Control apparatus, imaging system, control method, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The invention provides a control apparatus, an imaging system, a control method, a storage medium, and a program product. The control apparatus includes a control unit configured to determine whether a first lighting apparatus or a second lighting apparatus is wirelessly connected, and determine settings relating to light emission for each of the first lighting apparatus and the second lighting apparatus according to a determination result of the wireless connection, the setting for the first lighting device and the setting for the second lighting device are different from each other. The first lighting device and the second lighting device belong to different groups, and the control unit is configured to determine the settings for each group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to one or more embodiments of a control device, a camera system, a control method, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] A traditional camera system (multi-lighting device control system) uses multiple lighting devices capable of wireless communication to provide illumination during recording. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-098296 discloses a method for quickly changing the settings of each lighting device and confirming the effect.

[0003] A multi-lighting device control system may include multiple lighting devices of different types, such as lighting devices that provide illumination using flashing light and lighting devices that provide illumination using steady light (continuous light). In order to provide appropriate illumination using multiple types of lighting devices, the light emission settings can be appropriately configured for each type (group) of lighting devices. However, the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-098296 does not allow for the configuration of appropriate light emission settings for each type of lighting device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a control device includes a control unit configured to determine whether a first lighting device or a second lighting device is wirelessly connected, and based on the wireless connection determination result, to determine light emission-related settings for the first lighting device and the second lighting device respectively, such that the settings for the first lighting device and the settings for the second lighting device are different from each other. The first lighting device and the second lighting device belong to different groups, and the control unit is configured to determine the settings for each group. Alternatively, the control unit can determine the settings for the first lighting device and the settings for the second lighting device of the wirelessly connected lighting device, such that the settings for the first lighting device and the settings for the second lighting device are different from each other. A camera system having the above-described control device, a control method corresponding to the above-described control device, and a storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the above-described control method also constitute other aspects of this disclosure.

[0005] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of embodiments is given by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams of the camera system according to the first, third to fifth embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a camera system according to the first, third to fifth embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3A and Figure 3B These are exterior views of the lighting equipment according to various embodiments.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the transmitter lighting device according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the wireless communication processing of a transmitter lighting device according to a first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the flash lighting device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the stable light illumination device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 This is an exterior view of the wireless setup screen of the transmitter lighting device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of a camera system according to the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is an exterior view of the lighting device according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the receiver lighting device according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the wireless communication processing of a transmitter lighting device according to a third embodiment.

[0018] Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is an exterior view of the wireless setup screen of the transmitter lighting device according to the third embodiment.

[0019] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the wireless communication processing of a transmitter lighting device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0020] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the wireless communication processing of a transmitter lighting device according to a fifth embodiment.

[0021] Figure 16 This is an exterior view of the wireless setup screen of the transmitter lighting device according to the fifth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In the following text, the term "unit" may refer to a software context, a hardware context, or a combination of both. In a software context, the term "unit" refers to a function, application, software module, feature, routine, instruction set, or program that can be executed by a programmable processor, such as a microprocessor, central processing unit (CPU), or a specially designed programmable device or controller. Memory contains instructions or programs that, when executed by the CPU, cause the CPU to perform operations corresponding to the unit or function. In a hardware context, the term "unit" refers to a hardware element, circuit, assembly, physical structure, system, module, or subsystem. According to a specific embodiment, the term "unit" may include mechanical, optical, or electrical components, or any combination thereof. The term "unit" may include active (e.g., transistors) or passive (e.g., capacitors) components. The term "unit" may include a semiconductor device having a substrate and other material layers having various conductivity concentrations. It may include a CPU or programmable processor capable of executing programs stored in memory to perform a specified function. The term "unit" may include logic elements (e.g., AND, OR) implemented by transistor circuitry or any other switching circuitry. In the combination of software and hardware contexts, the term "unit" or "circuit" refers to any combination of software and hardware contexts as described above. Additionally, the terms "element," "assembly," "component," or "device" may also refer to a "circuit" integrated with or not integrated with packaging material.

[0023] Embodiments according to this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First Embodiment

[0024] Now refer to Figure 1 To describe a camera system (multi-light illumination device control system, illumination system) 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the camera system 10. The camera system 10 includes a camera body (digital single-lens reflex camera, imaging device) 100, a transmitter illumination device (transmitter-side illumination device) 300, a flash illumination device (receiver-side illumination device) 400, and a stabilizer illumination device (receiver-side illumination device) 500. The transmitter illumination device 300 is an illumination device that can be directly connected to the camera body 100 (it can be attached to and detached from the camera body 100). The flash illumination device 400 and the stabilizer illumination device 500 are each illumination devices independently arranged relative to the camera body 100 and serve as receivers capable of wirelessly communicating with the camera body 100. The flash illumination device 400 uses an Xe tube to emit flash. The stabilizer illumination device 500 uses an LED to emit stabilized light. In this embodiment, the number of flash illumination devices 400 and the number of stabilizer illumination devices 500 can be one or more.

[0025] The transmitter illumination device 300, which is directly connected to the connector (camera accessory (ACC) socket 108) of the camera body 100, can be interconnected with the camera body 100 via the connector, and the transmitter illumination device 300 has a built-in wireless communication circuit and a wireless antenna. Similarly, the flash illumination device 400 and the stabilized light illumination device 500, which act as receivers and are independently configured relative to the camera body 100, have built-in wireless communication circuits and wireless antennas. The transmitter illumination device 300, the flash illumination device 400, and the stabilized light illumination device 500 can communicate wirelessly using, for example, known wireless communication standards (such as IEEE 802.15.4).

[0026] Figure 1 Strobe photography is assumed to be performed in a photography studio or similar setting using a camera body 100 fixed relative to a subject 1000 via a tripod 2000. In this embodiment, a transmitter illumination device 300 connected to the camera body 100 is a transmitter device, and a flash illumination device 400 and a stabilizer illumination device 500, each independent of the camera body 100, are each receiver devices. The transmitter illumination device 300 and the flash illumination device 400 perform strobe-synchronized photography (shooting), thereby synchronizing the timing of the light emission with the shutter timing of the camera body 100. The stabilizer illumination device 500 emits light before the shutter timing of the camera body 100 and serves as illumination during photography.

[0027] In this embodiment, the transmitter illumination device 300 connected to the camera body 100 is described as a transmitter device, but a dedicated transmitter capable of wireless communication can be used instead of the device connected to the camera body 100. When the camera body 100 has a built-in wireless communication circuit and wireless antenna and is capable of wireless communication, a camera system can be conceived in which the camera body 100 functions as a transmitter device to directly send commands to the flash illumination device 400 and the stabilized light illumination device 500 via wireless communication.

[0028] Now refer to Figure 2 This describes the internal structure and operation of the camera system 10. IA stands for "lighting equipment". Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a camera system 10. Reference numeral 100 denotes the camera body, and a lens device (replaceable lens) 200 is attached to the front of the camera body 100. The lens device 200 is replaceable, and the camera body 100 and the lens device 200 are electrically connected via a mounting contact group 103. This embodiment is not limited to this example and can also be applied to camera devices that integrate a lens device and a camera body.

[0029] The camera ACC socket 108 is disposed on the top surface of the camera body 100. The camera ACC socket 108 can be connected to various accessories (external accessories) including the socket, and can communicate with these accessories via a group of contacts (not shown) disposed within the camera ACC socket 108.

[0030] Reference numeral 101 indicates a camera control unit, which is a microcomputer (one or more processors) used to operate and control the various parts of the camera body 100. The camera control unit 101 also has a built-in memory (one or more memories) for storing various adjustment values ​​and programs for executing various controls. This built-in memory also serves as a buffer memory for temporarily storing various data processed at different locations.

[0031] Reference numeral 102 indicates an image sensor, such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor, which converts light from the subject entering through the lens (optical system) 202 into electrical signals, generates image signals including still images and moving images, and outputs these image signals to the camera control unit 101.

[0032] Reference numeral 104 denotes a shutter (focal plane shutter), which is located between the image sensor 102 and the lens 202 and operates according to instructions from the camera control unit 101. The shutter 104 includes a front curtain and a rear curtain. Exposure of the image sensor 102 begins when the front curtain moves and the shutter opens, and ends when the rear curtain moves and the shutter closes.

[0033] Reference numeral 105 denotes a camera operation unit, which includes user-operable operating components. This camera operation unit detects operations performed by the user via buttons, switches, dials, connecting devices, etc., attached to the camera body 100, and sends signals corresponding to the operation commands to the camera control unit 101. For still image capture, the camera operation unit 105 outputs a command signal (SW1 signal) to the camera control unit 101 when the user half-presses the release button and a command signal (SW2 signal) when the user fully presses the release button. For moving image capture, the camera operation unit 105 outputs a command signal (REC signal) to the camera control unit 101 when the user operates the record button.

[0034] Reference numeral 106 indicates a camera display unit that displays video information and captured images according to instructions from the camera control unit 101. Reference numeral 107 indicates a memory for recording captured images. The memory 107 stores images via an interface with a storage medium such as a memory card or a hard disk drive (not shown).

[0035] The camera control unit 101 controls the operation of the camera body 100 based on the output signal of the camera operation unit 105. When the output signal of the camera operation unit 105 is an SW1 signal, the camera control unit 101 drives the image sensor 102 to capture an image and outputs focus information such as the amount of defocus at each focus detection point. The camera control unit 101 also detects the subject from the image capture result and repeatedly performs metering control (light measurement control) (AE operation) to measure the brightness of the subject, and determines the shutter speed, aperture value (F-number), and ISO sensitivity (ISO speed) to be used during image capture based on the metering result. Here, the shutter speed, aperture value, and ISO sensitivity to be used during image capture are collectively referred to as exposure control values. The determined exposure control values ​​are displayed on the screen of the camera display unit 106.

[0036] When the output signal of the camera operation unit 105 is the SW2 signal, the camera control unit 101 drives the aperture (aperture stop) 203 in the lens 202, sets the sensitivity (ISO sensitivity) of the image sensor 102, and controls the shutter 104 to illuminate the image sensor 102.

[0037] When the output signal of the camera operation unit 105 is a recording (REC) signal, the sensitivity (ISO sensitivity) and frame rate of the image sensor 102 are set, the image sensor 102 is driven to capture an image, and focus information such as the amount of defocus at each focus detection point is output. The camera also detects a subject from the captured image and illuminates the image sensor 102 with light while repeatedly performing metering control (AE operation) to measure the brightness of the subject.

[0038] The lens control unit 201 described below drives the focusing lens (not shown) for focusing in the lens 202 according to instructions from the camera control unit 101, and repeatedly performs autofocus. The camera control unit 101 displays the captured image on the screen of the camera display unit 106 according to the image data acquired from the image sensor 102, and also controls the writing of image data (including sound information) to the memory 107.

[0039] The structure of the lens device 200 will now be described. Reference numeral 201 denotes a lens control unit, which is a microcomputer (one or more processors) used to operate and control the operation of the various units of the lens device 200. Reference numeral 202 denotes a lens (optical system), which includes multiple lens units and forms an image of the subject on the image sensor 102. The lens 202 includes an aperture 203 for adjusting the amount of light and a focusing lens (not shown) for focusing. The lens control unit 201 adjusts the amount of light entering the camera body 100 and adjusts the focus according to instructions from the camera control unit 101 by using control via the mounting contact group 103, and sends distance information, etc., to the camera control unit 101 at this time.

[0040] Now refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B The structure of the transmitter lighting device 300, the flash lighting device 400, and the stabilized light lighting device 500 is described below. Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is an exterior view of the transmitter lighting device 300. Figure 3A It is a rear 3D view, and Figure 3BThis is a front perspective view. In this embodiment, the transmitter illumination device 300 is a control device (light emission control device), the flash illumination device 400 is a first illumination device, and the stabilized light illumination device 500 is a second illumination device. In this embodiment, since the transmitter illumination device 300 and the flash illumination device 400 have the same structure, the following description will be based on the transmitter illumination device 300, and the differences in function and operation will be discussed accordingly. The components 301 to 306 of the transmitter illumination device 300, which will be described later, correspond to the components 401 to 406 of the flash illumination device 400, respectively. The components 501 to 504 and 506 of the stabilized light illumination device 500 will be described as having the same structure as the components 301 to 304 and 306 of the transmitter illumination device 300.

[0041] Reference numeral 301 indicates a lighting equipment (IA) control unit (control section), which is a microcomputer (one or more processors) used to operate and control the operation of various units of the transmitter lighting equipment 300. The lighting equipment control unit 301 receives illumination commands from the camera body 100 via the lighting equipment socket 306, can cause the flash emitter 305 to emit light, and can send and receive camera information and lighting equipment information.

[0042] The lighting control unit 301 can also wirelessly communicate with the lighting device wireless communication unit (COMM) 402 in the flash lighting device 400 and the lighting device wireless communication unit 502 in the stabilized light lighting device 500 via the lighting device wireless communication unit 302, which will be described later. The lighting control unit 301 can cause the flash lighting device 400 and the stabilized light lighting device 500 to emit light based on the light emission command from the camera body 100, and can send and receive information between the lighting devices.

[0043] The lighting equipment control unit 301 also functions as a judgment unit, which determines whether the lighting equipment wirelessly connected via the lighting equipment wireless communication unit 302 is a flash lighting device 400 or a steady-state lighting device 500. The lighting equipment control unit 301 sends and receives control signals related to video recording (such as video recording start and end commands) and other information.

[0044] The lighting control unit (CTRL) 401 in the flash lighting device 400, corresponding to the lighting control unit 301, can communicate with the transmitter lighting device 300 via the lighting device wireless communication unit 402. The lighting control unit 401 receives emission commands from the transmitter lighting device 300 and can transmit and receive information (e.g., emission of the flash emitter 405, information acquisition from the transmitter lighting device 300, settings such as the emission level of the flash lighting device 400, and charging completion). Similarly, the lighting control unit 501 in the stabilized light lighting device 500, corresponding to the lighting control unit 301, can communicate with the transmitter lighting device 300 via the lighting device wireless communication unit 502. The lighting control unit 501 receives emission commands from the transmitter lighting device 300, can control the emission of the stabilized light emitter 505, acquire information related to the transmitter lighting device 300, and transmit and receive setting-related information such as the emission level, color temperature (K), and color (RGB) of the stabilized light lighting device 500.

[0045] Reference numeral 302 indicates a wireless communication unit for lighting equipment, and is a wireless communication module such as an infrared communication module, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication module, or a wireless LAN communication module. Lighting equipment wireless communication unit 402 and lighting equipment wireless communication unit 502 each similarly function as a wireless control unit.

[0046] Reference numeral 303 indicates a lighting equipment operation unit, which includes user-operable operating components. This lighting equipment operation unit detects operations performed by the user via buttons, dials, etc., attached to the transmitter lighting equipment 300, and sends signals corresponding to the operation commands to the lighting equipment control unit 301. The lighting equipment operation unit 303 functions as a selector for group selection, etc., within the transmitter lighting equipment 300.

[0047] Reference numeral 304 indicates a lighting device display unit (display section), which has, for example, an LCD panel. According to instructions from the lighting device control unit 301, the lighting device display unit 304 displays setting information such as light emission level and wireless communication settings set in the camera body 100 or the transmitter lighting device 300. The lighting device display unit 304 also displays information such as camera communication status and connection status with the flash lighting device 400 and the stabilized light lighting device 500.

[0048] Reference numeral 305 indicates a flash emitter, which receives a light emission operation command from the lighting equipment control unit 301 and emits light at a specified timing and amount. The flash emitter 305 mainly includes a discharge tube, a reflector, a zoom optical system, and a light-emitting circuit (not shown), and is a light emitter (illumination unit) capable of emitting a flash using the discharge tube. The flash emitter 305 can also change its light emission range by moving the zoom optical system. The flash emitter 405 in the flash lighting equipment 400 is also a light emitter with similar functionality.

[0049] On the other hand, the stable light emitter 505 in the stable light lighting device 500 receives a light emission operation command from the lighting device control unit 501 and emits light at a specified timing and amount. The stable light emitter 505 includes a light emitter such as an LED (not shown), a diffuser plate placed in front of the LED, a light emission circuit, etc., and is a light emitter (lighting unit) capable of emitting light stably using LEDs, etc.

[0050] The lighting equipment socket 306 is a connector that can be connected to the camera ACC socket 108 of the camera body 100. A group of contacts (not shown) disposed within the lighting equipment socket 306 enables communication with the camera control unit 101 in the camera body 100, thereby allowing the transmission and reception of information related to light emission and information related to the lighting equipment from the camera body 100.

[0051] Reference numeral 308 in the attached figure indicates the main body of the lighting equipment, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the main body of the lighting device includes a lighting device operation unit 303 and a lighting device display unit 304. The main body 308 also houses a lighting device control unit 301 mounted on a substrate (not shown) and a battery power supply (not shown). Reference numeral 309 indicates the lighting device head unit, as shown... Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the head unit of the lighting device includes a flash emitter 305.

[0052] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the lighting device body 308 and the lighting device head unit 309 are separate, and the lighting device head unit 309 is rotatably held relative to the lighting device body 308. Therefore, the lighting direction changer can be configured to allow a user to point the flash emitter 305 in a predetermined direction (e.g., toward a ceiling or wall) for bounce photography.

[0053] When the user uses the lighting equipment as a transmitter lighting device 300, the transmitter lighting device 300 is connected to the camera ACC socket 108 and attached to the camera body 100, and the lighting direction of the flash emitter 305 is determined by the aforementioned lighting direction changer. On the other hand, when the user uses the lighting equipment as a flash lighting device 400, it is positioned away from the camera body 100, and the position and lighting direction of the flash lighting device 400 relative to the subject 1000 are determined by the lighting direction changer.

[0054] The (light) emission group settings and light emission level settings in the camera system 10 will now be described. While viewing various setting information on the lighting device display unit 304, the user uses the lighting device operation unit 303 to set up the transmitter lighting device 300. When setting up the flash lighting device 400 in the camera system 10, the user uses wireless settings to set the flash lighting device 400 to receiver mode, performs wireless connection settings, and enables wireless communication with the transmitter lighting device 300. Furthermore, in the flash lighting device 400, the user sets up the emission groups for light emission. When the emission groups have been set, during actual light emission for imaging, light is emitted according to the light emission level settings and light emission commands indicated by the transmitter lighting device 300 for each emission group.

[0055] The following will be referenced Figure 8 As described, this embodiment allows for transmission group settings for each of five groups, designated A, B, C, D, and E. By preparing multiple transmission group settings and allowing individual settings for each group, in situations such as Figure 1 When multiple lighting devices are arranged as shown, the amount of light emitted by each lighting device can be changed, thereby allowing the user to take images using the desired subject lighting.

[0056] When a user uses transmitter lighting device 300 to set the light emission levels and other settings for various lighting devices, the user uses wireless settings to set transmitter lighting device 300 to transmitter mode to establish wireless connections with flash lighting device 400 and stabilized light lighting device 500, respectively. The user then sets the light emission levels for each emission group in transmitter lighting device 300. Therefore, during actual illumination during video recording, each lighting device emits light according to the light emission level settings for each emission group to utilize multi-light illumination for image capture.

[0057] Now refer to Figures 4 to 8The operation of the camera system 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. In this operation, the user uses a transmitter illumination device 300 connected to the camera body 100 to establish a wireless connection with the flash illumination device 400 and the stabilized light illumination device 500. At this time, the transmitter illumination device 300 performs processes such as setting the light emission levels of the flash illumination devices 400 and stabilized light illumination devices 500 assigned to each group.

[0058] Now refer to Figure 4 This describes the processing of the transmitter lighting device 300 during wireless setup. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the transmitter lighting device 300.

[0059] In step S100, when the power switch of the lighting equipment operation unit 303 is turned on and the lighting equipment becomes operable, the lighting equipment control unit 301 initializes the memory and ports. The lighting equipment control unit 301 also reads the switch status and preset input information input from the lighting equipment operation unit 303, and performs various settings related to light emission, such as the light emission mode (e.g., dimming or manual light emission) and light emission value setting, for the lighting equipment.

[0060] Next, in step S101, the lighting equipment control unit 301 uses the charging control unit to perform a charging operation to store the charge for emitting light from the power supply unit (not shown) into the main capacitor (not shown).

[0061] Next, in step S102, the lighting control unit 301 detects the voltage of the charge stored in the main capacitor (not shown) and determines whether the main capacitor is in a fully charged state. If the main capacitor is in a fully charged state, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the main capacitor is not in a fully charged state, the process returns to step S101, and the lighting control unit 301 continues the charging operation. When the main capacitor is in a fully charged state, the flash emitter 305 is ready to emit light.

[0062] In step S103, the lighting equipment control unit 301 performs processing related to wireless communication (wireless communication processing). See below for further details. Figure 5 To describe the details of step S103.

[0063] Next, in step S104, the lighting equipment control unit 301 determines whether the lighting equipment socket 306 is connected to the camera ACC socket 108 (whether it is connected to the camera body 100). If it is connected to the camera body 100, the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if it is not connected to the camera body 100, the process returns to step S101 and continues to confirm the charging and wireless connection status in steps S101 to S104.

[0064] In step S105, when the lighting control unit 301 is connected to the camera body 100 and the transmitter lighting device 300 is in a fully charged state and capable of emitting light, the lighting control unit 301 transmits the fully charged status to the camera body 100 via communication with the lighting device socket 306. In step S103, when the flash lighting device 400 is wirelessly connected, in a fully charged state, and capable of emitting light, the transmitter lighting device 300, having received the fully charged status from the flash lighting device 400 via wireless communication, transmits this status to the camera body 100. Thus, the process ends. Then, the transmitter lighting device 300 waits for a light-emitting command from the camera body 100 and continues processing steps S101 to S105 until the light-emitting command is issued.

[0065] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 The wireless communication processing of step S103 performed by the transmitter lighting device 300 will be described in detail below. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the wireless communication processing of the transmitter lighting device 300.

[0066] First, in step S201, the lighting equipment control unit 301 determines whether the wireless communication setting is enabled (whether the wireless communication setting is enabled). If the user has already enabled the wireless communication setting using the lighting equipment operation unit 303 (if the wireless communication setting is enabled on the lighting equipment operation unit 303), the process proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if the wireless communication setting is not enabled, the process ends.

[0067] In step S202, the lighting equipment control unit 301 performs transmitter settings for wireless communication settings pre-set by the user using the lighting equipment operation unit 303 or the lighting equipment display unit 304. If the user has already set up the transmitter lighting equipment 300, which primarily transmits wireless light control signals, this step reads the device transmitter settings and display screen. To perform wireless communication using the lighting equipment wireless communication unit 302, the lighting equipment control unit 301 sets connection information such as the wireless ID and channel (CH) for wireless communication, and sets the display of the transmitter lighting equipment 300. When the transmitter lighting equipment 300 is set as a transmitter in step S202, it functions as a lighting equipment that controls multiple wirelessly connected receiver lighting equipment in the camera system 10.

[0068] Next, in step S203, the lighting control unit 301 automatically sets the transmitting group of the transmitter lighting device 300 to group A. In this embodiment, the transmitter lighting device 300 is automatically set to group A, but the user can arbitrarily set it to other groups such as group B or group C, or can set the transmitter lighting device 300 to disable its light emission.

[0069] Next, in step S204, the lighting equipment control unit 301 searches for receiver lighting devices that can be connected wirelessly using the same ID and CH, based on the wireless ID and CH set in step S202. If a receiver lighting device is found (in cases where a receiver lighting device can be wirelessly connected), the process proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if no receiver lighting device is found, the search for wirelessly connectable receiver lighting devices continues in step S204.

[0070] In step S205, the lighting equipment control unit 301 establishes a wireless connection with various lighting devices that are set as receivers and discovered in step S204.

[0071] Next, in step S206, the lighting device control unit 301 acquires the information transmitted from the receiver lighting device in step S307 or step S405 (described below) during the wireless connection. The information acquired includes the device type (such as flash lighting device 400 or stabilized light lighting device 500), the device-specific ID (identification information), and settable items corresponding to the device type. For example, if the wirelessly connected device is flash lighting device 400, settable items such as maximum luminous intensity and zoom position are acquired. On the other hand, if the wirelessly connected device is stabilized light lighting device 500, settable items such as maximum luminous intensity, color temperature setting range, and color setting range are acquired.

[0072] Next, in step S207, the lighting device control unit 301 transmits a wireless group selectable from group A to group E to the receiver lighting device, depending on the type of the flash lighting device 400 or the stable light lighting device 500 that was wirelessly connected and transmitted in steps S205 and S206. In this embodiment, the transmitter lighting device 300 that emits flashes uses group A. Therefore, communication with the wirelessly connected flash lighting device 400 is possible when groups A to E are selectable. On the other hand, communication with the stable light lighting device 500 is possible when groups B to E are selectable. This embodiment allows groups A, B, C, D, and E to be selectable, but other numbers of groups, such as three or ten groups, can also be used.

[0073] Next, in step S208, the lighting equipment control unit 301 receives the group selection results transmitted by each receiver lighting equipment in steps S311 and S409 below, based on the selectable groups transmitted from the transmitter lighting equipment 300 in step S207.

[0074] Next, in step S209, the lighting equipment control unit 301 displays the settings of each assigned group on the lighting equipment display unit 304 based on the group selection results in step S208. Figure 8 This is an external view of the screen display of the wireless settings of the transmitter lighting device 300, and shows the state of the lighting device display unit 304 in the group selection mode of the wireless communication settings of the transmitter lighting device 300.

[0075] like Figure 8 As shown, for example, when multiple flash lighting devices 400 are configured into group A and group B, the flash emission mode (ETTL or M), the light output setting (1 / 64 or ±0), and the charging completion (lightning bolt icon) are set and displayed for group A and group B. Similarly, when the stabilized light lighting device 500 is configured into group C, as... Figure 8 As shown, the settings for stable light emission are configured and displayed (such as luminous intensity (50%), color temperature (5000K), color setting (COLOR_OFF), and emission ON / OFF (the symbol for the lamp), etc.).

[0076] Next, in step S210, the lighting control unit 301 transmits the light emission settings to each receiver lighting device. Here, the light emission settings for each group stored in the lighting control unit 301 are transmitted to the lighting devices belonging to each group. Thus, the same setting values ​​are applied to lighting devices belonging to the same group.

[0077] Next, in step S211, the lighting equipment control unit 301 determines whether the lighting equipment connected as a receiver includes the flash lighting device 400. If the flash lighting device 400 is wirelessly connected, the process proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if the flash lighting device 400 is not wirelessly connected, the process ends.

[0078] In step S212, the lighting equipment control unit 301 uses the lighting equipment wireless communication unit 302 to wirelessly receive information regarding whether the flash lighting device 400, which is the receiver lighting device, is in a fully charged state and can emit light. If charging completion information is transmitted from the receiver flash lighting device 400 in step S314 (described below), the charging completion information can be received. The lighting equipment control unit 301 then determines whether the receiver flash lighting device 400 is fully charged. If charging is complete, the process ends. On the other hand, if charging is not yet complete, the system continues to receive charging completion information from the receiver flash lighting device 400 in step S212.

[0079] When multiple flash lighting devices 400 are connected, the lighting device control unit 301 determines whether all receiver lighting devices are in a fully charged state. When connecting multiple receiver lighting devices to the transmitter lighting device 300, steps S204 to S210 are repeated in the same manner to perform connection processing with each receiver lighting device.

[0080] Now refer to Figure 6 This describes the processing of a flash lighting device 400, which acts as a receiver lighting device in a wireless setup. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the flash lighting device 400. Here, the flash lighting device 400 will be described with the lighting device socket 406 not connected to the camera body 100.

[0081] First, in step S300, similar to step S100, when the power switch in the lighting device operation unit 403 of the flash lighting device 400 is turned on and becomes active, the lighting device control unit 401 initializes the memory and ports. The lighting device control unit 401 also reads the switch status and preset input information from the lighting device operation unit 403, and performs various settings related to the lighting device, such as the light emission mode (e.g., dimming or manual light emission) and the light emission value setting.

[0082] Next, in step S301, the lighting equipment control unit 401 uses the charging control unit to perform a charging operation to store the charge for emitting light from the power supply unit (not shown) into the main capacitor (not shown).

[0083] Next, in step S302, the lighting control unit 401 detects the voltage of the charge stored in the main capacitor (not shown) and determines whether the main capacitor is in a fully charged state. If the main capacitor is in a fully charged state, the flash emitter 405 is ready to emit light.

[0084] In step S303, the lighting equipment control unit 401 determines whether the wireless communication setting is enabled. If the user has already enabled the wireless communication setting using the lighting equipment operation unit 403, the process proceeds to step S304. On the other hand, if the wireless communication setting is not enabled, the process returns to step S301 and continues with the charging operation and charging completion detection.

[0085] In step S304, if the user has previously set the receiver settings using the lighting device operation unit 403 or the lighting device display unit 404, the lighting device control unit 401 reads the receiver settings from its internal memory. To use the lighting device wireless communication unit 402 for wireless communication, the lighting device control unit 401 sets connection information such as the wireless ID and CH for wireless communication and sets the unit as a receiver lighting device. When the flash lighting device 400 is set as a receiver lighting device in step S304, the flash lighting device 400 becomes a lighting device that emits light according to a light-emitting command from the transmitter lighting device 300 wirelessly connected in the camera system 10.

[0086] In step S305, the lighting equipment control unit 401 searches for transmitter lighting devices that can be connected using the same wireless ID and CH, based on the wireless ID and CH set in step S304. If a wirelessly connectable transmitter lighting device 300 is found, the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if no wirelessly connectable transmitter lighting device 300 is found, the process continues searching for wirelessly connectable transmitter lighting devices 300.

[0087] In step S306, the lighting equipment control unit 401 uses the lighting equipment wireless communication unit 402 to establish a wireless connection with the transmitter lighting equipment that was discovered and set as a transmitter in step S305.

[0088] Next, in step S307, the lighting equipment control unit 401 uses the lighting equipment wireless communication unit 402 to transmit to the transmitter lighting equipment 300 the type of receiver lighting equipment, the device-specific lighting equipment ID, and settable items such as maximum light output and zoom position. Here, the lighting equipment control unit 401 also transmits information that the lighting equipment 400 is a flash lighting equipment that emits flashes.

[0089] Next, in step S308, the lighting equipment control unit 401 uses the lighting equipment wireless communication unit 402 to receive the selectable groups transmitted from the transmitter lighting equipment 300 in step S207. Here, since the selectable groups are set for the flash lighting equipment 400, unless the stable light lighting equipment 500 is connected first, groups A to E are transmitted as selectable groups. For example, if the stable light lighting equipment 500 has already been wirelessly connected first and set to group C, the selectable groups for the flash lighting equipment 400 become groups A, B, D, and E.

[0090] Next, in step S309, the lighting equipment control unit 401 displays the selectable group received in step S308 on the lighting equipment display unit 404.

[0091] Next, in step S310, the lighting equipment control unit 401 determines whether the user has already selected a group from the selectable groups using the lighting equipment operation unit 403 or the lighting equipment display unit 404. If a group has been selected, the process proceeds to step S311. On the other hand, if no group has been selected, the process continues to determine whether a group has been selected. Although the group determination process continues until the user makes a selection, the group can be automatically assigned to an available group after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the process proceeds to the next step.

[0092] In step S311, the lighting device control unit 401 transmits the selected group result to the transmitter lighting device 300 based on the group selection result made in step S310. Next, in step S312, the lighting device control unit 401 receives the light emission settings from the transmitter lighting device 300 using the lighting device wireless communication unit 402. In this embodiment, the flash lighting device 400 receives light emission-related settings (light emission settings) such as light emission mode or light emission amount. Next, in step S313, the lighting device control unit 401 performs light emission-related settings such as light emission mode or light emission amount for the flash lighting device 400 based on the light emission settings received in step S312, and displays the group settings on the lighting device display unit 404.

[0093] Next, in step S314, the lighting device control unit 401, which has already determined the charging completion status and wireless connection status in steps S302 and S306, uses the lighting device wireless communication unit 402 to perform wireless communication and notify the transmitter lighting device 300 of the charging completion status. Thus, the process ends. In step S212, the transmitter lighting device 300 receives charging completion information related to the flash lighting device 400. After the processing operation is completed, the lighting device control unit 401 in the flash lighting device 400 waits for a command to emit light from the transmitter lighting device 300 while performing the charging operation as in step S301.

[0094] Now refer to Figure 7 This describes the processing of a stable light illumination device 500, which acts as a receiver illumination device in a wireless setup. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of the stabilized light illumination device 500. Here, the stabilized light illumination device 500 will be described with the illumination device socket 506 not connected to the camera body 100. References will be omitted. Figure 6 The processing operation of the flash lighting device 400 described herein is similar to that described elsewhere, and only the differences will be described. More specifically, steps S400 to S404 are similar to steps S300 and S303 to S306, respectively, and therefore their descriptions will be omitted.

[0095] In step S405, the lighting equipment control unit 501 uses the lighting equipment wireless communication unit 502 to transmit to the transmitter lighting equipment 300 the type of the receiver lighting equipment, the device-specific lighting equipment ID, and settable items such as maximum luminous intensity, color temperature, or color. The lighting equipment control unit 501 also transmits information that it is a stable light lighting equipment 500 configured to emit stable light.

[0096] Next, in step S406, the lighting equipment control unit 501 uses the lighting equipment wireless communication unit 502 to receive the selectable groups from the transmitter lighting equipment 300 in step S207. Here, since this selectable group is for the stable light lighting equipment 500, the transmitter lighting equipment 300 is set to group A unless the flash lighting equipment 400 is not connected first. Therefore, groups B through E are transmitted as selectable groups.

[0097] Next, in step S407, the lighting equipment control unit 501 displays the selectable group received in step S406 on the lighting equipment display unit 504.

[0098] Next, in step S408, the lighting equipment control unit 501 determines whether the user has already selected a group from the selectable groups using the lighting equipment operation unit 503 and the lighting equipment display unit 504. If a group has been selected, the process proceeds to step S409. On the other hand, if a group has not been selected, the process continues to determine whether a group has been selected.

[0099] In step S409, the lighting equipment control unit 501 transmits the selected group to the transmitter lighting equipment 300 based on the group selection result in step S408. Next, in step S410, the lighting equipment control unit 501 uses the lighting equipment wireless communication unit 502 to receive light emission settings from the transmitter lighting equipment 300. Here, the lighting equipment control unit 501 receives settings for the stable light lighting equipment 500, such as light emission mode, light emission intensity, color temperature, or color.

[0100] Next, in step S411, the lighting control unit 501, based on the light emission settings received in step S410, performs light emission-related settings for the stabilized light lighting device 500, such as light emission mode, light emission amount, color temperature, or color. The lighting control unit 501 also displays the group settings on the lighting device display unit 504, and the process ends. Here, after processing is complete, the lighting control unit 501 in the stabilized light lighting device 500 enters a standby state, waiting for a light emission command from the transmitter lighting device 300.

[0101] As described above, in this embodiment, the communication unit (lighting device wireless communication unit 302) wirelessly communicates with both the first lighting device (flash lighting device 400) and the second lighting device (stabilized light lighting device 500). The control unit (lighting device control unit 301) determines the light emission-related settings for each of the first and second lighting devices. Here, the control unit can make the settings for the first lighting device different from those for the second lighting device (changing the light emission settings according to the wirelessly connected lighting device).

[0102] The control unit can determine the settings for the first lighting device or the second lighting device based on whether the first lighting device or the second lighting device is wirelessly connected via a communication unit. The first lighting device and the second lighting device may belong to different groups, and the control unit can determine the light emission-related settings for each group. The light emission-related settings may include settings related to at least one of the following: the group to which the light emission belongs, the light emission intensity, the light emission mode, the color temperature, and the color.

[0103] The control device (transmitter lighting device 300) may have a display unit (lighting device display unit 304) for displaying information related to settings. The display unit may display different information related to the settings of the first lighting device and the second lighting device. The first lighting device and the second lighting device may belong to different groups, and the display unit may change the setting-related information according to the group.

[0104] In this embodiment, the transmitter lighting device 300 determines selectable groups and transmits information to each receiver lighting device for each group; however, this embodiment is not limited to this example. In this embodiment, the transmitter lighting device 300 can transmit information assigned to each group, and the receiver lighting devices can make a determination. In this embodiment, the transmitter lighting device 300 is a lighting device capable of emitting flashes, but it can also be a wireless communication device that controls the emission of light from the receiver lighting devices via wireless control communication without any emission function. In this case, since the wireless communication device used as the transmitter does not belong to any group, the stable light lighting device 500 can operate to select group A.

[0105] In this embodiment, the user can select different selectable groups based on whether the wirelessly connected flash lighting device 400 or the stabilized light lighting device 500 is used, to configure and display light emission-related settings for each group. Therefore, this embodiment can provide a camera system that allows for appropriate settings based on the type of lighting device. Second Embodiment

[0106] Now refer to Figures 9 to 11 The following describes a camera system (multi-lamp lighting control system, lighting system) 10a according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment will discuss the processing in the case where the receiver lighting device (third lighting device) 600 is a lighting device having both a flash emitter (first lighting unit) and a stabilized light emitter (second lighting unit).

[0107] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of a camera system 10a. The camera system 10a includes a camera body 100, a lens device 200, a transmitter illumination device (control device) 300, and a receiver illumination device 600. In the camera system 10a, the camera body 100, the lens device 200, and the transmitter illumination device 300 are connected to... Figure 2 The descriptions of those in the camera system 10 according to the first embodiment are the same and will therefore be omitted. Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is an external view of the receiver lighting device 600. Figure 10A It is a rear 3D view, and Figure 10B It is a front 3D view.

[0108] Reference numeral 607 in the attached figure indicates a stabilized light emitter (second illumination unit), and includes an LED and a modeling lens (not shown). Figure 10B As shown, the stabilized light emitter 607 is located in the same place as the flash emitter (first illumination unit) 605. Therefore, the illumination range of the stabilized light emitter 607 is approximately the same as that of the flash emitter 605. The illumination center is located near the illumination center of the flash emitter 605. When a large amount of light is not required, or when different colors or color temperatures of light are needed to illuminate the subject, the user can operate the lighting device operation unit 603 to switch from the light emitted by the flash emitter 605 (first illumination) to the light emitted by the stabilized light emitter 607 (second illumination). Therefore, the LEDs can be switched on and off under the control of the lighting device control unit 301. In this embodiment, at least one of the lighting device operation unit 603 and the lighting device display unit 604 can also be used as a selector.

[0109] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the receiver lighting device 600. The initialization, wireless communication, and other processing performed by the transmitter lighting device 300 are related to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The processing methods described above are similar, so their descriptions will be omitted. Figure 11 Steps S500 to S506 and S516 to S522 in the above are respectively related to Figure 6 Steps S300 to S306 and S308 to S314 are similar, so their descriptions will be omitted. Figure 11 Steps S509 to S514 in the middle Figure 7 Steps S406 to S411 are similar, therefore their description will be omitted. The following will... Figure 11 Steps S507, S508, and S515 are discussed as processes in this embodiment that differ from the first embodiment.

[0110] In step S507, after establishing a wireless connection in step S506, the lighting equipment control unit 601 displays a screen (selection screen) on the lighting equipment display unit 604 to prompt the user to select whether to emit stable light during recording. Then, the lighting equipment control unit 601 uses the lighting equipment operation unit 603 to determine whether the user has selected to emit stable light. If stable light emission is selected, the process proceeds to step S508. Conversely, if stable light emission is not selected, the process proceeds to step S515.

[0111] In step S508, the lighting device control unit 601 uses the lighting device wireless communication unit 602 to transmit to the transmitter lighting device 300 the type of the receiver lighting device, the device-specific lighting device ID, and settable items such as maximum luminous intensity, color temperature, and color. Here, the lighting device control unit 601 transmits to the transmitter lighting device 300 that it is a lighting device configured to emit stable light. The transmitter lighting device 300, in the above-described... Figure 5 In step S206, device information is received from the receiver lighting device 600, and as a result of (communication as a stable light lighting device), in step S207, an optional group of stable light lighting devices is transmitted.

[0112] In step S515, the lighting device control unit 601 uses the lighting device wireless communication unit 602 to transmit to the transmitter lighting device 300 the type of the receiving lighting device, the device-specific lighting device ID, and settable items such as maximum luminous intensity and zoom position. Here, the lighting device control unit 601 transmits to the transmitter lighting device 300 that it is a lighting device configured to emit flashes. The transmitter lighting device 300, in the above-described... Figure 5 In step S206, device information is received from the receiver lighting device 600, and as a result (of communicating as a flash lighting device), in step S207, an optional group of flash lighting devices is transmitted.

[0113] As described above, in this embodiment, the communication unit (lighting device wireless communication unit 302) wirelessly communicates with a third lighting device (receiver lighting device 600) capable of performing both first and second lighting. The control unit (lighting device control unit 301) determines the settings of the third lighting device related to the first lighting and the settings related to the second lighting. Here, the control unit can make the settings for the first lighting different from the settings for the second lighting. The control unit can determine whether the settings are for the first lighting or the second lighting based on whether the third lighting device selects the first or the second lighting. The first lighting can be lighting using flashing lights, and the second lighting can be lighting using steady light.

[0114] Therefore, in this embodiment, where the receiver lighting device 600 includes both a flash emitter and a stabilized light emitter, the user is prompted to choose whether to use flash or stabilized light for illumination during recording before selecting a group. Thus, this embodiment enables group selection based on the choice between flash emission and stabilized light emission, thereby providing a camera system that allows for appropriate lighting settings. Third Embodiment

[0115] Now refer to Figure 12 , Figure 13A and Figure 13BThis invention describes a camera system (multi-lamp lighting control system) according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment will discuss the processing of controlling selectable groups based on the emission mode and the type of lighting device. This embodiment will discuss the processing performed by a camera system 10 similar to the camera system of the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the processing of the transmitter lighting device 300, the flash lighting device 400, and the stabilized light lighting device 500 is as follows... Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The processing shown is similar, so a description will be omitted.

[0116] Figure 12 This illustrates the wireless communication processing performed by the lighting device control unit 301 in the transmitter lighting device 300 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 The flowchart of step S103 in the process. Figure 12 Steps S601 to S605 and S609 to S613 in the above are respectively related to Figure 5 Steps S201 to S205 and S208 to S212 are similar, so their descriptions will be omitted. Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is an external view of the wireless setup screen display (wireless setup of the transmitter lighting device) of the transmitter lighting device 300 according to this embodiment.

[0117] exist Figure 12 In step S606, the lighting control unit 301 determines whether the proportional (emission ratio) mode (first emission processing) has been selected as the wireless mode selection. If the user has already selected the proportional mode by selecting a mode on the lighting operation unit 303 or the lighting display unit 304 of the transmitter lighting device 300, the process proceeds to step S607. On the other hand, if the proportional mode has not been selected, it is assumed that the Gr (group) mode (second emission processing) has been selected, and the process proceeds to step S614.

[0118] In step S607, the lighting equipment control unit 301 uses the lighting equipment wireless communication unit 302 to obtain device information from the receiver lighting equipment. Here, as in step S206, the lighting equipment control unit 301 receives information from the receiver lighting equipment... Figure 6 Step S307 or Figure 7 In step S405, the types of each device, the device-specific device IDs, and various settings are transmitted.

[0119] In step S608, the lighting equipment control unit 301 transmits the selectable group as a proportional mode selection status to the receiver lighting equipment. Here, in the mode as a proportional mode, such as... Figure 13A and Figure 13BAs shown, the ratio of luminous intensity of group A and group B is determined, and the luminous intensity is displayed as an "A:B" ratio. This mode is a luminous intensity mode in which three groups are set as follows, wherein, in addition to the luminous intensity ratio of A:B, the luminous intensity of group C is also set separately. The group (Gr) mode is a mode in which the luminous intensity of each of the five groups A to E described in the first embodiment can be set individually.

[0120] In step S607, when the receiver lighting device transmits as the flash lighting device 400, the transmitter lighting device 300 belongs to group A. Therefore, the receiver lighting device transmits groups A, B, and C as selectable groups to the flash lighting device 400. Then, in step S609, the receiver lighting device transmits group C as the group selected by the flash lighting device 400. At this time, in step S610, as... Figure 13A As shown, the flash lighting settings for groups A, B, and C are displayed on the lighting device display unit 304 in the transmitter lighting device 300.

[0121] On the other hand, in step S607, when the receiver lighting device transmits as a stable light lighting device 500, the transmitter lighting device 300 that emits flashes belongs to group A. Therefore, groups A and B, which are used to emit light by determining the light emission ratio, are considered as groups that can be selected by lighting devices emitting the same flashes, and group C is transmitted to the stable light lighting device 500 as a selectable group. Thereafter, in step S609, group C is transmitted from the receiver lighting device as the group that has already selected the stable light lighting device 500. At this time, as... Figure 13B As shown, in step S610, the lighting device display unit 304 in the transmitter lighting device 300 displays the light emission settings for groups A and B in proportion to the light emission of the flash lighting device 400, and the stable light illumination settings for group C.

[0122] When the process moves from step S606 to step S614, as in step S607, the lighting equipment control unit 301 receives from the receiver lighting equipment the device type, device-specific ID, and various settings for each device.

[0123] In step S615, the lighting control unit 301 transmits the selectable group as the selection state of Gr mode to the receiver lighting device. As in step S207, the selectable group in Gr mode is selected from five groups A to E, such that the flash lighting device 400 and the steady light lighting device 500 do not belong to the same group.

[0124] In this embodiment, the control unit performs either a first light emission process or a second light emission process based on the user's selection. The first light emission process is a light emission process with a light emission ratio determined for each of the multiple lighting devices, including the first lighting device or the second lighting device. The second light emission process is a light emission process with a light emission ratio determined individually for each of the multiple lighting devices. In this embodiment, when the wireless light emission method is in a proportional (light emission ratio) mode, the group emitting light according to the light emission ratio is set as the flash lighting device 400. This structure can provide a camera system that avoids inappropriate light emission ratios caused by different types of lighting devices (such as the flash lighting device 400 and the stable light lighting device 500).

[0125] This embodiment has already discussed the process for selecting a group on the receiver side. However, in steps S607 and S608, groups A and B are considered as groups for the flash lighting device 400. Therefore, if communication as a stable light lighting device 500 is sent in step S607, step S608 can be skipped, and the stable light lighting device 500 can be automatically assigned to group C.

[0126] In this embodiment, groups A, B, and C are selectable, but groups D and E (all five groups) can also be selected. In this embodiment, since the transmitter illumination device 300 uses group A as the illumination device for emitting the flash, group B is also considered a group that can select the flash illumination device 400. However, the stabilized light illumination device 500 can also select groups A and B. Fourth embodiment

[0127] Now refer to Figure 14 This invention describes a camera system (multi-lamp lighting control system) according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment will discuss the processing of controlling the emission mode of lighting using a wireless connection based on the type of lighting device. This embodiment will discuss the processing performed by the same camera system 10 as in the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the processing of the transmitter lighting device 300, the flash lighting device 400, and the stabilized light lighting device 500 is similar to that in the first embodiment. Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The processing shown is similar, so a description will be omitted.

[0128] Figure 14 This illustrates the wireless communication processing performed by the lighting device control unit 301 in the transmitter lighting device 300 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 The flowchart of step S103 in the process. Figure 14 Steps S701 to S705, S707, and S710 to S715 in the above are respectively related to Figure 5Steps S201 to S212 are similar, so their descriptions will be omitted.

[0129] In step S706, the lighting equipment control unit 301 reads the settings of the emission group selected by the user on the lighting equipment operation unit 303 or the lighting equipment display unit 304. Here, as in the third embodiment, the selected light emission mode is either a ratio (light emission ratio) mode that determines the light emission ratio between group A and group B (first light emission process), or a Gr(group) mode that determines the light emission amount for each group individually (second light emission process).

[0130] In step S708, the lighting device control unit 301 determines whether the type of lighting device received as device information from the receiver lighting device in step S707 is a stable light lighting device 500. If the wirelessly connected stable light lighting device 500 is the receiver lighting device, the process proceeds to step S709. On the other hand, if there is no wirelessly connected stable light lighting device 500, it is determined to be a wirelessly connected flash lighting device 400, and the process proceeds to step S710.

[0131] In step S709, if the light emission mode read in step S706 is a proportional mode, the lighting device control unit 301 changes the light emission mode to Gr mode. On the other hand, if the light emission mode is set to Gr mode, the process in step S709 ends without doing anything, and the process proceeds to step S710.

[0132] In this embodiment, when the user selects the first light emission process and the stable light illumination device 500 is wirelessly connected, the lighting device control unit 301 performs the second light emission process. That is, in this embodiment, when the receiver illumination device includes the stable light illumination device 500, the light emission mode is automatically changed to Gr mode. This structure allows for imaging in an appropriate light emission mode even when the stable light illumination device 500 is the receiver illumination device and the amount of light emitted in proportional mode is insufficient for capturing images with an appropriate light emission ratio.

[0133] In this embodiment, after setting the emission mode, the emission mode is automatically changed to Gr mode based on the device information obtained related to the wirelessly connected receiver lighting device. However, the emission mode can also be selected after obtaining the device information related to the receiver lighting device. By first selecting the proportional mode as the emission mode, the stable light lighting device 500 can be configured so that it cannot wirelessly connect as a receiver lighting device. Fifth embodiment

[0134] Now refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16This invention describes a camera system (multi-lamp illumination control system) according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment will discuss the processing for controlling the emission of illumination for wireless connection based on the camera mode of the camera body 100 and the type of illumination device. This embodiment will discuss the processing performed by a camera system 10 similar to the camera system of the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the processing of the transmitter illumination device 300, the flash illumination device 400, and the stabilized light illumination device 500 is similar to... Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The processing shown is similar, so its description will be omitted.

[0135] Figure 15 This illustrates the wireless communication processing performed by the lighting device control unit 301 in the transmitter lighting device 300 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 The flowchart of step S103 in the process. Figure 15 Steps S801 to S811 and S813 in the above are respectively related to Figure 5 Steps S201 to S212 are similar, so their descriptions will be omitted.

[0136] In step S812, the lighting equipment control unit 301 communicates with the camera control unit 101 using the lighting equipment socket 306 and determines whether the camera body 100 is in motion image shooting mode. If the camera body 100 is in motion image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S814. On the other hand, if the camera body 100 is in still image shooting mode and not in motion image shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S813.

[0137] In step S814, since the camera body 100 is in motion image shooting mode, the lighting device control unit 301 turns off the illumination settings for the selected flash lighting device 400 group. Figure 16 This is an external view showing the wireless setup screen of the transmitter lighting device 300 according to this embodiment. When the illumination setting is off, as... Figure 16 As shown, the illumination setting for group A, to which the flash lighting device 400 is assigned, is displayed as OFF. On the other hand, as... Figure 16 As shown, the stable light illumination device 500 is assigned to groups B and C and remains set to emit light, and the display remains unchanged.

[0138] In this embodiment, when the camera body 100 is in motion image shooting mode (the mode for shooting moving images), the lighting control unit 301 does not activate the flash lighting device 400. In other words, when the receiver lighting device includes the flash lighting device 400 and the camera body 100 is set to motion image shooting mode, the illumination settings for the group to which the flash lighting device 400 is assigned are automatically turned off. This configuration can provide a camera system that provides adequate illumination without using the flash lighting device 400, which only emits light temporarily and is unsuitable for shooting moving images.

[0139] In this embodiment, after establishing a wireless connection, control is performed to confirm the status of the camera body 100 and turn off the illumination settings for the group connected to the flash illumination device 400. However, this embodiment is not limited to this example. For instance, information about the camera body 100 being in motion image shooting mode may be obtained in advance, and there may be no wireless connection to the flash illumination device 400. Alternatively, if the flash illumination device 400 is connected, the camera body 100 can be switched to still image shooting mode.

[0140] Each embodiment can set appropriate lighting according to the lighting device during imaging using multi-light illumination via wireless communication. Therefore, each embodiment can provide control devices, imaging systems, control methods, and storage media (programs) that can provide appropriate settings related to light emission for each lighting device capable of wireless communication. Other embodiments

[0141] Embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (including computer program products of computer programs / instructions) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads and executes the computer program / instructions.

[0142] While this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A control device, comprising: The control unit is configured as follows: Determine whether the wireless connection is to the first or second lighting device; as well as Based on the wireless connection determination result, light emission-related settings are determined for the first lighting device and the second lighting device respectively, such that the settings for the first lighting device and the settings for the second lighting device are different from each other. The first lighting device and the second lighting device belong to different groups, and the control unit is configured to determine the settings for each group.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The settings include settings for at least one of the following: light-related groups, light emission amount, light emission mode, color temperature, and color.

3. The control device according to claim 1 further includes a display unit configured to display information related to the settings.

4. The control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The display content of the display unit differs between the settings for the first lighting device and the settings for the second lighting device.

5. The control device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The display unit changes the display content related to the settings for each group.

6. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to perform a first light emission process or a second light emission process according to user selection. The first light emission process is used to emit light at a light emission ratio determined for each of a plurality of lighting devices, including the first lighting device and the second lighting device. The second light emission process is used to emit light at a light emission amount determined individually for each of the plurality of lighting devices.

7. The control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to perform the second light-emitting process when the user selects the first light-emitting process and wirelessly connects to the second lighting device.

8. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first lighting device uses flashlight for illumination, and the second lighting device uses steady light for illumination.

9. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device is a lighting device that uses flashlights for illumination.

10. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The control device can be attached to the camera device and can be detached from the camera device.

11. The control device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to disable the first lighting device from emitting light when the camera device is in motion image shooting mode.

12. A control device, comprising: The control unit is configured to determine settings for a first light and settings for a second light from a wirelessly connected lighting device, such that the settings for the first light and the settings for the second light are different from each other.

13. The control device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to determine whether the settings are for the first lighting or the second lighting based on whether the lighting device selects the first lighting or the second lighting.

14. The control device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The first illumination is illumination using flashing light, and the second illumination is illumination using steady light.

15. A camera system, comprising: The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; Camera equipment; The first lighting device; as well as The second lighting device.

16. A camera system, comprising: The control device according to any one of claims 12 to 14; Camera equipment; as well as The lighting equipment.

17. A control method, comprising: Determine whether the wireless connection is to the first or second lighting device; as well as Based on the wireless connection determination result, light emission-related settings are determined for the first lighting device and the second lighting device respectively, such that the settings for the first lighting device and the settings for the second lighting device are different from each other. The feature is that the first lighting device and the second lighting device belong to different groups, and the determination is made for each group.

18. A control method, comprising: Determine the settings for a first light source and a second light source for a wirelessly connected lighting device, such that the settings for the first light source and the settings for the second light source are different from each other.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to perform the control method according to claim 17 or 18.

20. A computer program product comprising a program that causes a computer to perform the control method according to claim 17 or 18.

Images