Intermediate accessory device, imaging device, imaging system, processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an intermediate accessory device that is advantageous for an imaging device to control an interchangeable lens device. [Solution] An intermediate accessory device (30) that is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens device and an imaging device has a memory unit (310) that stores characteristic information regarding the composite optical characteristics of the interchangeable lens device and the intermediate accessory device associated with status information regarding the status of the interchangeable lens device communicated between the interchangeable lens device and the imaging device using a first communication method, and a processing unit (308, 309) that receives identification information of the interchangeable lens device from the imaging device through communication between the intermediate accessory device and the imaging device using a second communication method, and transmits the characteristic information corresponding to the identification information to the imaging device.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is known an imaging system that includes a camera body (imaging device) and an accessory device (an interchangeable lens device, or an intermediate accessory device such as a wide converter or a teleconverter that is attached between the camera body and the interchangeable lens device) as system elements. In addition, one such imaging system is known in which the camera body controls the accessory device. In such an imaging system, in order to appropriately control the focus, aperture stop, zoom, etc., the camera body needs to obtain control information specific to the interchangeable lens device that is required for the control from the interchangeable lens device.

[0003] Furthermore, when an intermediate accessory device is attached between the camera body and the interchangeable lens device, in order to properly perform the control described above, it is necessary to take into account not only the control information specific to the interchangeable lens device, but also the control information specific to the intermediate accessory device required for that control.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging system in which a camera body specifies an element for synthesizing control information specific to an interchangeable lens device and control information specific to an intermediate accessory device based on identification information of the interchangeable lens device and intermediate accessory device attached to the camera body. In this imaging system, the synthesis is performed by the element specified by the camera body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-205705 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the imaging system of Patent Document 1, an element of the imaging system specified by the camera body needs to combine control information specific to the interchangeable lens device and control information specific to the intermediate accessory device. Therefore, the element needs resources (hardware, software, time) for the combination. The present invention aims to provide an intermediate accessory device that is advantageous for the imaging device to control the interchangeable lens device, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an intermediate accessory device that is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens device and an imaging device, comprising: a storage unit that stores information regarding a first combined optical characteristic of the interchangeable lens device and the intermediate accessory device, the information being associated with first identification information of the interchangeable lens device and status information regarding a status of the interchangeable lens device; before Recording and imaging device Communicate with A processing section; a first communication terminal that constitutes a first communication path used for communication between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens device; a second communication terminal that is used for communication between the imaging device and the intermediate accessory device and that constitutes a second communication path different from the first communication path; the first identification information and the status information are transmitted from the interchangeable lens device to the imaging device via the first communication path; the first identification information is transmitted from the imaging device to the intermediate accessory device via the second communication path; The processing unit is an intermediate accessory device characterized in that it transmits information regarding the first composite optical characteristic, which corresponds to the first identification information and is associated with a state of the interchangeable lens device, to the imaging device via the second communication path. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide an intermediate accessory device that is advantageous for an imaging device to control an interchangeable lens device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a process flow according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a control information group according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a control information group according to the first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a conversion table between INDEX and state information according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a process flow according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a control information group according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in principle (unless otherwise specified) throughout all the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same members are given the same reference numerals and the repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] The first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. The imaging system according to the first embodiment has a second communication path used for communication between the camera body and an adapter (intermediate accessory device) in addition to a first communication path used for communication between the camera body (imaging device) and an interchangeable lens device. Here, Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the imaging system according to the first embodiment. In the figure, 10 is an interchangeable lens device including a movable optical member. 20 is a camera body including an imaging element. 30 is an adapter (intermediate accessory device; for example, an extender) detachably attached between the interchangeable lens device 10 and the camera body 20.

[0012] The interchangeable lens 10, the adapter 30, and the camera body 20 are detachably attached to each other via mounts 101, 301, 302, and 201. Here, the mount 101 is configured in the interchangeable lens device 10, the mounts 301 and 302 are configured in the adapter 30, and the mount 201 is provided in the camera body 20. The mounts 101, 301, 302, and 201 are provided with one or more contacts (terminals) 102, 303, 305, and 202 for communication in the first communication method, respectively. Here, the contacts 102 and 303, and the contacts 305 and 202 are configured to be conductive to each other when the interchangeable lens 10, the adapter 30, and the camera body 20 are attached (connected) to each other. The first communication method is used by the camera body 20 to control a movable optical member in the interchangeable lens device 10.

[0013] Furthermore, mounts 101, 301, 302, 201 are each provided with one or more contacts (terminals) 103, 304, 306, 203 for communication in the second communication method. Here, contacts 103 and 304, and contacts 306 and 203 are configured to be conductive to each other when interchangeable lens 10, adapter 30, and camera body 20 are attached to each other. The second communication method is used for one-to-many communication (broadcast communication) or one-to-one communication (P2P communication) between camera body 20, interchangeable lens device 10, and adapter 30.

[0014] Reference numeral 104 denotes a focus lens unit for focusing on a subject. Reference numeral 105 denotes a zoom lens unit for zooming. Reference numeral 106 denotes an iris unit (aperture diaphragm) for adjusting the amount of light or the aperture. Reference numeral 107 denotes an IS lens unit for reducing image blur. Reference numeral 108 denotes a focus control unit for controlling the drive of the focus lens unit 104. Reference numeral 109 denotes a zoom control unit for controlling the drive of the zoom lens unit 105. Reference numeral 110 denotes an iris control unit for controlling the drive of the iris 106. Reference numeral 111 denotes an IS control unit for controlling the drive of the IS lens unit 107. The focus control unit 108, the zoom control unit 109, the iris control unit 110, and the IS control unit 111 may each be configured to include, for example, a position detection unit and a motor. Reference numeral 112 denotes a shake detection unit for detecting shake (vibration) of the interchangeable lens device 10, and may be configured to include, for example, a gyro.

[0015] Reference numeral 113 denotes a control unit in the interchangeable lens device 10. Reference numeral 114 denotes a first communication unit for performing communication in a first communication method in the interchangeable lens device 10. Reference numeral 115 denotes a second communication unit for performing communication in a second communication method in the interchangeable lens device 10. The control unit 113, the first communication unit 114, and the second communication unit 115 can be configured by a CPU (processing unit) in the interchangeable lens device 10.

[0016] Reference numeral 204 denotes an imaging element for taking (capturing) an image formed via the interchangeable lens device 10 and the adapter 30, and may be configured to include, for example, a CMOS image sensor. Reference numeral 205 denotes a control unit in the camera body 20. Reference numeral 208 denotes a first communication unit for performing communication in the first communication method in the camera body 20. Reference numeral 209 denotes a second communication unit for performing communication in the second communication method in the camera body 20. The control unit 205, the first communication unit 208, and the second communication unit 209 may be configured by a CPU (processing unit) in the camera body 20. Reference numeral 206 denotes a video display unit (image display unit) that displays a video (image) obtained by imaging with the imaging element 204, and may be configured to include, for example, a liquid crystal monitor. Reference numeral 207 denotes an operation member for setting shooting conditions (control of shooting), and may be configured to include, for example, a dial ring or a switch.

[0017] Reference numeral 307 denotes optical members in the adapter 30 (adapter optical members), and may include, for example, a variable magnification lens unit and an ND filter. Reference numeral 308 denotes a second communication unit for performing communication in the second communication method in the adapter 30. Reference numeral 309 denotes a control unit in the adapter 30. The second communication unit 308 and the control unit 309 may be formed, for example, by a CPU (processing unit) in the adapter 30. Reference numeral 310 denotes a storage unit that stores control information corresponding to the identification information of the interchangeable lens device 10, and may include, for example, a flash memory. The control information will be described later.

[0018] In this embodiment, video information is acquired from light incident on the interchangeable lens device 10 as follows. That is, light incident on the interchangeable lens device 10 forms an image (optical image) on the imaging element 204 via the focus lens unit 104, the zoom lens unit 105, the iris unit 106, the IS lens unit 107, and the adapter optical member 307. The image is converted into an electrical signal by the imaging element 204. The electrical signal is converted into a video signal by the control unit 205. The video signal can be displayed by the video display unit 206, recorded by a recording medium, or transmitted to an external device.

[0019] Here, a process flow in which the camera body 20 controls shooting (capturing) using the interchangeable lens device 10 and the adapter 30 and correction of the video signal will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process flow according to the first embodiment. In the figure, first, in step S201, the camera body 20 starts up, and then the process proceeds to step S202. Note that a step (e.g., step S201) is also referred to as a process (e.g., process S201).

[0020] In step S202, the control unit 205 supplies power to the interchangeable lens device 10 and the adapter 30 via the contacts in the power supply mount 201, and after that control, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0021] In step S203, the control unit 205 transmits a command (information) requesting identification information of the interchangeable lens device 10 to the interchangeable lens device 10 in the first communication method via the first communication unit 208. In the interchangeable lens device 10, when the control unit 113 receives the command in the first communication method via the first communication unit 114, it transmits the identification information of the interchangeable lens device 10 to the camera body 20 via the first communication unit 114 in the first communication method.

[0022] In step S204, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 transmits a command (information) requesting shooting control information corresponding to the received identification information of the interchangeable lens device 10 to the interchangeable lens device 10 via the first communication unit 208 using the first communication method.

[0023] Here, the control information corresponding to the identification information includes shooting control information for controlling the shooting conditions (state) of the interchangeable lens device 10. The shooting control information is, for example, information on the states (positions and apertures) of the focus lens unit 104, the zoom lens unit 105, and the iris unit 106, information on the subject distance (object distance), the focal length, the F-number, and the like. The control information also includes correction control information for correcting a video signal obtained or acquired by imaging with the imaging element 204. The correction control information may be for reducing focus shift by driving the focus lens unit 104. Note that the object to be driven to reduce focus shift is not limited to the focus lens unit 104, and may be another lens unit. The correction control information may be for video signal processing (image processing) that compensates for chromatic aberration of magnification, for video signal processing (image processing) that compensates for peripheral light reduction, or for video signal processing (image processing) that compensates for distortion. The correction control information will be described in more detail later. In the interchangeable lens device 10, the control unit 113 receives a command requesting shooting control information from the camera body 20 in the first communication method via the first communication unit 114. In response, the control unit 113 transmits the shooting control information related to the interchangeable lens device 10 to the camera body 20 in the first communication method via the first communication unit 114.

[0024] In step S205, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 transmits a command (information) requesting correction control information corresponding to the received identification information of the interchangeable lens device 10 to the interchangeable lens device 10 via the first communication unit 208 in the first communication method. In the interchangeable lens device 10, the control unit 113 receives the command from the camera body 20 in the first communication method via the first communication unit 114. The control unit 113 then transmits the correction control information related to the interchangeable lens device 10 to the camera body 20 via the first communication unit 114 in the first communication method.

[0025] In step S206, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 transmits the identification information acquired in S203 to the adapter 30 in the second communication method via the second communication unit 209, and then the process proceeds to step S207. Here, the adapter 30 records the identification information received in the second communication method via the second communication unit 308 in the adapter 30.

[0026] In step S207, control unit 205 in camera body 20 transmits a command (information) requesting control information corresponding to the identification information to adapter 30 in the second communication method via second communication unit 209, and then processing proceeds to step S208. The control information can be characteristic information regarding the composite optical characteristic of the interchangeable lens device and the intermediate accessory device associated with status information regarding the status of the interchangeable lens device controlled by the imaging device through communication between the interchangeable lens device and the imaging device in the first communication method.

[0027] When the control unit 309 in the adapter 30 receives the command, it judges (determines) whether there is control information corresponding to the identification information received in step S206 (whether it is stored in the storage unit 310). If there is the control information, the control unit 309 transmits the control information to the camera body 20 via the second communication unit 308 in the second communication method. If there is no control information (not stored in the storage unit 310), it transmits information indicating this case (instruction information indicating that the intermediate accessory device does not transmit the control information) to the camera body 20 via the second communication unit 308 in the second communication method. In step S208, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 judges whether the control information has been acquired. If the control information has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S209, and if the control information has not been acquired (the instruction information has been received), the process proceeds to step S212.

[0028] In step S209, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 transmits a command (information) requesting status information regarding the status of the interchangeable lens device 10 to the interchangeable lens device 10 using the first communication method via the first communication unit 208. In the interchangeable lens device 10, upon receiving the command, the control unit 113 transmits the status information corresponding to the command to the camera body 20 using the first communication method via the first communication unit 114.

[0029] In step S210, the control information to be used is determined based on the acquired control information group and status information. This determination can also be made based on the operation of the operation member 207, or a command in the AF function or AE function (a command to change the status of the interchangeable lens device in the imaging device), etc. This information and the method of this determination will be described later.

[0030] In step S211, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 executes control by transmitting command information to the interchangeable lens device 10 based on the control information to be used (shooting control information). The control unit 205 executes control of the interchangeable lens device 10 in the first communication method via the first communication unit 208 based on the control information to be used (shooting control information) (transmits the control information to be used to the interchangeable lens device 10). The control can be performed by the focus control unit 108, the zoom control unit 109, the iris control unit 110, and the IS control unit 111. Also, the control unit 205 executes correction of the video signal obtained or obtained by imaging with the image sensor 204, as described above, based on the control information to be used (correction control information). The processes of steps S209 to S211 can be executed repeatedly.

[0031] In step S212, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 transmits a command (information) requesting characteristic information as optical characteristics of the adapter optical member 207 in the adapter 30 to the adapter 30 via the second communication unit 209 in the second communication method. Note that the optical characteristics (characteristic information) of the adapter optical member 207 in the adapter 30 may be variable. The characteristic information will be described later. When the control unit 309 in the adapter 30 receives the command in the second communication method via the second communication unit 308, it transmits the characteristic information to the camera body 20 via the second communication unit 308 in the second communication method.

[0032] In step S213, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 executes the same process as in step S209, and then the process proceeds to step S214.

[0033] In step S214, the control information to be used is determined based on the acquired characteristic information and status information. Note that this determination can also be made based on the operation of the operation member 207, or a command in the AF function or AE function, etc. This information and the method of this determination will be described later.

[0034] In step S215, the same process as in step S211 is executed. The processes in steps S213 to S215 can be executed repeatedly.

[0035] The above-described flow of control processing allows the camera body 20 to appropriately perform shooting (imaging) using the interchangeable lens device 10 and the adapter 30 and correct the video signal. There is no need for a specific element of the imaging system to synthesize control information specific to the interchangeable lens device and control information specific to the intermediate accessory, and therefore the specific element does not require resources (hardware, software, time) for the synthesis. For example, the shooting conditions displayed on the video display unit 206 may use those related to the shooting control information determined as described above. Also, the shooting conditions set by the operation of the operation member 207 may use those related to the shooting control information determined as described above. Also, the focus position corrected (adjusted) by the AF function may use those related to the correction control information determined as described above. Also, the correction conditions when performing corrections for chromatic aberration of magnification, peripheral light reduction, and distortion on the video signal acquired by the camera body 20 may use those related to the correction control information determined as described above.

[0036] It is to be noted that the status information of the interchangeable lens device 10 does not have to be acquired successively from the interchangeable lens device 10. After acquiring initial status information of the interchangeable lens device 10, the status information may be acquired (calculated) based on the initial status and a history of control (driving command) of the camera body 20 on the interchangeable lens device 10. For example, after the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 has controlled the driving of the iris unit 106 in the interchangeable lens device 10 to the initial status, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 can acquire the status information of the iris unit 106 based on a driving command to the iris control unit 110.

[0037] Next, a control information group corresponding to each interchangeable lens device (identification information of each interchangeable lens device) will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the control information group according to the first embodiment. The control information is stored in the storage unit 310. In this embodiment, the case where there are three types of interchangeable lens devices A to C as the interchangeable lens device 10 is illustrated. The control information includes interchangeable lens device identification information (also simply referred to as identification information), shooting control information, and correction control information. The identification information may be, for example, a number or code assigned to each type of interchangeable lens device in order to uniquely identify (specify) the type of interchangeable lens device, or a sequence thereof. The shooting control information here is control information for specifying the subject distance, focus sensitivity, focal length, and F-number corresponding to each interchangeable lens device. The correction control information here is control information for correcting (reducing) focus deviation of image information acquired by the camera body, and for correcting (image processing) magnification chromatic aberration, peripheral light reduction, and distortion of image information acquired by the camera body. The control information (shooting control information and correction control information) relates to the combination of the interchangeable lens device 10 (identification information A to C) and the adapter 30.

[0038] When the control unit 309 in the adapter 30 receives a command requesting control information from the camera body 20, it identifies the control information corresponding to the identification information received from the camera body 20 and transmits the control information to the camera body 20. For example, when the identification information is A, it transmits the shooting control information and correction control information corresponding to the identification information A to the camera body 20. Here, the shooting control information corresponding to the identification information A is the subject distance FA, the focus sensitivity SA, the focal length ZA, and the F-number IA. Furthermore, the correction control information corresponding to the identification information A is the focus deviation PCA, the chromatic aberration of magnification ACA, the vignetting SCA, and the distortion DCA.

[0039] The shooting control information is not limited to the subject distance, focus sensitivity, focal length, and F-number, but may be other information related to optical members in the interchangeable lens device 10 and the adapter 30 and affecting the shooting conditions. The shooting control information may be, for example, the T-number, the defocus amount, the amount of vignetting at each image height, the exit pupil position, and the entrance pupil position. The shooting control information may also be information indicating the relationship between the movement amount of the IS lens unit 107 and the image movement amount.

[0040] Next, a method for determining the control information used by the camera body from the control information group and the state information will be described. Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the control information group according to the first embodiment. In the data structure of the control information in the figure, the FOCUS position, ZOOM position, and IRIS position, which respectively indicate the position of the focus lens unit 104, the position of the zoom lens unit 105, and the state (e.g., aperture diameter) of the iris unit 106, are used as INDEX. The data structure is a table structure that identifies the control information from the INDEX. The FOCUS position, ZOOM position, and IRIS position each consist of L positions from F1 to FL, M positions from Z1 to ZM, and N positions from I1 to IN.

[0041] The control unit 205 in the camera body 20 determines the values ​​of the subject distance F, focus sensitivity S, focal length Z, and F-number I based on a combination of the FOCUS position, ZOOM position, and IRIS position. For example, when the FOCUS position, ZOOM position, and IRIS position are F1, Z1, and I1, respectively, the subject distance F111, focus sensitivity S111, focal length Z111, and F-number I111 are determined as the shooting control information. Note that one piece of shooting control information may include multiple values. For example, the subject distance F000 may include the closest subject distance and the infinity subject distance.

[0042] The control unit 205 in the camera body 20 determines the values ​​of focus deviation PC, chromatic aberration of magnification AC, shading reduction SC, and distortion DC based on a combination of the FOCUS position, the ZOOM position, and the IRIS position. For example, when the FOCUS position, the ZOOM position, and the IRIS position are F1, Z1, and I1, respectively, the focus deviation PC111, the chromatic aberration of magnification AC111, the shading reduction SC111, and the distortion DC111 are determined as the correction control information. Here, each correction control information can be configured including coefficients of 0th to nth orders in an nth order polynomial related to the image height. In this way, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 can determine the control information used by the camera body 20 from the control information group and the state information.

[0043] In the present embodiment, a method of determining the control information with the FOCUS position, the ZOOM position, and the IRIS position as INDEX has been shown, but other information indicating the state of the interchangeable lens device 10 may be the INDEX of the control information group. For example, the INDEX may include information on the position of the IS lens unit 107. Also, the information indicating the state of the interchangeable lens device 10 that is the INDEX may be reduced. For example, the INDEX may be only the IRIS position. Also, the table structure may have a number of INDEXes that change for each item of the control information. For example, the FOCUS position for determining the subject distance may have L INDEXes, and the FOCUS position for determining the focus sensitivity may have M INDEXes. Also, instead of a table structure in which the state information is the INDEX, an arithmetic expression for uniquely calculating the control information from the state information may be used.

[0044] Next, the structure of the control information group corresponding to the state information that differs depending on the model of the interchangeable lens device 10 will be described. The state information that the camera body 20 can obtain from the interchangeable lens 10 differs depending on the model of the interchangeable lens device 10. Therefore, the INDEX of the control information group needs to be configured to be able to determine the control information regardless of the state information that can be obtained from the interchangeable lens device 10. Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a conversion table between state information and INDEX according to the first embodiment. The figure shows the structure of a conversion table (correspondence table; correspondence relationship) that associates the FOCUS position values ​​F1 to FN as INDEX shown in FIG. 4 with the state information of the interchangeable lens device 10. (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 5 show the structure of the conversion table for the interchangeable lens devices A, B, and C, respectively.

[0045] The interchangeable lens device A corresponds to a command for acquiring information on the normalized position of the focus lens unit 104. Therefore, the structure of the conversion table in (a) of FIG. 5 is structured to convert (associate) the normalized position of the focus lens unit 104 to a FOCUS position. The interchangeable lens device B corresponds to a command for acquiring information on the subject distance, so the structure of the conversion table in (b) of FIG. 5 is structured to convert the subject distance to a FOCUS position. The interchangeable lens device C corresponds to a command for acquiring information on the subject distance and information on the focus sensitivity. Here, the resolution of the information on the subject distance of the interchangeable lens device C is low. Therefore, the structure of the conversion table in (c) of FIG. 5 is structured to convert (associate) a combination of the subject distance and the focus sensitivity to a FOCUS position with a higher resolution. For example, it is not possible to determine whether a subject distance of 0.5 m is F0 or F1 as a FOCUS position by itself. However, it is possible to determine whether the FOCUS position is F0 or F1 by the combination of the subject distance and the focus sensitivity. In this embodiment, such conversion table information is included in a control information group and is transmitted from the adapter 30 to the camera body 20. With this configuration, even if an existing interchangeable lens device 10 does not have information related to INDEX, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 can obtain information related to INDEX based on the control information group and status information.

[0046] Next, a method in which the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 determines control information based on the characteristic information and the state information will be described in detail. The characteristic information may be, for example, information on the magnification of the focal length conversion optical system (focal length conversion lens unit) as the optical member 307 in the adapter 30. In that case, the focal length (shooting control information) in the imaging device can be obtained by multiplying the focal length as the state information acquired from the interchangeable lens device 10 by the magnification. The characteristic information may also be information on the number of F-number change steps of the ND filter unit as the optical member 307 in the adapter 30. In that case, the F-number (shooting control information) in the imaging device can be obtained by changing the F-number as the state information acquired from the interchangeable lens device 10 by the number of change steps. With this configuration, the shooting control information in the imaging device can be obtained based on the state information acquired from the interchangeable lens device 10 and the characteristic information acquired from the adapter 30.

[0047] Next, a method for determining correction control information in the imaging device from characteristic information, state information, correction control of the interchangeable lens device 10, and correction control information of the adapter 30 will be described. The correction control information in FIG. 3 relates to the combination of the interchangeable lens device 10 and the adapter 30. In contrast, the correction control information stored in the storage unit 310 may relate only to the adapter 30. In this case, the correction control information in the imaging device may be determined based on the correction control information and correction control information related only to the interchangeable lens device 10 that is obtained from the interchangeable lens device 10. Here, the method will be described.

[0048] First, let PL be the amount of defocus related only to the interchangeable lens device 10, PA be the amount of defocus related only to the adapter 30, X be the focal length conversion magnification of the optical member 307 in the adapter 30, and P be the amount of defocus in the camera body 20. Here, the amount of defocus P can be expressed by the following equation (1). P = (PL + PA) × X (1)

[0049] The focus deviation amount PL is included in the correction control information related to only the interchangeable lens device 10 acquired in step S205. Here, the structure (configuration) of the correction control information of the interchangeable lens device 10 may be the same as the structure (configuration) of the correction control information in the control information group described above. The focus deviation amount PA is acquired in step S207. The focal length conversion magnification X as characteristic information may be acquired in step S212. With this configuration, the focus deviation amount in the imaging device can be determined based on the focus deviation amount PL, the focus deviation amount PA, and the focal length conversion magnification X. Therefore, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 can issue a drive command to the interchangeable lens device 10 to drive the focus lens unit 104 so as to reduce the determined focus deviation amount. Here, the focal length conversion magnification X is acquired as characteristic information, but the focal length conversion magnification X may be acquired as part of the control information group.

[0050] As described above, by storing correction control information related only to the adapter 30 in the storage unit 310, it is possible to reduce the amount of information to be stored in the storage unit 310. In addition, the amount of information in the control information group to be transmitted in step S207 is reduced, thereby reducing the communication time between the camera body 20 and the adapter 30 related to the startup of the imaging device.

[0051] Next, a method for setting the shooting conditions of the interchangeable lens device 10 will be described. The setting needs to be performed based on the optical characteristics of the adapter 30. The control unit 205 in the camera body 20 determines the shooting conditions (shooting control information to be used) to be set in the interchangeable lens device 10 by the processes in steps S213 and S214 based on the characteristic information acquired by the process in step S212. In addition, based on the determined shooting conditions, the control unit 205 executes control of the interchangeable lens device 10 by the process in S215. For example, when the shooting condition to be set is the F-number, the F-number of the shooting system is F, the F-number to be set in the interchangeable lens device 10 is FL, and the rate of change of the F-number by the adapter 30 is ΔFA, then the F-number FL to be set in the interchangeable lens device 10 can be expressed by the following formula (2). FL = F × ΔFA (2)

[0052] For example, when the magnification X (focal length conversion magnification) of the adapter optical member 307 as a focal length conversion optical system is 1.4, ΔFA=1.4. When the F-number is F2.8, the F-number to be set in the interchangeable lens device 10 is F2.

[0053] Furthermore, if the focus movement speed of the shooting system is V, the focus movement speed to be set in the interchangeable lens device 10 is VL, and the focal length conversion magnification of the adapter optical member 307 is X, then the focus movement speed VL to be set in the interchangeable lens device 10 can be expressed by the following equation (3). VL = V × (1 / X 2 ) ···(3)

[0054] In this way, even if the adapter 30 is interposed, the camera body 20 can set appropriate shooting conditions in the interchangeable lens device 10.

[0055] [Embodiment 2] The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an adapter 40 (an intermediate accessory device different from the adapter 30) is detachably attached between the interchangeable lens device 10 and the camera body 20 (here, the adapter 30). The second embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that the interchangeable lens device 10 does not include a contact 103 for performing communication in the second communication and a second communication unit 115 for performing communication in the second communication. The second embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that the adapter 30 does not include a contact 304 for performing communication in the second communication. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an imaging system according to the second embodiment. In the figure, the adapter 40 has a mount 401 and is detachably attached to the interchangeable lens 10 by the mount 401. The adapter 40 has a mount 402 and is detachably attached to the adapter 30 by the mount 402 and the mount 301. The adapter optical member 407 is, for example, a focal length conversion optical system or an ND filter. The first communication unit 405 is a communication unit for performing the first communication in the adapter 40. The control unit 406 is a control unit in the adapter 40. The first communication unit 405 and the control unit 406 can be configured by a CPU (processing unit) in the adapter 40.

[0056] Next, the flow of the process in which the camera body 20 controls the interchangeable lens attachment 10, the adapter 30, and the adapter 40 will be described. Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the process according to the second embodiment. The same processes as those in the first embodiment of FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. First, in step S701, the camera body 20 starts up. In step S702, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 supplies power to the interchangeable lens attachment 10, the adapter 30, and the adapter 40 through the contact for power supply. In step S703, the interchangeable lens attachment 10 acquires the identification information of the adapter 40 from the adapter 40 by the first communication unit 114 in the interchangeable lens device 10 and the first communication unit 405 in the adapter 40. After transmitting the identification information to the interchangeable lens attachment 10, the adapter 40 does not perform the first communication.

[0057] In step S704, the control unit 205 in the camera body transmits a command requesting identification information of the interchangeable lens attachment 10 to the interchangeable lens device 10 via the first communication unit 208 in the camera body. When the control unit 113 in the interchangeable lens device receives the command via the first communication unit 114 in the interchangeable lens device, the control unit 113 transmits the identification information of the interchangeable lens device 10 and the information of the adapter 40 to the camera body 20 via the first communication unit 114. The control unit 205 in the camera body receives the identification information of the interchangeable lens device 10 and the identification information of the adapter 40 via the first communication unit 208 in the camera body. The processing from step S204 onwards is the same as that in FIG. 2. The identification information of the adapter 40 is not limited to being acquired by the first communication, and any communication method may be used as long as it is acquired via contacts provided in the mount 101 and the mount 401, respectively. In step S206', the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 transmits the two pieces of identification information acquired in S704 to the adapter 30 in the second communication method via the second communication unit 209, and then the process proceeds to step S207'. Here, the adapter 30 records the two pieces of identification information received in the second communication method via the second communication unit 308 in the adapter 30. In step S207', the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 transmits a command (information) requesting control information corresponding to the two pieces of identification information to the adapter 30 in the second communication method via the second communication unit 209, and then the process proceeds to step S208. The control information may be characteristic information related to the composite optical characteristics of the interchangeable lens device and the two intermediate accessory devices associated with status information related to the status of the interchangeable lens device controlled by the imaging device through communication in the first communication method between the interchangeable lens device and the imaging device.

[0058] Here, the control information corresponding to the identification information of the interchangeable lens device 10 and the identification information of the adapter 40 will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a control information group according to the second embodiment. The control information group is stored in the storage unit 310. The control information group of this embodiment includes control information corresponding to A, B, and C as the interchangeable lens device 10, as well as control information corresponding to a combination of A as the interchangeable lens device 10 and D as the adapter 40.

[0059] Moreover, the control information group according to the present embodiment includes identification information of the adapter 40 in addition to identification information of the interchangeable lens device 10. The configuration of the control information group enables the control unit 309 in the adapter 30 to determine control information that corresponds to the combination of the interchangeable lens device 10 and the adapter 40.

[0060] With the above configuration, even in an imaging system configuration including the adapter 40, the control unit 205 in the camera body 20 can determine the control information to be used based on the control information group and the state information. Also, the control unit 205 can set appropriate shooting conditions for the interchangeable lens device 10.

[0061] In this embodiment, only one adapter 40 is attached, but multiple adapters 40 may be attached. When multiple adapters 40 are attached, the control information of each adapter 40 can be acquired by the control unit 205 in the camera body. In this way, the control unit 205 can obtain the amount of change and the rate of change of the shooting conditions for all adapters, and can obtain the shooting conditions to be set in the interchangeable lens device 10 based on the amount of change and the rate of change.

[0062] [Embodiment 4] One or more functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by a program that realizes the functions. The program can be supplied to an apparatus or a system via a network or a storage medium, and can be read and executed by one or more processors in a computer of the apparatus or the system. The functions can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes the functions.

[0063] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 30 Adapter (Intermediate Accessory Device) 308 Second communication unit (processing unit) 309 Control Unit (Processing Unit) 310 Storage section 311 Channel 1 312 Second Channel

Claims

1. An intermediate accessory device that is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens device and an imaging device, a storage unit that stores information regarding a first combined optical characteristic of the interchangeable lens device and the intermediate accessory device, the information being associated with first identification information of the interchangeable lens device and status information regarding a status of the interchangeable lens device; A processing unit that communicates with the imaging device; a first communication terminal constituting a first communication path used for communication between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens device; a second communication terminal that is used for communication between the imaging device and the intermediate accessory device and that constitutes a second communication path different from the first communication path; the first identification information and the status information are transmitted from the interchangeable lens device to the imaging device via the first communication path; the first identification information is transmitted from the imaging device to the intermediate accessory device via the second communication path; The intermediate accessory device is characterized in that the processing unit transmits information regarding the first composite optical characteristic, which corresponds to the first identification information and is associated with the state of the interchangeable lens device, to the imaging device via the second communication path.

2. The intermediate accessory device according to claim 1 , wherein a communication method for communication via the first communication path is different from a communication method for communication via the second communication path.

3. 3. The intermediate accessory device according to claim 1, wherein communication via the first communication path is performed independently of communication via the second communication path.

4. An intermediate accessory device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the processing unit receives second identification information of another intermediate accessory device that is detachably attached between the interchangeable lens device and the imaging device from the imaging device by communication via the second communication path.

5. the storage unit stores a second composite optical characteristic corresponding to the first identification information and the second identification information; The intermediate accessory device according to claim 4 , wherein the processing unit transmits information about the second composite optical characteristic to the imaging device by communication via the second communication path.

6. An intermediate accessory device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that if information regarding the first composite optical characteristic is not stored in the memory unit, the processing unit transmits information indicating such case to the imaging device via communication via the second communication path.

7. The intermediate accessory device according to claim 1 , wherein the storage unit stores information regarding a correspondence relationship between the state information and information regarding the first composite optical characteristic.

8. The optical characteristics of the intermediate accessory device are configured to be variable; The intermediate accessory device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit transmits information about optical characteristics of the intermediate accessory device to the imaging device by communication via the second communication path.

9. The intermediate accessory device described in claim 8, characterized in that information regarding the optical characteristics of the intermediate accessory device, the status information, a change instruction in the imaging device regarding the status of the interchangeable lens device, and command information based on the information regarding the optical characteristics of the intermediate accessory device are transmitted from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens device via communication via the first communication path.

10. information regarding optical characteristics of the interchangeable lens device is transmitted from the interchangeable lens device to the imaging device by communication via the first communication path; information regarding the optical characteristics of the intermediate accessory device is transmitted from the intermediate accessory device to the imaging device by communication via the second communication path; An intermediate accessory device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that information regarding the optical characteristics of the interchangeable lens device, the status information, a change instruction in the imaging device regarding the status of the interchangeable lens device, and command information based on information regarding the optical characteristics of the intermediate accessory device are transmitted from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens device via communication via the first communication path.

11. An imaging device in which a detachable intermediate accessory device is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens device and the imaging device, the intermediate accessory device stores information regarding a first composite optical characteristic of the interchangeable lens device and the intermediate accessory device associated with first identification information of the interchangeable lens device and status information regarding a status of the interchangeable lens device; The imaging device includes: a processing unit for communicating with the interchangeable lens device and with the intermediate accessory device; a third communication terminal constituting a first communication path used for communication between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens device; a fourth communication terminal that is used for communication between the imaging device and the intermediate accessory device and that constitutes a second communication path different from the first communication path; The processing unit includes: receiving the first identification information and the status information from the interchangeable lens device via the first communication path; transmitting the first identification information to the intermediate accessory device via the second communication path; receiving information about the first composite optical characteristic from the intermediate accessory device via the second communication path, the information corresponding to the first identification information and associated with a state of the interchangeable lens device; an imaging device that transmits control information to the interchangeable lens device based on the state information and information regarding the first composite optical characteristic;

12. The imaging device according to claim 11 , wherein a communication method for communication via the first communication path is different from a communication method for communication via the second communication path.

13. 13. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein communication via the first communication path is performed independently of communication via the second communication path.

14. 14. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the state information is transmitted from the interchangeable lens device to the image pickup apparatus by communication via the first communication path.

15. The imaging device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that information regarding the first composite optical characteristic, the status information, and command information based on a change instruction in the imaging device regarding the status are transmitted from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens device via communication via the first communication path.

16. The imaging device described in any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the processing unit receives instruction information from the intermediate accessory device via communication via the second communication path, indicating that the intermediate accessory device does not transmit information regarding the first composite optical characteristic.

17. The optical characteristics of the intermediate accessory device are configured to be variable; 17. The imaging device according to claim 11, wherein the processing unit receives information about optical characteristics of the intermediate accessory device from the intermediate accessory device by communication via the second communication path.

18. The imaging device described in claim 17, characterized in that information regarding the optical characteristics of the intermediate accessory device, the status information, a change instruction in the imaging device regarding the status of the interchangeable lens device, and command information based on information regarding the optical characteristics of the intermediate accessory device of the intermediate accessory device are transmitted from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens device via communication via the first communication path.

19. information regarding optical characteristics of the interchangeable lens device is transmitted from the interchangeable lens device to the imaging device by communication via the first communication path; information regarding the optical characteristics of the intermediate accessory device is transmitted from the intermediate accessory device to the imaging device by communication via the second communication path; An imaging device as described in any one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that information regarding the optical characteristics of the interchangeable lens device, the status information, a change instruction in the imaging device regarding the status of the interchangeable lens device, and command information based on information regarding the optical characteristics of the intermediate accessory device are transmitted from the imaging device to the interchangeable lens device via communication via the first communication path.

20. An intermediate accessory device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; An imaging system comprising: an imaging device removably attached to the intermediate accessory device.

21. An imaging device according to any one of claims 11 to 19; 1. An imaging system comprising: an interchangeable lens device; and an intermediate accessory device detachably attached between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens device.

22. A method for controlling an intermediate accessory device, the intermediate accessory device being detachably attached between an interchangeable lens device and an imaging device, the intermediate accessory device having a first communication terminal constituting a first communication path used for communication between the imaging device and the interchangeable lens device, a second communication terminal constituting a second communication path used for communication between the imaging device and the intermediate accessory device and different from the first communication path, and a memory unit storing information regarding a first composite optical characteristic of the interchangeable lens device and the intermediate accessory device, the information being associated with first identification information of the interchangeable lens device and status information regarding a status of the interchangeable lens device, receiving, from the imaging device via the second communication path, the first identification information transmitted from the interchangeable lens device to the imaging device via the first communication path; A control method comprising the step of transmitting information regarding the first composite optical characteristic, which corresponds to the first identification information and is associated with a state of the interchangeable lens device, to the imaging device via the second communication path.

23. A program for causing a computer of the intermediate accessory device to execute a process according to the control method recited in claim 22.

24. A method for controlling an image capture device in which a detachable intermediate accessory device is detachably attached between an interchangeable lens device and an image capture device, the image capture device having a third communication terminal constituting a first communication path used for communication between the image capture device and the interchangeable lens device, and a fourth communication terminal constituting a second communication path different from the first communication path used for communication between the image capture device and the intermediate accessory device, comprising: the intermediate accessory device has a storage unit that stores information regarding a first composite optical characteristic of the interchangeable lens device and the intermediate accessory device, the information being associated with first identification information of the interchangeable lens device and status information regarding a status of the interchangeable lens device; receiving the first identification information and the status information from the interchangeable lens device via the first communication path; transmitting the first identification information to the intermediate accessory device via the second communication path; receiving information about the first composite optical characteristic from the intermediate accessory device via the second communication path, the information corresponding to the first identification information and associated with a state of the interchangeable lens device; and transmitting control information to the interchangeable lens device based on the state information and information regarding the first composite optical characteristic.

25. 25. A program for causing a computer of the imaging device to execute a process according to the control method recited in claim 24.

Images