Light emission control device, imaging system, control method and program for light emission device

Abstract

To provide a light emission control device, an imaging system, a control method for a light emitting device, and a program that can reduce the glare felt by a subject during focus detection even at the time of photographing in a relatively dark environment.SOLUTION: A sender strobe 200a, which is a light emission control device, can communicate with receiver strobes 200b to 200e, which emit light, and has a strobe MPU 201 that controls the receiver strobes 200b to 200e. The strobe MPU 201 has functions as identification means for identifying the presence or absence of a stationary light emitting unit 204 that emits stationary light for the receiver strobes 200b to 200e, determination means for determining an amount of light at the stationary light emitting unit 204 when used as auxiliary light for focus detection by an imaging device, based on an identification result by the identification means, and light emission control means for causing the stationary light emitting unit 204 to emit light with the amount of light determined by the determination means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light emission control device, an imaging system, a method for controlling a light emitting device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] When shooting in a relatively dark environment, it is known to emit a flash from a light emitting device such as a strobe device connected to a camera in synchronization with the shooting. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration including a sender strobe device connected to a camera and a plurality of receiver strobe devices wirelessly controlled by the sender strobe device, and irradiating the receiver strobe devices as auxiliary light at the time of focus detection.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, although Patent Document 1 describes emitting auxiliary light so as to improve the detection accuracy of the face area of the subject, it does not consider the glare felt by the subject when the auxiliary light is emitted.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a light emission control device, an imaging system, a method for controlling a light emitting device, and a program capable of reducing the glare felt by a subject at the time of focus detection even when shooting in a relatively dark environment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a light emission control device that can communicate with a plurality of light-emitting devices and controls each of the light-emitting devices, characterized by comprising: an identification means for identifying the presence or absence of a steady-state light emitter that emits steady-state light for each light-emitting device; a determination means for determining the amount of light emitted by the steady-state light emitter when used as auxiliary light for focus detection by an imaging device, based on the identification result of the identification means; and a light emission control means for causing the steady-state light emitter to emit light with the amount of light determined by the determination means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, even when shooting in relatively dark environments, the glare felt by the subject during focus detection can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a digital camera that constitutes the imaging system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a sender strobe as an example of a light emission control device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows an example of a hardware configuration for a camera accessory, which is an example of a light emission control device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the imaging device (digital camera), light emission control device (sender strobe), and multiple light emission devices (receiver strobes) in this embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the imaging process performed during image acquisition by the imaging system. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of the focus detection process performed in step S502 of the flowchart shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of the focus detection process performed in step S608 of the flowchart shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8]This flowchart shows the auxiliary light irradiation process performed by the external strobe device in parallel with the focus detection process performed in step S608 of the flowchart shown in Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely illustrative, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the configurations described in the embodiments. For example, each part constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can perform a similar function. In addition, any additional components may be added.

[0010] <Digital Camera Configuration> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a digital camera constituting the imaging system according to the present invention. The digital camera 100 shown in Figure 1 is an imaging device that captures images and is included in the imaging system 1000. This digital camera 100 has a microcontroller (hereinafter referred to as "camera MPU") 101, a timing signal generation circuit 102, an image sensor 103, an A / D converter 104, a memory controller 105, a buffer memory 106, and an image display unit 107. The digital camera 100 also has an imaging optical system 122. The camera MPU 101 executes the shooting sequence and controls the overall operation of the imaging system 1000. The imaging optical system 122 is composed of multiple lens groups such as zoom lenses and focus lenses, an aperture, a shutter, etc., and forms an optical image on the image sensor 103 from reflected light from the subject. The image sensor 103 is an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or CMOS sensor that converts the optical image, which is reflected light from the subject, into an electrical signal. The timing signal generation circuit 102 generates the timing signals necessary to operate the image sensor 103. The A / D converter 104 converts the analog electrical signals (analog image data) read from the image sensor 103 into digital electrical signals (digital image data). The memory controller 105 controls the reading and writing of memory (not shown) and the refresh operation of the buffer memory 106. The buffer memory 106 temporarily stores the digital image data output from the A / D converter 104 and the image data of the image displayed in the image display unit 107. The image display unit 107 has a display device such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel and displays the image data stored in the buffer memory 106 as an image.

[0011] The digital camera 100 is configured to allow insertion and removal of a storage medium 109, such as a memory card. The digital camera 100 has a storage medium interface 108 for connecting the inserted storage medium 109 to the camera MPU 101. The storage medium 109 may be a storage medium such as a hard disk built into the digital camera 100.

[0012] The digital camera 100 includes a motor control unit 110, a shutter control unit 111, a photometering unit 112, a multi-segment photometering sensor 113, a lens control unit 114, a focus detection unit 115, a posture detection unit 116, and a switch operation unit 117. The motor control unit 110 controls a motor (not shown) according to a signal from the camera MPU 101 during exposure operation, thereby raising / lowering a mirror (not shown) and charging the shutter. The shutter control unit 111 controls the exposure operation by cutting off the power to the shutter (front shutter curtain, rear shutter curtain) of the imaging optical system 122 based on a signal from the camera MPU 101, and moving the front shutter curtain and rear shutter curtain. Alternatively, a so-called electronic shutter may be used instead of at least one of the front shutter curtain and rear shutter curtain. The photometering unit 112 outputs the output from the multi-segment photometering sensor 113, which divides the imaging screen into multiple areas, to the camera MPU 101 as a brightness signal for each area in the imaging screen. The camera MPU 101 performs photometric calculations such as AV (aperture value), TV (shutter speed), and ISO (sensitivity of the image sensor 103) for exposure adjustment based on the luminance signal acquired from the photometering unit 112. In addition, the built-in strobe device 119 or external strobe device (hereinafter referred to as "sender strobe") 200a, described later, outputs a luminance signal to the camera MPU 101 when it fires a pre-flash towards the subject. The photometering unit 112 then calculates the amount of strobe light (main flash amount) for the main exposure (main shooting) based on this output result. The lens control unit 114 communicates with the camera MPU 101 via a lens mount contact (not shown) and operates a lens drive motor and lens aperture motor (not shown) to control the focus adjustment and aperture of the imaging optical system 122. The focus detection unit 115 has the function of detecting the amount of defocus on the subject during AF (autofocus) by using a known phase difference detection method or the like. The attitude detection unit 116 detects the tilt of the digital camera 100 with respect to the rotational direction around the optical axis of capture. The switch operation unit 117 detects the ON / OFF status of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2. The detection results from the switch operation unit 117 are transmitted to the camera MPU 101. The first switch SW1 is turned ON by the first stroke (half-press) of the release button (not shown).The camera MPU 101 starts AF and metering based on the ON signal from the first switch SW1. The second switch SW2 is turned ON by the second stroke (full press) of the release button. The camera MPU 101 starts the exposure operation based on the ON signal from the second switch SW2. The switch operation unit 117 can also detect signals generated by the operation of other operating members (not shown) other than the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2. This detection result is also transmitted to the camera MPU 101. The strobe control unit 118 controls the flash operation (e.g., pre-flash, main flash, auxiliary light flash, etc.) of the built-in strobe device 119 and the sender strobe 200a based on instructions from the camera MPU 101. The camera constant light flash unit 120 emits constant light towards the field of view as auxiliary light for focus detection control by the focus detection unit 115. The camera MPU 101 functions as an auxiliary light control means that controls the illumination of auxiliary light to the subject side by the built-in strobe device 119 or the sender strobe 200a for focus detection, based on the luminance signal output from the photometering unit 112. Specifically, the camera MPU 101 instructs the flash emission unit (flash emitter) 203 of the built-in strobe device 119 or the sender strobe 200a to emit flash auxiliary light via the strobe control unit 118. Alternatively, the camera MPU 101 instructs the camera's constant light emission unit 120 or the constant light emission unit 204 (see Figure 2) of the sender strobe 200a to emit constant light auxiliary light via the strobe control unit 118.

[0013] Furthermore, the digital camera 100 includes a strobe control unit 118, a built-in light-emitting device (hereinafter referred to as "built-in strobe device") 119 as a first auxiliary light-emitting means, and a camera constant light-emitting unit 120 as a second auxiliary light-emitting means. In addition, a sender strobe 200a is detachably connected to the digital camera 100. Therefore, the sender strobe 200a is used together with the digital camera 100. The receiver strobes 200b to 200e, which will be described later, are also used together with the digital camera 100. As described above, this embodiment describes an example of an imaging system 1000 including the digital camera 100, sender strobe 200a, and receiver strobes 200b to 200e.

[0014] <Configuration of light emission control device and light emission device> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a sender strobe as an example of a light emission control device according to the present invention. Here, the sender strobe is shown as an example of a light emission control device, and receiver strobes 200b to 200e, which are examples of light-emitting devices, can have the same configuration as the sender strobe 200a. As shown in Figure 2, the sender strobe 200a has a microcontroller (hereinafter referred to as "strobe MPU") 201, a charging unit 202, a flash emission unit (flash emitter) 203, a steady light emission unit (steady light emitter) 204, and a distance measuring photometer 205. The sender strobe 200a also has a display unit 206, a switch operation unit 207, a camera connection unit 208, and a wireless communication unit 209. In the following, the flash-emitting unit 203 of receiver strobes 200b to 200e may be referred to as the "first flash-emitting unit (first flashing body)," and the flash-emitting unit 203 of sender strobe 200a may be referred to as the "second flash-emitting unit (second flashing body)." Also, the continuous light-emitting unit 204 of receiver strobes 200b to 200e may be referred to as the "first continuous light-emitting unit (first continuous light body)," and the continuous light-emitting unit 204 of sender strobe 200a may be referred to as the "second continuous light-emitting unit (second continuous light body)."

[0015] The strobe MPU 201 is a computer that performs control sequences for flash emission and steady light emission, and controls the imaging system 1000. The charging unit 202 has a capacitor (not shown) that stores energy for emitting flash emission from the flash emission unit 203, and a boost circuit (not shown) for charging the capacitor. The charging unit 202 controls the charging of the capacitor based on a charging instruction signal from the strobe MPU 201. The charging unit 202 also measures the charging voltage of the capacitor and outputs the measurement result to the strobe MPU 201. The charging unit 202 also supplies the charge stored in the capacitor to the flash emission unit 203 to emit strobe light based on an instruction from the strobe MPU 201. The flash emission unit 203 has a strobe emission circuit (not shown) that emits strobe light (for example, xenon light from a xenon tube as a light source) as a flash assist light (flash) based on a light emission signal from the strobe MPU 201. The constant light emission unit 204 has a constant light emission circuit (not shown) that emits LED light, for example, from an LED light source, as constant light auxiliary light (constant light) based on a light emission signal from the strobe MPU 201. This constant light auxiliary light from the constant light emission unit 204 is used as auxiliary light for focus detection by the imaging device.

[0016] The display unit 206 displays information regarding the various states of the sender strobe 200a. This allows the user to understand the various states of the sender strobe 200a. For example, the display unit 206 has an LED that switches between being lit and off depending on the charging state of the sender strobe 200a. In this case, litting the LED informs the user that the strobe's charging voltage is at a level that allows it to emit light. The display unit 206 may also have a liquid crystal screen. In this case, the liquid crystal screen can display icons corresponding to the charging state. The display unit 206 may also inform information regarding the charging state of the capacitor using other notification configurations not described above. The switch operation unit 207 consists of one or more buttons or switches (not shown) operated by the user. When an operation on the switch operation unit 207 is detected, the ON / OFF state of Power, etc., connected to the switch operation unit 207 is switched according to the detection result. The switch operation unit 207 also transmits a detection signal indicating the ON / OFF state of Power, etc., to the strobe MPU 201. When the Power is turned ON, power is supplied to the strobe MPU 201. The camera connection unit 208 functions as a connection unit to connect to the digital camera 100, and as a communication unit to communicate between the strobe MPU 201 and the MPU 101 of the digital camera 100 when the digital camera 100 is connected. The wireless communication unit 209 communicates wirelessly with the receiver strobes 200b to 200e via wireless connection. In the configuration shown in Figure 2, the sender strobe a 200 and the receiver strobes 200b to 200e communicate wirelessly via the wireless communication unit 209, but this is not the only configuration. For example, the digital camera 100 may be equipped with a wireless communication unit (not shown), and the digital camera 100 may communicate wirelessly with the sender strobe 200a and the receiver strobes via this wireless communication unit. Additionally, the sender strobe 200a (or digital camera 100) may be connected to the receiver strobe by a wire, and this wired communication may take place.The transmitter strobe 200a and the digital camera 100 can obtain the ID number of the receiver strobe by wireless communication or wired communication, and can determine whether the receiver strobe has a steady light emitting unit.

[0017] Note that the transmitter strobe 200a also has a storage unit (not shown). In this storage unit, for example, programs for causing each part and each means (control method of the light emitting device) of the transmitter strobe 200a to be executed by the strobe MPU 201 are stored in advance. Further, the light emission control device is not limited to the transmitter strobe 200a having the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and may be, for example, a camera accessory 200 having the configuration shown in FIG. 3. The camera accessory 200 has at least a strobe MPU 201, a wireless communication unit 209, and a camera connection unit 208.

[0018] <Shooting operation control in the imaging system> An example of the shooting operation control in the imaging system 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an arrangement example of an imaging device (digital camera), a light emission control device (sender strobe), and a plurality of light emission devices (receiver strobes) in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the imaging system 1000 includes a digital camera 100, a sender strobe 200a, and receiver strobes 200b to 200e arranged so as to surround a subject 900. The digital camera 100 and the sender strobe 200a are assembled into an assembly and are arranged in front of the subject 900. The receiver strobes 200b to 200e are dispersed and arranged on the left and right around the digital camera 100 (sender strobe 200a). In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, receiver strobes 200b and 200c are arranged on the left side in the figure with respect to the digital camera 100, and receiver strobes 200d and 200e are arranged on the right side. Further, the sender strobe 200a can communicate with the digital camera 100 and the receiver strobes 200b to 200e. The sender strobe 200a controls the receiver strobes 200b to 200e. Note that the number of arranged receiver strobes is not limited to four and may be less than or equal to the maximum number of units with which the sender strobe 200a can communicate.

[0019] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the shooting process performed during image capture in the imaging system. The flowchart shown in Figure 5 is a flowchart of the shooting process performed by the digital camera 100. In the digital camera 100, the camera MPU 101 first reads a control program based on the flowchart shown in Figure 5 from ROM (not shown) into RAM (not shown) and loads it. Then, the camera MPU 101 controls the operation of each part that makes up the digital camera 100 and instructs the sender strobe 200a to perform a predetermined operation. As a result, each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 5 is executed. Note that "S strobe" in Figure 5 refers to "sender strobe 200a," and the same notation will be used in all flowcharts from Figure 5 onward.

[0020] As shown in Figure 5, in step S501, the camera MPU 101 detects the state of the first switch SW1 using the switch operation unit 117 and determines whether the first switch SW1 has been pressed, i.e., turned ON. If the determination in step S501 is that the first switch SW1 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S502. On the other hand, if the determination in step S501 is that the first switch SW1 has not been pressed, the process remains in step S501 and waits.

[0021] In step S502, the camera MPU 101 performs focus detection processing. Focus detection processing includes distance measurement by the focus detection unit 115 and autofocus operation in which the focus lens of the imaging optical system 122 is controlled to the focus position by the lens control unit 114. During the focus detection processing, auxiliary light (flashing auxiliary light or steady-state auxiliary light) is emitted as needed during distance measurement and autofocus operation. Details of the focus detection processing in step S502 will be described later.

[0022] In step S503, the camera MPU 101 performs metering processing using the metering unit 112 and determines the shutter control value and aperture control value according to the shooting mode currently set in the digital camera 100.

[0023] In step S504, the camera MPU 101 detects the state of the second switch SW2 using the switch operation unit 117 and determines whether the second switch SW2 has been pressed, i.e., turned ON. If the determination in step S504 is that the second switch SW2 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, if the determination in step S504 is that the second switch SW2 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S505.

[0024] In step S505, the camera MPU 101, similar to step S501, detects the state of the first switch SW1 using the switch operation unit 117 and determines whether or not the first switch SW1 has been pressed. If the determination in step S505 indicates that the first switch SW1 has been pressed, the process returns to step S504 and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially. On the other hand, if the determination in step S505 indicates that the first switch SW1 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S501 and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially.

[0025] In step S506, following step S504, the camera MPU 101 instructs the strobe MPU 201 of the sender strobe 200a to pre-flash at a predetermined light intensity in the flash unit 203. Following this instruction, the strobe MPU 201 causes the flash unit 203 to pre-flash at the predetermined light intensity. The camera MPU 101 then acquires the luminance signal during the pre-flash and calculates the strobe flash amount (main flash amount) during the main exposure (main shooting) based on this luminance signal.

[0026] In step S507, the camera MPU 101 performs a mirror-up operation by the motor control unit 110, that is, an operation to move the mirror out of the imaging light path. As a result, the motor control unit 110 can perform the mirror-up operation by controlling the operation of a motor (not shown).

[0027] In step S508, the camera MPU 101 starts the charge accumulation process in the image sensor 103.

[0028] In step S509, the camera MPU 101 opens the shutter of the imaging optical system 122 via the shutter control unit 111. This initiates exposure to the image sensor 103.

[0029] In step S510, the camera MPU 101 instructs the strobe MPU 203 to emit light from the flash unit 203 using the amount of light emitted calculated in step S506. Also in step S510, the camera MPU 101 performs exposure operation at predetermined exposure values ​​(AV, TV, ISO) in synchronization with the main light emission.

[0030] In step S511, the camera MPU 101 closes the shutter of the imaging optical system 122 via the shutter control unit 111. This completes the exposure to the image sensor 103.

[0031] In step S512, the camera MPU 101 terminates the charge accumulation process in the image sensor 103.

[0032] In step S513, the camera MPU 101 performs a mirror-down operation, that is, returns the mirror to the imaging light path, via the motor control unit 110. The motor control unit 110 can perform the mirror-down operation by controlling the operation of a motor (not shown).

[0033] In step S514, the camera MPU 101 reads image data (image signals) from the image sensor 103 and processes it with the A / D converter 104. The camera MPU 101 then temporarily stores this image data in the buffer memory 106. By performing this development process on all image data from the image sensor 103, the camera MPU 101 can create image data that can be displayed on the image display unit 107.

[0034] In step S515, the camera MPU 101 stores the image data created in step S514 as an image file in the storage medium 109 via the storage medium I / F 108, and the process ends.

[0035] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of the shooting process performed by a digital camera with a mirror. However, the digital camera may also be a so-called mirrorless camera, in which case the mirror up / down process can be omitted. Furthermore, when using an electronic shutter, at least one of the shutter open / close processes can be omitted.

[0036] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the focus detection process performed in step S502 of the flowchart shown in Figure 5. This flowchart in Figure 6 is a flowchart of the focus detection process performed in the digital camera 100. In the digital camera 100, the camera MPU 101 first reads the control program based on the flowchart shown in Figure 6 from ROM (not shown) into RAM (not shown) and loads it. Then, the camera MPU 101 controls the operation of each part that makes up the digital camera 100, thereby executing each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 6.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, in step S601, the camera MPU 101 performs focus detection by the focus detection unit 115 with the illumination of auxiliary light suppressed, that is, without illuminating with auxiliary light.

[0038] In step S602, the camera MPU 101 determines whether or not it was able to detect the focus, which was the detection result in step S601. In other words, the camera MPU 101 determines whether or not auxiliary light illumination is necessary for focus detection. If, as a result of the determination in step S602, it is determined that auxiliary light illumination is necessary, the process proceeds to step S608. On the other hand, if, as a result of the determination in step S602, it is determined that auxiliary light illumination is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S603.

[0039] In step S603, the camera MPU 101 performs focus detection calculations using signals obtained from a focus detection sensor (not shown) in the focus detection unit 115. Focus detection calculations can be performed using known methods, and a detailed explanation is omitted. As the focus detection sensor, for example, a line sensor consisting of a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD may be used, or in the case of a mirrorless camera, the focus detection calculation may be performed using signals obtained from the image sensor 103. Furthermore, in step S603, it is preferable for the camera MPU 101 to correct the focus detection calculation result (e.g., defocus amount) according to the type of focus detection method (type of light source).

[0040] In step S604, the camera MPU 101 determines, based on the calculation result obtained in step S603, whether or not the focus lens needs to be driven, that is, whether or not the focus lens is in the in-focus position. Specifically, the camera MPU 101 determines that the focus lens is in the in-focus position if the amount of defocus is less than a predetermined value. If the determination in step S604 determines that the focus lens is in the in-focus position, the process ends. On the other hand, if the determination in step S604 determines that the focus lens is not in the in-focus position, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0041] In step S605, the camera MPU 101 determines whether the number of focus detection processes is greater than a predetermined number (n times (n: a natural number)). If the determination in step S605 is found to be less than the predetermined number of focus detection processes, that is, within the predetermined number of processes, the process proceeds to step S606. On the other hand, if the determination in step S605 is found to be greater than the predetermined number of focus detection processes, that is, exceeding the predetermined number of processes, the process proceeds to step S607.

[0042] In step S606, the camera MPU 101 instructs the lens control unit 114 to drive the focus lens by the amount determined in step S603, and drives the focus lens by that amount. After step S606 is executed, the process returns to step S601, and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially. This allows the camera MPU 101 to determine whether the focus lens has reached the focus position.

[0043] In step S607, following step S605, the camera MPU 101 displays a message indicating that focus detection is not possible using the image display unit 107 or an LED (not shown), and then terminates the process.

[0044] In step S608, following step S602, the camera MPU 101 illuminates the subject with auxiliary light from the sender strobe 200a and receiver strobes 200b to 200e. Then, in this illuminated state, the camera MPU 101 performs focus detection using the focus detection unit 115 and the strobe control unit 118. Details of the focus detection process using auxiliary light in step S608 will be described later.

[0045] In step S609, the camera MPU 101 determines whether or not it was able to detect the focus. If the determination in step S609 is that the focus was detected, the process proceeds to step S603. On the other hand, if the determination in step S609 is that the focus was not detected, the process proceeds to step S610.

[0046] In step S610, the camera MPU 101, similar to step S607, displays a message indicating that focus detection is not possible using the image display unit 107 or an LED (not shown), and then terminates the process.

[0047] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the focus detection process performed in step S608 of the flowchart shown in Figure 6. The flowchart shown in Figure 6 is a flowchart of the focus detection process performed in the digital camera 100. In the digital camera 100, the camera MPU 101 first reads a control program based on the flowchart shown in Figure 7 from ROM (not shown) into RAM (not shown) and loads it. Then, the camera MPU 101 controls the operation of each part that makes up the digital camera 100, thereby executing each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 7. In this focus detection process, depending on the presence or absence of the steady light emission unit 204 of the sender strobe 200a and the presence or absence of the steady light emission unit 204 of the receiver strobes 200b to receiver strobes 200e, the emission of steady light auxiliary light and flash auxiliary light are selectively switched.

[0048] In this embodiment, the sender strobe 200a has a flash-emitting unit 203 and a constant light-emitting unit 204, but is not limited to this. For example, the sender strobe 200a may omit at least one of the flash-emitting unit 203 and the constant light-emitting unit 204. Also, in this embodiment, the receiver strobes 200b to 200e all have a flash-emitting unit 203 and a constant light-emitting unit 204, but are not limited to this. In the imaging system 1000, it is sufficient that at least one of the receiver strobes 200b to 200e has a flash-emitting unit 203 and a constant light-emitting unit 204. Also, the flash-emitting unit 203 may be omitted in the receiver strobes 200b to 200e.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, in step S701, the camera MPU 101 of the digital camera instructs the strobe MPU 201 of the sender strobe 200a to notify it of the total number of constant light emission units 204. The total number of constant light emission units 204 is the sum of the number of constant light emission units 204 in the sender strobe 200a and the number of constant light emission units 204 in the receiver strobes 200b to 200e.

[0050] In step S702, the camera MPU 101 acquires the total number of constant light emission units 204 that are notified (transmitted) from the strobe MPU 201 (the notification in step S803 of Figure 8, which will be described later).

[0051] In step S703, the camera MPU 101 determines whether the total number of steady-state light-emitting units 204 acquired in step S702 is 1 or more. If the determination in step S703 is found to be 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S712. On the other hand, if the determination in step S703 is found to be not 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S704.

[0052] Steps S712 to S717 are focus detection processes using constant light auxiliary light emitted from the constant light emission unit 204. In this focus detection process, the camera MPU 101 issues a flashing instruction to the strobe MPU 201 in step S702 to adjust the light intensity in stages according to the total number N of constant light emission units 204. For example, if the total number N of constant light emission units 204 counted (recognized) by the strobe MPU 201 is 4, then a flashing instruction with 4 levels of light intensity is issued.

[0053] In step S712, the camera MPU 101 issues a first-stage flashing command to the strobe MPU 201 of the sender strobe 200a. Upon receiving this command, the strobe MPU 201 calculates a light intensity of 1 / N of the maximum light intensity for each of the continuous light emission units 204. The strobe MPU 201 then issues a flashing command to the strobe MPU 201 of the receiver strobes 200b to 200e, instructing each continuous light emission unit 204 to emit light at a light intensity of 1 / N of the maximum light intensity. As a result, the continuous light emission unit 204 of the sender strobe 200a and the continuous light emission units 20 of the receiver strobes 200b to 200e can each emit continuous auxiliary light at a light intensity of 1 / N of the maximum light intensity.

[0054] In step S713, the camera MPU 101 determines whether the charge accumulation amount of the focus detection unit 115 (focus detection sensor) of the digital camera 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the determination in step S713 is found to be equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the camera MPU 101 determines that there is a sufficiently high probability that focus detection calculation is possible (focus detection OK), and the process ends. The process then proceeds to step S603 (see Figure 6), and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially. On the other hand, if the determination in step S713 is found to be less than or equal to the predetermined value, that is, if the charge accumulation amount is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S714.

[0055] In step S714, the camera MPU 101 determines whether the charge accumulation time for focus detection has reached a preset maximum time tmax. The maximum time tmax is stored in the digital camera 100 beforehand. If the determination in step S714 is that the charge accumulation time has reached the maximum time tmax, the process proceeds to step S715. Specifically, the camera MPU 101 instructs the strobe MPU 201 to fire the flash from the second stage onward. On the other hand, if the determination in step S714 is that the charge accumulation time has not reached the maximum time tmax, the process returns to step S712 and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially. Specifically, the camera MPU 101 continues to emit constant auxiliary light from the constant light emission unit 204 and continues focus detection.

[0056] In step S715, the camera MPU 101 issues a flashing instruction to the sender strobe 200a's strobe MPU 201 for the nth step (where n is 2 to N). Upon receiving this flashing instruction, the strobe MPU 201 calculates the n / N maximum light output for each of the continuous light emission units 204. The strobe MPU 201 then issues a flashing instruction to the receiver strobes 200b to 200e's strobe MPU 201 to flash each continuous light emission unit 204 at the n / N maximum light output. As a result, the continuous light emission unit 204 of the sender strobe 200a and the continuous light emission units 204 of the receiver strobes 200b to 200e can each emit light at the n / N maximum light output.

[0057] In step S716, the camera MPU 101 determines whether the charge accumulation amount of the focus detection unit 115 of the digital camera 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, based on the continuous light irradiation in step S715. If the determination in step S716 is found to be equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the camera MPU 101 determines that there is a sufficiently high probability that focus detection calculation is possible (focus detection OK), and the process ends. The process then proceeds to step S603 (see Figure 6), and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially. On the other hand, if the determination in step S716 is found to be less than or equal to the predetermined value, i.e., the charge accumulation amount is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S717.

[0058] In step S717, the camera MPU 101 determines whether the charge accumulation time for focus detection has reached the maximum time tmax. If the determination in step S717 indicates that the charge accumulation time at the Nth stage has reached the maximum time tmax, the camera MPU 101 determines that focus detection by the steady-state light emission unit 204 is impossible (focus detection NG) and terminates light emission by the steady-state light emission unit 204. The process then proceeds to step S610 (see Figure 6) and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially. On the other hand, if the determination in step S717 indicates that the charge accumulation time at the Nth stage has not reached the maximum time tmax, the process returns to step S715 and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially.

[0059] Furthermore, in step S704, which follows step S703, the camera MPU 101 instructs the strobe MPU 201 of the sender strobe 200a to detect the charge level of the capacitor in the charging unit 202 and notify the camera of the detection result.

[0060] In step S705, the camera MPU 101 receives the charge level (the notification in step S809 of Figure 8, which will be described later) from the strobe MPU 201.

[0061] In step S706, the camera MPU 101 determines, based on the charge level acquired in step S705, whether sufficient energy has been stored in the charge unit 202 to cause the flash-emitting unit 203 to emit light, that is, whether the charge level is sufficient for the flash-assisted light to be emitted. If the determination in step S706 is made that the charge level is sufficient for the flash-assisted light to be emitted, the process proceeds to step S707. On the other hand, if the determination in step S706 is made that the charge level is not sufficient for the flash-assisted light to be emitted, the process proceeds to step S610 (see Figure 6) and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially.

[0062] Steps S707 to S711 are focus detection processes using flash assist light emitted from the flash-emitting unit 203. In step S707, the camera MPU 101 clears a counter (not shown) that stores the number of flash assist light flashes i, and sets the initial value to flash count i=1.

[0063] In step S708, the camera MPU 101 instructs the sender strobe 200a's strobe MPU 201 to emit the flash assist light. Upon receiving this instruction, the strobe MPU 201 instructs the receiver strobes 200b to 200e's strobe MPU 201 to emit the flash assist light. As a result, the flash emission unit 203 (second flash emission unit) of the sender strobe 200a and the flash emission unit 203 (first flash emission unit) of the receiver strobes 200b to 200e can each emit the flash assist light.

[0064] In step S709, the camera MPU 101 determines whether the charge accumulation amount of the focus detection unit 115 (focus detection sensor) of the digital camera 100 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the determination in step S709 is found to be equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the camera MPU 101 determines that there is a sufficiently high probability that focus detection calculation is possible (focus detection OK), and the process ends. The process then proceeds to step S603 (see Figure 6), and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially. On the other hand, if the determination in step S709 is found to be less than or equal to the predetermined value, that is, if the charge accumulation amount is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S710.

[0065] In step S710, the camera MPU 101 determines whether the number of irradiations i has reached a predetermined maximum number imax, and whether the charge accumulation time for focus detection has reached the maximum time tmax. If, as a result of the determination in step S710, it is determined that the number of irradiations i has reached the maximum number imax, or that the charge accumulation time has reached the maximum time tmax, the camera MPU 101 determines that focus detection by the flash emission unit 203 is impossible (focus detection NG). The camera MPU 101 then terminates the emission of light by the flash emission unit 203. After that, the process moves to step S610 (see Figure 6) and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially. On the other hand, if, as a result of the determination in step S710, it is determined that the number of irradiations i has not reached the maximum number imax, and the charge accumulation time has not reached the maximum time tmax, the process proceeds to step S711.

[0066] In step S711, the camera MPU 101 increments the number of flashes i, and the process returns to step S708, where the subsequent steps are executed sequentially. Specifically, the camera MPU 101 continues focus detection by repeatedly emitting the flash assist light from the flash emission unit 203.

[0067] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the auxiliary light irradiation process performed by an external strobe device in parallel with the focus detection process performed in step S608 of the flowchart shown in Figure 6.

[0068] In the external strobe device, the sender strobe 200a, the strobe MPU 201 first reads a control program based on the flowchart shown in Figure 8 from ROM (not shown) into RAM (not shown) and loads it. Then, the strobe MPU 201 controls the operation of each part that makes up the sender strobe 200a and receiver strobes 200b to 200e. Along with this control, the strobe MPU 201 also instructs the sender strobe 200a and receiver strobes 200b to 200e to perform predetermined operations. As a result, each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 8 is executed. Note that "R strobe" in Figure 8 refers to "receiver strobes 200b to 200e".

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, in step S801, the strobe MPU 201 of the sender strobe 200a determines whether or not it has received a count instruction (see step S701) for the total number of constant light emission units 204 transmitted from the camera MPU 101 of the digital camera 100. If the determination in step S801 is that a count instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S802. On the other hand, if the determination in step S801 is that a count instruction has not been received, the process remains in step S801 and waits.

[0070] In step S802, the strobe MPU 201 counts the total number of constant light emission units 204 by acquiring the ID information of receiver strobes 200b to receiver strobes 200e.

[0071] In step S803, the strobe MPU201 notifies the camera MPU101 of the total number N of constant light emitters.

[0072] In step S804, the strobe MPU201 determines whether or not it has received the first-stage continuous light emission instruction from the camera MPU101 (see step S712). If the determination in step S804 indicates that the continuous light emission instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S805. On the other hand, if the determination in step S804 indicates that the continuous light emission instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to step S808.

[0073] In step S805, the strobe MPU 201 calculates a light intensity of 1 / N of the maximum light intensity for each of the continuous light emission units 204. Then, the strobe MPU 201 instructs the strobe MPU 201 of receiver strobes 200b to 200e to emit light at a light intensity of 1 / N of the maximum light intensity.

[0074] In step S806, the constant light emission unit 204 of the sender strobe 200a and the constant light emission units 204 of the receiver strobes 200b to 200e emit constant auxiliary light at a light intensity of 1 / N of the maximum light intensity. As a result, constant auxiliary light at that light intensity is projected onto the subject 900 from each constant light emission unit 204.

[0075] In step S807, the strobe MPU 201 determines whether it has received another n-th step (where n is 1 to N) continuous light emission instruction from the camera MPU 101 (see steps S712 and S715). If the determination in step S807 indicates that a continuous light emission instruction has been received, the process returns to step S805 and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially. On the other hand, if the determination in step S807 indicates that a continuous light emission instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to step S808.

[0076] In step S808, the strobe MPU 201 determines whether or not it has received a notification instruction (see step S704) from the camera MPU 101 regarding the charge level of the charging unit 202. If the determination in step S808 indicates that the notification instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S809. On the other hand, if the determination in step S808 indicates that the notification instruction has not been received, the process ends. In step S808, the case in which it is determined that the notification instruction has not been received is when focus detection by continuous light emission has been completed in steps S804 to S807.

[0077] In step S809, the strobe MPU 201 detects whether the charging unit 202 has enough energy to emit the flashing light unit 203, that is, whether it is at a charge level that allows for the emission of the flash assist light, and notifies the camera MPU 101 of the detection result.

[0078] In step S810, the strobe MPU201 determines whether or not it has received a flash emission instruction from the camera MPU101. If the determination in step S810 indicates that a flash emission instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S811. On the other hand, if the determination in step S810 indicates that no flash emission instruction has been received, the process terminates.

[0079] In step S811, the strobe MPU 201 issues a flashing instruction to the strobe MPU 201 of receiver strobes 200b to 200e to flash each of their respective flash-emitting units 203.

[0080] In step S812, the flash emitter 203 of the sender strobe 200a and the flash emitter 203 of the receiver strobes 200b to 200e emit auxiliary flash light. As a result, auxiliary flash light is projected from each flash emitter 203 toward the subject 900.

[0081] In step S813, the strobe MPU201 determines whether or not it has received a flash emission instruction from the camera MPU101. If the determination in step S813 indicates that a flash emission instruction has been received, the process returns to step S811 and the subsequent steps are executed sequentially. On the other hand, if the determination in step S813 indicates that no flash emission instruction has been received, the process terminates.

[0082] As described above, in the sender strobe 200a, the strobe MPU 201 of the sender strobe 200a can identify the presence or absence of a constant light emission unit 204 in the sender strobe 200a and receiver strobes 200b to 200e (identification step). In this identification process, step S801 counts (detects) the total number of constant light emission units 204. Thus, in this embodiment, the strobe MPU 201 of the sender strobe 200a functions as an identification means for identifying the presence or absence of a constant light emission unit 204.

[0083] Furthermore, the strobe MPU 201 can determine the light intensity of each steady-state light-emitting unit 204 based on the detection result (identification result) in step S801 (determination step). In step S805 (first stage), this light intensity is determined to be the amount obtained by dividing the maximum light intensity of the steady-state light-emitting unit 204 by the total number N of steady-state light-emitting units 204. Thus, in this embodiment, the strobe MPU 201 functions as a determination means for determining the light intensity of each steady-state light-emitting unit 204.

[0084] Furthermore, in step S806, the strobe MPU 201 can synchronize the emission of each steady-state light emission unit 204 with the light intensity determined in step S805 (light emission control step). Thus, in this embodiment, the strobe MPU 201 functions as a light emission control means that, when the digital camera 100 detects focus, emits light at the aforementioned light intensity, i.e., a light intensity adjusted according to the total number of steady-state light emission units 204. As a result, even when shooting in a relatively dark environment, each steady-state light emission unit 204 can emit light at low brightness when focus is detected, thereby reducing the glare felt by the subject 900. In this embodiment, the strobe MPU 201 of the sender strobe 200a functions as an identification means, a determination means, and a light emission control means, but is not limited to this. For example, the sender strobe 200a may have separate parts for each of these functions.

[0085] Furthermore, if it is determined that there is no constant light emission unit 204 (NO in step S703), the flash emission unit 203 of the sender strobe 200a and the flash emission units 203 of the receiver strobes 200b to 200e can be made to emit light during focus detection. This allows focus detection to be performed even when shooting in relatively dark environments. In this case, it is not limited to emitting both the flash emission unit 203 of the sender strobe 200a (second flash emission unit) and the flash emission unit 203 of the receiver strobes 200b to 200e (first flash emission unit). The imaging system 1000 only needs to emit light from at least one of the flash emission units (light emitters) of the first and second flash emission units.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the imaging system 1000 consists of a digital camera 100 and a sender strobe 200a, which are separate components. However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the digital camera 100 may have the same functions as the sender strobe 200a.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the imaging system 1000 is configured with the digital camera 100 and the sender strobe 200a as separate components, but is not limited to this. For example, the sender strobe 200a may be omitted, and instead, the digital camera 100 may have the same function as the sender strobe 200a. That is, it may be configured to control receiver strobes 200b to 200e. In this case, the digital camera 100 has parts that function as the aforementioned identification means, determination means, and light emission control means. For example, when the steady light emission unit 204 of the receiver strobes 200b to 200e is designated as the first steady light emission unit (first steady light body), the camera steady light emission unit 120 of the digital camera 100 is designated as the second steady light emission unit (second steady light body). When the focus is detected, the digital camera 100 can, in the same manner as described above, cause the first and second constant light emitters to emit light at an amount adjusted according to the total number of first and second constant light emitters. This allows the first and second constant light emitters to emit light at low brightness when the focus is detected, even when shooting in a relatively dark environment, thereby reducing the glare felt by the subject 900. Note that the digital camera 100 may omit the second constant light emitter, which is the camera constant light emitter 120.

[0088] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) A light-emitting control device that can communicate with a plurality of light-emitting devices and controls each of the light-emitting devices, Each of the aforementioned light-emitting devices is provided with an identification means for identifying the presence or absence of a steady-state light emitter that emits steady-state light, A determination means for determining the amount of light emitted by the constant light emitter when used as auxiliary light for focus detection by the imaging device, based on the identification result of the identification means, A light emission control device comprising a light emission control means for causing the steady-state light emitter to emit light with the amount of light determined by the determination means. (Configuration 2) The light emission control device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the light emission control means causes the constant light emitter to emit light when the imaging device detects focus. (Configuration 3) The light emission control device according to Configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the identification means detects the total number of constant light emitters as identification of the presence or absence of the constant light emitters. (Configuration 4) The light emission control device according to Configuration 3, characterized in that the determination means determines the amount of light in the steady light emitter to be the amount obtained by dividing the maximum light amount of the steady light emitter by the total number. (Configuration 5) At least one of the plurality of light-emitting devices comprises a flashing light-emitting element that emits a flash of light, The light emission control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the light emission control means causes the flashing light emitter to emit light when the identification means identifies that the steady light emitter is absent. (Configuration 6) When the flashing light emitter is the first flashing light emitter, the light emission control device includes a second flashing light emitter whose flash emission is controlled by the light emission control means, The light emission control device according to configuration 5, characterized in that the light emission control means causes the first flashing body and the second flashing body to emit light when the identification means identifies that the steady light emitter is absent. (Configuration 7) An imaging system comprising: an imaging device for capturing images; a plurality of light-emitting devices for emitting light; and a light-emitting control device that can communicate with the imaging device and the light-emitting devices and controls each of the light-emitting devices, The imaging system is characterized in that the light emission control device comprises a light emission control means that, when the imaging device detects focus, causes the constant light emitters to emit light with an amount of light adjusted according to the total number of constant light emitters that each light emission device has and emit constant light. (Configuration 8) When the constant light emitter is designated as the first constant light emitter, the light emission control device includes a second constant light emitter whose emission of constant light is controlled by the light emission control means, The imaging system according to configuration 7, characterized in that the light emission control means causes the first and second steady light bodies to emit light with an amount of light adjusted according to the total number of the first and second steady light bodies when the imaging device detects focus. (Configuration 9) Each of the light-emitting devices comprises a first flashing body whose flash emission is controlled by the light emission control means, The light emission control device comprises a second flashing body whose flash emission is controlled by the light emission control means, The imaging system according to configuration 7 or 8, characterized in that the light emission control means causes at least one of the light emitters, the first flashing body and the second flashing body, to emit light when imaging is performed by the imaging device. (Configuration 10) An imaging system comprising a plurality of light-emitting devices that emit light, and an imaging device that controls each of the light-emitting devices and captures an image, The imaging device is Each of the aforementioned light-emitting devices is provided with an identification means for identifying the presence or absence of a steady-state light emitter that emits steady-state light, A determination means for determining the amount of light in the constant light emitter based on the identification result of the identification means, The system comprises a light emission control means for causing the steady-state light emitter to emit light with the amount of light determined by the determination means, The imaging system is characterized in that the light emission control means causes the constant light emitter to emit light when the imaging device detects focus. (Configuration 11) When the constant light emitter is designated as the first constant light emitter, the imaging device has a second constant light emitter that emits constant light, The imaging system according to configuration 10, characterized in that the light emission control means causes the first and second steady light bodies to emit light with an amount of light adjusted according to the total number of the first and second steady light bodies when the imaging device detects focus. (Method 1) A method for communicating with and controlling multiple light-emitting devices, For each of the aforementioned light-emitting devices, an identification step is made to identify the presence or absence of a steady light emitter that emits steady light, A determination step is performed to determine the amount of light in the constant light emitter based on the identification result in the identification step, A method for controlling a light-emitting device, characterized by comprising a light emission control step of causing the constant light-emitting element to emit light with the amount of light determined in the determination step. (Program 1) A program that causes a computer to execute each of the means of the light emission control device described in any one of Configurations 1 to 6.

[0089] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 100 Digital Cameras 101 Microcontroller (Camera MPU) 200a External strobe device (sender strobe) 200b~200e Receiver Strobe 201 Microcontroller (Strobe MPU) 203 Flashing light emitter (flashing light emitter) 204 Constant light emission section (constant light emitter) 1000 Imaging System

Claims

1. A light-emitting control device that can communicate with multiple light-emitting devices and controls each of the light-emitting devices, Each of the aforementioned light-emitting devices is provided with an identification means for identifying the presence or absence of a steady-state light emitter that emits steady-state light, A determination means for determining the amount of light emitted by the constant light emitter when used as auxiliary light for focus detection by the imaging device, based on the identification result of the identification means, A light emission control device comprising a light emission control means for causing the steady-state light emitter to emit light with the amount of light determined by the determination means.

2. The light emission control means is characterized in that it causes the constant light emitter to emit light when the imaging device detects focus, as described in claim 1.

3. The light emission control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification means detects the total number of constant light emitters as identification of the presence or absence of the constant light emitters.

4. The light emission control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the determination means determines the amount of light in the steady light emitter as the amount obtained by dividing the maximum light amount of the steady light emitter by the total number.

5. At least one of the plurality of light-emitting devices comprises a flashing light-emitting element that emits a flash of light, The light emission control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light emission control means causes the flashing light emitter to emit light when the identification means identifies that the steady light emitter is absent.

6. When the flashing light emitter is designated as the first flashing light emitter, the light emission control device includes a second flashing light emitter whose emission is controlled by the light emission control means. The light emission control device according to claim 5, characterized in that the light emission control means causes the first flashing body and the second flashing body to emit light when the identification means identifies that the steady light emitter is absent.

7. An imaging system comprising: an imaging device for capturing images; a plurality of light-emitting devices for emitting light; and a light-emitting control device that can communicate with the imaging device and the light-emitting devices and controls each of the light-emitting devices, The imaging system is characterized in that the light emission control device comprises a light emission control means that, when the imaging device detects focus, causes the constant light emitters to emit light with an amount of light adjusted according to the total number of constant light emitters that each light emission device has and emit constant light.

8. When the constant light emitter is designated as the first constant light emitter, the light emission control device includes a second constant light emitter whose emission of constant light is controlled by the light emission control means. The imaging system according to claim 7, characterized in that the light emission control means causes the first and second steady light bodies to emit light with an amount of light adjusted according to the total number of the first and second steady light bodies when the imaging device detects focus.

9. Each of the light-emitting devices comprises a first flashing body whose flash emission is controlled by the light emission control means, The light emission control device comprises a second flashing body whose flash emission is controlled by the light emission control means, The imaging system according to claim 8, characterized in that the light emission control means causes at least one of the light emitters, the first flashing body and the second flashing body, to emit light when imaging is performed by the imaging device.

10. An imaging system comprising a plurality of light-emitting devices that emit light, and an imaging device that controls each of the light-emitting devices and captures an image, The imaging device is Each of the aforementioned light-emitting devices is provided with an identification means for identifying the presence or absence of a steady-state light emitter that emits steady-state light, A determination means for determining the amount of light in the constant light emitter based on the identification result of the identification means, The system comprises a light emission control means for causing the steady-state light emitter to emit light with the amount of light determined by the determination means, The imaging system is characterized in that the light emission control means causes the constant light emitter to emit light when the imaging device detects focus.

11. When the constant light emitter is designated as the first constant light emitter, the imaging device has a second constant light emitter that emits constant light. The imaging system according to claim 10, characterized in that the light emission control means causes the first and second steady light bodies to emit light with an amount of light adjusted according to the total number of the first and second steady light bodies when the imaging device detects focus.

12. A method for communicating with and controlling multiple light-emitting devices, For each of the aforementioned light-emitting devices, an identification step is made to identify the presence or absence of a steady light emitter that emits steady light, A determination step is performed to determine the amount of light in the constant light emitter based on the identification result in the identification step, A method for controlling a light-emitting device, characterized by comprising a light emission control step of causing the constant light-emitting element to emit light with the amount of light determined in the determination step.

13. A program for causing a computer to execute each of the means of the light emission control device described in claim 1.

Images