JP2008122463A - Flash device, and imaging apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To irradiate a subject with an appropriate light quantity at an appropriate irradiating angle. <P>SOLUTION: An LED chip 91<SB>1</SB>and an LED chip 91<SB>2</SB>respectively irradiate the subject with irradiating light, and a lens 92 is arranged between the subject and the LED chip 91<SB>1</SB>and the LED chip 91<SB>2</SB>so as to converge or diverge the irradiating light. An LED control part 82 controls the movement of the LED chip 91<SB>1</SB>and the LED chip 91<SB>2</SB>on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92 so that the irradiating angle made by the irradiating light at the irradiating angle of θ1 and the irradiating light at the irradiating angle of θ2, which are converged or diverged by the lens 92, may be a predetermined irradiating angle required in accordance with a distance from the subject, whereby the subject is irradiated with the proper light quantity at the proper irradiating angle. The invention is applied to a digital still camera. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a flash device, and an imaging device and method, and more particularly, to a flash device and an imaging device and method that can irradiate an appropriate amount of light with an appropriate irradiation angle.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital still cameras have become widespread that capture an image of a subject using an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and record the image as image data on a recording medium such as a memory card.

  Generally, a digital still camera has a flash device (strobe) in which xenon, whose light spectrum when emitting light is closest to sunlight, is enclosed in a tube, like a so-called silver salt camera, when the amount of ambient light is insufficient at the time of imaging. Is emitted as auxiliary light.

  In general, auxiliary light from a xenon flash using this xenon tube is not used in a single device because of its unit size and the amount of light obtained, so the irradiation angle (light distribution angle) is constant. Therefore, there is an unnecessary amount of light that is out of the image frame during imaging.

  Thus, there is a flash device that uses a high-intensity LED (Light Emitting Diode) as an auxiliary light source, in addition to the auxiliary light source using a xenon tube. When an LED is used as a flash device, a plurality of LEDs can be arranged because the package size is small.

  As a flash device using such an LED, an LED with a narrow irradiation angle and a wide LED are arranged so that an LED with a narrow irradiation angle is lit for long-distance imaging and an LED with a wide irradiation angle is lit for short-distance imaging. There has been proposed a flash device that obtains a necessary amount of light (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  There has also been proposed a photographing illumination device in which a lens is arranged in front of a plurality of LEDs and the irradiation angle is changed by the lit LEDs (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4 are known as techniques of a flash device that makes the irradiation angle variable.
JP 2003-114462 A JP 2005-338280 A JP 2002-93207 A JP 2004-198894 A

  However, the flash device described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that, when trying to obtain a plurality of irradiation angles, LEDs corresponding to the irradiation angles are required. For this reason, for example, when an LED with high luminous efficiency that can cover the amount of light required by one LED package comes out in the future, the LED is wasted.

  In addition, since the photographing illumination device described in Patent Document 2 does not have a mechanism for moving the LED in parallel with the lens, LEDs for a desired irradiation angle from a narrow irradiation angle to a wide irradiation angle are necessary. Thus, as in the flash device described in Patent Document 1, when the required light quantity can be provided with a small number of LEDs, the LEDs are wasted. Further, since the mechanism cannot finely adjust the irradiation angle, it cannot be said that a desired irradiation angle is obtained.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, the light source (xenon tube) can be moved with respect to the reflector, and in Patent Document 4, irradiation is performed by a structure in which a plurality of lenses are individually moved by the lens moving means. Although the angle is changed, there is a problem that the depth of the flash device becomes long in any structure.

  As described above, in the conventional proposal, it cannot be said that a flash device having a plurality of LEDs emits an appropriate amount of light at an appropriate irradiation angle.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a condition, and enables it to irradiate an appropriate light quantity with an appropriate irradiation angle.

  The flash device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a first light emitting unit that emits first irradiation light that irradiates a subject, a second light emitting unit that emits second irradiation light that irradiates the subject, A lens disposed between the subject and the first light-emitting means and the second light-emitting means to converge or diverge each of the first irradiation light and the second irradiation light; The first light emitting means and the second light emitting means move on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens.

  The first light emitting means and the second light emitting means may be LEDs.

  The lens may be a concave lens.

  The first light emitting means and the second light emitting means can be arranged on a straight line.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, a first light emitting unit that emits first irradiation light that irradiates a subject, a second light emitting unit that emits second irradiation light that irradiates the subject, a subject, A lens that is disposed between the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means and converges or diverges each of the first irradiation light and the second irradiation light, and is provided with the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means. The light emitting means is moved on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens.

  An imaging device according to a second aspect of the present invention is an imaging device for imaging a subject, wherein the first irradiation light and the second light converged or diverged by the flash device according to claim 1 and the lens. The first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are arranged on the optical axis of the lens so that the irradiation angle by the irradiation light becomes a predetermined irradiation angle required according to the distance from the subject. Control means for controlling movement on a plane perpendicular to the surface.

  And determining means for determining whether or not the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are turned on and a moving position based on information on the subject at the shortest distance within the angle of view and the image frame, and the control The means can control the movement of the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means to the determined moving position.

  The determination means includes the first irradiation light or the second irradiation light emitted from the first light emission means or the second light emission means to be lit based on a peripheral light amount indicating ambient brightness. And the control means includes the first light emitting means or the second light emitting means so that the first irradiation light or the second irradiation light has the determined light quantity. Can be controlled.

  An imaging method according to a second aspect of the present invention is an imaging device for imaging a subject, wherein the lens converged or diverged by the lens in the imaging method comprising the flash device according to claim 1. The first light-emitting means and the second light-emitting means so that an irradiation angle by the first irradiation light and the second irradiation light becomes a predetermined irradiation angle required according to the distance to the subject. Control of the movement of the means on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, the irradiation angle by the first irradiation light and the second irradiation light converged or diverged by the lens is a predetermined irradiation angle required according to the distance from the subject. Thus, the movement of the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens is controlled.

  As described above, according to the first aspect, it is possible to irradiate an appropriate amount of light with an appropriate irradiation angle.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to irradiate an appropriate amount of light with an appropriate irradiation angle.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between constituent elements of the present invention and the embodiments described in the specification or the drawings are exemplified as follows. This description is intended to confirm that the embodiments supporting the present invention are described in the specification or the drawings. Therefore, even if there is an embodiment which is described in the specification or the drawings but is not described here as an embodiment corresponding to the constituent elements of the present invention, that is not the case. It does not mean that the form does not correspond to the constituent requirements. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. It's not something to do.

The flash device according to the first aspect of the present invention (for example, the LED flash unit 12 in FIG. 4) is a first light emitting unit (for example, the LED chip 91 _{1 in} FIG. 4) that emits the first irradiation light that irradiates the subject. If the second light emitting means for emitting a second illumination light to be irradiated on the object (e.g., LED chip 91 ₂ in FIG. 4) and, said the object, said first light emitting means and the second light emitting means A lens (for example, a lens 92 in FIG. 4) that is disposed between and converges or diverges each of the first irradiation light and the second irradiation light, and includes the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit. The light emitting means moves on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens.

  The first light emitting means and the second light emitting means may be LEDs.

  The lens may be a concave lens.

  The first light emitting means and the second light emitting means can be arranged on a straight line.

An image pickup apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus (for example, the digital still camera 1 in FIG. 2) for picking up an object, and the flash device according to claim 1 (for example, the LED flash unit 12 in FIG. 4). And the irradiation angle by the first irradiation light and the second irradiation light converged or diverged by the lens (for example, the lens 92 in FIG. 4) is required according to the distance to the subject. The first light emitting means (for example, the LED chip 91 _{1 in} FIG. 4) and the second light emitting means (for example, the LED chip 91 _{2 in} FIG. 4) of the lens so as to have a predetermined irradiation angle. Control means (for example, LED control unit 82 in FIG. 4) for controlling movement on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

  Determination means (for example, as shown in FIG. 4) that determines whether or not the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are turned on and the moving position based on the angle of view and the information on the subject at the shortest distance in the image frame. The LED determining unit 81) is further provided, and the control unit controls the movement of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit to the determined moving position (for example, the process of step S9 in FIG. 13). )be able to.

  The determining unit is configured to transmit the first irradiation light or the second irradiation light emitted from the first light emitting unit or the second light emitting unit to be lit based on a peripheral light amount indicating ambient brightness. The amount of light is determined (for example, the process of step S10 in FIG. 14), and the control unit causes the first light emission so that the first irradiation light or the second irradiation light becomes the determined light amount. Or the second light emitting means can be controlled (for example, the process of step S13 in FIG. 14).

  An imaging method according to a second aspect of the present invention is an imaging device for imaging a subject, wherein the lens converged or diverged by the lens in the imaging method comprising the flash device according to claim 1. The first light-emitting means and the second light-emitting means so that an irradiation angle by the first irradiation light and the second irradiation light becomes a predetermined irradiation angle required according to the distance to the subject. The movement of the means on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens is controlled (for example, the process in step S9 in FIG. 13).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration example of an embodiment of a digital still camera 1 to which the present invention is applied.

  In the upper side of FIG. 1, the digital still camera 1 is illustrated so that the front surface, that is, the lens surface directed toward the subject is on the front side. In the lower side of FIG. 1, the digital still camera 1 is illustrated so that the back side, that is, the panel surface directed toward the user of the digital still camera 1 is the front side.

  A lens unit 11 is provided at the center of the front of the digital still camera 1 shown on the upper side of FIG. The lens unit 11 includes a lens for condensing light from a subject, a focus lens for adjusting focus (focus), an optical system such as a diaphragm, and the like (none of which are shown), and a digital still camera. 1 is exposed from the housing of the digital still camera 1 when the power is turned on, and is stored inside the housing of the digital still camera 1 when the power of the digital still camera 1 is turned off. It has become. In FIG. 1, the lens unit 11 is housed in the housing of the digital still camera 1. Details of the lens unit 11 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  An LED flash unit 12 is provided in front of the digital still camera 1 and above the lens unit 11. The LED flash unit 12 illuminates the subject by irradiating the subject with light, for example, by an LED or the like. Thereby, for example, an image of a subject can be taken even in a dark place.

  Next to the right side of the LED flash unit 12, a finder 13 is provided following the back side of the digital still camera 1.

  On the left side of the top of the digital still camera 1 when viewed from the front, a power switch 14 that is operated when turning on / off the power and a shutter button (release) that is operated when recording a captured image. Button) 15 is provided.

  A zoom button 16 that is operated when adjusting the zoom magnification is provided on the upper right side of the back of the digital still camera 1 shown in the lower side of FIG. Each is provided with a mode dial 17 and an operation button 18. The mode dial 17 is, for example, a mode for forcibly turning on / off the flash 14, a mode using a self-timer, a mode for displaying a menu screen on a liquid crystal panel 19 described later, and the like. Operated when selecting a mode. The operation button 18 is operated, for example, when a cursor for selecting an item on the menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel 19 is moved or when selection of an item is confirmed. The liquid crystal panel 19 can display various images.

Next, FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration example of the digital still camera 1 of FIG. The digital still camera 1 includes a lens unit 11, an LED flash unit 12, a liquid crystal panel 19, a CCD 31, an analog signal processing unit 32, an A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion unit 33, a digital signal processing unit 34, a recording device 35, and a CPU. (Central Processing Unit) 36, operation unit 37, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) 38, program ROM (Read Only Memory) 39, RAM (Random Access Memory) 40, timing generator (TG) 41, lens control unit 42 , Lens driving units 43 ₁ and 43 ₂ , LED control unit 44, and LED driving unit 45.

  In FIG. 2, the viewfinder 13 shown in FIG. 1 is not shown.

  The CCD 31 is constituted by a CCD sensor, and operates according to a timing signal supplied from the timing generator 41, thereby receiving light from a subject incident through the lens unit 11 and performing photoelectric conversion (of light). An analog image signal as an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of received light is supplied to the analog signal processing unit 32.

  The CCD 31 is not limited to a CCD sensor, and may be any image sensor that generates an image signal in units of pixels, such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor.

  The analog signal processing unit 32 applies analog signal processing such as amplification to the analog image signal from the CCD 31 under the control of the CPU 36, and the image signal obtained as a result of the analog signal processing is sent to the A / D conversion unit 33. Supply.

  The A / D conversion unit 33 performs A / D conversion on the image signal, which is an analog signal from the analog signal processing unit 32, under the control of the CPU 36, and the image data indicated by the resulting digital signal is subjected to digital signal processing. To the unit 34.

  Under the control of the CPU 36, the digital signal processing unit 34 performs digital signal processing such as noise removal processing on the image data from the A / D conversion unit 33, and supplies it to the liquid crystal panel 19 for display. Further, the digital signal processing unit 34 compresses the image data from the A / D conversion unit 33 by, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method, and supplies the compressed image data obtained as a result to the recording device 35. To record. Further, the digital signal processing unit 34 expands the compressed image data recorded on the recording device 35 and supplies the image data obtained as a result to the liquid crystal panel 19 for display.

  The recording device 35 is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a memory card, or other removable recording media such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and is easily detachable from the digital still camera 1.

  The CPU 36 controls each part of the digital still camera 1 by executing a program recorded in the program ROM 39, and performs various processes in accordance with signals from the operation part 37.

  The operation unit 37 is operated by the user and supplies a signal corresponding to the operation to the CPU 36. The operation unit 37 corresponds to the power switch 14, the shutter button 15, the zoom button 16, the mode dial 17, and the operation button 18 illustrated in FIG. 1.

  Under the control of the CPU 36, the EEPROM 38 stores various information set in the digital still camera 1 and other data that must be retained even when the power of the digital still camera 1 is turned off.

  The program ROM 39 stores a program executed by the CPU 36 and data necessary for the CPU 36 to execute the program. The RAM 40 temporarily stores programs and data necessary for the CPU 36 to perform various processes.

  The timing generator 41 supplies a timing signal to the CCD 31 under the control of the CPU 36. The exposure time in the CCD 31, that is, the shutter speed and the like is controlled by the timing signal supplied from the timing generator 41 to the CCD 31.

The lens control unit 42 drives the lens driving units 43 ₁ and 43 ₂ made of, for example, a motor according to the control of the CPU 36. By driving the lens driving units 43 ₁ and 43 ₂ , the lens unit 11 is exposed from the casing of the digital still camera 1 or is housed inside the casing of the digital still camera 1. Further, by driving the lens driving units 43 ₁ and 43 ₂ , adjustment of the diaphragm constituting the lens unit 11 and movement of the focus lens constituting the lens unit 11 are performed. That is, the lens drive units 43 ₁ and 43 ₂ serve as actuators for the lens unit 11.

Here, with reference to FIG. 3, the detail of the lens part 11 which moves by driving the lens drive parts 43 ₁ and 43 ₂ will be described.

  3, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lens unit 11 includes, for example, a focus lens group 61, a zoom lens group 62, and an imaging lens group 63.

The focus lens group 61 is a lens group that adjusts the focus. The focus lens group 61 is moved by the lens driving unit 43 ₁ for driving under the control of the lens control unit 42 of FIG. 2, to adjust the focus.

The zoom lens group 62 is a lens group that freely changes the focal length within a certain range. The zoom lens group 62 is moved by the lens driving unit 43 ₂ for driving under the control of the lens control unit 42 of FIG. 2, to adjust the zoom.

The lens driving units 43 ₁ and 43 ₂ include, for example, a stepping motor (pulse motor) that rotates in units of steps determined to give a pulse signal, and zooming and focusing input from the lens control unit 42 in FIG. The focus lens group 61 and the zoom lens group 62 are moved based on the number of steps for performing the above.

  The imaging lens group 63 is a lens group that images light from the subject on the CCD 31.

  In other words, light from the subject whose focus is adjusted by the focus lens group 61 and zoom is adjusted by the zoom lens group 62 is imaged on the CCD 31 by the imaging lens group 63.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the LED control unit 44 drives the LED drive unit 45 formed of, for example, a motor or the like according to the control of the CPU 36. When the LED driving unit 45 is driven, the plurality of LED chips constituting the LED flash unit 12 are moved. That is, the LED drive unit 45 plays a role as an actuator of the LED flash unit 12.

  The LED control unit 44 controls lighting of the plurality of LED chips constituting the LED flash unit 12 according to the control of the CPU 36. Details of the LED flash unit 12, the LED control unit 44, and the LED drive unit 45 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the digital still camera 1 configured as described above, the CCD 31 receives light from a subject incident through the lens unit 11, performs photoelectric conversion, and outputs an analog image signal obtained as a result. The analog image signal output from the CCD 31 is converted into image data of a digital signal through the analog signal processing unit 32 and the A / D conversion unit 33 and supplied to the digital signal processing unit 34.

  The digital signal processing unit 34 supplies the image data from the A / D conversion unit 33 to the liquid crystal panel 19, whereby a so-called through image is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 19.

  Thereafter, when the user operates the shutter button 15 in FIG. 1, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is supplied from the operation unit 37 to the CPU 36. When an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the shutter button 15 is supplied from the operation unit 37, the CPU 36 controls the digital signal processing unit 34. At that time, the CPU 36 supplies the digital signal processing unit 34 with the A / D conversion unit 33. The recorded image data is compressed, and the compressed image data obtained as a result is recorded in the recording device 35.

  As described above, so-called photography is performed.

  A program to be executed by the CPU 36 is installed in advance, that is, stored in the program ROM 39, recorded in the recording device 35, provided to the user as a package medium, and the digital signal processing unit 34 is provided from the recording device 35. And stored in the EEPROM 38 via the CPU 36 and installed in the digital still camera 1. The program executed by the CPU 36 is downloaded directly from the download site to the digital still camera 1 shown in FIG. 2 or downloaded by a computer (not shown), supplied to the digital still camera 1 shown in FIG. The digital still camera 1 can be installed.

  In the digital still camera 1 shown in FIG. 2, as described above, when imaging is performed in a dark place, the LED flash unit 12 emits light toward the subject as necessary (hereinafter, this light is also referred to as irradiation light). ) To illuminate the subject, an image of the subject can be taken even in a dark place. In the LED flash unit 12, a plurality of LED chips are provided, and the lighting light and the position control of these LED chips are performed, so that irradiation light with an appropriate irradiation angle is irradiated.

  Therefore, next, referring to FIGS. 4 to 16, in the digital still camera 1 of FIG. 2, the LED flash unit 12 serving as a strobe and the LED control unit 44 controlling the LED flash unit 12 are provided. The LED driving unit 45 will be described in detail.

  First, the detailed configuration of the LED flash unit 12, the LED control unit 44, and the LED drive unit 45 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  Information regarding the position of the focus lens group 61 (hereinafter also referred to as the focus lens position), the position of the zoom lens group 62 (hereinafter referred to as the zoom lens position), and the peripheral light amount is supplied from the CPU 36 to the LED control unit 44. The LED control unit 44 controls the LED flash unit 12 and the LED drive unit 45 based on the information supplied from the CPU 36.

Here, various types of information supplied from the CPU 36 to the LED control unit 44. For example, the focus lens position and the zoom lens position are the focus lens group 61 and the zoom lens group as described with reference to FIG. Since the movement of 62 is performed by the lens driving units 43 ₁ and 43 ₂ including stepping motors or the like, the CPU 36 controls the lens control unit 42 to acquire information on the positions of these lens groups.

That is, for example, when the reference position is detected by a sensor that detects the reference position of these lens groups, the movement amount per one-step rotation of the stepping motor (lens driving units 43 ₁ and 43 ₂ ) is constant. From the number of steps input to the stepping motor (lens driving units 43 ₁ and 43 ₂ ) by zooming and focusing, information regarding the positions of these lens groups, that is, the focus lens position and the zoom lens position can be acquired.

  In addition, information on the amount of ambient light indicating ambient brightness is detected from light incident on the CCD 31, for example. For example, the CPU 36 obtains peripheral light amount information by detecting brightness from the image data supplied from the digital signal processing unit 34.

  The method for obtaining the information on the amount of peripheral light is not limited to the above-described method. For example, an illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance is provided in the digital still camera 1, and the information on the amount of peripheral light may be obtained from the information obtained thereby. . In short, any information on the amount of peripheral light may be used, and the method for obtaining it and the detection method are arbitrary.

  The information on the focus lens position, the zoom lens position, and the peripheral light amount obtained in this way is supplied from the CPU 36 to the LED control unit 44.

  The LED control unit 44 is configured to include an LED determination unit 81 and an LED control unit 82.

Based on the focus lens position and the zoom lens position, the LED determination unit 81 indicates whether or not the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n are turned on, and the movement destination positions of the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n (hereinafter referred to as movement positions). To decide. The LED determination unit 81 supplies information regarding the determined movement position to the LED control unit 82.

The LED control unit 82 supplies information regarding the movement positions of the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n determined by the LED determination unit 81 to the LED drive unit 45, thereby moving the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n to the movement positions. Move.

Further, the LED determination unit 81 determines the LED current to be input to the LED chip 91 to be lit among the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n based on the information on the peripheral light amount. The LED determination unit 81 supplies information regarding the determined LED current to the LED control unit 82.

Here, the LED current is a current for lighting each of the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n . That is, in the LED chip 91, when a larger LED current is passed, a larger amount of light is emitted. Conversely, when a smaller LED current is caused to flow, a smaller amount of light is emitted. As a result, the amount of irradiation light emitted from the LED chip 91 can be adjusted in accordance with the LED current, so that the brightness of the LED chip 91 can be finely adjusted.

The LED control unit 82 inputs an LED current corresponding to the information about the LED current determined by the LED determination unit 81 to the LED chip 91 to be lit among the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n , thereby the LED chip 91. Is lit with a light intensity corresponding to the input LED current.

  That is, the LED control unit 44 is based on the information on the angle of view obtained from the zoom lens position, the subject at the shortest distance in the image frame obtained from the focus lens position, and the peripheral light amount detected by the incident light of the CCD 31. The LED chip 91 to be lit and the movement position of the LED chip 91 are determined. The LED control unit 44 controls the movement of the LED chip 91 to the determined movement position, and also controls the LED current (current value) flowing through the LED chip 91 to be lit, so that the LED flash unit 12 is optimal. This makes it possible to emit light efficiently at an appropriate irradiation angle.

The LED drive unit 45 is driven based on information about the movement position of the LED chip 91 supplied from the LED control unit 44, and moves the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n of the LED flash unit 12 to a predetermined movement position. The details of the LED driving unit 45 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The LED flash unit 12 emits irradiation light for irradiating the subject under the control of the LED control unit 44. The LED flash unit 12 is configured to include, for example, LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n and a lens 92.

LED chips 91 ₁ is lit in accordance with the LED current input from the LED control unit 44. That, LED chips 91 ₁ is lit in an amount corresponding to the magnitude of the LED current. Furthermore, LED chip 91 _1, by LED driving unit 45 is driven to move the upper plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92.

The LED chips 91 _{2 to} 91 _n are turned on according to the LED current input from the LED control unit 44, similarly to the LED chip 91 ₁ . Similarly to the LED chip 91 ₁ , the LED chips 91 _{2 to} 91 _n move on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92 by being driven by the LED driving unit 45.

Further, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n , the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n are simply referred to as LED chips 91 for explanation.

The lens 92 is composed of, for example, a concave lens, a convex lens, or a Fresnel lens. The lens 92 converges or diverges the irradiation light irradiated from the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n , respectively.

Thereby, the irradiation light irradiated from the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n is converged or diverged by the lens 92 and irradiated to the subject at a predetermined irradiation angle.

  In the present embodiment, the LED flash unit 12 will be described as a component of the digital still camera 1, but the LED flash unit 12 may be configured as a single device (flash device). In this case, for example, the LED control unit 44 or the LED driving unit 45 can be incorporated in the flash device (LED flash unit 12) as necessary.

  The LED flash unit 12 may be controlled by the CPU 36 instead of the LED control unit 44.

  Next, the details of the LED drive unit 45 that drives the LED flash unit 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the LED drive unit 45 includes a motor 111 such as a stepping motor, for example, and a gear 112 is attached to the output shaft of the motor 111.

  In the LED drive unit 45, when the motor 111 rotates according to the control of the LED control unit 44, a force for moving the LED chip 91 through the gear 112 that reduces the rotation speed and outputs a large force. Is supplied to the LED flash unit 12.

In the LED flash unit 12, as shown on the left side of FIG. 6, two substrate support rods in which substrates 121 ₁ and 121 ₂ are mounted in _two substrate position determination grooves provided on the lens movable base 122, respectively. 123 is fitted. The substrates 121 ₁ and 121 ₂ attached to the substrate support rod 123 are arranged so as to be perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92, and as shown on the right side of FIG. A plurality of LED chips 91 are provided on the side surface (the front surface of the LED flash unit 12 on the opposite side of the substrates 121 ₁ and 121 ₂ shown on the left side of FIG. 6).

That is, in the LED flash unit 12, the two substrate support rods 123 to which the substrates 121 ₁ and 121 ₂ are attached by the force corresponding to the movement position applied from the motor 111 via the gear 112 are respectively connected to the substrate. Move on the positioning groove. As a result, the substrates 121 ₁ and 121 ₂ attached to the substrate support rod 123 move on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92 (in the direction indicated by the double-pointed arrow on the left side of FIG. 6). Therefore, the plurality of LED chips 91 provided on the substrates 121 ₁ and 121 ₂ similarly move on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92.

  In this way, in the LED flash unit 12, the LED chip 91 moves on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92 by a force corresponding to the movement position from the LED drive unit 45.

  The LED chip 91 is moved on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92 by other methods, not limited to the example of the method of moving the LED chip 91 described with reference to FIGS. May be. In short, it is sufficient that the LED chip 91 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92, and the means and method thereof are arbitrary.

Further, when it is not necessary to distinguish the substrates 121 ₁ and 121 ₂ from each other, they are simply referred to as the substrate 121 for explanation. Furthermore, the number of the substrates 121 provided in the LED flash unit 12 and the LED chips 91 disposed on the substrate 121 is arbitrary, and the number thereof is appropriately determined by a design considering the shape of the lens 92, for example. The

  By the way, as described above, the amount of light required varies depending on the position of the subject to be imaged. For example, when imaging a subject that is far away, the irradiation angle is narrower, and when imaging a subject that is near, the irradiation angle is Ideally it should be wider.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the distance to the subject is different, for example, a distance H or a distance h (where H> h), the amount of light required according to the distance is different. Since they are different, the LED flash unit 12 needs to change the irradiation angle according to the position of the lens unit 11 and the distance from the digital still camera 1 to the subject.

  Specifically, in FIG. 7, the digital still camera 1 is a view of the digital still camera 1 of FIG. 1 viewed from the top, and in FIG. 8, the digital still camera 1 of FIG. 1 is viewed from the side. . 7 and 8, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted because it is repeated.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the digital still camera 1, when imaging a plane subject at a distance h, a thick dotted line extending from the lens unit 11 in FIG. As shown by the dotted line), the image frame at the lens telephoto end is ab, and the image frame at the lens wide end is cd. Similarly, when a plane subject at a distance H is imaged, the image frame at the lens telephoto end is AB and the image frame at the lens wide end is CD.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the digital still camera 1, when imaging a plane subject at a distance h, as shown by a thick dotted line extending from the lens unit 11 in FIG. The frame is a'-b ', and the image frame at the lens wide end is c'-d'. Similarly, when a plane subject at a distance H is imaged, the image frame at the lens tele end is A′-B ′, and the image frame at the lens wide end is C′-D ′.

  That is, in order to emit the irradiation light emitted from the LED flash unit 12 most efficiently, a thin dotted line extending from the LED flash unit 12 in FIGS. 7 and 8 (the longer one of the two types of dotted lines). As indicated by a dotted line), it is sufficient to irradiate the image light that is determined by the distance to the subject such as the distance h or the distance H, the lens telephoto end, the lens wide end, or the like without excess or deficiency.

  Next, the irradiation angle of the irradiation light emitted from the LED flash unit 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 9, the LED flash section 12 is in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92, LED chips 91 ₁ through 91 ₅ are arranged. Furthermore, LED chip 91 ₁ and 91 ₂ are disposed on the substrate 121 _1, LED chip 91 and ₄ and 91 ₅ are disposed on the substrate 121 _2, as described above, the optical lens 92 to the substrate 121 ₁ and 121 ₂ moving on to a plane perpendicular to the axis, the LED chip 91 ₁ and 91 ₂ provided on their substrate, and LED chips 91 ₄ and 91 ₅ Similarly, perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92 Move on a flat surface. Furthermore, LED chip 91 _3, in the example of FIG. 9, is arranged and fixed.

In FIG. 9, out of the three dotted lines extending from each LED chip 91, the two outer dotted lines indicate the irradiation light emitted from the LED chip 91, and the two outer dotted lines are The remaining one dotted line between them indicates the optical axis. Of the illumination angle by light emitted from the LED chip 91, referred to the irradiation angle of the LED chip 91 ₁ irradiation angle .theta.1 _1, similarly, the illumination angle of the LED chip 91 _2, 91 _3, 91 _4, 91 ₅ These are referred to as irradiation angles θ2 ₁ , θ3 ₁ , θ4 ₁ , and θ5 ₁ , respectively. At this time, due to the concave lens effect of the lens 92, the sizes of the irradiation angles diverged by the lens 92 are θ1 ₁ > θ2 ₁ > θ3 ₁ and θ5 ₁ > θ4 ₁ > θ3 ₁ , respectively.

That is, since the light combined irradiation light of the LED chips 91 ₁ through 91 ₅ is irradiation light emitted by the LED flash section 12, extending from the LED chip 91 ₁ through 91 ₅ in illumination angle (in FIG due to the irradiation light Of the dotted lines, the rightmost dotted line and the left dotted line (the angle indicated by a bidirectional arrow sandwiched between the dotted lines on both sides) will be simply referred to as an irradiation angle. In addition, such usage of the wording is the same in other figures described later.

Further, in this embodiment, in order to simplify the explanation, five LED chips 91 arranged symmetrically, i.e., an example of placing the LED chip 91 ₁ through 91 ₅ straight line (one-way) As will be described, in practice, the arrangement of the LED chip 91 and the design of the lens 92 are performed in consideration of the irradiation angles in the vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, in FIG. 9, by the lens 92, in order to irradiate light from the LED chips 91 ₁ through 91 ₅ to emphasize the manner in which the divergent dotted lines are drawn on top lens 92. Further, the LED chips 91 do not need to be symmetrically arranged, and the number thereof can be one or more. Further, in the example of FIG. 9, the LED chip 91 ₃ is fixed and the other LED chips 91 _1, 91 _2, 91 _4, and 91 although ₅ and movable, the movement and fixing of such LED chips 91 It is determined by design as appropriate.

In the example of FIG. 9, since the LED chips 91 ₁ through 91 ₅ which are arranged parallel to the lens 92 is on all the illumination light emitted from these LED chips, irradiation angle by the LED flash section 12 Is an irradiation angle indicated by a bidirectional arrow in FIG. 9 (hereinafter also referred to as an irradiation angle in FIG. 9).

Here, for example, as described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, in the case where the image frame is narrow such as AB, A′-B ′, it is assumed that only the irradiation angles θ2 _{1 to} θ4 ₁ When you can cover the picture frame, the LED flash section 12, as shown in the example of FIG. 10, of the LED chips 91 ₁ through 91 _5, is emitted only LED chip 91 ₂ to 91 _4, disposed outside It turns off the LED chips 91 ₁ and 91 _5.

Then, in the example of FIG. 10, only the LED chip 91 ₂ to 91 ₄ are lit, the irradiation light emitted from these LED chips 91, the irradiation angle by the LED flash section 12, bidirectional arrows in FIG. 10 (Hereinafter also referred to as the irradiation angle in FIG. 10).

Thus, since it is not necessary to irradiate the LED chips 91 ₁ and 91 ₅ becomes unnecessary, correspondingly, the LED chip 91 ₂ to 91 ₄ which are lit, can flow a larger LED current, A larger amount of light can be obtained.

In addition, only the lighting control of the LED chip 91 limits the degree of freedom of the irradiation angle, which may generate an unnecessary amount of light. Therefore, the LED flash section 12 is, for example, as shown in the example of FIG. 11, of the LED chip 91 ₂ to 91 ₄ of FIG. 10 is lit, both sides LED chip 91 ₂ and 91 ₄ of the lens 92 Can move outward on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. Incidentally, the principle of moving on a plane perpendicular LED chips 91 ₁ and 91 ₂ arranged on the substrate 121 _1, an LED chip 91 ₄ and 91 ₅ which are arranged on the substrate 121 _2, with respect to the optical axis of the lens 92 Is as described in FIGS. 5 and 6 described above.

Then, in the example of FIG. 11, with only the LED chip 91 ₂ to 91 ₄ is turned, since the LED chip 91 ₂ and 91 ₄ on both sides are moved in parallel to the outer, respectively, emitted from these LED chips 91 Depending on the irradiated light, the irradiation angle by the LED flash unit 12 becomes the irradiation angle indicated by the bidirectional arrow in FIG. 11 (hereinafter referred to as the irradiation angle in FIG. 11).

That is, the LED flash section 12, of the LED chip 91 ₂ to 91 ₄ which are lit, the LED chip 91 ₂ on both sides with 91 ₄ and a by moving parallel to the outer, respectively, by the concave lens effect of the lens 92, The irradiation angle θ2 ₁ becomes the irradiation angle θ2 ₂ (θ2 ₂ > θ2 ₁ ), and the irradiation angle θ4 ₁ becomes the irradiation angle θ4 ₂ (θ4 ₂ > θ4 ₁ ). That is, the irradiation angle in FIG. 11 is larger than the irradiation angle in FIG.

In the example of FIG. 11 Conversely, when it is desired to reduce the irradiation angle by the LED flash 12, although not shown, the LED flash section 12, of the LED chip 91 ₂ to 91 ₄ which are lit, both sides LED chip 91 ₂ and 91 ₄ and a by moving parallel to the inside respectively, the concave lens effect of the lens 92, the irradiation angle .theta.2 ₁ is irradiated angle _{θ2 2 (θ2 1> θ2 2} ) , and the illumination angle .theta.4 ₁ is irradiated angle Since θ4 ₂ (θ4 ₁ > θ4 ₂ ), the irradiation angle in FIG. 11 is smaller than the irradiation angle in FIG.

  As described above, in the LED flash unit 12, the irradiation angle can be adjusted by moving the LED chip 91 on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92.

Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, if the image frame is wide such as cd, c′-d ′, the image frame can be covered by the irradiation angles θ1 to θ5. then, the LED flash section 12, described above, as shown in the example of FIG. 9, all the LED chips 91 ₁ through 91 ₅ is turned.

  As a result, for example, the wider irradiation angle of FIG. 9 can be obtained compared to the irradiation angle of FIG. 10, and thus the digital still camera 1 can perform short-distance imaging.

  Further, in the LED flash unit 12 (five LED chips 91 are turned on) in FIG. 9, the LED chip 91 is mounted on the lens similarly to the LED flash unit 12 (three LED chips 91 are turned on) in FIG. It is possible to move on a plane perpendicular to the 92 optical axes.

That is, in the LED flash section 12, as shown in the example of FIG. 12, of the LED chips 91 ₁ through 91 ₅ which is lit, the LED chip 91 _1, 91 _2, 91 _4, and 91 ₅ to outside areas By moving the lens 92, due to the concave lens effect of the lens 92, the irradiation angle θ1 ₁ is the irradiation angle θ1 ₂ (θ1 ₂ > θ1 ₁ ), the irradiation angle θ2 ₁ is the irradiation angle θ2 ₂ (θ2 ₂ > θ2 ₁ ), and the irradiation angle θ4 _1. Is the irradiation angle θ4 ₂ (θ4 ₂ > θ4 ₁ ), and the irradiation angle θ5 ₁ is the irradiation angle θ5 ₂ (θ5 ₂ > θ5 ₁ ). That is, the irradiation angle in FIG. 12 is larger than the irradiation angle in FIG.

In the example of FIG. 12 Conversely, when it is desired to reduce the irradiation angle by the LED flash 12, although not shown, the LED flash section 12, among the LED chips 91 ₁ through 91 ₅ which is lit, the LED chip 91 _1, 91 _2, 91 _4, and 91 ₅ by moving parallel to the inside respectively, the concave lens effect of the lens 92, the irradiation angle .theta.1 ₁ is irradiated angle _{θ1 2 (θ1 1> θ1 2} ), the irradiation angle .theta.2 ₁ The irradiation angle θ2 ₂ (θ2 ₁ > θ2 ₂ ), the irradiation angle θ4 ₁ becomes the irradiation angle θ4 ₂ (θ4 ₁ > θ4 ₂ ), and the irradiation angle θ5 ₁ becomes the irradiation angle θ5 ₂ (θ5 ₁ > θ5 ₂ ). At this time, the irradiation angle of FIG. 12 is smaller than the irradiation angle of FIG.

  In this way, since the illumination angle can be freely changed by controlling the lighting and position of the LED chip 91, the minimum necessary irradiation is performed according to the position of the lens unit 11 and the distance to the subject. The LED chip 91 can emit light at the corner. For this reason, no unnecessary amount of light is generated, so that a larger amount of current can be supplied to the LED chip 91 within the required irradiation angle to make it brighter and imaging at a longer distance is possible. In addition, it is possible to widen the irradiation angle with respect to a subject at a short distance, which could not be realized only by arranging the same LED chip.

  Further, since the LED chip 91 has a structure that can move on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92, the LED flash unit 12 can obtain various irradiation angles with fewer LED chips 91. it can.

  Next, imaging processing by the digital still camera 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  In step S <b> 1, the CPU 36 controls the LED control unit 44 to cause the LED flash unit 12 to emit light and capture an image, thereby capturing a captured image.

  In step S <b> 2, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the shutter button 15 has been half-pressed by the photographer based on the operation signal supplied from the operation unit 37.

  If it is determined in step S2 that the shutter button 15 is not half-pressed by the photographer, the process returns to step S1 and the above-described processing is repeated.

  That is, the process of capturing the captured image in step S1 is repeated until it is determined in step S2 that the shutter button 15 is half-pressed by the photographer and in step S2 it is determined that the shutter button 15 is half-pressed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the shutter button 15 is half-pressed by the photographer, in step S3, the CPU 36 detects brightness from the image data supplied from the digital signal processing unit 34. Find information on the amount of ambient light.

  In step S4, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the brightness is sufficient for focusing based on the obtained information on the peripheral light amount.

  If it is determined in step S4 that the brightness is not sufficient for focusing, in step S5, the LED determination unit 81 obtains sufficient brightness for focusing based on the information on the peripheral light amount. Determine the LED current for.

  In step S <b> 6, the LED control unit 82 turns on the LED flash unit 12 by inputting the LED current determined by the LED determination unit 81 to the LED chip 91. Thereby, the digital still camera 1 can be focused.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the brightness is sufficient for focusing, the LED flash unit 12 does not need to be lit, so the processing in steps S5 and S6 is skipped, and the processing proceeds to step S7. move on.

  In step S7, the CPU 36 performs zooming and focusing. Further, the CPU 36 supplies information on the focus lens position, the zoom lens position, and the peripheral light amount to the LED control unit 44.

  In step S <b> 8, the LED determination unit 81 determines whether or not the LED chip 91 is lit and the substrate position of the substrate 121 (the movement position of the LED chip 91) based on the focus lens position and the zoom lens position supplied from the CPU 36. .

  In other words, the LED determining unit 81 determines whether the LED chip 91 is turned on or not so that the irradiation light converged or diverged by the lens 92 has a predetermined irradiation angle required according to the distance to the subject. The movement position of the LED chip 91 is determined. Then, the LED control unit 82 controls the LED chip 91 according to the result determined by the LED determination unit 81.

  In other words, the LED control unit 44 allows the lens 92 of the LED chip 91 so that the irradiation light converged or diverged by the lens 92 has a predetermined irradiation angle required according to the distance to the subject. It can also be said that the movement on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis 92 is controlled.

  In step S <b> 9, the LED control unit 82 inputs the number of steps corresponding to the substrate position of the substrate 121 (movement position of the LED chip 91) determined by the LED determination unit 81 to the motor 111 of the LED driving unit 45.

  In step S <b> 10, the LED determination unit 81 determines the LED current of the LED chip 91 to be lit based on the peripheral light amount information supplied from the CPU 36.

  In step S11, the LED control unit 82 determines whether the movement of the substrate 121 is completed.

  If it is determined in step S11 that the movement of the substrate 121 has not been completed, the process returns to step S11 and the above-described processing is repeated. That is, the substrate 121 starts to move according to the number of steps input to the motor 111 by the LED control unit 82, and then moves to a position corresponding to the number of steps. In step S11, the movement of the substrate 121 is completed. Until it is determined that, step S11 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the movement of the substrate 121 is completed, in step S12, the CPU 36 determines whether the shutter button 15 has been fully pressed by the photographer based on the operation signal supplied from the operation unit 37. Determine whether or not.

  If it is determined in step S12 that the shutter button 15 has been fully pressed, in step S13, the LED control unit 82 inputs the LED current determined by the LED determination unit 81 to the LED chip 91, so that the LED flash unit 12 is lit.

  In step S14, the CPU 36 controls the digital signal processing unit 34, compresses the image data supplied from the A / D conversion unit 33 to the digital signal processing unit 34, and records the compressed image data obtained as a result. An image is taken by recording in the device 35. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1, and the above-described process is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the shutter button 15 has not been fully pressed, the photographer does not capture an image, so the process returns to step S1 and the above-described processes are repeated.

  As described above, the digital still camera 1 performs an imaging process.

By the way, the LED flash unit 12 is an arrangement pattern of the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n and the lens 92. In addition to the patterns shown in FIGS. be able to. Next, another example of the arrangement of the LED chips 91 _{1 to} 91 _n and the lens 92 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 15, the LED flash section 12 is in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92, LED chips 91 ₁ through 91 ₅ are arranged. Furthermore, LED chip 91 ₁ and 91 ₂ are disposed on the substrate 121 _1, LED chips 91 ₄ and 91 ₅ are disposed on the substrate 121 _2, LED chips 91 _1, 91 _2, 91 _4, and 91 ₅ and The distance from the optical surface of the lens 92 is different from the example of the arrangement position shown in FIGS.

That is, as shown by a dotted line in FIG, LED chip 91 ₂ and 91 _4, than the LED chip 91 ₂ and 91 ₄ of FIG. 9, is located at a distance from the optical surface of the lens 92, the LED chip 91 ₁ and 91 _5, than the LED chip 91 ₁ and 91 ₅ in FIG. 9, is arranged at a position away from the optical surface of the lens 92. Incidentally, in FIG. 15, LED chips 91 ₁ and 91 _5, than the LED chip 91 ₂ and 91 ₄ are further arranged in a position away from the optical surface of the lens 92.

That is, the LED flash section 12, among the LED chips 91 ₁ through 91 ₅ which is lit, the LED chip 91 _1, 91 _2, 91 _4, and 91 _5, the LED chip 91 of FIG. 9 _1, 91 _2, 91 _4, and than 91 ₅ by arranging at a position away from the optical surface of the lens 92, the concave lens effect of the lens 92, the irradiation angle .theta.1 ₁ is irradiated angle _{θ1 3 (θ1 3> θ1 1} ), the irradiation angle .theta.2 ₁ Is the irradiation angle θ2 ₃ (θ2 ₃ > θ2 ₁ ), the irradiation angle θ4 ₁ is the irradiation angle θ4 ₃ (θ4 ₃ > θ4 ₁ ), and the irradiation angle θ5 ₁ is the irradiation angle θ5 ₃ (θ5 ₃ > θ5 ₁ ). As a result, the irradiation angle in FIG. 15 is larger than the irradiation angle in FIG.

Thus, the LED flash section 12 is to consider the distance between the optical surface of the LED chip 91 and the lens 92, an LED chip 91 disposed on the outside _1, 91 _2, 91 _4, and 91 ₅ irradiated for You can widen the corners. By designing based on this distance, it is possible to create LED flash units 12 having different irradiation angles with the same lens.

In FIG. 15, similar to FIG. 12, a substrate 121 ₁ LED chip 91 ₁ and 91 ₂ are disposed, and an LED chip 91 ₄ and 91 ₅ are substrate 121 ₂ arranged, the light of the lens 92 By moving on a plane perpendicular to the axis, the irradiation angle of FIG. 15 can be further adjusted. That is, in the LED flash section 12, for example, if want to expand the irradiation angle of 15, respectively move on the outer plates 121 ₁ and 121 _2, conversely, when it is desired to reduce the irradiation angle of 15, The irradiation angle in FIG. 15 can be adjusted by moving the substrates 121 ₁ and 121 ₂ inward.

  In the LED flash unit 12, a lens 141 can be provided instead of the lens 92, as shown in FIG.

  The lens 141 has the same thickness as the lens 92 in FIG. 15 indicated by the dotted line in the figure, but becomes thicker as it goes from the center to the right side, and conversely becomes thinner as it goes from the center to the left side. It is.

That is, in the LED flash unit 12, as shown in FIG. 16, due to the concave lens effect of the lens 141, the irradiation angle θ1 ₃ is the irradiation angle θ1 ₄ (θ1 ₃ > θ1 ₄ ), and the irradiation angle θ2 ₃ is the irradiation angle θ2 ₄ (θ2 ₃ > θ2 ₄ ), the irradiation angle θ4 ₃ becomes the irradiation angle θ4 ₄ (θ4 ₄ > θ4 ₃ ), and the irradiation angle θ5 ₃ becomes the irradiation angle θ5 ₄ (θ5 ₄ > θ5 ₃ ).

  As described above, the LED flash unit 12 can change the irradiation angle depending on the shape of the lens such as the lens 92 and the lens 141.

For example, depending on the position where the LED flash unit 12 is arranged in the digital still camera 1, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, there may be cases where the vertical (left and right) irradiation angles are not uniform. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, for example, the shape of the (concave) lens 141, the distance between the lens 141 and the LED chip 91, the position and number of the LED chips 91 are arranged in accordance with the required irradiation angle. the design and the LED current flowing through the large LED chip 91 ₄ and 91 ₅ of irradiation angle, and more than LED current flowing narrow LED chip 91 ₁ and 91 ₂ of the irradiation angle, so that the unevenness of the light amount does not occur To control. As a result, the LED flash unit 12 can correspond to various digital still cameras.

  As described above, in the digital still camera 1, by performing position control and lighting control of the LED chip 91, it is possible to irradiate an appropriate amount of light with an appropriate irradiation angle.

  Further, in the LED flash unit 12, the LED chip 91 has a structure that moves on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens 92, so that the depth does not become long, and the size can be reduced accordingly. It becomes.

  In the present embodiment, the digital still camera 1 has been described as an example of an imaging apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a device having a camera function such as a video camera, a mobile phone, a personal computer, or a portable music player. If it is. In the present embodiment, the LED has been described as an example of the light emitting means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other light sources may be used.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software may execute various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a recording medium in a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  The recording medium is distributed to provide a program to the user separately from the computer, and includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk) on which the program is recorded, an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory)) 2), a magneto-optical disk (including MD (Mini-Disc) (trademark)), a semiconductor memory, or the like. The program ROM 39 shown in FIG. 2 in which a program provided to the user in the state is recorded.

  The program for executing the above-described series of processing is installed in a computer via a wired or wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting via an interface such as a router or a modem as necessary. You may be made to do.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program stored in the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. It also includes processes that are executed individually.

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a perspective view which shows the example of an external appearance structure of one Embodiment of the digital still camera to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of the digital still camera of FIG. It is a figure explaining the detail of a lens part. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of an LED flash part, an LED control part, and an LED drive part. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the LED drive part which drives a LED flash part. It is a perspective view which shows the detailed structure of a LED flash part. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the distance to a to-be-photographed object and an irradiation angle. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the distance to a to-be-photographed object and an irradiation angle. It is a figure explaining the irradiation angle of the irradiation light irradiated from a LED flash part. It is a figure explaining the irradiation angle of the irradiation light irradiated from a LED flash part. It is a figure explaining the irradiation angle of the irradiation light irradiated from a LED flash part. It is a figure explaining the irradiation angle of the irradiation light irradiated from a LED flash part. It is a flowchart explaining the imaging process by a digital still camera. It is a flowchart explaining the imaging process by a digital still camera. It is a figure explaining the irradiation angle of the irradiation light irradiated from a LED flash part. It is a figure explaining the irradiation angle of the irradiation light irradiated from a LED flash part.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital still camera, 11 Lens part, 12 LED flash part, 36 CPU, 44 LED control part, 45 LED drive part, 61 Focus lens group, 62 Zoom lens group, 81 LED determination part, 82 LED control part, 91 LED chip , 92 lenses, 111 motors, 112 gears, 121 substrates, 141 lenses

Claims (8)

First light emitting means for emitting first irradiation light for irradiating the subject;
Second light emitting means for emitting second irradiation light for irradiating the subject;
A lens that is disposed between the subject and the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means and converges or diverges each of the first irradiation light and the second irradiation light;
The first light emitting means and the second light emitting means move on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens. The flash device according to claim 1, wherein the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The flash device according to claim 1, wherein the lens is a concave lens. The flash device according to claim 1, wherein the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are arranged on a straight line. In an imaging device for imaging a subject,
A flash device according to claim 1;
The irradiation angle by the first irradiation light and the second irradiation light converged or diverged by the lens is the predetermined irradiation angle required according to the distance from the subject. An imaging apparatus comprising: control means for controlling movement of the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens. A decision means for deciding whether or not the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are turned on and a moving position based on the angle of view and the information about the subject at the shortest distance in the image frame;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls movement of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit to the determined moving position. The determining unit is configured to transmit the first irradiation light or the second irradiation light emitted from the first light emitting unit or the second light emitting unit to be lit based on a peripheral light amount indicating ambient brightness. Determine the amount of light,
The control means controls the first light emission means or the second light emission means so that the first irradiation light or the second irradiation light becomes the determined light amount. Imaging device. An imaging device for imaging a subject,
In the imaging method of an imaging device provided with the flash device of Claim 1,
The irradiation angle by the first irradiation light and the second irradiation light converged or diverged by the lens is the predetermined irradiation angle required according to the distance from the subject. An imaging method including a step of controlling movement of the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens.

Images