Lighting device, control method and program thereof, and imaging system

Abstract

To allow a light emission mode of a lighting device to be switched by a simple operation to an imaging device.SOLUTION: In a strobe device 300 that can set a light emission mode to either a manual light emission mode in which a light emission unit 302 emits light at a manually set light emission amount, or an automatic light control mode in which the light emission unit 302 emits light at a light emission amount determined by automatic light control, when the system control unit 101 receives a light emission mode switching command from a camera 100 by communication, if the manual light emission mode is set at the time of receiving the switching command, the system control unit switches to the automatic light control mode, and if the automatic light control mode is set, the system control unit switches to the light emission amount of the manual light emission mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device, a control method and program for the lighting device, and an imaging system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART When an illumination device (so-called strobe device) is attached to an imaging device, an imaging system is known in which the light emission mode of the illumination device can be set from the imaging device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-167259 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 requires complicated operations such as displaying a screen for setting light emission conditions on the display unit of the imaging device, operating the operation unit of the imaging device to move the cursor on the screen to the desired item field, and pressing the set button on the operation unit.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an illumination device that allows the light emission mode of the illumination device to be switched by a simple operation on an imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The lighting device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a communication means for communicating between a light-emitting unit and an imaging device; a first setting means for setting the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit to a first light-emitting mode in which the light-emitting unit emits light at a manually set light intensity, or a second light-emitting mode in which the light-emitting unit emits light at a light intensity determined by automatic dimming; and a control means for, when a command to switch the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit is received from the imaging device via the communication means, switching to the second light-emitting mode if the first light-emitting mode is set, or switching to the first light-emitting mode if the second light-emitting mode is set, at the time of receiving the command. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to switch the light emission mode of the lighting device by a simple operation on the imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an imaging system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a strobe contact group. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process for establishing communication between an imaging device and a flash device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of automatic flash light control photography processing by the imaging system. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of the pre-flash in S407 and the main flash in S410. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a process for switching between an automatic light control mode and a manual light emission mode by the imaging apparatus. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of the light emission mode switching operation in S608. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, a strobe device that can be attached to and detached from an imaging device such as a digital camera as an accessory will be taken as the lighting device according to the present invention. In the following description, the imaging device refers to the main body of the imaging device that includes an image sensor. However, for convenience, devices in which the taking lens is integrated with the device main body, such as a compact digital camera, will be considered to be included in the imaging device. For single-lens reflex cameras and mirrorless cameras that allow accessories such as a lens barrel (interchangeable lens) and a lighting device to be attached and detached to the device main body, the configuration in which various accessories are attached to the imaging device will be referred to as an "imaging system."

[0010] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image capturing system 1000 according to an embodiment. The image capturing system 1000 is configured by attaching a lens barrel 200 and a strobe device 300 to a digital camera 100 (hereinafter referred to as "camera 100"), which is an example of an image capturing device.

[0011] The camera 100 includes a system control unit 101, an image sensor 102, a shutter 104, a camera operation unit 105, a camera display unit 106, an image storage unit 107, and a camera power supply unit 108. The lens barrel 200 includes a lens control unit 201, a photographing lens 202, and an aperture 203. The strobe device 300 includes a strobe control unit 301, a light emitting unit 302, a strobe operation unit 303, a strobe display unit 304, a charging unit 305, a photocurrent detection unit 306, and a strobe power supply unit 307.

[0012] When the lens barrel 200 is attached to the camera 100, the contact group of the lens barrel 200 and the contact group provided near the lens mount of the camera 100 are electrically and mechanically connected to form the mount contact group 103. This connects the system control unit 101 and the lens control unit 201 so that they can communicate with each other. When the strobe device 300 is attached to the camera 100, the contact group of the strobe device 300 and the contact group provided on the accessory shoe of the camera 100 are electrically and mechanically connected to form the strobe contact group 109. This connects the system control unit 101 and the strobe control unit 301 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0013] In camera 100, system control unit 101 is a microcomputer that controls the overall operation of each unit of camera 100 and also controls the overall operation of imaging system 1000. System control unit 101 also performs predetermined image processing on image signals transmitted from image sensor 102 to generate image data. Image sensor 102 converts an optical image formed by lens barrel 200 into an electrical signal to generate an image signal, which is output to system control unit 101. Shutter 104 is, for example, a focal plane shutter composed of a front curtain and a rear curtain, and is disposed between image sensor 102 and lens barrel 200 and operates in response to instructions from system control unit 101.

[0014] The camera operation unit 105 is a button, switch, dial, touch panel, etc. that is operated by the user, and sends a signal in response to the user's operation to the system control unit 101. In this embodiment, the camera operation unit 105 is assumed to have at least one button (hereinafter referred to as an "assignable button") to which the user can assign a function. Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the user has previously set a function for switching the light emission mode of the strobe device 300 to one assignable button. In other words, when this assignable button is pressed, the system control unit 101 generates a command to switch the light emission mode.

[0015] The camera display unit 106 has, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays, under control of the system control unit 101, a menu screen for configuring various settings for not only the camera 100 but also the imaging system 1000, shooting information, live view video, captured images, etc. The image storage unit 107 is a storage medium for storing captured image data, such as a memory card that is detachable from the camera 100. The camera power supply unit 108 is a battery, AC adapter, etc., and supplies power to the camera 100 and the lens barrel 200. The camera power supply unit 108 also has an accessory power supply circuit 110 (see FIG. 2 ) that supplies a voltage to the strobe device 300 to detect that the strobe device 300 is attached to the camera 100.

[0016] In the lens barrel 200, the lens control unit 201 is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the lens barrel 200 in accordance with commands from the system control unit 101. The photographing lens 202 is made up of multiple lenses such as a focus lens, a zoom lens, and an image stabilization lens, and forms an optical image of a subject on the image sensor 102. The iris 203 adjusts the amount of light that passes through the photographing lens 202.

[0017] In the strobe device 300, the strobe control unit 301 is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the strobe device 300 in accordance with commands from the system control unit 101. The light emitting unit 302 has a discharge tube, a light emitting circuit, and a light emitting optical system, and drives the light emitting circuit in accordance with commands from the strobe control unit 301, causes the discharge tube to emit light using energy (electric charge) stored in a capacitor in the charging unit 305, and irradiates the subject with a flash of light via the light emitting optical system.

[0018] The charging unit 305 includes a capacitor that accumulates electric charge for emitting light from the discharge tube of the light emitting unit 302, and a charging circuit that charges the capacitor from the strobe power supply unit 307. The strobe control unit 301 detects the voltage charged to the capacitor and controls the charging operation of the capacitor so that the charging operation stops when the charging voltage reaches a predetermined threshold or higher, and starts when the charging voltage of the capacitor falls below the predetermined threshold. The strobe control unit 301 transmits information indicating the charging voltage of the capacitor and the completion of charging to the system control unit 101.

[0019] The strobe operation unit 303 is a button, switch, dial, etc. that is operated by the user, and sends a signal according to the user's operation to the strobe control unit 301. The strobe display unit 304 has, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays various settings of the strobe device 300, including the light emission mode, according to the control of the strobe control unit 301.

[0020] The flash unit 300 has at least the following flash modes: manual flash mode (first flash mode), automatic light control mode (second flash mode), and multiple flash mode (third flash mode). The manual flash mode allows the user to manually and freely determine the flash intensity. The automatic light control mode calculates the flash intensity (main flash intensity) for the actual shooting based on the result of a pre-flash received by the image sensor 102 from the subject, and then performs the actual shooting with the calculated main flash intensity, thereby achieving appropriate exposure. The multiple flash mode is a mode in which multiple flashes are emitted continuously while the shutter curtain is open. The flash mode setting in the flash unit 300 is performed by the user operating the flash operation unit 303, but is not limited to this. The flash mode setting may also be performed by the user communicating operation information from the camera operation unit 105 to the flash unit 300.

[0021] The photocurrent detection unit 306 has a photodiode and a circuit that integrates the current generated by the photodiode and converts it into a voltage, detects the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit 302, and sends the detected amount of light to the strobe control unit 301. The strobe control unit 301 compares the photocurrent or the integrated voltage of the photocurrent with a predetermined threshold to determine whether a predetermined amount of light has been emitted, and stops the light emission by the light emitting unit 302 when the predetermined amount of light is detected. The strobe power supply unit 307 has a battery and an electric circuit for supplying power from the battery to each unit of the strobe device 300.

[0022] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the strobe contact group 109. The camera 100 and the strobe device 300 are electrically connected by one-to-one contact between multiple contacts (terminals) TC01 to TC10 of the contact group provided on the accessory shoe of the camera 100 and multiple contacts TA01 to TA10 provided on the strobe device 300.

[0023] The accessory power supply circuit 110 included in the camera power supply unit 108 generates the accessory power supply VACC, which is supplied to the strobe device 300 via contacts TC01 and TA01. The accessory power supply VACC is connected to a connection detection circuit 308 arranged in the strobe device 300. When the accessory power supply VACC exceeds a predetermined voltage level, the connection detection circuit 308 determines that the strobe device 300 has been attached to the camera 100 and notifies the strobe control unit 301 of the result. Note that the accessory power supply VACC is only used to detect whether the strobe device 300 has been attached to or detached from the camera 100, and power supplied from the strobe power supply unit 307 is used for various operations of the strobe device 300.

[0024] The contacts TC02 and TA02 are used to transmit the accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET, and the system control unit 101 can detect whether the strobe device 300 is attached by reading the signal level of the accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET. For example, if the signal level (electric potential) of the accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET is Hi level, it is detected that the strobe device 300 is not attached, and if it is Lo level, it is detected that the strobe device 300 is attached. The signal level of the contact TA02 is controlled by the strobe control unit 301. The strobe control unit 301 sets the signal level of the accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET to Lo level according to predetermined conditions, such as whether the power switch of the strobe device 300 is on, and notifies the system control unit 101 that the strobe device 300 is connected.

[0025] The system control unit 101 acts as a communication master and performs SPI communication with the strobe control unit 301. To this end, contacts TC03 and TA03 are used to transmit the SCLK signal, contacts TC04 and TA04 are used to transmit the MOSI signal, contacts TC05 and TA05 are used to transmit the MISO signal, and contacts TC06 and TA06 are used to transmit the CS signal.

[0026] Contact TC07 and contact TA07 are used to transmit a communication request signal / WAKE from the strobe control unit 301 to the system control unit 101. The system control unit 101 receives a communication request from the strobe control unit 301 by detecting the falling edge of the communication request signal / WAKE. The signal level of contact TA07 is controlled by the strobe control unit 301, and when the strobe control unit 301 determines that communication with the camera 100 is necessary, it makes a communication request to the system control unit 101 by setting the communication request signal / WAKE to Lo level.

[0027] The system control unit 101 acts as the communication master and performs I2C communication. To this end, contacts TC08 and TA08 are used to transmit the SDA signal, and contacts TC09 and TA09 are used to transmit the SCL signal. Contacts TC10 and TA10 are used to transmit the Flash_trig signal, which is a signal that the system control unit 101 uses to notify the strobe control unit 301 of the light emission timing.

[0028] 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing executed to establish communication between the camera 100 and the strobe device 300 when the strobe device 300 is attached to the camera 100. Here, it is assumed that the strobe control unit 301 has successfully completed initialization of the strobe device 300, which is performed after the power of the strobe device 300 is turned on.

[0029] In S301, the flash control unit 301 sets the signal level of the accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET of the contact TA02 to Lo level.

[0030] In S302, the system control unit 101 detects that the accessory attachment detection signal / ACC_DET has become low level, thereby determining that an accessory has been attached, and turns on the power supply of the accessory power supply circuit 110.

[0031] As a result, in S303, the accessory power supply VACC is output from the accessory power supply circuit 110. When the connection detection circuit 308 detects that the accessory power supply VACC has exceeded a predetermined voltage level, in S304 the strobe control unit 301 determines that the strobe device 300 has been attached to the camera 100, and performs various settings for communicating with the camera 100. In S305, the strobe control unit 301 sets the signal level of the communication request signal / WAKE to Lo level.

[0032] When the system control unit 101 detects that the communication request signal / WAKE has gone low, it determines that communication with the strobe control unit 301 is now possible, and in S306 requests the strobe control unit 301 to send accessory information via I2C communication. When the strobe control unit 301 receives the I2C communication, it sets the communication request signal / WAKE to high level in S307, and further sends the accessory information to the system control unit 101 in S308. The accessory information includes information indicating that the accessory attached to the camera 100 is a strobe device (lighting device), etc.

[0033] Upon receiving the accessory information, the system control unit 101 performs various communication settings for the camera 100 in S309. Thereafter, the system control unit 101 performs initial communication with the strobe control unit 301 via SPI communication in S310, and the strobe control unit 301 responds to the initial communication to the system control unit 101 in S311. In this way, communication between the camera 100 and the strobe device 300 is established.

[0034] 4 is a flowchart of the automatic flash light control photography process performed by the imaging system 1000. Each process (step) indicated by an S number in this flowchart is realized by the system control unit 101 executing a predetermined program and coordinating control of the imaging system 1000 in cooperation with the lens control unit 201 and the flash control unit 301. Note that this flowchart explains the process for one still image capture. Also, it is assumed here that the flash device 300 is set to the automatic light control mode.

[0035] In S400, the system control unit 101 determines whether the SW1 signal has been turned on. If the system control unit 101 determines that the SW1 signal has been turned on (YES in S400), it executes the process of S401. If the system control unit 101 determines that the SW1 signal remains off (NO in S401), it continues to execute the process of S401.

[0036] The SW1 signal is generated by half-pressing (first step) the shutter button belonging to the camera operation unit 105 of the camera 100. When the system control unit 101 detects the SW1 signal, it drives the image sensor 102 to capture an image, repeats photometry control (AE operation) that measures the luminance of the subject from the captured image, and determines exposure control values (shutter speed, aperture value, ISO sensitivity, etc.) to be used during shooting from the photometry result. The determined exposure control values are displayed on the camera display unit 106.

[0037] In S401, the system control unit 101 acquires strobe information from the strobe control unit 301. The strobe information includes information about the light emission mode in which the strobe device 300 is set, information indicating the charging state, and the like.

[0038] In S402, the system control unit 101 determines whether the charging state of the strobe device 300 is in a state where light can be emitted (charging OK) based on the strobe information acquired in S401. If the system control unit 101 determines that charging is OK (YES in S402), it executes the process of S403, and if it determines that charging is not OK (charging NG) (NO in S402), it executes the process of S404.

[0039] In S403, the system control unit 101 performs AE operation for flash photography, which involves a light emission operation from the flash device 300, and then executes the process of S405. In addition, in S404, the system control unit 101 performs AE operation for normal photography, which does not involve a light emission operation from the flash device 300, and then executes the process of S405. Note that the AE operation refers to a process of calculating the brightness of the subject area from a signal obtained from the image sensor 102 and determining an exposure control value for shooting. For example, in S403, taking into account the possibility of blown-out highlights in the captured image due to light emitted from the flash device 300 (saturation of the image sensor 102), the upper limit of the ISO sensitivity is set lower than the ISO sensitivity determined in S404.

[0040] In S405, the system control unit 101 determines whether the SW2 signal has been turned on. If the system control unit 101 determines that the SW2 signal has been turned on (YES in S405), it executes the process of S406, and if it determines that the SW2 signal has not been turned on (NO in S405), it executes the process of S400. The SW2 signal is generated by fully pressing (second stage) the shutter button belonging to the camera operation unit 105 of the camera 100.

[0041] In S406, the system control unit 101 communicates with the flash control unit 301 and determines whether the charging state of the flash device 300 is such that it can emit light (charging OK). If the system control unit 101 determines that charging is OK (YES in S406), it executes the process of S407, and if it determines that charging is not OK (NO in S406), it executes the process of S411. Note that if "charging OK," the energy required for the pre-flash in S407 and the main flash in S410 has been charged, and the amount of pre-flash and main flash is designed not to fall below the flash amount threshold, which will be described later.

[0042] In S407, the system control unit 101 controls the pre-flash of the flash device 300. The control of the pre-flash executed by the flash device 300 will be described later.

[0043] In S408, the system control unit 101 acquires flash information from the flash control unit 301 during and after pre-flash.

[0044] In S409, the system control unit 101 calculates the flash light intensity (main flash intensity) for actual shooting based on the pre-flash processing in S407 and the flash information acquired in S408.

[0045] In S410, the system control unit 101 executes actual photography accompanied by a light emission operation by the strobe device 300, and this ends the main processing. In this actual photography, the strobe device 300 executes main emission and exposes the image sensor 102 with the set exposure control value, and predetermined image processing is performed on the image signal output from the image sensor 102 to generate image data. The generated image data is stored in the image storage unit 107, and a reduced image of the generated image data is displayed on the camera display unit 106.

[0046] In S411, the system control unit 101 executes actual photography without emitting light from the strobe device 300, and this ends the processing. In this actual photography, the same operations as in S410 are executed, except that the strobe device 300 is not caused to emit light.

[0047] 5A is a flowchart of the pre-flash operation executed in S407 by the flash device 300. When the flash control unit 301 receives a pre-flash control command from the system control unit 101 via the flash contact group 109, it starts the process of S500.

[0048] In S500, the flash control unit 301 sets parameters for performing pre-emission in accordance with the pre-emission control command received from the system control unit 101.

[0049] In S501, the flash control unit 301 controls the light emitting unit 302 to perform pre-flash firing using the parameters set in S500. At this time, the flash control unit 301 performs control so that an appropriate amount of light is irradiated onto the subject, using information obtained from the photocurrent detection unit 306. In addition, the system control unit 101 and the flash control unit 301 perform timing control via the flash contact group 109 to synchronize the flash firing and the exposure timing of the image sensor 102.

[0050] In S502, the flash control unit 301 acquires information about the actual amount of light emitted in the pre-flash in S501, and then ends this process. The information about the amount of light emitted here is a voltage value obtained by integrating the photocurrent detected by the photocurrent detection unit 306 during the pre-flash. When the pre-flash ends, the system control unit 101 executes the process of S408.

[0051] 5B is a flowchart of the main light emission operation executed in the actual shooting in S410. When the flash control unit 301 receives a main light emission control command from the system control unit 101 via the flash contact group 109, it starts the process of S510.

[0052] In step S510, the flash control unit 301 sets parameters for main light emission based on the pre-flash information held in the flash control unit 301 in accordance with the main light emission control command received from the system control unit 101.

[0053] In S511, the flash control unit 301 controls the light emitting unit 302 using the parameters set in S510 to perform main flash. At this time, the flash control unit 301 performs control so that an appropriate amount of light is irradiated onto the subject, using information obtained from the photocurrent detection unit 306. In addition, the system control unit 101 and the flash control unit 301 perform timing control via the flash contact group 109 to synchronize the flash flash emission with the exposure timing of the image sensor 102.

[0054] In S512, the flash control unit 301 acquires information about the actual amount of light emitted during main flash. Information about the amount of light actually emitted is the voltage value obtained by integrating the photocurrent detected by the photocurrent detection unit 306 during main flash.

[0055] In S513, the flash control unit 301 determines whether the light emission amount takeover function is enabled (ON). If the flash control unit 301 determines that the light emission amount takeover function is enabled (YES in S513), it executes the process of S514, and if the flash control unit 301 determines that the light emission amount takeover function is disabled (OFF) (NO in S513), it ends this process.

[0056] Here, the light emission amount takeover function and its setting method will be described. The light emission amount takeover function is a function that stores the light emission amount at the time of main flash in automatic flash control mode, and when switching from automatic flash control mode to manual flash mode, automatically sets the light emission amount in manual flash mode to the stored light emission amount. The light emission amount takeover function is enabled (on) or disabled (off) by a predetermined operation of the user on the flash operation unit 303. However, without being limited to this, it may be determined by notifying the flash device 300 of operation information of the user on the camera operation unit 105.

[0057] In S514, the flash control unit 301 updates the stored setting value of the flash intensity in the manual flash intensity mode with the most recent main flash intensity value in the automatic light adjustment mode based on the flash intensity information acquired in S512, and then ends this processing. For example, if the integrated voltage obtained during main flash in the automatic light adjustment mode is about 1 / 4 of the integrated voltage in the case of 1 / 1 flash (full flash), the main flash intensity in the automatic light adjustment mode is determined to be 1 / 4 flash, and the setting value of the manual flash intensity is updated to 1 / 4.

[0058] The flash operation unit 303 of the flash device 300 includes a flash mode switch button that alternates between automatic flash control mode and manual flash control mode with a single press when the flash power carryover function is enabled. If the flash power carryover function is enabled when the flash mode switch button is pressed to switch from automatic flash control mode to manual flash control mode, the flash power determined in automatic flash control mode is carried over to the flash power for manual flash control mode. This allows the initial flash power in manual flash control mode to be set to the most recent flash power determined in automatic flash control mode, allowing the user to fine-tune the flash power to suit their intended shooting style. This simplifies the preparations for manual flash photography.

[0059] In the flash device 300, when the light emission amount takeover function is disabled, the light emission mode is not switched even if the light emission mode switching button on the flash operation unit 303 is pressed. Therefore, when switching from the automatic light control mode to the manual light emission mode, it is necessary to set the light emission amount by operating the multiple operation members of the flash operation unit 303 or the multiple operation members of the camera operation unit 105.

[0060] In the imaging system 1000, it is possible to set a function to switch between automatic flash control mode and manual flash mode with a single press of an assign button on the camera 100, regardless of whether the light emission amount takeover function is enabled or disabled in the strobe device 300. In other words, when an assign button set for light emission mode switching is pressed, the system control unit 101 generates a light emission mode switching command and sends it to the strobe control unit 301. When the strobe control unit 301 receives the light emission mode switching command from the system control unit 101, it switches between automatic flash control mode and manual flash mode, regardless of whether the light emission amount takeover function is enabled or disabled.

[0061] Next, switching between automatic flash control mode and manual flash mode by pressing the assign button will be described. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram of the process of switching between automatic flash control mode and manual flash mode by the camera 100. When the assign button is pressed by a user operation in S600, processing by the camera 100 starts.

[0062] In S601, the system control unit 101 requests the flash control unit 301 to provide light emission amount takeover information. The light emission amount takeover information is information that indicates whether the light emission amount takeover function of the flash device 300 is enabled or disabled.

[0063] In S602, the flash control unit 301 receives the request in S601 and checks whether the light emission amount takeover function is enabled or disabled.

[0064] In S603, the flash control unit 301 transmits to the system control unit 101 light emission amount takeover information indicating whether the light emission amount takeover function is enabled or disabled.

[0065] In S604, the system control unit 101 requests the provision of light emission mode information. The light emission mode information is information indicating the light emission mode that is set at that time.

[0066] In S605, the flash control unit 301 receives the request in S604 and transmits to the system control unit 101 light emission mode information indicating the light emission mode currently set.

[0067] In S606, the system control unit 101 sends a lighting mode switching command to the flash control unit 301. The lighting mode switching command does not specify a specific lighting mode, but simply switches the lighting mode between the automatic light control mode and the manual lighting mode. The lighting mode switching command is sent to the flash control unit 301 regardless of the lighting mode set in the flash device 300.

[0068] In S607, the system control unit 101 waits for a predetermined time to elapse until the switching of the light emission mode in the flash device 300 is completed.

[0069] In parallel with this, in S608, the flash control unit 301 switches the set light emission mode in accordance with the light emission mode switching command.

[0070] Here, we will explain the operation of S608 to switch the light emission mode in the strobe device 300. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the operation of switching the light emission mode in S608.

[0071] In S700, the flash control unit 301 determines whether the set light emission mode is the automatic light adjustment mode. If the flash control unit 301 determines that the automatic light adjustment mode is set (YES in S700), it executes the process of S701, and if it determines that the automatic light adjustment mode is not set (NO in S700), it executes the process of S702.

[0072] In S701, the flash control unit 301 sets the flash mode to manual flash mode (switches from automatic light control mode to manual flash mode), and then ends this process. At this time, if the flash light intensity inheritance function is disabled in the flash device 300, the flash intensity in manual flash mode is set to a preset flash intensity or the previous (most recent) flash intensity in manual flash mode. The preset flash intensity is the flash intensity that the user set beforehand when using manual flash mode, and may be the flash intensity set at the time of shipment of the flash device 300.

[0073] In S702, the flash control unit 301 determines whether the set light emission mode is the manual light emission mode. If the flash control unit 301 determines that the manual light emission mode is set (YES in S702), it executes the process of S703, and if it determines that the manual light emission mode is not set (NO in S702), it ends this process.

[0074] In S703, the flash control unit 301 sets the light emission mode to the automatic light adjustment mode (switches from the manual light emission mode to the automatic light adjustment mode), and then ends this processing.

[0075] The processes of S700 to S703 are executed regardless of whether the light emission amount takeover function is enabled or disabled. Also, for example, if the light emission mode of the strobe device 300 is set to the multi-flash mode, the determinations of S701 and S703 will both be "NO," the light emission mode will not be switched, and the multi-flash mode setting will be maintained.

[0076] Returning to the description of the sequence diagram in Fig. 6, in S609, after waiting for the lapse of a predetermined time in S607, the system control unit 101 requests the provision of light emission mode information from the flash control unit 301. This process is the same as the process in S604.

[0077] In S610, the flash control unit 301 receives the request of S609 and transmits the light emission mode information set at that time to the system control unit 101. This process is the same as the process of S605.

[0078] In S611, the system control unit 101 performs a predetermined operation, such as changing the display content on the camera display unit 106 (for example, changing the display of the lighting mode set at that time), in accordance with the lighting mode information received from the flash control unit 301.

[0079] As described above, according to this embodiment, the light emission mode can be alternately switched between the automatic light control mode and the manual light emission mode by a single press of the assign button on the camera 100, regardless of whether the light emission amount takeover function setting is enabled or disabled in the strobe device 300. Therefore, since the user generally holds the camera 100 (or the camera 100 and the lens barrel 200) when taking a picture, the user can easily switch the light emission mode while looking through the viewfinder.

[0080] 6 and the flowchart of FIG. 7, regardless of whether the light emission amount takeover function is enabled or disabled, the light emission mode is switched between the automatic light control mode and the manual light emission mode in accordance with the light emission mode switching command from the system control unit 101. However, the operation of the strobe device 300 in response to pressing the assign button may be the same as the operation in response to pressing the light emission mode switching button provided on the strobe operation unit 303 of the strobe device 300.

[0081] There are two methods for realizing such a configuration, for example. In the first method, when the flash control unit 301 receives a command to switch the flash mode from the system control unit 101, if the flash light intensity handover function is disabled, the flash control unit 301 performs control not to switch the flash mode. In the second method, when the system control unit 101 detects pressing of the assign button, if the flash light intensity handover function information in S703 indicates that the flash light intensity handover function is disabled, the flash control unit 301 performs control not to send a command to switch the flash mode. In this case, a warning indicating that pressing of the assign button is disabled may be displayed on the camera display unit 106.

[0082] Generally, a user holds camera 100 (or lens barrel 200 at the same time) when taking a picture. Therefore, in this modified example, the user does not need to reach for the light emission mode switching button of strobe operation unit 303, and can obtain the same effect as pressing the light emission mode switching button by pressing the assign button while holding camera 100 facing the subject.

[0083] The setting of the light emission mode of the strobe device 300 to be switched by pressing the assign button can be determined from a menu screen for configuring various settings of the camera 100. This allows the user to operate the imaging system 1000 in a way that suits their preferences.

[0084] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) An illumination device comprising: a communication means for communicating between a light-emitting unit and an imaging device; a first setting means for setting the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit to a first light-emitting mode in which the light-emitting unit emits light at a manually set light intensity, or a second light-emitting mode in which the light-emitting unit emits light at a light intensity determined by automatic dimming; and a control means for, when receiving a command from the imaging device via the communication means to switch the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit, switching to the second light-emitting mode if the first light-emitting mode is set at the time of receiving the command, or switching to the first light-emitting mode if the second light-emitting mode is set. (Configuration 2) The lighting device described in Configuration 1 further comprises a second setting means for enabling or disabling a light emission amount takeover function that sets the most recent light emission amount in the second light emission mode to the initial light emission amount in the first light emission mode when switching from the second light emission mode to the first light emission mode, and the control means, when switching from the second light emission mode to the first light emission mode based on the command from the imaging device, sets the most recent light emission amount in the second light emission mode to the initial light emission amount in the first light emission mode if the light emission amount takeover function is enabled. (Configuration 3) The lighting device according to Configuration 2, further comprising an operating means for switching the light emission mode of the light-emitting unit between the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode with a single operation, wherein the control means switches between the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode when the operating means is operated only if the light emission amount handover function is set to be enabled. (Configuration 4) The lighting device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the first setting means can set the light emission mode of the light emitting unit to a third light emission mode different from the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode, and the control means does not switch the light emission mode of the light emitting unit when the command is received from the imaging device while the third light emission mode is set. (Configuration 5) An imaging system in which a lighting device and an imaging device are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, wherein the imaging device comprises a generating means for generating a command to switch the light emission mode of the lighting device in response to a single operation, and the lighting device comprises a light emitting unit, a first setting means for setting the light emission mode of the lighting device to a first light emission mode in which the light emitting unit emits light at a manually set light emission intensity, or a second light emission mode in which the light emitting unit emits light at a light emission intensity determined by automatic dimming, and a first control means for, when the command is received from the imaging device via communication, switching to the second light emission mode if the first light emission mode is set, or switching to the first light emission mode if the second light emission mode is set, at the time of receiving the command. (Configuration 6) In the lighting device, the first setting means can set the light emission mode of the lighting device to a third light emission mode different from the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode, and the first control means does not switch the light emission mode of the lighting device when it receives the command from the imaging device while the third light emission mode is set. (Configuration 7) The illumination device further includes a second setting means for enabling or disabling a light emission intensity takeover function that sets the most recent light emission intensity in the second light emission mode to the initial light emission intensity in the first light emission mode when switching from the second light emission mode to the first light emission mode, and the first control means, when switching from the second light emission mode to the first light emission mode based on the command from the imaging device, sets the most recent light emission intensity in the second light emission mode to the initial light emission intensity in the first light emission mode if the light emission intensity takeover function is enabled. (Configuration 8) The imaging system described in Configuration 7, characterized in that the lighting device is equipped with a notification means for notifying the imaging device via communication of first information indicating whether the light emission amount takeover function is enabled or disabled, and the imaging device is equipped with an acquisition means for acquiring the first information via communication, and a second control means for transmitting the command to the lighting device via communication when the command is issued, regardless of whether the first information indicates whether the light emission amount takeover function is enabled or disabled. (Configuration 9) The imaging system described in Configuration 7, characterized in that the lighting device includes a notification means for notifying the imaging device of first information indicating whether the light emission amount takeover function is enabled or disabled via communication, and the imaging device includes an acquisition means for acquiring the first information via communication, and a second control means for, when the command is generated, transmitting the command to the lighting device via communication if the first information indicates that the light emission amount takeover function is enabled, and not transmitting the command to the lighting device if the first information indicates that the light emission amount takeover function is disabled. (Configuration 10) The imaging system described in Configuration 5, wherein the first setting means of the lighting device can set the light emission mode of the lighting device to a third light emission mode different from the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode, the lighting device is equipped with a notification means for notifying the imaging device of second information indicating the light emission mode set in the lighting device via communication, and the imaging device is equipped with an acquisition means for acquiring the second information via communication, and a second control means for not sending the command to the lighting device when the command is generated and the second information indicates that the light emission mode of the lighting device is set to the third light emission mode. (Configuration 11) The lighting device includes a second operating means for switching the light emission mode of the lighting device between the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode by a single operation; 10. The imaging system according to any one of configurations 7 to 9, wherein the first control means of the lighting device switches between the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode when the second operation means is operated only when the light emission amount takeover function is enabled. (Configuration 12) A program that causes a computer to function as each means of the lighting device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Method 1) A control method for a lighting device having a light-emitting unit, the control method comprising the steps of: establishing communication with an imaging device; setting the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit to a first light-emitting mode in which the light-emitting unit emits light at a manually set light intensity, or a second light-emitting mode in which the light-emitting unit emits light at a light intensity determined by automatic dimming, or a third light-emitting mode different from the first light-emitting mode and the second light-emitting mode; and switching the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit when a command to switch the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit is received from the imaging device, wherein the step of switching the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit, at the time of receiving the command, switches to the second light-emitting mode if the first light-emitting mode is set, switches to the first light-emitting mode if the second light-emitting mode is set, and does not switch the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit if the third light-emitting mode is set. (Method 2) A method for controlling a lighting device according to Method 2, comprising a step of enabling or disabling a light emission amount takeover function that sets the most recent light emission amount at which the light-emitting unit emitted light in the second light emission mode to the light emission amount in the first light emission mode, and when the second light emission mode is switched to the first light emission mode in the step of switching the light emission mode of the light-emitting unit, if the light emission amount takeover function is enabled, the most recent light emission amount in the second light emission mode is set to the initial light emission amount in the first light emission mode.

[0085] While the present invention has been described in detail above based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely represents one embodiment of the present invention, and each embodiment can be combined as appropriate.

[0086] 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 storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 100 Camera (imaging device) 101 System control unit 105 Camera control unit 300 Strobe Device 301 Strobe control unit 302 Light-emitting part 303 Strobe control unit

Claims

1. A light-emitting portion; a communication means for communicating with the imaging device; a first setting means for setting a light emission mode of the light emitting unit to a first light emission mode in which the light emitting unit emits light at a manually set light emission amount, or a second light emission mode in which the light emitting unit emits light at a light emission amount determined by automatic light control; and control means for, when a command to switch the light emission mode of the light-emitting unit is received from the imaging device via the communication means, switching to the second light emission mode if the first light emission mode is set at the time of receiving the command, and switching to the first light emission mode if the second light emission mode is set at the time of receiving the command.

2. a second setting means for setting a light emission amount takeover function, which sets the most recent light emission amount in the second light emission mode to the initial light emission amount in the first light emission mode when switching from the second light emission mode to the first light emission mode, to be valid or invalid; 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, when switching from the second light emission mode to the first light emission mode based on the command from the imaging device, if the light emission amount takeover function is enabled, the control means sets the most recent light emission amount in the second light emission mode to the initial light emission amount in the first light emission mode.

3. an operating means for switching the light emission mode of the light emitting unit between the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode by a single operation; 3. The lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the control means switches between the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode when the operation means is operated only when the light emission amount takeover function is enabled.

4. the first setting means can set the light emission mode of the light-emitting unit to a third light emission mode different from the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode, 3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control means does not switch the light emission mode of the light emitting unit when the command is received from the imaging device while the third light emission mode is set.

5. An imaging system in which a lighting device and an imaging device are communicatively connected, The imaging device is generating means for generating a command for switching a light emission mode of the lighting device in response to a single operation; The lighting device includes: A light-emitting portion; a first setting means for setting a light emission mode of the illumination device to a first light emission mode in which the light emitting unit emits light at a manually set light emission amount, or a second light emission mode in which the light emitting unit emits light at a light emission amount determined by automatic light control; and a first control means that, when the command is received from the imaging device via communication, switches to the second light emission mode if the first light emission mode is set at the time of receiving the command, and switches to the first light emission mode if the second light emission mode is set.

6. In the lighting device, the first setting means is capable of setting a light emission mode of the illumination device to a third light emission mode different from the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode, 6. The imaging system according to claim 5, wherein the first control means does not switch the light emission mode of the lighting device when the command is received from the imaging device while the third light emission mode is set.

7. the lighting device further includes a second setting means for setting a light emission amount takeover function, which sets a most recent light emission amount in the second light emission mode to an initial light emission amount in the first light emission mode when switching from the second light emission mode to the first light emission mode, to be enabled or disabled; The imaging system described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that when switching from the second light emission mode to the first light emission mode based on the command from the imaging device, if the light emission amount takeover function is enabled, the first control means sets the most recent light emission amount in the second light emission mode to the initial light emission amount in the first light emission mode.

8. the illumination device includes a notification unit that notifies the imaging device of first information indicating whether the light emission amount takeover function is enabled or disabled via communication; The imaging device is an acquisition means for acquiring the first information through communication; and a second control means for transmitting the command to the lighting device via communication when the command is issued, regardless of whether the first information indicates whether the light emission amount takeover function is enabled or disabled.

9. the illumination device includes a notification means for notifying the imaging device of first information indicating whether the light emission amount takeover function is enabled or disabled via communication; The imaging device is an acquisition means for acquiring the first information through communication; and second control means for transmitting the command to the lighting device by communication when the first information indicates that the light emission amount takeover function is enabled, and for not transmitting the command to the lighting device when the first information indicates that the light emission amount takeover function is disabled, when the command is issued.

10. the first setting means of the illumination device can set a light emission mode of the illumination device to a third light emission mode different from the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode, the illumination device includes a notification means for notifying the imaging device of second information indicating a light emission mode set in the illumination device via communication; The imaging device is an acquisition means for acquiring the second information through communication; and second control means for not transmitting the command to the lighting device when the second information indicates that the light emission mode of the lighting device is set to the third light emission mode when the command is issued.

11. the lighting device includes a second operating means for switching a light emission mode of the lighting device between the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode by a single operation; 8. The imaging system according to claim 7, wherein the first control means of the lighting device switches between the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode when the second operation means is operated only when the light emission amount takeover function is enabled.

12. A method for controlling a lighting device including a light-emitting unit, establishing communication with an imaging device; setting the light emission mode of the light emitting unit to a first light emission mode in which the light emitting unit emits light at a manually set light emission amount, a second light emission mode in which the light emitting unit emits light at a light emission amount determined by automatic light control, or a third light emission mode different from the first light emission mode and the second light emission mode; switching the light emission mode of the light emitting unit when a command to switch the light emission mode of the light emitting unit is received from the imaging device, a step of switching the light emission mode of the light-emitting unit, wherein, at the time of receiving the command, if the first light emission mode is set, the light emission mode is switched to the second light emission mode, if the second light emission mode is set, the light emission mode is switched to the first light emission mode, and if the third light emission mode is set, the light emission mode of the light-emitting unit is not switched.

13. a step of enabling or disabling a light emission amount takeover function for setting the most recent light emission amount of the light-emitting unit in the second light-emitting mode to the light emission amount in the first light-emitting mode, 13. The method for controlling a lighting device according to claim 12, wherein, when the second light emission mode is switched to the first light emission mode in the step of switching the light emission mode of the light-emitting unit, if the light emission amount takeover function is enabled, the most recent light emission amount in the second light emission mode is set to an initial light emission amount in the first light emission mode.

14. A program that causes a computer to function as each of the means of the lighting device according to claim 1.

Images