Patent Description:
There is known an imaging system (also referred to as an image pickup system) that includes a camera body (an imaging apparatus or an image pickup apparatus) and an accessory apparatus (an interchangeable lens apparatus, and an intermediate accessory apparatus such as a wide converter or teleconverter attached between the camera body and the interchangeable lens apparatus) as system components. In such an imaging system, the camera body controls the accessory apparatus. To suitably control the focus, aperture stop, and zoom in the imaging system, the camera body needs to acquire control information specific to the interchangeable lens apparatus that is required for the control, from the interchangeable lens apparatus.

When an intermediate accessory apparatus is attached between the camera body and the interchangeable lens apparatus, it is necessary to consider not only the control information specific to the interchangeable lens apparatus but also control information specific to the intermediate accessory apparatus required for the control.

<CIT> discusses an imaging system in which a camera body identifies a component that combines control information specific to an interchangeable lens apparatus and control information specific to an intermediate accessory apparatus based on identification information for the interchangeable lens apparatus and the intermediate accessory apparatus attached to the camera body. In the imaging system, the combination is performed by the component identified by the camera body.

In the imaging system discussed in <CIT>, the component of the imaging system identified by the camera body needs to combine the control information specific to the interchangeable lens apparatus and the control information specific to the intermediate accessory apparatus. Therefore, the component requires resources (hardware, software, and time) for the combination.

<CIT> discusses a camera system includes a camera body, an interchangeable lens mountable on the camera body and outputting a discrimination signal, and an intermediate barrel mountable between the interchangeable lens and the camera body. The intermediate barrel has memory means storing therein a plurality of information data regarding the optical characteristic, selector means responsive to the discrimination signal to select one of the plurality of information data from among the plurality of information data, and output means for outputting an information signal conforming to the selected one of said plurality of information data to the camera body. The camera body effects a calculation process on the basis of the information signal.

<CIT> discusses a lens barrel comprising: an optical system which includes a focus adjustment optical system; an aperture which limits the light beam which pass through the optical system to predetermined range at the time of detection of the focus state of the optical system; a drive which drives the focus adjustment optical system; a memory which stores a first predetermined value which is a aperture value within the predetermined range; and a transmitter which sends the first predetermined value to the camera body.

An aspect of the disclosures provides, for example, an accessory apparatus beneficial for an image pickup apparatus to perform control related to an interchangeable lens apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an accessory apparatus as specified in claims <NUM> to <NUM>. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus as specified in claims <NUM> to <NUM>. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup system as specified in claim <NUM>. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program as specified in claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Through all of the drawings for illustrating exemplary embodiments, as a rule (unless otherwise specifically described), identical members are assigned the same reference numerals and duplicated descriptions thereof will be omitted. Each of the embodiments of the present invention described below can be implemented solely or as a combination of a plurality of the embodiments or features thereof where necessary or where the combination of elements or features from individual embodiments in a single embodiment is beneficial.

A first exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to <FIG>. The imaging system according to the first exemplary embodiment includes a first communication path for communication between a camera body (imaging apparatus) and an interchangeable lens apparatus, and a second communication path for communication between the camera body and an adapter (intermediate accessory apparatus). <FIG> illustrates an example configuration of the imaging system according to the first exemplary embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, an interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> includes a movable optical member. A camera body <NUM> includes an image sensor. An adapter <NUM> (intermediate accessory apparatus, e.g., extender) is detachably attached between the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the camera body <NUM>.

The interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, the adapter <NUM>, and the camera body <NUM> are attachable to and detachable from each other via mounts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The mount <NUM> is formed on the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, the mounts <NUM> and <NUM> are formed on the adapter <NUM>, and the mount <NUM> is formed on the camera body <NUM>. The mounts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are provided with one or more contacts (terminals) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively, for performing communication based on a first communication method. The contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are configured to become conductive with each other when the interchangeable lens <NUM>, the adapter <NUM>, and the camera body <NUM> are attached (connected) to each other. The first communication method is used by the camera body <NUM> to control the movable optical member in the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>.

The mounts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are further provided with one or more contacts (terminals) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively, for performing communication based on a second communication method. The contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are configured to become conductive with each other when the interchangeable lens <NUM>, the adapter <NUM>, and the camera body <NUM> are attached to each other. The second communication method is used for one-to-many communication (broadcast communication) and one-to-one communication (peer-to-peer (P2P) communication) between the camera body <NUM>, the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, and the adapter <NUM>.

A focus lens unit <NUM> is used to focus a subject. A zoom lens unit <NUM> is used for zooming (magnification). An iris unit (aperture stop) <NUM> is used to adjust the light quantity or diameter. An image shake (IS) lens unit <NUM> is used to reduce image shake. A focus control unit <NUM> is used to control the drive of the focus lens unit <NUM>. A zoom control unit <NUM> is used to control the drive of the zoom lens unit <NUM>. An iris control unit <NUM> is used to control the drive of the iris unit <NUM>. An IS control unit <NUM> is used to control the drive of the IS lens unit <NUM>. The focus control unit <NUM>, the zoom control unit <NUM>, the iris control unit <NUM>, and the IS control unit <NUM> may include, for example, a position detection unit and a motor. A shake detection unit <NUM> is used to detect a shake (vibration) of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, and may include, for example, a gyro (gyroscope).

A control unit <NUM> controls the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>. A first communication unit <NUM> is used to perform communication based on the first communication method in the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>. A second communication unit <NUM> is used to perform communication based on the second communication method in the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>. The control unit <NUM>, the first communication unit <NUM>, and the second communication unit <NUM> may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) or a processing unit (not illustrated) in the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>.

An image sensor <NUM> is used to capture an image formed via the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter <NUM>, and may include, for example, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. A control unit <NUM> controls the camera body <NUM>. A first communication unit <NUM> is used to perform communication based on the first communication method in the camera body <NUM>. A second communication unit <NUM> is used to perform communication based on the second communication method in the camera body <NUM>. The control unit <NUM>, the first communication unit <NUM>, and the second communication unit <NUM> may be configured by a CPU or a processing unit (not illustrated) in the camera body <NUM>. A video display unit (image display unit) <NUM> displays a video (image) captured in imaging by the image sensor <NUM>, and may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor. An operation member <NUM> is used to set an imaging condition (imaging control), and may include, for example, a dial ring and a switch.

An optical member (adapter optical member) <NUM> is included in the adapter <NUM> and may include, for example, a magnification lens unit and a Neutral Density (ND) filter. A second communication unit <NUM> is used to perform communication based on the second communication method in the adapter <NUM>. A control unit <NUM> controls the adapter <NUM>. The second communication unit <NUM> and the control unit <NUM> may be configured by a CPU (a processing unit) (not illustrated) in the adapter <NUM>. A storage unit <NUM> stores control information (control information group) corresponding to the identification information for the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, and may include, for example, a flash memory. The control information will be described below. The control information is also referred to as characteristic information about the combination optical characteristics of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the intermediate accessory apparatus. The characteristic information includes at least either one of first characteristic information for controlling the drive of the optical member included in the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and second characteristic information for controlling correction of video data captured by the imaging apparatus. The storage unit <NUM> stores the characteristic information in association with the first identification information for identifying the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, video information is acquired by the light incident to the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>. More specifically, the light incident to the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> forms an image (optical image) on the image sensor <NUM> via the focus lens unit <NUM>, the zoom lens unit <NUM>, the iris unit <NUM>, the IS lens unit <NUM>, and the adapter optical member <NUM>. The image is converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor <NUM>. The electrical signal is converted into a video signal by the control unit <NUM>. The video signal is then displayed by the video display unit <NUM>, recorded on a recording medium, or transmitted to an external apparatus.

A description will be given of a flow of processing according to the present exemplary embodiment in which the camera body <NUM> acquires control information related to the combination of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter <NUM> and then acquires the video data by using the control information. When power of the camera body <NUM> is turned ON and the camera body <NUM> is activated, the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> transmits a communication command for acquiring the identification information (first identification information) about the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> to the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, based on the first communication method. As a result, the control unit <NUM> acquires the identification information for the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> from the adapter <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> recognizes that the adapter <NUM> is attached to the camera body <NUM> through broadcast communication based on the second communication method. Then, the control unit <NUM> transmits a communication command for transmitting the identification information for the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, to the adapter <NUM> based on the second communication method. As a result, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> acquires (recognizes) the identification information.

Then, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> identifies the control information (also referred to as accessory data) corresponding to the combination of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter <NUM> associated with the identification information. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the identification information, such as <NUM> to <NUM> (described below), is assumed to be identical between (common to) the first and the second communication methods. For example, the identification information for an interchangeable lens apparatus A in the first communication method, and the identification information associated with the control information corresponding to the combination of the interchangeable lens apparatus A and the adapter <NUM> in the second communication method are both <NUM>. The identification information in the second communication method may correspond to the above-described combination further combining with the camera body <NUM>. In this case, the control information corresponding to the combination of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, the adapter <NUM>, and the camera body <NUM> can be identified. For example, the reason why the camera body <NUM> is included in the combination is that the control information may differ according to the size (image size) of the image sensor included in the camera body <NUM>.

The control information is configured to accommodate each of combinations between a plurality of types of the interchangeable lens apparatuses <NUM> and a plurality of types of the adapters <NUM> (in association with each piece of identification information for identifying the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>). The control information includes individual information (also referred to as individual data) as imaging control information related to the imaging (condition) control, for example, focal distance control. The control information also includes individual information (also referred to as individual data) as correction control information related to correction control on the video data, for example, the correction control for the peripheral light quantity reduction. The control information may include at least one of the imaging control information (first control information) and the correction control information (second control information). A command used by the camera body <NUM> to perform control related to the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> may be determined based on information about the imaging condition that is to be set or that has been set in the imaging system and the individual information. The accessory data and the individual data, and processing for determining the command will be described in detail below.

To acquire the individual data, the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> transmits to the adapter <NUM> a command for requesting for configuration information (also referred to as accessory data group configuration information or first configuration information) indicating attributes of the accessory data group. As a result, the control unit <NUM> receives the configuration information from the adapter <NUM>. The accessory data configuration information and processing for acquiring the individual data will be described in detail below.

The camera body <NUM> can acquire the individual data corresponding to the combination of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter <NUM> from the adapter <NUM> based on the first identification information included in the accessory data group configuration information and identification information for identifying individual data (second identification information). According to the present exemplary embodiment, the second identification information is assumed to be identical (common) to the first and the second communication methods.

The individual information as the imaging control information may be related to, for example, the F number and focus sensitivity (ratio of the moving amount of the image plane to the moving amount of the focus lens unit <NUM>) in addition to the focal distance. The individual information may also be related to the moving amount of the focus lens unit <NUM> for correcting the defocus amount detected by an automatic focus (AF) sensor. The individual information as the correction control information may be, in addition to the information for correcting the periphery light quantity reduction, information for correcting the magnification chromatic aberration and distortion with respect to the video data acquired by the camera body <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> requests the adapter <NUM> for necessary individual information based on the first and the second configuration information and acquires the individual information from the adapter <NUM>. The acquisition method will be described in detail below. Upon acquisition of the individual information from the adapter <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> requests the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> for status information about the status of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and acquires the status information from the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, via the first communication unit <NUM>. Based on the individual information and the status information, the control unit <NUM> determines a command for the camera body <NUM> to perform control related to the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> corresponding to the combination of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter <NUM>. The command may be, for example, a command for controlling the imaging condition (optical member) in the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, or a command for correcting correction to the video data.

The camera body <NUM> performs the correction on the video data based on the command. If the command relates to, for example, the correction to the magnification chromatic aberration, the command may include the coefficient of the n-th order polynomial related to the image height for obtaining a value (multiplication value) for the correction. Based on the command, the video display unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> displays the imaging condition (e.g., the focal distance, subject distance, and F number) in the imaging system including the combination of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter <NUM>. In the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, the movable optical member is driven based on the command.

As described above, the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> acquires the individual information corresponding to the combination of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter <NUM> to suitably perform control related to the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>. Since the control unit <NUM> can acquire only individual information to be required immediately at the start of power supply, it is possible to shorten the time period before the camera becomes ready for imaging.

A description will be given of a flow of processing in which the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> transmits a communication command for acquiring control information to the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and receives the control information from the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>. Firstly, the control unit <NUM> generates a communication command for acquiring specific control information from the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>. The command includes an identifier for the first communication method. The identifier uniquely identifies requested control information and may be a character string. The identifier requests for the identification information for the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>. The command is transmitted to the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> via the first communication unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> in the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> receives the communication command via the first communication unit <NUM> and then interprets the command. The control unit <NUM> generates a communication command corresponding to the content of the communication command and transmits the command to the camera body <NUM> via the first communication unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> receives the communication command from interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> via the first communication unit <NUM> and then interprets the command. The identifier may be an identifier related to the optical system of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>) or an identifier related to the name of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>). The identifier is not limited to a hexadecimal number but may be any number that uniquely identifies the type of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>.

A description will be given of a flow of processing in which the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> notifies the adapter <NUM> of the identification information for the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>. Firstly, the control unit <NUM> generates a communication command for notifying the adapter <NUM> of the identification information for the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> transmits the communication command to the adapter <NUM> via the second communication unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> receives the communication command via the second communication unit <NUM> and then interprets the command. As a result, the control unit <NUM> can identify the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>. When another adapter including an optical system is attached between the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter <NUM>, the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> identifies the other adapter and transmits the identification information for the other adapter to the camera body <NUM>. The other adapter is identified by the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> through communication (communication via contacts) between the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the other adapter.

The above-described configuration enables the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> to acquire the control information corresponding to the combination of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter <NUM> through the first communication with the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the second communication with the adapter <NUM>. In a case where another adapter is further attached as described above, the control unit <NUM> can acquire the control information corresponding to the combination of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, the other adapter, and the adapter <NUM>.

The control information stored in the storage unit <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>. In the tables illustrated in <FIG>, the first column indicates the start address of data, the second column indicates the name of the data, and, when the data has a value, the third column indicates the value. The start address is a unique number. The start address is represented by an <NUM>-digit hexadecimal number (from <NUM> to FFFFFFFFh).

<FIG> illustrates an example of storage information. The storage information is required by the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> to identify the accessory data corresponding to an accessory data identifier. Referring to <FIG>, the storage information includes the accessory data group configuration information and the accessory data group.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the accessory data group configuration information. The accessory data group configuration information is used to identify specific accessory data from the accessory data group. The accessory data group configuration information includes an accessory data group configuration information checksum, an accessory data group configuration information size, an accessory data group configuration information identifier, and an accessory data group configuration information version. The accessory data group configuration information also includes the total number of accessory data items and the accessory data order. The accessory data group configuration information also includes an accessory data version table, an accessory data start address table, and an accessory data size table. The accessory data group configuration information also includes an accessory data checksum table and an accessory data configuration information size table.

The accessory data group configuration information checksum is a value obtained as the sum of all of the data items included in the accessory data group configuration information other than the accessory data group configuration information checksum. Inspection (detection) for communication errors (data anomaly due to a communication error) can be performed by comparing the above-described value with the value obtained as the sum of all of the data items obtained in communication.

The accessory data group configuration information size indicates the size of the accessory data group configuration information (number of bytes) and is used to read the accessory data group configuration information from the storage unit <NUM>.

The accessory data group configuration information identifier indicates that the accessory data group configuration information relates to the adapter <NUM> of a specific type. For example, the accessory data group configuration information identifier of the accessory data group configuration information stored in the adapter <NUM> of a type <NUM> is <NUM>, and the accessory data group configuration information identifier of the accessory data group configuration information stored in the adapter <NUM> of a type <NUM> is <NUM>. The accessory data group configuration information identifier is not limited to a hexadecimal number but may be any number that uniquely identifies the type of the adapter <NUM>. When the entire storage information is updated, the accessory data group configuration information identifier may be used to update the entire storage information stored in the storage unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>.

The accessory data group configuration information version indicates the version of the accessory data group configuration information. A larger version number indicates a later version. The accessory data group configuration information version may be used to determine whether the control information needs to be updated.

The total number of accessory data items indicates the total number of accessory data identifiers, and is used to identify one accessory data item together with the accessory data order (described below).

<FIG> illustrates an example of the accessory data order. The accessory data order includes a plurality of accessory data identifiers. The accessory data order indicates the order of arrangements of a plurality of accessory data items equal in number to the total number of accessory data items.

The accessory data identifier is information for identifying the accessory data, and may be the identification information (first identification information) for the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>. For example, when the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> is an interchangeable lens apparatus A, the accessory data identifier is <NUM>. When the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> is an interchangeable lens apparatus B, the accessory data identifier is <NUM>. The accessory data identifier is not limited to a hexadecimal number but may be any number that uniquely identifies the accessory data.

<FIG> illustrates an example of an accessory data version table. The accessory data version table includes a plurality of accessory data versions. The accessory data version is a number that indicates the version of specific accessory data arranged according to the accessory data order. A larger version number indicates a later version. The accessory data version may be used to determine whether the accessory data needs to be updated.

<FIG> illustrates an example of an accessory data start address table. The accessory data start address table includes a plurality of accessory data start addresses. The accessory data start address indicates the start address of specific accessory data arranged according to the accessory data order.

<FIG> illustrates an example of an accessory data size table. The accessory data size table includes a plurality of accessory data sizes. The accessory data size indicates the size of specific accessory data arranged according to the accessory data order.

<FIG> illustrates an example of an accessory data checksum table. The accessory data checksum table includes a plurality of accessory data checksums. The accessory data checksum is a value obtained as the sum of the accessory data items. Communication error inspection can be performed by comparing this value with the value obtained as the sum of the accessory data items obtained in communication.

<FIG> illustrates an example of an accessory data configuration information size table. The accessory data configuration information size table includes a plurality of accessory data configuration information sizes. The accessory data configuration information size indicates the size of the accessory data configuration information related to specific accessory data arranged according to the accessory data order.

<FIG> illustrates an example of an accessory data group. The accessory data group includes a plurality of accessory data items.

<FIG> illustrates an example of accessory data. The accessory data corresponds to the combination of the adapter <NUM> and the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and includes the accessory data configuration information and the individual data group.

<FIG> illustrates an example of accessory data configuration information. The accessory data configuration information is used to identify one individual data item from the individual data group. The accessory data configuration information includes an accessory data configuration information checksum, the accessory data configuration information identifier, and the accessory data configuration information version. The accessory data configuration information also includes the total number of individual data items, an individual data order, an individual data version table, an individual data start address table, an individual data size table, an individual data checksum table, and an individual data configuration information size table.

The accessory data configuration information checksum is a value obtained as the sum of all of the data items included in the accessory data configuration information other than the accessory data configuration information checksum. Communication error inspection can be performed by comparing this value with the value obtained as the sum of all of the data items obtained in communication.

The total number of individual data items is used to identify one individual data item together with the individual data order (described below).

<FIG> illustrates an example of the individual data order. The individual data order includes a plurality of individual data identifiers. The individual data order indicates the order of arrangement of the plurality of individual data items equal in number to the total number of individual data items. The individual data identifier is used to identify specific part of the control information corresponding to the combination of the adapter <NUM> and the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>. The above-mentioned second configuration information is information indicating attributes of a plurality of pieces of partial information respectively associated with a plurality of pieces of second identification information, and is also referred to as accessory data configuration information. For example, when the partial information relates to a subject distance, the individual data identifier is <NUM>. When the partial information relates to focus sensitivity, the individual data identifier is <NUM>. The individual data identifier is not limited to a hexadecimal number but may be any number that uniquely identifies the individual data.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the individual data version table. The individual data version table includes a plurality of individual data versions. The individual data version is a number indicating the version of specific individual data arranged according to the individual data order. a larger version number indicates a later version.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the individual data start address table. The individual data start address table includes a plurality of individual data start addresses. The individual data start address indicates the start address of specific individual data arranged according to the individual data order.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the individual data size table. The individual data size table includes a plurality of individual data sizes. The individual data size indicates the size of specific individual data arranged according to the individual data order.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the individual data checksum table. The individual data checksum table includes a plurality of individual data checksums. The individual data checksum is a value obtained as the sum of all of the data items included in the individual data. Communication error inspection can be performed by comparing this value with the value obtained as the sum of all of the data items obtained in communication.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the individual data configuration information size table. The individual data configuration information size table includes a plurality of individual data configuration information sizes. The individual data configuration information size indicates the size of the individual data configuration information for specific individual data arranged according to the individual data order.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the individual data group. The individual data group includes a plurality of individual data items.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the individual data. The individual data corresponds to the combination of the adapter <NUM> and the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, and includes the individual data configuration information and the data table.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the individual data configuration information. The individual data configuration information includes an individual data configuration information checksum, an individual data configuration information identifier, and an individual data configuration information version. The individual data configuration information also includes the total number of data items in the data table, an individual data start address, and an individual data size. The individual data configuration information checksum is a value obtained as the sum of all of the data items included in the individual data configuration information other than the individual data configuration information checksum. Communication error inspection can be performed by comparing this value with the value obtained as the sum of all of the data items obtained through communication. The individual data version is a number indicating the version of the individual data. A larger version number indicates a later version. The individual data table start address indicates the start address of the individual data table. The individual data table size indicates the size of the individual data table.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the data table. This example indicates that data in the data table (partial information in the control information) relates to a focal distance. The data table serves as an index showing index values for focal distances. The index value is the focal distance of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>, and the individual data is the focal distance corresponding to the combination of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter <NUM>. In this example, the adapter <NUM> is assumed to include a magnification optical system that magnifies the focal distance <NUM> times. Such a data table enables the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> to obtain the focal distance corresponding to the combination of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter <NUM> by using the focal distance of the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> as the INDEX value.

A method of using data having the above-described data structure (data stored in the storage unit <NUM>) will be described below.

To acquire the individual data, the accessory data group configuration information (first configuration information), the accessory data configuration information (second configuration information), and the individual data configuration information (third configuration information) are used.

To acquire the accessory data, the accessory data group configuration information (first configuration information) and the accessory data configuration information (second configuration information) in the storage information are used. Updating Entire Storage Information.

To update the entire storage information, the accessory data group configuration information is used.

To update the accessory data, the accessory data group configuration information and the accessory data configuration information are used.

To update the individual data, the accessory data group configuration information, the accessory data configuration information, and the individual data configuration information are used.

A flow of processing in which the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> acquires the individual data from the adapter <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example flow of the individual data acquisition processing. In this example, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> is assumed to have already acquired the accessory data identifier from the camera body <NUM>.

In step S101 of <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> sets the address and size of the accessory data group configuration information in the storage unit <NUM>. The information about the address and size is invariable, and is known to the control unit <NUM>.

In step S102, the storage unit <NUM> outputs the accessory data group configuration information to the control unit <NUM> according to the set address and size.

In step S103, the control unit <NUM> identifies the accessory data start address corresponding to the accessory data identifier based on the accessory data identifier and the accessory data group configuration information. Likewise, the control unit <NUM> identifies the accessory data size, the accessory data checksum, and the accessory data configuration information size.

In step S104, the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> requests the adapter <NUM> to read data for the accessory data configuration information size from the (invariable and known) accessory data start address.

In step S105, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> transmits the accessory data configuration information identified in step S103 to the camera body <NUM>.

In step S106, the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> transmits the start address and size of the individual data configuration information to the adapter <NUM>.

In step S107, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> sets the start address and size in the storage unit <NUM>.

In step S108, the storage unit <NUM> outputs the individual data configuration information to the control unit <NUM> according to the set start address and size.

In step S109, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> transmits the individual data configuration information to the camera body <NUM>.

In step S110, the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> performs communication error inspection on the communication data by using the received individual data configuration information and the individual data configuration information checksum included in the individual data configuration information. If a communication error is detected, the processing may be repeated from step S106. The control unit <NUM> identifies the individual data start address corresponding to the same individual data configuration information identifier as the first communication identifier included in the individual data configuration information. The control unit <NUM> also identifies the individual data size corresponding to the individual data configuration information identifier. The control unit <NUM> determines whether new individual data needs to be acquired, based on the individual data configuration information version. The control unit <NUM> makes an inquiry in advance to the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> about an available command through the first communication. In step S110, the control unit <NUM> identifies the individual data having the same individual data configuration information identifier as the first communication identifier of the command. The camera body <NUM> may have a command list for each type of the interchangeable lens <NUM>.

In step S111, the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> transmits the individual data start address and the individual data size identified in step S110, to the adapter <NUM>.

In step S112, the adapter <NUM> sets the individual data start address and the individual data size in the storage unit <NUM>.

In step S113, the storage unit <NUM> outputs the individual data start address and the individual data size to the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>.

In step S114, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> transmits the individual data to the camera body <NUM>.

In step S115, the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> performs communication error inspection based on the individual data identification information checksum in the received individual data. If a communication error is detected, the processing may be repeated from step S111.

The above-described processing enables the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> to acquire necessary individual data from the adapter <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> thus can perform control related to the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> based on the status information acquired from the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM>.

A flow of processing in which the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> acquires the accessory data from the adapter <NUM> will be described below. This processing is performed, for example, when the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter <NUM> are attached to the camera body <NUM> for the first time. The control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> is assumed to have already acquired the accessory data identifier (first identification information) from the camera body <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example flow of the accessory data acquisition processing. Processing in steps S101 to S105 in <FIG> is similar to the processing in <FIG>, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In step S201, the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> transmits the accessory data start address and the accessory data size received in step S105, to the adapter <NUM>.

In step S202, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> sets the accessory data start address and the accessory data size in the storage unit <NUM>.

In step S203, the storage unit <NUM> outputs the accessory data to the control unit <NUM> according to the set accessory data start address and accessory data size.

In step S204, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> transmits the accessory data to the camera body <NUM>.

In step S205, the camera body <NUM> performs communication error inspection based on the accessory data checksum in the accessory data received in step S105. If a communication error is detected, the processing may be repeated step S201.

The control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> can obtain the accessory data configuration information by taking out accessory data for the accessory data configuration information size from the top of the accessory data. This makes it possible to acquire necessary individual data by using the individual data start address and the individual data size included in the accessory data configuration information.

The present exemplary embodiment enables providing an intermediate accessory apparatus that is advantageous for an imaging apparatus to control an interchangeable lens apparatus. The present exemplary embodiment also enables providing an imaging apparatus that is advantageous in controlling an interchangeable lens apparatus. The present exemplary embodiment also enables providing an imaging system that can produce the effects of the interchangeable lens apparatus and the imaging apparatus.

A flow of processing in which the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> transmits the entire storage information to the adapter <NUM> to update the storage information stored in the storage unit <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example flow of the processing for updating the entire data. The control unit <NUM> is assumed to have already had new storage information via a storage medium.

In step S301, the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> transmits the new storage information (update information) to the adapter <NUM>.

In step S302, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> performs communication error inspection by using the received accessory data group configuration information checksum. If a communication error is detected, the processing may be repeated from step S301.

In step S303, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> writes the received storage information in the storage unit <NUM> by using the received accessory data group configuration information data size as the write data size. The start address of the writing is assumed to be known.

In step S304, the storage unit <NUM> transmits the result of writing the storage information to the control unit <NUM>.

In step S305, the control unit <NUM> checks whether the storage information stored in the storage unit <NUM> coincides with the transmitted storage information.

In step S306, the control unit <NUM> notifies the camera body <NUM> of the completion of the updating.

The above-described processing enables updating the storage information in the storage unit <NUM> with the storage information from the camera body <NUM> (or an external apparatus).

A flow of processing in which the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> updates specific accessory data in the storage unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example flow of the accessory data update processing. Processing in steps S303 to S306 is similar to the processing in <FIG>, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> is assumed to have already read the accessory data configuration information from the storage unit <NUM>.

In step S401, the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> requests the adapter <NUM> for the accessory data configuration information.

In step S402, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> transmits the accessory data configuration information to the camera body <NUM>.

In step S403, the control unit <NUM> of the camera body <NUM> performs communication error inspection by using the received accessory data configuration information checksum in the received accessory data configuration information. If a communication error is detected, the processing may be repeated from step S401. The control unit <NUM> identifies the accessory data to be updated, based on the accessory data configuration information received from the adapter <NUM>. The method for identifying the accessory data will be described below.

In step S404, the control unit <NUM> transmits the accessory data to be updated identified in step S403, to the adapter <NUM>.

In step S405, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> performs communication error inspection by using the accessory data checksum of the received accessory data. If a communication error is detected, the processing may be repeated from step S404. When there is a plurality of accessory data items to be updated, the processing in steps S404 to S405 and the processing in steps S303 to S306 are repeated.

In step S406, the control unit <NUM> transmits new accessory data configuration information as update information.

In step S407, the control unit <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> performs communication error inspection by using the received accessory data configuration information checksum in the received accessory data configuration information. If a communication error is detected, the processing may be repeated from step S405.

The method for identifying the accessory data to be updated will be described below. The accessory data to be updated can be identified by checking the accessory data configuration information version. If the version is the latest version, the control unit <NUM> determines that there is no accessory data to be updated. On the other hand, if the version is not the latest version, the control unit <NUM> performs the following processing. More specifically, the control unit <NUM> determines whether each accessory data version is the latest version. As a result, the control unit <NUM> identifies the accessory data of which the version is not the latest version, as the data to be updated. The control unit <NUM> also identifies accessory data to be added, as the accessory data to be updated.

The unit of data to be updated may be individual data instead of accessory data. In this case, the control unit <NUM> may perform this determination based on the individual data configuration information version. The storage information stored in the storage unit <NUM> having the above-described data structure enables the camera body <NUM> to efficiently update the storage information not only in whole but also in units of the accessory data and the individual data.

Claim 1:
An accessory apparatus (<NUM>) having an optical member (<NUM>) and configured to be attached between an interchangeable lens apparatus (<NUM>) and an image pickup apparatus (<NUM>), the accessory apparatus comprising:
a communication unit (<NUM>) configured to communicate with at least one of the interchangeable lens apparatus (<NUM>) and the image pickup apparatus (<NUM>);
a control unit (<NUM>) configured to control communication of the communication unit; and
a storage (<NUM>) storing control information in information related to an optical characteristic of the interchangeable lens apparatus (<NUM>) and the accessory apparatus (<NUM>),
wherein the control information includes at least one of first information for controlling a drive of an optical member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>) included in the interchangeable lens apparatus (<NUM>) and second information for correction of image data obtained by the image pickup apparatus (<NUM>), and is stored into the storage in association with first identification information for identifying the interchangeable lens apparatus,
wherein the control information corresponding to the first identification information is stored into the storage in association with second identification information for identifying a specific part of the control information, and
wherein the first identification information stored in the storage is identification information for identifying the interchangeable lens apparatus (<NUM>) in communication between the interchangeable lens apparatus (<NUM>) and the image pickup apparatus (<NUM>).