 300 turns off the operation notification lamp 406 that was turned on in process 520.

[0059] By the above processing, it is possible to realize storage and playback drive of the aperture diameter during dynamic shooting.

[0060] <Example of still image shooting mode> In process 540, the camera body 200 notifies the intermediate accessory 300 of the "camera-driven" setting as an aperture drive timing setting notification, and in process 541 the intermediate accessory 300 stores this setting information.

[0061] In process 542, the accessory microcomputer 301 detects manual aperture operation information in the same way as in process 503, but because the "camera-driven" setting is stored as described above, it does not control (drive) the accessory aperture unit 303 at this timing. Processes 543 to 549 are the same as processes 505 to 511 in the description of the video mode, and the intermediate accessory 300 generates various aperture information and responds to the camera body 200, displaying it on the display unit 206 as the aperture setting value.

[0062] 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 550, an aperture drive instruction specifying aperture diameter information for still image shooting is transmitted from the camera body 200 in process 551. At this time, there is a possibility that the internal state of the lens, such as the zoom position, has changed since the intermediate accessory 300 obtained the aperture maximum aperture information from the interchangeable lens 100 in process 544. For this reason, in processes 552 and 553, the current aperture maximum aperture information is obtained again from the interchangeable lens 100.

[0063] In process 554, the accessory microcomputer 301 calculates the amount of aperture stop to be driven from the open aperture diameter acquired in process 553 for the aperture diameter instructed by the camera body in process 551. In process 555, the accessory microcomputer 301 drives the accessory aperture unit 303 using the amount of aperture stop calculated in process 635. In process 556, the accessory microcomputer 301 temporarily stores aperture diameter information when the aperture was driven in process 555, and in process 557 responds to the camera body 200 that the aperture drive for still image shooting has been completed.

[0064] In process 558, the camera body 200 completes the still image shooting operation and displays a shooting preview, allowing the user to check the contents of the shot image. For example, during this preview display, the user can operate the aperture diameter storage button 404 shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), and in process 559, the intermediate accessory 300 detects this user operation. Note that, although the present embodiment shows an example in which the aperture diameter storage button 404 is pressed during preview display, this may be done at any timing after still image shooting.

[0065] In process 560, the accessory microcomputer 301 stores the aperture information that was temporarily stored in process 556 in the accessory storage unit 321. In process 561, the accessory microcomputer 301 lights up the operation notification lamp 406 shown in Figures 4(A) and (B) for a predetermined time to notify that a storage operation has been performed in response to a user's request to store the aperture.

[0066] Through the above process, the storage of aperture information during still image shooting by user operation is completed. After this, still image shooting operation may be performed any number of times. In addition, any camera operation may be performed, including power off / on operation, and still image shooting is performed while reproducing the stored aperture only when the aperture reproducing operation is performed by user operation after that, as will be described in the following FIG. 5(D).

[0067] In process 562, the accessory microcomputer 301 detects that the aperture playback button 405 shown in Figures 4(A) and (B) has been operated. In process 563, the accessory microcomputer 301 reads and acquires the manual aperture information stored in process 560 from the accessory storage unit 321. Note that only one piece of manual aperture information may be stored, or multiple pieces of manual aperture information may be stored and readable. In process 564, the accessory microcomputer 301 turns on the operation notification lamp 406 shown in Figures 4(A) and (B).

[0068] In process 565, when a still image shooting operation for shooting a still image 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 566. However, the intermediate accessory 300 drives the accessory aperture unit 303 so as to reproduce the stored aperture (aperture information) as described below. At this time, the intermediate accessory 300 acquires current open aperture diameter information from the interchangeable lens 100 in processes 567 and 568.

[0069] In process 569, the accessory microcomputer 301 calculates the amount of aperture stop to be driven from the open aperture diameter acquired in process 568 for the aperture diameter read out in process 563. In process 570, the accessory microcomputer 301 drives the accessory aperture unit 303 for the amount of aperture stop calculated in process 569. In process 571, the intermediate accessory 300 turns off the operation notification lamp 406 that was turned on in process 564. In process 572, the intermediate accessory 300 responds to the camera body 200 to inform it of the completion of aperture drive for still image shooting.

[0070] By the above processing, the aperture diameter used for still image shooting can be stored, and the accessory aperture unit 303 can be controlled so that the stored aperture diameter is used for still image shooting when a playback operation is performed. This makes it possible to store the aperture diameter for still image shooting and realize playback drive.

[0071] In this embodiment, the aperture can be reproduced when a still image shooting operation is accepted while the aperture playback button 405 shown in Figures 4(A) and (B) is kept pressed. Alternatively, the aperture may be reproduced when the first still image shooting operation is accepted after the aperture playback button 405 is pressed. The user can visually confirm that shooting is being performed while the stored aperture is being played back by the lamp display that is turned on in process 564 and turned off in process 571.

[0072] In this embodiment, the user can store and play back the aperture diameter. In the video shooting mode, the aperture diameter can be stored at the timing of the storage operation and reproduced at the timing of the playback operation. In the still image shooting mode, the aperture diameter at the time of still image shooting immediately before the storage operation is stored and the stored aperture diameter can be reproduced during the still image shooting operation during the playback operation. This makes it possible to provide a function for storing and playing back the aperture diameter suitable for each of video shooting and still image shooting.

[0073] In this embodiment, both the video shooting mode and the still image shooting mode are provided, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and only one of the modes may be provided. In this embodiment, when the accessory microcomputer 301 acquires the second instruction information, it is sufficient that the accessory microcomputer 301 has at least one of the first storage mode or the second storage mode as a storage mode. When the accessory microcomputer 301 acquires the third instruction information, it is sufficient that the accessory microcomputer 301 has at least one of the first playback mode or the second playback mode as a playback mode. The first storage mode is a storage mode in which the aperture information at the first timing when the second instruction information is acquired is stored in the accessory storage unit 321. The second storage mode is a storage mode in which the aperture information at the second timing different from the first timing is stored in the accessory storage unit 321. The first playback mode is a playback mode in which the accessory aperture unit 303 is controlled using the aperture information at the third timing when the third instruction information is acquired. The second playback mode is a playback mode in which the accessory aperture unit 303 is controlled using the aperture information at the fourth timing different from the third timing.

[0074] Preferably, when the camera body 200 has both a video shooting mode and a still image shooting mode, the accessory microcomputer 301 determines whether the shooting state of the camera body 200 is a video shooting state (video shooting mode) or a still image shooting state (still image shooting mode). When the shooting state is a video shooting state, the accessory microcomputer 301 sets the storage mode to a first storage mode and the playback mode to a first playback mode, for example. On the other hand, when the shooting state is a still image shooting state, the accessory microcomputer 301 sets the storage mode to a second storage mode and the playback mode to a second playback mode, for example.

[0075] Preferably, in the second storage mode, the accessory microcomputer 301 stores in the accessory storage unit 321 the aperture information for shooting when a shooting instruction is received from the camera body 200 via the accessory communication circuit 302.

[0076] Preferably, in the second storage mode, the accessory microcomputer 301 stores in the accessory storage unit 321, at the first timing, aperture information for shooting when a shooting instruction is received from the camera body 200 prior to the first timing.

[0077] Preferably, when the accessory microcontroller 301 acquires third instruction information at a third timing in the second playback mode and acquires a shooting instruction from the camera body 200 after the third timing, the accessory microcontroller 301 controls the accessory aperture unit 303 using the stored aperture information. EXAMPLES

[0078] Next, a description will be given of Example 2 of the present invention. The configuration of the camera system of this example is similar to that of Example 1. The camera system of this example differs from Example 1 in that, instead of the intermediate accessory 300 of Example 1, the camera system of this example has an intermediate accessory 300a having an aperture reproduction button 405 but not having an aperture storage button 404.

[0079] 6(A) and (B) are external views of the intermediate accessory 300a. The only difference from the first embodiment shown in Fig. 4(A) and (B) is that the intermediate accessory 300a does not have the aperture diameter memory button 404, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0080] Next, referring to Fig. 7(A) and Fig. 7B(B), the operation of reproducing the aperture diameter in the still image shooting mode in the state where the camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100, and the intermediate accessory 300a are combined will be described. Fig. 7(A) is an explanatory diagram of the operation of storing the aperture diameter in the still image shooting mode. Fig. 7(B) is an explanatory diagram of the operation of reproducing the aperture diameter in the still image shooting mode. In Fig. 7(A) and Fig. 7(B), the same numbers are given to the processes similar to those explained in Fig. 5(C) and (D) of the first embodiment.

[0081] Processes 540 to 555 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a manual aperture operation by the user is accepted, aperture information by the operation is displayed on the display unit 206, and then a still image shooting operation by the user is accepted to perform aperture control.

[0082] In process 701, the accessory microcomputer 301 stores the aperture information of the aperture drive performed for still image shooting in process 555 in the accessory storage unit 321. The difference from the first embodiment is that the aperture information is stored every time a still image is shot without accepting a storage operation for the aperture.

[0083] After that, any camera operation other than still image shooting may be performed, including power off / on operations. Only when the user operates the aperture playback button 405 after that, still image shooting is performed while reproducing the stored aperture, as will be described with reference to FIG. 7(B) below.

[0084] 6A and 6B is operated to accept a still image shooting operation, the accessory microcomputer 301 drives the accessory aperture unit 303 to play back the aperture stored in process 556, and completes the still image shooting. Processes 702 to 708 are similar to processes 542 to 548, and display aperture information on the display unit 206 of the camera body 200 by accepting a manual aperture operation by the user.

[0085] Thereafter, when a still image shooting operation is performed without operating the aperture replay button 405, the processes 709 to 716 are performed. This is the same process as the processes 550 to 557, and the accessory microcomputer 301 controls the accessory aperture unit 303 based on the aperture diameter information notified from the camera body 200, and stores the aperture information in the accessory storage unit 321. That is, when a still image is shot by pressing the aperture diameter replay button 405 as shown in process 562, the aperture diameter used in the previous still image shooting is reproduced. On the other hand, when a still image is shot without pressing the aperture diameter replay button 405, the still image is shot using the aperture information of the current manual aperture, and the operation is changed so that the aperture diameter at this time is stored.

[0086] By the above operation, when the aperture reproduction button 405 is pressed to capture a still image, the accessory aperture unit 303 can be driven to reproduce the aperture used in the previous still image capture.

[0087] According to this embodiment, the user can perform a playback operation of the aperture diameter, and the operation member is configured with only a playback button in contrast to embodiment 1. In the still image shooting mode, it is possible to provide a still image shooting function that reproduces the aperture diameter at the time of the previous shooting by operating the playback button.

[0088] [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.

[0089] According to each embodiment, it is possible to provide an accessory having an aperture unit, which is capable of appropriately storing and reproducing aperture information of the aperture unit, a control method for the accessory, and a program.

[0090] 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, an aperture unit for adjusting the amount of light incident from the interchangeable lens; a communication means for communicating with each of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device; a storage means for storing aperture information of the aperture unit; a control unit for controlling the aperture unit using the aperture information; The control means acquiring, through a user's operation, first instruction information for instructing control of the aperture unit, second instruction information for instructing storage of the aperture information, and third instruction information for instructing reproduction of the aperture information; When the second indication information is acquired, the caliber information at a first timing when the second indication information is acquired is stored in the storage means, and the caliber information at a second timing different from the first timing is stored in the storage means. An accessory characterized by having at least one of a first playback mode in which, when the third instruction information is acquired, the aperture unit is controlled using the aperture information at a third timing when the third instruction information is acquired, and a second playback mode in which the aperture unit is controlled using the aperture information at a fourth timing different from the third timing. (Configuration 2) The device further includes a first operating member that is operable by a user, The accessory according to configuration 1, wherein the control means acquires the first instruction information from the first operating member. (Configuration 3) 2. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein the control means acquires the first instruction information from at least one of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device via the communication means. (Configuration 4) Further comprising a second operating member operable by a user, The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the control means acquires the second instruction information from the second operating member. (Configuration 5) 4. The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the control means acquires the second instruction information from at least one of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device via the communication means. (Configuration 6) Further comprising a third operating member operable by a user, The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the control means acquires the third instruction information from the third operating member. (Configuration 7) 6. The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the control means acquires the third instruction information from at least one of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device via the communication means. (Configuration 8) The control means When the second instruction information is acquired, the first storage mode and the second storage mode are selected, 8. The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that, when the third instruction information is acquired, the accessory has the first playback mode and the second playback mode. (Configuration 9) The control means determining whether the imaging state of the imaging device is a moving image imaging state or a still image imaging state; When the shooting state is the moving image shooting state, the storage mode is set to the first storage mode, and the playback mode is set to the first playback mode; 9. The accessory according to configuration 8, wherein when the shooting state is the still image shooting state, the storage mode is set to the second storage mode, and the playback mode is set to the second playback mode. (Configuration 10) The accessory described in configuration 8 or 9, characterized in that in the second storage mode, the control means stores in the storage means the aperture information for shooting when a shooting instruction is received from the imaging device via the communication means. (Configuration 11) The accessory described in configuration 8 or 9, characterized in that in the second storage mode, the control means stores in the storage means the aperture information for shooting when a shooting instruction is received from the imaging device at the first timing and before the first timing. (Configuration 12) An accessory described in any one of configurations 8 to 11, characterized in that when the control means acquires the third instruction information at the third timing in the second playback mode, and acquires a shooting instruction from the imaging device after the third timing, the control means controls the aperture unit using the aperture information stored in the memory means. (Configuration 13) 13. The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the aperture information includes information regarding an aperture drive amount of the aperture unit. (Configuration 14) 14. The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the aperture information includes aperture information of the interchangeable lens at full aperture. (Method 1) A method for controlling an accessory that is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens and an imaging device, comprising the steps of: acquiring, by a user's operation, first instruction information instructing control of an aperture unit that adjusts the amount of incident light from the interchangeable lens, second instruction information instructing storage of aperture information of the aperture unit, and third instruction information instructing reproduction of the aperture information; a step of setting, as a storage mode when the second indication information is acquired, a first storage mode in which the caliber information at a first timing when the second indication information is acquired is stored in a storage means, or a second storage mode in which the caliber information at a second timing different from the first timing is stored in the storage means; and setting, as a playback mode when the third instruction information is acquired, a first playback mode in which the aperture unit is controlled using the aperture information at a third timing when the third instruction information is acquired, or a second playback mode in which the aperture unit is controlled using the aperture information at a fourth timing different from the third timing. (Configuration 15) A program for causing a computer to execute the accessory control method according to method 1.

[0091] 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]

[0092] 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 (aperture unit) 321 Accessory memory unit (storage means)

Claims

1. An accessory that is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens and an imaging device, an aperture unit for adjusting the amount of light incident from the interchangeable lens; a communication means for communicating with each of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device; a storage means for storing aperture information of the aperture unit; a control means for controlling the aperture unit using the aperture information, The control means acquiring, through a user's operation, first instruction information for instructing control of the aperture unit, second instruction information for instructing storage of the aperture information, and third instruction information for instructing reproduction of the aperture information; When the second indication information is acquired, the caliber information at a first timing when the second indication information is acquired is stored in the storage means, and a second storage mode is configured to store the caliber information at a second timing different from the first timing in the storage means, An accessory characterized in that, when the third instruction information is acquired, it has at least one of a first playback mode in which the aperture unit is controlled using the aperture information at a third timing when the third instruction information is acquired, and a second playback mode in which the aperture unit is controlled using the aperture information at a fourth timing different from the third timing.

2. The device further includes a first operating member that is operable by a user, The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the control means acquires the first instruction information from the first operating member.

3. The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the control means acquires the first instruction information from at least one of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device via the communication means.

4. The device further includes a second operating member that is operable by a user, The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the control means acquires the second instruction information from the second operating member.

5. The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the control means acquires the second instruction information from at least one of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device via the communication means.

6. Further comprising a third operating member operable by a user, The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the control means acquires the third instruction information from the third operating member.

7. The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the control means acquires the third instruction information from at least one of the interchangeable lens and the imaging device via the communication means.

8. The control means When the second instruction information is acquired, the first storage mode and the second storage mode are selected, 8. The accessory according to claim 1, wherein when the third instruction information is acquired, the accessory has the first playback mode and the second playback mode.

9. The control means determining whether the imaging state of the imaging device is a moving image imaging state or a still image imaging state; When the shooting state is the moving image shooting state, the storage mode is set to the first storage mode, and the playback mode is set to the first playback mode; 9. The accessory according to claim 8, wherein when the shooting state is the still image shooting state, the storage mode is set to the second storage mode and the playback mode is set to the second playback mode.

10. The accessory according to claim 8 , wherein the control means, in the second storage mode, stores in the storage means the aperture information for shooting when a shooting instruction is received from the imaging device via the communication means.

11. The accessory according to claim 8, characterized in that, in the second storage mode, the control means stores in the storage means the aperture information for shooting when a shooting instruction is received from the imaging device at the first timing and before the first timing.

12. The accessory described in claim 8, characterized in that when the control means acquires the third instruction information at the third timing in the second playback mode, and when the control means acquires a shooting instruction from the imaging device after the third timing, it controls the aperture unit using the aperture information stored in the memory means.

13. The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the aperture information includes information regarding an aperture drive amount of the aperture unit.

14. The accessory according to claim 1 , wherein the aperture information includes aperture information of the interchangeable lens when the aperture is fully open.

15. A method for controlling an accessory that is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens and an imaging device, comprising the steps of: acquiring, through a user's operation, first instruction information instructing control of an aperture unit that adjusts the amount of incident light from the interchangeable lens, second instruction information instructing storage of aperture information of the aperture unit, and third instruction information instructing reproduction of the aperture information; a step of setting, as a storage mode when the second indication information is acquired, a first storage mode in which the caliber information at a first timing when the second indication information is acquired is stored in a storage means, or a second storage mode in which the caliber information at a second timing different from the first timing is stored in the storage means; and setting, as a playback mode when the third instruction information is acquired, a first playback mode in which the aperture unit is controlled using the aperture information at a third timing when the third instruction information is acquired, or a second playback mode in which the aperture unit is controlled using the aperture information at a fourth timing different from the third timing.

16. A program for causing a computer to execute the accessory control method according to claim 15.

Images