JP2008058978A - Imaging apparatus with flashing function and method for controlling light emission of imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus with a flashing function having a small number of parts, achieving miniaturization and power saving, and also eliminating the need of measures to cope with noise. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of LEDs are arranged in a camera main body. When a shutter key is half-pressed, the direction of the camera main body detected by a direction sensor is acquired (SD3). Light emission intensity of the respective LEDs corresponding to the direction of the camera main body is read out from a table (SD4). The total emitted light quantity of a flashing device comprising the plurality of LEDs is calculated on the basis of ambient brightness (SD5). The emitted light quantities of the respective LEDs 51 to 68 are calculated on the basis of the calculated total emitted light quantities and the light emission intensity (relative values) of the respective LEDs 51 to 68 read out in the step SD4 (SD6). When the shutter key 8 is fully pressed (step SD7; YES), the respective LEDs 51 to 68 are made to emit light by emitted light quantity calculated in the step SD6 (step SD8) and an image is picked up (step SD9). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus with a flash function including a plurality of light emitting means composed of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and the like, and a light emission control method for the image pickup apparatus.

  In recent years, a digital camera that captures an image of a subject using a CCD type or MOS type solid-state imaging device and records the image as image data on a recording medium such as a flash memory has become widespread. Many digital cameras have the same strobe light as conventional silver halide cameras.

  FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a conventional general strobe 100. The strobe 100 emits imaging auxiliary light as follows. That is, under the control of the microcomputer 101, the voltage from the power source 103 such as a battery is boosted to about 320 V by the step-up transformer 102, the main capacitor 104 is charged, and the charged state is maintained. At the time of imaging, the trigger coil 106 is driven by the drive element (IGBT) 105 under the control of the microcomputer 101, and a voltage of 2 KV or more is applied from the trigger coil 106 to the discharge tube 107 to cause the discharge tube 107 to emit light. Furthermore, the reflected light (from the subject) of the light is captured by the light control sensor 108, and when it reaches a predetermined amount of light, the light control circuit 109 stops the light emission, thereby ensuring appropriate imaging auxiliary light. . Also, during autofocus control, ambient brightness is detected by the light control sensor 108, and when the ambient brightness is below a predetermined level, the discharge tube 107 is similarly illuminated. As a result, the autofocus is executed after ensuring the brightness with which the subject can be recognized.

  However, the conventional strobe 100 uses the discharge tube 107, which consumes a large amount of power when emitting light, as a light source, so as to secure photographing auxiliary light and autofocus auxiliary light. For this reason, it goes without saying that a large amount of power is consumed even during autofocusing during imaging, and there is a problem that power consumption is large. In addition to the discharge tube 107, a step-up transformer 102, a main capacitor 104, and a trigger coil 106 for obtaining power to be supplied to the discharge tube 107 are indispensable. For this reason, since the number of parts is large and noise is generated when a high voltage is generated, there is a problem that it is necessary to take measures against noise in other circuits in order to be incorporated in the camera body.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and has a small number of components, enables miniaturization and power saving, and eliminates noise countermeasures and the like. An object is to provide a control method.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the imaging device with a flash function according to the invention of claim 1, a state detection unit for detecting a state of the imaging device, a light emitting unit including a plurality of light emitting units, Based on the detection result of the state detection means, a determination means for determining the light emission amount of the plurality of light emission means, and a control means for causing the light emission means to emit light with the light emission amount determined by the determination means in accordance with the imaging operation With.

  That is, the light emission amounts of the plurality of light emitting means are determined in advance based on the state of the imaging device, and the light emitting means is caused to emit light at the predetermined light emission amount at the time of imaging. Therefore, at the time of imaging, it is possible to ensure the necessary brightness by lighting the required number of light emitting means according to the state of the imaging device, such as all or part of the plurality of light emitting means. Unlike conventional strobes, there is no need to use a discharge tube that secures the required brightness during imaging with a single light emitting means, a step-up transformer, a capacitor, a trigger coil, or the like for obtaining power to be supplied to the discharge tube. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced, the size can be reduced and power can be saved, and noise countermeasures are not required.

  In the imaging device with a flash function according to the second aspect of the invention, the state detecting unit detects a state of a photometric area set by the imaging device. Accordingly, the light emission amounts of the plurality of light emitting means are determined based on the state of the photometric area set by the imaging device, and the photometry is performed with the photometric area set to a brightness that is closer to the optimal state without excess or deficiency. be able to.

  Further, in the imaging device with a flash function according to a third aspect of the present invention, the photometric area is composed of a plurality of areas obtained by dividing a subject image formed by the imaging device into a plurality of areas, and the state detecting means Detects the brightness of the plurality of photometric areas. Accordingly, the light emission amounts of the plurality of light emitting means are determined based on the state of each of the plurality of photometric areas obtained by dividing the subject image into a plurality of areas, and thereby, all of the photometric areas are closer to the optimum without excess or deficiency. Imaging can be performed with the brightness of the state.

  In the imaging device with a flash function according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the state detecting unit detects that the photographing auxiliary frame display for displaying the frame so as to overlap the subject image is selected. Therefore, when the photographing assistance frame display is selected, the light emission amounts of the plurality of light emitting means are determined in advance, and the light emitting means is caused to emit light with the light emission amounts determined at the time of imaging. Therefore, when a part of the subject is specifically arranged in the frame and imaged, light emission corresponding to the specific arrangement is possible, and the subject that is specifically arranged with the brightness closer to the optimum can be imaged. .

  In the imaging device with a flash function according to the invention described in claim 5, the state detecting unit detects which one of a plurality of types of photographing auxiliary frames is selected, and the determining unit The light emission amount of the light emitting means is determined in accordance with the photographing assistance frame detected by the state detecting means. Therefore, no matter which of the multiple types of shooting assist frames is selected, when imaging is performed with a part of the subject placed in a specific arrangement within the frame, light emission corresponding to this specific arrangement is possible, which is closer to the optimum. It is possible to take an image of a subject that is specifically arranged with the brightness of the state.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flash function-equipped imaging apparatus, further comprising: a brightness detecting unit that detects ambient brightness; and an autofocus unit that focuses a subject image; The means further causes the light emitting means to emit light for a subject portion corresponding to the frame when the ambient brightness detected by the brightness detecting means is not more than a predetermined value when the autofocus means is activated. Therefore, by emitting a plurality of light emitting means for the subject portion corresponding to the frame, the required brightness is ensured in the subject portion corresponding to the important frame efficiently with low power consumption, and autofocus control is performed. It can be carried out. As a result, even in an environment where the AF operation is difficult due to the dimness, AF can be reliably performed on an important subject portion with low power consumption.

  In the imaging device with a flash function according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the state detection unit detects the orientation of the imaging device. Accordingly, the light emission amounts of the plurality of light emitting means are determined based on the orientation of the imaging device, and imaging is performed with brightness close to the optimum state regardless of the orientation of the imaging device. be able to.

  Further, in the imaging device with a flash function according to the invention described in claim 8, the determining means is located above the lens of the imaging device according to the orientation of the imaging device detected by the state detecting means. The light emission amount is determined so that the light emission amount of the light emitting means located at the position is larger than the light emission amount of the light emitting means located below. That is, basically, the position of the light emitting unit viewed from the subject side is relatively higher than the lens (not the captured image in which the shadow of the subject is projected largely on the wall immediately after the subject). A preferable captured image is obtained. Therefore, by determining the light emission amount so that the light emission amount of the light emitting means located above the lens is larger than the light emission amount of the light emission means located below the lens according to the orientation of the image pickup device, the image pickup device is Regardless of whether it is held vertically or horizontally, optimal light emission can be performed and a preferable image can be taken.

  In the imaging device with a flash function according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the brightness detecting means for detecting the ambient brightness and the orientation of the imaging device detected by the state detecting means can be set automatically. The apparatus further comprises setting means for setting a subject location for focus evaluation, and autofocus means for focusing on the subject location set by the setting means, and the control means further operates the autofocus means. Sometimes when the ambient brightness detected by the brightness detection means is below a predetermined level, the light emission means is caused to emit light for the subject portion. Therefore, by emitting light from a plurality of light emitting means for a subject location for which autofocus evaluation is performed, it is possible to efficiently secure the required brightness at the subject location with low power consumption and perform autofocus control. . Accordingly, even in an environment where it is difficult to perform an AF operation due to the dimness, it is possible to reliably perform AF on a subject portion where autofocus evaluation is performed with low power consumption.

  In the imaging device with a flash function according to the tenth aspect, the imaging device further includes a zoom unit, and the state detection unit detects a zoom state of the zoom unit. Therefore, the light emission amounts of the plurality of light emitting means are determined based on the zoom state of the imaging device, and thereby, light is irradiated to an unnecessary part of the subject or excessive light is irradiated to a nearby subject. Thus, it is possible to perform imaging with a brightness closer to the optimum state without excess or deficiency while reducing power consumption.

  In the imaging device with a flash function according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the plurality of light emitting means are set in directions in which the diffusing directions of the emitted light are different from each other. Therefore, when the light emitting means emits light with the light emission amount determined by the determining means, the emitted light in a specific direction can be strengthened, or only the emitted light in a specific direction can be emitted. The specific photometry area, a part of the subject in the frame, and a subject part corresponding to the frame can be appropriately illuminated.

  In the imaging device with a flash function according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of light emitting units are arranged concentrically around a lens included in the imaging device. Accordingly, it is possible to radiate light from a plurality of light emitting means radially to form a light emission state for the subject similar to the case where a strobe is used.

  In the imaging device with a flash function according to the invention described in claim 13, the plurality of light emitting means are arranged on a straight line. Therefore, it is possible to generate an appropriate auxiliary light effect at the time of imaging by irradiating light in a direction along the rectangular image to be captured.

  In the imaging device with a flash function according to the invention described in claim 14, the plurality of light emitting means include ones having different emission colors. Therefore, the combination of the light emitting means to be lit allows not only the white light similar to the strobe light to be emitted, but also the colored light to be emitted to generate a pseudo color filter effect.

  In the imaging device with a flash function according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of light emitting means are light emitting diodes, so that further power saving can be achieved.

  Further, in the imaging device with a flash function according to the sixteenth aspect of the invention, a plurality of light emitting units are provided on the basis of a state detection step for detecting the state of the imaging device and a detection result in the state detection step. A determining step for determining the light emission amount of each of the light emitting means, and a control step for causing each of the light emitting means to emit light with the light emission amount determined in the determining step in accordance with the imaging operation. Therefore, by performing the processing according to the described steps, the same effects as those of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the light emission amounts of the plurality of light emitting means are determined in advance based on the state of the imaging device, and the light emitting means emits light at the predetermined light emission amount during imaging. At the time of imaging, it is possible to ensure the necessary brightness by turning on a required number of light emitting means according to the state of the imaging device, such as all or part of the plurality of light emitting means. Therefore, unlike a conventional strobe, there is no need to use a discharge tube that secures the required brightness during imaging with a single light emitting means, a step-up transformer, a capacitor, a trigger coil, etc. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced, the size can be reduced and power can be saved, and noise countermeasures are not required.

  Further, by determining the light emission amount of the plurality of light emitting means based on the state of the photometric area set by the imaging apparatus, the photometry area is set to an optimally close brightness with no excess or deficiency. be able to.

  Further, by determining the light emission amounts of the plurality of light-emitting means based on the state of each of the plurality of photometric areas obtained by dividing the subject image into a plurality of areas, it is possible to make all of the photometric areas closer to the optimal state without excess or deficiency. Imaging can be performed with brightness.

  In addition, when the shooting assistance frame display is selected, the light emission amounts of the plurality of light emitting means are determined in advance, and the light emitting means is caused to emit light at the light emission amount determined at the time of imaging, so that one of the subjects in the frame is displayed. When an image is taken with a specific arrangement of parts, light emission corresponding to this specific arrangement is possible, and an object with a specific arrangement can be picked up with brightness in a state closer to the optimum.

  Further, by determining the light emission amount of the light emitting means according to the selected photographing auxiliary frame, even if any of a plurality of types of photographing auxiliary frames is selected, a part of the subject is specifically arranged in the frame and imaged. , It is possible to emit light corresponding to this specific arrangement, and it is possible to image a subject that has been specifically arranged with the brightness of a state closer to the optimum.

  In addition, when the autofocus means is activated, the required brightness is ensured in the subject part corresponding to the important frame efficiently with low power consumption by illuminating the subject part corresponding to the frame. Thus, autofocus control can be performed. As a result, even in an environment where the AF operation is difficult due to the dimness, AF can be reliably performed on an important subject portion with low power consumption.

  In addition, by determining the light emission amounts of the plurality of light emitting units based on the orientation of the imaging device, imaging is performed with the brightness closer to the optimum state regardless of the orientation of the imaging device. be able to.

  In addition, according to the orientation of the imaging device, by determining the light emission amount so that the light emission amount of the light emitting unit located above the lens is larger than the light emission amount of the light emitting unit located below, the imaging device is Regardless of whether it is held vertically or horizontally, optimal light emission can be performed and a preferable image can be taken.

  In addition, by emitting light from a plurality of light emitting means for a subject portion to be subjected to autofocus evaluation, it is possible to efficiently secure a required brightness at the subject portion with low power consumption and perform autofocus control. . Accordingly, even in an environment where it is difficult to perform an AF operation due to the dimness, it is possible to reliably perform AF on a subject portion where autofocus evaluation is performed with low power consumption.

  Further, by determining the light emission amounts of the plurality of light emitting means based on the zoom state of the imaging device, light is irradiated to an unnecessary part of the subject, excessive light is irradiated to a nearby subject, etc. Thus, while reducing power consumption, it is possible to perform imaging with brightness close to an optimal state without excess or deficiency.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIGS. 1 to 3 are views showing the external appearance of an electronic still camera 1 common to the embodiments. FIG. 1 is a front view, FIG. 2 is a plan view, and FIG. 3 is a rear view.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic still camera 1 includes a lens 3, a light control sensor 4 that detects ambient brightness, and a flash device 5 on the front side of the camera body 2. The flash device 5 is composed of inner first to sixth LEDs 51 to 56, which are arranged concentrically around the lens 3, middle seventh to twelfth LEDs 57 to 62, and outer thirteenth to eighteen LEDs 63 to 68. ing. These first to 18th LEDs 51 to 68 are respectively a red LED whose emission color is red (R), a green LED whose emission color is green (G), and a blue LED whose emission color is blue (B). G, B, R, G, B are arranged at equal intervals in the order. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, these 18 LEDs 51 to 68 are set to have different directions of diffusing emitted light, and can be individually turned on and off by the control of the MPU 19 described later. In addition, the amount of emitted light can be varied individually.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the upper surface of the camera body 2, a photographing dial 6, a power / function switch 7, a shutter key 8, a control panel 9, and a plurality of functions used for setting an autofocus mode and a manual mode, etc. A zoom key 35 including a key 10 and a seesaw type key is provided. The shooting dial 6 is a dial for setting various shooting modes shown in a flowchart to be described later. As shown in FIG. 3, a menu key 11, a cursor key 12, a set key 13, a liquid crystal monitor / switch 14, an optical viewfinder 15, and a TFT liquid crystal monitor 16 are provided on the back surface.

  FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of the electrical configuration of the electronic still camera 1. The electronic still camera 1 is mainly configured by an MPU 19 having an image processing function such as converting an image picked up by a CCD 17 constituting an image pickup unit together with a lens 3 and the like into a JPEG format. An optical image of the subject is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 17 through the lens 3, the focus lens 20, and the diaphragm 21.

  The lens 3 is a zoom lens having a plurality of lenses and capable of changing the focal length (changing magnification) and correcting optical characteristics, and is held by a drive mechanism 33 including a zooming motor or the like. In response to the operation of the zoom key 35, the MPU 19 outputs a control signal to the zoom driver 24, and the zoom driver 24 supplies the drive signal to the drive mechanism 23, whereby the lens 3 is zoom-driven. The focus lens 20 is held by a drive mechanism 22 composed of an AF motor or the like. The drive signal output from the AF driver 23 is supplied to the drive mechanism 22 by a control signal from the MPU 19 so that the focus lens 20 moves back and forth on the optical axis. Perform the focusing operation. The diaphragm 21 is driven by a drive signal generated by the diaphragm drive unit 24 based on a control signal from the MPU 19, and adjusts the light quantity of the subject image incident on the CCD 17.

  Further, a TG (Timing Generator) 25 that generates a timing signal is connected to the MPU 19, and a V driver 26 (vertical driver) drives the CCD 17 based on the timing signal generated by the TG 25. An analog imaging signal corresponding to the luminance of the image is output and sent to the unit circuit 18. The unit circuit 18 includes a CDS that holds an imaging signal output from the CCD 17, a gain adjustment amplifier (AGC) that is an analog amplifier that is supplied with the imaging signal from the CDS, and an imaging signal that has been amplified and adjusted by the gain adjustment amplifier. It comprises an A / D converter (AD) that converts it into image data, and the output signal of the CCD 17 is sampled with the black level matched here and sent to the MPU 19 as a digital signal. The sent digital signal (imaging signal) is temporarily stored in the DRAM 27, and after various image processing is performed by the MPU 19, it is finally stored in the flash memory (FLASH) 28 as a compressed video signal. . The stored video signal is read by the MPU 19 as necessary, and is generated into a digital video signal or an analog video signal through processing such as expansion processing, addition of a luminance signal and a color signal.

  Further, the MPU 19 includes an MROM 29, a power supply circuit 30, an operation key unit 31 including various keys and switches shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a direction sensor 32, the TFT liquid crystal monitor 16, the light control sensor 4, and a flash device 5. Is connected. The MROM 29 is a program ROM in which an operation program or the like of the MPU 19 shown in a flowchart described later is recorded. Further, the MROM 29 stores program AE data constituting a program diagram indicating a combination of an aperture value (F) corresponding to an appropriate exposure value (EV) at the time of shooting and a shutter speed.

  The MPU 19 functions as the control means of the present invention by operating in accordance with the operation program using the built-in RAM as a working memory. Further, according to the program diagram, the charge accumulation time of the CCD 17, the opening degree of the diaphragm 21, the gain setting of the gain adjustment amplifier (AGC) of the unit circuit 18 and the like are performed. The charge accumulation time set by the MPU 19 is supplied as a shutter pulse to the V driver 26 via the TG 25, and the charge accumulation time, that is, the exposure time is controlled by the V driver 26 driving the CCD 17 according to this. That is, the CCD 17 functions as an electronic shutter. The operation program stored in the MROM 29 includes a program related to autofocus control. Based on the program, the MPU 19 drives the focus lens 20 to perform focusing (autofocus).

  The TFT liquid crystal monitor 16 displays sequentially captured images as a through image in the recording mode, and displays an image based on an analog video signal generated from the image data recorded in the flash memory 28 in the reproduction mode. The orientation sensor 32 is used in a third embodiment to be described later, and detects whether the orientation of the camera body 2 at the time of imaging is horizontal (state shown in FIG. 1) or vertical.

  The program data and the like stored in the MROM 29 described above can be stored on another recording medium such as an IC card that is separately provided or detachably mountable as long as the recorded contents can be retained. The program data may be recorded, and the program data or the like may be supplied from another device such as a personal computer.

  Next, the operation of the electronic still camera 1 having the above configuration in the first embodiment will be described. In a state where the power / function switch 7 is operated to turn on the power and the multi-metering mode is set by operating the photographing dial 6, the MPU 19 in accordance with the program stored in the MROM 29 is shown in FIG. Processing is executed according to the procedure shown in the flowchart. That is, it waits until the shutter key 8 is half-pressed (step SA1), and if the shutter key 8 is half-pressed, the brightness for each photometric area (1) to (9) is detected from the subject image data ( Step SA2). That is, as shown in FIG. 6, in the multi-photometry mode, the subject image data D imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 17 is divided into photometric areas (1) to (9). In step SA2, the brightness of each photometric area (1) to (9) is detected from the subject image data D.

  Next, based on the detected brightness of each photometric area (1) to (9), the emission intensity of each LED 51 to 68 at which the captured image has the optimum brightness in each photometric area (1) to (9). Is calculated (step SA3). The emission intensity of each of the LEDs 51 to 68 is calculated as a relative value.

  Further, based on the detection result of the light control sensor 4, that is, the ambient brightness, the total light emission amount of the flash device 5 composed of the LEDs 51 to 68 is calculated (step SA4). Based on the total light emission amount calculated in step SA4 and the light emission intensity of each LED 51-68 calculated in step SA3, the light emission amount of each LED 51-68 is calculated (step SA5). That is, the light emission amounts of the respective LEDs 51 to 68 are calculated based on the relative values calculated in step SA2 so that the light emission amounts of all the LEDs 51 to 68 become the total light emission amounts calculated in step SA.

  If the shutter key 8 is fully pressed (step SA6; YES), the LEDs 51 to 68 are caused to emit light with the light emission amount calculated in step SA5 (step SA7), and the imaging process is executed. The optical image of the subject formed on the light receiving surface is stored in the flash memory 28 as a finally compressed video signal (step SA8). Thereby, all the photometry areas (1) to (9) can be imaged in a state closer to the optimum brightness.

  In addition, at the time of imaging, it is possible to ensure the necessary brightness by turning on any or all of the first to eighteenth LEDs 51 to 68, so that a single light emitting means is used like a conventional strobe. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a discharge tube that secures the brightness necessary for imaging, a step-up transformer, a capacitor, a trigger coil, or the like for obtaining power to be supplied to the discharge tube. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced, the size can be reduced and power can be saved, and noise countermeasures are not required.

  In calculating the light emission intensity of each of the LEDs 51 to 68 at which the image captured in step SA3 has the optimum brightness in each of the photometry areas (1) to (9), the photometry area at the center of the image is weighted. May be. In this embodiment, the subject image is divided into the photometric areas (1) to (9). However, the subject image may be divided into a smaller number or a larger number.

(Second Embodiment)
7 to 9 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the MROM 29 stores supplementary frame data together with the operation program of the MPU 19 and the program AE data. The photographing auxiliary frame data is data for displaying any of the photographing auxiliary frames A, B, C... On the TFT liquid crystal monitor 16 as shown in FIG. These auxiliary shooting frames A, B, C,... Display a frame 161 made of a human frame on a part of the TFT liquid crystal monitor 16, and by positioning the person of the subject in the frame 161, It is configured so that the background can be imaged with good balance.

  Further, the MROM 29 stores a table 291 shown in FIG. In this table 291, the light emission patterns of the first to 18th LEDs 51 to 68 are stored for each of the frames A, B, C. For example, in the case of the frame A in which the subject person is positioned on the left side when imaging is performed using the corresponding frame, the light emission pattern is a light emission pattern with a brightness point on the left side. The light emission intensities of the first to eighteenth LEDs 51 to 68 at which the brightness balance between the person inside and the background is optimal are stored as relative values.

  In the present embodiment according to the above configuration, when the power / function switch 7 is operated and the power is turned on, and the photographing auxiliary frame mode is set by the operation of the photographing dial 6, the MPU 19 Processing is executed according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 according to the program stored in the MROM 29. That is, it is determined whether any photographing auxiliary frame has been selected (step SB1). If any one of the photographing auxiliary frames is selected, the selected photographing auxiliary frame is displayed on the through image of the TFT liquid crystal monitor 16 (step SB2).

  Next, it is determined whether or not light is emitted during imaging (step SB3). Then, based on the brightness detected by the light control sensor 4, when the MPU 19 does not require the flash device 5 to emit light and when the light emission stop is set by manual operation (step SB3; NO), the step Proceed from step SB3 to step SB4. In step SB4, it is determined whether or not the shutter key 8 has been operated. If the shutter key 8 has been operated, an imaging process is executed, and an optical image of the subject imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 17 is finally obtained. Is stored in the flash memory 28 as a compressed video signal (step SB11).

  As a result of the determination in step SB3, when the MPU 19 needs to emit light from the flash device 5 based on the brightness detected by the light control sensor 4, and when forced light emission is set by manual operation (step In step SB3; YES, it is determined whether or not the shutter key 8 is half-pressed (step SB5). If the shutter key 8 is half-pressed, the emission intensity (relative value) of the first to eighteenth LEDs 51 to 68 corresponding to the photographing auxiliary frame determined to be selected in step SB1 is read from the table 291 (step SB6).

  Further, based on the detection result of the light control sensor 4, that is, the ambient brightness, the total light emission amount of the flash device 5 including the LEDs 51 to 68 is calculated (step SB7). Based on the total light emission amount calculated in step SB7 and the light emission intensity of each LED 51-68 read in step SB6, the light emission amount of each LED 51-68 is calculated. That is, as described above, the light emission amount of each LED 51-68 is calculated based on the relative value calculated in step SA2 so that the light emission amount of all the LEDs 51-68 becomes the total light emission amount calculated in step SA ( Step SB8).

  If the shutter key 8 is fully pressed (step SB9; YES), the LEDs 51 to 68 are caused to emit light with the light emission amount calculated in step SB8 (step SB10), and the imaging process is executed. The optical image of the subject formed on the light receiving surface is stored in the flash memory 28 as a finally compressed video signal (step SB11). Thus, when the subject is specifically arranged using each of the frames A, B, C..., It is possible to capture an image with an optimal brightness balance between the specifically arranged subject and the background.

(Modification of the second embodiment)
FIG. 10 shows a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. When the power / function switch 7 is operated to turn on the power and the photographing auxiliary frame mode is set by the operation of the photographing dial 6, the MPU 19 according to the program stored in the MROM 29 in FIG. Processing is executed according to the procedure shown in the flowchart. That is, it is determined whether any photographing auxiliary frame has been selected (step SC1). If any one of the photographing auxiliary frames is selected, the selected photographing auxiliary frame is displayed on the through image of the TFT liquid crystal monitor 16 (step SC2).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the autofocus mode is set by operating the function key 10 in advance (step SC3). If the autofocus mode is not set (step SC3; NO) and the manual mode is set, manual mode processing such as driving the focus lens 20 according to the operation input is executed (step SC14). . When the shutter key 8 is operated (step SC15; YES), an imaging process is executed, and the optical image of the subject formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 17 is flashed as a final compressed video signal. Save in the memory 28 (step SC13).

  If the result of determination in step SC3 is that the autofocus mode has been set, the system waits until the shutter key 8 is half-pressed (step SC4). If the shutter key 8 is half-pressed (step SC4; YES), it is determined whether or not the ambient brightness detected by the light control sensor 4 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step SC5). If the ambient brightness is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the LEDs 51 to 68 are turned on for the portion corresponding to the frame 161 of the subject (step SC6).

  That is, in this modified example, in addition to the table 291 shown in FIG. 8 described above, the LEDs 51 to 68 to be lit when illuminating the portion corresponding to the subject frame 161 corresponding to the photographing auxiliary frame, and A table (not shown) in which the amount of light is stored is provided. Then, the LEDs 51 to 68 to be lit and the light amount thereof are read from the table and lighted.

  Next, AF evaluation is performed on the object corresponding to the subject frame 161 (step SC7). That is, when the portion corresponding to the frame 161 of the subject is illuminated in the process of step SC6 described above, the MPU 19 drives the focus lens 20 based on the program related to autofocus control stored in the MROM 29, and A portion corresponding to the frame 161 is focused (focused). Accordingly, by emitting only some of the necessary LEDs, the required brightness can be ensured in the portion corresponding to the frame 161 of the subject with low power consumption, and autofocus control can be performed, thereby saving power. Can be realized.

  Next, as described above, the light emission intensities (relative values) of the first to eighteenth LEDs 51 to 68 corresponding to the photographing auxiliary frame determined to be selected in step SC1 are read from the table 291 (step SC8). Further, based on the detection result of the light control sensor 4, that is, the ambient brightness, the total light emission amount of the flash device 5 including the LEDs 51 to 68 is calculated (step SC9). Based on the total light emission amount calculated in step SC9 and the light emission intensity of each LED 51-68 read in step SC8, the light emission amount of each LED 51-68 is calculated (step SC10).

  If the shutter key 8 is fully pressed (step SC11; YES), the LEDs 51 to 68 are caused to emit light with the light emission amount calculated in the step SC8 (step SC12), and the imaging process is executed. The optical image of the subject formed on the light receiving surface is stored in the flash memory 28 as a finally compressed video signal (step SC13). Thus, when a subject is specifically arranged using each of the frames A, B, C..., An optimal image in focus on the specifically arranged subject can be captured.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. When the power supply / function switch 7 is operated to turn on the power and the direction detection effective mode is set by the operation of the photographing dial 6, the MPU 19 according to the program stored in the MROM 29 in FIG. Processing is executed according to the procedure shown in the flowchart. That is, it is determined whether or not to emit light at the time of imaging in the same manner as in step SB3 described above (step SD1). If the light should not be emitted, the process proceeds from step SD1 to step SD10. In step SD10, it is determined whether or not the shutter key 8 has been operated. If the shutter key 8 has been operated, an imaging process is executed, and an optical image of the subject formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 17 is finally obtained. The compressed video signal is stored in the flash memory 28 (step SD9).

  If the result of determination in step SD1 is that light should be emitted, it is determined whether or not the shutter key 8 has been pressed halfway (step SD2). If the shutter key 8 is half-pressed, the orientation (horizontal orientation or vertical orientation) of the camera body 2 detected by the orientation sensor 32 is acquired (step SD3). Furthermore, the light emission intensity of each LED 51-68 corresponding to the direction of the camera body 2 is read from the table (step SD4).

  That is, basically, the position of the flash device viewed from the subject side is relatively higher than the imaging lens (not the captured image in which the shadow of the subject is projected largely on the wall immediately after that, etc. It is said that a preferable captured image can be obtained. Therefore, in the present embodiment, among the LEDs 51 to 68, when the camera body 2 is turned sideways, the LED that is above the lens 3 and its emission intensity (relative value), and when the camera body 2 is turned vertically A table (not shown) in which the LED above the lens 3 and the light emission intensity (relative value) are stored is stored in the MROM 29 together with the operation program of the MPU 19 and the program AE data. Then, in this step SD4, depending on the orientation of the camera body 2 acquired in step SD3, the LED that is above the lens 3 and the light emission intensity when the camera body 2 is turned sideways, or the camera body 2 is oriented vertically. In this case, the LED above the lens 3 and its emission intensity are read from the table.

  Further, the total light emission amount of the flash device 5 composed of the LEDs 51 to 68 is calculated based on the detection result of the light control sensor 4, that is, the ambient brightness as described above (step SD5). Based on the total light emission amount calculated in step SD5 and the light emission intensity (relative value) of each LED 51-68 read in step SD4, the light emission amount of each LED 51-68 is calculated (step SD6).

  After that, if the shutter key 8 is fully pressed (step SD7; YES), the LEDs 51 to 68 are caused to emit light with the light emission amount calculated in the step SD6 (step SD8), the imaging process is executed, and the CCD 17 The optical image of the subject formed on the light receiving surface is stored in the flash memory 28 as a finally compressed video signal (step SD9). Thereby, even when the camera body 2 is held vertically or horizontally, optimum light emission can be performed and a preferable image can be taken.

(Modification of the third embodiment)
FIG. 12 shows a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. That is, it is determined whether or not to emit light at the time of previous imaging (step SE1), and if not, the process proceeds from step SE1 to step SE13. In step SE13, it is determined whether or not the shutter key 8 has been operated. If the shutter key 8 has been operated, an imaging process is executed (step SE12).

  If the result of determination in step SE1 is that light should be emitted, it is determined whether or not the shutter key 8 has been pressed halfway (step SE2). If the shutter key 8 is half-pressed, the orientation (horizontal orientation or vertical orientation) of the camera body 2 detected by the orientation sensor 32 is acquired (step SE3). Next, in accordance with the detected direction of the camera body 2, a location where AF evaluation is performed on the subject is set (step SE4), and the LEDs 51 to 68 are turned on for the set location (step SE5).

  That is, in this modified example, in addition to the table used in step SD8 described above, corresponding to a position where AF evaluation is set according to the orientation of the camera body 2, the light is turned on when the portion is illuminated. A table (not shown) in which the LEDs 51 to 68 to be stored and the light amount thereof is stored is provided. Then, the LEDs 51 to 68 to be lit and the light amount thereof are read from the table and lighted.

  Next, AF evaluation is performed on the location (step SE6). In other words, in the process of step SE5 described above, when the spot for performing the AF evaluation set according to the orientation of the camera body 2 is illuminated, the MPU 19 performs focusing based on a program related to autofocus control stored in the MROM 29. The lens 20 is driven to focus (focus) on the subject area. Therefore, by emitting only some of the necessary LEDs, it is possible to secure the required brightness at the required location of the subject with less power consumption, and to perform autofocus control, which can save power. Become.

  In subsequent steps SE7 to SE12, processing similar to that in steps SD4 to SD9 in the flowchart of FIG. 11 described above is executed. Thereby, even when the camera body 2 is held either vertically or horizontally, it is possible to perform optimal light emission and to capture a preferable image that is in focus at an optimal location according to the orientation of the camera body 2.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. When the power / function switch 7 is operated and the power is turned on, the MPU 19 executes processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 according to the program stored in the MROM 29. That is, it is determined whether or not to emit light at the time of imaging in the same manner as in step SB3 described above (step SF1). If the light should not be emitted, the process proceeds from step SF1 to step SF10. In step SF10, it is determined whether or not the shutter key 8 has been operated. If the shutter key 8 has been operated, an imaging process is executed, and an optical image of the subject formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 17 is finally obtained. The compressed video signal is stored in the flash memory 28 (step SF9).

  If the result of determination in step SF1 is that light should be emitted, it is determined whether or not the shutter key 8 has been half-pressed (step SF2). If the shutter key 8 is half-pressed, the zoom state is detected (step SF3). That is, when the photographer operates the zoom key 35, the MPU 19 outputs a control signal to the zoom driver 24 in response to this, and the zoom driver 24 supplies the drive signal to the drive mechanism 23, whereby the lens 3 is zoom driven. . At this time, the MPU 19 detects the zoom state (focal length, magnification by the lens, etc.) of the lens 3 based on the control signal. Further, the light emission intensity of the LEDs 51 to 68 corresponding to the zoom state is read from the table (step SF4). That is, in this embodiment, for example, a table (not shown) storing LEDs 51 to 68 to emit light and their emission intensity (relative value) corresponding to the magnification of the lens 3 accompanying the zoom operation is stored. , MPU 19 and the program AE data are stored in the MROM 29. In step SF4, the LED to be emitted corresponding to the zoom state detected in step SF3 and its emission intensity are read from the table.

  Further, as described above, the total light emission amount of the flash device 5 including the LEDs 51 to 68 is calculated based on the detection result of the light control sensor 4, that is, the ambient brightness (step SF5). Based on the total light emission amount calculated in step SF5, the LEDs to be delivered read in step SF4 and the light emission intensity (relative value), the light emission amounts of the LEDs 51 to 68 are calculated (step SF6). ).

  After that, if the shutter key 8 is fully pressed (step SF7; YES), each of the LEDs 51 to 68 is caused to emit light with the light emission amount calculated in the step SF6 (step SF8), and an imaging process is executed. The optical image of the subject formed on the light receiving surface is stored in the flash memory 28 as a finally compressed video signal (step SF9). Accordingly, it is possible to avoid irradiating only an imaging range of a different subject according to the zoom state and irradiate light to an unnecessary portion, and to reduce power consumption.

14 to 22 show the steps SA7 (FIG. 5), SB10 (FIG. 9), SC12 (FIG. 10), SD8 (FIG. 11), SE11 (FIG. 12), and SF8 (FIG. 13). The control example in the case of making each LED light-emit with the calculated light emission amount is shown.

(First control example)
That is, when the light emission amounts of the first to 18th LEDs 51 to 68 are calculated in each flow described above, the light emission amount is acquired (step SG1), and based on this, the first light emission for emitting the LED with the light emission amount. To 18th LED pulse drive times (light emission times) 1n to 18n are individually calculated (step SG2). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 15, the LEDs are pulse-driven for the number of times of light emission n calculated simultaneously (step SG3).

  As a result, the ratio of the total light emission times Tr, Tg, Tb (actually, the integral of the portion through which the current flows) of each LED is controlled, and the strobe light composed of all the light emitted from the LEDs at this time. However, the light quantity is calculated or the light quantity ratio of some LEDs is increased to emit light.

(Second control example)
Also in the second control example, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, when the light emission amounts of the first to 18th LEDs 51 to 68 are calculated, the light emission amounts are acquired (step SH1), and based on this, a predetermined time is obtained. The number of times of light emission (number of times of pulse driving) 1n to 18n of each of the first to 18th LEDs in T is individually calculated (step SH2). Further, the MPU 19 calculates pulse drive intervals (drive periods) 1i to 18i within a predetermined time T corresponding to the calculated light emission times 1n to 18n (step SH3), and thereafter, as shown in FIG. Within a predetermined time T, the LED is periodically driven by the calculated number of light emission times 1n, 2n, 3n,... At the calculated pulse drive intervals 1i, 2i, 3i,.

  As a result, the ratio of the individual total light emission time of each LED (actually, the integral value of the portion through which the current flows) is controlled within the predetermined time T, and the amount of light composed of all the light emitted from the LED at this time However, the light quantity is calculated or the light quantity ratio of some LEDs is increased to emit light.

(Third control example)
Also in the third control example, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18, when the light emission amounts of the first to 18th LEDs 51 to 68 are calculated, the light emission amounts are acquired (step SI1), and based on this, a predetermined time is obtained. The drive times (light emission times) 1t to 18t of the first to 18th LEDs in T are individually calculated (step SI2). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 19, the LEDs are driven all at once, and are continuously driven until the calculated times 1t, 2t, 3t,... Are reached (step SI3).

  Thereby, the ratio of the light emission time of each LED is controlled within the predetermined time T, and the light amount composed of the light emitted from all the LEDs emitted at this time becomes the calculated light amount, or some of the LEDs The light quantity ratio is increased to emit light.

(Fourth control example)
Also in the fourth control example, when the light emission amounts of the first to 18th LEDs 51 to 68 are calculated, the light emission amounts are obtained (step SJ1), and based on this, the first to 18th LEDs within a predetermined time T are obtained. The respective drive times (light emission times) 1t to 18t are individually calculated (step SJ2). Further, the MPU 19 calculates a single drive time dG, dB and a drive interval iG, iB for driving the green LED and the blue LED in a time division within the drive time (exposure time) tr of the red LED (step) SJ3) Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 21, the red LEDs are continuously driven within a predetermined time T, and the green LEDs and the blue LEDs are driven at the calculated driving intervals iG and iB. The intermittent drive is performed one by one (step S4J4).

  Thereby, the ratio of the individual total light emission time (integral value of the portion through which the current flows) of each LED is controlled within the predetermined time T, and the strobe light composed of the light emitted from all the LEDs emitted at this time is calculated. Light is emitted or the light quantity ratio of some LEDs is increased.

(Fifth control example)

  In the fifth control example, a pulse current is supplied to each LED at the timing shown in FIG. That is, the LEDs of the respective emission colors are individually pulse-driven in a time division manner so that the respective emission timings do not overlap. Thereby, in the flash device 5, the LEDs of the respective emission colors emit pulses continuously with R, G, B as one cycle in a state where the respective emission timings are deviated within a predetermined time T. As a result, strobe light (each LED mixed light) of the same color as when the LEDs are turned on at the same time is obtained. At this time, by changing the light emission duty, the strobe light composed of the light emitted from all the LEDs is emitted with the calculated light amount or the light amount ratio of some LEDs being increased. It becomes.

  In the embodiment described above, the flash device 5 is configured by concentrically arranging the outer, middle, and inner LED groups 51 to 53 around the lens 3. However, as shown in FIG. 23, the flash device 5 may be configured by arranging the first and second LED groups 54 and 55 above the lens 3 in the camera body 2, or as shown in FIG. In addition, the left LED group 56 and the right LED group 57 may be arranged on the left and right sides of the lens 3 to constitute the flash device 5 (4 is a light control sensor, and 15 is an optical viewfinder).

  Further, the configuration of the LED group may be a combination of LEDs of other emission colors or white LEDs without using R, G, and B LEDs as in the above-described embodiment. . Furthermore, although the LED used in the embodiment is preferable as the light emitting means, other light emitting means may be used as long as the light emitting means can emit light without using a step-up transformer, a capacitor, a trigger coil, or the like.

It is a front view which shows the electronic still camera common to each embodiment of this invention. It is the same top view and is a schematic diagram which shows the light distribution direction of LED. It is the same rear view. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the same electronic still camera. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the electronic still camera in 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the photometry area in multi photometry mode. It is a schematic diagram which shows a photographing auxiliary frame. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the table used by 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the electronic still camera in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the electronic still camera in the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the electronic still camera in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the electronic still camera in the modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in the electronic still camera in 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st control example which controls the light emission amount of LED. It is a time chart which shows the example of the control. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd control example which controls the light emission amount of LED. It is a time chart which shows the example of the control. It is a flowchart which shows the 3rd control example which controls the light emission amount of LED. It is a time chart which shows the example of the control. It is a flowchart which shows the 4th control example which controls the light emission amount of LED. It is a time chart which shows the example of the control. It is a time chart which shows the 5th control example which controls the light emission amount of LED. It is a front view of the electronic still camera which concerns on the other form of this invention. It is a front view of the electronic still camera which concerns on the other form of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic still camera 2 Camera body 3 Lens 4 Light control sensor 5 Flash device 6 Shooting dial 7 Power supply / function switch 8 Shutter key 17 CCD
18 Unit circuit 19 MPU
20 Focus lens 22 Drive mechanism 23 AF driver 24 Drive unit 25 TG
26 V driver 27 DRAM
28 Flash memory 29 MROM
30 Power supply circuit 51-68 1st-18th LED

Claims (16)

State detection means for detecting the state of the imaging device;
A light-emitting unit comprising a plurality of light-emitting means;
Determining means for determining the light emission amount of each of the plurality of light emitting means based on the detection result of the state detecting means;
An imaging apparatus with a flash function, comprising: a control unit that causes each of the light emitting units to emit light with a light emission amount determined by the determining unit in accordance with an imaging operation.   2. The imaging device with a flash function according to claim 1, wherein the state detection unit detects a state of a photometric area set by the imaging device.   3. The photometry area includes a plurality of areas obtained by dividing a subject image formed by the imaging apparatus into a plurality of areas, and the state detection unit detects the brightness of the plurality of photometry areas. The imaging device with a flash function described.   2. The image pickup apparatus with a flash function according to claim 1, wherein the state detection unit detects that a photographing auxiliary frame display for displaying a frame so as to overlap the subject image is selected.   The state detecting means detects which of a plurality of types of auxiliary photographing frames is selected, and the determining means determines a light emission amount of the light emitting means according to the auxiliary photographing frame detected by the state detecting means. The imaging device with a flash function according to claim 4, wherein the imaging device is determined. Brightness detection means for detecting ambient brightness;
Auto focus means for focusing the subject image;
The control means further causes the light emitting means to emit light for a subject portion corresponding to the frame when the ambient brightness detected by the brightness detecting means is not more than a predetermined value when the autofocus means is operated. 6. An imaging device with a flash function according to claim 4, wherein the imaging device has a flash function.   The imaging device with a flash function according to claim 1, wherein the state detection unit detects a direction of the imaging device.   According to the orientation of the image pickup apparatus detected by the state detection means, the determination means is configured such that the light emission amount of the light emission means located above the lens of the image pickup apparatus is smaller than the light emission amount of the light emission means located below. 8. The imaging device with a flash function according to claim 7, wherein the amount of light emission is determined so as to increase. Brightness detection means for detecting ambient brightness;
Setting means for setting a subject location for performing autofocus evaluation according to the orientation of the imaging device detected by the state detection means;
Auto-focusing means for focusing on the subject portion set by the setting means,
The control means further causes the light emitting means to emit light for the subject portion when the ambient brightness detected by the brightness detecting means is not more than a predetermined value when the autofocus means is operated. The imaging device with a flash function according to claim 7. The imaging device further includes zoom means,
2. The imaging device with a flash function according to claim 1, wherein the state detection unit detects a zoom state of the zoom unit.   11. The imaging device with a flash function according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of light emitting means is set in a direction in which a diffusion direction of the emitted light is different.   11. The imaging device with a flash function according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emitting units are arranged concentrically around a lens included in the imaging device.   11. The imaging device with a flash function according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emitting units are arranged on a straight line.   The flash device for an imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of light emitting units include ones having different emission colors.   15. The flash device for an imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light emitting means are light emitting diodes. A state detection step of detecting the state of the imaging device;
A determination step for determining a light emission amount of each of a plurality of light emitting means included in the light emitting unit based on a detection result in the state detection step;
And a control step of causing each of the light emitting means to emit light with the light emission amount determined in the determining step in accordance with the imaging operation.

Images