Accessory device, imaging system, method for controlling accessory device, and program

Abstract

To provide an accessory device in which optical data is appropriately arranged in a plurality of storage units.SOLUTION: An accessory device (101) has: movable optical members (1001, 1002, 1003); position detection units (1004, 1005, 1006) that detect the current positions of the optical members; a communication unit (1011) that performs communication with an external device; data processing units (1008, 1010) that perform first processing and second processing during the communication; a first storage unit (1007); and a second storage unit (1009) that has a lower read-out speed than the first storage unit. The first storage unit stores first optical data related to the first processing, and the second storage unit stores second optical data related to the second processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, devices that correct a part of image degradation caused by an optical system have been known. Patent Document 1 discloses a device that calculates the amount of chromatic aberration on the imaging plane and corrects image degradation caused by chromatic aberration. Patent Document 2 discloses a device that corrects peripheral light intensity drop-off by amplifying an image signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-135805 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-217504 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To accurately correct a high-definition image, the amount of optical data (correction data) used for correction increases. The optical data is stored, for example, in a memory unit (ROM area) in a lens control unit that controls a lens device (accessory device), but the amount of data that can be stored in the memory unit is limited. The devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not easily handle an increase in the amount of optical data.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an accessory device in which optical data is appropriately stored in a plurality of storage units. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An accessory device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a movable optical element, a position detection unit that detects the current position of the optical element, a communication unit that communicates with an external device, a data processing unit that performs a first process and a second process during the communication, a first memory unit, and a second memory unit that has a slower readout speed than the first memory unit, wherein the first memory unit stores first optical data relating to the first process, and the second memory unit stores second optical data relating to the second process.

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

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an accessory device in which optical data is appropriately stored in a plurality of storage units. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of optical data in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an interpolation operation of optical data in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a first data processing unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a second data processing unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing processing of the camera body in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an imaging system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of optical data in Example 2. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a second data processing unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0011] [Example 1] A first embodiment of the present invention relates to an imaging system 100 equipped with an accessory device. In this embodiment, the accessory device is described as a lens device (interchangeable lens) that is detachable from an imaging device (camera body). However, this embodiment is not limited to this and can also be applied to other accessory devices, such as an extender that is detachably attached between the imaging device and the lens device. In this embodiment, an appropriate method for arranging optical data in a lens device of the imaging system 100 is described, in which peripheral illumination correction is performed by calculating a correction value corresponding to the current position of the lens device, and chromatic aberration correction is performed by calculating a correction value corresponding to the current position of the imaging device. However, this embodiment is not limited to this and can be applied to other optical data. Note that these points also apply to the embodiments described below.

[0012] First, an imaging system 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the imaging system 100. The imaging system 100 is configured to include a camera body (imaging device) 102 and a lens device (interchangeable lens, accessory device) 101 that is detachable from the camera body 102. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and can also be applied to an imaging device in which the camera body and the lens device are integrally configured.

[0013] The lens device 101 forms an image of a subject on an image sensor 1101 in a camera body 102 via a focus lens 1001, a zoom lens 1002, and an aperture (aperture stop) 1003. The focus lens 1001, the zoom lens 1002, and the aperture 1003 constitute movable optical members in this embodiment.

[0014] An F position detector 1004, a Z position detector 1005, and an I position detector 1006 are position detectors that detect the positions of the focus lens 1001, the zoom lens 1002, and the diaphragm 1003, respectively, and include, for example, a potentiometer or an encoder.

[0015] The first memory (first storage unit) 1007 and the second memory (second storage unit) 1009 store optical data. The first memory 1007 stores first optical data related to a first process, and the second memory 1009 stores second optical data related to a second process. For example, the first process is a process that is performed when the state of the lens device 101 has not changed, and the second process is a process that is performed when the state of the lens device 101 has changed. In other words, the first process is a process that is performed periodically, and the second process is a process that is performed in response to a user operation (not a periodic process). Preferably, the second process is an initialization process for the lens device 101. Also preferably, the first process is a process that communicates with an external device at a first communication speed, and the second process is a process that communicates with an external device at a second communication speed that is slower than the first communication speed.

[0016] Preferably, the first process is a process for calculating optical data corresponding to the current position using at least a part of the first optical data and transmitting the calculated optical data to an external device, and the second process is a process for transmitting the second optical data to the external device. More preferably, the second optical data is focal length information, angle of view information, field of view information, subject distance information, focus sensitivity information, entrance pupil position information, or exit pupil position information. Also preferably, the second optical data is peripheral illumination correction information, chromatic aberration correction information, distortion aberration correction information, breathing correction information due to focus change, correction information for image restoration, or focus correction information. Also preferably, the second optical data includes at least one of the above-mentioned pieces of information.

[0017] The first memory 1007 allows a lens CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the lens to read data faster than the second memory 1009. In this embodiment, the first memory 1007 is a ROM (Read Only Memory) area in a one-chip microcomputer, but is not limited to this.

[0018] The second memory 1009 reads data from the lens CPU that controls the lens slower than the first memory 1007 (its read speed is slower than that of the first memory 1007). In this embodiment, the second memory 1009 is, for example, a flash memory IC configured separately outside the microcomputer, but is not limited to this. When reading data from the flash memory IC, it is necessary to specify the start address of the data to be read and the data size to be read via serial communication, and then read the data.

[0019] In this embodiment, the optical data includes a first data group and a second data group. The first memory 1007 stores the first data group. The second memory 1009 stores the second data group. This is because the capacity of the storage area of ​​the first memory 1007 is insufficient to store both the first data group and the second data group (i.e., all of the optical data) in the first memory 1007. The first data group and the second data group will be described in detail later.

[0020] The first data processing unit 1008 and the second data processing unit 1010 are data processing units that perform first processing and second processing during communication. The first data processing unit 1008 generates correction data to be notified to the camera body 102 in accordance with the positions detected by the F position detection unit 1004, the Z position detection unit 1005, and the I position detection unit 1006, for example, based on a first data group stored in a first memory 1007. Details of the first data processing unit 1008 will be described later. The second data processing unit 1010 generates correction data to be notified to the camera body 102, for example, based on a second data group stored in a second memory 1009. Details of the second data processing unit 1010 will be described later.

[0021] The communication unit 1011 communicates with external devices such as the camera body 102, and exchanges information with the external devices. In this embodiment, the communication unit 1011 communicates the detected positions from the F position detection unit 1004, Z position detection unit 1005, and I position detection unit 1006, as well as correction data generated by the first data processing unit 1008 and second data processing unit 1010. Note that the external device is not limited to the camera body 102, and may be another accessory device.

[0022] The camera body 102 performs image processing such as peripheral illumination correction or chromatic aberration correction on an image captured by the image sensor 1101 using correction data output from the communication unit 1011 of the lens device 101. The communication unit 1102 communicates the correction data and the like with the communication unit 1011 of the lens device 101. The data generation unit 1103 generates data for performing image processing such as peripheral illumination correction or chromatic aberration correction based on the detected positions and correction data of each optical member acquired via the communication unit 1102. Details of data generation by the data generation unit 1103 will be described later.

[0023] The image processing unit 1104 performs image processing such as peripheral illumination correction or chromatic aberration correction based on the data generated by the data generation unit 1103. The image output unit 1105 outputs the image generated by the image processing unit 1104. The image output unit 1105 is, for example, an attached monitor, an output unit to an external memory such as an SD card, or an HDMI (registered trademark) output terminal.

[0024] Next, the optical data (first data group and second data group) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2(a) to 2(d). FIGS. 2(a) to 2(d) are explanatory diagrams of the optical data. The first data group has a three-dimensional table structure corresponding to the respective positions of the focus lens 1001, the zoom lens 1002, and the aperture 1003. In this embodiment, the first data group will be described as peripheral illumination correction data for correcting peripheral light falloff, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0025] FIG. 2(a) is a table showing the positions of the aperture 1003. In FIG. 2(a), the positions of the aperture 1003 at indexes I01 to I04 are shown as percentages when the movable range of the aperture 1003 is 100% and the open end is 0%. Similarly, FIG. 2(b) shows the zoom position when the wide-angle end is 0%. FIG. 2(c) shows the focus position when the close end is 0%.

[0026] 2(d) shows peripheral illumination correction data corresponding to the respective positions of the focus lens 1001, zoom lens 1002, and aperture 1003. For example, the peripheral illumination correction data at positions I01, Z02, and F03 is D123. The peripheral illumination correction data at each position is the ratio of the amount of light at the center of the screen at multiple image heights, and is data that can correct the loss of light at the periphery of the screen by increasing the gain of the image to compensate for the lack of light.

[0027] The second data group has a three-dimensional table structure similar to that of the first data group. The structure of the second data group will not be described here. In this embodiment, the second data group is chromatic aberration correction data for correcting chromatic aberration, but is not limited to this.

[0028] In this embodiment, the index includes the 0% and 100% positions, but is not limited to this. For example, the index on the smallest aperture side may be the 80% position, and for positions even smaller than 80%, the optical data at the 80% position may be referenced.

[0029] Next, an interpolation calculation process for calculating a correction value for the current position from the first data group or the second data group will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that in this embodiment, an example will be described in which, for peripheral illumination correction using the first data group, the correction value for the current position is calculated in the lens device 101, and for chromatic aberration correction using the second data group, the correction value for the current position is calculated in the camera body 102. That is, this interpolation calculation is performed by the first data processing unit 1008 of the lens device 101 for peripheral illumination correction, and by the data generation unit 1103 of the camera body 102 for chromatic aberration correction. However, this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0030] 3 is an explanatory diagram of the optical data interpolation calculation when the aperture position is detected as 15%, the zoom position as 70%, and the focus position as 80%. When the aperture 1003 position is 15%, the position is between the aperture 1003 index I01 at 0% and the aperture 1003 index I02 at 25%, and I01 and I02 are calculated as the aperture 1003 indexes. Similarly, the zoom indexes Z02 and Z03, and the focus indexes F03 and F04 are calculated, respectively.

[0031] First, an interpolation calculation is performed on the aperture direction for the Z02 and F03 indexes. Specifically, the correction data for I01, Z02, and F03 is D123, and the correction data for I02, Z02, and F03 is D223. Here, an interpolation calculation is performed using a ratio based on the relationship between the aperture index position and the current position of the aperture 1003 to calculate the Da data. Specifically, Da is calculated using the following formula (1).

[0032] Da=(D223-D123) / (25-0)×(15-0)+D123 ···(1) Similarly, interpolation calculations are performed in the aperture direction between indexes Z03 and F03, Z02 and F04, and Z03 and F04 to calculate data Db, Dc, and Dd, respectively.

[0033] Next, an interpolation calculation is performed in the zoom direction. The interpolation calculation itself is equivalent to the interpolation calculation for the aperture, and De and Df are calculated from Da and Db, and Dc and Dd, respectively. Finally, an interpolation calculation is performed in the focus direction. The interpolation calculation itself is equivalent to the interpolation calculation for the aperture and zoom, and Dg is calculated from De and Df.

[0034] By performing such processing, it is possible to calculate the correction data Dg when the aperture position is detected as 15%, the zoom position as 70%, and the focus position as 80%.

[0035] As a result, the correction value for the current position can be calculated from the first data group or the second data group. In this embodiment, the interpolation calculation is performed in the order of the aperture position, zoom position, and focus position, but this is not limiting.

[0036] Next, a flow will be described from when the lens device 101 receives a request for correction data from the camera body 102 until the lens device 101 returns the correction data. First, with reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the first data processing unit 1008 when peripheral illumination correction data is requested will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first data processing unit when peripheral illumination correction data is requested. The flow in FIG. 4 starts when peripheral illumination correction data is requested from the camera body 102 via communication.

[0037] First, in step S101, the first data processing unit 1008 acquires the positions of each optical component from the F position detection unit 1004, the Z position detection unit 1005, and the I position detection unit 1006. Next, in step S102, the first data processing unit 1008 calculates an index for referencing a correction value using the first data group stored in the first memory 1007 and the positions of each optical component acquired in step S101. Specifically, the first data processing unit 1008 reads information on the aperture position in FIG. 2(a), the zoom position in FIG. 2(b), and the focus position in FIG. 2(c) from the first memory 1007, and calculates the index to reference.

[0038] Next, in step S103, the first data processing unit 1008 calculates a correction value using the first data group stored in the first memory 1007, the positions of each optical member, and the index of each optical member calculated in step S102. Specifically, the first data processing unit 1008 reads from the first memory 1007 the aperture position in FIG. 2(a), the zoom position in FIG. 2(b), and the focus position in FIG. 2(c), as well as the data of the corresponding index in FIG. 2(d). The first data processing unit 1008 then calculates a correction value by performing the above-mentioned interpolation operation on the angle data read from the first memory 1007. Next, in step S104, the first data processing unit 1008 transmits the correction value calculated in step S103 to the camera body 102 via the communication unit 1011, and this flow ends.

[0039] As described above, when peripheral illumination correction data is requested, the first data processing unit 1008 can generate peripheral illumination correction data according to the current position and transmit it to the camera body 102 via the communication unit 1011.

[0040] Next, the operation of the second data processing unit 1010 when chromatic aberration correction data is requested will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second data processing unit 1010. The flow of Fig. 5 is a process (non-periodic process) that is performed in response to a user operation, and is started, for example, when the lens device 101 is initialized (during initialization process such as system startup). The initialization process includes not only the process that is performed when the lens device 101 is powered on by a user operation, but also the process that is performed when the lens device 101 returns from a power saving state or when the lens device 101 is connected to another external device while the power is still on.

[0041] The second data processing unit 1010 notifies the camera body 102 of all of the optical data groups shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(d). That is, the second data processing unit 1010 notifies the camera body 102 via communication of all of the aperture position in Figure 2(a), the zoom position in Figure 2(b), the focus position in Figure 2(c), and the chromatic aberration correction data in Figure 2(d). The flowchart in Figure 5 starts when the camera body 102 requests chromatic aberration correction data via communication. Here, addr denotes the start address of the data to be read, and size denotes the data size that can be read at one time, which are specified when reading data from the flash memory IC serving as the second memory 1009.

[0042] First, in step S201, the second data processing unit 1010 sets an initial value for the address "addr" to be read from the second memory 1009. Specifically, the second data processing unit 1010 sets the leading address of the optical data corresponding to the current optical unit in the second data group as the leading address "addr." Next, in step S202, in order to check the end of the data, the second data processing unit 1010 determines whether "addr+size" exceeds the ending address of the second data group when the amount of data read at one time "size" is read from "addr." If "addr+size" does not exceed the ending address, the process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if "addr+size" exceeds the ending address, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0043] In step S203, the second data processing unit 1010 reads size bytes from addr in the second memory 1009. Then, in step S204, the second data processing unit 1010 transmits the data read in step S203 to the camera body 102 via the communication unit 1011. Then, in step S205, the second data processing unit 1010 adds size to the current addr, sets the value (addr+size) as a new addr, and returns to step S202, in order to set the next read position.

[0044] In step S206, the second data processing unit 1010 reads data from addr to the end address of the second data group in the second memory 1009. Note that because the read size was confirmed in step S202, the size of the data read in step S206 will not exceed size. Next, in step S207, the second data processing unit 1010 transmits the data read in step S206 to the camera body 102 via the communication unit 1011, and this flow ends.

[0045] As described above, when chromatic aberration correction data is requested, the second data processing unit 1010 can transmit a chromatic aberration correction data table corresponding to the positions of all optical components to the camera body 102 via the communication unit 1011.

[0046] Next, the image correction process performed by the camera body 102 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of the camera body 102. In this embodiment, the process of shooting video will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The flow of Fig. 6 starts when the power switch of the camera body 102 is turned on.

[0047] First, in step S301, the communication unit 1102 of the camera body 102 requests and receives chromatic aberration correction data from the lens apparatus 101 as initial communication before starting image capture. Next, in step S302, the camera body 102 captures an image using the image sensor 1101 and acquires the image. Next, in step S303, the communication unit 1102 requests and receives the current positions of each optical member from the lens apparatus 101. Next, in step S304, the communication unit 1102 requests and receives peripheral illumination correction data from the lens apparatus 101.

[0048] Next, in step S305, the data generation unit 1103 of the camera body 102 generates (calculates) correction data for correcting the image based on the data received from the lens device 101. Specifically, with regard to the peripheral illumination correction data, the data generation unit 1103 applies the received data as is, because the data corresponding to the current position has been calculated by the lens device 101. On the other hand, with regard to the chromatic aberration correction data, the data generation unit 1103 calculates correction data corresponding to the current positions of the optical elements using the data group received in step S301 and the current positions of each optical element received in step S303, using the interpolation calculation described above.

[0049] Next, in step S306, the image processing unit 1104 of the camera body 102 corrects the image using the correction data generated in step S305. Next, in step S307, the image output unit 1105 of the camera body 102 outputs the image corrected in step S306. Next, in step S308, the camera body 102 determines whether a power switch (not shown) is OFF. If the power switch is not OFF, the process returns to step S302. On the other hand, if the power switch is OFF, this flow ends.

[0050] As described above, the camera body 102 is capable of outputting an image that has been corrected using information from the lens device 101.

[0051] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. The process that requires reading out the first data group is step S304 in the flowchart of FIG. 6, and is a process that occurs many times during normal shooting. Also, in the flowchart of FIG. 4, which starts with the request for peripheral illumination correction data in step S304, this is steps S102 and S103, and the first data processing unit 1008 needs to perform complex processes, such as changing the data to be read out depending on the current positions of each optical component. Therefore, by using the first memory 1007, in which the first data group is stored, as a storage area that allows high-speed reading, it is possible to minimize the effects caused by the speed of data reading during normal shooting.

[0052] On the other hand, the process that requires reading out the second data group is step S301 in the flowchart of FIG. 6, which is the initial communication before normal shooting. This process corresponds to steps S203 and S206 in the flowchart of FIG. 5, which starts with the request for chromatic aberration correction data in step S301. That is, the second data processing unit 1010 simply reads data from the second memory 1009 and transfers it to the camera body 102. Additionally, once data is read and transferred to the camera body 102, it is not used thereafter. Therefore, the RAM area for temporarily storing data read from the second memory 1009 only needs to be the size of the data read at one time, making it possible to conserve RAM area.

[0053] As a result, even if the second memory 1009 in which the second data group is stored is a storage area that can only be read at a low speed, there is no effect during normal shooting, and the function can be realized by simply performing a data read process on the second memory 1009.

[0054] As described above, by appropriately arranging the memory unit that stores data according to the data processing required for each optical data, it is possible to provide a lens device that minimizes the impact on normal shooting caused by reading data.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first data processing is a process of generating optical data according to the position of each optical component and transmitting it to the camera, and the second data processing is a process of transmitting optical data that is not dependent on the position of each optical component to the camera, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0056] For example, the first data processing may be communication processing performed during normal shooting, and the second data processing may be communication processing not performed during normal shooting, such as initial communication processing. In this case, even if the optical data required for the communication processing not performed during normal shooting is stored in a storage area that can only be read at a low speed, the impact on normal shooting is limited. Furthermore, by storing the optical data required for the communication processing performed during normal shooting in a storage unit that can read data at high speed from the lens CPU, it is possible to reduce the impact on normal shooting.

[0057] For example, the first data processing may be high-speed communication processing with an external device, and the second data processing may be low-speed communication processing with an external device. By storing optical data required for high-speed communication in a storage unit that can read data at high speed, it is possible to reduce the impact on the high-speed communication processing. Even if the optical data required for the low-speed communication processing is stored in a storage area that can only read data at low speed, the impact on the low-speed communication processing is limited compared to the high-speed communication processing.

[0058] Examples of high-speed and low-speed communication processes with external devices include the following: In a configuration in which communication is performed via contacts in a mount that couples to a camera, communication may be performed by changing the communication speed, communication interval, or number of communication channels according to camera requirements. Specifically, in a system in which the camera body and lens device share the same communication generation and increase the communication speed between newer generations, optical data required for communication used only by older-generation camera bodies could be stored in a memory area that can only be read at low speeds.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, optical data required for communication for high-speed optical data transfer, which is different from normal communication, may be stored in a storage area that allows high-speed readout. Communication for high-speed optical data transfer may be communication that allows data intervals or byte intervals to be narrower than normal communication, for example, in response to a command. Alternatively, communication may be such that a channel different from the communication channel from the lens device to the camera body, such as a communication channel from the camera body to the lens device, is temporarily used for data transfer from the lens device to the camera body.

[0060] In addition, in a configuration in which communication with an external device is possible via a camera mount and a separate connector, the storage location of the data used in each communication may be allocated based on the communication speed defined by the respective communication protocol. Specifically, if the communication speed with the camera mount is faster than the communication speed with the external device, it is conceivable to store the optical data required for communication with the camera mount in a storage area that can be read at high speed.

[0061] In addition, in a configuration that allows communication with multiple types of camera bodies by changing the camera mount, the storage location for data used in each communication may be allocated based on the communication speed specified by each communication protocol.

[0062] Furthermore, for example, the first data processing may be processing required for system startup and initialization, and the second data processing may be processing required for normal system operation. Specifically, initial values ​​of data that must be placed in RAM due to microcontroller constraints are usually placed in the ROM inside the microcontroller, i.e., in a storage unit that allows high-speed data readout. However, by placing this data in a storage area that allows only slow readout, it is possible to increase the free space in the ROM area inside the microcontroller. Reading of this data is only used for system startup processing, and once transferred to RAM, reading is no longer necessary. For this reason, placing this data in a storage area that allows only slow readout has limited impact.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first data group is peripheral illumination correction data and the second data group is chromatic aberration correction data, but this is not limited to this. In a system in which the camera body 102 performs interpolation on the peripheral illumination correction data and the lens device 101 performs interpolation on the chromatic aberration correction data, the first data group is chromatic aberration correction data and the second data group is peripheral illumination correction data. The data stored in each memory may also be other optical data. For example, the data may be focal length, angle of view, field of view, subject distance, focus sensitivity, entrance pupil, exit pupil, distortion correction, breathing correction due to focus change, correction values ​​for image restoration, focus correction information, or any other optical data.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, the optical data structure has been described as a table structure corresponding to the position of each optical element, but this is not limited to this. For example, the same effect can be achieved with optical data having coefficients of an nth order equation corresponding to the position of each optical element. In addition, optical data may have a table structure corresponding to the position for some optical elements, and coefficients of an nth order equation corresponding to the position for other optical elements.

[0065] Although the present embodiment has been described as an example in which image processing is performed on the camera side during image capture, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when recording a video on the camera side, optical data may be embedded within the video file, and image processing may be performed by referring to the optical data in the video file during video editing, such as post-production. Furthermore, in a system including an image processing device separate from the camera, the camera may acquire optical data and transmit the optical data along with a video signal to the image processing device, and the image processing device may then perform image processing. Furthermore, for example, a lens device may be an external device separate from the camera device, transmitting optical data to the image processing device, and the image processing device may perform image processing using the video signal acquired from the camera and the optical data acquired from the lens device.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first memory 1007 is described as a ROM area inside the microcomputer, and the second memory 1009 is described as a flash memory IC, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the first memory 1007 may be a rewritable data flash area inside the microcomputer, or may be another storage device such as an EEPROM, a ROM inside a microcomputer other than the main microcomputer, an SD card, a USB memory, or other storage. Depending on the read speed from the main microcomputer, it is possible to determine whether the data is to be stored in the first memory 1007 or the second memory 1009.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first memory 1007 and the second memory 1009 are determined based on the read speed from the main microcomputer, but this is not limiting. For example, when configuring a system with both randomly accessible and non-randomly accessible memories, using the randomly accessible memory as the first memory 1007 is advantageous for data access when generating optical data corresponding to the position of each optical component. Even if the memory is non-randomly accessible, the impact is limited in the process of transmitting optical data that does not depend on the position of each optical component to the camera body 102 because sequential data access is possible from the starting address of the data.

[0068] [Example 2] Next, a lens device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a method for appropriately arranging optical data in a configuration in which a relay unit inside the lens device is replaceable will be described.

[0069] First, an imaging system 200 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the imaging system 200. The imaging system 200 is configured to include a camera body (imaging device) 102 and a lens device (interchangeable lens) 201 that is detachable from the camera body 102. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and can also be applied to an imaging device in which the camera body and the lens device are integrally configured. Note that components common to the lens device 101 described in embodiment 1 with reference to Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0070] The lens device 201 has a first memory (first storage unit) 2007 and a second memory (second storage unit) 2009. The first memory 2007 is a storage unit that can read and write data from a lens CPU that controls the lens at high speed compared to the second memory 2009. In this embodiment, the first memory 2007 is a DataFlash area in a one-chip microcomputer, but is not limited to this.

[0071] The second memory 2009 is a storage unit that reads data from the lens CPU that controls the lens at a slower speed than the first memory 2007. In this embodiment, the second memory 2009 is a flash memory IC that is configured separately outside the microcomputer, but is not limited to this. When reading data from the flash memory IC, it is necessary to specify the start address of the data to be read and the data size to be read via serial communication, and then read the data.

[0072] The first memory 2007 stores the first data group, and the second memory 2009 stores the second data group. This is because the storage area of ​​the first memory 2007 alone is not sufficient to store both the first data group and the second data group in the first memory 2007. Details of the first data group and the second data group will be described later.

[0073] The second data processing unit 2010 uses the data stored in the second memory 2009 to rewrite the data in the first memory 2007 in accordance with the detection result of the optical unit detection unit 2013 (described later). Details of this will be described later.

[0074] The optical unit 2012 is a relay group (accessory device) that guides light rays from the lens device 201 to the camera body 102. The optical unit 2012 is, for example, an optical unit 2012a that guides light rays to a full-frame image circle, or an optical unit 2012b that guides light rays to a Super 35 image circle. The lens device 201 is configured so that the optical unit 2012a and the optical unit 2012b are interchangeable.

[0075] The optical unit 2012b is a reduction optical system with a magnification of approximately 0.7 times that of the optical unit 2012a, which results in a smaller corresponding image circle, making it possible to make the lens brighter. In other words, since the optical characteristics differ when the optical unit 2012a is attached and when the optical unit 2012b is attached, the optical data notified to the camera body 102 must also be different for each. In this embodiment, the optical unit 2012 must be replaced by unscrewing the lens mount, i.e., replacement is possible only when the lens device 201 is not powered on.

[0076] The optical unit detector (status detector) 2013 detects whether the optical unit 2012 attached to the lens device 201 is a full-frame optical unit 2012a or a Super 35 optical unit 2012b. The status detector is not limited to the optical unit detector 2013 that detects the status of the optical unit 2012, but may be capable of detecting other statuses of the lens device 201, such as the status of the mount.

[0077] In this embodiment, preferably, the first optical data is optical data in one state corresponding to the state of the lens device 201, and the second optical data is a plurality of optical data in a plurality of states corresponding to the states of the lens device 201. Preferably, the first process is a process for communicating with an external device based on the first optical data. The second process is a process for reading, from the second memory 2009, optical data corresponding to a state detected by a state detection unit, among the plurality of optical data constituting the second optical data, and storing the optical data in the first memory 2007. Preferably, the second process is a process performed when the state of the state detection unit changes. Preferably, the state of the lens device 201 is at least one of the attachment state of the object side, image side, or other accessories attached inside the lens device 201. Preferably, the state of the lens device 201 is at least one of the attachment state of an interchangeable mount unit of the lens device 201 and the insertion / removal state of a magnifying optical system or a reducing optical system built into the lens device 201.

[0078] Next, the optical data (first data group and second data group) will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the first data group and the second data group. As shown in Fig. 8, the second data group in this embodiment is made up of two data: peripheral illumination correction data when a full-frame optical unit 2012a is attached, and peripheral illumination correction data when a Super 35 optical unit 2012b is attached. Note that the structure of each piece of peripheral illumination correction data is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] The first data group in this embodiment is peripheral illumination correction data for the optical unit currently attached to the lens device 201. The first data group is rewritten by the second data processing unit 2010 in accordance with the detection result by the optical unit detection unit 2013. Data processing by the second data processing unit 2010 will be described later.

[0080] Next, data processing by the second data processing unit 2010 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second data processing unit 2010. The flow in Fig. 9 is processing that is performed when the lens device 201 is powered on.

[0081] First, in step S401, the second data processing unit 2010 acquires information indicating whether the first data group currently stored in the first memory 2007 is optical data for the optical unit 2012a or optical data for the optical unit 2012b. In other words, the second data processing unit 2010 acquires the status of the optical data in the first memory 2007.

[0082] Subsequently, in step S402, the second data processing unit 2010 acquires information indicating whether the currently attached optical unit is optical unit 2012a or optical unit 2012b, as detected by the optical unit detection unit 2013. In other words, the second data processing unit 2010 acquires the current state detected by the optical unit detection unit 2013.

[0083] Next, in step S403, the second data processing unit 2010 compares the state of the optical data currently stored in the first memory 1007, acquired in step S401, with the state of the currently attached optical unit, acquired in step S402. If these states match, this flow ends. On the other hand, if these states do not match, the flow proceeds to step S404.

[0084] In step S404, the second data processing unit 2010 sets initial values ​​for an address addr1 to be written to the first memory 1007 and an address addr2 to be read from the second memory 1009. Specifically, the second data processing unit 2010 sets the start address of the first data group as addr1, and sets the start address of the optical data in the second data group that corresponds to the current optical unit as addr2. Note that in the case of a device that requires erasure before writing to the first memory 2007, erasure may be performed at this timing.

[0085] Next, in step S405, the second data processing unit 2010 checks the end of the data by determining whether reading the size (size) of data read at one time from addr2 will exceed the end address of the optical data in the second data group that corresponds to the current optical unit. If addr2+size does not exceed the end address, the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if addr2+size exceeds the end address, the process proceeds to step S409.

[0086] In step S406, the second data processing unit 2010 reads size bytes from addr2 of the second memory 1009. Then, in step S407, the second data processing unit 2010 writes the data read in step S406 to addr1 of the first memory 2007. Then, in step S408, the second data processing unit 2010 adds size to the current addr1 and addr2, respectively, to set the new values ​​as addr1 and addr2, and returns to step S405, in order to set the next read position and write position.

[0087] In step S409, the second data processing unit 2010 reads out the second data group up to the end address of the optical data corresponding to the current optical unit from addr2 of the second memory 1009. Note that because the read size was confirmed in step S405, the size of the data read in step S409 will not exceed size. Next, in step S410, the second data processing unit 2010 writes the data read in step S409 to addr1 of the first memory 2007, and ends this flow.

[0088] As described above, the second data processing unit 1010 is capable of comparing the state of the optical data currently stored in the first memory 1007 with the state of the optical unit currently attached, and re-storing the optical data if they do not match.

[0089] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. As in the first embodiment, the process of reading out the first data group is a process that occurs many times during normal shooting, and the first data processing unit 1008 needs to perform complex processes such as changing the data to be read out depending on the current positions of each optical component.

[0090] 9, which are processes that require reading out the second data group, are steps S406 and S409, which are processes that are performed when the power is turned on and the attachment state of the optical unit changes. The second data processing unit 1010 performs a simple process of sequentially reading data from the second memory 1009 and storing it in the first memory 1007. Furthermore, data that has been read once and stored in the first memory 1007 can be read out from the first memory 1007 again. Therefore, the RAM area for temporarily storing data read from the second memory 1009 only needs to be the size of the data to be read at one time, which allows for saving RAM area.

[0091] Therefore, even if the second memory 1009 in which the second data group is stored is a storage area that allows only slow readout, the second memory 1009 is accessed only when the optical unit is changed, so that the impact on product operation can be minimized. Of course, there is no impact during normal shooting, and the function can be realized by simply reading data from the second memory 1009.

[0092] As described above, by appropriately arranging the memory unit that stores data according to the data processing required for each optical data, it is possible to provide a lens device that minimizes the impact on normal shooting caused by reading data.

[0093] Although this embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the relay unit inside the lens device 201 is replaceable, the present invention is not limited to this. This embodiment can also be applied to a configuration in which an accessory device such as a magnifying optical system or a reducing optical system can be attached between the lens device and the camera body, as shown in Fig. 10(a). This embodiment can also be applied to a configuration in which an accessory device such as a converter can be attached to the subject side of the lens device, as shown in Fig. 10(b).

[0094] This embodiment can also achieve the same effect in a configuration in which the built-in extender unit is removable. However, in a configuration in which the built-in extender unit can be switched during normal shooting, the flowchart corresponding to Fig. 9 must be performed regularly or whenever the built-in extender unit is switched.

[0095] The same effect can also be achieved in a configuration in which the lens mount is interchangeable. Specifically, in a configuration in which communication with multiple types of camera bodies is possible by exchanging the mount, all of the optical data used in each communication can be stored in the second memory 2009. Then, the optical data used in the current mount state is stored in the first memory 2007, and when the state of the attached mount changes, the data in the first memory 2007 can be rewritten. Similarly, even if the optical data used differs depending on the model or generation of the camera body 102, it is possible to detect a change in the attached camera body 102 and perform the same processing, thereby achieving the same effect.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the optical unit detection unit 2013 is configured to automatically detect the attached optical unit 2012, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, if it is difficult to configure the optical unit 2012 to be automatically detected, a configuration may be adopted in which a setting unit is provided for setting the attached optical unit, and the optical unit detection unit 2013 detects the attached optical unit 2012 based on information from the setting unit.

[0097] In this embodiment, the optical data is described as correction data for which an interpolation calculation according to the current position is performed on the lens side, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the correction data is such that an interpolation calculation is performed on the camera body as described in the first embodiment, the same effect can be obtained in a configuration in which the optical unit is replaceable.

[0098] In this embodiment, the first memory 2007 is a DataFlash area in the one-chip microcomputer, and is configured to be able to store data even when the power supply to the lens apparatus 201 is cut off. However, a certain degree of effectiveness can be achieved even with an area that does not store data when the power supply to the lens apparatus 201 is cut off, such as RAM in the one-chip microcomputer. That is, in this embodiment, data is read from the second memory 2009 only if the states do not match in step S403 of FIG. 9 . On the other hand, if RAM is used as the first memory 2007, steps S401 and S403 are not performed, and data is read from the second memory 2009 and temporarily stored in the first memory 2007 whenever the power supply to the lens apparatus is turned on. That is, of the optical data stored in the second memory 2009, only the optical data used in the current state can be stored in the first memory 2007, which can be read at high speed, when the power supply is turned on. As a result, even if the second memory 1009 in which the second data group is stored is a storage area that only allows slow reads, access to the second memory 1009 occurs only when the power is turned on, thereby minimizing the impact on product operation.

[0099] In this embodiment, the second memory 2009 is disposed within the lens device 201 and stores optical data corresponding to both optical units. However, the same effect can be achieved by disposing the second memory 2009 within the optical unit and storing only data corresponding to the disposed optical unit in the second memory 2009. Specifically, the full-frame optical unit 2012a is provided with a second memory 2009a, which stores peripheral illumination correction data for when the full-frame optical unit 2012a is attached. Similarly, the Super 35 optical unit 2012b is provided with a second memory 2009b, which stores peripheral illumination correction data for when the Super 35 optical unit 2012b is attached. When the optical unit is switched, the optical data is read from the second memory 2009 disposed within the optical unit and written to the first memory 2007, thereby preventing access to the second memory 2009 during normal shooting.

[0100] (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. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0101] According to each embodiment, it is possible to provide an accessory device, an imaging system, a control method for an accessory device, and a program in which optical data is appropriately arranged in a plurality of storage units.

[0102] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) a movable optical member; a position detection unit that detects a current position of the optical member; a communication unit for communicating with an external device; a data processing unit that performs first processing and second processing during the communication; A first storage unit; a second storage unit having a read speed slower than that of the first storage unit, the first storage unit stores first optical data related to the first process; The accessory device, wherein the second storage unit stores second optical data relating to the second process. (Configuration 2) the first process is a process that is performed when the state of the accessory device has not changed; 2. The accessory device according to configuration 1, wherein the second process is a process that is performed when the state of the accessory device changes. (Configuration 3) the first process is a process that is periodically performed, 3. The accessory device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the second process is performed in response to a user operation. (Configuration 4) 4. The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the second process is an initialization process of the accessory device. (Configuration 5) the first processing is processing for calculating optical data corresponding to the current position using at least a part of the first optical data and transmitting the optical data to the external device; 5. The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the second process is a process for transmitting the second optical data to the external device. (Configuration 6) The accessory device of any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the second optical data is at least one of focal length information, angle of view information, field of view information, subject distance information, focus sensitivity information, entrance pupil position information, exit pupil position information, peripheral illumination correction information, chromatic aberration correction information, distortion aberration correction information, breathing correction information due to focus change, correction information for image restoration, and focus correction information. (Configuration 7) a state detection unit that detects a state of the accessory device; the first optical data is optical data in one state corresponding to the state of the accessory device; the second optical data is a plurality of optical data in a plurality of states corresponding to the states of the accessory device; the first processing is processing for performing the communication with the external device based on the first optical data, An accessory device described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the second processing is a processing of reading out from the second memory unit optical data corresponding to the state detected by the state detection unit from the plurality of optical data constituting the second optical data and storing it in the first memory unit. (Configuration 8) 8. The accessory device according to configuration 7, wherein the second process is a process that is performed when the state of the state detection unit changes. (Configuration 9) The accessory device described in configuration 7 or 8, characterized in that the state of the accessory device is at least one of the attachment state of other accessories attached to the object side, image side, or inside of the accessory device, the attachment state of an interchangeable mount part of the accessory device, and the insertion / removal state of a magnifying optical system or a reducing optical system built into the accessory device. (Configuration 10) the first process is a process of performing the communication with the external device at a first communication speed, 10. The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the second process is a process of performing the communication with the external device at a second communication speed that is slower than the first communication speed. (Configuration 11) The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the accessory device is a lens device. (Configuration 12) 12. An imaging system comprising the accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11 and an imaging element. (Method 1) 1. A control method for an accessory device including a movable optical member, a position detection unit that detects a current position of the optical member, and a communication unit that communicates with an external device, comprising: a first step of performing a first process to communicate with the external device; a second step of performing a second process to communicate with the external device; In the first step, first optical data is acquired from a first storage unit, and the first processing is performed using the first optical data; A control method for an accessory device, characterized in that in the second step, second optical data is obtained from a second memory unit having a slower read speed than the first memory unit, and the second processing is performed using the second optical data. (Configuration 13) A program that causes a computer to execute the accessory device control method described in Method 1.

[0103] 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]

[0104] 101, 201 Lens device (accessory device) 1001 Focus lens (optical component) 1002 Zoom lens (optical components) 1003 Aperture (optical component) 1004 F position detection unit (position detection unit) 1005 Z position detector (position detector) 1006 I Position detection unit (position detection unit) 1007, 2007 First memory (first storage unit) 1008 First data processing unit (data processing unit) 1009, 2009 Second memory (second storage unit) 1010, 2010 Second Data Processing Section (Data Processing Section) 1011 Communications Department

Claims

1. a movable optical member; a position detection unit that detects a current position of the optical member; a communication unit for communicating with an external device; a data processing unit that performs first processing and second processing during the communication; a first storage unit; a second storage unit having a reading speed slower than that of the first storage unit, the first storage unit stores first optical data related to the first process; The accessory device, wherein the second storage unit stores second optical data relating to the second process.

2. the first process is a process that is performed when the state of the accessory device has not changed, The accessory device according to claim 1 , wherein the second process is a process that is executed when the state of the accessory device changes.

3. the first process is a process that is periodically performed, 2. The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the second process is performed in response to a user operation.

4. 2. The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the second process is an initialization process of the accessory device.

5. the first processing is processing for calculating optical data corresponding to the current position using at least a part of the first optical data and transmitting the optical data to the external device; The accessory device according to claim 1 , wherein the second process is a process for transmitting the second optical data to the external device.

6. 2. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the second optical data is at least one of focal length information, angle of view information, field of view information, subject distance information, focus sensitivity information, entrance pupil position information, exit pupil position information, peripheral illumination correction information, chromatic aberration correction information, distortion aberration correction information, breathing correction information due to focus change, correction information for image restoration, and focus correction information.

7. a state detection unit that detects a state of the accessory device; the first optical data is optical data in one state corresponding to the state of the accessory device; the second optical data is a plurality of optical data in a plurality of states corresponding to the states of the accessory device; the first processing is processing for performing the communication with the external device based on the first optical data, The accessory device described in claim 1, characterized in that the second processing is a processing of reading out from the second memory unit optical data corresponding to the state detected by the state detection unit from the plurality of optical data constituting the second optical data and storing it in the first memory unit.

8. 8. The accessory device according to claim 7, wherein the second process is performed when the state of the state detector changes.

9. The accessory device described in claim 7, characterized in that the state of the accessory device is at least one of the attachment state of other accessories attached to the object side, image side, or inside of the accessory device, the attachment state of an interchangeable mount part of the accessory device, and the insertion / removal state of a magnifying optical system or a reducing optical system built into the accessory device.

10. the first process is a process of performing the communication with the external device at a first communication speed, 2. The accessory device according to claim 1, wherein the second process is a process of performing the communication with the external device at a second communication speed that is slower than the first communication speed.

11. The accessory device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the accessory device is a lens device.

12. An imaging system comprising: the accessory device according to claim 1; and an imaging element.

13. 1. A control method for an accessory device including a movable optical member, a position detection unit that detects a current position of the optical member, and a communication unit that communicates with an external device, comprising: a first step of performing a first process to communicate with the external device; a second step of performing a second process to communicate with the external device; In the first step, first optical data is acquired from a first storage unit, and the first processing is performed using the first optical data; A control method for an accessory device, characterized in that in the second step, second optical data is obtained from a second memory unit having a slower read speed than the first memory unit, and the second processing is performed using the second optical data.

14. A program causing a computer to execute the accessory device control method according to claim 13.

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