Image capturing apparatus, adapter, system, and control method

Abstract

To enable an image capturing apparatus to communicate with an interchangeable lens in a situation where an interchangeable lens, which does not support a specification of communication between the image capturing apparatus and the interchangeable lens and which supports a different specification of communication, is mounted on the image capturing apparatus via an adapter.SOLUTION: An image capturing apparatus includes first communication means for communicating via a first contact portion, second communication means for communicating via a second contact portion, and third communication means for communicating via a predetermined contact portion, which is the first contact portion or the second contact portion. The adapter includes a communication path that can be switched between a first state in which third communication from the image capturing apparatus does not reach a third contact portion of the adapter and a second state in which the third communication reaches the third contact portion. The third contact portion of the adapter is connectable to a third contact portion of an interchangeable lens. Control means of the image capturing apparatus recognizes the adapter by the first communication or the second communication while the communication path is in the first state, transmits a switching instruction instructing to switch the communication path to the second state by the first communication and the second communication after recognizing the adapter, and starts the third communication after transmitting the switching instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Interchangeable lens camera systems, which allow for detachable and interchangeable lenses, are becoming increasingly common. In these systems, the camera communicates with the attached interchangeable lens to acquire lens information, allowing it to appropriately control the interchangeable lens and display the lens information on the camera's monitor to notify the user.

[0003] In addition, an adapter may be attached between a camera and an interchangeable lens. Examples include adapters such as wide-angle converters and teleconverters (extenders), and adapters (mount conversion adapters) that convert the mount so that a lens that cannot be directly attached to a camera due to a different mount shape can be attached. In such cases, commands are sent from the camera to the interchangeable lens and data is sent from the interchangeable lens to the camera via the adapter. Furthermore, by communicating with the attached adapter, the camera may obtain not only data about the interchangeable lens but also information about the adapter. For this reason, camera systems may be equipped with a communication system that enables the camera to communicate with multiple accessories, including interchangeable lenses and adapters.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a system having a channel for communication between the camera and lens and a channel for communication between the camera and adapter when an intermediate accessory such as an adapter is attached between the camera and interchangeable lens.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a lens system technology in which an intermediate accessory is recognized based on the polarity of a specific terminal, and then data communication is switched between a camera and an interchangeable lens and data communication between an interchangeable lens and an intermediate accessory depending on the polarity of the specific terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-3208 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6360261 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When an adapter is attached between a camera (imaging device) and an interchangeable lens, there is a possibility that an interchangeable lens that does not support the camera-interchangeable lens communication specifications for an interchangeable lens that can be attached directly to the camera but supports different communication specifications may be attached to the camera via the adapter.

[0008] The present invention has been made in light of these circumstances, and aims to provide technology that enables an imaging device to communicate with an interchangeable lens in a situation where an interchangeable lens that does not support the imaging device-interchangeable lens communication specifications for an interchangeable lens that can be directly attached to the imaging device but supports a different communication specification is attached to the imaging device via an adapter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an imaging device including: a first contact portion connectable to a first contact portion of an adapter; a second contact portion connectable to a second contact portion of the adapter; a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the imaging device; a second communication means for performing a second communication via the second contact portion of the imaging device; a third communication means for performing a third communication via a predetermined contact portion that is the first contact portion or the second contact portion of the imaging device; and a control means, wherein the adapter is configured to switch between a first state in which the third communication from the imaging device does not reach the third contact portion of the adapter and a third state in which the third communication from the imaging device does not reach the third contact portion of the adapter. an imaging device including a communication path switchable between a first state in which communication reaches the third contact portion of the adapter and a second state in which communication reaches the third contact portion of the adapter, the third contact portion of the adapter being connectable to a third contact portion of an interchangeable lens, and the control means of the imaging device controls the imaging device to recognize the adapter by the first communication or the second communication while the communication path is in the first state, and after recognizing the adapter, transmit a switching instruction to instruct the communication path to be switched to the second state by the first communication or the second communication, and start the third communication after transmitting the switching instruction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, in a situation where an interchangeable lens that does not support the communication specifications between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens for an interchangeable lens that can be directly attached to the imaging device but supports a different communication specification is attached to the imaging device via an adapter, the imaging device becomes able to communicate with the interchangeable lens.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2A] 5 is a flowchart of a startup process of the camera according to the first to third embodiments. [Figure 2B]6 is a flowchart of adapter startup processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing details of a communication switching process (S254) according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of adapter startup processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7A] 10 is a flowchart of adapter startup processing according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7B] 11 is a flowchart showing details of a communication switching process (S754) according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9A] 10 is a flowchart of a startup process of a camera according to the fourth and fifth embodiments. [Figure 9B] 10 is a flowchart of adapter startup processing according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9C] 10 is a flowchart showing details of a communication switching process (S954) according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11A] 13 is a flowchart of adapter startup processing according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11B] 11 is a flowchart showing details of a communication switching process (S1154) according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 13A] 13 is a flowchart of a startup process of a camera according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 13B] 13 is a flowchart of adapter startup processing according to the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0014] [First embodiment] <Camera system configuration> 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to Embodiment 1. The camera system includes a camera 100 (imaging device), an interchangeable lens 150 (interchangeable lens device), and an adapter 160 (adapter device) disposed between the camera and the interchangeable lens 150.

[0015] The camera 100 has a camera mount A. The adapter 160 has a lens mount B that can be connected to the camera mount A. Therefore, the adapter 160 can be directly attached to the camera 100.

[0016] Furthermore, adapter 160 is provided with a camera mount C, which is different from camera mount A, on the opposite side of lens mount B. Interchangeable lens 150 is provided with a lens mount D that can be connected to camera mount C. Therefore, interchangeable lens 150 can be directly attached to adapter 160.

[0017] Unlike lens mount B, lens mount D of interchangeable lens 150 has a shape that prevents it from being connected to camera mount A of camera 100. Therefore, interchangeable lens 150 cannot be attached directly to camera 100, but can be attached to camera 100 via adapter 160. Note that an interchangeable lens (not shown) equipped with lens mount B can be attached directly to camera 100.

[0018] <Functions of the camera mount A and lens mount B terminals> Next, the functions of each terminal common to both camera mount A and lens mount B will be explained.

[0019] The VDD terminal is a terminal for supplying power from the camera 100 to a camera accessory attached to the camera 100 as communication power mainly used for communication control. Camera accessories (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "accessories") are a general term for devices such as adapters and interchangeable lenses that can be connected to camera mounts such as camera mount A and camera mount C. For example, adapter 160 with lens mount B, interchangeable lens (not shown) with lens mount B, and interchangeable lens 150 with lens mount D are examples of camera accessories.

[0020] In the following, the word "terminal" may be omitted and the "VDD terminal" may be written simply as "VDD." This also applies to terminals other than the VDD terminal; for example, the "VBAT terminal" described below may be written simply as "VBAT."

[0021] The VBAT terminal is a terminal for supplying power from the camera 100 to camera accessories as drive power mainly used to drive actuators such as the aperture and focus lens. In this embodiment, the voltage supplied from the camera 100 is 4.7 V. Note that the voltage supplied to the VBAT terminal may be configured to be changeable depending on the type of accessory attached to the camera 100.

[0022] The GND terminal is a ground terminal that indicates the ground level corresponding to various terminals including the VDD terminal.

[0023] The MIF terminal is a terminal for detecting that a camera accessory (for example, adapter 160 or an interchangeable lens (not shown) with lens mount B) has been attached to camera 100. Camera 100 detects that a camera accessory has been attached to or detached from camera 100 by detecting the voltage level of the MIF terminal. In this embodiment, camera 100 determines that an accessory is not attached when the voltage of the MIF terminal is High (H), and determines that an accessory is attached when the voltage is Low (L).

[0024] The TYPE terminal is a terminal for determining the type of camera accessory attached to the camera 100. The camera 100 detects the voltage of the TYPE terminal, and if the voltage is within predetermined range 1, determines that the accessory is an interchangeable lens (not shown) with lens mount B. If the voltage is within predetermined range 2, the camera 100 determines that the accessory is an adapter with lens mount B. If the voltage is not within predetermined range 1 or predetermined range 2, the camera 100 determines that an error has occurred. The TYPE terminal of the interchangeable lens (not shown) with lens mount B is connected to the GND terminal via a resistor so that the voltage falls within predetermined range 1. The TYPE terminal of the adapter 160 is connected to the GND terminal via a resistor so that the voltage falls within predetermined range 2. Note that the type of camera accessory is determined using the TYPE terminal based on the detected TYPE terminal voltage, so that a voltage range corresponding to each camera accessory must be set to be able to distinguish between many types of camera accessories. Therefore, for more detailed determination, such as which model of interchangeable lens with lens mount B it is, or which model of adapter it is, it is better to use a determination method other than the method using the TYPE terminal.

[0025] The LCLK terminal is a terminal for a clock signal output from the camera 100 to a camera accessory. The LCLK terminal also serves as a terminal through which the camera 100 monitors the busy state of the accessory.

[0026] The DCL terminal is a terminal for communication data output from the camera 100 to the camera accessory.

[0027] The DLC terminal is a terminal for communication data output from the camera accessory to the camera 100.

[0028] The CS terminal is a signal terminal for requesting communication between the camera 100 and a camera accessory.

[0029] The DCA terminal is a terminal for communication data for two-way communication between the camera 100 and the camera accessory.

[0030] In this embodiment, the LCLK terminal, DCL terminal, and DLC terminal are used in the first communication, which will be described later. The DCL terminal and DLC terminal are also used in the third communication, which will be described later, in addition to the first communication. The CS terminal and DCA terminal are used in the second communication, which will be described later.

[0031] Camera mount A and lens mount B may also have a PGND terminal and a DLC2 terminal (neither of which are shown). The PGND terminal is a ground terminal corresponding to the VBAT terminal. The DLC2 terminal is a terminal for data communication from the camera accessory to camera 100, and this data communication is independent of the first, second, and third communications.

[0032] As described above, camera mount A and lens mount B include 10 or more terminals. Note that the terminals of camera mount A are contact pins and the terminals of lens mount B are contact surfaces, but the shapes may be reversed.

[0033] <Functions of the camera mount C and lens mount D terminals> Next, the functions of each terminal common to both camera mount C and lens mount D will be explained.

[0034] The VDD terminal is a terminal that supplies power from the camera 100 as power used to control the interchangeable lens 150. In this embodiment, the voltage supplied to the camera mount C and the lens mount D is 11.0 V.

[0035] The GND terminal is a ground terminal that indicates the ground level corresponding to the VDD terminal.

[0036] The DCL terminal is a terminal for communication data output from the camera 100 to the interchangeable lens 150 .

[0037] The DLC terminal is a terminal for communication data output from the interchangeable lens 150 to the camera 100.

[0038] In this embodiment, the DCL terminal and the DLC terminal are used in the third communication, which will be described later.

[0039] As described above, camera mount C and lens mount D each include four terminals. Note that the terminals of camera mount C are contact pins and the terminals of lens mount D are contact surfaces, but the shapes may be reversed.

[0040] <Configuration of camera 100> Next, a description will be given of the configuration of camera 100. Camera 100 has a terminal of camera mount A, and includes contact unit 101, contact unit 102, power supply unit 103, and camera control unit 104. Camera control unit 104 includes first communication unit 105, third communication unit 106, and second communication unit 107 inside.

[0041] The contact section 101 (first contact section) is a group of contacts for performing communication controlled by the first communication section 105 or the third communication section 106, and is composed of three terminals: LCLK, DCL, and DLC.

[0042] The contact section 102 (second contact section) is a group of contacts for performing communication controlled by the second communication section 107, and is composed of two terminals, CS and DCA.

[0043] The power supply unit 103 generates power to be supplied via VDD or VBAT to camera accessories attached to the camera 100. The power supply unit 103 also generates power to be supplied to the inside of the camera 100, such as the camera control unit 104.

[0044] The camera control unit 104 is responsible for controlling the camera 100, for example, calculating the focus lens drive amount for focus control, generating image data according to the state of the release switch, etc. The camera control unit 104 is composed of one or more processors or circuits (e.g., ASIC) that realize one or more functions, and can control each unit by, for example, having the processor read and execute a program stored in memory.

[0045] The first communication unit 105 performs camera-lens communication (hereinafter referred to as "first communication") for sending commands for instructions or requests to an interchangeable lens (not shown) equipped with lens mount B and for receiving lens information from the interchangeable lens. As shown in FIG. 1, the first communication unit 105 performs communication using three communication lines corresponding to LCLK, DCL, and DLC of the contact unit 101. In this embodiment, the communication voltage of the first communication unit 105 is 5.0 V. The first communication can be performed, for example, by clock synchronous communication or start-stop synchronous communication, but in this embodiment, it is performed by clock synchronous communication. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the camera 100 is configured to first communicate with the camera accessory using the first communication unit 105 when it detects an accessory using the MIF terminal and the TYPE terminal.

[0046] The third communication unit 106 is a communication unit for communicating with the interchangeable lens 150 having a lens mount D. The third communication unit 106 performs camera-lens communication (hereinafter referred to as "third communication") for transmitting commands for instructions or requests to the interchangeable lens 150 and for receiving lens information from the interchangeable lens 150. The third communication is a communication standard that enables communication with interchangeable lenses that do not support the first communication or the second communication. As shown in FIG. 1 , the third communication unit 106 performs communication using two communication lines corresponding to the DCL and DLC terminals of the contact unit 101. Furthermore, the third communication unit 106 performs asynchronous communication according to a different standard from the communication standard of the first communication unit 105. In this embodiment, the two terminals DCL and DLC of the contact unit 101 used by the first communication unit 105 are also used by the third communication unit 106.

[0047] In this specification, expressions such as "using contact unit 101" or "via contact unit 101" will be used when at least some of the terminals in contact unit 101 (first contact unit) are used. Therefore, the first communication using three terminals of contact unit 101 and the third communication using two terminals of contact unit 101 are both communications using contact unit 101 (or communications performed via contact unit 101). This also applies to contact units other than contact unit 101.

[0048] The second communication unit 107 is a communication unit for communicating with an accessory (intermediate accessory) such as the adapter 160 that is disposed between the camera and the interchangeable lens. The second communication unit 107 performs camera-adapter communication (hereinafter referred to as "second communication") for transmitting commands to the adapter 160 and receiving data indicating the status of the intermediate accessory. As shown in FIG. 1, the second communication unit 107 performs communication using two communication lines corresponding to the CS and DCA terminals of the contact unit 102. In this embodiment, the communication voltage of the second communication unit 107 is assumed to be 3.0 V. The communication channel of the second communication unit 107 is an independent communication channel separate from the first communication unit 105 and the third communication unit 106. Because the second communication is communication between the camera and the adapter, if an adapter is not attached to the camera 100, no response is returned even if the second communication unit 107 sends a command for the second communication. Therefore, if no response is returned within a predetermined time after sending an authentication command in the second communication, the camera control unit 104 determines that an adapter supporting the second communication is not attached.

[0049] <Configuration of 150 interchangeable lenses> Next, we will explain the configuration of the interchangeable lens 150. The interchangeable lens 150 has a lens mount D, and is equipped with a contact unit 151, a power supply unit 152, and a lens control unit 153. The lens control unit 153 is equipped with a third communication unit 154 inside.

[0050] The contact section 151 (third contact section) is a group of contacts for third communication with the camera 100, and is made up of two terminals, DCL and DLC.

[0051] The power supply unit 152 supplies the voltage received from the camera 100 via the VDD terminal to the lens control unit 153 and other components in the interchangeable lens 150. In this embodiment, the voltage required for the interchangeable lens 150 is 9V to 35V.

[0052] The lens control unit 153 is responsible for control of the interchangeable lens 150, and acquires position information of the focus lens (not shown) and aperture information, etc. The lens control unit 153 is composed of one or more processors or circuits (for example, ASIC) that realize one or more functions, and for example, the processor can read and execute a program stored in memory to control each unit.

[0053] The third communication unit 154 is a communication unit for performing third communication with the third communication unit 106 of the camera 100. The third communication unit 154 receives commands from the camera 100 and transmits information about the interchangeable lens 150. As shown in FIG. 1 , the third communication unit 154 performs communication using two communication lines corresponding to the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 151.

[0054] <Adapter 160 configuration> Next, the configuration of the adapter 160 will be described. The adapter 160 has a lens mount B and a camera mount C, and is equipped with contact units 161, 162, 163, a power supply unit 164, an adapter control unit 165, a switch 168, a switch 169, and a switch 170. The switch may be written as "SW." The adapter control unit 165 is equipped internally with a first communication unit 166 and a communication switching unit 167.

[0055] The contact section 161 (first contact section) is a contact group for the first communication with the camera 100, and is composed of three terminals: LCLK, DCL, and DLC. The contact section 161 is also used for the third communication between the camera 100 and the interchangeable lens 150. The contact section 161 of the adapter 160 is connectable to the contact section 101 of the camera 100.

[0056] The contact unit 162 (second contact unit) is a contact group for second communication with the camera 100, and is composed of two terminals, CS and DCA. However, in this embodiment, the CS and DCA terminals of the contact unit 162 are not connected to the adapter control unit 165, but are connected to the power supply (VDD) by pull-up. Therefore, even if a command (second command) is sent by the second communication from the second communication unit 107 of the camera control unit 104, no response is made from the adapter 160. The contact unit 162 of the adapter 160 is connectable to the contact unit 102 of the camera 100.

[0057] The contact section 163 (third contact section) is a group of contacts for third communication between the camera 100 and the interchangeable lens 150, and is composed of two terminals, DCL and DLC. The contact section 163 of the adapter 160 is connectable to the contact section 151 of the interchangeable lens 150.

[0058] The power supply unit 164 supplies the power supplied from the camera 100 via VDD and VBAT to the adapter control unit 165 in the adapter 160 and the like. In addition, in this embodiment, when the switch 168 is set to active, the power supply unit 164 boosts the VBAT power supplied from the camera 100 to a voltage for supplying it to the interchangeable lens 150 equipped with the lens mount D.

[0059] The adapter control unit 165 is responsible for control of the adapter 160. The switches 168, 169, and 170 are controlled by the adapter control unit 165. The adapter control unit 165 is configured with one or more processors or circuits (e.g., ASIC) that realize one or more functions, and for example, the processor can control each unit by reading and executing a program stored in memory.

[0060] The first communication unit 166 is a communication unit for performing first communication with the first communication unit 105 of the camera 100. Because the first communication is communication between the camera and the lens, it can be said that it has no direct relationship to the control of the adapter 160. However, an interchangeable lens having a lens mount B (an interchangeable lens that can respond to the first communication from the camera 100) cannot be attached to the adapter 160, and the interchangeable lens 150 cannot respond to the first communication from the camera 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, the adapter 160 is configured to include the first communication unit 166 so that the adapter 160 can respond to the first communication from the camera 100. The first communication unit 166 responds to a command (first command) transmitted by the first communication from the first communication unit 105 in the camera 100.

[0061] The communication switching unit 167 switches between the first communication and the third communication by controlling the switches 168, 169, and 170. Specifically, the communication switching unit 167 controls the switch 168 to switch whether or not the power boosted by the power supply unit 164 is supplied to the VDD terminal of the camera mount C. Furthermore, the communication switching unit 167 controls the switches 169 and 170 to switch whether the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 161 are connected to the first communication unit 166 (in this case, the connection to the contact unit 163 is cut off) or to the contact unit 163 (in this case, the connection to the first communication unit 166 is cut off).

[0062] The switch 168 is controlled by the communication switching unit 167. When the switch 168 is set to active, the power supply unit 164 boosts the power supplied from the VBAT terminal and supplies the boosted power to the VDD terminal of the camera mount C. When the switch 168 is set to inactive, the power supply unit 164 does not boost the power and does not supply power to the VDD terminal of the camera mount C. In this embodiment, when the adapter 160 is started up, the switch 168 is in an inactive state.

[0063] The switch 169 is controlled by the communication switching unit 167. When the switch 169 is set to active, the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 161 are connected to the contact unit 163. When the switch 169 is set to inactive, the connection between the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 161 and the contact unit 163 is cut off. In this embodiment, when the adapter 160 is started up, the switch 169 is in an inactive state.

[0064] The switch 170 is controlled by the communication switching unit 167. When the switch 170 is set to active, the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 161 are connected to the first communication unit 166. When the switch 170 is set to inactive, the connection between the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 161 and the first communication unit 166 is cut off. In this embodiment, when the adapter 160 is started up, the switch 170 is in the active state.

[0065] In this way, the adapter 160 includes a communication path that can be switched between a state (first state) in which the third communication from the camera 100 via the contact unit 101 and the contact unit 161 does not reach the contact unit 163, and a state (second state) in which the third communication reaches the contact unit 163. Switching of the state of the communication path is controlled by the communication switching unit 167. When the communication path is in a state (second state) in which the third communication reaches the contact unit 163, the third communication reaches the third communication unit 154 from the contact unit 163 via the contact unit 151, and therefore the camera 100 can perform the third communication with the interchangeable lens 150.

[0066] <Camera 100 startup process> 2A is a flowchart of the startup process of camera 100. When the user operates the power button (not shown) of camera 100 to turn on the power of camera 100 and the supply of operating power by power supply unit 103 begins, camera control unit 104 starts the startup process of this flowchart. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of each step of this flowchart is realized by camera control unit 104 executing a program stored in ROM (not shown).

[0067] In S202, the camera control unit 104 detects the MIF terminal. If the voltage of the MIF terminal is H, the camera control unit 104 determines that a camera accessory equipped with lens mount B is not attached, and continues detecting the MIF terminal in S202 until the MIF terminal goes L. If the voltage of the MIF terminal is L, the camera control unit 104 determines that an accessory equipped with lens mount B is attached, and proceeds to S203.

[0068] In S203, the camera control unit 104 determines the type of the TYPE terminal. The camera control unit 104 determines the type of camera accessory according to the voltage level of the TYPE terminal. If the voltage of the TYPE terminal is within predetermined range 1, the camera control unit 104 determines that the type of accessory is an interchangeable lens, and sets the voltage of the first communication to 3.0 V. If the voltage of the TYPE terminal is within predetermined range 2, the camera control unit 104 determines that the type of accessory is an adapter, and sets the voltage of the first communication to 5.0 V. Here, it is assumed that the adapter 160 is attached.

[0069] At this point, the camera control unit 104 has determined that the type of the attached accessory is an adapter, but has not recognized the model or specific configuration of the attached adapter. In other words, the camera control unit 104 has not recognized that the attached adapter is adapter 160.

[0070] In S204, the camera control unit 104 starts supplying a voltage of VDD to the accessory. In this embodiment, 5.0 V is supplied.

[0071] In S205, the first communication unit 105 in the camera control unit 104 performs initial communication of the first communication. Specifically, the first communication unit 105 starts clock-synchronized communication of the first communication with the first communication unit 166 in the adapter control unit 165. At this time, the switches 168, 169, and 170 are set to the settings at the time of adapter startup. Therefore, the DCL and DLC of the contact units 101 and 161 are connected to the first communication unit 166 and are disconnected from the contact unit 163.

[0072] The communication method of the first communication unit 105 is a communication method that assumes communication with an interchangeable lens that has a lens mount B. In this embodiment, an adapter 160 is attached to the camera 100 instead of an interchangeable lens that has a lens mount B, and an interchangeable lens 150 that does not support the first communication is attached to the adapter 160. However, the specifications of the startup processing sequence of the camera 100 are configured so that, when an accessory is detected using the MIF terminal, the interchangeable lens that has a lens mount B is first recognized by the first communication. Therefore, in this embodiment, the adapter 160 that has a lens mount B is configured to be able to execute the first communication that assumes an interchangeable lens, just like an interchangeable lens that has a lens mount B.

[0073] The first communication unit 105 transmits commands for confirming communication with the lens mount B, commands for acquiring a lens ID (a command for identifying the attached accessory), commands for acquiring the focal length, aperture value, etc. The first communication unit 166 responds to commands sent from the first communication unit 105 by behaving as an interchangeable lens equipped with the lens mount B. That is, the adapter 160 is not an interchangeable lens and does not actually have a focal length, aperture value, etc., but the first communication unit 166 transmits dummy fixed values ​​for the focal length, aperture value, etc. (for example, the focal length is 50 mm, the aperture value is F16, etc.) in addition to the lens ID.

[0074] The camera control unit 104 determines the type of the attached accessory by acquiring initial information such as a lens ID via the first communication. If the information such as the lens ID is known to the camera control unit 104 (i.e., if the attached accessory is recognizable to the camera control unit 104), the camera control unit 104 recognizes the accessory. If the attached accessory is unrecognizable to the camera control unit 104 (for example, if the accessory was released after the release of the camera 100), the camera control unit 104 recognizes the attached accessory as an "unknown accessory." Even if the attached accessory is recognized as an "unknown accessory," the first communication unit 105 transmits commands for acquiring the focal length, aperture value, etc.

[0075] In this embodiment, a specific lens ID (for example, lens ID="ABCD") is assigned to the adapter 160. Therefore, based on the acquired lens ID, the camera control unit 104 can recognize that an accessory having an attached lens mount B is the adapter 160 that converts from lens mount B to lens mount D. Alternatively, instead of performing recognition based on a specific lens ID, the camera control unit 104 may acquire flag information indicating whether or not the adapter has a function for converting from lens mount B to lens mount D. Then, if the flag is set, the camera control unit 104 may recognize that the adapter 160 is one that converts from lens mount B to lens mount D. In this way, the camera control unit 104 can transmit a command (first command) through the first communication and recognize the adapter 160 based on the response to that command.

[0076] Note that the adapter 160 is a type of adapter (hereinafter referred to as a "BC adapter") that has a lens mount B and a camera mount C. However, among the adapters that can be attached to the camera 100, there is also a type of adapter (hereinafter referred to as a "BA adapter") that has a lens mount B and a camera mount A. In the BA adapter, the LCLK, DCL, and DLC of the lens mount B are connected to the LCLK, DCL, and DLC of the camera mount A. An interchangeable lens that has the lens mount B can be attached to the camera mount A of the BA adapter. Therefore, an interchangeable lens that has the lens mount B and supports the first communication can be attached to the camera 100 via the BA adapter. In this case, in S205, the first communication unit 105 of the camera 100 communicates with the first communication unit (not shown) of the attached interchangeable lens via the BA adapter and can recognize the interchangeable lens. Therefore, the specifications of the startup processing sequence of the camera 100 can support both the adapter 160 (BC adapter) to which the interchangeable lens 150 is attached and the BA adapter to which an interchangeable lens having the lens mount B is attached.

[0077] In S206, the camera control unit 104 performs control to start the supply of VBAT voltage.

[0078] In S207, the second communication unit 107 transmits a command for performing initial communication for adapter authentication and the like through the second communication.

[0079] The communication method of the second communication unit 107 is a communication method that assumes communication with an adapter equipped with lens mount B. The specifications of the startup processing sequence of the camera 100 are configured so that an interchangeable lens equipped with lens mount B is first recognized through first communication, and then initial communication is performed through second communication to confirm whether an adapter equipped with lens mount B is attached. In this embodiment, the CS and DCA terminals of the contact unit 162 of the adapter 160 are pulled up to the power supply. Therefore, even if the second communication unit 107 sends a command, no response is returned. In this case, the second communication unit 107 determines that an adapter is not attached and does not send any further commands through second communication. In this case, the process proceeds from S207 to S208a.

[0080] On the other hand, if there is a response to the command (second command) transmitted by the second communication unit 107 through the second communication, the second communication unit 107 continues the second communication and authenticates the adapter, and then the process proceeds from S207 to S208b. This case will be described in the second embodiment.

[0081] In S208a, the first communication unit 105 transmits, via the first communication, a communication switching command (hereinafter also referred to as a "communication switching instruction" or "switching instruction") for switching from the first communication to the third communication so that the camera 100 and the interchangeable lens 150 can communicate with each other. In this embodiment, there is no response to the command in S207, and communication between the camera 100 and the adapter 160 via the second communication is not taking place, but the camera control unit 104 has already recognized the adapter 160 through the processing of S205. Therefore, in S208a, the first communication unit 105 in the camera control unit 104 can transmit a communication switching command for the adapter 160.

[0082] In S209 (after transmitting the communication switching command), the third communication unit 106 starts the third communication for communicating with the interchangeable lens 150 having the lens mount D. In this embodiment, after the start of the third communication, the first communication unit 105 stops operating so as not to perform communication.

[0083] <Startup process of adapter 160> 2B is a flowchart of the startup process of adapter 160. When adapter 160 is attached to camera 100 and power supply from power supply unit 103 to power supply unit 164 via VDD begins (see S204 in FIG. 2A), adapter control unit 165 starts the startup process of this flowchart. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of each step of this flowchart is realized by adapter control unit 165 executing a program stored in ROM (not shown).

[0084] In S252, the first communication unit 166 responds to the first communication command transmitted in S205 by the first communication unit 105. Details of the response are as explained in S205.

[0085] In S253, the first communication unit 166 determines whether or not the communication switching command transmitted by the first communication unit 105 in S208a has been received. If the communication switching command has been received within a predetermined time from the start of the processing in S253, the processing proceeds to S254. If the communication switching command has not been received within a predetermined time from the start of the processing in S253 (i.e., if a timeout occurs without the communication switching command being received), the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0086] In S254, the communication switching unit 167 performs a communication switching process. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the details of the communication switching process in S254.

[0087] In S302, the communication switching unit 167 controls the port of the adapter control unit 165 so as to deactivate the currently active switch 170. By deactivating the switch 170, the connection between the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 161 and the first communication unit 166 is cut off, and the first communication transmitted from the first communication unit 105 of the camera control unit 104 will no longer reach the first communication unit 166 of the adapter control unit 165. After the switch 170 is deactivated, the first communication unit 166 may perform processing to stop the synchronous communication function.

[0088] In S303, the communication switching unit 167 controls the port of the adapter control unit 165 so that the currently inactive switch 168 becomes active. When the switch 168 becomes active, power boosted by the power supply unit 164 is supplied to the VDD of the camera mount C. As a result, power supply to the interchangeable lens 150 begins via the VDD of the lens mount D.

[0089] In S304, the communication switching unit 167 waits for 2 milliseconds (ms). When the switch 168 is activated in S303, the power supply unit 164 starts boosting the voltage from 4.7 V to 11.0 V, but it takes about 2 ms to boost the voltage to the desired voltage. After 2 ms has elapsed, the process proceeds to S305.

[0090] In S305, the communication switching unit 167 controls the port of the adapter control unit 165 so that the currently inactive switch 169 becomes active. When the switch 169 becomes active, the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 161 are connected to the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 163. As a result, the third communication transmitted from the third communication unit 106 of the camera control unit 104 can reach the third communication unit 154 of the lens control unit 153, and it becomes possible to send and receive commands via the third communication between the camera 100 and the interchangeable lens 150.

[0091] Processing then returns to the flowchart of FIG. 2B, and adapter startup processing is complete.

[0092] <Summary of the First Embodiment> As described above, according to the first embodiment, the camera system includes the camera 100 that supports the first, second, and third communications, the adapter 160 that supports the first communications, and the interchangeable lens 150 that supports the third communications. The specifications of the startup processing sequence of the camera 100 are configured such that, when an accessory is detected, initial communication of the first communications is first performed, followed by initial communication of the second communications. Unlike interchangeable lenses that have the lens mount B, the interchangeable lens 150 with the lens mount D does not support the first communications. However, because the adapter 160 supports the first communications, the camera 100 can receive a response to the command for the initial communication of the first communications and recognize the adapter 160 based on the response. After recognizing the adapter 160, the camera 100 transmits a communication switching command (switching instruction) via the first communications. The adapter 160 switches the state of the communication path within the adapter 160 so that the third communications from the camera 100 via the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 101 reaches the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 163.

[0093] Therefore, according to this embodiment, even when an interchangeable lens 150 that does not support the camera-lens communication (first communication) specification for an interchangeable lens having lens mount B (an interchangeable lens that can be directly attached to the camera 100) but supports a different communication specification (third communication) is attached to the camera 100 via the adapter 160, the camera 100 is able to communicate with the interchangeable lens 150. Furthermore, because the camera 100 can recognize the adapter 160 through the first communication with the adapter 160, the camera 100 can perform the startup process according to the same startup process sequence (a sequence in which, when an accessory is detected, initial communication of the first communication is first performed, followed by initial communication of the second communication) regardless of whether the interchangeable lens attached to the camera 100 supports the first communication specification. Note that this embodiment is characterized in that a communication switching command is sent via the first communication if there is no response to the initial communication of the second communication at S207 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2A . Therefore, the camera 100 does not need to send a communication switching command via the second communication if there is a response. For example, because the camera 100 has recognized the adapter 160 through the first communication, the camera 100 may transmit a communication switching command through the first communication a predetermined time after the initial communication of the second communication has been performed, regardless of whether or not there is a response to the initial communication of the second communication. Alternatively, because it is assumed that the adapter 160 does not have the function of performing the second communication, the camera 100 may determine that a communication error has occurred when there is a response to the initial communication of the second communication, and may notify the user that a communication error has occurred without transmitting a communication switching command.

[0094] [Second embodiment] <Camera system configuration> In the first embodiment, a camera system including an adapter 160 that does not have the function of performing the second communication is described. In contrast, in the second embodiment, a camera system including an adapter that has the function of performing the second communication is described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for configurations and processes that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0095] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to the second embodiment. The camera system in Fig. 4 differs from the camera system of the first embodiment (Fig. 1) in that it includes an adapter 460 instead of the adapter 160.

[0096] The adapter 460 includes an adapter control unit 461. The adapter control unit 461 includes a first communication unit 166, a communication switching unit 167, and a second communication unit 462. The adapter control unit 461 is configured with one or more processors or circuits (e.g., ASIC) that implement one or more functions, and is capable of controlling each unit by, for example, having the processor read and execute a program stored in memory. In the adapter 160 of the first embodiment, the CS terminal and DCA terminal of the contact unit 162 are pulled up to the power supply, but in the adapter 460 of the second embodiment, the CS terminal and DCA terminal of the contact unit 162 are connected to the second communication unit 462 of the adapter control unit 461.

[0097] The second communication unit 462 receives the second communication command from the second communication unit 107 of the camera control unit 104 via the contact units 102 and 162 and transmits a response. Therefore, in this embodiment, the camera control unit 104 can recognize the adapter 460 based on the response from the second communication unit 462. Also, in the first embodiment, the communication switching command from the first communication to the third communication is transmitted by the first communication, but in this embodiment, the communication switching command is transmitted by the second communication.

[0098] <Camera 100 startup process> Next, the startup process of the camera 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2A. The startup process of the camera 100 is performed according to the flowchart of FIG. 2A, similar to the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, in S207, the second communication unit 107 transmits a command through the second communication and then receives a response from the second communication unit 462. Therefore, the second communication unit 107 continues the second communication and starts an authentication sequence for adapter authentication. The authentication sequence of the second communication is performed by transmitting an authentication start notification, an authentication request, an authentication end notification, and the like using broadcast communication and P2P communication. During this sequence, the second communication unit 107 acquires the adapter ID, the functions possessed by the adapter, and the adapter version. In this embodiment, the camera control unit 104 recognizes, through the processing of S207, that the attached adapter is the adapter 460 that converts from lens mount B to lens mount D. When the initial communication in the second communication ends, the processing proceeds from S207 to S208b.

[0099] In S208b, the second communication unit 107 transmits a communication switching command for switching from the first communication to the third communication using the second communication. Then, the process proceeds to S209, and the third communication starts in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0100] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the camera control unit 104 may proceed with the process from S207 to S208a. That is, in this embodiment, too, a configuration may be adopted in which the first communication unit 105 transmits a communication switching command through the first communication.

[0101] <Startup process of adapter 460> Next, the startup process of adapter 460 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. When adapter 460 is attached to camera 100 and power supply from power supply unit 103 to power supply unit 164 via VDD begins (see S204 in Fig. 2A), adapter control unit 461 starts the startup process of this flowchart. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of each step of this flowchart is realized by adapter control unit 461 executing a program stored in ROM (not shown).

[0102] In S552, the second communication unit 107 responds to the second communication command transmitted in S207. For example, the second communication unit 107 transmits information indicating the adapter ID, the functions of the adapter, the adapter version, etc. in accordance with the adapter authentication sequence.

[0103] In S553, the second communication unit 462 determines whether or not the communication switching command transmitted by the second communication unit 107 in S208b has been received. If the communication switching command has been received within a predetermined time from the start of the processing in S553, the processing proceeds to S254. If the communication switching command has not been received within a predetermined time from the start of the processing in S553 (i.e., if a timeout occurs without the communication switching command being received), the processing of this flowchart ends. Note that the communication switching processing in S254 is performed according to the flowchart of FIG. 3, as in the first embodiment.

[0104] <Summary of the second embodiment> As described above, according to the second embodiment, the adapter 460 supports the second communication in addition to the first communication. The second communication is communication using a communication method that assumes communication with an adapter equipped with lens mount B, and the camera 100 can recognize the adapter 460 through the first communication, and then recognize and authenticate the adapter 460 through the second communication.

[0105] Therefore, according to this embodiment, in addition to achieving the same effects as the first embodiment, the camera 100 can perform adapter-specific control over the adapter 460. For example, if the firmware of the adapter 460 needs to be updated, the user can perform the firmware update operation from the adapter menu of the camera 100. Furthermore, if an error display related to the adapter 460 is required, the camera 100 can display an error message related to the adapter. For example, if the adapter 460 is attached to a camera that does not have the third communication function, the camera can display an error message such as, "The attached lens accessory may not function properly." Note that this embodiment is characterized by transmitting a communication switching command if there is a response to the initial communication of the second communication in S207 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2A. Therefore, the camera 100 may transmit the communication switching command in the first communication. Furthermore, since it is assumed that the adapter 160 has the function of performing the second communication, the camera 100 may determine that there is a communication error if there is no response to the initial communication of the second communication and notify the user of the occurrence of the communication error without transmitting the communication switching command. Alternatively, the camera 100 may perform the initial communication of the second communication again if there is no response to the initial communication of the second communication. Alternatively, the camera 100 may not start any processing related to the subsequent third communication if there is no response to the initial communication of the second communication.

[0106] In the first embodiment, only the first communication, which is intended to be camera-lens communication, can be performed between the camera 100 and the adapter 160. In this case, for example, if the firmware of the adapter 160 needs to be updated, the user can perform a firmware update operation from the lens menu of the camera 100.

[0107] [Third embodiment] <Camera system configuration> In the first and second embodiments, a camera system in which the first communication and the third communication partially share a communication path has been described. In contrast, in the third embodiment, a camera system in which the second communication and the third communication partially share a communication path will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first and second embodiments will be used for configurations and processes that are the same as or similar to those in the first and second embodiments. The following mainly describes differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0108] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to the third embodiment. The camera system in Fig. 6 differs from the camera system of the first embodiment (Fig. 1) in that it includes an adapter 660 instead of the adapter 160 and a camera 600 instead of the camera 100.

[0109] The camera 600 includes a camera control unit 601. The camera control unit 601 includes a first communication unit 105, a second communication unit 107, and a third communication unit 602. The camera control unit 601 is configured with one or more processors or circuits (e.g., ASICs) that implement one or more functions, and the processor can control each unit by reading and executing a program stored in memory, for example. The third communication unit 602 has the same function as the third communication unit 106, but differs from the third communication unit 106 in that it is connected to the contact unit 102 instead of the contact unit 101.

[0110] The adapter 660 includes an adapter control unit 661. The adapter control unit 661 includes a first communication unit 166 and a communication switching unit 662. The adapter control unit 661 is configured with one or more processors or circuits (e.g., ASIC) that implement one or more functions. For example, the processor can control each unit by reading and executing a program stored in a memory. In the adapter 660, the contact unit 163 is connected to the contact unit 162 via a switch 663, not the contact unit 161. The switch 663 is controlled by the communication switching unit 662. When the switch 663 is set to active, the CS and DCA of the contact unit 162 are connected to the contact unit 163. When the switch 663 is set to inactive, the connection between the CS and DCA of the contact unit 162 and the contact unit 163 is cut off. In this embodiment, when the adapter 660 is started up, the switch 663 is in an inactive state.

[0111] In this way, the adapter 660 includes a communication path that can be switched between a state (first state) in which the third communication from the camera 100 via the contact unit 102 and the contact unit 162 does not reach the contact unit 163, and a state (second state) in which the third communication reaches the contact unit 163. Switching of the state of the communication path is controlled by the communication switching unit 662. When the communication path is in a state (second state) in which the third communication reaches the contact unit 163, the third communication reaches the third communication unit 154 from the contact unit 163 via the contact unit 151, and therefore the camera 100 can perform the third communication with the interchangeable lens 150.

[0112] <Startup process of the camera 600> The startup process of the camera 600 is performed according to the flowchart of Fig. 2A, as in the first embodiment. However, since the camera 600 includes a camera control unit 601 instead of the camera control unit 104, the process of each step is executed by the camera control unit 601 (or its internal components).

[0113] <Startup process of adapter 660> 7A is a flowchart of the startup process of adapter 660. When adapter 660 is attached to camera 600 and power supply from power supply unit 103 to power supply unit 164 via VDD begins (see S204 in FIG. 2A), adapter control unit 661 starts the startup process of this flowchart. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of each step of this flowchart is realized by adapter control unit 661 executing a program stored in ROM (not shown).

[0114] The processes of S252 and S253 in Fig. 7A are the same as S252 and S253 in Fig. 2B. However, since the adapter 660 includes an adapter control unit 661 instead of the adapter control unit 165, the processes of each step are executed by the adapter control unit 661 (or its internal components).

[0115] In S754, the communication switching unit 662 performs a communication switching process. Figure 7B is a flowchart showing the details of the communication switching process in S754.

[0116] The processes of S303 and S304 in Fig. 7B are the same as S303 and S304 in Fig. 3. However, since the adapter 660 includes an adapter control unit 661 instead of the adapter control unit 165, the processes of each step are executed by the adapter control unit 661 (or its internal components).

[0117] In S781, the communication switching unit 662 performs control to activate the currently inactive switch 663. When the switch 663 becomes active, CS and DCA of the contact unit 162 are connected to DCL and DLC of the contact unit 163. As a result, the third communication transmitted from the third communication unit 602 of the camera control unit 601 can reach the third communication unit 154 of the lens control unit 153, and commands can be sent and received via the third communication between the camera 100 and the interchangeable lens 150. In this way, in this embodiment, the second communication and the third communication partially share a communication path, and the communication switching unit 662 switches the communication path between the second communication and the third communication.

[0118] <Summary of the third embodiment> As described above, in the first and second embodiments, the first communication and the third communication partially share the communication path, whereas in the third embodiment, the second communication and the third communication partially share the communication path. Even in this case, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0119] In this embodiment, the adapter 660 does not include a second communication unit. However, similar to the second embodiment, the adapter control unit 661 may include a second communication unit therein. In this case, similar to the second embodiment, the camera 600 can recognize and authenticate the adapter 660 through the second communication and transmit a communication switching command (switching instruction) through the second communication. In this case, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained. Alternatively, the adapter control unit 661 may include a second communication unit therein, and the camera 600 can recognize and authenticate the adapter 660 through the second communication and transmit a communication switching command (switching instruction) through the first communication.

[0120] [Fourth embodiment] <Camera system configuration> In the first to third embodiments, a camera system has been described in which, when an accessory is detected, first communication is performed, and then second communication is performed. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, a camera system has been described in which, when an accessory is detected, second communication is performed, and then first communication is performed. In the description of the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first to third embodiments are used for configurations and processes that are the same as or similar to those in the first to third embodiments. The following mainly describes the differences from the first to third embodiments.

[0121] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to the fourth embodiment. The camera system in Fig. 8 differs from the camera system of the first embodiment (Fig. 1) in that it includes an adapter 860 instead of the adapter 160 and a camera 800 instead of the camera 100.

[0122] The camera 800 includes a camera control unit 801. The camera control unit 801 includes a first communication unit 802, a second communication unit 803, and a third communication unit 106. The camera control unit 801 is configured with one or more processors or circuits (e.g., ASIC) that implement one or more functions, and can control each unit by, for example, having the processor read and execute a program stored in memory.

[0123] The adapter 860 includes an adapter control unit 861. The adapter control unit 861 includes a second communication unit 462 and a communication switching unit 862. The adapter control unit 861 is configured with one or more processors or circuits (e.g., ASIC) that realize one or more functions, and for example, the processor can read and execute a program stored in memory to control each unit.

[0124] <Startup process of the camera 800> 9A is a flowchart of the startup process of camera 800. When the user operates the power button (not shown) of camera 800 to turn on the power of camera 800 and the supply of operating power by power supply unit 103 begins, camera control unit 801 starts the startup process of this flowchart. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of each step of this flowchart is realized by camera control unit 801 executing a program stored in ROM (not shown).

[0125] The processes of S202 to S204, S206, and S209 in Fig. 9A are the same as S202 to S204, S206, and S209 in Fig. 2A. However, since camera 800 includes camera control unit 801 instead of camera control unit 104, the processes of each step are executed by camera control unit 801 (or its internal components).

[0126] In S902, the second communication unit 803 transmits an initial communication of the second communication to the second communication unit 462 of the adapter control unit 861 via the contact units 102 and 162. Details of the initial communication of the second communication are the same as those of S207 in FIG. 2A in the second embodiment. As a result, the camera control unit 801 can recognize that the attached accessory is the adapter 860, and can further authenticate the adapter 860.

[0127] In S903, the first communication unit 802 transmits an initial communication of the first communication via the contact units 101 and 161. However, in the attached adapter 860, the LCLK, DCL, and DLC of the contact unit 161 are connected to the power supply through a pull-up connection. Therefore, no response is returned to the initial communication command. Therefore, the first communication unit 802 performs control so as not to transmit any more first communications.

[0128] In S904, the second communication unit 803 transmits a communication switching command for switching from the first communication to the third communication using the second communication, similar to S208b in FIG. 2A.

[0129] <Startup process of adapter 860> 9B is a flowchart of the startup process of adapter 860. When adapter 860 is attached to camera 800 and power supply from power supply unit 103 to power supply unit 164 via VDD begins (see S204 in FIG. 9A), adapter control unit 861 starts the startup process of this flowchart. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of each step of this flowchart is realized by adapter control unit 861 executing a program stored in ROM (not shown).

[0130] The processing of S552 and S553 in Fig. 9B is the same as S552 and S553 in Fig. 5. However, since the adapter 860 includes an adapter control unit 861 instead of the adapter control unit 461, the processing of each step is executed by the adapter control unit 861 (or its internal components).

[0131] In S954, the communication switching unit 862 performs a communication switching process to enable execution of the third communication via the contact points 101 and 161. Fig. 9C is a flowchart showing the details of the communication switching process in S954.

[0132] The processing of S303 to S305 in Fig. 9C is the same as S303 to S305 in Fig. 3. However, since adapter 860 includes adapter control unit 861 instead of adapter control unit 165, the processing of each step is executed by adapter control unit 861 (or its internal components).

[0133] As a result of the communication switching process in S954, the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 161 are connected to the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 163, and the third communication between the camera 800 and the interchangeable lens 150 becomes possible.

[0134] <Summary of the Fourth Embodiment> As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the order of the first initial communication and the second initial communication in the specifications of the startup processing sequence of the camera 800 is reversed from that of the first to third embodiments. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments can be obtained.

[0135] In this embodiment, the adapter 860 does not include a first communication unit. However, the adapter control unit 861 may include a first communication unit therein. In this case, in S903 of FIG. 9A, the camera 800 can obtain a response to the initial communication of the first communication from the adapter 860, as in the first and third embodiments. In this case, the camera 800 may also transmit a communication switching command to the adapter 860 via the first communication.

[0136] [Fifth embodiment] <Camera system configuration> In the fourth embodiment, a camera system in which the first communication and the third communication partially share a communication path was described. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, a camera system in which the second communication and the third communication partially share a communication path will be described. In the fifth embodiment, similar to the fourth embodiment, when an accessory is detected, the second communication is performed first, and then the first communication is performed. In the description of the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first to fourth embodiments are used for configurations and processes that are the same as or similar to those in the first to fourth embodiments. The following mainly describes the differences from the first to fourth embodiments.

[0137] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to a fifth embodiment. The camera system in Fig. 10 differs from the camera system of the fourth embodiment (Fig. 8) in that it includes an adapter 1060 instead of the adapter 860 and a camera 1000 instead of the camera 800.

[0138] The camera 1000 includes a camera control unit 1001. The camera control unit 1001 includes a first communication unit 802, a second communication unit 803, and a third communication unit 602. The camera control unit 1001 is configured with one or more processors or circuits (e.g., ASICs) that implement one or more functions, and the processor can control each unit by reading and executing a program stored in memory, for example. The third communication unit 602 has the same function as the third communication unit 106, but differs from the third communication unit 106 in that it is connected to the contact unit 102 instead of the contact unit 101.

[0139] The adapter 1060 includes an adapter control unit 1061. The adapter control unit 1061 includes a second communication unit 462 and a communication switching unit 1062. The adapter control unit 1061 is configured with one or more processors or circuits (e.g., ASIC) that implement one or more functions, and for example, the processor can read and execute a program stored in memory to control each unit.

[0140] The adapter 1060 has a switch 1063 between the second communication unit 462 and the contact unit 162. The switch 1063 is in an active state when the adapter control unit 1061 is started up, and the contact unit 162 is connected to the second communication unit 462. The switch 1063 is controlled by the communication switching unit 1062.

[0141] <Camera 1000 startup process> The startup process of the camera 1000 is performed according to the flowchart of Fig. 9A, as in the fourth embodiment. However, since the camera 1000 includes a camera control unit 1001 instead of the camera control unit 801, the process of each step is executed by the camera control unit 1001 (or its internal components).

[0142] <Startup process of adapter 1060> 11A is a flowchart of the startup process of adapter 1060. When adapter 1060 is attached to camera 1000 and power supply from power supply unit 103 to power supply unit 164 via VDD begins (see S204 in FIG. 9A), adapter control unit 1061 starts the startup process of this flowchart. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of each step of this flowchart is realized by adapter control unit 1061 executing a program stored in ROM (not shown).

[0143] The processing of S552 and S553 in Fig. 11A is the same as S552 and S553 in Fig. 5. However, since the adapter 1060 includes an adapter control unit 1061 instead of the adapter control unit 461, the processing of each step is executed by the adapter control unit 1061 (or its internal components).

[0144] In S1154, the communication switching unit 1062 performs a communication switching process to enable execution of the third communication via the contact units 101 and 161. Fig. 11B is a flowchart showing the details of the communication switching process in S1154.

[0145] In S1161, the communication switching unit 1062 switches the switch 1063 from an active state to an inactive state, thereby cutting off the connection between the contact unit 162 and the second communication unit 462.

[0146] The processing of S303 to S304 in Fig. 11B is the same as S303 to S304 in Fig. 3. However, since adapter 1060 includes adapter control unit 1061 instead of adapter control unit 165, the processing of each step is executed by adapter control unit 1061 (or its internal components).

[0147] The processing of S781 in Fig. 11B is the same as S781 in Fig. 7B. However, since the adapter 1060 includes an adapter control unit 1061 instead of the adapter control unit 661, the processing of each step is executed by the adapter control unit 1061 (or its internal components).

[0148] As a result of the communication switching process in S1154, CS and DLA of the contact section 162 are connected to DCL and DLC of the contact section 163, and the third communication between the camera 1000 and the interchangeable lens 150 becomes possible.

[0149] <Summary of the Fifth Embodiment> As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the first communication and the third communication partially share the communication path, whereas in the fifth embodiment, the second communication and the third communication partially share the communication path. Even in this case, the same effects as in the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

[0150] As in the fourth embodiment, the adapter control unit 1061 may include a first communication unit therein. In this case, the camera 1000 may transmit a communication switching command to the adapter 1060 by the first communication.

[0151] [Sixth embodiment] <Camera system configuration> In the first to fifth embodiments, the adapter includes a communication path that can be switched between a state (first state) in which the third communication from the camera 100 via a predetermined contact unit (contact unit 161 in the first, second, and fourth embodiments, contact unit 162 in the third and fifth embodiments) does not reach the contact unit 163 and a state (second state) in which the third communication reaches the contact unit 163. In other words, in the first to fifth embodiments, a configuration has been described in which the third communication shares a part of the communication path for the first communication or the second communication. In contrast, in the sixth embodiment, a configuration in which the communication path for the third communication is independent from the communication path for the first communication and the communication path for the second communication will be described. In the description of the sixth embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first to fifth embodiments will be used to designate the same or similar configurations and processes as in the first to fifth embodiments. The following mainly describes the differences from the first to fifth embodiments.

[0152] Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to the sixth embodiment. The camera system in Fig. 12 differs from the camera system of the first embodiment (Fig. 1) in that it includes an adapter 1260 instead of the adapter 160 and a camera 1200 instead of the camera 100.

[0153] The camera 1200 includes a camera mount E. The camera mount E is configured by adding a contact portion 1201 (fourth contact portion) to the camera mount A. The adapter 1260 includes a lens mount F. The lens mount F is configured by adding a contact portion 1261 (fourth contact portion) to the lens mount B. The contact portion 1261 of the adapter 1260 is connectable to the contact portion 1201 of the camera 1200. The camera mount E and the lens mount F are connectable to each other.

[0154] In the camera 1200, the contact section 1201 is connected to the third communication section 1203. In the adapter 1260, the contact section 1261 is connected to the contact section 163.

[0155] In this way, the adapter 1260 includes a communication path that allows the third communication from the camera 1200 via the contact unit 1201 and the contact unit 1261 to reach the contact unit 163. Therefore, in this embodiment, the third communication unit 1203 of the camera 1200 is connected to the third communication unit 154 of the interchangeable lens 150 without switching the communication path, and the third communication is ready to be performed. The camera control unit 1202 is configured with one or more processors or circuits (e.g., ASICs) that implement one or more functions, and the processor can control each unit by reading and executing a program stored in memory, for example. The adapter control unit 1262 is configured with one or more processors or circuits (e.g., ASICs) that implement one or more functions, and the processor can control each unit by reading and executing a program stored in memory, for example.

[0156] <Camera 1200 startup process> 13A is a flowchart of the startup process of the camera 1200. When the user operates the power button (not shown) of the camera 1200 to turn on the power of the camera 1200 and the supply of operating power by the power supply unit 103 begins, the camera control unit 1202 starts the startup process of this flowchart. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of each step of this flowchart is realized by the camera control unit 1202 executing a program stored in a ROM (not shown).

[0157] 2A. However, since the camera 1200 includes a camera control unit 1202 instead of the camera control unit 104, the processing of each step is executed by the camera control unit 1202 (or its internal components). Furthermore, since CS and DCA of the contact unit 162 of the adapter 1260 are pulled up to the power supply, in S207, even if the second communication unit 107 sends a command, no response is returned, as in the first embodiment.

[0158] In this embodiment, the adapter 1260 is recognized by the first communication in S205. As described above, the third communication unit 1203 and the third communication unit 154 are connected via the contacts 1261 and 163 of the adapter 1260, and therefore the camera 1200 can perform the third communication with the interchangeable lens 150 without issuing a communication switching instruction. Therefore, in FIG. 13A , following the initial communication of the second communication in S207, the third communication is started in S209.

[0159] <Startup process of adapter 1260> 13B is a flowchart of the startup process of adapter 1260. When adapter 1260 is attached to camera 1200 and power supply from power supply unit 103 to power supply unit 164 via VDD begins (see S204 in FIG. 13A), adapter control unit 1262 starts the startup process of this flowchart. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of each step of this flowchart is realized by adapter control unit 1262 executing a program stored in ROM (not shown).

[0160] The processing of S252 in Fig. 13B is the same as S252 in Fig. 3. However, since the adapter 1260 includes an adapter control unit 1262 instead of the adapter control unit 165, the processing of S252 is executed by the adapter control unit 1262 (or an internal component thereof).

[0161] <Summary of the Sixth Embodiment> As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the camera system includes a camera 1200 that supports first, second, and third communication, an adapter 1260 that supports the first communication, and an interchangeable lens 150 that supports the third communication. The specifications of the startup processing sequence of the camera 100 are configured so that, when an accessory is detected, initial communication of the first communication is first performed, followed by initial communication of the second communication. Unlike interchangeable lenses that have lens mount B, the interchangeable lens 150 with lens mount D does not support the first communication. However, because the adapter 1260 supports the first communication, the camera 1200 can receive a response to a command for the initial communication of the first communication and recognize the adapter 1260 based on the response. The adapter 1260 includes a communication path that allows the third communication from the camera 1200 via contacts 1201 and 1261 to reach contacts 163.

[0162] Therefore, according to this embodiment, in a situation where an interchangeable lens 150 that does not support the camera-lens communication (first communication) specification for an interchangeable lens having a lens mount F (an interchangeable lens that can be directly attached to the camera 1200) but supports a different communication specification (third communication) is attached to the camera 1200 via the adapter 1260, the camera 1200 is able to communicate with the interchangeable lens 150. Furthermore, because the camera 1200 can recognize the adapter 1260 through the first communication with the adapter 1260, the camera 1200 can perform the startup process according to the same startup process sequence (a sequence in which, when an accessory is detected, initial communication of the first communication is first performed, and then initial communication of the second communication is performed), regardless of whether the interchangeable lens attached to the camera 1200 supports the first communication specification.

[0163] In this embodiment, the adapter 1260 does not include a second communication unit. However, the adapter control unit 1262 may include a second communication unit therein. In this case, in S207 of FIG. 13A , as in the second embodiment, the camera 1200 acquires a response to the initial communication of the second communication from the adapter 1260 and can recognize and authenticate the adapter 1260 based on the response. In this case, as in the fourth and fifth embodiments, the startup processing sequence of the camera 1200 may be configured to perform the initial communication of the first communication before the initial communication of the second communication. Generally speaking, in the sixth embodiment, the adapter 1260 may include at least one of a first communication unit that performs the first communication and a second communication unit that performs the second communication, and the camera 1200 may recognize the adapter 1260 through the first communication or the second communication.

[0164] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the power to be supplied to the interchangeable lens 150 is boosted within the adapter. However, a configuration may also be employed in which the power to be supplied to the interchangeable lens 150 is boosted within the camera, and the power is supplied to the interchangeable lens 150 after the camera recognizes the adapter.

[0165] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0166] [summary] The above-described embodiment discloses at least the inventions shown in the following items, but is not limited to these inventions. (Item 1) An imaging device, a first contact portion connectable to the first contact portion of the adapter; a second contact portion connectable to the second contact portion of the adapter; a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the imaging device; a second communication means for performing second communication via the second contact portion of the imaging device; a third communication means for performing a third communication via a predetermined contact portion, which is the first contact portion or the second contact portion of the imaging device; a control means; Equipped with the adapter includes a communication path switchable between a first state in which the third communication from the imaging device does not reach a third contact portion of the adapter and a second state in which the third communication reaches the third contact portion of the adapter, the third contact portion of the adapter is connectable to a third contact portion of an interchangeable lens, The control means of the imaging device while the communication path is in the first state, the adapter is recognized by the first communication or the second communication; After recognizing the adapter, transmitting a switching instruction to instruct the communication path to be switched to the second state by the first communication or the second communication; starting the third communication after transmitting the switching instruction; Control it so that An imaging device characterized by: (Item 2) The control means transmitting a first command through the first communication; recognizing the adapter based on a response to the first command received from the adapter through the first communication; Control it so that 2. The imaging device according to item 1, (Item 3) the predetermined contact portion of the imaging device is the first contact portion of the imaging device, 3. The imaging device according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that: (Item 4) The control means After the adapter is recognized, a second command is transmitted through the second communication; After transmitting the second command, transmitting the switching instruction through the first communication or the second communication. Control it so that 4. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that: (Item 5) the control means controls the adapter to transmit the switching instruction via the second communication when a response to the second command is received from the adapter via the second communication, and to transmit the switching instruction via the first communication when a response to the second command is not received. 5. The imaging device according to item 4, (Item 6) the predetermined contact portion of the imaging device is the second contact portion of the imaging device, 3. The imaging device according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that: (Item 7) The control means transmitting a second command through the second communication; recognizing the adapter based on a response to the second command received from the adapter through the second communication; Control it so that 2. The imaging device according to item 1, (Item 8) The control means After recognizing the adapter, transmitting a first command through the first communication; After transmitting the first command, transmitting the switching instruction through the second communication. Control it so that 8. The imaging device according to item 7, (Item 9) the predetermined contact portion of the imaging device is the first contact portion of the imaging device, 9. The imaging device according to item 7 or 8, characterized in that: (Item 10) the predetermined contact portion of the imaging device is the second contact portion of the imaging device, 9. The imaging device according to item 7 or 8, characterized in that: (Item 11) the third communication is a communication standard that enables communication with an interchangeable lens that does not support the first communication or the second communication, 11. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 10, characterized in that: (Item 12) An adapter, a first contact portion connectable to a first contact portion of the imaging device; a second contact portion connectable to a second contact portion of the imaging device; a third contact portion connectable to a third contact portion of the interchangeable lens; at least one of a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the adapter and a second communication means for performing a second communication via the second contact portion of the adapter; a communication path switchable between a first state in which a third communication from the imaging device via a predetermined contact portion, which is the first contact portion or the second contact portion of the adapter, does not reach the third contact portion of the adapter and a second state in which the third communication reaches the third contact portion of the adapter; a control means for controlling the communication path to be switched to the second state in response to a switching instruction for switching the communication path to the second state being received from the imaging device via the first communication or the second communication while the communication path is in the first state; An adapter comprising: (Item 13) the adapter comprises the first communication means; the control means controls the transmission of a response to the first command to the imaging device through the first communication in response to the reception of the first command from the imaging device through the first communication. Item 13. The adapter according to item 12, (Item 14) the switching instruction is received through the first communication; the predetermined contact portion of the adapter is the first contact portion of the adapter, Item 14. The adapter according to item 13, (Item 15) the adapter comprises the second communication means; the control means controls the transmission of a response to the second command to the imaging device through the second communication in response to the second command being received from the imaging device through the second communication; the switching instruction is received through the second communication; the predetermined contact portion of the adapter is the first contact portion of the adapter, Item 14. The adapter according to item 13, (Item 16) the switching instruction is received through the first communication; the predetermined contact portion of the adapter is the second contact portion of the adapter, Item 14. The adapter according to item 13, (Item 17) the adapter comprises the second communication means; the control means controls the transmission of a response to the second command to the imaging device through the second communication in response to the second command being received from the imaging device through the second communication; The switching instruction is received through the second communication. Item 13. The adapter according to item 12, (Item 18) the predetermined contact portion of the adapter is the first contact portion of the adapter, Item 18. The adapter according to item 17, (Item 19) the predetermined contact portion of the adapter is the second contact portion of the adapter, Item 18. The adapter according to item 17, (Item 20) the third communication is a communication standard that enables communication with an interchangeable lens that does not support the first communication or the second communication, 20. Adapter according to any one of items 12 to 19, characterized in that (Item 21) the imaging device according to item 1; The adapter according to item 12; A system comprising: (Item 22) A control method executed by an imaging device, comprising: The imaging device is a first contact portion connectable to the first contact portion of the adapter; a second contact portion connectable to the second contact portion of the adapter; a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the imaging device; a second communication means for performing second communication via the second contact portion of the imaging device; a third communication means for performing a third communication via a predetermined contact portion, which is the first contact portion or the second contact portion of the imaging device; Equipped with the adapter includes a communication path switchable between a first state in which the third communication from the imaging device does not reach a third contact portion of the adapter and a second state in which the third communication reaches the third contact portion of the adapter, the third contact portion of the adapter is connectable to a third contact portion of an interchangeable lens, The control method includes: while the communication path is in the first state, the adapter is recognized by the first communication or the second communication; After recognizing the adapter, transmitting a switching instruction to instruct the communication path to be switched to the second state by the first communication or the second communication; starting the third communication after transmitting the switching instruction; A control step is provided to control the A control method comprising: (Item 23) A method for controlling an adapter, comprising: The adapter is a first contact portion connectable to a first contact portion of the imaging device; a second contact portion connectable to a second contact portion of the imaging device; a third contact portion connectable to a third contact portion of the interchangeable lens; at least one of a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the adapter and a second communication means for performing a second communication via the second contact portion of the adapter; a communication path switchable between a first state in which a third communication from the imaging device via a predetermined contact portion, which is the first contact portion or the second contact portion of the adapter, does not reach the third contact portion of the adapter and a second state in which the third communication reaches the third contact portion of the adapter; Equipped with the control method includes a control step of controlling the communication path to be switched to the second state in response to a switching instruction to switch the communication path to the second state being received from the imaging device via the first communication or the second communication while the communication path is in the first state. A control method comprising: (Item 24) An imaging device, a first contact portion connectable to the first contact portion of the adapter; a second contact portion connectable to the second contact portion of the adapter; a fourth contact portion connectable to a fourth contact portion of the adapter; a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the imaging device; a second communication means for performing second communication via the second contact portion of the imaging device; a third communication means for performing a third communication via the fourth contact portion of the imaging device; a control means; Equipped with the adapter includes a communication path through which the third communication from the imaging device reaches a third contact portion of the adapter; the third contact portion of the adapter is connectable to a third contact portion of an interchangeable lens, The control means of the imaging device Recognizing the adapter through the first communication or the second communication; and starting the third communication after recognizing the adapter. Control it so that An imaging device characterized by: (Item 25) An adapter, a first contact portion connectable to a first contact portion of the imaging device; a second contact portion connectable to a second contact portion of the imaging device; a fourth contact portion connectable to a fourth contact portion of the imaging device; a third contact portion connectable to a third contact portion of the interchangeable lens; at least one of a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the adapter and a second communication means for performing a second communication via the second contact portion of the adapter; a communication path that allows a third communication from the imaging device via the fourth contact portion of the adapter to reach the third contact portion of the adapter; An adapter comprising: (Item 26) Item 24: The imaging device according to Item 24; The adapter according to item 25, A system comprising: (Item 27) A control method for an imaging device, comprising: The imaging device is a first contact portion connectable to the first contact portion of the adapter; a second contact portion connectable to the second contact portion of the adapter; a fourth contact portion connectable to a fourth contact portion of the adapter; a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the imaging device; a second communication means for performing second communication via the second contact portion of the imaging device; a third communication means for performing a third communication via the fourth contact portion of the imaging device; Equipped with the adapter includes a communication path through which the third communication from the imaging device reaches a third contact portion of the adapter; the third contact portion of the adapter is connectable to a third contact portion of an interchangeable lens, The control method includes: Recognizing the adapter through the first communication or the second communication; and starting the third communication after recognizing the adapter. A control step is provided to control the A control method comprising:

[0167] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 100... camera, 101... contact section, 102... contact section, 104... camera control section, 105... first communication section, 106... third communication section, 107... second communication section, 150... interchangeable lens, 151... contact section, 160... adapter, 161... contact section, 162... contact section, 163... contact section, 165... adapter control section, 166... ​​first communication section, 167... communication switching section

Claims

1. An imaging device, a first contact portion connectable to a first contact portion of the adapter; a second contact portion connectable to a second contact portion of the adapter; a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the imaging device; a second communication means for performing second communication via the second contact portion of the imaging device; a third communication means for performing a third communication via a predetermined contact portion, which is the first contact portion or the second contact portion, of the imaging device; a control means; Equipped with the adapter includes a communication path switchable between a first state in which the third communication from the imaging device does not reach a third contact portion of the adapter and a second state in which the third communication reaches the third contact portion of the adapter, the third contact portion of the adapter is connectable to a third contact portion of an interchangeable lens, The control means of the imaging device while the communication path is in the first state, the adapter is recognized by the first communication or the second communication; After the adapter is recognized, a switching instruction is transmitted to instruct the communication path to be switched to the second state by the first communication or the second communication; starting the third communication after transmitting the switching instruction; Control it so that An imaging device characterized by:

2. The control means transmitting a first command through the first communication; recognizing the adapter based on a response to the first command received from the adapter through the first communication; Control it so that 2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

3. the predetermined contact portion of the imaging device is the first contact portion of the imaging device, 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a lens.

4. The control means After the adapter is recognized, a second command is transmitted through the second communication; After transmitting the second command, the switching instruction is transmitted through the first communication or the second communication. Control it so that 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a lens.

5. the control means controls the adapter to transmit the switching instruction via the second communication when a response to the second command is received from the adapter via the second communication, and to transmit the switching instruction via the first communication when a response to the second command is not received.

5. The imaging device according to claim 4.

6. the predetermined contact portion of the imaging device is the second contact portion of the imaging device, 3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a lens.

7. The control means transmitting a second command through the second communication; recognizing the adapter based on a response to the second command received from the adapter through the second communication; Control it so that 2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

8. The control means After recognizing the adapter, a first command is transmitted through the first communication; After transmitting the first command, transmitting the switching instruction through the second communication. Control it so that 8. The imaging device according to claim 7.

9. the predetermined contact portion of the imaging device is the first contact portion of the imaging device, 9. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the imaging device is a lens.

10. the predetermined contact portion of the imaging device is the second contact portion of the imaging device, 9. The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein the imaging device is a lens.

11. the third communication is a communication standard that enables communication with an interchangeable lens that is not compatible with the first communication or the second communication, 2. The imaging device according to claim 1.

12. An adapter, a first contact portion connectable to a first contact portion of the imaging device; a second contact portion connectable to a second contact portion of the imaging device; a third contact portion connectable to a third contact portion of the interchangeable lens; at least one of a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the adapter and a second communication means for performing a second communication via the second contact portion of the adapter; a communication path switchable between a first state in which a third communication from the imaging device via a predetermined contact portion, which is the first contact portion or the second contact portion of the adapter, does not reach the third contact portion of the adapter and a second state in which the third communication reaches the third contact portion of the adapter; a control means for controlling the communication path to be switched to the second state in response to a switching instruction for switching the communication path to the second state being received from the imaging device via the first communication or the second communication while the communication path is in the first state; An adapter comprising:

13. the adapter comprises the first communication means; the control means controls the communication device to transmit a response to the first command to the imaging device through the first communication in response to receiving the first command from the imaging device through the first communication.

13. The adapter of claim 12.

14. the switching instruction is received through the first communication; the predetermined contact portion of the adapter is the first contact portion of the adapter, 14. The adapter of claim 13.

15. the adapter comprises the second communication means; the control means controls the communication device to transmit a response to the second command to the imaging device through the second communication in response to receiving the second command from the imaging device through the second communication; the switching instruction is received through the second communication; the predetermined contact portion of the adapter is the first contact portion of the adapter, 14. The adapter of claim 13.

16. the switching instruction is received through the first communication; the predetermined contact portion of the adapter is the second contact portion of the adapter, 14. The adapter of claim 13.

17. the adapter comprises the second communication means; the control means controls the communication device to transmit a response to the second command to the imaging device through the second communication in response to receiving the second command from the imaging device through the second communication; The switching instruction is received through the second communication.

13. The adapter of claim 12.

18. the predetermined contact portion of the adapter is the first contact portion of the adapter, 18. The adapter of claim 17.

19. the predetermined contact portion of the adapter is the second contact portion of the adapter, 18. The adapter of claim 17.

20. the third communication is a communication standard that enables communication with an interchangeable lens that is not compatible with the first communication or the second communication, 13. The adapter of claim 12.

21. The imaging device according to claim 1 ; An adapter according to claim 12; A system comprising:

22. A control method executed by an imaging device, comprising: The imaging device is a first contact portion connectable to a first contact portion of the adapter; a second contact portion connectable to a second contact portion of the adapter; a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the imaging device; a second communication means for performing second communication via the second contact portion of the imaging device; a third communication means for performing a third communication via a predetermined contact portion, which is the first contact portion or the second contact portion, of the imaging device; Equipped with the adapter includes a communication path switchable between a first state in which the third communication from the imaging device does not reach a third contact portion of the adapter and a second state in which the third communication reaches the third contact portion of the adapter, the third contact portion of the adapter is connectable to a third contact portion of an interchangeable lens, The control method includes: while the communication path is in the first state, the adapter is recognized by the first communication or the second communication; After the adapter is recognized, a switching instruction is transmitted to instruct the communication path to be switched to the second state by the first communication or the second communication; starting the third communication after transmitting the switching instruction; A control step is provided to control the A control method comprising:

23. A method for controlling an adapter, comprising: The adapter is a first contact portion connectable to a first contact portion of the imaging device; a second contact portion connectable to a second contact portion of the imaging device; a third contact portion connectable to a third contact portion of the interchangeable lens; at least one of a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the adapter and a second communication means for performing a second communication via the second contact portion of the adapter; a communication path switchable between a first state in which a third communication from the imaging device via a predetermined contact portion, which is the first contact portion or the second contact portion of the adapter, does not reach the third contact portion of the adapter and a second state in which the third communication reaches the third contact portion of the adapter; Equipped with the control method includes a control step of controlling the communication path to be switched to the second state in response to a switching instruction to switch the communication path to the second state being received from the imaging device via the first communication or the second communication while the communication path is in the first state. A control method comprising:

24. An imaging device, a first contact portion connectable to a first contact portion of the adapter; a second contact portion connectable to a second contact portion of the adapter; a fourth contact portion connectable to a fourth contact portion of the adapter; a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the imaging device; a second communication means for performing second communication via the second contact portion of the imaging device; a third communication means for performing a third communication via the fourth contact portion of the imaging device; a control means; Equipped with the adapter includes a communication path through which the third communication from the imaging device reaches a third contact portion of the adapter; the third contact portion of the adapter is connectable to a third contact portion of an interchangeable lens, The control means of the imaging device Recognizing the adapter through the first communication or the second communication; and starting the third communication after recognizing the adapter. Control it so that An imaging device characterized by:

25. An adapter, a first contact portion connectable to a first contact portion of the imaging device; a second contact portion connectable to a second contact portion of the imaging device; a fourth contact portion connectable to a fourth contact portion of the imaging device; a third contact portion connectable to a third contact portion of the interchangeable lens; at least one of a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the adapter and a second communication means for performing a second communication via the second contact portion of the adapter; a communication path through which a third communication from the imaging device via the fourth contact portion of the adapter reaches the third contact portion of the adapter; An adapter comprising:

26. an imaging device according to claim 24; an adapter according to claim 25; A system comprising:

27. A control method for an imaging device, comprising: The imaging device is a first contact portion connectable to a first contact portion of the adapter; a second contact portion connectable to a second contact portion of the adapter; a fourth contact portion connectable to a fourth contact portion of the adapter; a first communication means for performing a first communication via the first contact portion of the imaging device; a second communication means for performing second communication via the second contact portion of the imaging device; a third communication means for performing a third communication via the fourth contact portion of the imaging device; Equipped with the adapter includes a communication path through which the third communication from the imaging device reaches a third contact portion of the adapter; the third contact portion of the adapter is connectable to a third contact portion of an interchangeable lens, The control method includes: Recognizing the adapter through the first communication or the second communication; and starting the third communication after recognizing the adapter. A control step is provided to control the A control method comprising:

Images