JP2003215672A - Camera and camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a camera which performs bounce photography by using a plurality of flash light units. <P>SOLUTION: An external flash light unit 11 having a communication function is fitted to the accessory shoe 10 of a camera body 1 and when an internal flash light unit 40 is set at a use position and information showing that the external flash light unit 11 is placed in manual lighting mode at a bounce position is communicated from a controller 201 of the external flash light unit 11, an arithmetic circuit 100 permits the internal flash light unit 40 and external flash light unit 11 to emit lights. The external flash light unit 11 lights up an object indirectly without dimming control, so no influence is exerted on TTL dimming control of the internal flash light unit 40. Consequently, bounce photography is carried out without a dimming defect such as an excessive light quantity due to light emission by the two flash light units. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to cameras and camera systems that use multiple flashes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is known a camera in which, when an external flash unit is attached to a camera having a built-in flash unit, only one of the flash units emits light. By causing only one flash to fire, the problems that occur when both flashes fire simultaneously are avoided.

[0003]

On the other hand, the light from the flash unit is reflected by the ceiling or the like, and the reflected light illuminates the subject indirectly, and the light from another flash unit directly illuminates the subject for photographing. Bounce photography to do is known. In a conventional camera with a built-in flash device, when the external flash device emits light, the built-in flash device does not emit light, so bounce shooting cannot be performed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera and a camera system which make a plurality of flashes emit light.

[0005]

A camera according to a first aspect of the present invention is different from a first flash instruction circuit for outputting a flash instruction to a first flash unit that illuminates an object. A second light emission instruction circuit that outputs a light emission instruction to the second flash device, and a detection circuit that detects whether or not the irradiation optical axis of at least one of the first flash device and the second flash device is directed toward the subject. And a control circuit for permitting the first light emission instruction circuit and the second light emission instruction circuit to output light emission instructions when the detection optical circuit detects that the irradiation optical axis does not face the subject. Thus, the above-mentioned object is achieved. The first flash device and the second flash device may have different light emission characteristics indicating light emission time and light emission intensity. The first flash unit is a flash unit built in the camera, the second flash unit is a flash unit externally attached to the camera, and the control circuit in this case is the irradiation light of the second flash unit. The above-mentioned permission can be given when the detection circuit detects that the axis does not face the object. Second
In the flash device, the dimming control need not be performed at the time of light emission. A camera according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes a flash device for illuminating a subject, a terminal for connecting the external flash device, a usability detection circuit for detecting whether or not the flash device is used, and an external flash device. The communication circuit that communicates between the two and the usability detection circuit detect that the flashlight is used, and the communication circuit notifies that the irradiation optical axis of the external flashlight is not facing the subject. At this time, the above-mentioned object is achieved by including a control circuit that permits the flash device and the external flash device to emit light. The control circuit may also perform the above-mentioned permission when the communication circuit further informs that the dimming control will not be performed when the external flash unit emits light. A camera system according to the present invention comprises the camera according to claim 5 or 6, a detection circuit for detecting whether or not an irradiation optical axis is directed to a subject, and a communication circuit for transmitting a detection result by the detection circuit to the camera. By having an external flash that illuminates the subject, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

[0006]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera with a built-in flash device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
The interchangeable lens L is attached to the camera body 1. An accessory shoe 10 for mounting an external flash device is provided at the center of the upper part of the camera body 1. A flasher holding member 41 is arranged so as to sandwich the accessory shoe 10 from the front part (lens L side) of the camera. The flash unit holding member 41 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow around the rotation center axis Ax passing through the point O, and the flash unit 40 is integrated with the flash unit holding member 41. The flash unit 40 is a flash unit built in the camera. The front surface F of the flash unit 40 is a light emitting surface. Flash 40
Slide the knob 5 on the top of the
1 rotates upward, and the flash unit 40 moves to the use position.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the camera 1 with a built-in flash device shown in FIG. The flash holding member 41 has a point O (central axis Ax).
The flash unit 40 is rotated around the
To move between. When the flash unit 40 moves to the use position B, the light emitting surface F faces the subject, that is,
The illumination optical axis of the flash unit 40 is configured to face the subject. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the flash unit 40 is in the storage position.

An external flash 11 is mounted on the accessory shoe 10 of FIG. The light emitting portion 11a of the external flash unit 11 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation center O11. The light emitting portion 11a is provided between the normal position X and the maximum bounce position Y facing the subject. A click mechanism (not shown) is provided so as to fix 11a at a predetermined angular step. When the light emitting unit 11a is in the normal position X, the irradiation optical axis of the external flash unit 11 is configured to face the subject. When the light emitting unit 11a is not in the normal position X, the irradiation optical axis is not oriented toward the subject. Here, the position of the light emitting unit in a state where the irradiation optical axis of the flash unit does not face the subject is called a bounce position. That is, the bounce position is a state in which the light emitting unit 11a is directed upward from the subject.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the structure of the camera 1 with a built-in flash device described above. In FIG. 3, the arithmetic circuit 101 is composed of a microcomputer or the like. The arithmetic circuit 101 inputs a signal output from each block described below, performs a predetermined arithmetic operation, and outputs a control signal to each block based on the arithmetic result. Arithmetic circuit 10
1 further includes a communication circuit (not shown), and an external flash unit 11
Communicate with. The image sensor 121 is composed of a CCD or the like. The image sensor 121 is an interchangeable lens L for photographing.
The image of the subject light that has passed through the
Output to the D conversion circuit 122. A / D conversion circuit 122
Converts an analog image pickup signal into a digital signal. The image sensor 121 and the A / D conversion circuit 122 are driven at a predetermined operation timing by the drive signal output from the timing circuit 124.

The image processing circuit 123 is composed of an ASIC or the like. The image processing circuit 123 performs image processing such as white balance processing on the image data after digital conversion, compression processing for compressing the image data after image processing in a predetermined format, and decompression processing for decompressing the compressed image data. And so on. The buffer memory 125 temporarily stores the image data processed by the image processing circuit 123. The recording medium 126 is composed of a memory card that can be attached to and detached from the camera. Image data after image processing is recorded on the recording medium 126.

The position detection switch SW1 is the same as that shown in FIG.
Is a micro switch for detecting whether the flashlight 40 is in the storage position A or the use position B. The position detection switch SW1 outputs an ON signal when the flash unit 40 is in the use position B, and outputs an OFF signal when the flash unit 40 is in the storage position A.

The built-in flash light emitting circuit 102 is the arithmetic circuit 1
In response to a command from 01, the light emitting unit 44 of the flash unit 40 (FIG. 2)
The light emission control for starting and stopping the light emission is performed. The built-in flashlight emission circuit 102 includes a charging circuit (not shown), starts charging in response to a command from the arithmetic circuit 101, and outputs a completion signal when charging is completed.

The photometric device 111 detects subject brightness and outputs a detection signal to the arithmetic circuit 101. Focus detection device 1
Reference numeral 04 detects the adjustment state of the focal position by the interchangeable lens L and outputs a detection signal to the arithmetic circuit 101. Light control element 1
03 is a built-in flash 40 (FIG. 2) and an external flash 1
The light emitted from 1 and reflected by the subject is received. The light control element 103 time-integrates the received light signal and outputs the time-integrated value to the arithmetic circuit 101.

The release switch SW2 outputs a release operation signal to the arithmetic circuit 101 in conjunction with a release operation button (not shown). The display device 118 includes the built-in flash 40.
(FIG. 2) and when the charging of the external flash unit 11 is completed, a display indicating the completion of charging is displayed. The display device 118 also displays shooting information such as shutter speed and aperture value.

The shutter drive circuit 114 includes a shutter 11
The holding and releasing of the first and second curtains (not shown) of 5 are controlled. The X contact switch SW4 is used for the shutter 115.
When the traveling of the first curtain is completed, it is turned on to output an on signal, and is turned off during the charging of the shutter 115 to output an off signal. The aperture position detection device 116 detects the aperture position corresponding to the aperture value and outputs a detection signal to the arithmetic circuit 101. The diaphragm locking device 117 locks the diaphragm being driven, and stops the diaphragm at a predetermined diaphragm value.

The motor drive circuit 112 is an arithmetic circuit 101.
The sequence motor 113 is driven and controlled according to the command. The sequence motor 113 constitutes a sequence driving device (not shown), and performs up / down movement of a mirror (not shown), driving of an aperture (not shown), and charging of the shutter 115. The sequence switch SW3 is a switch that constitutes the above-described sequence drive device and generates the brake control timing of the sequence motor 113 and the like.

The lens driving device 105 includes an arithmetic circuit 101.
Command to move the focus lens (not shown) of the interchangeable lens L back and forth in the optical axis direction to adjust the focal position of the interchangeable lens L.

The external flash 11 includes a controller 201.
A light emitting circuit 202, a light emitting portion 11a, a setting operation member 204, a light emitting portion position detecting device 203, and a display device 20.
5 and. The external flash 11 is an accessory shoe 1.
0 (FIG. 2), the arithmetic circuit 1 of the camera body 1
01 and the external flash unit 11 have contact terminals 10a, 10
b and 10c, respectively. The contact terminal 10a is a terminal for an X contact signal from the X contact switch SW4. The signal of the X contact is output to the controller 201 side through the contact terminal 10a when the arithmetic circuit 101 permits the signal output, and is not output to the controller 201 when the signal output is prohibited. Contact terminal 10b
Is a GND terminal for commonizing the electrical ground potential between the camera 1 with a built-in flash device and the external flash device 11. The contact terminal 10c is a terminal for communication between the flash device built-in camera 1 and the external flash device 11.

The controller 201 is composed of a microcomputer or the like. The controller 201 is
A signal output from each block of the external flash unit 11 is input, a predetermined calculation is performed, and a control signal is output to each block of the external flash unit 11 based on the calculation result. The controller 201 further communicates with the arithmetic circuit 101 via the contact terminal 10c, receives information indicating the amount of emitted light from the arithmetic circuit 101, and the like, while determining the emission mode and bounce position set in the external flash unit 11. Send the information shown. When the ON signal of the X contact is input via the contact terminal 10a, the controller 201 also instructs the light emitting circuit 202 to emit light.

The light emitting circuit 202 controls the light emitting portion 11a of the external flash unit 11 to start and stop emitting light according to a command from the controller 201. The light emitting circuit 202 includes a charging circuit (not shown). When the power switch (not shown) of the external flash unit 11 is turned on, charging is started, and when the charging is completed, a completion signal is sent to the controller 20.
Output to 1.

The light emitting unit position detection device 203 includes a light emitting unit 11
It detects whether the position a is at the normal position X or at the bounce position, and outputs a detection signal to the controller 201.
The setting operation member 204 is a switch for setting a light emission mode or the like. The light emission mode includes a TTL automatic light control mode and a manual light emission mode. In the TTL automatic light control mode, the illumination light reflected by the flash device is received by the light control element 103 through the lens L, and the light emission amount of the flash device is automatically controlled based on the received light amount. . In the manual light emission mode, the flash unit emits light with the light emission amount set by the setting operation member 204.

The display device 205 provides a display indicating the completion of charging when the external flash unit 11 is fully charged. Display device 205
Also, information indicating the set emission mode is displayed on the screen.

In the present invention, the built-in flash unit 40 and the external flash unit 11 both emit light for bounce photography. For example, the flash mode of the external flash unit 11 is set to the manual flash mode. External flash 1 in the state
1 is used to indirectly illuminate the subject, and the built-in flash unit 40 is used to directly illuminate the subject.

The processing of the camera operation performed by the arithmetic circuit 101 of the camera 1 with a built-in flash device will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. The program according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 8 is activated when a battery (not shown) is loaded into the electronic camera. The operation of the camera is classified into the following five types. This is a case where the external flash device 11 having a communication function is not attached to the camera body 1 and the built-in flash device 40 is not used. When the external flash device 11 having a communication function is not attached to the camera body 1 and the built-in flash device 40 is used, only the built-in flash device 40 emits light. An external flash device 11 having a communication function is attached to the camera body 1, and a built-in flash device 40 is used. further,
The external flash unit 11 is set to the manual flash mode at the bounce position, and both flash units emit light for bounce shooting. The external flash unit 11 having a communication function is attached to the camera body 1, and the built-in flash unit 40 is not used. Further, the external flash unit 11 is set to the TTL automatic light control mode, and only the external flash unit 11 emits light. The external flash unit 11 having a communication function is attached to the camera body 1, and the built-in flash unit 40 is not used. Further, the external flash unit 11 is set to the manual flash mode, and only the external flash unit 11 emits light. The processes in FIGS. 4 to 8 correspond to the above items 1 to 4, respectively.

In step S1 of FIG. 4, the arithmetic circuit 1
In 01, the flag P is set to 0 as the initial reset and the main light emission amount h of the external flash unit 11 is set to 0, and the process proceeds to step S2. Here, the flag P is the external flash device 11
Is a flag for instructing preliminary light emission, P = 1 indicates preliminary light emission, and P = 0 indicates no preliminary light emission. Preliminary light emission is also called pre-light emission. Preliminary light emission during shooting (charge accumulation)
This is the light emission for dimming for calculating the light amount h at the time of main light emission. The light control element 103 described above receives the reflected light reflected by the subject during the preliminary light emission.

In step S2, the arithmetic circuit 101
Performs communication processing with the controller 201 of the external flash unit 11, and proceeds to step S3. Details of the communication process will be described later. In step S3, the arithmetic circuit 1
01 determines whether or not the flag R = 0. The flag R is
It is a flag that is set to 1 when communication is established by the communication processing and is set to 0 when communication is not established. The arithmetic operation circuit 101 makes an affirmative decision in step S3 if R = 0 to proceed to step S4, whereas in the case of R = 1, step S3
Is negatively determined, and the process proceeds to step S100 in FIG. In the case of proceeding to step S4, the external flash device 1 having a communication function
1 is not attached to the camera body 1, and the process proceeds to step S100 when the external flash device 11 having a communication function is attached to the camera body 1.

In step S4, the arithmetic circuit 101
Determines whether the built-in flash unit 40 is in the use position B (FIG. 2). The arithmetic circuit 101 includes a position detection switch SW
When the OFF signal is input from 1, the negative determination is made in step S4, the process proceeds to step S5, and the position detection switch S
If the ON signal is input from W1, step S4
Is affirmatively determined and the process proceeds to step S50 in FIG. When the process proceeds to step S5, the built-in flash unit 40 is in the storage position A (FIG. 2), and when the process proceeds to step S50,
This is the case where the built-in flash unit 40 is in the use position B (FIG. 2). When the flash unit 40 is at the storage position A (FIG. 2), the arithmetic circuit 101 does not instruct the built-in flash unit light emission circuit 102 to emit light (do not permit light emission).

The processes of steps S5 to S39 are
Corresponds to the above. In step S5, the arithmetic circuit 1
01 sends a command to the focus detection device 104 to detect the adjustment state of the focus position by the interchangeable lens L, and step S6
Go to. In step S6, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 calculates the drive amount of the focus lens based on the detection result of the focus detection device 104, and the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the arithmetic circuit 101 determines that the lens driving device 1
A command is sent to 05 to drive the focus lens to the in-focus position, and the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the arithmetic circuit 101
Performs photometry for calculating the subject brightness BV based on the detection signal input from the photometry device 111, and proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 calculates the control shutter speed TVc and the control aperture value AVc so that the proper exposure is obtained, and further the control shutter speed time Tc.
Is calculated and the process proceeds to step S10. The control shutter speed time Tc is a time corresponding to the control shutter speed TVc.

In step S10, the arithmetic circuit 101
Determines whether the release switch SW2 has been operated. The arithmetic operation circuit 101 makes an affirmative decision in step S10 if an operation signal has been input from the release switch SW2 to proceed to step S11, and makes a negative decision in step S10 to make a step S2 if no operation signal has been input from the release switch SW2. Return.

In step S11, the arithmetic circuit 101
Outputs a command to the shutter drive circuit 114 to energize a magnet (not shown) of the shutter 115 to hold the front curtain and the rear curtain. In step S12, the arithmetic circuit 10
1 outputs a command to the motor drive circuit 112, causes the sequence motor 113 to start normal rotation, and proceeds to step S13. As a result, the mirror up of the mirror (not shown) and the aperture stop are started. In step S13, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 obtains the drive aperture value AVk from the detection signal input from the aperture position detection device 116, and determines whether AVk ≧ AVc is satisfied between the drive aperture value AVk and the control aperture value AVc. The arithmetic operation circuit 101 makes an affirmative decision in step S13 if AVk ≧ AVc is satisfied, and then in step S
The process proceeds to step 14, and if AVk ≧ AVc is not established, a negative determination is made in step S13. When a negative determination is made, the narrowing is continued and the determination processing of step S13 is repeated.

In step S14, the arithmetic circuit 101
Outputs a command to the aperture locking device 117 to lock the aperture, and proceeds to step S15. In step S15,
The arithmetic circuit 101 determines whether or not the mirror-up is completed. The arithmetic circuit 101 has a sequence switch SW3.
When an ON signal is input from the step S15, an affirmative decision is made in step S15, the operation proceeds to step S16, and the sequence switch SW3
When the ON signal is not input from, the negative determination is made in step S15. When a negative determination is made, mirror up is continued and the determination processing of step S15 is repeated.

In step S16, the arithmetic circuit 101
Outputs a command to the motor drive circuit 112, stops the normal rotation of the sequence motor 113, and proceeds to step S17. In addition, the aperture locking device 1 is provided before the end of the mirror up.
A sequence driving device (not shown) is configured so that the stop of the diaphragm is completed by 17. In step S17, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 starts measuring the time ts and proceeds to step S18. The initial value of ts is 0.

In step S18, the arithmetic circuit 101
Outputs a command to the shutter drive circuit 114 to release the power supply to the magnet (not shown) of the shutter 115 to release the front curtain holding, and the process proceeds to step S19. This causes the shutter front curtain to start traveling. In step S19, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 causes the timing circuit 124 to start generating a drive signal to start driving the image sensor 121,
Go to step S20. As a result, the image sensor 121
The charge accumulation starts according to the intensity of the subject light incident on the imaging surface.

In step S20, the arithmetic circuit 101
Sets 0 in the flags S and H, respectively, and proceeds to step S21. Here, the flag S is the shutter 1
The flag is set to 15 when the rear curtain holding of 15 is released, and to 0 when the rear curtain holding is not released. Further, the flag H is X
The flag is set to 1 when an ON signal is input from the contact switch SW4 to the arithmetic circuit 101, and to 0 when the ON signal is not input.

In step S21, the arithmetic circuit 101
Determines whether the X contact switch SW4 is on. The arithmetic operation circuit 101 makes a negative decision in step S21 if an ON signal is not input from the X contact switch SW4 to proceed to step S25, and makes an affirmative decision in step S21 if an ON signal is input from the X contact switch SW4 to make an affirmative step. Proceed to S22. The process proceeds to step S25 when the shutter front curtain is traveling, and the process proceeds to step S22 when the shutter front curtain has completed traveling.

In step S22, the arithmetic circuit 101
Determines whether the flag H = 1. Arithmetic circuit 101
When the flag H = 1, a positive determination is made in step S22 and the process proceeds to step S25. In this case, the X contact switch SW4 has already been turned on. On the other hand, when the flag H = 0, the arithmetic operation circuit makes a negative decision in step S22 and advances to step S23. This is the case immediately after the X contact switch SW4 is turned on. Step S2
3, the ON signal of the X contact is output via the contact terminal 10a. In addition, in the case corresponding to the above, the arithmetic circuit 101 permits the output of the X contact signal. As a result, when the external flash device with the communication function omitted is attached to the accessory shoe 10, it is possible to cause the external flash device to emit light by using the X-contact ON signal as a trigger. In step S24, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 sets the flag H to 1 and proceeds to step S25.

In step S25, the arithmetic circuit 101
Determines whether the flag S = 1. Arithmetic circuit 101
When the flag S = 1, affirmative determination is made in step S25, and the flow proceeds to step S29. In this case, the shutter 115
This is the case where the trailing curtain holding is released. On the other hand, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 makes a negative decision in step S25 if the flag S = 0 to proceed to step S26. In this case, the holding of the rear curtain of the shutter 115 is not released.

In step S26, the arithmetic circuit 101
Determines whether ts ≧ Tc is satisfied between the measured time ts and the control shutter speed time Tc. Arithmetic circuit 10
1 makes an affirmative decision in step S26 if ts ≧ Tc is true to proceed to step S27, whereas it makes a negative decision in step S26 if ts ≧ Tc is not true to make step S3.
Go to 0. In step S27, the arithmetic circuit 101
Outputs a command to the shutter drive circuit 114 to release the power supply to the magnet (not shown) of the shutter 115 to release the rear curtain holding, and the process proceeds to step S28. As a result, the shutter rear curtain starts to run, and the subject light incident on the image sensor 121 is blocked.

In step S28, the arithmetic circuit 101
Sets 1 to the flag S and proceeds to step S29.
In step S29, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 sets the flag H.
= 1 is determined. The arithmetic circuit 101 uses the flag H =
In the case of 1, an affirmative decision is made in step S29 and step S3
Go to 1. In this case, the X contact switch SW4 has already been turned on. On the other hand, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 makes a negative decision in step S29 if the flag H = 0 to return to step S21. In this case, X contact switch SW4
Is not turned on.

In step S30, which proceeds after making a negative decision in step S26, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 determines whether or not the flag H = 1. The arithmetic circuit 101 uses the flag H.
If S = 1, an affirmative decision is made in step S30 and step S30 is executed.
Return to 26. In this case, the X contact switch SW4 has already been turned on. On the other hand, the arithmetic circuit 101
When the flag H = 0, a negative decision is made in step S30 and the process returns to step S21. In this case, X contact switch SW
4 is not turned on.

In step S31, the arithmetic circuit 101
Waits for a predetermined time and proceeds to step S32. The wait time is the time required for the trailing curtain to completely block the image pickup area of the image pickup device 121 and to complete traveling. In step S32, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 stops the driving of the image sensor 121 by the timing circuit 124, and proceeds to step S33. As a result, the image sensor 121
Ends the charge accumulation.

In step S33, the arithmetic circuit 101
Outputs a command to the motor drive circuit 112, causes the sequence motor 113 to start reverse rotation, and proceeds to step S34. As a result, the mirror down of the mirror (not shown) and the opening return of the diaphragm are started. In step S34, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 outputs a command to the timing circuit 124 to start the reading of the image signal from the image sensor 121, and proceeds to step S35. Thereby, the image sensor 1
The image signal swept out from the A.D.
The data is converted into digital data in 2 and the converted data is sent to the image processing circuit 123.

In step S35, the arithmetic circuit 101
Instructs the image processing circuit 123 to perform image processing and proceeds to step S36. In step S36, the arithmetic circuit 10
First, the image processing circuit 123 is instructed to perform compression processing, and the process proceeds to step S37. In step S37, the arithmetic circuit 1
In 01, the image data after the compression processing is recorded in the recording medium 126, and the process proceeds to step S38.

In step S38, the arithmetic circuit 101
Determines whether the mirror down is completed. When the ON signal is input from the sequence switch SW3, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 makes an affirmative decision in step S38 to determine in step S38.
If the ON signal is not input from the sequence switch SW3, the process proceeds to 39 and a negative determination is made in step S38, and the process of step S38 is repeated.

In step S39, the arithmetic circuit 101
Outputs a command to the motor drive circuit 112 to stop the reverse rotation of the sequence motor 113 and returns to step S2.
As a result, a series of photographing processing is completed.

Details of the communication process between the camera body 1 and the external flash unit 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S301 of FIG. 9, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 starts to measure the time t, and then step S30
Go to 2. The initial value of t is 0. In step S302, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 determines whether or not communication with the controller 201 has been established. The determination of communication establishment is made by a predetermined protocol check. The arithmetic operation circuit 101 stops measuring the time t when the communication is established, makes an affirmative decision in step S302, and proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if the communication is not established, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 makes a negative decision in step S302 to proceed to step S306.

In step S303, the arithmetic circuit 10
The No. 1 transmits information indicating the main light emission amount h and the flag P to the controller 201, and proceeds to step S304. In step S304, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 receives information indicating the flag M, the flag B, and the flag F from the controller 201, and proceeds to step S305. Flag M is
This flag is set to 1 when the light emission mode of the external flash unit 11 is the manual light emission mode, and is set to 0 otherwise.
The flag B is a flag that is set to 0 when the light emitting unit 11a of the external flash unit 11 is in the normal position X and set to 1 when it is in the bounce position. The flag F is a flag which is set to 1 when the charging of the external flash device 11 is completed and is set to 0 when the charging of the external flash device 11 is not completed.

In step S305, the arithmetic circuit 10
1 sets the flag R to 1 and terminates the process shown in FIG. On the other hand, in step S306 that proceeds after making a negative decision in step S302 described above, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 determines whether or not t ≧ T is satisfied between the time count t and the predetermined time T. The predetermined time T is the time required for the protocol check. The arithmetic operation circuit 101 makes an affirmative decision in step S306 if t ≧ T is true, and then in step S307.
Then, if t ≧ T is not established, a negative determination is made in step S306 and the process returns to step S302. Step S30
The process proceeds to step 7 when the external flash device 11 having a communication function is not attached, and the process returns to step S302 when the protocol check is in progress. Step S
In 308, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 sets the flag R to 0, and ends the processing shown in FIG.

The processing of steps S50 to S86 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the above. In this case, the arithmetic circuit 1
Since 01 causes only the built-in flash unit 40 to emit light, the output of the X contact signal to the external flash unit 11 is prohibited (light emission is not permitted). In step S50, the arithmetic circuit 10
No. 1 sends a command to the built-in flashlight emission circuit 102 to instruct to start charging, and proceeds to step S51.

Since the processing in steps S51 to S55 is the same as the processing in steps S5 to S9 described above, the description thereof will be omitted. However, step S
Control shutter speed T calculated by exposure calculation of 55
Vc is made slower than the flash tuning speed.

In step S56, the arithmetic circuit 101
Determines whether charging has been completed. Arithmetic circuit 101
Makes a positive determination in step S56 when a completion signal is input from the built-in flashlight emission circuit 102, and then proceeds to step S57.
If the completion signal is not input, the process returns to step S2 of FIG. When returning to step S2, step S5
Since it cannot proceed to the release determination process of No. 8, the release is locked.

In step S57, the arithmetic circuit 101
Sends a command to the display device 118 to display a message indicating that charging is completed, and then proceeds to step S58. The processing in steps S58 to S64 is the same as steps S10 to S10 described above.
Since the processing is the same as that in step S16, the description thereof will be omitted.

In step S65, the arithmetic circuit 101
Instructs the built-in flashlight emission circuit 102 to perform preliminary light emission and proceeds to step S66. As a result, the light emitting unit 44 of the built-in flash unit 40 emits a small amount of light for a predetermined time. Step S6
In 6, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 inputs the time integration value from the light control element 103 and proceeds to step S67. Step S
In 67, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 calculates the amount of light necessary for main light emission, calculates the light emission time TH of the light emitting unit 44 required to obtain this amount of light, and proceeds to step S68.

Since the processing in steps S68 to S70 is the same as the processing in steps S17 to S19 described above, the description thereof will be omitted. Step S71
At, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 determines whether or not the X contact switch SW4 is turned on. The arithmetic operation circuit 101 performs step S when an ON signal is input from the X contact switch SW4.
When the affirmative determination is made in step S71, the process proceeds to step S72, and when the ON signal is not input, the determination in step S71 is made negative and the determination process in step S71 is repeated. Step S72
The case where the shutter front curtain is traveling is completed when the process proceeds to, and the case where the shutter front curtain is traveling is repeated when the determination process is repeated.

In step S72, the arithmetic circuit 101
Starts measuring time th and proceeds to step S73.
The initial value of th is 0.

In step S73, the arithmetic circuit 101
Instructs the built-in flashlight emission circuit 102 to start main light emission, and proceeds to step S74. As a result, the light emitting unit 44 of the built-in flash unit 40 starts main light emission with a predetermined light amount. Step S
In 74, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 determines whether or not th ≧ TH is satisfied between the measured time th and the light emission time TH. The arithmetic operation circuit 101 makes an affirmative decision in step S74 if th ≧ TH is true to proceed to step S75, where t
If h ≧ TH is not satisfied, a negative determination is made in step S74, and the determination processing in step S74 is repeated.

In step S75, the arithmetic circuit 101
Instructs the built-in flash device light emitting circuit 102 to stop the main light emission, and proceeds to step S76. As a result, the light emitting unit 44 of the built-in flash unit 40 stops main light emission. In step S76, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 determines whether or not ts ≧ Tc is satisfied between the measured time ts and the control shutter speed time Tc. The arithmetic operation circuit 101 makes an affirmative decision in step S76 if ts ≧ Tc is true to proceed to step S77,
When ts ≧ Tc is not established, the negative determination is made in step S76, and the determination process of step S76 is repeated. In step S77, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 outputs a command to the shutter drive circuit 114 to release the power supply to the magnet (not shown) of the shutter 115 to release the rear curtain holding, and the process proceeds to step S78.

Since the processing in steps S78 to S86 is the same as the processing in steps S31 to S39 described above, the description thereof will be omitted. As described above, the built-in flash unit 40 is controlled to emit light by the TTL automatic light control during the charge accumulation, and a series of photographing processing is completed. Even if the external flash device with the communication function omitted is attached to the accessory shoe 10, the external flash device does not emit light because the X contact ON signal is not output.

Steps S100 to S14 of FIG.
The processing of 0 corresponds to the above. In this case, the arithmetic circuit 101 permits the output of the X-contact signal to the external flash unit 11 in order to cause the external flash unit 11 to emit light (permits light emission). In step S100, the arithmetic circuit 1
01 determines whether or not the built-in flash unit 40 is in the use position B (FIG. 2). The arithmetic operation circuit 101 performs step S when the ON signal is input from the position detection switch SW1.
An affirmative decision is made in step S100 to proceed to step S101, and when an off signal is input from the position detection switch SW1, a negative decision is made in step S100 and step S15 in FIG.
Go to 1. When proceeding to step S151, the built-in flash unit 40 is in the storage position A (FIG. 2), and when proceeding to step S101, the built-in flash unit 40 is at the use position B.
(FIG. 2). When the built-in flash unit 40 is stored, its light emission is not permitted (prohibited).

In step S101, the arithmetic circuit 10
1 determines whether or not the flag M received from the external flash device 11 by the above-described communication processing is 1. Arithmetic circuit 10
In the case of M = 1 (manual flash mode), 1 makes an affirmative decision in step S101 to proceed to step S102, where M
If ≠ 1 (TTL automatic light control mode), step S10
A negative determination of 1 is made and the process proceeds to step S50 in FIG. When proceeding to step S50, the external flash unit 11 is not used. That is, the emission of the external flash unit 11 is prohibited.

In step S102, the arithmetic circuit 10
1 determines whether or not the flag B received from the external flash unit 11 by the above-described communication processing is 1. Arithmetic circuit 10
1 is step S10 when B = 1 (bounce position).
Affirmative determination is made in step 2 to proceed to step S103, and if B ≠ 1 (normal position X), negative determination is made in step S102 and processing proceeds to step S50 in FIG. When proceeding to step S50, the external flash unit 11 is not used. That is, the emission of the external flash unit 11 is prohibited.

Since the processing in steps S103 to S126 is the same as the processing in steps S50 to S73 described above, the description thereof will be omitted. Step S
At 127, the ON signal of the X contact is output to the external flash unit 11 via the contact terminal 10a. As a result, the external flash unit 11 emits light. External flash 1 in this case
The light amount of 1 (light emission time) is the light amount set by the setting operation member 204, and the dimming control during light emission is not performed.

Since the processing in steps S128 to S140 is the same as the processing in steps S74 to S86 described above, the description thereof will be omitted. As described above, the light emission of the built-in flash device 40 is controlled by the TTL automatic light control during charge accumulation, and the external flash device 11 is manually light-emitted at the bounce position, and a series of photographing processing is completed.

Steps S151 to S18 of FIG.
The process of 8 corresponds to the above. In this case, the arithmetic circuit 101 permits the output of the X-contact signal to the external flash unit 11 in order to cause the external flash unit 11 to emit light (permits light emission). In step S151, the arithmetic circuit 1
01 determines whether or not the flag M received from the external flash device 11 by the above-described communication processing is 0. Arithmetic circuit 1
If M = 0 (TTL automatic light adjustment mode), 01 makes an affirmative decision in step S151 to proceed to step S152.
Step M1 when M ≠ 0 (manual flash mode)
A negative determination of 51 is made and the process proceeds to step S201 in FIG.

Since the processing in steps S152 to S156 is the same as the processing in steps S51 to S55 described above, the description thereof will be omitted. Step S
In 157, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 determines whether or not the flag F received from the external flash device 11 by the communication processing described above is 1. The arithmetic operation circuit 101 makes an affirmative decision in step S157 if F = 1 (charging is completed) to proceed to step S158, and a negative decision in step S157 if F ≠ 1 (charging has not been completed) to proceed to step S159. move on.

In step S158, the arithmetic circuit 10
1 sends a command to the display device 118 to cause the display indicating the completion of charging to be performed, and the process proceeds to step S159. Step S15
Since the processing from 9 to step S165 is the same as the processing from step S10 to step S16 described above, the description thereof will be omitted. However, step S58 of FIG. 5 corresponding to the above, and step S1 of FIG. 6 corresponding to the above.
Unlike the case of 11, in step S159, it is determined whether or not the release is performed regardless of the completion of charging. The reason for this is that the guide number of the external flash unit 11 is generally designed to be larger than that of the built-in flash unit 40. Therefore, even when charging is not completed, a sufficient amount of light is emitted to obtain the flash effect of the flash unit. Because it does. On the other hand, the built-in flash 40
In the case of 1, since there is a possibility that a sufficient amount of light cannot be obtained unless charging is completed, release determination is performed after completion of charging.

FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an example of the light emission characteristics of the external flash unit 11, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the built-in flash unit 40.
It is a figure which shows the example of the light emission characteristic of. FIG. 10 (a) and FIG.
In 0 (b), the horizontal axis represents time t and the vertical axis represents emission intensity. In FIG. 10A, when the time until the intensity of light emission becomes half of the maximum value P2 is the flash time, the flash time of the external flash unit 11 is about 1 msec. In FIG. 10 (b), the flash time until the intensity of light emission becomes half of the maximum value P1 is about 0.3 msec. In this way, the external flash unit 11 and the built-in flash unit 40 differ in flash duration and light emission intensity.

In step S166 of FIG. 7, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 sets 1 in the flag P and then in step S16.
Proceed to 7. In step 167, the arithmetic circuit 101
Performs the communication processing according to FIG. 9 described above with the controller 201 of the external flash unit 11 and proceeds to step S168. Controller 2 of external flash device 11 by communication
When 01 receives the flag P = 1, the light emitting circuit 202 causes the light emitting unit 11a to perform preliminary light emission with a small amount of light for a predetermined time. In step S168, the arithmetic circuit 101 determines that the light control element 10
The time integral value is input from 3, and the process proceeds to step S169.
In step S169, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 calculates the amount of light h required for main light emission, and the process proceeds to step S170.

In step S170, the arithmetic circuit 10
1 sets 0 to the flag P and proceeds to step S171. In step 171, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 performs communication processing with the controller 201 of the external flash unit 11, and proceeds to step S172. In this case, since the flag P = 0 is set, preliminary light emission is not performed. When the controller 201 receives the main light emission amount h by the communication process, it calculates the light emission time TH of the light emitting unit 44 required to obtain this light amount.

Since the processing in steps S172 to S175 is the same as the processing in steps S68 to S71 described above, the description thereof will be omitted. Step S
At 176, the ON signal of the X contact is output to the external flash unit 11 via the contact terminal 10a. As a result, the external flash unit 11 emits light for the light emission time TH. The light emission time TH is dimming controlled by the controller 201.

Since the processing in steps S177 to S187 is the same as the processing in steps S76 to S86 described above, the description thereof will be omitted. Step S
In 188, the arithmetic operation circuit 101 returns the main light emission amount h to the initial value 0, ends the processing shown in FIG. 7, and returns to step S2 in FIG. From the above, the external flash 1
1 is subjected to light emission control by TTL automatic light control, and a series of photographing processing is completed.

Steps S201 to S23 of FIG.
The processing of 0 corresponds to the above. In this case, the arithmetic circuit 101 permits the output of the X-contact signal to the external flash unit 11 in order to cause the external flash unit 11 to emit light (permits light emission). The processing in steps S201 to S214 is the same as steps S152 to S1 described above.
Since it is the same as the processing by 65, the description is omitted. The processing in steps S215 to S230 is the same as the processing in steps S172 to S187 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted. However, the light amount (light emission time) of the external flash unit 11 in this case is set to the setting operation member 20.
The amount of light is set by No. 4, and dimming control during light emission is not performed. As described above, the external flash unit 11 emits a manual light during the charge accumulation, and a series of photographing processing is completed.

According to the embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained. (1) When the external flash device 11 having a communication function is not attached to the camera body 1 and the built-in flash device 40 is not used, the ON signal of the X contact is transmitted via the contact 10a of the accessory shoe 10. I've allowed output, so
When an external flash device with a communication function omitted is attached, the external flash device can emit light. (2) When the external flash device 11 having a communication function is not attached to the camera body 1 and the built-in flash device 40 is used, the ON signal of the X contact is transmitted via the contact 10a of the accessory shoe 10. Since the output is prohibited, only the built-in flash unit 40 can emit light even when an external flash unit having a communication function is attached. As a result, it is possible to prevent the dimming failure such as the light amount excess due to the light emission of the two flash units. (3) When the external flash device 11 having a communication function is attached to the camera body 1, the built-in flash device 40 is used, and the external flash device 11 is set to the manual flash mode at the bounce position. , I allowed both flashes to emit light for bounce photography. The external flash 11
Since the subject is indirectly illuminated without performing the dimming control, it does not affect the TTL dimming control of the built-in flash unit 40. As a result, it is possible to perform the bounce shooting without causing the dimming failure such as the light amount excess due to the light emission of the two flash units. (4) When the external flash device 11 having a communication function is attached to the camera body 1, the built-in flash device 40 is not used, and the external flash device 11 is set to the TTL automatic light control mode. Since the output of the ON signal from the X contact is permitted via the contact 10a of the accessory shoe 10, only the external flash unit 11 can be dimming-controlled to emit light. (5) If the external flash 11 having a communication function is attached to the camera body 1, the built-in flash 40 is not used, and the external flash 11 is set to the manual flash mode, the accessory Since the output of the ON signal of the X contact is permitted through the contact 10a of the shoe 10, only the external flash unit 11 can be manually emitted.

In the above description, a single-lens reflex electronic camera is taken as an example, but the present invention may be applied to a film camera instead of an electronic camera.

Further, although the single-lens reflex camera has been described as an example,
The present invention can also be applied to a camera that is not a single lens reflex camera.

In the above-described example, the subject is directly illuminated by the built-in flash unit 40 and the subject is indirectly illuminated by the external flash unit 11 in the case of bounce photographing. Alternatively, when the irradiation optical axis of the built-in flash unit 40 is variable, the built-in flash unit 40 may indirectly illuminate the subject and the external flash unit 11 may directly illuminate the subject. In this case, the built-in flash unit 40 emits light manually, and the external flash unit 11 is controlled to emit light by TTL dimming.

The built-in flash unit 40 has been described as an example which moves between the use position B and the storage position A (FIG. 2), but it does not have to be the pop-up type. In this case, the state in which the built-in flash unit is allowed to emit light by operating an operation member (not shown) of the camera corresponds to the above-described state in which the position of the built-in flash unit 40 of the camera is set to the use position B. The state in which the built-in flash unit is disabled to emit light by the operation corresponds to the state in which the position of the built-in flash unit 40 of the camera described above is set to the storage position A. Even when the built-in flash unit is allowed to emit light by the operating member, when the external flash unit 11 is allowed to emit light, the built-in flash unit emits light except for the case of the bounce photographing described in (3) above. Prohibit

Although the camera having the built-in flash unit 40 has been described, the present invention may be applied to the case where two external flash units are connected to a camera having no built-in flash unit.

The present invention may also be applied to the case where the built-in flash device and the external flash device can be set to the bounce position, or the plurality of external flash devices can be set to the bounce position, respectively. In this case, each of the plurality of flashes may be at the bounce position.

Correspondence between each component in the claims and each component in the embodiment of the invention will be described. The first flash unit is configured by, for example, the built-in flash unit 40. A first output circuit, a second output circuit,
The detection circuit, the control circuit, the usability detection circuit, and the communication circuit are each configured by, for example, the arithmetic circuit 101. The second flash unit is composed of, for example, the external flash unit 11. The terminal is composed of, for example, the accessory shoe 10. The detection circuit of the external flash is
For example, it is configured by the controller 201 and the light emitting unit position detection device 203. The communication circuit of the external flash unit is configured by the controller 201, for example. Note that each component is not limited to the above configuration as long as the characteristic function of the present invention is not impaired.

[0082]

According to the present invention, when the irradiation optical axis of one of the flash units is not directed toward the object, the flash units are allowed to emit light. Therefore, for example, bounce photographing using a plurality of flash units. Will be possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera with a built-in flash device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the camera of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the camera of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by an arithmetic circuit of a camera.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed by the arithmetic circuit of the camera.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by an arithmetic circuit of a camera.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by an arithmetic circuit of the camera.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by an arithmetic circuit of the camera.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating details of communication processing.

FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an example of light emission characteristics of an external flash unit, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of light emission characteristics of a built-in flash unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Camera body, 10 ... Accessory shoe, 10a, 10b, 10c ... Terminal, 11 ...
External flash device, 101 ... Arithmetic circuit,
102 ... Built-in flash light emitting circuit, 201 ... Controller,
202 ... Light emitting circuit, 203 ... Light emitting unit position detection device, A ... Storage position, B ...
Use position, SW1 ... Position detection switch, SW
4 ... X contact switch, X ... normal position,
Y ... Maximum bounce position

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A first light emission instruction circuit for outputting a light emission instruction to a first flash device for illuminating a subject, and a second light emission instruction circuit for outputting a light emission instruction to a second flash device different from the first flash device. A light emission instruction circuit, a detection circuit for detecting whether or not the irradiation optical axis of at least one of the first flash unit and the second flash unit is facing the object, and the detection circuit detects the irradiation optical axis for the object. And a control circuit for permitting the first light emission instruction circuit and the second light emission instruction circuit to output a light emission instruction, respectively. 2. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the first flash unit and the second flash unit have different light emission characteristics indicating light emission time and light emission intensity. 3. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the first flash unit is a flash unit built in the camera, and the second flash unit is an external flash unit attached to the camera. The camera is characterized in that the control circuit permits the permission when the detection circuit detects that the irradiation optical axis of the second flash unit does not face the subject. 4. The camera according to claim 3, wherein the second flash unit does not perform dimming control during light emission. 5. A flash device for illuminating an object, a terminal for connecting an external flash device, a usability detection circuit for detecting whether or not the flash device is used, and communication between the external flash device. The communication circuit that performs the operation, and the availability detection circuit detect that the flash device is used, and the communication circuit notifies that the irradiation optical axis of the external flash device is not directed to the subject. In this case, the camera is provided with a control circuit that permits the flash device and the external flash device to emit light. 6. The camera according to claim 5, wherein the control circuit gives the permission when the communication circuit further informs that dimming control is not performed when the external flash unit emits light. A camera characterized by that. 7. A camera according to claim 5, a detection circuit for detecting whether or not an irradiation optical axis is directed to a subject, and a communication circuit for transmitting a detection result of the detection circuit to the camera. A camera system having an external flash for illuminating a subject.