Patent Description:
A conventional imaging apparatus (also referred to as an image pickup apparatus) is known to include an imaging apparatus body (also referred to as an image pickup apparatus body or a camera body) and an interchangeable lens apparatus. In the imaging apparatus, information in the interchangeable lens apparatus is transmitted to the imaging apparatus body, and, based on the information, the imaging apparatus body transmits commands for driving optical members in the interchangeable lens apparatus to the interchangeable lens apparatus.

When a new function is appended to the imaging apparatus, in one embodiment, the new function is implemented in a case where both of the imaging apparatus body and the interchangeable lens apparatus support the new function and at the same time the imaging apparatus has compatibility with the conventional apparatus that does not support the new function. <CIT> discusses an imaging apparatus that has a newly appended function while maintaining compatibility with a conventional apparatus.

To maintain compatibility with the conventional apparatus, communication between the imaging apparatus body and the interchangeable lens apparatus that both support the new function can be firstly implemented by transmission and reception of information in accordance with the conventional rules that do not define the new function. Thus, because the interchangeable lens apparatus cannot identify the imaging apparatus body through the transmission and reception of the information, the new function thus cannot be implemented.

Another camera body and interchangeable lens are shown in <CIT>.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens 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 claim <NUM>. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus body as specified in claim <NUM>. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus as specified in claim <NUM>. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program as specified in claim <NUM>. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program as specified in claim <NUM>.

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout all of the drawings for illustrating exemplary embodiments, as a rule (unless otherwise specifically described), identical members are assigned the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, a lens apparatus <NUM> is an interchangeable lens apparatus attachable to and detachable from an imaging apparatus body <NUM>. The lens apparatus <NUM> includes optical members, i.e., a lens unit (lens group) <NUM>, a movable lens unit <NUM> for zooming, and a diaphragm unit (aperture diaphragm) <NUM> for adjusting light quantity, that are arranged in this order from the side of a subject OBJ. The lens apparatus <NUM> further includes an image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> that corrects (reduces) an image shake caused by the shake of the lens apparatus <NUM> such as a camera shake, and a lock mechanism <NUM> (fixing mechanism or limiting mechanism) that holds (fixes or limits) the lens unit <NUM> at the initial position. The lens apparatus <NUM> includes a focus lens unit <NUM> for focusing (focus adjustment). The image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> can also function as a movable lens unit for zooming.

The zoom lens unit <NUM> and the focus lens unit <NUM> are held by holding members <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The holding members <NUM> and <NUM> are movably guided along an optical axis O, and driven by drive units <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The drive units <NUM> and <NUM> each include a stepping motor and drive the zoom lens unit <NUM> and the focus lens unit <NUM>, respectively, in synchronization with a drive pulse. The image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> is movably guided in a driving direction perpendicular to the optical axis O and then driven by a drive unit <NUM> (also referred to as a drive device or an actuator). The lock mechanism <NUM> is brought into a locked state and an unlocked state by the drive unit <NUM>. The drive unit <NUM> includes, for example, a stepping motor and enables the lock mechanism <NUM> to maintain in the locked state or the unlocked state by using detent torque (self-holding force) at a stable position, without using power. A drive unit circuit <NUM> (driver) is a circuit that drives the drive unit <NUM>.

A control unit <NUM> (also referred to as a controller or a lens microcomputer) controls the operation of each unit in the lens apparatus <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> includes a communication unit <NUM> and receives a driving command and a transmission request command transmitted from the imaging apparatus body <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> controls driving of the optical members based on the driving command and transmits information stored in the lens apparatus <NUM> to the imaging apparatus body <NUM> based on the transmission request command.

When the lens apparatus <NUM> is activated, the communication unit <NUM> transmits information for identifying the lens apparatus <NUM> and information about functions supported by the lens apparatus <NUM> to a communication unit <NUM> in the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. The communication unit <NUM> transmits information for identifying the imaging apparatus body <NUM> and information about functions supported by the imaging apparatus body <NUM> to the communication unit <NUM> in the lens apparatus <NUM>. For example, such initial communication enables the imaging apparatus body <NUM> and the lens apparatus <NUM> to exchange each other's information that is used, for example, for driving the optical members of the lens apparatus <NUM>.

The initial communication will be described in detail below.

The diaphragm unit <NUM> can include, for example, diaphragm blades 114a and 114b.

The respective states of the diaphragm blades 114a and 114b are detected, for example, by a detection unit <NUM> including a Hall element and detection signals are input to the control unit <NUM> via an amplifier <NUM> and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> outputs a drive signal based on the detection signals from the A/D converter <NUM>, and a drive circuit <NUM> drives an actuator <NUM> (also referred to as a drive unit or a drive device) based on the drive signal. The actuator <NUM> drives the diaphragm unit <NUM> in this way, and adjustment of the light quantity is implemented as a result.

The lens apparatus <NUM> includes an operation ring <NUM>, an operation amount detection unit <NUM>, an image stabilizing switch <NUM>, and a zoom switch <NUM>. The operation amount detection unit <NUM> can include, for example, two photo-interrupters (encoders) that output two-phase signals according to the rotation of the operation ring <NUM>, and detects the operation amount of the operation ring <NUM>. The image stabilizing switch <NUM> can be, for example, a sliding switch, and is used to switch the operation of the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> between an ON state and an OFF state. The zoom switch <NUM> can be, for example, a seesaw switch, and is used to drive the zoom lens unit <NUM>. Pieces of information about the operation amount of the operation ring <NUM>, the state of the image stabilizing switch <NUM>, and the state of the zoom switch <NUM> are input to the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> can transmit the operation amount of the operation ring <NUM> to a control unit <NUM> in the imaging apparatus body via the communication unit <NUM>.

The operation target to be operated by the operation ring <NUM> can be changed based on the settings of the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. For example, the operation target can include the aperture diaphragm, focus, zoom, and shutter speed.

The operation target may be set by using a switch and a display unit <NUM> (display) provided on the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> generates a driving command based on the operation amount of the operation ring <NUM> received from the control unit <NUM> of the lens apparatus <NUM>, and transmits the driving command to the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> controls driving of the set operation target based on the received driving command. In a case where the shutter speed is set as the operation target of the operation ring <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> adjusts the shutter speed based on the operation amount of the operation ring <NUM> received from the control unit <NUM>.

As the zoom switch <NUM>, a known switch that can operate the drive speed and drive direction of the zoom lens unit <NUM> can be used. The control unit <NUM> drives the actuator <NUM> (that can include a voice coil motor) via a drive circuit <NUM> based on the shake of the imaging apparatus detected by a shake sensor such as a vibration gyro. When the image stabilizing switch <NUM> is set to ON, the control unit <NUM> performs image stabilizing control. On the other hand, when the image stabilizing switch is set to OFF, the control unit <NUM> does not perform image stabilizing control. An automatic focus/manual focus (AF/MF) switch <NUM> is used to switch between the AF state and the MF state.

In the AF state, the focus lens unit <NUM> is driven based on a driving command from the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. In the MF state, the focus lens unit <NUM> is operated by the operation ring <NUM> provided on the lens apparatus <NUM> and a (remote) focus controller <NUM> (e.g., a focus demand). The status of the AF/MF switch <NUM> is detected by the control unit <NUM>, and the status information is transmitted to the imaging apparatus body <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> determines whether the imaging apparatus body <NUM> can control the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM>, i.e., AF control, based on the information.

The focus controller <NUM> and a (remote) zoom controller <NUM> (e.g., a zoom demand) can be connected to the lens apparatus <NUM>. The focus controller <NUM> includes a rotary operation member (e.g., a knob) and outputs a driving command for driving the focus lens unit <NUM> based on the operation amount of the operation member, to the lens apparatus <NUM>. The zoom controller <NUM> includes a seesaw operation member and outputs a driving command for driving the zoom lens unit <NUM> based on the operation amount of the operation member, to the lens apparatus <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> outputs a drive signal to a corresponding one of the drive circuits <NUM> and <NUM> based on the driving command to cause the drive unit <NUM> or <NUM> to operate. Thus, a zoom operation is performed by the zoom lens unit <NUM>, and a focus operation is performed by the focus lens unit <NUM>.

The imaging apparatus body <NUM> includes an image sensor <NUM>, e.g., a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, an A/D converter <NUM>, a signal processing unit <NUM>, a recording unit <NUM>, the display unit <NUM>, and a zoom switch <NUM>. The imaging apparatus body <NUM> includes the control unit (also referred to as a controller or a camera microcomputer) <NUM>, the communication unit <NUM>, and a power source unit <NUM>. An (optical) image of the subject OBJ is captured by the image sensor <NUM>, and the image of the subject OBJ is displayed by the display unit <NUM>. Reflected light from the subject OBJ is incident to the image sensor <NUM> via the lens unit <NUM>, the zoom lens unit <NUM>, the diaphragm unit <NUM>, the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM>, and the focus lens unit <NUM>. The image sensor <NUM> captures, i.e., photoelectrically converts, an image formed via the optical system of the lens apparatus <NUM> and outputs an electrical signal (analog signal). The A/D converter <NUM> converts the analog signal into a digital signal. The image sensor <NUM> includes a phase-difference sensor. Phase difference information corresponding to the defocus amount acquired by the phase-difference sensor is input to the signal processing unit <NUM> via the A/D converter <NUM>. The signal processing unit <NUM> performs various types of image processing based on the digital signal from the A/D converter <NUM> to generate a video image signal. The signal processing unit <NUM> also generates information about the contrast of the video image signal, the defocus amount based on the phase-difference information, and the luminance of the video image signal. The signal processing unit <NUM> outputs the video image signal to the display unit <NUM>, and the display unit <NUM> displays a live view image based on the video image signal.

The zoom switch <NUM> of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> can be a push type switch. The control unit <NUM> generates a driving command for driving the zoom lens unit <NUM> based on the operation of the zoom switch <NUM>, and transmits the driving command to the control unit <NUM>. The driving speed of the zoom lens unit <NUM> which is based on the operation of the zoom switch <NUM> can be set by using a switch and the display unit <NUM> (display) provided on the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> outputs a driving signal based on the driving command to the drive circuit <NUM> to cause the drive unit <NUM> to operate.

The control unit <NUM> transmits a driving command for the aperture diaphragm based on the luminance information and an AF driving command based on the contrast information and the phase-difference information to the control unit <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> can adjust the light quantity by determining a combination of the shutter speed of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> and the aperture value of the diaphragm unit <NUM> of the lens apparatus <NUM> based on the luminance information. A focus adjustment operation can be performed by generating a driving command for driving the focus lens unit <NUM> such that the defocus amount is set to zero based on the sensitivity (depending on the focal length and object distance) and the defocus amount of the focus lens unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> outputs a driving signal based on the driving command to the drive circuit <NUM> to cause the drive unit <NUM> to operate. The control unit <NUM> can control driving of the corresponding optical member based on a driving command that is based on the operation amount of the operation ring <NUM> or the operation of the zoom switch <NUM>.

The lens apparatus <NUM> and the imaging apparatus body <NUM> mutually communicate each other to exchange commands and information via a communication terminal provided on a mount unit <NUM>. For example, in the initial communication, the lens apparatus <NUM> and the imaging apparatus body <NUM> confirm respective commands that they support. After the confirmation, commands supported by the lens apparatus <NUM> are transmitted from the communication unit <NUM> to the communication unit <NUM>. An operation for confirming commands between the lens apparatus <NUM> and the imaging apparatus body <NUM> will be described below.

The lens apparatus <NUM> and the imaging apparatus body <NUM> are mechanically and electrically connected with each other via the mount unit <NUM>. A power source unit <NUM> of the lens apparatus <NUM> acquires power source (electric power) from the power source unit <NUM> of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> via a power source terminal provided on the mount unit <NUM>, and supplies power to each unit (each drive unit and the control unit <NUM>) in the lens apparatus <NUM>. The imaging apparatus body <NUM> cannot supply power sufficient to simultaneously (concurrently) drive all of the drive units of the lens apparatus <NUM>, depending on the type of the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. According to the first exemplary embodiment, an imaging apparatus body capable of supplying power to simultaneously drive all of the drive units of the lens apparatus <NUM> is referred to as an imaging apparatus body A. An imaging apparatus body that cannot supply power to simultaneously drive all of the drive units and does not conform to the driving command for each drive unit is referred to as an imaging apparatus body B. An imaging apparatus body that cannot supply power to simultaneously drive all of the drive units but conforms to the driving command for each drive unit is referred to as an imaging apparatus body C.

When an external power source <NUM> is connected to the lens apparatus <NUM>, power to simultaneously drive all of the drive units can be acquired therefrom regardless of the type of the imaging apparatus body <NUM>.

The lens apparatus <NUM> determines information to be transmitted to the imaging apparatus body <NUM> according to the type of the imaging apparatus body <NUM>, and transmits the information to the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. The lens apparatus <NUM> is to control driving of the drive units according to the supplied power. The determination of the information and the drive control will be described in detail below.

<FIG> illustrates examples of configurations of the control unit <NUM> in the lens apparatus <NUM> and the control unit <NUM> in the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> includes the communication unit <NUM>, a drive control unit <NUM>, and a power control unit <NUM>. The drive control unit <NUM> generates a driving command based on an output from the power control unit <NUM> (described below). The power control unit <NUM> selects a drive mode (described below) according to the configuration of the imaging apparatus and performs power control (control of power used for driving) according to the selected drive mode. The control unit <NUM> includes the communication unit <NUM> and an imaging control unit <NUM>. The imaging control unit <NUM> performs control related to image capturing, such as determination of the above-described combination of the shutter speed and the aperture value of the diaphragm unit <NUM>, generation of a focus correction amount in (i.e., a driving command for) the AF operation, and generation of a driving command based on the operation of the zoom switch <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of clock synchronization communication. <FIG> illustrates waveforms of a clock line LCLK and a data line DCL and a data line DLC in the clock synchronization communication between the communication units <NUM> and <NUM>. The communication unit <NUM> outputs a clock signal to the clock line LCLK and outputs <NUM>-bit data B7 to B0 to the data line DCL in synchronization with the rise of the clock signal. The communication unit <NUM> outputs <NUM>-bit data B7 to B0 to the data line DLC in synchronization with the rise of the clock signal. The communication unit <NUM> receives the <NUM>-bit data B7 to B0 on the data line DLC in synchronization with the rise of the clock signal. Likewise, the communication unit <NUM> receives the <NUM>-bit data B7 to B0 on the data line DCL in synchronization with the rise of the clock signal. As described above, the communication units <NUM> and <NUM> mutually exchange communication data. When the communication unit <NUM> receives the <NUM>-bit data B7 to B0 on the data line DCL, the potential of the clock line LCLK is set to a low level for a time period Tbusy. During the time period Tbusy, the lens apparatus <NUM> processes the receive data, and the communication unit <NUM> does not perform data transmission. The flow of the communication data can be controlled in this way. Repeating the foregoing processing enables data (information) to be exchanged between the communication units <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate examples of information to be transmitted in the initial communication. <FIG> illustrates a configuration of the information to be transmitted by the imaging apparatus body <NUM> and the information to be transmitted by the lens apparatus <NUM>.

These pieces of information may be the above-described <NUM>-bit data in the clock synchronization communication. These pieces of information are communicated (transmitted) in a "Communication Order" illustrated in <FIG>.

The information to be transmitted by the lens apparatus <NUM> includes information A and B (information for identifying the lens apparatus <NUM>). The information A (lens apparatus information A) includes lens apparatus information A1, A2, A3, and A4. The lens apparatus information A1, A2, and A3 indicates whether the driving of the diaphragm unit <NUM>, the zoom lens unit <NUM>, and the focus lens unit <NUM>, respectively, by the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is possible. The lens apparatus information A4 indicates whether the status of the AF/MF switch <NUM> can be transmitted. Whether the driving of each of the units is possible indicates whether each of the units can be driven according to driving commands A and B (described below).

Information B (lens information B) includes lens apparatus information B1, B2, B3, and B4. The lens apparatus information B1 indicates information regarding conformance to the imaging apparatus body C. The lens apparatus information B2, B3, and B4 indicates whether the driving of the diaphragm unit <NUM>, the zoom lens unit <NUM>, and the focus lens unit <NUM>, respectively, by the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is possible and whether a drive limitation is present with respect to each of the units. The information "whether drive limitation is present"" refers to whether a limitation that inhibits driving of a drive unit in parallel with driving of another drive unit when the drive unit is being driven according to a driving command is present. The information "whether driving is possible/whether drive limitation is present" indicates whether driving according to driving commands A and B (described below) is possible and whether a drive limitation is present.

Like the information transmitted by the lens apparatus <NUM>, the information transmitted by the imaging apparatus body <NUM> also include information A and B as illustrated in <FIG>. The information A (imaging apparatus body information A) includes imaging apparatus body information A1 and A2. The imaging apparatus body information A1 indicates the level of power to be supplied to the lens apparatus <NUM> by the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. The imaging apparatus body information A2 indicates information regarding conformance of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> to a driving command A. The information B (imaging apparatus body information B) includes imaging apparatus body information B1 that indicates information regarding conformance of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> to a driving command B.

<FIG> illustrates the values (content) of the imaging apparatus body information A and B (information for identifying the imaging apparatus body <NUM>) corresponding to the imaging apparatus bodies A, B, and C.

The imaging apparatus body information A1 indicates a High level for the imaging apparatus body A and indicates a Low level for the imaging apparatus bodies B and C. The imaging apparatus body information A2 indicates that the imaging apparatus body A conforms to the driving command A and that the imaging apparatus bodies B and C do not conform to the driving command A. The imaging apparatus body information B1 indicates that the imaging apparatus body C conforms to the driving command B and that the imaging apparatus bodies A and B do not conform to the driving command B. The driving commands A and B are different from each other, for example, in the resolution and type of the driving command.

<FIG> illustrates information A and B to be transmitted in the initial communication before the lens apparatus <NUM> identifies the imaging apparatus body <NUM>, and information A and B to be transmitted in relation to each of the imaging apparatus bodies A, B, and C in the communication after the lens apparatus <NUM> identifies the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. In the initial communication, the lens apparatus information A is information that does not matter to the drive control on the lens apparatus <NUM> regardless of the type of the connected imaging apparatus body <NUM>. For example, the lens apparatus information A indicates that the driving of each optical member is inhibited (not possible). This is intended to prevent excessive power consumption in parallel driving of a plurality of optical members in the case where the level of power supplied from the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is a low level. The information to be transmitted in the initial communication indicates that the AF/MF switch status information cannot be transmitted.

In the communication after the lens apparatus <NUM> identifies the imaging apparatus body <NUM>, the lens apparatus information A indicates whether driving of each optical member is possible, which is determined for each of the imaging apparatus bodies A, B, and C. For the imaging apparatus body A, the lens apparatus information A indicates that driving of all of the optical members is possible and that the AF/MF switch status information can be transmitted. For the imaging apparatus body B, the lens apparatus information A indicates that driving of all of the optical members is not possible and that the AF/MF switch status information cannot be transmitted. For the imaging apparatus body C, the lens apparatus information A indicates that driving of all of the optical members is possible and that the AF/MF switch status information can be transmitted.

In the initial communication, the lens apparatus information B1 indicates that the lens apparatus does not conform to the imaging apparatus body C. In the initial communication, the lens apparatus information B2, B3, and B4 indicate that driving of each corresponding optical member is not possible. In the communication after the lens apparatus <NUM> identifies the imaging apparatus body <NUM>, the lens apparatus information B1 indicates conformance to the camera C for all the types of imaging apparatus bodies <NUM>. The lens apparatus information B2, B3, and B4 indicates whether driving of each corresponding optical member is possible for the imaging apparatus body A. The lens apparatus information B2, B3, and B4 indicates that driving of each corresponding optical member is not possible for the imaging apparatus body B. The lens apparatus information B2, B3, and B4 indicates that driving of each corresponding optical member is possible, and that a drive limitation is present for the imaging apparatus body C. The imaging apparatus body C conforms to the driving command B but the power supply level is set to a low level, so that the imaging apparatus body C cannot supply sufficient power to drive the zoom lens unit <NUM> and the focus lens unit <NUM> in parallel. Therefore, a drive limitation is present for driving of each optical member.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the initial communication. This processing can be performed by the control unit <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in step S101, the control unit <NUM> acquires the lens apparatus information A and B from a storage unit inside or outside the control unit <NUM>. In step S102, the control unit <NUM> determines whether a command requesting the information A is received from the communication unit <NUM>. In a case where the command is received (YES in step S102), the processing proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the control unit <NUM> acquires the imaging apparatus body information A and transmits the lens apparatus information A to the communication unit <NUM>. In step S104, the control unit <NUM> determines whether a command requesting the information B is received from the communication unit <NUM>. In a case where the command is received (YES in step S104), the processing proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the control unit <NUM> acquires the imaging apparatus body information B and transmits the lens apparatus information B to the communication unit <NUM>. In step S106, the control unit <NUM> determines whether a command to confirm whether the lens apparatus information A is changed is received from the communication unit <NUM>. In a case where the command is received (YES in step S106), the processing proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the control unit <NUM> transmits information indicating that the lens apparatus information A has been changed to the communication unit <NUM>. Upon reception of the information indicating that the lens apparatus information A has been changed, the communication unit <NUM> transmits a command requesting the information A and a command requesting the information B to the communication unit <NUM>. In step S107, instead of transmitting the information indicating that the lens apparatus information A has been changed, the control unit <NUM> may transmit a response that is not consistent with or appropriate as a response to the information (request) transmitted from the imaging apparatus body <NUM> or may transmit no response. More specifically, the processing in step S107 can be processing to promote the imaging apparatus body <NUM> to retransmit first information, which includes performing no processing.

In step S108, the control unit <NUM> determines whether the command requesting the information A is received from the communication unit <NUM>. In a case where the command is received (YES in step S108), the processing proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the control unit <NUM> determines whether the imaging apparatus body information A1 received in step S103 indicates "High". In a case where the information A1 indicates "High" (YES in step S109), the processing proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, in a case where the information A1 indicates "Low" (NO in step S109), the processing proceeds to step S111. In step S110, the control unit <NUM> acquires the information A and B corresponding to the imaging apparatus body A. In step S111, the control unit <NUM> determines whether the imaging apparatus body information B1 received in step S105 indicates the imaging apparatus body B. In a case where the information B1 indicates the imaging apparatus body B (YES in step S111), the processing proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, in a case where the information B1 indicates the imaging apparatus body C (NO in step S111), the processing proceeds to step S113. In step S112, the control unit <NUM> acquires the information A and B corresponding to the imaging apparatus body B. In step S113, the control unit <NUM> acquires the information A and B corresponding to the imaging apparatus body C.

In step S114, the control unit <NUM> acquires the imaging apparatus body information A and transmits the lens apparatus information A corresponding to the information A to the communication unit <NUM>. The lens apparatus information A is acquired in one of steps S110, S112, and S113. In step S115, the control unit <NUM> determines whether the command requesting the information B is received from the communication unit <NUM>. In a case where the command is received (YES in step S115), the processing proceeds to step S116. In step S116, the control unit <NUM> acquires the imaging apparatus body information B and transmits the lens apparatus information B corresponding to the information B to the communication unit <NUM>. As described above, the lens apparatus body information A and B corresponding to the imaging apparatus bodies A, B, and C can be transmitted to the communication unit <NUM> based on the imaging apparatus body information A and B.

The lens apparatus <NUM> and the imaging apparatus body <NUM> conforming to the driving command B have been described above. The lens apparatus <NUM> and the imaging apparatus body <NUM> conforming only to the driving command A also exist. In the case of the lens apparatus <NUM> conforming only to the driving command A, in step S103 in the flowchart in <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> identifies the imaging apparatus bodies A and B based on the imaging apparatus body information A and acquires the lens apparatus information. Since the imaging apparatus body <NUM> does not transmit the command requesting the information B, the control unit <NUM> does not perform the processing in step <NUM> and subsequent steps, and the processing is ended.

In the above-described processing, in a case where the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is the imaging apparatus body A, the lens apparatus information corresponding to the imaging apparatus body A is transmitted to the communication unit <NUM>. In a case where the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is the imaging apparatus body B or C, the lens apparatus information corresponding to the imaging apparatus body B or C is transmitted to the communication unit <NUM>. Processing performed in a case where the imaging apparatus body <NUM> conforms only to the driving command A is similar to the processing performed in a case where the lens apparatus <NUM> conforms only to the driving command A.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, even in a case where the lens apparatus <NUM> determines that the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is the imaging apparatus body C after the transmission of the lens apparatus information A, the lens apparatus information A that has already been transmitted can be updated. This enables a permission to drive the optical members based on the driving command B to be given to the imaging apparatus body C. In addition, by the transmission of the lens apparatus information B, information about a drive limitation for each optical member can be transmitted to the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. This enables the imaging apparatus body <NUM> as the imaging apparatus body C to issue a driving command for each optical member under the drive limitation. In a case where the parallel driving of a plurality of optical members is not possible because of a limitation on the power supply, the control unit <NUM> may transmit information about a drive limitation to the control unit <NUM> in the communication following the initial communication. This processing also make it possible to achieve the above-described effects. Although the focus lens unit <NUM> has a drive limitation in the above-described example, the configuration is not limited thereto. A drive limitation can be set on other optical members. Even in a case where function expansion is performed for the imaging apparatus as described above, the compatibility with the conventional apparatus and the expanded function of the imaging apparatus can be implemented in accordance with the combination of the lens apparatus <NUM> and the imaging apparatus body <NUM>.

Processing performed by the control unit <NUM> (power control unit <NUM>) to determine a drive mode based on the configuration of the imaging apparatus will be described below. The drive modes can include four different modes: all drive mode, partial drive mode, all drive inhibited mode, and power saving mode. In the all drive mode, the imaging apparatus body <NUM> supplies sufficient power to the lens apparatus <NUM>, or an external power source is connected to the lens apparatus <NUM>, enabling all of the optical members to be driven in parallel. In the partial drive modes, the imaging apparatus body <NUM> cannot supply sufficient power to drive all of the optical members in parallel, and no driving command is issued from the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. In the partial drive mode, some of the optical members are driven such that the power consumption does not exceed a predetermined amount of power supply. In this case, the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM> is inhibited and the parallel driving (partial driving) of the other optical members is enabled. The optical member to be inhibited from driving is not limited to the focus lens unit <NUM>. In the power saving mode, the imaging apparatus body <NUM> cannot supply sufficient power to drive all of the optical members in parallel, and a driving command is issued from the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. In the power saving mode, a drive control is performed to selectively drive the optical members such that the power consumption does not exceed the predetermined amount of power supply. The power saving mode will be described below.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of drive mode selection. In this case, the initial drive mode is set to the partial drive mode. Referring to <FIG>, in step S501, it is determined whether the external power source <NUM> is connected to the lens apparatus <NUM>. In a case where it is determined that the external power source <NUM> is connected to the lens apparatus <NUM> (YES in step S501), the processing proceeds to step S502. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the external power source <NUM> is not connected to the lens apparatus <NUM> (NO in step S501), the processing proceeds to step S503. In step S502, the all drive mode is set as a drive mode. Then, the processing is ended. In step S503, it is determined whether the imaging apparatus body <NUM> connected with the lens apparatus <NUM> is other than the imaging apparatus body C. In a case where it is determined that the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is other than the imaging apparatus body, i.e., the imaging apparatus body A or B (YES in step S503), the processing proceeds to step S505. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is the imaging apparatus body C (NO in step S503), the processing proceeds to step S504. In step S504, the power saving mode is set as a drive mode. In step S505, it is determined whether the imaging apparatus body <NUM> connected with the lens apparatus <NUM> is the imaging apparatus body A. In a case where it is determined that the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is the imaging apparatus body A (YES in step S505), the processing proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is not the imaging apparatus body A (NO in step S505), the processing proceeds to step S507. In step S506, the all drive mode is set as a drive mode. Then, the processing is ended. In step S507, the partial drive mode is set as a drive mode. In step S508, the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM> is inhibited. Then, the processing is ended. In the manner described above, the drive mode is set by the power control unit <NUM>.

Processing performed by the control unit <NUM> in the partial drive mode will be described below. In the partial drive mode, the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM> is inhibited. Thus, for example, even upon reception of a driving command from the focus controller <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> ignores the driving command and does not generate a driving command for the drive control unit <NUM>. Upon reception of a driving command for an optical member other than the focus lens unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> generates a driving command for the drive unit corresponding to the optical member. In the manner described above, a part of the optical members is driven in the partial drive mode.

Processing performed by the control unit <NUM> in the power saving mode will be described below. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of zoom driving processing in the power saving mode. In this example, the driving of the zoom lens unit <NUM> is given a higher priority than the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM>. By performing control such that the zoom lens unit <NUM> and the focus lens unit <NUM> are not driven in parallel, the power consumption is controlled not to exceed the predetermined amount of power supply. The processing in <FIG> is started when the driving command for the zoom lens unit <NUM> is input to the control unit <NUM>. In step S701, the control unit <NUM> determines whether the focus lens unit <NUM> is currently being driven. In a case where the focus lens unit <NUM> is currently being driven (YES in step S701), the processing proceeds to step S702. On the other hand, in a case where the focus lens unit <NUM> is not currently being driven (NO in step S701), the processing proceeds to step S703. In step S702, the control unit <NUM> stops the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM>. Then, the processing returns to step S701. In step S703, the control unit <NUM> outputs the driving command for the zoom lens unit <NUM> to the drive unit <NUM>. Then, the processing is ended.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of focus driving processing in the power saving mode. The processing in <FIG> is started when the driving command for the focus lens unit <NUM> is input to the control unit <NUM>. In step S801, the control unit <NUM> determines whether the zoom lens unit <NUM> is currently being driven. In a case where the zoom lens unit <NUM> is currently being driven (YES in step S801), the control unit <NUM> discards the driving command for the focus lens unit <NUM>. Then, the processing is ended. As a result, the focus lens unit <NUM> is not driven. On the other hand, in a case where the zoom lens unit <NUM> is not currently being driven (NO in step S801), the processing proceeds to step S802. In step S802, the control unit <NUM> outputs the driving command for the focus lens unit <NUM> to the drive unit <NUM>. Then, the processing is ended. The control unit <NUM> exclusively performs the driving of the zoom lens unit <NUM> and the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM> in this way while giving priority to the driving of the zoom lens unit <NUM>, thereby being able to prevent the power consumption from exceeding the predetermined amount of power supply.

<FIG> illustrate examples of driving of the optical members for each type of the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the driving of the optical members in the lens apparatus <NUM> in response to a driving command from the communication unit <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example of driving of each optical member when the lens apparatus <NUM> conforming to the driving command B is connected to the imaging apparatus bodies A, B, and C. The symbol "O "indicates that the driving is possible, the symbol " × " indicates that the driving is not possible, and the symbol "Δ " indicates that the driving is possible in the power saving mode. In this case, the external power source <NUM> is assumed to be not connected to the lens apparatus <NUM>. In a case of the imaging apparatus body A, the lens apparatus <NUM> is supplied with sufficient power, so that the lens apparatus <NUM> operates in the all drive mode. In <FIG>, "Iris" denotes the diaphragm unit <NUM>, "Zoom" denotes the zoom lens unit <NUM>, "Focus" denotes the focus lens unit <NUM>, and "IsShift" denotes the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM>, and "IsMloc" denotes the lock mechanism <NUM>. The imaging apparatus body A does not receive a driving command for the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> and the lock mechanism <NUM> from the imaging apparatus body <NUM>.

In a case of the imaging apparatus body B, the lens apparatus <NUM> is supplied with no power from the external power source <NUM>, so that the lens apparatus <NUM> operates in the partial drive mode. None of the optical members conform to a driving command from the imaging apparatus body B, and hence no optical members are driven by a driving command from the communication unit <NUM>.

In a case of the imaging apparatus body C, the lens apparatus <NUM> is supplied with no power from the external power source <NUM>, the lens apparatus <NUM> operates in the power saving mode. The diaphragm unit <NUM> is thus driven based on a driving command from the communication unit <NUM>. The image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> and the lock mechanism <NUM> do not receive a driving command from the imaging apparatus body C. Since the imaging apparatus body C does not supply sufficient power to drive the zoom lens unit <NUM> and the focus lens unit <NUM> in parallel, the lens apparatus <NUM> performs the exclusive driving while giving priority to the zoom lens unit <NUM> (in the power saving mode). Operations of the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> and the lock mechanism <NUM> will be described in detail below.

<FIG> illustrates the driving of the optical members in the lens apparatus <NUM> in response to driving commands from other than the communication unit <NUM>. The driving commands from other than the communication unit <NUM> include a driving command generated for the zoom lens unit <NUM> based on the operation of the zoom switch <NUM> or the zoom controller <NUM>. the driving commands also include a driving command generated for the focus lens unit <NUM> based on the operation of focus controller <NUM>, a driving command generated for the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> and the lock mechanism <NUM> based on the operation of the image stabilizing switch <NUM>, and a driving command for the diaphragm unit <NUM> based on the operation ring <NUM> in a case where the operation ring <NUM> is set for operating the diaphragm unit <NUM>.

Since the imaging apparatus body A supplies sufficient power to the lens apparatus <NUM>, the lens apparatus <NUM> operates in the all drive mode. Since the imaging apparatus body B does not supply sufficient power to drive all of the optical members in parallel, the lens apparatus <NUM> operates in the partial drive mode where the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM> is inhibited. In a case of the imaging apparatus body C, the lens apparatus <NUM> drives the diaphragm unit <NUM>. Since the imaging apparatus body C does not supply sufficient power to drive the zoom lens unit <NUM> and the focus lens unit <NUM> in parallel, the lens apparatus <NUM> performs the exclusive driving while giving priority to the zoom lens unit <NUM> (in the power saving mode). The lens apparatus <NUM> drives the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> (i.e., the driving of the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> is switched ON or OFF) based on the operation of the image stabilizing switch <NUM>. The lens apparatus <NUM> drives the lock mechanism <NUM> at the timing when the power source is switched ON or OFF.

Performing this operation enables reducing the number of times of driving the lock mechanism <NUM> to reduce the power consumption. The lock mechanism <NUM> will be described in detail below.

<FIG> illustrate examples of state transitions of the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> and the lock mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the operations of the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> and the lock mechanism <NUM> in the all drive mode. The top row of the table represents the states of the imaging apparatus, i.e., the state of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> where the power source of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is turned ON, the state of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> where the image stabilizing switch <NUM> is turned ON, the state of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> where the image stabilizing switch <NUM> is turned OFF, and the state of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> where the power source of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is turned OFF, in the order from left to right. The middle row of the table represents the states of the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM>. The bottom row of the table represents the states of the lock mechanism <NUM>. The image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> enters the image stabilizing state when the image stabilizing switch <NUM> is turned ON ("IS ON"), and enters the non-image stabilizing state (i.e., the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> is held at the initial position) when the image stabilizing switch <NUM> is turned OFF ("IS OFF"). When the power source of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is turned ON, the lock mechanism <NUM> follows the state of the image stabilizing switch <NUM>. The lock mechanism <NUM> enters an unlocked state when the image stabilizing switch <NUM> is turned ON, and enters a locked state when the image stabilizing switch <NUM> is turned OFF. When the power source of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is turned OFF, the lock mechanism <NUM> enters the locked state. The lock mechanism <NUM> is switched between the locked and the unlocked states by operation of a drive unit (actuator). The operations of the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> and the lock mechanism <NUM> in the partial drive mode are similar to those illustrated in the all drive mode.

<FIG> illustrates the operations of the image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> and the lock mechanism <NUM> in the power saving mode. The image stabilizing lens unit <NUM> operates in a similar manner to that in the all drive mode. When the power source of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is turned ON, the lock mechanism <NUM> enters the unlocked state regardless of the state of the image stabilizing switch <NUM>. When the power source of the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is turned OFF, the lock mechanism <NUM> enters the locked state. The above-described control enables reduction in the number of lock operations, thereby reducing the power consumption or increasing power to be distributed to drive other optical members.

With the above-described configuration, the present exemplary embodiment enables providing a lens apparatus, an imaging apparatus body, an imaging apparatus, and a program which are beneficial in implementing the compatibility with the conventional apparatus (model) and an expanded function of the imaging apparatus. In the power saving mode, the driving speeds of the optical members may be reduced in lieu of or in addition to the exclusive drive control for the plurality of optical members. In the above-described example, information transmitted from the lens apparatus <NUM> to the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is updated based on the configuration of the imaging apparatus. However, information transmitted from the imaging apparatus body <NUM> to the lens apparatus <NUM> may be updated based on the configuration.

A second exemplary embodiment will be described below centering on an example where a drive limitation is set on the optical members in accordance with the power consumption of the drive units. <FIG> illustrates examples of configurations of the control unit <NUM> in the lens apparatus <NUM> and the control unit <NUM> in the imaging apparatus body <NUM> according to the second exemplary embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> further includes a current detection unit <NUM>. The current detection unit <NUM> detects a current (drive current) in each of the drive circuits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and outputs the current information to the power control unit <NUM>. <FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of power control. A current threshold value (described below) is a threshold value related to the current set based on power supplied from the power source unit <NUM>. The current threshold value can be stored in the control unit <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in step S901, the current detected by the current detection unit <NUM> is acquired. In step S902, it is determined whether the current acquired in step S901 is smaller than the current threshold value. In a case where it is determined that the current is smaller than the current threshold value (YES in step S902), the processing is ended. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the current is not smaller than the current threshold value, i.e., equal to or greater than the current threshold value (NO in step S902), the processing proceeds to step S903. In step S903, the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM> is inhibited. Then, the processing is ended. This processing is repetitively performed.

In a case where the drive current exceeds the current threshold value, the above-described configuration inhibits the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM>, thereby preventing the power consumption from exceeding predetermined power. The optical member to be inhibited from driving is not limited to the focus lens unit <NUM> but may be another optical member. The driving speed of the optical member may be reduced in lieu of or in addition to the inhibition of the driving of the optical member. Another physical quantity related to the power consumption may be detected in lieu of or in addition to the drive current detection.

A third exemplary embodiment will be described below centering on an example of a configuration of an imaging apparatus including an (intermediate) adapter apparatus as a lens apparatus attached between an interchangeable lens apparatus and an imaging apparatus body. <FIG> illustrates an example of a configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the third exemplary embodiment. An adapter apparatus <NUM> can include an optical member disposed on the optical path between the interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> and the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. For example, the adapter apparatus <NUM> may be an extension tube for changing the back focus length or an extender for changing the imaging magnification. The adapter apparatus <NUM> includes a control unit <NUM> (adapter microcomputer), a communication unit <NUM>, a power source unit <NUM>, an AF/MF switch <NUM>, and a communication switch <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> controls the operation of each unit in the adapter apparatus <NUM>. The AF/MF switch <NUM> is used to switch between the AF state and the MF state. In the AF state, the focus lens unit <NUM> is driven based on a driving command from the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. In the MF state, the focus lens unit <NUM> is operated by the operation ring <NUM> and the (remote) focus controller <NUM> (e.g., a focus demand) provided on the lens apparatus <NUM>. The status of the communication switch <NUM> is detected by the control unit <NUM>, and the status information is transmitted to the imaging apparatus body <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM>. The imaging apparatus body <NUM> determines whether the focus lens unit <NUM> can be driven from the imaging apparatus body <NUM>, based on the status information. The status information is also transmitted to the lens apparatus <NUM> via the communication unit <NUM> or <NUM>. According to the third exemplary embodiment, the adapter apparatus <NUM> is provided with the AF/MF switch <NUM> having a similar function to that of the AF/MF switch <NUM> according to the first exemplary embodiment. The AF/MF switch <NUM> may be provided on the lens apparatus <NUM> and the imaging apparatus body <NUM>.

Information indicating that the adapter apparatus <NUM> is provided with the communication switch <NUM> is transmitted from the communication unit <NUM> to the communication unit <NUM>. Information about the status of the communication switch <NUM> is transmitted from the communication unit <NUM> to the communication unit <NUM>. The imaging apparatus body <NUM> can thus detect that the lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter apparatus <NUM> are provided with an AF/MF switch. In a case where both of the lens apparatus <NUM> and the intermediate adapter apparatus <NUM> are provided with an AF/MF switch, the operation of the AF/MF switch provided on the lens apparatus <NUM> is given priority. When the imaging apparatus is activated, communication between the communication units <NUM> and <NUM> can be performed by shorting out (closing) the communication line between the communication units <NUM> and <NUM> by use of the communication switch <NUM>. In a case where communication is to be performed between the communication units <NUM> and <NUM>, the communication switch <NUM> can be opened.

The lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter apparatus <NUM> are mechanically and electrically connected with each other via the mount unit <NUM>. The adapter apparatus <NUM> and the imaging apparatus body <NUM> are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount unit <NUM>. The adapter apparatus <NUM> is supplied with power from the power source unit <NUM> via a power terminal provided on the mount unit <NUM>. The lens apparatus <NUM>, the imaging apparatus body <NUM>, and the adapter apparatus <NUM> communicate with each other via communication terminals provided on the mount units <NUM> and <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> receives commands and information transmitted from the communication unit <NUM>, via the communication unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> can also receive information communicated between the communication units <NUM> and <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> controls each unit in the adapter apparatus <NUM> based on a received command.

<FIG> illustrates examples of configurations of the control unit <NUM> in the lens apparatus <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> in the adapter apparatus <NUM>, and the control unit <NUM> in the imaging apparatus body <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> includes the communication unit <NUM> and the drive control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> includes the communication unit <NUM>. The communication unit <NUM> stores information communicated between the communication units <NUM> and <NUM> in the initial communication. In a case where the adapter apparatus <NUM> is to change information transmitted from the communication unit <NUM>, the communication unit <NUM> changes the information and then transmits the changed information to the communication unit <NUM>. The processing of changing of the information by the communication unit <NUM> will be described below. The configuration of the control unit <NUM> is similar to that according to the first exemplary embodiment.

<FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate examples of information to be transmitted in the initial communication. According to the present exemplary embodiment, since the lens apparatus <NUM> is not provided with an AF/MF switch, information A4 in <FIG> indicates "Not Possible" for all types of imaging apparatus bodies in the initial communication and subsequent communications.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the initial communication. When the communication unit <NUM> performs the initial communication again to change the lens apparatus information A and B as in the first exemplary embodiment, the communication unit <NUM> does not subsequently perform the initial communication again to further change the lens apparatus information A and B. The processing in the flowchart illustrated in <FIG> is started in a state where the communication line is shorted out by the communication switch <NUM> and communication is performed between the communication units <NUM> and <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in step S1001, it is determined whether information indicating that the lens apparatus information A is changed is received from the communication unit <NUM> by the communication unit <NUM>. In a case where the information is received (YES in step S1001), the processing proceeds to step S1002. In step S1002, it is determined whether a command requesting the information A from the communication unit <NUM> is received. When the command is received (YES in step S1002), the processing proceeds to step S <NUM>. In step S1003, the imaging apparatus body information A transmitted from the communication unit <NUM> is acquired, and the lens apparatus information A transmitted from the communication unit <NUM> is acquired. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1004.

In step S1004, it is determined whether a command requesting the information B from the communication unit <NUM> is received. When the command is received (YES in step S1004), the processing proceeds to step S1005. In step S1005, the imaging apparatus body information B transmitted from the communication unit <NUM> is acquired, and the lens apparatus information B transmitted from the communication unit <NUM> is acquired. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1006. In step S1006, it is determined whether the communication unit <NUM> conforms to a driving command for the focus lens unit <NUM> based on the acquired imaging apparatus body information. In a case where the communication unit <NUM> conforms to the driving command (YES in step S1006), the processing proceeds to step S1007. On the other hand, in a case where the communication unit <NUM> does not conform to the driving command (NO in step S1006), the processing is ended. The determination regarding whether the communication unit <NUM> conforms to the driving command is made based on the determination regarding whether either the imaging apparatus body information A2 or B1 indicates "Conformed".

In step S1007, the control unit <NUM> determines whether the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM> is possible based on the acquired lens apparatus information. In a case where the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM> is possible (YES in step S1007), the processing proceeds to step S1008. On the other hand, in a case where the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM> is not possible (NO in step S1007), the processing is ended here. The determination regarding whether the driving of the focus lens unit <NUM> is possible is made based on the lens apparatus information A3. In step S1008, it is determined whether the AF/MF switch status information can be transmitted. In a case where the information can be transmitted (YES in step S1008), the processing proceeds to step S1009. On the other hand, in a case where the information cannot be transmitted (NO in step S1008), the processing is ended here. Here, the determination regarding whether the AF/MF switch status information can be transmitted is made based on the determination regarding whether a driving command for the focus lens unit <NUM> from the communication unit <NUM> is conformed and whether the lens apparatus <NUM> is provided with the AF/MF switch <NUM>. Therefore, in a case where whereas a driving command for the focus lens unit <NUM> from the communication unit <NUM> is possible but the AF/MF switch status information cannot be transmitted, the lens apparatus <NUM> is not provided with the AF/MF switch <NUM>. In step S1009, the control unit <NUM> determines that the lens apparatus information A4 indicates "Possible". Then, the processing proceeds to step S1010. In step S1010, the communication switch <NUM> is opened. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1011. When the communication switch <NUM> is opened, the communication units <NUM> and <NUM> become ready to communicate with each other, but the communication units <NUM> and <NUM> are unable to communicate with each other.

In step S1011, it is determined whether a command for confirming whether the lens apparatus information A is to be changed is received from the communication unit <NUM>. In a case where the command is received (YES in step S1011), the processing proceeds to step S1012. On the other hand, in a case where the command is not received (NO in step S1011), the processing returns to step S1011. The communication unit <NUM> periodically or repeatedly transmits the command. In step S1012, information indicating that the lens apparatus information A is to be changed is transmitted to the communication unit <NUM>. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1013. In step S1013, it is determined whether command requesting the lens apparatus information A is received from the communication unit <NUM>. In a case where the command is received (YES in step S1013), the processing proceeds to step S1014. In step S1014, the imaging apparatus body information A from the communication unit <NUM> is acquired, and the lens apparatus information A is transmitted to the communication unit <NUM>. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1015. In step S1015, it is determined whether a command requesting lens apparatus information B is received from the communication unit <NUM>. In a case where the command is received (YES in step S1015), the processing proceeds to step S1016. In step S1016, the imaging apparatus body information B from the communication unit <NUM> is acquired, and the lens apparatus information B is transmitted to the communication unit <NUM>. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1017. In step S1017, the communication switch <NUM> is closed. Then, processing is ended. When the communication switch <NUM> is closed, the communication units <NUM> and <NUM> become ready to communicate with each other.

As described above, after the initial communication between the communication units <NUM> and <NUM> is performed, the lens apparatus information changed upon attachment of the adapter apparatus <NUM> thereto can be communicated between the communication units <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, even in a case where the adapter apparatus <NUM> is attached, the imaging apparatus body <NUM> can control (driving of) the lens apparatus <NUM> and the adapter apparatus <NUM> based on the lens apparatus information corresponding to the case. The interchangeable lens apparatus information may be changed by the adapter apparatus <NUM>. In addition, the adapter apparatus <NUM> may be provided with other switches and operation members, and may be provided with optical members and drive units for the optical members.

The adapter apparatus <NUM> may control the communication switch <NUM> as required to perform communication between the communication units <NUM> and <NUM>. In this case, status of the communication switch <NUM> is transmitted from the communication unit <NUM> to the communication unit <NUM>.

The above-described configurations, the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure can provide a lens apparatus, an imaging apparatus body, an imaging apparatus, and a program which are beneficial in implementing the compatibility with the conventional apparatus (model) and an expanded function of the imaging apparatus. In the above-described examples, information transmitted from the lens apparatus <NUM> to the imaging apparatus body <NUM> is updated based on the configuration of the imaging apparatus. However, information transmitted from the imaging apparatus body <NUM> to the lens apparatus <NUM> may be updated based on the configuration. The disclosure is not limited to a configuration the adapter apparatus <NUM> that has an expanded function and updates the lens apparatus information. The interchangeable lens apparatus <NUM> may have an expanded function, and the adapter apparatus <NUM> may update the lens apparatus information. For example, in a case where the lens apparatus <NUM> is not configured to operate in the power saving mode, the adapter apparatus <NUM> may have the function of the power control unit <NUM> and perform a drive limitation in response to a driving command from the communication unit <NUM>. In this way, the adapter apparatus <NUM> may carry out the function expansion in the imaging apparatus in lieu of or in addition to the lens apparatus <NUM>.

The communication method of the communication unit <NUM> may be different from that of the communication unit <NUM>, and the adapter apparatus <NUM> may perform conversion between the two communication methods. In this case, for example, the communication unit <NUM> can communicate with the communication unit <NUM> based on a first communication method and communicate with the communication unit <NUM> based on a second communication method.

A fourth exemplary embodiment is described. At least one function of the above-described exemplary embodiments can also be realized by a program for implementing the at least one function. The program may be supplied to an apparatus or a system via a network or a storage medium, and then read and executed by at least one processor in a computer of the apparatus or the system. The function can also be realized by a circuit (for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for implementing the function.

Embodiment(s) of the disclosure can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a 'non-transitory computer-readable storage medium') to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s).

Claim 1:
A lens apparatus (<NUM>; <NUM>) attachable to and detachable from an image pickup apparatus body (<NUM>), the lens apparatus comprising:
an optical member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>; <NUM>) configured to perform communication with the image pickup apparatus body with respect to driving of the optical member,
characterized in that the controller is configured to transmit, based on first information for identifying the image pickup apparatus body transmitted from the image pickup apparatus body, second information for identifying the lens apparatus to the image pickup apparatus body, and transmit, based on third information for identifying the image pickup apparatus body transmitted from the image pickup apparatus body after the transmission of the second information, fourth information for identifying the lens apparatus to the image pickup apparatus body.