Imaging device, accessory device, and control method for the same

Abstract

To avoid allocation of the same function respectively to a general-purpose ended ring and an endless ring.SOLUTION: An imaging device 200 can be connected to an accessory device 100 including a first operation ring 130 having a rotation end. When the accessory device, or another accessory device connected to the imaging device together with the accessory device includes a second operation ring 140 having no rotation end, the imaging device allocates one of a plurality of functions related to control of the accessory device or the imaging device to each of the first and second operation rings, and performs the control in response to operation of the first and second operation rings. When the first function is allocated to the first operation ring, and the first function is included in functions that can be allocated to the second operation ring, the imaging device allocates the second function different from the first function to the second operation ring, or restricts allocation of the first function to the second operation ring.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device to which an accessory device such as an interchangeable lens or an intermediate adapter is attached. [Background technology]

[0002] Some of the accessory devices described above are equipped with an operation ring as an operation member that can be rotated by the user. The operation ring is assigned functions such as manual focus, manual aperture, and manual shutter speed.

[0003] Furthermore, there are two types of operating rings: endless rings with no rotation ends (operating ends) and ended rings with rotation ends. The rotation position of an ended ring corresponds to a set value for the function assigned to the ended ring. In this case, if the same function is assigned to both the ended ring and the endless ring, operating the endless ring will cause a mismatch between the rotation position of the ended ring and the set value.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device that does not use an operating member provided on the imaging device for adjusting the aperture when an operating ring (ended ring) for a manual aperture function is provided on an interchangeable lens. Patent Document 2 discloses an optical device that allows the correspondence between the rotation range of an ended ring for a manual focus function and a setting value to be reset. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-222731 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-184008 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not mention the case where the ring with ends and other operation members such as the endless ring are general-purpose operation members to which multiple functions can be assigned.

[0007] The present invention provides an imaging device that allows functions to be appropriately assigned to the ended ring and the endless ring when multiple functions can be assigned to each of the ended ring and the endless ring. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention is connectable to an accessory device having a first operation ring with a rotation end. When the accessory device or another accessory device connected to the imaging device together with the accessory device has a second operation ring without a rotation end, the imaging device has an assignment means for assigning one of a plurality of functions relating to control of the accessory device or the imaging device to each of the first and second operation rings, and a control means for performing the control in response to operation of the first and second operation rings. The assignment means assigns a first function to the first operation ring, and when the first function is included in the functions assignable to the second operation ring, assigns a second function different from the first function to the second operation ring, or limits the assignment of the first function to the second operation ring.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is an accessory device connectable to the imaging device, which includes the first and second operation rings and transmits information to the imaging device in response to operations of the first and second operation rings for control according to functions assigned to the first and second operation rings, respectively.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention provides a control method applicable to an imaging device to which an accessory device having a first operation ring with a rotation end can be connected. When the accessory device or another accessory device connected to the imaging device together with the accessory device has a second operation ring without a rotation end, the control method includes the steps of assigning one of a plurality of functions related to control of the accessory device or the imaging device to each of the first and second operation rings, and performing the control in response to operation of the first and second operation rings. In the function assignment step, if a first function is assigned to the first operation ring and the first function is included among the functions assignable to the second operation ring, a second function different from the first function is assigned to the second operation ring, or the assignment of the first function to the second operation ring is restricted. Note that a program for causing a computer of the imaging device to execute processing according to the control method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, when a plurality of functions can be assigned to each of the first and second operation rings, the functions can be assigned appropriately to the first and second operation rings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing ring customization processing on the camera side in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a ring customization process on the lens side in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a ring function allocation process on the camera side in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing functions that can be assigned to an operation ring in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing combinations of initial functions of the operation ring in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of setting values and the number of setting values for the manual aperture function, end ring information, and end ring position conversion data in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for generating end ring position data on the camera side in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of function allocation in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of function allocation in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of function allocation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the sequence of a ring customization process in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing functions that can be assigned to an operation ring in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing combinations of initial functions of the operation ring in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Example]

[0014] In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which an accessory device detachably connected to an imaging device is provided with an operation ring with a rotating end (first operation ring: hereinafter referred to as the terminated ring) and an operation ring without a rotating end (second operation ring: hereinafter referred to as the endless ring). In this embodiment, different functions are assigned to the terminated ring and the endless ring by a ring customization function of the imaging device.

[0015] [Camera system configuration] 1 shows the configuration of an interchangeable lens camera system including a camera body 200 as an imaging device and an interchangeable lens 100 as an accessory device in Example 1. The interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 are connected (mechanically attached and electrically connected) via a mount 300, which is a coupling mechanism.

[0016] Note that one or more intermediate adapters serving as separate accessory devices (second accessory devices) may be connected between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens (first accessory device) 100. In this case, different functions may be assigned to the terminated ring and the endless ring provided on the intermediate adapter using a ring customization function.

[0017] Furthermore, when an interchangeable lens is provided with either a terminated ring or an endless ring and an intermediate adapter is provided with the other, different functions may be assigned to the terminated ring and the endless ring using the ring customization function. The same applies when the other of the terminated ring and the endless ring is provided on another accessory device connected by cable or wirelessly to a camera body 200 connected to an interchangeable lens 100 equipped with either a terminated ring or an endless ring. The same applies when either a terminated ring or an endless ring is provided on an interchangeable lens or an intermediate adapter, and the other of the terminated ring and the endless ring is provided on the camera body.

[0018] The interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 can communicate with each other via a communication terminal (not shown) provided on the mount 300. In addition, power is supplied to the interchangeable lens 100 from the camera body 200 via a power terminal (not shown) provided on the mount 300.

[0019] The interchangeable lens 100 has an optical unit 103. The optical unit 103 has an imaging optical system including a field lens 104, a zoom lens 105 that changes magnification, an aperture unit 113 that adjusts the amount of light, an anti-shake lens 116 that reduces (corrects) image blur, and a focus lens 109 that adjusts focus, as optical elements arranged in this order from the subject OBJ side.

[0020] The zoom lens 105 and the focus lens 109 are held by lens holding frames 106 and 110, respectively. The lens holding frames 106 and 110 are guided by guide shafts (not shown) so as to be movable in the optical axis direction, in which the optical axis (shown by the dashed line in the figure) extends, and can be driven in the optical axis direction by actuators 107 and 111. The diaphragm unit 113 has diaphragm blades 113a and 113b whose aperture diameter can be changed, and the diaphragm blades 113a and 113b can be driven by an diaphragm actuator 114. The vibration-proof lens 116 can be driven in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction by an vibration-proof actuator 117.

[0021] The interchangeable lens 100 has an operation unit 120. The operation unit 120 includes an endless ring 130 and an endless ring 140.

[0022] The ended ring 130 is composed of a ring member that is provided around the exterior tube of the interchangeable lens 100 so that the user can rotate it around the optical axis, and the rotation is mechanically limited at the rotation ends, which are the two ends of a predetermined rotation range. The rotation position detection unit 131 detects the rotation position of the ended ring 130 and transmits position information indicating the detected rotation position to the lens microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as lens microcomputer) 101.

[0023] The endless ring 140 is composed of a ring member that is provided around the exterior tube of the interchangeable lens 100 so that the user can rotate it around the optical axis, and it can be rotated without limit (without restrictions due to rotation ends). The rotational position detection unit 141 detects the rotational position of the endless ring 140, and transmits position information indicating the detected rotational position to the lens microcomputer 101.

[0024] The lens microcomputer 101 is composed of a computer including a CPU, etc., and acquires position information of the endless ring 130 from the rotational position detection unit 131, and acquires operation amount information indicating the operation amount (amount of change in rotational position) of the endless ring 140 from the position information from the rotational position detection unit 141.

[0025] In the following description, the ended ring and the endless ring are collectively referred to as the operation ring. Furthermore, the position information of the ended ring and the operation amount information of the endless ring are collectively referred to as operation information of the operation ring (information according to the operation).

[0026] In this embodiment, it is possible to selectively assign one of a plurality of functions (each different from the others) to the operation rings (130, 140). The plurality of functions include a manual focus function that moves the focus lens 109 in accordance with operation information from the operation ring, and a manual aperture function that changes the aperture diameter of the aperture unit 113 in accordance with operation information. Other functions include a manual zoom function that moves the zoom lens 105 in accordance with operation information, a manual ISO function that changes the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor 203 in accordance with operation information, and a manual white balance (WB) function that changes the white balance in accordance with operation information. A setting value, such as the F-number for the manual aperture function, is stored within the camera body 200 or the interchangeable lens 100 for each of these functions, and the setting value is selected in accordance with the operation information.

[0027] Furthermore, the lens microcomputer 101 can communicate with a camera microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as camera microcomputer) 201 in the camera body 200 via the lens communication unit 102. Based on commands and signals received from the camera microcomputer 201, the lens microcomputer 101 controls the driving of the optical unit 103 and acquires its status via control circuits 108, 112, 115, and 118.

[0028] The interchangeable lens 100 may have a plurality of terminated rings or a plurality of endless rings, and may have a switch that can switch between enabling and disabling the operation of the terminated ring 130 .

[0029] One or more setting values, such as the F-number range that can be set using the manual aperture function or the focal length range that can be set using the manual zoom function, may be printed on the outer periphery of the terminated ring 130. The interchangeable lens 100 may also be provided with a display unit that displays the setting values of the functions assigned to the terminated ring 130.

[0030] The camera body 200 has an imaging element 203 such as a CCD sensor or CMOS sensor, an A / D conversion circuit 204 , a signal processing circuit 205 , a recording unit 206 , a camera microcomputer 201 , a display unit 207 , and a camera operation unit 210 .

[0031] The image sensor 203 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system in the interchangeable lens 100 and outputs an electrical signal (analog signal). The A / D conversion circuit 204 converts the analog signal from the image sensor 203 into a digital signal. The signal processing circuit 205 performs various image processes on the digital signal from the A / D conversion circuit 204 to generate a video signal. The signal processing circuit 205 also generates focus information indicating the contrast state of the subject image (the focus state of the imaging optical system) and luminance information indicating the exposure state from the video signal. The signal processing circuit 205 outputs the video signal to the display unit 207, and the display unit 207 displays the video signal as a live view image used to check the composition, focus state, etc.

[0032] The camera microcomputer 201 serving as control means is a computer including a CPU and the like, and controls the camera body 200 in response to input from a camera operation unit 210 including an image capture instruction switch and various setting switches. The camera microcomputer 201 transmits various commands and signals to the interchangeable lens 100 and receives lens data from the interchangeable lens 100 via a camera communication unit 202. For example, the camera microcomputer 201 transmits an aperture control command including an aperture control amount in response to input from the camera operation unit 210 to the interchangeable lens 100, causing the lens microcomputer 101 to control the aperture unit 113. The camera microcomputer 201 also transmits a control timing signal periodically generated by a signal processing circuit 205 to the interchangeable lens 100.

[0033] [Assigning functions to the control ring] 2 shows the ring customization process executed according to a program by the camera microcomputer 201, which is the allocation means in the ring customization function of the camera body 200. The camera microcomputer 201 starts this process when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera body 200 and the power of the camera body 200 is turned on. "S" indicates a step.

[0034] In S500, the camera microcomputer 201 performs processing to receive (acquire) information (hereinafter referred to as operation ring configuration information) regarding the operation ring configuration (presence or absence of an ended ring or an endless ring) of the interchangeable lens 100 from the lens microcomputer 101 of the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the camera body 200. The camera microcomputer 201 receives the operation ring configuration information from the lens microcomputer 101 by sending a command to request transmission of the operation ring configuration information to the lens microcomputer 101. The operation ring configuration information is used in subsequent processing.

[0035] Next, in S501, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether or not a function needs to be assigned to the operation ring indicated by the received operation ring configuration information, and if a function needs to be assigned, performs the processing of S502. The camera microcomputer 201 determines that a function needs to be assigned if it has proceeded to S501 for the first time since the power was turned on. Furthermore, if a function assignment has been selected or changed by the user via the camera operation unit 210, the camera microcomputer 201 determines that a function needs to be assigned. If the camera microcomputer 201 determines that a function assignment is not needed, it performs the processing of S503.

[0036] In S502, the camera microcomputer 201 performs a ring function assignment process to determine the function to be assigned to the operation ring. This process will be described in detail later. As described above, in this embodiment, different functions are assigned to the terminated ring and the endless ring. In this case, the functions may be for controlling different control objects in the optical unit 103, or one may be a function for controlling a control object and the other may be a disabled function that is not involved in the control of any control object. After this, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the process of S503.

[0037] In S503, the camera microcomputer 201 performs processing to receive (acquire) operation information from the operation ring. Specifically, the camera microcomputer 201 receives operation information from the lens microcomputer 101 by transmitting a command requesting transmission of operation information to the lens microcomputer 101. Note that operation information is not received for operation rings to which invalid functions are assigned.

[0038] Next, in S504, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether to determine information indicating the setting values of the functions assigned to the operation rings (hereinafter referred to as function control information). The function control information includes information on camera setting values for controlling the camera body 200 and information on lens setting values for controlling the optical unit 103. The function control information may also include information indicating whether to transmit lens setting values to the lens microcomputer 101 and information indicating the timing for transmitting the lens setting values to the lens microcomputer 101. If the camera microcomputer 201 determines the function control information, it performs the process of S505. When determining the function control information, it may determine only the function control information for functions assigned to the terminated rings, or it may determine only the function control information for functions assigned to the endless rings. Whether or not to determine the function control information may be determined in advance for each function, or may be determined in the process of S502. For example, if an inactive function is assigned to the operation ring, the function control information is not determined. If the camera microcomputer 201 does not determine the function control information, it performs the process of S506.

[0039] Next, in S505, the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information for the function for which it was determined in S504 that function control information should be determined, based on the operation information of the operation ring acquired in S503. For example, if the operation ring is assigned a manual aperture function, a target F-number is generated as a lens setting value. In this embodiment, the function control information is generated based on the operation information of the operation ring, using a ring position-setting value conversion table (described later). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the process of S506.

[0040] In S506, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether to send to the lens microcomputer 101 a control information transmission command including function control information generated for the function assigned to the operation ring. If so, the process proceeds to S507; if not, the process proceeds to S508. For example, if the function assigned to the operation ring is a function for controlling the optical unit 103, the camera microcomputer 201 determines to send a control information transmission command to the lens microcomputer 101. Furthermore, if there is no change in the operation information of the operation ring (no change in the rotation position of the terminated ring or the operation amount of the endless ring is 0), the camera microcomputer 201 determines not to send a control information transmission command. Furthermore, if the function assigned to the operation ring is not a function for controlling the optical unit 103, the camera microcomputer 201 also determines not to send a control information transmission command. Specifically, if a function on the camera body is assigned to the operation ring or if the lens microcomputer 101 independently assigns a function for controlling the optical unit 103, the camera microcomputer 201 determines not to send a control information transmission command.

[0041] The timing and cycle of transmitting the control information transmission command may be adjusted based on a control timing signal periodically generated by the signal processing circuit 205, or may be set only at the timing immediately before starting still image capture.

[0042] In S507, the camera microcomputer 201 transmits a control information transmission command to the lens microcomputer 101. If the manual aperture function is assigned to the operation ring, the function control information contained in the control information transmission command includes a target F-number as a lens setting value. After this, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the process of S508.

[0043] In S508, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether to continue processing in the steady state of the camera body 200, and if so, performs the processing of S501. On the other hand, if the power to the camera body 200 is turned off, the interchangeable lens 100 is removed from the camera body 200, or the camera body 200 has not been operated by the user for a predetermined period of time and the camera microcomputer 201 transitions to a sleep state, the processing in the steady state ends. In this case, this processing ends in S509. When this processing ends, the functions assigned to the operation rings in S502 may be saved in non-volatile memory attached to the camera body 200.

[0044] The flowchart in FIG. 3 shows the processing executed by the lens microcomputer 101 according to a program in the ring customization function.

[0045] In S600, the lens microcomputer 101 determines whether or not it has received a command requesting transmission of operation ring configuration information from the camera microcomputer 201, and if it has received it performs processing of S601, and if it has not received it performs processing of S602.

[0046] In S601, the lens microcomputer 101 transmits operation ring configuration information to the camera microcomputer 201. Then, the processing of S602 is performed.

[0047] In S602, the lens microcontroller 101 determines whether or not it has received a request command to send information about the terminated ring (hereinafter referred to as terminated ring information) from the camera microcontroller 201, and if it has been received, it performs processing of S603, and if it has not been received, it performs processing of S604.

[0048] Unlike the operation information of the ended ring, the ended ring information is information indicating the specifications of the ended ring. For example, it is information indicating whether a function can be assigned to the ended ring or information indicating the operable range of the ended ring. The information indicating the operable range of the ended ring may be information on the minimum and maximum values that the position information of the ended ring can take, or it may be the total number of values that the position information of the ended ring can take.

[0049] In S603, the lens microcomputer 101 transmits the terminated ring information to the camera microcomputer 201. Then, the processing of S604 is performed.

[0050] In S604, the lens microcomputer 101 determines whether or not it has received a command from the camera microcomputer 201 requesting transmission of operation information for the operation ring, and if it has received it performs processing in S605, and if it has not received it performs processing in S606.

[0051] In S605, the lens microcomputer 101 transmits the operation information to the camera microcomputer 201. Then, the process of S606 is performed.

[0052] In S606, the lens microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a control information transmission command including function control information has been received from the camera microcomputer 201, and if so, performs processing of S607; if not, performs processing of S608.

[0053] In S607, the lens microcomputer 101 controls the optical element as the corresponding control target in the optical unit 103 based on the function control information (lens setting value) included in the received control information transmission command, and then performs the process of S608.

[0054] In S608, the lens microcomputer 101 determines whether to continue processing in the steady state of the interchangeable lens 100, and if so, performs the processing of S600. On the other hand, if a request command to end operation is received from the camera microcomputer 201, or if the interchangeable lens 100 has not been operated by the user for a predetermined period of time and the lens microcomputer 101 transitions to a sleep state, the processing in the steady state ends. In this case, this processing ends in S609.

[0055] The flowchart in FIG. 4 shows the process performed by the camera microcomputer 201 in S502 in FIG. 2 to determine the function to be assigned to the operation ring.

[0056] In S700, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 has a terminated ring based on the operation ring configuration information acquired in S500 of Fig. 2. If the interchangeable lens 100 has a terminated ring, the process of S703 is performed, and if the interchangeable lens 100 does not have a terminated ring, the process of S701 is performed.

[0057] In S701, the camera microcomputer 201 determines, based on the operation ring configuration information, whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 has an endless ring. If an endless ring is included, the process of S702 is performed; if not, the process ends in S709.

[0058] In S702, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns one of a plurality of functions that can be assigned to the endless ring to the endless ring. The process of assigning a function to the endless ring differs depending on whether it is initially set or when the assigned function is changed by a user operation, and the respective function assignment processes will be described later. After the process of S702 ends, the camera microcomputer 201 ends this process in S709.

[0059] In S703, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether or not to acquire terminated ring information, and if so, performs the process of S704, or if not, performs the process of S705. Whether or not to acquire terminated ring information may be determined based only on the presence or absence of a terminated ring, or it may be determined to acquire terminated ring information if a terminated ring is present but terminated ring information has not yet been acquired. Alternatively, determination data for determining whether or not to acquire terminated ring information may be received from the interchangeable lens 100, and whether or not to acquire terminated ring information may be determined based on that data.

[0060] In S704, the camera microcomputer 201 transmits a request to transmit terminated ring information to the lens microcomputer 101 in order to acquire terminated ring information, and receives the terminated ring information transmitted from the lens microcomputer 101. Then, the process of S705 is performed.

[0061] In S705, similar to S701, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether the interchangeable lens 100 has an endless ring, and if it does, performs the processing of S707, and if it does not, performs the processing of S706.

[0062] In S706, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns one of a plurality of functions that can be assigned to the terminated ring to the terminated ring, and then performs the process of S708.

[0063] On the other hand, in S707, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns one of the multiple functions that can be assigned to the terminated ring to the terminated ring, and assigns one of the multiple functions that can be assigned to the endless ring to the endless ring. At this time, different functions are assigned to the terminated ring and the endless ring. Then, the process of S708 is performed.

[0064] The process of assigning functions to terminated rings in steps S706 and S707 differs between the initial setting and when the assigned functions are changed by a user operation, and each process will be described later.

[0065] In S708, the camera microcomputer 201 generates ended ring position conversion data for generating function control information based on the ended ring information for the function assigned to the ended ring. This ended ring position conversion data is data for converting the position information of the ended ring into a setting value for the function (control), that is, information about a setting value corresponding to the rotational position of the ended ring, and corresponds to the ring position-setting value conversion table described above. The generation of the ended ring position conversion data will be described later. Note that the data about the setting value corresponding to the rotational position of the ended ring may be data indicating the setting value itself for the rotational position of the ended ring, or may be data of a value that can be converted into a setting value.

[0066] [Functions that can be assigned to the control ring] 5(a) and (b) show functions that can be assigned to the operation ring using the ring customization function in this embodiment. Fig. 5(a) shows a first function group, which is a plurality of functions that can be assigned to the terminated ring, and Fig. 5(b) shows a second function group, which is a plurality of functions that can be assigned to the endless ring. The first and second function groups are stored as function group data within the camera body 200 and do not change depending on the operation ring configuration of the interchangeable lens 100.

[0067] 4, the camera microcomputer 201 selects one function from the first function group and assigns it to the ring in response to a change in the operation ring configuration, a change in the imaging mode of the camera body 200, and a change in the assigned function due to a user operation (described later). The first function group includes the manual aperture function, manual focus function, manual zoom function, manual ISO function, and disable function described above.

[0068] First, we will explain the ring function assignment process when the camera microcomputer 201 assigns the manual focus function to the operation ring in S502 of Fig. 2. The manual focus function is assigned by the user selecting the manual focus function on a ring function assignment setting screen displayed on the display unit (function selection means) 207 of the camera body 200, as will be described later. This also applies to other functions. However, the manual focus function may also be assigned by the user operating a physical switch (not shown) provided on the interchangeable lens 100 for selecting the manual focus function. Information about this physical switch may be included in the terminated ring information.

[0069] The manual focus function is a function that controls the drive of the focus lens 109 in response to user operation of an operation ring on the interchangeable lens 100, and the camera microcomputer 201 does not perform autofocus (AF) control of the focus lens 109. Therefore, the camera microcomputer 201 does not receive operation information of the operation ring to which the manual focus function is assigned in S503 of FIG. 2. The camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information including information indicating the manual focus mode in S505 and transmits the function control information to the lens microcomputer 101 in S507. When the lens microcomputer 101 receives information indicating the manual focus mode in S606 of FIG. 3, it controls the focus lens 109 based on the operation information of the operation ring to which the manual focus function is assigned in S607.

[0070] Next, we will explain the ring function assignment process when the camera microcomputer 201 assigns the manual aperture function to the operation ring in S502. The manual aperture function is a function that controls the drive of the aperture unit 113 in response to user operation of the operation ring. When the manual aperture function is assigned to the operation ring, the camera microcomputer 201 receives operation information of the operation ring to which the manual aperture function is assigned in S503. The camera microcomputer 201 then determines in S504 to determine function control information for the manual aperture function, and generates a target F-number as a lens setting value based on the operation information of the operation ring to which the manual aperture function is assigned in S505. The camera microcomputer 201 then determines in S506 to transmit the lens setting value to the lens microcomputer 101 in S507 immediately before the start of exposure for still image capture in still image capture mode, and at a predetermined cycle in video capture mode. Note that if the target F-number to be transmitted is the same as the previous target F-number, it may determine not to transmit the lens setting value to the lens microcomputer 101. Furthermore, in still image capture mode, from the viewpoint of autofocus (AF) accuracy, it is preferable to set the F-number as bright as possible while a live view image is being displayed. For this reason, a target F-number different from the target F-number generated based on operation information from the operation ring may be transmitted to the lens microcomputer 101. Upon receiving the target F-number from the camera microcomputer 201 in S606, the lens microcomputer 101 controls the aperture unit 113 based on the received target F-number in S607.

[0071] Next, we will explain the ring function assignment process when the camera microcomputer 201 assigns the manual ISO function to the operation ring in S502. The manual ISO function is a function that controls the ISO sensitivity of the image sensor 203 of the camera body 200 in response to user operation of the operation ring. When the manual ISO function is assigned to the operation ring, the camera microcomputer 201 receives operation information of the operation ring to which the manual ISO function is assigned in S503. Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 201 determines to determine function control information for the manual ISO function in S504, and determines the ISO value, which is the camera setting value, in S505. Because the manual ISO function is a function that does not control the optical section 103 of the interchangeable lens 100, the camera microcomputer 201 does not send the lens setting value to the lens microcomputer 101 in S506.

[0072] Next, we will explain the ring function assignment process when the camera microcomputer 201 assigns a disabled function to the operation ring in S502. If a disabled function is assigned to the operation ring, the camera microcomputer 201 does not receive operation information of the operation ring in S503 and determines not to determine function control information in S504. Furthermore, because the disabled function is a function that does not control anything, the camera microcomputer 201 does not send lens setting values to the lens microcomputer 101 in S506.

[0073] The first function group is not limited to the functions shown in FIG. 5A and may include other functions such as a manual WB function. The camera microcomputer 201 sets the manual aperture function of the first function group as the initial function. However, the initial function may be changed depending on the imaging mode or may be set in advance by the user. The initial setting for setting the initial function will be described later.

[0074] 4, the camera microcomputer 201 selects one function from the second function group and assigns it to the endless ring in response to changes in the operation ring configuration, changes in the imaging mode of the camera body 200, and changes in assigned functions due to user operations (described later). The second function group includes the manual aperture function, manual focus function, manual ISO function, manual WB function, and disable function described above. The second function group may also include other functions, such as a manual shutter speed function.

[0075] The camera microcomputer 201 also sets priorities for the multiple functions included in the second function group. In FIG. 5(b), the higher the priority number, the lower the priority, with the manual aperture function, manual focus function, manual ISO function, manual WB function, and disabled function having decreasing priorities in that order. However, this priority is merely an example, and other priorities may be set. The camera microcomputer 201 sets the initial setting functions based on the priorities.

[0076] [Initial settings for assignment function] 6 shows the initial functions assigned to the operation rings by default for each operation ring configuration. If the interchangeable lens 100 has only a terminated ring, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns the manual aperture function, which is an initial setting function in the first function group, to the terminated ring in S706 of FIG.

[0077] If the interchangeable lens 100 has only an endless ring, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns the manual aperture function, which is the function with the highest priority among the second function group, to the endless ring in S702 of FIG.

[0078] If the interchangeable lens 100 has both an terminated ring and an endless ring, the camera microcomputer 201 first assigns the manual aperture function, which is the initial function of the first function group, to the terminated ring in S707 of Fig. 4. Next, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns the manual focus function, which has the highest priority excluding the manual aperture function, of the second function group to the endless ring.

[0079] The interchangeable lens 100 may be provided with a physical switch (function selection means) (not shown) for selecting a function. In this case, the initial setting functions to be assigned to the terminated ring and the endless ring may be set in response to a user operation of the physical switch. Furthermore, if information about the initial setting functions is stored in nonvolatile memory, the initial setting functions may be set based on that information.

[0080] [Generating end ring position conversion data] The generation of the terminated ring position conversion data (ring position-set value conversion table) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0081] 7(a) shows the number of F-number settings and the setting value table in the closed ring position conversion data in the manual aperture function. In this embodiment, four F-numbers (mMax) from 0 to 3 (F4.0, F5.6, F8, and F11) can be set within the operable range of the closed ring obtained from the closed ring information.

[0082] 7(b) shows terminated ring information that can be acquired from the interchangeable lens 100. As described above, the terminated ring information indicates whether or not a function can be assigned to the terminated ring, and the operable range of the terminated ring. In this embodiment, the operable range of the terminated ring is 10 stages (nMax) that the position of the terminated ring can take.

[0083] Fig. 7(c) shows a ring position-setting value conversion table for the manual aperture function, which is generated in the terminated ring position conversion data generation process shown in Fig. 8. In this table, four F-number levels are associated with ten positions of the terminated ring from "0" to "9". Specifically, F4.0 is associated with positions "0" to "2" of the terminated ring, F5.6 is associated with positions "3" and "4", F8 is associated with positions "5" to "7", and F11 is associated with positions "8" and "9". A target F-number corresponding to the position of the terminated ring is read from this table, and lens setting values for the manual aperture function are generated.

[0084] 8 shows the process of generating the end ring position conversion data. First, in step S800, the camera microcomputer 201 initializes counter variables m and n to 0.

[0085] Next, in S801, the camera microcomputer 201 compares n / nMax with (m+1) / mMax. nMax is the operable range (10 levels) of the terminated ring included in the terminated ring information, and mMax is the number of F-numbers (4) that can be set within the operable range of the terminated ring. If n / nMax is equal to or greater than (m+1) / mMax, the process proceeds to S802; otherwise, the process proceeds to S803.

[0086] In S802, the camera microcomputer 201 increments the counter variable m by 1. Then, the process of S803 is performed.

[0087] In S803, the camera microcomputer 201 substitutes the F-value specified by the counter variable m in the setting value table containing four F-values into the target F-value specified by the counter variable n in the ring position-setting value conversion table.

[0088] Next, in S804, the camera microcomputer 201 increments the counter variable n by one.

[0089] Next, in S805, the camera microcomputer 201 compares the counter variable n with nMax, and if n is less than nMax, continues this process in S801. If n is equal to or greater than nMax, the camera microcomputer 201 ends this process. This completes the creation of the ring position-setting value conversion table.

[0090] By using the ring position-setting value conversion table shown in Figure 7(c) created in this way, it is possible to set the target F-number as function control information (lens setting value) from the position information of the terminated ring in S505 of Figure 2.

[0091] Note that the method of calculating the ended ring position-setting value conversion data is not limited to the method described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. For example, the camera microcomputer 201 may acquire, as the ended ring information, an F-number at the current position (actual position) of the ended ring, and a maximum F-number as the maximum value and a minimum F-number as the minimum value of the setting value that the aperture unit 113 can have within the operable range of the ended ring. Then, an F-number may be associated with each position of the ended ring according to the relationship between the current F-number and the maximum and minimum F-numbers.

[0092] [Function allocation example 1] 9(a) and (b) show examples of a ring function assignment setting screen displayed on the display unit 207. The ring function assignment setting screen displays a first group of functions that can be assigned to terminated rings: Iris (manual aperture function), Focus (manual focus function), Zoom (manual zoom function), ISO (manual ISO function), and NULL (disabled function). It also displays a second group of functions that can be assigned to endless rings: Iris, Focus, ISO, WB (manual WB function), and NULL. The camera microcomputer 201 assigns functions to each ring when the user selects functions to be assigned to the terminated and endless rings while viewing this ring function assignment setting screen, which includes disabled functions for the terminated and endless rings.

[0093] 9(a) and (b) show an example in which, when the function assigned to the terminated ring is changed, a function other than the function assigned to the terminated ring is automatically assigned to the endless ring. Specifically, FIG. 9(a) shows a state in which Iris is assigned to the terminated ring and Focus is assigned to the endless ring (displayed in gray). The black frame is a selection frame that can be moved by user operation, and in the figure, the selection frame is positioned over a Focus that can be assigned to the terminated ring.

[0094] FIG. 9(b) shows the state after the user selects Focus as the function to be assigned to the terminated ring (i.e., changes from Iris to Focus). In response to the selection of Focus for the terminated ring, Iris, which has the highest priority among the second function group assignable to the endless ring other than Focus, is automatically assigned. The target F-number at this time may be set to an F-number according to the settings and status of the camera body 200, or the F-number set in the previous operation of the endless ring may be retained and used as the current target F-number. Alternatively, a preset initial F-number may be used as the target F-number.

[0095] On the other hand, when the iris is switched from the endless ring function to the terminated ring function, the target F-number as a lens setting value is changed to the target F-number corresponding to the position information of the terminated ring. For example, if F8.0 is set as the target F-number by the endless ring and the ring position of the terminated ring is "1," when the iris is switched to the terminated ring function, the target F-number is changed to F4.0, which corresponds to the ring position "1" of the terminated ring.

[0096] [Function allocation example 2] 10(a) and 10(b) show examples of a ring function assignment setting screen different from those shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) as displayed on the display unit 207. As in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), the ring function assignment setting screen displays a first group of functions that can be assigned to a terminated ring: Iris, Focus, Zoom, ISO, and NULL. It also displays a second group of functions that can be assigned to an endless ring: Iris, Focus, ISO, WB, and NULL.

[0097] 10(a) and (b) show an example in which, when a function to be assigned to a terminated ring is selected, the functions that can be assigned to an endless ring are limited to functions other than those assigned to the terminated ring. Specifically, FIG. 10(a) shows a state in which Focus is assigned to the terminated ring and Iris is assigned to the endless ring. Focus, which is assigned to the terminated ring, is not selectable for the endless ring (displayed as hatched). The selection frame, indicated by a black frame, is positioned on the WB that can be assigned to the endless ring.

[0098] Figure 10(b) shows the state in which the user has moved the selection frame for the endless ring onto the Focus. At this time, the selection frame changes from a black frame to a black dashed frame, indicating that the Focus cannot be assigned to the endless ring. In other words, the functions that can be assigned to the endless ring are limited to those other than the Focus assigned to the terminating ring. Note that instead of changing the selection frame, it is also possible to prevent the user from moving the selection frame for the endless ring onto the functions assigned to the terminating ring.

[0099] [Function allocation example 3] 11(a) and (b) show examples of a ring function assignment setting screen displayed on the display unit 207 that are different from those shown in FIGS. 9(a) and (b) and 10(a) and (b). The ring function assignment setting screen displays Focus, Iris, ISO, WB, and NULL, which are a second group of functions that can be assigned to an endless ring. In this example, Iris has already been assigned to the terminated ring by a user operation on the physical switch described above, and the ring function assignment setting screen does not display the first group of functions for the terminated ring.

[0100] Figures 11(a) and (b) show an example in which when the same Iris function assigned to a terminal ring is selected for an endless ring, a disabled function is automatically set for the endless ring. Specifically, when the user selects Iris as the function they want to assign to the endless ring, as shown in Figure 11(a), a disabled function, not Iris, is automatically assigned to the endless ring, as shown in Figure 11(b). In this case, (NULL) is displayed in the Iris box on the ring function assignment setting screen.

[0101] The above-described function allocation examples 1 to 3 are merely examples, and other function allocations may be performed. For example, the camera body 200 may be provided with an operation unit that can collectively assign the functions of the ended ring and the endless ring in response to a user operation.

[0102] The above description deals with cases where the same function for controlling the same control target is not assigned to the terminated ring and the endless ring. However, while the function for controlling the same control target is assigned to the terminated ring and the endless ring, the set value that can be set in one ring may be different from the set value (or set value range) that can be set in the other ring. When the set values that can be set are different in this way, they are separate functions even if they are functions for controlling the same control target. For example, when the manual aperture function is assigned to the terminated ring and the endless ring, the target F-number that can be set by the terminated ring may be an F-number offset from the target F-number that can be set by the endless ring. In this case, the coarse adjustment function of the manual aperture function is assigned to the endless ring, and the fine adjustment function is assigned to the terminated ring as separate functions. Note that the coarse adjustment function of the manual aperture function may be assigned to the terminated ring, and the fine adjustment function is assigned to the endless ring as separate functions.

[0103] [Ring customization process sequence] 12 shows the processing flow of the camera body 200 (camera microcomputer 201) and the interchangeable lens 100 (lens microcomputer 101) in the ring customization process. Below, detailed explanations of the processing already explained in FIGS. 2 to 4 will be omitted.

[0104] In process 3000, the camera microcomputer 201 performs an accessory determination process to determine the type of accessory device attached to the camera body 200 and the configuration of the operation ring of the accessory device.

[0105] In process 3001, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the process described in step S502 of FIG. 2 and in FIG. 4 as the initial setting of the initial function for the operation ring.

[0106] In process 3002, the camera microcomputer 201 transmits a command requesting transmission of terminated ring information to the lens microcomputer 101, as described in S704 of Fig. 4. Having received the command requesting transmission of terminated ring information in S602 of Fig. 3, the lens microcomputer 101 transmits the terminated ring information to the camera microcomputer 201 in process 3003 (S603).

[0107] In process 3004, the camera microcomputer 201 transmits a command requesting transmission of operation information (current position information) of the terminated ring to the lens microcomputer 101, as described in S503. Upon receiving the command requesting transmission of operation information in S604, the lens microcomputer 101 transmits the current position information of the terminated ring to the camera microcomputer 201 in process 3005 (S605).

[0108] In process 3006, the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information based on the position information of the terminated ring as described in steps S505 to S507, and assigns to the terminated ring a function for controlling the optical member corresponding to the function control information.

[0109] In process 3007, as described in S507, the camera microcomputer 201 transmits a control information transmission command (function control information) to the lens microcomputer 101. Upon receiving the function control information, the lens microcomputer 101 controls the optical element corresponding to the corresponding function in process 3008 (S606) based on the lens setting value included in the received function control information.

[0110] In process 3009, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits a command requesting transmission of operation information (operation amount information) of the endless ring to the lens microcomputer 101, as described in S503. Having received the command requesting transmission of operation information of the endless ring in S604, the lens microcomputer 101 transmits the operation amount information of the endless ring to the camera microcomputer 201 in process 3010 (S605).

[0111] In process 3011, the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information based on the operation amount information of the endless ring as described in steps S505 to S507, and assigns to the endless ring a function for controlling the optical member corresponding to the function control information.

[0112] In process 3012, if the function assigned to the operation ring has been changed, the camera microcomputer 201 determines in S501 that a function needs to be assigned to the operation ring, and performs ring function assignment processing to determine the function to be assigned to the operation ring as described in S502 and FIG. 4.

[0113] In process 3013, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the same process as in process 3004. In process 3014, the lens microcomputer 101 performs the same process as in process 3005.

[0114] In process 3015, the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information based on the position information of the ring, similar to process 3006, and assigns to the ring a function for controlling the optical member corresponding to the function control information.

[0115] In process 3016, the camera microcomputer 201 performs the same process as in process 3009. In process 3017, the lens microcomputer 101 performs the same process as in process 3010.

[0116] In process 3018, the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information for the endless ring, which has a function different from that in process 3011, and assigns to the endless ring a function for controlling the optical member corresponding to the function control information.

[0117] In the first embodiment described above, when an interchangeable lens has an end-ended ring to which multiple functions can be selectively assigned, a function different from the function assigned to the end-ended ring is assigned to an endless ring provided on the interchangeable lens or another accessory device. This avoids mismatch between the rotational position of the end-ended ring and the setting value, which occurs when the same function is assigned to an end-ended ring and an endless ring, thereby improving the operability of the interchangeable lens.

[0118] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which function allocation to a terminated ring is given priority over allocation to an endless ring, but it is also possible to determine function allocation to an endless ring with priority over allocation to a terminated ring. In this case, it is sufficient to switch the targets of each process related to function allocation described in the first embodiment between the terminated ring and the endless ring. [Example]

[0119] Next, a description will be given of Example 2. In Example 2, when an interchangeable lens has an end ring and an endless ring, functions for controlling the same control target are not assigned to the end ring and the endless ring, but functions different from those assigned to the end ring are assigned to the endless ring. The configuration of the camera system in this example is the same as in Example 1, but the first group of functions that can be assigned to the end ring and the second group of functions that can be assigned to the endless ring in this example are different from those in Example 1.

[0120] [Functions that can be assigned to the control ring] 13(a) and (b) show functions that can be assigned to the operation rings using the ring customization function in this embodiment. Fig. 13(a) shows a first function group, which is a plurality of functions that can be assigned to the terminated ring, and Fig. 13(b) shows a second function group, which is a plurality of functions that can be assigned to the endless ring.

[0121] The first function group includes a manual aperture (accessory-driven) function as an accessory-driven control function, a manual aperture (camera-driven) function as a camera-driven control function, a manual focus function, and a disable function. In this embodiment, the manual aperture (accessory-driven) function is set as the initial function of the end ring.

[0122] The manual aperture (accessory-driven) function is a function in which the lens microcomputer 101 controls the aperture unit 113 as the first control target based on operation information from the operation ring without going through the camera microcomputer 201. If the manual aperture (accessory-driven) function is assigned to the operation ring, the camera microcomputer 201 does not receive operation information from the operation ring to which the manual aperture (accessory-driven) function is assigned in S503 of Figure 2. Then, the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information indicating that the manual aperture (accessory-driven) function has been assigned to the closed ring in S505, and transmits this function control information to the lens microcomputer 101 in S507.

[0123] 3, the lens microcomputer 101 receives function control information indicating that the manual aperture (accessory-driven) function has been assigned to the terminated ring, and in S607 controls the aperture unit 113 independently (without going through the camera microcomputer 201) based on the operation information of the terminated ring. Because the manual aperture (accessory-driven) function controls the aperture unit 113 without going through the camera microcomputer 201, it has better responsiveness than the manual aperture (camera-driven) function described next.

[0124] The manual aperture (camera-driven) function is a function in which the camera microcomputer 201 generates function control information for the aperture unit 113 in S505 based on operation information of the operation ring acquired in S503, and transmits this information to the lens microcomputer 101 in S507. The manual aperture (camera-driven) function is a function in which the camera microcomputer can control the aperture unit 113 at any timing in S506. The manual aperture (camera-driven) function is assigned when, for example, in still image capturing mode, a bright F-number is set in the display state of a live view image from the perspective of AF accuracy, and control is performed to narrow the aperture to the set F-number when capturing a still image.

[0125] The manual aperture (accessory-driven) function and the manual aperture (camera-driven) function are different functions from each other, although they control the same object (aperture unit 113).

[0126] The second function group includes a manual aperture (camera-driven) function, a manual focus function, a manual ISO function, and a disable function. The functions included in the second function group are prioritized as shown in Figure 13(b).

[0127] The disable function that makes the operation ring not involved in the control of any control object may be assigned to the operation ring based on the operating state of a physical switch that can switch between enabling and disabling the operation of the operation ring.

[0128] [Initial settings for assignment function] 14 shows the initial functions assigned to the operation rings by default for each operation ring configuration. If the interchangeable lens 100 has only a terminated ring, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns the manual aperture (accessory-driven) function, which is the initial function of the first function group, to the terminated ring in S706 of FIG.

[0129] If the interchangeable lens 100 has only an endless ring, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns the manual aperture (camera-driven) function, which is the function with the highest priority among the second function group, to the endless ring in S702 of FIG.

[0130] If the interchangeable lens 100 has both an terminated ring and an endless ring, the camera microcomputer 201 first assigns the manual aperture (accessory-driven) function, which is the initial function of the first function group, to the terminated ring in S707 of Fig. 4. Next, the camera microcomputer 201 assigns to the endless ring the disabled function, which has the highest priority among the second function group, excluding the manual aperture (camera-driven) function related to the control of the aperture unit 113, which is the same first control object (optical element) as the manual aperture (accessory-driven) function. At this time, a function other than the manual aperture (camera-driven) function, manual aperture (accessory-driven) function, and the disabled function (for example, a manual focus function) may be assigned to the endless ring. In the second embodiment described above, when an interchangeable lens has a ring to which multiple functions can be selectively assigned, a function different from the function assigned to an endless ring provided on the interchangeable lens or another accessory device is assigned to the ring with the ends. This avoids a mismatch between the rotational position of the ring with the setting value, which would occur if the same function were assigned to both the ring with the ends and the endless ring, and improves the operability of the interchangeable lens.

[0131] The above embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0132] (Configuration 1) An imaging device capable of connecting to an accessory device having a first operation ring with a rotating end, When the accessory device or another accessory device connected to the imaging device together with the accessory device includes a second operation ring that does not have a rotation end, an assignment unit that assigns one of a plurality of functions relating to control of the accessory device or the imaging device to each of the first and second operation rings; a control means for performing the control in response to the operation of the first and second operation rings, an assignment unit that assigns a first function to the first operation ring, and when the first function is included in functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring, assigns a second function, different from the first function, to the second operation ring. (Configuration 2) An imaging device capable of connecting to an accessory device having a first operation ring with a rotating end, When the accessory device or another accessory device connected to the imaging device together with the accessory device includes a second operation ring that does not have a rotation end, an assignment unit that assigns one of a plurality of functions for controlling the accessory device or the imaging device to each of the first and second operation rings; a control means for performing the control in response to the operation of the first and second operation rings, an assignment unit that assigns a first function to the first operation ring, and when the first function is included in functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring, restricts assignment of the first function to the second operation ring. (Configuration 3) 2. The imaging device according to configuration 1, wherein the first and second functions are functions for controlling mutually different control targets in the accessory device or the imaging device. (Configuration 4) The imaging device according to configuration 1, wherein the first and second functions are functions that provide different setting values in controlling the same control target in the accessory device or the imaging device. (Configuration 5) The imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the allocation means generates information regarding a setting value for the control corresponding to the rotational position of the first operation ring for the first function based on information regarding the first operation ring obtained from the accessory device. (Configuration 6) The imaging device described in configuration 5, characterized in that the information regarding the first operation ring includes the setting value corresponding to the actual position of the first operation ring and the maximum and minimum values of the setting value within the operable range of the first operation ring. (Configuration 7) The imaging device described in configuration 1, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the assignment means assigns the first function and the second function to the first operation ring and the second operation ring, respectively, based on information regarding the operation ring configuration obtained from the accessory device. (Configuration 8) The imaging device according to configuration 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the assignment means assigns to the second operation ring, as the second function, a disabled function that does not perform the control in response to operation of the second operation ring. (Configuration 9) a camera-driven control function that causes the imaging device to control a first control object in response to an operation of each of the first and second operation rings can be assigned to each of the first and second operation rings; an accessory-driven control function can be assigned to the first operation ring, which causes the accessory device to control the first control target in response to operation of the first operation ring without going through the imaging device; The imaging device described in configuration 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that when the assignment means assigns the first function, which is the camera-driven control function or the accessory-driven control function, to the first operation ring, it assigns the second function, which is different from the camera-driven control function and the accessory-driven control function, to the second operation ring. (Configuration 10) The functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring include a disable function that does not perform the control in response to the operation of the second operation ring, The imaging device according to configuration 9, wherein the second function, which is different from the camera-led control function and the accessory-led control function, is the disable function. (Configuration 11) an accessory-driven control function can be assigned to at least one of the first and second operation rings, which causes the accessory device to control a first control target in response to operation of the at least one operation ring without intervention of the imaging device; The imaging device described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that when the accessory-driven control function is assigned to at least one of the operation rings, the control means communicates with the accessory device to cause the accessory device to control the first control object using the accessory-driven control function. (Configuration 12) 12. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the assignment means assigns the second function, which is different from the first function selected by a user, to the second operation ring. (Configuration 13) 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the assignment means restricts a user from selecting the first function as a function to be assigned to the second operation ring. (Configuration 14) an assignment means for assigning one of a plurality of functions to each of a first operation ring having a rotation end and a second operation ring having no rotation end; a control means for performing control in accordance with the function assigned to the assignment means and the operation of the first and second operation rings, an assignment unit that assigns a function to the first operation ring to a different function from a function to be assigned to the second operation ring when the functions that can be assigned to the first operation ring include at least a portion of the functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring; (Configuration 15) An accessory device connectable to the imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, the first operating ring; the second operating ring, An accessory device characterized by transmitting information to the imaging device in response to the operation of each of the first and second operation rings to perform the control using the functions assigned to each of the first and second operation rings. (Configuration 16) The accessory device described in configuration 15 is characterized in that information about the first operating ring used to generate information about the setting value for the control corresponding to the rotational position of the first operating ring in the imaging device is transmitted to the imaging device. (Configuration 17) When a camera-driven control function that causes the imaging device to control a first control object in response to operation of the first operation ring is assigned to the first operation ring, information in response to operation of the first operation ring is transmitted to the imaging device; The accessory device described in configuration 15 or 16, characterized in that when the first operation ring is assigned an accessory-led control function that causes the accessory device to control the first control object in accordance with operation of the first operation ring without going through the imaging device, the accessory device controls the first control object in accordance with operation of the first operation ring.

[0133] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0134] The embodiments described above are merely representative examples, and various modifications and alterations are possible to each embodiment when implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 100 Interchangeable lenses (accessory devices) 101 Lens microcomputer 105 Zoom Lens 109 Focus Lens 116 Anti-vibration lens 113 Aperture unit 130 Ended Ring 140 Endless Ring 200 Camera body (imaging device) 201 Camera microcomputer

Claims

1. An imaging device to which an accessory device can be connected, the accessory device including a first operation ring having a rotating end, When the accessory device or another accessory device connected to the imaging device together with the accessory device includes a second operation ring that does not have a rotation end, an assignment unit that assigns one of a plurality of functions relating to control of the accessory device or the imaging device to each of the first and second operation rings; a control means for performing the control in response to the operation of the first and second operation rings, an assignment unit that assigns a first function to the first operation ring, and when the first function is included in functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring, assigns a second function different from the first function to the second operation ring.

2. An imaging device to which an accessory device can be connected, the accessory device including a first operation ring having a rotating end, When the accessory device or another accessory device connected to the imaging device together with the accessory device includes a second operation ring that does not have a rotation end, an assignment unit that assigns one of a plurality of functions for controlling the accessory device or the imaging device to each of the first and second operation rings; a control means for performing the control in response to the operation of the first and second operation rings, an assignment unit that assigns a first function to the first operation ring, and when the first function is included in functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring, restricts assignment of the first function to the second operation ring.

3. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second functions are functions for controlling different control targets in the accessory device or the imaging device.

4. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second functions are functions that provide different setting values in controlling the same control object in the accessory device or the imaging device.

5. The imaging device described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the allocation means generates information regarding the setting value for the control corresponding to the rotational position of the first operating ring in the first function based on information regarding the first operating ring obtained from the accessory device.

6. 6. The imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the information relating to the first operation ring includes the setting value corresponding to the actual position of the first operation ring and a maximum value and a minimum value of the setting value within an operable range of the first operation ring.

7. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the assignment means assigns the first function and the second function to the first operation ring and the second operation ring, respectively, based on information regarding the operation ring configuration obtained from the accessory device.

8. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the assigning unit assigns, to the second operation ring, a disabled function that does not perform the control in response to the operation of the second operation ring, as the second function.

9. a camera-driven control function that causes the imaging device to control a first control object in response to an operation of each of the first and second operation rings can be assigned to each of the first and second operation rings, an accessory-driven control function can be assigned to the first operation ring, which causes the accessory device to control the first control target in response to an operation of the first operation ring without going through the imaging device; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein when the assignment means assigns the first function, which is the camera-driven control function or the accessory-driven control function, to the first operation ring, the assignment means assigns the second function, which is different from the camera-driven control function and the accessory-driven control function, to the second operation ring.

10. The functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring include a disable function that does not perform the control in response to the operation of the second operation ring, The imaging device according to claim 9 , wherein the second function, which is different from the camera-driven control function and the accessory-driven control function, is the disabled function.

11. an accessory-driven control function can be assigned to at least one of the first and second operation rings, which causes the accessory device to control a first control target in response to operation of the at least one operation ring without intervention of the imaging device; The imaging device described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the accessory-driven control function is assigned to at least one of the operating rings, the control means communicates with the accessory device to cause the accessory device to control the first control object using the accessory-driven control function.

12. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the assigning unit assigns the second function, which is different from the first function selected by the user, to the second operation ring.

13. 3. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the allocating unit restricts a user from selecting the first function as a function to be allocated to the second operation ring.

14. an assignment means for assigning one of a plurality of functions to each of a first operation ring having a rotation end and a second operation ring having no rotation end; a control unit that performs control in accordance with the function assigned to the assignment unit and the operation of the first and second operation rings, an assignment unit that assigns a function to the first operation ring to a function that is different from a function that is assigned to the second operation ring when the functions that can be assigned to the first operation ring include at least a portion of the functions that can be assigned to the second operation ring;

15. An accessory device connectable to the imaging device according to claim 1 or 2, The first operating ring; the second operating ring, an accessory device that transmits to the imaging device information corresponding to the operation of each of the first and second operation rings for performing the control according to the function assigned to each of the first and second operation rings.

16. The accessory device described in claim 15, characterized in that information regarding the first operating ring used to generate information regarding the setting value for the control corresponding to the rotational position of the first operating ring in the imaging device is transmitted to the imaging device.

17. When a camera-led control function that causes the imaging device to control a first control object in response to an operation of the first operation ring is assigned to the first operation ring, information in response to the operation of the first operation ring is transmitted to the imaging device; The accessory device described in claim 15, characterized in that when an accessory-led control function is assigned to the first operation ring, which causes the accessory device to control the first control object in accordance with operation of the first operation ring without going through the imaging device, the accessory device controls the first control object in accordance with operation of the first operation ring.

18. 1. A control method for an imaging device to which an accessory device including a first operation ring having a rotation end can be connected, comprising: When the accessory device or another accessory device connected to the imaging device together with the accessory device includes a second operation ring that does not have a rotation end, assigning any one of a plurality of functions relating to control of the accessory device or the imaging device to each of the first and second operation rings; and performing the control in response to operations of the first and second operation rings, a control method characterized in that, in the step of assigning a function, a first function is assigned to the first operating ring, and when the first function is included in functions that can be assigned to the second operating ring, a second function different from the first function is assigned to the second operating ring, or assignment of the first function to the second operating ring is restricted.

19. A control method for an imaging device, comprising: a step of assigning one of a plurality of functions to each of a first operation ring having a rotation end and a second operation ring having no rotation end; a step of performing control in accordance with the function assigned to the assignment means and the operation of the first and second operation rings, a control method characterized in that the step of assigning a function makes the function assigned to the first operation ring and the function assigned to the second operation ring different when the functions assignable to the first operation ring include at least a portion of the functions assignable to the second operation ring.

20. 20. A program causing a computer of the imaging device to execute a process according to the control method of claim 18.

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