Illumination device capable of switching flash mode of illumination device by simple operation of imaging device, method for controlling illumination device, storage medium, and imaging system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a lighting device, a control method of the lighting device, a storage medium, and an imaging system capable of switching a flash mode of the lighting device by a simple operation of the imaging device. The lighting device includes: a light emitting unit; a communication unit that communicates with the imaging device; a first setting unit that sets a flash mode of the light emitting unit to a first flash mode that causes the light emitting unit to emit light at a manually set flash amount or a second flash mode that causes the light emitting unit to emit light at a flash amount determined by automatic light control; and a control unit that, in a case where a command for switching a flash mode of the light emitting unit is received from the imaging apparatus via the communication unit, performs switching to a second flash mode when the first flash mode has been set at a point in time when the command is received, and performs switching to the second flash mode when the second flash mode has been set. A switch to a first flash mode is made.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the embodiments relate to a lighting device, a control method of the lighting device, a storage medium, and a camera system. Background Art

[0002] The following camera system is known, in which, when a lighting device (so-called flash device) is attached to a camera device, it is possible to set a flash mode etc. of the lighting device from the camera device (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-167259).

[0003] The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-167259 requires complex operations, such as causing a display unit of the camera device to display a screen for setting flash conditions, operating an operation unit of the camera device to move a cursor on the screen to a desired item field, and pressing a setting button on the operation unit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first aspect of the embodiments provides a lighting device including: a light-emitting unit; at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the processor storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as: a communication unit that communicates with a camera device; a first setting unit that sets a flash mode of the light-emitting unit to a first flash mode or a second flash mode, the first flash mode causing the light-emitting unit to emit light with a manually set flash amount, and the second flash mode causing the light-emitting unit to emit light with a flash amount determined by automatic light control; and a control unit that, in a case where a command for switching the flash mode of the light-emitting unit is received from the camera device via the communication unit, at a time point when the command is received, switches to the second flash mode when the first flash mode has been set, and switches to the first flash mode when the second flash mode has been set.

[0005] A second aspect of the embodiment provides a camera system, in which an illumination device and an imaging device are communicatively connected to each other. The imaging device includes: at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the processor storing instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to act as a generation unit that generates a command for switching a flash mode of the illumination device in response to an operation. The flash device includes: a light emitting unit; at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the processor storing instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to act as follows: a first setting unit that sets the flash mode of the illumination device to a first flash mode or a second flash mode, the first flash mode causing the light emitting unit to emit light with a manually set flash amount, and the second flash mode causing the light emitting unit to emit light with a flash amount determined by automatic light control; and a first control unit that, in the case of receiving a command from the imaging device through communication, at the time point of receiving the command, when the first flash mode has been set, performs a switch to the second flash mode, and when the second flash mode has been set, performs a switch to the first flash mode.

[0006] Other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a camera system according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a flash contact group.

[0009] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of establishing communication between an imaging device and a flash device.

[0010] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a flash automatic light control photographing process performed by the camera system.

[0011] Figure 5A is a flowchart of a pre-flash operation executed in S407, and Figure 5B is a flowchart of a main flash operation executed in S410.

[0012] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram of a process in which the imaging device switches between an automatic light control mode and a manual flash mode.

[0013] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a flash mode switching operation executed in S608. Detailed Embodiments

[0014] In the following, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, as a lighting device according to the present disclosure, a flash device that can be attached as an accessory to an imaging device such as a digital camera or detached from an imaging device such as a digital camera will be adopted. In addition, in the following description, the imaging device refers to the main body of the imaging device including the imaging device. However, for the sake of convenience, an imaging device in which a photographic lens is integrally configured with the main body of the imaging device (such as a small digital camera) is considered to be included in the imaging device. For an imaging device such as a single-lens reflex camera or a mirrorless single-lens camera that allows accessories such as a lens barrel (interchangeable lens) and a lighting device to be attached to the main body of the imaging device or detached from the main body of the imaging device, a configuration in which various accessories are attached to the imaging device is referred to as an "imaging system".

[0016] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an imaging system 1000 according to an embodiment. The imaging system 1000 is configured by attaching (mounting) a lens barrel 200 and a flash device 300 to a digital camera 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as "camera 100"), which is an example of an imaging device.

[0017] The camera 100 includes a system control unit 101, an imaging device 102, a shutter 104, a camera operation unit 105, a camera display unit 106, an image storage unit 107, and a camera power unit 108. The lens barrel 200 includes a lens control unit 201, a photographic lens 202, and an aperture 203. The flash device 300 includes a flash control unit 301, a light emitting unit 302, a flash operation unit 303, a flash display unit 304, a charging unit 305, a photocurrent detection unit 306, and a flash power unit 307.

[0018] When the lens barrel 200 is attached to the camera 100, a set of contacts (contact group) on the lens barrel 200 is electrically and mechanically connected to a set of contacts (contact group) provided near the lens mount of the camera 100, thereby forming a bayonet contact group (a set of bayonet contacts) 103. Therefore, the system control unit 101 is connected to the lens control unit 201 so as to be able to communicate with each other. When the flash device 300 is attached to the camera 100, a set of contacts (contact group) on the flash device 300 is electrically and mechanically connected to a set of contacts (contact group) provided on the accessory shoe of the camera 100, thereby forming a flash contact group (a set of flash contacts) 109. Therefore, the system control unit 101 is connected to the flash control unit 301 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0019] In camera 100, system control unit 101 is a microcomputer that comprehensively controls the operations of the various units of camera 100 and also controls the overall operation of imaging system 1000. In addition, system control unit 101 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal transmitted from imaging device 102 to generate image data. Imaging device 102 converts the optical image formed by lens barrel 200 into an electrical signal to generate an image signal, and outputs the image signal to system control unit 101. Shutter 104 is, for example, a focal plane shutter configured with a front curtain and a rear curtain, and is disposed between imaging device 102 and lens barrel 200. Shutter 104 operates in response to an instruction from system control unit 101.

[0020] Camera operation unit 105 includes buttons, switches, dials, touch panels, etc. operated by the user, and transmits a signal according to the operation performed by the user to system control unit 101. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that camera operation unit 105 includes at least one button (hereinafter referred to as "designation button") by which the user can specify a function. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user has previously set the function of switching the flash mode of flash device 300 to one of the designation buttons. That is, when the designation button is pressed, system control unit 101 generates a command for switching the flash mode (flash mode switching command).

[0021] Camera display unit 106 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel, etc., and displays a menu screen, photographic information, real-time video image, photographic image, etc. for various settings not only for camera 100 but also for imaging system 1000 under the control of system control unit 101. Image storage unit 107 is a storage medium that stores photographic image data, and is, for example, a memory card that can be attached to or detached from camera 100. Camera power supply unit 108 is a battery, an AC adapter, etc., and supplies power to camera 100 and lens barrel 200. It should be noted that camera power supply unit 108 includes accessory power circuit 110 (see Figure 2 ), and accessory power circuit 110 supplies the voltage for detecting the attachment of flash device 300 to camera 100 to flash device 300.

[0022] In lens barrel 200, lens control unit 201 is a microcomputer that controls the operations of the various units of lens barrel 200 according to a command from system control unit 101. Photographing lens 202 is configured by a plurality of lenses such as a focusing lens, a zoom lens, and an image stabilization lens, and forms an optical image of a subject on imaging device 102. Aperture 203 adjusts the amount of light passing through photographing lens 202.

[0023] In the flash device 300, the flash control unit 301 is a microcomputer that controls the operations of the respective units of the flash device 300 according to commands from the system control unit 101. The light emitting unit 302 includes a discharge tube, a light emitting circuit, and a light emitting optical system, and drives the light emitting circuit in response to an instruction from the flash control unit 301, causes the discharge tube to emit light using the energy (charge) stored in the capacitor of the charging unit 305, and irradiates the subject with a flash via the light emitting optical system.

[0024] The charging unit 305 includes a capacitor that accumulates the charge for causing the discharge tube of the light emitting unit 302 to emit light, and a charging circuit that charges the capacitor from the flash power supply unit 307. It should be noted that the flash control unit 301 detects the voltage charged to the capacitor, and controls the charging operation of the capacitor so as to stop the charging operation when the charging voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, and the charging operation starts when the charging voltage of the capacitor is lower than the predetermined threshold. The flash control unit 301 transmits the charging voltage of the capacitor and information indicating the completion of charging to the system control unit 101.

[0025] The flash operation unit 303 includes buttons, switches, dials, etc. operated by the user, and transmits a signal according to the operation performed by the user to the flash control unit 301. The flash display unit 304 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel, etc., and displays various settings of the flash device 300, including the flash mode, etc., according to the control of the flash control unit 301.

[0026] It should be noted that the flash mode of the flash device 300 includes at least a manual flash mode (first flash mode), an automatic light control mode (second flash mode), a multi - flash mode (third flash mode), etc. The manual flash mode is a mode in which the user can manually and freely determine the amount of flash (flash amount). The automatic light control mode is a mode in which a pre - flash is performed, the flash amount during the main photography (main flash amount) is calculated based on the result of the light reflected from the subject received by the imaging device 102, and the main photography (actual photography) is performed with the obtained main flash amount, thereby achieving a photograph with appropriate exposure. The multi - flash mode is a mode in which flashes are continuously emitted multiple times while the shutter curtain is open. The flash mode setting in the flash device 300 is performed by the user operating the flash operation unit 303, but is not limited thereto, and can also be performed by the user communicating (transmitting) the operation information of the camera operation unit 105 to the flash device 300.

[0027] The photocurrent detection unit 306 includes a photodiode and a circuit that accumulates the current generated by the photodiode and converts it into a voltage, detects the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 302, and transmits the detected amount of light (detected flash amount) to the flash control unit 301. The flash control unit 301 determines whether a predetermined flash amount has been irradiated by comparing the photocurrent or the integrated voltage of the photocurrent with a predetermined threshold value, and stops emitting light from the light-emitting unit 302 when the predetermined flash amount is detected. The flash power supply unit 307 includes a battery and a circuit for supplying power from the battery to each unit of the flash device 300.

[0028] Figure 2 FIG. is a diagram showing the configuration of the flash contact group 109. The camera 100 and the flash device 300 are electrically connected by one-to-one contact between a plurality of contacts (terminals) TC01 to TC10 of the contact group provided on the accessory shoe of the camera 100 and a plurality of contacts TA01 to TA10 provided on the flash device 300.

[0029] The accessory power supply circuit 110 included in the camera power supply unit 108 generates an accessory power supply VACC and supplies the accessory power supply VACC to the flash device 300 via the contact TC01 and the contact TA01. The accessory power supply VACC is connected to the connection detection circuit 308 provided in the flash device 300. When the accessory power supply VACC exceeds a predetermined voltage level, the connection detection circuit 308 determines that the flash device 300 has been attached to the camera 100 and notifies the result to the flash control unit 301. It should be noted that the accessory power supply VACC is only used to detect whether the flash device 300 has been attached to the camera 100 or detached from the camera 100, and the power supplied from the flash power supply unit 307 is used for various operations of the flash device 300.

[0030] The contacts TC02 and TA02 are used to transmit the accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET, and the system control unit 101 can detect whether the flash device 300 has been attached by reading the signal level of the accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET. For example, if the signal level (electric potential) of the accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET is at the Hi level, the flash device 300 is in the non-attached state, and if the signal level (electric potential) of the accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET is at the Lo level, the flash device 300 is in the attached state. The signal level of the contact TA02 is controlled by the flash control unit 301. The flash control unit 301 sets the signal level of the accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET to the Lo level according to a predetermined condition (such as the power switch of the flash device 300 being turned on) and notifies the system control unit 101 that the flash device 300 has been connected.

[0031] The system control unit 101 acts as a communication host and performs serial peripheral interface communication (SPI communication) with the flash control unit 301. In view of this, the contact TC03 and the contact TA03 are used to transmit the SCLK signal, the contact TC04 and the contact TA04 are used to transmit the MOSI signal, the contact TC05 and the contact TA05 are used to transmit the MISO signal, and the contact TC06 and the contact TA06 are used to transmit the CS signal.

[0032] The contact TC07 and the contact TA07 are used to transmit the communication request signal / WAKE from the flash control unit 301 to the system control unit 101. The system control unit 101 receives the communication request from the flash control unit 301 by detecting the falling edge of the communication request signal / WAKE. The signal level of the contact TA07 is controlled by the flash control unit 301, and when the flash control unit 301 determines that communication with the camera 100 is required, the flash control unit 301 makes a communication request to the system control unit 101 by setting the communication request signal / WAKE to the Lo level.

[0033] The system control unit 101 acts as a communication host and performs inter-integrated circuit communication (I2C communication). In view of this, the contact TC08 and the contact TA08 are used to transmit the SDA signal, and the contact TC09 and the contact TA09 are used to transmit the SCL signal. The contact TC10 and the contact TA10 are used to transmit the Flash_trig signal, which is a signal used by the system control unit 101 to notify the flash control unit 301 of the flash timing.

[0034] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing to be performed to establish communication between the camera 100 and the flash device 300 when the flash device 300 is attached to the camera 100. Here, it is assumed that the flash control unit 301 has normally completed the initialization of the flash device 300 after the power of the flash device 300 is turned on.

[0035] In S301, the flash control unit 301 sets the signal level of the attachment detection signal / ACC_DET of the contact TA02 to the Lo level.

[0036] In S302, the system control unit 101 detects that the attachment detection signal / ACC_DET has reached the Lo level, determines that the attachment has been made, and turns on the power of the attachment power supply circuit 110.

[0037] Therefore, in S303, the accessory power circuit 110 outputs the accessory power VACC. When the connection detection circuit 308 detects that the accessory power VACC has exceeded a predetermined voltage level, in S304, the flash control unit 301 determines that the flash device 300 has been attached to the camera 100 and performs various settings for communicating with the camera 100. In S305, the flash control unit 301 sets the signal level of the communication request signal / WAKE to the Lo level.

[0038] When the system control unit 101 detects that the communication request signal / WAKE has reached the Lo level, the system control unit 101 determines that communication with the flash control unit 301 is possible, and in S306, requests the flash control unit 301 to transmit accessory information via I2C communication. When the flash control unit 301 receives the I2C communication, the flash control unit 301 sets the communication request signal / WAKE to the Hi level in S307 and further transmits the accessory information to the system control unit 101 in S308. It should be noted that the accessory information includes information indicating that the accessory attached to the camera 100 is a flash device (lighting device), etc.

[0039] When the system control unit 101 receives the accessory information, the system control unit 101 performs various communication settings of the camera 100 in S309. Thereafter, the system control unit 101 performs initial communication with the flash control unit 301 via SPI communication in S310, and the flash control unit 301 responds to the system control unit 101 for the initial communication via SPI communication in S311. In this way, communication is established between the camera 100 and the flash device 300.

[0040] Figure 4 It is a flowchart of the flash automatic light control photographing process performed by the imaging system 1000. Figure 4 In the flowchart, each process (each step) indicated by S followed by a number is implemented by the system control unit 101 executing a predetermined program and cooperating with the lens control unit 201 and the flash control unit 301 to comprehensively control the imaging system 1000. It should be noted that Figure 4 the flowchart illustrates the process of performing a single still image photographing. In addition, it is assumed here that the flash device 300 has been set to the automatic light control mode.

[0041] In S400, the system control unit 101 determines whether the SW1 signal has been turned on. When the system control unit 101 determines that the SW1 signal has been turned on (Yes in S400), the system control unit 101 executes the process of S401. When the system control unit 101 determines that the SW1 signal remains off (No in S400), the system control unit 101 continues to execute the process of S400.

[0042] It should be noted that the SW1 signal is a signal generated by the half-press operation (first-stage operation) of the shutter button of the camera operation unit 105 belonging to the camera 100. When the system control unit 101 detects the SW1 signal, the system control unit 101 drives the imaging device 102 to perform imaging, repeatedly measures the photometric control (AE operation) of the subject brightness based on the imaging result, and determines the exposure control value (shutter speed, aperture value, ISO sensitivity, etc.) to be used during photography according to the photometric measurement result. The determined exposure control value is displayed on the camera display unit 106.

[0043] In S401, the system control unit 101 obtains flash information from the flash control unit 301. The flash information includes information about the flash mode to which the flash device 300 is set, information indicating the charging state, and the like.

[0044] In S402, the system control unit 101 determines whether the charging state of the flash device 300 is a state where it can emit light (regardless of whether the charging is OK) based on the flash information obtained in S401. When the system control unit 101 determines that the charging is OK (Yes in S402), the system control unit 101 executes the process of S403. On the other hand, when the system control unit 101 determines that the charging is not OK (poor charging) (No in S402), the system control unit 101 executes the process of S404.

[0045] In S403, the system control unit 101 performs the AE operation for flash photography accompanied by the flash operation of the flash device 300, and then executes the process of S405. In addition, in S404, the system control unit 101 performs the AE operation for normal photography not accompanied by the flash operation of the flash device 300, and then executes the process of S405. It should be noted that the AE operation refers to the process of calculating the brightness of the subject area based on the signal obtained from the imaging device 102 and determining the exposure control value during photography. For example, in S403, considering the possibility of loss of high-light details in the photographed image due to the light emitted from the flash device 300 (the possibility of saturation of the imaging device 102), the upper limit value of the ISO sensitivity is set lower than the ISO sensitivity determined in S404.

[0046] In S405, the system control unit 101 determines whether the SW2 signal has been turned on. When the system control unit 101 determines that the SW2 signal has been turned on (Yes in S405), the system control unit 101 executes the process of S406, and when the system control unit 101 determines that the SW2 signal has not been turned on (No in S405), the system control unit 101 executes the process of S400. It should be noted that the SW2 signal is a signal generated by the full press operation (second-stage operation) of the shutter button of the camera operation unit 105 belonging to the camera 100.

[0047] In S406, the system control unit 101 communicates with the flash control unit 301 and determines whether the charging state of the flash device 300 is a state where it can emit light (regardless of whether the charging is OK). When the system control unit 101 determines that the charging is OK (Yes in S406), the system control unit 101 executes the process of S407. On the other hand, when the system control unit 101 determines that the charging is not OK (poor charging) (No in S406), the system control unit 101 executes the process of S411. It should be noted that in the case of "charging OK", the energy required for the pre-flash in S407 and the main flash in S410 has been charged, and the pre-flash amount and the main flash amount have been designed to be not less than the following flash amount threshold.

[0048] In S407, the system control unit 101 performs pre-flash control on the flash device 300. It should be noted that the control of the pre-flash performed by the flash device 300 will be described below.

[0049] In S408, the system control unit 101 obtains flash information during and after the pre-flash from the flash control unit 301.

[0050] In S409, the system control unit 101 calculates the flash amount (main flash amount) of the flash during main photography based on the pre-flash process in S407 and the flash information obtained in S408.

[0051] In S410, the system control unit 101 performs main photography (actual photography) accompanied by the flash operation of the flash device 300, and then the automatic flash control photography process ends. In the main photography (actual shooting) mentioned here, the flash device 300 performs a main flash while the imaging device 102 is exposed by the set exposure control value, and predetermined image processing is performed on the image signal output from the imaging device 102 to generate image data. The generated image data is stored in the image storage unit 107, and a reduced image of the generated image data is displayed on the camera display unit 106.

[0052] In S411, the system control unit 101 performs main photography (actual photography) without a flash operation by the flash device 300, and then the flash automatic light control photography process ends. In the main photography (actual photography) mentioned here, the same operations as in S410 are performed except that the flash device 300 is not made to emit light (the flash device 300 is not made to perform a flash operation).

[0053] Figure 5A It is a flowchart of the pre-flash operation performed by the flash device 300 in S407. When the flash control unit 301 receives a pre-flash control command from the system control unit 101 via the flash contact group 109, the flash control unit 301 starts the process of S500.

[0054] In S500, the flash control unit 301 sets parameters for performing a pre-flash according to the pre-flash control command received from the system control unit 101.

[0055] In S501, the flash control unit 301 controls the light emitting unit 302 to perform a pre-flash with the parameters set in S500. At this time, the flash control unit 301 uses the information obtained from the photocurrent detection unit 306 for control so as to irradiate an appropriate amount of light onto the subject. In addition, the system control unit 101 and the flash control unit 301 perform timing control via the flash contact group 109 to synchronize the flash of the flash with the exposure timing of the imaging device 102.

[0056] In S502, the flash control unit 301 obtains information related to the actual flash amount in the pre-flash performed in S501, and then ends the pre-flash operation. The information related to the actual flash amount mentioned here is the voltage value obtained by accumulating the photocurrent detected by the photocurrent detection unit 306 during the pre-flash. When the pre-flash operation ends, the system control unit 101 executes the process of S408.

[0057] Figure 5B It is a flowchart of the main flash operation performed in the main photography of S410. When the flash control unit 301 receives a main flash control command from the system control unit 101 via the flash contact group 109, the flash control unit 301 starts the process of S510.

[0058] In S510, the flash control unit 301 sets parameters for performing a main flash according to the main flash control command received from the system control unit 101, based on the pre-flash information retained by the flash control unit 301.

[0059] In S511, the flash control unit 301 controls the light emitting unit 302 based on the parameters set in S510 to perform a main flash. At this time, the flash control unit 301 uses the information obtained from the photocurrent detection unit 306 for control so as to irradiate an appropriate amount of light onto the subject. In addition, the system control unit 101 and the flash control unit 301 perform timing control via the flash contact group 109 to synchronize the flash of the flash lamp with the exposure timing of the imaging device 102.

[0060] In S512, the flash control unit 301 obtains information related to the actual flash amount in the main flash performed in S511. The information related to the actual flash amount mentioned here is a voltage value obtained by accumulating the photocurrent detected by the photocurrent detection unit 306 during the main flash.

[0061] In S513, the flash control unit 301 determines whether to enable (turn on) the flash amount transfer function. When the flash control unit 301 determines that the flash amount transfer function is enabled (Yes in S513), the flash control unit 301 executes the process of S514. On the other hand, when the flash control unit 301 determines that the flash amount transfer function is disabled (turned off) (No in S513), the flash control unit 301 ends the main flash operation.

[0062] Here, the flash amount transfer function and its setting method will be described. The flash amount transfer function is a function of storing the flash amount during the main flash in the automatic light control mode, and when switching from the automatic light control mode to the manual flash mode, automatically setting the flash amount in the manual flash mode to the stored flash amount. Enabling (turning on) or disabling (turning off) the flash amount transfer function is performed by a user's predetermined operation on the flash operation unit 303. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it may also be determined by notifying the flash device 300 of the operation information of the user on the camera operation unit 105.

[0063] In S514, the flash control unit 301 updates the setting value of the flash amount stored in the manual flash mode using the value of the most recent main flash amount in the automatic light control mode based on the flash amount information obtained in S512, and then ends the main flash operation. For example, when the accumulated voltage obtained during the main flash in the automatic light control mode is about 1 / 4 of the accumulated voltage during 1 / 1 flash (full flash), it is determined that the main flash amount in the automatic light control mode is 1 / 4 flash, and the setting value of the manual flash amount is updated to 1 / 4.

[0064] In addition, the flash operation unit 303 of the flash device 300 is provided with a flash mode switching button. When the flash amount transfer function is enabled, the flash mode switching button is alternately switched between the automatic light control mode and the manual flash mode by a single press operation. When switching from the automatic light control mode to the manual flash mode by pressing the flash mode switching button, if the flash amount transfer function is enabled, the flash amount determined in the automatic light control mode is transferred to the flash amount in the manual flash mode. Therefore, since the most recent flash amount determined in the automatic light control mode is set as the initial flash amount in the manual flash mode, the user can fine-tune the flash amount according to the set flash amount to meet the photographic intention. This can simplify the preliminary preparation work for manual flash photography.

[0065] It should be noted that in the flash device 300, when the flash amount transfer function is disabled, even if the flash mode switching button of the flash operation unit 303 is pressed, the flash mode will not be switched. Therefore, when switching from the automatic light control mode to the manual flash mode, it is necessary to operate multiple operation members of the flash operation unit 303 or multiple operation members of the camera operation unit 105 to set the flash amount.

[0066] In the imaging system 1000, regardless of whether the flash amount transfer function in the flash device 300 is enabled or disabled, a function can be set to switch between the automatic light control mode and the manual flash mode by operating a specified button on the camera 100 once. In other words, when the specified button with the flash mode switching set is pressed, the system control unit 101 generates a flash mode switching command and transmits it to the flash control unit 301. When the flash control unit 301 receives the flash mode switching command from the system control unit 101, regardless of whether the flash amount transfer function is enabled or disabled, the flash control unit 301 switches between the automatic light control mode and the manual flash mode.

[0067] Next, the switching between the automatic light control mode and the manual flash mode by operating the specified button will be described. Figure 6 FIG. is a sequence diagram of the process performed by the camera 100 for switching between the automatic light control mode and the manual flash mode. In S600, when the specified button is pressed by a user operation, the process in the camera 100 starts.

[0068] In S601, the system control unit 101 requests the flash control unit 301 to provide flash amount transfer information. The flash amount transfer information is information indicating whether the flash amount transfer function of the flash device 300 is enabled or disabled.

[0069] In S602, the flash control unit 301 receives the request in S601 and confirms whether the flash amount transfer function is enabled or disabled.

[0070] In S603, the flash control unit 301 transmits flash amount transfer information indicating whether to enable or disable the flash amount transfer function to the system control unit 101.

[0071] In S604, the system control unit 101 requests the flash control unit 301 to provide flash mode information. The flash mode information is information indicating the flash mode set at that time.

[0072] In S605, the flash control unit 301 receives the request in S604 and transmits the flash mode information indicating the flash mode set at that time to the system control unit 101.

[0073] In S606, the system control unit 101 transmits a flash mode switching command to the flash control unit 301. The flash mode switching command does not specify a specific flash mode, but is only a command to switch the flash mode between the automatic light control mode and the manual flash mode. Regardless of whether the flash mode is set in the flash device 300 or not, the flash mode switching command is transmitted to the flash control unit 301.

[0074] In S607, the system control unit 101 waits for a predetermined time to elapse before completing the flash mode switching in the flash device 300.

[0075] At the same time as S607, in S608, the flash control unit 301 switches the set flash mode (the set flash mode) according to the flash mode switching command.

[0076] Here, the flash mode switching operation performed by the flash device 300 in S608 will be described. Figure 7 It is a flowchart of the flash mode switching operation performed in S608.

[0077] In S700, the flash control unit 301 determines whether the set flash mode is the automatic light control mode. When the flash control unit 301 determines that the set flash mode is the automatic light control mode (when the flash mode is set to the automatic light control mode (yes in S700)), the flash control unit 301 executes the process of S701. On the other hand, when the flash control unit 301 determines that the set flash mode is not the automatic light control mode (when the flash mode has not been set to the automatic light control mode (no in S700)), the flash control unit 301 executes the process of S702.

[0078] In S701, the flash control unit 301 sets the flash mode to the manual flash mode (switches from the automatic light control mode to the manual flash mode), and then ends the flash mode switching operation. At this time, when the flash amount transfer function is disabled in the flash device 300, the flash amount in the manual flash mode is set to a preset flash amount or the previous flash amount (the most recent flash amount) in the manual flash mode. The preset flash amount is the flash amount preset by the user when using the manual flash mode, and can be the flash amount set when the flash device 300 is shipped.

[0079] In S702, the flash control unit 301 determines whether the set flash mode is the manual flash mode. When the flash control unit 301 determines that the set flash mode is the manual flash mode (the flash mode has been set to the manual flash mode (yes in S702)), the flash control unit 301 executes the process of S703. On the other hand, when the flash control unit 301 determines that the set flash mode is not the manual flash mode (the flash mode has not been set to the manual flash mode (no in S702)), the flash control unit 301 ends the flash mode switching operation.

[0080] In S703, the flash control unit 301 sets the flash mode to the automatic light control mode (switches from the manual flash mode to the automatic light control mode), and then ends the flash mode switching operation.

[0081] It should be noted that the processes of S700 to S703 are executed regardless of whether the flash amount transfer function is enabled or disabled. Additionally, for example, when the flash mode has been set to the multi-flash mode in the flash device 300, the determinations in S700 and S702 are both no, the flash mode is not switched, and the multi-flash mode setting is maintained.

[0082] Return to the description of Figure 6 the sequence diagram. After waiting for a predetermined time to elapse in S607, in S609, the system control unit 101 requests the flash control unit 301 to provide flash mode information. The process of S609 is the same as the process of S604.

[0083] In S610, the flash control unit 301 receives the request in S609 and transmits the flash mode information indicating the currently set flash mode to the system control unit 101. The process of S610 is the same as the process of S605.

[0084] In S611, the system control unit 101 performs a predetermined operation based on the flash mode information received from the flash control unit 301, such as changing the display content on the camera display unit 106 (for example, changing the display of the currently set flash mode).

[0085] As described above, according to this embodiment, by operating a designated button on the camera 100 once, the flash mode can be alternately switched between the automatic light control mode and the manual flash mode regardless of whether the flash amount transfer function in the flash device 300 is enabled or disabled. Therefore, since the user usually holds the camera 100 (or the camera 100 and the lens barrel 200) when taking a photo, the user can easily switch the flash mode while viewing through the viewfinder.

[0086] It should be noted that, in the processing according to the sequence diagram of Figure 6 and the flowchart of Figure 7 , regardless of whether the flash amount transfer function is enabled or disabled, the flash mode is switched between the automatic light control mode and the manual flash mode according to the flash mode switching command from the system control unit 101. The present disclosure is not limited to this, and the operation of the flash device 300 when the designated button is pressed may be the same as the operation when the flash mode switching button provided in the flash operation unit 303 of the flash device 300 is pressed.

[0087] As a method for implementing this configuration, for example, the following two methods are given. The first method is as follows: when the flash control unit 301 receives a flash mode switching command from the system control unit 101, in the case where the flash amount transfer function is disabled, the flash control unit 301 performs control not to switch the flash mode. The second method is as follows: when the system control unit 101 detects the operation of pressing the designated button, in the case where the flash amount transfer information in S603 indicates that the flash amount transfer function is disabled, control is performed not to send a flash mode switching command. In this case, a warning indicating that the operation of pressing the designated button is disabled may be displayed on the camera display unit 106.

[0088] The user usually holds the camera 100 (or holds the lens barrel 200 at the same time) when taking a photo. Therefore, in this variant, the user does not need to reach out and touch the flash mode switching button provided in the flash operation unit 303, but can obtain the same effect as pressing the flash mode switching button by pressing the designated button while keeping the camera 100 facing the subject.

[0089] The setting for switching the flash mode in the flash device 300 by operating the designated button can be set to any of the above aspects from the menu screen for making various settings of the camera 100. Therefore, the user can handle (operate) the imaging system 1000 in a manner suitable for his / her preference.

[0090] Other embodiments

[0091] Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be implemented by the following method, that is, software (program) that executes the functions of the above-described embodiments is provided to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0092] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such variations as well as equivalent structures and functions.

[0093] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-010126, filed on January 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A lighting device, the lighting device comprising: A light-emitting unit; At least one processor; and A memory coupled to the processor storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as follows: A communication unit that communicates with an imaging device; A first setting unit that sets the flash mode of the light-emitting unit to a first flash mode or a second flash mode, the first flash mode causing the light-emitting unit to emit light with a manually set flash amount, and the second flash mode causing the light-emitting unit to emit light with a flash amount determined by automatic light control; and A control unit that, in the case of receiving a command for switching the flash mode of the light-emitting unit from the imaging device via the communication unit, at the time point of receiving the command, when the first flash mode has been set, switches to the second flash mode, and when the second flash mode has been set, switches to the first flash mode.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein The processor is further caused to function as a second setting unit that sets to enable or disable a flash amount handover function, the flash amount handover function, when switching from the second flash mode to the first flash mode, sets the most recent flash amount in the second flash mode as the initial flash amount in the first flash mode, and When switching from the second flash mode to the first flash mode based on the command from the imaging device, in the case where the flash amount handover function is enabled, the control unit sets the most recent flash amount in the second flash mode as the initial flash amount in the first flash mode.

3. The lighting device according to claim 2, the lighting device further comprising: An operation member that switches the flash mode of the light-emitting unit between the first flash mode and the second flash mode by a single operation, and Wherein, only in the case where the flash amount handover function is set to enabled, when the operation member is operated, the control unit switches between the first flash mode and the second flash mode.

4. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first setting unit is capable of setting the flash mode of the light-emitting unit to a third flash mode different from the first flash mode and the second flash mode, and In the case of receiving the command from the imaging device in a state where the third flash mode has been set, the control unit does not switch the flash mode of the light-emitting unit.

5. A camera system, wherein, The lighting device and the imaging device are communicatively connected to each other, wherein The imaging device comprises: At least one processor; and A memory coupled to the processor storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as a generating unit that generates a command for switching the flash mode of the lighting device in response to a single operation, and The flash device includes: A light-emitting unit; At least one processor; and A memory coupled to the processor storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as follows: A first setting unit that sets the flash mode of the lighting device to a first flash mode or a second flash mode, the first flash mode causing the light-emitting unit to emit light with a manually set flash amount, and the second flash mode causing the light-emitting unit to emit light with a flash amount determined by automatic light control; and A first control unit that, in the case of receiving a command from the imaging device through communication, at the time point of receiving the command, when the first flash mode has been set, performs a switch to the second flash mode, and when the second flash mode has been set, performs a switch to the first flash mode.

6. The imaging system according to claim 5, wherein In the lighting device, The first setting unit is capable of setting the flash mode of the lighting device to a third flash mode different from the first flash mode and the second flash mode, and In the case of receiving the command from the imaging device in a state where the third flash mode has been set, the first control unit does not perform a switch of the flash mode of the lighting device.

7. The imaging system according to claim 5, wherein In the lighting device, the processor further functions as a second setting unit that sets to enable or disable a flash amount handover function, the flash amount handover function, when switching from the second flash mode to the first flash mode, sets the most recent flash amount in the second flash mode as the initial flash amount in the first flash mode, and When performing a switch from the second flash mode to the first flash mode based on the command from the imaging device, in the case where the flash amount handover function is set to enabled, the first control unit sets the most recent flash amount in the second flash mode as the initial flash amount in the first flash mode.

8. The imaging system according to claim 7, wherein In the lighting device, the processor further functions as a notification unit that notifies the imaging device through communication of first information indicating whether the flash amount handover function is enabled or disabled, and In the imaging device, the processor further functions as follows: An acquisition unit that acquires the first information through communication; And A second control unit that, regardless of whether the first information indicates that the flash amount handover function is enabled or disabled, transmits the command to the lighting device through communication when generating the command.

9. The imaging system according to claim 7, wherein In the lighting device, the processor further functions as a notification unit that notifies the imaging device through communication of first information indicating whether the flash amount handover function is enabled or disabled, and In the imaging device, the processor functions as follows: An acquisition unit that acquires the first information through communication; and A second control unit that, when generating the command, transmits the command to the lighting device through communication if the first information indicates that the flash amount handover function is enabled, and does not transmit the command to the lighting device if the first information indicates that the flash amount handover function is disabled.

10. The imaging system according to claim 5, wherein The first setting unit of the lighting device can set the flash mode of the lighting device to a third flash mode different from the first flash mode and the second flash mode. In the lighting device, the processor further functions as a notification unit that notifies the imaging device through communication of second information indicating the flash mode set in the lighting device, and In the imaging device, the processor further functions as follows: An acquisition unit that acquires the second information through communication; And A second control unit that, when generating the command, does not transmit the command to the lighting device if the second information indicates that the flash mode of the lighting device has been set to the third flash mode.

11. The imaging system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein The lighting device further includes a second operation member that switches the flash mode of the lighting device between the first flash mode and the second flash mode by a single operation, and Only when the flash amount handover function is set to enabled, when the second operation member is operated, the first control unit of the lighting device performs the switching between the first flash mode and the second flash mode.

12. A control method for a lighting device including a light emitting unit, The control method includes: A step of establishing communication with an imaging device; A step of setting the flash mode of the light emitting unit to a first flash mode, a second flash mode, or a third flash mode different from the first flash mode and the second flash mode, where the first flash mode causes the light emitting unit to emit light with a manually set flash amount, and the second flash mode causes the light emitting unit to emit light with a flash amount determined by automatic light control; And A step of switching the flash mode of the light emitting unit when receiving a command for switching the flash mode of the light emitting unit from the imaging device, and Wherein, in the step of switching the flash mode of the light emitting unit, at the time point when the command is received, when the first flash mode has been set, the switching to the second flash mode is performed, when the second flash mode has been set, the switching to the first flash mode is performed, and when the third flash mode has been set, the flash mode of the light emitting unit is not switched.

13. The control method of the lighting device according to claim 12, wherein the control method further comprises: a step of setting to enable or disable a flash amount handover function, the flash amount handover function setting the most recent flash amount at which the light emitting unit emits light in the second flash mode as the flash amount in the first flash mode, and wherein, when switching the second flash mode to the first flash mode in the step of switching the flash mode of the light emitting unit, in the case where the flash amount handover function is set to enabled, setting the most recent flash amount in the second flash mode as the initial flash amount in the first flash mode.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a control method of a lighting device including a light emitting unit, wherein the control method comprises: a step of establishing communication with an imaging device; a step of setting the flash mode of the light emitting unit to a first flash mode, a second flash mode, or a third flash mode different from the first flash mode and the second flash mode, the first flash mode causing the light emitting unit to emit light with a manually set flash amount, and the second flash mode causing the light emitting unit to emit light with a flash amount determined by automatic light control; and a step of switching the flash mode of the light emitting unit in the case of receiving a command for switching the flash mode of the light emitting unit from the imaging device, and wherein, in the step of switching the flash mode of the light emitting unit, at the time point of receiving the command, when the first flash mode has been set, switching to the second flash mode, when the second flash mode has been set, switching to the first flash mode, and in the case where the third flash mode has been set, not switching the flash mode of the light emitting unit.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 14, wherein the control method further comprises a step of setting to enable or disable a flash amount handover function, the flash amount handover function setting the most recent flash amount at which the light emitting unit emits light in the second flash mode as the flash amount in the first flash mode, and when switching the second flash mode to the first flash mode in the step of switching the flash mode of the light emitting unit, in the case where the flash amount handover function is set to enabled, setting the most recent flash amount in the second flash mode as the initial flash amount in the first flash mode.

Images