JP2009033668A - Imaging apparatus, strobe device and imaging method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform consecutive imaging even in the darkness by allowing a device, capable of strobe light emission, detected by a search, to be subjected to light-emitting in imaging. <P>SOLUTION: A flashing body management section 101 instructs a strobe device 160 detected by a search to emit light in imaging at an imaging section 104. The imaging section 104 performs imaging. A communication control section 105 generates a search signal for searching for a strobe device capable of strobe light emission and extracts from a reception signal from an ACK signal transmitted from the strobe device capable of strobe light emission. When a light emission instruction signal instructing strobe light emission transmitted from an imaging apparatus 150 is acquired, a flashing control section 114 instructs strobe light emission to a flashing section 115. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus, a strobe device, and a photographing method.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technology is known in which a mobile phone having a camera function notifies a camera having a flash function of the timing of a shooting operation (for example, Patent Document 1). A camera having a strobe function emits a strobe in synchronization with photographing when a mobile phone having the camera function photographs.
JP 2003-18459 A

  However, Patent Document 1 has a problem that charging is required each time a strobe of a camera having a strobe function is emitted, and it is difficult to emit light continuously.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an imaging device, a flash device, and an imaging method capable of performing continuous shooting even in a dark place by causing a device capable of flash emission detected by searching to emit light during shooting. The purpose is to provide.

  The photographing device of the present invention is directed to photographing means for photographing an image, searching means for detecting a partner device capable of flash emission at the time of photographing with the photographing means, and the partner device detected by the searching means. And an instruction unit for instructing to emit strobe light at the time of photographing by the photographing unit.

  The strobe device of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires a request for strobe light emission, a light emission timing setting unit that sets an arbitrary time when the request is acquired, and a strobe light emission that emits strobe light after the set time has elapsed. Means.

  According to the photographing method of the present invention, the photographing device searches for a strobe device that can emit strobe light when photographing, and the photographing device emits strobe light when photographing with respect to the strobe device detected by the search. And a step of taking an image when the strobe device emits light in accordance with the instruction.

  According to the present invention, continuous shooting can be performed even in a dark place by causing a device capable of flash emission detected by searching to emit light during shooting.

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

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The photographing system 100 includes a photographing device 150 and a strobe device 160. In the present embodiment, the photographing device 150 and the flash device 160 are both communication terminal devices such as mobile phones. Note that the image capturing device 150 and the flash device 160 are not limited to communication terminal devices, and can be arbitrary devices. In the photographing system 100, there may be a plurality of strobe devices 160 instead of one, but in FIG. 1, only one strobe device 160 is shown for convenience of explanation, and other strobe devices are not shown. Omitted.

  First, the configuration of the photographing apparatus 150 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the ACK signal transmitted from the flash device 160 is input from the photographing control unit 103, the flash body management unit 101 as an instruction unit extracts an ID unique to the flash device 160 from the ACK signal. In addition, the flash management unit 101 sends a strobe device 160 to the strobe device 160 with respect to the communication control unit 105 when a detection result obtained by operating a shutter for shooting provided in the shooting unit 104 is input from the shooting control unit 103. It requests generation of a light emission instruction signal for instructing light emission. At that time, the flash management unit 101 outputs the ID of the strobe device 160 that instructs strobe emission to the communication control unit 105.

  The timer 102 counts up the timer value. The timer 102 resets the timer value upon receiving a reset instruction.

  When an ACK signal is input from the communication control unit 105, the shooting control unit 103 notifies that shooting is possible by turning on an LED or the like. Then, the imaging control unit 103 outputs the input ACK signal to the flash body management unit 101. Further, the photographing control unit 103 detects an operation of a shutter for photographing provided in the photographing unit 104 and outputs the detection result to the flash body management unit 101.

  The photographing unit 104 has a shutter for photographing. The photographing unit 104 performs photographing when the shutter is operated such as pressing the shutter.

  The communication control unit 105 serving as a search unit generates a search signal for searching for the strobe device 160. For example, the communication control unit 105 recognizes and stores in advance by performing one-to-one communication using the strobe device 160 registered in the phone book information or the IrDA (Infrared Data Association) before photographing. The strobe device 160 is set as a search signal destination. Further, the communication control unit 105 generates a light emission instruction signal whose destination is the strobe device 160 with the ID input from the flash body management unit 101 in accordance with a request from the flash body management unit 101. Then, the communication control unit 105 selects the short-range communication unit 106 or the directional communication unit 107 according to the set communication method, and sends a search signal or light emission to the selected short-range communication unit 106 or directional communication unit 107. An instruction signal is output. Further, the communication control unit 105 extracts an ACK signal from the signal input from the short-range communication unit 106 or the directional communication unit 107, and outputs the extracted ACK signal to the imaging control unit 103. The communication control unit 105 can detect the strobe device 160 that is the counterpart device by extracting the ACK signal.

  The short-range communication unit 106 converts the light emission instruction signal or search signal input from the communication control unit 105 into a signal that enables short-range wireless communication and transmits the signal. The short-range communication unit 106 receives a signal transmitted from the flash device 160, converts the received signal into a signal that can be processed by the communication control unit 105, and outputs the signal to the communication control unit 105.

  The directivity communication unit 107 converts the light emission instruction signal or the search signal input from the communication control unit 105 into a signal having directivity such as an infrared (Ir) signal and transmits the signal. Directivity communication unit 107 receives the ACK signal transmitted from strobe device 160, converts the received ACK signal into a signal that can be processed by communication control unit 105, and outputs the signal to communication control unit 105.

  Next, the configuration of the strobe device 160 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The short-range communication unit 111 receives a signal transmitted from the imaging device 150, converts the received signal into a signal that can be processed by the communication control unit 113, and outputs the signal to the communication control unit 113. The short-range communication unit 111 converts the ACK signal input from the communication control unit 113 into a signal that enables short-range wireless communication and transmits the signal.

  The directional communication unit 112 receives a signal transmitted from the imaging device 150, converts the received signal into a signal that can be processed by the communication control unit 113, and outputs the signal to the communication control unit 113. The directivity communication unit 112 converts the signal input from the communication control unit 113 into a signal having directivity such as an infrared signal and transmits the signal.

  When the search signal is extracted from the signal input from the short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112, the communication control unit 113 refers to the address included in the extracted search signal, and the received search signal performs reception processing. It is determined whether the signal is a power signal. If the communication control unit 113 determines that the signal is to be received, the communication control unit 113 inquires of the flash control unit 114 whether or not strobe light emission is possible. Further, when the flash control unit 114 receives an answer indicating that the flash can be emitted, the communication control unit 113 generates an ACK signal including the ID of the local station. Then, the communication control unit 113 selects the near field communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112 according to the set communication method, and outputs an ACK signal to the selected near field communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112. To do. Further, when the communication control unit 113 extracts a light emission instruction signal from the signal input from the short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112, the communication control unit 113 outputs the extracted light emission instruction signal to the flash control unit 114.

  When the flash control unit 114 receives an inquiry from the communication control unit 113 as to whether or not strobe light emission is possible, the flash control unit 114 makes an inquiry to the charge management unit 118. Then, the flash control unit 114 notifies the communication control unit 113 that strobe light emission is possible when a response indicating that strobe light emission is possible is obtained from the charge management unit 118. Further, the flash control unit 114 inquires of the charge management unit 118 whether or not strobe light emission is possible when a light emission instruction signal is input from the communication control unit 113. Then, the flash control unit 114 instructs the flash unit 115 to perform strobe light emission when an answer indicating that strobe light emission is possible is obtained from the charge management unit 118. On the other hand, if the flash control unit 114 receives an answer from the charge management unit 118 that light emission is impossible, the flash control unit 114 emits light until the flash control unit 115 receives a new light emission instruction signal from the communication control unit 113. Wait.

  The flash unit 115 emits strobe light in accordance with an instruction from the flash control unit 114.

  The battery 116 supplies power for charging the capacitor 117 and supplies power to the other circuits of the strobe device 160.

  The capacitor 117 supplies power to the flash unit 115 when the flash unit 115 emits strobe light.

  The charge management unit 118 monitors the voltage value of the battery 116 and the charge state of the capacitor 117. When the charge management unit 118 receives an inquiry from the flash control unit 114 as to whether or not strobe light emission is possible, the power supply voltage value of the battery 116 is equal to or higher than the threshold value and the charge voltage value of the capacitor 117. Is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the flash control unit 114 is replied that strobe light emission is possible.

  Next, operations of the image capturing device 150 and the flash device 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations of the image capturing device 150 and the strobe device 160.

  First, the shooting control unit 103 receives a setting of N shots as the number of shots (step ST201) and receives a setting for continuous shooting (step ST202).

  Next, the imaging control unit 103 notifies the communication control unit 105 that continuous shooting settings have been received (step ST203).

  Next, the communication control unit 105 generates a search signal for searching for the strobe device 160 that can emit the strobe light, and the short-range communication unit 106 or the directional communication unit 107 transmits a signal including the search signal. Further, the short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112 of the strobe device 160 receives a signal including a search signal, and the communication control unit 113 extracts the search signal from the received signal (confirm flashable flasher). (Step ST204). At this time, the short-range communication unit 106 transmits the search signal using infrared rays, so that the search signal becomes a signal having straightness. In addition, the directional communication unit 107 can transmit a search signal in a directional manner. Thus, the search signal can be received only by the flash device 160 that exists in the direction in which the photographing device 150 wants to photograph.

  Next, communication control section 113 outputs the extracted search signal to flash control section 114 (step ST205).

  Next, the flash control unit 114 inquires of the charge management unit 118 whether or not strobe light emission is possible (step ST206).

  Next, charge management section 118 notifies flash control section 114 that strobe light emission is possible (step ST207).

  Next, the flash control unit 114 notifies the communication control unit 113 that strobe light emission is possible (step ST208).

  Next, the communication control unit 113 generates an ACK signal including the ID of the strobe device 160 in order to notify the photographing device 150 that the strobe light can be emitted, and the short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112 , A signal including an ACK signal is transmitted, and the short-range communication unit 106 or the directivity communication unit 107 of the imaging device 150 receives the signal including the ACK signal, and the communication control unit 105 receives the ACK signal from the received signal. Extraction (flash notification) (step ST209).

  Next, communication control section 105 outputs the extracted ACK signal to imaging control section 103 (step ST210).

  Next, the photographing control unit 103 notifies that photographing is possible, for example, by turning on an LED.

  Next, the imaging control unit 103 transfers the acquired ACK signal to the flash body management unit 101 (step ST211).

  Next, the flash body management unit 101 extracts the ID included in the acquired ACK signal. Further, when the flash body management unit 101 detects that the shutter of the photographing unit 104 has been operated, it instructs the communication control unit 105 to output the extracted ID and generate a light emission instruction signal. (Step ST212). When a plurality of ACK signals are input, the flash body management unit 101 instructs generation of a light emission instruction signal to the strobe device 160 having the ID included in the first input ACK signal.

  Next, the communication control unit 105 generates a light emission instruction signal, and the short-range communication unit 106 or the directivity communication unit 107 transmits a signal including the light emission instruction signal. The short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112 of the strobe device 160 receives a signal including a light emission instruction signal, and the communication control unit 113 extracts a light emission instruction signal from the received signal (light emission instruction) ( Step ST213).

  Next, communication control section 113 outputs the extracted light emission instruction signal to flash control section 114 (step ST214).

  Next, the flash control unit 114 inquires of the charge management unit 118 whether or not strobe light emission is possible (step ST215).

  Next, when the power supply voltage value of the battery 116 is equal to or higher than the threshold value and the charging voltage value of the capacitor 117 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the charge management unit 118 can perform strobe light emission on the flash control unit 114. A certain answer is given (step ST216).

  Next, the flash control unit 114 instructs the flash unit 115 to emit strobe light (step ST217), and the flash unit 115 performs strobe light emission.

  Simultaneously with the flash emission, the imaging control unit 103 performs imaging (step ST218).

  Next, the imaging control unit 103 monitors the elapsed time from the time notified in step ST203 using the timer value of the timer 102, and when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time Δt, the imaging control unit 103 Time-up is notified (step ST219). Thereafter, the timer 102 resets the timer value.

  Next, the communication control unit 105 generates a search signal for searching for the strobe device 160 that can emit the strobe light, and the short-range communication unit 106 or the directional communication unit 107 transmits a signal including the search signal. Further, the short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112 of the strobe device 160 receives a signal including a search signal, and the communication control unit 113 extracts the search signal from the received signal (confirm flashable flasher). (Step ST220).

  Next, communication control section 113 outputs the extracted search signal to flash control section 114 (step ST221).

  Next, the flash control unit 114 inquires of the charge management unit 118 whether or not strobe light emission is possible (step ST222).

  Next, charge management section 118 notifies flash control section 114 that strobe light emission is possible (step ST223).

  Next, the flash control unit 114 notifies the communication control unit 113 that strobe light emission is possible (step ST224).

  Next, the communication control unit 113 generates an ACK signal including the ID of the strobe device 160 in order to notify the photographing device 150 that the strobe light can be emitted, and the short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112 , A signal including an ACK signal is transmitted. In addition, the short-range communication unit 106 or the directional communication unit 107 of the imaging apparatus 150 receives a signal including an ACK signal, and the communication control unit 105 extracts an ACK signal from the received signal (flashable notification) (step) ST225).

  Next, communication control section 105 outputs the extracted ACK signal to imaging control section 103 (step ST226). At this time, the imaging control unit 105 stands by until notified by step ST226.

  Next, the photographing control unit 103 notifies that photographing is possible, for example, by turning on an LED.

  Next, the imaging control unit 103 transfers the acquired ACK signal to the flash body management unit 101 (step ST227).

  Next, the flash body management unit 101 extracts the ID included in the acquired ACK signal, and instructs the communication control unit 105 to output the extracted ID and generate a light emission instruction signal (step ST228). ). When a plurality of ACK signals are input, the flash body management unit 101 instructs generation of a light emission instruction signal to the strobe device 160 having the ID included in the first input ACK signal.

  Next, the communication control unit 105 generates a light emission instruction signal, and the short-range communication unit 106 or the directivity communication unit 107 transmits a signal including the light emission instruction signal. The short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112 of the strobe device 160 receives a signal including a light emission instruction signal, and the communication control unit 113 extracts a light emission instruction signal from the received signal (light emission instruction) ( Step ST229).

  Next, communication control section 113 outputs the extracted light emission instruction signal to flash control section 114 (step ST230).

  Next, the flash control unit 114 inquires of the charge management unit 118 whether or not strobe light emission is possible (step ST231).

  Next, when the power supply voltage value of the battery 116 is equal to or higher than the threshold value and the charging voltage value of the capacitor 117 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the charge management unit 118 can perform strobe light emission on the flash control unit 114. A certain answer is given (step ST232).

  Next, the flash control unit 114 instructs the flash unit 115 to emit strobe light (step ST233), and the flash unit 115 performs strobe light emission.

  Simultaneously with the flash emission, the imaging control unit 103 performs imaging (step ST234).

  Next, the imaging control unit 103 monitors the elapsed time from the time notified in step ST203 using the timer value of the timer 102, and when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time Δt, the imaging control unit 103 Notification is made (step ST235). Thereafter, the timer 102 resets the timer value.

  The photographing apparatus 150 and the strobe device 160 repeat the same processing as in steps ST203 to ST218 until the N photographings accepted in step ST201 are completed.

  The timing notified by the shooting control unit 103 in step ST203, step ST219, and step ST235 is the timing of each shooting, but actually, the shooting control unit 103 does not shoot until receiving an ACK signal from the strobe device 160. The unit 104 is controlled. In addition, the image capturing apparatus 150 captures one image for each cycle processing # 250 and # 260, and the plurality of strobe devices 160 capable of flash emission once each for each cycle processing # 250 and # 260. The flash fires.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the strobe devices 160-1 to 160-4 capable of strobe emission sequentially emit strobe light. In the case of FIG. 3, when the bride and groom as the subject pass the photographing position # 301, the photographing device 150 transmits the search signal using infrared communication or transmits the search signal in a directional manner. A search signal is transmitted only to the flash device 160-1. As a result, the imaging device 150 receives an ACK signal only from the flash device 160-1. Thus, at the shooting position # 301, the flash device 160-1 emits strobe light when the shooting device 150 performs shooting. Further, when the bride and groom pass the shooting position # 302 and then return to the shooting position # 503, the shooting apparatus 150 transmits a search signal only to the flash device 160-2. As a result, the photographing apparatus 150 receives the ACK signal twice only from the flash device 160-2. Thus, at the shooting position # 302 and the shooting position # 303, the strobe device 160-2 emits strobe light when the shooting device 150 takes a picture twice. Further, when the bride and groom as the subject pass the photographing position # 304, the photographing device 150 transmits a search signal only to the flash device 160-3. As a result, the imaging device 150 receives an ACK signal only from the flash device 160-3. Thus, at the shooting position # 304, the flash device 160-3 emits strobe light when the shooting device 150 takes a picture. Further, when the bride and groom as the subject pass the photographing position # 305, the photographing device 150 transmits a search signal only to the flash device 160-4. As a result, the imaging device 150 receives an ACK signal only from the flash device 160-4. Thus, at the shooting position # 305, the flash device 160-4 emits strobe light when the shooting device 150 performs shooting.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to search for a plurality of strobe devices that can emit strobe light, and to sequentially emit strobe light from the strobe devices detected by the search, thereby enabling continuous shooting even in a dark place. it can.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the imaging system 400 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  An imaging system 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes an imaging device 450 instead of the imaging device 150 with respect to the imaging system 100 according to Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 4, parts having the same configuration as in FIG.

  The photographing system 400 includes a photographing device 450 and a strobe device 160. In the present embodiment, the photographing device 450 and the flash device 160 are both communication terminal devices such as mobile phones. Note that the photographing device 450 and the flash device 160 are not limited to communication terminal devices, and can be arbitrary devices. In the photographing system 400, there may be a plurality of strobe devices 160 instead of one. However, in FIG. 4, only one strobe device 160 is shown for convenience of explanation, and other strobe devices are not shown. Omitted.

  The configuration of the imaging device 450 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The scenario generation unit 401 serving as the light emission timing determination unit determines the flash emission timing of each flash device 160 based on the preset number of shots and the number of flash devices 160 input from the flash body management unit 402. Then, the scenario generation unit 401 generates light emission timing information that is information on the determined strobe light emission timing, and outputs the generated light emission timing information to the flash body management unit 402. A method for determining the timing of flash emission will be described later.

  The flash body management unit 402 measures the number of ID types unique to the flash device 160 included in the ACK signal transmitted from the flash device 160, which is input from the communication control unit 406. The number of 160 is obtained. Then, the flash body management unit 402 outputs the obtained number of strobe devices 160 to the scenario generation unit 401. In addition, when the light emission timing information is input from the scenario generation unit 401, the flash body management unit 402 notifies the imaging control unit 404 that the light emission timing information has been generated. In addition, the flash management unit 402 sends a communication control unit 406 to the communication control unit 406 when the detection result of operating the shutter is input from the imaging control unit 404 and the timer value of the timer 403 reaches the timing of the light emission timing information. On the other hand, generation of a light emission instruction signal for instructing strobe light emission is requested.

  The timer 403 counts up the timer value. In addition, the timer 403 resets the timer value in response to a reset instruction.

  When the shooting control unit 404 receives a notification that the light emission timing information has been generated from the flash body management unit 402, the shooting control unit 404 notifies that shooting is possible by turning on an LED or the like. Further, the photographing control unit 404 detects an operation of a shutter for photographing provided in the photographing unit 405 and outputs the detection result to the flash body management unit 402.

  The photographing unit 405 has a shutter for photographing. The photographing unit 405 performs photographing when a shutter such as pressing of the shutter is operated.

  The communication control unit 406 generates a search signal for searching for the flash device 160. For example, the communication control unit 406 stores the strobe device 160 registered in the phone book information or the strobe device 160 that has been recognized and stored in advance by performing one-to-one communication using IrDA or the like before shooting. It can be set as a search signal destination. In addition, the communication control unit 406 generates a light emission instruction signal according to an instruction from the flash body management unit 402. Then, the communication control unit 406 selects the short-range communication unit 407 or the directional communication unit 408 according to the set communication method, and sends a search signal or light emission to the selected short-range communication unit 407 or directional communication unit 408. An instruction signal is output. Further, the communication control unit 406 extracts an ACK signal from the signal input from the short-range communication unit 407 or the directional communication unit 408, and outputs the extracted ACK signal to the flash body management unit 402.

  The short-range communication unit 407 converts the light emission instruction signal or the search signal input from the communication control unit 406 into a signal capable of short-range wireless communication and transmits the signal. The short-range communication unit 407 receives the signal transmitted from the strobe device 160, converts the received signal into a signal that can be processed by the communication control unit 406, and outputs the signal to the communication control unit 406.

  The directivity communication unit 408 converts the light emission instruction signal or the search signal input from the communication control unit 406 into a signal having directivity such as an infrared signal and transmits the converted signal. Directivity communication unit 408 receives the ACK signal transmitted from strobe device 160, converts the received ACK signal into a signal that can be processed by communication control unit 406, and outputs the signal to communication control unit 406.

  Next, operations of the image capturing device 450 and the flash device 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing operations of the image capturing device 450 and the flash device 160.

  First, the imaging control unit 404 accepts continuous shooting settings (step ST501).

  Next, photographing control section 404 notifies communication control section 406 of the setting for continuous photographing accepted in step ST501 (step ST502).

  Next, the communication control unit 406 generates a search signal for searching for a strobe device that can emit strobe light, and the short-range communication unit 407 or the directional communication unit 408 transmits a signal including the search signal. Further, the short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112 of the strobe device 160 receives a signal including a search signal, and the communication control unit 113 extracts the search signal from the received signal (confirm flashable flasher). (Step ST503).

  Next, communication control section 113 outputs the extracted search signal to flash control section 114 (step ST504).

  Next, the flash control unit 114 inquires of the charge management unit 118 whether or not strobe light emission is possible (step ST505).

  Next, charge management section 118 notifies flash control section 114 that strobe light emission is possible (step ST506).

  Next, the flash control unit 114 notifies the communication control unit 113 that strobe light emission is possible (step ST507).

  Next, the communication control unit 113 generates an ACK signal including the ID of the strobe device 160 in order to notify the photographing device 450 that the strobe light can be emitted, and the short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112 , A signal including an ACK signal is transmitted. In addition, the short-range communication unit 407 or the directional communication unit 408 of the imaging device 450 receives a signal including an ACK signal, and the communication control unit 406 extracts an ACK signal from the received signal (flashable notification) (step) ST508).

  Next, communication control section 406 outputs the extracted ACK signal to flash body management section 402 (step ST509). FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the flash devices 160-1 to 160-3 transmit ACK signals # 601 to # 603. In the case of FIG. 6A, there are three strobe devices 160-1 to 160-3.

  Next, the flash body management unit 402 calculates the number of strobe devices 160 by measuring the number of ID types included in the ACK signal acquired from the communication control unit 406.

  Next, the flash body management unit 402 outputs the number of communication partners (M units) that can be obtained flash bodies to the scenario generation unit 401 (step ST510).

  Next, the imaging control unit 404 of the imaging device 450 accepts the setting of the number of captured images (N) (step ST511).

  Next, the imaging control unit 404 notifies the flash body management unit 402 of the received number of captured images (scenario generation request) (step ST512), and the flash body management unit 402 receives the notified number of captured N images. The sheets are notified to the scenario generation unit 401 (step ST513).

  Next, the scenario generation unit 401 determines the flash emission timing of each strobe device 160 based on the number (M) of strobe devices 160 acquired in step ST510 and the number of shots (N) acquired in step ST510. Determine (scenario generation) (step ST514). For example, when the shooting time is 3000 msec, the number of flash devices 160 capable of flash emission is three, and the number of shots is three, the scenario generation unit 401 determines the timing at which each flash device 160 sequentially emits strobe light at intervals of 1000 msec.

  Next, the scenario generation unit 401 outputs light emission timing information, which is information on the determined strobe light emission timing, to the flash body management unit 402 (step ST515).

  Next, when receiving the light emission timing information, the flash body management unit 402 notifies the imaging control unit 404 that the light emission timing information has been generated (generation completion notification) (step ST516).

  Next, the shooting control unit 404 notifies that shooting is possible, for example, by turning on an LED.

  Next, when the shooting control unit 404 detects that the shutter of the shooting unit 405 has been operated (step ST517), the shooting control unit 404 outputs the detection result of the shutter operation to the flash management unit 402 (scenario). Start request) (step ST518).

  Next, the flash body management unit 402 instructs the communication control unit 406 to generate a light emission instruction signal (light emission instruction) (step ST519).

  Next, the communication control unit 406 instructs the shooting control unit 404 to perform shooting (step ST520).

  Further, the communication control unit 406 generates a light emission instruction signal, and the short-range communication unit 407 or the directivity communication unit 408 transmits a signal including the light emission instruction signal. The short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112 of the strobe device 160 receives a signal including a light emission instruction signal, and the communication control unit 113 extracts a light emission instruction signal from the received signal (light emission instruction) ( Step ST521).

  Next, communication control section 113 outputs the extracted light emission instruction signal to flash control section 114 (step ST522).

  Next, the flash control unit 114 inquires of the charge management unit 118 whether or not strobe light emission is possible (step ST523).

  Next, when the power supply voltage value of the battery 116 is equal to or higher than the threshold value and the charging voltage value of the capacitor 117 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the charge management unit 118 can perform strobe light emission on the flash control unit 114. It is answered (step ST524).

  Next, the flash control unit 114 instructs the flash unit 115 to emit strobe light (step ST525), and the flash unit 115 emits strobe light.

  Simultaneously with the flash emission, the imaging control unit 404 performs imaging in accordance with the imaging instruction in step ST520 (step ST526).

  Next, when the timer value of the timer 403 reaches the timing for causing the next strobe device 160 to emit the strobe light, the flash body management unit 402 causes the communication control unit 406 to send the strobe device 160 to which the next strobe light is emitted. An instruction to generate a light emission instruction signal to be transmitted is given (light emission instruction) (step ST527).

  Next, communication control section 406 instructs photographing control section 404 to perform photographing (step ST528).

  Further, the communication control unit 406 generates a light emission instruction signal, and the short-range communication unit 407 or the directivity communication unit 408 causes the strobe device 160 that performs strobe light emission next to the strobe device 160 that transmitted the light emission instruction signal in step ST521. On the other hand, a signal including a light emission instruction signal is transmitted (step ST529).

  Next, in accordance with the shooting instruction in step ST528, shooting control section 404 performs shooting at the timing at which strobe device 160 emits strobe light in accordance with the light emission instruction signal transmitted in step ST529 (step ST530).

  FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the strobe devices 160-1 to 160-3 sequentially emit strobe light. For example, in the case of FIG. 6B, the scenario generation unit 101 determines the timing of strobe light emission at intervals of 1000 msec in the order of the strobe devices 160-1, 160-2, and 160-3. The photographing apparatus 450 transmits the light emission instruction signals # 611 to # 613 in the order of the light emission instruction signals # 611, # 612, and # 613 at the timing when each of the flash devices 160-1 to 160-3 emits the strobe light. Thereby, the imaging device 450 can continuously capture images at 1000 msec intervals in a dark place.

  Next, the flash body management unit 402 notifies the imaging control unit 404 of the end of imaging (scenario execution completion notification) when N images have been captured (step ST531).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the photographing apparatus 450 controls the light emission timing of the flash device 160 based on the light emission timing information generated by the scenario generation unit 401. In the case of FIG. 7, the bride and groom who are the subjects pass in front of the strobe devices 160-1 to 160-4 in order, so that the scenario generation unit 401 of the photographing device 450 has the strobe devices 160-1 to 160-4. Light emission timing information for generating strobe light in order is generated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, when the flash emission timing of a plurality of flash devices comes, each flash device is automatically instructed to emit light. By transmitting each signal, it is possible to eliminate the troublesomeness of searching for a strobe device that can emit strobe light every time shooting is performed.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of imaging system 800 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  An imaging system 800 shown in FIG. 8 has a flash body management unit 801 instead of the flash body management unit 402 in contrast to the imaging system 400 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. An imaging control unit 802, a communication control unit 803 instead of the communication control unit 406, a communication control unit 811 instead of the communication control unit 113, and a flash control unit 812 instead of the flash control unit 114. And a charge management unit 813 instead of the charge management unit 118. In FIG. 8, parts having the same configuration as in FIG.

  The imaging system 800 includes an imaging device 850 and a strobe device 860. In the present embodiment, both the photographing device 850 and the strobe device 860 are communication terminal devices such as mobile phones. Note that the photographing device 850 and the flash device 860 are not limited to communication terminal devices, and can be arbitrary devices. In the photographing system 800, there may be a plurality of strobe devices 860 instead of one, but in FIG. 8, only one strobe device 860 is shown for convenience of explanation, and other strobe devices are described. Omitted.

  First, the configuration of the photographing apparatus 850 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The scenario generation unit 401 determines the flash emission timing of each flash device 860 based on the preset number of shots and the number of flash devices 860 input from the flash body management unit 801. Then, the scenario generation unit 401 generates light emission timing information that is information on the determined strobe light emission timing, and outputs the generated light emission timing information to the flash body management unit 801.

  The flash body management unit 801 obtains the number of strobe devices 860 by measuring the number of ID types unique to the communication partner included in the ACK signal transmitted from the strobe device 860 input from the communication control unit 803. . Then, the flash body management unit 801 outputs the obtained number of strobe devices 860 to the scenario generation unit 401. In addition, when the light emission timing information is input from the scenario generation unit 401, the flash body management unit 801 notifies the imaging control unit 802 that the light emission timing information has been generated. Further, the flash body management unit 801 refers to the voltage value of the voltage information when the voltage information, which is the voltage value information of the battery 116 of the strobe device 860, is input from the communication control unit 803, and the flash unit 115 emits the strobe light. The time required to charge the battery to the voltage value necessary for this is obtained. Then, the flash body management unit 801 corrects the timing of the light emission timing information to the timing of strobe light emission after the obtained time. Then, the flash body management unit 801 notifies the imaging control unit 802 that the light emission timing information has been corrected. In addition, the flash management unit 801 generates a light emission instruction signal that instructs the communication control unit 803 to emit the strobe light from the strobe device 860 when the detection result of operating the shutter is input from the imaging control unit 802. Request.

  The shooting control unit 802 can take a picture by turning on an LED or the like when receiving notification that the light emission timing information has been generated from the flash body management unit 801 or when receiving notification that the light emission timing information has been corrected. Notify that. Further, when detecting the shutter operation, the imaging control unit 802 requests the flash body management unit 801 to instruct strobe light emission. In addition, the imaging control unit 802 detects an operation of a shutter for imaging provided in the imaging unit 405 and outputs the detection result to the flash body management unit 801.

  The communication control unit 803 generates a search signal for searching for the strobe device 860. For example, the communication control unit 803 recognizes the strobe device 860 registered in the phone book information or the strobe device 860 previously recognized and stored by performing one-to-one communication using IrDA or the like before shooting. It can be set as a search signal destination. Further, the communication control unit 803 generates a light emission instruction signal according to an instruction from the flash body management unit 801. Then, the communication control unit 803 selects the short-range communication unit 407 or the directional communication unit 408 according to the set communication method, and sends a search signal or light emission to the selected short-range communication unit 407 or directional communication unit 408. An instruction signal is output. Further, the communication control unit 803 extracts an ACK signal or voltage information from a signal input from the short-range communication unit 407 or the directional communication unit 408, and outputs the extracted ACK signal or voltage information to the flash body management unit 801.

  The short-range communication unit 407 converts the light emission instruction signal or search signal input from the communication control unit 803 into a signal capable of short-range wireless communication and transmits the signal. The short-range communication unit 407 receives the signal transmitted from the strobe device 860, converts the received signal into a signal that can be processed by the communication control unit 803, and outputs the signal to the communication control unit 803.

  The directivity communication unit 408 converts the light emission instruction signal or search signal input from the communication control unit 803 into a signal having directivity such as an infrared signal and transmits the converted signal. Directivity communication unit 408 receives the ACK signal transmitted from strobe device 160, converts the received ACK signal into a signal that can be processed by communication control unit 803, and outputs the signal to communication control unit 803.

  Next, the configuration of the strobe device 860 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The short-range communication unit 111 receives a signal transmitted from the imaging device 850, converts the received signal into a signal that can be processed by the communication control unit 811, and outputs the signal to the communication control unit 811. The short-range communication unit 111 converts the signal input from the communication control unit 811 into a signal that enables short-range wireless communication and transmits the signal.

  The directional communication unit 112 receives a signal transmitted from the imaging device 850, converts the received signal into a signal that can be processed by the communication control unit 811, and outputs the signal to the communication control unit 811. The directivity communication unit 112 converts the signal input from the communication control unit 811 into a signal having directivity such as an Ir signal and transmits the signal.

  When the communication control unit 811 extracts a search signal from the signal input from the short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112, the communication control unit 811 refers to the address included in the extracted search signal, and receives the received search signal. It is determined whether the signal is a power signal. If the communication control unit 811 determines that the signal is to be received, the communication control unit 811 inquires of the flash control unit 812 whether or not strobe light emission is possible. The communication control unit 811 generates an ACK signal including the ID of its own station when an answer indicating that the flash control unit 812 can emit the strobe light is obtained. Further, the communication control unit 811 acquires the voltage value of the battery 116 from the charge management unit 813, and generates voltage information of the acquired voltage value. Then, the communication control unit 811 generates an ACK signal or a signal including voltage information. Then, the communication control unit 811 selects the short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112 according to the set communication method, and sends an ACK signal or voltage to the selected short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112. Output a signal containing information. When the communication control unit 811 extracts a light emission instruction signal from the signal input from the short-range communication unit 111 or the directivity communication unit 112, the communication control unit 811 outputs the extracted light emission instruction signal to the flash control unit 812.

  When the flash control unit 812 receives a light emission instruction signal from the communication control unit 811, the flash control unit 812 inquires of the charge management unit 813 whether or not strobe light emission is possible. Then, the flash control unit 812 instructs the flash unit 115 to perform strobe light emission when an answer indicating that strobe light emission is possible is obtained from the charge management unit 813. On the other hand, if the flash control unit 812 receives an answer from the charge management unit 813 that strobe lighting is not possible, the flash control unit 812 receives the strobe until a new flash instruction signal is input from the flash control unit 114 to the flash unit 115. Wait for the flash to fire.

  The charge management unit 813 monitors the power supply voltage value of the battery 116 and the charge state of the capacitor 117. When the charge management unit 813 receives an inquiry from the flash control unit 812 as to whether or not strobe light emission is possible, the power supply voltage value of the battery 116 is equal to or greater than the threshold value and the charge voltage value of the capacitor 117. Is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the flash control unit 812 is replied that strobe light emission is possible. On the other hand, the charge management unit 813 reports the power supply voltage value of the battery 116 to the communication control unit 811 when the power supply voltage value of the battery 116 is less than the threshold value.

  The flash unit 115 emits strobe light according to an instruction from the flash control unit 812.

  Next, operations of the photographing apparatus 850 and the strobe device 860 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing operations of the image capturing device 850 and the flash device 860. In FIG. 9, parts that are the same as those in FIG. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  From FIG. 9, the flash control unit 812 inquires of the charge management unit 813 whether or not strobe light emission is possible (step ST523).

  Next, charge management section 813 reports the power supply voltage value of battery 116 to communication control section 811, and communication control section 811 acquires the power supply voltage value (step ST901).

  Next, the communication control unit 811 generates voltage information, and the short-range communication unit 111 or the directivity communication unit 112 transmits a signal including the voltage information, and the short-range communication unit 407 or directivity of the imaging apparatus 850. Communication unit 408 receives a signal including voltage information, and communication control unit 803 acquires voltage information (step ST902).

  Next, communication control section 803 outputs the acquired voltage information to flash body management section 801 (step ST903).

  Next, the flash body management unit 801 corrects the strobe light emission timing of the light emission timing information (review the light emission timing) (step ST904).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method of correcting the flash emission timing. FIG. 10 shows, for example, a case where the photographing device 850 detects four strobe devices A to D and the time required for charging from the strobe device A to strobe light emission until the next strobe light emission is 1 sec. Shows the case. The flash body management unit 801 of the photographing apparatus 850 stores light emission timing correction information in which a voltage value is associated with a time necessary for strobe light emission. In addition, the flash body management unit 801 obtains a time required until the flash device A emits the strobe light by referring to the light emission timing correction information using the power supply voltage value of the voltage information of the strobe device A. Then, the flash body management unit 801 corrects the strobe light emission timing of the strobe device A to the strobe light emission timing at which the strobe light is emitted after the obtained time has elapsed. In addition, the flash body management unit 801 corrects the strobe light emission timing of the strobe device A so that the strobe light emission timing is 1 st interval from the corrected strobe light emission timing. In accordance with this correction, the strobe device B to strobe device D emit the strobe light at equal intervals within 1 sec after the strobe device A fires the strobe light. to correct.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the timing of strobe light emission after correction of each flash body A to D. As shown in FIG. From FIG. 11, the flash emission timings of the flash body A to the flash body D are corrected to the flash emission timing at which the flash emission is sequentially performed at 250 msec. Thereby, after step ST527, the light emission instruction signal is transmitted at the corrected strobe light emission timing.

  Returning to FIG. 9, next, the flash body management unit 801 instructs the communication control unit 803 to generate a light emission instruction signal to be transmitted to the strobe device 860 that performs next strobe light emission (light emission instruction) ( Step ST527).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effect of the second embodiment, the strobe light emission timing is corrected by referring to the voltage information of the strobe device, so that the strobe device can reliably emit the strobe light. Can do.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of imaging system 1200 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  An imaging system 1200 shown in FIG. 12 adds a timer 1211 and a scenario execution unit 1212 to the imaging system 400 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, and a flash body management unit 1201 instead of the flash body management unit 402. And a flash control unit 1213 instead of the flash control unit 114. In FIG. 12, parts having the same configuration as in FIG.

  The imaging system 1200 includes an imaging device 1250 and a strobe device 1260. In the present embodiment, the photographing device 1250 and the strobe device 1260 are both communication terminal devices such as mobile phones. Note that the photographing device 1250 and the flash device 1260 are not limited to communication terminal devices, and can be arbitrary devices. Further, in the photographing system 1200, there may be a plurality of strobe devices 1260, but there may be a plurality of strobe devices 1260. However, in FIG. 12, for convenience of explanation, only one strobe device 1260 is described, and other strobe devices are described. Omitted.

  First, the configuration of the photographing apparatus 1250 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The scenario generation unit 401 determines the flash emission timing of each flash device 1260 based on the preset number of shots and the number of flash devices 1260 input from the flash body management unit 1201. Then, the scenario generation unit 401 generates light emission timing information that is information on the determined strobe light emission timing, and outputs the generated light emission timing information to the flash body management unit 1201.

  The flash management unit 1201 measures the number of ID types unique to the strobe device 1260 included in the ACK signal transmitted from the strobe device 1260, which is input from the communication control unit 406. The number of 1260 is obtained. Then, the flash body management unit 1201 outputs the obtained number of strobe devices 1260 to the scenario generation unit 401. Further, when the flash body management unit 1201 receives the light emission timing information from the scenario generation unit 401, the flash body management unit 1201 notifies the shooting control unit 404 that the light emission timing information has been generated, and emits light. Timing information is output to the communication control unit 406. Further, the flash body management unit 1201 receives the detection result of operating the shutter from the imaging control unit 404, and when the timer value of the timer 403 is the first flash emission timing of the emission timing information. A shooting start signal notifying that shooting is started is output to the communication control unit 406.

  When receiving a notification that the light emission timing information has been generated from the flash body management unit 1201, the shooting control unit 404 notifies that shooting is possible by turning on an LED or the like. In addition, the imaging control unit 404 detects an operation of a shutter for imaging provided in the imaging unit 405 and outputs a detection result to the flash body management unit 1201.

  The communication control unit 406 generates a search signal for searching for the strobe device 1260. For example, the communication control unit 406 stores the strobe device 1260 registered in the phone book information or the strobe device 1260 that has been recognized and stored in advance by performing one-to-one communication using IrDA or the like before shooting. It can be set as a search signal destination. Further, the communication control unit 406 selects the short-range communication unit 407 or the directional communication unit 408 according to the set communication method, and sends a search signal and light emission to the selected short-range communication unit 407 or directional communication unit 408. Output timing information or shooting start signal. At this time, the communication control unit 406 outputs the light emission timing information to all the strobe devices 1260 capable of light emission detected by the search at the timing of transmitting simultaneously. Further, the communication control unit 406 extracts an ACK signal from the signal input from the short-range communication unit 407 or the directional communication unit 408 and outputs the extracted ACK signal to the flash body management unit 1201.

  Next, the configuration of the strobe device 1260 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the search signal is extracted from the signal input from the short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112, the communication control unit 113 refers to the address included in the extracted search signal, and the received search signal performs reception processing. It is determined whether the signal is a power signal. If the communication control unit 113 determines that the signal is to be received, the communication control unit 113 inquires of the flash control unit 1213 whether or not strobe light emission is possible. Then, when an answer indicating that the flash control unit 1213 can emit strobe light is obtained from the flash control unit 1213, the communication control unit 113 generates an ACK signal including the ID of the local station. Then, the communication control unit 113 generates a signal including an ACK signal. Further, the communication control unit 113 selects the short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112 according to the set communication method, and includes an ACK signal to the selected short-range communication unit 111 or the directional communication unit 112. Output a signal. Further, when the communication control unit 113 extracts the light emission timing information or the imaging start signal from the signal input from the short-range communication unit 111 or the directivity communication unit 112, the communication execution unit 113 uses the extracted light emission timing information or the imaging start signal as the scenario execution unit. To 1212.

  The timer 1211 is synchronized with the timer 403 and starts counting up the timer value in accordance with an instruction from the scenario execution unit 1212. In addition, the timer 1211 resets the timer value upon receiving a reset instruction.

  When the shooting start signal is input from the communication control unit 113, the scenario execution unit 1212 instructs the timer 1211 to start counting up the timer value. Also, the scenario execution unit 1212 refers to the light emission timing information input from the communication control unit 113, and when the measured value measured by the timer 1211 becomes the strobe light emission timing of the light emission timing information, the scenario execution unit 1212 Instruct the flash to fire.

  When the flash control unit 1213 receives an inquiry from the communication control unit 113 that has acquired the search signal, the flash control unit 1213 inquires of the charge management unit 118 whether or not strobe light emission is possible. Then, the flash control unit 1213 notifies the communication control unit 113 that strobe light emission is possible when an answer indicating that strobe light emission is possible is obtained from the charge management unit 118. Also, the flash control unit 1213 instructs the flash unit 115 to emit strobe light when the scenario execution unit 1212 is instructed to emit strobe light.

  The charge management unit 118 monitors the power supply voltage value of the battery 116 and the charge state of the capacitor 117. When the charge management unit 118 receives an inquiry from the flash control unit 1213 as to whether or not strobe light emission is possible, the power supply voltage value of the battery 116 is equal to or higher than the threshold value and the charge voltage value of the capacitor 117. Is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the flash control unit 1213 is replied that strobe light emission is possible.

  The flash unit 115 emits strobe light in accordance with an instruction from the flash control unit 1213.

  Next, operations of the photographing apparatus 1250 and the strobe device 1260 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing operations of the photographing apparatus 1250 and the strobe device 1260. In FIG. 13, parts that are the same as those in FIG. 5 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when receiving the light emission timing information, the flash body management unit 1201 notifies the imaging control unit 404 that the light emission timing information has been generated (generation completion notification) (step ST516).

  Next, the shooting control unit 404 notifies that shooting is possible, for example, by turning on an LED.

  Next, the flash body management unit 1201 outputs the light emission timing information to the communication control unit 406 (step ST1301).

  Further, the communication control unit 406 generates a signal including the light emission timing information, and the short-range communication unit 407 or the directivity communication unit 408 transmits the signal including the light emission timing information, and the short-range communication unit 111 or the directivity. Communication unit 112 receives a signal including light emission timing information, and communication control unit 113 extracts light emission timing information from the received signal (step ST1302).

  Next, communication control section 113 outputs the extracted light emission timing information to scenario execution section 1212 (step ST1303).

  Next, when the scenario execution unit 1212 receives the light emission timing information, the scenario execution unit 1212 inquires of the flash control unit 1213 whether or not strobe light emission is possible (step ST1304).

  Next, the flash control unit 1213 inquires of the charge management unit 118 whether or not strobe light emission is possible (step ST1305).

  Next, when the power supply voltage value of the battery 116 is equal to or greater than the threshold value and the charge voltage value of the capacitor 117 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the charge management unit 118 can perform strobe light emission with respect to the flash control unit 1213. It is answered (step ST1306).

  Next, the flash body management unit 1201 of the photographing apparatus 450 outputs to the communication control unit 406 the light emission timing information to be transmitted to the strobe device 1260 that emits the strobe light next to the strobe device 1260 that has transmitted the light emission timing information in step ST1302. Step ST1307).

  Moreover, the communication control part 406 produces | generates the signal containing light emission timing information, and the short distance communication part 407 or the directional communication part 408 transmits the signal containing light emission timing information (step ST1308). In this way, the photographing apparatus 1250 transmits the light emission timing information to all the strobe devices 1260 capable of strobe light emission substantially simultaneously.

  Next, when the photographing control unit 404 detects that the shutter of the photographing unit 405 has been operated (step ST1309), the photographing control unit 404 outputs a detection result to the flash body management unit 1201 (step ST1310).

  Next, the flash body management unit 1201 instructs the communication control unit 406 to generate a shooting start signal for notifying the start of shooting (step ST1311).

  Next, the communication control unit 406 instructs the shooting control unit 404 to perform shooting (step ST1312).

  In addition, the communication control unit 406 generates a shooting start signal, and the short-range communication unit 407 or the directivity communication unit 408 transmits a signal including the shooting start signal to all strobe devices capable of flash emission. The short-range communication unit 111 or the directivity communication unit 112 receives a signal including a shooting start signal, and the communication control unit 113 extracts a shooting start signal from the received signal (step ST1313).

  Next, communication control section 113 outputs the extracted shooting start signal to scenario execution section 1212 (step ST1314).

  Next, the scenario execution unit 1212 starts to count up the timer value of the timer 1211. When the counted timer value becomes the strobe emission timing of the light emission timing information, the scenario execution unit 1212 gives the flash control unit 1213 a strobe light. Light emission is instructed (step ST1315).

  Next, the flash control unit 1213 instructs the flash unit 115 to perform strobe light emission (step ST1316), and the flash unit 115 performs strobe light emission.

  Simultaneously with the flash emission, the imaging control unit 404 performs imaging according to the imaging instruction in step ST1312 (step ST1317).

  Next, the flash body management unit 1201 notifies the imaging control unit 404 that the transmission of the imaging start signal has been completed (step ST1318).

  Then, in accordance with an instruction from communication control unit 406, imaging unit 405 sequentially performs imaging at the strobe emission timing of the emission timing information generated by scenario generation unit 401 (step ST1319).

  Next, the flash body management unit 1201 notifies the imaging control unit 404 of the end of imaging (scenario execution completion notification) (step ST531) when N images have been captured.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, the stroboscopic device capable of stroboscopic emission monitors the stroboscopic light emission timing and stroboscopically emits light. Since it is not necessary to instruct strobe light emission at each timing, the processing load on the photographing apparatus 150 can be reduced.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of imaging system 1400 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

  The imaging system 1400 includes an imaging device 1450 and a strobe device 1460. In the present embodiment, each of photographing device 1450 and strobe device 1460 is a communication terminal device such as a mobile phone. Note that the photographing device 1450 and the strobe device 1460 are not limited to communication terminal devices, and can be arbitrary devices. Further, in the photographing system 1400, there may be a plurality of strobe devices 1460, but there may be a plurality of strobe devices 1460. However, in FIG. 14, only one strobe device 1460 is shown for convenience of explanation, and other strobe devices are described. Omitted.

  First, the configuration of the photographing apparatus 1450 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The recording control unit 1401 performs recording control when recording the video of the subject imaged by the imaging unit 1402. In addition, when the recording control unit 1401 receives a strobe light emission instruction, the recording control unit 1401 notifies the light emission instruction unit 1403 that the strobe light emission instruction has been received.

  The photographing unit 1402 photographs a subject under the control of the recording control unit 1401.

  When the light emission instructing unit 1403 receives notification from the recording control unit 1401 that a strobe light emission instruction has been received, the light emission instructing unit 1403 instructs the communication control unit 1404 to generate a light emission instruction signal instructing strobe light emission.

  The communication control unit 1404 generates a light emission instruction signal in accordance with an instruction from the light emission instruction unit 1403. For example, the communication control unit 1404 stores the strobe device 1460 registered in the phone book information or the strobe device 1460 that has been recognized and stored in advance by performing one-to-one communication using IrDA or the like before shooting. The destination of the light emission instruction signal can be set. Then, the communication control unit 1404 selects the short-range communication unit 1405 or the directional communication unit 1406 according to the set communication method, and sends a light emission instruction signal to the selected short-range communication unit 1405 or directional communication unit 1406. Output.

  The short-range communication unit 1405 converts the light emission instruction signal input from the communication control unit 1404 into a signal capable of short-range wireless communication and transmits the signal.

  The directivity communication unit 1406 converts the light emission instruction signal input from the communication control unit 1404 into a signal having directivity such as an infrared signal and transmits the signal.

  Next, the configuration of the strobe device 1460 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The short-range communication unit 1411 receives a signal transmitted from the imaging device 1450, converts the received signal into a signal that can be processed by the communication control unit 1413, and outputs the signal to the communication control unit 1413.

  The directivity communication unit 1412 receives a signal transmitted from the imaging device 1450, converts the received signal into a signal that can be processed by the communication control unit 1413, and outputs the signal to the communication control unit 1413.

  When the communication control unit 1413 extracts a light emission instruction signal from the signal input from the short-range communication unit 1411 or the directional communication unit 1412, the communication control unit 1413 outputs the extracted light emission instruction signal to the flash control unit 1415.

  The timer 1414 counts up the timer value. In addition, the timer 1414 receives a reset instruction and resets the timer value.

  When the issue instruction signal is input from the communication control unit 1413, the flash control unit 1415 obtains a random value that is a random time within a range not exceeding the predetermined time. Then, the flash control unit 1415 instructs the flash unit 1416 to perform strobe light emission when the timer value of the timer 1414 matches the random value.

  The flash unit 1416 emits strobe light according to an instruction from the flash control unit 1415.

  Next, the operations of the photographing device 1450 and the strobe device 1460 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating operations of the image capturing device 1450 and the strobe device 1460.

  First, the recording control unit 1401 accepts the start of moving image shooting (step ST1501).

  Next, recording control section 1401 accepts strobe light emission (step ST1502).

  Next, recording control section 1401 notifies light emission instructing section 1403 that it has received a strobe light emission instruction (step ST1503).

  Next, the light emission instruction unit 1403 instructs the communication control unit 1404 to generate a light emission instruction signal (step ST1504).

  Next, the communication control unit 1404 generates a light emission instruction signal, and the short-range communication unit 1405 or the directional communication unit 1406 transmits a signal including the light emission instruction signal, and the short-range communication unit 1411 of the strobe device 1460 or Directivity communication section 1412 receives a signal including a light emission instruction signal, and communication control section 1413 extracts a light emission instruction signal from the received signal (random light emission instruction) (step ST1505).

  Next, communication control section 1413 outputs the extracted light emission instruction signal to flash control section 1415 (step ST1506).

  Next, the flash control unit 1415 obtains a random value T1 (T1 <T) within a range not exceeding the maximum value T (step ST1507).

  Next, the flash control unit 1415 instructs the flash unit 1416 to emit strobe light after a time T1 sec has elapsed after acquiring the light emission instruction signal in step ST1506 (step ST1508), and the flash unit 1416 emits strobe light.

  Next, recording control section 1401 accepts a new strobe light emission (step ST1509).

  Next, recording control section 1401 notifies light emission instructing section 1403 that it has received a strobe light emission instruction (step ST1510).

  Next, the light emission instruction unit 1403 instructs the communication control unit 1404 to generate a light emission instruction signal (step ST1511).

  Next, the communication control unit 1404 generates a light emission instruction signal, and the short-range communication unit 1405 or the directional communication unit 1406 transmits a signal including the light emission instruction signal, and the short-range communication unit 1411 of the strobe device 1460 or Directivity communication section 1412 receives a signal including a light emission instruction signal, and communication control section 1413 extracts a light emission instruction signal from the received signal (random light emission instruction) (step ST1512).

  Next, communication control unit 1413 outputs the extracted light emission instruction signal to flash control unit 1415 (step ST1513).

  Next, the flash control unit 1415 obtains a random value T2 (T2 <T) within a range not exceeding the maximum value T (step ST1514).

  Next, the flash control unit 1415 instructs the flash unit 1416 to emit strobe light after the elapse of time T2 seconds after obtaining the light emission instruction signal in step ST1513 (step ST1515), and the flash unit 1416 emits strobe light.

  The photographing apparatus 1450 repeats these processes every time it receives strobe light emission.

  Further, the recording control unit 1401 records the video shot after the start of shooting by accepting the start of shooting in step ST1501.

  Through the above processing, the photographing apparatus 1450 can create a state in which a plurality of strobe devices 1460 are caused to emit strobe light randomly in a short time. Thereby, for example, the photographing apparatus 1450 can record an image of a situation where the bride and groom as the subject are interviewed by many reporters. The photographing apparatus 1450 can have a function of causing the strobe apparatus 1460 to emit strobe light randomly as an entertainment function.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, a state in which a plurality of strobe devices 1460 emit strobe light randomly in a short period of time is created. You can record video according to your preference.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, the strobe device that can emit strobe light may emit strobe light when the strobe light emission mode is entered, and may not emit strobe light except in the strobe light emission mode.

  The first to fifth embodiments can be applied to any device as long as the device has a strobe function. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an imaging system 1600. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, a photographing device 1601 that performs photographing transmits a light emission instruction signal to a strobe light emitting device 1603 having a plurality of strobe light emitting units 1602, and the strobe light emitting device 1603 receives the light emission instruction signal. Different strobe light emitting units 1602 may emit strobe light.

  The photographing apparatus, strobe device, and photographing method according to the present invention are particularly suitable for performing continuous photographing in a dark place.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing operations of the photographing apparatus and the strobe device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows a mode that the strobe device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention light-sequentially flashes. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing operations of the photographing apparatus and the strobe device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows a mode that the strobe device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention light-emits strobe light one by one. The figure which shows a mode that the strobe device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention light-emits strobe light one by one. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an imaging system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing operations of the photographing apparatus and the strobe device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the method to correct | amend strobe light emission timing which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. The figure which shows the flash emission timing after correction | amendment which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. Block diagram showing the configuration of an imaging system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing operations of the photographing apparatus and the strobe device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a photographing system according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing operations of the photographing apparatus and strobe apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Diagram showing another shooting system

Explanation of symbols

100, 400, 800, 1200, 1400 Imaging system 101 Flash body management unit 102 Timer 103 Imaging control unit 104 Imaging unit 105, 113 Communication control unit 106, 111 Short-range communication unit 107, 112 Directional communication unit 114 Flash control unit 115 Flash unit 116 Battery 117 Capacitor 118 Charge management unit 150, 450, 850, 1250, 1450 Imaging device 160, 860, 1260, 1460 Strobe device

Claims (6)

Photographing means for photographing an image;
Search means for detecting a partner device capable of flash emission at the time of photographing by the photographing means;
Instruction means for instructing the counterpart device detected by the search means to emit a strobe light when photographing with the photographing means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: Comprising light emission timing determining means for determining the light emission timing of each strobe light emission of the counterpart device detected by the search means;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction unit instructs the counterpart apparatus to perform strobe light emission at the determined light emission timing.   The photographing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light emission timing determining unit determines the light emission timing at which the counterpart apparatus sequentially emits light at a predetermined time interval. Receiving means for receiving voltage information which is information on the voltage value of the power supply of the counterpart device detected by the search means;
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the instructing unit obtains a time until the voltage value of the voltage information becomes a voltage value at which strobe light emission is possible, and instructs to emit the strobe light after the obtained time elapses. The photographing apparatus according to the above. An acquisition means for acquiring a request for flash emission;
A light emission timing setting means for setting an arbitrary time when the request is acquired;
Strobe light emitting means that emits strobe light after the set time has elapsed,
A strobe device comprising: A step in which the photographing device searches for a strobe device capable of flash emission when photographing;
Instructing the stroboscopic device detected by the search to emit a stroboscope when photographing,
The photographing device performs photographing when the strobe device emits light according to the instruction;
An imaging method comprising:

Images