JP2011239301A - Camera system, camera body unit, external unit, and control method of camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an acceleration of a startup time, and a stable initialization operation in a camera system in which an external unit such as interchangeable lens can be connected to a body unit.SOLUTION: There is provided an external unit including a lens unit having an imaging device that outputs image data of subject light of which image formation is carried out with a photographic lens; a storage means for storing said image data; a display means for displaying image data; a body unit having an attachment part for the external unit; and a control program by which the body unit functions as a master and slave for the external unit. The external unit has a subsystem load table configured by dividing the control program into every subsystem in advance, and a means for loading the subsystem of the external unit and the body unit from said table. Said table is defined in advance in the order in which the loading is carried out, and the subsystem of the body unit side is transmitted to the body unit and loaded to a memory thereof after being loaded to the loading means of the external unit side.

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera system, a camera body unit, an external unit, and a camera system control method, and more particularly, to a camera system having a lens unit that is detachable from a camera body.

  There is known a camera system in which a lens unit is detachable from a main unit. In such a camera system, a camera system has been proposed in which an external unit other than the lens unit, such as a printer, a liquid crystal projector, or a data converter, can be connected to the main unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the camera system described in Patent Document 1, an interchangeable lens, which is a lens unit, is mounted on the mount unit of the main unit, and an external unit other than the lens unit is also mounted on the main unit by the mount unit. Therefore, data communication with an external unit is possible without providing special connection means or communication means on the main unit side, and an increase in size and cost of the camera system can be avoided.

  The camera system described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a communication terminal in the mount, and is configured to transfer image data from the main unit to the external unit via the communication terminal. It is unclear whether this is controlled.

  In camera systems in which external units other than interchangeable lenses, such as printers, liquid crystal projectors, and data converters, can be connected to the main unit, even if the main unit serves as a master for the external unit, it functions as a slave. Even if it has, the main unit needs to have an operation program for the main unit to function as a master or slave.

  Since the above operation program is stored in the memory of the main unit, the main unit stores an operation program for several types of external units so that several types of external units including several types of interchangeable lenses can be connected to the main unit. You must be able to do that. In order to store several types of operation programs, a large-capacity memory is required, which is expensive. Also, every time a new external unit including an interchangeable lens is released, the main unit must be updated and a new operation program must be recorded in the main unit. It takes time and effort.

  Up to this point, the case of a camera system in which external units such as printers, liquid crystal projectors, and data converters other than interchangeable lenses can be connected to the main unit has been described, but a camera that can connect only several types of interchangeable lenses as external units The same applies to the system. That is, the main body unit must store several kinds of interchangeable lens operation programs, and requires a large-capacity memory, which is expensive. In addition, every time a new type of interchangeable lens is released, the main unit must be updated, which is inconvenient for both manufacturers and users. If the main unit has an operation program for an interchangeable lens and you try to upgrade the program, both the operation program stored in the main unit and the version of the program stored in the interchangeable lens It is necessary to do up and takes time. Furthermore, since the versions of the operation program stored in the main unit and the program stored in the interchangeable lens are different, and the correspondence between the versions does not match, the interchangeable lens can be activated even if the program is started on the main unit. In some cases, there was a problem in communication with the camera and control of the interchangeable lens.

  In addition to the examples described above, according to a conventional camera system in which an external unit can be connected to the camera unit on the main unit side, it takes time to load a program between the main unit and the external unit when the system is started. However, the startup time becomes longer and the initialization operation is unstable.

  In the camera system in which an external unit such as an interchangeable lens can be connected to the main unit, the subsystems of the control program for the main unit and the external unit are centrally managed and the programs are loaded to start the system. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a camera system, a camera body unit, an external unit, and a camera system control method capable of realizing a high startup time and a stable initialization operation.

  The present invention relates to an external unit including a lens unit having a photographic lens and an image sensor that images subject light that is formed through the photographic lens and outputs the image data, and image data output from the image sensor. Storage means for storing the image data, display means for displaying the image data, a main body unit having a mounting portion on which the external unit is detachably mounted, and a control for the main body unit to function as a master or a slave with respect to the external unit. A camera system comprising a program, wherein the external unit loads a subsystem load table obtained by dividing the control program in advance for each subsystem, and a subsystem of the external unit and the main unit from the subsystem load table. And the subsystem load table is pre-programmed. And the order of loading is determined, the sub-system of the main unit side, the most important feature being loaded into the memory is sent to the main unit after being loaded into loading means of the external unit side.

  The main unit and the external unit each include a subsystem load table obtained by dividing a control program for each unit in advance for each subsystem, and means for loading the subsystem of each unit from each subsystem load table. The order of loading the subsystem load tables is determined in advance, and the main unit has means for transmitting a subsystem load request to an external unit and means for receiving the subsystem. It may be.

  A subsystem load table that pre-divides the control program for each subsystem is provided, and the system is started while loading each divided subsystem, so that the system can be started quickly and stable initialization is possible. Operation can be realized.

It is an Example of the camera system which concerns on this invention, Comprising: It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which the main body unit and the lens unit isolate | separated. It is a rear view of the main unit. It is a block diagram which shows the example of the control system in the lens unit in the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the example of the control system in the main body unit in the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement by the side of the main body unit in the said Example. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation on the main unit side following the operation of FIG. 5. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement by the side of the external unit in the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement by the side of the external unit following the operation | movement of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the unit information provided to each unit. It is a figure which shows the example of the unit information pattern provided to a main body unit. It is a figure which shows the example of the subsystem load table in the said Example. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the subsystem communication data in the said Example. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image of starting operation | movement in the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement by the side of the main body unit in 2nd Example of the camera system which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement by the side of the main body unit following the operation | movement of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement by the side of the external unit in the said 2nd Example. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation on the external unit side following the operation of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the subsystem load table in the said 2nd Example. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image of starting operation | movement in the said 2nd Example.

  Embodiments of a camera system, a camera body unit, a camera external unit, and a camera system control method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the configuration of a camera system 10 that can also be referred to as an imaging system. The camera system 10 includes a camera main body (hereinafter referred to as “main body unit”) 11 and a lens unit 12 that is one of external units. The lens unit 12 includes a photographic lens 13 and an imaging element 14 formed of a CCD or the like that images subject light imaged by the photographic lens 13 and performs photoelectric conversion to output image data. The photographic lens 13 is configured by combining a plurality of lenses and is held by a lens barrel, and the lens positioned in the forefront (subject side) is exposed on the front end side of the lens barrel. The main unit 11 has a mounting portion on which the lens unit 12 can be detachably mounted, and sends and receives various control signals through the mounting portion to drive the imaging device 14 on the lens unit 12 side. Thus, digital image data corresponding to the subject light can be acquired.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the main body unit 11 and the lens unit 12 can be attached to and detached from each other by the bayonet structure 18 on the main body unit 11 side and the bayonet structure 15 on the lens unit 12 side. The bayonet structure 18 on the main body unit 11 side and the bayonet structure 15 on the lens unit 12 side have the same number of bayonet claws 19 and 16, respectively. 11 and the lens unit 12 are coupled, and the lens unit 12 can be detached from the main unit 11 by shifting the positions of the bayonet claws 19 and 16 in the circumferential direction. One of the bayonet claws 16 on the lens unit 12 side is provided with an electrical contact 16a exposed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and the electrical contact 16a is connected to the main unit 11 and the lens unit 12. As will be described later, an electrical signal is transmitted and received between the main unit 11 and the lens unit 12 by contacting an electrical contact on the main unit side.

  The structure of the mounting portion of the main unit 11 to which the lens unit 12 is detachably mounted is arbitrary, and is not limited to the bayonet structure as in the example shown in FIG. For example, the lens unit 12 may be mounted by sliding in parallel with the main body unit 11. In the case of such a mounting portion structure, the imaging unit 14 is provided on the lens unit 12 side, and the mounting portion is provided with an electrical contact for transmitting and receiving signals between the main unit 11 and the lens unit 12.

  A plurality of types of lens units 12 are prepared in advance, for example, those with different focal lengths of the photographing lens 13, those with different numbers of pixels of the image sensor 14, those capable of monochrome photography, and those capable of infrared photography. The The camera system 10 can easily obtain image data corresponding to the shooting situation by selecting any one of these lens units 12 and mounting it on the camera body 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the back of the main unit 11, a power switch 28 for turning on / off the power of the camera system 10 and a liquid crystal display panel (hereinafter referred to as “display screen”) for displaying captured images, through images, various menu screens, and the like. LCD 30) and an operation unit 32 for inputting various instruction signals to the camera system 10. For example, when the zooming button 33 for zooming the zoomable photographing lens 13 to the wide (wide angle) side or the tele (telephoto) side is selected, the menu screen is displayed on the LCD 30 and the menu is selected. A menu button 34 to be operated, a cross key 35 for moving the cursor in the menu screen, a determination button, and the like are provided.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of an electrical control system of an external unit applied to the camera system according to the present invention. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 2 denotes an external unit. The external unit 2 corresponds to the lens unit 12 in the example shown in FIG. The external unit 2 is not limited to the lens unit, but includes a projector, a printer, and the like. Here, the lens unit will be described. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a main unit, and the main unit 1 corresponds to the camera main body 11 in the example shown in FIG. The external unit 2 can communicate with the main unit using a communication I / F unit 25 such as a serial port or a parallel port.

  The external unit 2 includes an external storage device 21 such as a flash memory that stores firmware and information, an image pickup device 22 that is an image information input unit including the photographing lens 13, the image pickup device 14, an AD converter, and the like. An overall control device 10 that controls the entire unit 1 is provided. The overall control device 10 is configured by a known microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output ports (I / O ports), bus lines connecting these, and the like.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the electrical control system of the main unit applied to the camera system according to the present invention. 4, the main unit 1 includes a removable memory card 41 such as an SD card, a media controller 42 that controls the memory card 41, and an external storage device 43 such as a flash memory that stores firmware and information. Controls the interface between the external unit 2 and the display unit 44 for various information, the console 45 for inputting from the outside, the external device I / F unit 47 such as USB connected to the personal computer 3 and the like, and the external unit 2. A communication I / F unit 46 and an overall control device 51 that controls the entire main unit 1 are provided. The overall control device 51 is configured by a known microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output ports (I / O ports), bus lines connecting these, and the like.

  The camera system, camera body unit, external unit, and camera system control method according to the present invention are implemented by hardware configured as described above and a control program configured as described below. This control program is a control program for the main unit 1 to function as a master or a slave for the external unit 2. Embodiments of a camera system, a camera body unit, an external unit, and a camera system control method according to the present invention will be described below. Note that reference numerals such as “301”, “302”, and “303” attached to each flowchart indicate operation steps.

  FIG. 5 shows the operation of the main unit 1. When the camera is turned on, the boot firmware stored in the ROM of the overall control device 51 of the main unit 1 is started (301). This starting method is the same as one of general microcomputer starting methods. Next, the communication I / F unit 46 is checked to confirm whether the external unit 2 is connected (302). When the external unit 2 is connected, first, the capability value of the own unit (main unit 1) is transmitted to the external unit 2 in order to exchange unit information between the main unit 1 and the external unit 2. . (303).

  FIG. 9 shows an example of unit information. The unit information is information assigned to each unit, and includes information such as model number, unit type, manufacturer type, firmware version number, and presence / absence of firmware on the main body side. The unit type distinguishes whether it is a lens unit, a main unit, or a special unit, and the example shown in FIG. 9 is an example of a special unit. When the presence / absence of the main body side firmware is “present”, each information of the number of main body side models, the main body side compatible model number, and the main body side firmware version number is further added. When there are a plurality of main body side compatible models, a plurality of main body side compatible model numbers and main body side firmware version numbers are assigned to each model. Such unit information is recorded in the ROM of each unit.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the unit information pattern given to the main unit. It consists of information on model number, unit type, manufacturer type, firmware version number, and download firmware function [presence / absence]. Naturally, the unit type is “main body”.

  Returning to FIG. 5, since unit information (capability value) is also transferred from the external unit 2, the main unit 1 receives the unit information on the external unit 2 side (304), and then the main unit unit side firmware. The presence or absence is checked (305). If there is no firmware, all the firmware of the main unit 1 stored in the external storage device 43 is loaded and activated (307). Thereafter, the operation of the main program is started.

  If the main unit side firmware is present in step 305, the initial activation firmware is received from the external unit 2 (308) and loaded onto the RAM of the overall control device 51 (309). When the reception of the initial startup firmware is completed (310), when the reception is completed, the firmware loaded on the memory is started (311) and the operation is started.

  FIG. 6 shows the operation following the operation shown in FIG. 5, that is, the operation after the operation of the loaded firmware is started. The initial startup firmware awaits reception of the subsystem (320). A subsystem is firmware divided into modules. A module is a part having a group of functions whose interfaces are standardized and standardized and can be easily added, deleted or replaced. Since the initial activation firmware is loaded and activated for each subsystem, the load and activation processing can be performed in parallel, and the firmware can be activated at high speed.

FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of subsystem communication data. The structure of the subsystem communication data is as follows.
Subsystem size: Communication data size Subsystem ID: Whether ID number is activated after loading: Subsystem data to be activated / not activated: Actual firmware

  FIG. 11 shows an example of subsystem load data. In FIG. 11, the subsystem load data is collected in advance in one load table. “Order” refers to the load order, and the load destination unit, start function name, and end function name items are defined in the load order. The “load destination unit” determines whether it is a main unit or an external unit such as a lens unit. “Subsystem” is firmware divided into modules as described above, and “subsystem name” is assigned to each module. The “start function name” is given the name “... Initialize” corresponding to the subsystem name, and “NULL” if there is no start function corresponding to the subsystem name. “Osd” means an on-screen display, that is, a function for displaying and operating a setting screen on the display screen.

  Returning to FIG. 6, when the subsystem is received, the data of the subsystem shown in FIG. 12 is loaded onto the RAM of the overall control apparatus 11 (321). Next, the presence or absence of activation after loading is checked (322). If activation is necessary, activation is performed with reference to the activation function name shown in FIG. 11 (323). It is checked whether or not reception of all subsystems has been completed, and if not completed, the processing from step 320 is repeated (324).

  Next, the operation on the external unit side will be described. In FIG. 7, for example, when the lens unit 2 which is one of the external units is attached to the main unit 1 and the main unit is turned on, the boot firmware stored in the ROM of the overall control device 20 shown in FIG. The wearer is started (401). This starting method is the same as one of general microcomputer starting methods. The initial startup firmware stored in the external storage device 21 on the lens unit 2 side is loaded and started (402). In order to exchange unit information between the main unit 1 and the lens unit 2, the external unit 2 first transmits the capability value of the own unit 2 to the main unit 1 via the communication I / F unit 25. (403).

  An example of the unit information is as described above, and FIG. 9 shows an example thereof. If the external unit 2 is a lens unit, the “unit type” is predetermined as “lens”. When the external unit 2 receives the capability value of the main unit 1 (404), the main unit then determines whether to receive the firmware, thereby determining the main unit firmware from the received main unit 1 information. It is possible to confirm whether or not it has a download function (405). If the download function is not provided, all the firmware is loaded as it is, and the program operation is started (410). If it has the download function, the initial startup firmware on the main body side is loaded from the external storage device 21 and transmitted (406).

  As already described with respect to the example of the subsystem load table shown in FIG. 11, there is an identifier as to whether the load destination unit is an external unit or a main unit, so that the load destination unit automatically refers to this identifier. It is possible to determine whether it is a unit or an opponent unit. In FIG. 8 showing the operation following the operation shown in FIG. 7, when the determination in the load destination unit determination step 420 is the subsystem on the external unit side, the subsystem stored in the external storage device 21 shown in FIG. The data is loaded onto the RAM of the overall control device 20 (421). If the activation function name is registered other than “NULL”, it is determined that activation is necessary (422), and the corresponding activation function is called to activate (423). Next, it is determined whether or not the subsystem is on the main unit side (424). If the subsystem is on the main unit side, the subsystem is stored in the external storage device 21 shown in FIG. The subsystem with “main body” is read and data is transmitted to the partner unit (main body unit). The configuration example of the transmission data in this case is the same as the configuration example of the subsystem communication data shown in FIG. 12 already described. It is checked whether or not the processing of all the subsystems has been completed, and if not completed, the processing from step 420 is repeated (426).

  An image of the above operation example is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, a subsystem load table as shown in FIG. 11 is stored in a ROM or the like on the external unit side, and the subsystem load table is managed on the external unit side. “Management” refers to performing control operations according to a predetermined program such as reading the load table and loading to the memory. In FIG. 13, the numbers with circles indicate the operation order.

  When an external unit, for example, the lens unit 2 is mounted on the main unit 1 and the power supply on the main unit is turned on, the boot firmware stored in the ROM of the overall control device 20 shown in FIG. A table read request is issued. In response to this read request, the subsystem load table is read in a predetermined order. Since the read information has a distinction as to whether the load destination unit is a main unit or an external unit, the read information is loaded into each RAM according to this distinction. According to the example of the subsystem load table shown in the figure, the load destination unit of the first information is “external”, so it is loaded into the RAM of the external unit.

  The second read request reads the second information in the subsystem load table. Since the second information loading destination unit is “main body”, the read information is loaded into the RAM of the main body unit. In this way, the control program divided for each subsystem is read for each subsystem and loaded into the designated load destination unit. The subsystem loaded in each unit is started immediately. As can be seen from the subsystem load table shown in the figure, the load destination unit is almost alternately specified as “external” and “main unit”, and the other unit loads while reading or loading is performed on one unit. Can be started. Therefore, the startup time of the camera system can be increased and a stable initialization operation can be realized. As described above, even if the unit is separated into two units, it is possible to always start the camera system under the same load and start order.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. 14 and 15 are flowcharts showing the operation on the main unit side, and FIGS. 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing the operation on the external unit side. The flowchart on the main unit side shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is almost the same as the flowchart on the main unit side in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. The difference is that the subsystem load request is executed from the main unit side. The operation from the power-on to the start of the operation of the load firmware shown in FIG. 14 is the same as the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, but the reception of all subsystems is completed after the start of the operation of the load firmware shown in FIG. During the operation up to, the subsystem read request processing in step 520 is added.

  16 and 17 show the operation on the external unit side. The operation from the power ON shown in FIG. 16 to “send main unit initial startup firmware” is the same as the operation from the power ON shown in FIG. 7 to “send main unit initial startup firmware”. . However, during the operation from the initial startup firmware transmission step of the main unit shown in FIG. 17 to the start of the main program operation, it is determined whether a communication request has been received in order to receive a subsystem load request. The difference from the first embodiment is that step 624 is added. That is, the subsystem of the main unit is transmitted when a communication request is received.

  FIG. 18 shows subsystem load tables on the main unit side and the external unit side. The same table is provided on the main unit side and the external unit side, and is managed by each unit. Therefore, unlike the subsystem load table (see FIG. 11) in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to distinguish whether the load destination unit is the main unit side or the external unit side. The subsystem load table read request is issued in parallel from each unit, and on the external unit side, the subsystem load table is read from the external storage device 21 on the external unit side and is read into the RAM of the overall control device 20. Loaded. The divided subsystem is activated every time it is loaded, and the operation of the main program is started when loading of all the subsystems is completed.

  In this embodiment, the subsystem load table stored in advance on the main unit side and the external unit side is the same, and each unit is requested to read and loaded to each unit, so there is no need to distinguish the load destination. As shown in FIG. 18, there are no identification fields such as “main body” and “external” for distinguishing the loading destination. The subsystem load table shown in FIG. 18 can also be managed as a table that is optimally customized on the main unit side and the external unit side. In this case, separate subsystem load tables are provided on the main unit side and the external unit side. You can also have

  FIG. 19 shows an image of the starting operation of each unit in the second embodiment as described above. Each time a read request is issued in each of the main unit and the external unit, the subsystem is read according to the order set in the table and loaded into the SD-RAM or the like in each unit. In FIG. 19, circled symbols indicate the order of operations, but read requests and loads can be performed individually and in parallel in each unit. Each subsystem can be started as soon as it is loaded, and the time required from turning on the power switch to starting the operation of the main program can be shortened.

  According to the present invention, any camera capable of exchanging the photographing lens with respect to the main unit is applicable not only to a single-lens reflex camera but also to a compact camera system. The exchange format of the taking lens is not limited to a specific format, and any one such as a bayonet method or a slide method can be selected. The external unit that can be attached to and detached from the main unit is not limited to the photographic lens. For example, a projector or a printer that can project or print an image stored in the memory of the main unit, or a remote image. It may be a transfer device or a transmission device that can transfer to the ground.

10 Camera unit 11 Main unit 12 External unit (lens unit)
13 Shooting Lens 14 Image Sensor 15 Bayonet Structure 16 Bayonet Claw 18 Bayonet Structure 19 Bayonet Claw

JP 2000-92358 A

Claims (11)

An external unit including a lens unit having a photographic lens and an imaging element that images subject light that is imaged through the photographic lens and outputs it as image data;
A storage unit for storing image data output from the image sensor, a display unit for displaying the image data, a main unit having a mounting portion to which the external unit is detachably mounted;
A camera system provided with a control program in which the main unit functions as a master or a slave with respect to the external unit,
The external unit has a subsystem load table obtained by dividing the control program for each subsystem in advance, and means for loading the subsystem of the external unit and the main unit from the subsystem load table,
The subsystem loading table has a predetermined loading order,
The sub-system on the main unit side is loaded into the loading means on the external unit side, and then transmitted to the main unit and loaded into the memory. An external unit including a lens unit having a photographic lens and an imaging element that images subject light that is imaged through the photographic lens and outputs it as image data;
A storage unit for storing image data output from the image sensor, a display unit for displaying the image data, a main unit having a mounting portion to which the external unit is detachably mounted;
A camera system provided with a control program in which the main unit functions as a master or a slave with respect to the external unit,
The main unit and the external unit each include a subsystem load table obtained by dividing a control program for each unit in advance for each subsystem, and means for loading the subsystem of each unit from each subsystem load table. ,
Each subsystem load table has a predetermined loading order,
The main body unit has means for transmitting a subsystem load request to an external unit and means for receiving the subsystem.   3. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the main program is started after loading of all the subsystems in the main unit and the external unit.   3. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the main unit and the external unit load the subsystem after exchanging the respective capability values.   3. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the main unit and the external unit start up the subsystem every time the subsystem is loaded. A main unit having a mounting portion to which an external unit including a camera lens unit is detachably mounted,
Storage means for storing image data output from an image sensor provided in the lens unit, display means for displaying the image data, and switching of the image data displayed on the display means by a switching operation. With operating means,
Means for receiving and loading the subsystem of the subsystem load table obtained by dividing the control program functioning as a master or slave with respect to the external unit in advance for each subsystem;
The sub-system load table has a predetermined loading order. A main unit having a mounting portion to which an external unit including a camera lens unit is detachably mounted,
Storage means for storing image data output from an image sensor provided in the lens unit, display means for displaying the image data, and switching of the image data displayed on the display means by a switching operation. With operating means,
A subsystem load table in which a control program in which the main unit functions as a master or slave for the external unit is divided in advance for each subsystem is provided in the main unit and the external unit,
Means for loading the subsystem of the main unit from the subsystem load table of the main unit;
Each subsystem load table has a predetermined loading order,
A main unit comprising: means for transmitting a load request for the subsystem to the external unit; and means for receiving the subsystem. An external unit that includes a photographic lens and an imaging device that images subject light that is transmitted through the photographic lens and forms an image and outputs it as image data. There,
A control program in which the main unit functions as a master or a slave has a subsystem load table that is divided in advance for each subsystem,
Each subsystem load table has a predetermined loading order,
Means for loading the subsystem of the external unit and the main unit from the subsystem load table;
An external unit that transmits the subsystem on the main unit side to the main unit after loading the subsystem on the loading means. An external unit that includes a photographic lens and an imaging device that images subject light that is transmitted through the photographic lens and forms an image and outputs it as image data. There,
A subsystem load table in which a control program in which the main unit functions as a master or a slave is divided in advance for each subsystem is provided in the main unit and the external unit,
Each subsystem load table has a predetermined loading order,
Means for loading the subsystem on the external unit side from the subsystem load table on the external unit side;
An external unit comprising means for receiving a subsystem load request transmitted from the main unit. An external unit including a lens unit having a photographic lens and an imaging element that images subject light that is transmitted through the photographic lens and forms an image, and a memory that stores image data output from the imaging element Means, a display means for displaying the image data, a main body unit having a mounting portion on which the external unit is detachably mounted, and a control program for the main body unit to function as a master or a slave with respect to the external unit. A control method for a camera system,
The external unit is provided with a subsystem load table obtained by dividing the control program for each subsystem in advance, and means for loading the subsystem of the external unit and the main unit from the subsystem load table,
In the subsystem load table, the order of loading is determined in advance,
A method of controlling a camera system, comprising: loading the subsystem on the main unit side into a loading unit on the external unit side, and then transmitting the subsystem to the main unit and loading it into a memory. An external unit including a lens unit having a photographic lens and an imaging element that images subject light that is transmitted through the photographic lens and forms an image, and a memory that stores image data output from the imaging element Means, a display means for displaying the image data, a main body unit having a mounting portion on which the external unit is detachably mounted, and a control program for the main body unit to function as a master or a slave with respect to the external unit. A control method for a camera system,
The main unit and the external unit include a subsystem load table obtained by dividing a control program for each unit in advance for each subsystem, and means for loading the subsystem of each unit from each subsystem load table. Provided,
Each subsystem load table has a predetermined order of loading,
A control method for a camera system, wherein the main unit transmits a subsystem load request to an external unit and receives the subsystem.

Images