Imaging device, accessory device, and control method therefor

Abstract

To provide an imaging device capable of reducing a startup time while suppressing a decrease in photometric accuracy at startup.SOLUTION: An imaging device on which an accessory device including a first optical unit and a second optical unit can be detachably and communicably attached includes photometric means for performing photometric processing based on an amount of light incident on an imaging element, and control means for requesting the start of reset operations of the first and second optical units. The control means starts calculations of parameters for adjusting the photometric processing when a first signal indicating the completion of the reset operation of the first optical unit is acquired, and starts the photometric processing when a second signal indicating the completion of the reset operation of the second optical unit is acquired.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In the past, the startup time of an image capture device has been of great importance in order to allow users to capture images at the timing desired by the user. In particular, for mirrorless cameras, in addition to the time until live view output, the quality of the output image quality is also important.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device that can improve the accuracy of the metering results while shortening the startup time by starting the metering process when it receives a notification that the reset operation of the aperture blades provided on an interchangeable lens has been completed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-110000 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the imaging device of Patent Document 1 does not take into account the effect of the focus lens position on the aperture diameter when the focus lens is undergoing a reset operation when the reset operation of the aperture blades is completed, which raises concerns about reduced photometric accuracy.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that can reduce startup time while suppressing a decrease in photometry accuracy at startup. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention is an imaging device to which an accessory device having a first optical unit and a second optical unit is detachably and communicably attached, and which has a photometry means for performing photometry processing from the amount of light incident on the imaging element, and a control means for requesting the start of a reset operation of the first and second optical units, wherein the control means starts calculating parameters for adjusting the photometry processing when it receives a first signal indicating the completion of the reset operation of the first optical unit, and starts the photometry processing when it receives a second signal indicating the completion of the reset operation of the second optical unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can reduce the startup time while suppressing a decrease in photometry accuracy at startup. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 5 is a flowchart showing a startup process of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 5 is a flowchart showing a startup process of the accessory device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a timing chart for explaining the startup process of the camera system of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a startup process of an accessory device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a timing chart for explaining the startup process of the camera system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components, and redundant explanations will be omitted. [First embodiment] In this embodiment, in an interchangeable lens camera system, it is possible to start calculation of parameters for adjusting photometry processing when the reset operation of the focus lens is completed, and also possible to start photometry processing when the reset operations of the focus lens and aperture blades are completed. <Camera system configuration> 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an interchangeable lens camera system (hereinafter referred to as camera system) according to this embodiment. The camera system has a camera body (imaging device) 200 and an interchangeable lens 100 that can be attached to the camera body 200. Note that in this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 100 will be described as an example of an accessory device that can be attached to the camera body 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to other accessory devices, such as an intermediate adapter that is inserted between the interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200.

[0011] The interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 can be mechanically and electrically connected via a coupling mechanism, the mount 300. Note that the mount 300 is a schematic representation of the state in which the mount of the interchangeable lens 100 and the mount of the camera body 200 are coupled together, and these mounts are detachable from each other.

[0012] Communication terminals (not shown) are provided on the mount surfaces of the mounts of the interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200. When connected via the mount 300, the corresponding communication terminals come into contact with each other, enabling the interchangeable lens 100 and the camera body 200 to communicate via the communication terminals. When power is supplied to the interchangeable lens 100 from the camera body 200 via a power terminal (not shown) provided on the mount 300, various actuators (described below) and a lens microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as lens microcomputer) 101 operate.

[0013] The interchangeable lens 100 has an optical section 103, which is an imaging optical system equipped with multiple optical units. The imaging optical system includes, arranged in order from the subject OBJ side to the image side, a field lens 104, a zoom lens 105 that varies magnification, an aperture unit 113 that adjusts the amount of light, an anti-vibration lens 116 that reduces (corrects) image shake, and a focus lens 109 that adjusts focus. 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 indicated by the dashed line, and can be driven in the optical axis direction by actuators 107 and 111. The aperture unit 113 has aperture blades 113a and 113b and can be driven by an aperture actuator 114. The anti-vibration lens 116 can be driven by an anti-vibration actuator 117 in a direction that includes a component perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0014] The interchangeable lens 100 also has an operation unit 120. The operation unit 120 is configured according to the functions installed in the interchangeable lens 100. For example, the operation unit 120 may include a manual operation ring (a so-called electronic ring) that can be rotated by the user, or a switch that can switch between AF and MF.

[0015] Furthermore, the interchangeable lens 100 has a lens microcomputer 101. The lens microcomputer 101 is capable of communicating with the camera body 200 via a lens communication unit 102. The lens microcomputer 101 is also capable of driving and controlling the optical units included in the optical unit 103 and acquiring their status via control circuits 108, 112, 115, and 118.

[0016] The lens microcomputer 101 is a control unit that controls each component within the interchangeable lens 100 based on the state of the optical unit 103, operations performed by the operation unit 120, and communication commands from the lens communication unit 102. For example, the lens microcomputer 101 drives and controls the focus lens 109 via the control circuit 112 as needed, and also acquires the current position of the focus lens 109 via the control circuit 112. Depending on the hardware configuration, each optical unit may require initial positioning after power is supplied. By performing initial positioning, the lens microcomputer 101 can correctly manage the position information of each optical unit and drive and control it to the desired position. Note that the control circuit may be equipped with an initial position sensor for initial positioning. In this embodiment, the process of performing initial positioning as needed and then operating the optical unit to the control start position is referred to as a reset operation. The reset operation time varies depending on the hardware configuration and state of each optical unit. The lens microcomputer 101 manages information (reset status) indicating whether or not the reset operation of each optical unit has been completed, and is also capable of transmitting the reset status to the camera body 200 via the lens communication unit 102.

[0017] In this embodiment, the focus lens 109, aperture unit 113, and vibration-proof lens 116 require reset operations (hereinafter referred to as focus reset, aperture reset, and IS reset, respectively), but this is not limited to this depending on the hardware configuration. For example, a reset operation of the zoom lens 105 (hereinafter referred to as zoom reset) may be required, and a focus reset may not be required.

[0018] The camera body 200 has an image sensor 203, an A / D conversion circuit 204, a signal processing circuit (photometric means) 205, a recording unit 206, a camera microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as camera microcomputer) 201, a display unit 207, and an operation unit 210.

[0019] The image sensor 203 is composed of a CCD sensor, CMOS sensor, or the like, and photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system of the interchangeable lens 100 to output 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 processing on the digital signal from the A / D conversion circuit 204 to generate a video signal. The signal processing circuit 205 also generates, from the video signal, 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. Hereinafter, the luminance information will be referred to as a photometric value, and the generation of the luminance information will be referred to as photometric processing. The image processing and photometric processing of the signal processing circuit 205 can be adjusted by the camera microcomputer 201, which will be described later. The signal processing circuit 205 outputs the video signal to the display unit 207, which displays the video signal as a live view image used to check the composition, focus state, etc. For example, the image sensor 203 may include an A / D conversion circuit and output a digital signal. Alternatively, each pixel of the image sensor 203 may be configured with one microlens and two photoelectric conversion units, and the signal processing circuit 205 may use a so-called image plane phase difference detection method to calculate focus information of the subject image from the phase difference between the outputs of the photoelectric conversion units.

[0020] The camera microcomputer 201 is a control means that controls the camera body 200 in response to inputs from an operation unit 210 such as a power switch, an image capture instruction switch, and various setting switches.

[0021] The camera microcomputer 201 transmits control commands and transmission request commands to the interchangeable lens 100 as needed via the camera communication unit 202, and receives lens data from the interchangeable lens 100. For example, the camera microcomputer 201 can request (instruct) the interchangeable lens 100 to start a reset operation by transmitting a reset operation start request command to the interchangeable lens 100. Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 201 can determine the reset operation status of each optical unit by transmitting a reset operation status transmission request command for each optical unit to the interchangeable lens 100 as needed, and receiving the reset operation status from the interchangeable lens 100. <Startup flow of the imaging device> 2 is a flowchart showing the startup process of the camera body 200. This flow is startup process by the camera microcomputer 201 that starts when power is supplied and the power switch is turned on with the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the camera body 200. Note that the timing at which the startup process starts is not limited to this, and it may also be, for example, when the camera returns from auto power off when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera body 200 (when the sleep state is released). It may also be when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached when the interchangeable lens 100 is not attached and the camera body 200 is in an activated state.

[0022] In step S200, the camera microcomputer 201 supplies power via a power terminal (not shown) provided on the mount 300 to start up the interchangeable lens 100. The camera microcomputer 201 also performs initial communication with the interchangeable lens 100 via the camera communication unit 202, transmitting and receiving initial information based on the characteristics and built-in functions of both the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100. In this embodiment, the initial information of the interchangeable lens 100 includes optical characteristic information. The optical characteristic information is used to accurately adjust the image processing and photometry processing of the signal processing circuit 205. For example, the optical characteristic information includes characteristic information related to a decrease in the amount of incident light around the image height of the image sensor 203 caused by the characteristics and state of each optical unit of the optical unit 103 (hereinafter referred to as peripheral light falloff). The camera microcomputer 201 adjusts the image processing and photometry processing of the signal processing circuit 205 based on this information. In addition to the peripheral light falloff characteristic information, the camera microcomputer 201 may also use current optical information of each optical unit, such as position information of the zoom lens 105 and the focus lens 109, and current F-number information and maximum F-number information of the aperture unit 113. This allows the camera microcomputer 201 to accurately adjust the image processing and photometry processing of the signal processing circuit 205. Hereinafter, the adjustment of photometry processing will be referred to as photometry correction, predetermined parameters used for photometry correction will be referred to as photometry correction parameters, and the process of calculating (computing) the photometry correction parameters will be referred to as photometry correction parameter calculation. The photometry correction parameters are, for example, parameters (peripheral light falloff correction data) used for peripheral light falloff correction calculated based on the peripheral light falloff characteristic information. The peripheral light falloff characteristic information may also be recorded in advance in a non-volatile memory area (not shown) connected to the camera microcomputer 201. In this case, the initial information of the interchangeable lens 100 may include unique ID information of the interchangeable lens 100 for reading the peripheral light falloff characteristic information from the non-volatile memory area.

[0023] In addition, in this embodiment, the initial information of the camera body 200 may include power information that the camera body 200 supplies to the interchangeable lens 100, and the lens microcomputer 101 may control each optical unit based on the power information so that it stays within the supplied power.

[0024] In step S201, the camera microcomputer 201 transmits a reset operation start request command to the interchangeable lens 100 via the camera communication unit 202, requesting the interchangeable lens 100 to start a reset operation for each optical unit of the interchangeable lens 100.

[0025] In step S202, the camera microcomputer 201 transmits a reset state transmission request command to the interchangeable lens 100 via the camera communication unit 202 in order to acquire at least the focus reset state. The camera microcomputer 201 also acquires the reset states of one or more optical units, including the focus reset state, from the interchangeable lens 100.

[0026] In step S203, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether the focus reset is complete based on the focus reset state. If the camera microcomputer 201 determines that the focus reset is complete, it executes the process of step S204, and if it determines that the focus reset is not complete, it executes the process of step S202.

[0027] In step S204, the camera microcomputer 201 acquires, from the interchangeable lens 100 via the camera communication unit 202, the current optical information of each optical unit of the interchangeable lens 100 that is necessary for calculating the photometry correction parameters.

[0028] In step S205, the camera microcomputer 201 starts calculating the photometry correction parameters.

[0029] In this embodiment, photometry correction parameters can be calculated if position information of the zoom lens 105 and focus lens 109 and maximum aperture F-number information of the aperture unit 113 are determined at the start of the photometry process (described later). Therefore, in step S204, optical information necessary for calculating these photometry correction parameters is acquired. At this time, if the zoom lens 105 does not require a zoom reset operation, zoom position information is determined. If the focus reset operation of the focus lens 109 is completed, focus position information is determined. Once the zoom position information and focus position information are determined, maximum aperture F-number information after the aperture reset operation of the aperture unit 113 is completed is determined. Note that, in this embodiment, the position after the aperture reset operation is completed is maximum aperture. Therefore, even if the aperture reset is not completed, if the focus reset is completed, photometry correction parameters can be calculated first. If the zoom lens 105 requires a zoom reset, completion of the zoom reset must also be monitored in steps S202 and S203.

[0030] Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the interchangeable lens 100, it is possible that focus position information and maximum aperture F-number information may not be determined immediately after the completion of focus reset, in which case optical information may be acquired after a predetermined time has passed in which this information has stabilized in step S204. In this case, it is preferable that the initial information, which is characteristic information of the interchangeable lens 100 received in step S200, includes information regarding the predetermined interval.

[0031] In step S206, the camera microcomputer 201 transmits a reset state transmission request command to the interchangeable lens 100 via the camera communication unit 202 to acquire at least the aperture reset state. The camera microcomputer 201 also acquires the reset states of one or more optical units, including the aperture reset state, from the interchangeable lens 100.

[0032] In step S207, the camera microcomputer 201 determines whether the aperture reset is complete based on the aperture reset state. If the camera microcomputer 201 determines that the aperture reset is complete, it executes the process of step S208. If it determines that the aperture reset is not complete, it executes the process of step S206. The reset state monitored in steps S206 and S207 is not limited to this; for example, the IS reset state may be monitored.

[0033] In step S208, the camera microcomputer 201 starts photometry processing. At this time, photometry correction is also performed using photometry correction parameters. If the photometry correction parameters are currently being calculated, the camera microcomputer 201 waits. Upon completing the photometry processing, the camera microcomputer 201 acquires a photometric value.

[0034] In step S209, the camera microcomputer 201 starts live view output. The camera microcomputer 201 calculates TV and ISO based on the photometric value acquired in step S208 and the current F-number information (=maximum aperture), and controls the image sensor 203 and the A / D conversion circuit 204. The camera microcomputer 201 also adjusts the image processing performed by the signal processing circuit 205, thereby outputting a video signal whose brightness and color have been appropriately controlled to the display unit 207. The camera microcomputer 201 may also adjust the image processing performed by the signal processing circuit 205 based on the optical information acquired in step S204. <Accessory device startup flow> 3 is a flowchart showing the startup process of the interchangeable lens 100. This flow is startup processing by the lens microcomputer 101 that begins when power is supplied from the camera body 200 to the interchangeable lens 100 via a power terminal (not shown) provided on the mount 300.

[0035] In step S300, the lens microcomputer 101 performs initial communication with the camera body 200 via the lens communication unit 102 to send and receive initial information based on the characteristics and built-in functions of both the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100.

[0036] In step S301, the lens microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a reset operation start request command for each optical unit has been received from the camera body 200. If the lens microcomputer 101 determines that a reset operation start request command has been received, it executes the processing of step S302, and if it determines that a reset operation start request command has not been received, it executes the processing of step S301 again.

[0037] In step S302, the lens microcomputer 101 starts the reset operation of each optical unit of the interchangeable lens 100.

[0038] In step S303, the lens microcomputer 101 checks the status of the reset operation of each optical unit via the control circuits 108, 112, 115, and 118, and updates the reset status indicating whether or not each optical unit has completed the reset operation.

[0039] In step S304, the lens microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a reset state transmission request command for each optical unit has been received from the camera body 200 via the lens communication unit 102. If the lens microcomputer 101 determines that a reset state transmission request command has been received, it executes the processing of step S305, and if it determines that a reset state transmission request command has not been received, it executes the processing of step S306.

[0040] In step S305, based on the reset status transmission request command received in step S304, the lens microcomputer 101 transmits the reset status of each optical unit to the camera body 200 via the lens communication unit 102. The reset status is information that enables the camera body 200 to determine, for example, whether or not each optical unit has completed the reset operation.

[0041] In step S306, the lens microcomputer 101 determines whether or not an optical information transmission request command requesting transmission of current optical information of each optical unit has been received from the camera body 200 via the lens communication unit 102. If the lens microcomputer 101 determines that the optical information transmission request command has been received, it executes the processing of step S307, and if it determines that the optical information transmission request command has not been received, it executes the processing of step S303.

[0042] In step S307, the lens microcomputer 101 transmits current optical information of each optical unit to the camera body 200 via the lens communication unit 102. In this embodiment, the current optical information preferably includes position information necessary for calculating the photometry correction parameters. For example, the current optical information may include, but is not limited to, position information of the focus lens 109 and zoom lens 105, and current F-number and maximum F-number information of the aperture unit 113. For example, the current position information of the vibration-proof lens 116 may also be used. Furthermore, for optical units for which the reset operation has not yet been completed at this point, it is preferable to be able to transmit any position information within the range that the optical unit can assume. Furthermore, it is preferable that accurate position information of the maximum F-number information of the aperture unit 113 can be obtained even if the aperture reset has not been completed, as long as the focus reset has been completed. <Startup process for interchangeable lens camera system> FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the startup process of the camera system.

[0043] In process 400, the initial communication described in steps S200 and S300 is carried out. Initial information based on the characteristics and built-in functions of both the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 is transmitted and received between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 via the mount 300.

[0044] Once the initial communication is complete, the lens reset process begins, in which the reset operation of each optical unit of the interchangeable lens 100 is started and the completion of the reset operation is monitored (process 401). In the lens reset process, first, as described in step S201, the camera body 200 requests the interchangeable lens 100 to start the reset operation via the mount 300 (process 402). Upon receiving the request to start the reset operation, the interchangeable lens 100 starts an aperture reset, an IS reset, and a focus reset (process 403). During the lens reset process, the camera body 200 periodically acquires the reset status from the interchangeable lens 100 via the mount 300, thereby monitoring the reset status of the interchangeable lens 100 (process 404). In this embodiment, the camera body 200 first monitors the completion of the focus reset. Upon receiving the completion of the focus reset, the camera body 200 starts calculating photometry correction parameters (process 405). In the photometry correction parameter calculation, current optical information of the optical units of the interchangeable lens 100 is first acquired (process 406). In this embodiment, the optical information necessary for calculating the photometry correction parameters can be obtained even if reset operations other than the focus reset have not been completed, which makes it possible to perform the photometry correction parameter calculation prior to the lens reset process, thereby shortening the startup time of the camera system.

[0045] In this embodiment, the photometry process (process 407) starts after the reset of all optical units and the calculation of photometry correction parameters are completed, but this is not the only option. For example, if the effect of the IS reset on the photometry process is minor, the photometry process may start without waiting for the IS reset to be completed.

[0046] After obtaining a photometric value by completing the photometry process (process 407), the camera body 200 starts live view output (process 408). In live view output, the image sensor 203, A / D conversion circuit 204, and signal processing circuit 205 are controlled based on the obtained photometric value, and a video signal with appropriately controlled brightness and color is output to the display unit 207. <Summary of the First Embodiment> As described above, with the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to start calculation of parameters for adjusting metering when focus reset is completed, and to start metering when focus reset and aperture reset are completed, thereby providing an interchangeable lens camera system that can reduce startup time while suppressing degradation of live view image quality at startup. [Second embodiment] In this embodiment, in an interchangeable lens camera system (hereinafter referred to as a camera system), it is possible to control the start order of reset operations of optical units according to the power supplied to the interchangeable lens. The configuration of the camera system of this embodiment is similar to that of the camera system of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a description of the configuration common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the different configuration will be described.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the startup processing of the interchangeable lens 100. The processing in steps S500 to S507 is almost the same as the processing in steps S300 to S307 in Fig. 3, respectively, so a description of the same parts will be omitted and only the differences will be described.

[0048] In step S500, the initial information that the lens microcomputer 101 receives from the camera body 200 includes power supply information related to the power supplied from the camera body 200.

[0049] In step S502, the lens microcomputer 101 starts the reset operation of each optical unit based on the supplied power information so that it stays within the supplied power. For example, if the focus reset, aperture reset, and IS reset cannot be performed simultaneously with the supplied power, the focus reset and aperture reset required for calculating the photometry correction parameters are started with priority.

[0050] In step S508, the lens microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the IS reset, which was not performed in step S502, can be started based on the focus reset state and the aperture reset state. If the lens microcomputer 101 determines that the IS reset can be started, it executes the processing of step S509, and if it determines that the IS reset cannot be started, it executes the processing of step S503.

[0051] In step S509, the lens microcomputer 101 starts an IS reset. Note that the priority order of the reset operations is not limited to this, and for example, if the sum of the focus reset time and the aperture reset time is shorter than the IS reset time, the IS reset and aperture reset may be performed with priority.

[0052] 6 is a timing chart for explaining the startup process of the camera system. Since processes 600 to 608 are almost the same as processes 400 to 408 in FIG. 4, a description of the same parts will be omitted and only the differences will be described.

[0053] In this embodiment, as explained in step S502, the IS reset is not started, and the focus reset and aperture reset are started with priority (process 603). The IS reset is started after the focus reset is completed (process 609). When the aperture reset is completed, the photometry process (process 607) is started without waiting for the completion of the IS reset. <Summary of the second embodiment> As described above, with the configuration of this embodiment, the start order of the reset operation of the optical units can be controlled according to the power supplied to the interchangeable lens 100. This makes it possible to provide an interchangeable lens camera system that can reduce the startup time while suppressing degradation of live view image quality at startup. [Other embodiments] 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.

[0054] Note that the calculation of the correction value for correcting the photometry process may be started at the timing when the aperture reset is completed, even if the focus reset is not completed. In this case, the interchangeable lens 100 transmits an arbitrary focus position within the range that the focus lens 109 can take as current focus position information to the camera body 200 until the focus reset is completed.

[0055] Furthermore, the camera body 200 calculates a correction value for correcting the photometry process based on the arbitrary focus position. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the position at which the focus reset is completed is the same as the focus position when the camera body 200 is powered off, the camera body 200 stores the focus position when the power is off in a non-volatile memory area. Then, until the focus reset is completed, a correction value for correcting the photometry process may be calculated based on the stored focus position when the power is off. A similar method may also be used when waking the interchangeable lens 100 from a sleep state.

[0056] Furthermore, the lens state, such as photometry correction parameters and focus position information, at the focus position when focus reset is complete may be predicted, and this predicted information may be stored in advance in the interchangeable lens 100. Communication between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 may be enabled so that this information can be obtained from the camera body 200 even before focus reset is complete.

[0057] This configuration makes it possible to calculate highly accurate photometry correction parameters even if focus reset has not been completed, thereby providing an interchangeable lens camera system that can reduce startup time while suppressing degradation of live view image quality at startup.

[0058] Furthermore, the photometry processing performed by the signal processing circuit 205 may be performed based on the video signal after various types of image processing have been performed by the signal processing circuit 205. In this case, it is preferable that the camera body 200 adjusts the image processing of the signal processing circuit 205 based on the optical characteristic information of the interchangeable lens 100 at the timing when the focus reset is completed.

[0059] Furthermore, the aperture unit may not be a type that adjusts the amount of light by moving aperture blades, but may be a type that adjusts the amount of light by using an element that changes transmittance when a voltage is applied, such as an electrochromic element (EC element). When an EC element is used, aperture reset corresponds to the operation of adjusting the voltage applied to the EC element to set the transmittance of the EC element to a predetermined transmittance. <Overall summary> According to the configuration of each embodiment, calculation of parameters for adjusting photometry processing can be started when resetting of any optical unit is completed, and photometry processing can be started when resetting of one or more optical units, including any one optical unit is completed. This enables an interchangeable lens camera system that can reduce startup time while suppressing degradation of live view image quality at startup.

[0060] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) An imaging device to which an accessory device having a first optical unit and a second optical unit is detachably and communicably attached, a photometry means for performing photometry processing based on the amount of light incident on the image sensor; a control means for requesting the start of a reset operation of the first and second optical units; an imaging device characterized in that the control means starts calculating parameters for adjusting the photometry process when it receives a first signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the first optical unit, and starts the photometry process when it receives a second signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the second optical unit. (Configuration 2) The imaging device described in configuration 1 is characterized in that the control means acquires optical characteristic information of the accessory device before requesting the start of the reset operation, acquires position information of the first and second optical units after acquiring the first signal, and calculates the parameters based on the optical characteristic information and the position information. (Configuration 3) the first optical unit includes a focus lens, 3. The imaging device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the first signal includes a signal indicating completion of a reset operation of the focus lens. (Configuration 4) the second optical unit includes a diaphragm; 4. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the second signal includes a signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the diaphragm. (Configuration 5) the second optical unit includes an anti-vibration lens, 5. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the second signal does not include a signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the vibration-proof lens. (Configuration 6) the first optical unit includes a diaphragm; 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first signal includes a signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the diaphragm blades. (Configuration 7) 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the control means acquires the position information when a time has passed until the position information becomes stable after acquiring the first signal. (Configuration 8) 8. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the control means acquires the time required for the position information to become stable before requesting the start of the reset operation. (Configuration 9) 9. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the control means transmits information regarding power to be supplied to the accessory device before requesting the start of the reset operation. (Configuration 10) The imaging device described in configuration 2, wherein the control means, when waking the accessory device from a sleep state, calculates the parameters based on the position information acquired before the accessory device entered the sleep state before acquiring the first signal. (Configuration 11) The imaging device described in configuration 1 is characterized in that, before acquiring the first signal, the control means acquires optical characteristic information of the accessory device and position information of the first and second optical units that are predicted after acquiring the first signal, and after acquiring the first signal, calculates the parameters based on the optical characteristic information and the position information. (Configuration 12) 12. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the parameter is a parameter used for correcting peripheral light falloff. (Configuration 13) An accessory device that is detachably and communicably attached to an imaging device that performs photometry processing, a first optical unit; A second optical unit; an accessory device having a control means for receiving a request to start a reset operation of the first and second optical units, and transmitting a first signal indicating that the reset operation of the first optical unit has been completed and that it is possible to calculate parameters for adjusting the photometry process, and a second signal indicating that the reset operation of the second optical unit has been completed and that it is possible to execute the photometry process. (Configuration 14) The accessory device described in configuration 13, characterized in that the control means transmits optical characteristic information of the accessory device before receiving a request to start the reset operation, and transmits position information of the first and second optical units after transmitting the first signal. (Configuration 15) the first optical unit includes a focus lens, 15. The accessory device according to claim 13, wherein the first signal includes a signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the focus lens. (Configuration 16) the second optical unit includes a diaphragm; 16. The accessory device of any one of configurations 13 to 15, wherein the second signal includes a signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the diaphragm blades. (Configuration 17) the second optical unit includes an anti-vibration lens, 17. The accessory device according to any one of configurations 13 to 16, wherein the second signal does not include a signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the vibration-proof lens. (Configuration 18) the first optical unit includes a diaphragm; 15. The imaging device according to claim 13, wherein the first signal includes a signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the diaphragm blades. (Configuration 19) 15. The accessory device according to claim 14, wherein the control means transmits the position information when a time has passed since the first signal was transmitted until the position information became stable. (Configuration 20) 19. The accessory device according to claim 18, wherein the control means transmits a time until the position information is stabilized before receiving a request to start the reset operation. (Configuration 21) An accessory device described in any one of configurations 13 to 20, characterized in that the control means acquires information regarding the power supplied to the accessory device before acquiring a request to start the reset operation, and sets a priority for the reset operation based on the information regarding the power. (Configuration 22) The accessory device described in configuration 13, characterized in that the control means transmits optical characteristic information of the accessory device predicted after transmitting the first signal and position information of the first and second optical units before transmitting the first signal. (Method 1) A control method for an imaging device to which an accessory device having a first optical unit and a second optical unit is detachably and communicably attached, and which performs photometry processing based on the amount of light incident on an imaging element, comprising: requesting the initiation of a reset operation of the first and second optical units; When a first signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the first optical unit is acquired, starting calculation of parameters for adjusting the photometric processing; and starting the photometry process when a second signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the second optical unit is acquired. (Method 2) A method for an accessory device that is detachably and communicably attached to an imaging device that performs photometry processing and that includes a first optical unit and a second optical unit, obtaining a request to start a reset operation of the first and second optical units; sending a first signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the first optical unit and that parameters for adjusting the photometry process can be calculated; and transmitting a second signal indicating that the reset operation of the second optical unit has been completed and that the photometry process can be performed.

[0061] 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]

[0062] 100 Interchangeable lenses (accessory devices) 200 Camera body (imaging device) 201 Camera microcomputer (control means) 203 Image sensor 205 Signal processing circuit (photometric means)

Claims

1. An imaging device to which an accessory device having a first optical unit and a second optical unit is detachably and communicably attached, a photometry means for performing photometry processing based on the amount of light incident on the image sensor; a control means for requesting the start of a reset operation of the first and second optical units; an imaging device characterized in that the control means starts calculating parameters for adjusting the photometry process when it receives a first signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the first optical unit, and starts the photometry process when it receives a second signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the second optical unit.

2. The imaging device described in claim 1, characterized in that the control means acquires optical characteristic information of the accessory device before requesting the start of the reset operation, acquires position information of the first and second optical units after acquiring the first signal, and calculates the parameters based on the optical characteristic information and the position information.

3. the first optical unit includes a focus lens, 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the first signal includes a signal indicating completion of a reset operation of the focus lens.

4. the second optical unit includes a diaphragm; 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second signal includes a signal indicating completion of a reset operation of the diaphragm blades.

5. the second optical unit includes an anti-vibration lens, 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second signal does not include a signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the vibration-proof lens.

6. the first optical unit includes a diaphragm; 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first signal includes a signal indicating completion of a reset operation of the diaphragm.

7. 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the control means acquires the position information when a time has passed since acquiring the first signal until the position information has stabilized.

8. 8. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control means acquires the time required for the position information to become stable before requesting the start of the reset operation.

9. 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control means transmits information about power to be supplied to the accessory device before requesting the start of the reset operation.

10. The imaging device described in claim 2, characterized in that when the control means wakes up the accessory device from a sleep state, it calculates the parameters based on the position information acquired before the accessory device entered a sleep state before acquiring the first signal.

11. The imaging device described in claim 1, characterized in that the control means acquires, before acquiring the first signal, optical characteristic information of the accessory device that is predicted after acquiring the first signal and position information of the first and second optical units, and after acquiring the first signal, calculates the parameters based on the optical characteristic information and the position information.

12. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the parameter is a parameter used for correcting peripheral light falloff.

13. An accessory device that is detachably and communicably attached to an imaging device that performs photometry processing, a first optical unit; a second optical unit; an accessory device characterized by having a control means for receiving a request to start a reset operation of the first and second optical units, and transmitting a first signal indicating that the reset operation of the first optical unit has been completed and that it is possible to calculate parameters for adjusting the photometric processing, and a second signal indicating that the reset operation of the second optical unit has been completed and that it is possible to execute the photometric processing.

14. The accessory device of claim 13, characterized in that the control means transmits optical characteristic information of the accessory device before receiving a request to start the reset operation, and transmits position information of the first and second optical units after transmitting the first signal.

15. the first optical unit includes a focus lens, 15. The accessory device according to claim 13, wherein the first signal includes a signal indicating completion of a reset operation of the focus lens.

16. the second optical unit includes a diaphragm; 15. The accessory device according to claim 13, wherein the second signal includes a signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the diaphragm.

17. the second optical unit includes an anti-vibration lens, 15. The accessory device according to claim 13, wherein the second signal does not include a signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the vibration-proof lens.

18. the first optical unit includes a diaphragm; 15. The imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first signal includes a signal indicating completion of a reset operation of the diaphragm.

19. 15. The accessory device according to claim 14, wherein the control means transmits the position information when a time has passed since the first signal was transmitted until the position information became stable.

20. 20. The accessory device according to claim 19, wherein the control means transmits a time until the position information is stabilized before receiving a request to start the reset operation.

21. The accessory device described in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the control means acquires information regarding the power to be supplied to the accessory device before acquiring a request to start the reset operation, and sets a priority for the reset operation based on the information regarding the power.

22. The accessory device of claim 13, characterized in that the control means transmits, before transmitting the first signal, optical characteristic information of the accessory device predicted after transmitting the first signal and position information of the first and second optical units.

23. A control method for an imaging device to which an accessory device having a first optical unit and a second optical unit is detachably and communicably attached, and which performs photometry processing based on the amount of light incident on an imaging element, comprising: requesting the initiation of a reset operation of the first and second optical units; When a first signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the first optical unit is acquired, starting calculation of parameters for adjusting the photometric processing; and starting the photometry process when a second signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the second optical unit is acquired.

24. A method for an accessory device that is detachably and communicably attached to an imaging device that performs photometry processing, and that includes a first optical unit and a second optical unit, obtaining a request to start a reset operation of the first and second optical units; sending a first signal indicating completion of the reset operation of the first optical unit and that parameters for adjusting the photometry process can be calculated; and transmitting a second signal indicating that the reset operation of the second optical unit has been completed and that the photometry process can be performed.

Images