JP5062026B2 - Camera body, interchangeable lens - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a camera body to which an interchangeable lens can be attached and detached. The present invention also relates to an interchangeable lens that can be attached to and detached from the camera body.

  Conventionally, in an imaging apparatus such as a digital still camera or a video camera, a focus detection method called a hill-climbing method is used as one of autofocus methods. In this hill-climbing method, the focus lens is driven by the drive means, and the focal point is changed to find the point where the sharpness (high frequency component) of the image (subject image) is maximum, and this maximum point is determined as the in-focus position. The focus state is adjusted as follows.

  As another focus detection method, there is a so-called wobbling method. In the wobbling method, a video signal is monitored by periodically oscillating a focused state on an image sensor. For example, in Patent Document 1, at least one focus lens in a lens system is vibrated in the optical axis direction by a vibration coil (driving means), and the change in the output signal of the image pickup tube is compared by a phase comparator. Is detected. As a result, the image pickup apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 can drive the focus lens to a more optimal focus position.

  By the way, even when the focus state on the image sensor is adjusted by the autofocus method, the focal position is shifted when the zoom magnification of the lens system is changed. For this reason, a method for correcting the shifted focal position by changing the zoom magnification has been proposed. This is a method called zoom tracking.

Here, in the imaging apparatus that enables the zoom tracking operation, the zoom magnification may be changed during the wobbling operation. In this case, in the conventional imaging apparatus, the driving means is controlled to stop the wobbling operation and perform the zoom tracking operation. In other words, the conventional imaging apparatus prioritizes the zoom tracking operation over the wobbling operation for driving the focus lens by the driving unit. As a result, the imaging apparatus can adjust the in-focus state in a shorter time.
JP 61-97616 A

  However, when an imaging apparatus that prioritizes the zoom tracking operation over such a wobbling operation includes an interchangeable lens and a camera body, the following problems occur. That is, the interchangeable lens drives the focus lens by the driving means in accordance with a control signal for the wobbling operation from the camera body side, and performs an operation necessary for wobbling. However, the interchangeable lens is necessary for zoom tracking when the zoom ring provided on the outer periphery is operated, even if the wobbling operation is in progress, the focus lens is driven by the driving means according to the change of the zoom magnification. Behaves properly. For this reason, the camera body cannot determine whether the wobbling operation is actually performed in the interchangeable lens even when the interchangeable lens is performing the wobbling operation. That is, the camera body may instruct each part in the camera body to perform an operation necessary for the wobbling operation while the zoom tracking operation is being performed in the interchangeable lens.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a camera body that can further prevent a malfunction in the camera body when the interchangeable lens cannot perform an operation corresponding to an instruction from the camera body. .

That is, the present invention is a camera body that is attachable to and detachable from an interchangeable lens, the receiving means for receiving state information that is information indicating a state in which the drive means in the interchangeable lens is controlled in the zoom tracking operation, and a receiving means . depending on the signal status information, and judged whether intends row a predetermined operation for controlling the interchangeable lens, and a control means for controlling on the basis of the determination result.

  Since the camera body of the present invention can know the control state of the drive means for the interchangeable lens, it can prevent malfunction in the camera body.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment will be described by applying to the digital camera 1.

1. Configuration 1-1 Overview of Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment includes a camera body 2 and an interchangeable lens 3 that can be attached to and detached from the camera body 2.

  The camera body 2 includes a CMOS sensor 201, a shutter 202, a signal processor 203 (DSP), a buffer memory 204, a liquid crystal monitor 205, an electronic viewfinder 206 (EVF), a power source 207, a body mount 208, a flash memory 209, and a card slot 210. CPU 211, shutter switch 212, strobe 213, microphone 214, and speaker 215.

  The interchangeable lens 3 includes a lens system including a lens mount 301, a zoom lens 303 and a focus lens 304, a zoom drive unit 305 that drives the zoom lens 303, a focus drive unit 306 that drives the focus lens 304, an aperture 307, and an aperture 307. A diaphragm drive unit 308, a zoom ring 309, a focus ring 310, and a lens controller 311 to be driven, and a buffer memory 312 capable of storing state information indicating a control state of the focus drive unit 306 are provided. As the state information indicating the control state of the focus driving unit 306, an operation request enable / disable flag as shown in FIG. 4 is used. The interchangeable lens 3 is configured to be able to read an operation request enable / disable flag from the buffer memory 312 and transmit the operation request enable / disable flag to the camera body 2. In short, the buffer memory 312 is a storage means. This will be specifically described below.

1-2 Configuration of Camera Body 2 The camera body 2 is configured to capture a subject image condensed by the lens system of the interchangeable lens 3 and record the captured image data in a storage medium.

  The CMOS sensor 201 includes a light receiving element, an AGC (gain control amplifier), and an AD converter. The light receiving element converts the optical signal collected by the lens system into an electrical signal, and generates image data. The AGC amplifies the electric signal output from the CMOS sensor 201. The AD converter converts an electrical signal output from the CMOS sensor 201 into a digital signal. Note that the CMOS sensor 201 performs various operations such as exposure, transfer, and electronic shutter in accordance with control signals received from the CPU 211. These various operations can be realized by a timing generator or the like.

  The mechanical shutter 202 switches between blocking and passing an optical signal incident on the CMOS sensor 201 that is incident through the lens system. The mechanical shutter 202 is driven by a mechanical shutter 202 driving unit. The mechanical shutter driving unit includes mechanical parts such as a motor and a spring, and drives the mechanical shutter 202 under the control of the CPU 211. In short, the mechanical shutter 202 is opened and closed to adjust the amount of light hitting the CMOS sensor 201 in terms of time.

  The signal processor 203 (DSP) performs predetermined image processing on the image data converted into a digital signal by the AD converter. Examples of the predetermined image processing include gamma conversion, YC conversion, electronic zoom processing, compression processing, and expansion processing, but are not limited thereto.

  The buffer memory 204 functions as a work memory when the signal processor 203 performs processing and when the CPU 211 performs control processing. The buffer memory 204 can be realized by, for example, a DRAM.

  The liquid crystal monitor 205 is disposed on the back surface of the camera body 2 and can display image data generated by the CMOS sensor 201 or image data obtained by performing predetermined processing on the image data. Here, when the image signal input to the liquid crystal monitor 205 is output from the signal processor 203 to the liquid crystal monitor 205, it is converted from a digital signal to an analog signal by the DA converter.

  The electronic viewfinder 206 is disposed in the camera body 2 and can display image data generated by the CMOS sensor 201 or image data obtained by performing predetermined processing on the image data. Similarly, when an image signal input to the electronic viewfinder 206 is output from the signal processor 203 to the electronic viewfinder 206, the digital signal is converted from an analog signal by a DA converter.

  Here, the display on the liquid crystal monitor 205 and the electronic viewfinder 206 is displayed on one side by the display switching means 217. That is, nothing is displayed on the electronic viewfinder 206 while an image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 205. Further, while the image is displayed on the electronic viewfinder 206, nothing is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 205. The display switching unit 217 can be realized by a physical structure such as a changeover switch, for example. For example, when the signal processor 203 and the liquid crystal monitor 205 are electrically connected, the electrical connection between the signal processor 203 and the liquid crystal monitor 205 is disconnected by switching the changeover switch, and the signal processor 203 And the electronic viewfinder 206 are electrically connected. The display switching unit 217 may switch the display to the liquid crystal monitor 205 and the electronic viewfinder 206 based on a control signal from the CPU 211 or the like.

  As described above, the display on the liquid crystal monitor and the display on the electric viewfinder are switched. However, since this is a problem due to structural limitations, the display on the liquid crystal monitor and the display on the electronic viewfinder may be performed simultaneously. Here, when displaying simultaneously, the image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor and the image displayed on the electronic view funder may be the same image or different images.

  The power source 207 supplies power to be consumed by the digital camera 1. The power source 207 may be, for example, a dry battery or a rechargeable battery. Moreover, the power supplied from the outside by the power source 207 cord may be supplied to the digital camera 1.

  The body mount 208 is a member that enables the interchangeable lens 3 to be attached and detached together with the lens mount 301 of the interchangeable lens 3. The body mount 208 can be electrically connected to the interchangeable lens 3 using a connection terminal or the like, and can also be mechanically connected by a mechanical member such as a locking member. The body mount 208 can output a signal from the lens controller 311 included in the interchangeable lens 3 to the CPU 211 and can output a signal from the CPU 211 to the lens controller 311 of the interchangeable lens 3. That is, the CPU 211 can transmit and receive control signals, information on the lens system, and the like with the lens controller 311 on the interchangeable lens 3 side.

  The flash memory 209 is a storage medium used as a built-in memory. The flash memory 209 can store image data or image data obtained by performing predetermined processing on the image data. Also, digitized audio signals can be stored. In addition, it is possible to store programs and set values for controlling the CPU 211 in addition to image data and audio signals.

  The card slot 210 is a slot for attaching / detaching the memory card 218. The memory card 218 can store image data or image data obtained by performing predetermined processing on the image data. Also, digitized audio signals can be stored. In short, the memory card 218 is a storage medium.

  The CPU 211 controls the entire camera body 2. The CPU 211 may be realized by a microcomputer or a hard wired circuit. That is, the CPU 211 performs various controls. For various controls, see 2. It describes in.

  The shutter switch 212 is a button provided on the upper surface of the camera body 2 and is an operation unit that detects a half-press and a full-press operation from the user. The shutter switch 212 outputs a half-press signal to the CPU 211 when a half-press operation is received from the user. On the other hand, when the shutter switch 212 receives a full-press operation from the user, the shutter switch 212 outputs a full-press signal to the CPU 211. Based on these signals, the CPU 211 performs various controls. In the present embodiment, the full press signal is a shooting start signal.

  The strobe 213 irradiates the subject with light based on a control signal from the CPU 211. For example, the strobe 213 can be realized using a xenon lamp, a condenser, or the like. When configured in this manner, the strobe 213 accumulates high-voltage charges in a capacitor and applies the charges to the xenon lamp electrode to irradiate light.

  The microphone 214 converts sound into an electrical signal. The electrical signal output from the microphone 214 is converted into a digital signal by an AD converter. The digital signal converted by the AD converter is stored in the flash memory 209 or the memory card 218 under the control of the CPU 211.

  The speaker 215 converts an electrical signal into sound. Here, the electrical signal input to the speaker 215 is a signal converted from a digital signal to an electrical signal by a DA converter. As the output to the DA converter, a digital signal read from the flash memory 209 or the memory card 218 is output under the control of the CPU 211.

1-3 Configuration of Interchangeable Lens 3 The lens system includes a zoom lens 303, a focus lens 304, and an objective lens 302, and collects light from the subject. The zoom lens 303 is driven by the zoom drive unit 305 or the zoom ring 309 and adjusts the zoom magnification. The focus lens 304 is driven by the focus driving unit 306 or the focus ring 310 to adjust the focus. In short, the focus lens 304 and the zoom lens 303 are movable lenses.

  The zoom drive unit 305 is configured to drive the zoom lens 303 according to the control of the lens controller 311. The focus driving unit 306 is configured to drive the focus lens 304 according to the control of the lens controller 311.

  The stop 307 adjusts the amount of light passing through the lens system. For example, the light can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the opening formed by five blades or the like.

  The diaphragm drive unit 308 changes the size of the opening of the diaphragm 307. In the first embodiment, the size of the opening of the diaphragm 307 is changed based on the control of the lens controller 311. Here, the size of the opening can be designated by the F value. The diaphragm driving unit 308 drives the diaphragm 307 based on the control from the lens controller 311. However, the diaphragm driving unit 308 is not limited to this and may be driven by a mechanical method. In this case, an interlocking pin is provided on the body mount 208, and the driving of the interlocking pin is received by the aperture driving unit 308 to drive the aperture 307. The interlocking pin is driven by a motor controlled by the CPU 211.

  The aperture driving unit 308 drives the aperture 307 based on the control from the lens controller 311.

  The zoom ring 309 is provided on the exterior of the interchangeable lens 3 and drives the zoom lens 303 in accordance with an operation from the user. The focus ring 310 is provided on the exterior of the interchangeable lens 3 and drives the focus lens 304 in accordance with an operation from the user. When the zoom ring 309 is rotated by the user, the zoom lens 303 is driven by a mechanical method. Note that the zoom ring 309 may electrically drive the zoom lens 303.

  The lens controller 311 controls the entire interchangeable lens 3. The lens controller 311 may be realized by a microcomputer or a hard wired circuit.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the interchangeable lens 3 receives a flag request signal from the camera body 2, the interchangeable lens 3 transmits an operation request enable / disable flag to the camera body 2. The flag request signal is a signal for the camera body to request an operation request enable / disable flag. That is, when the lens controller 311 receives a flag request signal from the camera body 2, the lens controller 311 reads an operation request enable / disable flag from the buffer memory 312. Then, the lens controller 311 transmits the read operation request flag to the camera body 2. That is, the lens controller 311 is an information transmission unit.

  Information included in the motion request availability flag is state information indicating the control state of the focus driving unit 306. Therefore, the information on the operation request enable / disable flag is rewritten by the following operation (flow chart in FIG. 5). In the embodiment, it is assumed that the initial value of the operation request availability flag is set to 0.

  First, when the user operates the zoom ring 309, the zoom lens 303 is driven according to the operation on the zoom ring 309.

  Here, the interchangeable lens 3 is provided with a zoom lens position detector 313 that acquires information regarding the zoom position of the zoom lens 303. The zoom lens position detector 313 acquires information (position information) regarding the zoom position of the zoom lens within the movable range of the zoom lens 303. Further, the lens controller 311 is configured to periodically acquire information regarding the zoom position detected by the zoom lens position detector 313.

  Specifically, the zoom lens position detector 313 is configured by a sliding resistance or the like, and detects information regarding the zoom position of the zoom lens 303 with a voltage value. Further, the lens controller 311 periodically reads out the voltage value detected by the zoom lens position detector 313, and AD-converts this voltage value to obtain information (digital data) regarding the 256 divided zoom positions. That is, the lens controller 311 calculates 256-stage zoom position data.

  Returning to the description of the rewriting operation of the operation request enable / disable flag, the lens controller 311 controls the focus driving unit 306 according to the information regarding the zoom position after the change when the information regarding the zoom position to be periodically acquired changes. Along with this control, the focus driving unit 306 drives the focus lens 304. Thus, driving the focus lens 304 via the focus driving unit 306 by the lens controller 311 in accordance with the change of the zoom position of the zoom lens 303 is referred to as a zoom tracking operation.

  Here, when the lens controller 311 controls the focus driving unit 306 to start the zoom tracking operation (FIG. 5A1), the lens controller 311 rewrites the operation request enable / disable flag stored in the buffer memory 312 to 1. (FIG. 5A2).

  Thereafter, the lens controller 311 detects that the zoom tracking operation by the focus driving unit 306 is finished (A3 in FIG. 5). The end of the zoom tracking operation by the focus drive unit 306 is determined according to the drive end information from the focus drive unit 306. This driving end information is output from the focus driving unit 306 to the lens controller 311 when the focus driving unit 306 completes the movement of the focus lens 304 necessary for the zoom tracking operation. Completion of the movement of the focus lens 304 necessary for the zoom tracking operation in the focus driving unit 306 can be determined when the focus driving unit 306 moves the focus lens 304 to a target position.

  Then, the lens controller 311 rewrites the operation request availability flag stored in the buffer memory 312 to 0 in accordance with the received drive end information (A4 in FIG. 5). In short, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the lens controller 311 sets the operation request enable / disable flag to 1 during zoom tracking operation (t11 to t12 in FIG. 6), and the operation request enable / disable flag during other operations. Is set to 0.

  The lens controller 311 receives a control signal for controlling the focus driving unit 306 from the camera body 2. Then, the lens controller 311 controls the focus driving unit 306 in accordance with this control signal. The focus driving unit 306 drives the focus lens 304 according to the control signal from the lens controller 311. That is, the lens controller 311 is information receiving means and control means.

  Here, the control signal for controlling the focus driving unit 306 includes the moving amount and amplitude of the focus lens 304 as information for performing the wobbling operation. The focus driving unit 306 drives the focus lens 304 according to the movement amount and amplitude. The wobbling operation will be described later.

  The buffer memory 312 is a storage medium capable of storing an operation request availability flag as state information indicating the control state of the focus driving unit 306. As described above, the state information indicating the control state of the focus driving unit 306 is set to 1 when the focus driving unit 306 is in the zoom tracking operation, and is set to 0 during other operations.

  Although not shown, the interchangeable lens includes a flash memory. The flash memory is configured to be electrically connected to the lens controller 312. The flash memory can store control programs, parameters, and the like.

2. Control for various operations in the CPU 211 of the camera body 2 The CPU 211 is an operation control means for performing operations for wobbling control in the camera body. Further, the CPU 211 transmits a flag request signal for requesting state information (operation request availability flag) indicating the control state of the focus driving unit 306 and a control signal (wobbling start command) for controlling the focus driving unit 306. It is a transmission means. Further, the CPU 211 is a receiving unit that receives an operation request enable / disable flag from the lens controller 311. In addition, the CPU 211 is a determination unit that determines whether or not an operation for wobbling control in the camera body needs to be performed according to the operation request availability flag received from the lens controller 311. This determination means also determines whether or not it is necessary to transmit a control signal for the wobbling operation for the interchangeable lens. Here, when the operation request enable / disable flag is 0, the CPU 211 determines that an operation for wobbling control needs to be performed (determines that a control signal needs to be transmitted to the interchangeable lens). When the operation request enable / disable flag is 1, the CPU 211 determines that it is not necessary to perform an operation for wobbling control (determines that it is not necessary to transmit a control signal to the interchangeable lens). This is because when the operation request enable / disable flag is 1, the interchangeable lens 3 is in a state in which control from the camera body 2 is not accepted.

  If the CPU 211 that realizes the operation control means determines that it is necessary to perform an operation for wobbling control within the camera body, the CPU 211 performs an operation for wobbling control. The operation for the wobbling control is an operation for generating a control signal for performing the wobbling operation in the interchangeable lens. Therefore, the CPU 211 controls each part of the camera body 2 for the operation for the wobbling control. On the other hand, when the CPU 211 determines that the operation for the wobbling control is not necessary, the CPU 211 does not perform the operation for the wobbling control. At this time, the operation not performed may be a part of the operation for wobbling control. Specifically, the operation for wobbling control is, for example, a wobbling movement amount and amplitude calculation operation performed by the CPU 211.

  In addition, when the CPU 211 realizing the transmission unit determines that it is necessary to perform an operation for wobbling control (when it is determined that a control signal needs to be transmitted to the interchangeable lens), a flag request signal, and Then, a wobbling start command is transmitted to the lens controller 311. As shown in FIG. 7B, the flag request signal and the wobbling start command are transmitted to the interchangeable lens 2 in accordance with specific exposure start timing (t31, t35, etc.), that is, the timing of the exposure synchronization signal. On the other hand, when the CPU 211 determines that it is not necessary to perform an operation for wobbling control (when it is determined that a control signal needs to be transmitted to the interchangeable lens), the CPU 211 transmits a flag request signal to the lens controller 311. . That is, in this case, the CPU 211 is configured not to transmit a wobbling start command. In this case, the CPU 211 transmits a flag request signal at the timing of transmitting the wobbling start command.

2-1. Various Controls for Performing the Wobbling Operation Hereinafter, the wobbling operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a timing chart during the wobbling operation.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the CPU 211 transmits an exposure synchronization signal to the lens controller 311. Further, when starting the wobbling operation, the CPU 211 transmits a wobbling start command indicating that the wobbling operation is started to the lens controller 311. Here, it is assumed that the CPU 211 transmits a wobbling start command at time t31. This wobbling start command (control signal) is a command including the wobbling amplitude and the movement amount. The amplitude is the amplitude of minute vibrations of the focus lens 304. The moving amount is an amplitude difference between the beginning and the end in one cycle of the minute vibration. When the movement amount is not 0 and has a positive or negative value, it indicates that the focus lens 304 is moving in one direction while wobbling. On the other hand, when the movement amount is 0, it indicates that the focus lens 304 is wobbling at a certain position.

  When receiving the wobbling start command, the lens controller 311 starts wobbling control in synchronization with the next falling edge of the exposure synchronization signal (time t32). In the wobbling control, the lens controller 311 controls the focus driving unit 306 so as to hold the focus lens 304 at a certain position when the exposure synchronization signal is High, while moving the focus lens 304 when the exposure synchronization signal is Low. The focus driving unit 306 is controlled to move. When the exposure synchronization signal is High, the CMOS sensor 201 captures one frame of the moving image. During this period, the focus lens 304 is not moved so that the influence of the wobbling operation on the moving image capturing is minimized. It is. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7D, during the time t32 to t33 and the time t34 to t35 (this period is referred to as a stop period), the focus lens 304 is moved, and during the time t33 to t34 and the time t35 to t37 (this period) Is referred to as an exposure period), the position of the focus lens 304 is kept at a fixed position. Note that, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7D, two cycles of the exposure synchronization signal correspond to one cycle of the wobbling operation.

  The lens controller 311 moves the focus lens 304 in the negative direction by the amplitude during the period of time t32 to t33 according to the amplitude and movement amount included in the wobbling start command, and keeps the focus lens 304 at a fixed position during the period of time t33 to t34. The period of time t34 to t35 is moved in the positive direction by the sum of the amplitude and the movement amount, and the period of time t35 to t37 is held at a fixed position.

  Next, it is assumed that the CPU 211 transmits a new wobbling start command at time t36. Then, the lens controller 311 updates the wobbling control according to the amplitude and the movement amount included in the new wobbling start command (time t37).

  Finally, the CPU 211 transmits a wobbling end command to the lens controller 311 when ending the wobbling operation (time t38). In response to this, the lens controller 311 ends the wobbling control (time t39).

  Here, the moving amount and the amplitude included in the wobbling start command are determined based on a plurality of image data captured before transmitting the wobbling start command. For example, the movement amount and the amplitude included in the wobbling start command at t36 in FIG. 7B are determined based on the image data captured in the period from t31 to t32 and from t33 to t34 in FIG. 7D. Here, the moving amount of wobbling is calculated according to, for example, a comparison result of contrast levels between a plurality of image data. The wobbling amplitude is calculated according to the contrast level of one image data among a plurality of image data, for example. Needless to say, the wobbling operation is not limited to this operation because it is a general operation as a conventional technique.

3. Operation An example of the operation of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 10 and FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the exchange of information between the camera body 2 and the interchangeable lens 3. In this operation example, the CPU 211 controls the camera body 2 and the interchangeable lens 3 so that the wobbling operation and the operation for wobbling control are performed while the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on. To do.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 211 determines whether or not a specific exposure operation is started (B1). The specific exposure operation is the above-described specific exposure start timing. If the operation request availability flag is received, the CPU 211 transmits a request signal and a wobbling start command according to the received operation request availability flag (B2). In this case, since the operation request enable / disable flag has not been received, a request signal and a wobbling start command are transmitted (s1 in FIG. 3).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the lens controller 311 determines whether or not a flag request signal has been received (C1). When the lens controller 311 receives the flag request signal, the lens controller 311 reads the operation request availability flag from the buffer memory 312 and transmits it to the CPU 211 (C2). In this case, the lens controller 311 transmits an operation request enable / disable flag (0) to the CPU 211 (s2 in FIG. 3). The lens controller 311 that has received the wobbling start command controls the focus driving unit 306 to drive the focus lens 304 for the wobbling operation.

  The above operation is repeated while the focus driving unit 306 can perform the wobbling operation (s3 to s4 in FIG. 3).

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the zoom tracking operation is required in the interchangeable lens by operating the zoom ring 309 by the user (s20 in FIG. 3). As a result, as described above, the lens controller 311 rewrites the operation enable / disable flag stored in the buffer memory 312 to 1.

  On the other hand, the CPU 211 transmits a flag request signal and a wobbling start command to the lens controller 311 (s5 in FIG. 3). The lens controller 311 reads the operation request enable / disable flag (1) from the buffer memory 312 and transmits it to the CPU 211 (s6 in FIG. 3). Although the lens controller 311 has received the wobbling start command, it needs to perform the zoom tracking operation, and therefore cannot control the focus driving unit 306 to perform the wobbling operation. Accordingly, the lens controller 311 waits for the operation of the wobbling start command and performs control after the zoom tracking operation is completed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 211 determines whether or not the operation request availability flag has been changed (D1). When there is a change, the CPU 211 determines whether or not the operation request enable / disable flag is 0 (D2). When the operation request enable / disable flag is 0, the CPU 211 performs an operation for wobbling control within the camera body (D3). That is, the CPU 211 controls each part of the camera body 2 to perform an operation for wobbling control. On the other hand, if the operation request enable / disable flag is not 0, the CPU 211 stops a part of the operation for wobbling control in the camera body (D4). When the operation request enable / disable flag of s6 in FIG. 3 is received, the CPU 211 has changed the operation request enable / disable flag and the operation request enable / disable flag is 1, so that a part of the operation for wobbling control in the camera body is performed. Stop (s30 in FIG. 3).

  Thereafter, when the specific exposure start timing is reached in the operation of FIG. 8 (B1), the CPU 211 transmits a flag request signal to the lens controller 311 because the operation request enable / disable flag is 1. S7 in FIG.

  In response to this flag request signal, the lens controller 311 transmits an operation request enable / disable flag to the CPU 211 (s8 in FIG. 3).

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the zoom tracking operation is completed in the interchangeable lens. In this case, the lens controller 311 rewrites the operation request enable / disable flag stored in the buffer memory 312 to 0.

  Then, the lens controller 311 controls the focus driving unit 306 to perform the wobbling operation based on the waiting wobbling start command.

  On the other hand, the CPU 211 that has received the operation request enable / disable flag at s8 in FIG. 3 transmits a flag request signal in the same manner as the operation at s7 (s9 in FIG. 3).

  Then, the lens controller 311 that has received the flag request signal of s7 reads the operation request enable / disable flag (0) from the buffer memory 312 and transmits it to the CPU 211 (s9 of FIG. 3).

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, since the operation request availability flag is changed and the operation request availability flag is 0, the CPU 211 cancels the stop of the operation for wobbling control in the camera body. That is, an operation for wobbling control within the camera body is performed.

  Further, when the specific exposure start timing is reached in the operation of FIG. 8 (B1), the CPU 211 indicates that the operation request enable / disable flag state is 0, so the flag request signal and wobbling start are sent to the interchangeable lens 3. A command is transmitted (s7 in FIG. 3).

  By repeating the operation as described above, the camera body can acquire the state information indicating the control state of the focus driving unit 306 of the interchangeable lens 3, so that a malfunction in the camera body 2 can be further prevented.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the camera body does not need to exchange bidirectionally with the interchangeable lens for control. That is, in the bidirectional exchange, for example, the camera body transmits a control signal of the driving means to the interchangeable lens. The interchangeable lens determines whether or not the driving unit can be controlled in accordance with the control signal. Then, the interchangeable lens returns information indicating whether or not the control according to the control signal can be performed to the camera body. When the camera body receives information that the control according to the control signal cannot be performed, the camera body waits for a certain time and transmits the control signal to the interchangeable lens again. Such operation is necessary in both directions.

  However, in this camera body, it is only necessary to send a control signal for the driving means unilaterally. In other words, since the state information indicating the control state of the driving means is information acquired by the camera body regardless of the control information of the driving means, the camera main body controls the control signal of the driving means according to the state information. Can be transmitted unilaterally.

  As a result, the camera body can control the interchangeable lens not by bidirectional exchange but by unidirectional exchange, so that the processing in the interchangeable lens and the processing in the camera body can be reduced.

4). In the present embodiment, the camera body 2 is detachable from the interchangeable lens 3 and receives the state information indicating the control state of the focus driving unit 306 in the interchangeable lens 3 and the received state information. A CPU 211 that determines whether or not to perform an operation for wobbling control on the camera body 2, and a CPU 211 that performs an operation for wobbling control on the camera body 2 according to the determination result of the CPU 211.

In this way, the camera body can receive state information indicating the control state of the driving means in the interchangeable lens. Then, the camera body can perform a predetermined operation on the camera body according to the state information.
(Other embodiments)
Embodiment 1 was illustrated as embodiment of this invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment, and can be implemented in other embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention will be described collectively below.

  In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a CMOS sensor including a light receiving element, an AGC, and an AD converter is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the CCD image sensor and the AD converter may be formed of separate members. The imaging unit may have any configuration as long as it can capture a subject image and generate image data (digital signal or electrical signal). In addition, when it comprises with a CMOS sensor, power consumption can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the state information (operation request availability flag) indicating the control state of the focus driving unit 306 has been described as the state information indicating the control state of the driving unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the drive means may be a zoom drive unit or a diaphragm drive unit.

  Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the state information indicating the control state of the focus driving unit 306 is set to 1 when the focus driving unit 306 is in the zoom tracking operation, and is set to 0 during other operations. Configured to be. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the driving unit is operating according to a control signal generated in the interchangeable lens, the driving unit is set to 1 and operated according to the control designated by the camera body. If it is, or if the drive means is not operating, it may be set to 0. In short, it is only necessary for the camera body to know that the drive means in the interchangeable lens cannot be controlled according to the control designated from the camera body by the status information received from the interchangeable lens.

  In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the operation for wobbling control has been described as the predetermined operation of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the predetermined operation may be any operation as long as it is an operation for controlling the inside of the camera body among the operations for controlling both the interchangeable lens and the camera body. For example, in the case of an AE control operation for controlling an aperture in the interchangeable lens and an image sensor (shutter speed) in the camera body, an operation for adjusting the shutter speed in the camera body may be considered.

  In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the interchangeable lens transmits state information in response to the flag request signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the interchangeable lens may transmit the operation request availability flag to the camera body when detecting that the operation request availability flag has been changed. This eliminates the need for the camera body to send a request signal such as a flag request signal. In addition, the interchangeable lens can reduce the number of times that the operation request enable / disable flag is sent to the camera body.

  That is, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented with various configurations.

The present invention is applicable to a camera body to which an interchangeable lens can be connected. Specifically, it can be used for a digital still camera or a movie.

1 is a perspective view of a digital camera 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The figure which shows the structural example of the digital camera 1 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the exchange of the information of the camera main body 2 and the interchangeable lens 3 which concern on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the operation request availability flag which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention The flowchart for demonstrating switching of the information of the operation request availability flag which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention The figure for demonstrating the operation request availability flag which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention Timing chart for explaining wobbling operation according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Flowchart for explaining an operation example of the camera body 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart for demonstrating the operation example of the interchangeable lens 3 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. Flowchart for explaining an operation example of the camera body 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera 2 Camera body 3 Interchangeable lens 201 CMOS sensor 202 Shutter 203 Signal processor 204 Buffer memory 209 Flash memory 210 Card slot 211 CPU
303 Zoom lens 304 Focus lens 305 Zoom drive unit 306 Focus drive unit 307 Aperture 308 Aperture drive unit 309 Zoom ring 310 Focus ring 311 Lens controller 312 Buffer memory 313 Zoom lens position detector

Claims (8)

A camera body capable of mounting an interchangeable lens,
Receiving means for driving means in the interchangeable lens receives information der situations that information indicating the state of being controlled in the zoom tracking operation,
Control means for determining whether or not to perform a predetermined operation for controlling the interchangeable lens according to the received state information, and performing control based on the determination result;
Camera body with The state information is information on a state in which the driving unit in the interchangeable lens is controlled in the interchangeable lens without being controlled from the camera body .
The camera body according to claim 1. The control means includes
When the state information indicates a state in which the driving means in the interchangeable lens is controlled in the interchangeable lens without being controlled from the camera body, a predetermined value for controlling the interchangeable lens Control not to take action,
The camera body according to claim 2. The predetermined operation is a control signal generation operation for the interchangeable lens.
The camera body according to claim 1 . The predetermined operation is a control signal transmission operation to the interchangeable lens.
The camera body according to claim 1 . The drive means in the interchangeable lens is a drive means for driving the focus lens,
The control signal for the interchangeable lens is a control signal for controlling the operation of the driving unit.
The camera body according to claim 4 or 5 . The control signal for the interchangeable lens is a control signal for controlling the wobbling operation of the driving means.
The camera body according to claim 6 . An interchangeable lens attachable to the camera body according to claim 1,
Driving means;
Transmitting means for transmitting state information relating to control of the driving means to the camera body ;
Control means for receiving a control signal from the camera body and controlling the driving means in accordance with the received control signal;
Interchangeable lens with

Images