Imaging device and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus capable of displaying a satisfactory live-view image even during continuous luminescence imaging of the imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 1 is capable of strobe imaging with an imaging sensor 103 in a state where a first light-emitting member 302 is illuminating, and the imaging apparatus has a control unit 105 acquires image for dimming accompanying pre-light of the first light-emitting member 103 using the imaging sensor 103 apart from periodically acquiring an image for display using the imaging sensor 103. The control unit 105 is configured to control the first light-emitting member 302 to perform a pre-flash at the timing when the imaging sensor 103 is not accumulating charges for periodic acquisition of the image for display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Some imaging devices are capable of performing so-called flash photography, in which a strobe unit is attached to the device body and an image is captured by an image sensor of the device body while a light-emitting member of the strobe unit is illuminated. Patent Document 1 discloses continuous imaging. In such imaging devices, one image sensor is used to periodically obtain a recording image for flash photography, and may also be used to periodically obtain a display image, which is a live view image during imaging. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-79024 A [Patent Document 2] JP2015-126386A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when continuous light-emitting photography is performed, there is a possibility that the light of the light-emitting member of the strobe unit enters the display image and changes its image quality. In particular, when performing dimming by pre-emission of the light-emitting member of the strobe unit for each light-emitting photography, the light of the pre-emission is likely to change the image quality of the display image. For this reason, in Patent Document 2, when pre-emission is involved in each shooting of continuous light-emitting photography, the driving of the image sensor is switched. And, in Patent Document 2, the acquisition cycle of the display image during continuous light-emitting photography is lengthened, and the light-emitting member of the strobe unit is pre-emitted during the non-light-accumulating time between the long acquisition cycles. The light from the pre-emission is less likely to change the image quality of the display image.

[0005] However, if the driving of the imaging element is switched in this way to lengthen the acquisition cycle of the display image during imaging, the update cycle of the live view image also becomes longer, and the convenience of the live view image decreases. The live view image during continuous light emission shooting is unlikely to display the imaging state of the imaging device in real time. In continuous light emission shooting, it is more likely that it will be difficult to appropriately determine the imaging range, etc. based on the live view image during continuous light emission shooting. In particular, when the light emitting members of multiple strobe units are emitted in each light emission shooting, at least one strobe unit needs to communicate using light pulses or wirelessly communicate with the device body of the imaging device, etc. When the light emitting members of the strobe unit that communicate with the device body of such an imaging device are pre-emitted, it may be necessary to lengthen the acquisition cycle of the display image during imaging, taking into account the communication time, etc.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to display a good live view image even during continuous light shooting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The imaging device according to the present invention is an imaging device capable of performing light emission photography using an imaging element with a first light-emitting member being illuminated, and includes a first imaging control means for periodically acquiring an image for display using the imaging element, and a second imaging control means for acquiring an image for dimming involving pre-emission of the first light-emitting member using the imaging element separately from the first imaging control means, and the second imaging control means controls the first light-emitting member to pre-emit when the imaging element is not accumulating charge for the periodic acquisition of the image for display by the first imaging control means. When a non-accumulation time between periodic charge accumulations of the imaging element for the display image is equal to or longer than a charge accumulation time of the imaging element for the dimming image, the first light-emitting member is pre-emitted at the non-accumulation timing, and when a non-accumulation time between periodic charge accumulations of the imaging element for the display image is not equal to or longer than a charge accumulation time of the imaging element for the dimming image, the periodic acquisition of the display image by the first imaging control means is stopped so as to be thinned out, and the first light-emitting member is pre-emitted at the non-accumulation timing generated by thinning out the periodic acquisition of the display image. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, good live view images can be displayed even during continuous light emission photography with an imaging device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is a timing chart of imaging for live view in the imaging device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is an explanatory diagram of a connection state between the device body and a strobe unit in the imaging device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a timing chart of communication between the device main body and the strobe unit in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 5 is an explanatory diagram of communication commands between the device main body and the strobe unit. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a flowchart of imaging when performing strobe continuous imaging accompanied by pre-emission for dimming in the imaging device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 7 is a timing chart showing framing of imaging based on the flowchart of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of imaging in the imaging device of FIG. 1 when a plurality of strobe units executes light pulse communication and performs pre-emission for dimming for continuous strobe imaging. [Figure 9] 9 is a timing chart of imaging at the timing when a plurality of strobe units execute light pulse communication based on the flowchart of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of imaging in the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1 in which a plurality of strobe units perform wireless communication and an external strobe unit performs pre-emission for dimming for continuous strobe imaging. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart of imaging based on the flowchart of FIG. 10 when an external strobe unit performs pre-emission for dimming for continuous strobe imaging. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart of imaging in the imaging device of FIG. 1 in which a plurality of strobe units perform wireless communication and take turns performing pre-emission for dimming for continuous strobe imaging. [Figure 13]13 is a flowchart of imaging based on the flowchart of FIG. 12 when a plurality of strobe units sequentially perform pre-emission for dimming for continuous strobe imaging. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an imaging device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device 1 in FIG. 1 includes a device body 100, a lens unit 200 attached to the device body 100, and a first strobe unit 300 attached to the device body 100. FIG. 1 also illustrates a second strobe unit 400 capable of optical pulse communication or wireless communication with the first strobe unit 300. The lens unit 200 is replaceably attached to the device body 100. The lens unit 200 includes a lens 201, an aperture 202, a focus drive unit 203, an aperture drive unit 204, a lens position acquisition unit 207, and a lens control unit 205. The lens 201 is a lens group 201 including, for example, a focusing lens and a zoom lens. The lens 201 takes in reflected light entering from a subject into the device body 100. The focus drive unit 203 drives the lens 201 to displace the position. This allows the imaging device 1 to focus on a subject that is far from the imaging device 1. The aperture 202 adjusts the amount of light passing therethrough according to the size of the aperture. The aperture drive unit 204 drives the aperture 202 to control the aperture. The lens position acquisition unit 207 acquires information on the zoom position (focal length information) of the lens 201 and the distance to the focal plane based on the position information of the lens 201. The lens control unit 205 communicates with the control unit 105 of the device body 100 via the lens connection terminals 206 and 118, and controls each unit included in the lens unit 200. The lens control unit 205 controls the position of the lens 201 via the focus drive unit 203, and adjusts the opening of the aperture 202 via the aperture drive unit 204 to adjust the amount of light during imaging.

[0012] The device body 100 has, as optical system members, an image sensor 103, a main mirror 101 provided on an optical path to the image sensor 103, and a shutter 102. The image sensor 103 is, for example, a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor. The main mirror 101 is provided at an angle to the optical path from the lens unit 200 to the image sensor 103 in order to split a part of the light beam from the lens unit 200 to the image sensor 103 to a viewfinder (not shown). The light of the subject split by the main mirror 101 is guided to the viewfinder via a focusing screen 109, a pentaprism 110, and an eyepiece 111. The focusing screen 109 is disposed on the primary image forming plane of the lens unit 200, has a Fresnel lens (condensing lens) on its entrance surface, and forms an optical image (finder image) of the subject on its exit surface. The pentaprism 110 reflects the viewfinder optical path multiple times, and corrects the image of the subject formed on the exit surface of the focusing screen 109 to an erect image. The eyepiece lens 111 is configured so that the diopter can be adjusted to match the user's eye when the user looks through the viewfinder. The main mirror 101 is rotatable according to the operating state of the imaging device 1. The main mirror 101, which is oblique in the optical path to the imaging element 103 when observing the subject through the viewfinder, is retracted from the optical path to the imaging element 103 during imaging. This allows the light beam from the lens unit 200 to be guided to the imaging element 103. The imaging device 1 may be a so-called mirrorless type having no main mirror 101, or may be a lens-integrated type in which the lens unit 200 is not replaceable. Although the configurations of the mirrorless type and the lens-integrated type differ from those shown in FIG. 1, they may adopt known configurations, and detailed explanations will be omitted. The shutter 102 is provided between the main mirror 101 and the image sensor 103. A light beam from the lens unit 200 enters the image sensor 103 during a period in which the shutter 102, which is normally closed, is open.

[0013] The device body 100 has an analog signal processing unit 104, a timing generator 116, a shutter control unit 115, a timer 131, an image display unit 119, a memory control unit 120, an operation unit 122, and a control unit 105 to which these are connected, as an imaging control system. In addition, a photometric sensor 112, an AF sensor 117, a connection terminal 114 for a strobe, and a connection terminal 118 for a lens are connected to the control unit 105. The control unit 105 may be, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The microcomputer reads and executes a program recorded in the ROM. In this way, the microcomputer realizes the control unit 105 that controls the operation of each unit of the imaging device 1. Specifically, the control unit 105 of the imaging device 1 realizes functions such as a photometric processing unit 113, a digital gain unit 106, an image processing unit 107, and a focus detection processing unit 123. The photometric sensor 112 has a plurality of photodiodes corresponding to each of a plurality of areas obtained by dividing the imaging area. The photometry sensor 112 detects the brightness of the image of the subject formed on the exit surface of the focusing screen 109 using a plurality of photodiodes, and outputs the detected brightness to a photometry processing unit 113 of the control unit 105. The photometry processing unit 113 executes photometry processing for capturing a good image of the subject based on the detection output of the photometry sensor 112. The AF sensor 117 outputs a defocus amount to a focus detection processing unit 123 of the control unit 105. The focus detection processing unit 123 determines the driving amount of the lens 201 based on the defocus amount from the AF sensor 117 so that the image of the subject is focused, and drives the lens unit 200 through a connection terminal 118. The control unit 105 controls the timing generator 116 and the shutter control unit 115. The timing generator 116 outputs imaging timing to the image sensor 103. The imaging timing of the image sensor 103 includes imaging timing for recording, imaging timing for acquiring a live view image, imaging timing for acquiring an image for dimming, and the like. A shutter control unit 115 drives and opens / closes the shutter 102. The image sensor 103 is driven based on a timing signal output from a timing generator 116, and while the shutter 102 is open, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements receive light from the subject and accumulate the generated electric charges.Then, the imaging element 103 outputs an analog signal for the captured image of the subject based on the light amount distribution corresponding to the electric charges accumulated in the multiple photoelectric conversion elements. The analog signal processing unit 104 samples and holds the analog signal output by the imaging element 103, adds an analog gain, and converts it into a digital signal by A / D conversion. The analog signal processing unit 104 outputs the digital signal for the captured image of the subject to the control unit 105. In the control unit 105, the digital gain unit 106 adds a digital gain to the digital signal. The image processing unit 107 executes digital signal processing such as pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing. The image processing unit 107 records the data of the captured image of the subject that has been subjected to the digital signal processing in the memory 121 through the memory control unit 120. The image display unit 119 may be a monitor such as an LCD provided on the back of the device body 100 of the imaging device 1. The image display unit 119 can display a live view image periodically captured by the imaging element 103.

[0014] The first strobe unit 300 is removably attached to the device body 100 as a first light emitting member 302. The first strobe unit 300 has a strobe control unit 301. The first light emitting member 302, a strobe connection terminal 303, a strobe operation unit 304, a light receiving member 305, and a wireless communication unit 306 are connected to the strobe control unit 301. The first light emitting member 302 emits light under the control of the strobe control unit 301. The first light emitting member 302 can irradiate a subject with strobe light, or output light for light pulse communication with another strobe unit such as the second strobe unit 400. The second strobe unit 400 has the same configuration as the first strobe unit 300, such as the second light emitting member 401. The light receiving member 305 receives light pulses from the other strobe unit when the first light emitting member 302 communicates light pulses with the other strobe unit. The wireless communication unit 306 executes wireless communication with the other strobe unit. The strobe operation unit 304 is an input unit that accepts operations from the user, and has various operation buttons such as a button for changing the setting of the light emission mode. The strobe control unit 301 causes the first light emitting member 302 to emit light based on the user's operation or a signal from the device body 100 via the strobe connection terminal 303. The strobe control unit 301 executes data communication with other strobe units by optical pulse communication using the first light emitting member 302 and the light receiving member 305, or by wireless communication using the wireless communication unit 306.

[0015] In the device body 100, the timer 131 measures time and duration. The operation unit 122 has a touch panel, various switches, and buttons operated by the user. When an image capturing operation is performed on the operation unit 122, the control unit 105 controls the operation of each unit of the image capturing device 1. For example, the control unit 105 sets periodic image capturing timing for the timing generator 116 and the shutter control unit 115, and causes the image capturing element 103 to capture live view images periodically. The control unit 105 sets single or continuous image capturing timing for the timing generator 116 and the shutter control unit 115, and causes the image capturing element 103 to perform strobe image capturing (pre-flash) for dimming. The control unit 105 calculates the amount of light for main flash, etc., based on the result of the pre-flash. For example, the control unit 105 can perform image capturing by the image capturing element 103 in a state where the first light emitting member 302 of the first strobe unit 300 is caused to emit light. The control unit 105 sets single or continuous imaging timing for the timing generator 116 and the shutter control unit 115, and causes the image sensor 103 to capture an image of the subject for recording. The control unit 105 records the captured image of the subject in the memory 121.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a timing chart of imaging for live view in the imaging device 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2(a) is a timing chart of imaging by the imaging element 103 in the case where live view images are periodically captured and continuous imaging for recording is performed. Time flows from left to right. The imaging element 103 first performs the first imaging for recording, and then repeatedly captures live view images at a cycle of 60 fps. After that, the imaging element 103 performs the second imaging for recording, and then repeatedly captures live view images at a cycle of 60 fps. Since the imaging element 103 performs imaging at a maximum cycle of 120 fps, the live view images can be captured at a constant cycle of 60 fps throughout the entire period. In FIG. 2(a), accumulation indicates the accumulation time of the charge of the imaging element 103. Also, still image indicates the time required to read the charge accumulated in the imaging element 103 to generate an image for recording (still image), and LV indicates the time required to read the charge accumulated in the imaging element 103 to generate a live view image.

[0017] FIG. 2(b) is a timing chart of the imaging of the imaging element 103 in the case where live view images are periodically captured and continuous light emission shooting for recording (hereinafter, light emission shooting is also referred to as strobe imaging) is performed. Time flows from left to right. The imaging element 103 first performs the first strobe imaging for recording, and then attempts to start repeated imaging of live view images at a cycle of 60 fps. However, in reality, after capturing the first live view image, the driving of the imaging element 103 is switched for continuous strobe imaging, and strobe imaging (pre-flash) for light control corresponding to each strobe imaging (main light emission) is performed. In the pre-flash of FIG. 2(b), charge accumulation (A accumulation) in a non-light emission state and charge accumulation (F accumulation) in a pre-flash state are performed. In this case, the control unit 105 that controls the imaging element 103 performs photometry calculation processing based on the A accumulation, photometry calculation processing based on the F accumulation, and light control calculation (ETTL calculation) processing after the A accumulation and F accumulation for pre-flash. The control unit 105 sets the light emission amount obtained by the calculation for these light adjustments to the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 by EF communication or the like. After that, the image sensor 103 executes imaging for main light emission without restarting the repeated imaging of the live view image. Then, the image sensor 103 captures a live view image after imaging for pre-flash and imaging for main light emission. In this case, the live view image is captured at a cycle longer than 60 fps. In addition, the live view image is not captured during the period from when the driving of the image sensor 103 is switched to when the pre-flash is performed to when the main light emission is completed. Since the live view image is not updated in real time at a short cycle such as 60 fps, it is difficult for the user to easily check the current imaging range, etc. based on the live view image. In addition, if an attempt is made to capture a live view image during the period from when the driving of the image sensor 103 is switched to when the main light emission is completed through the pre-flash, the light from the pre-flash may cause the image quality of the live view image to fluctuate. If the image quality of the live view image changes, it becomes difficult for the user to check the current imaging range, etc. in the live view image.In this way, it is necessary to improve the live view image during continuous strobe imaging in the imaging device 1. Note that the time required for each process shown in FIG. 2 is an example and is not limited to the present invention.

[0018] 3 is an explanatory diagram of a connection state between the device body 100 and the first strobe unit 300 in the imaging device 1 of FIG. 1. The device body 100 and the first strobe unit 300 of the imaging device 1 are connected by the strobe connection terminal 114 and the strobe connection terminal 303. The device body 100 has a Cin terminal, a Cout terminal, and a Cclk terminal as the strobe connection terminal 114. The first strobe unit 300 has a Sout terminal, a Sin terminal, and a Sclk terminal as the strobe connection terminal 303. The Cin terminal and the Sout terminal are connected. The Cout terminal and the Sin terminal are connected. The Cclk terminal and the Sclk terminal are connected. The device body 100 and the first strobe unit 300 use a clock synchronization signal such that the device body 100 outputs a data modulation signal from the Cout terminal, and the first strobe unit 300 outputs a data modulation signal from the Sout terminal. The device main body 100 samples the data modulated signal input to the Cin terminal in synchronization with the clock synchronization signal, and demodulates the output data of the first strobe unit 300. The first strobe unit 300 samples the data modulated signal input to the Sin terminal in synchronization with the clock synchronization signal, and demodulates the output data of the device main body 100.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a timing chart of communication between the device main body 100 and the strobe unit in FIG. 3. FIG. 4(a) is a signal waveform of the Cout terminal to which the device main body 100 outputs a data modulation signal. FIG. 4(b) is a signal waveform of the Cin terminal to which the strobe unit outputs a data modulation signal. FIG. 4(c) is a waveform of the clock synchronization signal of the Cclk terminal. The device main body 100 samples the signal waveform of the Cin terminal at the rising timing of the clock synchronization signal to obtain one byte of data. Here, the first strobe unit 300 outputs data of 32HEX to the device main body 100. The strobe unit samples the signal waveform of the Cout terminal at the rising timing of the clock synchronization signal to obtain one byte of data. After obtaining the data, the device main body 100 may stop outputting the clock synchronization signal to the Cclk terminal and enter a busy state. This allows the device main body 100 and the strobe unit to execute processing based on the obtained data. When the execution of a predetermined process in the busy state in which the Cclk terminal is maintained at a low level is completed, the console main unit 100 may switch the Cclk terminal to a high level.

[0020] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of communication commands between the device body 100 and the strobe unit. The device body 100 can transmit a plurality of types of communication commands to the first strobe unit 300, as exemplified in each row of FIG. 5. The amount of data that the first strobe unit 300 outputs to the device body 100 in response to a communication command is predetermined for each command. Then, when the device body 100 outputs, for example, a communication command 10H to the first strobe unit 300, the first strobe unit 300 recognizes this as a "light emission mode information request" communication. The first strobe unit 300 outputs light emission mode information to the device body 100 in the second byte of data communication. In addition, when the device body 100 outputs, for example, a communication command 12H to the first strobe unit 300, the first strobe unit 300 recognizes this as a "light emission mode setting" communication for changing the light emission mode. Also, the device body 100 outputs information on the light emission mode to be set to the first strobe unit 300 in the second byte of data communication. The first strobe unit 300 sets and changes the light emission mode.

[0021] [Example of performing continuous strobe imaging with pre-flash for dimming] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of imaging when performing continuous flash continuous imaging with pre-emission for dimming in the imaging device 1 of FIG. 1. When performing continuous flash imaging with pre-emission for dimming, the control unit 105 of the imaging device 1 may execute the control of FIG. 6. In step S101, the control unit 105 determines whether to start continuous imaging with dimming control, which means continuous flash imaging with pre-emission for dimming. When starting continuous imaging with dimming control, the user operates the operation unit 122. If there is no operation to start continuous imaging with dimming control on the operation unit 122, the control unit 105 repeats this process. If there is an operation to start continuous imaging with dimming control on the operation unit 122, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S102.

[0022] In step S102, when it is the timing for capturing an image with main light emission for recording, the control unit 105 requests the first strobe unit 300 to emit light (main light emission) and executes strobe image capturing. The control unit 105 performs accumulation and readout control on the image capturing element 103. In order to generate a captured image for recording, the image capturing element 103 receives light including a light emission component of the first strobe unit 300 and accumulates a corresponding charge. The control unit 105 stores and records the captured image read out from the image capturing element 103 in the memory 121. In step S103, when it is the timing for capturing a live view image, the control unit 105 captures a live view image during continuous capturing accompanied by dimming control. The control unit 105 performs accumulation and readout control on the image capturing element 103. The control unit 105 outputs the captured image read out from the image capturing element 103 to the image display unit 119. The user can check the imaging range that can be captured by the imaging device 1 in real time. The control unit 105 repeats the loop process including steps S102 and S103 to repeat the process of recording the images captured with the flash and the process of displaying the live view image. During continuous flash image capture, the live view image can be continuously updated with good cycles and frequency.

[0023] In step S104, the control unit 105 determines whether or not to continue the continuous imaging with dimming control. When the user ends the continuous imaging with dimming control, the user operates the operation unit 122. When there is no operation to end the continuous imaging with dimming control on the operation unit 122, the control unit 105 determines to continue the continuous imaging with dimming control, and advances the process to step S105. When there is an operation to end the continuous imaging with dimming control on the operation unit 122, the control unit 105 ends this control. In step S105, the control unit 105 determines whether or not the non-accumulation (blank) time of the inter-frame live view until the next live view image is captured is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. At this time, the control unit 105 may calculate the non-accumulation time by subtracting the accumulation time and the readout time from the frame rate in the imaging for live view started in step S103. For example, for a slit rolling live view with a frame rate of 60 fps (16.6 ms cycle), if the accumulation time is 8.3 ms and the readout time is 3.5 ms, the non-accumulation time is 16.6-(8.3+3.5)=4.8 ms. The predetermined value for determining the blank time may be set based on the dimming pre-emission time required for the first strobe unit 300 to pre-emit for dimming. If the non-accumulation (blank) time is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S107. If the non-accumulation (blank) time is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S108.

[0024] In step S107, the control unit 105 requests the first strobe unit 300 to perform pre-emission for light adjustment in order to execute pre-emission during the non-accumulation (blank) time. After that, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S110. If the non-accumulation (blank) time is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, in step S108, the control unit 105 temporarily stops the display update of the inter-frame live view in step S102. The control unit 105 may temporarily stop the display update of the inter-frame live view until the next main flash image capture is completed or until a period equivalent to a predetermined value for determining the blank time has elapsed. After the temporary stop period has elapsed, the control unit 105 resumes the display update of the inter-frame live view in step S102.

[0025] In step S109, the control unit 105 requests the first strobe unit 300 to perform pre-emission for light control in order to perform pre-emission while the display update of the frame-to-frame live view is temporarily stopped. In step S110, the control unit 105 performs strobe imaging as pre-emission for adjusting the light of the first strobe unit 300. The control unit 105 controls accumulation and readout of the image sensor 103. The image sensor 103 receives light including a light emission component due to the pre-emission and accumulates a corresponding charge. The control unit 105 reads out and acquires the captured image from the image sensor 103. When the process of step S107 is executed, the framing of the image is as shown in FIG. 7(a) to be described later. When the processes of steps S108 and S109 are executed, the framing of the image is as shown in FIG. 7(b) to be described later. In step S111, the control unit 105 calculates the amount of light emission for main emission of the first strobe unit 300 based on the captured image at the time of pre-emission acquired in step S110. The control unit 105 may calculate the amount of light emitted for the main flash using the light control calculation technique described in Patent Document 2. This allows the control unit 105, as a light control calculation means, to calculate the amount of light emitted for the main flash of the first strobe unit 300 during continuous strobe imaging based on the image for light control. Thereafter, the control unit 105 returns the process to step S102.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing framing of imaging based on the flowchart of FIG. 6. FIG. 7(a) shows framing of imaging when the process of step S107 of FIG. 6 is being executed. In the framing of imaging of FIG. 7(a), the imaging element 103 repeats strobe imaging in which the first strobe unit 300 performs main emission at a predetermined cycle. The imaging element 103 also repeats capturing live view images at a cycle of 60 fps suitable for updating as live view images without missing any images. The imaging element 103 then performs imaging (pre-emission accumulation) involving pre-emission for dimming of the first strobe unit 300 during a non-accumulation (blank) time between capturing two consecutive live view images. However, the dimming calculation by the control unit 105 and the setting process (preparation for capturing) of the calculated amount of main emission of light to the first strobe unit 300 are executed at the same time as the imaging element 103 captures the next live view image.

[0027] FIG. 7B shows framing of imaging when the processes of steps S108 and S109 in FIG. 6 are being performed. In the framing of imaging in FIG. 7B, the imaging element 103 repeats strobe imaging by causing the first strobe unit 300 to emit a main light in a predetermined cycle. The imaging element 103 also repeats imaging of a live view image in a cycle of 60 fps suitable for updating as a live view image. However, due to the process of step S108, imaging of a live view image in the second imaging period is temporarily stopped and is missing. Then, the imaging element 103 performs imaging (pre-flash accumulation) involving pre-flash for dimming of the first strobe unit 300 during the time when imaging of the live view image is stopped. However, the dimming calculation by the control unit 105 and the setting process (preparation for shooting) of the calculated amount of light emission of the main light emission to the first strobe unit 300 are performed at the same time as the imaging element 103 captures the next live view image.

[0028] As described above, in the dimming continuous imaging, the control unit 105 performs pre-emission for dimming while the accumulation of the live view image is not being performed, so that the live view display can be performed at the same update cycle as the continuous imaging without emission. In addition, when the accumulation time of the live view image becomes long and the emission affects the live view image, the control unit 105 stops updating the live view image and performs pre-emission for dimming, so that the brightness of the image can be stabilized for live view display. Then, the control unit 105 can cause the first strobe unit 300 to emit pre-emission at a timing when charge accumulation is not being performed for the periodic acquisition of the live view image. When the non-accumulation time between the periodic charge accumulation of the image sensor 103 for the live view image is equal to or longer than the charge accumulation time of the image sensor 103 for the dimming image, the control unit 105 causes the first strobe unit 300 to emit pre-emission at the non-accumulation timing. Furthermore, when the non-accumulation time between periodic charge accumulations of the image sensor 103 for a live view image is not equal to or longer than the charge accumulation time of the image sensor 103 for a dimming image, the control unit 105 stops and thins out the periodic acquisition of the live view image. Then, the control unit 105 causes the first strobe unit 300 to pre-emit light at the non-accumulation timing generated by the thinning out. In this way, the control unit 105 can perform continuous strobe imaging with minimal display update stops.

[0029] In this embodiment, in the imaging device 1 capable of continuous strobe imaging by the imaging element 103 with the first light-emitting member 302 emitting light, the first imaging control means periodically acquires a live view image using the imaging element 103. This allows the periodically updated live view image to be periodically updated as a live view image that can be used to determine the imaging range of the imaging device 1. In particular, in this embodiment, the control unit 105 acquires a dimming image accompanied by pre-emission of the first light-emitting member 302 using the imaging element 103 for continuous strobe imaging as processing of a second imaging control means separate from the first imaging control means that acquires the live view image. The control unit 105 prioritizes the periodic acquisition of a live view image by the first imaging control means, and causes the first light-emitting member 302 to pre-emit light at a timing when the imaging element 103 is not accumulating charge for periodic acquisition of a live view image. Specifically, for example, when the non-accumulation time between periodic charge accumulations of the image capturing element 103 for a live view image is equal to or longer than the charge accumulation time of the image capturing element 103 for a dimming image, the control unit 105 causes the first light-emitting element 302 to pre-emit during the non-accumulation time.

[0030] In response to this, the control unit 105 stops the periodic acquisition of the live view image so as to thin out the periodic acquisition of the live view image when the non-accumulation time between the periodic charge accumulations of the image sensor 103 for the live view image is not longer than the charge accumulation time of the image sensor 103 for the light control image. Then, the control unit 105 causes the first light emitting member 302 to pre-emit light at the non-accumulation timing generated by thinning out the periodic acquisition of the live view image. In this way, the control unit 105, as a first imaging control means for periodically updating the live view image, can periodically update the live view image so that it is updated at a constant cycle without being affected by the acquisition of the light control image. In this embodiment, for example, the update cycle of the live view image becomes long so as to be a constant cycle even when the light control image is acquired, and it becomes difficult for the live view image to be continuously missing due to the acquisition of the light control image.

[0031] As a result, in this embodiment, the imaging device 1 can update the live view image in a short cycle suitable for live viewing and to suppress loss of images, and can appropriately determine the imaging range based on the live view image. Furthermore, even if the first light-emitting member 302 has pre-emission, the live view image can have a constant image quality that is not affected by the pre-emission.

[0032] [Example of performing continuous strobe imaging with optical pulse communication between multiple strobe units and pre-flash for dimming] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of imaging in the imaging device 1 of FIG. 1 when multiple strobe units perform light pulse communication to perform pre-emission for dimming for strobe continuous imaging. The first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 of FIG. 1 have, for example, a light emitting member and a light receiving member 305 in order to perform light pulse communication. The control unit 105 of the imaging device 1 may execute the control of FIG. 8 when multiple strobe units perform light pulse communication to perform continuous strobe imaging with pre-emission for dimming. Steps S101 to S111 of FIG. 8 are the same as those of FIG. 6, and their description will be omitted. After executing the process of step S104, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S201. In step S201, the control unit 105 determines whether or not to execute multi-light emission for main emission of multiple strobe units. For example, in cases where the amount of light is insufficient with main emission of only the first strobe unit 300, the control unit 105 determines to execute multiple-light emission in which the second strobe unit 400 emits light together with the first strobe unit 300, and proceeds to step S202. If the control unit 105 does not determine to execute multiple-light emission, the control unit 105 proceeds to step S105, as in FIG. 6, to execute imaging for recording involving main emission of only the first strobe unit 300.

[0033] In step S202, the control unit 105 temporarily stops the display update of the inter-frame live view in step S102 for the light pulse communication. The control unit 105 may temporarily stop the display update of the inter-frame live view until the light pulse communication between the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 is completed. When the strobe communication by light pulse is performed, the light pulse may affect the image quality of the live view image. Since the display update of the inter-frame live view is temporarily stopped, the live view image displayed is not affected. After the temporary stop period has elapsed, the control unit 105 resumes the display update of the inter-frame live view in step S102. In step S203, the control unit 105 executes the light pulse communication between the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 while the display update of the inter-frame live view is temporarily stopped. The control unit 105 causes the first light emitting member 302 of the first strobe unit 300 to emit light at a predetermined cycle and with a predetermined light amount, and sets the light emission timing and light emission amount for the second strobe unit 400 during imaging. Details are omitted because they are known techniques. As a result, the control unit 105, as a light pulse communication means, can cause the first strobe unit 300 to emit light and communicate with the second strobe unit 400 using light pulses in order to cause multiple strobe units to emit light in strobe continuous imaging. The control unit 105 stops the periodic acquisition of live view images by the first imaging control means so as to thin out, and communicates using light pulses at non-accumulation timing generated by thinning out the periodic acquisition of live view images. Thereafter, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S105.

[0034] When the preparation process for multiple light emission from step S201 to step S203 is being performed in this manner, the control unit 105 performs strobe imaging by pre-emission to adjust the light of the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400. In addition, in step S111, the control unit 105 calculates the amount of light emission for main emission of the first strobe unit 300 and the amount of light emission for main emission of the second strobe unit 400 based on the captured image of the pre-emission acquired in step S110.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a timing chart of imaging based on the flowchart of FIG. 8 at the timing when a plurality of strobe units execute light pulse communication. FIG. 9 shows framing of imaging when the processing from step S202 to step S203 of FIG. 8 is executed. In the framing of imaging in FIG. 9, the imaging element 103 repeats strobe imaging by making the first strobe unit 300 emit a main light in a predetermined cycle. Also, the imaging element 103 repeats imaging of a live view image in a cycle of 60 fps suitable for updating as a live view image. However, due to the processing of step S202, imaging of a live view image in the second and subsequent imaging periods is missed due to temporary stop processing. Then, the imaging element 103 executes light pulse communication between the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 at the time when imaging of the live view image is stopped.

[0036] In this embodiment, the control unit 105, as the light pulse communication means, causes the first strobe unit 300 to emit light in order to emit light from multiple strobe units in continuous strobe imaging, and communicates with the second strobe unit 400 using light pulses. In addition, when performing the light pulse communication, the control unit 105 stops the periodic acquisition of live view images by the first imaging control means so as to thin out the images. Then, the control unit 105 performs communication using light pulses at non-accumulation timing generated by thinning out the periodic acquisition of live view images. Therefore, in this embodiment, the live view image can be updated at a period suitable for live view and to suppress missing images. In addition, the live view image is not affected by the light emission for performing light pulse communication from multiple strobe units, and has a certain stable image quality. The user can appropriately determine the imaging range, etc. based on the live view image with stable image quality.

[0037] [Example of performing continuous strobe imaging with wireless communication between multiple strobe units and pre-flash for dimming] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of imaging in the imaging device 1 of Fig. 1 when multiple strobe units perform wireless communication and an external strobe unit performs pre-emission for dimming for continuous strobe imaging. The first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 of Fig. 1 have a wireless communication unit 306 as a wireless communication means to perform wireless communication. The control unit 105 of the imaging device 1 may execute the control of Fig. 10 when multiple strobe units perform wireless communication to perform continuous strobe imaging with pre-emission for dimming. Steps S102 to S111 of Fig. 10 are the same as those of Fig. 6, and their description will be omitted.

[0038] In step S301, the control unit 105 judges whether or not to start continuous imaging accompanied by wireless communication of multiple strobe units and dimming control. When starting continuous imaging accompanied by wireless communication of multiple strobe units and dimming control, the user operates the operation unit 122. If there is no predetermined start operation on the operation unit 122, the control unit 105 repeats this process. If there is a predetermined start operation on the operation unit 122, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S102. Thereafter, the control unit 105 executes steps S102 to S104, and if it is determined in step S104 that there is no end operation, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S302. In step S302, the control unit 105 judges whether or not any pre-emission overlaps with charge accumulation for a live view image by the image sensor 103 when the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 are pre-emitted in the shortest time. Thereby, the control unit 105, as the second imaging control means, can determine whether or not the pre-emission of at least the second light-emitting member 401 among the first light-emitting member 302 and the second light-emitting member 401 in the shortest time overlaps with the charge accumulation for the live view image by the imaging element 103. If there is a possibility that any pre-emission overlaps with the charge accumulation for the live view image of the imaging element 103, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S105. If any pre-emission does not overlap with the charge accumulation for the live view image of the imaging element 103, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S107. In this case, the control unit 105 requests the first strobe unit 300 to perform pre-emission for dimming in step S107. In addition, the control unit 105 executes wireless communication between the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 to request the second strobe unit 400 to perform pre-emission for dimming. Thereafter, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S110, and executes strobe imaging by causing the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 to pre-emit light.

[0039] In step S105, the control unit 105 judges whether or not the non-accumulation (blank) time of the inter-frame live view until the next live view image is captured is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this way, the control unit 105, as the second imaging control means, first judges that the pre-emission of the first strobe unit 300 and the pre-emission of the second strobe unit 400 in the shortest time overlap with the charge accumulation for the live view image by the image sensor 103. The control unit 105 further judges that the non-accumulation time between the periodic charge accumulation of the image sensor 103 for the live view image is equal to or greater than the accumulation time of the image sensor 103 for the light control image. Then, if the non-accumulation (blank) time is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S304. If the non-accumulation (blank) time is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S108. In this case, the control unit 105 temporarily stops the display update of the inter-frame live view in step S108. In addition, in step S109, the control unit 105 requests the first strobe unit 300 to perform pre-emission for dimming. In addition, the control unit 105 executes wireless communication between the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 to request the second strobe unit 400 to perform pre-emission for dimming. Thereafter, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S110 and executes strobe imaging in which the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 perform pre-emission. In step S304, the control unit 105 requests the first strobe unit 300 to perform pre-emission for dimming. In addition, the control unit 105 executes wireless communication between the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 to request the second strobe unit 400 to perform pre-emission for dimming. At this time, the control unit 105 performs a shift setting for the second strobe unit 400 to delay the emission timing. Thereafter, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S110, and executes strobe imaging by causing the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 to pre-emit light.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of imaging based on the flowchart of FIG. 10 when an external strobe unit performs pre-emission for dimming for strobe continuous imaging. FIG. 11(a) shows framing of imaging when the process of step S107 of FIG. 10 is being executed. In the framing of imaging of FIG. 11(a), the imaging element 103 repeats strobe imaging in which the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 are actually emitted in a predetermined cycle. Also, the imaging element 103 repeats imaging of a live view image without missing images in a cycle of 60 fps suitable for updating as a live view image. Then, the imaging element 103 performs imaging (accumulation) accompanied by pre-emission of the first strobe unit 300 and pre-emission of the second strobe unit 400 at the shortest non-accumulation (blank) timing between the imaging of two consecutive live view images at the beginning. In this way, when the pre-emission of the first strobe unit 300 and the pre-emission of the second strobe unit 400 in the shortest time do not overlap with the charge accumulation for the live view image by the image sensor 103, the control unit 105 executes wireless communication to execute the pre-emission in the shortest time. The same applies when only the second strobe unit 400 is pre-emitted.

[0041] FIG. 11B shows framing of imaging when the process of step S304 in FIG. 10 is being performed. In the framing of imaging in FIG. 11B, the imaging element 103 repeats strobe imaging in which the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 are actually fired at a predetermined cycle. The imaging element 103 also repeats imaging of a live view image at a cycle of 60 fps suitable for updating as a live view image, without missing any images. The imaging element 103 then delays the timing of firing to perform imaging (accumulation) involving pre-emission of the first strobe unit 300 and pre-emission of the second strobe unit 400 at a non-accumulation (blank) timing so that pre-emission can be performed in a non-accumulation state of a display image. If the pre-emission of the first strobe unit 300 and the pre-emission of the second strobe unit 400 at the shortest time overlaps with charge accumulation for a live view image by the imaging element 103, the control unit 105 performs wireless communication to perform pre-emission later than the shortest time. When the non-accumulation time is equal to or longer than the accumulation time of the electric charge of the image pickup element 103 for the dimming image, the control unit 105 causes at least the second light emitting member 401 to pre-emit at a non-accumulation timing that is delayed from the shortest time. The same is true when only the second strobe unit 400 is pre-emitted.

[0042] FIG. 11(c) shows the framing of the image capture when the processes of steps S108 and S109 in FIG. 10 are being performed. In the framing of the image capture of FIG. 11(c), the image capture element 103 repeats strobe image capture by main-emission of the first strobe unit 300 at a predetermined cycle. The image capture element 103 also repeats image capture of a live view image at a cycle of 60 fps suitable for updating as a live view image. However, image capture of a live view image in the second image capture period is temporarily stopped and missing due to the process of step S108. Then, the image capture element 103 performs image capture (accumulation) involving pre-emission of the first strobe unit 300 and pre-emission of the second strobe unit 400 at the time when image capture of the live view image is stopped. In this way, when the pre-emission of the first strobe unit 300 and the pre-emission of the second strobe unit 400 at the shortest time overlaps with charge accumulation for a live view image by the image capture element 103, the control unit 105 performs wireless communication and performs pre-emission later than the shortest time. If the non-accumulation time is not longer than the accumulation time of the electric charge of the image sensor 103 for the dimming image, the control unit 105 stops the periodic acquisition of the live view image by the first imaging control means so as to thin out the periodic acquisition of the live view image at a timing delayed from the shortest time. Then, the control unit 105 causes at least the second light emitting member 401 to pre-emit at a non-accumulation timing generated by thinning out the periodic acquisition of the live view image at a timing delayed from the shortest time. The same applies to the case where only the second strobe unit 400 is pre-emitted.

[0043] [An example of optimizing the live view image cycle to perform continuous strobe imaging with wireless communication between multiple strobe units and pre-flash for dimming] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of imaging in the imaging device 1 of FIG. 1 in a case where multiple strobe units perform wireless communication and perform pre-emission for dimming in sequence for continuous strobe imaging. The first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 of FIG. 1 have a wireless communication unit 306 as a wireless communication means in order to perform wireless communication. The control unit 105 of the imaging device 1 may execute the control of FIG. 12 in a case where multiple strobe units perform wireless communication and perform pre-emission for dimming in sequence to perform continuous strobe imaging. Steps S102 to S111 and steps S301 to S304 of FIG. 12 are the same as those of FIG. 10, and their description will be omitted. The control unit 105 executes steps S301 and S102 to S104, and if it is determined in step S104 that there is no end operation, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S401.

[0044] In step S401, the control unit 105 determines whether the current frame rate of the live view image is a low frame rate of 30 fps or less. In this way, the control unit 105, as a period control unit, can determine the period at which the first imaging control unit periodically acquires a live view image using the imaging element 103. If the current frame rate of the live view image is 30 fps or less, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S402. If the current frame rate of the live view image is not 30 fps or less, for example, 60 fps, the control unit 105 skips the processes of steps S402 and S403 and advances the process to step S302. In step S402, the control unit 105 temporarily stops display update of the live view image, similar to step S108. The control unit 105 may temporarily suspend display updating of the live view until wireless communication between the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 and pre-emission of the first strobe unit 300 and pre-emission of the second strobe unit 400 are completed. When pre-emission is performed, the light from the pre-emission may affect the image quality of the live view image. Since the display updating of the inter-frame live view is temporarily suspended here, the displayed live view image is not affected. After the temporary suspension period has elapsed, the control unit 105 resumes display updating of the inter-frame live view in step S102.

[0045] In step S403, the control unit 105 updates the frame rate, which is the update cycle of the live view image, to 60 fps. After that, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S302. The control unit 105 executes the process of step S107 according to the determinations of steps S302 and S303. Step S404 is executed when, in step S302, when the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 are pre-emitted for the shortest time, any pre-emission does not overlap with charge accumulation for the live view image by the image sensor 103. In this case, in step S107, the control unit 105 requests pre-emission for dimming at a non-accumulation timing from one of the unprocessed first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400. In addition, after executing strobe imaging with pre-emission in step S110, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S404. In step S404, the control unit 105 determines whether to continue the process of pre-emission of the multiple strobe units in order. If pre-emission of all of the multiple strobe units has not been completed, the control unit 105 determines to continue the process of pre-emission and returns the process to step S107. When pre-emission of all of the multiple strobe units is completed, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S111.

[0046] Step S405 is executed when, in step S302, when the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 are pre-emitted for the shortest time, any pre-emission overlaps with charge accumulation for a live view image by the image sensor 103. Also, in step S105, the non-accumulation (blank) time of the inter-frame live view until the next live view image is captured is equal to or longer than a predetermined value. In this case, in step S304, the control unit 105 requests pre-emission for dimming from one of the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 that has not yet been processed. At this time, the control unit 105 performs a shift setting for the selected strobe unit so as to delay the emission timing. In step S405, the control unit 105 executes strobe imaging with pre-emission of the selected strobe unit. In step S406, the control unit 105 determines whether or not to continue the process of pre-emitting the multiple strobe units in order. If pre-emission for all of the multiple strobe units has not been completed, the control unit 105 determines to continue the pre-emission process and returns the process to step S304. When pre-emission for all of the multiple strobe units has been completed, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S111.

[0047] Step S407 is executed when, in step S302, when the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 are pre-emitted for the shortest time, any of the pre-emissions overlaps with charge accumulation for a live view image by the image sensor 103. Also, in step S105, the non-accumulation (blank) time of the inter-frame live view until the next live view image is captured is not equal to or longer than a predetermined value. In this case, in step S108, the control unit 105 temporarily stops display update of the live view image, and in step S109, requests pre-emission for dimming from one of the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 that has not yet been processed. Then, in step S407, the control unit 105 executes strobe imaging with pre-emission of the selected strobe unit. In step S408, the control unit 105 determines whether or not to continue the process of pre-emitting the multiple strobe units in order. If pre-emission has not been completed for all of the multiple strobe units, the control unit 105 determines to continue the pre-emission process and returns the process to step S108. When pre-emission has been completed for all of the multiple strobe units, the control unit 105 advances the process to step S111.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of imaging based on the flowchart of FIG. 12 in the case where a plurality of strobe units perform pre-emission for dimming in order for continuous strobe imaging. FIG. 13 shows framing of imaging in the case where the processing of steps S108 to S408 of FIG. 12 is performed. In the framing of imaging in FIG. 13, the imaging element 103 repeats strobe imaging in which the first strobe unit 300 performs main emission at a predetermined cycle. Also, the imaging element 103 repeats imaging of live view images at a cycle of 60 fps suitable for updating as live view images. However, due to the processing of steps S401 and S108, imaging of the second and subsequent live view images shown in the figure is temporarily stopped and missing. Then, the imaging element 103 performs imaging (accumulation) with pre-emission of the first strobe unit 300 and imaging (accumulation) with pre-emission of the second strobe unit 400 during the time when imaging of the live view images is stopped. In this way, when the pre-emission of the first strobe unit 300 and the pre-emission of the second strobe unit 400 at the shortest time overlap with the charge accumulation for a live view image by the image sensor 103, the control unit 105 executes wireless communication to delay the pre-emission from the shortest time. The control unit 105 causes the first strobe unit 300 and the second strobe unit 400 to pre-emit in sequence, with a delay from the shortest time.

[0049] Also, for example, when the accumulation time of the live view image becomes long and the frame rate becomes low during imaging in the dark, the execution of pre-emission becomes slow, but in this embodiment, the frame rate of the live view image is forcibly changed to a high one. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the execution of pre-emission from becoming too slow. The process of pre-emitting a plurality of strobe units in sequence can be completed early. In this way, the control unit 105, as a period control means, stops the periodic acquisition of the live view image by the first imaging control means so as to thin out the periodic acquisition of the live view image by the first imaging control means when the period in which the first imaging control means periodically acquires the live view image using the imaging element 103 is longer than a predetermined period. Then, the control unit 105 can change the period in which the first imaging control means periodically acquires the live view image using the imaging element 103 to a predetermined period. Also, after changing the period in which the live view image is periodically acquired using the imaging element 103 to a predetermined period, the control unit 105 can acquire a light control image accompanied by pre-emission of the first light-emitting member 302 using the imaging element 103 for continuous strobe imaging.

[0050] The present invention has been described above in detail based on its preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0051] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more of the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors of a computer in the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Imaging device 100 Device body 103 Image sensor 105 Control section 119 Image display unit 121 Memory 122 Operation section 131 Timer 300 First Strobe Unit 301 Strobe control unit 302 First light-emitting member 304 Strobe control unit 305 Light receiving member 306 Wireless Communication Department 400 Second Strobe Unit 401 Second light-emitting member

Claims

1. An imaging device capable of capturing an image by emitting light from a first light-emitting member using an imaging element, comprising: a first imaging control means for periodically acquiring an image for display using the imaging element; A second imaging control means for acquiring a dimming image accompanied by pre-emission of the first light emitting member by using the imaging element, separately from the first imaging control means; having The second imaging control means causing the first light-emitting member to pre-emit light at a timing when the image pickup element is not storing electric charge for the periodic acquisition of the display image by the first image pickup control means; When a non-accumulation time between periodic charge accumulations of the image pickup element for the display image is equal to or longer than a charge accumulation time of the image pickup element for the dimming image, the first light emitting member is caused to pre-emit light at the timing of the non-accumulation, when a non-accumulation time between periodic charge accumulations of the imaging element for the display image is not longer than a charge accumulation time of the imaging element for the light adjustment image, the periodic acquisition of the display image by the first imaging control means is stopped so as to be thinned out, and the first light emitting member is caused to pre-emit at a non-accumulation timing generated by thinning out the periodic acquisition of the display image; 1. An imaging device comprising:

2. a light pulse communication means for causing the first light emitting member to emit light and communicating with the second light emitting member using light pulses; The optical pulse communication means includes: stopping the periodic acquisition of the display image by the first imaging control means in a thinned manner, and performing communication using optical pulses at non-accumulation timings generated by thinning out the periodic acquisition of the display image; 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device further comprises:

3. a wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with the first light emitting member or a second light emitting member capable of wireless communication with the first light emitting member; The second imaging control means determining whether pre-emission of at least the second light-emitting member among the first light-emitting member and the second light-emitting member in the shortest time overlaps with charge accumulation for the display image by the imaging element; When the first and second light emitting members do not overlap, wireless communication is performed by the wireless communication means, and pre-emission is caused in the shortest time by at least the second light emitting member among the first light emitting member and the second light emitting member; When the overlap occurs, wireless communication is performed by the wireless communication means, and pre-emission is caused to occur for a time later than the shortest time by at least the second light-emitting member among the first light-emitting member and the second light-emitting member.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device further comprises:

4. The second imaging control means When the pre-emission of at least the second light-emitting member among the first light-emitting member and the second light-emitting member in the shortest time overlaps with the charge accumulation for the display image by the imaging element, it is further determined whether a non-accumulation time between the periodic charge accumulation of the imaging element for the display image is equal to or longer than the charge accumulation time of the imaging element for the light adjustment image, when the non-accumulation time is equal to or longer than the charge accumulation time of the imaging element for the light adjustment image, pre-emission of at least the second light-emitting member among the first light-emitting member and the second light-emitting member at the non-accumulation timing that is delayed from the shortest time, When the non-accumulation time is not longer than an accumulation time of electric charge of the imaging element for the light adjustment image, the periodic acquisition of the display image by the first imaging control means is stopped so as to be thinned out, and at least the second light-emitting member among the first light-emitting member and the second light-emitting member is pre-emitted at a non-accumulation timing generated by thinning out the periodic acquisition of the display image at a timing delayed from the shortest time.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3.

5. a period control means for determining a period for the first imaging control means to periodically acquire an image for display using the imaging element; The period control means When the period during which the first imaging control means periodically acquires the display image using the imaging element is longer than a predetermined period, Stopping the periodic acquisition of the display images by the first imaging control means in a thinned manner, changing a period in which the first imaging control means periodically acquires the display image using the imaging element to the predetermined period; 5. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is a lens.

6. The second imaging control means The cycle control means changes the cycle in which the first imaging control means periodically acquires the display image using the imaging element to the predetermined cycle, and then acquires a dimming image accompanied by pre-emission of the first light-emitting member using the imaging element.

6. The imaging device according to claim 5,

7. A method for controlling an imaging device capable of performing light emission photography using an imaging element while a first light-emitting member is illuminated, comprising: a first imaging control step of periodically acquiring an image for display using the imaging element; a second imaging control step of acquiring a dimming image accompanied by pre-emission of the first light emitting member by using the imaging element, separately from the first imaging control step; having The second imaging control step includes: causing the first light-emitting member to pre-emit light at a timing when the image pickup element is not accumulating charge for cyclically acquiring the display image by the first image pickup control step; When a non-accumulation time between periodic charge accumulations of the image pickup element for the display image is equal to or longer than a charge accumulation time of the image pickup element for the dimming image, the first light emitting member is caused to pre-emit light at the timing of the non-accumulation, When a non-accumulation time between periodic charge accumulations of the imaging element for the display image is not equal to or longer than a charge accumulation time of the imaging element for the light adjustment image, the periodic acquisition of the display image in the first imaging control step is stopped so as to be thinned out, and the first light emitting member is caused to pre-emit light at a non-accumulation timing generated by thinning out the periodic acquisition of the display image.

23. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus comprising the steps of:

Images