Imaging device, imaging system, control method and program for imaging device

Abstract

The goal is to conserve power among multiple lighting devices while allowing the photographer to check the lighting conditions of the subject using the light from multiple devices, even when the subject is not being photographed. [Solution] In a photographing device 100 configured to communicate with multiple lighting devices 200-1 and 200-2 that illuminate a subject H from different positions, the device acquires luminance information for the illumination light from the multiple lighting devices 200-1 and 200-2, and when the subject H is not being photographed, it controls the luminance of the illumination light emitted from each lighting device 200 in the multiple lighting devices 200-1 and 200-2 based on the ratio of luminance in the acquired luminance information of the multiple lighting devices 200-1 and 200-2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus, a photographing system, a method for controlling a photographing apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional photographing system, for example, in photographing a subject using a plurality of flash light emitting devices, the flash light emission amount of each flash light emitting device is calculated, and the flash light emission amount at the time of photographing is controlled based on the calculation result, thereby enabling optimal photographing of the subject. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which the light amount ratio is automatically changed each time the subject is photographed according to a preset reference light amount ratio of the flash light emitting device and the change amount of the light amount ratio.

[0003] Also, in a conventional photographing system, there is one that aims to save power when the subject is not being photographed. For example, Patent Document 2 describes a technique in which when the photographer detects that the photographing apparatus is not being operated, the lighting device is turned off or dimmed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is a technique specialized for means for acquiring an optimal photographed image, and is not a technique considering power saving of the photographing system in a state where the subject is not being photographed.

[0006] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 is a technology for turning off or dimming one lighting device to save power, and does not take into account dimming multiple lighting devices. For example, in a shooting system in which lighting is used to illuminate a subject from multiple lighting devices placed in different locations, it is assumed that the photographer will individually set each of the multiple lighting devices to perform lighting (controlling the lighting that falls on the subject). In this shooting system, if the lighting devices are uniformly dimmed when the subject is not being photographed without considering the setting status of each lighting device, the following problems arise. That is, it becomes difficult to check the illumination state of the subject (the state obtained by lighting) due to the lighting from multiple lighting devices. Here, one way to check the illumination state of the subject due to the lighting from multiple lighting devices is, for example, to check the lighting balance of the subject due to the lighting from each lighting device in the multiple lighting devices.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to enable the photographer to check the illumination status of a subject using the illumination light from multiple lighting devices while reducing the power consumption of multiple lighting devices when the subject is not being photographed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to a photographic apparatus configured to communicate with a plurality of lighting devices that irradiate a subject with illumination light from different positions, and comprises: acquisition means for acquiring brightness information of the illumination light from the plurality of lighting devices; and control means for controlling the brightness of the illumination light irradiated from each of the plurality of lighting devices based on the brightness ratio of the brightness information of the plurality of lighting devices when the subject is not being photographed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, even when the subject is not being photographed, the photographer can check the illumination status of the subject using the illumination light from multiple lighting devices while reducing the power consumption of the multiple lighting devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of the imaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of the imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of a lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure in the control method for the imaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a correspondence table illustrating the relationship between the remaining battery charge information and the brightness reduction rate (brightness change rate) used when determining the brightness reduction rate in step S108 of Figure 4, representing the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure in the control method for the imaging system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows a second embodiment and is an example of a table representing the calculation process when the illumination light is dimmed in multiple lighting devices. [Figure 8] This figure shows a second embodiment and is an example of a correspondence table that shows the relationship between the remaining irradiation time coefficient and the luminance attenuation rate (luminance change rate) used when determining the luminance attenuation rate in step S204 of Figure 6. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows a second embodiment and is an example of a detailed processing procedure for the lighting readjustment process in step S209 of Figure 6. [Figure 10] This figure shows a second embodiment, illustrating an example of the display of the current brightness setting status of each lighting device as shown on the display unit of the imaging device in step S301 of Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a photographing system 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the photographing system 10 includes a photographing device 100 and a plurality of lighting devices 200. Here, in the photographing system 10 shown in FIG. 1, as the plurality of lighting devices 200 arranged at different positions with respect to the subject H, a form including two lighting devices 200, i.e., a first lighting device 200-1 and a second lighting device 200-2, is shown. In this regard, in the present invention, the form including the two lighting devices 200 shown in FIG. 1 as the plurality of lighting devices 200 arranged at different positions with respect to the subject H is not limited, and a form including three or more lighting devices 200 is also included in the present invention.

[0014] The photographing device 100 is a photographing device configured to be communicable with a first lighting device 200-1 and a second lighting device 200, which are a plurality of lighting devices 200 that irradiate illumination light from different positions with respect to the subject H. The photographing device 100 has, for example, a photographing button 130 that is operated when a photographer photographs the subject H. In the photographing system 10 shown in FIG. 1, based on the operation of the photographing button 130, the photographing device 100 photographs the subject H, for example, in a state where illumination light is irradiated from the first lighting device 200-1 and the second lighting device 200 to the subject H.

[0015] The first lighting device 200-1 irradiates illumination light (first illumination light) to the subject H, for example, based on the control of the photographing device 100. Here, in FIG. 1, the range of the illumination light (first illumination light) irradiated from the first lighting device 200-1 is illustrated as an illumination light irradiation range 210.

[0016] The second lighting device 200-2 is positioned differently from the first lighting device 200-1 relative to the subject H. The second lighting device 200-2 illuminates the subject H with illumination light (second illumination light), for example, based on the control of the imaging device 100. In Figure 1, the range of illumination light (second illumination light) emitted from the second lighting device 200-2 is shown as the illumination light irradiation range 220.

[0017] In the shooting of subject H using the shooting system 10 shown in Figure 1, lighting is generally performed on each of the first lighting device 200-1 and the second lighting device 200-2. In lighting, the direction of illumination, brightness, and color temperature of the illumination light on subject H are adjusted according to the photographer's intentions, thereby changing the appearance of subject H, such as its gloss and shadows. Furthermore, in order to achieve the lighting desired by the photographer, it may be unnecessary to use light other than the illumination light emitted from each lighting device 200 (external light), so lighting is often performed using only the illumination light emitted from each lighting device 200 by blocking out this external light. In particular, lighting devices 200 equipped with LEDs, etc., can emit light continuously from the moment the power is turned on, which has the advantage of allowing the lighting state of the subject H to be photographed to be constantly checked not only during shooting, but also during lighting and when preparing for shooting after lighting is complete. However, this type of lighting device 200 consumes unnecessary power because it remains lit even when the photographer does not need the light from the lighting device 200, such as when shooting is not being done or the lighting conditions are not being checked, unless the power supply is cut off. In particular, lighting devices 200 that use a rechargeable power supply (rechargeable battery) have limitations on the amount of light that can be emitted depending on the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery. As a result, the available time for emitting light is wasted, making it impossible to achieve the desired lighting during shooting, and potentially causing the photographer to miss the opportunity to photograph the subject H under appropriate lighting. Therefore, in the shooting system 10 of this embodiment, when the shooting device 100 is not photographing the subject H, power saving of the multiple lighting devices 200 is achieved while allowing the photographer to check the lighting conditions of the subject H with the light from the multiple lighting devices 200.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment. That is, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging device 100 includes a main body unit 110 and an imaging lens unit 120.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the main body unit 110 includes a power supply unit 101, a power switch 102, an operation unit 103, a display unit 104, an image recording unit 105, an imaging device control unit 106, an imaging element 107, a shutter 108, a mount contact group 109, and a communication unit 111.

[0020] The power supply unit 101 is a component that supplies power (electric power) for operating each component of the imaging device 100. The power switch 102 is a switch for turning on / off the power supply unit 101 of the imaging device 100. The operation unit 103 is a component that an operator operates when setting various functions of the imaging device 100, etc., and inputs the operation input information to the imaging device control unit 106. Here, the operation unit 103 includes the imaging button 130 shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] The display unit 104 is a component that displays various images (including the captured image of the subject H) and various information (including information indicating various setting states of the imaging device 100) based on the control of the imaging device control unit 106. The image recording unit 105 is a component that records data of various images including the captured image of the subject H, and image setting information in the various images.

[0022] The imaging device control unit 106 controls the operations of each component of the imaging device 100 to comprehensively control the operation of the imaging device 100, and performs various processes. The imaging device control unit 106 has a memory inside. In the internal memory of the imaging device control unit 106, programs and various information necessary for realizing various functions of the imaging device 100 are stored, and various information obtained by the imaging device control unit 106 performing various controls and various processes is stored.

[0023] The image sensor 107 is a component that converts light from the subject H incident on the photographic lens 121 of the photographic lens unit 120 into an electrical signal to generate image data of the subject H. The image sensor 107 then transmits the generated image data of the subject H to the photographic device control unit 106. The shutter 108 is a component that adjusts the amount of light incident on the photographic lens 121 of the photographic lens unit 120. The mount contact group 109 is a group of mount contacts on the main body unit 110 that connect the main body unit 110 and the photographic lens unit 120 in a communicative manner. The communication unit 111 is a component that is responsible for communication with the external devices, the first illumination device 200-1 and the second illumination device 200-2. For example, the communication unit 111 performs wireless communication with the external devices, the first illumination device 200-1 and the second illumination device 200-2.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the imaging lens unit 120 includes an imaging lens 121, a lens control unit 122, and a mount contact group 123.

[0025] The photographic lens 121 is a lens that allows light from the incident subject H to pass through and guide it to the image sensor 107. The lens control unit 122 is a component that controls the photographic lens 121 to adjust the focus and light intensity of the light from the subject H, for example, based on the control of the photographic device control unit 106. The mount contact group 123 is a group of mount contacts on the photographic lens unit 120 that enable communication between the photographic lens unit 120 and the main body unit 110.

[0026] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the lighting device 200 according to the first embodiment. That is, Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of each lighting device 200 of the first lighting device 200-1 and the second lighting device 200-2 shown in Figure 1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the lighting device 200 includes a power switch 201, a brightness adjustment operation unit 202, a color temperature adjustment operation unit 203, a connection unit 204, a rechargeable battery 205, a lighting device control unit 206, a light-emitting unit 207, and a communication unit 208.

[0028] The power switch 201 is a switch for turning the power of the lighting device 200 ON / OFF. The brightness adjustment operation unit 202 is a component operated by the photographer or others when adjusting the brightness of the illumination light emitted from the light-emitting unit 207, and inputs the information received from the operation to the lighting device control unit 206. The color temperature adjustment operation unit 203 is a component operated by the photographer or others when adjusting the color temperature of the illumination light emitted from the light-emitting unit 207, and inputs the information received from the operation to the lighting device control unit 206.

[0029] The connection section 204 is a component for charging the rechargeable battery 205 via external connection. The rechargeable battery 205 is a component that supplies power (electricity) to operate each component of the lighting device 200.

[0030] The lighting device control unit 206 controls the operation of each component of the lighting device 200 to comprehensively control the operation of the lighting device 200 and performs various processes. The lighting device control unit 206 also has a function to acquire remaining charge information from the rechargeable battery 205 and detect the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 205. In addition, the lighting device control unit 206 has an internal memory. This internal memory of the lighting device control unit 206 stores programs and various information necessary to realize the various functions of the lighting device 200, as well as various information obtained by the lighting device control unit 206 through various controls and processes.

[0031] The light-emitting unit 207 is a component that emits illumination light towards the subject H, etc., based on the control of the illumination device control unit 206. The communication unit 208 is a component that is responsible for communication with external devices such as the imaging device 100. The communication unit 208, for example, performs wireless communication with external devices such as the imaging device 100.

[0032] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the control method of the imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0033] When the photographer (or their assistant) instructs, for example, via the operation unit 103 of the photographic device 100 to start lighting to check the illumination status of the subject H, the photographic device control unit 106 of the photographic device 100 detects this in step S101 of Figure 4.

[0034] Next, the photographer adjusts the brightness, color temperature, and direction of illumination light for each of the first and second lighting devices 200-1 and 200-2, respectively, to illuminate the subject H. For example, the photographer adjusts the brightness of the illumination light by operating the brightness adjustment control unit 202 of each lighting device 200. Also, for example, the photographer adjusts the color temperature of the illumination light by operating the color temperature adjustment control unit 203 of each lighting device 200. Also, for example, the photographer adjusts the direction of illumination light by manipulating the orientation of each lighting device 200 (specifically, the light-emitting unit 207). Then, in step S102 of Figure 4, for example, the lighting device control unit 206 of each lighting device 200 sets the brightness, color temperature, and direction of illumination light adjusted by the photographer, etc., and stores this as setting information in its internal memory. In this embodiment, the setting information described here also includes battery charge information indicating the remaining charge of the device's rechargeable battery 205.

[0035] Next, in step S103 of Figure 4, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 determines whether or not it has received a lighting completion instruction from the photographer or the like via the operation unit 103. In step S103 of Figure 4, for example, if the camera control unit 106 determines that it has not received a lighting completion instruction (S103 / NO), it waits in step S103.

[0036] Furthermore, in step S103 of Figure 4, if, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 determines that it has received an instruction to complete the lighting (S103 / YES), the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104 of Figure 4, for example, the lighting device control unit 206 of each lighting device 200 transmits the setting information stored in its internal memory in step S102 to the imaging device 100 via the communication unit 208. Here, the setting information for each lighting device 200 includes brightness information, color temperature information, and irradiation direction information for the illumination light, as well as remaining battery charge information.

[0037] Next, in step S105 of Figure 4, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 receives the setting information transmitted from each lighting device 200 and stores it in its internal memory.

[0038] Next, in step S106 of Figure 4, for example, the imaging control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 controls the illumination light from each illumination device 200 to temporarily turn off the illumination light from each illumination device 200 in order to check the state of light other than the illumination light emitted from each illumination device 200 (external light). Specifically, in this embodiment, for example, the imaging control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 transmits an instruction to each illumination device 200 of the first illumination device 200-1 and the second illumination device 200-2 via the communication unit 111 to turn off the illumination light. Then, for example, the illumination control unit 206 of each illumination device 200 controls the light-emitting unit 207 to turn off the illumination light based on the instruction to turn off the illumination light received from the imaging device 100. Once the illumination light from each illumination device 200 is turned off, for example, the imaging control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 checks the state of the external light using the image sensor 107.

[0039] If the ambient light status check in step S106 of Figure 4 confirms that there is no ambient light, the process proceeds to step S107 of Figure 4. In step S107 of Figure 4, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 selects the illumination device 200 with the smallest remaining battery charge information (minimum remaining charge) based on the remaining battery charge information contained in the setting information of each illumination device 200 stored in its internal memory in S105. Here, the remaining charge information is information obtained by the illumination device control unit 206 detecting the remaining charge status of the rechargeable battery 205 in each illumination device 200.

[0040] Next, in step S108 of Figure 4, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 determines the luminance reduction rate (luminance reduction rate) based on the remaining battery charge information of the illumination device 200 selected in step S107. For example, the luminance reduction rate here is calculated by the following equation (1). Brightness reduction rate = Rechargeable battery charge information × 1.0 ···(1)

[0041] Figure 5 shows a first embodiment and is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table 500 that shows the correspondence between the remaining battery charge information and the luminance attenuation rate (luminance change rate) used when determining the luminance attenuation rate in step S108 of Figure 4. The data in this correspondence table 500 is stored, for example, in the internal memory of the imaging device control unit 106. For example, if the remaining battery charge information of the lighting device 200 selected in step S107 is 50% when full charge is 100%, then according to Figure 5 and equation (1), the luminance attenuation rate will be 50%.

[0042] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 4. When the processing in step S108 in Figure 4 is completed, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109 of Figure 4, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 first multiplies the luminance information included in the setting information of each lighting device 200 by the luminance attenuation rate calculated in step S108 to calculate the luminance information of each lighting device 200 when dimmed. For example, if the luminance attenuation rate calculated in step S108 is 50%, and the luminance information of the first lighting device 200-1 is 80% of the maximum luminance when the maximum luminance is 100%, the luminance information of the device when dimmed is calculated as 80% × 50% = 40%. Also, if the luminance attenuation rate calculated in step S108 is 50%, and the luminance information of the second lighting device 200-2 is 60% of the maximum luminance when the maximum luminance is 100%, the luminance information of the device when dimmed is calculated as 60% × 50% = 30%. Next, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 controls each of the first illumination device 200-1 and the second illumination device 200-2 via the communication unit 111 to emit illumination light with a luminance based on the calculated luminance information at the time of dimming. That is, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 controls the luminance of the illumination light emitted from each illumination device 200 while maintaining the luminance ratio based on the luminance information (at the time of lighting setting) of each illumination device 200. The luminance ratio here refers to a ratio of 8:6, for example, if the luminance information of the first illumination device 200-1 is 80% and the luminance information of the second illumination device 200-2 is 60%. Then, the illumination control unit 206 of each illumination device 200 performs a process to dim the illumination light emitted from the light-emitting unit 207 based on the dimming control of the camera control unit 106.

[0043] Next, in step S110 of Figure 4, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 adjusts the ISO sensitivity of the camera 100 in accordance with the dimming control in step S109 and controls the display unit 104 to display the illumination status of the subject H. Specifically, in step S110 of Figure 4, since the brightness was dimmed in step S109 while maintaining the brightness ratio based on the brightness information of each lighting device 200, the ISO sensitivity of the camera 100 is increased. By adjusting the ISO sensitivity of the camera 100 in this way, the display unit 104 can display a state equivalent to the illumination status of the subject H (the image to be captured) set during lighting. As a result, even when the illumination light of each lighting device 200 is dimmed to save power, the photographer can check the illumination status set for the subject H on the display unit 104.

[0044] Next, in step S111 in Figure 4, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 determines whether the camera button 130 included in the operation unit 103 has been half-pressed and S1 has been turned ON. In step S111 in Figure 4, for example, if the camera control unit 106 determines that the camera button 130 has not been half-pressed and S1 has not been turned ON (S111 / NO), the process returns to step S110.

[0045] Furthermore, in step S111 in Figure 4, if the camera control unit 106 determines, for example, that the shooting button 130 has been half-pressed and S1 has been turned ON (S111 / YES), the process proceeds to step S112. When the process proceeds to step S112 in Figure 4, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 controls the illumination light emitted from each illumination device 200 to emit full power based on the brightness information contained in the setting information of each illumination device 200. Specifically, step S112 means that the dimming of the illumination light emitted from each illumination device 200 is released, and the brightness of the illumination light is returned to the state set during lighting (when lighting is completed in S103).

[0046] Next, in step S113 of Figure 4, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 performs a process to return the ISO sensitivity of the camera 100, which was adjusted in step S110, back to the original appropriate sensitivity. This makes it possible to photograph the subject H with the same optimal settings as those used for the camera 100 and each lighting device 200 during lighting.

[0047] Next, in step S114 in Figure 4, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 determines whether the camera button 130 included in the operation unit 103 has been fully pressed and S2 has been turned ON. In step S114 in Figure 4, for example, if the camera control unit 106 determines that the camera button 130 has not been fully pressed and S2 has not been turned ON (S114 / NO), the process returns to step S112.

[0048] Furthermore, in step S114 in Figure 4, if, for example, the camera control unit 106 determines that the shooting button 130 has been fully pressed and S2 has been turned ON (S114 / YES), the process proceeds to step S115. When the process proceeds to step S115 in Figure 4, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 takes a picture of the subject H using the image sensor 107.

[0049] Next, in step S116 of Figure 4, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the camera button 130 was fully pressed and S2 was turned ON. In step S116 of Figure 4, for example, if the camera control unit 106 determines that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the camera button 130 was fully pressed and S2 was turned ON (S116 / NO), it waits in step S116.

[0050] Furthermore, in step S116 of Figure 4, if, for example, the camera control unit 106 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the shooting button 130 was fully pressed and S2 was turned ON (S116 / YES), the process proceeds to step S117.

[0051] When the process proceeds to step S117 in Figure 4, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 determines whether or not to end the shooting of the subject H based on an operation by the photographer or other person on the operation unit 103. If, for example, the camera control unit 106 determines in step S117 of Figure 4 that it is not to end the shooting of the subject H (S117 / NO), the process returns to step S109.

[0052] Furthermore, in step S117 of Figure 4, if, for example, the camera control unit 106 determines that it has finished photographing the subject H (S117 / YES), the process proceeds to step S118. When the process proceeds to step S118 of Figure 4, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 performs a control to turn off the power supply unit 101 of the camera 100.

[0053] Next, in step S119 of Figure 4, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 transmits an instruction to each of the first illumination device 200-1 and the second illumination device 200-2 via the communication unit 111 to turn off the illumination light. Then, for example, the illumination control unit 206 of each illumination device 200 controls the light-emitting unit 207 to turn off the illumination light based on the instruction to turn off the illumination light received from the camera 100.

[0054] Once the process in step S119 in Figure 4 is completed, the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 4 is finished.

[0055] In this embodiment, a lighting device 200 using a rechargeable power source (rechargeable battery 205) is used as an example. However, even if the lighting device 200 uses a primary battery instead of a rechargeable battery, the same configuration and effects as the lighting device 200 using the rechargeable battery 205 can be achieved.

[0056] The imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment described above is an imaging device configured to communicate with a plurality of illumination devices 200, namely a first illumination device 200-1 and a second illumination device 200-2, which irradiate the subject H with illumination light from different positions. The imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 acquires setting information including brightness information for the illumination light from the plurality of illumination devices 200 (S105 in Figure 4). The imaging device control unit 106 that performs the processing of acquiring this setting information including brightness information constitutes an acquisition means. Furthermore, when the subject H is not being photographed, the imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 controls the brightness of the illumination light irradiated from each illumination device 200 based on the brightness ratio in the brightness information of the plurality of illumination devices 200 (S109 in Figure 4). The imaging device control unit 106 that performs the processing of controlling the brightness of the illumination light irradiated from each illumination device 200 constitutes a control means. Specifically, when the subject H is not being photographed, the imaging device control unit 106 reduces the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each illumination device 200 based on the brightness ratio described above (S109 in Figure 4), and controls the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device (S110 in Figure 4). With this configuration, even when the subject H is not being photographed, power consumption of the multiple lighting devices 200 can be reduced, while the photographer or others can check the illumination status of the subject H with the illumination light from the multiple lighting devices 200. This makes it possible to use each lighting device 200 for a long time, and it is also possible to check the illumination status of the subject H (the image that can be obtained during shooting) even after dimming, providing a user-friendly shooting system 10.

[0057] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the description of the second embodiment below, matters common to the first embodiment described above will be omitted, and matters that differ from the first embodiment described above will be explained.

[0058] The schematic configuration of the imaging system according to the second embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the schematic configuration of the imaging device 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the imaging device 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 2. Also, the schematic configuration of the lighting device 200 according to the second embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the lighting device 200 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3.

[0059] The first embodiment described above involved reducing the luminance reduction rate of the illumination light in multiple lighting devices 200 based on the remaining battery charge information. Here, by considering not only the remaining battery charge information but also the luminance information to determine the luminance reduction rate of the illumination light in multiple lighting devices 200, it becomes possible to perform more optimal dimming according to the state of each lighting device 200. Therefore, the second embodiment will describe an embodiment in which the luminance reduction rate of the illumination light in multiple lighting devices 200 is determined based on the remaining battery charge information used in the first embodiment and the luminance information of each lighting device 200.

[0060] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the control method of the imaging system 10 according to the second embodiment. In the flowchart shown in Figure 6, the same processing steps as those in the flowchart shown in Figure 4 are given the same step numbers, and a detailed explanation thereof is omitted.

[0061] When the flowchart in Figure 6 is initiated, the same process as steps S101 to S106 in Figure 4 is performed first.

[0062] Next, in step S201 of Figure 6, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 acquires the brightness information and battery charge information of each lighting device 200 from the setting information stored in its internal memory in step S105. Then, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 calculates a remaining irradiation time coefficient, which is a coefficient indicating the remaining time that each lighting device 200 can irradiate with illumination light, based on the acquired brightness information and battery charge information of each lighting device 200. Specifically, the remaining irradiation time coefficient is calculated for each lighting device 200 using the following equation (2). Remaining illumination time coefficient = 1 / brightness information × remaining battery charge information ... (2)

[0063] Among the multiple lighting devices 200, the lighting device 200 with a smaller remaining irradiation time coefficient means that the illumination time available is shorter, while conversely, the lighting device 200 with a larger remaining irradiation time coefficient means that the illumination time available is longer.

[0064] Next, in step S202 of Figure 6, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 selects the illumination device 200 that has the smallest remaining illumination time coefficient among the remaining illumination time coefficients of each illumination device 200 calculated in step S201. Here, having the smallest remaining illumination time coefficient means that among the multiple illumination devices 200, it has the shortest available illumination time.

[0065] The selection process for the lighting device 200, which has the minimum remaining irradiation time coefficient in step S202 of Figure 6, will be explained in detail below. Figure 7 shows a second embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an example of Table 700, which represents the calculation process when the illumination light of multiple lighting devices 200 is dimmed. In Figure 7, as shown in Figure 1, a situation is assumed in which lighting is performed using multiple lighting devices 200, namely the first lighting device 200-1 and the second lighting device 200-2. The imaging device 100 acquires brightness information and rechargeable battery level information for each lighting device 200 through communication with the first lighting device 200-1 and the second lighting device 200-2. In the example shown in Figure 7, for the first lighting device 200-1, the brightness information at the time of lighting setting is information indicating a brightness of 80%, and the rechargeable battery level information is information indicating a rechargeable battery level of 60%. In the example shown in Figure 7, the remaining illumination time coefficient for the first lighting device 200-1 is calculated using the above-mentioned equation (2) as 1 / 80% × 60% = 0.75. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 7, for the second lighting device 200-2, the luminance information at the time of lighting setting indicates a luminance of 40%, and the remaining battery level information indicates a remaining battery level of 40%. In the example shown in Figure 7, the remaining irradiation time coefficient for the second lighting device 200-2 is calculated using equation (2) above as 1 / 40% × 40% = 1.0. Comparing the remaining irradiation time coefficient of the first lighting device 200-1 (0.75) with that of the second lighting device 200-2 (1.0), it can be seen that the first lighting device 200-1 has a smaller coefficient. This means that the remaining irradiation time of the illumination light is shorter for the first lighting device 200-1 than for the second lighting device 200-2.

[0066] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 6. When the process in step S202 in Figure 6 is completed, the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203 of Figure 6, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 determines whether the remaining irradiation time coefficient (minimum remaining irradiation time coefficient) of the illumination device 200 selected in step S202 is less than or equal to a predetermined value. The process in step S203 focuses on the illumination device 200 with the minimum remaining irradiation time coefficient, that is, the illumination time for which the illumination light can be emitted is short, and makes a judgment that takes into consideration the ability to use that illumination device 200 for a long time. In the specific process of step S203, the predetermined value is set to 1.00.

[0067] In step S203 in Figure 6, if, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 determines that the remaining illumination time coefficient (minimum remaining illumination time coefficient) of the illumination device 200 selected in S202 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (S203 / YES), the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204 in Figure 6, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 determines that at least one illumination device 200 does not have enough time remaining to emit illumination light, and makes a decision to change the luminance attenuation rate according to the remaining illumination time coefficient. Specifically, in step S204, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 decides to increase the luminance attenuation rate for illumination devices 200 with smaller remaining illumination time coefficients, so that illumination light can be emitted for as long as possible.

[0068] Next, in step S205 of Figure 6, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 controls the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each illumination device 200 by the brightness reduction rate determined in S204, while maintaining the brightness ratio based on the brightness information of each illumination device 200.

[0069] The following describes specific examples of the processes in steps S204 and S205 of Figure 6. Figure 8 shows a second embodiment and is an example of a correspondence table 800 that shows the correspondence between the remaining irradiation time coefficient and the luminance attenuation rate (luminance change rate) used when determining the luminance attenuation rate in step S204 of Figure 6. The data in this correspondence table 800 is stored, for example, in the memory inside the imaging device control unit 106.

[0070] In step S204 of Figure 6, the luminance attenuation rate is calculated, for example, by the following equation (3). Luminance attenuation rate = remaining illumination time coefficient × 80% ... (3) For example, in Figure 8 and equation (3), if the remaining illumination time coefficient is 0.7, the luminance reduction rate will be 0.7 × 80% = 56%. Therefore, in this case, the luminance setting value after reduction will be the value obtained by multiplying the luminance of the illumination light before reduction by 56%.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 7, the remaining irradiation time coefficient of the first lighting device 200-1 is smaller than that of the second lighting device 200-2, and its value is 0.75. In this embodiment, since the remaining irradiation time coefficient of the first lighting device 200-1 (0.75) is less than or equal to a predetermined value (1.00), the luminance attenuation rate is calculated using equation (3) as follows: 0.75 × 80% = 60%. Since the luminance information of the first lighting device 200-1 before attenuation is 80% luminance, the luminance information of the first lighting device 200-1 after attenuation is 80% × 60% = 48% luminance. In this embodiment, since the luminance ratio of the illumination light of the first lighting device 200-1 and the second lighting device 200-2 is maintained while attenuation is performed, the second lighting device 200-2 also uses the same luminance attenuation rate of 60% as the first lighting device 200-1. Specifically, since the luminance information of the second lighting device 200-2 before dimming is 40%, the luminance information of the second lighting device 200-2 after dimming will be 40% × 60% = 24%.

[0072] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 6. In step S203 of Figure 6, if, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 determines that the remaining irradiation time coefficient (minimum remaining irradiation time coefficient) of the illumination device 200 selected in S202 is not less than or equal to a predetermined value (S203 / NO), the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206 of Figure 6, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 determines that there is still sufficient time remaining for illumination light to be emitted from each illumination device 200, and determines a predetermined luminance attenuation rate, for example, a uniform reduction to 80%. Next, for example, the imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 controls the luminance of the illumination light emitted from each illumination device 200 at the predetermined luminance attenuation rate determined in this step, while maintaining the luminance ratio based on the luminance information of each illumination device 200.

[0073] When the process in step S205 in Figure 6 is completed, or when the process in step S206 in Figure 6 is completed, the process proceeds to step S207. When the process proceeds to step S207 in Figure 6, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 adjusts the ISO sensitivity of the camera 100 in accordance with the dimming control in S205 or S206, and performs control to display the illumination status of the subject H on the display unit 104. Specifically, in step S207 in Figure 4, since the dimming was performed in S205 or S206 while maintaining the ratio of brightness based on the brightness information of each lighting device 200, the ISO sensitivity of the camera 100 is increased. By adjusting the ISO sensitivity of the camera 100 in this way, it becomes possible to display on the display unit 104 a state equivalent to the illumination status of the subject H (the image to be captured) set during lighting. As a result, even when the illumination light of each lighting device 200 is dimmed to save power, the photographer can check the illumination status set for the subject H on the display unit 104. Furthermore, by calculating the luminance reduction rate from the remaining battery charge information and luminance information required for lighting of each lighting device 200, and then dimming each lighting device 200 based on that luminance reduction rate, it becomes possible to use each lighting device 200 for a longer period of time.

[0074] Incidentally, as explained earlier, photographers and others can check the lighting status set for the subject H on the display unit 104 of the shooting device 100. However, there may be cases where they want to change the lighting status for the subject H after checking it. To address this, in this embodiment, step S208 is provided after the completion of the process in step S207 in Figure 6.

[0075] Specifically, in step S208 of Figure 6, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 determines whether or not it has received an OK instruction for lighting from the photographer or the like via the operation unit 103.

[0076] In step S208 of Figure 6, if, for example, the camera control unit 106 determines that it has not received an OK instruction for lighting (S208 / NO), the process proceeds to step S209. In step S209 of Figure 6, the camera 100 and each lighting device 200 readjust the lighting for the subject H.

[0077] Figure 9 shows a second embodiment and is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed processing procedure for the lighting readjustment process in step S209 of Figure 6.

[0078] First, in step S301 of Figure 9, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 performs control to display the current brightness setting status of each lighting device 200 on the display unit 104 based on the operation input of the operation unit 103.

[0079] Figure 10 shows a second embodiment and illustrates an example of the display of the current brightness setting status of each lighting device 200 as shown on the display unit 104 of the imaging device 100 in step S301 of Figure 9. In Figure 10, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those shown in Figures 1 and 2, and their detailed explanations are omitted. In the display unit 104 of the imaging device 100 shown in Figure 10, the current brightness setting status of the first lighting device 200-1 is displayed as "LIGHT1", and the current brightness setting status of the second lighting device 200-2 is displayed as "LIGHT2". Specifically, in the display unit 104, the current brightness setting status of the first lighting device 200-1 and the second lighting device 200-2 is displayed using a rectangular bar 1041 whose length can be adjusted (the longer the bar, the higher the brightness). In this embodiment, the display unit 104 is equipped with a touch interface, and the photographer can change the brightness of each lighting device 200 by changing the length of the rectangular bar 1041.

[0080] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 9. When the process in step S301 in Figure 9 is completed, the process proceeds to step S302. In step S302 of Figure 9, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 sets the lighting settings for each lighting device 200 for the subject H based on the change operation performed by the photographer or the like on the rectangular bar 1041 of the display unit 104. When readjusting the lighting, the dimming process of the illumination light described above may be canceled to restore the brightness of the illumination light to its original level, allowing the actual lighting state of the subject H to be confirmed.

[0081] Next, in step S303 of Figure 9, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 transmits the new brightness information set in step S302 to each lighting device 200 via the communication unit 111.

[0082] Next, in step S304 of Figure 9, the lighting control unit 206 of each lighting device 200 receives brightness information transmitted from the imaging device 100 via the communication unit 208.

[0083] Next, in step S305 of Figure 9, the lighting device control unit 206 of each lighting device 200 changes the brightness of the illumination light emitted from the light-emitting unit 207 based on the brightness information received in step S304.

[0084] Next, in step S306 of Figure 9, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 determines whether or not it has received an OK instruction for lighting from the photographer or the like via the operation unit 103. In step S306 of Figure 9, for example, if the camera control unit 106 determines that it has not received an OK instruction for lighting (S306 / NO), the process returns to step S302.

[0085] Furthermore, in step S306 of Figure 9, if, for example, the camera control unit 106 determines that it has received an OK instruction for lighting (S306 / YES), the process proceeds to step S307. When the process proceeds to step S307 of Figure 9, for example, the camera control unit 106 of the camera 100 hides the brightness setting display that was displayed on the display unit 104 of the camera 100 based on the operation input from the operation unit 103.

[0086] When the process in step S307 in Figure 9 is completed, the process in the flowchart shown in Figure 9 is completed. Then, when the process in the flowchart shown in Figure 9 is completed, the process in step S209 in Figure 6 is completed.

[0087] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 6. In step S208 of Figure 6, if the imaging device control unit 106 determines that it has received an OK instruction for lighting (S208 / YES), the process proceeds to step S111. Also, if the processing in step S209 of Figure 6 is completed, the process proceeds to step S111. Then, in steps S111 to S119 from step S111 onwards in Figure 6, the same processing as in steps S111 to S119 of Figure 4 is performed. However, the process in the flowchart of Figure 6 differs from the process in the flowchart of Figure 6 in that if the determination of completion of shooting in step S117 is negative (S117 / NO), the process returns to step S104. In the process in the flowchart of Figure 6, if the determination is negative in S117 (S117 / NO), the process returns to S104, where the remaining illumination time coefficient is recalculated based on the current brightness information and remaining battery charge information, and dimming is performed according to that value.

[0088] In this embodiment, a lighting device 200 using a rechargeable power source (rechargeable battery 205) is used as an example. However, even if the lighting device 200 uses a primary battery instead of a rechargeable battery, the same configuration and effects as the lighting device 200 using the rechargeable battery 205 can be achieved.

[0089] The imaging device 100 according to the second embodiment described above is, like the first embodiment, an imaging device configured to communicate with a plurality of illumination devices 200, namely a first illumination device 200-1 and a second illumination device 200-2, which irradiate the subject H with illumination light from different positions. The imaging device control unit 106 of the imaging device 100 controls the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each illumination device 200 based on the brightness ratio in the brightness information of the plurality of illumination devices 200 when the subject H is not being photographed (S205, 206 in Figure 9). Specifically, the imaging device control unit 106 reduces the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each illumination device 200 based on the brightness ratio described above (S205, 206 in Figure 9) and controls the ISO sensitivity of the imaging device to increase (S207 in Figure 9). Furthermore, the imaging device control unit 106 determines the luminance attenuation rate based on the luminance information and battery level information of each lighting device 200, and controls the luminance of the illumination light emitted from each lighting device 200 to be reduced based on the determined luminance attenuation rate (S205, 206 in Figure 9). Specifically, in the second embodiment, the imaging device control unit 106 calculates the remaining illumination time coefficient for each lighting device 200 based on the luminance information and battery level information of each lighting device 200 (S201 in Figure 9), and determines the luminance attenuation rate based on the calculated remaining illumination time coefficient. More specifically, in the second embodiment, the imaging device control unit 106 determines the luminance attenuation rate based on the smallest remaining illumination time coefficient among the remaining illumination time coefficients of each lighting device 200 (S202 in Figure 9). Furthermore, the imaging device 100 according to the second embodiment has a display unit 104 (Figure 10), which is a display means for displaying setting information related to the settings of each lighting device 200. In the second embodiment, the settings of each lighting device 200 can be changed by changing the setting information (1041 in Figure 10) displayed on the display unit 104 (Figure 10). With this configuration, even when the subject H is not being photographed, the power consumption of the multiple lighting devices 200 can be reduced, while the photographer or others can check the illumination status of the subject H using the illumination light from the multiple lighting devices 200. Furthermore, even when the multiple lighting devices 200 are dimmed, the illumination status can be checked on the display unit 104 of the shooting device 100, and the lighting can be readjusted. This makes it possible to provide a user-friendly shooting system 10 that improves the efficiency of lighting operations.

[0090] In the second embodiment, an example was shown in which the illumination status is checked and changed on the display unit 104 of the imaging device 100. However, the illumination status may also be checked and changed on the display unit of a tablet terminal device or the like, which can communicate with the imaging device 100.

[0091] (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 (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. This program and a computer-readable storage medium storing said program are included in the present invention.

[0092] The embodiments of the present invention described above are merely examples of how the invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0093] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. [Configuration 1] A photographic device configured to communicate with multiple lighting devices that illuminate a subject from different positions, An acquisition means for acquiring brightness information in the illumination light of the plurality of lighting devices, When the subject is not being photographed, a control means controls the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each of the multiple lighting devices based on the ratio of brightness in the brightness information of the multiple lighting devices, A photographic device characterized by having the following features. [Configuration 2] The control means, when the subject is not being photographed, controls the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each illumination device based on the brightness ratio, and also controls the ISO sensitivity of the photographic device to increase it. The imaging device according to configuration 1, characterized by the above. [Configuration 3] The control means determines the dimming rate of the brightness based on the remaining battery level information of each lighting device, and controls the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each lighting device based on the determined dimming rate of brightness. The imaging device according to configuration 2, characterized in that it is a photographic device. [Structure 4] The control means calculates the remaining irradiation time coefficient for each lighting device based on the brightness information and the battery level information, and determines the dimming rate of the brightness based on the calculated remaining irradiation time coefficient. The imaging device according to configuration 3, characterized by the above. [Composition 5] The control means determines the dimming rate of the luminance based on the smallest remaining irradiation time coefficient among the remaining irradiation time coefficients of each lighting device. The imaging device according to configuration 4, characterized by the features described above. [Composition 6] The control means releases the control that reduces the brightness of the illumination light when the subject is being photographed. The imaging device according to any one of configurations 2 to 5, characterized in that it is a photographic device. [Composition 7] The control means controls the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each illumination device based on the brightness ratio and the state of ambient light other than the illumination light, when the subject is not being photographed. A photographic apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized by the above. [Structure 8] The system further includes a display means for displaying setting information related to the settings of each of the aforementioned lighting devices, The settings of each lighting device can be changed by modifying the setting information displayed on the display means. A photographic apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized by the above. [Composition 9] A photographic device as described in any one of items 1 to 8, The aforementioned plurality of lighting devices, A photographic system characterized by having the following features. [Method 1] A control method for a photographic device configured to communicate with multiple lighting devices that illuminate a subject from different positions, A step of acquiring luminance information in the illumination light of the plurality of lighting devices, A control step in which, when the subject is not being photographed, the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each of the multiple lighting devices is controlled based on the ratio of brightness in the brightness information of the multiple lighting devices, A method for controlling a photographic device, characterized by having the following features. [Program 1] A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of the imaging apparatus described in any one of configurations 1 to 8. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 10: Shooting system, 100: Shooting device, 101: Power supply unit, 102: Power switch, 103: Operation unit, 104: Display unit, 105: Image recording unit, 106: Shooting device control unit, 107: Image sensor, 108: Shutter, 109: Mount contact group, 110: Main unit, 111: Communication unit, 120: Shooting lens unit, 121: Shooting lens, 122: Lens control unit, 123: Mount contact group, 130: Shooting button, 200: Illumination device, 201: Power switch, 202: Brightness adjustment operation unit, 203: Color temperature adjustment operation unit, 204: Connection unit, 205: Rechargeable battery, 206: Illumination device control unit, 207: Light emission unit, 208: Communication unit, 210, 220: Illumination light range, H: Subject

Claims

1. A photographic device configured to communicate with multiple lighting devices that illuminate a subject from different positions, An acquisition means for acquiring brightness information in the illumination light of the plurality of lighting devices, When the subject is not being photographed, a control means controls the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each of the multiple lighting devices based on the ratio of brightness in the brightness information of the multiple lighting devices, A photographic device characterized by having the following features.

2. The control means, when the subject is not being photographed, controls the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each illumination device based on the brightness ratio, and also controls the ISO sensitivity of the photographing device. The imaging device according to feature 1.

3. The control means determines the dimming rate of the brightness based on the remaining battery level information of each lighting device, and controls the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each lighting device based on the determined dimming rate of brightness. The photographic apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The control means calculates the remaining irradiation time coefficient for each lighting device based on the brightness information and the battery level information, and determines the dimming rate of the brightness based on the calculated remaining irradiation time coefficient. The imaging apparatus according to feature 3.

5. The control means determines the dimming rate of the luminance based on the smallest remaining irradiation time coefficient among the remaining irradiation time coefficients of each lighting device. The imaging apparatus according to feature 4.

6. The control means releases the control that reduces the brightness of the illumination light when the subject is being photographed. The photographic apparatus according to feature 2.

7. The control means controls the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each illumination device based on the brightness ratio and the state of ambient light other than the illumination light, when the subject is not being photographed. The imaging device according to feature 1.

8. The system further includes a display means for displaying setting information related to the settings of each of the aforementioned lighting devices, The settings of each lighting device can be changed by modifying the setting information displayed on the display means. The imaging device according to feature 1.

9. A photographic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The aforementioned plurality of lighting devices, A photographic system characterized by having the following features.

10. A control method for a photographic device configured to communicate with multiple lighting devices that illuminate a subject from different positions, A step of acquiring luminance information in the illumination light of the plurality of lighting devices, A control step in which, when the subject is not being photographed, the brightness of the illumination light emitted from each of the multiple lighting devices is controlled based on the ratio of brightness in the brightness information of the multiple lighting devices, A method for controlling a photographic device, characterized by having the following features.

11. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of the imaging apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images