JP2003228115A - Camera, interchangeable lens and camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera system capable of accurately discriminating whether the normal compatibility can be secured between an interchangeable lens and the camera body or not. <P>SOLUTION: The camera system is constituted by combining the camera body 1 and the interchangeable lens 2, the camera body 1 is provided with a communication part 11, an identification data discriminating part 14 for discriminating whether the communication of a prescribed communication protocol can be performed through the communication part 11, a hardware information discriminating part 17 for discriminating which value coincides with a prescribed value among a current value, a voltage value and an electric resistance value, etc., held by the interchangeable lens 2, and a control part 15 for deciding whether or not the interchangeable lens 2 has the normal compatibility based on the discrimination result of the identification data discriminating part 14 and the discrimination result of the hardware information discriminating part 17, and the interchangeable lens 2 is provided with a communication part 21 for communicating with the communication part 11 through the prescribed communication protocol, and a hardware information outputting part 23 for outputting the hardware information to the hardware information discriminating part 17. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera system in which a camera body and an interchangeable lens are combined, and a camera body and an interchangeable lens suitable for this system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a silver halide camera, an electronic camera, a video camera, etc., a camera body for taking a picture or taking an image is constructed such that a lens having a taking optical system can be replaced. There is a system.

By using such a camera system, it becomes possible to shoot various subjects, which cannot be photographed by a camera having a fixed lens, at various angles of view, shutter speeds, brightness, and the like. It is known that there is an advantage that the possibilities of video expression are greatly expanded.

However, in a camera system with interchangeable lenses, if physically mountable, an interchangeable lens with insufficient compatibility may be mounted on the camera body. A technique has been proposed in which communication is performed with a lens to confirm compatibility with each other.

As an example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-249217
In a camera system including a combination of a camera body and an interchangeable lens as described in Japanese Patent Publication, communication in a predetermined form between the interchangeable lens and the camera body is made possible, and the information obtained as a result of this communication is used. Then, there is a technology that discriminates the compatibility between the two.
According to this proposed system, there is an advantage that compatibility between the interchangeable lens and the camera body can be automatically determined.

[0006]

However, in such a conventional camera system, there is a possibility that the camera is erroneously recognized as a legitimate one even if the legitimate suitability is not originally secured. . If it is not genuine in itself, all the functions according to the design specifications may not be fully exerted in a state where the interchangeable lens and the camera body are combined with each other, even if there is a certain degree of compatibility. there is a possibility. Therefore, there is a demand for a technique in which only a highly reliable interchangeable lens whose operation has been completely confirmed can be mounted on the camera body for use.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to accurately discriminate the compatibility between the interchangeable lens and the camera body when originally proper compatibility is ensured. An object of the present invention is to provide a combined camera system, a camera body adapted to this system, and an interchangeable lens.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the camera system according to the first invention is a camera system in which a camera body and an interchangeable lens are combined, and the camera body is a specific interchangeable lens. Communication means that enables communication with the lens according to a predetermined communication protocol, and whether or not the interchangeable lens side coupled to the self holds a predetermined amount of the state of a predetermined electrical object. Discriminating means for discriminating between the interchangeable lens and the interchangeable lens. The interchangeable lens is configured to hold a predetermined amount of the state of the predetermined electrical object in a form recognizable by the discriminating means on the camera body side. It is a thing.

A camera system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the camera system according to the first aspect, wherein the amount of state of the electrical object is selected so as to maintain a specific relationship with the attributes of the interchangeable lens. It is a thing.

Further, in a camera system according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the camera system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the attributes of the interchangeable lens to be selected so that the state quantity of the electrical object maintains a specific relationship, It relates to the focal length.

In a camera system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the camera system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the attribute of the interchangeable lens to be selected so that the amount of the state of the electrical object maintains a specific relation beforehand. It relates to a physical quantity for identifying each interchangeable lens set in the interchangeable lens.

The camera system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the camera system according to the second aspect, wherein the attribute of the interchangeable lens to be selected so that the quantity of the state of the electrical object maintains a specific relationship is a serial number. It is related to.

In a camera system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the camera system according to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the state quantity of the electrical object is a current value.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the camera system according to the first to fifth aspects, the quantity of the state of the electrical object is a voltage value.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the camera system according to the first to fifth aspects, the quantity of the state of the electrical object is an electrical resistance value.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the camera system according to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the state quantity of the electrical object is an electric capacitance value.

A camera system according to a tenth invention is the camera system according to the first to fifth inventions,
The state quantity of the electrical object is a frequency value.

A camera system according to an eleventh invention is the camera system according to the first to fifth inventions,
The quantity of the state of the electrical object is the value of the duty ratio of the electrical value that changes periodically.

A camera system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the camera system according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the camera body encodes the amount of the state of the electrical object and instructs the interchangeable lens coupled to itself. And a decryption unit for decrypting the encrypted instruction from the camera body side, and the state of the electrical object according to the decrypted instruction. Is configured to set the amount of.

A camera body according to a thirteenth invention is a camera body which is suitable for a camera system in which a camera body and an interchangeable lens are combined, and which communicates with a specific interchangeable lens according to a predetermined communication protocol. It is provided with a communication means for enabling it and a discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the interchangeable lens side coupled to the self holds a predetermined amount of the state of a predetermined electrical object.

A camera body according to a fourteenth invention is the camera body according to the thirteenth invention, wherein the quantity of the state of the electrical object is selected so as to maintain a specific relationship with the attribute of the interchangeable lens. is there.

The camera body according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the camera body according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the attribute of the interchangeable lens to be selected so that the amount of state of the electrical object maintains a specific relationship is the focal length. It is related to.

The camera body according to the sixteenth invention is the camera body according to the fourteenth invention, wherein the attributes of the interchangeable lens to be selected so that the quantity of the state of the electrical object maintains a specific relationship. It relates to a physical quantity for identifying each interchangeable lens set in the interchangeable lens.

The camera body according to the seventeenth invention is the camera body according to the fourteenth invention, wherein the attribute of the interchangeable lens to be selected so that the quantity of the state of the electrical object maintains a specific relation is the serial number. It is related to.

A camera body according to an eighteenth invention is the camera body according to the thirteenth to seventeenth inventions,
The state quantity of the electrical object is a current value.

A camera body according to a nineteenth invention is the camera body according to the thirteenth to seventeenth inventions,
The state quantity of the electrical object is a voltage value.

A camera body according to a twentieth invention is the camera body according to the thirteenth to seventeenth inventions,
The quantity of the state of the electric object is an electric resistance value.

A camera body according to a twenty-first invention is the camera body according to the thirteenth to seventeenth inventions,
The quantity of the state of the electrical object is a capacitance value.

A camera body according to a twenty-second invention is the camera body according to the thirteenth to seventeenth inventions,
The state quantity of the electrical object is a frequency value.

A camera body according to a twenty-third invention is the camera body according to the thirteenth to seventeenth inventions,
The quantity of the state of the electrical object is the value of the duty ratio of the electrical value that changes periodically.

A camera body according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention is the camera body according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, further comprising encryption means for encrypting the quantity of the state of the electrical object and instructing the interchangeable lens coupled to itself. It is equipped with more.

An interchangeable lens according to the twenty-fifth aspect of the invention is an interchangeable lens which is suitable for a camera system which is a combination of a camera body and an interchangeable lens, and which is recognizable by a discriminating means provided on the camera body side in advance. It is configured to hold the set amount of the predetermined electrical object state.

An interchangeable lens according to the twenty-sixth aspect of the invention is the interchangeable lens according to the twenty-fifth aspect of the invention, wherein the quantity of the state of the electrical object is selected so as to maintain a specific relationship with the attributes of the interchangeable lens. is there.

The interchangeable lens according to the twenty-seventh aspect of the invention is the interchangeable lens according to the twenty-sixth aspect of the invention, wherein the attribute of the interchangeable lens to be selected so that the amount of the state of the electrical object maintains a specific relationship is the focal length. It is related to.

The interchangeable lens according to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention is the interchangeable lens according to the twenty-sixth aspect, wherein the attribute of the interchangeable lens to be selected so that the quantity of the state of the electrical object maintains a specific relationship. It relates to a physical quantity for identifying each interchangeable lens set in the interchangeable lens.

The interchangeable lens according to the twenty-ninth aspect of the invention is the interchangeable lens according to the twenty-sixth aspect, wherein the attribute of the interchangeable lens to be selected so that the quantity of the state of the electrical object maintains a specific relation is a serial number. It is related to.

The interchangeable lens according to the thirtieth invention is the interchangeable lens according to the twenty-fifth to twenty-ninth inventions, wherein the amount of the state of the electrical object is a current value.

The interchangeable lens according to the thirty-first invention is the interchangeable lens according to the twenty-fifth to twenty-ninth inventions, wherein the amount of the electrical object state is a voltage value.

The interchangeable lens according to the thirty-second invention is the interchangeable lens according to the twenty-fifth to twenty-ninth inventions, wherein the amount of the state of the electrical object is an electric resistance value.

The interchangeable lens according to the thirty-third invention is the interchangeable lens according to the twenty-fifth to twenty-ninth inventions, wherein the amount of the state of the electrical object is an electric capacitance value.

The interchangeable lens according to the thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention is the interchangeable lens according to the twenty-fifth to twenty-ninth aspects of the present invention, wherein the quantity of the electrical object state is a frequency value.

The interchangeable lens according to the thirty-fifth aspect of the invention is the interchangeable lens according to the twenty-fifth to twenty-ninth aspects of the invention, wherein the amount of the state of the electrical object is the value of the duty ratio of the electrical value that changes periodically.

The interchangeable lens according to the thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention is the interchangeable lens according to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, further comprising encryption means for encrypting the quantity of the state of the electrical object and instructing the interchangeable lens coupled to itself. Further provided is a decryption means for decrypting an encrypted instruction from the camera body side further provided, and configured to set the amount of the state of the electrical object according to the decrypted instruction. It is a thing.

[0044]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 10 show an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera system.

This camera system has a camera body 1
And an interchangeable lens 2 that can be detachably applied to the camera body 1 via a lens mount or the like.

The camera body 1 communicates with the interchangeable lens 2 and transmits a group number or address relating to identification data for identifying the interchangeable lens 2 as will be described later. Communication means for receiving from the interchangeable lens 2 identification data according to
An encryption unit, a communication unit 11 as a first suitability determination unit,
An identification data selection unit 12 which is a first compatibility determination unit for selecting a group number or an address related to the identification data, and a first compatibility determination unit which stores the identification data by classifying the identification data by a group number or an address. The barrel identification data storage unit 13 is compared with identification data relating to a predetermined group number and address input from the communication unit 11 and identification data relating to the same group number and address read from the identification data storage unit 13. The identification data discriminating unit 14 which is the first suitability determining unit for discriminating whether or not they match, the lens attaching / detaching switch 16 for detecting whether or not the interchangeable lens 2 is attached, and the interchangeable lens 2 are provided. A discriminating means for discriminating the hardware information output from the interchangeable lens 2 when the second lens is attached; The conformity judging unit serving hardware information determiner 17, the hardware information determiner 17
When the compatible interchangeable lens 2 is connected in response to the result of the determination by the lens attaching / detaching switch 16, the result of the detection by the lens attaching / detaching switch 16 and the determination result by the identification data determining unit 14, the interchangeable lens 2 that does not match the normal operation of the camera The control unit 15 is a control unit that prohibits the operation of the camera when connected.

The control section 15 controls the camera body 1 only when the interchangeable lens 2 is not connected, but when the compatible interchangeable lens 2 is connected, the interchangeable lens 2 is controlled. The entire camera system including 2 is controlled comprehensively.

On the other hand, the interchangeable lens 2 has an identification data storage section 22 which is a lens side communication means for storing identification data sorted by group number or address, and a group number and address received from the communication section 11 of the camera body 1. A state in which hardware information is output to the communication unit 21 that is the lens side communication unit that reads out and returns the identification data corresponding to the above from the identification data storage unit 22 and the hardware information determination unit 17 of the camera body 1. And a hardware-like information output unit 23 as a quantity holding unit.

Here, the hardware information is output as an amount of the state of the electrical object selected so as to maintain a specific relationship with the attribute of the interchangeable lens 2, and the interchangeable lens is output. The attributes of 2 are the focal length and the individual interchangeable lens 2 set in advance in the interchangeable lens 2.
The physical quantity for identifying the item and the serial number are examples.

Further, as the quantity of the state of the electric object, the electric current value, the voltage value, the electric resistance value, the electric capacitance value, the frequency value, and the electric value which changes periodically are used as described below. The value of the duty ratio is given as an example.

Next, a configuration example for discriminating the hardware information will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of detecting and discriminating hardware information as a current value.

The interchangeable lens 2 is a lens microcomputer 201 having the communication section 21 and the identification data storage section 22.
And a constant current power source 20 which outputs a constant current I having a current value corresponding to the above attribute of the interchangeable lens 2 and which is a state quantity holding means corresponding to the hardware information output section 23.
2 and.

More specifically, the constant current power source 202 is as follows.
The attributes described above, that is, interchangeable lens types such as 28 to 105 mm zoom lens and 100 mm macro lens, and E (not shown) provided in the interchangeable lens 2
The constant current I is output with a unique current value corresponding to the interchangeable lens individual number or the manufacturing number (or a part of these numbers) stored in the EPROM or the like at the time of manufacturing.

Further, the camera body 1 detects and outputs the current value of the constant current I output from the constant current power source 202, and corresponds to the hardware information discriminating section 17 as a second conformance. Current detection unit 102 as a sex determination means
And the interchangeable lens 2 which includes the communication unit 11, the identification data selection unit 12, the identification data storage unit 13, the identification data determination unit 14, and the control unit 15 and is connected based on the current value detected by the current detection unit 102. Is determined to be suitable, and if it is determined to be compatible, the attribute of the interchangeable lens 2 is further determined, and a control suitable for the interchangeable lens 2 is performed based on the determination result. And a body microcomputer 101 which is a first suitability determining means.

That is, the body microcomputer 101 has a database corresponding to the attribute of the compatible interchangeable lens 2, and the current value detected by the current detector 102 is one of the current values stored in these databases. The attribute of the interchangeable lens 2 is determined by determining whether or not the interchangeable lens 2 is suitable according to whether they match, and by collating the current value with a database.

Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of detecting and discriminating hardware information as a voltage value.

The interchangeable lens 2 outputs a constant voltage V having a voltage value according to its own attribute, instead of the constant current power source 202 shown in FIG. 2, and corresponds to the hardware information output section 23. Constant voltage circuit 203 as a state quantity holding means
have.

Further, the camera body 1 detects and outputs the voltage value of the constant voltage V output from the constant voltage circuit 203 in place of the current detection unit 102 of FIG. 2 described above. It has a voltage detection unit 103 as a second compatibility determination unit corresponding to the wearable information determination unit 17.

The other configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 2 except that the hardware information is detected as the voltage value.

Further, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another example in which hardware-like information is detected and determined as a current value.

The interchangeable lens 2 has the same structure as that shown in FIG.

Further, in the camera body 1, instead of the above-mentioned current detecting section 102 of FIG. 2, a resistor arranged between the constant current I output from the constant current power source 202 and the ground is connected to the ground. A resistor 104 having a value R (a part of the second suitability determining means) is provided, and the voltage value V by the resistor 104 is further provided.
A / D converter 105, which is a second compatibility determining means for detecting = I × R and converting it into digital data, is provided in the body microcomputer 101.

Other points are the same as those shown in FIG.

Next, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another example in which hardware-like information is detected and discriminated as a voltage value.

The interchangeable lens 2 has the same structure as that shown in FIG.

Further, the camera body 1 is not provided with the voltage detection unit 103 of FIG. 3 described above, but is provided with the A / D converter 105 of FIG. 4 described above in the body microcomputer 101. .

The other points are the same as those shown in FIG.

Next, FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing still another example of detecting and discriminating hardware information as a current value.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the hardware information is used only for detecting whether or not the interchangeable lens 2 is suitable for the camera body 1, and the focal length of the interchangeable lens 2 and others. It is not used to detect the attribute of.

Although not shown, the body microcomputer 101 is internally provided with an encryption means, which creates a command for instructing a current value output from the interchangeable lens 2 connected to the body microcomputer 101 and encrypted by this encryption means. Then, it is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 201 of the interchangeable lens 2.

Further, the lens microcomputer 20 of the interchangeable lens 2
Although not shown in the figure, 1 is equipped with a decryption means (the decryption means is included in the communication unit 21 when corresponding to the configuration of FIG. 1) internally, and is encrypted received from the body microcomputer 101. The instruction is decrypted and the current value I output from the constant current power source 202 is set based on the decrypted instruction. That is, in this interchangeable lens 2, the constant current power source 202 is of a variable type.

The other structure is similar to that shown in FIG.

In such a configuration, the body microcomputer 101 detects the current value of the current I output from the interchangeable lens 2 and determines whether the detected current value matches the current value instructed by itself. It is adapted to judge whether or not the interchangeable lens 2 is suitable.

That is, when the interchangeable lens 2 tries to prove to the camera body 1 that it is self-compatible, the interchangeable lens 2 is equipped with a decryption means corresponding to the encryption means of the camera body 1, and It is necessary for the interchangeable lens 2 to be provided with a means for outputting a current I having a current value according to a command from the body 1.

Next, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing still another example of detecting and discriminating hardware information as a voltage value.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, as in the example shown in FIG. 6, the hardware information is used to detect whether or not the interchangeable lens 2 is suitable for the camera body 1. It is used only to detect the focal length and other attributes of the interchangeable lens 2.

Although not shown in the figure, the body microcomputer 101 is internally provided with an encryption means, creates a command for instructing the voltage value output from the interchangeable lens 2 connected to the body microcomputer 101, and encrypts it with this encryption means. Then, it is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 201 of the interchangeable lens 2.

Although not shown, the interchangeable lens 2 is internally provided with a decrypting means, which decrypts the encrypted command received from the body microcomputer 101 and, based on the decrypted command, the constant voltage circuit 203. The voltage value V to be output from is set. That is, this interchangeable lens 2
In the above, the constant voltage circuit 203 is of a variable type.

Other configurations are the same as those shown in FIG. 5, and the processing for the body microcomputer 101 to judge the suitability of the interchangeable lens 2 is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of identification data.

The identification data stored in the identification data storage sections 13 and 22 are classified into groups by group numbers such as group 1, group 2, group 3, ... Is stored in a two-dimensional address data area that is a combination of the address Y and the address Y, and is a kind of encryption table.

In the illustrated example, the address has a range of 1 to 4 that can be taken by the address X and a range of 1 to 4 that can be taken by the address Y, and is indicated by a combination (X, Y) of these. The identification data is stored in each of 4 × 4 = 16 addresses.

Therefore, the identification data is selected by designating the group number, the address X and the address Y by the identification data selecting section 12.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera body 1.

When the operation is started, the initial setting for checking the operation of each part and setting the initial value is executed (step S101).

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the interchangeable lens 2 is attached by detecting the lens attaching / detaching switch 16 (step S102), and based on the detection result, whether or not the interchangeable lens 2 is attached. It is determined (step S103).

If it is determined that the interchangeable lens 2 is attached, it is confirmed by the following predetermined communication protocol whether or not the interchangeable lens 2 is compatible, and then the subsequent communication and the like. Is supposed to do.

That is, the identification data selecting section 12
The identification data is selected by determining the group number and the address data X and Y related to the identification data by, for example, generating a random number (step S10).
4).

Then, the interchangeable lens 2 is connected via the communication unit 11.
The group number of the identification data is transmitted to the communication unit 21 (step S105), and then the address data X and Y of the identification data is transmitted (step S106).

After that, it waits for the identification data to be returned from the interchangeable lens 2, and when it is returned, it is received via the communication section 11 (step S107).

The identification data discriminating unit 14 compares the identification data of the selected group number and addresses X and Y read from the identification data storage unit 13 with the identification data received from the interchangeable lens 2 (step S10).
8) Based on the comparison result, it is determined whether these data match (step S109).

If the data do not match, it is determined that the interchangeable lens 2 does not have proper compatibility (step S118), the operation of the camera is prohibited (step S119), and the predetermined damage is caused. The process shifts to the processing routine (step S120). As a result, even if the incompatible interchangeable lens 2 is connected, the operation of the camera such as the photographing operation is not performed.

If it is determined in step S103 that the interchangeable lens 2 is not attached, or if it is determined in step S109 that the identification data match each other, the hardware information determination section 17 is further added. Thus, it is determined whether the attached interchangeable lens 2 is a compatible lens as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 (step S110).

If it is determined that the interchangeable lens 2 is not suitable, the process proceeds to step S118.

On the other hand, if it is judged that the hardware information is also suitable, it is judged that the attached interchangeable lens 2 has the proper compatibility (step S111), and the normal condition relating to the camera is obtained. A series of operations is executed (step S112).

After that, the normal processing relating to the camera operation is performed. In this normal processing loop, it is detected whether or not the interchangeable lens 2 is attached / detached by checking the lens attachment / detachment switch 16 every predetermined time. (Step S113) If there is no attachment / detachment, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to perform the lens check process by a user operation (step S114).

If there is a lens check instruction, the process goes to the step S104 to perform the lens check process as described above, and if there is no instruction, the normal process is performed (step S115). After that, a normal processing loop for returning to step S113 is performed.

If it is detected in step S113 that the interchangeable lens 2 is attached or detached due to the change of the lens attach / detach switch 16, it is determined whether or not the interchangeable lens 2 is attached by the attachment / detachment. (Step S116), and if the device is attached, the process proceeds to step S103. If the interchangeable lens 2 is not attached, the processing is performed when the interchangeable lens 2 is not attached (step S117), and then the above step S11.
The process returns to 6 and waits for the interchangeable lens 2 to be attached.

Next, FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of the interchangeable lens 2.

When the interchangeable lens 2 is connected to the camera body 1, this operation is started.

When the operation is started, first, the initial setting relating to the interchangeable lens 2 such as the setting of the port for communication is performed (step S201), and the communication unit 11 of the camera body 1 via the communication unit 21. It waits for and receives the notification that the data communication is to be performed (step S202).

Then, it is judged whether or not the received notification that the data communication is to be performed is a notification related to the identification data (step S203). If the notification is related to the identification data, the camera is determined in the above step S105. The group number of the identification data transmitted from the body 1 side is received and recognized (step S204), and then the above step S
At 106, the address data X and Y of the identification data transmitted from the camera body 1 side is received and recognized (step S205).

Then, the identification data of the recognized group number and addresses X and Y is read from the identification data storage unit 22 (step S206), and the communication unit 21 returns the read identification data to the communication unit 11 of the camera body 1. (Step S207).

When this step S207 is completed or when it is judged in the above step S203 that it is not the notification concerning the identification data, a normal process such as driving the lens is carried out (step S208). In the loop for performing this normal processing, the camera body 1
It is determined whether or not there is communication from (step S20
9) If there is communication, go to step S202 to perform the above-described processing. If there is no communication, go to step S208 to continue the normal processing loop.

According to such an embodiment, it is possible to accurately discriminate the compatibility between the interchangeable lens and the camera body, when a proper compatibility is originally secured.
Furthermore, because the interchangeable lens that ensures proper compatibility, that is, the reliable interchangeable lens whose operation has been confirmed, is set to operate only when the camera body is attached to the camera body, The reliability can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[Additional Notes] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention as described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.

(1) Attempt to communicate with a self-coupled interchangeable lens by a predetermined communication protocol, and determine that the interchangeable lens has the first compatibility when communication by the communication protocol is established. The compatibility determination means of No. 1 and the amount of the state of the electrical object held by the interchangeable lens are detected, and when the detection result matches the preset amount of the state of the electrical object, the interchangeable lens is activated. Second compatibility determining means that determines that the second lens has the second compatibility, and the first compatibility determining means determines that the interchangeable lens has the first compatibility, and the second compatibility. Only when the determining means determines that the interchangeable lens has the second compatibility, it is determined that the interchangeable lens has the regular compatibility, and the operation of the camera is permitted. In other cases, the operation of the camera is performed. Ban A camera body, comprising:

(2) Lens side communication means for communicating with the first suitability judging means on the camera body side to which the self is coupled by a predetermined communication protocol, and second suitability on the camera body side. An interchangeable lens, comprising: a state quantity holding means for holding an amount of a state of a predetermined electrical object that can be detected by the determination means.

(3) A camera system including the camera body described in appendix (1) and the interchangeable lens described in appendix (2).

(4) The camera system described in appendix (3), wherein the predetermined communication protocol includes collation of an encryption table.

(5) The state quantity of the electrical object is the current value, the voltage value, the electrical resistance value, the electrical capacitance value, the frequency value, or the duty ratio value of the periodically changing electrical value. The camera system according to appendix (3), which includes one or more.

(6) When it is determined that the interchangeable lens has the second compatibility, the second compatibility determining means further determines, according to the detected state quantity of the electrical object,
The camera system according to appendix (3), wherein the camera system determines the attribute of the interchangeable lens.

(7) The attributes of the interchangeable lens include one or more of focal length, serial number, and physical quantity for identifying individual interchangeable lenses. The camera system according to attachment (3).

(8) The second suitability determining means is configured to include an encrypting means for encrypting the quantity of the state of the electrical object and instructing the interchangeable lens coupled to the self. The lens side communication means is configured to further include a decoding means for decoding the encrypted instruction from the second compatibility determination means, and the state quantity holding means is an electrical object held by itself. The camera system according to appendix (3), characterized in that the amount of state is configured to be changed according to an instruction decoded by the decoding means.

[0117]

As described above, according to the camera system of the present invention, which is a combination of the camera body and the interchangeable lens, and the camera body and the interchangeable lens adapted to this system, the compatibility between the interchangeable lens and the camera body is improved. ,
It is possible to accurately discriminate cases where originally proper conformity is ensured.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of detecting and discriminating hardware information as a current value in the above embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of detecting and determining hardware-like information as a voltage value in the above embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another example of detecting and discriminating hardware-like information as a current value in the above embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another example of detecting and discriminating hardware-like information as a voltage value in the above embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing still another example of detecting and discriminating hardware-like information as a current value in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing still another example of detecting and determining hardware-like information as a voltage value in the above embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of identification data in the above embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the camera body of the above embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the interchangeable lens of the above embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera body 2 ... Interchangeable lens 11 ... Communication part (communication means, encryption means, 1st compatibility determination means) 12 ... Identification data selection part (1st compatibility determination means) 13 ... Identification data storage part ( First compatibility determination means) 14 ... Identification data determination part (first compatibility determination means) 15 ... Control part (control means) 16 ... Lens attachment / detachment switch 17 ... Hardware information determination part (discrimination means, second) 21. Communication unit (decoding device, lens side communication device) 22 ... Identification data storage unit (lens side communication device) 23 ... Hardware information output unit (state quantity holding device) 101 ... Body microcomputer (Communication means, encryption means, first
Of the current detection unit (second compatibility determination unit) 103 ... Voltage detection unit (second compatibility determination unit) 104 ... Resistance (a part of the second compatibility determination unit) 105 ... A / D converter (second compatibility determination means) 201 ... Lens microcomputer (decoding means) 202 ... Constant current power supply (state quantity holding means) 203 ... Constant voltage circuit (state quantity holding means)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Mamoru Sakashita             2-43 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Ori             Inside Npus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Makoto Harada             6-53, 1-53, Hatsudai, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo             Within Npas Systems Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H044 AE07                 2H101 EE08 EE13 EE21 EE24                 5C022 AA00 AC54 AC69 CA00

Claims (36)

[Claims] 1. A camera system comprising a combination of a camera body and an interchangeable lens, the camera body comprising a communication means capable of communicating with a specific interchangeable lens according to a predetermined communication protocol, Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the interchangeable lens side coupled to itself holds a predetermined amount of the state of a predetermined electrical object, wherein the interchangeable lens is discriminating means on the camera body side. A camera system configured to hold a predetermined amount of the state of the predetermined electrical object in a form recognizable by the camera system. 2. The camera system of claim 1, wherein the quantity of states of the electrical object is selected to maintain a particular relationship with the attributes of the interchangeable lens. 3. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the attribute of the interchangeable lens that should be selected so that the quantity of the state of the electrical object maintains a specific relationship is the focal length. system. 4. The attribute of the interchangeable lens to be selected so that the quantity of the state of the electrical object maintains a specific relationship is a physical quantity for identifying the individual interchangeable lens set in advance in the interchangeable lens. The camera system according to claim 2, wherein the camera system is related to. 5. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the attribute of the interchangeable lens to be selected so that the quantity of the state of the electrical object maintains a specific relationship is a serial number. system. 6. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the quantity of the state of the electrical object is a current value. system. 7. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the state quantity of the electrical object is a voltage value. system. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the state quantity of the electrical object is an electrical resistance value. Camera system. 9. The state quantity of the electrical object is an electric capacitance value, according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, or claim 5. Camera system. 10. The camera according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the quantity of the state of the electrical object is a frequency value. system. 11. The state quantity of the electrical object is a value of a duty ratio of an electrical value that periodically changes, claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, Alternatively, the camera system according to claim 5. 12. The camera body further comprises encryption means for encrypting the quantity of the state of the electrical object and instructing the interchangeable lens coupled to itself, wherein the interchangeable lens is on the camera body side. Further comprising a decryption unit for decrypting the encrypted instruction from, and configured to set the amount of state of the electrical object according to the decrypted instruction. The camera system according to claim 1. 13. A camera body adapted to a camera system comprising a combination of a camera body and an interchangeable lens, the communication means enabling communication with a specific interchangeable lens by a predetermined communication protocol, A camera body, comprising: a discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the interchangeable lens side coupled to the self holds a predetermined amount of a state of a predetermined electrical object. 14. The camera body of claim 13, wherein the quantity of states of the electrical object is selected to maintain a particular relationship with the attributes of the interchangeable lens. 15. The attributes of the interchangeable lens that the quantity of states of the electrical object have to be selected to maintain a particular relationship are:
15. The method according to claim 14, which is related to a focal length.
Camera body described in. 16. The attributes of the interchangeable lens, wherein the quantity of states of the electrical object are to be selected to maintain a particular relationship,
The camera body according to claim 14, wherein the camera body is related to a physical quantity for identifying each interchangeable lens set in advance in the interchangeable lens. 17. The attributes of the interchangeable lens that the quantity of states of the electrical object have to be selected to maintain a particular relationship are:
15. The manufacturing number according to claim 14.
Camera body described in. 18. The camera according to claim 13, wherein the state quantity of the electrical object is a current value. body. 19. The camera according to claim 13, wherein the quantity of the state of the electrical object is a voltage value. system. 20. The method according to claim 13, wherein the state quantity of the electrical object is an electrical resistance value. Camera system. 21. The electric quantity according to claim 13, wherein the quantity of the state of the electrical object is a capacitance value. Camera body. 22. The camera according to claim 13, wherein the state quantity of the electrical object is a frequency value. body. 23. The method according to claim 13, wherein the quantity of the state of the electrical object is a value of a duty ratio of an electrical value which changes periodically.
The camera body according to claim 6 or claim 17. 24. The method according to claim 13, further comprising encryption means for encrypting the quantity of the state of the electrical object and instructing the interchangeable lens coupled to the self. Camera body. 25. An interchangeable lens that is compatible with a camera system that is a combination of a camera body and an interchangeable lens, and has a predetermined predetermined electrical form that can be recognized by a discriminating means provided on the camera body side. An interchangeable lens, characterized in that it is configured to hold an amount of a physical state. 26. The interchangeable lens of claim 25, wherein the quantity of states of the electrical object is selected to maintain a particular relationship with the attributes of the interchangeable lens. 27. The attributes of the interchangeable lens that the quantity of states of the electrical object should be selected to maintain a particular relationship are:
27. It relates to a focal length.
Interchangeable lens described in. 28. The attributes of the interchangeable lens that the quantity of states of the electrical object should be selected to maintain a particular relationship are:
27. The interchangeable lens according to claim 26, which relates to a physical quantity for identifying each interchangeable lens set in advance in the interchangeable lens. 29. The attributes of the interchangeable lens that the quantity of states of the electrical object have to be selected to maintain a particular relationship are:
27. It is related to a manufacturing number.
Interchangeable lens described in. 30. The exchange according to claim 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29, wherein the quantity of the state of the electrical object is a current value. lens. 31. The camera according to claim 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29, wherein the quantity of the state of the electrical object is a voltage value. system. 32. The amount of the state of the electrical object is an electrical resistance value, according to claim 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29. Camera system. 33. The state quantity of the electrical object is a capacitance value, according to any one of claims 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29. interchangeable lens. 34. Exchange according to claim 25, 26, 27, 28 or 29, characterized in that the quantity of states of the electrical object is a frequency value. lens. 35. The method according to claim 25, claim 26, claim 27, or claim 2, wherein the quantity of the state of the electrical object is a value of a duty ratio of an electrical value that changes periodically.
The interchangeable lens according to claim 8 or claim 29. 36. The encryption from the camera body side, wherein the interchangeable lens further comprises encryption means for encrypting the quantity of the state of the electrical object and instructing the interchangeable lens coupled to itself. 26. The apparatus further comprises a decoding means for decoding the generated instruction, and is configured to set the amount of state of the electrical object according to the decoded instruction. Interchangeable lens described in.