Accessory device, imaging device, control method for the accessory device and imaging device, and program

Abstract

To provide an accessory device capable of adjusting a focus difference between right-eye and left-eye optical systems at appropriate timing according to a state of an imaging device.SOLUTION: An accessory device (100) attachable to an imaging device (10) includes: a first optical system (101R); a second optical system (101L) arranged parallel to the first optical system; and control means (104) for controlling the first and second optical systems. The control means includes: a first mode for simultaneously driving the first and second optical systems; and a second mode for independently driving the first and second optical systems, and varies timing for changing the first mode to the second mode according to an imaging state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a method for shooting stereoscopic images, a method of connecting a compound eye lens unit capable of obtaining a plurality of images with different viewpoints to a general monocular camera body for shooting is known. The image shot by this method is recorded as one image in the camera body. By displaying the image formed in the left-eye side region only on the observer's left eye and the image formed in the right-eye side region only on the observer's right eye on a device such as a head-mounted display, the observer can view a stereoscopic image.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a lens device including a first focus adjustment unit connected to both a right-eye optical system and a left-eye optical system, and a second focus adjustment unit connected to either the right-eye optical system or the left-eye optical system. "

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the lens device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the second focus adjustment unit operates during shooting of a moving image or the like, a focus difference occurs between the right-eye optical system and the left-eye optical system.

[0006] [[ID= / / ]]Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an accessory device capable of adjusting the focus difference between the right-eye optical system and the left-eye optical system at an appropriate timing according to the state of the imaging device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An accessory device as one aspect of the present invention is an accessory device that can be attached to an imaging device, and comprises a first optical system, a second optical system, and control means for controlling the first optical system and the second optical system, wherein the optical axes of the first optical system and the second optical system do not coincide with each other, and the control means can switch between a first mode in which the first optical system and the second optical system are driven simultaneously and a second mode in which one of the first optical system and the second optical system is driven, and the timing of switching from the first mode to the second mode differs depending on the imaging state. In the first mode, if a change instruction to the second mode is received and the imaging state is in a predetermined state, the first mode is maintained. ru.

[0008] Other objects and features of the present invention are described in the following examples. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, an accessory device is provided that can adjust the focus difference between the right-eye optical system and the left-eye optical system at an appropriate timing depending on the state of the imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the camera system in each embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the camera control unit and lens control unit in each embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the adjustment of the focus difference between the right eye lens unit and the left eye lens unit in each embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the control method for setting the drive mode of an interchangeable lens in Example 1 based on a communication command from the camera. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the control method for setting the drive mode of the interchangeable lens using the operating unit in Example 1. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows a control method for an interchangeable lens in Example 1 that sets the drive mode according to the camera's state. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the control method in Example 2, in which the camera sends a command to set the drive mode to the interchangeable lens according to the state of the camera. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] First, with reference to Figure 1, the camera system (imaging system) 1 in each embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a configuration diagram (top view) of the camera system 1. The imaging system 1 includes a camera (imaging device) 10 and an interchangeable lens (lens device, accessory device) 100 that can be attached to the camera 10. Each embodiment is also applicable to an imaging system in which the imaging device and the lens device are configured as an integrated unit. In each embodiment, the interchangeable lens 100 is described as an accessory device, but it is not limited to this. Each embodiment is also applicable to accessory devices other than the interchangeable lens 100 (adapters such as extenders). The adapter is configured to be directly attached to the camera 10 (attached between the camera 10 and the interchangeable lens 100), or to be indirectly attached to the camera 10 via the interchangeable lens 100.

[0013] The camera 10 and interchangeable lens 100 each have a camera mount 24 and a lens mount 103, respectively, which are equipped with electrical contacts for supplying power from the camera 10 to the interchangeable lens 100 and for communicating with each other. The interchangeable lens 100 has a right eye lens unit (right eye optical system, first optical system) 101R and a left eye lens unit (left eye optical system, second optical system) 101L arranged in parallel with the right eye lens unit 101R.

[0014] The camera 10 includes an image sensor 11, an A / D conversion unit 12, an image processing unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, a camera control unit 17, and a storage unit 18. The image sensor 11 is a photoelectric conversion element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor. The image sensor 11 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the right eye lens unit 101R and the left eye lens unit 101L and outputs an electrical signal (analog electrical signal).

[0015] The A / D conversion unit 12 converts the analog electrical signal output from the image sensor 11 into a digital signal. The image processing unit 13 generates an image (image data) by performing various image processing operations on the digital signal. The image generated by the image processing unit 13 is displayed on the display unit 14 or stored in the storage unit 18, such as a storage medium.

[0016] The operation unit 15 includes a power switch for turning the camera 10 on and off, a shooting switch for starting still image or video recording, and selection / setting switches for configuring the camera 10 and interchangeable lens 100. The camera control unit 17 is a control means including a microcomputer such as a CPU, and controls the image processing unit 13 and communication with the interchangeable lens 100 in response to signals from the operation unit 15 based on user operations.

[0017] The interchangeable lens 100 has prisms 106R, 107R, 106L, and 107L that change the direction of the optical axis by 90 degrees through reflection. The interchangeable lens 100 also has a lens control unit 104. The lens control unit 104 includes a microcomputer that controls the aperture (aperture) and focus in each optical system in response to control signals received from the camera control unit 17 via communication with the camera control unit 17 or to user operations on the lens operation unit 115. The lens operation unit 115 includes setting switches for changing the operation of each optical system, and ring operation units for operating optical components such as focus or aperture. The lens control unit 104 controls each part in response to user operations on the lens operation unit 115.

[0018] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the camera control unit 17 and the lens control unit 104 will be described. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the camera control unit 17 and the lens control unit 104, showing the configurations of the camera control unit 17 and the lens control unit 104, as well as the terminals for making an electrical connection via the camera mount 24 and the lens mount 103.

[0019] The LCLK terminal (1-1) is a terminal for a communication control signal output from the camera 10 to the interchangeable lens 100. The DCL terminal (1-2) is a terminal for communication data output from the camera 10 to the interchangeable lens 100. The DLC terminal (1-3) is a terminal for communication data output from the interchangeable lens 100 to the camera 10.

[0020] The MIF terminal (1-4) is a terminal for detecting that the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera 10. The microcomputer (camera microcomputer) 20 in the camera control unit  17 detects that the interchangeable lens 100 is attached to the camera 10 based on the voltage of the MIF terminal.

[0021] The TYPE terminal (1-5) is a terminal for detecting the type of the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the camera 10. The camera microcomputer 20 detects the type of the interchangeable lens 100 attached to the camera 10 based on the voltage of the TYPE terminal. The voltage of the TYPE terminal is generated by the lens type voltage generation unit 113 in the lens control unit 104.

[0022] The VBAT terminal (1-6) is a terminal for supplying a driving power source (VM) used for various operations other than communication control from the camera 10 to the interchangeable lens 100. The VDD terminal (1-7) is a terminal for supplying a communication control power source (VDD) used for communication control from the camera 10 to the interchangeable lens 100. The DGND terminal (1-8) is a terminal for connecting the communication control system of the camera 10 and the interchangeable lens 100 to the ground. The PGND terminal (1-9) is a terminal for connecting the mechanical drive system including motors provided in the camera 10 and the interchangeable lens 100 to the ground.

[0023] In this embodiment, the camera 10 is selectively fitted with multiple types of interchangeable lenses 100, each having a different communication voltage with the camera 10. In the following description, we will explain the case where the camera 10 has a first interchangeable lens and a second interchangeable lens that has a different communication voltage from the first interchangeable lens, as the types of interchangeable lenses 100 that the camera 10 identifies based on the voltage of the TYPE terminal.

[0024] The camera power supply unit 21, located within the camera control unit 17, converts the battery voltage supplied from a battery (not shown) mounted on the camera 10 into the voltages necessary for the operation of each circuit. In this process, the camera power supply unit 21 generates voltages V1, V2, V3, and VM.

[0025] Voltage (first voltage) V1 is the power supply voltage (VDD) for communication control of the first and second interchangeable lenses, and is also the communication voltage of the first interchangeable lens. Voltage (second voltage) V2 is the communication voltage of the second interchangeable lens. Voltage (third voltage) V3 is the power supply voltage for the camera microcontroller 20. Voltage VM is the power supply voltage for driving the first and second interchangeable lenses.

[0026] When the power switch 22 is turned on, the camera microcontroller 20 starts supplying VDD and VM from the camera 10 to the interchangeable lens 100. When the power switch 22 is turned off, the camera microcontroller 20 stops supplying VDD and VM from the camera 10 to the interchangeable lens 100.

[0027] The camera microcontroller 20 communicates with the interchangeable lens 100 via the voltage conversion unit 23. The camera microcontroller 20 has an LCLK_OUT terminal for outputting a communication control signal, a DCL_OUT terminal for outputting communication data to the interchangeable lens 100, and a DLC_IN terminal for receiving communication data input from the interchangeable lens 100. The communication control signal and communication data correspond to communication signals. The camera microcontroller 20 functions as a camera communication means.

[0028] The camera microcontroller 20 also has an MIF_IN terminal for detecting the attachment of the interchangeable lens 100, a TYPE_IN terminal for identifying the type of interchangeable lens 100, and a CNT_V_OUT terminal for outputting a communication voltage switching signal to the voltage conversion unit 23. The camera microcontroller 20 functions as an accessory determination means. The camera microcontroller 20 also has a CNT_VDD_OUT terminal for outputting a power supply signal for the power switch 22, a connection terminal for the image processing unit 13, and a connection terminal for the operation unit 15. The camera microcontroller 20 also controls the operation of the display unit 14 via the display unit control unit 25.

[0029] The microcomputer (lens microcontroller) 111 within the lens control unit 104 communicates with the camera microcontroller 20 via the voltage conversion unit 23. The lens microcontroller 111 has an LCLK_IN terminal for receiving communication control signals, a DLC_OUT terminal for outputting communication data to the camera 10, and a DCL_IN terminal for receiving communication data from the camera 10. The lens microcontroller 111 also has connection terminals for the aperture drive unit 105R / 105L, the focus drive unit 110, and the focus difference adjustment drive unit 112. The lens control unit 104 also has a lens power supply unit (voltage generation means) 114.

[0030] Here, we will explain how the attachment of the interchangeable lens 100 to the camera 10 is detected. The MIF_IN terminal of the camera microcontroller 20 is pulled up to the power supply by a resistor R2 (100kΩ). Therefore, when the interchangeable lens 100 is not attached, the voltage value is H (High). However, when the interchangeable lens (first interchangeable lens or second interchangeable lens) 100 is attached, the MIF_IN terminal is connected to GND at the interchangeable lens 100. Therefore, regardless of the type of interchangeable lens 100, the voltage value becomes L (Low) when the interchangeable lens 100 is attached.

[0031] The interchangeable lens 100 has aperture drive units 105R and 105L that drive actuators that operate aperture units 102R and 102L. The interchangeable lens 100 also has a focus drive unit 110 that operates a focus unit 108. The interchangeable lens 100 also has a focus difference adjustment drive unit 112 that operates a focus difference adjustment unit 109.

[0032] In Figure 1, the focus difference adjustment unit 109 is positioned on the right eye side, but this is not limited to this configuration; the focus difference adjustment unit 109 may also be positioned on the left eye side. Furthermore, although there are two aperture drive units 105R and 105L, this is not limited to this configuration; a single aperture drive unit may be used to simultaneously drive the aperture units 102R and 102L. In addition, the focus drive unit 110 may be a single integrated drive mechanism for both left and right eyes, or separate drive mechanisms for the left and right eyes may be operated simultaneously by separate motors.

[0033] Next, the adjustment of the focus difference between the right eye lens unit 101R and the left eye lens unit 101L will be explained with reference to Figures 3(a) and (b). Figures 3(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of the adjustment of the focus difference between the right eye lens unit 101R and the left eye lens unit 101L. With the interchangeable lens 100, a relative focus difference between the left and right eye lenses may occur between the right eye lens unit 101R and the left eye lens unit 101L due to variations in the tilt direction and amount of the image sensor 11 due to individual differences in the camera 10, and due to decreased reliability due to temperature, humidity, and impact. Figure 3(a) shows the ideal case where there is no tilt in the image sensor 11. Figure 3(b) shows the case where there is tilt in the image sensor 11. In the case of Figure 3(b), even if the right eye lens unit 101R and the left eye lens unit 101L are moved together, it is not possible to adjust the focus of each simultaneously. In other words, a relative difference in focus occurs between the right eye lens unit 101R and the left eye lens unit 101L, resulting in a difference in the state of focus between the left and right eyes.

[0034] Therefore, in each embodiment, the focus position of the right eye lens unit 101R and the left eye lens unit 101L can be changed using the focus difference adjustment unit 109 (second drive mode). As shown in Figure 3(b), after adjusting the focus position, the right eye lens unit 101R and the left eye lens unit 101L are moved in sync using the focus unit 108 (second drive mode). This makes it possible to take images while keeping them in alignment with the tilt of the imaging plane.

[0035] In each embodiment, the lens control unit 104 is a control means for controlling the right eye lens unit 101R and the left eye lens unit 101L. The lens control unit 104 has a first drive mode (first mode) and a second drive mode (second mode) as drive modes for the right eye lens unit 101R and the left eye lens unit 101L. The first drive mode is a mode in which the right eye lens unit 101R and the left eye lens unit 101L are driven simultaneously using the focus drive unit 110. The second drive mode is a mode in which the right eye lens unit 101R and the left eye lens unit 101L are driven independently using the focus difference adjustment drive unit 112. The lens control unit 104 also varies the timing of switching from the first drive mode to the second drive mode depending on the shooting state.

[0036] The following describes various embodiments of the present invention. [Examples]

[0037] First, with reference to Figures 4 to 6, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a method for setting whether the interchangeable lens 100 operates in a first drive mode (first mode) or a second drive mode (second mode) will be described.

[0038] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method in which the interchangeable lens 100 (lens control unit 104) receives a communication command regarding the drive mode from the camera 10 (camera control unit 17) and sets the drive mode based on that communication command.

[0039] First, in step S401, the camera 10 supplies power to the interchangeable lens 100. Next, in step S402, the camera 10 and the interchangeable lens 100 perform ID communication (camera-lens ID communication). Then, in step S403, the camera 10 determines whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 has a focus difference adjustment drive unit 112. Here, whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 has a focus difference adjustment drive unit 112 may be determined based on the result of the ID communication performed in step S402. If it is determined that the interchangeable lens 100 has a focus difference adjustment drive unit 112, the process proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, if it is determined that the interchangeable lens 100 does not have a focus difference adjustment drive unit 112, this flow ends.

[0040] In step S404, the camera 10 (camera microcontroller 20) determines, based on the settings of the camera 10, whether the drive mode (lens operation) of the interchangeable lens 100 is set to drive using the focus drive unit 110. Here, the drive mode may be set using the user interface with the display unit 14. Alternatively, the drive mode may be determined from the state of the operation unit 15. If, based on the settings of the camera 10, the lens operation is set to drive using the focus drive unit 110, the process proceeds to step S405. On the other hand, if the lens operation is not set to drive using the focus drive unit 110, the process proceeds to step S407.

[0041] In step S405, the camera 10 sends a communication command to the interchangeable lens 100 to activate the focus drive unit 110. Subsequently, in step S406, the interchangeable lens 100 sets the first drive mode to activate the focus drive unit 110, and proceeds to step S404.

[0042] In step S407, the camera 10 sends a communication command to the interchangeable lens 100 to activate the focus difference adjustment drive unit 112. Subsequently, in step S408, the interchangeable lens 100 sets a second drive mode to activate the focus difference adjustment drive unit 112, and proceeds to step S404.

[0043] According to the control method shown in Figure 4, the drive mode of the interchangeable lens 100 can be changed each time the settings of the camera 10 (the state of the mode setting means that constitutes part of the operation unit 15) are changed. The drive mode of the interchangeable lens 100 can be changed by the settings of the camera 10, but is not limited to this; for example, the drive mode may be set or changed according to the state of the lens operation unit 115.

[0044] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a control method for setting the drive mode according to the state of the lens operation unit 115 (mode setting means which constitute a part of the lens operation unit 115).

[0045] First, in step S401, as in Figure 4, the camera 10 supplies power to the interchangeable lens 100. Next, in step S501, the interchangeable lens 100 determines whether the lens operation unit 115 is set to operate the lens using the focus drive unit 110. If the lens operation unit 115 is set to operate the lens using the focus drive unit 110, the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if the lens operation unit 115 is not set to operate the lens using the focus drive unit 110, the process proceeds to step S408. In step S406, the interchangeable lens 100 sets the first drive mode to operate the focus drive unit 110 and proceeds to step S501. In step S408, the interchangeable lens 100 sets the second drive mode to operate the focus difference adjustment drive unit 112 and proceeds to step S501.

[0046] According to the control method in Figure 5, the interchangeable lens 100 sets or changes its drive mode according to the state of the lens operation unit 115. In this case, the camera 10 and the interchangeable lens 100 do not need to communicate as described in step S402 of Figure 4.

[0047] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a control method in which the interchangeable lens 100 receives the status of the camera 10 and sets the drive mode.

[0048] First, in step S401, the camera 10 supplies power to the interchangeable lens 100. Next, in step S601, the camera 10 transmits the shooting status to the interchangeable lens 100. Here, the shooting status refers to information such as whether still images are being taken (continuous shooting of still images) or video is being recorded. However, the shooting status is not limited to these, and may also refer to information such as the status of the imaging operation means (release button) that constitutes the operation unit 15 of the camera 10 (whether or not the imaging operation means is being pressed by the user). In this case, the camera 10 can transmit the status of the imaging operation means to the interchangeable lens 100.

[0049] Next, in step S501, the interchangeable lens 100 determines whether the lens operation unit 115 is set to operate the lens using the focus drive unit 110. If the lens operation unit 115 is set to operate the lens using the focus drive unit 110, the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if the lens operation unit 115 is not set to operate the lens using the focus drive unit 110, the process proceeds to step S602. In step S406, the interchangeable lens 100 sets the first drive mode to operate the focus drive unit 110 and proceeds to step S601.

[0050] In step S602, the interchangeable lens 100 determines whether the shooting status received from the camera 10 in step S601 is video recording. If the shooting status is video recording, the process proceeds to step S601. On the other hand, if the shooting status is video recording, the process proceeds to step S408. In step S408, the interchangeable lens 100 sets the second drive mode to operate the focus difference adjustment drive unit 112 and proceeds to step S601.

[0051] According to this embodiment, the drive mode of the interchangeable lens 100 can be changed at an appropriate timing based on the shooting state of the camera 10. In Figure 6, step S602 determines whether or not the shooting state of the camera 10 is in the process of shooting video, but it is not limited to this. Instead of determining whether or not the shooting state is in the process of shooting video, for example, it may be determined whether or not the shooting state is in the process of shooting still images (continuous shooting of still images). Alternatively, in step S602, it may be determined whether or not the imaging operation means (release button) constituting the operation unit 15 is being pressed by the user (pressed).

[0052] Furthermore, while Figure 6 shows that the state of the lens operating unit 115 is determined in step S501, it is not limited to this. The state of the lens operating unit 115 may also be determined after the determination in step S602. This allows the interchangeable lens 100 to change its drive mode only when the camera 10 is not in the process of shooting video.

[0053] As described above, the lens control unit 104 varies the timing of the change from the first drive mode to the second drive mode depending on the shooting state. Preferably, when the lens control unit 104 receives an instruction to change from the first drive mode to the second drive mode while the first drive mode is set, and the shooting state is a predetermined state, it maintains the setting of the first drive mode for the duration of the predetermined state. More preferably, the lens control unit 104 changes the setting of the first drive mode to the setting of the second drive mode after the predetermined state has ended. Here, the predetermined state is when shooting video, when shooting still images continuously, or when the imaging operation means is pressed. [Examples]

[0054] Next, with reference to Figure 7, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the camera 10 instructs the interchangeable lens 100 to set a first drive mode (first mode) and a second drive mode (second mode) via communication from the camera 10, and the case in which the interchangeable lens 100 sets the drive mode will be described.

[0055] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a control method in which camera 10 sends a command to the interchangeable lens 100 to set the drive mode according to the state of camera 10.

[0056] First, in step S401, the camera 10 supplies power to the interchangeable lens 100. Next, in step S402, the camera 10 and the interchangeable lens 100 perform ID communication (camera-lens ID communication). Then, in step S403, the camera 10 determines whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 has a focus difference adjustment drive unit 112. Here, whether or not the interchangeable lens 100 has a focus difference adjustment drive unit 112 may be determined based on the result of the ID communication performed in step S402. If it is determined that the interchangeable lens 100 has a focus difference adjustment drive unit 112, the process proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, if it is determined that the interchangeable lens 100 does not have a focus difference adjustment drive unit 112, this flow ends.

[0057] Next, in step S701, the camera 10 sends a communication command (second communication command) to the interchangeable lens 100 instructing it to set the drive mode via communication from the camera 10 (giving a change instruction based on the first communication command). For example, after receiving the communication command in step S701, the interchangeable lens 100 will not change the drive mode even if it receives a drive mode change instruction from the lens operation unit 115, unless it receives a communication (first communication command) from the camera 10 to set the drive mode.

[0058] Next, in step S702, the interchangeable lens 100 transmits the status of the lens operation unit 115 to the camera 10. Here, the status of the lens operation unit 115 may indicate whether the drive mode set by the lens operation unit 115 is the first drive mode or the second drive mode.

[0059] Next, in step S703, the camera 10 determines whether the state of the lens operation unit 115 received from the interchangeable lens 100 is set to lens operation by the focus drive unit 110. If the state of the lens operation unit 115 is set to lens operation by the focus drive unit 110, the process proceeds to step S405. On the other hand, if the state of the lens operation unit 115 is not set to lens operation by the focus drive unit 110, the process proceeds to step S602. Note that the following steps S405 to S408 are the same as in Figure 4, and step S602 is the same as in Figure 6, so their explanations are omitted.

[0060] As a result, in Embodiment 1, the interchangeable lens 100 changes its drive mode based on the shooting state of the camera 10, but in this embodiment, the camera 10 instructs the interchangeable lens 100 to change its drive mode, making it possible to select the appropriate drive mode from multiple conditions.

[0061] In Figure 7, the drive mode transmitted by the camera 10 is set according to the state of the lens operation unit 115 received by the camera 10 in step S702, but this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as in step S404 of Figure 4, information regarding the drive mode set by the operation unit 15 of the camera 10 may be transmitted to the interchangeable lens 100. Alternatively, the drive mode may be transmitted based on the settings of an accessory device other than the interchangeable lens 100 (such as an adapter or extender) connected to the camera 10. Note that the camera 10 is not limited to transmitting any of the multiple drive mode settings.

[0062] In this embodiment, the state of the lens operating unit 115 is determined in step S703 of Figure 7, but the state of the lens operating unit 115 may also be determined after step S602. This allows the interchangeable lens 100 to change its drive mode according to the shooting state of the camera 10, etc.

[0063] (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.

[0064] According to each embodiment, it is possible to provide an accessory device, an imaging device, a control method for the accessory device and imaging device, and a program that can adjust the focus difference between the right eye optical system and the left eye optical system at an appropriate timing depending on the state of the imaging device.

[0065] Each embodiment's disclosure includes the following configuration and method. (Composition 1) An accessory device that can be attached to an imaging device, The first optical system and, A second optical system arranged in parallel with the first optical system, The system includes control means for controlling the first optical system and the second optical system, The control means is The system has a first mode in which the first optical system and the second optical system are driven simultaneously, and a second mode in which the first optical system and the second optical system are driven independently. An accessory device characterized by varying the timing of switching from the first mode to the second mode depending on the shooting conditions. (Configuration 2) The accessory device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that when the control means receives an instruction to change from the first mode to the second mode while the first mode is set, and the shooting state is in a predetermined state, it maintains the setting of the first mode during the predetermined state. (Composition 3) The accessory device according to configuration 2, characterized in that the control means changes the setting of the first mode to the setting of the second mode after the predetermined state has ended. (Composition 4) The control means acquires information regarding the shooting state from the imaging device, The accessory device according to configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that the predetermined state is at least one of the shooting state being during video recording or continuous shooting of still images. (Composition 5) The control means acquires information regarding the shooting state from the imaging device based on the state of the imaging operation means of the imaging device which can be operated by the user. The accessory device according to configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that the predetermined state is a state in which the imaging operation means is pressed. (Composition 6) The accessory device according to any one of configurations 2 to 5, characterized in that the control means acquires the change instruction based on the first communication command received from the imaging device. (Composition 7) The accessory device according to any one of configurations 2 to 5, characterized in that the control means acquires the change instruction based on the state of a mode setting means that can be operated by the user. (Composition 8) The accessory device according to configuration 7, characterized in that when the control means receives a second communication command from the imaging device instructing it to make the change instruction based on the first communication command, it does not change from the first mode to the second mode based on the change instruction based on the state of the mode setting means of the imaging device which can be operated by the user. (Composition 9) The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the accessory device is a lens device. (Composition 10) The accessory device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the accessory device is an adapter that can be directly attached to the imaging device or can be indirectly attached to the imaging device via a lens device. (Composition 11) An imaging device to which an accessory device having a first optical system and a second optical system arranged in parallel with the first optical system can be attached, The system has control means for controlling the first optical system and the second optical system by communicating with the accessory device, The control means is The system has a first mode in which the first optical system and the second optical system are driven simultaneously, and a second mode in which the first optical system and the second optical system are driven independently. An imaging device characterized by varying the timing of switching from the first mode to the second mode depending on the shooting conditions. (Composition 12) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 11, characterized in that when the control means receives an instruction to change from the first mode to the second mode while the first mode is set, and the shooting state is in a predetermined state, it maintains the setting of the first mode for the duration of the predetermined state. (Composition 13) The imaging apparatus according to configuration 12, characterized in that the control means changes the setting of the first mode to the setting of the second mode after the predetermined state has ended. (Method 1) A method for controlling an accessory device that can be attached to an imaging device, In the first mode, the steps include simultaneously driving the first optical system and the second optical system arranged in parallel with the first optical system, A step of obtaining an instruction to change from the first mode to a second mode in which the first optical system and the second optical system are driven independently, The step includes changing from the first mode to the second mode in accordance with the change instruction, A control method for an accessory device, characterized by varying the timing of switching from the first mode to the second mode depending on the shooting conditions. (Method 2) A control method for an imaging device to which an accessory device can be attached, In the first mode, the steps include simultaneously driving the first optical system and the second optical system arranged in parallel with the first optical system, A step of obtaining an instruction to change from the first mode to a second mode in which the first optical system and the second optical system are driven independently, The step includes changing from the first mode to the second mode in accordance with the change instruction, A control method for an imaging device, characterized by varying the timing of switching from the first mode to the second mode depending on the shooting conditions. (Composition 16) A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the control method for the accessory device described in Method 1. (Composition 17) A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the control method of the imaging device described in Method 2.

[0066] Although 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 its essence. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10. Camera (imaging device) 100 interchangeable lenses (accessory device) 101R Right eye lens unit (first optical system) 101L Left eye lens unit (second optical system)

Claims

1. An accessory device that can be attached to an imaging device, The first optical system and, The second optical system and The system includes control means for controlling the first optical system and the second optical system, The optical axes of the first optical system and the second optical system do not coincide with each other. The control means is It is possible to switch between a first mode in which the first optical system and the second optical system are driven simultaneously, and a second mode in which one of the first optical system and the second optical system is driven. Depending on the imaging conditions, the timing of switching from the first mode to the second mode is varied. An accessory device characterized in that, in the first mode, when an instruction to change from the first mode to the second mode is received and the imaging state is in a predetermined state, the first mode is maintained.

2. The accessory device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means changes from the first mode to the second mode after the predetermined state has ended.

3. The control means acquires information regarding the imaging state from the imaging device, The accessory device according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined state is at least one of the imaging state being during video recording or continuous still image recording.

4. The control means acquires information regarding the imaging state from the imaging device based on the state of the imaging operation means of the imaging device that can be operated by the user. The accessory device according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined state is a state in which the imaging operation means is pressed.

5. The accessory device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means acquires the change instruction based on the first communication command received from the imaging device.

6. The accessory device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means acquires the change instruction based on the state of a mode setting means that can be operated by the user.

7. The accessory device according to claim 6, characterized in that when the control means receives a second communication command instructing it to make the change instruction based on a first communication command received from the imaging device, it does not change from the first mode to the second mode based on the change instruction based on the state of the mode setting means of the imaging device which can be operated by the user.

8. The accessory device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the accessory device is a lens device.

9. A method for controlling an accessory device that can be attached to an imaging device, In the first mode, the first optical system and the second optical system are driven simultaneously. A step of obtaining an instruction to change from the first mode to a second mode that drives one of the first optical system and the second optical system, The step of changing from the first mode to the second mode in accordance with the change instruction, The optical axes of the first optical system and the second optical system do not coincide with each other. The first mode and the second mode are switchable. Depending on the imaging conditions, the timing of switching from the first mode to the second mode is varied. A control method for an accessory device, characterized in that, in the first mode, when an instruction to change from the first mode to the second mode is received and the imaging state is in a predetermined state, the first mode is maintained.

10. A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the control method for the accessory device described in claim 9.

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