CN102027411B - Camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a camera system in which a camera body has a synchronizing signal generating mechanism that generates a synchronizing signal; and a body control mechanism that controls the camera body and generates commands for controlling lens exchange. The body control mechanism controls the interchangeable lens to send a command for setting the interchangeable lens to a synchronous mode in which the operation of the interchangeable lens is controlled in synchronization with the synchronous signal, and a command for setting the interchangeable lens to a non-synchronous mode other than the synchronous mode. commands in synchronous mode. The interchangeable lens has a lens control mechanism for controlling the action of exchanging the lens. The lens control mechanism controls the action of exchanging lenses in a synchronous mode or an asynchronous mode according to commands received from the camera body.

Description

camera system

technical field

The present invention relates to a camera system, in particular to a camera system composed of an interchangeable lens and a camera body.

Background technique

Patent Document 1 discloses a camera system composed of a camera body and an interchangeable lens. In this camera system, when synchronizing the camera body and the interchangeable lens, an instruction to control driving of the interchangeable lens is notified from the camera body to the interchangeable lens, thereby performing autofocus control during still image shooting.

Patent Document 1: JP Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-322922

As described above, when synchronizing the camera body and the interchangeable lens, the drive of the interchangeable lens is controlled. However, the processes performed by the camera body and the interchangeable lens do not necessarily have to be performed in synchronization between the camera body and the interchangeable lens. For the processing that does not need to be synchronized, it is possible to achieve better processing efficiency by performing the processing in the camera body or the interchangeable lens without performing synchronization.

Contents of the invention

The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera system capable of performing synchronization control only when synchronization between the camera body and the interchangeable lens is necessary.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a camera system including a camera body and an interchangeable lens. The camera body has: a photographing mechanism; a synchronizing signal generating mechanism that generates a synchronizing signal indicating an exposure period of the photographing mechanism; a body control mechanism that controls the camera body and generates a command for controlling the exchange of lenses; Sending mechanism for signals and commands. The sending mechanism sends the synchronization signal at a period associated with the exposure period of the shooting mechanism. The body control mechanism controls the interchangeable lens to send a command for setting the interchangeable lens to a synchronous mode and a command to set the interchangeable lens to an asynchronous mode other than the synchronous mode. The synchronous mode is synchronized with the synchronous signal Mode to precisely control the movement of switching lenses. The interchangeable lens includes: a receiving mechanism for receiving synchronization signals and commands sent from the camera body; and a lens control mechanism for controlling the operation of the interchangeable lens. The lens control mechanism controls the action of exchanging lenses in a synchronous mode or an asynchronous mode according to commands received from the camera body.

With the above configuration, switching between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode of the interchangeable lens can be performed at any timing, and synchronous control is performed only when synchronization between the camera body and the interchangeable lens is required. Therefore, in the asynchronous mode, the camera controller can concentrate on the control of the camera body, and the lens controller does not have to be restricted more than necessary to achieve synchronization with the camera body.

In a second aspect, a camera body capable of attaching an interchangeable lens is provided. The camera body has: a photographing mechanism; a synchronizing signal generating mechanism that generates a synchronizing signal representing an exposure period of the photographing mechanism; a body control mechanism that controls the camera body and generates a command for controlling exchanging lenses; Sending mechanism for signals and commands. The sending mechanism sends the synchronization signal at a period associated with the exposure period of the shooting mechanism. The body control mechanism controls the interchangeable lens to send a command for setting the interchangeable lens to a synchronous mode and a command to set the interchangeable lens to an asynchronous mode other than the synchronous mode. The synchronous mode is synchronized with the synchronous signal Mode of controlling the action of the interchangeable lens.

In a third aspect, there is provided an interchangeable lens that can be attached to a camera body having an imaging mechanism. The interchangeable lens has: a receiving mechanism for receiving a synchronous signal indicating the exposure period of the photographing mechanism and a command sent from the camera body at a cycle related to the exposure period of the photographing mechanism; and a lens control mechanism for controlling the operation of the interchangeable lens . The lens control mechanism controls the operation of the interchangeable lens in a synchronous mode or an asynchronous mode in which the operation of the interchangeable lens is controlled in synchronization with the synchronization signal, according to a command received from the camera body.

With the above configuration, it is possible to provide a camera system capable of switching between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode of the interchangeable lens at any timing, and performing synchronous control only when synchronization between the camera body and the interchangeable lens is necessary.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a camera system in Embodiments 1 and 2. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a switching sequence between a synchronous mode and an asynchronous mode in Embodiment 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the switching operation between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a switching sequence between a synchronous mode and an asynchronous mode in Embodiment 2. FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating problems when switching from a synchronous mode to an asynchronous mode.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating switching of a control cycle when switching from a synchronous mode to an asynchronous mode in Embodiment 2. FIG.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1

1. Structure

1-1. Overview

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera system in the first embodiment. The camera system 1 is composed of a camera body 100 and a detachable interchangeable lens 200 . The camera system 1 can perform a contrast-based focusing operation based on image data generated by the CCD image sensor 110 .

1-2. Structure of camera body

The camera body 100 has a CCD image sensor 110 , a liquid crystal monitor 120 , a camera controller 140 , a body mount 150 , a power supply 160 and a card slot 170 .

The camera controller 140 controls the overall operation of the camera system 1 by controlling components such as the CCD image sensor 110 based on instructions from operating members such as the shutter button 130 . The camera controller 140 sends a vertical synchronization signal to the timing generator 112 . In parallel with this, the camera controller 140 generates an exposure synchronization signal. The camera controller 140 periodically sends the generated exposure synchronization signal to the lens controller 240 via the body mount 150 and the lens mount 250 . The camera controller 140 uses the DRAM 141 as a work memory when performing control operations or image processing operations.

The CCD image sensor 110 captures a subject image incident through the interchangeable lens 200 to generate image data. The generated image data is digitized by the AD converter 111 . The image data digitized by the AD converter 111 is subjected to predetermined image processing by the camera controller 140 . The predetermined image processing refers to, for example, gamma correction processing, white balance correction processing, blemish correction processing, YC conversion processing, electronic zoom processing, and JPEG compression processing.

The CCD image sensor 110 operates at a timing controlled by a timing generator 112 . The operation of the CCD image sensor 110 includes a shooting operation of a still image, a shooting operation of a live view image, and the like. The viewfinder image is mainly a moving image, and is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 120 for the user to determine a viewfinder for shooting a still image.

The liquid crystal monitor 120 displays an image represented by display image data subjected to image processing by the camera controller 140 . The liquid crystal monitor 120 can selectively display moving images or still images.

The card slot 170 can hold a memory card 171 , and the memory card 171 is controlled by the control from the camera controller 140 . The memory card 171 can store image data generated by image processing by the camera controller 140 . For example, the memory card 171 can store JPEG image files. In addition, image data or image files stored in the memory card 171 can be read, and the image data or image files read from the memory card 171 are subjected to image processing by the camera controller 140 . For example, the camera controller 140 decompresses image data or image files acquired from the memory card 171 to generate display image data.

The power supply 160 supplies electric power for consumption by the camera system 1 . The power source 160 is, for example, a dry battery, or a rechargeable battery. In addition, the power supply 160 may supply power to the camera system from the outside through a power cord.

The body mount 150 can be mechanically and electrically connected to the lens mount 250 of the interchangeable lens 200 . The body bayonet 150 can transmit and receive data with the interchangeable lens 200 through the lens bayonet 250 . The body mount 150 sends the exposure synchronization signal received from the body controller 140 to the lens controller 240 via the lens mount 205 . In addition, other control signals received from the camera controller 140 are sent to the lens controller 240 via the lens mount 250 . For example, information related to the driving of the focus lens 230 received from the camera controller 140 is sent to the lens controller 240 via the lens mount 250 . Also, the body mount 150 transmits a signal received from the lens controller 240 via the lens mount 250 to the camera controller 140 . In addition, the body mount 150 supplies power received from the power supply 160 to the entire interchangeable lens 200 via the lens mount 250 .

1-3. Structure of interchangeable lens

The interchangeable lens 200 has an optical system, a lens controller 240 and a lens mount 250 . The optical system includes a zoom lens 210 , an OIS lens 220 , a diaphragm 260 , and a focus lens 230 .

The zoom lens 210 is a lens for changing the magnification of the subject image formed by the optical system. The zoom lens 210 is composed of one or more lenses. The drive mechanism 211 includes a zoom ring that can be operated by the user, etc., and transmits the user's operation to the zoom lens 210 to move the zoom lens 210 in the direction of the optical axis of the optical system. The detector 212 detects the driving amount of the driving mechanism 212 . The lens controller 240 can grasp the zoom factor in the optical system by acquiring the detection result in the detector 212 .

The OIS lens 220 is a lens that corrects blurring of the subject image formed by the optical system of the interchangeable lens 200 . The OIS lens 220 reduces the blurring of the subject image on the CCD image sensor 110 by moving in a direction that cancels the shake of the camera system 1 . The OIS lens 220 is composed of one or more lenses. The actuator 221 is controlled by the IC 223 for OIS, and drives the OIS lens 220 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system. The actuator 221, for example, can be realized by a magnet and a flat coil. The position detection sensor 222 is a sensor that detects the position of the OIS lens 220 in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system. The position detection sensor 222 can be realized by, for example, a magnet and a Hall element. The IC 223 for OIS controls the actuator 221 based on the detection result of the position detection sensor 222 and the detection result of a shake detector such as a gyro sensor. The IC 223 for OIS receives the detection result of the shake detector from the lens controller 240 . Also, the IC 223 for OIS sends a signal indicating the state of the optical image blur correction process to the lens controller 240 .

The aperture 260 is a component for adjusting the amount of light passing through the optical system. The diaphragm 260 is constituted by, for example, a plurality of diaphragm blades, and the amount of light can be adjusted by opening and closing the opening formed by the blades. The diaphragm motor 261 is a driving mechanism for opening and closing the opening of the diaphragm 260 .

The focus lens 230 is a lens for changing the focus state of the subject image formed by the optical system on the CCD image sensor 110 . The focusing lens 230 is composed of one or more lenses.

The focus motor 223 is driven according to the control of the lens controller 240 so that the focus lens 230 advances and retreats along the optical axis of the optical system. Accordingly, it is possible to change the focus state of the subject image formed on the CCD image sensor 110 via the optical system. In this embodiment, a stepping motor can be used as the focus motor 223 . However, the motor is not limited to this, and may be realized by a DC motor, a servo motor, an ultrasonic motor, or the like.

The lens controller 240 controls the entire interchangeable lens 200 by controlling the IC 223 for OIS, the focus motor 233 and the like based on a control signal from the camera controller 140 . For example, the lens controller 240 controls the focus motor 223 based on a control signal from the camera controller 140 so that the focus lens 230 advances and retreats along the optical axis in a predetermined driving method. In addition, the lens controller 240 can perform vibration control of the focus lens 230 in synchronization with an exposure synchronization signal from the camera controller 140 . Here, the vibration control of the focus lens 230 refers to driving the focus lens 230 to advance and retreat slightly on the optical axis. This minute forward and backward drive is performed at a predetermined cycle. By vibrating the focus lens 230 , it is possible to continuously focus on the subject. In addition, the lens controller 240 receives signals from the detector 212 , the IC 223 for OIS, and the like, and sends them to the camera controller 140 . Data transmission and reception between the lens controller 240 and the camera controller 140 are performed through the lens mount 250 and the body mount 150 .

The lens controller 240 uses the DRAM 241 as a work memory when performing control. Also, the flash memory 242 stores programs and parameters used for controlling the lens controller 240 .

The camera controller 140 is an example of a synchronization signal generating unit. The body bayonet 150 is an example of a transmission mechanism. The camera controller 140 is an example of a body control mechanism. The lens mount 250 is an example of a receiving mechanism. The lens controller 240 is an example of a lens control mechanism. The CCD image sensor 110 is an example of an imaging mechanism. 2. Action

The operation of the camera system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 .

2-1. An example of the operation of the camera system

In the camera system of this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 200 has a synchronous mode and an asynchronous mode. Among them, in the synchronous mode, the operation is performed synchronously with the synchronous signal (exposure synchronous signal) received from the camera body 100; 100 Sent Synchronization Signals. In the synchronous mode, the camera body 100 outputs a synchronous signal to the interchangeable lens 200 , and in the asynchronous mode, the camera body 100 stops outputting the synchronous signal to the interchangeable lens 200 . Switching between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode of the interchangeable lens 200 is controlled by the camera controller 140 according to the control status of the camera body 100 . For example, the interchangeable lens 200 is controlled in a synchronous mode during the viewer image display operation and video shooting, and is controlled in an asynchronous mode during camera system startup, image playback, and still image shooting.

Switching between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode in the interchangeable lens 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 .

First, the operation for starting synchronization will be described. The camera body 100 transmits a synchronization start command for setting the interchangeable lens 200 to the synchronous mode to the interchangeable lens 200 (A1). The interchangeable lens 200 executes the synchronization start process (A2) after receiving the synchronization start command. The synchronization start process includes a process of notifying each processing unit to adjust the drive frequency of the interchangeable lens 200 by the lens controller 240 to the frequency instructed by the camera controller 140 . The synchronization start process includes: a process of notifying each processing unit to complete the remaining process that needs to be driven in the asynchronous state; and a process of notifying each processing unit of the frequency of the corresponding change. The interchangeable lens 200 ends the asynchronous state after detecting that such notification has been performed (A3). Thereafter, the interchangeable lens 200 enters a mode switching waiting state. This mode switching waiting state is for each processing unit of the interchangeable lens 200 to perform processing for terminating remaining processing and processing for responding to a new frequency (frequency after change). In addition, the interchangeable lens 200 transmits a start command response to the camera body 100 after the asynchronous state is terminated (A4). The camera body 100 starts communication in the synchronous mode after receiving the start command response (A5). Specifically, the camera body 100 transmits a command requesting status information of the interchangeable lens 200 to the interchangeable lens 200 ( A5 ), and the interchangeable lens 200 transmits the status information of the interchangeable lens 200 to the camera body 100 . In addition, the camera body 100 transmits to the interchangeable lens 200 an operation setting command instructing control to be executed in the synchronous mode. The camera body 100 transmits a synchronization signal after the operation setting command is transmitted (A6). The interchangeable lens 200 starts a synchronous operation after a predetermined delay time elapses (A7). At this time, the lens 200 is exchanged, and the focus drive (for example, shaking) instructed by the motion setting command from the camera body 100 is performed (A8).

Next, the operation for terminating synchronization will be described. The camera body 100 transmits a synchronization end command for ending the synchronization mode to the interchangeable lens 200 (B1). The interchangeable lens 200 executes the synchronization end process (B2) after receiving the synchronization end command. The synchronization end process includes a process of notifying each processing unit in order to adjust the drive frequency of the lens controller 240 to a frequency at which the condition of the interchangeable lens 200 is better. For example, if the control frequency of the interchangeable lens 200 by the lens controller 240 is preset at 120 Hz, the synchronization end process includes a process of notifying each processing unit to adjust the drive frequency of the lens controller 240 to 120 Hz. The synchronization end processing is the same operation as the above-mentioned synchronization start processing. After the lens 200 is exchanged and the completion of the synchronization end process is confirmed, the synchronization mode is terminated (B3). The lens 200 is exchanged, and an end command response is sent to the camera body 100 (B4). Thereafter, the lens 200 is exchanged, and the state of waiting for mode switching is entered. In this mode switching waiting state, the lens controller 240 adjusts the driving frequency to a frequency at which the condition of the interchangeable lens 200 is good. In addition, the camera body 100 stops the output of the synchronization signal (B5), and the interchangeable lens 200 shifts to the asynchronous mode.

As described above, the synchronization mode/asynchronous mode between the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200 is switched by the synchronization start command and the synchronization end command.

In addition, the camera system 1 in this embodiment only "notifies" each processing instruction from the camera body 100 to the interchangeable lens 200 during the start processing and the end processing, and the actual processing is performed during the "mode switching waiting time". of. However, this structure does not have to be adopted. In the start processing and end processing, "notification" and "processing" of instructions for each processing may be performed, and the "mode switching waiting time" may not be set.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the camera system related to the above-mentioned synchronous mode/asynchronous mode switching operation. The operations of the camera controller 140 and the lens controller 240 in the synchronous mode/asynchronous mode switching operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3 .

When the power of the camera system is off (OFF), the power is switched to on (ON) by the user's operation or the like (S11), and then the camera controller 140 starts the initialization operation in the camera body 100 (S12). , and instructs the interchangeable lens 200 to start the initialization operation (S13).

The lens controller 240 receives an instruction from the camera controller 140, and performs an initialization operation in the interchangeable lens 200 (S14). The initialization operation in the interchangeable lens 200 includes various operations, such as measuring the origin of the operation of the focus motor 233 , checking the value of the counter 243 , calling a program stored in the flash memory 242 to the DRAM 241 , and the like. The lens controller 240 notifies the camera controller 140 of the completion of the initialization operation in the interchangeable lens 200 (S15).

The camera controller 140 completes the initialization operation of the camera body 100 and transitions from the asynchronous mode to the synchronous mode after receiving the initialization operation completion notification from the lens controller 240 ( S16 ). The camera controller 140 sends a synchronization start command to the lens controller 240 after shifting from the asynchronous mode to the synchronous mode. The lens controller 240, upon receiving the synchronization start command, shifts from the asynchronous mode to the synchronous mode, and performs a control operation in synchronization with the synchronization signal received from the camera controller 140 (S16B). For example, the lens controller 240 grasps the driving states of the focus motor 233 and the iris motor 261 in synchronization with the synchronization signal, and sends the result to the camera controller 140 .

Thereafter, the camera controller 140 proceeds to the generation and display operation of the live view image (S17). In this way, after shifting to the synchronous mode, the camera controller 140 can accurately grasp the position information of the focus lens 230 and the aperture value of the aperture 260 at predetermined timing by performing the through image generation and display operations. As a result, the camera system 1 can perform AF control and AE control with higher precision. In addition, details of the framing image and display operation will be described later.

While the generated through image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 120, the camera controller 140 monitors whether or not the shutter button 130 is pressed halfway (S18). When the door open button 130 is half-pressed, the camera controller 140 performs an automatic focus operation and an automatic exposure control operation (S19). After completing these actions, it is monitored whether the door opening button 130 is fully pressed (S20).

When the shutter button 130 is fully pressed, the camera controller 140 shifts from the synchronous mode to the asynchronous mode (S21). The camera controller 140 transmits a synchronization end command to the lens controller 240 after shifting from the synchronous mode to the asynchronous mode. The lens controller 240 transitions to the asynchronous mode after receiving the synchronization end command (S21B).

Thereafter, the CCD image sensor 110 performs exposure (S22). The camera controller 140 reads the image data generated by exposure from the CCD image sensor 110, and performs image processing (S23). After the reading of the image data is completed, the generated image data is stored in the memory card 171, and the process returns to step S16, and the camera controller 140 shifts to the synchronous mode. The reason why the camera controller 140 shifts to the asynchronous mode at the start of image capture (when the shutter button 130 is fully pressed) is that the camera controller 140 only needs to control the camera after image data is captured until it is recorded on the memory card 171. Each processing unit in the body 100 (processing of captured image data and recording to the memory card 171 ) is sufficient, and synchronization with the lens controller 240 is unnecessary. Thereby, the camera controller 140 can concentrate on processing in the camera body 100 .

In addition, when image data stored in the memory card 171 is reproduced and displayed on the monitor 120, the camera controller 140 and the lens controller 240 are driven in an asynchronous mode. During playback operation, the camera controller 140 only needs to control each processing unit provided in the camera body 100 , and does not need to control the processing unit in the lens controller 240 , so synchronization with the lens controller 240 is unnecessary. During playback, since the camera controller 140 is not synchronized with the lens controller 240, it can concentrate on playback of image data. As a result, the camera controller 140 can perform image data reproduction processing at high speed. In addition, by driving in an asynchronous mode during reproduction, the power supply of the CCD image sensor 110 can be turned off during reproduction. This is because the camera controller 140 does not need to send a synchronization signal to the lens controller 240 because the camera controller 140 and the lens controller 240 are driven in an asynchronous mode. Thereby, it is possible to turn off the power supply of the CCD image sensor 110 during reproduction of image data or the like, thereby saving power.

In this way, in the camera system according to the present embodiment, when the shutter button 130 is fully pressed, the camera controller 140 shifts from the synchronous mode to the asynchronous mode. As a result, the camera controller 140 does not need to synchronize the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 200 when processing captured image data and recording to the memory card 171. Therefore, the camera controller 140 can focus on Processing of image data and recording of image data to the memory card 171 . As a result, the camera controller 140 can process the image data and record the image data to the memory card 171 at high speed.

In addition, in the camera system according to the present embodiment, when reproducing the image data recorded on the memory card 171, the camera controller 140 operates in the asynchronous mode. Thus, the camera controller 140 can concentrate on reproduction of image data. As a result, the camera controller 140 can perform image data reproduction processing at high speed.

As described above, in the camera system of the present embodiment, the camera controller 140 switches between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode by notifying the lens controller 240 of a command. As a result, when synchronization is not required, control is performed in an asynchronous mode, and the control of the camera system can be simplified.

2-2. Operation in synchronous mode

In the synchronous mode, the lens 200 is exchanged, and various operations are performed in synchronization with a synchronous signal obtained from the camera body 100 . For example, the interchangeable lens 200 performs drive control of the focus lens 230 , the diaphragm 260 , and the zoom lens 210 in synchronization with a synchronization signal indicating an exposure period of the CCD image sensor 110 . These operations are described below.

In the camera system of this embodiment, the camera controller 140 transmits a synchronization signal to the lens controller 240 at a frequency of 60 (Hz).

The lens controller 240 drives the F value as the synchronization signal is acquired. The lens controller 240 performs drive control of the aperture 260 based on the acquired F value.

In addition, the lens controller 240 acquires the position information of the zoom lens 210 in accordance with the acquisition of the synchronization signal.

In addition, the lens controller 240 notifies the camera controller 140 of information indicating the hand-shake state as the synchronization signal is acquired. The camera controller 140 performs various controls in consideration of the hand-shake state based on the acquired information indicating the hand-shake state.

As described above, in the synchronous mode, the control of the aperture 260, the zoom lens 210, the OIS lens 220, etc., by the lens controller 240 is synchronized with the synchronous signal acquired by the lens controller 240 from the camera controller 140, in order to It is performed at the same frequency 60 (Hz) as the frequency of the synchronization signal. 3. Summary

The camera system according to this embodiment is a camera system including a camera body 100 and an interchangeable lens 200 . The camera body 100 is equipped with: a camera controller 140 that generates a synchronous signal; sends the generated synchronous signal to the body bayonet 150 of the interchangeable lens 200; controls the camera body 100 camera controller 140; The camera controller 140 that generates commands for controlling the interchangeable lens 200 into a synchronous mode (the interchangeable lens 200 is controlled synchronously with the synchronous signal) and an asynchronous mode (the interchangeable lens 200 is controlled asynchronously with the synchronous signal) . The interchangeable lens 200 includes: a lens mount 250 that receives synchronization signals and commands sent from the camera body 100 ; and a lens controller 240 that controls the interchangeable lens 200 in a synchronous mode or an asynchronous mode according to the received commands.

With the above configuration, it is possible to perform control in an asynchronous mode when synchronization is unnecessary. Therefore, the camera controller 140 can focus on the control of the camera body 100 without considering the synchronization with the interchangeable lens 200 . In addition, the camera controller 240 is not restricted more than necessary in order to achieve synchronization with the camera body 100 .

In addition, in this embodiment, the camera controller 140 may send a command for making the interchangeable lens 200 operate in a synchronous mode when shooting a moving image, and may issue an instruction for making the interchangeable lens 200 operate in a synchronous mode when shooting a still image. Command for asynchronous mode action. During moving image shooting, it is necessary to perform vibration control for autofocus operation, and the interchangeable lens 200 needs to operate in a synchronous mode. On the other hand, during the full-press operation and still image shooting, since vibration control for autofocus operation is not required, it is not necessary to operate the interchangeable lens 200 in the synchronous mode. Therefore, by operating the interchangeable lens 200 in the asynchronous mode during still image shooting, the camera controller 140 can focus on the control inside the camera body 100 .

In addition, in the present embodiment, when the camera controller 140 performs control so as not to take in the image data generated by the camera controller 140 through the CCD image sensor 110 into the subsequent processing unit of the CCD image sensor 110 (for example, it is not necessary to generate When framing an image or during image reproduction), the interchangeable lens 200 may be controlled to be asynchronous.

When the camera controller 140 does not take in image data, it is not necessary to synchronize the CCD image sensor 110 and the interchangeable lens 200 . In this case, the load on the camera controller 140 can be reduced by controlling the interchangeable lens 200 to be asynchronous.

(Embodiment 2)

In Embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 2 , a "mode switching wait time" is provided between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , control for realizing smooth switching from synchronous mode to asynchronous mode will be described without providing a "mode switching waiting time" between synchronous mode and asynchronous mode. In this embodiment, the processing executed during the mode switching waiting time in Embodiment 1 is executed in "start processing" or "end processing". The configuration and operation of the camera system 1 are basically the same as those of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the camera system 1 specific to this embodiment will be described.

In the interchangeable lens 200 , in the synchronous mode, control is performed based on a synchronous signal from the camera body 100 , and in the asynchronous mode, control is performed based on a timing signal generated in the interchangeable lens 200 . Therefore, after switching from the synchronous mode to the asynchronous mode, since the reference signal providing the control timing is switched, the control period is also switched. Problems can arise due to this switching of the reference signal that provides the control timing.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , when switching from the synchronous mode to the asynchronous mode without providing a switching waiting time like this embodiment, a period of control period t shorter than the control period T1 of the synchronous mode occurs. At this time, in the shorter control period t, it is necessary to end the process set for the control period T1 before switching. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the action speed of the actuator (such as a motor). However, if the operating speed of the actuator is set to be fast, the actuator may not be able to cope with the high speed and may lose synchronization.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in the case of switching from the synchronous mode to the asynchronous mode, the control period is not switched immediately, but after the control period T1 before switching has passed, the control period is adjusted to switch to the interchangeable lens 200 The control period T2. This operation will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 .

In the synchronous mode, the lens controller 240 counts the length ( T1 ) of the control cycle in units of the control cycle, and stores it in the DRAM 241 . When the lens controller 240 switches from the synchronous mode to the asynchronous mode, at the point in time when the previous control period length (T1) has elapsed since the mode switching, the length of the control period is switched to the asynchronous mode. The control period T2 of the lens 200 . That is, when switching from the synchronous mode to the asynchronous mode, the length of the control cycle including the switching time point is set so that the length of the control cycle including the switching time point is the same as the control cycle length ( T1 ) of the synchronous mode.

In this way, the control cycle after the mode switching is the same as the control cycle in the synchronous mode. Therefore, immediately after the mode switching occurs, the processing to be executed in the last cycle of the synchronous mode can be completed.

(other embodiments)

In the camera system 1 of the above-described embodiment, the camera controller 140 notifies the lens controller 240 of a synchronization signal at a frequency of 60 (Hz), but such a configuration is not necessarily required. The camera controller 140 may notify the lens controller 240 of a synchronization signal at a frequency of 30 (Hz), or may notify a synchronization signal at a frequency of 15 (Hz). That is, it does not matter what frequency the synchronization signal is notified of.

In addition, in the camera system 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the lens controller 240 controls each processing unit at 120 Hz in the asynchronous mode. However, this structure does not have to be adopted. For example, the lens controller 240 may control each processing unit at 60 Hz in the asynchronous mode, or may control each processing unit at 30 Hz. In addition, the lens controller 240 does not need to control each processing unit at 120 Hz, but may perform control at different frequencies according to different processing units and processing contents.

In addition, in the camera system 1 of the above-described embodiment, the camera controller 140 transmits a synchronization signal to the lens controller 240 in the synchronous mode, and does not transmit a synchronous signal to the lens controller 240 in the asynchronous mode. However, this structure does not have to be adopted. For example, the camera controller 140 can have the following structure: in the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode, the synchronous signal is sent to the lens controller 240, and the lens controller 240 is synchronized with the synchronous signal in the synchronous mode, but in the non-synchronous mode mode is not synchronized with the sync signal.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the structure which has the zoom lens 210 and the OIS lens 220 was illustrated, these are not essential structures of this invention. That is, the present invention can also be applied to a camera system equipped with a single-focus lens without a zoom function, and the present invention can also be applied to a camera system equipped with an interchangeable lens without a hand-shake compensation function.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the camera body which does not have a movable mirror was exemplified, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the camera body may have a movable mirror or a prism for dividing the subject image. In addition, it is also possible to have the movable mirror inside the adapter instead of inside the camera body.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the CCD image sensor 110 was illustrated as an imaging element, this invention is not limited to this. For example, a CMOS image sensor or an NMOS image sensor may be used as an imaging element.

(Industrial Utilization Possibility)

The present invention can be applied to a lens interchangeable camera system (specifically, a digital still camera or video camera, etc.) in which the interchangeable lens communicates with the camera body.

Although the above description has described a specific embodiment, those skilled in the art can infer many other modified examples, corrections, and other uses. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be limited by the specific disclosure herein, but rather by the appended claims. In addition, this application is related to Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-141929 (filed on May 30, 2008) and Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-145687 (filed on June 3, 2008), and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/053815 (Proposed May 16, 2008) are associated, incorporated herein by reference for their content.

Description of drawings:

100 fuselage

110 CCD image sensor

111 AD converter

112 timing generator

120 LCD monitor

130 shutter button

140 camera controller

141 DRAM

150 body bayonet

160 power supply

170 card slot

171 memory card

200 exchange lens

210 zoom lens

211 drive mechanism

212 detectors

220 OIS lens

221 Actuator

222 position detection sensor

223 IC for OIS

230 focus lens

233 focus motor

240 lens controller

241 DRAM

242 flash memory

243 counters

250 lens mount

260 aperture

261 aperture motor

Claims (8)

1. a camera arrangement is made of camera body and exchange camera lens, wherein,

Described camera body possesses:

Photographic unit;

The synchronizing signal that generates the synchronizing signal between the exposure period of representing described photographic unit generates mechanism;

Control described camera body, and generate the fuselage control gear of the order be used to control described exchange camera lens; And,

Send the transmitting mechanism of described synchronizing signal and described order;

Described transmitting mechanism with the exposure period of described photographic unit between relevant cycle send described synchronizing signal;

Described fuselage control gear is controlled, described exchange camera lens is sent the order that is used for that described exchange camera lens is set at the order of synchronous mode and is used for described exchange camera lens is set at the Asynchronous Mode beyond the described synchronous mode, and described synchronous mode is a pattern of synchronously controlling the action of described exchange camera lens with described synchronizing signal;

Described exchange camera lens possesses:

Reception is from the synchronizing signal of described camera body transmission and the receiving mechanism of order; And,

Control the camera lens control gear of the action of described exchange camera lens;

Described camera lens control gear is controlled the action of described exchange camera lens according to the order that receives from described camera body with described synchronous mode or described Asynchronous Mode.

2. camera arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

Described Asynchronous Mode be with described exchange camera lens in the synchronizing signal that generates synchronously control the pattern of the action of described exchange camera lens.

3. camera arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

When dynamic image was taken, described fuselage control gear was controlled to be described synchronous mode with described exchange camera lens.

4. camera arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein,

When rest image was taken, described fuselage control gear was controlled to be described Asynchronous Mode with described exchange camera lens.

5. camera arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

In the time will not being taken into the handling part of level thereafter by the view data that described photographic unit generates, described fuselage control gear is controlled to be Asynchronous Mode with described exchange camera lens.

6. camera arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

Described synchronous mode has the 1st control cycle, and described Asynchronous Mode has the 2nd control cycle;

When described synchronous mode switches to described Asynchronous Mode, described camera lens control gear is set the length that comprises the control cycle that switches time point, and the feasible length that comprises the control cycle that switches time point is identical with the length of the 1st control cycle.

7. a camera body can be installed the exchange camera lens, wherein,

This camera body has:

Photographic unit;

The synchronizing signal that generates the synchronizing signal between the exposure period of representing described photographic unit generates mechanism;

Control described camera body, and generate the fuselage control gear of the order be used to control described exchange camera lens; And,

Send the transmitting mechanism of described synchronizing signal and described order;

Described transmitting mechanism with the exposure period of described photographic unit between relevant cycle send described synchronizing signal;

Described fuselage control gear is controlled, described exchange camera lens is sent the order that is used for that described exchange camera lens is set at the order of synchronous mode and is used for described exchange camera lens is set at the Asynchronous Mode beyond the described synchronous mode, and described synchronous mode is a pattern of synchronously controlling the action of described exchange camera lens with described synchronizing signal.

8. an exchange camera lens can be installed on the camera body with photographic unit, wherein,

This exchanges camera lens, has:

Be received in the synchronizing signal between the exposure period of that the cycle relevant between the exposure period with described photographic unit sends from described camera body, expression photographic unit and the receiving mechanism of order; And,

The camera lens control gear that the action of described exchange camera lens is controlled;

Described camera lens control gear is according to the order that receives from described camera body, control the action of described exchange camera lens with the Asynchronous Mode beyond synchronous mode or the described synchronous mode, described synchronous mode is a pattern of synchronously controlling the action of described exchange camera lens with described synchronizing signal.

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