Accessories, imaging devices, and methods for controlling them

Abstract

Accessories connected to the imaging device are required to be able to configure their own control settings from the imaging device. [Solution] The accessory 100 is connected to the imaging device 200. The accessory has operating members 111 to 113 that can be operated by the user, and a control means 101 that controls the accessory in response to the operation of the operating members. The control means transmits information about the accessory to the imaging device and receives settings related to the control transmitted from the imaging device based on the above information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an accessory such as a lens device used together with an imaging device.

Background Art

[0002] There are various types of accessories that can be attached to an imaging device, and various settings of the imaging device are performed based on identification information of the attached accessory (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On the other hand, it is required that an accessory attached to an imaging device can perform settings related to its own control from the imaging device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An accessory as one aspect of the present invention is connected to an imaging device. The accessory has an operation member that can be operated by a user, and a control means that controls the accessory in response to an operation of the operation member. The control means transmits information related to the accessory to the imaging device and receives the settings related to the control transmitted from the imaging device based on the above information. Further, an imaging device as another aspect of the present invention is connected to an accessory in which control according to an operation of an operation member is performed. The imaging device has a setting means for performing the settings related to the control. The setting means performs the above settings based on the information related to the accessory received from the accessory and transmits the settings to the accessory. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, an accessory attached to an imaging device can perform settings related to its own control from the imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the basic configuration of the lens, camera body, and adapter in the embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the menu for setting lens control in the embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing power zoom speed information for each lens model in the embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the process in Example 1. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing other processes in Example 1. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the process in Example 2. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the process in Example 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 shows the configuration of an imaging system including a lens device (optical device; hereinafter simply referred to as "lens") as an accessory, which is an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging system includes a lens 100, a camera body 200 as an imaging device to which the lens 100 is detachably and communicatively attached (connected), and an adapter 300 as an accessory that is detachably and communicatively attached to the lens 100.

[0010] In conventional imaging systems, when an accessory is attached to the camera body, settings related to the camera body stored in the accessory or the accessory are applied to the camera body based on the accessory's identification information. However, conventional imaging systems do not perform any settings related to the control of the accessory.

[0011] Furthermore, if the camera body does not support settings related to accessory control, it will not be possible to configure those settings. For example, if an accessory that allows you to change the power zoom speed is attached to a camera body that does not support changing the power zoom speed, it will not be possible to configure the appropriate control settings for that accessory.

[0012] Furthermore, regarding accessories that are attached to the camera body for the first time, if there are no settings stored in either the camera body or the accessory regarding the control of the accessory, the user must configure the settings for the accessory's control on either the camera body or the accessory before starting to take images.

[0013] Therefore, this embodiment provides an accessory that allows settings related to the control of the accessory to be made in accordance with the attachment of the accessory to the camera body.

[0014] In Figure 1, the lens 100 has an imaging optical system including a zoom lens 103, an aperture unit 104, an image stabilization lens 105, and a focus lens 106. The lens 100 is mechanically and electrically connected to the camera body 200 via a mount (not shown). The lens 100 receives power from the camera body 200 via a power terminal (not shown) provided on the mount, which enables the operation of the lens microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "lens microcontroller") 101 as a control means and the driving of various actuators. The camera body 200 can also communicate with the lens microcontroller 101 via a camera communication unit 202 and a lens communication unit 102 provided on the mount, and can send control commands to the lens microcontroller 101 to control the lens 100. A more detailed configuration of the lens 100 will be described later.

[0015] The adapter 300 is mechanically and electrically connected to the lens 100 via a mount (not shown). The adapter 300 receives power from the camera body 200 via a power terminal (not shown) provided on the mount, or from an external battery connected to the adapter 300. The adapter 300 can communicate with the lens 100 via an adapter communication unit 302 and an adapter-side lens communication unit 115 provided on the mount, and can control the lens 100 by sending control commands to the lens microcontroller 101.

[0016] The adapter microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the adapter microcontroller) 301 is a computer that has control circuits such as a CPU and adapter memory such as RAM, ROM, and EEPROM, and controls the operation of the adapter 300 according to the program. Specifically, the adapter microcontroller 301 controls the drive unit (controlled unit) 304 in response to user operations on the operation unit 303 provided on the adapter 300. The drive unit 304 transmits driving force to an operation member such as an operation ring provided on the lens 100 via a power transmission member such as a gear. This performs lens driving such as zooming of the zoom lens 103. The adapter microcontroller 301 also transmits control commands to the lens microcontroller 101 in response to user operations on the operation unit 303.

[0017] The camera body 200 includes a camera microcomputer 201 (hereinafter referred to as the camera microcontroller) as a setting means, an imaging device 203 including a function as a phase difference focus detection sensor, a signal processing circuit 204, a recording processing unit 205, a display unit 206, and an operation unit 207. The camera microcontroller 201 is a computer having a control circuit such as a CPU and a camera memory which is a storage means such as a RAM, a ROM, and an EEPROM not shown, and controls the camera body 200 (furthermore, the lens 100 and the adapter 300) according to a program. The camera microcontroller 201 also communicates with the lens microcontroller 101 via the camera communication unit 202 and the lens communication unit 102. Specifically, the camera microcontroller 201 transmits and receives various information such as identification (ID) information of the camera body 200 and the lens 100 to and from the lens microcontroller 101. The ID information is information regarding accessories for identifying the model and individual of the camera body 200 or the lens 100, and includes a model name, a serial number, and the like.

[0018] The camera microcontroller 201 also transmits a control command regarding the zoom operation of the zoom lens 103 according to a user operation on the operation unit 207 and a control command regarding the light amount adjustment operation of the diaphragm unit 104 according to the luminance information obtained from the digital imaging signal described later to the lens microcontroller 101. Furthermore, the camera microcontroller 201 transmits a control command regarding the focus operation of the focus lens 106 according to the defocus information obtained from the digital imaging signal to the lens microcontroller 101.

[0019] The camera microcontroller 201 transmits a setting regarding the control of the lens 100 when the operation units 207 and 303 provided on the lens 100 or the adapter 300 are operated to the lens microcontroller 101. The camera microcontroller 201 may store various settings in association with accessory information such as the ID information of the lens 100 or the adapter 300 received from the lens microcontroller 101.

[0020] The camera microcontroller 201 controls the camera body 200 and lens 100 in response to the operation of various control components included in the control unit 207, such as the image capture instruction switch, aperture setting dial, shutter speed setting dial, and zoom lever.

[0021] The image sensor 203 converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system into an analog image signal. The analog image signal is converted into a digital image signal by an A / D conversion circuit (not shown). The signal processing circuit 204 performs various image processing on the digital image signal to generate a video signal. The video signal is output to the display unit 206. The display unit 206 displays a live view image based on the video signal.

[0022] Furthermore, the signal processing circuit 204 outputs the video signal to the recording processing unit 205. The recording processing unit 205 stores the video signal as still images or moving image data in external memory or the like. The signal processing circuit 204 also generates defocus information of the subject image by phase-difference focus detection using the digital imaging signal, and generates luminance information indicating the brightness of the subject image from the video signal.

[0023] The display unit 206 displays menus related to the settings of the camera body 200, lens 100, and adapter 300, in addition to the live view image.

[0024] The configuration of lens 100 will be further explained. Lens 100 includes the aforementioned lens microcontroller 101, and operating elements such as a zoom operation ring 111, a focus operation ring 112, and an aperture operation ring 113, as well as an operating section 114. The lens microcontroller 101 is a computer having a control circuit such as a CPU and a lens memory which is a storage means such as RAM, ROM, or EEPROM (not shown), and controls lens 100 according to the program. Lens microcontroller 101 has a time measurement function. The lens memory holds optical data and lens adjustment data as a data table according to the state of the imaging optical system, such as the positions of the zoom lens 103, aperture unit 104, and focus lens 106. Lens microcontroller 101 performs various controls using the data from the data table that corresponds to the current state of the imaging optical system.

[0025] The lens microcontroller 101 also receives ID information (information about the accessory) and control commands related to zoom operation, light intensity adjustment operation, and focus operation from the adapter microcontroller 301 via the adapter-side lens communication unit 115. The lens microcontroller 101 also transmits optical data, lens adjustment data, and information indicating the operating status of the operating members and operating unit 114 of the lens 100 to the adapter microcontroller 301. The lens microcontroller 101 may also transmit the ID information obtained from the adapter 300 to the camera microcontroller 201.

[0026] The lens microcontroller 101 also receives control commands from the camera microcontroller 201 regarding zoom operation, light intensity adjustment operation, and focus operation, and receives requests to transmit information indicating optical data, lens adjustment data, and the operating status of the operating members and operating section 114 of the lens 100. Furthermore, the lens microcontroller 101 receives information from the camera microcontroller 201 indicating settings related to the control of the lens 100 (hereinafter referred to as lens control settings). The camera microcontroller 201 stores the lens control settings for the mounted lens 100 in the camera memory as past lens control settings, associating them with the ID information of the lens 100.

[0027] The lens microcontroller 101 changes the control methods for various actuators within the lens 100, the control methods when various operating members are operated, and the control settings when the operating unit 114 is operated, according to the received lens control settings. The lens microcontroller 101 stores the lens control settings received from the camera microcontroller 201 in the lens memory. The lens microcontroller 101 also transmits information indicating the lens control settings to the adapter microcontroller 301. The adapter microcontroller 301 stores the lens control settings received from the lens microcontroller 101 in the adapter memory.

[0028] When the lens microcontroller 101 receives control commands related to zoom operation, light intensity adjustment, and focus operation, it controls the zoom drive unit 107, aperture drive unit 108, and focus drive unit 110, which are controlled units, respectively, according to the control commands. As a result, the zoom lens 103, aperture unit 104, and focus lens 106 are driven, and the imaging optical system performs zooming, light intensity adjustment, and focusing (AF).

[0029] Furthermore, the lens microcomputer 101 enables manual focusing by controlling the focus drive unit 110 according to the amount of operation of the focus operation ring 112 to drive the focus lens 106. The lens microcomputer 101 enables manual light intensity adjustment by controlling the aperture drive unit 108 according to the amount of operation of the aperture operation ring 113 to drive the aperture unit 104. In addition, the lens microcomputer 101 enables manual zooming (hereinafter referred to as power zooming) by controlling the zoom drive unit 107 according to the amount of operation of the zoom operation ring 111 to drive the zoom lens 103.

[0030] Each operating ring may be operated from a reference position, the amount of operation from the reference position is detected, and it may return to the reference position when not being operated, or it may be operated in a way that the amount of rotation or rotational speed from the position at the start of operation is detected as the amount of operation.

[0031] The lens microcontroller 101 can change the drive amount, drive speed, and drive direction of the zoom lens 103, aperture unit 104, and focusing lens 106 when each operation ring is operated, according to the lens control settings received from the camera microcontroller 201. Similarly, the adapter microcontroller 301 can change the control commands sent to the lens microcontroller 101 when the operation unit 303 is operated, according to the lens control settings received from the lens microcontroller 101. This allows for fine-tuning of the operation amount of each operation ring and the operation of each operation unit.

[0032] The zoom lens 103 is movable in the direction in which the optical axis OA of the imaging optical system, shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, extends (hereinafter referred to as the optical axis direction), and its position is detected by a position sensor such as a photointerrupter (not shown). Information on the position of the zoom lens 103 is output to the lens microcontroller 101. The zoom drive unit 107 moves the zoom lens 103 by driving a zoom actuator such as a stepping motor or a vibration motor in response to a command from the lens microcontroller 101. The aperture unit 104 can change the aperture diameter (aperture value) by moving multiple aperture blades in the opening and closing direction, and the aperture value is detected by a magnetic sensor such as a Hall element (not shown). Information on the aperture value is output to the lens microcontroller 101. The aperture drive unit 108 moves the aperture blades by driving an aperture actuator such as a stepping motor in response to a command from the lens microcontroller 101.

[0033] The image stabilization lens 105 reduces (corrects) image shake caused by camera shake, such as hand shake, by moving in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis OA. The image stabilization drive unit 109 moves the image stabilization lens 105 by driving an image stabilization actuator in response to camera shake detected by a shake sensor (not shown), such as a vibration gyroscope, based on a command from the lens microcontroller 101.

[0034] The focus lens 106 is movable in the optical axis direction, and its position is detected by a position sensor such as a photointerrupter (not shown). The position information of the focus lens 106 is output to the lens microcontroller 101. The focus drive unit 110 moves the focus lens 106 by driving a focus actuator such as a stepping motor or a vibration motor in response to a command from the lens microcontroller 101. The position of the focus lens 106 is controlled to compensate for image plane fluctuations associated with zooming caused by the movement of the zoom lens 103.

[0035] The operation unit 114 includes operating elements such as switches, and when the user operates it, it sends control instructions to the lens microcontroller 101. The lens microcontroller 101 notifies the camera microcontroller 201 of the operation of the operation unit 114. The control performed when the operation unit 114 is operated can be changed according to the lens control settings received from the camera microcontroller 201.

[0036] Figure 2 shows the menu 400 displayed on the display unit 206 of the camera body 200 for setting lens control. The user sets the lens control by operating the control unit 207 of the camera body 200 while looking at the menu 400. The selection area 401 within the menu 400 shows the item that the user is currently trying to set from among several items in the lens control settings.

[0037] Zoom speed levels 410 and 411 indicate the drive speed setting of the zoom lens 103 when the zoom operation ring 111 of the lens 100 is operated. Zoom speed level 410 indicates the drive speed setting of the zoom lens 103 when the amount of operation (operating speed) of the zoom operation ring 111 is small (2 in the figure), while zoom speed level 411 indicates the drive speed setting of the zoom lens 103 when the amount of operation of the zoom operation ring 111 is large (5 in the figure). The speed level can be set in 5 steps, for example, 1 being the lowest speed and 5 being the highest speed. Note that the speed level values ​​1 to 5 are examples, and it may be possible to set the speed level using the actual drive speed instead of a speed level.

[0038] The zoom ring rotation direction 412 indicates the setting for the drive direction of the zoom lens 103 when the zoom operation ring 111 is operated. For example, it is possible to set "normal," which moves the zoom lens 103 to the telephoto side in response to the clockwise rotation operation of the zoom operation ring 111, and "reverse," which moves the zoom lens 103 to the wide-angle side.

[0039] MF sensitivity 413 indicates the setting for the amount of drive of the focus lens 106 per unit operation of the focus control ring 112. For example, you can set "FINE," where the amount of drive of the focus lens 106 (amount of change in focus state) per unit operation of the focus control ring 112 is small, and "Normal," where the amount of drive of the focus lens 106 is greater than FINE. Alternatively, you may set the travel distance according to the rotation speed of the focus control ring 112, or according to the rotation angle of the focus control ring 112.

[0040] The MF ring rotation direction 414 indicates the setting for the drive direction of the focus lens 106 when the focus operation ring 112 is operated. For example, it is possible to set "normal," which drives the focus lens 106 toward the near side, and "reverse," which drives the focus lens 106 toward infinity, in response to the clockwise rotation operation of the focus operation ring 112.

[0041] The lens SW setting 415 indicates the setting for the control that the lens 100 will perform in response to the ON operation of a specific switch (operating member) on the operation unit 114. As shown in the figure, if "AF Start" is set, the control that the lens 100 will perform in response to the ON operation will cause the lens microcontroller 101 to notify the camera microcontroller 201 that an ON operation has been performed. As a result, the camera microcontroller 201 will start AF control. Alternatively, as a control that the lens 100 will perform in response to the ON operation of a specific switch, the lens microcontroller 101 may be instructed to perform preset control to move the zoom lens 103, focus lens 106, or aperture unit 104 to a predetermined position.

[0042] The settings described above are examples, and other settings may be provided. Furthermore, lens control settings may be configured in response to the operation of the adapter 300's operating mechanism.

[0043] The camera microcontroller 201 transmits the changed lens control settings to the lens microcontroller 101 via menu 400. However, the supported lens control settings vary depending on the model of the camera body 200. For example, if the camera body 200 does not support the lens control settings related to zooming of the lens 100, it is not possible to set the zoom speed levels 410 and 411 and the zoom ring rotation direction 412. In this case, the lens microcontroller 101 does not receive the lens control settings related to zooming from the camera microcontroller 201, so zooming is performed using the lens control settings that are set by default in the lens 100 or stored in the lens microcontroller 101.

[0044] Figure 3 shows the power zoom speeds pps (pulse / sec) corresponding to zoom speed levels 410 and 411 for each lens model (A, B) attached to the camera body 200. The lens microcontroller 101 drives the zoom lens 103 at the power zoom speed corresponding to the zoom speed level received from the camera microcontroller 201. However, because the weight of the zoom lens 103 and the characteristics of the zoom actuator differ for each lens model, the actual speed at which the zoom lens 103 is driven will differ for each lens model, even if the received zoom speed level is the same. The lens microcontroller 101 may also transmit the power zoom speed corresponding to zoom speed levels 410 and 411 to the camera microcontroller 201.

[0045] In Figure 3, the power zoom speed is expressed in pps, but other notations may be used. Also, while Figure 3 shows the power zoom speed, it could also represent the focus speed during manual focus, etc. Furthermore, although Figure 3 shows five power zoom speeds, it is also possible to set power zoom speeds other than five. [Examples]

[0046] The flowchart in Figure 4 shows the process (control method) by which the camera microcontroller 201 performs lens control settings based on ID information received from the lens 100 and applies these lens control settings to the lens 100.

[0047] In step S501, when the camera body 200 supplies power to the lens 100, in step S502, the camera microcontroller 201 and the lens microcontroller 101 communicate with each other the ID information (accessory information) of the camera body 200 and the lens 100.

[0048] Next, in step S503, the camera microcontroller 201 determines, based on the ID information received from the lens 100, whether the lens 100 has been attached to the camera body 200 in the past. If the lens 100 has been attached to the camera body 200 in the past, the process in step S504 is performed; otherwise, the process in step S505 is performed.

[0049] In step S504, the camera microcontroller 201 transmits the lens control settings, which are associated with the ID information of the lens 100 and stored in the camera memory, to the lens microcontroller 101. Then it performs the processing in step S506.

[0050] In steps S502 to S504, accessory information that is different from the ID information of the lens 100 and is capable of identifying the lens 100 attached to the camera body 200 may be used.

[0051] In step S505, the camera microcontroller 201 sends the currently set lens control settings from the camera body 200 to the lens microcontroller 101 because there are no lens control settings stored in association with the ID information of the lens 100. Then the process in step S506 is performed.

[0052] In step S506, the lens microcontroller 101 applies the lens control settings received from the camera microcontroller 201 as the settings for the lens 100.

[0053] Next, in step S507, the camera microcontroller 201 determines whether the lens control setting in the camera body 200 has been changed by the user. If the lens control setting has been changed, the process in step S508 is performed; otherwise, the microcontroller waits for the lens control setting to be changed.

[0054] In step S508, the camera microcontroller 201 transmits the modified lens control settings to the lens microcontroller 101. The lens microcontroller 101 applies the modified lens control settings received from the camera microcontroller 201 as the settings for the lens 100.

[0055] Then, in step S509, the camera microcontroller 201 stores the changed lens control settings in the camera memory, associating them with the ID information of the lens 100. Then, the process returns to step S506.

[0056] According to the process shown in Figure 4, the camera microcontroller 201 can apply lens control settings for a lens 100 that has been previously attached to the camera body 200 to the lens 100 the next time it is attached to the camera body 200.

[0057] Figure 4 illustrates the process of applying lens control settings transmitted from the camera body 200 to the lens 100 as an accessory. However, the lens control settings transmitted from the camera body 200 may also be applied to the lens 100 and the adapter 300 as another accessory. The flowchart in Figure 5 shows the process by which the camera body 200 sets lens control settings for the added adapter 300 and applies those lens control settings to the adapter 300.

[0058] In step S601, when the camera body 200 supplies power to the lens 100 and adapter 300, in step S602, the lens microcontroller 101 and the adapter microcontroller 301 communicate the ID information of the lens 100 and adapter 300 to each other.

[0059] Next, in step S603, the camera microcontroller 201 and the lens microcontroller 101 communicate with each other the ID information of the camera body 200, the lens 100, and the adapter 300.

[0060] Next, in step S604, the camera microcontroller 201 determines, based on the received ID information of the adapter 300, whether the adapter 300 has been connected to the camera body 200 (attached to the lens 100) in the past. If the adapter 300 has been connected to the camera body 200 in the past, the process in step S605 is performed; otherwise, the process in step S606 is performed.

[0061] In step S605, the camera microcontroller 201 transmits the lens control settings stored in the camera memory, associated with the ID information of the adapter 300, to the lens microcontroller 101. Then it performs the processing in step S607. Note that in steps S603 to S605, accessory information that is different from the ID information of the adapter 300 and can identify the adapter 300 connected to the camera body 200 may be used.

[0062] In step S606, the camera microcontroller 201, finding no lens control settings stored in association with the adapter 300's ID information, sends the currently set lens control settings from the camera body 200 to the lens microcontroller 101. Then it proceeds to step S607.

[0063] In step S607, the lens microcontroller 101 applies the lens control settings received from the camera microcontroller 201 as the settings for the lens 100.

[0064] Next, in step S608, the lens microcontroller 101 transmits the lens control settings received from the camera microcontroller 201 to the adapter 300.

[0065] Then, in step S609, the adapter microcontroller 301 applies the lens control settings received from the camera microcontroller 201 as the settings in the adapter 300.

[0066] Next, in step S610, the camera microcontroller 201 determines whether the lens control setting in the camera body 200 has been changed by the user. If the lens control setting has been changed, the process in step S611 is performed; otherwise, the microcontroller waits for the lens control setting to be changed.

[0067] In step S611, the camera microcontroller 201 transmits the modified lens control settings to the lens microcontroller 101. The lens microcontroller 101 applies the modified lens control settings received from the camera microcontroller 201 as the settings for lens 100. The lens microcontroller 101 also transmits the modified lens control settings to the adapter microcontroller 301. The adapter microcontroller 301 applies the modified lens control settings received from the camera microcontroller 201 as the settings for adapter 300.

[0068] Furthermore, in step S612, the camera microcontroller 201 stores the changed lens control settings in the camera memory, associating them with the ID information of the adapter 300. Then, the process returns to step S607.

[0069] According to the process shown in Figure 5, the camera microcontroller 201 can apply lens control settings for an adapter 300 that has been previously connected to the camera body 200 to the adapter 300 the next time it is connected to the camera body 200.

[0070] Similarly, the lens control settings may also be changed when the adapter 300 is attached to the lens 100 while it is powered on by the camera body 200.

[0071] Furthermore, the camera body 200 may be configured to specify which of the stored lens control settings should be applied if both the lens 100 and the adapter 300 have been connected to the camera body 200 in the past. Additionally, the camera body 200 may be configured to allow the user to choose not to change the lens control settings when the lens 100 and adapter 300 are attached to the camera body 200. [Examples]

[0072] The flowchart in Figure 6 illustrates the process by which the lens 100 transmits the lens control settings stored in the lens memory to the camera body, thereby maintaining the lens control settings for the lens 100 even when the lens 100 is attached to a camera body of a different model (another imaging device). Note that the configuration of the camera body 200 is the same regardless of the model, and common components are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 1.

[0073] In step S701, when the camera body 200, which acts as another imaging device, supplies power to the lens 100, in step S702, the camera microcontroller 201 and the lens microcontroller 101 communicate the ID information of the camera body 200 and the lens 100 to each other.

[0074] Next, in step S703, the lens microcontroller 101 transmits the lens control settings, which are information about the accessory stored in the lens memory, to the camera microcontroller 201. In this case, if the lens 100 has never been attached to the camera body 200 before, the default lens control settings may be transmitted to the camera microcontroller 201. In addition, settings related to the camera body 200 (for example, exposure (Tv / ISO), color (color temperature / picture control), imaging settings (AF / continuous shooting / bracketing), and various other settings (communication / power saving)) may also be transmitted to the camera microcontroller 201 along with the lens control settings. Furthermore, the processing in step S703 is performed in the same way even if the lens 100 is attached again to the camera body 200 that originally transmitted the lens control settings stored in the lens memory to the lens microcontroller 101.

[0075] Next, in step S704, the camera microcontroller 201 transmits the lens control settings received from the lens microcontroller 101 to the lens microcontroller 101. This prevents inconsistencies in lens control settings between the camera body 200 and the lens 100.

[0076] Next, in step S705, the lens microcontroller 101 applies the lens control settings received from the camera microcontroller 201 as the settings for the lens 100.

[0077] Next, in step S706, the camera microcontroller 201 determines whether the lens control setting in the camera body 200 has been changed by the user. If the lens control setting has been changed, the process in step S707 is performed; otherwise, the microcontroller waits for the lens control setting to be changed.

[0078] In step S708, the camera microcontroller 201 transmits the modified lens control settings to the lens microcontroller 101. The lens microcontroller 101 applies the modified lens control settings received from the camera microcontroller 201 as the settings for the lens 100.

[0079] Then, in step S708, the lens microcontroller 101 stores the changed lens control settings in the lens memory. Then, the process returns to step S705.

[0080] According to the process shown in Figure 6, the lens control settings stored in the lens 100 can be applied to various camera bodies and lenses 100 of different models.

[0081] In step S703, the lens setting information that the lens microcontroller 101 transmits to the camera microcontroller 201 may be associated with the ID information of the camera body 200 communicated in step S702 and stored in the lens memory. In this case, in step S705, the lens microcontroller 101 may independently apply any lens control setting items that it did not transmit to the camera microcontroller 201 in step S703. This makes it possible for the lens 100 to independently apply settings for setting items that the camera body 200 does not support. [Examples]

[0082] The flowchart in Figure 7 shows the process by which the lens 100 transmits power zoom speed information, which is information related to the accessory (information related to the control of the accessory), to the camera body 200, and the camera body 200 sets the power zoom speed.

[0083] In step S801, when the camera body 200 supplies power to the lens 100, in step S802, the camera microcontroller 201 and the lens microcontroller 101 communicate the ID information of the camera body 200 and the lens 100 to each other.

[0084] Next, in step S803, the lens microcontroller 101 transmits power zoom speed information of the lens 100 to the camera microcontroller 201. The power zoom speed information transmitted here indicates the lens speed corresponding to zoom speed levels 1 to 5 that can be set on the camera body 200, as shown in Figure 3.

[0085] Next, in step S804, the camera microcontroller 201 sets the power zoom speed corresponding to the zoom speed level set in the camera body 200 based on the received power zoom speed information.

[0086] Next, in step S805, the camera microcontroller 201 transmits the set power zoom speed to the lens microcontroller 101.

[0087] Next, in step S806, the camera microcontroller 201 stores all of the power zoom speed information, either the determined power zoom speed or the power zoom speed information received in step S803, in the camera memory.

[0088] Next, in step S807, the lens microcontroller 101 applies the power zoom speed received from the camera microcontroller 201.

[0089] Next, in step S808, the camera microcontroller 201 determines whether the user has changed the zoom speed level setting. If the setting has been changed, it performs the process in step S809; otherwise, it waits for the setting to be changed.

[0090] According to the process shown in Figure 7, the camera body 200 can set the power zoom speed based on the power zoom speed information transmitted from the lens 100.

[0091] As shown in Figure 3, the power zoom speed information differs depending on the lens model. If lens A was previously attached to the camera body 200, and now lens B (another accessory) is attached to the camera body 200, in step S804, the camera microcontroller 201 compares the power zoom speed of lens A stored in the camera memory with the power zoom speed received from lens B. Then, it sets the power zoom speed of lens B to the speed closest to the power zoom speed of lens A. For example, if the power zoom speed of lens A is 300 pps, the power zoom speed of lens B is set to 400 pps, or if the power zoom speed of lens A is 700 pps, the power zoom speed of lens B is also set to 700 pps. In this way, lens control settings are made to lens B based on the lens control settings for lens A, and these lens control settings are transmitted to lens B for application. This eliminates the need for the user to set the power zoom speed every time they change lenses 100.

[0092] Although Figure 7 uses the power zoom speed setting as an example, other settings such as focus speed can be adjusted in the same way.

[0093] The above embodiments include the following configuration.

[0094] (Composition 1) An accessory connected to an imaging device, An operating component that can be operated by the user, The system includes a control means for controlling the accessory in response to the operation of the operating member, The control means is Information regarding the accessory is transmitted to the imaging device. An accessory characterized by receiving the control settings transmitted from the imaging device based on the aforementioned information. (Configuration 2) The accessory according to configuration 1, characterized in that the control means applies the settings received from the imaging device to the control of the accessory. (Composition 3) Optical system and It has a drive unit that drives the optical system, The accessory according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the setting is the drive speed, drive direction, or drive amount of the drive unit in response to the operation of the operating member. (Composition 4) An adapter to be attached to an optical device having an optical system, It has a drive unit that drives the optical system, The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the setting is the drive speed, drive direction, or drive amount of the drive unit in response to the operation of the operating member. (Composition 5) The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the information relating to the accessory is information for causing the imaging device to identify the accessory. (Composition 6) It has a storage means for storing the settings received from the imaging device, The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the information relating to the accessory is the setting stored in the storage means. (Composition 7) The accessory according to configuration 6, characterized in that the control means transmits the setting stored in the storage means to the imaging device or other imaging device connected to the accessory after the setting has been stored in the storage means. (Composition 8) It has a storage means for storing information related to the aforementioned control, The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the information relating to the accessory is information relating to the control stored in the storage means. (Composition 9) The accessory according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the control means receives the changed setting from the imaging device when the setting is changed in the imaging device. (Composition 10) An imaging device to which an accessory is connected that performs control in accordance with the operation of an operating member, It has setting means for making settings related to the aforementioned control, The imaging device is characterized in that the setting means performs the setting based on information about the accessory received from the accessory and transmits the setting to the accessory. (Composition 11) It has a storage means for storing the aforementioned settings, The imaging apparatus according to configuration 10, characterized in that the setting means transmits the setting stored in the storage means to the accessory when the accessory is attached to the imaging apparatus after the setting has been stored in the storage means. (Composition 12) The imaging device according to configuration 10 or 11, characterized in that the information relating to the accessory is information for causing the imaging device to identify the accessory. (Composition 13) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 10 or 11, characterized in that the information relating to the accessory is the setting stored in the accessory. (Composition 14) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 10 or 11, characterized in that the information relating to the accessory is information relating to the control of the accessory. (Composition 15) The system has a storage means for storing the settings for the accessory, The imaging device according to configuration 14, characterized in that the setting means, when another accessory is connected to the imaging device after the setting has been stored in the storage means, performs the setting for the other accessory based on the setting stored in the storage means and transmits the setting to the other accessory. (Composition 16) The accessory according to any one of configurations 10 to 15, characterized in that the setting means transmits the changed setting to the accessory when the setting is changed in the imaging device.

[0095] (Other examples) 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.

[0096] The embodiments described above are merely representative examples, and various modifications and changes can be made to each embodiment when implementing the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0097] 100 Lenses (Accessories) 101 Lens Microcontroller 111 Zoom control ring 112 Focus control ring 113 Aperture control ring 200 Camera body (imaging device)

Claims

1. An accessory connected to an imaging device, An operating component that can be operated by the user, The system includes a control means for controlling the accessory in response to the operation of the operating member, The control means is Information regarding the aforementioned accessory is transmitted to the imaging device. An accessory characterized by receiving the control settings transmitted from the imaging device based on the aforementioned information.

2. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means applies the settings received from the imaging device to the control of the accessory.

3. Optical system and It has a drive unit that drives the optical system, The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting is the drive speed, drive direction, or drive amount of the drive unit in response to the operation of the operating member.

4. An adapter to be attached to an optical device having an optical system, It has a drive unit that drives the optical system, The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting is the drive speed, drive direction, or drive amount of the drive unit in response to the operation of the operating member.

5. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that the information relating to the accessory is information for causing the imaging device to identify the accessory.

6. It has a storage means for storing the settings received from the imaging device, The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that the information relating to the accessory is the setting stored in the storage means.

7. The accessory according to claim 6, characterized in that the control means transmits the setting stored in the storage means to the imaging device or other imaging device connected to the accessory after the setting has been stored in the storage means.

8. It has a storage means for storing information related to the aforementioned control, The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that the information relating to the accessory is information relating to the control stored in the storage means.

9. The accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means receives the changed setting from the imaging device when the setting is changed in the imaging device.

10. An imaging device to which an accessory is connected that performs control in accordance with the operation of an operating member, It has setting means for making settings related to the aforementioned control, The imaging device is characterized in that the setting means performs the setting based on information about the accessory received from the accessory and transmits the setting to the accessory.

11. It has a storage means for storing the aforementioned settings, The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the setting means transmits the setting stored in the storage means to the accessory when the accessory is attached to the imaging apparatus after the setting has been stored in the storage means.

12. The imaging device according to claim 10, characterized in that the information relating to the accessory is information for causing the imaging device to identify the accessory.

13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the information relating to the accessory is the setting stored in the accessory.

14. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the information relating to the accessory is information relating to the control of the accessory.

15. The system has a storage means for storing the settings for the accessory, The imaging device according to claim 14, wherein the setting means, when another accessory is connected to the imaging device after the setting has been stored in the storage means, performs the setting for the other accessory based on the setting stored in the storage means and transmits the setting to the other accessory.

16. The accessory according to claim 10, characterized in that the setting means transmits the changed setting to the accessory when the setting is changed in the imaging device.

17. A method for controlling an accessory connected to an imaging device, which has an operating member that can be operated by a user, The steps include controlling the accessory in response to the operation of the operating member, The steps include transmitting information about the accessory to the imaging device, A control method characterized by having the step of receiving the control settings transmitted from the imaging device based on the aforementioned information.

18. A control method for an imaging device to which an accessory is connected that performs control in accordance with the operation of an operating member, The steps include receiving information about the accessory from the accessory, A step of making settings related to the control based on the aforementioned information, A control method characterized by comprising the step of transmitting the above settings to the accessory.

19. A program characterized by causing the computer of the accessory to perform processing according to the control method described in claim 17.

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

Images