Flash light emitting device, method for controlling the same, and program

Abstract

To reduce the burden on role settings related to radio communication.SOLUTION: A flash 300 is removably attached to a camera 100 by using a flash-side ACC attachment unit 340, and a communication terminal 340a of the flash-side AC attachment unit 340 enables communication with the camera 100. A radio module 312 transmits and receives control information by radio to and from another flash 300. A flash control unit 311, when radio role settings are on a receiver in a case where the start of communication with the camera 100 through communication terminals 140a, 340a is confirmed, changes the radio role settings to a sender, and when the radio role settings are on the sender in a case where cancellation of the communication with the camera 100 is confirmed, changes the radio role settings to the receiver.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flash light emitting device, a control method thereof, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, wireless flash photography is known in which a plurality of flash light emitting devices are connected by wireless communication using light or radio waves, and the wirelessly connected flash light emitting devices are synchronously emitted at the shutter timing of an imaging device.

[0003] Generally, in the connection setting of wireless communication, it is necessary to manually set the wireless settings of two or more flash light emitting devices to be connected. The items to be set in the connection setting include a wireless role setting (assignment of sender / receiver) indicating a role related to wireless communication, a communication channel setting, and in radio wireless communication, a network ID setting and the like.

[0004] In wireless flash photography, since it is necessary for the flash light emitting device of the master unit to send an instruction of the emission timing synchronized with the shutter timing of the imaging device to the flash light emitting device of the slave unit, the flash light emitting device attached to the imaging device inevitably becomes the master unit. It is troublesome if manual setting of the wireless role setting is essential when attaching the flash light emitting device to the imaging device.

[0005] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for changing the wireless role setting in relation to the attachment of a flash light emitting device to an imaging device. In Patent Document 1, when the flash light emitting device set as the receiver is connected to the imaging device and communication detection is performed, it is changed to a mode in which normal emission is possible. As a result, the flash light emitting device set as the receiver can always emit flash light when connected to the imaging device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the change of the wireless role setting disclosed in Patent Document 1 is limited to the operation in the state where the flash light emitting device is set to the receiver, and does not realize the automation of the wireless role setting regardless of the state of the flash light emitting device. Therefore, there is room for improvement in reducing the work load of the wireless role setting.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden of role setting related to wireless communication.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the flash light emitting device of the present invention includes a light emitting means for emitting a flash light, a mounting means for detachably mounting on an imaging device, a first communication means for performing wired communication with the imaging device via the mounting means, a second communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information with another flash light emitting device, a role setting indicating a role related to the wireless communication by the second communication means, a sender that becomes a device for transmitting the control information to the other flash light emitting device, a receiver that becomes a device for receiving the control information from the other flash light emitting device, and a communication off for not performing wireless communication with the other flash light emitting device, and a setting means for setting any one of them. When the start of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed, the setting means changes the role setting to the sender when the role setting is the receiver, and when the cancellation of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed, the setting means changes the role setting to the receiver when the role setting is the sender.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the burden of role setting related to wireless communication can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless flash photography system to which a flash emission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0014] The flash 300 (300S, 300R) is exemplified as the flash emission device. The flash 300 may be referred to as a strobe. The wireless flash photography system includes a camera 100 which is an imaging device main body, a lens device 200, and a plurality of flashes 300. When individually distinguishing the plurality of flashes 300, the flash 300 directly attached to the camera 100 is referred to as the flash 300S, and the flash 300 independent of the camera 100 is referred to as the flash 300R.

[0015] The flashes 300 communicate wirelessly with each other by a wireless module 312 (FIG. 2) described later. However, the flash 300S and the flash 300R only need to be able to communicate wirelessly with each other, and they may be flashes of the same model or different models.

[0016] In FIG. 1, it is assumed that flash photography is being carried out in a photo studio, and it shows a state where the camera 100 is fixed by a tripod 503 facing the subject 501 and the screen 502. In the present embodiment, the flash 300S connected to the camera 100 serves as the master unit, and the flash 300R independent of the camera 100 serves as the slave unit, and flash synchronization photography is realized in which the light emission timing is synchronized with the shutter timing of the camera 100.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless flash photography system. This system is configured to include a camera 100, a lens device 200 detachable from the camera 100, and a flash 300 detachable from the camera 100. It should be noted that it is not essential that the imaging device body and the lens are separate bodies, and the present invention is also applicable to an imaging device in which the imaging device body and the lens are integrally configured. It is assumed that the configurations of the plurality of flashes 300 are common.

[0018] In the camera 100, the imaging element 101 is an imaging element such as a CCD or a CMOS sensor, for example. The imaging element 101 photoelectrically converts the optical image formed on the imaging surface of the imaging element 101 by the optical system of the lens device 200, outputs the obtained analog image signal to the A / D conversion unit, and outputs it as image data.

[0019] A shutter 103 is provided on the optical path of the light incident through the lens device 200, and the exposure state of the imaging element 101 is controlled. The shutter 103 is in a closed state during non-imaging to shield the imaging element 101, and is in an open state during imaging (during live view, still image shooting, or still image acquisition) to guide the incident light to the imaging element 101. The operation of the shutter 103 is controlled by the camera control unit 102, and the opening and closing of the shutter 103 is controlled according to the exposure time determined for imaging. In the example of FIG. 2, a configuration in which the exposure of the imaging element 101 is controlled by a so-called mechanical shutter is shown, but the exposure control may be realized by a so-called electronic shutter realized by accumulation control of the imaging element 101.

[0020] The camera control unit 102 reads out a control program for each block included in the camera 100 from a ROM (not shown) in the camera memory unit 104, expands it in a RAM (not shown) in the camera memory unit 104, and executes it. As a result, the camera control unit 102 controls the operations of each block included in the camera 100, enabling overall control of the camera 100 and the lens device 200. The following are connected to the camera control unit 102: the shutter 103, the photometry unit 105, the autofocus detection unit 106, the signal input unit 107, the image processing unit 108, the recording / output unit 109, the camera mount unit 120, and the camera-side ACC mounting unit 140.

[0021] The camera control unit 102 transmits signals to the focus adjustment unit 205 and the aperture drive unit 204 in the lens device 200 via the camera mount unit 120, the lens mount unit 220 in the lens device 200, and the lens control unit 206.

[0022] The photometry unit 105 performs amplification, logarithmic compression, A / D conversion, etc. on the signal obtained from the imaging element 101 that also serves as a photometry sensor, specifically, the luminance signal corresponding to the brightness of the subject, and can acquire the result as subject luminance information.

[0023] The autofocus detection unit 106 performs A / D conversion on the signal voltages from a plurality of detection elements (a plurality of pixels) included in the pixels constituting the imaging element 101 and used for phase difference detection. Then, the camera control unit 102 calculates the distance to the subject corresponding to each focus detection point from the signals of the plurality of detection elements after the conversion. This is a known technique known as imaging plane phase difference AF.

[0024] The image processing unit 108 performs various image processes on the image data stored in the above RAM. Specifically, the image processing unit 108 executes various image processes for developing, displaying, and recording digital image data, such as pixel defect correction processing, demosaicking processing, white balance correction processing, color interpolation processing, gamma processing, etc., caused by the optical system and the imaging element.

[0025] The signal input unit 107 is, for example, a release button, and includes a switch SW1 that turns on in the first stroke and a switch SW2 that turns on in the second stroke. When the switch SW1 is turned on, the start of photometry and distance measurement of the camera 100 is instructed, and when the switch SW2 is turned on, the start of the shooting operation is transmitted to the camera control unit 102.

[0026] The recording / output unit 109 records data including image data on a recording medium such as a removable memory card, or outputs the recorded data to an external device via an external interface.

[0027] When the camera-side ACC mounting portion 140 of the camera 100 and the flash-side ACC mounting portion 340 of the flash 300 are connected, the flash 300 is physically mounted on the camera 100. Here, the flash-side ACC mounting portion 340 is an example of a "mounting means" for detachably mounting the flash 300 on the camera 100.

[0028] The camera-side ACC mounting portion 140 includes a communication terminal 140a, and the flash-side ACC mounting portion 340 includes a communication terminal 340a. In the state where the flash 300 is mounted on the camera 100, the camera 100 and the lens device 200 can communicate with each other via the communication terminals 340a and 140a of the ACC mounting portions 140 and 340. Here, the communication terminal 340a serves as a "first communication means" for wired communication between the camera 100 via the flash-side ACC mounting portion 340. An instruction signal from the camera control unit 102 is transmitted to the flash control unit 311, and according to the instruction from the flash control unit 311 that has received the instruction signal, the control of the flash emission by the flash emission tube 321 described later is performed.

[0029] The lens device 200 is composed of an optical system including a zoom lens 201, a focus lens 202, a diaphragm 203, etc. When the lens device 200 is mounted on the camera 100, it guides the light beam from the subject to the imaging element 101 and forms a subject image on the imaging surface of the imaging element 101.

[0030] The lens control unit 206 receives an instruction signal from the camera control unit 102 via mount contact parts (not shown) provided in each of the camera mount unit 120 and the lens mount unit 220. The aperture drive unit 204 and the focus adjustment unit 205 are driven and controlled according to instructions from the lens control unit 206.

[0031] Next, the flash 300 will be described. The flash 300 is mainly composed of a flash main body unit 310, a flash head unit 320, and a bounce mechanism unit 330.

[0032] The flash main body unit 310 includes a main board (not shown) on which a flash control unit 311 that controls the entire flash 300 is mounted. The flash main body unit 310 also includes a wireless module 312, a power supply 313, a flash operation unit 314 including a power switch, a display unit 315, a memory unit 316, a flash-side ACC mounting unit 340, and the like.

[0033] The flash control unit 311 communicates with the camera control unit 102 through a communication terminal 340a provided in the flash-side ACC mounting unit 340, and controls the flash emission in response to a light emission instruction from the camera control unit 102 or an instruction from the flash operation unit 314.

[0034] The memory unit 316 stores the change history of the set wireless role setting (described later). In the memory unit 316, areas for storing communication in progress / non-communication and automatic change / manual change when the wireless role setting is changed are allocated.

[0035] The wireless module 312 includes an antenna (not shown), and performs wireless communication with another flash 300 (flash 300R) on which the wireless module 312 is mounted via the antenna by a method such as IEEE802.15.4, which is a known wireless communication standard. Therefore, the wireless module 312 is an example of a "second communication means" for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information with other flashes 300.

[0036] The flash control unit 311 transmits information for controlling the light emission timing and light emission amount to other flashes 300 via the wireless module 312. The bounce mechanism unit 330 is a known irradiation direction variable mechanism in an external flash. The bounce mechanism unit 330 can perform bounce shooting in which the irradiation direction of flash light emission is changed by holding the flash head unit 320 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction with respect to the flash main body unit 310. Further, the bounce mechanism unit 330 stores a main capacitor 331 and the like, and boosts the voltage of the power supply 313 to several hundreds of V by a booster circuit (not shown) to charge the main capacitor with electric energy. A resistor for detecting the voltage of the main capacitor 331 is incorporated in a part of the booster circuit.

[0037] The flash head unit 320 stores a flash lamp 321 necessary for flash light emission. The flash lamp 321 is an example of a "light emission means" that emits a flash. The flash lamp 321 is a xenon tube or a quartz tube, and converts the electric energy charged in the main capacitor 331 into light energy and emits a flash in accordance with a light emission signal from the flash control unit 311. A reflection umbrella and a Fresnel lens (not shown) are arranged around the flash lamp 321 to adjust the light distribution.

[0038] Next, various settings for wirelessly connecting flashes to each other will be described with reference to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are front views of the flash 300 when the flashes 300 become the flashes 300S and 300R, respectively. The flash 300S and the flash 300R mainly differ in the display content of the display unit 315.

[0039] In the settings related to radio wireless communication in the flash, it is necessary to perform three settings: wireless role setting, communication channel setting, and network ID setting. The wireless role setting is a setting indicating the role related to wireless communication by the wireless module 312, and it includes sender / receiver / wireless connection off. The sender is a setting where the flash 300 becomes a device that transmits control information to other flashes 300. The receiver is a setting where the flash 300 becomes a device that receives control information from other flashes 300. Wireless connection off (communication off) is a setting where there is no wireless communication with other flashes 300. The flash control unit 311 as the setting means sets any one of these as the wireless role setting.

[0040] The flash 300 set as the sender communicates with the camera 100 via wire and plays the role of sending the light emission timing and light emission amount synchronized with the shutter of the camera 100 as an instruction to other surrounding flashes 300. The flash 300 set as the receiver is arranged at a position away from the camera 100 and emits light synchronously according to an instruction from the flash 300 set as the sender. The flash 300 with wireless connection off does not perform wireless communication with other flashes 300.

[0041] The communication channel setting (hereinafter referred to as CH setting) is a setting for designating the frequency band to be used, and is set to match the frequency channels of the flash 300 set as the sender and the flash 300 set as the receiver. In recent years, there are many devices equipped with wireless communication methods in the 2.4 GHz band such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), and Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark). Since these may cause communication interference with each other and make the wireless connection unstable, it is necessary to perform CH setting while avoiding the frequency channels that are mixed.

[0042] The network ID setting (hereinafter referred to as ID setting) is a setting for identifying the participating wireless network, and is set to make the IDs of the flash 300 set in the sender and the flash 300 set in the receiver the same. By setting the same network ID, multiple flashes 300 can communicate wirelessly with each other.

[0043] In the flash 300S set in the sender shown in FIG. 3(a), an icon 315S of "SENDER" is displayed on the display unit 315. In the flash 300R set in the receiver shown in FIG. 3(b), an icon 315R of "RECIEVER" is displayed on the display unit 315. Also, the frequency channel 315CH and the network ID 315ID are also displayed on the respective display units 315.

[0044] The flash operation unit 314 has a dial, a cross key, a decision button, and a power slide switch. The user can move the cursor position to the setting display of each wireless connection displayed on the display unit 315 and operate the decision button to transition to the screen of each wireless connection setting and perform setting and change operations.

[0045] The LED 317 is controlled to light up when a wireless communication link is established between the flash 300S and the flash 300R. When the wireless communication link is not established, the LED 317 is controlled to blink or light up in a color different from when the link is established. With such a configuration, the LED 317 can notify the user of the link state of the wireless communication.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the wireless role automatic setting process. This process is realized by a CPU (not shown) included in the flash control unit 311 expanding and executing a program stored in a ROM (not shown) included in the memory unit 316 in a RAM (not shown) included in the memory unit 316.

[0047] This process starts when the flash 300 is attached to or detached from the camera 100, or when the power of the flash 300 is turned on. The attachment / detachment to / from the camera 100 may be detected by the conduction / non-conduction between the communication terminal 140a and the communication terminal 340a, or may be detected by other sensors. In addition to this, when a signal due to the turning on of the switch SW1 from the camera 100 is received, or at a predetermined time interval, the above process may be executed. Note that the wireless role setting is automatically set by the process of FIG. 4, but the ID setting and the CH setting are set manually by the user.

[0048] In step S101, the flash control unit 311 determines whether there has been a change in the communication state (the state of wired communication via the communication terminals 340a and 140a) with the camera control unit 102 of the camera 100. For example, when the flash 300 is attached to the camera 100 and communication starts, or when the flash 300 is removed from the camera 100 and communication is lost, it is determined that there has been a change in the communication state.

[0049] As a result of the determination in step S101, if there has been a change in the communication state with the camera 100, this process ends, and if there has been a change in the communication state with the camera 100, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0050] In step S102, the flash control unit 311 checks the final change history of the wireless role setting stored in the memory unit 316. Although details will be described later, the change history of the wireless role setting includes an automatic change history and a manual change history. The automatic change history is stored in step S107 or step S304 of FIG. 6, and the manual change history is stored in step S203 of FIG. 5. The final change history is the information that was last stored in the memory unit 316 as the change history of the wireless role setting.

[0051] In step S103, the flash control unit 311 determines whether the final change history stored in the memory unit 316 is a manual change history. If the final change history is a manual change history, the flash control unit 311 indicates that there has been an interruption in the manual change of the wireless role setting, and thus ends this process. On the other hand, if the final change history is not a manual change history, the flash control unit 311 proceeds to step S104.

[0052] In step S104, the flash control unit 311 determines whether communication with the camera control unit 102 of the camera 100 (hereinafter referred to as ACC communication, distinguished from the wireless communication with the flash 300) is possible. Here, when the flash-side ACC mounting unit 340 of the flash 300 is mounted on the camera-side ACC mounting unit 140 and communication through the communication terminals 140a and 340a is established, it is determined that ACC communication is possible. This means that the flash 300 is communicating with the camera 100.

[0053] If ACC communication is possible, the flash control unit 311 proceeds to step S105. However, if ACC communication is not possible, the flash control unit 311 determines that the flash 300 is placed at a position away from the camera 100 and proceeds to step S108.

[0054] In step S105, the flash control unit 311 determines whether the current wireless role setting is wireless connection off. If the current wireless role setting is wireless connection off, the flash control unit 311 ends this process. Thereby, the wireless connection off is maintained. On the other hand, if the current wireless role setting is not wireless connection off, the flash control unit 311 proceeds to step S106.

[0055] In step S106, the flash control unit 311 sets the wireless role setting to sender. Therefore, if the wireless role setting was sender, that setting is maintained, and if the wireless role setting was receiver, it is automatically changed to sender.

[0056] In step S107, the content of the wireless role setting and the automatic change history of the wireless role setting are saved in the memory unit 316. Therefore, when migrating from step S106, it is saved that there has been an automatic change (including the case of maintaining the sender) in the wireless role setting during the communication with the camera 100.

[0057] On the other hand, in step S108, since the flash control unit 311 is not in communication with the camera 100, the flash control unit 311 determines whether the current wireless role setting is the sender. And if the current wireless role setting is not the sender (it is the receiver or the wireless connection is off), the flash control unit 311 ends this process. Thereby, the receiver or the wireless connection off is maintained.

[0058] On the other hand, if the current wireless role setting is the sender, the flash control unit 311 proceeds to step S109, changes the wireless role setting from the sender to the receiver, and proceeds to step S107. In step S107 migrated from step 109, it is saved that there has been an automatic change that the wireless role setting has been set to the receiver during the non-communication with the camera 100. Therefore, every time there is an automatic change in the wireless role setting, the final change history is updated. After step S107, the flash control unit 311 ends this process.

[0059] In this way, when the wireless role setting is the sender or the receiver, it can be determined that the user has the intention to perform wireless shooting. Therefore, when the ACC communication is possible, the wireless role setting is set to the sender (S106). On the other hand, if the wireless role setting was the sender when the ACC communication was disconnected (released), the wireless role setting is changed from the sender to the receiver (S109).

[0060] In wireless flash photography, it is reasonable that the flash connected to the camera becomes the master unit and the flash placed at a position away from the camera becomes the slave unit. Therefore, it is automated to set the master unit as the sender and the slave unit as the receiver. For example, when the user has the intention of performing wireless flash photography beforehand, it will not be automatically changed to the off state of the wireless connection. Accordingly, the wireless role setting is supported by taking into account the user's intention.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the manual wireless role setting process. The execution entity of this process is the same as that of the automatic wireless role setting process (FIG. 4). This process is started, for example, in response to an operation to start a manual change of the wireless role setting by the flash operation unit 314. This process can also be executed interruptively during the execution of the automatic wireless role setting process (FIG. 4).

[0062] In step S201, the flash control unit 311 determines whether there is a manual change operation of the wireless role setting by the user. The flash control unit 311 can set the wireless role based on a user instruction. For example, the user can operate the flash operation unit 314 to change the item of the wireless role setting displayed on the display unit 315, thereby instructing a change in the wireless role setting. If there is no manual change operation of the wireless role setting, the flash control unit 311 ends this process. If there is a manual change operation of the wireless role setting, it proceeds to step S202.

[0063] In step S202, the flash control unit 311 changes the content of the wireless role setting according to the manual change operation. In step S203, the flash control unit 311 stores the content of the wireless role setting changed manually and the manual change history of the wireless role setting in the memory unit 316. Here, information on whether it was in communication with the camera 100 or not is also stored in association with the manual change history. Therefore, each time there is a manual change in the wireless role setting, the final change history is updated. Then, the flash control unit 311 ends this process.

[0064] The manual change history is used for the determination in step S103. According to the wireless role automatic setting process (Figure 4), in principle, the flash 300 attached to the camera 100 automatically becomes the sender. On the other hand, the manual change operation is an operation performed by the user intentionally. Therefore, as described above, in step S103, when the final change history is the manual change history, the current wireless role setting is maintained. That is, when there is a manual change operation, the result of the interrupt process takes precedence. Therefore, even when attached to the camera 100 or after the attachment from the camera 100 is released, if there is a manual change operation, the setting by it is respected.

[0065] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the pairing process. The execution entity of this process is the same as that of the wireless role automatic setting process (Figure 4). This process is started, for example, in response to an operation to start pairing by the flash operation unit 314. This process can be executed interruptively even during the execution of the wireless role automatic setting process (Figure 4).

[0066] Pairing is a well-known technique in which the flashes to be connected are placed close to each other, and when the pairing operation of each flash is started, the CH setting and the ID setting are automatically matched. In pairing, the user operates the flash operation units 314 of a plurality of flashes 300 placed in the vicinity, for example, within 1 m, and performs the pairing start operation for each flash. For example, when pairing is started, the CH setting and the ID setting of the sender are notified to the receiver, and both are set to the same CH setting and ID setting. Conventionally, before starting pairing, the user had to manually perform the wireless role setting (sender / receiver). Therefore, in the pairing process (Figure 6), the wireless role setting is automatically performed simultaneously with the pairing setting.

[0067] In step S301, the flash control unit 311 determines whether there is a pairing operation by the flash operation unit 314. If there is no pairing operation, the flash control unit 311 ends this process, and if there is a pairing operation, it proceeds to step S302.

[0068] In step S302, the flash control unit 311 determines whether ACC communication with the camera control unit 102 is possible, in the same manner as in step S104. If the ACC communication is possible, the flash control unit 311 proceeds to step S303. However, if the ACC communication is not possible, the flash control unit 311 determines that the flash 300 is disposed at a position away from the camera 100 and proceeds to step S305.

[0069] In step S303, the flash control unit 311 sets the wireless role as the sender and proceeds to step S304. In step S305, the flash control unit 311 sets the wireless role as the receiver and proceeds to step S304.

[0070] In step S304, the content of the wireless role setting set in step S303 or step S305, the information on whether communication with the camera 100 was in progress or not, and the automatic change history of the wireless role setting are stored in the memory unit 316, and this process ends.

[0071] In this way, when the pairing operation is performed, it is possible to set the sender / receiver based on the availability of communication with the camera 100, so that the user can be saved the trouble of setting the sender / receiver in advance.

[0072] According to the present embodiment, when it is confirmed that the start of ACC communication with the camera 100 through the communication terminals 140a and 340a, when the wireless role setting is the receiver, the wireless role setting is changed to the sender (S106). When it is confirmed that the ACC communication is released, when the wireless role setting is the sender, the wireless role setting is changed to the receiver (S109). Thereby, the wireless role setting is basically automated and the burden on the user is reduced. Therefore, the burden of role setting regarding wireless communication can be reduced.

[0073] Also, unless the final change history is a manual change history, as long as the wireless role setting is not set to wireless connection off, when the start of ACC communication is confirmed, the wireless role setting becomes the sender (S104 → S105 → S106). That is, when the flash 300 is attached to the camera 100, it is set as the sender. From this perspective as well, the burden of role setting for wireless communication can be reduced.

[0074] Also, when the start of ACC communication is confirmed, when the wireless role setting is the sender or wireless connection off, the wireless role setting is maintained as it is (S105, S106). Also, when ACC communication cancellation is confirmed, when the wireless role setting is the receiver or wireless connection off, the wireless role setting is maintained as it is (No in S108). Thus, it is possible to support the wireless role setting in accordance with the user's intention.

[0075] Also, when a change in the communication state with the camera 100 is confirmed, when the final change history stored in the memory unit 316 is a manual change history (set based on a user instruction), the wireless role setting indicated by the final change history is maintained as it is (Yes in S103). Thus, it is possible to respect the manual setting of the wireless role according to the user's will.

[0076] Also, when pairing is instructed during communication with the camera 100, the wireless role setting is set to the sender, and when pairing is instructed during non-communication with the camera 100, the wireless role setting is set to the receiver. Thus, it is possible to eliminate the user's manual operation of setting the wireless role during pairing.

[0077] Note that it is not essential to use the display unit 315 for the pairing operation. For example, if there is a dedicated button for pairing on the flash operation unit 314, the sender / receiver setting may be performed in combination with CH setting and ID setting using that button. CH setting, ID setting, and the sender / receiver setting may be performed together.

[0078] In addition to the pairing operation, operations such as CH setting or ID setting may also be used as a trigger for automatically changing the wireless role setting.

[0079] Note that the wireless role manual setting process (Fig. 5) and the pairing process (Fig. 6) may be executed independently, not limited to the interrupt process during the execution of the wireless role automatic setting process (Fig. 4).

[0080] (Second Embodiment) Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the wireless role manual setting process in the second embodiment of the present invention. The execution entity and start condition of this process are the same as those of the wireless role automatic setting process (Fig. 4).

[0081] In this embodiment, the wireless role automatic setting process is different from that of the first embodiment, and other configurations (Figs. 1 to 3, etc.) are the same. Note that the wireless role manual setting process (Fig. 5) and / or the pairing process (Fig. 6) may also be used in combination.

[0082] Assume that the flash operation unit 314 (Figs. 2 and 3) includes a wireless role switch, which is an operation member operated by the user. The wireless role switch may, for example, be configured such that the power slide switch included in the flash operation unit 314 has four positions: power off, wireless connection off, receiver, and sender. Alternatively, the wireless role switch may be a dedicated slide switch for wireless role setting having three independent positions: wireless connection off, receiver, and sender. For example, the position of the wireless role switch indicates the wireless role setting that the user is trying to set.

[0083] In step S401, the flash control unit 311 determines whether the wireless role setting indicated by the wireless role switch of the flash operation unit 314 is wireless connection off. If the wireless role setting indicated by the wireless role switch is wireless connection off, the flash control unit 311 ends this process. Therefore, when it is wireless connection off, the wireless role setting becomes wireless connection off regardless of the communication state with the camera 100.

[0084] On the other hand, when the wireless role setting indicated by the wireless role switch is not wireless connection off (i.e., it is a sender or a receiver), the flash control unit 311 proceeds to step S402. In step S402, similar to step S104, the flash control unit 311 determines whether ACC communication with the camera control unit 102 is possible. If ACC communication is possible, the flash control unit 311 proceeds to step S403. However, if ACC communication is not possible, the flash control unit 311 determines that the flash 300 is placed at a position away from the camera 100 and proceeds to step S404.

[0085] In step S403, the flash control unit 311 sets the wireless role setting to the sender. Therefore, regardless of the wireless role setting indicated by the wireless role switch (even if it is a receiver), it is set to the sender.

[0086] In step S404, the flash control unit 311 sets the wireless role setting to the wireless role setting indicated by the wireless role switch. Therefore, when the current wireless role setting is different from the wireless role setting indicated by the wireless role switch, it returns to the wireless role setting indicated by the wireless role switch.

[0087] In this way, by automatically setting the wireless role in the case of having a mechanical switch for determining the wireless role setting, it supports the setting so that the flash 300 connected and communicating with the camera 100 automatically becomes the sender, thereby reducing the user's effort.

[0088] According to the present embodiment, when the start of communication with the camera 100 is confirmed, if the wireless role setting indicated by the wireless role switch is a sender or a receiver, the flash control unit 311 sets the wireless role setting to the sender. Also, when the release of communication with the camera 100 is confirmed, if the wireless role setting indicated by the wireless role switch is a sender or a receiver, the flash control unit 311 sets the wireless role setting to the wireless role setting indicated by the wireless role switch. Thereby, regarding reducing the burden of role setting related to wireless communication, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0089] Further, as long as the wireless role setting is not set to wireless connection off, when the start of ACC communication is confirmed, the wireless role setting becomes the sender (S402→S403). On the other hand, as long as the wireless role setting is not set to wireless connection off, when the cancellation of ACC communication is confirmed, the wireless role setting is set to the wireless role setting indicated by the wireless role switch (S402→S404). From this perspective as well, the burden of role setting related to wireless communication can be reduced.

[0090] Note that regardless of the presence or absence of the wireless role switch, when the start of ACC communication is confirmed, the wireless role setting may be set to the sender. Further, when the cancellation of ACC communication is confirmed, the wireless role setting may be set to the receiver.

[0091] As described above, the present invention has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Some of the above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0092] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a non-transitory storage medium, and causing one or more processors of a computer of the system or device to read and execute the program. The above program and the storage medium storing the above program constitute the present invention. Further, the present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0093] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following configurations (and methods, programs). (Configuration 1) Light-emitting means that emits a flash of light, Mounting means that is detachably mounted on the imaging device, First communication means for performing wired communication with the imaging device via the mounting means, second communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information to and from other flash light emitting devices; As a role setting indicating the role related to the wireless communication by the second communication means, there are provided a sender which becomes a device for transmitting the control information to the other flash light emitting device, a receiver which becomes a device for receiving the control information from the other flash light emitting device, and a communication off for not performing wireless communication with the other flash light emitting device, and setting means for setting any one of them; When the start of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed, the setting means changes the role setting to a sender when the role setting is the receiver, and when the cancellation of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed, the setting means changes the role setting to the receiver when the role setting is the sender. A flash light emitting device characterized by this. (Configuration 2) The flash light emitting device according to Configuration 1, wherein when the start of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed and the role setting is the sender or the communication off, the setting means maintains the role setting as it is. (Configuration 3) The flash light emitting device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein when the cancellation of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed and the role setting is the receiver or the communication off, the setting means maintains the role setting as it is. (Configuration 4) It further has storage means for storing the change history of the role setting; The setting means can set the role setting based on a user instruction; When a change in the communication state with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed, the setting means maintains the role setting indicated by the final change history as it is when the final change history stored in the storage means is set based on the user instruction. The flash light emitting device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, characterized by this. (Configuration 5) When pairing is instructed during communication with the imaging device, the setting means sets the role setting to the sender, according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4 of the flash emission device. (Configuration 6) When pairing is instructed during non-communication with the imaging device, the setting means sets the role setting to the receiver, according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5 of the flash emission device. (Configuration 7) Light emission means for emitting a flash; Mounting means for detachably mounting on an imaging device; First communication means for wired communication with the imaging device via the mounting means; Second communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information with another flash emission device; As a role setting indicating a role regarding wireless communication by the second communication means, a sender that becomes a device for transmitting the control information to the other flash emission device, a receiver that becomes a device for receiving the control information from the other flash emission device, and a communication off for not performing wireless communication with the other flash emission device, and setting means for setting any one of them; An operation member operated by a user to manually set the role setting; When it is confirmed that communication with the imaging device by the first communication means has started, and when the role setting indicated by the operation member is the sender or the receiver, the setting means sets the role setting to the sender, according to the flash emission device. (Configuration 8) When it is confirmed that communication with the imaging device by the first communication means has been released, and when the role setting indicated by the operation member is the sender or the receiver, the setting means sets the role setting to the role setting indicated by the operation member, according to the flash emission device described in Configuration 7. (Configuration 9) When the role setting indicated by the operation member is the communication off, the setting means sets the role setting to the communication off regardless of the communication state with the imaging device, according to the flash emission device described in Configuration 7 or 8. (Configuration 10) A light-emitting means that emits a flash, A mounting means that is detachably mounted on an imaging device, A first communication means that performs wired communication with the imaging device via the mounting means, A second communication means that wirelessly transmits and receives control information to and from another flash device, As a role setting indicating a role related to wireless communication by the second communication means, setting means for setting any one of a sender that becomes a device for transmitting the control information to the other flash device, a receiver that becomes a device for receiving the control information from the other flash device, and communication off in which no wireless communication is performed with the other flash device, The setting means is characterized in that when communication start with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed, the role setting is set to the sender. A flash device. (Method 1) A control method for a flash device having a light-emitting means that emits a flash, a mounting means that is detachably mounted on an imaging device, a first communication means that performs wired communication with the imaging device via the mounting means, and a second communication means that wirelessly transmits and receives control information to and from another flash device, Including a setting step of setting any one of a sender that becomes a device for transmitting the control information to the other flash device, a receiver that becomes a device for receiving the control information from the other flash device, and communication off in which no wireless communication is performed with the other flash device as a role setting indicating a role related to wireless communication by the second communication means, The setting step is characterized in that when communication start with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed and the role setting is the receiver, the role setting is changed to the sender, and when communication release with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed and the role setting is the sender, the role setting is changed to the receiver. A control method for a flash device. (Method 2) A control method for a flash light emitting device, comprising: a light emitting means that emits a flash; a mounting means that is detachably mounted on an imaging device; a first communication means that performs wired communication with the imaging device via the mounting means; and a second communication means that wirelessly transmits and receives control information to and from another flash light emitting device. As a role setting indicating a role related to wireless communication by the second communication means, a setting step is included of setting any one of a sender that becomes a device for transmitting the control information to the other flash light emitting device, a receiver that becomes a device for receiving the control information from the other flash light emitting device, and a communication off that does not perform wireless communication with the other flash light emitting device. The flash light emitting device further has an operation member that is operated by a user to manually set the role setting. The setting step is characterized in that when it is confirmed that communication with the imaging device by the first communication means has started, and when the role setting indicated by the operation member is the sender or the receiver, the role setting is set to the sender. A control method for a flash light emitting device. (Method 3) A control method for a flash light emitting device, comprising: a light emitting means that emits a flash; a mounting means that is detachably mounted on an imaging device; a first communication means that performs wired communication with the imaging device via the mounting means; and a second communication means that wirelessly transmits and receives control information to and from another flash light emitting device. As a role setting indicating a role related to wireless communication by the second communication means, a setting step is included of setting any one of a sender that becomes a device for transmitting the control information to the other flash light emitting device, a receiver that becomes a device for receiving the control information from the other flash light emitting device, and a communication off that does not perform wireless communication with the other flash light emitting device. The setting step is characterized in that when it is confirmed that communication with the imaging device by the first communication means has started, the role setting is set to the sender. A control method for a flash light emitting device. (Program 1) A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the control method for a flash light emitting device according to any one of Methods 1 to 3.

Explanation of Signs

[0094] 300 Flash 311 Flash control unit 312 Wireless module 321 Flash lamp 340 Flash side ACC mounting part 340a Communication terminal

Claims

1. A light-emitting means that emits a flash; A mounting means that is detachably mounted on the imaging device; A first communication means that performs wired communication with the imaging device via the mounting means; A second communication means that wirelessly transmits and receives control information to and from other flash devices; As a role setting indicating a role related to the wireless communication by the second communication means, a sender that becomes a device for transmitting the control information to the other flash device, a receiver that becomes a device for receiving the control information from the other flash device, and a communication off that does not perform wireless communication with the other flash device, and a setting means for setting any of them; When the start of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed, the setting means changes the role setting to the sender when the role setting is the receiver, and when the cancellation of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed, when the role setting is the sender, the flash device is characterized in that the role setting is changed to the receiver.

2. The setting means maintains the role setting as it is when the start of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed and the role setting is the sender or the communication off, according to claim 1. The flash device described.

3. The setting means maintains the role setting as it is when the cancellation of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed and the role setting is the receiver or the communication off, according to claim 1. The flash device described.

4. Further having a storage means for storing the change history of the role setting; The setting means can set the role setting based on a user instruction; When the change in the communication state with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed, the setting means maintains the role setting indicated by the final change history as it is when the final change history stored in the storage means is set based on the user instruction. The flash device described in claim 1, characterized in that

5. The setting means sets the role setting to the sender when pairing is instructed during communication with the imaging device, according to claim 1. The flash device described.

6. The flash emission device according to claim 1, wherein when pairing is instructed during non-communication with the imaging device, the role setting is set to the receiver.

7. A light emitting means for emitting a flash; A mounting means detachably mounted on an imaging device; A first communication means for performing wired communication with the imaging device via the mounting means; A second communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information to and from another flash emission device; As a role setting indicating a role related to the wireless communication by the second communication means, a sender that becomes a device for transmitting the control information to the other flash emission device, a receiver that becomes a device for receiving the control information from the other flash emission device, and a communication off for not performing wireless communication with the other flash emission device, and setting means for setting any one of them; An operation member operated by a user to manually set the role setting; The flash emission device according to claim 7, wherein when the start of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed, and when the role setting indicated by the operation member is the sender or the receiver, the role setting is set to the sender.

8. The flash emission device according to claim 7, wherein when the cancellation of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed, and when the role setting indicated by the operation member is the sender or the receiver, the role setting is set to the role setting indicated by the operation member.

9. The flash emission device according to claim 7, wherein when the role setting indicated by the operation member is the communication off, the role setting is set to the communication off regardless of the communication state with the imaging device.

10. A light emitting means for emitting a flash; A mounting means detachably mounted on an imaging device; A first communication means for performing wired communication with the imaging device via the mounting means; A second communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information to and from another flash emission device; As a role setting indicating a role related to the wireless communication by the second communication means, a sender that becomes a device for transmitting the control information to the other flash emission device, a receiver that becomes a device for receiving the control information from the other flash emission device, and a communication off for not performing wireless communication with the other flash emission device, and setting means for setting any one of them; The flash emission device is characterized in that when the start of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed, the role setting is set to the sender.

11. A control method for a flash emission device, comprising: a light emission means for emitting a flash; a mounting means for detachably mounting on an imaging device; a first communication means for performing wired communication with the imaging device via the mounting means; and a second communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information to and from another flash emission device, including a setting step of setting, as a role setting indicating a role related to wireless communication by the second communication means, any one of a sender that becomes a device for transmitting the control information to the other flash emission device, a receiver that becomes a device for receiving the control information from the other flash emission device, and communication off in which no wireless communication is performed with the other flash emission device, wherein the setting step changes the role setting to the sender when the start of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed and the role setting is the receiver, and changes the role setting to the receiver when the release of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed and the role setting is the sender. A control method for a flash emission device.

12. A control method for a flash emission device, comprising: a light emission means for emitting a flash; a mounting means for detachably mounting on an imaging device; a first communication means for performing wired communication with the imaging device via the mounting means; and a second communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information to and from another flash emission device, including a setting step of setting, as a role setting indicating a role related to wireless communication by the second communication means, any one of a sender that becomes a device for transmitting the control information to the other flash emission device, a receiver that becomes a device for receiving the control information from the other flash emission device, and communication off in which no wireless communication is performed with the other flash emission device, wherein the flash emission device further has an operation member operated by a user to manually set the role setting, and the setting step sets the role setting to the sender when the start of communication with the imaging device by the first communication means is confirmed and the role setting indicated by the operation member is the sender or the receiver. A control method for a flash emission device.

13. A control method for a flash emission device, comprising: a light emission means that emits flash light; a mounting means that is detachably mounted on an imaging device; a first communication means that performs wired communication with the imaging device via the mounting means; and a second communication means that wirelessly transmits and receives control information to and from another flash emission device. As a role setting indicating a role related to wireless communication by the second communication means, a setting step is included of setting any one of: a sender that becomes a device for transmitting the control information to the other flash emission device; a receiver that becomes a device for receiving the control information from the other flash emission device; and communication off in which wireless communication is not performed with the other flash emission device. The setting step is characterized in that, when it is confirmed that communication with the imaging device by the first communication means has started, the role setting is set to the sender. A control method for a flash emission device.

14. A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the control method for a flash emission device according to any one of Claims 11 to 13.

Images