Imaging device, system, adapter, control method, and program

Abstract

This technology enables interchangeable lenses with different communication standards to communicate with an imaging device via an adapter. [Solution] The imaging device comprises a first contact portion and a second contact portion for connecting a plurality of accessories including a predetermined adapter; a first communication means for performing first communication via the first contact portion; a second communication means for performing second communication via the first contact portion; a detection means for detecting the voltage of the second contact portion after individual accessories have been connected; and a control means for controlling the start of second communication when the detected voltage of the second contact portion satisfies a first condition; the predetermined adapter is configured to supply a voltage to the second contact portion that satisfies the first condition when connected to the imaging device; the predetermined adapter comprises a third contact portion for connecting a predetermined interchangeable lens that supports second communication to the predetermined adapter; and the predetermined adapter includes a communication path for allowing second communication from the imaging device to reach the third contact portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Lens-exchangeable camera systems in which lenses are detachable and interchangeable have become widespread. In these systems, the camera can communicate with the attached interchangeable lens and obtain lens information, thereby performing appropriate control on the interchangeable lens or displaying the lens information on the camera monitor to notify the user.

[0003] In addition, an adapter may be attached between the camera and the interchangeable lens. For example, there is an adapter (mount conversion adapter) that converts the mount so that a lens with a different mount shape that cannot be directly attached to the camera can be attached. In this case, command transmission from the camera to the interchangeable lens and data transmission from the interchangeable lens to the camera are performed via the adapter.

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

[0005] In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a lens system technology that switches between data communication between the camera and the interchangeable lens and data communication between the interchangeable lens and the intermediate accessory according to the polarity of a specific terminal after the intermediate accessory is recognized based on the polarity of the specific terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0007] When an adapter is attached between the camera (imaging device) and the interchangeable lens, it is possible that an interchangeable lens supporting a different communication standard may be attached to the camera via the adapter, without supporting the camera-to-interchangeable lens communication standard for interchangeable lenses that can be directly attached to the camera.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. The present invention aims to provide a technology that enables an imaging device to communicate with an interchangeable lens in a situation where an interchangeable lens supporting a different communication standard is attached to an imaging device via an adapter, without supporting an imaging device-interchangeable lens communication standard for interchangeable lenses that can be directly attached to an imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an imaging device, A first contact portion and a second contact portion used to connect each of a plurality of accessories, including a predetermined adapter, to the imaging device, A first communication means that performs first communication via the first contact portion, A second communication means that performs second communication via the first contact portion, A detection means for detecting the voltage of the second contact portion after an individual accessory among the plurality of accessories is connected, A control means for controlling the system to start the second communication when the detected voltage at the second contact portion satisfies the first condition, Equipped with, The predetermined adapter is configured to supply a voltage that satisfies the first condition to the second contact portion when connected to the imaging device. The predetermined adapter includes a third contact portion used to connect a predetermined interchangeable lens that supports the second communication to the predetermined adapter, The predetermined adapter includes a communication path that allows the second communication from the imaging device to reach the third contact portion. The present invention provides an imaging device characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, in a situation where an interchangeable lens that supports a different communication standard is attached to an imaging device via an adapter, without supporting an imaging device-interchangeable lens communication standard for interchangeable lenses that can be directly attached to the imaging device, the imaging device becomes able to communicate with the interchangeable lens.

[0011] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the accompanying drawings and the description of the embodiments for carrying out the invention below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the configuration of the camera system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A flowchart of the startup process for camera 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the configuration of the camera system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart of the startup process for camera 100 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] A block diagram showing the configuration of the camera system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart of the startup process for camera 100 according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out 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 invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0014] [First Embodiment] <Configuration of Camera System> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to the first embodiment. 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 100 and the interchangeable lens 150.

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

[0016] Also, the adapter 160 includes a camera mount C different from the camera mount A on the opposite side of the lens mount B. The interchangeable lens 150 includes a lens mount D that can be connected to the camera mount C. Therefore, the interchangeable lens 150 can be directly attached (connected) to the adapter 160.

[0017] The lens mount D of the interchangeable lens 150 is different from the lens mount B and has a shape that cannot be connected to the camera mount A of the camera 100. Therefore, the interchangeable lens 150 cannot be directly attached to the camera 100 and can be attached to the camera 100 via the adapter 160. Note that an interchangeable lens (not shown) having a lens mount B can be directly attached to the camera 100.

[0018] <Functions of Terminals of Camera Mount A and Lens Mount B> Next, we will explain the functions of the terminals common to both camera mount A and lens mount B.

[0019] The VDD terminal is a terminal used to supply power from camera 100 to camera accessories attached to camera 100, primarily as communication power 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 equipped with lens mount B, interchangeable lens (not shown) equipped with lens mount B, and interchangeable lens 150 equipped with lens mount D are all considered camera accessories.

[0020] In the following, the term "terminal" may be omitted, and the "VDD terminal" may simply be referred to as "VDD." This also applies to terminals other than the VDD terminal; for example, the "GND terminal," which will be discussed later, may simply be referred to as "GND."

[0021] The GND terminal is a ground terminal that indicates the ground level, which is the reference voltage level corresponding to the various terminals, including the VDD terminal. Although it is called a ground terminal, any terminal that indicates a reference voltage level will do, and the voltage level it indicates does not have to be the ground level.

[0022] The MIF terminal is a terminal for detecting whether a camera accessory (for example, an adapter 160, or an interchangeable lens (not shown) equipped with lens mount B) is attached to the camera 100. The camera 100 detects whether a camera accessory has been attached (connected) or detached (disconnected) by detecting the voltage level of the MIF terminal. In this embodiment, the camera 100 determines that no accessory is attached if the voltage of the MIF terminal is High (H), and determines that an accessory is attached if the voltage is Low (L).

[0023] The LCLK terminal is for the clock signal output from camera 100 to the camera accessory. The LCLK terminal also serves as a terminal for camera 100 to monitor the busy status of the accessory.

[0024] The DCL terminal is a terminal for communication data output from the camera 100 to camera accessories.

[0025] The DLC terminal is a terminal for communication data output from camera accessories to the Camera 100.

[0026] In this embodiment, the LCLK terminal, DCL terminal, and DLC terminal are used in the first communication described later. In addition, the DCL terminal and DLC terminal are used in the second communication described later, as well as the first communication.

[0027] Note that while the terminals on camera mount A are contact pins and the terminals on lens mount B are contact surfaces, the configuration can also be reversed.

[0028] <Functions of camera mount C and lens mount D terminals> Next, we will explain the functions of each terminal that are common to both camera mount C and lens mount D.

[0029] The VDD terminal is a terminal that receives power from the camera 100 to be used for controlling the interchangeable lens 150. In this embodiment, the voltage supplied to the camera mount C and lens mount D is assumed to be 11.0V.

[0030] The GND terminal is a ground terminal that indicates the ground level, which is the reference voltage level corresponding to the VDD terminal. Although it is called a ground terminal, any terminal that indicates a reference voltage level will suffice, and the voltage level it indicates does not have to be the ground level.

[0031] The DCL terminal is a terminal for communication data output from camera 100 to interchangeable lens 150.

[0032] The DLC terminal is a terminal for communication data output from interchangeable lens 150 to camera 100.

[0033] In this embodiment, the DCL terminal and DLC terminal are used for the second communication described later.

[0034] Note that while the terminals on camera mount C are contact pins and the terminals on lens mount D are contact surfaces, the configuration can also be reversed.

[0035] <Configuration of Camera 100> Next, the configuration of camera 100 will be described. Camera 100 is equipped with terminals on camera mount A and includes contact section 101, contact section 102, power supply section 103, and camera control section 104. The camera control section 104 internally includes a first communication section 105, a second communication section 106, and a polarity detection section 107.

[0036] The contact section 101 (first contact section) is a group of contacts for performing communication controlled by the first communication section 105 or the second communication section 106, and consists of three terminals: LCLK, DCL, and DLC.

[0037] The contact section 102 (second contact section) is a group of contacts for detecting polarity in order to determine whether the camera accessory connected to the camera 100 is the adapter 160. In the following description, the contact section 102 is assumed to consist of three terminals. However, the number of terminals included in the contact section 102 is not particularly limited, and the contact section 102 only needs to include one or more terminals.

[0038] The power supply unit 103 generates power to be supplied via VDD to camera accessories attached to the camera 100. The power supply unit 103 also generates power to be supplied to the camera 100's internal components, such as the camera control unit 104.

[0039] The camera control unit 104 is responsible for controlling the camera 100, and for example, it calculates the amount of focus lens drive for focusing control and generates image data according to the state of the release switch. The camera control unit 104 is composed of one or more processors or circuits that implement one or more functions (e.g., ASICs), and for example, it is possible to control each part by having the processor read and execute a program stored in memory.

[0040] The first communication unit 105 performs camera-lens communication (hereinafter referred to as "first communication") to send commands for instructions and requests to an interchangeable lens (not shown) equipped with a lens mount B, and to receive lens information from the interchangeable lens. As shown in Figure 1, the first communication unit 105 communicates using three communication lines corresponding to LCLK, DCL, and DLC of the contact unit 101. The first communication can be performed by, for example, clock-synchronous communication or asynchronous communication, but in this embodiment, it is performed by clock-synchronous communication. In addition, in this embodiment, when the camera 100 detects an accessory using the MIF terminal, it is configured to first communicate with the camera accessory using the first communication unit 105.

[0041] The second communication unit 106 is a communication unit for communicating with the interchangeable lens 150 having a lens mount D. The second communication unit 106 performs camera-lens communication (hereinafter referred to as "second communication") to send commands for instructions and requests to the interchangeable lens 150 and to receive lens information from the interchangeable lens 150. Second communication is a communication standard that can communicate with interchangeable lenses that do not support first communication. As shown in Figure 1, the second communication unit 106 performs communication using two communication lines corresponding to DCL and DLC of the contact part 101. In addition, the second communication unit 106 performs asynchronous communication using a different standard than the communication standard of the first communication unit 105. In this embodiment, the two terminals DCL and DLC of the contact part 101 used by the first communication unit 105 are also used by the second communication unit 106.

[0042] In this specification, when at least some of the terminals within the contact portion 101 (first contact portion) are used, expressions such as "using the contact portion 101" or "via the contact portion 101" will be used. Therefore, both the first communication using the three terminals of the contact portion 101 and the second communication using the two terminals of the contact portion 101 are communications that use the contact portion 101 (or communications that are conducted via the contact portion 101). This also applies to contact portions other than the contact portion 101.

[0043] The polarity detection unit 107 detects the polarity of the voltage at the contact portion 102. The detected polarity is used to determine the type of camera accessory attached to the camera 100 (details will be described later with reference to Figure 2).

[0044] <Configuration of 150 interchangeable lenses> Next, the configuration of the interchangeable lens 150 will be described. The interchangeable lens 150 has a lens mount D and includes a contact section 151, a power supply section 152, and a lens control section 153. The lens control section 153 includes a second communication section 154 internally.

[0045] The contact section 151 (third contact section) is a group of contacts for second communication with the camera 100, and consists of two terminals, DCL and DLC.

[0046] The power supply unit 152 supplies the voltage supplied from the adapter 160 via the VDD terminal to the lens control unit 153 and other components within the interchangeable lens 150.

[0047] The lens control unit 153 is responsible for controlling the interchangeable lens 150, and performs tasks such as acquiring position information of the focus lens (not shown) and aperture information. The lens control unit 153 is composed of one or more processors or circuits that implement one or more functions (e.g., ASICs), and can control each part by, for example, having the processor read and execute a program stored in memory.

[0048] The second communication unit 154 is a communication unit for performing second communication with the second communication unit 106 of the camera 100. The second communication unit 154 receives commands from the camera 100 and transmits information about the interchangeable lens 150. As shown in Figure 1, the second communication unit 154 communicates using two communication lines corresponding to the DCL and DLC of the contact unit 151.

[0049] <Configuration of Adapter 160> Next, the configuration of the adapter 160 will be described. The adapter 160 has a lens mount B and a camera mount C, and includes contact parts 161, 162, 163, and a power supply unit 164.

[0050] The contact section 161 (first contact section) is a group of contacts for first communication with the camera 100 and consists of three terminals: LCLK, DCL, and DLC. The contact section 161 is also used for second communication between the camera 100 and the interchangeable lens 150. The contact section 161 of the adapter 160 can be connected to the contact section 101 of the camera 100.

[0051] The contact portion 162 (second contact portion) is a contact portion configured to connect to the contact portion 102 of the camera 100 when the adapter 160 is attached to the camera 100. Similar to the contact portion 102, the number of terminals included in the contact portion 162 is not particularly limited, and the contact portion 162 only needs to include one or more terminals.

[0052] The adapter 160 is configured to apply a voltage of a predetermined polarity to the contact portion 102 via the contact portion 162 when attached to the camera 100. As shown in Figure 1, of the three terminals included in the contact portion 162, the upper and middle terminals are connected to GND, and the lower terminal is connected to VDD via a resistor. Therefore, in the example in Figure 1, the adapter 160 is configured to apply voltages of L, L, and H polarity to the three terminals of the contact portion 102, from top to bottom. However, the voltage that the adapter 160 applies to the contact portion 102 is not limited to the example in Figure 1 (details will be discussed later with reference to Figure 2).

[0053] The contact portion 163 (third contact portion) is a group of contacts for second communication between the camera 100 and the interchangeable lens 150, and consists of two terminals, DCL and DLC. The contact portion 163 of the adapter 160 can be connected to the contact portion 151 of the interchangeable lens 150. As shown in Figure 1, the adapter 160 includes a communication path that allows second communication from the camera 100 via contact portions 101 and 161 to reach the contact portion 163.

[0054] The power supply unit 164 transforms the power supplied from the camera 100 via the VDD terminal into a voltage compatible with the interchangeable lens 150 equipped with a lens mount D, and supplies it to the camera.

[0055] <Camera 100 startup process> Figure 2 is a flowchart of the startup process of the camera 100 according to the first embodiment. When the user operates the power button (not shown) of the camera 100 to turn on the power of the camera 100 and the power supply unit 103 begins supplying operating power, the camera control unit 104 starts the startup process shown in this flowchart. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of each step in this flowchart is achieved by the camera control unit 104 executing a program stored in ROM (not shown).

[0056] In S202, the camera control unit 104 detects the MIF terminal. If the voltage of the MIF terminal is high, the camera control unit 104 determines that no camera accessory with lens mount B is attached, and continues to detect the MIF terminal in S202 until the voltage of the MIF terminal becomes low. If the voltage of the MIF terminal is low, the camera control unit 104 determines that an accessory with lens mount B is attached, and proceeds to S203.

[0057] In S203, the camera control unit 104 starts supplying VDD voltage to the accessory.

[0058] In S204, the first communication unit 105 within the camera control unit 104 performs the initial communication for the first communication. The communication method of the first communication unit 105 is a communication method intended for communication with interchangeable lenses equipped with lens mount B. The specifications of the camera 100's startup processing sequence are configured such that when an accessory is detected using the MIF terminal, the first communication is performed to recognize the interchangeable lens equipped with lens mount B.

[0059] In the initial communication of the first communication, the first communication unit 105 transmits commands for communication confirmation regarding the interchangeable lens, commands for obtaining the lens ID (commands for identifying the attached accessory), commands for obtaining the focal length and aperture value, etc.

[0060] If a replacement lens that supports first communication is attached to the camera 100, the camera control unit 104 can determine the type of replacement lens attached by obtaining initial information and lens ID, etc., of the replacement lens via first communication.

[0061] However, in Figure 1, the camera 100 is fitted with an adapter 160 instead of an interchangeable lens equipped with lens mount B, and the adapter 160 is fitted with an interchangeable lens 150 that does not support the first communication. As a result, the camera control unit 104 does not receive a response to the command transmitted by the first communication unit 105, and the initial communication of the first communication fails.

[0062] In S205, the camera control unit 104 determines whether the initial communication of the first communication was successful. If the initial communication of the first communication is successful, the process proceeds to S206; otherwise, the process proceeds to S207.

[0063] In S206, the camera control unit 104 recognizes that the attached interchangeable lens is a lens that supports the first communication. After that, the startup process ends, and the operation of the camera control unit 104 transitions to the normal sequence of the first communication.

[0064] In S207, the polarity detection unit 107 within the camera control unit 104 detects the polarity (H or L) of the voltage at each terminal of the contact unit 102.

[0065] In S208, the camera control unit 104 determines whether the polarity detected in S207 is a predetermined polarity. If the detected polarity is the predetermined polarity, the process proceeds to S209; otherwise, the process proceeds to S212.

[0066] The determination in S208 is performed to determine whether the accessory attached (connected) to the camera 100 is the adapter 160 (a predetermined adapter). The adapter 160 is configured to apply a voltage of a predetermined polarity to the contact portion 102, whereas an interchangeable lens (not shown) equipped with a lens mount B and supporting first communication is configured to apply a voltage of a different polarity to the contact portion 102. In addition to the adapter 160 and the interchangeable lens equipped with a lens mount B, there may be other accessories that can be connected to the camera 100, and such accessories (predetermined accessories) are also configured to apply a voltage of a different polarity to the contact portion 102. Therefore, based on the polarity detected in S207 being the predetermined polarity, the camera control unit 104 can determine that the individual accessory attached to the camera 100 is the adapter 160 among a plurality of accessories that can be attached to the camera 100.

[0067] In the example shown in Figure 1, the predetermined polarities for the three terminals included in the contact portion 102 are L, L, and H from top to bottom. However, the predetermined polarities are not limited to these. Also, the voltage determination criterion in S208 is not limited to polarity. To explain in more general terms, the camera control unit 104 can proceed to S209 if the voltage detected at the contact portion 102 satisfies the first condition, and proceed to S212 if the voltage detected at the contact portion 102 does not satisfy the first condition. Determining whether the detected polarity is a predetermined polarity, as shown in Figure 2, is an example of determining whether the voltage detected at the contact portion 102 satisfies the first condition. Also, as mentioned above, the contact portion 102 only needs to include one or more terminals. Therefore, the voltage detected at the contact portion 102 can be said to satisfy the first condition if each voltage detected at each of the one or more terminals satisfies the corresponding individual condition.

[0068] The individual conditions may be based on polarity, or on a specific voltage value or voltage range. In the example in Figure 1, the contact portion 102 includes three terminals, and the individual conditions corresponding to each terminal are L, L, and H from top to bottom. In another example, the contact portion 102 may include one terminal, and the individual condition may be a voltage range of 2V to 3V. In this case, the contact portion 162 of the adapter 160 includes one terminal, and the adapter 160 is configured to supply a voltage in the range of 2V to 3V to one terminal of the contact portion 102 via one terminal of the contact portion 162.

[0069] In S209, the second communication unit 106 within the camera control unit 104 performs the initial communication for the second communication. The communication method of the second communication unit 106 is a communication method intended for communication with interchangeable lenses equipped with a lens mount D. In the initial communication for the second communication, as with the initial communication for the first communication, the camera control unit 104 can determine the type of interchangeable lens that is mounted by acquiring initial information and lens ID of the mounted interchangeable lens.

[0070] In S210, the camera control unit 104 determines whether the initial communication of the second communication was successful. If the initial communication of the second communication is successful, the process proceeds to S211; otherwise, the process proceeds to S212. In the example in Figure 1, since the interchangeable lens 150 that supports the second communication is connected to the camera 100 via the adapter 160, it is determined that the initial communication of the second communication was successful.

[0071] In S211, the camera control unit 104 recognizes that the attached interchangeable lens is a lens that supports second communication. After that, the startup process ends, and the operation of the camera control unit 104 transitions to the normal sequence of second communication.

[0072] In S212, the camera control unit 104 recognizes that the attached interchangeable lens does not support the first and second communications. In this case, the camera control unit 104 determines that no interchangeable lens supported by the camera 100 is attached and terminates the startup process. For example, if it is determined in S208 that the polarity is not a predetermined polarity, the process transitions from S208 to S212. Therefore, it can be said that the camera control unit 104 controls the system to refrain from starting the second communication if the detected polarity is not a predetermined polarity (if the voltage detected at the contact part 102 does not satisfy the first condition).

[0073] <Summary of the First Embodiment> As described above, according to the first embodiment, the camera system comprises a camera 100 that supports first and second communications, an adapter 160, and an interchangeable lens 150 that supports second communications.

[0074] Camera 100 includes contacts 101 and 102 used to connect each of several accessories, including adapter 160, to camera 100. Camera 100 also includes a first communication unit 105 that performs first communication via contact 101, and a second communication unit 106 that performs second communication via contact 101. Furthermore, after an individual accessory from the multiple accessories is connected, camera 100 detects the voltage at contact 102 and controls the camera to start second communication if the detected voltage satisfies a first condition.

[0075] The adapter 160 is configured to supply a voltage to the contact portion 102 that satisfies the first condition when connected to the camera 100. The adapter 160 also includes a contact portion 163 used to connect an interchangeable lens 150 that supports second communication to the adapter 160, and includes a communication path that allows the second communication from the camera 100 to reach the contact portion 163.

[0076] Unlike interchangeable lenses with lens mount B, interchangeable lens 150 does not support first communication. Therefore, in the camera system shown in Figure 1, the initial communication of first communication fails during the startup sequence of camera 100. However, based on the voltage of contact portion 102 satisfying the first condition, camera 100 recognizes that the accessory connected to camera 100 is an adapter 160 to which interchangeable lens 150 can be connected, and can initiate second communication.

[0077] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, in a situation where an interchangeable lens that supports a different communication standard is attached to the imaging device via an adapter, without supporting a communication standard between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens for an interchangeable lens that can be directly attached to the imaging device, the imaging device can communicate with the interchangeable lens.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the camera 100 controls whether or not to initiate the second communication based on the voltage of the contact portion 102. Therefore, the adapter 160 only needs to be configured to supply a voltage to the contact portion 102 that satisfies the first condition, and there is no need to perform any special control to initiate the second communication with the camera 100, nor is it necessary to have a function to communicate with the camera 100. Accordingly, according to this embodiment, the complexity of the adapter 160's configuration can be suppressed.

[0079] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the case in which the adapter 160 includes a power supply unit 164 was described. In contrast, the second embodiment will describe the case in which the adapter 160 does not include a power supply unit 164. In the description of the second embodiment, the same or similar components and processes as in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. The following will mainly describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0080] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to the second embodiment. Unlike the camera system in Figure 1, the camera system in Figure 3 does not have a power supply unit 164 in the adapter 160. The adapter 160 is configured to supply power from the power supply unit 103 to the interchangeable lens 150 without converting the voltage. In addition, a line is added to send a control signal from the camera control unit 104 to the power supply unit 103. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the power supply unit 103 directly supplies the voltage corresponding to the interchangeable lens 150.

[0081] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the startup process of the camera 100 according to the second embodiment. When the user operates the power button (not shown) of the camera 100, the power of the camera 100 is turned ON and the power supply unit 103 begins supplying operating power, the camera control unit 104 starts the startup process shown in this flowchart. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of each step in this flowchart is achieved by the camera control unit 104 executing a program stored in ROM (not shown).

[0082] In S402, the camera control unit 104 controls the power supply unit 103 to supply power to the adapter 160 at a first voltage. The first voltage is the voltage supported by an interchangeable lens (not shown) equipped with a lens mount B.

[0083] In S403, the camera control unit 104 controls the power supply unit 103 to supply power to the adapter 160 at a second voltage. The second voltage is the voltage supported by the interchangeable lens 150 equipped with lens mount D, and is higher than the first voltage. This initiates the supply of power necessary for the operation of the interchangeable lens 150, enabling the second communication unit 154 within the lens control unit 153 of the interchangeable lens 150 to perform second communication.

[0084] Thus, in this embodiment, until the polarity detected in S207 is determined to be a predetermined polarity in S208, a first voltage lower than the second voltage (the voltage supported by the interchangeable lens equipped with lens mount B) is supplied from the VDD terminal of the camera 100. If the second voltage were supplied from the VDD terminal of the camera 100 at the time of S402, when an interchangeable lens equipped with lens mount B is attached to the camera 100, a voltage higher than the voltage supported by this interchangeable lens would be supplied to the interchangeable lens equipped with lens mount B. As a result, this interchangeable lens may malfunction. In this embodiment, since control is performed to change the power supply voltage to the second voltage after it has been determined that the detected polarity is a predetermined polarity, the possibility of supplying a voltage higher than the voltage supported by this interchangeable lens to the interchangeable lens equipped with lens mount B is suppressed.

[0085] [Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, a configuration in which the camera mount A of the camera 100 and the lens mount B of the adapter 160 are equipped with TYPE terminals will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, the same or similar components and processes as those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first and second embodiments. The following will mainly describe the differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0086] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system according to the third embodiment. In the camera system of Figure 5, unlike the camera system of Figure 3, the camera mount A of the camera 100 is equipped with a contact portion 504 (fourth contact portion) including a TYPE terminal, and the lens mount B of the adapter 160 is equipped with a contact portion 564 (fourth contact portion) including a TYPE terminal.

[0087] The contact point 504 (TYPE terminal) is a contact point (terminal) for determining the type of camera accessory attached to the camera 100. The camera 100 detects the voltage of the TYPE terminal and determines that the accessory is an interchangeable lens (not shown) having a lens mount B if the voltage is within a predetermined range 1. The camera 100 also determines that the accessory is an adapter having a lens mount B if the voltage is within a predetermined range 2. The camera 100 also determines that an error has occurred if the voltage is not within either the predetermined range 1 or the predetermined range 2. The TYPE terminal of the interchangeable lens (not shown) having a lens mount B is pulled down to the GND terminal via a resistor so that the voltage is within the predetermined range 1. The TYPE terminal of the adapter 160 is pulled down to the GND terminal via a resistor so that the voltage is within the predetermined range 2.

[0088] It should be noted that there may be various adapters with different specifications that have lens mount B. Therefore, even if the voltage of the TYPE terminal is within the predetermined range 2, the attached adapter is not necessarily the adapter 160 of this embodiment (an adapter that can be attached to the interchangeable lens 150 that supports the second communication).

[0089] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the startup process of the camera 100 according to the third embodiment. When the user operates the power button (not shown) of the camera 100 to turn on the power of the camera 100 and the power supply unit 103 begins supplying operating power, the camera control unit 104 starts the startup process shown in this flowchart. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of each step in this flowchart is achieved by the camera control unit 104 executing a program stored in ROM (not shown).

[0090] In S602, the camera control unit 104 determines the TYPE terminal. The camera control unit 104 determines the type of camera accessory according to the voltage level of the TYPE terminal.

[0091] In S603, the camera control unit 104 determines whether the voltage of the TYPE terminal is within a predetermined range 1. If the voltage of the TYPE terminal is within the predetermined range 1, the process proceeds to S204; otherwise, the process proceeds to S604.

[0092] In S604, the camera control unit 104 determines whether the voltage of the TYPE terminal is within a predetermined range 2. If the voltage of the TYPE terminal is within the predetermined range 2, the process proceeds to S207; otherwise, the process proceeds to S212.

[0093] Note that the processing in S205 in Figure 6 is the same as in S205 in Figure 2, but in this embodiment, the destination of the processing when the initial communication of the first communication fails is S212 instead of S207.

[0094] Thus, in this embodiment, the camera 100 further includes a contact portion 504 used together with the contact portions 101 and 102 to connect each of a plurality of accessories to the camera 100. The camera control unit 104 controls the camera to start first communication when the voltage detected at the contact portion 504 (TYPE terminal) is within a predetermined range 1 (the second condition is met). The camera control unit 104 also controls the camera to start second communication without starting first communication when the voltage detected at the contact portion 504 (TYPE terminal) is not within the predetermined range 1 (the second condition is not met), and the voltage detected at the contact portion 102 meets the first condition.

[0095] Furthermore, if the voltage of the TYPE terminal is not within either predetermined range 1 or predetermined range 2, the camera control unit 104 can recognize that the attached interchangeable lens does not support first and second communication without having to determine the polarity of the contact portion 102. Similarly, if the voltage of the TYPE terminal is within predetermined range 1 and the initial communication of the first communication fails, the camera control unit 104 can recognize that the attached interchangeable lens does not support first and second communication without having to determine the polarity of the contact portion 102.

[0096] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0097] [summary] The embodiments described above disclose, but are not limited to, the inventions shown in at least the following items. (Item 1) An imaging device, A first contact portion and a second contact portion used to connect each of a plurality of accessories, including a predetermined adapter, to the imaging device, A first communication means that performs first communication via the first contact portion, A second communication means that performs second communication via the first contact portion, A detection means for detecting the voltage of the second contact portion after an individual accessory among the plurality of accessories is connected, A control means for controlling the system to start the second communication when the detected voltage at the second contact portion satisfies the first condition, Equipped with, The predetermined adapter is configured to supply a voltage that satisfies the first condition to the second contact portion when connected to the imaging device. The predetermined adapter includes a third contact portion used to connect a predetermined interchangeable lens that supports the second communication to the predetermined adapter, The predetermined adapter includes a communication path that allows the second communication from the imaging device to reach the third contact portion. An imaging device characterized by the following features. (Item 2) The aforementioned plurality of accessories include a predetermined accessory, The aforementioned predetermined accessory is configured to supply a voltage to the second contact portion that does not satisfy the first condition when connected to the imaging device. The control means controls the system to refrain from initiating the second communication if the detected voltage at the second contact does not satisfy the first condition. The imaging device described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 3) The control means is After the individual accessories are connected, the system controls the system to initiate the first communication. If the first communication fails and the detected voltage at the second contact satisfies the first condition, the system controls the system to initiate the second communication. An imaging device according to item 1 or 2, characterized by the above. (Item 4) The system further comprises a fourth contact portion used together with the first and second contact portions to connect each of the plurality of accessories to the imaging device, The control means is After the individual accessories are connected, the voltage of the fourth contact is detected. When the detected voltage at the fourth contact portion satisfies the second condition, the system is controlled to initiate the first communication. If the detected voltage at the fourth contact does not satisfy the second condition, and the detected voltage at the second contact satisfies the first condition, the system controls the system to start the second communication without starting the first communication. An imaging device according to item 1 or 2, characterized by the above. (Item 5) The aforementioned multiple accessories include interchangeable lenses that support the first communication, The interchangeable lens supporting the first communication is configured to supply a voltage to the second contact portion that does not satisfy the first condition when connected to the imaging device. The imaging device according to item 3 or 4, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 6) It also includes a power supply unit, The control means is After the individual accessories are connected, the power supply unit is controlled to supply power to the individual accessories at a first voltage. When the detected voltage at the second contact portion satisfies the first condition, the voltage of the power supplied to the individual accessory is controlled to change from the first voltage to a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage. An imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that it is an imaging device. (Item 7) The aforementioned predetermined adapter is configured to supply power from the power supply unit to the predetermined interchangeable lens without converting the voltage. The imaging device according to item 6, characterized in that it is a imaging device. (Item 8) The second contact portion includes one or more terminals. If each voltage detected at each of the one or more terminals satisfies the corresponding individual condition, then the detected voltage at the second contact satisfies the first condition. An imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that it is an imaging device. (Item 9) An imaging device as described in any one of items 1 to 8, The aforementioned predetermined adapter, A system characterized by comprising the following features. (Item 10) An adapter connectable to an imaging device comprising a first contact portion, a second contact portion, a first communication means for performing first communication via the first contact portion, and a second communication means for performing second communication via the first contact portion, When the adapter is connected to the imaging device, the first contact portion is connected to the first contact portion of the imaging device, When the adapter is connected to the imaging device, the second contact portion is connected to the second contact portion of the imaging device, A third contact portion used to connect a predetermined interchangeable lens supporting the second communication to the adapter, A communication path that allows the second communication from the imaging device to reach the third contact point, Equipped with, The adapter is configured to supply a voltage satisfying the first condition to the second contact portion of the imaging device via the second contact portion of the adapter when connected to the imaging device. An adapter characterized by the following features. (Item 11) A control method performed by an imaging device, The imaging device is A first contact portion and a second contact portion used to connect each of a plurality of accessories, including a predetermined adapter, to the imaging device, A first communication means that performs first communication via the first contact portion, A second communication means that performs second communication via the first contact portion, Equipped with, The control method described above is A detection step is performed to detect the voltage of the second contact portion after an individual accessory among the plurality of accessories has been connected, A control step of controlling the system to start the second communication when the detected voltage at the second contact portion satisfies the first condition, Equipped with, The predetermined adapter is configured to supply a voltage that satisfies the first condition to the second contact portion when connected to the imaging device. The predetermined adapter includes a third contact portion used to connect a predetermined interchangeable lens that supports the second communication to the predetermined adapter, The predetermined adapter includes a communication path that allows the second communication from the imaging device to reach the third contact portion. A control method characterized by the following: (Item 12) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an imaging apparatus as described in any one of items 1 through 8.

[0098] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 100...Camera, 101...Contact part, 102...Contact part, 104...Camera control unit, 105...First communication unit, 106...Second communication unit, 107...Polarity detection unit, 150...Interchangeable lens, 151...Contact part, 160...Adapter, 161...Contact part, 162...Contact part, 163...Contact part

Claims

1. An imaging device, A first contact portion and a second contact portion used to connect each of a plurality of accessories, including a predetermined adapter, to the imaging device, A first communication means that performs first communication via the first contact portion, A second communication means that performs second communication via the first contact portion, A detection means for detecting the voltage of the second contact portion after an individual accessory among the plurality of accessories is connected, A control means that controls the system to start the second communication when the detected voltage at the second contact portion satisfies the first condition, Equipped with, The predetermined adapter is configured to supply a voltage that satisfies the first condition to the second contact portion when connected to the imaging device. The predetermined adapter includes a third contact portion used to connect a predetermined interchangeable lens that supports the second communication to the predetermined adapter, The predetermined adapter includes a communication path that allows the second communication from the imaging device to reach the third contact portion. An imaging device characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned plurality of accessories include a predetermined accessory, The aforementioned predetermined accessory is configured to supply a voltage to the second contact portion that does not satisfy the first condition when connected to the imaging device. The control means controls the system to refrain from initiating the second communication if the detected voltage at the second contact does not satisfy the first condition. The imaging apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The control means is After the individual accessories are connected, the system controls the system to start the first communication. If the first communication fails and the detected voltage at the second contact satisfies the first condition, the system controls the system to initiate the second communication. The imaging apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The system further comprises a fourth contact portion used together with the first and second contact portions to connect each of the plurality of accessories to the imaging device, The control means is After the individual accessories are connected, the voltage at the fourth contact point is detected. When the detected voltage at the fourth contact portion satisfies the second condition, the system is controlled to start the first communication. If the detected voltage at the fourth contact does not satisfy the second condition, and the detected voltage at the second contact satisfies the first condition, the system controls the system to start the second communication without starting the first communication. The imaging apparatus according to feature 1.

5. The plurality of accessories include interchangeable lenses that support the first communication, The interchangeable lens supporting the first communication is configured to supply a voltage to the second contact portion that does not satisfy the first condition when connected to the imaging device. The imaging device according to feature 3.

6. It also includes a power supply unit, The control means is After the individual accessories are connected, the power supply unit is controlled to supply power to the individual accessories at a first voltage. When the detected voltage at the second contact portion satisfies the first condition, the voltage of the power supplied to the individual accessory is controlled to change from the first voltage to a second voltage higher than the first voltage. The imaging apparatus according to feature 1.

7. The aforementioned predetermined adapter is configured to supply power from the power supply unit to the predetermined interchangeable lens without converting the voltage. The imaging device according to feature 6.

8. The second contact portion includes one or more terminals, When each of the voltages detected at each of the one or more terminals satisfies the corresponding individual conditions, the detected voltage at the second contact satisfies the first condition. The imaging apparatus according to feature 1.

9. An imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The aforementioned predetermined adapter, A system characterized by comprising the following features.

10. An adapter connectable to an imaging device comprising a first contact portion, a second contact portion, a first communication means for performing first communication via the first contact portion, and a second communication means for performing second communication via the first contact portion, When the adapter is connected to the imaging device, the first contact portion is connected to the first contact portion of the imaging device, When the adapter is connected to the imaging device, the second contact portion is connected to the second contact portion of the imaging device, A third contact portion used to connect a predetermined interchangeable lens supporting the second communication to the adapter, A communication path that allows the second communication from the imaging device to reach the third contact point, Equipped with, The adapter is configured to supply a voltage satisfying the first condition to the second contact portion of the imaging device via the second contact portion of the adapter when connected to the imaging device. An adapter characterized by the following features.

11. A control method performed by an imaging device, The imaging device is A first contact portion and a second contact portion used to connect each of a plurality of accessories, including a predetermined adapter, to the imaging device, A first communication means that performs first communication via the first contact portion, A second communication means that performs second communication via the first contact portion, Equipped with, The control method described above is A detection step is performed to detect the voltage of the second contact portion after an individual accessory among the plurality of accessories has been connected. A control step of controlling the system to start the second communication when the detected voltage at the second contact portion satisfies the first condition, Equipped with, The predetermined adapter is configured to supply a voltage that satisfies the first condition to the second contact portion when connected to the imaging device. The predetermined adapter includes a third contact portion used to connect a predetermined interchangeable lens that supports the second communication to the predetermined adapter, The predetermined adapter includes a communication path that allows the second communication from the imaging device to reach the third contact portion. A control method characterized by the following:

12. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of an imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images