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

Abstract

To provide a dimmer, an imaging apparatus, a dimming control system, a control method, and a program, capable of providing a method based on an actually acquired video to each of at least one illumination device.SOLUTION: A dimming control system 1 includes an imaging apparatus 200 which has an imaging part 203 for acquiring an image of an object, an illumination device 300 which has a light-emitting part 303, and an electronic apparatus 100. In the imaging apparatus 200, a control part 202 detects at least one information of a subject luminance, a shadow contrast value, and a contour contrast value, from the image of the object acquired by the imaging part 203. In the illumination device 300, a control part 302 sets the light quantity of the light-emitting part 303. The electronic apparatus 100 performs dimming control with respect to the illumination device 300 according to the information detected by the imaging apparatus 200 and a role of the illumination device 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dimming device, an imaging device, a dimming control system, a control method, and a program, and particularly to a dimming device, an imaging device, a dimming control system, a control method, and a program for performing dimming control of a lighting device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a general lighting technology using at least one lighting device, the role of each lighting device is often determined. Therefore, each lighting device needs to adjust an appropriate light amount according to its role. For example, a front light (key light) is a lighting device having a role of determining the subject brightness, and a fill light is a lighting device having a role of eliminating the shadow by the front light (key light). Also, a backlight is a lighting device having a role of making the outline of the subject stand out. That is, the light amount of each lighting device used for subject lighting is adjusted according to whether it is used as any lighting device such as a front light, a fill light, a backlight, etc.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of performing dimming of each lighting device based on the luminance relative ratio between the front light (key light) luminance and the backlight luminance at the subject position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, the dimming of each light is performed only based on the relative luminance ratio of the front light (key light) luminance and the back light luminance, and the dimming of each light is not performed based on the actual image obtained. As a result, the dimming of each lighting device used to light up the subject may not be appropriate, due to the influence of factors other than the illuminating light, such as ambient light and the shape of the subject.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a dimming device, an imaging device, a dimming control system, a control method, and a program that can provide a method based on the image actually acquired for each of at least one lighting device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the dimming control system according to claim 1 of the present invention includes an imaging device having an imaging unit for acquiring an image of a subject, and a light-emitting unit multiple A dimming control system having a lighting device and a dimming device, wherein the imaging device and the multiple The system comprises a first communication means for communicating with the lighting device and the dimming device, and a detection means for detecting at least one piece of information from the image of the subject acquired by the imaging unit, which includes subject brightness, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value. multiple The lighting device includes a second communication means for communicating with the imaging device and a light intensity setting means for setting the light intensity of the light-emitting unit, and the dimming device includes a third communication means for communicating with the imaging device. ,before Note multiple Lighting device Each of Depending on the role Using the information detected by the detection means and a preset threshold , the above multiple Lighting device While sequentially changing the light intensity of each of the aforementioned light-emitting parts, for each of the multiple lighting devices It is characterized by comprising a dimming control means for performing dimming control.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the dimming control system according to claim 2 of the present invention comprises an imaging device having an imaging unit for acquiring an image of a subject, and a light-emitting unit multiple A dimming control system having a lighting device, wherein the imaging device, multiple The system comprises a first communication means for communicating with a lighting device, and a detection means for detecting at least one piece of information from the subject brightness, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value from the image of the subject acquired by the imaging unit, multiple The lighting device comprises a second communication means for communicating with the imaging device and a light intensity setting means for setting the light intensity of the light-emitting unit, and the imaging device ,before Note multiple Lighting device Each of Depending on the role Using the information detected by the detection means and a preset threshold , the above multiple Lighting device While sequentially changing the light intensity of each of the aforementioned light-emitting parts, for each of the multiple lighting devices It is characterized by further comprising a dimming control means for performing dimming control.

[0009] To solve the above problems, the dimming device according to claim 9 of the present invention has an imaging device having an imaging unit for acquiring an image of a subject and a light-emitting unit that communicates with the imaging device having an imaging unit for acquiring an image of a subject. multiple A dimming device for controlling the dimming of a lighting device, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring at least one piece of information from the imaging device, which is detected from the image of the subject acquired by the imaging unit, among subject brightness, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value; ,before Note multiple Lighting device Each of Depending on the role Using the information acquired by the acquisition means and a preset threshold , the above multiple Lighting device While sequentially changing the light intensity of each of the aforementioned light-emitting parts, for each of the multiple lighting devices It is characterized by comprising dimming control means for performing dimming control.

[0010] To solve the above problems, the imaging device according to claim 10 of the present invention has an imaging unit for acquiring an image of a subject, and also has a light-emitting unit. multiple An imaging device that communicates with an illumination device, comprising: detection means for detecting at least one piece of information from subject brightness, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value from the image of the subject acquired by the imaging unit; ,before Note multiple Lighting device Each of Depending on the role Using the information detected by the detection means and a preset threshold , the above multiple Lighting device While sequentially changing the light intensity of each of the aforementioned light-emitting parts, for each of the multiple lighting devices It is characterized by comprising dimming control means for performing dimming control. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, for each of at least one lighting device, a dimming method based on the actually acquired video can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the dimming control system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the dimming sequence in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of the flowchart of the execution process of the key light role dimming operation of T207 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the flowchart of the execution process of the fill light role dimming operation of T213 in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the flowchart of the execution process of the backlight role dimming operation of T219 in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the dimming control system in the second embodiment. [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0017] The imaging device 200 includes a communication unit 201, a control unit 202, and an imaging unit 203.

[0018] The lighting device 300 includes a communication unit 301, a control unit 302, and a light-emitting unit 303.

[0019] First, let me explain about electronic device 100.

[0020] The communication unit 101 (third communication means) is connected to the communication unit 201 of the imaging device 200 in a communication manner. In Figure 1, the communication unit 101 is connected to the communication unit 201 by a wired connection, but it is not limited to this and may be connected wirelessly.

[0021] The control unit 102 (dimming control means) performs dimming control on the lighting device 300 based on the role of the lighting device 300 and at least one piece of information obtained from the imaging device 200, which is one of the subject brightness, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value described later.

[0022] Next, the imaging device 200 will be described.

[0023] The communication unit 201 (first communication means) is connected to the communication unit 101 of the electronic device 100 and the communication unit 301 of the lighting device 300 in a manner that enables communication. In Figure 1, the communication unit 201 is connected to the communication units 101 and 301 by wire, but it is not limited to this and may also be connected wirelessly.

[0024] The imaging unit 203 includes an image sensor and acquires a subject image. The control unit 202 (detection means) detects at least one piece of information from the subject luminance, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value from the subject image obtained by the imaging unit 203. In Figure 1, the imaging device 200 has one control unit 202 built in, but the number of built-in control units 202 is not necessarily limited to one. For example, the imaging device 200 may have multiple control units 202, each detecting the subject luminance, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value from the subject image obtained by the imaging unit 203.

[0025] Next, the lighting device 300 will be described.

[0026] The communication unit 301 (second communication means) is connected to the communication unit 201 of the imaging device 200 in a communication-enabled manner. In Figure 1, the communication unit 301 is connected to the communication unit 201 by a wired connection, but it is not limited to this and may be connected wirelessly.

[0027] The control unit 302 holds information indicating the role of the illumination device 300 and information regarding the light emission operation associated with that role. Furthermore, when a user operation is performed to set the role of the illumination device 300, or when a role instruction is received from the imaging device 200, the control unit 302 (light intensity setting means) sets the light intensity of the light emission unit 303 according to the role and executes the light emission operation. Note that the role information of the illumination device 300 is not limited to being stored in the control unit 302 of the illumination device 300. For example, the role information of the illumination device 300 may be stored in the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 or in the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200.

[0028] In the above configuration, the lighting device 300 performs light emission operations corresponding to its role according to control instructions from the control unit 102 or control unit 202.

[0029] The light-emitting unit 303 is a light source that emits light according to the control unit 302.

[0030] Furthermore, although only one lighting device 300 is shown in Figure 1, multiple devices are also acceptable.

[0031] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, in addition to Figure 1 mentioned above.

[0032] The first embodiment describes a case where dimming control is performed in a typical three-point imaging setup. That is, in the first embodiment, the case is described when there are three lighting devices (hereinafter referred to as "first to third lighting devices") connected to the imaging device 200. Hereafter, the term lighting device 300 will be used to refer collectively to the first to third lighting devices.

[0033] Figure 2 shows the dimming sequence in the first embodiment, and the time axis in each sequence is described as T201 to T221.

[0034] First, the control unit 202 (role setting means) of the imaging device 200 sets the respective roles of the first to third lighting devices by sending role selection instructions to each of the first to third lighting devices. In Figure 2, the first lighting device is set as the key light, the second lighting device as the fill light, and the third lighting device as the backlight. After setting the respective roles of the first to third lighting devices, the control units 302 of the first to third lighting devices send a notification of completion of setting to the imaging device 200 (T201 to T203).

[0035] At this time, the order in which the role settings are configured is not limited to the order shown in Figure 2. For example, the role settings may be configured starting with the fill light or backlight.

[0036] Furthermore, while the first embodiment uses the example of a case where a role selection instruction is transmitted from the imaging device 200, the method is not limited to this, as long as it is a means of having each of the first to third illumination devices perform role settings. For example, the user may perform an operation to set a role for each of the first to third illumination devices, and each of the first to third illumination devices may perform role settings in response to that operation.

[0037] When the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 receives setting completion notifications from all of the first to third lighting devices, it sends a setting completion notification to the electronic device 100. The control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 receives the setting completion notification from the imaging device 200 and sends the first dimming operation start instruction to the imaging device 200 (T204, T205).

[0038] The control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 receives the first dimming operation start instruction from the electronic device 100 and transmits a key light dimming start instruction to the first lighting device, which is set to function as a key light. When the control unit 302 of the first lighting device receives the key light dimming start instruction from the imaging device 200, it transmits an operation start notification to the imaging device 200 (T205, T206). Subsequently, the key light role dimming operation starts in the electronic device 100, the imaging device 200, and the lighting device 300 (T207).

[0039] Details of the key light dimming operation (T207) in the electronic device 100, imaging device 200, and illumination device 300 are explained in Figure 3. However, the explanation in Figure 3 describes the operation after the imaging device 200 receives an operation start notification (T206) from the first illumination device.

[0040] One simple dimming method for the first lighting device (key light) is to set the initial light output of the light-emitting unit 303 to be gradually increased from a small amount, and to terminate the dimming when the subject brightness detected by the imaging unit 203 reaches an appropriate value. In the first embodiment, the above method will be explained as an example, but the method is not limited to this, as long as it terminates the dimming when the subject brightness detected by the imaging unit 203 reaches an appropriate value.

[0041] Figure 3 shows an example of a flowchart illustrating the execution process for the dimming function of the key light of T207 shown in Figure 2.

[0042] In step S301, upon receiving an operation start notification (T206) from the first lighting device, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 starts the operation of detecting the brightness of the subject (hereinafter referred to as "subject brightness") from the subject image acquired by the imaging unit 203. Thereafter, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 maintains the brightness detection operation state. At this time, the control unit 202 transmits the subject brightness detected in the initial stage of the brightness detection operation to the electronic device 100, and causes the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 to store this subject brightness detected in the initial stage of the operation start as an initial value.

[0043] In step S302, the control unit 302 of the first illumination device (key light) sets the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303. At this time, if it is immediately after the operation start notification (T206) has been sent from the first illumination device to the imaging device 200, it is desirable that the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 be a small amount as the initial setting.

[0044] In step S303, the control unit 302 of the first irradiation device causes the light-emitting unit 303 to emit light at the light intensity set in step S302. At this time, the control unit 302 of the first irradiation device transmits a notification (light emission notification) to the imaging device 200 indicating that the light-emitting unit 303 is emitting light at the set light intensity.

[0045] In step S304, upon receiving a light emission notification from the first illumination device, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 detects the brightness of the subject using the imaging unit 203.

[0046] In step S305, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 transmits the subject brightness to the electronic device 100. That is, the control unit 102 (acquisition means) of the electronic device 100 acquires the subject brightness detected in step S304 from the imaging device 200 by transmitting the first instruction to start the dimming operation to the imaging device 200.

[0047] In step S306, the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 determines whether the subject brightness transmitted from the imaging device 200 in step S305 is equal to or greater than the threshold value for key light setting stored in the control unit 102.

[0048] If the determination in step S306 indicates that the subject brightness is below the threshold for setting the key light (NO in step S306), the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 transmits a re-dimming operation start instruction to the imaging device 200. Upon receiving this re-dimming operation start instruction, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 transmits a key light re-dimming start instruction to the first illumination device while maintaining the brightness detection operation state, and returns to step S302. As a result, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the first illumination device is reset to a light intensity equal to or greater than the currently set light intensity in response to the key light re-dimming start instruction.

[0049] On the other hand, if the determination in step S306 shows that the subject brightness is equal to or greater than the threshold for setting the key light (YES in step S306), the process proceeds to step S307.

[0050] In step S307, the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 sends an instruction to the imaging device 200 to stop the subject brightness detection operation, and terminates this process.

[0051] Returning to Figure 2, upon receiving a stop instruction from the electronic device 100 to stop the subject brightness detection operation (step S307), the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 stops the brightness detection operation and transmits a stop processing instruction to the first illumination device (T208). Upon receiving the stop processing instruction from the imaging device 200, the control unit 302 of the first illumination device stops the key light role operation, that is, stops the light intensity setting operation of the light-emitting unit 303 of the first illumination device (T208). At this time, for the purpose of saving power when taking another image, the control unit 302 of the first illumination device may record the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the first illumination device that is currently emitting light as an appropriate light intensity.

[0052] After stopping the key light function operation, the control unit 302 of the first irradiation device sends a notification to the imaging device 200 indicating that the stop process is complete (T208).

[0053] Upon receiving notification from the first irradiation device that the stop process is complete, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 transmits a stop process completion notification to the electronic equipment 100 (T209).

[0054] As a result, it becomes possible to adjust the first lighting device so that the subject has a predetermined subject brightness.

[0055] Next, upon receiving notification that the first lighting device has finished stopping, the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 sends a second instruction to the imaging device 200 to start the dimming operation (T210).

[0056] The control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 receives a second dimming operation start instruction from the electronic device 100 and transmits a fill light dimming start instruction to the second illumination device, which is set to act as a fill light (T210, T211). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the light-emitting unit 303 of the first illumination device maintains an illumination state with the above-mentioned appropriate light intensity.

[0057] When the control unit 302 of the second lighting device receives a fill light dimming start instruction from the imaging device 200, it sends an operation start notification to the imaging device 200 (T211, T212). Subsequently, the fill light dimming operation starts in the electronic equipment 100, the imaging device 200, and the lighting device 300 (T213).

[0058] Details of the fill light dimming operation (T213) in the electronic device 100, imaging device 200, and illumination device 300 are explained in Figure 4. However, the explanation in Figure 4 describes the operation after the imaging device 200 receives an operation start notification (T212) from the second illumination device.

[0059] A simple dimming method for the second lighting device (fill light) is to set the light output of the light-emitting unit 303 to increase sequentially from a minute amount, and to stop dimming when the shadow contrast value of the subject detected by the imaging unit 203 reaches an appropriate value. In the first embodiment, the above method will be explained as an example, but the method is not limited to this, as long as it is a method of stopping dimming when the shadow contrast value detected by the imaging unit 203 reaches an appropriate value.

[0060] Figure 4 shows an example of a flowchart illustrating the execution process of the dimming operation of the fill light function of T213 in Figure 2.

[0061] In step S401, upon receiving an operation start notification (T212) from the second illumination device, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 starts detecting the shadow contrast value of the subject from the subject image acquired by the imaging unit 203. Subsequently, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 maintains the shadow contrast detection state. At this time, the control unit 202 transmits the shadow contrast value detected in the initial stage of the shadow contrast detection operation to the electronic device 100, and causes the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 to store this shadow contrast value detected in the initial stage of operation as the initial value.

[0062] The detection range for the shadow portion of the subject in the control unit 202 at this time can be achieved, for example, by making full use of pupil detection, and the position of the nose, which is below the pupil, can be set as the detection range. This makes it possible to adjust the lighting for the shadow cast on the subject by the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 303 of the first lighting device.

[0063] However, the above is merely one example of a method for detecting the shadow of a subject, and the detection range for the shadowed portion of the subject is not limited to the specific range described above.

[0064] In step S402, the control unit 302 of the second illumination device (fill light) sets the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 303. At this time, if it is immediately after the operation start notification (T212) has been sent from the second illumination device to the imaging device 200, it is desirable that the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 be a small amount as the initial setting.

[0065] In step S403, the control unit 302 of the second irradiation device causes the light-emitting unit 303 to emit light at the light intensity set in step S402. At this time, the control unit 302 of the second irradiation device sends a notification (light emission notification) to the imaging device 200 indicating that the light-emitting unit 303 is emitting light at the set light intensity.

[0066] In step S404, upon receiving a light emission notification from the second illumination device, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 detects the shadow contrast value using the imaging unit 203.

[0067] In step S405, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 transmits the shadow contrast value detected in step S404 to the electronic device 100. That is, the control unit 102 (acquisition means) of the electronic device 100 acquires the shadow contrast value detected in step S404 from the imaging device 200 by transmitting a second dimming operation start instruction (T210) to the imaging device 200.

[0068] In step S406, the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 determines whether the shadow contrast value transmitted from the imaging device 200 in step S405 is equal to or greater than the threshold value for fill light setting stored in the control unit 102.

[0069] If the determination in step S406 indicates that the shadow contrast value is less than the threshold for fill light setting (NO in step S406), the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 sends a re-dimming operation start instruction to the imaging device 200. Upon receiving this re-dimming operation start instruction, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 maintains the shadow contrast detection state and sends a fill light re-dimming start instruction to the second illuminator, returning to step S402. As a result, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the second illuminator is reset to an intensity equal to or greater than the currently set light intensity in response to the fill light re-dimming start instruction.

[0070] On the other hand, if the determination in step S406 results in the shadow contrast value being equal to or greater than the threshold for setting the fill light (YES in step S406), the process proceeds to step S407.

[0071] In step S407, the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 sends an instruction to the imaging device 200 to stop the shadow contrast value detection operation, and terminates this process.

[0072] Returning to Figure 2, upon receiving a stop instruction from the electronic device 100 to stop the shadow contrast value detection operation (step S407), the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 stops the shadow contrast detection state and transmits a stop processing instruction to the second illumination device (T214). Upon receiving the stop processing instruction from the imaging device 200, the control unit 302 of the second illumination device stops the fill light role operation, that is, stops the operation of setting the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the second illumination device (T214). At this time, for the purpose of saving power when taking images again, the control unit 302 of the second illumination device may record the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the second illumination device that is currently emitting light as an appropriate light intensity.

[0073] After stopping the fill light function, the control unit 302 of the second irradiation device sends a notification to the imaging device 200 indicating that the stop process is complete (T214).

[0074] Upon receiving notification from the second irradiation device that the stop process is complete, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 transmits a stop process completion notification to the electronic equipment 100 (T215).

[0075] As a result of the above, it becomes possible to adjust the brightness of the second lighting device to mitigate the shadows cast by the first lighting device.

[0076] Next, upon receiving notification that the second lighting device has finished stopping, the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 sends a third instruction to the imaging device 200 to start the dimming operation (T216).

[0077] The control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 receives the third dimming operation start instruction from the electronic device 100 and transmits a backlight dimming start instruction to the third lighting device, which is set to function as a backlight (T216, T217). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the light-emitting unit 303 of the first lighting device and the light-emitting unit 303 of the second lighting device maintain light emission at the respective appropriate light levels.

[0078] When the control unit 302 of the third lighting device receives an instruction from the imaging device 200 to start backlight dimming operation, it sends an operation start notification to the imaging device 200 (T217, T218). Subsequently, backlight dimming operation starts in the electronic equipment 100, the imaging device 200, and the lighting device 300 (T219).

[0079] The backlight dimming operation (T219) of the electronic device 100, imaging device 200, and lighting device 300 is explained in Figure 5. However, the explanation in Figure 5 describes the operation after the imaging device 200 receives an operation start notification (T218) from the third lighting device.

[0080] A simple dimming method for the third lighting device (backlight) is to set the initial light output of the light-emitting unit 303 to be gradually increased from a small amount, and to terminate the dimming when the contour contrast value of the subject detected by the imaging unit 203 reaches an appropriate value. In the first embodiment, the above method will be explained as an example, but the method is not limited to this, as long as the dimming is terminated when the contour contrast value detected by the imaging unit 203 reaches an appropriate value.

[0081] Figure 5 shows an example of a flowchart illustrating the execution process for the backlight dimming operation of T219 in Figure 2.

[0082] In step S501, upon receiving an operation start notification (T218) from the third illumination device, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 starts detecting the contour contrast value of the subject from the subject image acquired by the imaging unit 203. Subsequently, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 maintains the contour contrast detection state. At this time, the control unit 202 transmits the contour contrast value detected in the initial stage of the contour contrast detection operation to the electronic device 100, and causes the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 to store this contour contrast value detected in the initial stage of the operation start as the initial value.

[0083] The detection range for the subject contour in the control unit 202 at this time can be achieved, for example, by making full use of subject distance information, and the detection range is set to the point of change in distance information in the imaging unit 203. This makes it possible to detect the contour of the subject generated by the light emission of the light-emitting unit 303 of the third illumination device.

[0084] However, the above is merely one example of a means for detecting the contour of a subject, and is not limited to the specific detection method described above.

[0085] In step S502, the control unit 302 of the third illumination device (backlight) sets the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 303. At this time, if it is immediately after the operation start notification (T218) has been sent from the third illumination device to the imaging device 200, it is desirable that the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 be a small amount as the initial setting.

[0086] In step S503, the control unit 302 of the third irradiation device causes the light-emitting unit 303 to emit light at the light intensity set in step S502. At this time, the control unit 302 of the third irradiation device sends a notification (light emission notification) to the imaging device 200 indicating that the light-emitting unit 303 is emitting light at the set light intensity.

[0087] In step S504, upon receiving a light emission notification from the third illumination device, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 detects the contour contrast value using the imaging unit 203.

[0088] In step S505, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 transmits the contour contrast value detected in step S504 to the electronic device 100. That is, the control unit 102 (acquisition means) of the electronic device 100 acquires the contour contrast value detected in step S504 from the imaging device 200 by transmitting a third dimming operation start instruction (T216) to the imaging device 200.

[0089] In step S506, the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 determines whether the contour contrast value transmitted from the imaging device 200 in step S505 is equal to or greater than the threshold value for backlight setting stored in the control unit 102.

[0090] If the determination in step S506 indicates that the contour contrast value is less than the threshold for backlight setting (NO in step S506), the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 sends a re-dimming operation start instruction to the imaging device 200. Upon receiving this re-dimming operation start instruction, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 maintains the contour contrast detection state and sends a backlight re-dimming start instruction to the third illuminator, returning to step S502. As a result, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the third illuminator is reset to an intensity equal to or greater than the currently set light intensity in response to the backlight re-dimming start instruction.

[0091] On the other hand, if the determination in step S506 results in the contour contrast value being equal to or greater than the threshold for backlight setting (YES in step S506), the process proceeds to step S507.

[0092] In step S507, the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 sends an instruction to the imaging device 200 to stop the contour contrast value detection operation, and terminates this process.

[0093] Returning to Figure 2, upon receiving a stop instruction from the electronic device 100 for detecting the contour contrast value (step S507), the imaging device 200 stops the contour contrast detection state and transmits a stop processing instruction to the third illumination device (T220). Upon receiving the stop processing instruction from the imaging device 200, the control unit 302 of the third illumination device stops the backlight function, that is, stops the operation of setting the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the third illumination device (T220). At this time, for the purpose of saving power when taking images again, the control unit 302 of the third illumination device may record the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the third illumination device that is currently emitting light as an appropriate light intensity.

[0094] After the control unit 302 of the third illumination device stops its backlight function and receives a stop processing instruction, it sends a stop processing completion notification to the imaging device 200 (T220).

[0095] Upon receiving notification from the third irradiation device that the stop process is complete, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 transmits a stop process completion notification to the electronic device 100 (T221).

[0096] Based on the above, it becomes possible to adjust the brightness of the third lighting device to highlight the contours of the subject, taking into account the total light output of the first and second lighting devices.

[0097] In summary, by providing the first to third lighting devices, each with a role setting according to its intended use, and the imaging device 200 that performs dimming control according to each of their roles, it is possible to provide a dimming method based on the image actually acquired.

[0098] In the first embodiment, an example was given in which the light irradiation state of the first lighting device is maintained when the dimming control of the second lighting device is performed, and the light irradiation states of the first and second lighting devices are maintained when the dimming control of the third lighting device is performed. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration.

[0099] For example, the first to third lighting devices may each perform at least two light emission operations, and dimming may be performed by calculating the appropriate amount of light emission based on the difference between the brightness, shadow, and contrast information obtained during light emission and the appropriate values. Using such a method makes it possible to perform dimming control with less power consumption.

[0100] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first embodiment shows an example in which three-point imaging is assumed and imaging is performed using three lights from the first to third lighting devices. However, imaging using two lights can also be carried out within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0101] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0102] In the second embodiment, all dimming control for the lighting device 300 is performed by the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200. That is, as shown in the dimming control system 1a of Figure 6, only the imaging device 200 and the lighting device 300 of the dimming control system 1 of Figure 1 are used in the second embodiment.

[0103] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the second embodiment will also describe the case where dimming control is performed in a typical three-point imaging setup. That is, similar to the first embodiment, the second embodiment will also describe the case where there are first to third lighting devices connected to the imaging device 200. Hereafter, the term "lighting device 300" will be used to refer collectively to the first to third lighting devices.

[0104] In Figure 6, the dimming control system 1a includes an imaging device 200 and a lighting device 300 that can communicate with the imaging device 200.

[0105] The imaging device 200 includes a communication unit 201, a control unit 202, and an imaging unit 203.

[0106] The lighting device 300 includes a communication unit 301, a control unit 302, and a light-emitting unit 303.

[0107] First, let's explain the imaging device 200.

[0108] The communication unit 201 (first communication means) is connected to the communication unit 301 of the lighting device 300 in a communication manner. In Figure 6, the communication unit 201 is connected to the communication unit 301 by a wired connection, but it is not limited to this and may be connected wirelessly.

[0109] The imaging unit 203 includes an image sensor and acquires a subject image. The control unit 202 (detection means) detects at least one piece of information from the subject luminance, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value from the subject image obtained by the imaging unit 203. In Figure 6, the imaging device 200 has one built-in control unit 202, but the number of built-in control units 202 is not necessarily limited to one. For example, the imaging device 200 may have multiple control units 202, each detecting the subject luminance, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value from the subject image obtained by the imaging unit 203.

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit 202 (dimming control means) performs dimming control of the lighting device 300 via the communication unit 201 based on the role of the lighting device 300 and at least one piece of information from the subject brightness, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value.

[0111] Next, the lighting device 300 will be described.

[0112] The communication unit 301 (second communication means) is connected to the communication unit 201 of the imaging device 200 in a communication-enabled manner. In Figure 6, the communication unit 301 is connected to the communication unit 201 by a wired connection, but it is not limited to this and may also be connected wirelessly.

[0113] The control unit 302 holds information indicating the role of the illumination device 300 and information regarding the light emission operation associated with that role. Furthermore, when a user operation is performed to set the role of the illumination device 300, or when a role instruction is received from the imaging device 200, the control unit 302 (light intensity setting means) sets the light intensity of the light emission unit 303 according to the role and executes the light emission operation. Note that the role information of the illumination device 300 is not limited to being stored in the control unit 302 of the illumination device 300. For example, the role information of the illumination device 300 may be stored in the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200.

[0114] In the above configuration, the lighting device 300 performs light emission operations according to its role in accordance with control instructions from the control unit 202.

[0115] The light-emitting unit 303 is a light source that emits light according to the control unit 302.

[0116] Figure 7 shows the dimming sequence in the second embodiment, and the time axis in each sequence is described as T701 to T715.

[0117] First, the control unit 202 (role setting means) of the imaging device 200 sets the respective roles of the first to third illumination devices by sending role selection instructions to each of the first to third illumination devices. In Figure 7, the first illumination device is set as the key light, the second illumination device as the fill light, and the third illumination device as the backlight. After setting the respective roles of the first to third illumination devices, the control units 302 of the first to third illumination devices send a notification of completion of setting to the imaging device 200 (T701 to T703).

[0118] At this time, the order in which the role settings are configured is not limited to the order shown in Figure 7. For example, the role settings may be configured starting with the fill light or backlight.

[0119] Furthermore, while the second embodiment uses the example of a case where a role selection instruction is transmitted from the imaging device 200, the method is not limited to this, as long as it is a means of having each of the first to third illumination devices perform role settings. For example, the user may perform an operation to set a role for each of the first to third illumination devices, and each of the first to third illumination devices may perform role settings in response to that operation.

[0120] When the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 receives notification of completion of settings from all of the first to third illumination devices, it sends a key light dimming start instruction to the first illumination device, which is set to act as a key light (T704).

[0121] When the control unit 302 of the first lighting device receives a key light dimming start instruction from the imaging device 200, it sends an operation start notification to the imaging device 200 (T705). Subsequently, the key light dimming operation starts in both the imaging device 200 and the lighting device 300 (T706).

[0122] Details of the key light dimming operation (T706) in the imaging device 200 and the lighting device 300 are equivalent to the flowchart in Figure 3, so we will explain using Figure 3. The difference between the key light dimming operation in the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the control performed by the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 is handled by the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200.

[0123] In other words, steps S301 to S304 are performed in the same way as in the first embodiment, and the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 acquires the subject brightness. However, unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the discrimination process in step S306 is performed inside the imaging device 200, so the process proceeds directly from step S304 to step S306 without performing the subject brightness transmission process in step S305.

[0124] In step S306, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 determines whether the acquired subject brightness is equal to or greater than the threshold for setting the key light. Unlike the first embodiment, the threshold for setting the key light is held by the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200, and the determination process in step S306 is performed by the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200.

[0125] If, as a result of this determination, the acquired subject brightness is less than the threshold for setting the key light (NO in step S306), the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 transmits a key light readjustment start instruction to the first illumination device while maintaining the brightness detection operation state. Then, the process returns to step S302. As a result, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the first illumination device is reset to an intensity equal to or greater than the light intensity currently set by the control unit 302 of the first illumination device in response to the key light readjustment start instruction.

[0126] On the other hand, if the determination in step S306 results in the acquired subject brightness being equal to or greater than the threshold for setting the key light (YES in step S306), unlike the first embodiment, this process is terminated directly without proceeding to step S307.

[0127] Returning to Figure 7, when the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 finishes the key light dimming operation (T706), it stops the brightness detection operation and sends a stop processing instruction to the first illumination device (T707). Upon receiving the stop processing instruction from the imaging device 200, the control unit 302 of the first illumination device stops the key light operation, that is, stops the light intensity setting operation of the light-emitting unit 303 of the first illumination device (T707). At this time, for the purpose of saving power when taking images again, the control unit 302 of the first illumination device may record the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the first illumination device that is currently emitting light as an appropriate light intensity.

[0128] After stopping the key light function operation, the control unit 302 of the first irradiation device sends a notification to the imaging device 200 indicating that the stop process is complete (T707).

[0129] Upon receiving notification from the first illumination device that the stop process has been completed, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 transmits a fill light dimming start instruction to the second illumination device, which is set to function as a fill light (T708). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the light-emitting unit 303 of the first illumination device maintains the illumination state at the above appropriate value.

[0130] When the control unit 302 of the second lighting device receives a fill light dimming start instruction from the imaging device 200, it sends an operation start notification to the imaging device 200 (T709). Subsequently, the fill light dimming operation starts in both the imaging device 200 and the lighting device 300 (T710).

[0131] Details of the fill light dimming operation (T710) in the imaging device 200 and the lighting device 300 are equivalent to the flowchart in Figure 4, so we will explain using Figure 4. The difference between the fill light dimming operation in the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the control performed by the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 is handled by the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200.

[0132] In other words, steps S401 to S404 are performed in the same way as in the first embodiment, and the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 acquires the shadow contrast value. However, unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the discrimination process in step S406 is performed inside the imaging device 200, so the process proceeds directly from step S404 to step S406 without performing the shadow contrast value transmission process in step S405.

[0133] In step S406, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 determines whether the acquired shadow contrast value is equal to or greater than the threshold value for fill light setting. Unlike the first embodiment, the threshold value for fill light setting is held by the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200, and the determination process in step S406 is performed by the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200.

[0134] If, as a result of this determination, the acquired shadow contrast value is less than the threshold for fill light setting (NO in step S406), the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 transmits a fill light readjustment start instruction to the second illumination device while maintaining the shadow contrast detection state. Then, the process returns to step S402. As a result, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the second illumination device is reset to an intensity equal to or greater than the light intensity currently set by the control unit 302 of the second illumination device, in response to the fill light readjustment start instruction.

[0135] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S406 is that the acquired shadow contrast value is equal to or greater than the threshold for setting the fill light (YES in step S406), unlike the first embodiment, this process is terminated directly without proceeding to step S407.

[0136] Returning to Figure 7, when the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 finishes the fill light dimming operation (T710), it stops the shadow contrast detection state and sends a stop processing instruction to the second illumination device (T711). Upon receiving the stop processing instruction from the imaging device 200, the control unit 302 of the second illumination device stops the fill light operation, that is, stops the operation of setting the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the second illumination device (T711). At this time, for the purpose of saving power when taking images again, the control unit 302 of the second illumination device may record the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the second illumination device that is currently emitting light as an appropriate light intensity.

[0137] After stopping the fill light function, the control unit 302 of the second lighting device sends a notification to the imaging device 200 indicating that the stop process is complete (T711).

[0138] Upon receiving notification from the second illumination device that the stop process has been completed, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 transmits a backlight dimming start instruction to the third illumination device, which is set to function as a backlight (T712). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the light-emitting unit 303 of the first illumination device and the light-emitting unit 303 of the second illumination device maintain light emission at the respective appropriate light levels.

[0139] When the control unit 302 of the third lighting device receives an instruction from the imaging device 200 to start backlight dimming operation, it sends an operation start notification to the imaging device 200 (T713). Subsequently, backlight dimming operation starts in both the imaging device 200 and the lighting device 300 (T714).

[0140] Details of the backlight dimming operation (T714) in the imaging device 200 and the lighting device 300 are equivalent to the flowchart in Figure 5, so we will explain using Figure 5. The difference between the backlight dimming operation in the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the control performed by the control unit 102 of the electronic device 100 is handled by the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200.

[0141] In other words, steps S501 to S504 are performed in the same way as in the first embodiment, and the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 acquires the contour contrast value. However, unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the discrimination process in step S506 is performed inside the imaging device 200, so the process proceeds directly from step S504 to step S506 without performing the contour contrast value transmission process in step S505.

[0142] In step S506, the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 determines whether the acquired contour contrast value is equal to or greater than the threshold value for backlight setting. Unlike the first embodiment, the threshold value for backlight setting is held by the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200, and the determination process in step S506 is performed by the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200.

[0143] If, as a result of this determination, the acquired contour contrast value is less than the threshold for backlight setting (NO in step S506), the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 transmits a backlight readjustment start instruction to the third illuminator while maintaining the contour contrast detection state. Then, the process returns to step S502. As a result, the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the third illuminator is reset to an intensity equal to or greater than the light intensity currently set by the control unit 302 of the third illuminator, in response to the backlight readjustment start instruction.

[0144] On the other hand, if the determination in step S506 results in the acquired contour contrast value being equal to or greater than the threshold for backlight setting (YES in step S506), unlike the first embodiment, this process is terminated directly without proceeding to step S507.

[0145] Returning to Figure 7, when the control unit 202 of the imaging device 200 finishes the backlight dimming operation (T714), it stops the contour contrast detection state and sends a stop processing instruction to the third illumination device (T715). Upon receiving the stop processing instruction from the imaging device 200, the control unit 302 of the third illumination device stops the backlight operation, that is, stops the operation of setting the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the third illumination device (T715). At this time, for the purpose of saving power when taking images again, the control unit 302 of the third illumination device may record the light intensity of the light-emitting unit 303 of the third illumination device that is currently emitting light as an appropriate light intensity.

[0146] The control unit 302 of the third lighting device, after stopping its backlight function, sends a notification to the imaging device 200 indicating that the stop process is complete (T715).

[0147] Based on the above, it becomes possible to adjust the brightness of the third lighting device to highlight the contours of the subject, taking into account the total light output of the first and second lighting devices.

[0148] In summary, by providing the first to third lighting devices, each with a role setting according to its intended use, and the imaging device 200 that performs dimming control according to each of their roles, it is possible to provide a dimming method based on the image actually acquired.

[0149] In the second embodiment, an example was given in which the light irradiation state of the first lighting device is maintained when the dimming control of the second lighting device is performed, and the light irradiation states of the first and second lighting devices are maintained when the dimming control of the third lighting device is performed. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration.

[0150] For example, the first to third lighting devices may each perform at least two light emission operations, and dimming may be performed by calculating the appropriate amount of light emission based on the difference between the brightness, shadow, and contrast information obtained during light emission and the appropriate values. Using such a method makes it possible to perform dimming control with less power consumption.

[0151] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second embodiment shows an example in which three-point imaging is assumed and imaging is performed using three lights from the first to third lighting devices. However, imaging using two lights is also possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0152] (Other embodiments) In this embodiment, the system can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more functions to a computer of a system or device via a network or storage medium, and the system control unit of that system or device reads and executes the program. The system control unit has one or more processors or circuits and may include a plurality of separate system control units or a network of a plurality of separate processors or circuits in order to read and execute executable instructions.

[0153] A processor or circuit may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Alternatively, a processor or circuit may include a digital signal processor (DSP), a dataflow processor (DFP), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0154] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 100 Electronic equipment 101,201,301 Communications Department 102,202,302 Control Unit 200 Imaging device 203 Imaging Unit 300 Lighting devices 303 Light-emitting part

Claims

1. An imaging device having an imaging unit for acquiring an image of a subject, a plurality of lighting devices having light-emitting units, and a dimming control system having a dimming device, The imaging device is A first communication means for communicating with the plurality of lighting devices and the dimming device, A detection means for detecting at least one piece of information from the image of the subject acquired by the imaging unit, including subject brightness, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value. Equipped with, The aforementioned plurality of lighting devices are, A second communication means for communicating with the imaging device, A light intensity setting means for setting the light intensity of the light-emitting unit, Equipped with, The dimming device is A third communication means for communicating with the imaging device, A dimming control means that controls the dimming of each of the multiple lighting devices by sequentially changing the light intensity of the light-emitting part of each of the multiple lighting devices, using the information detected by the detection means and a preset threshold according to the respective roles of the multiple lighting devices, A dimming control system characterized by having the following features.

2. A dimming control system having an imaging device having an imaging unit for acquiring an image of a subject, and a plurality of lighting devices having light-emitting units, The imaging device is A first communication means for communicating with the aforementioned plurality of lighting devices, A detection means for detecting at least one piece of information from the image of the subject acquired by the imaging unit, including subject brightness, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value. Equipped with, The aforementioned plurality of lighting devices are, A second communication means for communicating with the imaging device, A light intensity setting means for setting the light intensity of the light-emitting unit, Equipped with, The imaging device is A dimming control means that controls the dimming of each of the multiple lighting devices by sequentially changing the light intensity of the light-emitting part of each of the multiple lighting devices, using the information detected by the detection means and a preset threshold according to the respective roles of the multiple lighting devices, A dimming control system that further features additional characteristics.

3. The dimming control system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a role setting means for setting the role for each of the plurality of lighting devices, wherein the imaging device further comprises a role setting means.

4. The dimming control system according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimming control means of the dimming device performs dimming control of each of the plurality of lighting devices using communication by the first to third communication means.

5. The dimming control system according to claim 2, characterized in that the dimming control means of the imaging device performs dimming control of each of the plurality of lighting devices using communication by the first and second communication means.

6. The dimming control means terminates the dimming control of a lighting device whose role is that of a key light among the plurality of lighting devices when the subject brightness detected by the detection means reaches a preset threshold corresponding to the role of the key light, as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The dimming control means terminates the dimming control of a lighting device whose role is that of a fill light among the plurality of lighting devices when the shadow contrast value detected by the detection means reaches a preset threshold corresponding to the role of the fill light, as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The dimming control means terminates the dimming control of a lighting device whose role is a backlight among the plurality of lighting devices when the contour contrast value detected by the detection means reaches a preset threshold corresponding to the role of the backlight, as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A dimming device that communicates with an imaging device having an imaging unit for acquiring an image of a subject and controls the dimming of multiple lighting devices having light-emitting units, The imaging device includes an acquisition means for acquiring at least one piece of information from the subject brightness, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value detected from the image of the subject acquired by the imaging unit, A dimming device characterized by comprising a dimming control means that performs dimming control for each of the multiple lighting devices, while sequentially changing the light intensity of the light-emitting part of each of the multiple lighting devices, using information acquired by the acquisition means and a preset threshold according to the respective roles of each of the multiple lighting devices.

10. An imaging device having an imaging unit for acquiring an image of a subject, and communicating with a plurality of illumination devices having light-emitting units, A detection means for detecting at least one piece of information from the image of the subject acquired by the imaging unit, including subject brightness, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value. An imaging device comprising a dimming control means that performs dimming control for each of the multiple lighting devices, by sequentially changing the light intensity of the light-emitting part of each of the multiple lighting devices using information detected by the detection means and a preset threshold according to the respective roles of the multiple lighting devices.

11. A control method for a dimming device that communicates with an imaging device having an imaging unit for acquiring an image of a subject and controls the dimming of multiple lighting devices having light-emitting units, The acquisition step involves acquiring at least one piece of information from the subject brightness, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value detected from the image of the subject acquired by the imaging unit of the imaging device. A control method characterized by having a dimming control step, in which dimming control is performed for each of the multiple lighting devices, by sequentially changing the light intensity of the light-emitting part of each of the multiple lighting devices using the information acquired in the acquisition step and a preset threshold according to the respective roles of the multiple lighting devices.

12. A control method for an imaging device that has an imaging unit for acquiring an image of a subject and communicates with a plurality of illumination devices each having a light-emitting unit, A detection step in which at least one piece of information is detected from the image of the subject acquired by the imaging unit, including subject brightness, shadow contrast value, and contour contrast value. A control method characterized by having a dimming control step which performs dimming control for each of the multiple lighting devices, by sequentially changing the amount of light emitted by each of the multiple lighting devices using the information detected in the detection step and a preset threshold according to the respective roles of the multiple lighting devices.

13. A computer-executable program that causes a computer to function as each step of the dimming device described in claim 9.

14. A computer-executable program that causes a computer to function as each step of the imaging apparatus described in claim 10.

Images