Imaging system, control method and program

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a camera system, control method, and program capable of optimizing release time lag. An external flash transmits the time it takes to prepare for a flash, from the moment it completes receiving a flash command to the moment it becomes possible to receive a flash trigger. The camera communicates with the external flash to obtain the time, and optimizes the output timing of the flash trigger based on the time. This technology can be applied, for example, to a camera system including an external flash and a camera.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging system, a control method, and a program, and more particularly to an imaging system, a control method, and a program capable of optimizing a release time lag. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an imaging system including a camera and an external flash, the external flash device is mounted on a mounting unit (so-called hot shoe) provided on the top of the camera body, and imaging is performed so that light is emitted from the external flash device in synchronization with the imaging of the camera. Furthermore, in the imaging system, a plurality of external flashes having a wireless communication function can be placed without being attached to the camera, and the emission of light from these external flashes can be controlled via wireless communication.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging device that detects connection with an external strobe and communicates with the external strobe attached to a connection unit.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-64763 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0008] Incidentally, in recent years, the performance of communication between a camera and an external flash has improved, and it is assumed that the performance will be further improved. For example, it is necessary to optimize the release time lag.

[0009] The present disclosure is proposed in view of this situation, and its purpose is to optimize the release time lag.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an imaging system includes: an external flash, the external flash including a first communication unit for transmitting a lighting preparation time from when a lighting command is completed to when a lighting trigger is acceptable; and an imaging device including a second communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit of the external flash and obtains the lighting preparation time, and an optimization processing unit that optimizes the output timing of the lighting trigger based on the lighting preparation time obtained by the second communication unit.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control method or program includes: transmitting a lighting preparation time from when reception of a lighting command is completed to when a lighting trigger is acceptable; and communicating with an external flash light and acquiring the lighting preparation time, and optimizing the output timing of the lighting trigger based on the acquired lighting preparation time.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting preparation time from when reception of a lighting command is completed to when a lighting trigger is acceptable is transmitted, communication is performed with an external flash, the lighting preparation time is acquired, and the output timing of the lighting trigger is optimized based on the lighting preparation time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 A configuration example of an embodiment of an imaging system to which the present technology is applied is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of an imaging system.

[0016] Figure 3 An example of a communication sequence in the first communication standard is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 An example of a communication sequence in the second communication standard is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 This diagram explains the transition between synchronous mode and asynchronous mode and the light emission preparation time.

[0019] Figure 6 An example of a normal main firing sequence for emitting a flash is shown.

[0020] Figure 7 An example of a high-speed synchronized main lighting sequence for emitting smooth light is shown.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an illustration of the cancel signal.

[0022] Figure 9 A first notification example of the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification at the time of preliminary lighting is shown.

[0023] Figure 10 A second notification example of the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification at the time of preliminary lighting is shown.

[0024] Figure 11 A first notification example of the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification at the time of main lighting is shown.

[0025] Figure 12 A second notification example of the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification at the time of main lighting is shown.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a flowchart showing the optimization process executed in the camera body.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a flowchart showing the optimization process performed in the commander.

[0028] Figure 15 is a flow chart representing the optimization process performed in the receiver.

[0029] Figure 16 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a computer to which the present technology is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Specific embodiments to which the present technology is applied will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] <Configuration Example of Imaging System>

[0032] Figure 1 A configuration example of an embodiment of an imaging system to which the present technology is applied is shown.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the imaging system 11 includes a camera body 12, an external flash 13A mounted on the camera body 12, and external flashes 13B-1 and 13B-2 that are not mounted on the camera body 12. Note that the external flashes 13B-1 and 13B-2 may also be attached to the camera body 12, and hereinafter, in the case where there is no need to distinguish between the external flash 13A and the external flashes 13B-1 and 13B-2, these external flashes will be simply referred to as the external flash 13 where appropriate.

[0034] The camera body 12 includes a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22. The display unit 21 displays an image captured by the camera body 12 and various setting screens, etc. The operation unit 22 has a shutter button that is operated to perform imaging by using the camera body 12, a setting button that is operated to perform various settings by using a setting screen displayed on the display unit 21, etc.

[0035] Each external flash 13 includes a display unit 31 and an operation unit 32. The display unit 31 displays a setting screen for performing settings of the external flash 13. The operation unit 32 has a setting button that operates to perform settings for the external flash 13 by using the setting screen displayed on the display unit 21.

[0036] Here, in the imaging system 11, the external flash 13A can communicate with the camera body 12 via electrical contacts of a mounting unit provided in the camera body 12. At the same time, in the imaging system 11, the external flashes 13B-1 and 13B-2 can communicate with the external flash 13A via wireless communication using radio waves. That is, the external flash 13A can directly communicate with the camera body 12 to transmit commands to the external flashes 13B-1 and 13B-2, and the external flashes 13B-1 and 13B-2 can receive the commands and operate.

[0037] Therefore, hereinafter, the external flash 13A will also be referred to as a commander 13A, and the external flashes 13B- 1 and 13B- 2 will also be regarded as receivers 13B- 1 and 13B- 2 as appropriate.

[0038] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the imaging system 11 .

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, when the commander 13A is mounted on the camera body 12 in the imaging system 11, the camera body 12 and the commander 13A are electrically connected via four signal lines (TRG, DATA, CLK, GND) and can therefore communicate with each other. In addition, the commander 13A and the receiver 13B can perform wireless communication.

[0040] The camera body 12 includes an operation signal acquisition unit 41 , a display control unit 42 , a storage unit 43 , a shutter control unit 44 , a shutter drive unit 45 , a photometry unit 46 , a communication unit 47 , and a control unit 48 .

[0041] When operating Figure 1 When the operation unit 22 is operated, the operation signal acquisition unit 41 acquires an operation signal corresponding to the operation. For example, when the shutter button of the operation unit 22 is fully pressed, the operation signal acquisition unit 41 acquires an operation signal indicating that the shutter button has been fully pressed, and supplies the operation signal to the shutter control unit 44 and the control unit 48. Furthermore, when the set button of the operation unit 22 is operated, the operation signal acquisition unit 41 acquires an operation signal indicating that an instruction regarding a setting associated with the set button has been issued, and supplies the operation signal to the setting linkage processing unit 52 of the control unit 48.

[0042] The display control unit 42 can control Figure 1 The display on the display unit 21 and, for example, the display or non-display of the setting screen of the external flash 13 can be controlled according to the setting linkage processing of the setting linkage processing unit 52 of the control unit 48.

[0043] The storage unit 43 stores various data required for the control unit 48 to control the camera body 12. For example, the storage unit 43 can store setting information of the commander 13A acquired by the communication unit 47 communicating with the commander 13A and setting information of the receiver 13B acquired via the commander 13A. Here, various setting values ​​such as the emission mode and light distribution type of the external flash 13, the brightness of the AF auxiliary light, and the number of test shots are registered in the setting information of each external flash 13.

[0044] For example, when an operation signal indicating that the shutter button has been fully pressed is supplied from the operation signal acquisition unit 41, the shutter control unit 44 controls the shutter drive unit 45 so that the imaging element (not shown) is exposed for an appropriate exposure time. At this time, the shutter control unit 44 can control, for example, the timing of exposing the imaging element based on the optimization processing of the optimization processing unit 51 of the control unit 48.

[0045] The shutter driving unit 45 drives a front curtain and a rear curtain (both not shown) for adjusting the exposure time of the imaging element under the control of the shutter control unit 44 .

[0046] The photometry unit 46 includes, for example, an optical sensor, measures the amount of light irradiated on the subject by the light emission from the external flash 13 , and supplies a photometry result obtained by the measurement to the optimization processing unit 51 of the control unit 48 .

[0047] The communication unit 47 communicates with the commander 13A via four signal lines (TRG, DATA, CLK, GND) under the control of the control unit 48. Here, in the imaging system 11, it is assumed that the communication unit 47 performs communication according to two communication standards (i.e., a first communication standard and a second communication standard), and can perform communication while migrating between these communication standards according to the communication compatibility processing by the communication compatibility processing unit 53 of the control unit 48. Note that the second communication standard is compatible with the first communication standard, and devices compatible with the second communication standard can perform communication according to the first communication standard. At the same time, devices compatible only with the first communication standard cannot perform communication according to the second communication standard.

[0048] The control unit 48 performs control necessary for the camera body 12 to perform imaging. Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 48 includes an optimization processing unit 51 , a setting linkage processing unit 52 and a communication compatibility processing unit 53 .

[0049] For example, the optimization processing unit 51 recognizes the emission preparation time issued as a notification from the commander 13A and performs optimization processing required to optimize the release time lag of the entire imaging system 11. Here, the emission preparation time indicates the time from when the external flash 13 is instructed to emit light to when the external flash 13 can accept a light emission trigger, and the release time lag indicates the time from when the shutter button is fully pressed to when imaging is actually performed. The optimization processing unit 51 performs the optimization processing described above, and this enables the release time lag to be reduced or made constant in the imaging system 11.

[0050] For example, when an operation for executing the setting of the external flash 13 is performed in the camera body 12, and when the above-mentioned operation is performed in the external flash 13, the setting linkage processing unit 52 performs setting linkage processing required to link the settings executed by these two operations. The setting linkage processing unit 52 performs the setting linkage processing as described above, so that the setting of the external flash 13 can be realized by operating the camera body 12 in the imaging system 11.

[0051] For example, in the case where both the external flash 13 compatible with the second communication standard and the external flash 13 compatible with the first communication standard are present, the communication compatibility processing unit 53 performs communication compatibility processing required to maintain communication compatibility. The communication compatibility processing unit 53 performs the communication compatibility processing as described above, so that the imaging system 11 can cope with various situations where both the first communication standard and the second communication standard are present.

[0052] The commander 13A includes an operation signal acquisition unit 61A, a display control unit 62A, a storage unit 63A, a light emission control unit 64A, a light emission unit 65A, a wireless communication unit 66A, a communication unit 67A, a pulse width measurement unit 68A, and a control unit 69A. Note that the receiver 13B is configured similarly to the commander 13A, and therefore, the configuration of the commander 13A will be described here, and the description of the configuration of the receiver 13B will be omitted.

[0053] When operating Figure 1 When the operation unit 32A is operated, the operation signal acquisition unit 61A acquires an operation signal corresponding to the operation. For example, when the setting button of the operation unit 32A is operated, the operation signal acquisition unit 61A acquires an operation signal indicating that an instruction regarding the setting associated with the setting button has been issued, and supplies the operation signal to the control unit 69A.

[0054] The display control unit 62A performs control under the control of the control unit 69A to display Figure 1 The setting screen is displayed on the display unit 31A.

[0055] The storage unit 63A stores various data necessary for the control unit 69A to control the commander 13A, setting information set in the commander 13A, and the like.

[0056] The light emission control unit 64A controls the light emission of the light emission unit 65A according to a light emission trigger output from the camera body 12 in response to an operation of fully pressing the shutter button.

[0057] The light emitting unit 65A emits light under the control of the light emitting control unit 64A.

[0058] The wireless communication unit 66A performs wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 66B of the receiver 13B under the control of the control unit 69A.

[0059] The communication unit 67A communicates with the camera body 12 via four signal lines (TRG, DATA, CLK, GND) under the control of the control unit 69A. Here, in the imaging system 11, it is assumed that the communication unit 67A performs communication according to two communication standards (ie, the first communication standard and the second communication standard).

[0060] The pulse width measurement unit 68A measures the pulse width of a signal transmitted at a predetermined clock cycle via the signal line CLK. Then, when measuring a pulse width different from the pulse width normally used in the second communication standard, the pulse width measurement unit 68A detects that a cancel signal indicating cancellation of communication at that time has been output from the camera body 12, and supplies a cancel detection signal indicating this detection to the optimization processing unit 71A of the control unit 69A.

[0061] The control unit 69A performs control necessary for the commander 13A to emit light in synchronization with imaging by the camera body 12. Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 69A includes an optimization processing unit 71A, a setting linkage processing unit 72A, and a communication compatibility processing unit 73A.

[0062] The optimization processing unit 71A performs optimization processing with the optimization processing unit 51 of the camera body 12. For example, the optimization processing unit 71A acquires the lighting preparation times of all receivers 13B by wireless communication via the wireless communication unit 66A, selects the longest lighting preparation time from the lighting preparation times of all external flashes 13 included in the imaging system 11 (including the lighting preparation time of the commander 13A itself), and notifies the optimization processing unit 51 of the camera body 12 via the communication unit 67A.

[0063] The setting linkage processing unit 72A executes setting linkage processing with the setting linkage processing unit 52 of the camera body 12 .

[0064] The communication-compatible processing unit 73A performs communication-compatible processing with the communication-compatible processing unit 53 of the camera body 12 .

[0065] The imaging system 11 configured as described above can optimize the release time lag.

[0066] For example, in the imaging system 11, the external flash 13 sends information about the lighting preparation timing (for example, a signal to be described later) to the camera body 12 via communication according to the second communication standard. Figure 6The optimization processing unit 51 is notified of the lighting preparation time T11 in the external flash unit 13, and can reduce the release time lag based on the lighting preparation time. For example, in a configuration where the camera body 12 is not notified of the lighting preparation time from the external flash unit 13, the camera body 12 needs to perform imaging control to cope with the estimated longest lighting preparation time among the various external flash units 13 that can be used. At the same time, the imaging system 11 only needs to perform imaging control based on the lighting preparation time of the external flash unit 13 to be used, and does not need to cope with the estimated longest lighting preparation time. This makes it possible to reduce the release time lag.

[0067] Furthermore, as described above, in the imaging system 11, the communication unit 47 and the communication unit 67A can perform communication according to two communication standards, namely, the first communication standard and the second communication standard. In the first communication standard, communication is performed by a fixed data method, while in the second communication standard, communication is performed by a command method. As described above, the command method is adopted in the second communication standard, so, for example, as will be described later with reference to Figure 5 As described, only the minimum data required for the external flash 13 to emit light needs to be transmitted in an asynchronous manner from the camera body 12 to the external flash 13. This also enables a reduction in release time lag in the imaging system 11.

[0068] <Optimization of release delay>

[0069] Will refer to Figures 3 to 13 An optimization of the release time delay according to the second communication standard is described.

[0070] Figure 3 An example of a communication sequence in the first communication standard is shown.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, in the first communication standard, a signal giving instructions on the transmission direction between the camera body 12 and the commander 13A is first transmitted from the camera body 12 to the commander 13A via the signal line CLK. Then, command data is transmitted and received between the camera body 12 and the commander 13A at predetermined intervals for each byte.

[0072] Figure 4 An example of a communication sequence in the second communication standard is shown.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, in the second communication standard, header data is first transmitted from the camera body 12 to the commander 13A. The header data specifies the transmission direction between the camera body 12 and the commander 13A, as well as the data size (number of bytes) of the command data to be transmitted after the header data. Thereafter, command data corresponding to the data size specified by the header data is transmitted and received between the camera body 12 and the commander 13A.

[0074] As described above, the second communication standard separates header data from command data. Therefore, the camera body 12 can specify the data size of the command data using the header data and transmit command data compiled for that data size. Specifically, while the first communication standard transmits command data at predetermined intervals for each byte, the second communication standard transmits compiled command data without such intervals.

[0075] Therefore, the second communication standard can reduce the time required to transmit command data compared to the first communication standard. As a result, for example, the camera body 12 can reduce the release time lag by reducing the transmission time of the emission command to instruct the external flash 13 to emit light.

[0076] Will refer to Figure 5 Transition between the synchronous mode and the asynchronous mode in the second communication standard and the light emission preparation timing of the commander 13A are described.

[0077] In the second communication standard, communication between the camera body 12 and the commander 13A is generally performed in synchronous mode, and in asynchronous mode for a certain period before and after imaging by the camera body 12. For example, at the timing when the output of the preliminary firing command begins in response to the shutter button of the operation unit 22 being fully pressed, communication between the camera body 12 and the commander 13a shifts from synchronous mode to asynchronous mode. Then, at the timing when the main firing trigger output via the signal line TRG returns from the L level to the H level after the main firing, communication between the camera body 12 and the commander 13A shifts from asynchronous mode to synchronous mode.

[0078] In the synchronization mode, synchronization communication commands are bidirectionally transmitted between the camera body 12 and the commander 13A at a certain cycle, and, for example, a light emission preparation time is transmitted from the commander 13A to the camera body 12 .

[0079] In the asynchronous mode, regardless of the cycle in the synchronous mode, the preliminary lighting command, the preliminary lighting trigger, the main lighting command, and the main lighting trigger are transmitted from the camera body 12 to the commander 13A. The preliminary lighting command includes data indicating the amount of light to be emitted in the preliminary lighting, and the main lighting command includes data indicating the amount of light to be emitted in the main lighting.

[0080] Here, the external flash 13 receives the firing command, performs preparations such as internal settings for firing, and then can actually fire. Specifically, the external flash 13 cannot accept a firing trigger until the firing preparations are complete. The time from when the firing command is received to when the external flash can accept a firing trigger is the firing preparation time. Therefore, the camera body 12 needs to transmit a firing trigger at a timing that allows the firing preparation time to elapse after the firing command has been transmitted.

[0081] Therefore, if Figure 5 As shown, when the communication unit 47 lowers the signal line TRG from the H level to the L level at the timing when the lighting preparation time elapses after the transmission of the preliminary lighting command is completed, the camera body 12 outputs the preliminary lighting trigger. The lighting control unit 64A controls the lighting unit 65A in response to the preliminary lighting trigger, so the commander 13A outputs the preliminary lighting trigger as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The flash waveform shown emits light.

[0082] Thereafter, in the camera body 12, the photometric unit 46 measures the amount of light irradiating the subject in the preliminary flash. The optimization processing unit 51 obtains the amount of light in the main flash based on the photometric result obtained by the measurement by the photometric unit 46, and controls the communication unit 47 to transmit a main flash command including data indicating the amount of light.

[0083] Then, if Figure 5 As shown, when the communication unit 47 lowers the signal line TRG from the H level to the L level at the timing when the lighting preparation time elapses after the transmission of the main lighting command is completed, the camera body 12 outputs the main lighting trigger. The lighting control unit 64A controls the lighting unit 65A in response to the main lighting trigger, so the commander 13A outputs the main lighting trigger as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The flash waveform shown emits light.

[0084] As described above, in the second communication standard, the lighting preparation time can be transmitted from the commander 13A to the camera body 12 in a synchronized mode. Therefore, in the camera body 12, the optimization processing unit 51 controls the timing of outputting the lighting trigger based on the lighting preparation time, thereby optimizing the timing of synchronizing the camera body 12 and the commander 13A without changing the control of the commander 13A. This makes it possible to reduce the release time lag in the imaging system 11.

[0085] Furthermore, the second communication standard enables communication while separating command data, which is regularly transmitted and received in synchronous mode, from command data, which is transmitted and received in asynchronous mode. In asynchronous mode, only the minimum data required for light emission needs to be transmitted. Therefore, the communication time can be reduced by reducing the amount of data communicated in asynchronous mode. This also reduces release lag.

[0086] Here, the minimum data required for light emission transmitted in the asynchronous mode includes, for example, not only the data indicating the light amount described above but also data indicating the light emission mode (flash or steady light emission).

[0087] Will refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 Describes a normal main lighting sequence for emitting flash light and a high-speed synchronized main lighting sequence for emitting steady light.

[0088] Figure 6 An example of a normal main firing sequence for emitting a flash is shown.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown, at the timing when the lighting preparation time T11 elapses after the transmission of the main lighting command is completed, the signal line TRG is lowered from the H level to the L level, and thus the main lighting trigger is output.

[0090] Then, in a normal main light emission sequence, the shutter control unit 44 controls the shutter drive unit 45 so that the movement of the front curtain is completed before the main light emission trigger is output and the movement of the rear curtain is started after the main light emission of the commander 13A ends. In other words, control is performed so that the commander 13A emits the main light within the shutter fully open time from the completion of the movement of the front curtain to the start of the movement of the rear curtain.

[0091] Figure 7 An example of a high-speed synchronized main lighting sequence for emitting smooth light is shown.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the signal line TRG is lowered from the H level to the L level at the timing when the lighting preparation time T21 elapses after the transmission of the main lighting command is completed, and thus the main lighting trigger is output. Then, the time required for stabilization of the steady lighting after the output of the main lighting trigger is defined as the lighting stabilization time T22, and the time during which the steady lighting has a stable light amount is defined as the steady lighting time T23.

[0093] Here, in the imaging system 11, the shutter control unit 44 of the camera body 12 can notify the light emission control unit 64A of the commander 13A of the shutter open / close time from the start of movement of the front curtain to the completion of movement of the rear curtain according to the second communication standard. At the same time, the light emission control unit 64A of the commander 13A can notify the shutter control unit 44 of the camera body 12 of the light emission stabilization time T22.

[0094] Therefore, in the high-speed synchronized main lighting sequence for emitting steady light, the lighting control unit 64A can control steady lighting so that the steady lighting time T23 is minimized based on the shutter opening / closing time in the camera body 12 .

[0095] Also, the shutter control unit 44 may control the movement of the front curtain and the rear curtain so that exposure is performed immediately after the light emission stabilization time T22 in the commander 13A elapses.

[0096] The light emission control unit 64A optimizes the stable light emission time T23 as described above, thereby reducing the consumption of power, for example, charged in a capacitor. Furthermore, the optimization of the stable light emission time T23 can improve the followability of continuous imaging, which continuously captures multiple images during high-speed synchronization, and can, for example, maximize the number of continuous imaging attempts.

[0097] Will refer to Figure 8 Describes a cancel signal.

[0098] As described above, communication data compiled for a predetermined data size can be transmitted and received in the second communication standard. Therefore, the shutter button of the operation unit 22 can be fully pressed during the transmission and reception of communication data in the synchronization mode. In view of this, in the imaging system 11, if the shutter button of the operation unit 22 is fully pressed during the transmission and reception of communication data in the synchronization mode, a cancel signal for canceling the transmission and reception of communication data can be output from the camera body 12 to the commander 13A.

[0099] like Figure 8 As shown, for a time T31 having a pulse width greater than the period of the clock output via the signal line CLK, a cancel signal is output from the camera body 12. Therefore, in the commander 13A, when measuring the time T31, the pulse width measurement unit 68A detects that the cancel signal has been output from the camera body 12, and notifies the optimization processing unit 71A of this detection. Therefore, the optimization processing unit 71A discards the communication data received when the cancel signal is detected, and immediately ends the communication processing. Then, as described above with reference to Figure 5 As described, the commander 13A can receive the lighting command and the lighting trigger. Note that the cancel signal may also have a pulse width smaller than the clock cycle output via the signal line CLK, and only needs to have a pulse width different from the clock cycle.

[0100] As described above, the use of a cancel signal in the second communication standard prevents, for example, the transmission and reception of communication data in synchronous mode from hindering imaging. For example, when synchronous mode transitions to asynchronous mode after the transmission and reception of communication data in synchronous mode has concluded, the time from when the shutter button of operation unit 22 is fully pressed to when the light emission command and light emission trigger are transmitted becomes longer. Furthermore, in this case, the time until the transmission and reception of communication data in synchronous mode concludes varies depending on the timing of fully pressing the shutter button of operation unit 22. Therefore, it is believed that the release time lag is not constant.

[0101] At the same time, the imaging system 11 immediately ends the communication process when the cancellation signal is detected. This makes it possible to prevent the time until the emission command and emission trigger are transmitted from being long and to make the release time lag constant. That is, the release time lag can be optimized.

[0102] Will refer to Figures 9-12 The lighting information notification and lighting timing notification transmitted from the commander 13A to the receiver 13B are described. Figures 9-12 , receiver groups A, B, and C each including a predetermined number of receivers 13B will be described.

[0103] Figure 9 A first notification example of the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification at the time of preliminary lighting is shown.

[0104] For example, at the timing when the lighting preparation time T41 elapses after the transmission of the preliminary lighting command is completed, the camera body 12 outputs the preliminary lighting trigger ( Figure 9 Here, in the first notification example at the time of preliminary lighting, the lighting preparation time T41 is the time from when the transmission of the preliminary lighting command is completed to when the receiver 13B can accept the lighting timing notification after receiving the lighting information notification.

[0105] Then, in response to the preliminary lighting command, the commander 13A transmits a lighting information notification indicating the amount of light emitted in the preliminary lighting and lighting mode to all the receivers 13B of the receiver groups A, B, and C via wireless communication through the wireless communication unit 66A. For example, during the radio wave communication time T42, the commander 13A transmits a lighting information notification indicating the amount of light emitted in the preliminary lighting and lighting mode to all the receivers 13B of the receiver groups A, B, and C. Figure 9 In the example, six times) the luminous information notification is repeatedly transmitted.

[0106] Thereafter, in response to the first preliminary lighting trigger, the commander 13A transmits a lighting timing notification indicating the timing of preliminary lighting via wireless communication through the wireless communication unit 66A. For example, in the first preliminary lighting trigger, the lighting timing notification is transmitted a predetermined number of times (in seconds) during the radio wave communication time T43. Figure 9 In the example, four times) is repeatedly transmitted to the receiver group B. Therefore, a predetermined number of receivers 13B included in the receiver group B are transmitted in the form of Figure 9 The flash waveform shown emits preliminary light.

[0107] Similarly, in response to the second preliminary lighting trigger, during the radio wave communication time T44, the commander 13A repeatedly transmits the lighting timing notification to the receiver group C a predetermined number of times. And, in response to the third preliminary lighting trigger, the commander 13A repeatedly transmits the lighting timing notification to the receiver group A a predetermined number of times during the radio wave communication time T45. Figure 9 As shown, a predetermined number of receivers 13B included in each of the receiver groups C and A are Figure 9 The flash waveform shown emits preliminary light.

[0108] As described above, in the first notification example at the time of preliminary lighting, the lighting information notification is transmitted to all the receivers 13B at the same time, and then the lighting timing notification is transmitted to each receiver group.

[0109] Figure 10 A second notification example of the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification at the time of preliminary lighting is shown.

[0110] For example, the camera body 12 outputs a preliminary lighting trigger three times at predetermined intervals when the lighting preparation time T51 elapses after the transmission of the preliminary lighting command is completed. Here, in the second notification example at the time of preliminary lighting, the lighting preparation time T51 is the time from the time the transmission of the preliminary lighting command is completed to the time when the commander 13A can accept the preliminary lighting trigger.

[0111] Then, in response to the first preliminary lighting trigger, the commander 13A transmits the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification together via wireless communication through the wireless communication unit 66A. For example, in the first preliminary lighting trigger, the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification are transmitted at a predetermined number of times (in seconds) during the radio wave communication time T52. Figure 10 In the example, four times) is repeatedly transmitted to the receiver group B. Therefore, a predetermined number of receivers 13B included in the receiver group B are transmitted in the form of Figure 10 The flash waveform shown emits preliminary light.

[0112] Similarly, in response to the second preliminary lighting trigger, the commander 13A repeatedly transmits the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification to the receiver group C a predetermined number of times during the radio wave communication time T53. And, in response to the third preliminary lighting trigger, the commander 13A repeatedly transmits the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification to the receiver group A a predetermined number of times during the radio wave communication time T54. Thus, the predetermined number of receivers 13B included in each of the receiver groups C and A are repeatedly transmitted to the receiver group C a predetermined number of times during the radio wave communication time T55. Figure 10 The flash waveform shown emits preliminary light.

[0113] As described above, in the second notification example at the time of preliminary lighting, the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification are transmitted to each receiver group together. Therefore, in the second notification example at the time of preliminary lighting, for example, Figure 9 The radio wave communication time T4 required to transmit the lighting information notification in the first notification example at the time of preliminary lighting in the embodiment shortens the time from the transmission of the preliminary lighting command to the end of the preliminary lighting. This makes it possible to reduce the release time lag.

[0114] Furthermore, in the second notification example at the time of preliminary lighting, the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification are transmitted together, thereby reducing the number of redundant communications that cause communication failures such as radio wave interference. This also enables reduction of release time lag.

[0115] Figure 11 A first notification example of the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification at the time of main lighting is shown.

[0116] For example, the camera body 12 outputs the main lighting trigger ( Figure 11 Here, in the first notification example at the time of main lighting, the lighting preparation time T61 is the time from when the transmission of the main lighting command is completed to when the receiver 13B can accept the lighting timing notification after receiving the lighting information notification.

[0117] Then, in response to the main lighting command, the commander 13A transmits lighting information notification indicating the amount of light emitted in the main lighting and lighting modes to all the receivers 13B of the receiver groups A, B, and C via wireless communication through the wireless communication unit 66A. For example, during the radio wave communication time T62, the commander 13A transmits the lighting information notification indicating the amount of light emitted in the main lighting and lighting modes to all the receivers 13B of the receiver groups A, B, and C. Figure 11 In the example, six times) the luminous information notification is repeatedly transmitted.

[0118] Then, in response to the main lighting trigger, the commander 13A transmits a lighting timing notification indicating the timing of the main lighting via wireless communication through the wireless communication unit 66A. For example, in the main lighting trigger, during the radio wave communication time T63, the commander 13A transmits a lighting timing notification indicating the timing of the main lighting. Figure 11 In the example, four times) the light emission timing notification is repeatedly transmitted to all the receivers 13B of the receiver groups A, B, and C. Therefore, all the receivers 13B of the receiver groups A, B, and C transmit the light emission timing notification at the same time. Figure 11 The flash waveform shown emits the main light.

[0119] As described above, in the first notification example at the time of main lighting, the lighting information notification is simultaneously transmitted to all the receivers 13B, and then the lighting timing notification is simultaneously transmitted to all the receivers 13B.

[0120] Figure 12 A second notification example of the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification at the time of main lighting is shown.

[0121] For example, the camera body 12 outputs the main firing trigger at the timing when the firing preparation time T71 elapses after the transmission of the main firing command is completed. Here, in the second notification example at the time of main firing, the firing preparation time T71 is the time from the time when the transmission of the main firing command is completed to the time when the commander 13A can accept the main firing trigger.

[0122] Then, in response to the main lighting trigger, the commander 13A transmits the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification together via wireless communication through the wireless communication unit 66A. For example, in the main lighting trigger, the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification are transmitted at a predetermined number of times (in the radio wave communication time T72) during the radio wave communication time T72. Figure 12 In the example of four times) is repeated and transmitted simultaneously to all receivers 13B of receiver groups A, B, C. Therefore, all receivers 13B of receiver groups A, B and C transmit the same signal at the same time. Figure 12 The flash waveform shown emits the main light.

[0123] As described above, in the second notification example at the time of main lighting, the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification are transmitted to all receivers 13B at once. Therefore, in the second notification example at the time of main lighting, for example, Figure 11 The radio wave communication time T62 required to transmit the lighting information notification in the first notification example at the time of main lighting in

[15] is shortened from the time when the main lighting command is transmitted to the time when the main lighting ends. This makes it possible to reduce the release time lag.

[0124] Furthermore, in the second notification example at the time of main lighting, the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification are transmitted together, thereby reducing the number of redundant communications that may cause communication failures such as radio wave interference. This also enables reduction of release time lag.

[0125] <Optimization Processing>

[0126] Will refer to Figures 13-15 The optimization process performed in the imaging system 11 is described.

[0127] Figure 13 1 is a flowchart showing the optimization process executed in the camera body 12 .

[0128] For example, when the camera body 12, to which the commander 13A is connected, is activated and communication transitions from the first communication standard to the second communication standard, processing begins. In step S11, the communication unit 47 transmits and receives data from the communication unit 67A of the commander 13A in synchronization mode. During this data transmission and reception, the communication unit 47 determines the longest preparation time for firing of all external flashes 13 included in the imaging system 11 and supplies this longest preparation time to the optimization processing unit 51.

[0129] In step S12, the optimization processing unit 51 determines the optimal release lag for the entire imaging system 11 based on the longest firing preparation time among all external flashes 13 acquired in step S11, and sets its optimal value. Specifically, based on the information regarding the longest firing preparation time transmitted from the external flashes 13, the shortest time that is not shorter than the longest firing preparation time and falls within the range for synchronizing exposure preparation and firing of the camera body 12 is calculated as the optimal release lag. More specifically, the time obtained by adding a predetermined extension time to the longer of the firing preparation time and the exposure preparation time is calculated as the optimal release lag. Note that this optimal value is calculated with the assumption that the release lag time remains constant (within a predetermined range) each time the user performs an imaging operation. Specifically, the optimal value here indicates a value at which the release lag time remains constant (within a predetermined range) at least each time the user performs an imaging operation, and preferably indicates a value at which the release lag time remains constant (within a predetermined range) and is the shortest.

[0130] In step S13 , the operation signal acquisition unit 41 determines whether the shutter button has been fully pressed.

[0131] If the operation signal acquisition unit 41 determines in step S13 that the shutter button has not been fully pressed, the process returns to step S11, after which the synchronization mode is continued and similar processing is repeated. Meanwhile, if the operation signal acquisition unit 41 determines in step S13 that the shutter button has been fully pressed, an operation signal indicating that the shutter button has been fully pressed is supplied to the optimization processing unit 51, and the process proceeds to step S14.

[0132] In step S14 , the optimization processing unit 51 determines whether the communication unit 47 currently performs communication in the synchronous mode.

[0133] In a case where the optimization processing unit 51 determines in step S14 that the communication unit 47 is currently performing communication in the synchronous mode, the process proceeds to step S15 .

[0134] In step S15, the optimization processing unit 51 controls the communication unit 47 to output the above reference signal to the commander 13A. Figure 8 Therefore, the communication unit 47 outputs a cancel signal having a pulse width different from the clock cycle output via the signal line CLK.

[0135] After the processing of step S15 , or in a case where it is determined in step S14 that the communication unit 47 is not currently performing communication in the synchronous mode, the processing proceeds to step S16 .

[0136] In step S16 , the communication unit 47 transitions the communication with the communication unit 67A of the commander 13A from the synchronous mode to the asynchronous mode.

[0137] In step S17 , the optimization processing unit 51 controls the communication unit 47 to transmit the preliminary light emission command to the commander 13A.

[0138] In step S18 , after the lighting preparation time according to the optimal value of the release time lag set in step S12 has passed since the transmission of the preliminary lighting command in step S17 is completed, the optimization processing unit 51 controls the communication unit 47 to output a lighting trigger to the commander 13A.

[0139] In step S19, the optimization processing unit 51 controls the communication unit 47 to transmit the main emission command to the commander 13A. At this time, the optimization processing unit 51 may include the light amount of the main emission based on the photometry result of the preliminary emission by the photometry unit 46 in the main emission command.

[0140] In step S20 , after the lighting preparation time according to the optimal value of the release time lag set in step S12 has passed since the transmission of the master lighting command in step S19 , the optimization processing unit 51 controls the communication unit 47 to output a lighting trigger to the commander 13A.

[0141] In step S21 , after the communication unit 47 causes the communication with the communication unit 67A of the commander 13A to transition from the asynchronous mode to the synchronous mode, the process returns to step S11 , and similar processes are then repeatedly performed.

[0142] Figure 14 13A is a flowchart showing the optimization process executed in the commander 13A.

[0143] For example, the process starts when the camera body 12 to which the commander 13A is connected is activated, communication according to the first communication standard is switched to communication according to the second communication standard, and wireless communication is established between the wireless communication unit 66A of the commander 13A and the wireless communication unit 66B of the receiver 13B. Then, in step S31, the wireless communication unit 66A transmits and receives data required for transmission to the camera body 12 in the synchronous mode to the wireless communication unit 66B of the receiver 13B.

[0144] In step S32, the wireless communication unit 66B supplies the lighting preparation times of all receivers 13B acquired by transmitting and receiving data in step S31 to the optimization processing unit 71A. The optimization processing unit 71A then selects the longest lighting preparation time from the lighting preparation times of all external flashes 13 included in the imaging system 11, including the lighting preparation time of the commander 13A.

[0145] In step S33, the communication unit 67A transmits and receives data in synchronization mode to and from the communication unit 47 of the camera body 12. In this transmission and reception of data, the communication unit 67A transmits the longest lighting preparation time selected by the optimization processing unit 71A in step S32 to the camera body 12.

[0146] In step S34, the optimization processing unit 71A determines whether a cancel signal is detected. Figure 13 When the cancel signal is output in step S15, the pulse width measurement unit 68A issues a notification that a pulse width different from the clock cycle output via the signal line CLK has been measured, and the optimization processing unit 71A can determine that the cancel signal has been detected.

[0147] In a case where the optimization processing unit 71A determines in step S34 that a cancel signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, the optimization processing unit 71A controls the communication unit 67A to discard the data being communicated.

[0148] After the processing of step S35 , or in a case where it is determined in step S34 that the cancel signal is not detected, the processing proceeds to step S36 .

[0149] In step S36, the optimization processing unit 71A determines whether the transmission of the preliminary light emission command from the camera body 12 has been detected. Figure 13 When the preliminary lighting command is transmitted from the camera body 12 in step S17 of , the optimization processing unit 71A determines that the transmission of the preliminary lighting command from the camera body 12 has been detected.

[0150] In the case where the optimization processing unit 71A determines in step S36 that the transmission of the preliminary emission command from the camera body 12 has not been detected, the process returns to step S31 , and then the synchronization mode is continued, and similar processing is repeatedly performed.

[0151] Meanwhile, in a case where the optimization processing unit 71A determines in step S36 that the transmission of the preliminary emission command from the camera body 12 has been detected, the process proceeds to step S37 .

[0152] In step S37 , the communication unit 67A shifts the communication with the communication unit 47 of the camera body 12 from the synchronous mode to the asynchronous mode.

[0153] In step S38, the optimization processing unit 71A receives Figure 13 The preliminary light emission command is transmitted from the camera body 12 in step S17.

[0154] In step S39, the optimization processing unit 71A controls the wireless communication unit 66A to transmit preliminary lighting information (lighting information notification of preliminary lighting) in response to the preliminary lighting command received in step S38, and causes the wireless communication unit 66A to transmit the preliminary lighting information to the receiver 13B.

[0155] In step S40, the optimization processing unit 71A determines whether a light emission trigger output from the camera body 12 is detected, and suspends processing until the optimization processing unit 71A determines that a light emission trigger is detected. Then, if it is determined that a light emission trigger is detected, the processing proceeds to step S41.

[0156] In step S41, the optimization processing unit 71A controls the wireless communication unit 66A to transmit the preliminary lighting timing (lighting timing notification of preliminary lighting) in response to the lighting trigger detected in step S40, and causes the wireless communication unit 66A to transmit the preliminary lighting timing to the receiver 13B. Here, in the lighting information notification and the lighting timing notification as described in reference Figure 10 In the case where the information is transmitted and received together as described above, the processing in step S39 is not performed, and the preliminary light emission information is also transmitted at the timing of step S41.

[0157] In step S42, the optimization processing unit 71A notifies the lighting control unit 64A to emit preliminary light in the amount of light indicated by the preliminary lighting command received in step S38. In response to the notification, the lighting control unit 64A controls lighting of the lighting unit 65A, thereby emitting preliminary light.

[0158] In step S43, the optimization processing unit 71A receives Figure 13 The master light emission command is transmitted from the camera body 12 in step S19.

[0159] In step S44, the optimization processing unit 71A controls the wireless communication unit 66A to transmit main lighting information (lighting information notification of main lighting) in response to the main lighting command received in step S43, and causes the wireless communication unit 66A to transmit the main lighting information to the receiver 13B.

[0160] In step S45, the optimization processing unit 71A determines whether a light emission trigger output from the camera body 12 is detected, and suspends processing until the optimization processing unit 71A determines that a light emission trigger is detected. Then, if it is determined that a light emission trigger is detected, the processing proceeds to step S46.

[0161] In step S46, the optimization processing unit 71A controls the wireless communication unit 66A to transmit the main lighting timing (lighting timing notification of the main lighting) in response to the lighting trigger detected in step S45, and causes the wireless communication unit 66A to transmit the main lighting timing to the receiver 13B. Figure 12 In the case where the main light emission information is transmitted and received together as described above, the processing in step S44 is not performed, and the main light emission information is also transmitted at the timing of step S46.

[0162] In step S47, the optimization processing unit 71A notifies the lighting control unit 64A to emit main light in the amount of light indicated by the main lighting command received in step S43. In response to the notification, the lighting control unit 64A controls lighting of the lighting unit 65A, thereby emitting main light.

[0163] In step S48 , after the communication unit 67A causes the communication with the communication unit 47 of the camera body 12 to shift from the asynchronous mode to the synchronous mode, the process returns to step S31 , and similar processing is then repeatedly performed.

[0164] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the optimization process performed in receiver 13B.

[0165] For example, the process starts when the receiver 13B is activated and wireless communication is established between the wireless communication unit 66B of the receiver 13B and the wireless communication unit 66A of the commander 13A. Then, in step S51, the wireless communication unit 66B transmits and receives data required for transmission to the camera body 12 in the synchronous mode to the wireless communication unit 66A of the commander 13A.

[0166] In step S52, the optimization processing unit 71B determines whether the transmission of the preliminary lighting information from the commander 13A has been detected. Figure 14 When the preliminary lighting information is transmitted from the commander 13A in step S39 of , the optimization processing unit 71B determines that the transmission of the preliminary lighting information from the commander 13A has been detected.

[0167] In the case where the optimization processing unit 71B determines in step S52 that the transmission of preliminary lighting information from the commander 13A has not been detected, the process returns to step S51 , and then, the synchronization mode is continued, and similar processing is repeatedly performed.

[0168] Meanwhile, in a case where the optimization processing unit 71B determines in step S52 that the transmission of the preliminary lighting information from the commander 13A has been detected, the process proceeds to step S53 .

[0169] In step S53 , as the communication between the commander 13A and the camera body 12 transitions from the synchronous mode to the asynchronous mode, the receiver 13B also transitions to the asynchronous mode and prepares for light emission processing.

[0170] In step S54, the optimization processing unit 71B receives Figure 14 The preliminary lighting information is transmitted from the commander 13A in step S39.

[0171] In step S55, the optimization processing unit 71B determines whether the transmission of the preliminary lighting timing from the commander 13A has been detected, and suspends the processing until the optimization processing unit 71B determines that the transmission of the preliminary lighting timing from the commander 13A has been detected. Figure 14 When the preliminary light emission timing is transmitted from the commander 13A in step S41 of the optimization processing unit 71B, the optimization processing unit 71B determines that the transmission of the preliminary light emission timing from the commander 13A has been detected. In this case, the process proceeds to step S56.

[0172] In step S56, the optimization processing unit 71B receives Figure 14 The preliminary lighting timing is transmitted from the commander 13A in step S41. Here, the lighting information notification and lighting timing notification are as shown in FIG. Figure 10 In the case where the information is transmitted and received together as described above, the processing in step S54 is not performed, and the preliminary light emission information is also received at the timing of step S56.

[0173] In step S57, the optimization processing unit 71B notifies the light emission control unit 64B to emit preliminary light at the preliminary light emission timing received in step S56 and in the amount of light indicated by the preliminary light emission information received in step S54. In response to the notification, the light emission control unit 64B controls the light emission of the light emitting unit 65B, thereby emitting preliminary light.

[0174] In step S58, the optimization processing unit 71B receives Figure 14 The master lighting information is transmitted from the commander 13A in step S44.

[0175] In step S59, the optimization processing unit 71B determines whether the transmission of the main lighting timing from the commander 13A has been detected, and suspends the processing until the optimization processing unit 71B determines that the transmission of the main lighting timing from the commander 13A has been detected. Figure 14 When the main lighting timing is transmitted from the commander 13A in step S46 of the optimization processing unit 71B, the optimization processing unit 71B determines that the transmission of the main lighting timing from the commander 13A has been detected. In this case, the process proceeds to step S60.

[0176] In step S60, the optimization processing unit 71B receives Figure 14 Here, in the light emission information notification and light emission timing notification as shown in FIG. Figure 12 In the case where the main light emission information is transmitted and received together as described above, the processing in step S58 is not performed, and the main light emission information is also received at the timing of step S60.

[0177] In step S61, the optimization processing unit 71B notifies the lighting control unit 64B to emit main light at the main lighting timing received in step S60 and the light amount indicated by the main lighting information received in step S58. In response to the notification, the lighting control unit 64B controls the lighting of the lighting unit 65B, thereby emitting the main light.

[0178] In step S62, the receiver 13B also shifts to the synchronous mode as the communication between the commander 13A and the camera body 12 shifts from the asynchronous mode to the synchronous mode. The process then returns to step S51, and similar processing is then repeatedly performed.

[0179] By performing the optimization process as described above, the release time lag can be optimized in the imaging system 11 .

[0180] <Computer Configuration Example>

[0181] Next, the above-described series of processing (control method) can be executed by hardware or software. In the case of executing the series of processing by software, a program forming the software is installed in a general-purpose computer or the like.

[0182] Figure 16 : is a block diagram showing a configuration example of hardware of a computer that executes the above-described series of processes by a program.

[0183] In the computer, a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a read-only memory (ROM) 102, a random access memory (RAM) 103, and an electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) 104 are connected to one another via a bus 105. The bus 105 is further connected to an input / output interface 106, and the input / output interface 106 is connected to the outside.

[0184] In the computer configured as described above, the series of processes described above is performed, for example, by the CPU 101 loading the programs stored in the ROM 102 and the EEPROM 104 into the RAM 103 via the bus 105 and executing the programs. Also, the programs executed by the computer (CPU 101) may be written in advance in the ROM 102, or may be installed in the EEPROM 104 from the outside via the input / output interface 106, or may be updated.

[0185] Here, in this specification, the processing executed by the computer according to the program is not necessarily executed in time series in the order shown in the flowchart. That is, the processing executed by the computer according to the program also includes processing executed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processing or processing by object).

[0186] Furthermore, the program may be processed by one computer (processor), or may be processed by a plurality of computers in a distributed manner. Furthermore, the program may be transferred to a remote computer and executed therein.

[0187] In addition, in this specification, a system means a collection of multiple components (devices and modules (components), etc.), and it does not matter whether all components are contained in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices contained in separate housings and connected via a network and a single device including multiple modules in a single housing are both systems.

[0188] Furthermore, for example, a configuration described as a single device (or processing unit) may be divided and configured as a plurality of devices (or processing units). Conversely, a configuration described as a plurality of devices (or processing units) in the above description may be configured as a single device (or processing unit). Furthermore, of course, configurations other than those described above may be added to the configuration of each device (or each processing unit). Furthermore, as long as the configuration or operation of the entire system is substantially the same, a portion of the configuration of a certain device (or processing unit) may be included in the configuration of another device (or another processing unit).

[0189] Also, for example, the present technology may have a configuration of cloud computing in which a single function is shared and jointly processed by a plurality of devices via a network.

[0190] Furthermore, for example, the above-mentioned program can be executed by any device. In this case, the device only needs to have necessary functions (eg, functional blocks) to obtain necessary information.

[0191] Furthermore, for example, each of the steps described in the above flowcharts can be performed by a single device, or can be shared by multiple devices. Furthermore, in the case where a single step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in the single step can be performed by a single device, or can be shared by multiple devices. In other words, the multiple processes included in a single step can also be performed as processes in multiple steps. Conversely, processes described as multiple steps can also be performed as a single step.

[0192] Note that in a program executed by a computer, the processing in the steps describing the program can be executed in time series in the order described in this specification, or can be executed in parallel or individually at necessary timing (such as when a call is made). That is, as long as there is no contradiction, the processing in each step can be executed in an order different from the above order. In addition, the processing in the steps describing the program can be executed in parallel with the processing of another program, or can be executed in combination with the processing of another program.

[0193] Note that, as long as no contradiction exists, multiple present technologies described in this specification can be implemented separately. Of course, multiple arbitrary present technologies can also be implemented in combination. For example, part or all of the present technology described in any embodiment can be implemented in combination with part or all of the present technology described in another embodiment. Furthermore, part or all of any of the above-described present technologies can also be implemented in combination with another technology not described above.

[0194] Note that although the external flash 13 has been described in the present embodiment, the present technology is not limited to a flash light emitting device such as the external flash 13 and is applicable to other various external light emitting devices.

[0195] <Configuration combination example>

[0196] Note that the present technology can also have the following configurations. (1)

[0198] An imaging system comprising:

[0199] an external flash, the external flash including a first communication unit that transmits a lighting preparation time from when reception of a lighting command is completed to when a lighting trigger is acceptable; and

[0200] Imaging equipment, imaging equipment includes:

[0201] a second communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit of the external flash and acquires a light emission preparation time; and

[0202] An optimization processing unit that optimizes the output timing of the light emission trigger based on the light emission preparation time acquired by the second communication unit. (2)

[0204] The imaging system according to (1), wherein

[0205] The second communication unit acquires the longest lighting preparation time among the lighting preparation times of the plurality of external flashes mounted on the imaging device from the external flash and supplies the longest lighting preparation time to the optimization processing unit, and

[0206] The optimization processing unit outputs a light emission trigger based on the longest light emission preparation time supplied from the second communication unit. (3)

[0208] The imaging system according to (1) or (2), wherein

[0209] The first communication unit transmits to the imaging device a light emission stabilization time required to stabilize smooth light emission during high-speed synchronization.

[0210] the second communication unit transmits a shutter open / close time from the start of movement of the front curtain to the completion of movement of the rear curtain in the imaging device to the external flash,

[0211] In an external flash, controlling the steady light emission to have a steady light emission time with a stable light amount based on a shutter opening / closing time; and

[0212] In the imaging apparatus, the movement of the front curtain and the rear curtain is controlled based on the light emission stabilization time. (4)

[0214] The imaging system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0215] The external flash is mounted on the imaging device, and further includes a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with other external flashes that are not mounted on the imaging device. (5)

[0217] The imaging system according to (4), wherein

[0218] In response to a lighting command transmitted from the imaging device, the external flash transmits a lighting information notification indicating a light amount and lighting pattern of lighting and a lighting timing notification indicating a timing of lighting from the wireless communication unit to a plurality of other external flashes collectively. (6)

[0220] The imaging system according to (4), wherein

[0221] In response to a lighting command transmitted from an imaging device, the external flash transmits a lighting information notification indicating the amount of light and the lighting pattern to be emitted from a wireless communication unit to multiple other external flashes in advance, and transmits a lighting timing notification indicating the timing of the lighting from the wireless communication unit to multiple other external flashes when emitting light. (7)

[0223] A control method, comprising:

[0224] causing the control device of the external flash to transmit a lighting preparation time from when reception of the lighting command is completed to when the lighting trigger is acceptable; and

[0225] The control device of the imaging device is caused to communicate with the external flash and acquire the lighting preparation time, and the output timing of the lighting trigger is optimized based on the acquired lighting preparation time.

[0226] (8) A program for causing a computer of a control device of an external flash to execute processing of transmitting a lighting preparation time from when reception of a lighting command is completed to when a lighting trigger is acceptable, and

[0227] The computer of the control device of the imaging device is caused to execute the following processing:

[0228] Communicate with external flashes and obtain the firing preparation time, and

[0229] The output timing of the light emission trigger is optimized based on the acquired light emission preparation time.

[0230] Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Also, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and additional effects can be obtained.

[0231] Reference Signs List

[0232] 11 Imaging System

[0233] 12 Camera body

[0234] 13 External flash

[0235] 13A Commander

[0236] 13B receiver

[0237] 21 display units

[0238] 22 operating units

[0239] 31 display units

[0240] 32 operating units

[0241] 41 Operation signal acquisition unit

[0242] 42 Display control unit

[0243] 43 storage units

[0244] 44 shutter control unit

[0245] 45 shutter drive unit

[0246] 46 metering units

[0247] 47 communication units

[0248] 48 control units

[0249] 51 optimized processing units

[0250] 52 Setting linkage processing unit

[0251] 53 communication compatible processing unit

[0252] 61 Operation signal acquisition unit

[0253] 62 display control unit

[0254] 63 storage units

[0255] 64 light control unit

[0256] 65 light-emitting units

[0257] 66 wireless communication units

[0258] 67 Communication Unit

[0259] 68 pulse width measurement unit

[0260] 69 control unit

[0261] 71 optimization processing units

[0262] 72 Setting Linkage Processing Unit

[0263] 73 communication compatible processing unit

Claims

1. An imaging system comprising: an external flash, the external flash comprising a first communication unit for transmitting a lighting preparation time from when reception of a lighting command is completed to when a lighting trigger is acceptable; and Imaging equipment, imaging equipment includes: a second communication unit that communicates with the first communication unit of the external flash and acquires a light emission preparation time; and an optimization processing unit that optimizes the output timing of the light emission trigger based on the light emission preparation time acquired by the second communication unit, wherein header data transmitted from the imaging device to the external flash specifies a transmission direction between the imaging device and the external flash and a data size of command data to be transmitted after the header data, Command data corresponding to a data size specified by the header data is transmitted and received between the imaging device and the external flash.

2. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein The second communication unit acquires the longest lighting preparation time among the lighting preparation times of the plurality of external flashes mounted on the imaging device from the external flash and supplies the longest lighting preparation time to the optimization processing unit, and The optimization processing unit outputs a light emission trigger based on the longest light emission preparation time supplied from the second communication unit.

3. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The first communication unit transmits to the imaging device a light emission stabilization time required to stabilize smooth light emission during high-speed synchronization. the second communication unit transmits a shutter open / close time from the start of movement of the front curtain to the completion of movement of the rear curtain in the imaging device to the external flash, In an external flash, steady light emission is controlled based on the shutter opening / closing time to have a steady light emission time with a stable light amount; as well as In the imaging apparatus, the movement of the front curtain and the rear curtain is controlled based on the light emission stabilization time.

4. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The external flash is mounted on the imaging device, and further includes a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with other external flashes that are not mounted on the imaging device.

5. The imaging system according to claim 4, wherein: In response to a lighting command transmitted from the imaging device, the external flash transmits a lighting information notification indicating a light amount and lighting pattern of lighting and a lighting timing notification indicating a timing of lighting from the wireless communication unit to a plurality of other external flashes collectively.

6. The imaging system according to claim 4, wherein: In response to a lighting command transmitted from an imaging device, the external flash transmits a lighting information notification indicating the amount of light and the lighting pattern to be emitted from a wireless communication unit to multiple other external flashes in advance, and transmits a lighting timing notification indicating the timing of the lighting from the wireless communication unit to the multiple other external flashes when emitting light.

7. A control method comprising: causing the control device of the external flash lamp to transmit a lighting preparation time from when the lighting command is received to when the lighting trigger is acceptable; as well as causing the control device of the imaging device to communicate with the external flash and acquire the lighting preparation time, and optimizing the output timing of the lighting trigger based on the acquired lighting preparation time, wherein header data transmitted from the imaging device to the external flash specifies a transmission direction between the imaging device and the external flash and a data size of command data to be transmitted after the header data, Command data corresponding to a data size specified by the header data is transmitted and received between the imaging device and the external flash.

8. A program product for causing a computer of a control device of an external flash to execute the following processing: transmitting a lighting preparation time from when a lighting command is received to when a lighting trigger is acceptable, and The computer of the control device of the imaging device is caused to execute the following processing: Communicate with external flashes and obtain the firing preparation time, and Optimize the output timing of the light trigger based on the obtained light preparation time, in, header data transmitted from the imaging device to the external flash specifies a transmission direction between the imaging device and the external flash and a data size of command data to be transmitted after the header data, Command data corresponding to a data size specified by the header data is transmitted and received between the imaging device and the external flash.

Images