Lighting control device and system, imaging device

Abstract

To prevent insufficiency in the quantity of light in main light emission.SOLUTION: A control device control unit 301 communicates with illumination devices 400 via a control device ACC shoe 306 or via a control device wireless communication unit 302. The control device control unit 301 communicates with a camera control unit 101 of a camera 100, and transmits (outputs), to the camera 100, light quantity information indicating an added light quantity obtained by adding up the quantities of light from the plurality of illumination devices 400 connected with a control unit 300. The control device control unit 301 acquires a required light quantity Y required for imaging performed by an imaging unit, and determines the quantities of light A to D of the illumination device 400 used for main light emission during the imaging, of the illumination devices in established communication based on the required light quantity Y. The control device control unit 301 controls the illumination device 400 to emit light at the determined quantities of light A to D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, photography has been performed using clip-on lighting devices or lighting devices fixed to stands. In these photography, the photographer places lighting devices fixed to stands, for example, around the subject and controls the shadows on the subject by diffusing the light from the lighting devices with an umbrella or diffuser. When photography is performed using such lighting devices, the position and light intensity of the lighting device are adjusted to emit the desired amount of light.

[0003] As an example of photography, in order to overcome the lack of light in a large space or when the subject is far away, a method is known in which multiple lighting devices are fixed to the same stand and the light sources of the lighting devices are brought close to each other to simulate high light emission. When using such lighting devices, repeated high-intensity light emission can result in the lighting devices being unable to charge in time with the camera's continuous shooting speed, resulting in missing light emissions or inability to emit light due to heat generation restrictions.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a control system that assigns numbers to multiple sub-accessories connected to a main accessory and communicates with each sub-accessory independently, making it easier to recognize the identification numbers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-159844 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a function for identifying the main accessory and sub-accessories in multiple lighting devices and a communication function for communicating with them. However, since there is no control for changing the light-emitting operation according to the communication status of each lighting device, it is necessary to change the settings for each lighting device. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of eliminating insufficient light output and missed light emission during main lighting.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to prevent a shortage of light quantity during main light emission. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a communication means for communicating with a plurality of lighting devices, and a lighting control system for controlling the lighting control system, the lighting control system including: a communication means for communicating with a plurality of lighting devices; and a lighting control system for controlling the lighting control system, the lighting control system including the communication means ... Send to imaging device an output means for outputting the of the imaging device The lighting device includes: an acquisition means for acquiring a required light emission amount indicating a light emission amount required for imaging by an imaging unit; a determination means for determining, based on the required light emission amount acquired by the acquisition means, a light emission amount of an illumination device to be used for main light emission during imaging, among illumination devices with which communication has been established by the communication means; and a control means for causing the illumination device to be used for main light emission to emit light at the light emission amount determined by the determination means. The light amount information is total light amount information indicating a light amount obtained by adding together the maximum light amounts of the lighting devices with which the communication has been established, and when the total light amount information exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, the output means transmits information indicating the upper limit value as the light amount information to the imaging device. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a shortage of light quantity during main light emission. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an imaging system; [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing camera processing. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing camera processing, continuing from FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a first control device process. [Figure 5]10 is a flowchart showing a second control device process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a total light amount calculation process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a lighting device process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a light emitting operation process. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a light emission control process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a light emission control process. [Figure 13] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an imaging system; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First embodiment) 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an imaging system to which a lighting control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. The imaging system (lighting control system) includes a camera 100 as an imaging device, a photographing lens 200, a control device 300 as a lighting control device, and a plurality of lighting devices 400 (400a to 400d).

[0013] A photographic lens 200 is attached to the front of the camera 100. The photographic lens 200 is replaceable, and the camera 100 and the photographic lens 200 are electrically connected via a mount contact group 103. A camera ACC shoe 109 is provided on the top surface of the camera 100. The camera control unit 101 is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the camera 100. The camera control unit 101 also has an internal memory that stores various adjustment values ​​and programs for executing various controls. This internal memory also serves as a buffer memory that temporarily stores various data processed in various places.

[0014] The image sensor 102 converts light from a subject incident through the lens 202 into an electrical signal, generates an image signal including a still image and a moving image, and outputs the signal to the camera control unit 101. The shutter 104 is a focal plane shutter. The shutter 104 is disposed between the image sensor 102 and the lens 202, and operates in response to instructions from the camera control unit 101. The shutter 104 is composed of a front curtain and a rear curtain, and exposure of the image sensor 102 begins when the front curtain travels and the shutter opens, and ends when the rear curtain travels and the shutter closes.

[0015] The camera operation unit 105 includes operation members operated by the user. The camera operation unit 105 detects operations performed by the user via buttons, switches, dials, connected devices, etc., and sends a signal corresponding to the operation instruction to the camera control unit 101. In the still image mode, the camera operation unit 105 outputs an instruction signal (hereinafter referred to as an SW1 signal) to the camera control unit 101 when the user half-presses the release button. The camera operation unit 105 also outputs an instruction signal (hereinafter referred to as an SW2 signal) to the camera control unit 101 when the release button is fully pressed. In the video mode, the camera operation unit 105 outputs an instruction signal (hereinafter referred to as a REC signal) to the camera control unit 101 when the user operates the record button. The camera display unit 106 displays shooting information and captured images in response to instructions from the camera control unit 101.

[0016] The camera control unit 101 controls the operation of the camera 100 based on an output signal from the camera operation unit 105. When the output signal from the camera operation unit 105 is an SW1 signal, the camera control unit 101 drives the image sensor 102 to capture an image and outputs focus information such as the defocus amount at each ranging point. Furthermore, the camera control unit 101 detects the subject from the captured image results, repeats photometry control (AE operation) to measure the brightness of the subject, and determines the shutter speed, aperture value, and ISO sensitivity to be used during shooting from the photometry results. Here, the shutter speed, aperture value, and ISO sensitivity to be used during shooting are collectively referred to as the "exposure control value." The determined exposure control value is displayed on the screen of the camera display unit 106.

[0017] When the output signal from the camera operation unit 105 is an SW2 ON signal, the camera control unit 101 drives the aperture 203 in the lens 202, sets the sensitivity (ISO sensitivity) of the image sensor 102, and controls the shutter 104 to irradiate the image sensor 102 with light. When the output signal from the camera operation unit 105 is a REC signal, the camera control unit 101 sets the sensitivity (ISO sensitivity) and frame rate of the image sensor 102, drives the image sensor 102 to capture an image, and outputs focus information such as the defocus amount at each ranging point. Furthermore, the camera control unit 101 detects a subject from the captured image and irradiates the image sensor 102 with light while repeating photometry control (AE operation) that measures the brightness of the subject. In accordance with instructions from the camera control unit 101, the lens control unit 201 drives a focus lens (not shown) in the lens 202 to adjust the focus, and repeats autofocus. The camera control unit 101 controls the display of a captured image on the screen of the camera display unit 106 in accordance with image data acquired from the image sensor 102, and also controls the writing of image data (including sound information) into the storage unit 107.

[0018] The camera wireless communication unit 108 is, for example, a wireless communication module such as an infrared communication module, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication module, or a wireless LAN communication module. The camera wireless communication unit 108 performs wireless communication with an external device, transmitting and receiving data such as image signals, audio signals, compressed image data, and compressed audio data. The camera wireless communication unit 108 also transmits and receives control signals related to shooting, such as shooting start and end commands, and other information.

[0019] The camera ACC shoe 109 can connect to various external accessories equipped with a shoe, and communication with the external accessories is possible via a group of contacts (not shown) provided within the camera ACC shoe 109. The camera audio input unit 110 picks up audio around the camera 100 using a built-in microphone or an external microphone connected via an audio input terminal, converts the acquired audio data from analog to digital, and sends it to the camera control unit 101. The camera control unit 101 performs audio-related processing such as adjusting the level of the input digital audio signal, reducing specific frequencies, and detecting audio. The camera control unit 101 then performs synthesis processing on image data acquired by the image sensor 102 and audio data acquired from an external microphone, and controls the writing of image data with audio information to the storage unit 107.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the photographing lens 200 will be described. The lens control unit 201 is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the photographing lens 200. The lens 202 is made up of multiple lenses including, for example, a focus lens, and forms an image of a subject on the image sensor 102. Furthermore, the photographing lens 200 is provided with an aperture 203 for adjusting the amount of light. The lens control unit 201 adjusts the amount of light taken into the camera and the focus in accordance with instructions from the camera control unit 101, using control via the mount contact group 103, and sends distance information and the like at that time to the camera control unit 101.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the control device 300 will be described. The control device control unit 301 (control means) is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the control device 300. The control device control unit 301 is capable of wireless communication with the camera wireless communication unit 108, external lighting devices, etc. via the control device wireless communication unit 302. The control device wireless communication unit 302 is, for example, a wireless communication module such as an infrared communication module, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication module, or a wireless LAN communication module. For example, the control device wireless communication unit 302 can receive light emission instructions and camera information from the camera 100, as well as send and receive control device information, lighting device information, etc. The control device wireless communication unit 302 also sends and receives control signals related to shooting, such as shooting start and end commands, and other information.

[0022] The control device controller 301 may be connected to the camera ACC shoe 109 via the control device shoe 305 and communicate with the camera controller 101. In other words, communication with the camera controller 101 may be wired or wireless.

[0023] The control device operation unit 303 has operation members operated by the user, detects operations performed by the user via buttons, dials, etc., and sends signals according to the operation instructions to the control device control unit 301. The control device display unit 304 displays information such as the communication status with the camera 100 and the connection status with the lighting device 400, in response to instructions from the control device control unit 301.

[0024] The control device ACC shoes 306 (306a to 306d) are connection units (communication means: shoe units) that connect the lighting devices 400. Fig. 1 shows a state in which lighting device shoes 406 (406a to 406d) of lighting devices 400a to 400d are connected to the control device ACC shoes 306a to 306d.

[0025] Although the control device ACC shoes 306 are provided in four locations, the number is not limiting. For ease of connection, the control device ACC shoes 306, lighting devices 400, and lighting device shoes 406 are assigned the same symbols a, b, c, and d to correspond to each other. The lighting devices 400a to 400d share a common configuration. The lighting device shoes 406a to 406d share a common configuration. The control device ACC shoes 306a to 306a share a common configuration. Therefore, in describing these configurations, the configurations of the control device ACC shoe 306a, lighting device shoe 406a, and lighting device 400a will be described as representatives. The external appearance of the control device ACC shoes 306a to 306d of the control device 300 connected to the lighting devices 400a to 400d, respectively, will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0026] Any lighting device 400 can be connected to the control device ACC shoe 306a. The lighting device 400 connected to the control device ACC shoe 306a becomes the lighting device 400a. The control device ACC shoe 306a can communicate with the lighting device control unit 401 of the lighting device 400a via a contact group (not shown) provided in the control device ACC shoe 306a, and can send and receive lighting device information, control device information, and the like.

[0027] Next, the configuration of the lighting device 400a will be described. The lighting device control unit 401 is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the lighting device 400a. The lighting device control unit 401 can communicate with the control device control unit 301 via the lighting device shoe 406a and the control device ACC shoe 306a, and can send and receive instructions such as light emission instructions, light intensity instructions, illumination angle instructions, and information about each lighting device.

[0028] The lighting device wireless communication unit 402, like the camera wireless communication unit 108 and the control device wireless communication unit 302, can perform wireless communication with the camera 100, the control device 300, and other lighting devices (not shown). The lighting device wireless communication unit 402 is, for example, a wireless communication module such as an infrared communication module, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication module, or a wireless LAN communication module.

[0029] The lighting device operation unit 403 includes operation members such as a power switch, a mode setting switch for setting an operation mode, setting buttons for setting various parameters, etc. In response to input to the lighting device operation unit 403, the lighting device control unit 401 executes various processes.

[0030] The lighting device display unit 404 displays setting information according to input from the lighting device operation unit 403, and information such as the communication status with the control device 300 and the lighting device 400a, in response to instructions from the lighting device control unit 401. The lighting device light emitting unit 405 receives a light emitting operation instruction from the lighting device control unit 401 and emits light at a specified timing and light intensity. The lighting device light emitting unit 405 is mainly composed of a discharge tube, a reflector, a zoom optical system, etc. (not shown), and the light emission irradiation range can be changed by moving the zoom optical system.

[0031] The processing operation of camera 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figures 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing camera processing. This processing is realized by a CPU provided in camera control unit 101 expanding a program stored in ROM into RAM (neither is shown) and executing it. This processing starts when a power switch (not shown) in camera 100 is turned on to enable operation.

[0032] In step S100, the camera control unit 101 initializes the memory and ports. The camera control unit 101 also reads the switch states and preset input information input from the camera operation unit 105, and sets various shooting modes such as how to determine the shutter speed and how to determine the aperture.

[0033] In step S101, the camera control unit 101 determines whether the shutter button is half-pressed (whether SW1, which instructs the shooting preparation operation, is on), waits until SW1 is on, and when SW1 is on, proceeds to step S102.

[0034] In step S102, the camera control unit 101 communicates with the lens control unit 201 via the communication line (mount contact group 103) and acquires lens information including focal length information of the photographic lens 200 and information necessary for focus detection processing and photometry processing. In step S103, the camera control unit 101 controls the camera wireless communication unit 108 to determine whether communication with the control device 300 is possible. If communication with the control device 300 is possible, the camera control unit 101 proceeds to step S104, and if communication with the control device 300 is not possible, the camera control unit 101 proceeds to step S106.

[0035] In step S104, the camera control unit 101 communicates with the control device control unit 301 of the control device 300 via communication lines (camera wireless communication unit 108 and control device wireless communication unit 302). The camera control unit 101 then transmits the focal length information acquired in step S102, the pre-set light emission mode, and the like to the control device control unit 301 as camera information. In response to this, the control device control unit 301 transmits the received focal length information to the lighting device control unit 401. The control device control unit 301 also instructs the lighting device control unit 401 to output the lighting device information stored in its memory, and the lighting device control unit 401 outputs the lighting device information to the control device control unit 301. This lighting device information includes current light emission mode information, main capacitor charge information, remaining battery capacity information, and the like.

[0036] In step S105, the camera control unit 101 receives total light intensity information as control device information. This total light intensity information indicates the total light intensity obtained by adding up the light intensities of the multiple lighting devices 400 connected to the control device 300, and is calculated by a control calculation (step S307 in FIG. 4) described later. In other words, the total light intensity is the total light intensity when the multiple lighting devices 400 that have established communication with the control device 300 are caused to emit light simultaneously.

[0037] In step S106, the camera control unit 101 determines whether the shooting mode set in the camera 100 is a mode in which automatic focus detection operation is performed (AF mode). If the shooting mode set is AF mode, the camera control unit 101 proceeds to step S107, and if the shooting mode set is not AF mode but MF mode (manual mode), the camera control unit 101 proceeds to step S109.

[0038] In step S107, the camera control unit 101 performs focus detection using a well-known phase difference detection method. The camera control unit 101 also determines which of the multiple focus detection areas should be given priority for focusing, based on the input from the camera operation unit 105 and a well-known automatic selection algorithm that is based on the idea of ​​prioritizing the near point.

[0039] In step S108, the camera control unit 101 stores the focus detection area determined in step S107 in the RAM within the camera control unit 101. The camera control unit 101 also calculates the lens drive amount based on the focal length information output result. The camera control unit 101 communicates with the lens control unit 201 and instructs it to drive the lens. In response to this, the lens control unit 201 drives the lens 202 based on the calculation result (lens drive amount) in step S107. After step S108, the camera control unit 101 proceeds to step S109.

[0040] In step S109, the camera control unit 101 performs photometry using a photometry unit (not shown) and obtains the subject luminance value of each of the multiple photometry areas. In step S110, the camera control unit 101 processes the gain setting input by the camera operation unit 105 using a gain switching unit (not shown). The camera control unit 101 also transmits gain setting information to the control device control unit 301 of the control device 300. In step S111, the camera control unit 101 calculates an exposure value using a well-known algorithm from the subject luminance values ​​of each of the multiple photometry areas.

[0041] In step S112, the camera control unit 101 determines whether or not a charging completion signal (output in step S311, described later) indicating that charging of the lighting device 400 has been completed has been received from the control device control unit 301. If the charging completion signal has been received, the camera control unit 101 proceeds to step S113, and if the charging completion signal has not been received, the camera control unit 101 proceeds to step S114.

[0042] In step S112, the determination result as to whether or not a charging completion signal has been received from the lighting device control unit 401 is stored in RAM or the like within the camera control unit 101. In addition, if it is determined in step S103 that communication with the control device 300 is not possible, the camera control unit 101 does not determine in step S112 whether or not a charging completion signal has been received, because there is no lighting device 400 with which communication has been established, and so the process proceeds to step S114.

[0043] In step S113, the camera control unit 101 determines a shutter speed (Tv) and aperture value (Av) for a flash that are suitable for photographing using a lighting device, based on the exposure value calculated in step S111. Meanwhile, in step S114, the camera control unit 101 determines a shutter speed (Tv) and aperture value (Av) for natural light that are suitable for photographing without emitting light from the lighting device (non-flash photographing), based on the exposure value calculated in step S111. After steps S113 and S114, the camera control unit 101 proceeds to step S115.

[0044] In step S115, the camera control unit 101 determines whether the shutter button is fully pressed (SW2 is on). If SW2 is not on, the camera control unit 101 returns to step S101, and if SW2 is on, the camera control unit 101 proceeds to step S116 (FIG. 3).

[0045] In step S116, the camera control unit 101 communicates with the control device control unit 301 of the control device 300 and transmits camera information. In step S117, the camera control unit 101 performs a first photometry operation (photometry of ambient light) without issuing a light emission instruction to the lighting device 400.

[0046] In step S118, the camera control unit 101 transmits camera information to the control device control unit 301 to perform pre-flash communication for firing a pre-flash in the lighting device 400. The camera information here includes pre-flash communication information and information such as the light emission mode transmitted in step S314 of Fig. 5, which will be described later. The transmitted camera information is transferred by the control device control unit 301 to the lighting device control unit 401 via the control device wireless communication unit 302 and the control device ACC shoe 306.

[0047] In step S119, the camera control unit 101 performs a second photometry operation with the lighting device 400 pre-emitting light. Then, the camera control unit 101 calculates the shutter speed, aperture value, and light emission amount of the lighting device 400 using a well-known calculation method based on the photometry results of steps S117 and S119.

[0048] In step S120, the camera control unit 101 performs light intensity setting communication. Here, the camera control unit 101 communicates with the control device control unit 301 of the control device 300 and transmits the required light intensity Y indicating the light intensity obtained in step S119. This required light intensity Y is the light intensity required for main light emission of the lighting device 400 during shooting, and is received by the control device 300 in step S315 (FIG. 5) described later.

[0049] In step S121, the camera control unit 101 communicates with the control device control unit 301 and transmits a light emission command. In step S122, the camera control unit 101 performs shutter and diaphragm operations. At this time, the camera control unit 101 changes the output timing of the front curtain travel signal (front curtain operation start signal) based on delay information of the lighting device 400 and a correction value for correcting changes due to variations in the operation of the front curtain, which is stored in the memory of the camera control unit 101.

[0050] In step S123, the camera control unit 101 performs main light emission, that is, causes the lighting device 400 to emit the main light for exposure. At this time, the camera control unit 101 performs light emission trigger communication with the lighting device 400 via the control device 300. The camera control unit 101 transmits light emission trigger information, which is a light emission instruction, to the control device 300, and in response to this, the control device control unit 301 of the control device 300 instructs the lighting device 400 used for this image capture to emit the main light.

[0051] When the exposure operation is completed, in step S124, the camera control unit 101 converts the analog signal output from the image sensor 102 and amplified by the gain switching unit into a digital signal using an A / D converter. Furthermore, the camera control unit 101 performs predetermined signal processing such as white balance on the image data converted into a digital signal using a signal processing circuit. In step S125, the camera control unit 101 records the processed image data in a memory (not shown), and the camera processing shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ends.

[0052] Next, the operation of the control device 300 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the first control device process. This process is realized by the CPU provided in the control device control unit 301 expanding a program stored in ROM into RAM (neither is shown) and executing it. This process starts when the control device 300 is powered on and becomes operable.

[0053] In step S300, the control device control unit 301 initializes the memory and ports. The control device control unit 301 also reads the switch states input by the control device operation unit 303 and preset input information, and sets the lighting device shooting mode, light emission amount, etc. This information regarding the lighting device shooting mode, light emission amount, etc. is stored in RAM in the lighting device control unit 401. If wireless communication is set to be performed, the control device control unit 301 controls the control device wireless communication unit 302 to scan channels by emitting wireless frequencies, and can search for the camera wireless communication unit 108 or the lighting device wireless communication unit 402 as a communication partner.

[0054] In step S301, control device control unit 301 controls control device wireless communication unit 302 to determine whether or not communication with camera 100 is possible. If control device control unit 301 can communicate with camera 100, the process proceeds to step S302, and if communication with camera 100 is not possible, the process proceeds to step S309.

[0055] In step S302, the control device controller 301 communicates with the camera controller 101 of the camera 100 via the communication line (the camera wireless communication unit 108 and the control device wireless communication unit 302). Then, the control device controller 301 receives the camera information such as the focus detection distance and the light emission mode of the camera 100 transmitted in step S104.

[0056] In step S303, control device control unit 301 determines whether or not there are any lighting devices 400 with which it can communicate via control device ACC shoe 306 or any lighting devices 400 with which it can communicate via control device wireless communication unit 302. If there are any lighting devices 400 with which it can communicate, control device control unit 301 proceeds to step S304, and if there are no lighting devices 400 with which it can communicate, it proceeds to step S309. In step S304, control device control unit 301 identifies any lighting devices 400 with which it can communicate via control device ACC shoe 306 or control device wireless communication unit 302 (identifies connection ports).

[0057] In step S305, the control device controller 301 transmits the camera information such as the focus detection distance and the light emission mode received in step S302 to the lighting device 400. This information is received by the lighting device 400 in step S403 (FIG. 7).

[0058] In step S306, the control device control unit 301 receives information such as the individual ID, setting conditions, and maximum light emission amount of each lighting device 400 that has been identified as being communicable. Therefore, the control device control unit 301 obtains information indicating the maximum light emission amount that can be emitted by each lighting device 400 with which communication has been established via the control device ACC shoe 306 or the control device wireless communication unit 302.

[0059] In step S307, the control device control unit 301 executes a total light intensity calculation process (FIG. 6) described below based on information about the communicable lighting devices 400. In step S308, the control device control unit 301 as an output unit communicates with the camera control unit 101 of the camera 100, and transmits (outputs) to the camera 100 the information about the lighting devices 400 (lighting device information) acquired in step S306 and the total light intensity information acquired in step S307.

[0060] In step S309, the control device control unit 301 displays the lighting device information stored therein on the control device display unit 304. If communication with the camera 100 or the lighting device 400 is not possible in step S301 or step S303, notification processing such as displaying a warning may be performed. After step S309, the control device control unit 301 ends the processing shown in FIG. 4.

[0061] 5 is a flowchart showing the second control device processing. This processing is realized by the CPU provided in the control device control unit 301 expanding a program stored in ROM into RAM (neither is shown) and executing it. This processing starts when the first control device processing shown in FIG. 4 ends.

[0062] In step S310, the control device control unit 301 determines whether charging of the communicable lighting device 400 is complete. This is determined based on whether a charging completion signal or a charging incomplete signal transmitted in step S408 or S407 (FIG. 7) described below has been received, and if a charging completion signal has been received, it is determined that charging of the lighting device 400 is complete. If charging of the lighting device 400 is not complete, the control device control unit 301 waits until charging is complete, and if charging is complete, the control device control unit 301 proceeds to step S311.

[0063] In step S311, the control device controller 301 outputs a charging completion signal for each communicable lighting device 400 to the camera controller 101. This charging completion signal is used by the camera controller 101 to determine whether charging of the lighting device 400 is complete in step S112 in FIG.

[0064] In step S312, the control device control unit 301 determines whether SW2, which instructs the camera 100 to start shooting, has been turned on, based on information from the camera 100. If SW2 is off, the control device control unit 301 returns to step S310, and if SW2 is on, the control device control unit 301 proceeds to step S313.

[0065] In step S313, the control device control unit 301 again receives camera information such as pre-flash communication information and light emission mode information transmitted from the camera control unit 101 in step S118. In step S314, the control device control unit 301 transmits the camera information such as the pre-flash communication information (including a pre-flash start signal) and light emission mode received in step S313 to the lighting device control unit 401. When pre-flash is performed by the lighting device 400 in response to the camera information transmitted in step S314, a second photometry operation of the camera 100 is performed in step S119 of FIG.

[0066] In step S315, the control device controller 301 as an acquisition unit receives the required light emission amount Y transmitted from the camera controller 101 in step S120 and the light emission trigger information transmitted in step S123. In step S316, the control device controller 301 executes light emission control processing (FIG. 11). As will be described in detail later, in the light emission control processing, the control device controller 301 performs processing such as transmitting a main light emission instruction to a communicable lighting device 400 based on the required light emission amount Y received in step S315 and the information received in step S306.

[0067] In step S317, the control device controller 301 receives the light emission end information transmitted in step S414, which will be described later, from the lighting device 400 that transmitted the main light emission instruction. This allows the control device controller 301 to recognize that the main light emission of the lighting device 400 has been completed. In step S318, the control device controller 301 performs light emission end processing to transmit a packet to the camera controller 101 notifying that the sequence of the shooting operation using the lighting device has ended, and ends the processing shown in FIG. 5.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the total light amount calculation process executed in step S307 of FIG.

[0069] In step S319, control device control unit 301 determines whether there are two or more lighting devices with which communication is possible (communication is established) via control device ACC shoe 306 or control device wireless communication unit 302. If there is one lighting device with which communication is possible, control device control unit 301 ends the processing shown in Fig. 6, and if there are two or more lighting devices with which communication is possible, control device control unit 301 proceeds to step S320.

[0070] In step S320, the control device control unit 301 associates the connection positions by storing the correspondence between the communicable lighting devices 400 identified in step S304 and the lighting device shoes 406a to 406d. At this time, even if a lighting device with which communication is established between the control device wireless communication unit 302 and the lighting device wireless communication unit 402 is included, the control device control unit 301 associates the connection positions by storing the respective communication lines (identification ports).

[0071] In step S321, the control device controller 301 acquires lighting device setting information for lighting devices 400 with which it can communicate. This lighting device setting information includes mode information. This mode information is setting information that indicates the operation to be performed by the lighting device 400, such as a mode in which main light is emitted after the aforementioned pre-flash, or a mode in which main light is emitted at a preset light intensity when the camera is released. In step S322, the control device controller 301 acquires information that indicates the maximum light emission intensity for each lighting device 400 with which it can communicate. This information was received in step S306 of FIG. 4.

[0072] In step S323, the control device controller 301 calculates the total light intensity Xmax, which is the maximum light intensity (upper limit of the total light intensity) when the lighting devices 400 with which communication has been established emit light simultaneously, using formula (1) based on the maximum light intensity of each lighting device 400. Note that, taking an example where there are four lighting devices 400 with which communication has been established, the individual maximum light intensity of the lighting devices 400a to 400d is denoted as Amax to Dmax.

[0073]

number

[0074] As shown in FIG. 9, which will be described later, it is desirable that the distances between the multiple lighting devices 400 and the subject are approximately uniform. This is because the total light amount Xmax is the total light amount obtained from the maximum light amounts Amax, Bmax, Cmax, and Dmax of each lighting device 400, and does not take into account the positional relationship between each lighting device 400 and the subject, and differences in distance affect the amount of light that reaches the subject. However, if the positional relationship between each lighting device 400 is known through communication, the difference in distance from each lighting device 400 to the subject may be reflected in equation (1). For example, the difference in distance may be expressed as a relational expression between the light amounts Amax, Bmax, Cmax, and Dmax and applied to equation (1).

[0075] In step S324, the control device control unit 301 displays the lighting device setting information and information indicating the total light amount Xmax obtained in steps S321 to S323 on the control device display unit 304. Note that the information displayed on the control device display unit 304 may include communication capability information for each of the control device ACC shoes 306 and linking information for the multiple lighting devices 400 obtained in step S320.

[0076] In step S325, the control device control unit 301 determines whether or not the settings of each communicable lighting device 400 have been changed. If there is a lighting device 400 whose settings have been changed, the control device control unit 301 returns to step S321, and if there is no lighting device 400 whose settings have been changed, the control device control unit 301 ends the processing shown in FIG.

[0077] Therefore, when the control device 300 finishes calculating the total light amount, the camera control unit 101 transmits information about the multiple lighting devices 400 obtained via the control device 300 to the camera 100 (S308). This makes it possible to regard one lighting device with the total light amount Xmax as the upper limit light amount as being connected.

[0078] In this embodiment, the light intensity information indicating the total light intensity obtained by adding together the light intensities of the multiple lighting devices connected to the control device is transmitted as light intensity information indicating the total light intensity obtained by adding together the maximum light emission levels of each lighting device. However, this light intensity does not have to be the total maximum light emission level. In this embodiment, since four lighting devices are connected to the control device, the total maximum light emission level is approximately four times the maximum light emission level of a single lighting device. However, if a large number of lighting devices can be connected to the control device, the total maximum light emission level of each lighting device may become very large, and the camera receiving the light intensity information may interpret it as error information. For example, if ten lighting devices can be connected to the control device, the total maximum light emission level may be approximately ten times the maximum light emission level of a single lighting device, which may exceed the maximum light emission level of the lighting devices expected by the camera. In this case, the camera may consider the received light intensity information to be error information and be unable to perform shooting with the lighting devices lit. Therefore, a predetermined upper limit may be set for the light intensity information indicating the total light intensity obtained by adding up the light intensities of the multiple lighting devices connected to the control device, and if the total light intensity obtained by adding up the maximum light emission intensities of the lighting devices exceeds the upper limit, the upper limit may be transmitted as the light intensity information. This upper limit may be changed depending on the camera to which the control device is attached.

[0079] The processing operation of lighting device 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing lighting device processing. This processing is realized by a CPU provided in lighting device control unit 401 expanding a program stored in ROM into RAM (neither is shown) and executing it. This processing starts when lighting device 400 is powered on and becomes operable.

[0080] In step S401, the lighting device control unit 401 initializes the memory and ports. The lighting device control unit 401 also reads the switch state and preset input information input from the lighting device operation unit 403, and sets the lighting device photography mode, light emission amount, etc. This information regarding the lighting device photography mode, light emission amount, etc. is stored in the RAM in the lighting device control unit 401.

[0081] In step S402, the lighting device control unit 401 starts the operation of the boost circuit to start charging the main capacitor (not shown). In step S403, the lighting device control unit 401 acquires camera information such as focal length information and light emission mode from the control device control unit 301 via the communication lines (camera wireless communication unit 108 and control device wireless communication unit 302). This camera information was transmitted in step S305 (FIG. 4).

[0082] In step S404, the lighting device control unit 401 displays the lighting device information stored in the memory on the lighting device display unit 404. In step S405, the lighting device control unit 401 communicates with the control device control unit 301 and transmits the lighting device information including the wireless lighting device setting information.

[0083] In step S406, the lighting device control unit 401 determines, via a voltage detection circuit, whether the voltage boosted by a boost circuit (not shown) has reached a voltage level required for the discharge tube to emit light, i.e., whether charging has been completed. If the required voltage level has not been reached and charging has not been completed, the lighting device control unit 401 proceeds to step S407, and if the required voltage level has been reached and charging has been completed, the lighting device control unit 401 proceeds to step S408.

[0084] In step S407, the lighting device control unit 401 outputs a charging incomplete signal indicating that charging is not complete, notifies the control device control unit 301 that the device is not ready to emit light, and returns to step S402. On the other hand, in step S408, the lighting device control unit 401 outputs a charging complete signal indicating that charging is complete, notifying the control device control unit 301 that the device is ready to emit light.

[0085] In step S409, the lighting device control unit 401 checks the charging state and determines whether the charging level is equal to or lower than the threshold. If the charging level is equal to or lower than the threshold, the process returns to step S402 and starts recharging. On the other hand, if the charging level exceeds the threshold, the lighting device control unit 401 proceeds to step S410. In step S410, the lighting device control unit 401 determines, based on information from the camera 100, whether SW2, which instructs the camera 100 to start shooting, has been turned on. If SW2 is off, the lighting device control unit 401 returns to step S409, and if SW2 is on, the process proceeds to step S411.

[0086] In step S411, the lighting device control unit 401 performs pre-flash communication using the lighting device 400 on the condition that a pre-flash start signal has been transmitted. That is, first, the lighting device control unit 401 determines whether pre-flash communication information (including a pre-flash start signal) has been output / transmitted from the control device control unit 301 in step S314 of Fig. 5. Then, if a pre-flash start signal has been output / transmitted, the lighting device control unit 401 performs pre-flash communication using the lighting device 400. In response to this, the camera control unit 101 performs the second photometry operation in step S119 of Fig. 3.

[0087] In step S412, the lighting device control unit 401 receives the light intensity setting information transmitted from the control device control unit 301. This light intensity setting information is information indicating the main light emission amount (light emission amounts A to D), and is transmitted from the control device control unit 301 in step S603 in the light emission control process (FIG. 11) described later.

[0088] In step S413, the lighting device control unit 401 executes the light emission operation process (FIG. 8) for the main light emission. Therefore, the main light emission operation of the lighting device 400 is performed on the condition that the lighting device light emission start signal (light emission trigger information) has been transmitted.

[0089] In step S414, the lighting device control unit 401 performs a light emission termination process to transmit a packet notifying the control device control unit 301 that the lighting device photographing operation sequence has ended as light emission termination information, and terminates the process shown in Figure 7.

[0090] 8 is a flowchart showing the light emission operation process. This process is executed in step S411 or step S413. When this process is executed in step S411, it becomes a light emission operation process for pre-emission, and when it is executed in step S413, it becomes a light emission operation process for main emission.

[0091] In step S501, the lighting device control unit 401 determines whether or not light emission trigger information, which is a signal for starting light emission, has been transmitted from the camera control unit 101 via the control device control unit 301. If light emission trigger information has not been transmitted, the lighting device control unit 401 ends the processing shown in Fig. 8. On the other hand, if light emission trigger information has been transmitted, the lighting device control unit 401 proceeds to step S502.

[0092] In step S502, the lighting device control unit 401 performs a process to start light emission. In step S503, the lighting device control unit 401 continues light emission until the light emission stop condition is met. That is, the lighting device control unit 401 monitors whether the light emission level has reached the main light emission level received in step S412, and if the light emission level has reached the main light emission level, it determines that the light emission stop condition is met. In this case, the lighting device control unit 401 first receives light from the discharge tube with a photodiode (not shown), either directly or via a glass fiber or the like. Then, the lighting device control unit 401 integrates the received light current of the photodiode using an integration circuit and emits light so as to achieve the main light emission level. Note that the pre-flash intensity may be set to a small light intensity, such as 1 / 32 of the full light emission intensity, and the main light emission intensity may be set to a relative value of the pre-flash intensity.

[0093] In step S504, the lighting device control section 401 outputs a light emission stop signal to stop light emission, and ends the processing shown in FIG.

[0094] 9(a) and 9(b) are external views of the control device 300. The control device 300 includes, for example, four control device ACC shoes 306, with control device ACC shoes 306a to 306d arranged at equal intervals around a mounting hole 307. The shaft of an umbrella, diffuser, or the like can be fixed to the mounting hole 307 with an umbrella fixing screw 308. The control device 300 can be installed using a stand 309, and its position can be changed with a movable part 310. After determining the direction of light emission, the movable part 310 is fixed with an up / down angle fixing screw 311 and a rotation fixing screw 312. As shown in FIG. 9(b), a control device operation unit 303 and a control device display unit 304 are arranged on the opposite side of the control device ACC shoe 306.

[0095] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the control device 300 to which multiple lighting devices 400 are attached. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that lighting devices 400a to 400d are connected to control device ACC shoes 306a to 306d, respectively. When four lighting devices 400 are attached to the control device 300, the lighting device light-emitting units 405 can be oriented in a common direction by setting the vertical bounce angle of the lighting devices 400 to 45 degrees. In the state shown in FIG. 10, the lighting devices 400a to 400d can all irradiate light in the axial direction of the umbrella shaft 313.

[0096] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the light emission control process executed in step S316 of Fig. 5. Here, the light emission control modes that can be set in the control device 300 include a "uniform light emission mode (first mode)" and a "sequential light emission mode (second mode)." The light emission control mode is stored in a memory (not shown) in the control device 300.

[0097] The uniform light emission mode is a mode in which the lighting devices 400 used for main light emission are caused to emit light all at once (simultaneously), and in particular, is a mode in which the light emission amounts of the lighting devices 400 are made uniform with respect to each other. The sequential light emission mode is a mode in which at least one lighting device 400 determined based on predetermined sequence information is caused to emit light in main light emission. The light emission control mode is set in the control device 300 by the user. In this embodiment, an operation when the uniform light emission mode is set as the light emission control mode will be described.

[0098] In this embodiment, in the uniform light emission mode, when the shutter button of the camera 100 is fully pressed, the control device 300 controls the lighting devices 400 that are ready to emit light to emit light simultaneously, so that the light intensity of each device is equal.

[0099] In step S600, the control device control unit 301 reads out the set light emission control mode of the lighting device 400 and confirms that it is the "uniform light emission mode." In step S601, the control device control unit 301 determines whether there are two or more lighting devices with which communication is possible (communication is established) via the control device ACC shoe 306 or the control device wireless communication unit 302. If there is one lighting device with which communication is possible, the control device control unit 301 proceeds to step S604, and if there are two or more lighting devices with which communication is possible, the control device control unit 301 proceeds to step S602. Here, as an example, it is assumed that four lighting devices 400a to 400d are able to communicate with the control device 300.

[0100] In step S602, the control device control unit 301 as a determination means performs calculations to determine the light emission amount of each of the lighting devices 400a-400d to be used for main light emission, based on the required light emission amount Y, the light emission trigger information, and the charging completion signal or the charging incomplete signal. Here, the required light emission amount Y and the light emission trigger information were received from the camera 100 in step S315. The charging completion signal or the charging incomplete signal was transmitted from the lighting device 400 in step S408 and received in step S310.

[0101] Since the light emission control mode is the uniform light emission mode, in step S602, the main light emission amount of each lighting device is calculated so that the total light emission amount when the lighting devices 400a to 400d emit light uniformly and simultaneously is close to the required light emission amount Y. As an example, the main light emission amount of each lighting device is calculated so that the total light emission amount matches the required light emission amount Y.

[0102] Specifically, the main light emission amount of each lighting device is determined so as to satisfy formulas (2) and (3). The main light emission amounts of the lighting devices 400a to 400d are indicated as A to D. The light emission amounts A to D are set within ranges not exceeding the light emission amounts Amax to Dmax, respectively.

[0103]

number

[0104] In step S603, the control device controller 301 transmits light intensity setting information indicating the light emission intensities A to D determined in step S602 to each of the lighting devices 400a to 400d determined to have completed charging in step S310 of FIG.

[0105] In step S604, the control device controller 301 instructs the lighting devices 400 with which it can communicate to perform main light emission. For example, if step S603 is performed, the lighting devices 400a to 400d are instructed to perform main light emission. In response to this, the lighting devices 400a to 400d perform main light emission in the same manner as the operation in step S413 in FIG. 7.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the control device control unit 301 communicates with the camera control unit 101 of the camera 100 and transmits (outputs) to the camera 100 light intensity information indicating the total light intensity obtained by adding up the light intensities of the multiple lighting devices 400 connected to the control device 300. The control device control unit 301 acquires the required light intensity Y required for image capture by the image capture unit (S315) and determines the main light intensity of each lighting device 400 based on the required light intensity Y and the communication information of the multiple lighting devices 400. That is, the control device control unit 301 determines the light intensity A to D of the lighting devices 400 to be used for main light emission during image capture, among the lighting devices 400 with which communication has been established, based on the required light intensity Y (S602). The control device control unit 301 then controls each lighting device 400 to emit light at the determined light intensity A to D (S603, S604). This makes it possible to prevent a lack of light intensity during main light emission.

[0107] For example, the control device controller 301 determines the main light emission intensity of each lighting device 400 so that the total light emission intensity A to D of the lighting devices 400 used for main light emission matches the required light emission intensity Y, and causes these lighting devices 400 to emit light simultaneously. In particular, in the uniform light emission mode, the control device controller 301 determines the light emission intensity of each lighting device 400 so that they are uniform, and causes them to emit light simultaneously. Therefore, the light emission of the multiple lighting devices 400 can be controlled as if they were a single lighting device, making it easy to satisfy the required light emission intensity during shooting.

[0108] This makes it possible to reduce the amount of light emitted by each lighting device 400 for each image capture, thereby suppressing heat generation from discharge tubes and reflectors (not shown) that make up lighting device light-emitting unit 405. Furthermore, by reducing the amount of light emitted, it is possible to suppress battery consumption in each lighting device and suppress deterioration of the lighting device and battery.

[0109] Furthermore, by using the control device 300, the camera 100 can communicate substantially wirelessly with lighting devices that do not have wireless communication capabilities.

[0110] In this embodiment, four lighting devices are judged to be capable of main emission, but if there are two or more lighting devices, it is sufficient to calculate the main emission amount of each lighting device so that it satisfies equations (2) and (3).

[0111] Assuming that the maximum light emission amounts Amax to Dmax of the four lighting devices 400 are the same, the main light emission amounts of the lighting devices 400 are set to be the same so as to satisfy formula (3). However, this is not essential. If there are lighting devices 400 with different maximum light emission amounts, the light intensity ratio of the main light emission of each lighting device 400 may be determined according to the ratio of the maximum light emission amounts of the lighting devices 400, instead of formula (3).

[0112] Even if the illumination devices 400 have the same maximum light emission amount, it is not essential that they have the same main light emission amount.

[0113] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the light emission control mode is set to the uniform light emission mode. In contrast, in the second embodiment of the present invention, an operation when the light emission control mode is the "sequential light emission mode" will be described. Regarding the light emission control process, the process shown in FIG. 12 is adopted instead of the process shown in FIG. 11 in the first embodiment.

[0114] In the sequential light emission mode, the control device 300 switches the lighting device 400 to be used for the current main light emission from among the plurality of lighting devices 400a-400d with which it can communicate, each time the shutter button of the camera 100 is fully pressed. That is, the control device 300 causes the lighting devices 400a-400d to emit light in sequence in a predetermined order each time the shutter button is fully pressed.

[0115] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the light emission control process executed in step S316 of FIG.

[0116] In step S700, the control device controller 301 reads out the set light emission control mode of the lighting device 400 and confirms that it is the "sequential light emission mode." In step S701, the control device controller 301 executes the same process as in step S601. Here, as an example, it is assumed that four lighting devices 400a to 400d are capable of communicating with the control device 300.

[0117] In step S702, the control device control unit 301 performs a calculation process to determine the light emission amount of each of the lighting devices 400a to 400d to be used for the main light emission, similar to step S602. However, since the light emission control mode is the sequential light emission mode, in step S702 the control device control unit 301 identifies the lighting device 400 to be used for the current light emission based on the order information, and determines the light emission amount of the identified lighting device 400. Here, the order information is set by the user and stored in a memory (not shown) in the control device 300. The lighting device 400 next to the lighting device 400 used for the previous light emission (stored in S705, described later) is identified as the lighting device 400 to be used for the current light emission.

[0118] For example, if the identified lighting device 400 is lighting device 400b, the main light emission amount of lighting device 400b is calculated so as to match the required light emission amount Y. In step S703, the control device control unit 301 transmits light intensity setting information indicating the main light emission amount determined in step S702 to the identified lighting device 400.

[0119] In step S704, the control device controller 301 instructs the specified lighting device 400 to perform main light emission. Note that the main light emission operation of the lighting device 400 in response to this is the same as the operation in step S413 in FIG.

[0120] In step S706, the control device control unit 301 stores information indicating the lighting device 400 that was instructed to perform main emission in step S704 in a memory (not shown), and ends the processing shown in Fig. 12. This information indicating the lighting device 400 is used to determine which lighting device 400 to specify as the lighting device 400 to use for the current emission when the shutter button is next fully pressed (SW2) in step S702. For example, if lighting device 400a is specified as the lighting device 400 to use for main emission when SW2 is turned on the first time, lighting device 400b is specified as the lighting device 400 to use for main emission when SW2 is turned on the second time. As a result, the multiple lighting devices 400 that can communicate are sequentially selected as the lighting device 400 to use for main emission.

[0121] In this way, in the sequential light emission mode, the communicable lighting devices 400 are sequentially illuminated each time SW2 is turned on, thereby providing ample time for charging each lighting device 400. This provides the same effect as using one lighting device 400 that has a fast charging completion speed. Therefore, when taking photographs continuously in a short period of time, it is possible to reduce the number of situations where the lighting devices 400 do not have enough time to charge. For example, if the charging speeds of the lighting devices 400a to 400d are the same, the time required for charging can be reduced to approximately one-fourth of that required when only one lighting device 400 is attached.

[0122] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effect as in the first embodiment in terms of suppressing a shortage of light quantity during main light emission.

[0123] In this embodiment, the number of illumination devices that can communicate is four, but if there are two or more illumination devices, it is possible to determine the illumination device 400 to be used for main light emission so as to satisfy a predetermined light emission order.

[0124] The first and second embodiments may be combined. For example, control may be divided depending on whether the light emission control mode is the uniform light emission mode or the sequential light emission mode. In this case, if the light emission control mode read out in step S600 of Fig. 11 is the uniform light emission mode, the control device control unit 301 may execute processing equivalent to steps S601 to S604. Similarly, if the light emission control mode read out is the sequential light emission mode, the control device control unit 301 may execute processing equivalent to steps S701 to S705.

[0125] In the second embodiment, the lighting device 400 to be used for the current main light emission is one lighting device 400 determined in order. However, two or more lighting devices 400 may be specified as the lighting device 400 to be used for the current main light emission. In such a case, for example, the lighting devices 400 are divided into a plurality of groups each consisting of two or more lighting devices 400, and order information is set for each group. This grouping information and order information are stored in a memory (not shown) in the control device 300.

[0126] Then, control device control unit 301 identifies the group to be used for this main light emission from among the groups to which lighting devices 400 with which communication has been established belong. For example, suppose that lighting devices attached to control device ACC shoes 306a and 306b are grouped as a first group, and lighting devices attached to control device ACC shoes 306c and 306d are grouped as a second group. In this case, the light emission amounts of lighting devices 400a and 400b belonging to the first group and the main light emission amounts of lighting devices 400c and 400d belonging to the second group are calculated using required light emission amount Y to satisfy the following equations (4), (5), and (6). The main light emission amounts of lighting devices 400a to 400d are designated A to D, respectively.

[0127]

number

[0128] Therefore, the sum of the main light emissions of each group will be a common value. However, it is not essential that these sums be a common value. Furthermore, the main light emissions of the lighting devices 400 belonging to the same group will be a common value. However, it is not essential that these main light emissions be a common value.

[0129] By performing such control, the lighting devices 400 in the same group are controlled to emit light as if they were one lighting device, and the effect of the first embodiment can be obtained in that it is easy to achieve the required light emission amount. Also, by sequentially switching the group used for main light emission every time SW2 is turned on, the effect of the second embodiment can be obtained in that it is possible to virtually reduce the time required for charging.

[0130] (Third embodiment) Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an imaging system to which a lighting control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is applied. This imaging system (lighting control system) includes a camera 100, a photographing lens 200, a stand 500, and a plurality of lighting devices 4000 (4000a to 4000d). In Fig. 13, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0131] In the first and second embodiments, the entity that executes the processes related to light emission control (FIGS. 4 to 6, 11, and 12) is control device control unit 301, which is provided in control device 300. In contrast, in this embodiment, the entity that executes the processes related to light emission control is provided in any or all of the plurality of lighting devices 4000. In the example shown in FIG. 13, lighting device 4000a functions as both a lighting device and control device 300 in the first embodiment.

[0132] The stand 500 can hold multiple lighting devices 4000a-4000d at a position away from the camera 100 and is used for clip-on photography. The stand ACC shoe 501 (501a-501d) connects the lighting devices 4000a-4000d. Each lighting device 4000a-4000d can be fixed to the stand ACC shoe 501 via its respective lighting device shoe 406. The stand ACC shoes 501a-501d have the same configuration. The stand ACC shoes 501 are provided in four locations, but the number is not limited.

[0133] The lighting devices 4000a to 4000d have the same configuration. Therefore, the configuration of the lighting device 4000a will be described as a representative. The lighting device 4000a includes a lighting device control unit 401, which is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the lighting device 4000a. The lighting device control unit 401, lighting device wireless communication unit 402, lighting device operation unit 403, lighting device display unit 404, and lighting device light emitting unit 405 have the same configurations and functions as those of the lighting device 400 (first embodiment).

[0134] Furthermore, the lighting device control unit 401 can wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication units provided in the camera 100 and external lighting devices such as lighting devices 4000b to 4000d via the lighting device wireless communication unit 402. For example, the lighting device wireless communication unit 402 can receive light emission instructions from the camera 100 and transmit and receive camera information, lighting device information, etc. The lighting device wireless communication unit 402 also transmits and receives control signals related to shooting, such as shooting start and end commands, and other information.

[0135] After the shutter button is fully pressed (SW2 ON) in step S115 of Fig. 2, the lighting device control unit 401 communicates with the camera control unit 101 and lighting device control units (not shown) provided in the lighting devices 4000b to 4000d. As a result, the lighting device control unit 401 executes the processes shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 6, Fig. 11, and Fig. 12, determines the light emission amount and timing of the lighting devices 4000a to 4000d, and performs the main light emission operation.

[0136] In this manner, in this embodiment, the lighting control device of the present invention is realized by a single lighting device 4000a, and the lighting control device itself can be the lighting device used for main light emission. Lighting device wireless communication unit 402 can wirelessly communicate with camera 100 and multiple lighting devices 4000b to 4000d. Lighting device 4000a determines the light emission intensity of the lighting device to be used for main light emission from among lighting devices 4000 with which communication has been established and itself, based on the required light emission intensity Y.

[0137] According to this embodiment, in terms of suppressing a lack of light intensity during main light emission, it is possible to achieve the same effect as in the first embodiment. In particular, by providing the lighting device 4000a with the function of executing processing related to light emission control that is included in the control device 300 in the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of devices used during photography.

[0138] In this embodiment, there may be a plurality of lighting devices each having a function for executing processing related to light emission control, and one of these may actually execute processing related to light emission control.

[0139] The same effect can be obtained by providing the function of executing processes related to light emission control in camera control unit 101. In other words, the function provided in control device 300 in the first embodiment may be provided in camera 100. In that case, camera 100 becomes an imaging device equipped with the lighting control device of the present invention.

[0140] In this embodiment, the light emission control mode may be either a uniform light emission mode or a sequential light emission mode, or the mode may be switchable.

[0141] While the present invention has been described in detail above based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Parts of the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 301 Control device control section 302 Control device wireless communication unit 306a~306d Control device ACC shoe 400a~400d Lighting equipment

Claims

1. communication means for communicating with the plurality of lighting devices; an output means for transmitting, to the imaging device, light intensity information based on the maximum light emission intensity of each of the lighting devices with which communication has been established by the communication means; an acquisition means for acquiring a required light emission amount indicating a light emission amount required for imaging by an imaging unit of the imaging device; a determining means for determining, from among the lighting devices with which communication has been established by the communicating means, a light emission amount of the lighting device to be used for main light emission during image capture based on the required light emission amount acquired by the acquiring means; a control means for controlling the lighting device used for the main light emission to emit light at the light emission amount determined by the determination means, the light amount information is total light amount information indicating a total light amount obtained by adding together the maximum light emission amounts of the lighting devices with which communication has been established, The lighting control device is characterized in that, when the total light intensity information exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, the output means transmits information indicating the upper limit value as the light intensity information to the imaging device.

2. 2. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means causes all of the lighting devices used for the main light emission to emit light simultaneously.

3. 3. The lighting control device according to claim 2, wherein the determining means determines the amounts of light emitted by the lighting devices used for the main light emission so as to make the amounts of light emitted by each lighting device uniform.

4. 4. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the determining means determines the light emission amount of each of the lighting devices to be used for the main light emission so that the total light emission amount of the lighting devices to be used for the main light emission matches the required light emission amount.

5. The lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lighting devices used for the main light emission include all of the lighting devices with which communication has been established.

6. 2. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the determining means identifies at least one lighting device to be used for the main light emission from among the lighting devices with which communication has been established, based on predetermined order information, and determines the light emission intensity of the identified at least one lighting device.

7. The lighting control device according to claim 6 , wherein the determining means specifies only one lighting device to be used for the current main light emission.

8. 8. The lighting control device according to claim 6, wherein the determining means stores information indicating the lighting device used for the current main light emission, and identifies the lighting device to be used for the current main light emission based on information indicating the lighting device used for the previous main light emission.

9. the plurality of lighting devices are divided into a plurality of groups of two or more lighting devices; The lighting control device according to claim 6 , wherein the determining unit identifies a group to be used for the main light emission from among groups to which the lighting devices with which communication has been established belong.

10. 10. The lighting control device according to claim 9, wherein the determining means determines the light emission amounts of lighting devices belonging to the same group so as to be uniform among them.

11. 2. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the control means acquires a light emission control mode that can be set to a first mode or a second mode, and when the light emission control mode is set to the first mode, causes all of the lighting devices to be used for the main light emission to emit light at the same time, and when the light emission control mode is set to the second mode, causes at least one lighting device determined based on predetermined sequence information to emit light.

12. The lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the communication means is capable of wirelessly communicating with the imaging device.

13. a plurality of shoe portions for holding the plurality of lighting devices; The lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the communication unit communicates with the plurality of lighting devices via the shoe unit.

14. The lighting control device itself can be a lighting device used for the main light emission, the communication means is capable of wirelessly communicating with the imaging device and the plurality of lighting devices; 12. The lighting control device according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines the light emission level of one of the lighting devices to be used for the main light emission, from among the lighting devices with which communication has been established by the communication unit and the lighting control device itself, based on the required light emission level.

15. A lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and a plurality of lighting devices.

16. A lighting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; An imaging device comprising: the imaging device.

Images