JP2017129625A - Light emitting control device, control method and control program of the same, and imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately control an amount of main light emission at any time in performing bounce light emission shooting with an irradiation direction of light changed.SOLUTION: In reflecting light emitted from a strobo by a reflector and illuminating a subject with the light to perform shooting, a strobo microcomputer 310 is configured to: range-find a distance from a camera to a subject by a range-finding unit 308 to obtain a subject distance; range-find a distance from the camera to a reflector to obtain a reflector distance; and control an irradiation direction of light on the basis of the irradiation direction of the light obtained in accordance with the subject distance and the reflector distance. Further, the strobo microcomputer 310 is configured to: correct an amount of main light emission in bounce shooting on the basis of an optical path length obtained in accordance with the subject distance and the reflector distance; and perform drive control of the strobo according to the corrected amount of main light emission.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a light emission control device, a control method thereof, a control program, and an imaging device, and particularly relates to light emission control of an illumination device capable of changing an irradiation direction.

  In general, so-called bounce flash photography is known in which light from an illuminating device such as a strobe device is irradiated toward a reflector such as a ceiling, and a subject is illuminated with diffuse reflected light from the ceiling. If bounce flash photography is used, light from the strobe device can be indirectly irradiated onto the subject, so that it is possible to draw with soft light.

  An imaging device (camera) that detects the position of the subject and the position of the reflector and determines the bounce angle that is the irradiation direction of the strobe device according to the outstanding result when performing such bounce flash photography. (See Patent Document 1). In this camera, the bounce position information indicating the bounce angle is transmitted from the strobe device to the camera body to cancel the high reflectance correction.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-4933

  However, with the method described in the above-mentioned patent document, correction can be canceled if the camera can transmit bounce position information from the strobe device to the camera body, but correction is not possible for cameras that cannot perform camera strobe communication. Processing such as cancellation cannot be performed.

  Further, when determining the main light emission amount according to the reflected light by the pre-emission, if the light-receiving amount of the photometry sensor (AE sensor) decreases after the bounce angle is determined, the photometry accuracy by the pre-emission decreases and the main emission is reduced. It may not be performed properly. That is, when the luminance is low, the linearity of photometry in the AE sensor is lowered, and the AE dimming ability limit is considered to be large in charge accumulation. For example, if the ceiling is high and the amount of light received by pre-emission is reduced, it becomes difficult to properly control the amount of light emitted by the main emission.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a light emission control device that can always appropriately control the light emission amount (main light emission amount) when performing bounce flash photography by automatically changing the illumination direction of the illumination device, and its control. To provide a method, a control program, and an imaging apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a light emission control device according to the present invention is a light emission control device for controlling light emission means for irradiating light to a subject when the subject is photographed by an imaging device, and the light emission means emits light from the light emission means. In bounce shooting in which the reflected light is reflected by a reflector to illuminate the subject and photographed, the distance from the imaging device to the subject is measured to obtain the subject distance, and from the imaging device to the reflector Distance measuring means for measuring the distance to the reflector to obtain the reflector distance, and controlling the light irradiation direction by the light emitting means based on the object irradiation distance and the light irradiation direction obtained according to the reflector distance When illuminating the subject by reflecting light with the first control unit and the reflector, the bounce photographing is performed based on the subject distance and the optical path length obtained according to the reflector distance. By correcting the emission amount, and having a second control means for driving and controlling the light emitting means in the light emission amount which is the correction.

  An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes an image pickup unit that picks up an image of the subject through an image pickup optical system to obtain an image, and the light emission control device.

  The control method according to the present invention is a control method of a light emission control device that controls light emitting means for irradiating light to the subject when the subject is photographed by the imaging device, and the light emitted from the light emitting means is reflected by a reflector. At the time of bounce shooting in which the subject is reflected to illuminate and shoot, the distance from the imaging device to the subject is measured to obtain the subject distance, and the distance from the imaging device to the reflector is measured. A distance measuring step for obtaining a reflector distance, and a first control step for controlling the light irradiation direction by the light emitting means based on the object distance and the light irradiation direction obtained according to the reflector distance; When illuminating the subject by reflecting light with the reflector, the main light emission amount at the bounce shooting is compensated based on the subject distance and the optical path length obtained according to the reflector distance. To, and having a second control step of driving and controlling the light emitting means in the light emission amount which is the correction.

  A control program according to the present invention is a control program used in a light emission control device that controls a light emitting unit that irradiates light to the subject when the subject is photographed by an imaging device, and the computer included in the light emission control device includes At the time of bounce shooting in which the light emitted from the light emitting means is reflected by a reflector to illuminate the subject and photographed, the distance from the imaging device to the subject is measured to obtain the subject distance, and the imaging A distance measuring step for measuring the distance from the device to the reflector to obtain a reflector distance, and the light emission by the light emitting means based on the subject distance and the light irradiation direction obtained according to the reflector distance. A first control step for controlling an irradiation direction; and when illuminating the subject by reflecting light with the reflector, the subject distance and the reflector distance are Correcting the main light emission amount at the time of the bounce shooting based on the optical path length obtained in the above, and performing a second control step of driving and controlling the light emitting means with the corrected main light emission amount. Features.

  According to the present invention, when performing bounce flash photography by changing the light irradiation direction, it is possible to always properly control the main flash quantity.

It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure about an example of an imaging device provided with the light emission control apparatus by embodiment of this invention in the state with which the light-emitting device was mounted | worn. It is a figure which fractures | ruptures a part about the imaging device shown in FIG. 1, and shows the structure. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of data communication using the terminals shown in FIG. 1, (a) is a diagram showing timing of data communication, and (b) to (e) are examples of data transmitted and received by communication. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the rotation of the up-down direction and the left-right direction in the movable part of strobe shown in FIG. 2, (a) is a figure which shows the rotation of an up-down direction, (b) shows the rotation of a left-right direction. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the output of the rotary encoder according to the rotation of the movable part shown in FIG. 2 to the up-down direction and the left-right direction, (a) is a figure which shows the detection of the rotation angle of the up-down direction of a rotation part. (B) is a figure which shows the detection of the rotation angle of the left-right direction of a rotation part, (c) is a figure which shows the 4-bit gray code used for detection of the rotation angle of the up-down direction of a rotation part, d) is a diagram showing a 4-bit gray code used for detection of the rotation angle in the left-right direction of the rotation unit. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a response | compatibility with the gray code | cord | chord of a rotary encoder shown in FIG. 5, and a rotation angle, (a) is a figure which shows a response | compatibility with the gray code | cord | chord and rotation angle in an up-down direction, (b). These are figures which show a response | compatibility with the gray code | cord | chord and rotation angle in the left-right direction. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an auto bounce flash photographing process performed by the camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing after the start of release in the camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the characteristic of the photometry sensor with which the photometry circuit was equipped. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the information transmission preparation shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the command list used by communication between a camera and strobe. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the command list used by communication between a camera and strobe. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the information transmission process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the bounce process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the auto bounce data acquisition process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the bounce operation execution instruction | indication transmission process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement on the camera side at the time of performing the to-be-photographed object distance calculation process shown in FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation on the strobe side when performing the subject distance calculation process shown in FIG. 13. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement on the camera side at the time of performing the ceiling (wall) distance process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement by the strobe side at the time of performing the ceiling (wall) distance process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement on the camera side at the time of performing the irradiation direction determination process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement by the strobe side at the time of performing the irradiation direction determination process shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the bounce light emission imaging | photography performed with the camera shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the bounce light emission imaging | photography performed with the camera shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the correction table of the optical path length recorded on the camera microcomputer shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement on the camera side at the time of performing the bounce drive control shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement by the strobe side at the time of performing the bounce drive control shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a bounce operation and a light emission process (bounce light emission process) performed in the strobe microcomputer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  Hereinafter, an example of a light emission control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an example of an imaging apparatus including a light emission control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state where the light emission apparatus is mounted. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the imaging apparatus illustrated in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated imaging apparatus is, for example, a digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) 100, and the camera 100 can be replaced with a photographic lens unit (hereinafter simply referred to as a photographic lens). An imaging optical system) 200 is attached. Furthermore, a detachable light emitting device (hereinafter simply referred to as a strobe) 300 is attached to the camera 100.

  The camera 100 is provided with a microcomputer (CCPU: hereinafter referred to as camera microcomputer) 101, and the camera microcomputer 101 controls the entire camera 100. The camera microcomputer 101 includes, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output control circuit (I / O control circuit), multiplexer, timer circuit, EEPROM (ROM capable of electrically erasing and writing data), A / D converter, And a microcomputer built-in one-chip IC circuit having a D / A converter and the like. Then, the camera microcomputer 101 controls the camera 100, the photographing lens 200, and the strobe 300 according to a program (that is, software) and performs various condition determinations.

  The image sensor 102 is a CCD or CMOS sensor including an infrared cut filter and a low-pass filter. An optical image (subject image) is formed on the image sensor 102 via a lens group 202 described later, and the image sensor 102 outputs an electrical signal (analog signal) corresponding to the optical image.

  The shutter 103 shields the image sensor 102 when not photographing, and opens a shutter curtain when photographing to guide an optical image to the image sensor 102. The main mirror (half mirror) 104 reflects light incident through the lens group 202 and forms an image on the focus plate 105 when not photographing. The photographer visually confirms the image projected on the focus plate 105 with an optical viewfinder (not shown).

  The photometric circuit (AE) 106 includes a photometric sensor. Here, an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS sensor including a plurality of pixels is used as the photometric sensor. Before the recording image is acquired, the image obtained by the photometry circuit 106 is analyzed by a digital signal processing circuit 111 described later to detect the orientation of the face of the subject. Note that a subject image formed on the focusing plate 105 is incident on the photometric sensor via the pentaprism 114.

  The focus detection circuit (AF) 107 includes a distance measuring sensor, and the distance measuring sensor measures the distance from the camera 100 to the subject using a plurality of distance measuring points. The photometric sensor is divided into a plurality of areas, and the areas include distance measuring points.

  The gain switching circuit 108 is a circuit for switching the gain for amplifying the electric signal that is the output of the image sensor 102. The gain switching circuit 108 performs gain switching under the control of the camera microcomputer 101 in accordance with shooting conditions and a photographer's instruction. The A / D converter 109 converts the electrical signal that is the output of the image sensor 102 into a digital signal. A timing generator (TG) 110 synchronizes the electrical signal that is the output of the image sensor 102 and the timing of A / D conversion by the A / D converter 109.

  A digital signal processing circuit (also simply referred to as a signal processing circuit) 111 performs image processing on a digital signal that is an output of the A / D converter 109 according to a predetermined development parameter to generate image data. Here, the memory used for the processed image is omitted.

  A communication line (SC) is an interface between the camera 100, the photographing lens 200 and the strobe 300. For example, with the camera microcomputer 101 as a host, the camera 100, the photographing lens 200, and the strobe 300 mutually exchange data and transmit commands. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the SC has a terminal 120. The terminal 120 includes an SCLK_L terminal, a MOSI_L terminal, a MISO_L terminal, and a GND terminal. The SCLK_L terminal is a terminal for synchronizing communication between the camera 100 and the photographing lens (also referred to as a lens unit) 200. The MOSI_L terminal is a terminal for transmitting data from the camera 100 to the lens unit 200. The MISO_L terminal is a terminal for receiving data transmitted from the lens unit 200 to the camera 100. The camera 100 and the lens unit 200 are connected to the GND terminal.

  Further, the SC has a terminal 130. The terminal 130 includes an SCLK_S terminal, a MOSI_S terminal, a MISO_S terminal, and a GND terminal. The SCLK_S terminal is a terminal for synchronizing communication between the camera 100 and the flash device 300. The MOSI_S terminal is a terminal for transmitting data from the camera 100 to the strobe 300. The MISO_S terminal is a terminal for receiving data transmitted from the strobe 300 to the camera 100. The camera 100 and the strobe 300 are connected to the GND terminal.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of data communication using the terminal 130 shown in FIG. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating the timing of data communication, and FIGS. 3B to 3E are diagrams illustrating an example of data transmitted and received by communication.

  When data is transmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 to the flash microcomputer 310, data is serially transmitted from the MOSI_S terminal in synchronization with the 8-bit clock of the SCK_S terminal. When data is transmitted from the flash microcomputer 310 to the camera microcomputer 101, the data is serially received from the MISO_S terminal in synchronization with the 8-bit clock of the SCK_S terminal.

  Here, for example, data shown in FIGS. 3B to 3E is transmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 to the flash microcomputer 310 in accordance with a command list described later. For example, in the “auto bounce setting / cancellation” shown in FIG. 3B, the CS communication 80H is in the first byte, the command number 011 (0BH) is in the second byte, and the data (content) is in the third byte. 01 (setting) is converted from hexadecimal to binary and transmitted.

  When data is transmitted from the camera 100 to the strobe 300, the command CS: 80H is transmitted from the camera 100 to the strobe 300 in the first byte. On the other hand, when the camera 100 acquires data from the strobe 300, the command SC: 01H is transmitted from the camera 100 to the strobe 300 in the first byte.

  In the second byte, the command number is a number following SC and CS (converted to a hexadecimal number at the time of transmission), and in the third or fourth byte, the setting item data is the camera 100 and strobe 300. From one of the two to the other. Other data communication will be described later. In FIG. 3A, the signal is read and written at the rising edge of the SCLK_S signal in 8-bit (1 byte) communication. This 8-bit communication continuously transmits a command, command data, and data a plurality of times. Is done.

  The input unit 112 includes an operation unit including a power switch, a release switch, a setting button, and the like, and the camera microcomputer 101 performs various processes according to inputs from the input unit 112. When the release switch is operated in one step (half-pressed), the first release switch signal SW1 is turned ON, and the camera microcomputer 101 starts a shooting preparation operation such as focus adjustment and photometry. When the release switch is operated in two steps (fully pressed), the second release switch signal SW2 is turned on, and the camera microcomputer 101 starts photographing operations such as exposure and development processing. Furthermore, various settings of the strobe 300 can be performed by operating a setting button provided in the input unit 112.

  The display unit 113 displays the set shooting mode of the camera, other shooting information, and the like. Note that the display unit 113 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device and a light emitting element.

  The pentaprism 114 guides the subject image formed on the focusing screen 105 to a photometric sensor provided in the photometry circuit 106 and also to an optical viewfinder. The sub mirror 115 guides the light transmitted through the main mirror 104 to a distance measuring sensor provided in the focus detection circuit 107.

  The posture detection circuit 140 is a circuit for detecting the posture of the camera. The posture detection circuit 150 includes a posture H detection unit 140a, a posture V detection unit 140b, and a posture Z detection unit 140c. The attitude H detection unit 140a detects an attitude in the horizontal direction. The attitude V detector 140b detects an attitude in the vertical direction. The posture Z detection unit 140c detects the posture of the camera in the front-rear direction (Z direction). As the posture detection circuit 140, for example, an angular velocity sensor or a gyro sensor is used. Then, posture information regarding the posture in each direction detected by the posture detection circuit 140 is input to the camera microcomputer 101.

  The photographing lens 200 has a microcomputer (LPU: lens microcomputer) 201. The lens microcomputer 201 controls the entire photographing lens 200. The lens microcomputer 201 is a one-chip IC circuit with a built-in microcomputer having, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output control circuit, multiplexer, timer circuit, EEPROM, A / D converter, and D / A converter. The lens microcomputer 201 controls the photographing lens 200 by a program.

  The photographing lens 200 includes a lens group 202 having a plurality of lenses, and the lens group 202 includes at least a focus lens. The lens driving unit 203 moves at least the focus lens in the lens group 202 along the optical axis. Based on the detection output of the focus detection circuit 107, the camera microcomputer 101 calculates a drive amount for driving the lens group 202 and sends it to the lens microcomputer 201.

  The encoder 204 is for detecting the position of the lens group 202 when the lens group 202 is driven. The lens microcomputer 201 controls the lens driving unit 203 according to the driving amount calculated by the camera microcomputer 101. Then, the lens microcomputer 201 refers to the position indicated by the output of the encoder 204 and controls the lens group 202 to adjust the focus. A diaphragm control circuit 206 controls the diaphragm 205 under the control of the lens microcomputer 201.

  The strobe 300 includes a main body part 300a that is detachably attached to the camera 100, and a movable part 300b that is held by the main body part 300a so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction and the left-right direction. In the following description, the rotation direction of the movable part 300b will be described with the side connected to the movable part 300b in the main body part 300a as the upper side.

  The strobe 300 includes a microcomputer (FPU: strobe microcomputer) 310, and the strobe microcomputer 310 controls the entire strobe 300. The strobe microcomputer 310 is a one-chip IC circuit with a built-in microcomputer having, for example, a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output control circuit, multiplexer, timer circuit, EEPROM, A / D, and D / A converter.

  The battery 301 is a strobe power supply (VBAT), and the booster circuit 302 includes a booster 302a, resistors 302b and 302c used for voltage detection, and a main capacitor 302d. The booster circuit 302 boosts the voltage of the battery 301 to several hundred volts by the booster 302a and stores electric energy for light emission in the main capacitor 302d. The charging voltage of the main capacitor 302d is divided by the resistors 302b and 302c, and the divided voltage is input to the A / D conversion terminal of the flash microcomputer 310.

  The discharge tube 305 receives a pulse voltage of several KV applied from the trigger circuit 303 and is excited by the energy charged in the main capacitor 302d to emit light. Then, the light from the discharge tube 305 is irradiated to the subject or the like. The light emission control circuit 304 controls the trigger circuit 303 and also controls the start and stop of light emission of the discharge tube 305.

  The distance measuring unit 308 detects the distance to the object by a known method. The distance measuring unit 308 includes, for example, a light receiving sensor, receives light emitted from the discharge tube 305 and reflected by the object by the light receiving sensor, and detects the distance to the object according to the time. The distance measuring unit 308 includes a distance measuring light source, and the light received from the distance measuring light source and reflected by the object is received by the light receiving sensor, and the distance to the object is detected according to the time. You may make it do.

  The photodiode 314 receives light from the discharge tube 305 and outputs a detection output (current) corresponding to the light emission amount. The photodiode 314 receives light from the discharge tube 305 directly or through a glass fiber or the like. The integrating circuit 309 integrates the current that is the output of the photodiode 314. The output (integrated output) of the integrating circuit 309 is input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 315 and the A / D converter terminal of the strobe microcomputer 310.

  The non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 315 is connected to the D / A converter output terminal of the flash microcomputer 310, and the output terminal of the comparator 315 is connected to one of the input terminals of the AND gate 311. The other input terminal of the AND gate 311 is connected to the light emission control terminal of the flash microcomputer 310, and the output terminal of the AND gate 311 is connected to the light emission control circuit 304.

  The strobe 300 includes a reflector 306 and a zoom optical system 307. The reflector 306 reflects light emitted from the discharge tube 305 and guides it in a predetermined direction. The zoom optical system 307 includes an optical panel and the like, and changes the light irradiation angle by the strobe 300. By changing the relative positions of the discharge tube 305 and the zoom optical system 307, the guide number and irradiation range of the strobe 300 can be changed.

  The light emitting unit of the strobe 300 includes a discharge tube 305, a reflector 306, and a zoom optical system 307. The irradiation range of the light emitting unit is changed by the movement of the zoom optical system 307, and the irradiation direction of the light emitting unit is the movable unit 300b. It changes by turning.

  The input unit 312 has an operation unit including a power switch, a mode setting switch for setting the operation mode of the strobe 300, and setting buttons for setting various parameters. The stroboscopic microcomputer 310 performs various processes according to the input from the input unit 312. Information indicating the state of the strobe 300 is displayed on the display unit 313. Note that the display portion 313 is provided with a liquid crystal device and a light-emitting element.

  The zoom drive circuit 330 includes a zoom detection unit 330a and a zoom drive unit 330b. The zoom detection unit 330a detects the relative position between the discharge tube 305 and the zoom optical system 307 using an encoder or the like. The zoom drive unit 330b moves the zoom optical system 307 by a motor. The flash microcomputer 310 obtains the focal length from the lens microcomputer 201 via the camera microcomputer 101, and obtains the driving amount of the zoom optical system 307 according to the focal length.

  The bounce circuit 340 includes a bounce H detection unit 340a, a bounce V detection unit 340c, a bounce H drive unit 340b, and a bounce V drive unit 340d. The bounce H detection unit 340a detects the drive amount of the movable unit 300b in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) using a rotary encoder or an absolute encoder. The bounce V detection unit 340c detects the driving amount of the movable unit 300b in the vertical direction (vertical direction) using a rotary encoder or an absolute encoder.

  The bounce H drive unit 340b drives the movable unit 300b in the left-right direction by a motor. The bounce V drive unit 340d drives the movable unit 300b in the vertical direction by a motor.

  Here, an example of the rotation range and detection of the movable part 300b provided in the strobe 300 shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the vertical and horizontal rotations of the movable portion 300b of the strobe 300 shown in FIG. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the vertical rotation, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the horizontal rotation.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the movable portion 300b is held so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction with respect to the main body portion 300a. The movable part 300b is held so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction with respect to the main body part 300a. The position of the movable part 300b in the up and down direction is 0 degree shown in FIG. 4A and the position in the left and right direction is 0 degree shown in FIG. 4B as the reference position of the movable part 300b. . In each state shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), an index indicated by a circle and a line corresponds to a position of a rotary encoder described later.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the output of the rotary encoder according to the vertical and horizontal rotations of the movable part shown in FIG. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating detection of the rotation angle in the vertical direction of the rotation unit, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating detection of the rotation angle in the horizontal direction of the rotation unit. FIG. 5C is a diagram showing a 4-bit gray code used for detecting the vertical rotation angle of the rotation unit, and FIG. 5D is a horizontal rotation angle of the rotation unit. It is a figure which shows the 4-bit gray code used for the detection.

  5A and 5C show a configuration in which the rotational angle of the movable portion 300b in the vertical direction is detected by a rotary encoder using a 4-bit gray code 2301. FIG. 5B and 5D show a configuration in which the rotational angle of the movable portion 300b in the left-right direction is detected by a rotary encoder using a 4-bit gray code 2302. FIG. In addition, the detection part of the rotary encoder which detects the rotation of the up-down direction of the movable part 300b and the rotation encoder which detects the rotation of the left-right direction is a known structure using a photo reflector, a photo interrupter, etc. In the illustrated example, the rotary encoder outputs a white portion shown in FIG. 5 as “0” and a black portion as “1”. Further, it is assumed that the determination is made at the rising edge of the bit change during the rotation operation, and the pattern data is read at the stop.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of correspondence between the gray code and the rotation angle of the rotary encoder shown in FIG. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing the correspondence between the gray code and the rotation angle in the vertical direction, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the correspondence between the gray code and the rotation angle in the horizontal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the rotary encoder outputs different detection signals according to the rotation angle of the movable unit 300b, so that the bounce H detection unit 340a and the bounce V detection unit 340340c are The driving amount (that is, the rotation angle) of the movable part 300b can be detected.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the auto bounce flash photographing process performed by the camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  When the power switch provided in the input unit 112 is turned on and the camera microcomputer 101 becomes operable, the camera microcomputer 101 starts processing according to the flowchart shown in the drawing.

  First, the camera microcomputer 101 initializes a built-in memory and port (step S1). Further, the camera microcomputer 101 reads the states of various switches provided in the input unit 112 and preset input information, and sets the shooting mode such as a shutter speed determination method and an aperture determination method.

  Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the release switch provided in the input unit 112 is operated and the first release switch signal SW1 is ON (step S2). If SW1 is OFF (NO in step S2), camera microcomputer 101 stands by. On the other hand, if SW1 is ON (YES in step S2), the camera microcomputer 101 communicates with the lens microcomputer 201 via the communication line SC to obtain focal length information and optical information necessary for focus adjustment and photometry. Obtained as information (step S5).

  Next, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the strobe 300 is attached to the camera 100 (step S4). When strobe 300 is attached to camera 100 (YES in step S4), camera microcomputer 101 communicates with strobe microcomputer 310 via communication line SC to charge indicating the charging status of strobe ID and main capacitor 302d. Strobe information such as information is acquired from the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S5). Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 101 communicates with the flash microcomputer 310 via the communication line SC, and transmits the focal length information obtained in step S3 to the flash microcomputer 310.

  Accordingly, the flash microcomputer 310 obtains the driving amount of the zoom optical system 307 based on the received focal length information. Then, the flash microcomputer 310 moves the zoom optical system 307 based on the drive amount to adjust the irradiation range of the flash 300 to the focal length.

  Next, the camera microcomputer 101 prepares to transmit information about the strobe 300 input by the input unit 112 to the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S6). Here, the camera microcomputer 101 converts information regarding the strobe 300 into command transmission. The process of step S6 will be described later.

  Subsequently, as will be described later, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits information regarding the strobe 300 prepared for transmission in the process of step S6 to the strobe 300 (step S7). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the set focus adjustment mode is an automatic focus adjustment (AF) mode (step S8a). If in the automatic focus adjustment mode (YES in step S8a), the camera microcomputer 101 controls the focus detection circuit 107 to perform focus detection by a known phase difference detection method (step S9a). At this time, the camera microcomputer 101 determines a distance measuring point (a distance measuring point) to be focused from a plurality of distance measuring points in focus adjustment according to a known automatic selection algorithm that prioritizes near points or a user operation. Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 101 stores the distance measurement point determined in the process of step S9a in a RAM built in the camera microcomputer 101.

  Next, the camera microcomputer 101 obtains the driving amount of the lens group 202 based on the focus information obtained from the focus detection circuit 107. The camera microcomputer 101 communicates with the lens microcomputer 201 via the communication line SC to drive the lens group 202 based on the lens driving amount (step S10a).

  Next, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not to perform an operation (hereinafter referred to as an auto bounce operation) for automatically determining the strobe irradiation direction during bounce flash photography (also referred to as bounce photography) (step b). S11). Whether or not to perform the auto bounce operation is determined based on, for example, the state of the auto bounce switch that switches whether or not to execute the auto bounce operation provided in the input unit 112 or the input unit 312 and the state of the camera 100. Is done.

  When the auto bounce operation is not performed (NO in step S11), the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of step S16 described later. On the other hand, when the auto bounce operation is performed (YES in step S11), the camera microcomputer 101 performs a process related to an auto bounce operation (to be referred to as a bounce process hereinafter) (step S12). After performing the bounce process, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not an error has occurred in the auto bounce process (step S13). When an error occurs in the bounce process, information indicating that an error has occurred in the auto bounce process is sent from the flash microcomputer 310 to the camera microcomputer 101.

  If no error occurs in the bounce process (NO in step S13), the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of step S16 described later. On the other hand, if an error occurs in the bounce process (YES in step S13), the camera microcomputer 101 displays information indicating that an error has occurred in the bounce process on the display unit 113 and issues a warning (step S14). The camera microcomputer 101 may communicate with the strobe microcomputer 310 so that the strobe microcomputer 310 displays information indicating that an error has occurred in the bounce process on the display unit 313.

  Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 switches to a setting for not performing flash photography (non-flash setting) (step S15), and proceeds to a process of step S16 described later.

  If the strobe 300 is not attached (NO in step S4), the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the focus adjustment mode is the AF mode (step S8b). In the AF mode (YES in step S8b), the camera microcomputer 101 performs the same process as the process of step S9a (step S9b) and performs the same process as the process of step S10a (step S10b). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 performs photometry with the photometry circuit 106 to obtain a photometric result (step S16). If it is not the AF mode (NO in step S8b), the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of step S16.

  In the process of step S16, for example, when the photometry sensor provided in the photometry circuit 106 performs photometry on each of the divided areas, the camera microcomputer 101 calculates the brightness value of each area as an EVb ( i) Store in the RAM as (i = 0 to 5).

  Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 performs gain switching according to the gain setting input from the input unit 112 by the gain switching circuit 108 (step S17). The gain setting is, for example, ISO sensitivity setting. Further, the camera microcomputer 101 communicates with the flash microcomputer 310 via the communication line SC, and sends, for example, gain setting information indicating the gain after switching to the flash microcomputer 310.

  Next, the camera microcomputer 101 determines an exposure value (EVs) using a known algorithm based on the photometric result (luminance value for each area stored in the RAM) (step S18: exposure calculation). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not a charge completion signal has been received from the flash microcomputer 310 (step S19). When the charge completion signal is received (YES in step S19), the camera microcomputer 101 determines an exposure control value (shutter speed (Tv) and aperture value (Av)) suitable for flash photography based on the exposure value (step S20). ). On the other hand, if the charging completion signal is not received (NO in step S19), the camera microcomputer 101 determines an exposure control value suitable for shooting (non-flash shooting) that does not cause the flash device 300 to emit light based on the exposure value (step S21). ).

  After the process of step S20 or S21, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the second release switch SW2 is ON by operating the release switch provided in the input unit 112 (step S22). If SW2 is ON (YES in step S22), the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds to a release process described later. On the other hand, if SW2 is OFF (NO in step S22), camera microcomputer 101 returns to the process in step S2.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing after the release is started in the camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Note that the processing according to the illustrated flowchart is processing related to flash photography, and the processing for performing main flash is omitted from the processing related to non-flash photography.

  First, the camera microcomputer 101 performs photometry with the photometry circuit 106 in a state in which the strobe 300 is not emitting light, and obtains a photometry result (non-light emission luminance value) when no light is emitted (step S23: external light luminance photometry). At this time, the camera microcomputer 101 stores the non-light-emitting luminance value for each region as EVa (i) (i = 0 to 5) in the RAM as the photometric result. Then, the camera microcomputer 101 commands the strobe microcomputer 310 to perform pre-flash via the communication line SC (step S24). The stroboscopic microcomputer 310 controls the trigger circuit 303 and the light emission control circuit 304 in accordance with a pre-light emission command, and performs pre-light emission with a predetermined light amount.

  Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 performs photometry in the pre-emission state by the photometry circuit 106 to obtain a photometry result (pre-emission luminance value) in the pre-emission (step S25: reflected light reception). At this time, the camera microcomputer 101 stores the pre-emission luminance value for each region as EVf (i) (i = 0 to 5) in the RAM as the photometric result.

  Next, the camera microcomputer 101 raises the main mirror 104 prior to exposure and retracts the main mirror 104 from the photographing optical path (step S26). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 uses the following equation (1) to calculate the luminance value EVdf (i) of only the reflected light component (pre-emission component) of pre-emission based on the non-emission luminance value and the pre-emission luminance value. ) Is extracted (step S27). The extraction is performed every six areas.

EVdf (i) ← LN ₂ (2 ^{EVf (i)} −2 ^{EVa (i)} ) (1)
Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 obtains pre-emission information (pre-emission data: Qpre) indicating the emission amount at the time of pre-emission from the flash microcomputer 310 via the communication line SC (step S28). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 determines which of the six areas should have an appropriate amount of light emission based on the distance measurement point, focal length information, pre-flash information (Qpre), and bounce communication information. The actual light emission amount is obtained by selection (step S29).

  When obtaining the main light emission amount, the camera microcomputer 101 uses the expression (2) for the subject in the selected region (P), and uses only the exposure value (EVs), subject luminance (EVb), and pre-emission reflected light. The relative ratio (r) of the main light emission amount that is appropriate for the pre-light emission amount is obtained based on the luminance value EVdf (p).

r ← LN ₂ (2 ^EVs −2 ^{EVb (p)} ) −EVdf (p) (2)
Here, the difference between the exposure value (EVs) and the subject luminance (EVb) extended is obtained by controlling the exposure when the strobe light is applied to be appropriate by adding the strobe light to the external light. It is to do.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of characteristics of the photometric sensor provided in the photometric circuit.

  In FIG. 9, the horizontal axis represents distance, and the vertical axis represents the number of steps (appropriate exposure). When the distance to the subject is far and the amount of reflected light received by the photometry circuit 106 decreases (low luminance) even if pre-emission is performed, the linearity of pre-emission photometry in the photometry circuit 106 deteriorates, and charge accumulation is reduced. It may be underexposed because it is too much. That is, if the distance to the subject is longer than a predetermined distance, proper photometry may not be possible.

  Since the characteristics change depending on the photometric sensor, the type information of the photometric sensor is stored for each camera and used as camera information at the time of strobe transmission described later. In particular, in bounce flash photography, the subject is irradiated with strobe light through a reflector such as the ceiling or wall as compared with normal photography, so the optical path length may be long and underexposure may occur. . Normal flash photography refers to flash photography performed with the movable unit 300b positioned at the reference position described with reference to FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 8 again, the camera microcomputer 101 preliminarily determines the shutter speed (Tv) at the time of flash photography, the pre-flash emission time (t_pre), and the input unit 112 as shown in the following equation (3). The relative ratio (r) is corrected using the set correction coefficient (c) to obtain a new relative ratio r (step S30).

r ← r + Tv−t_pre + c (3)
Here, when correction is performed using the shutter speed (Tv) and the pre-emission emission time (t_pre), the photometric integration value (INTp) during pre-emission and the photometry integration value (INTm) during main emission are obtained. You can compare correctly.

  Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 sends information on the relative ratio (r) for determining the main light emission amount to the flash microcomputer 310 via the communication line SC (step S31). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 sends a command to the lens microcomputer 201 so that the aperture value (Av) determined in step S20 is obtained, and controls the shutter 103 so that the determined shutter speed (Tv) is obtained (step S32). .

  Next, the camera microcomputer 101 instructs the flash microcomputer 310 to perform main light emission (main light emission) via the communication line SC (step S33). In response to the main flash command, the flash microcomputer 310 performs main flash based on the relative ratio (r) transmitted from the camera.

  In this way, when a series of exposure operations is completed, the camera microcomputer 101 lowers the main mirror 104 retracted from the photographing optical path and obliquely installs the main mirror 104 in the photographing optical path (step S34). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 101 amplifies the output of the image sensor 102 with the gain set by the gain switching circuit 108, and converts it into a digital signal by the A / D converter 109. The camera microcomputer 101 performs predetermined signal processing (development processing) such as white balance on the digital signal (image data) by the signal processing circuit 111 (step S35). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 101 records the image data after the signal processing in a memory (not shown) (step S36), and ends a series of processing relating to photographing.

  Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether SW1 is ON (step S37). If SW1 is ON (YES in step S37), the camera microcomputer 101 returns to the process of step S22 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if SW1 is OFF (NO in step S37), camera microcomputer 101 returns to the process of step S2 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the information transmission preparation shown in FIG. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of command lists used in communication between the camera and the flash.

  When the information transmission preparation is started, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the camera is a camera (corresponding camera) capable of performing an auto bounce operation (step S501). If the camera is a compatible camera (YES in step S501), the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS001 command: 01” in a built-in memory (not shown) as a preparation for inter-camera flash communication (C → S) (step S502). ). On the other hand, if the camera is not a compatible camera (NO in step S501), the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS001 command: 00” in the built-in memory as preparation for the inter-camera communication (C → S) (step S503).

  After the process of step S502 or S503, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the auto bounce operation is set (step S504). When the auto bounce operation is set (YES in step S504), the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS011 command: 01” in the built-in memory as a preparation for the inter-camera communication (C → S) (step S505). . On the other hand, if the auto bounce operation is not set (NO in step S504), the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS011 command: 00” in the built-in memory as preparation for inter-camera flash communication (C → S) (step S504). S506).

  After the process of step S505 or S506, the camera microcomputer 101 obtains a distance from the object (reflector) that is information for the camera 100 to determine the optimum irradiation direction for bounce flash photography (ranging method). Is determined (step S507). The object is a reflector (ceiling, wall, etc.) that reflects strobe light during bounce flash photography. Further, as a distance measurement method, for example, a pre-light emission method in which pre-light emission is performed and a distance from the object is measured by a reflected light amount from the object, a distance measurement unit 308 provided in the strobe 300 is used to measure the object. There is a so-called strobe distance measuring method for measuring the distance. In addition, there is a so-called camera ranging method that measures the distance to the object using the result of focus adjustment.

  When the distance measurement method is set (YES in step S507), the camera microcomputer 101 stores the CS091 command in the built-in memory in accordance with the distance measurement method setting as preparation for the inter-camera communication (C → S). (Step S508). Here, for example, the distinction between “subject” and “ceiling” is assigned to the upper 4 bits, and is set to 0 and 1 in order, and the distinction between “pre-flash”, “strobe distance measurement”, and “camera distance measurement” is the lower 4 bits. Are combined as 0, 1, 2 in order. If both the subject and the ceiling are set to “pre-light emission”, “CS091 command: data 00 10” is stored in the built-in memory. Similarly, if both the subject and the ceiling are “strobe distance measurement”, “CS091 command data 0111”, and if the subject is “camera distance measurement” and the ceiling is “pre-flash”, “CS091 command: data 02 10 "is stored in the built-in memory.

  Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 determines the state of the release switch (step S509). If the distance measuring method is not set (NO in step S507), the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of step S509.

  If both SW1 and SW2 are OFF (in step S509, SW1 and SW2 are OFF), camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS151 command: data 00” in the built-in memory (step S510). If SW1 is ON (SW1 is ON in step S509), the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS151 command: data 01” in the built-in memory (step S511). If SW2 is ON (in step S509, SW2 is ON), the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS151 command: data 02” in the internal memory (step S512).

  After the process of step S510, S511, or S512, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the photometric timer is operating (step S513). This photometric timer is a timer that defines a period during which photometry is performed in order to switch to the power saving mode after performing photometry for a predetermined time. The photometric timer is provided in the camera microcomputer 101. For example, when SW1 is turned on, time measurement by the photometric timer is started.

  If the photometry timer is in operation (YES in step S513), the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS141 command: data 01” in the built-in memory as preparation for inter-camera communication (C → S) (step S514). . On the other hand, if the photometric timer is not in operation (NO in step S513), the camera microcomputer 101 stores “CS141 command: data 00” in the built-in memory as preparation for inter-camera flash communication (C → S) (step S515). ).

  After the process of step S514 or S515, the camera microcomputer 101 stores the camera ID, the type information of the strobe pre-flash sensor, and other strobe setting information in the built-in memory (step S516). Then, the process proceeds to step S7 shown in FIG.

  As described above, since the characteristics change depending on the type of the photometric sensor, the type information of the photometric sensor is stored for each camera and transmitted as camera information at the time of strobe transmission. The camera ID is used to determine to which camera the strobe is attached. Here, the camera ID is transmitted to determine the type of the photometric sensor. As a result, the type of photometric sensor can be determined for cameras before bounce correspondence.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the information transmission process shown in FIG. Note that the commands shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B are used as setting commands at this time. Here, the serial communication described with reference to FIG. 3 is used.

  When the information transmission process is started, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits data (information) corresponding to the determination result of step S501 described in FIG. 10 to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S601). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits data corresponding to the determination result in step S504 to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S602). Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits data corresponding to the determination result of step S507 to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S603).

  Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits data (release state) corresponding to the determination result of step S509 to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S604). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits data (photometry timer operation state) corresponding to the determination result in step S513 to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S605). Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits the data (other strobe setting information) stored in the built-in RAM in step S516 to the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S606). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of step S8a shown in FIG.

  In the strobe 300, when receiving a communication interrupt, the strobe microcomputer 310 receives the data transmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 (step S607). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 stores the received data in the built-in memory (step S608) and ends the process.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the bounce processing shown in FIG.

  When the bounce process is started, the camera microcomputer 101 acquires auto-bounce data from the flash microcomputer 310 as described later (step S701). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the auto bounce operation is possible based on the auto bounce data and the setting of the auto bounce operation (step S702).

  If the auto bounce operation is not possible (NO in step S702), the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of step S13 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the auto bounce operation is possible (YES in step S702), the camera microcomputer 101 prepares for an instruction to execute the bounce operation (step S703). Then, as will be described later, the camera microcomputer 101 sends a bounce operation execution instruction to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S704).

  Subsequently, as will be described later, the camera microcomputer 101 calculates the distance of the subject (subject distance) in order to determine the optimal irradiation direction for the bounce flash photography (step S705). Then, as will be described later, the camera microcomputer 101 calculates a distance (reflector distance) to a reflector such as a ceiling or a wall in order to determine an optimal irradiation direction for bounce flash photography (step S706).

  In the above description, the camera microcomputer 101 calculates the subject distance and the reflector distance. However, it is determined whether the camera microcomputer 101 or the flash microcomputer 310 calculates the subject distance and the reflector distance. It is determined based on the method.

  Subsequently, as will be described later, the camera microcomputer 101 determines an optimal irradiation direction for bounce flash photography (step S707). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 101 obtains the optical path length of the strobe light (step S708). The strobe light path length may be calculated by the strobe microcomputer 310 and sent to the camera microcomputer 101.

  Next, the camera microcomputer 101 determines a correction amount based on the optical path length of the strobe light, and stores the correction amount in the built-in RAM (step S709). The calculation of the correction amount may be performed by the flash microcomputer 310 and sent to the camera microcomputer 101. Then, the camera microcomputer 101 communicates with the strobe microcomputer 310 to perform bounce drive control so that the strobe light irradiation direction in the bounce flash photographing is the optimum irradiation direction (step S710). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits an instruction to end the bounce operation to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S711), and proceeds to the process of step S13 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the auto bounce data acquisition process shown in FIG.

  When the auto bounce data acquisition is started, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits a command for confirming whether or not the strobe 300 can auto bounce to the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S801). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 receives a response to the confirmation from the strobe microcomputer 310 whether or not auto bounce is possible (step S802).

  Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits a command for confirming the drive range in auto bounce to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S803). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 receives a response to the confirmation of the drive range in the auto bounce from the flash microcomputer 310 (step S804).

  Next, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits a command for confirming the distance measuring method for calculating the distance of the object (that is, the reflector) in the auto bounce to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S805). The camera microcomputer 101 receives a response to the confirmation of the distance measuring method from the flash microcomputer 310 (step S806). Finally, the camera microcomputer 101 stores the data received in steps S802, S804, and S806 in the internal memory (step S807), and proceeds to the process of step S702 shown in FIG.

  In the strobe 300, when the strobe microcomputer 310 receives a communication interrupt, the strobe microcomputer 310 receives a command transmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 (step S808). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 checks the contents of the command (step S809). When the content of the command is “confirm auto bounce possible” (in step S809, confirm auto bounce is possible), strobe microcomputer 310 determines whether strobe 300 is capable of auto bounce (step S810).

  If auto-bounce is possible (YES in step S810), the flash microcomputer 310 stores “SC001 command: 01” of the inter-camera flash communication (S → C) in the built-in memory (step S811). On the other hand, if the auto bounce is not possible (NO in step S810), the flash microcomputer 310 stores “SC001 command: 00” of the inter-camera flash communication (S → C) in the built-in memory (step S812).

  After the process of step S811 or S812, the flash microcomputer 310 transmits the data stored in the internal memory in the process of step S811 or step S812 as a response to the confirmation of auto bounce (step S813), and ends the process.

  When the content of the command is “auto bounce drive range confirmation” (auto bounce drive range confirmation in step S809), the flash microcomputer 310 determines whether the auto bounce drive range can be both up and down and left and right. Is determined (step S814). If both are possible (YES in step S814), the flash microcomputer 310 stores “SC020 command: data 00” of the inter-camera flash communication (S → C) in the built-in memory (step S815). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 stores “SC030 command: data XX (start) XX (end)” of the inter-camera flash communication (S → C) in the built-in memory as the horizontal drive range (horizontal drive range) ( Step S816a). Further, the flash microcomputer 310 stores “SC040 command: data XX (start) XX (end)” of the communication between the camera strobes (S → C) as the vertical drive range (vertical drive range) in the internal memory ( Step S817a).

  If both are not possible (NO in step S814), the flash microcomputer 310 determines whether or not the auto-bounce drive range is only possible in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) (step S818). If the drive range is only in the left-right direction (YES in step S818), strobe microcomputer 310 stores “SC020 command: data 01” for inter-camera strobe communication (S → C) in the built-in memory (step S819). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 stores “SC030 command: data XX (start) XX (end)” of the inter-camera flash communication (S → C) in the built-in memory as the left-right drive range (step S816b).

  If the drive range is not in the left-right direction (NO in step S818), that is, if the drive range is only in the vertical direction (up-down direction), the flash microcomputer 310 uses the “SC020 command: Data 02 "is stored in the built-in memory (step S820). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 stores “SC030 command: data XX (start) XX (end)” of the inter-camera flash communication (S → C) as the vertical drive range in the built-in memory (step S817b).

  After the processing of step S817a, 816b, or 817b, the strobe microcomputer 310 returns the data stored in the built-in memory in steps S815, S816a, S816b, S817a, S817b, S819, and S820 as a response to the auto bounce drive range confirmation. 101 (step S821), and the process ends.

  If the content of the command is “confirm photometry method” (photometry method confirmation in step S809), strobe microcomputer 310 has set a distance measurement method for calculating the distance of the object (reflector) in auto bounce. It is determined whether or not there is (step S822). When the distance measuring method is set (YES in step S822), strobe microcomputer 310 stores “SC090 command: XX XX” corresponding to the distance measuring method and the setting contents of the object in the built-in memory (step S823). ). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 transmits the data stored in the built-in memory in step S823 as a response to the distance measuring method to the camera microcomputer 101 (step S824), and ends the process. On the other hand, if the distance measuring method is not set (NO in step S822), the flash microcomputer 310 transmits data indicating that the distance measuring method is not set to the camera microcomputer 101 and ends the process.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the bounce operation execution instruction transmission process shown in FIG.

  When the bounce operation execution instruction transmission is started, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS031 command: data XX XX” to the flash microcomputer 310 in order to set the left and right driving range during the bounce operation (step S901). If the left and right driving range is not set, the process in step S901 is omitted.

  Next, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS041 command: data XX XX” to the flash microcomputer 310 in order to set the driving range in the up / down / left / right directions during the bounce operation (step S902). If the vertical driving range is not set, the process of step S902 is omitted.

  Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS121 command: data XX XX XX” to the flash microcomputer 310 as posture difference information that is a detection result of the posture V detection unit 140a, the posture H detection unit 140b, and the posture Z detection unit 140c. (Step S903). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits other strobe setting information to the strobe microcomputer 310 (step S904). Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits a bounce operation execution instruction to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S905). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of step S705 shown in FIG.

  In the strobe 300, the strobe microcomputer 310 receives the data transmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 when a communication interrupt is received (step S906). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 stores the received data in the built-in memory (step S907), and ends the process.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation on the camera side when the subject distance calculation process shown in FIG. 13 is performed.

  When the subject distance calculation is started, the camera microcomputer 101 determines a distance measurement method for calculating the subject distance (step S1001). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the distance measurement method is a pre-light emission method (step S1002). If it is not the pre-flash method (NO in step S1002), the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS111 command: data XX” as subject distance information to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S1003). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of step S706 shown in FIG. If it is received from the auto bounce data that the distance measurement method is the strobe distance measurement method, the process of step S1002 is omitted.

  If the distance measuring method is the pre-flash method (YES in step S1002), the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS131 command: data 00” to the flash microcomputer 310 as the pre-flash permission (step S1004). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits a pre-flash command to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S1005). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 101 receives subject distance information from the flash microcomputer 310, stores the received data in the built-in memory (step S1006), and proceeds to the process of step S706 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation on the flash side when the subject distance calculation process shown in FIG. 13 is performed.

  When the flash microcomputer 310 receives a communication interrupt, it receives data transmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1007). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 stores the received data in the built-in memory (step S1008). Thereafter, when the pre-flash permission is received, the flash microcomputer 310 controls the bounce circuit 340 so as to turn the movable part 300b so that the irradiation direction becomes the subject direction (step S1009).

  Subsequently, the flash microcomputer 310 instructs the light emission control circuit 304 to perform pre-flash according to the pre-flash command (step S1010). Accordingly, the light emission control circuit 304 performs pre-light emission by the discharge tube 305 in response to the pre-light emission instruction (step S1011). Thereafter, the stroboscopic microcomputer 310 receives the pre-emission reflected light reflected by the object (reflector) by the distance measuring unit 308, and calculates the subject distance based on the integrated value of the received reflected light (step S1012). The flash microcomputer 310 transmits “SC110 command: data XX” as subject distance information indicating the subject distance to the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1013), and ends the process.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation on the camera side when the ceiling (wall) distance process shown in FIG. 13 is performed.

  When the process for obtaining the process up to the reflector is started, the camera microcomputer 101 determines a distance measurement method for calculating the ceiling (wall) distance (step S1101). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the distance measurement method is a pre-light emission method (step S1102). If it is not the pre-flash method (NO in step S1102), the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS101 command: data XX” to the flash microcomputer 310 as ceiling (wall) distance information (step S1103). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of step S707 shown in FIG. If it is received from the auto bounce data that the distance measurement method is the strobe distance measurement method, the process of step S1102 is omitted.

  If the distance measuring method is the pre-flash method (YES in step S1102), the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS131 command: data 00” to the flash microcomputer 310 as the pre-flash permission (step S1104). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits a pre-flash command to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S1105). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 101 receives ceiling (wall) distance information from the flash microcomputer 310, stores the received data in the built-in memory (step S1106), and proceeds to the process of step S707 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the operation on the strobe side when the ceiling (wall) distance process shown in FIG. 13 is performed.

  When receiving the communication interrupt, the flash microcomputer 310 receives the data transmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1107). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 stores the received data in the built-in memory (step S1108). Thereafter, when the pre-flash permission is received, the stroboscopic microcomputer 310 controls the bounce circuit 340 to rotate the movable part 300b so that the irradiation direction is the ceiling (wall) direction (step S1109).

  Subsequently, the flash microcomputer 310 instructs the light emission control circuit 304 to perform pre-flash in response to the pre-flash command (step S1110). Accordingly, the light emission control circuit 304 performs pre-light emission by the discharge tube 305 in response to the pre-light emission instruction (step S1111). Thereafter, the stroboscopic microcomputer 310 receives the pre-emission reflected light reflected by the object (reflector) by the distance measuring unit 308, and calculates the ceiling (wall) distance based on the integrated value of the received reflected light (step) S1112). The strobe microcomputer 310 transmits “SC100 command: data XX” as the ceiling (wall) distance information indicating the ceiling (wall) distance to the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1113), and ends the process.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the operation on the camera side when the irradiation direction determination process shown in FIG. 13 is performed. FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the operation on the strobe side when the irradiation direction determination process shown in FIG. 13 is performed.

  First, referring to FIG. 20, when the irradiation direction determination process is started, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the camera 100 determines the determination of the irradiation direction (step S1201). In addition, if it can be determined by either the camera 100 or the strobe 300, it may be determined by either. Note that it may be set as to which one is determined according to the operation of the input unit 112. In addition, when only one of them can be determined, it may be automatically set which one is determined.

  When determining the irradiation direction in the camera 100 (YES in step S1201), the camera microcomputer 101 determines subject distance information obtained in the process of step S705 shown in FIG. 13 and the process of step S706 in order to determine the irradiation direction. The ceiling (wall) distance information obtained in step 1 is referred to (step S1202). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 determines the strobe light irradiation direction optimal for bounce flash photography based on the subject distance information and the ceiling (wall) distance information (step S1203). For example, the camera microcomputer 101 calculates the rotation angle of the movable part 300b that is the optimum irradiation direction. There is no particular limitation on the calculation method for obtaining the rotation angle.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing one scene of bounce flash photography performed by the camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  In FIG. 22, the distance from the strobe light exit surface to the subject is d0, and the distance from the ground to the optical axis of the camera 100 is hc. In addition, the distance from the optical axis of the camera 100 to the movable part 300b is h0, and the distance from the movable part 300b to the ceiling obtained in the process of step S706 is h1. At this time, the ceiling distance hs, which is the distance to the ceiling, can be obtained by the following equation (4).

hs = h1 + h0 + hc (4)
Further, assuming that the incident angle of the subject from which the optimum reflected light is obtained with respect to the subject is θdi0 = X °, and the operation bounce angle is θs, the operation bounce angle θs can be obtained from the following equation (5). it can.

θs = arctan (h1 / b2) = arctan (h1 / [{(h1 + h0) / tan (θdi0)} − d0]) (5)
The optimum bounce angle θs0 with the front being 0 degree is expressed by the following equation (6) from equation (5).

θs0 = 180−θs (6)
Therefore, the rotation angle of the movable part 300b with respect to the main body part 300a may be obtained so that the irradiation direction becomes θs0. In order to cope with the case where the movable part 300b cannot rotate to the obtained rotation angle, a predetermined designated angle is selected from the rotation angle, and the movable part 300b is rotated to the selected angle. It may be. In this case, a specified angle larger than the obtained rotation angle is selected. That is, the movable part 300b is moved to a position farther from the reference position than the position of the obtained rotation angle. This makes it possible to irradiate more light reflected from the ceiling on the front side of the subject than when selecting a specified angle that is smaller than the rotation angle, avoiding direct exposure of strobe light to the subject. Can do.

  Referring to FIG. 20 again, after obtaining the rotation angle, the camera microcomputer 101 stores angle information indicating the rotation angle in the built-in memory. Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS071: vertical data XX” and “CS081: horizontal data XX” as angle information to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S1204). Thereafter, the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of step S708 shown in FIG.

  When the irradiation direction is not determined in the camera 100 (NO in step S1201), the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS171: 0” as an angle calculation instruction to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S1205). The camera microcomputer 101 receives the angle information from the flash microcomputer 310, stores the angle information in the built-in memory (step S1206), and proceeds to the process of step S708 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 21, in strobe 300, when receiving a communication interrupt, strobe microcomputer 310 receives data transmitted from camera microcomputer 101 (step S1207). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 stores the data in the built-in memory (step S1208).

  Subsequently, the flash microcomputer 310 determines whether or not to determine the irradiation direction with the flash 300 (step S1209). When the strobe 300 does not determine the irradiation direction (NO in step S1209), the strobe microcomputer 310 ends the process. On the other hand, when determining the irradiation direction with the strobe 300 (YES in step S1209), the strobe microcomputer 310 determines subject distance information and step obtained in the process of step S705 shown in FIG. 13 in order to determine the irradiation direction. The ceiling (wall) distance information obtained by the processing of S706 is referred to (step S1210).

  The stroboscopic microcomputer 310 determines an optimal irradiation direction for bounce flash photography based on the subject distance information and the ceiling (wall) distance information (step S1211). When determining the irradiation direction, the flash microcomputer 310 performs the same processing as that of the camera microcomputer 101. Note that in a camera that does not have communication related to auto bounce, the flash microcomputer 310 determines the irradiation direction by the method described in step S1203.

  Subsequently, the flash microcomputer 310 transmits “SC070: up / down data XX” and “SC080: left / right data XX” as angle information indicating the rotation angle to the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1212), and ends the process.

  Here, the optical path length calculation and the dimming correction calculation shown in FIG. 13 will be described. The optical path length calculation and the dimming correction calculation are performed in step 1203 shown in FIG. 20 or step S1211 shown in FIG. Since the method is the same, here, the optical path length calculation and the dimming correction calculation performed in step S1203 will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 22, as described above, after determining the operation bounce angle θs and the optimum bounce angle θs0, the camera microcomputer 101 obtains the optical path length from the strobe light emitting unit to the subject via the ceiling. The distance from the movable part 300b to the ceiling is L2, and the distance from the reflection position of the ceiling to the subject is L1. If the optical path length from the strobe light emitting unit to the subject through the ceiling is L, the optical path length L can be obtained by the following equation (7).

L = L1 + L2 = (h1 + h0) / sin (θdi0) + h1 / sin (θs) (7)
Here, h1 = ceiling distance measurement data, h0 = distance from the optical axis of the camera to the movable part 300b.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of bounce flash photography performed by the camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  Here, the dimming correction calculation will be described. When the ceiling is raised, the ceiling distance measurement changes from h1 to h1 '. As a result, the operation bounce angle is θs ′, and the optimum bounce angle is θs0 ′. If the optical path length from the strobe light emitting unit to the subject through the ceiling is L ′, the optical path length L ′ can be obtained by the following equation (8).

L ′ = L1 ′ + L2 ′ = (h1 ′ + h0) / sin (θdi0) + h1 ′ / sin (θs ′) (8)
When Expression (7) is compared with Expression (8), L <L ′. In accordance with the optical path lengths L and L ′ obtained as described above, the camera microcomputer 101 corrects the light amount reduction corresponding to the sensor characteristics at a long distance shown in FIG. 9 to the over side.

  24 is a diagram showing an example of an optical path length correction table recorded in the camera microcomputer shown in FIG.

  The camera microcomputer 101 performs light emission correction of the main light emission according to the optical path length using the correction table shown in FIG. In the correction table shown in FIG. 24, the relationship between the optical path length and the correction value is defined. Further, the correction table may be changed (for each type) according to the type of the camera ID or the strobe pre-emission sensor, and the correction value is set using the approximation function shown in FIG. 9 without using the correction table. You may make it ask.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the operation on the camera side when the bounce drive control shown in FIG. 13 is performed.

  When the bounce drive control is started, the camera microcomputer 101 determines whether or not to perform a bounce drive instruction on the camera side (step S1301). When a bounce drive instruction is issued on the camera side (YES in step S1301), the camera microcomputer 101 refers to angle information obtained in the process of step S707 shown in FIG. 13 (step S1301). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS181 command: data 01” to the flash microcomputer 310 in order to transmit that the camera side issues a bounce drive instruction (step S1303).

  Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS011 command: data 01” as the auto bounce setting to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S1304). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS011 command: data XX” as the auto bounce drive condition to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S1305). In this data, “both left and right and top and bottom are 00”, “left and right only is 01”, and “up and down only is 02”.

  Next, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS031 command: data XX XX” to the strobe microcomputer 310 as the left and right driving range (step S1306). Furthermore, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS041 command: data XX XX” to the strobe microcomputer 310 as the vertical drive range (step S1307). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS121 command: data XX XX XX” as posture difference information to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S1308).

  Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS0161 command: data XX” to the flash microcomputer 310 as operation speed information indicating the speed at which the movable portion 300b is rotated (the driving speed of the motor of the bounce driving circuit 340) (step S1309a). ). In this data, “normal (reference speed) is 00”, “low speed (50% of the reference speed) is 01”, and “high speed (150% of the reference speed) is 02”. It may be.

  In this way, if the speed at which the movable part 300b is rotated can be changed, the operation sound of the motor for rotating the movable part 300b can be set according to the scene. The speed at which the movable unit 300b is rotated can be changed by a user operation using the input unit 112.

  Next, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS051 command: data 01” and “CS071 command: data XX” to the flash microcomputer 310 as a drive instruction in the vertical direction (step 1310). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS051 command: data 02” and “CS081 command: data XX” to the strobe microcomputer 310 as drive instructions in the left-right direction (step S1311).

  After the end of the bounce drive, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS051 command: data 00” and “CS011 command: data 00” to the flash microcomputer 310 as an instruction to stop the bounce drive (step S1312).

  When the bounce drive instruction is given on the strobe side (NO in step S1301), the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS181 command: data 00” to the strobe microcomputer 310 to notify that the bounce drive instruction is given on the strobe side. (Step S1313) Then, the camera microcomputer 101 transmits “CS0161 command: data XX” as the operation speed information to the flash microcomputer 310 (step S1309b), similarly to the process of step S1309a.

  After the process of step S1312 or S1309b, the camera microcomputer 101 receives the current position information from the flash microcomputer 310 and stores the current position information in the built-in memory (step S1314). Then, the camera microcomputer 101 proceeds to the process of step S711 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the operation on the strobe side when the bounce drive control shown in FIG. 13 is performed.

  When receiving the communication interrupt, the flash microcomputer 310 receives the data transmitted from the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1315). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 stores the received data in the built-in memory (step S1316).

  Subsequently, the stroboscopic microcomputer 310 determines whether or not a driving error has occurred such as the end of the movable part 300b or the movable part 300b being forcibly pressed by hand during the bounce drive (step S1317a). If a drive error has not occurred (NO in step S1317a), strobe microcomputer 310 transmits “SC060 command: data 00” to camera microcomputer 101 to notify that a drive error has not occurred (step S1318). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 determines whether or not to perform a bounce drive instruction on the camera side (step S1319).

  When a bounce drive instruction is issued on the strobe side (NO in step S1319), the strobe microcomputer 310 prepares for bounce drive in accordance with the strobe side instruction (step S1320). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 refers to the angle information in the vertical direction obtained by the process of step S707 shown in FIG. 13 (step S1321a). Thereafter, the stroboscopic microcomputer 310 drives the motor of the bounce drive circuit 340d according to the angle information, and rotates the movable part 300b in the vertical direction (step S1322a).

  Subsequently, the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits “SC050 command: data 01” to the camera microcomputer 101 to notify that the movable part 300b is being driven in the vertical direction (step S1323a). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 determines whether or not a drive error has occurred in the same manner as in step S1317a (step S1317b). If a drive error has occurred (YES in step S1317b), strobe microcomputer 310 proceeds to the process of step S1330 described later.

  If no drive error has occurred (NO in step S1317b), the flash microcomputer 310 refers to the angle information in the left-right direction obtained by the process in step S707 shown in FIG. 13 (step S1324a). Then, the strobe microcomputer 310 drives the motor of the bounce drive circuit 340b according to the angle information, and rotates the movable part 300b in the left-right direction (step S1325a). Thereafter, the strobe microcomputer 310 transmits “SC050 command: data 02” to the camera microcomputer 101 to notify that the movable part 300b is being driven in the left-right direction (step S1326a).

  Subsequently, the flash microcomputer 310 determines whether or not a drive error has occurred (step S1317c), similarly to the process of step S1317a. If a drive error has occurred (YES in step S1317c), strobe microcomputer 310 proceeds to the process of step S1330 described later. On the other hand, if a drive error has not occurred (NO in step S1317c), strobe microcomputer 310 ends “SC051 command: data 00” and “SC011 command: Data 00 "is transmitted to the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1328).

  Next, the flash microcomputer 310 transmits “SC070 command: data XX” and “SC080 command: data XX” to the camera microcomputer 101 as current position information indicating the rotation angle of the movable part 300b after the bounce drive (step S1329). ). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 ends the process.

  When a bounce drive instruction is given on the camera side (YES in step S1319), the flash microcomputer 310 prepares for bounce drive in accordance with the camera side instruction (step S1327). Thereafter, the stroboscopic microcomputer 310 performs the same processing as steps S1322a, S1323a, S1317b, S1324a, S1325a, S1326a, and S1317c in steps S1321b, S1322b, S1323b, S1317d, S1324b, S1325b, S1326b, and S1317e. If it is determined in step S1317e that no drive error has occurred, the flash microcomputer 310 proceeds to the process of step S1328.

  If a bounce drive error has occurred in step S1317a (YES in step S1317a), strobe microcomputer 310 transmits a bounce drive error to camera microcomputer 101 by strobe communication (step S1330). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 proceeds to the process of step S1329.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining a bounce operation and a light emission process (bounce light emission process) performed in the strobe microcomputer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  When the power switch provided in the input unit 312 is turned on and the strobe microcomputer 310 becomes operable, the strobe microcomputer 310 starts processing according to the flowchart shown in the drawing. First, the flash microcomputer 310 initializes the built-in memory and port (step S1401). Furthermore, the flash microcomputer 310 reads the state of the switch provided in the input unit 312 and preset input information, and sets a light emission mode such as a method for determining a light emission amount and a light emission timing.

  Subsequently, the flash microcomputer 310 operates the booster circuit 302 to charge the main capacitor 302d (step S1402). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 stores the focal length information obtained from the camera microcomputer 101 via the communication line SC in the built-in memory (step S1403). If the focal length information has been stored before, the flash microcomputer 310 updates the new focal length information.

  Next, the flash microcomputer 310 displays information on the light emission mode and the focal length set in the input unit 312 on the display unit 313 (step S1404). The stroboscopic microcomputer 310 drives the zoom optical system 307 by the zoom driving circuit 330 so that the stroboscopic light irradiation range becomes a range corresponding to the focal length information (step S1405). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 detects the rotation angle (bounce position) of the movable part 300b with respect to the main body part 300a by the bounce position detection circuits 340a and 340c (step S1406).

  Subsequently, the flash microcomputer 310 determines whether there is an instruction to perform a bounce operation (step S1407). If there is an instruction to execute the bounce operation (YES in step S1407), the flash microcomputer 310 performs the bounce operation (bounce drive) described above (step S1408). Thereafter, the stroboscopic microcomputer 310 transmits current position information indicating the rotation angle of the movable part 300b with respect to the main body part 300a after the bounce drive to the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1409). If there is no instruction to perform the bounce operation (NO in step S1407), strobe microcomputer 310 proceeds to the process in step S1409.

  Next, the flash microcomputer 310 determines whether or not the charging voltage of the main capacitor 302d is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (charging is complete) (step S1410). When charging is completed (YES in step S1410), strobe microcomputer 310 transmits a charging completion signal to camera microcomputer 101 (step S1411). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 determines whether or not a light emission start signal is received as a light emission command (step S1412).

  When the light emission start signal is received (YES in step S1412), the flash microcomputer 310 determines whether or not there is a correction of the main light emission in the optical path length calculation result in step S1203 or step S1211 described above (step S1413). If there is a correction of the main light emission (YES in step S1413), the flash microcomputer 310 adjusts the light control based on the optical path length calculation result obtained in step S1203 or step S1211 to the light emission instruction amount based on the main light emission from the camera microcomputer 101. Correction is performed by adding the amount (step S1414). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 causes the discharge tube 305 to emit light according to the light emission start signal (step S1415). Thereafter, the flash microcomputer 310 returns to the process of step S1401.

  If the main light emission is not corrected (NO in step S1413), the flash microcomputer 310 proceeds to the process of step S1415.

  If charging has not been completed (NO in step S1410), the flash microcomputer 310 transmits a charging incomplete signal to the camera microcomputer 101 (step S1416). Then, the flash microcomputer 310 returns to the process of step S1402.

  Note that a series of light emission such as the pre-light emission for light control and the main light emission does not return to the process of step S1402 even when each light emission ends, and returns to the process of step S1402 when the series of light emission ends.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, when performing bounce flash photography, the subject is illuminated by correcting the main light emission amount based on the optical path length. Can be illuminated.

  As is clear from the above description, in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the camera microcomputer 101, the flash microcomputer 310, and the distance measuring unit 308 function as distance measuring means. The camera microcomputer 101 and the flash microcomputer 310 function as first control means and second control means.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, Various forms of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are also contained in this invention. .

  For example, the function of the above embodiment may be used as a control method, and the control method may be executed by the light emission control device. Further, a program having the functions of the above-described embodiments may be used as a control program, and the control program may be executed by a computer included in the light emission control device. The control program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, for example.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Camera microcomputer 106 Photometry circuit 107 Focus detection circuit 140,360 Posture detection circuit 300 Strobe 300a Body part 300b Movable part 308 Ranging unit 310 Strobe microcomputer 340 Bounce circuit

Claims (10)

A light emission control device for controlling light emission means for irradiating the subject with light when the subject is photographed by an imaging device;
At the time of bounce shooting in which the light emitted from the light emitting means is reflected by a reflector to illuminate the subject and shoot, the distance from the imaging device to the subject is measured to obtain the subject distance, and Distance measuring means for measuring the distance from the imaging device to the reflector to obtain the reflector distance;
First control means for controlling the light irradiation direction by the light emitting means based on the light irradiation direction obtained according to the subject distance and the reflector distance;
When illuminating the subject by reflecting light with the reflector, the main emission amount at the time of the bounce shooting is corrected based on the subject distance and the optical path length obtained according to the reflector distance, Second control means for driving and controlling the light emitting means with the corrected main light emission amount;
A light emission control device comprising:   The second control unit performs pre-emission by controlling the light-emitting unit to a bounce position where the irradiation direction is set to a preset irradiation direction, and the main emission amount is determined based on reflected light by the pre-emission. The light emission control device according to claim 1, wherein the light emission control device is obtained.   The second control unit corrects the main light emission amount according to an optical path length obtained based on a subject distance and a reflector distance obtained by the distance measuring unit at the bounce position. Item 3. The light emission control device according to Item 2. The light emitting means includes a light emitting unit that irradiates light, and a movable unit that changes the horizontal and vertical angles of the light emitting unit,
The said 1st control means changes the bounce angle of the said light emission part by drivingly controlling the said movable part, when controlling the said irradiation direction. Light emission control device.   The second control means includes a correction table storing a correction value corresponding to an optical path length at the bounce position, and corrects the main light emission amount according to the correction value. 5. The light emission control device according to claim 1.   The light emission control device according to claim 5, wherein the correction table is different for each type of the imaging device.   The said 2nd control means changes the correction value at the time of correct | amending the said main light emission amount based on the reflected light obtained by the said pre light emission, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The light emission control apparatus of description. Imaging means for obtaining an image by imaging the subject through an imaging optical system;
The light emission control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An imaging device comprising: A control method of a light emission control device for controlling light emitting means for irradiating light to the subject when photographing the subject with an imaging device,
At the time of bounce shooting in which the light emitted from the light emitting means is reflected by a reflector to illuminate the subject and shoot, the distance from the imaging device to the subject is measured to obtain the subject distance, and A ranging step of measuring a distance from the imaging device to the reflector to obtain a reflector distance;
A first control step of controlling the light irradiation direction by the light emitting means based on the light irradiation direction obtained according to the subject distance and the reflector distance;
When illuminating the subject by reflecting light with the reflector, the main emission amount at the time of the bounce shooting is corrected based on the subject distance and the optical path length obtained according to the reflector distance, A second control step of driving and controlling the light emitting means with the corrected main light emission amount;
A control method characterized by comprising: A control program used in a light emission control device for controlling light emitting means for irradiating light to the subject when photographing the subject with an imaging device,
A computer included in the light emission control device,
At the time of bounce shooting in which the light emitted from the light emitting means is reflected by a reflector to illuminate the subject and shoot, the distance from the imaging device to the subject is measured to obtain the subject distance, and A ranging step of measuring a distance from the imaging device to the reflector to obtain a reflector distance;
A first control step of controlling the light irradiation direction by the light emitting means based on the light irradiation direction obtained according to the subject distance and the reflector distance;
When illuminating the subject by reflecting light with the reflector, the main emission amount at the time of the bounce shooting is corrected based on the subject distance and the optical path length obtained according to the reflector distance, A second control step of driving and controlling the light emitting means with the corrected main light emission amount;
A control program characterized by causing