JP2014211665A - Optical device and program update system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily update an accessory firmware. SOLUTION: A lens device 10 having a lens CPU 12 and a first flash memory 14 for storing a program used for controlling the lens CPU is detachably attached. The camera body 20 is provided with a camera CPU 22 capable of communicating with the lens CPU 12, and the camera CPU 22 receives the unique identification data of the accessory from the lens CPU when the lens device is attached to the camera body, and receives a second flash memory. The version of the program recorded in the second flash memory 24 or the external memory is larger than the version of the program of the unique identification data recorded in the second flash memory 24 or the external memory recorded in the 24 or the external memory 26. When new, the program stored in the first flash memory is updated with the program recorded in the removable memory. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a program update system for updating an accessory program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, camera bodies from which accessories (such as a lens device and a strobe device) and an external memory (nonvolatile memory) can be removed are known. It is known to upgrade the firmware of a camera body that can be connected to a personal computer (PC) via the Internet and a PC using a nonvolatile memory and a CPU equipped with the nonvolatile memory as a firmware recording device. On the other hand, a method has been proposed in which an upgrade program for a camera body is built in an external memory, and the firmware of the camera body is changed when connected to the camera body. In addition, a method has been proposed in which an accessory upgrade program is built in the external memory, and the firmware of the accessory is changed when the camera body with the built-in external memory is connected to the accessory (Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-56375 A

  However, since there are multiple types of accessories that have the same function but different performance, when updating the version of the accessory with a camera body that can be connected to the network and a removable memory, the firmware must be checked complicatedly. I must. If you download the wrong firmware, you may not be able to update it.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an optical apparatus that can easily update the firmware of an accessory.

  An optical apparatus of the present invention is an optical apparatus to which an accessory having first control means and first storage means for storing a program used for control of the first control means is detachably mounted. And having a second control means capable of communicating with the first control means, wherein the second control means receives the unique identification data of the accessory when the accessory is attached to the optical device. When the version of the update program received from the first control unit and recorded in the second storage unit and obtainable through the network is newer than the program version of the unique identification data recorded in the second storage unit Is characterized in that the update program is downloaded and recorded in the second storage means.

  According to the present invention, the accessory firmware can be easily updated.

It is a block diagram of the program update system of this embodiment. (Examples 1 and 2) It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the program update system shown in FIG. Example 1 It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the program update system shown in FIG. Example 1 It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the program update system shown in FIG. (Example 2) It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the program update system shown in FIG. (Example 2)

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a program update system that updates the firmware (program) of an accessory according to this embodiment. The program update system includes an accessory 10, a camera main body (optical device, imaging device) 20 to which the accessory 10 is detachably mounted, a personal computer (PC) 30, the Internet 40, and a server 50.

  The accessory 10 is a lens device (interchangeable lens) in the present embodiment, but may be another accessory such as a strobe unit. The lens apparatus includes a photographing optical system (not shown) that forms an optical image of an object, a lens CPU 12 (first control unit), and a first flash memory (first storage unit) 14.

  The photographing optical system includes various lenses such as a focus lens, a variable power lens, and a correction lens. The focus lens is moved in the optical axis direction to adjust the focus, the variable power lens is moved in the optical axis direction to change the focal length, and the correction lens is moved in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis to correct image blur. To do.

  The lens CPU 12 is a control unit that controls each part of the lens device 10 (for example, controls actuators that drive various lenses and diaphragms) and communicates with the camera body 20, and is configured as a microcomputer.

  The first flash memory 14 is connected to the lens CPU 12 by a bus, but may be a flash memory area inside the camera CPU 22. The first flash memory 14 stores identification information of the lens device 10, control programs (including version numbers) that control all actuators and communicate with the camera body 20, and parameters and adjustment data used in various controls. This is a non-volatile memory.

  The lens device 10 is attached to the camera body 20 via a mount (not shown), and the lens CPU 12 is configured to be able to communicate with the camera body 20 via a connector (not shown). The lens device 10 is supplied with power from the camera body 20. .

  The camera body 20 includes an image sensor (not shown), a camera CPU (second control means) 22, a second flash memory (second storage means) 24, and an external memory (second storage means) 26.

  The image sensor photoelectrically converts an optical image formed by the photographing optical system, and image data that has undergone image processing (not shown) is stored in the external memory 26.

  The camera CPU 22 is a control unit that controls each part of the camera body 20 and is configured as a microcomputer. Further, the camera CPU 22 communicates with the lens CPU 12 to acquire information stored in the first flash memory 14 and information regarding the state of the photographing optical system, and transmits a control command to the lens CPU 12. Further, the camera CPU 22 updates the control program stored in the first flash memory 14 as will be described later.

  The second flash memory 24 is connected to the camera CPU 22 via a bus, but may be a flash memory area inside the camera CPU 22. The second flash memory 24 is a non-volatile memory that stores exposure, white balance, various parameters for image quality control, adjustment data, a control program for controlling the camera body 20, control data, and identification information for identifying the camera body 20. is there. The second flash memory 24 can store lens identification data, lens control data, lens adjustment data, and a lens control program for controlling the lens CPU 12 obtained by communication with the lens device 10. The lens control data includes flange back adjustment data obtained by adjusting the flange back for each combination of the lens device 10 and the camera body 20.

  The external memory 26 is a card or stick-shaped removable memory, and is detachably attached to the camera body 20. The external memory 26 is connected to the camera CPU 22 and can store captured image data, a control program for controlling the camera body 20, and a control program for controlling the lens device 10. Data stored in the external memory 26 is read and written by the camera CPU 22.

  A display 32, a reader / writer 34, and the Internet 40 are connected to the PC 30 and function as a network device. The PC 30 can also be connected to the camera body 20 itself via wired (USB cable) or wireless communication. The PC 30 is connected to a server (update program distribution device) 50 via the Internet 40. Instead of the Internet 40, other networks (LAN, WAN, etc.) may be used. The display 32 displays the contents of the external memory 26, and displays the program version and the presence / absence of an update program. The external memory 26 can be removed from the reader / writer 34, and the reader / writer 34 reads information from the external memory 26 and writes information to the external memory 26. The reader / writer 34 can be regarded as a network device integrated with the PC 30.

  Further, the camera body 20 may be directly connected to the network.

  Hereinafter, a method for updating the firmware of the lens apparatus 10 by the program update system of the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating information stored in the first flash memory 14, the second flash memory 24, and the external memory 26 before the lens apparatus 10 is first attached to the camera body 20. . A control program and data for controlling the lens A are recorded in the first flash memory 14, and a control program and data for controlling the camera A are recorded in the second flash memory 24. The external memory 26 stores image data and accessory unique identification data recorded so far. There is also an area for storing accessory control programs. The accessory unique identification data includes at least one of version information of the control program, accessory identification information, and information indicating the type and performance of the accessory.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an update method by the program update system (mainly the camera CPU 22) of the first embodiment, and “S” is an abbreviation of “step (process)”. The update method shown in FIG. 3 can be embodied as a program for causing a computer to realize the function of each step.

  The camera CPU 22 recognizes that the external memory 26 has been inserted into the camera body 20 (S101), and that the lens apparatus 10 has been attached to the camera body 20 (Y in S102), and starts communication with the lens CPU 12 to be necessary. Request transmission of correct information. In response to this, the camera CPU 22 receives accessory unique identification data stored in the first flash memory 14 from the lens CPU 12 (S103).

  Next, the camera CPU 22 reads out the accessory unique identification data recorded in the external memory 26 and compares it with the unique identification data received in S103 (S104). If the received accessory unique identification data is more recent than the accessory unique identification data already recorded, the data described in the external memory 26 is updated. If not recorded, it is newly recorded (S105). Here, the recording data of each memory is as shown in FIG. It can be seen that the accessory unique identification data of the lens A is stored in the accessory unique identification data of the external memory 26.

  Next, the camera CPU 22 compares the accessory program version recorded in the external memory 26 with the accessory program version recorded in the accessory unique identification data recorded in the external memory 26 (S106). At this time, no data is stored in the program data area of the external memory 26 as shown in FIG. For this reason, the camera CPU 22 does not update the firmware of the first flash memory 14 (firmware upgrade).

  Next, when shooting is completed and the external memory 26 is taken out from the camera body 20 and inserted into the reader / writer 34 (S107), the PC 30 takes out the image data recorded in the external memory 26 and accesses the server 50. Check for available updates. The PC 30 (or the server 50) compares the latest program version of the accessory unique identification data in the server 50 with the program version of the accessory unique identification data recorded in the external memory 26 (S108). If there is a program that needs to be downloaded, the PC 30 (or server 50) downloads it (S109).

  The recorded data in each memory after downloading is as shown in FIG. The lens 50 and lens D programs are downloaded from the server 50 to the external memory 26. Thereafter, the external memory 26 is inserted into the camera body 20, and the lens device 10 (lens A) is mounted (S101).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds from S101 to S104 as described above. In S104, since the latest accessory unique identification data is recorded for the mounted lens apparatus 10 (lens A), the process proceeds to S106. In S106, the camera CPU 22 compares the program version recorded in the first flash memory 14 of the lens apparatus 10 (lens A) with the program version of the lens apparatus 10 (lens A) recorded in the external memory 26. To do. As a result, since the program version recorded in the external memory 26 is newer, the program in the first flash memory 14 is upgraded (S110).

  As a result, the recorded data in each memory is as shown in FIG. 2D, and the lens apparatus 10 is upgraded. After updating the firmware, the latest program related to the lens A stored in the external memory 26 may be automatically deleted.

  Furthermore, when erasing image data in the external memory 26 from the camera body 102, the accessory unique identification data area is not erased, but only the image data area is erased, or the image data area and the program area are erased. When deleting the accessory unique identification data area, all data is initialized from the camera body 102 or deleted by the PC 30. Therefore, the unique identification data can be erased.

  Hereinafter, a method for updating the firmware of the lens apparatus 10 by the program update system of the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the firmware is updated while the external memory is mounted on the optical device.

  FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating information stored in the first flash memory 14 and the second flash memory 24 before the lens apparatus 10 is first attached to the camera body 20. A control program and data for controlling the lens A are recorded in the first flash memory 14, and a control program and data for controlling the camera A are recorded in the second flash memory 24. Accessory unique identification data is recorded. There is also an area for storing accessory control programs.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an update method by the program update system (mainly the camera CPU 22) of the first embodiment, and “S” is an abbreviation of “step (process)”. The update method shown in FIG. 5 can be embodied as a program for causing a computer to realize the function of each step.

  The camera CPU 22 recognizes that the lens apparatus 10 is attached to the camera body 20 (Y in S201), starts communication with the lens CPU 12, and requests transmission of necessary information. In response to this, the camera CPU 22 receives accessory unique identification data stored in the first flash memory 14 from the lens CPU 12 (S202).

  Next, the camera CPU 22 reads out the accessory unique identification data recorded in the second flash memory 24 and compares it with the unique identification data received in S202 (S203). If the received accessory unique identification data is more recent than the accessory unique identification data already recorded, the data described in the second flash memory 24 is updated. If not recorded, it is newly recorded (S204). Here, the recording data of each memory is as shown in FIG. It can be seen that the accessory unique identification data of the lens A is stored in the accessory unique identification data of the external memory 26.

  Next, the camera CPU 22 compares the accessory program version recorded in the second flash memory 24 with the accessory program version recorded in the accessory unique identification data (S105). At this time, as shown in FIG. 4B, the latest program data is not stored in the program data area of the second flash memory 24. For this reason, the camera CPU 22 does not update the firmware of the first flash memory 14 (firmware upgrade).

  Next, when shooting is completed and the camera body 20 is connected to the PC 30 with a USB cable or the like (S206), the PC 30 retrieves the image data recorded in the external memory 26, accesses the server 50, and executes the update program. To check. The PC 30 (or the server 50) compares the latest program version of the accessory of the accessory unique identification data in the server 50 with the program version of the accessory unique identification data recorded in the second flash memory 24 (S207). The PC 30 (or server 50) downloads a program that needs to be downloaded (S208).

  The recorded data in each memory after downloading is as shown in FIG. The lens 50 and lens D programs are downloaded from the server 50 to the second flash memory 24. When the download is completed, the camera body 20 is disconnected from the network (S209), and the lens device 10 (lens A) is attached (S201).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds from S201 to S203 as described above. In S203, since the latest accessory unique identification data is recorded for the attached lens apparatus 10 (lens A), the process proceeds to S205. In S205, the camera CPU 22 determines the program version recorded in the first flash memory 14 of the lens apparatus 10 (lens A) and the program of the lens apparatus 10 (lens A) recorded in the second flash memory 24. Compare versions. As a result, since the program version recorded in the second flash memory 24 is newer, the program in the first flash memory 14 is upgraded (S210).

  As a result, the recorded data in each memory is as shown in FIG. 4D, and the lens apparatus 10 is upgraded. After the firmware upgrade, the latest program related to the lens A stored in the second flash memory 24 may be automatically deleted.

  As described above, according to the first and second embodiments, the firmware of the first flash memory 14 is automatically updated with an appropriate program, so that the update operation is facilitated.

  As mentioned above, although this embodiment was described, this invention is not limited to this embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary.

  The optical apparatus of the present invention can be applied to a digital single lens reflex camera or a mirrorless camera.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Lens apparatus (accessory), 12 ... Lens CPU (1st control means), 14 ... 1st flash memory (1st storage means), 20 ... Camera body (optical apparatus), 22 ... Camera CPU (1st) 2), 24... Second flash memory (second storage means), 26... External memory (second storage means)

Claims (10)

An optical device to which an accessory having first control means and first storage means for storing a program used for control of the first control means is detachably mounted,
Having second control means capable of communicating with the first control means;
When the accessory is mounted on the optical device, the second control means receives the unique identification data of the accessory from the first control means and records it in the second storage means,
The second control unit downloads the update program when the version of the update program that can be acquired through the network is newer than the version of the program of the unique identification data recorded in the second storage unit. And recording in the second storage means.   The optical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second storage unit is a removable memory, and is configured to be removable from the optical apparatus. The optical apparatus further includes an image sensor that photoelectrically converts an optical image,
The optical device according to claim 2, wherein the removable memory stores image data picked up by the image pickup device.   4. The optical apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the image data in the removable memory is erased from the optical apparatus, the unique identification data recorded in the removable memory is not erased.   The optical apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the unique identification data recorded in the removable memory is erasable.   6. The unique identification data recorded in the removable memory is erased when the second control means initializes all data of the optical device. The optical apparatus described in 1.   The optical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical apparatus can be connected to and disconnected from the network.   The unique identification data includes at least one of program version information, identification information of the accessory, and information indicating the type and performance of the accessory. Optical equipment. An accessory having first control means and first storage means for storing a program used for control of the first control means; and an optical device to which the accessory is detachably mounted. A program update system,
The optical apparatus has second control means capable of communicating with the first control means,
When the accessory is mounted on the optical device, the second control means receives the unique identification data of the accessory from the first control means and records it in the second storage means,
The second control unit downloads the update program when the version of the update program that can be acquired through the network is newer than the version of the program of the unique identification data recorded in the second storage unit. And recording the program in the second storage means.   The program update system according to claim 9, wherein the second storage unit is a removable memory, and is configured to be removable from the optical device.