This relates to a system and control method.

Abstract

This technology provides a more faithful reproduction of the effects of past strobe flashes on subjects. [Solution] A system for controlling a first strobe that illuminates a subject to be photographed by an imaging device includes: an information control means that stores position information and setting information of the second strobe in a storage means when the imaging device was taking an image using light emitted from the second strobe at a first time; and a transmission means that transmits information based on the position information and setting information stored in the storage means to the first strobe when the first strobe illuminates the subject with light at a second time that is later than the first time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for controlling a strobe and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] In the case where there is a gap in the shooting dates or when shooting is performed by changing the location, in order to reproduce the arrangement of the strobe (light emitting device), the approximate distance between the subject and the strobe may be recorded. Then, the user performs shooting at the time of reproduction based on the recorded distance. At this time, the user makes fine adjustments while checking the image.

[0003] Also, general users who try to imitate images taken by professionals make trial and error such as estimating the strobe arrangement used for shooting and repeating the shooting. Therefore, it is very difficult to reproduce the strobe arrangement at the time of shooting, and there is a difficulty in ensuring the consistency of shooting. In Embodiment 1, a technique for storing the position of the strobe after the arrangement of the strobe is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the absolute position of the installed strobe is stored, and the amount of deviation from there is notified to the user, aiming to prevent position deviation. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, for example, when the strobe to be used changes or the position of the subject changes, the effect of the past strobe emission on the subject may not be reproduced.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a technology for more faithfully reproducing the effects of past strobe flashes on a subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is, A system for controlling a first strobe that illuminates a subject being imaged by an imaging device, Information control means for storing position information and setting information of the second strobe in storage means when the imaging device was taking images using light emitted from the second strobe at a first time point, When the subject is illuminated with light by the first strobe at a second time later than the first time, a transmission means transmits information based on the position information and setting information stored in the storage means to the first strobe. This system is characterized by having [a certain feature]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology for more faithfully reproducing the effects of past strobe flashes on a subject. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a camera strobe system. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a UWB device. [Figure 3] This is a sequence diagram illustrating distance measurement using a UWB device. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates angle measurement for UWB devices. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating a three-light lighting system. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating location information. [Figure 7A] This is a flowchart of the process for transmitting location information. [Figure 7B] This is a flowchart of the process for transmitting location information. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a setting table containing information about strobe settings. [Figure 9] This figure shows a setting table containing the position information of the receiver strobe. [Figure 10] This diagram explains the display items shown on the display unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The schematic configuration of the camera strobe system according to Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to Figure 1.

[0011] The camera strobe system includes a camera 100, a lens unit 200, and a strobe 300. The camera 100 is an imaging device. The lens unit 200 is detachably mounted on the camera 100. The strobe 300 is a strobe detachably mounted on the camera 100. The strobe 300 can be used as a sender strobe that sends signals from the camera 100 to a receiver strobe, or as a receiver strobe that fires in response to those signals. Therefore, in the camera strobe system, one of the multiple strobes 300 operates as a sender strobe, and the other strobes 300 operate as receiver strobes. Figure 1 shows the case where the strobe 300 is used as a receiver strobe.

[0012] The camera 100 and the lens unit 200, and the camera 100 and the strobe 300 are connected by communication lines (signal lines). The communication lines communicate information, such as exchanging data or transmitting commands, with the camera microcontroller 101 acting as the host (host in the host device relationship).

[0013] (Camera body configuration) The configuration of camera 100 will be described. Camera 100 has a camera microcomputer 101, an imaging device 102, a shutter 103, an AF (Auto Focus) circuit 107, an A / D converter 109, and a signal processing circuit 111. Camera 100 has an input unit 112, a display unit 113, terminals 120, terminals 130, an attitude detection circuit 140, a wireless unit 170, and a camera interface circuit 180.

[0014] The camera microcomputer 101 is a microcomputer CPU (control unit) that controls each part of the camera 100. The camera microcomputer 101 is, for example, a one-chip IC circuit with an embedded microcomputer. The camera microcomputer 101 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an input / output control circuit (I / O control circuit). The camera microcomputer 101 includes, for example, a multiplexer, a timer circuit, and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The camera microcomputer 101 includes, for example, an A / D (analog / digital) converter or a D / A converter. Then, the camera microcomputer 101 controls the camera flash system by software and determines various conditions. The camera microcomputer 101 also operates as an information control unit that stores various information in a storage unit (such as an image or RAM). The camera microcomputer 101 can communicate with the lens unit 200 via the terminal 120.

[0015] The imaging device 102 includes an infrared cut filter or a low-pass filter. The imaging device 102 is an imaging device such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor). An object image is formed on the imaging device 102 by the lens group 202 described later during shooting.

[0016] The shutter 103 is movable between a position where light hits the imaging device 102 and a position where light does not hit the imaging device 102.

[0017] The AF circuit 107 is a focus detection circuit equipped with a distance measuring sensor having multiple distance measuring points. The AF circuit 107 outputs focus information such as the amount of defocus for each distance measuring point. The AF circuit 107 may also perform image plane phase-detection autofocus.

[0018] The A / D converter 109 converts the analog signal output from the amplified image sensor 102 into a digital signal.

[0019] The signal processing circuit 111 performs signal processing on the image data that has been converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 109.

[0020] The input unit 112 includes operation buttons such as a power switch, a shutter release switch, and setting buttons. In response to user operations (inputs) to the input unit 112, the camera microcontroller 101 performs various processes.

[0021] When the shutter release switch is operated in one step (half-pressed), "switch SW1" turns ON, and the camera microcomputer 101 starts the shooting preparation operation (focus adjustment and metering, etc.). When the shutter release switch is operated in two steps (fully pressed), "switch SW2" turns ON, and the camera microcomputer 101 starts the shooting operation (exposure and development processing, etc.).

[0022] Furthermore, the user can also adjust various settings for the strobe 300 attached to the camera 100 by operating the setting buttons on the input unit 112.

[0023] The display unit 113 has a liquid crystal display or a light-emitting element. The display unit 113 displays various set modes or other shooting information.

[0024] The attitude detection circuit 140 is a circuit that detects the attitude difference (change in attitude) of the camera 100 from a reference attitude. The attitude detection circuit 140 has an attitude H detection unit 140a, an attitude V detection unit 104b, and an attitude Z detection unit 140c. The attitude H detection unit 140a detects the attitude difference of the camera 100 in the horizontal direction (H direction). The attitude V detection unit 140b detects the attitude difference of the camera 100 in the vertical direction (V direction). The attitude Z detection unit 140c detects the attitude difference of the camera 100 in the front-to-back direction (Z direction).

[0025] The attitude detection circuit 140 may use, for example, an angular velocity sensor or a gyroscope. Attitude information regarding the attitude difference in each direction detected by the attitude detection circuit 140 is output to the camera microcontroller 101.

[0026] The wireless unit 170 is a wireless communication module. The wireless unit 170 may be, for example, a UWB (Ultra-Wideband) module, an infrared communication module, a Bluetooth® communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a WirelessUSB module.

[0027] The camera interface circuit 180 is a transmitting and receiving unit that communicates with the strobe interface circuit 3000 via terminal 130. The camera interface circuit 180 transmits, for example, adjustment information to the strobe 300, which is described later. Here, adjustment information is information that serves as an indicator for adjusting the position and settings of the strobe 300.

[0028] (Lens unit configuration) The configuration of the lens unit 200 will be described below. It includes a lens microcontroller 201, a lens group 202, a lens drive unit 203, and an encoder 204.

[0029] The lens microcontroller 201 is a microcomputer LPU (control unit) that controls various parts of the lens unit 200. The lens microcontroller 201 is, for example, a microcontroller-integrated single-chip IC circuit. The lens microcontroller 201 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output control circuit (I / O control circuit), multiplexer, timer circuit, EEPROM, A / D converter, D / A converter, etc.

[0030] The lens drive unit 203 is a drive system that moves the lenses included in the lens group 202. The amount of drive of the lens group 202 is calculated by the camera microcontroller 101 based on the output of the AF circuit 107 located in the camera 100. The calculated drive amount information is transmitted from the camera microcontroller 101 to the lens microcontroller 201.

[0031] The encoder 204 is an encoder that detects the position of the lens group 202 and outputs drive information. The lens drive unit 203 adjusts the focus by moving the lens group 202 by the amount of drive based on the drive information from the encoder 204.

[0032] (Strobe configuration) The configuration of the strobe 300 will now be described. The strobe 300 includes a battery 301, a boost circuit block 302, a trigger circuit 303, a light emission control circuit 304, a discharge tube 305, a reflector umbrella 306, a zoom optical system 307, an integrating circuit 308, and a strobe microcontroller 310. The strobe 300 also includes an input unit 312, a display unit 313, a zoom drive circuit 330, an attitude detection circuit 360, a wireless unit 370, and a strobe interface circuit 3000.

[0033] Although not shown in Figure 1, the strobe 300 has a "main body" and a "movable part". The "main body" is detachably attached to the camera 100. The "movable part" is held relative to the "main body" so as to be rotatable in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0034] The strobe interface circuit 3000 communicates with the camera microcontroller 101 via terminal 130.

[0035] Battery 301 is the power source for the strobe 300.

[0036] The boost circuit block 302 includes a boost unit 302a, two resistors (resistors 302b and 302c) used for voltage detection, and a main capacitor 302d. The boost circuit block 302 boosts the voltage of the battery 301 to several hundred volts using the boost unit 302a, and stores the electrical energy for light emission in the main capacitor 302d.

[0037] The trigger circuit 303 applies a pulse voltage to the discharge tube 305 to excite it.

[0038] The light emission control circuit 304 controls the start and stop of light emission from the discharge tube 305.

[0039] The discharge tube 305 is excited by a pulse voltage of several kV applied from the trigger circuit 303 and emits light using the electrical energy charged in the main capacitor 302d.

[0040] The reflector umbrella 306 reflects the light emitted from the discharge tube 305 and guides it in a predetermined direction.

[0041] The zoom optical system 307 includes an optical panel and the like. The zoom optical system 307 is held in a way that allows its relative position to the discharge tube 305 to be changed. By changing the relative position between the discharge tube 305 and the zoom optical system 307, the light intensity (guide number) and illumination range of the strobe 300 can be changed.

[0042] The amount of drive for the zoom optical system 307 is calculated by the strobe microcontroller 310 based on the focal length information output from the lens microcontroller 201. Alternatively, the strobe microcontroller 310 drives the zoom optical system 307 to a position set by the input unit 312.

[0043] The light-emitting section of the strobe 300 mainly consists of a discharge tube 305, a reflector umbrella 306, and a zoom optical system 307. The illumination range of the light-emitting section changes by the movement of the zoom optical system 307, and the illumination direction of the light-emitting section changes by the rotation of the movable part 300b.

[0044] The integrating circuit 308 monitors the strobe light. The results of the strobe light monitoring are used to control the strobe 300.

[0045] The Strobe Microcontroller 310 is a microcomputer FPU that controls various parts of the Strobe 300. The Strobe Microcontroller 310 is, for example, a microcontroller-integrated single-chip IC circuit. The Strobe Microcontroller 310 includes, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output control circuit (I / O control circuit), multiplexer, timer circuit, EEPROM, A / D and D / A converters, etc.

[0046] The input unit 312 includes an operation unit such as a power switch, a mode setting switch for setting the operating mode of the strobe 300, and setting buttons for setting various parameters. The strobe microcontroller 310 performs various processes in response to inputs to the input unit 312. The input unit 312 also includes an operation unit for changing the exposure compensation settings of the strobe 300.

[0047] The display unit 313 has a liquid crystal display or a light-emitting element. The display unit 313 displays the status of the strobe 300. The display unit 313 also includes an LED for displaying a warning.

[0048] The zoom drive circuit 330 includes a zoom detection unit 330a and a zoom drive unit 330b. The zoom detection unit 330a detects information regarding the relative position between the discharge tube 305 and the zoom optical system 307 using an encoder or the like. The zoom drive unit 330b includes a motor for moving the zoom optical system 307.

[0049] The attitude detection circuit 360 is a circuit that detects the attitude difference (change in attitude) of the movable part 300b from a reference attitude. The attitude H detection unit 360a detects the attitude difference of the movable part 300b in the horizontal direction (H direction). The attitude V detection unit 360b detects the attitude difference of the movable part 300b in the vertical direction (V direction). The attitude Z detection unit 360c detects the attitude difference of the movable part 300b in the front-to-back direction (Z direction). The output of the attitude detection circuit 360 is used to store the direction of light irradiation from the strobe 300 and to detect the state of the light irradiation direction after storage. For example, an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor can be used in the attitude detection circuit 360.

[0050] The wireless unit 370 transmits and receives data wirelessly. The wireless unit 370 may include, for example, a UWB (Ultra-Wideband) module or an infrared communication module. It has a Bluetooth communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a wireless communication module such as WirelessUSB.

[0051] In Embodiment 1, when the strobe 300 is a receiver strobe, the strobe 300 is positioned physically away from the camera 100. In this case, the strobe 300 connects to a sender strobe clipped onto the camera 100 via a wireless unit 370 and receives various control instructions from the sender strobe. As a result, the strobe 300 operates as a receiver strobe.

[0052] (UWB device configuration) Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the UWB device 2101 according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 1, the UWB device 2101 is contained within the wireless unit 170 and the wireless unit 370, etc. That is, the camera 100 and the strobe 300 include the UWB device 2101. Alternatively, the UWB device 2101 may be contained within a small, portable tag and provide UWB functionality. In this embodiment using UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology, the configuration of the UWB device 2101 will be explained using Figure 2.

[0053] The UWB device 2101 includes a power supply 2102, a CPU 2103, an antenna control unit 2104, a UWB antenna 2105, and a UWB antenna 2106. The UWB device 2101 also includes an antenna control unit 2107, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) antenna 2108, and an accelerometer 2109.

[0054] Power supply 2102 supplies power to the UWB device 2101. Power supply 2102 supplies the power necessary for the overall operation of the UWB device 2101.

[0055] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2103 is responsible for the logical control of the UWB device 2101. The CPU 2103 performs data processing, executes control sequences, and manages communication protocols.

[0056] The antenna control unit 2104 controls the output and directivity of the UWB antenna 2105 and the UWB antenna 2106, respectively. In UWB communication, the appropriate directivity of the antenna is directly related to the communication quality.

[0057] UWB antennas 2105 and 2106 each transmit and receive wideband signals. UWB technology is used for high-precision positioning. For this reason, UWB antennas 2105 and 2106 are specialized for transmitting and receiving short pulse signals.

[0058] The antenna control unit 2107 adjusts the position and directivity of the BLE antenna 2108 to optimize communication.

[0059] The BLE antenna 2108 is used for pairing UWB devices 2101 with each other and for short-range communication with surrounding Bluetooth devices. The BLE antenna 2108 works in conjunction with the antenna control unit 2104 to optimize the transmission and reception of signals for the entire UWB device 2101.

[0060] The accelerometer 2109 detects the movement of the UWB device 2101, thereby acquiring its position and vibration information. This position and vibration information is used for determining the location of the UWB device 2101 or for determining an action trigger.

[0061] Furthermore, UWB has two roles: "initiator" and "responder." The "initiator" is responsible for transmitting radio waves, while the "responder" is responsible for receiving them. The role of UWB can be dynamically determined for each communication.

[0062] In distance measurement and angle detection, the location of the UWB device 2101 can be determined by the responder receiving radio waves transmitted by the initiator. In addition, in three-point positioning, a UWB device whose location information is known is called an "anchor".

[0063] (UWB device positioning method) Figure 3 is a schematic sequence diagram illustrating the distance measurement method using the UWB device 2101. Figure 3 is used to explain the process until the distance between two UWB devices 2101 is calculated.

[0064] Two UWB devices 2101 (initiator 3001 and responder 3002) are set up as devices equipped with a UWB communication module and a clock synchronization mechanism. This sequence begins when initiator 3001 is powered on. The communication modules of initiator 3001 and responder 3002 are capable of generating and receiving UWB pulse signals, and the clock synchronization mechanism is operational.

[0065] In step S3101, the initiator 3001 generates a UWB pulse signal and transmits it to the responder 3002.

[0066] In step S3102, when the responder 3002 receives a pulse signal, it records the arrival time of the pulse signal. The responder 3002 then returns the arrival time information to the initiator 3102.

[0067] In step S3103, the initiator 3001 measures the transmission time T3201 of both the pulse signal it transmitted and the response pulse signal from the responder 3002. The transmission time T3201 represents the time from when the pulse signal was transmitted from the initiator 3001 to the responder 3002 until it was received by the responder 3002. The transmission time T3201 is half the time it takes for the pulse signal to travel back and forth.

[0068] Here, let T3203 be the time from when initiator 3001 transmits a pulse signal until initiator 3001 receives the pulse signal. Let T3202 be the time from when responder 3002 receives the pulse signal until it responds to initiator 3001.

[0069] Therefore, since half of the difference between time T3203 and time T3202 is the transmission time T3201, the following equation 1 holds true. T3201=1 / 2*(T3203-T3202)...Formula 1

[0070] After measuring the transmission time T3201, the initiator 3001 calculates the distance d between the two UWB devices 2101 using the speed of light c. Specifically, the distance d between the two UWB devices 2101 can be calculated by multiplying the transmission time T3201 by the speed of light c, as shown in Equation 2. Here, the speed of light c is approximately 299,792,458 meters / second. Distance (d) = T320¹ * Speed ​​of light (c) ... Equation 2

[0071] Based on the above, it becomes possible to calculate the distance between two UWB devices.

[0072] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating how the angle of arrival of a tag is detected using the phase difference of the received signals, employing two UWB devices used in this embodiment. The following describes the process until the angle measurement is completed.

[0073] The initiator 3001 and responder 3002 are set up as a device equipped with a UWB communication module and a clock synchronization mechanism. The initiator 3001 and responder 3002 shown here are identical to the UWB module in the wireless unit in Figure 1.

[0074] Responder 3002 has two UWB antennas, and the antennas and communication module communicate with initiator 3001 to exchange information for determining location.

[0075] (1) First, the initiator 3001 generates a UWB signal 4104 and transmits the UWB signal 4104 to each of the two UWB antennas (antenna 1 and antenna 2).

[0076] (2) Subsequently, each of the two antennas of responder 3002 records the arrival time of the UWB signal 4104 from initiator 3001.

[0077] The arrival time of UWB signal 4104 is used to calculate the phase difference φ of the received signal. This phase difference φ is used to determine the direction θ of the tag.

[0078] The wavelength λ of UWB is known. Therefore, the tag direction θ can be derived from the phase difference φ using the following equation: Distance d is the distance between the two antennas at responder 3002. Path difference ΔD is the difference between the path from antenna 1 to initiator 3001 and the path from antenna 2 to initiator 3001. Direction θ is the direction θ of initiator 3001 as seen from responder 3002.

number

[0079] In this explanation, we have described two UWB devices as an initiator and a responder, but even with three or more devices, you can simply designate any two of the multiple UWB devices as initiators and responders; there is no limit to the number of devices.

[0080] Furthermore, which UWB device acts as the initiator may be determined based on instructions from the strobe 300 or camera 100, or it may be determined by communication between the UWB devices.

[0081] (Explanation of 3-light lighting) Figure 5 will be used to explain three-light lighting. Three-light lighting is generally known as a method for obtaining suitable lighting. In three-light lighting, the main subject is illuminated by three lights: a key light which is the main light source, a fill light which softens the shadows created by the key light, and a back light which highlights the outline of the main subject.

[0082] Figure 5 shows the positional relationship between the camera, the main subject, and the receiver strobe. In Figure 5, the key light is positioned 45° in front of the main subject and 45° above it. The fill light is positioned 30° in front of the main subject and 30° above it, opposite the key light. The backlight is positioned at a height of 60° behind the main subject. This angle itself is not a fixed or established one, but illuminating the main subject from approximately this angle yields optimal lighting.

[0083] In Figure 5, the camera 100 is connected to the strobe 300 shown in Figure 1 as a sender strobe (not shown). The receiver strobes for each role are strobes with the same configuration as the strobe 300 shown in Figure 1.

[0084] <Embodiment 1> The following describes the storage and transmission of positional information regarding the relative position of the receiver strobe with respect to a reference position (the position of the camera 100) in Embodiment 1.

[0085] The system according to Embodiment 1 comprises: "a camera 100 equipped with a UWB device," "a sender strobe connected to the accessory shoe of the camera," "a receiver strobe equipped with a UWB device," and "a UWB device held by the main subject." The sender strobe and the receiver strobe are each strobes 300.

[0086] The receiver strobe is placed at a distance from camera 100. The receiver strobe's flash is controlled wirelessly by the sender strobe. The sender strobe does not flash itself, but only controls the receiver strobe. Therefore, instead of the sender strobe, a device that does not flash but can control the receiver strobe (such as a strobe transmitter) can also be used.

[0087] First, let's explain the receiver strobe's position information. As shown in Figure 5, after the user has finished positioning the receiver strobe, the user actually takes a picture. Traditionally, various information (camera model name, lens model name, shooting settings, etc.) has been stored as metadata in images. Therefore, when taking a picture or saving an image, the camera microcontroller 101 saves the receiver strobe's position information as metadata in the image. In this case, only the receiver strobe's position information from the last (most recent) shot may be sequentially overwritten and stored. Alternatively, the receiver strobe's position information may be stored when the operation for "storing receiver strobe position information" is performed. The operation for "storing receiver strobe position information" is, for example, an operation on the camera 100 or sender strobe. In addition to the acquired image, the settings of the camera 100 or sender strobe may also be stored in the metadata.

[0088] The receiver strobe's position information includes not only the distance / angle (distance and angle) between camera 100 and the receiver strobe, but also the distance / angle between camera 100 and the main subject, and the receiver strobe's optical axis information. Regarding the receiver strobe's optical axis information, if there is a difference between the "direction from the receiver strobe to the UWB device (subject) held by the main subject" and the "direction of the optical axis," information about that difference is also stored.

[0089] Furthermore, the receiver flash settings information at the time of shooting, along with the receiver flash's position information, is stored in the storage area (image, or the camera 100's memory medium, etc.). The receiver flash settings information includes its role, receiver flash model information, series information, flash output (guide number), beam angle, and flash orientation (whether it is upright or vertical). Note that flash orientation information is unnecessary if the flash has a circular beam pattern, because the concepts of upright and vertical orientations cannot be considered if the beam pattern is circular.

[0090] Figure 6 will be used to illustrate an example of location information when a key light is used. Position information includes information such as angle θh, angle θvs, and distance d3. Angle θh is the angle (horizontal angle in the horizontal plane) formed by the optical axis (direction of the optical axis) of camera 100 and the straight line (direction) from camera 100 to the receiver strobe in the horizontal plane. Angle θvs is the elevation angle from camera 100 to the position of the receiver strobe. Distance d3 is the distance from camera 100 to the receiver strobe. In addition, if the optical axis of the receiver strobe is pointed towards the UWB device held by the main subject, this fact is recorded as optical axis information. Furthermore, if any correction is made to the optical axis of the receiver strobe, the amount of correction from the orientation relative to the UWB device is recorded in addition to the optical axis information. For example, the amount of correction may be 5° upward from the orientation relative to the UWB device.

[0091] In Figure 6, the UWB device (hereinafter referred to as the "holding device") held by the main subject (placed on the main subject) is located at the optical axis center of camera 100. Therefore, the angle (horizontal angle) formed by the "optical axis of camera 100" and the "straight line from camera 100 to the holding device" in the horizontal plane is 0°. Also, the elevation angle from camera 100 to the position of the holding device is 0°, and the distance between camera 100 and the holding device is d.

[0092] The camera microcontroller 101 communicates with the UWB device of the receiver strobe and calculates the distance / angle between the camera 100 and the receiver strobe by measuring distance and detecting angle. Furthermore, the camera microcontroller 101 communicates with the holding device and calculates the distance / angle between the camera 100 and the main subject by measuring distance and detecting angle.

[0093] Furthermore, the strobe microcontroller 310 communicates with the holding device to measure distance and detect angle, thereby calculating the orientation of the receiver strobe's optical axis. Generally, the receiver strobe's optical axis is directed towards the UWB device held by the main subject. However, the orientation of the receiver strobe's optical axis may be adjusted by the user, so it needs to be stored in memory. The strobe microcontroller 310 transmits information about the angle between the calculated optical axis orientation and the direction of the holding device relative to the camera 100 to the sender strobe. The sender strobe communicates with the camera 100, and the camera microcontroller 101 obtains information about the receiver strobe's optical axis.

[0094] Next, referring to the flowcharts in Figures 7A and 7B, we will explain the process of transmitting information based on the location information of past equipment (receiver strobe), which is strobe 300, to the receiver strobe. In the flowcharts in Figures 7A and 7B, the camera microcontroller 101 holds a setting value table (see Figure 8) that contains information about the strobe settings, and processing is performed by referring to this setting value table.

[0095] Note that at the start of the flowchart in Figure 7A, it is assumed that the sender strobe clipped onto camera 100 has already established a wireless connection with the receiver strobe.

[0096] In step S701, the camera microcontroller 101 selects and reads the position information (position information from past imaging) of the receiver strobe (hereinafter referred to as "past equipment") stored in the camera 100. The camera microcontroller 101 also displays the position information of the past equipment, which includes "distance / angle between camera 100 and receiver strobe, distance / angle between camera 100 and main subject, and optical axis information of receiver strobe," on the display unit 113 or display unit 313. At this time, a diagram showing the layout in three-dimensional space, as shown in Figure 6, may be displayed, or a table of numerical values, as shown in Figure 9, may be displayed.

[0097] In step S702, the camera microcontroller 101 communicates with the strobe microcontroller 310 of the currently connected receiver strobe to determine whether the receiver strobe is the same as the previous equipment. If it is determined that the receiver strobe is the same as the previous equipment, it is determined that the same settings as the previous equipment can be applied to the receiver strobe, and the process proceeds to step S703. On the other hand, if it is determined that the receiver strobe is not the same as the previous equipment, the process proceeds to step S704. The determinations in steps S702, S704, and S705 are made based on the model information of the previous equipment and the model information of the receiver strobe.

[0098] In step S703, the camera microcontroller 101 sets the past equipment setting information and location information stored in the camera 100 as adjustment information. Here, adjustment information is information that serves as an indicator when adjusting the position and settings of the receiver strobe on the receiver strobe. The adjustment information is based on the past equipment setting information and location information from past shooting (imaging) times. When the processing in step S703 is completed, in step S723 described below, the camera microcontroller 101 transmits the adjustment information to the receiver strobe.

[0099] In this case, the determinations in steps S702, S704, and S705 indicate that the receiver strobe can be configured to use the same settings as the equipment used in the previous shoot. Therefore, upon receiving the adjustment information, the receiver strobe applies the adjustment information (setting information and position information) to itself. Specifically, the receiver strobe adjusts its settings to emit light with the same amount of light and beam angle as the equipment used in the previous shoot. The receiver strobe then displays guidance on the display unit 313 for adjusting its position to match the position and orientation of the equipment used in the previous shoot. This allows the user to adjust the receiver strobe to the position and orientation corresponding to the position information according to the guidance. As a result, the receiver strobe can control its emission to obtain the same lighting effect as if the equipment had emitted light from its previous position.

[0100] In step S704, the camera microcontroller 101 determines whether the connected receiver flash belongs to the same series as the previous equipment. If it is determined that the receiver flash belongs to the same series as the previous equipment, it is determined that the same settings as the previous equipment can be applied to the receiver flash, and the process proceeds to step S703. If it is determined that the receiver flash does not belong to the same series as the previous equipment, the process proceeds to step S705.

[0101] In step S705, the camera microcontroller 101 first sets the settings and position information of past equipment stored in the camera 100 as adjustment information. Then, the camera microcontroller 101 determines whether the receiver strobe is a higher-end model of the past equipment. If the camera microcontroller 101 determines that the receiver strobe is not a higher-end model of the past equipment, it displays the display item 1001 shown in Figure 10 (a display item indicating that adjustments will be made because it is different from the past equipment) on the display unit 1000. In this case, the process proceeds to step S706. The display unit 1000 is either the display unit 113 of the camera 100 or the display unit 313 of the sender strobe. In the following explanation, we will assume that the display unit 1000 is the display unit 113. If the receiver strobe is determined to be a higher-end model of the past equipment, even though it is not the same as the past equipment, it is determined that the same settings as the past equipment can be applied to the receiver strobe, and the process proceeds to step S703.

[0102] In step S706, the camera microcontroller 101 determines whether it is possible to adjust the beam angle of the receiver strobe to the same beam angle set on the equipment used in the past (= beam angle stored in the setting information). If it is determined that it is possible to adjust the beam angle of the receiver strobe to the same beam angle set on the equipment used in the past, the process proceeds to step S707. The beam angle of the receiver strobe is adjusted to the same beam angle set on the equipment used in the past. If it is determined that this is not possible, proceed to step S708.

[0103] In step S707, the camera microcontroller 101 sets (reconfigures) the stored information on the beam angle of past equipment as the beam angle information among the adjustment information.

[0104] In step S708, the camera microcontroller 101 sets the information of the beam angle that is closest to the beam angle of past equipment among the beam angles that can be set for the receiver strobe as the beam angle information in the adjustment information.

[0105] In step S709, the camera microcontroller 101 displays a warning on the display unit 1000 indicating that the receiver strobe cannot be set to the same light distribution as previous equipment. For example, the camera microcontroller 101 displays the display item 1004 shown in Figure 10 on the display unit 1000.

[0106] In step S710, the camera microcontroller 101 determines whether the flash output of the receiver strobe can be adjusted to match the flash output of the equipment used in the past (= flash output stored in the setting information). If it is determined that the flash output of the receiver strobe can be adjusted to match the flash output of the equipment used in the past, the process proceeds to step S711. If it is determined that the flash output of the receiver strobe cannot be adjusted to match the flash output of the equipment used in the past, the process proceeds to step S712.

[0107] In step S711, the camera microcontroller 101 sets (reconfigures) the stored information on the flash output of past equipment as the flash output information among the adjustment information.

[0108] In step S712, the camera microcontroller 101 determines whether the reason the receiver flash output cannot be adjusted to match the flash output of previous equipment is due to insufficient flash output from the receiver flash. If it is determined that the receiver flash output cannot be adjusted to match the flash output of previous equipment because the maximum flash output setting of the receiver flash is too small, the process proceeds to step S716. If it is determined that the receiver flash output cannot be adjusted to match the flash output of previous equipment because the minimum flash output setting is too large, the process proceeds to step S713.

[0109] In step S713, the camera microcontroller 101 sets the information of the minimum flash output of the receiver strobe (the smallest value among the settable flash output values) as the flash output information in the adjustment information. The camera microcontroller 101 also displays the display item 1002 shown in Figure 10 on the display unit 1000. Display item 1002 indicates that the receiver strobe cannot be set to the same flash output as last time.

[0110] In step S713, the camera microcontroller 101 simultaneously calculates the distance between the receiver strobe and the camera 100. Furthermore, if the height of the position where the receiver strobe is installed is too high, for example, exceeding 2m, the camera microcontroller 101 issues a warning such as "Please be careful as it is at a high position." For example, the camera microcontroller 101 displays the display item 1005 shown in Figure 10 on the display unit 1000.

[0111] Furthermore, if the distance between the receiver strobe and the camera 100 is not sufficiently far, the camera microcontroller 101 will display a message such as "The flash output is too high." For example, the camera microcontroller 101 displays the display item 1002 shown in Figure 10 on the display unit 1000.

[0112] In step S714, the camera microcontroller 101 determines whether it is possible to match the amount of light from the receiver strobe to the amount of light from the receiver strobe hitting the main subject to the amount of light from the equipment used in past shooting by adjusting the beam angle of the receiver strobe. If it is determined that it is possible to match the amount of light emitted from the strobe to the main subject (hereinafter referred to as "strobe light intensity"), the process proceeds to step S715. If it is determined that it is not possible to match the strobe light intensity to the past light intensity, the process proceeds to step S718.

[0113] In step S715, the camera microcontroller 101 calculates the beam angle of the receiver strobe so that the strobe light output matches the past light output when the receiver strobe light output is at its minimum level. The camera microcontroller 101 then sets (resets) the calculated beam angle information as the beam angle information in the adjustment information. The camera microcontroller 101 also displays the display item 1003 shown in Figure 10 on the display unit 1000. The display item 1003 indicates that the beam angle has been adjusted.

[0114] In step S716, the camera microcontroller 101 determines whether the receiver strobe can be brought closer to the main subject outside the camera 100's field of view. If it is determined that "the receiver strobe is positioned just outside the camera 100's field of view and cannot be brought any closer to the main subject," the process proceeds to step S717. If it is determined that the receiver strobe can be brought closer to the main subject outside the camera 100's field of view, the process proceeds to step S719.

[0115] In step S717, the camera microcontroller 101 displays a warning message, such as "Insufficient light output," on the display unit 1000. For example, the camera microcontroller 101 displays the display item 1006 shown in Figure 10 on the display unit 1000.

[0116] In step S718, the camera microcontroller 101 calculates the widest beam angle of the receiver strobe. The camera microcontroller 101 then calculates the distance between the camera 100 and the receiver strobe such that the past light intensity and the strobe light intensity match when the receiver strobe's beam angle is at its widest. The camera microcontroller 110 sets (reconfigures) the calculated widest beam angle information and distance information as the beam angle information and distance information (information on the distance between the camera 100 and the receiver strobe) in the adjustment information.

[0117] In step S719, the camera microcontroller 101 determines whether the flash intensity can be adjusted to past light levels if the receiver flash is brought closer to the main subject outside the camera 100's field of view. If it is determined that the flash intensity can be adjusted to past light levels if the receiver flash is brought closer to the main subject, the process proceeds to step S720. If it is determined that the flash intensity cannot be adjusted to past light levels even if the receiver flash is brought closer to the main subject, the process proceeds to step S721.

[0118] In step S720, the camera microcontroller 101 calculates the distance between the camera 100 and the receiver strobe so that the past light intensity and the strobe light intensity match. The camera microcontroller 101 sets the calculated distance information as the distance information among the adjustment information.

[0119] In step S721, the camera microcontroller 101 displays a warning message such as "Insufficient light output" on the display unit 1000.

[0120] In step S722, the camera microcontroller 101 calculates the distance between the camera 100 and the receiver strobe when the receiver strobe is closest to the main subject, outside the camera 100's field of view. The camera microcontroller 101 sets the calculated distance information as the distance information among the adjustment information.

[0121] In step S723, the camera microcontroller 101 transmits adjustment information to the receiver strobe. As a result, the receiver strobe performs the settings according to the received adjustment information. Furthermore, the receiver strobe requests the user to adjust its position and orientation based, for example, on distance / angle information included in the received adjustment information. This makes it possible to achieve the same lighting effect with the receiver strobe as when the equipment previously illuminated the subject. The camera 100 stores information such as ambient light brightness or weather information from when the equipment was previously used, and the adjustment information may also include this information.

[0122] According to the flowcharts in Figures 7A and 7B, if the camera 100 can set the currently used receiver strobe to the same settings as the previous equipment, it transmits the location and setting information of the previous equipment as adjustment information to the receiver strobe. This allows the receiver strobe itself or the user to refer to the adjustment information and adjust the receiver strobe to the same settings and position as the previous equipment used in past shooting.

[0123] On the other hand, if the receiver strobe currently in use cannot be configured with the same settings as the equipment used in past shooting, camera 100 adjusts (changes) the adjustment information, including the location information and setting information of the past equipment, and then transmits that adjustment information to the receiver strobe. Specifically, the adjustment information transmitted is the result of adjusting at least one of the location information and setting information so that the amount of light hitting the main subject from the past equipment at the time of past shooting matches (or approaches) the amount of light hitting the main subject from the receiver strobe. Here, we assume the case where the amount of light hitting the subject from the past equipment is to match the amount of light hitting the subject from the receiver strobe. The adjustment information includes, for example, information adjusted to correspond to (or be as close as possible to) the information on the amount of light and beam angle of the receiver strobe in this case. The adjustment information also includes, for example, information adjusted to correspond to (or be as close as possible to) the information on the distance between the past equipment and camera 100 in the location information.

[0124] This allows the receiver strobe itself or the user to adjust the receiver strobe by referring to the adjustment information so that the same effect as when the equipment illuminated the main subject at a past time can be obtained. In this case, the camera microcontroller 101 may notify that at least one of the position information and setting information (adjustment information) has been adjusted. The camera microcontroller 101 may issue a warning if the amount of light emitted differs by more than a predetermined amount before and after the adjustment of the adjustment information. Furthermore, if the height of the receiver strobe corresponding to the adjustment information exceeds a predetermined height (for example, 2m), the camera microcontroller 101 may issue a warning such as "Please be careful as it is at a high position."

[0125] Figure 8 is a setting value table containing information regarding the settings of the strobe in this embodiment. The setting value table includes metadata describing a list of key specifications for each model name, such as zoom positions 8101, 8103 and guide numbers 8102, 8102. The setting value table is recorded in the ROM, which is the recording medium of the camera 100 or strobe 300.

[0126] Figure 9 shows a setting value table containing the position information of the receiver strobe in this embodiment. For each strobe, along with its role, metadata describes information related to its placement relative to the position and orientation of the camera 100 (such as elevation angle, horizontal angle, and distance). The setting value table is recorded in the ROM, which is the recording medium of the camera 100 or the strobe 300. The information in the setting value table is updated each time placement is performed.

[0127] According to Embodiment 1, consistency in the placement and settings of the receiver strobe for each shot is achieved. It improves performance. Furthermore, by utilizing the information stored in images taken by professionals, general users can easily reproduce the placement and settings of receiver strobes "without having to repeatedly estimate the position of the light source and go through trial and error as in the past."

[0128] <Embodiment 2> Embodiment 2 describes a case where the camera 100 does not have a UWB device, but the sender strobe and receiver strobe do. The configuration of the strobe 300 is the same as in Embodiment 1, but the difference is that the camera 100 does not have a UWB device. A detailed description of each component of the camera strobe system according to Embodiment 2 is omitted.

[0129] In Embodiment 1, the camera 100 performs the processing of storing the receiver strobe's position information and the processing of transmitting the position information to the receiver strobe. In Embodiment 2, the sender strobe performs these processing. The processing flow is almost the same as in Embodiment 1. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 only in that when storing position information in the image, the sender strobe transmits the position information of the main subject and the position information of the receiver strobe to the camera 100. Even if the camera 100 does not have a UWB device, a camera strobe system having a "sender strobe, receiver strobe, and holding device" can store the receiver strobe's position information and transmit the position information to the receiver strobe for repositioning.

[0130] Therefore, in Embodiment 2, the position information shown in Figure 9 is replaced with information based on the position and orientation of the sender strobe, rather than based on the position and orientation of the camera 100.

[0131] Alternatively, another device equipped with a wireless module, rather than camera 100, may display a guide that superimposes the strobe's placement position in real time onto the image acquired by camera 100. In this case, when location information and strobe shape information are transmitted from camera 100 or the sender strobe / strobe transmitter to the other device, the other device may generate and display the above-mentioned guide.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above, "If A is greater than or equal to B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than (lower than) B, proceed to step S2" may be rephrased as "If A is greater than (higher than) B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than or equal to B, proceed to step S2." Conversely, "If A is greater than (higher than) B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than or equal to B, proceed to step S2" may be rephrased as "If A is greater than or equal to B, proceed to step S1; if A is less than (lower than) B, proceed to step S2." Therefore, as long as no contradiction arises, "greater than or equal to A" may be rephrased as "greater than (higher; longer; more) than A," and "less than or equal to A" may be rephrased as "less than (lower; shorter; fewer) than A." And "greater than (higher; longer; more) than A" may be rephrased as "greater than or equal to A," and "less than (lower; shorter; fewer) than A" may be rephrased as "less than or equal to A."

[0133] The various controls described above may or may not be performed by a single piece of hardware (e.g., a processor or circuit). Multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors, multiple circuits, or a combination of one or more processors and one or more circuits) may share the processing to control the entire device.

[0134] Furthermore, the above-mentioned processors are processors in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors and specialized processors. General-purpose processors include, for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units), MPUs (Micro Processing Units), and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). Specialized processors include, for example, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). These include ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices). Programmable logic devices include FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices).

[0135] Furthermore, although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention. Moreover, each of the embodiments described above is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it is possible to combine each embodiment as appropriate.

[0136] <Other Embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit that implements one or more functions.

[0137] The above-disclosed embodiments include the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Composition 1) A system for controlling a first strobe that illuminates a subject being imaged by an imaging device, Information control means for storing position information and setting information of the second strobe in storage means when the imaging device was taking images using light emitted from the second strobe at a first time point, When the subject is illuminated with light by the first strobe at a second time later than the first time, a transmission means transmits information based on the position information and setting information stored in the storage means to the first strobe. A system characterized by having the following features. (Configuration 2) If the transmitting means determines that the first strobe can be set to the same settings as the second strobe at the first time, it transmits to the first strobe the first information, which includes the position information and setting information stored in the storage means. The system according to configuration 1, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 3) If the transmitting means determines that it is not possible to set the first strobe to the same settings as the second strobe at the first time, it transmits to the first strobe the second information, which is an adjusted version of the first information. The system according to configuration 2, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 4) The second information is information obtained by adjusting the first information to correspond to the position and setting of the first strobe in the third case, The third case is when the amount of light emitted from the first strobe and hitting the subject is made to match the amount of light emitted from the second strobe and hitting the subject at the first time. The system according to configuration 3, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 5) The aforementioned setting information includes information on the amount of light emitted and the beam angle, The second information includes information obtained by adjusting the light output and beam angle information of the first strobe in the third case, as well as the light output and beam angle information in the setting information. The system according to configuration 4, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 6) The position information includes information on the distance between the second strobe and the imaging device. The second information includes information obtained by adjusting the distance information between the first strobe and the imaging device in the third case with the distance information between the second strobe and the imaging device in the position information. The system according to configuration 4 or 5, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 7) In the second case, the system has a notification means for notifying that the first information has been adjusted. A system according to any one of configurations 3 to 6, characterized by the above. (Composition 8) The aforementioned setting information includes information on the amount of light emitted, The system includes a warning means that issues a warning when the amount of light emitted differs from a predetermined amount between the first information and the second information. A system according to any one of configurations 3 to 7, characterized by the above. (Composition 9) In the second case, the system has a warning means that issues a warning when the height of the position of the first strobe corresponding to the second information is greater than a predetermined height. A system according to any one of configurations 3 to 8, characterized by the above. (Composition 10) The system further includes a determination means that determines whether the first strobe can be set to the same settings as the second strobe at the first time, based on the information of the first strobe model and the information of the second strobe model. A system according to any one of configurations 2 to 9, characterized by the above. (Composition 11) The position information includes 1) the distance and angle between the imaging device and the second strobe, 2) the distance and angle between the imaging device and the subject, and 3) information about the optical axis of the second strobe. A system according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized by the above. (Composition 12) The information regarding the optical axis of the second strobe also includes information regarding the difference between the direction from the second strobe to the subject and the orientation of the optical axis of the second strobe. The system according to configuration 11, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 13) The aforementioned setting information includes at least one of the following: role, beam angle, light output, and model name. A system according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, characterized by the above. (Composition 14) The setting information includes, if the light distribution of the second strobe is not circular, orientation information indicating whether the orientation of the second strobe is upright or vertical. The system according to configuration 13, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 15) Having the aforementioned imaging device, The imaging device has the information control means and the transmission means, A system according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, characterized by the above. (Composition 16) A system for controlling a first strobe that illuminates a subject being imaged by an imaging device, Information control means for storing position information relating to the relative position of the second strobe with respect to a reference position when the imaging device was performing imaging using light emitted from the second strobe at a first time point, When the subject is illuminated with light by the first strobe at a second time later than the first time, a transmitting means transmits information based on the position information stored in the storage means to the first strobe. A system characterized by having the following features. (Method 1) A control method for a system that controls a first strobe that illuminates a subject captured by an imaging device, An information control step of storing position information and setting information of the second strobe in a storage means when the imaging device was taking an image using light emitted from the second strobe at a first time; A transmission step in which, when the subject is illuminated with light by the first strobe at a second time later than the first time, information based on the position information and setting information stored in the storage means is transmitted to the first strobe; A control method characterized by having the following features. (Method 2) A control method for a system that controls a first strobe that illuminates a subject captured by an imaging device, An information control step of storing position information relating to the relative position of the second strobe with respect to a reference position when the imaging device was performing imaging using light emitted from the second strobe at a first time point in time, in a storage means; A transmission step in which, when the subject is illuminated with light by the first strobe at a second time later than the first time, information based on the position information stored in the storage means is transmitted to the first strobe; A control method characterized by having the following features. (program) A program for causing a computer to function as one of the systems described in any of configurations 1 through 16. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0138] 100: Camera, 300: Strobe, 101: Camera microcontroller (control unit), 180: Camera interface circuit (transmitter section)

Claims

1. A system for controlling a first strobe that illuminates a subject being imaged by an imaging device, Information control means for storing position information and setting information of the second strobe in storage means when the imaging device was taking images using light emitted from the second strobe at a first time point, When the subject is illuminated with light by the first strobe at a second time later than the first time, a transmitting means transmits information based on the position information and setting information stored in the storage means to the first strobe, A system characterized by having the following features.

2. If the transmitting means determines that the first strobe can be set to the same settings as the second strobe at the first time, it transmits to the first strobe the first information, which includes the position information and setting information stored in the storage means. The system according to feature 1.

3. If the transmitting means determines that it is not possible to set the first strobe to the same settings as the second strobe at the first time, it transmits to the first strobe the second information which is an adjusted version of the first information. The system according to feature 2.

4. The second information is information obtained by adjusting the first information to correspond to the position and setting of the first strobe in the third case, The third case is when the amount of light emitted from the first strobe and hitting the subject is made to match the amount of light emitted from the second strobe and hitting the subject at the first time. The system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned setting information includes information on the amount of light emitted and the beam angle, The second information includes information obtained by adjusting the light output and beam angle information of the first strobe in the third case, as well as information obtained by adjusting the light output and beam angle information in the setting information. The system according to feature 4.

6. The position information includes information on the distance between the second strobe and the imaging device. The second information includes information obtained by adjusting the distance information between the first strobe and the imaging device in the third case with the distance information between the second strobe and the imaging device in the position information. The system according to feature 4.

7. In the second case, the system has a notification means for notifying that the first information has been adjusted. The system according to claim 3.

8. The aforementioned setting information includes information on the amount of light emitted, The system includes a warning means that issues a warning when the amount of light emitted differs from a predetermined amount between the first information and the second information. The system according to claim 3.

9. In the second case, the system has a warning means that issues a warning when the height of the position of the first strobe corresponding to the second information is greater than a predetermined height. The system according to claim 3.

10. The system further includes a determination means that determines whether the first strobe can be set to the same settings as the second strobe at the first time, based on the information of the first strobe model and the information of the second strobe model. The system according to feature 2.

11. The position information includes 1) the distance and angle between the imaging device and the second strobe, 2) the distance and angle between the imaging device and the subject, and 3) information about the optical axis of the second strobe. The system according to feature 1.

12. The information regarding the optical axis of the second strobe also includes information regarding the difference between the direction from the second strobe to the subject and the orientation of the optical axis of the second strobe. The system according to feature 11.

13. The aforementioned setting information includes at least one of the following: role, beam angle, light output, and model name. The system according to feature 1.

14. The setting information includes, if the light distribution of the second strobe is not circular, orientation information indicating whether the orientation of the second strobe is upright or vertical. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that way.

15. Having the aforementioned imaging device, The imaging device has the information control means and the transmission means, The system according to feature 1.

16. A system for controlling a first strobe that illuminates a subject being imaged by an imaging device, Information control means for storing position information relating to the relative position of the second strobe with respect to a reference position when the imaging device was performing imaging using light emitted from the second strobe at a first time point, When the subject is illuminated with light by the first strobe at a second time later than the first time, a transmitting means transmits information based on the position information stored in the storage means to the first strobe, A system characterized by having the following features.

17. A control method for a system that controls a first strobe that illuminates a subject captured by an imaging device, An information control step of storing position information and setting information of the second strobe in a storage means when the imaging device was taking an image using light emitted from the second strobe at a first time; A transmission step in which, when the subject is illuminated with light by the first strobe at a second time later than the first time, information based on the position information and setting information stored in the storage means is transmitted to the first strobe; A control method characterized by having the following features.

18. A control method for a system that controls a first strobe that illuminates a subject captured by an imaging device, An information control step of storing position information relating to the relative position of the second strobe with respect to a reference position when the imaging device was performing imaging using light emitted from the second strobe at a first time point in time, in a storage means; A transmission step in which, when the subject is illuminated with light by the first strobe at a second time later than the first time, information based on the position information stored in the storage means is transmitted to the first strobe; A control method characterized by having the following features.

19. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of the system described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

Images