JP2018031942A - Imaging device, accessory device, imaging system, communication control method, and communication control program - Google Patents

Abstract

When various accessory devices are connected to an imaging device, communication is performed without causing each accessory device to malfunction while suppressing an increase in the number of request commands. An imaging device communicates with a connected first accessory device among a plurality of accessory devices. The camera control unit 207 transmits a first request command for requesting transmission of the first response data to the first accessory device, and uses the first response data received from the first accessory device. When the first accessory device is identified as a specific accessory device, the first accessory device is sent to the first accessory device by transmitting a second request command to the first accessory device. From the first state in which the request command can be recognized, second response data different from the first response data can be transmitted to the camera control unit in response to the third request command transmitted from the camera control unit. Transition to the second state. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging system including an imaging device (hereinafter referred to as a camera body) and an accessory device such as a lens device (hereinafter referred to as an interchangeable lens) and an operation device that are communicably connected to the camera body.

  In an interchangeable lens imaging system, the camera body and the interchangeable lens, which is an accessory device, communicate with each other to perform focus control and aperture control of the interchangeable lens from the camera body and display information on the interchangeable lens on the display section of the camera body You can do it. There has also been proposed an imaging system in which various accessory devices other than an interchangeable lens can be connected to the camera body to perform various imaging. As an accessory device other than the interchangeable lens, for example, it is possible to perform a zoom operation and a focus operation of the interchangeable lens at a place different from the interchangeable lens and the camera body, and to select an area for performing AF in the imaging screen. There is an operating device. Thus, the imaging system is required to be extensible so that various accessory devices other than the interchangeable lens can be used. On the other hand, these accessory devices must be compatible with each other with respect to the camera body.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device (camera body) that selects a communication method with an accessory device according to unique information held by the attached accessory device. In Patent Document 2, in consideration of various combinations of interchangeable lenses and converter lenses and expandability of the imaging system, when a converter lens is mounted, the serial number as the interchangeable lens is changed and transmitted to the camera body. An interchangeable lens is disclosed.

JP 2001-350190 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-184660

  In the imaging system as described above, it is desirable that various accessory devices can be communicably connected to the camera body without increasing the data structure of communication data (commands and information) and the types of communication methods.

  The conventional imaging system is configured such that when the camera body transmits a request command to the accessory device, the accessory device responds with information corresponding to the request command. In such a configuration, when a plurality of accessory devices having different functions are connected to the camera body, it is necessary to prepare a request command for requesting information transmission from the camera body to the accessory device for each accessory device. Arise. As a result, there may be a shortage of request commands that can be prepared. Further, when a plurality of accessory devices can be connected to the camera body, a request command for a specific accessory device may be erroneously recognized by an accessory device that is not the specific accessory device, and the accessory device may malfunction. .

  The present invention provides an imaging system capable of performing stable communication without causing malfunction of each accessory device while avoiding a shortage of request commands when various accessory devices are connected to the imaging device.

  The imaging device as one aspect of the present invention can perform imaging using a plurality of accessory devices. The imaging apparatus includes an accessory connection unit that can connect a plurality of accessory devices, and a camera control unit that communicates with a first accessory device connected to the accessory connection unit among the plurality of accessory devices. The camera control unit transmits a first request command for requesting transmission of the first response data to the first accessory device, and uses the first response data received from the first accessory device. When the first accessory device is identified as a specific accessory device, the first accessory device is sent to the first accessory device by transmitting a second request command to the first accessory device. From the first state where the request command can be recognized, the second response data different from the first response data can be transmitted to the camera control unit in response to the third request command transmitted from the camera control unit. It is characterized by making it transfer to the state of 2.

  An accessory device according to another aspect of the present invention is a first accessory device included in a plurality of accessory devices used for imaging performed by the imaging device. The first accessory device includes a camera connection unit that can be connected to the imaging device, and an accessory control unit that communicates with the imaging device via the camera connection unit. The accessory control unit transmits the first response data to the imaging device in response to receiving the first request command from the imaging device, and the first accessory device is a specific accessory using the first response data. In response to receiving the second request command from the imaging device identified as being present, the third request command transmitted from the imaging device is changed from the first state in which the first and second request commands can be recognized. Accordingly, the second response data different from the first response data is shifted to a second state in which the second response data can be transmitted to the imaging apparatus.

  Note that an imaging system including the imaging device and a plurality of accessory devices (or first accessory devices) also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an imaging apparatus, wherein the imaging apparatus capable of imaging using a plurality of accessory apparatuses is connected to the imaging apparatus among the plurality of accessory apparatuses. The accessory device is made to transmit a first request command for requesting transmission of the first response data, and the first accessory device is identified using the first response data received from the first accessory device. The first accessory device can recognize the first and second request commands by transmitting the second request command to the first accessory device when the accessory device is identified as the first accessory device. Transition from the first state to a second state in which second response data different from the first response data can be transmitted to the imaging device in response to a third request command transmitted from the camera control unit. It is characterized in.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an accessory device, wherein a first accessory device connected to an imaging device among a plurality of accessory devices used for imaging performed by the imaging device is moved from the imaging device to the first. In response to receiving the request command, the imaging device transmits first response data to the first request command, and the first accessory device is a specific accessory using the first response data. In response to receiving the second request command from the identified imaging device, in response to the third request command transmitted from the imaging device from the first state in which the first and second request commands can be recognized. The second response data different from the first response data is shifted to a second state in which the second response data can be transmitted to the imaging apparatus.

  Note that a communication control program, which is a computer program that causes the computer of the imaging device and the accessory device to execute an operation according to the control method, also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, when an imaging device and various accessory devices are connected, an imaging system with high expandability that can perform stable communication without causing malfunction of each accessory device while avoiding a shortage of request commands is realized. can do.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging system that is an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an initial communication control process in a camera body included in the imaging system of the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the steady communication control process in the said camera main body. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an initial communication control process in a lens operation unit included in the imaging system of the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the steady communication control process in the said lens operation unit. FIG. 6 is a table showing first and second request mode correspondence request commands transmitted from the camera body to the lens operation unit in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a table showing response data returned from the lens operation unit to the camera body in response to the first and second response mode correspondence request commands in the embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an imaging system that is an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging system includes an interchangeable lens 10 as a lens device (second accessory device), and a camera body 20 as an imaging device to which the interchangeable lens 10 is detachably mounted. Further, the imaging system includes a lens operation unit 30 as an operation device (first accessory device) detachably attached to the camera body 20. The camera body 20 is provided with a plurality of lens mounts 210 (two in this embodiment) as accessory connection portions and accessory connection ports (connectors) 211. The lens mount 210 is connected to a mount portion 110 that is a camera connection portion of the interchangeable lens 10, and the accessory connection port 211 is connected to a connector 311 provided in the lens operation unit 30. Although not shown, an accessory device (second accessory device) other than the lens operation unit 30 can be connected to the accessory connection port 211.

  A lens control unit (accessory control unit) 107 that controls the operation of the interchangeable lens 10 and a camera control unit 207 that controls the operation of the camera body 20 can communicate with each other via the mount unit 110 and the lens mount 210. The operation unit control unit 301 and the camera control unit 207 that control the operation of the operation unit 30 can communicate with each other via the connector 311 and the accessory connection port 211.

  First, the configuration of the interchangeable lens 10 will be described. The interchangeable lens device 10 includes a variable power lens 101, an aperture 102, a focus lens 103, a zoom drive unit 104, an aperture drive unit 105, a focus drive unit 106, the lens control unit 107, and a lens operation unit 108. The variable magnification lens 101, the diaphragm 102, and the focus lens 103 constitute an imaging optical system. The zoom lens 101 performs zooming by being driven in the optical axis direction by the zoom drive unit 104 that has received a zoom control signal from the lens control unit 107. The diaphragm 102 is driven by the diaphragm control unit 105 that has received the diaphragm control signal from the lens control unit 107 and changes its aperture diameter, thereby adjusting the amount of light passing through the imaging optical system. The focus lens 103 is driven in the optical axis direction by the focus driving unit 106 that has received the focus control signal from the lens control unit 107 and performs focus adjustment.

  The lens operation unit 108 is provided with operation members such as a zoom operation ring and a focus operation ring. When each operation member is operated by a user, an operation signal is output to the lens control unit 107. The lens control unit 107 Control according to the operation is performed. The lens control unit 107 controls the zoom driving unit 104, the aperture driving unit 105, and the focus driving unit 106 in accordance with various commands, requests, and information received from a camera control unit 207, which will be described later. In addition, the lens control unit 107 transmits lens information (such as optical information) to the camera control unit 207 in response to a transmission request from the camera control unit 207.

  Next, the configuration of the camera body 20 will be described. The camera body 20 includes an image sensor 201, a CDS / AGC circuit 202, a camera signal processing unit 203, a focus signal processing unit 204, a display unit 205, a recording unit 206, a camera control unit 207, and a camera operation unit 208. The imaging element 201 is a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, and photoelectrically converts a subject image formed by the imaging optical system of the interchangeable lens 10 using a plurality of pixels (photodiodes). The electric charge accumulated in each pixel is sequentially read out from the image sensor 201 as a voltage signal (pixel signal) in accordance with a drive pulse from the timing generator 209 controlled by the camera control unit 207. Each pixel of the image pickup element 201 includes a plurality of (here, two) photodiodes, and outputs from the plurality of photodiodes are collectively output as an image pickup pixel signal. Outputs are separately output as focus pixel signals.

  The imaging pixel signal (analog signal) read from the imaging device 201 is sampled, gain-adjusted, and digitally converted by the CDS / AGC / AD circuit 202 and input to the camera signal processing unit 203 as an imaging signal. In addition, the focus pixel signal is passed through the CDS / AGC / AD circuit 202 to the focus signal processing unit 204 as two phase difference detection image signals (hereinafter referred to as “two image signals”; Is output.

  The camera signal processing unit 203 generates a video signal by performing various kinds of image processing on the imaging signal. A display unit 205 configured by an LCD or the like displays an image corresponding to the video signal output from the camera signal processing unit 203. The recording unit 206 records the video signal from the camera signal processing unit 203 on a recording medium such as an optical disk or a semiconductor memory.

  The focus signal processing unit 204 calculates a phase difference between the two image signals by performing a correlation operation on the two image signals for phase difference detection, and calculates a defocus amount of the imaging optical system from the phase difference. To the camera control unit 207. The camera control unit 207 calculates a drive amount of the focus lens 103 for obtaining a focused state according to the acquired defocus amount, and transmits a focus command including the drive amount to the lens control unit 107. The lens control unit 107 drives the focus lens 103 by controlling the focus driving unit 106 according to the focus command. Thereby, imaging surface phase difference AF (autofocus) is performed.

  The camera control unit 207 controls them while exchanging information with each unit in the camera body 20. In addition, the camera control unit 207 switches power ON / OFF, various settings, video recording start / end, and AF / MF (manual focus) switching according to user operations on the camera operation unit 208 including various operation switches. Various camera functions such as playback of recorded video are executed. Furthermore, as described above, the camera control unit 207 transmits various commands, requests, and information to the lens control unit 107 and receives lens information from the lens control unit 107.

  In addition, the camera control unit 207 can exchange information with the operation unit control unit 301 in the lens operation unit 30, and information on operations performed by the user on the operation unit 302 of the lens operation unit 30 (hereinafter, referred to as “operation unit control unit 301”). , Called operation information).

  Next, the lens operation unit 30 will be described. The operation unit 302 of the lens operation unit 30 includes a seesaw key for changing the magnification, a dial key for changing the aperture value, and the like as a lens operation member for the user to operate the interchangeable lens 10. . In addition, the operation unit 302 is a camera operation member such as a switch that causes the camera body 20 to start and end recording of a video signal on a recording medium, or a cross key that specifies an AF area in which an in-focus state is obtained by AF within an imaging screen. It also has. In response to the transmission request from the camera control unit 207, the operation unit control unit 301 transmits operation information indicating that the user has operated these operation members to the camera control unit 207.

  In the present embodiment, the lens operation unit 30 capable of operating both the interchangeable lens 10 and the camera body 20 will be described. However, at least one of the interchangeable lens 10 and the camera body 20 may be operable.

  In this embodiment, a communication command (request command) having a general and common data structure (format) as a communication means between the camera control unit 207 and the lens control unit 107 and between the camera control unit 207 and the operation unit control unit 301. Is used. Specifically, the data structure of the request command is composed of a data string including function information indicating requested information or control, a data size (data length), and a data body. Information (response data) transmitted in response to a request command also has a general and common data structure. Specifically, the specific data structure of the response data includes a data string including a data size (data length) and a data body. Furthermore, a general and common communication method is used as a communication method as a communication means. In this embodiment, an asynchronous method is used as a communication method. By using such a data structure and communication method, it becomes easy to connect a plurality of accessory devices (the interchangeable lens 10, the lens operation unit 30, and other accessory devices) to the camera body 20 so that they can communicate with each other. The extensibility of can be improved.

  Next, an initial communication control process performed by the camera control unit 207 for the operation unit control unit 301 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The camera control unit 207 performs this process on the pixel signal from the image sensor 201 for generating a field image (hereinafter also referred to as one frame or one screen) from a state where the lens operation unit 30 is not connected to the camera body 20. It is executed every vertical synchronization period which is a read cycle. However, this process may be repeated a plurality of times within the vertical synchronization period (V rate). The camera control unit 207 executes this process once when the connection with the operation unit control unit 301 is established, and does not execute thereafter. The camera control unit 207 as a computer executes this processing according to a camera communication control program that is a computer program.

  First, in step 201, the camera control unit 207 transmits a predetermined connection command to the operation unit control unit 301 and performs a connection process for determining whether a response is returned from the operation unit control unit 301. If a response is returned from the operation unit control unit 301 in Step 202, the camera control unit 207 proceeds to Step 203 assuming that a connection has been established. If no response is returned, the camera control unit 207 returns that the connection has not been established. Execute the connection process.

  In Step 203, the camera control unit 207 sets a connection establishment flag indicating that the connection with the operation unit control unit 301 has been established. In Step 204, the camera control unit 207 enters the first request mode and sets a first request mode flag indicating the first request mode.

  Next, in Step 205, the camera control unit 207 transmits a request command for requesting information on the manufacturer (manufacturer) name of the lens operation unit 30 to the operation unit control unit 301 as a first request command. Further, in the next step 206, the camera control unit 207 transmits a request command for requesting the product (accessory) name of the lens operation unit 30 to the operation unit control unit 301 as another first request command. At this time, a request command for requesting transmission of the serial number of the lens operation unit 30 may be transmitted to the operation unit controller 301 as still another first request command. These manufacturer name and accessory name (and serial number if necessary) are information for identifying that the camera control unit 207 is a specific accessory device of the lens operation unit 30.

  In Step 207, the camera control unit 207 determines whether the manufacturer name and accessory name received in Steps 205 and 206 are stored (pre-registered) in the camera control unit 207. If the manufacturer name and the accessory name are not registered (identified that the connected accessory device is an unknown accessory device), the camera control unit 207 ends this processing as it is. On the other hand, if the manufacturer name and the accessory name are registered (the connected accessory device is identified as a specific accessory device), the process proceeds to Step 208.

  In Step 208, the camera control unit 207 transmits a second request command to the operation unit control unit 301. The second request command will be described later. In step 209, the camera control unit 207 determines whether a predetermined response is returned from the operation unit control unit 301 in response to the second request command. When the response is returned, the camera control unit 207 proceeds to step 210, shifts to the second request mode, sets the second request mode flag indicating the second request mode, and sets the first request mode flag. Clear the request mode flag. If a predetermined response is not returned in Step 209, the camera control unit 207 ends this process.

  Next, the steady communication control process performed by the camera control unit 207 after the connection with the operation unit control unit 301 is established will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The camera control unit 207 executes this process for each vertical synchronization period. However, this process may be repeated a plurality of times within the vertical synchronization period. And the camera control part 207 performs this process according to the camera communication control program mentioned above.

  First, in step 301, the camera control unit 207 determines whether or not a connection establishment flag for the operation unit control unit 301 is set. If the connection establishment flag is not set, the camera control unit 207 ends this process as it is. If the connection establishment flag is set, the camera control unit 207 proceeds to Step 302.

  At Step 302, the camera control unit 207 determines whether or not the first request mode flag is set (that is, the first request mode), and when the first request mode flag is set. Advances to Step 303. In Step 303, the camera control unit 207 transmits to the operation unit control unit 301 a request command that can be accepted by the operation unit control unit 301 in the first request mode (hereinafter referred to as a first request mode response request command). The first request mode response request command will be described later. On the other hand, if the first request mode flag is not set, the camera control unit 207 proceeds to Step 304.

  In Step 304, the camera control unit 207 determines whether or not the second request mode flag is set (that is, the second request mode), and when the second request mode flag is set. Advances to Step 305. In Step 305, the camera control unit 207 transmits to the operation unit control unit 301 a request command that can be received by the operation unit control unit 301 in the second request mode (hereinafter, referred to as a second request mode response request command). The second request mode response request command will be described later. On the other hand, when the second request mode flag is not set, the camera control unit 207 ends the process as it is.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the communication unit can communicate with the interchangeable lens 10 as an accessory device having an imaging optical system, and can also communicate with the lens operation unit 30 which is an accessory device without the imaging optical system. Use data structures and communication methods. This is because if a plurality of communication means are mounted, a separate circuit for each communication means is required, which leads to an increase in size and cost of the camera body 20. Further, when a plurality of types of accessory devices can be connected to the camera body 20, information required for each accessory device is different, and thus a communication command (request command) is required for each requested information. However, since the function information included in the communication command is limited, it is important how to determine various communication commands using the limited function information.

  In FIG. 6A, the first request mode correspondence request command that the camera control unit 207 transmits to the control unit of the accessory device (for example, the operation unit control unit 301 of the lens operation unit 30) in the first request mode. Show. FIG. 6B shows a second request mode response request command that the camera control unit 207 transmits to the operation unit control unit 301 in the second request mode.

  The data structure of each request command is a common data structure including function information for notifying requested information or control (control), a data size, and a data body. The camera control unit 207 transmits a manufacturer name request command and an accessory name request command as a first request command to the accessory device at the start of connection with the accessory device. Then, the camera control unit 207 receives the manufacturer name and the accessory name as the first response data transmitted as a response from the accessory device. When the manufacturer name and the accessory name are registered (stored) as a specific accessory device, the camera control unit 207 determines that the specific accessory device (here, the lens operation unit 30) is connected to the camera body 20. Determine (identify). Further, the camera control unit 207 that has determined that the lens operation unit 30 is connected transmits an expansion mode request command as a second request command illustrated in FIG. 6A to the operation unit control unit 301. This extension mode request command is a request command for notifying the operation unit control unit 301 that the lens operation unit 30 is extended as a communication destination (in other words, the request for transmission of the operation information described above thereafter).

  Note that the first state in which the operation unit control unit 301 can recognize the first and second request commands transmitted from the camera control unit 207 is referred to as a first response mode of the operation unit control unit 301.

  Here, the function information of the extended mode request command shown in FIG. 6A is 17h, which is the same as the function information of the serial number request command which is one of the first request commands shown in FIG. 6A. is there. However, the data size of the serial number request command is 0 (no data body), whereas the data size of the extended mode request command is 15 bytes and includes unique data as the data body.

  In this way, by making the function information in the second request command the same as the function information in the first request command, it is not necessary to increase the function information even if the accessory device to be connected and the functions to be used are increased. That is, the number of request commands can be increased without increasing the number of function information. On the other hand, the data size and data body of the second request command are set as unique values, and the second request command is a command that can be recognized only by the operation unit control unit 301. Accordingly, the operation unit control unit 301 can recognize that the second request command is a unique (individual) request command for the lens operation unit 30. That is, the second request command can be a command that allows only the lens operation unit 30 to shift from the first response mode to the second response mode. Accordingly, the types of accessory devices that can be connected to the camera body 20 can be easily expanded without causing each accessory device to malfunction.

  The function information for the interchangeable lens 10 also includes control request commands such as focus control and zoom speed control for controlling the driving of the focus lens 103 and the driving speed of the variable power lens 101. However, these control request commands usually indicate a driving direction and a driving amount, and therefore the data size is not normally zero. For this reason, it is not easy to distinguish the control request command simply by the data size, and the use of the control request command distinguished only by the data size may cause a malfunction of the accessory device other than the interchangeable lens 10. Therefore, it is appropriate to use the same function information as the request command whose data size is 0, that is, the first request command such as the serial number request command, for the extended mode request command.

  The second request mode correspondence request command shown in FIG. 6B requests the lens operation unit 30 to transmit the operation information (second response data) described above to the first request mode correspondence request command. An operation information request command is added as a third request command. This operation information request command is a unique command that is recognized as a command that requests only the operation unit control unit 301 to transmit operation information. That is, the first request command is a general-purpose request command that can be recognized by various accessory devices, while the second and third request commands are unique that can be recognized only by the lens operation unit 30 (operation unit control unit 301). This is a request command.

  In this way, the camera control unit 207 first determines (identifies) the connection of a specific accessory device, that is, the lens operation unit 30 to the camera body 20 from the manufacturer name and the accessory name received from the connected accessory device. Then, by transmitting an extended mode request command to the operation unit control unit 301, the operation unit control unit 301 enters a second response mode, which is a second state in which operation information can be transmitted in response to the operation information request command. Transition. Thus, even when the operation information request command and the operation information have a unique (unique) data structure determined between the camera control unit 207 and the operation unit control unit 301, the operation information is smoothly transferred to the camera control unit 207. Can be acquired.

  Further, when transmitting the operation information request command to the operation unit control unit 301, the camera control unit 207 identifies the lens operation unit 30, transmits an extended mode request command, shifts to the second response mode, and operates. Follow the procedure of sending information request command. Thereby, it is possible to avoid erroneous transmission of the operation information request command to an accessory device other than the lens operation unit 30.

  The function information of the operation information request command may be the same as the function information used for the request command transmitted from the camera body 20 to the interchangeable lens 10. That is, there is no problem if the function information has only one meaning between the camera body 20 and each accessory device.

  Next, an initial communication control process performed by the operation unit control unit 301 for the camera control unit 207 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation unit control unit 301 executes this process for each predetermined synchronization (for example, 60 Hz) from the state where the lens operation unit 30 is not connected to the camera body 20. However, it may be executed in response to a reception interrupt that occurs when a request command is received from the camera control unit 207. Then, the operation unit control unit 301 executes this process once when the connection with the camera control unit 207 is established, and does not execute thereafter. The operation unit control unit 301 as a computer executes this processing according to an operation unit communication control program that is a computer program.

  First, in Step 401, the operation unit control unit 301 performs a connection process for determining whether or not a predetermined connection command has been received from the camera control unit 207. If the connection command is received, the operation unit controller 301 determines that the connection has been established, and proceeds to Step 402. If the connection command has not been received, the operation unit control unit 301 returns that the connection has not been established, and executes the connection process again. .

  In Step 402, the operation unit control unit 301 sets a connection establishment flag indicating that the connection with the camera control unit 207 has been established. Subsequently, in Step 403, the operation unit control unit 301 enters the first response mode and sets a first response mode flag indicating the first response mode.

  Next, the steady communication control process performed by the operation unit control unit 301 after the connection with the camera control unit 207 is established will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation unit control unit 301 executes this process for each predetermined synchronization (for example, 60 Hz). However, it may be executed in response to a reception interrupt that occurs when a request command is received from the camera control unit 207. And the operation unit control part 301 performs this process according to the operation unit communication control program mentioned above.

  First, in Step 501, the operation unit control unit 301 determines whether or not a connection establishment flag for the camera control unit 207 is set. If the connection establishment flag is not set, the operation unit control unit 301 ends this processing as it is, and if the connection establishment flag is set, the operation unit control unit 301 proceeds to Step 502.

  In Step 502, the operation unit control unit 301 determines whether a request command has been received from the camera control unit 207. If no request command has been received, the operation unit control unit 301 ends this processing as it is, and if a request command has been received, accepts the request command in Step 503.

  Next, in Step 504, the operation unit control unit 301 determines whether or not the first response mode flag is set, and proceeds to Step 505 if the first response mode flag is set. In Step 505, the operation unit control unit 301 determines whether or not an extended mode request command that is a second request command has been received from the camera control unit 207, and proceeds to Step 506 if it has not been received.

  In Step 506, the operation unit control unit 301 determines whether or not a request command that can be accepted in the first response mode (hereinafter referred to as a first response mode response request command) is received from the camera control unit 207. The first response mode response request command will be described later. If the operation unit control unit 301 receives the first response mode response request command, the operation unit control unit 301 proceeds to Step 507 and sends a response corresponding to the received request command to the camera control unit 207. On the other hand, if the first response mode support request command has not been received, the operation unit control unit 301 proceeds to step 508 and responds with an acknowledgment to the camera control unit 207 to respond to the first response mode support request command. Notify that you have not.

  On the other hand, when the extended mode request command is received in Step 505, the operation unit control unit 301 proceeds to Step 509, transmits a predetermined response to the camera control unit 207, and enters the second response mode. And the 2nd response mode flag which shows that it is the 2nd response mode is set, and it progresses to Step510.

  If the first response mode flag is not set in Step 504, the operation unit control unit 301 proceeds to Step 512 and determines whether or not the second response mode flag is set. If the second response mode flag is set, the operation unit control unit 301 proceeds to Step 510, and if it is not set, the operation unit control unit 301 ends this process as it is.

  In Step 510, the operation unit control unit 301 determines whether or not a request command that can be accepted in the second response mode (hereinafter referred to as a second response mode response request command) has been received from the camera control unit 207. The second response mode response request command will be described later. When the operation unit control unit 301 receives the second response mode response request command, the operation unit control unit 301 proceeds to Step 511 and sends a response corresponding to the received request command to the camera control unit 207. On the other hand, when the second response mode response request command has not been received, the operation unit control unit 301 proceeds to Step 508 and responds with an acknowledgment to the camera control unit 207 to respond to the first response mode response request command. Notify that you have not.

  FIG. 7A shows a first response mode response request command and a response transmitted from the operation unit control unit 301 to the camera control unit 207. FIG. 7B shows a second response mode response request command and a response transmitted from the operation unit control unit 301 to the camera control unit 207.

  In the first response mode, the operation unit control unit 301 receives a first request command (manufacturer name and accessory name request command) from the camera control unit 207 as a first response mode correspondence request command shown in FIG. Receive and recognize. Then, the operation unit control unit 301 transmits first response data (a manufacturer name and an accessory name) that is a response to the first request command to the camera control unit 207. The first response data needs to be a response to the first request command transmitted by the camera control unit 207 in order to determine (identify) whether the accessory device connected to the camera body 20 is the lens operation unit 30 or not. is there. Further, the operation unit control unit 301 is an extension that is a second request command transmitted from the camera control unit 207 that determines that the accessory device connected to the camera body 20 is the lens operation unit 30 as a specific accessory device. Receives and recognizes a mode request command. Then, a response to the extended mode request command is transmitted to the camera control unit 207.

  Further, the operation unit control unit 301 that has received the extended mode request command transmits operation information to the camera control unit 207 in response to receiving an operation information request command that is a third request command from the camera control unit 207. It shifts to the second response mode. As a result, the operation unit control unit 301 responds appropriately to the second response mode response request command, but does not malfunction by responding to the request command other than the second response mode response request command. .

  Further, the camera control unit 207 transmits an extended mode request command to the operation unit control unit 301 to confirm that the camera control unit 207 and the operation unit control unit 301 have a one-to-one relationship. Sends an operation information request command. The operation unit control unit 301 also does not respond to the operation information request command from the camera control unit 207 when it has not received the extended mode request command. For this reason, even if a device other than the camera body 20 transmits a request command having the same function information as the operation information request command to the operation unit control unit 301, the operation unit control unit 301 only responds with an acknowledge and does not malfunction. . The operation unit control unit 301 can cause the camera control unit 207 to acquire operation information specific to the lens operation unit 30 in the second response mode. As a result, an imaging system capable of stable operation with good expandability can be realized.

  According to the present embodiment, by using a general data structure and a communication method, the camera body 20 and a plurality of accessory devices (the interchangeable lens 10, the lens operation unit 30, and the others) are added without increasing new communication means. Accessory device) can be communicably connected.

In this embodiment, after confirming the connection of the lens operation unit 30 as a specific accessory device, the camera body 20 has the same function information as the function information of the existing request command and has a second data size different from that of the second request command. Send the request command. Thus, a specific request command (operation information request command) and a response (operation information) thereto can be transmitted and received between the camera body 20 and the lens operation unit 30 which is a specific accessory device. As a result, when the camera body 20 is connected to another accessory device that is not a specific accessory device, it is possible to avoid a malfunction caused by transmitting / receiving an incorrect request command or an incorrect response thereto. That is, it is possible to realize an imaging system having good expandability by increasing the number of request commands (avoiding the shortage of request commands) without newly increasing the number of function information.
(Other examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  Each embodiment described above is only a representative example, and various modifications and changes can be made to each embodiment in carrying out the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Interchangeable lens 20 Camera main body 30 Lens operation unit 207 Camera control part 301 Operation unit control part

Claims (12)

An imaging device capable of imaging using a plurality of accessory devices,
An accessory connection unit capable of connecting the plurality of accessory devices;
A camera control unit that communicates with a first accessory device connected to the accessory connection unit among the plurality of accessory devices;
The camera control unit
Transmitting a first request command for requesting transmission of first response data to the first accessory device;
A second request command to the first accessory device when the first accessory device is identified as a specific accessory device using the first response data received from the first accessory device. Is transmitted from the first state in which the first and second request commands can be recognized according to the third request command transmitted from the camera control unit. An image pickup apparatus that shifts to a second state in which second response data different from the first response data can be transmitted to the camera control unit. The first request command is a command for requesting the plurality of accessory devices to transmit the first response data,
The second request command is a command that can shift only the specific accessory device from the first state to the second state among the plurality of accessory devices,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third request command is a command for requesting transmission of the second response data only to the specific accessory device among the plurality of accessory devices.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit transmits a request command having a common data structure to the plurality of accessory devices by a common communication method.   The first request command and the second request command have the same function information indicating response data to be requested, and have different data lengths. The imaging device described. A first accessory device included in a plurality of accessory devices used for imaging performed by the imaging device,
A camera connection unit connectable to the imaging device;
An accessory control unit that communicates with the imaging device via the camera connection unit;
The accessory control unit
In response to receiving a first request command from the imaging device, sending first response data to the imaging device;
In response to receiving a second request command from the imaging device that has identified the first accessory device as a specific accessory using the first response data, the first and second request commands In response to a third request command transmitted from the imaging device, a second response data different from the first response data can be transmitted to the imaging device. An accessory device characterized by transitioning to a state. The first state is a state in which the first and second request commands can be recognized,
6. The accessory device according to claim 5, wherein the second state is a state in which the first, second, and third request commands can be recognized.   The operation member for operating at least one of the imaging device and the second accessory device different from the first accessory device among the plurality of accessory devices. Accessory equipment. An imaging system having an imaging device capable of performing imaging using a plurality of accessory devices, and a first accessory device included in the plurality of accessory devices,
The imaging device
An accessory connection unit capable of connecting the plurality of accessory devices;
A camera control unit that communicates with a first accessory device connected to the accessory connection unit among the plurality of accessory devices;
The first accessory device includes:
A camera connection unit connectable to the imaging device;
An accessory control unit that communicates with the camera control unit via the camera connection unit;
The camera control unit transmits a first request command for requesting transmission of first response data to the accessory control unit,
The accessory control unit transmits the first response data to the camera control unit in response to receiving the first request command,
The camera control unit transmits a second request command to the accessory control unit when the first accessory device is identified as a specific accessory device using the first response data.
In response to receiving the second request command, the accessory control unit receives a third state transmitted from the camera control unit from a first state in which the first and second request commands can be recognized. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the second response data different from the first response data is shifted to a second state where the second response data can be transmitted to the camera control unit in response to a request command. In an imaging device capable of imaging using a plurality of accessory devices,
Transmitting a first request command for requesting transmission of first response data to a first accessory device connected to the imaging device among the plurality of accessory devices;
A second request command to the first accessory device when the first accessory device is identified as a specific accessory device using the first response data received from the first accessory device. In response to the third request command transmitted from the camera control unit from the first state in which the first and second request commands can be recognized. A control method for an imaging apparatus, wherein second response data different from the first response data is shifted to a second state in which the second response data can be transmitted to the imaging apparatus. Of the plurality of accessory devices used for imaging performed by the imaging device, the first accessory device connected to the imaging device,
In response to receiving the first request command from the imaging device, the imaging device transmits first response data for the first request command;
In response to receiving a second request command from the imaging device that has identified the first accessory device as a specific accessory using the first response data, the first and second request commands In response to a third request command transmitted from the imaging device, a second response data different from the first response data can be transmitted to the imaging device. A method for controlling an accessory device, characterized by causing transition to a state. A computer program for operating a computer of an imaging device capable of imaging using a plurality of accessory devices,
In the computer,
Transmitting a first request command for requesting transmission of first response data to a first accessory device connected to the imaging device among the plurality of accessory devices;
A second request command to the first accessory device when the first accessory device is identified as a specific accessory device using the first response data received from the first accessory device. In response to the third request command transmitted from the camera control unit from the first state in which the first and second request commands can be recognized. A communication control program that shifts to a second state in which second response data different from the first response data can be transmitted to the imaging apparatus. A computer program for operating a computer of a first accessory device connected to the imaging device among a plurality of accessory devices used for imaging performed by the imaging device,
In the computer,
In response to receiving the first request command from the imaging device, the imaging device transmits first response data for the first request command;
In response to receiving a second request command from the imaging device that has identified the first accessory device as a specific accessory using the first response data, the first and second request commands In response to a third request command transmitted from the imaging device, a second response data different from the first response data can be transmitted to the imaging device. A communication control program for shifting to a state.