JP3055215B2 - Camera system and flash capable of wireless flash photography - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a camera system provided with a flash built in a camera and an external flash which is used without being connected to the camera and whose emission is controlled wirelessly.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a wireless flash system in which a flash control signal output from a camera is received and an external flash is emitted wirelessly, the external flash is used exclusively for the wireless flash (for example, See JP-A-2-264229 and JP-A-58-72931. Also, a system using an external flash connected to a camera is known. In this system, if the shooting mode is set to the wireless mode, the operation in the wireless mode is performed (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-254926). Reference).

[0003]

When a flash is incorporated in a camera body, the flash needs to be reduced in size, and the guide number naturally becomes smaller. On the other hand, an external flash (external flash) generally has a large guide number. When using an external flash as a normal flash instead of wirelessly, use an external flash with a large guide number instead of using the built-in flash in the camera body. It is more advantageous to use it connected to a camera. When an external flash is connected to a camera, operation in the wireless mode is not advantageous in terms of light control accuracy, and it is better to operate in the normal flash mode. The present invention has been made under the above background, and provides a camera system capable of performing wireless flash shooting in which a flash operation is performed in a normal flash mode regardless of a set mode when an external flash is connected to the camera body. The purpose is to do.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to a normal flash mode using a built-in flash in a camera and an external flash used without being connected to the camera. A wireless flash mode that receives a light emission control signal from the camera and wirelessly emits light when the camera is connected to the external flash. Regardless, the operation in the normal flash mode is performed. Further, the present invention provides a wireless flash mode including a normal flash mode used by being connected to a camera and a wireless flash mode used by receiving a light emission control signal from the camera without being connected to the camera and using wirelessly. In a flash capable of emitting a flash, when the flash is connected to a camera, the flash is controlled in a normal flash mode regardless of a set mode.

[0005]

According to the above configuration, when the external flash is connected to the camera body, light emission is performed by the operation in the normal flash mode regardless of the set mode. In the following embodiment, this operation is performed in steps # 421 to # 432 of FIG.
And the processes of # 454 to # 4541 and # 467 in FIG.

[0006]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to use an external flash connected externally to a camera, and when the external flash is connected to the camera body, the external flash is set to a set mode. Regardless of the fact that the operation in the normal flash mode is performed regardless of the above, when the normal flash shooting and the wireless flash shooting are alternately performed, it is not necessary to change the mode each time. (Hereinafter, margin)

[0007]

FIG. 1 is a view of a camera A and a wireless flash B to which the present invention is applied, viewed from the back cover side. First, the camera A will be described. The camera A has a release button 1, a mode change button 2, a test light emission button 3, and a built-in flash 4. When the release button 1 is depressed one step, photometry of subject brightness, distance measurement (or focus detection) to the subject,
And focusing, and exposure is performed by pushing in two steps. The mode change button 2
It switches between a normal flash mode and a wireless flash mode. When the test flash button 3 is pressed in the wireless flash mode, a signal for test flashing the wireless flash B is output.
The wireless flash B is disposed on the right side of the pentaprism (hereinafter simply referred to as penta) so that the wireless flash B can be operated with the left hand.

The built-in flash 4 is rotatably mounted on the upper part of the pentagon, and has a pop-up state in which the light-emitting portion moves away from the optical axis of the taking lens and a stored state in which the light-emitting portion is pushed down. Flash emission is only possible in the pop-up state. When it is stored when it is determined that flash emission is necessary due to low brightness etc.,
Pops up automatically. At the time of pop-up state, it is stored by pressing from above. In addition to being used during flash photography with low brightness or the like, it is also used as a control signal source during photography with the wireless flash B. An external wireless flash can be attached to the camera-side connector 5. The camera-side connector 5 communicates with the wireless flash through six terminals described later. Note that, in a camera having an AE lock function, a camera having a spot metering function for metering only the central portion of the field, an AE lock button, an SPO
Although the T light metering button is arranged on the right side of the pentagonal portion like the test light emitting button 3 described above, it is also possible to use the T light measuring button and the test light emitting button 3 together.

Next, wireless flash B (hereinafter referred to as flash B) will be described. Mode display section 6
Displays the normal flash mode and the wireless flash mode, and the charging completion display section 7 displays the completion of charging of the light emitting capacitor of the flash B. Since these display portions 6 and 7 protrude above the flash B, they can be viewed from the front of the flash B. The channel selection unit 8 is a switch for switching a wireless signal in a wireless flash mode in order to avoid interference with another wireless flash. The flash mode change button 9 switches between a normal flash mode and a wireless flash mode. The wireless flash side connector 10 can be attached to the camera side connector 5. The connector 10 has a shoe switch (not shown) for detecting that the flash B has been attached to the camera A. At this time, the built-in flash 4
Flash B
When the camera is mounted on the camera A for photographing, the built-in flash 4 and the flash B do not emit light at the same time.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a flash B to which the present invention is applied. In FIG.
In the wireless flash mode, it is for receiving a wireless signal from the camera A, and incorporates a light receiving unit 34 shown in FIG. 5 described later. Protruding above the flash B are the mode display section 6 and the charging completion display section 7. FIG. 3 shows an outer shape of a mounting table C of a flash B to which the present invention is applied. A concave portion 12 having the same shape as the camera-side connector 5 is provided at an upper portion, and a flash B can be attached thereto. At the time of the wireless flash mode, the flash B can be used by mounting it on the mounting table C. A tripod hole may be provided in the lower part of the cradle C or the flash B, and attached to a tripod.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a camera A to which the present invention is applied. Sequence control, exposure calculation, and the like are performed by a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) MC1. The photometric unit 21 is a block for measuring the luminance of the subject, and the distance measuring unit 22 is a block for measuring the distance to the subject. The display unit 23 includes an LCD, an LED, and the like, and displays the number of photographic films, a shutter speed, an aperture, a photographic mode, and the like. The shutter unit 24 is constituted by a focal plane shutter, and the microcomputer M
By C1, the operation is controlled by a one-curtain running start signal from a terminal 1C and a two-curtain running start signal from a terminal 2C. When the running of one curtain is completed, a one-curtain running completion signal (SX = “L”) is output to the terminal SX. The diaphragm unit 25 controls the diaphragm diameter based on a signal from the microcomputer MC1.

The flash unit 26 includes a booster circuit, a light-emitting capacitor (hereinafter, referred to as a main controller), a discharge tube, and the like, and corresponds to the built-in flash 4 in FIG. The flash unit 26 uses an IGBT in the discharge loop of the discharge tube, can control the light emission time, and is connected to the microcomputer MC1 via the clip switch SCRP. When the clip switch SCRP is connected to the flash unit 26, light emission is performed during "L" of TRG1. The clip switch SCRP is connected to the flash unit 26 in the built-in flash storage state, and to a terminal X described later in the pop-up state. RDY1 is a terminal obtained by dividing the voltage of the main controller by resistance. Microcomputer MC1
A / D-converts the voltage of RDY1 and detects the charge state of the main controller. CHG1 is a terminal for controlling the boosting of the boosting circuit, and performs boosting while CHG1 is kept at "L".

The focus control unit 27 drives the photographing lens for focus control of the photographing lens according to a control signal from the microcomputer MC1. The light emitting section driving section 28 is a block for popping up the built-in flash 4 and is connected to a solenoid MG to turn on the solenoid MG according to a signal from the microcomputer MC1. Built-in flash 4
Are urged in the pop-up direction and are locked at the storage position. When the solenoid MG is turned on while the flash B is not attached to the camera A, the built-in flash 4 enters a pop-up state.

The integration circuit 29 operates when the IST is set to "L", and integrates the reflected light of the flash light from the subject at the time of flash photographing and reaches a predetermined amount of light.
"L" is output to T. The predetermined light amount is set by a signal from the terminal LEVEL from the microcomputer MC1. Therefore, at the time of flash photography, by changing the predetermined light amount, the light amount of the exposed flash can be finely controlled to "appropriate", "one step under", "one step over" or the like. Usually, it is set to “proper”. The photometric distance measuring switch S1 is turned on by pressing the release button 1 in FIG. 1 one step, and the microcomputer MC1 performs photometric distance measurement by the photometric unit 21 and the distance measuring unit 22, performs exposure calculation, drive of the focus lens, and the like. .
The release switch S2 is turned on when the release button 1 is pressed in two steps, and exposure is started. Mode change switch SM
The OD is turned on by pressing the mode change button 2, and every time the OD is turned on, the normal flash mode and the wireless flash mode are switched.

The test light emission switch STST is turned on by pressing the test light emission button 3 in FIG. When turned on in the wireless flash mode, the microcomputer MC1
Outputs a signal for performing test emission of the flash B to the flash unit 26. Terminal X, SCK, SI
N, SOUT, SREQ, and GND are terminals for performing communication with the flash B when the flash B is attached to the camera A, such as a photographing mode, a charging state of a main controller of the flash B, and light emission start and stop timings. Yes, it is connected to the flash B via the connector 5 described above. GND is a ground, and X is a terminal for controlling the emission time of the discharge tube of the flash B in the normal flash mode.

The step-up light emitting section (to be described later) of the flash B has the same configuration as that of the flash section 26. When flash B is attached to camera A, terminal X
Is connected to the TRG1. And TRG1 is "L"
During this time, the discharge tube discharges. SCK, S
IN and SOUT are for serial transmission and reception.
SREQ is a terminal for requesting the flash B to communicate. At the time of communication with flash B, first set SREQ to "L".
After a predetermined time, a serial clock is output from SCK and input from SIN. When predetermined data is input and it is determined that the flash B is mounted, communication with the flash B is performed.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a flash B to which the present invention is applied. The microcomputer MC2 controls the sequence of the flash B. The step-up light emitting section 31 is a block for performing step-up of the main controller (flash side), discharge of the discharge tube, and the like, and has the same configuration as the above-described camera side flash section 26 in FIG. The boost control is performed by CHG2, the charge state monitor of the main controller is controlled by RDY2, and the emission time is controlled by TRG2. The display control unit 32 controls the display of the mode display unit 6 and the charge completion display unit 7 of FIG.
Are connected, and the signal from the microcomputer MC2 causes L
Lighting and extinguishing of ED1 and LED2 are controlled. LED1 is the charge completion display section 7, LED2 is the mode display section 6
Make The details of the light-on and light-off light emission patterns will be described later.

The zoom drive unit 33 is a block for changing the distance between the reflector of the flash B and the flash panel in accordance with the focal length of the taking lens, and changing the light distribution characteristics of the flash. The light receiving unit 34 is a block for receiving a wireless signal from the camera A. When the signal is received, WLIN becomes "L". The channel selection switch SCH is turned on / off by sliding the channel selection unit 8 in FIG. When ON, the channel is "1", and when OFF, the channel is "2". SS
HOE is a shoe switch which is turned on when the flash B is attached to the camera A. Mode change switch SWL
Is turned on when the flash-side mode change button 9 is pressed, and each time the button is pressed, the normal flash mode and the wireless flash mode are switched.

Terminals X, SCK, SIN, SOUT, SR
When the flash B is attached to the camera A, the EQ and GND are connected to the same-named terminal on the camera A side in FIG. Charge status information of the main controller through these terminals,
Various kinds of information such as channel information and focal length information of the photographing lens are communicated with the camera A. X is a terminal for controlling the light emission time of the discharge tube as described above, and the microcomputer MC2 sets TRG2 to "L" while X is "L". Also S
CK, SIN, SOUT are serial communication, so SRE
Q is a terminal for a serial communication request. When SREQ is set to "L" by the microcomputer MC1, the microcomputer M
C2 sets various information in a serial communication register. Then, serial communication is performed in synchronization with a clock pulse input from SCK. Camera A connected to each other
The names of the side terminal and the flash B side terminal are the same,
The microcomputer MC2 outputs a serial signal from SIN, SOU
A serial signal is input from T.

FIG. 6 shows the light emission patterns of the LEDs 1 and 2 of the display control unit 32 described above. The lighting of LED2 is controlled in a predetermined light emission pattern as shown in the figure according to the selected mode, and the lighting of LED1 is controlled when charging is completed. The LED 1 is controlled so as to be superimposed on a light emission pattern indicating each mode. FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the light receiving unit 34 described above. Photodiode P
When light enters D, a current corresponding to the intensity of the incident light flows out of the photodiode PD. This current is converted to a voltage by the resistor R1. The stationary light is removed by the differentiating circuit including the capacitor C1 and the resistor R2, and only the signal light is F.
Input to the ET gate. Therefore, the light receiving unit 34 changes “L” from WLIN to the microcomputer M only when the signal light is received.
Input to C2.

FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the operation in the wireless flash mode according to this embodiment. In wireless flash mode, release switch S2 is set to O
When N is reached, the built-in flash 4 of the camera A emits an identification signal. In this embodiment, channel 1 is 1
It is designed to output two signals at millisecond intervals and two signals at 2 millisecond intervals for channel 2. Then, the shutter B starts running one curtain, and outputs an X signal to instruct the flash B to start light emission upon completion of one curtain running. When it is determined that the flash B belongs to the channel for which the identification signal is set, the flash B starts emitting light at a predetermined light emission time and a predetermined light emission interval according to the X signal. Camera A has built-in flash 4 after the X signal
In addition, the integration circuit 29 in the camera A integrates the current due to the light reflected from the subject of the flash B, and when the predetermined voltage is reached, S instructs the flash B to stop emitting light.
Outputs the TOP signal. When this STOP signal is input, the flash B stops emitting light. Thereafter, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the camera A starts running two curtains and ends the exposure.
Details of these control methods will be described later.

The following table shows the number of times of light emission and the light emission time when the flash B receives the X signal to start light emission and performs intermittent light emission. The data of the number of times of light emission and the time of light emission are stored in the microcomputer MC2. Then, control is performed such that the light emission time becomes longer every predetermined number of times. Light emission is performed up to 37 times, and the light emission interval is 200 microseconds. The number of times of light emission is the number of times until the light emission becomes impossible when the intermittent light emission is performed at the above timing when the charging of the main controller is completed, and varies depending on the capacity of the main controller. In the present embodiment, the light emission time is increased stepwise, but the number of steps may be further increased, or the light emission time may be lengthened each time light emission is performed.

Next, the test light emission function in the wireless flash mode will be described with reference to FIG. This function checks whether the signal light has been transmitted and received normally, whether the set channel is correct, and whether the wireless flash has been charged before actually taking a picture. FIG. 9 shows a time chart thereof. In the wireless light emission mode, when the test light emission button 3 is turned on, a signal different from the identification signal is transmitted. In this embodiment, channel 1 has three signals at 1 mm intervals, and channel 2 has three signals at 2 mm intervals. When the microcomputer MC2 in the flash B receives the identification signal and determines that this signal is a signal for test light emission of the set channel,
After a delay of 500 milliseconds, light emission is performed.

Hereinafter, the operation of the camera system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the operation of the wireless flash will be described.
When a battery is inserted into the flash B, the microcomputer MC2
0, the operation is started according to the flow chart of "MAIN" shown in FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the flash B is mounted on the camera A by the shoe switch SSHOE (# 2). When the shoe switch SHOE is ON, that is, when the flash switch B is mounted on the camera A, light reception for receiving a wireless signal is performed. The interruption by the terminal WLIN from the unit 34 is prohibited (# 3), and the process proceeds to # 6. When the shoe switch SSHOE is OFF, that is, when the shoe switch is not attached to the camera A, the mode flag FWL is determined (#
4). The mode flag FWL is a flag for determining the flash mode. The mode flag FWL is "1" in the wireless flash mode and "0" in the normal flash mode. When FWL = 1, that is, in the wireless flash mode in # 4, the interruption of the WLIN is permitted (# 5), and the process proceeds to # 6. Also, FW at # 4
When L = 0, that is, when the mode is not the wireless flash mode, the process proceeds to # 3. In step # 6, a subroutine "fullness check 2" described later is executed. In this subroutine, the voltage of the main controller is checked, and when the voltage is lower than a predetermined voltage, the charging is performed.

After the "fullness check 2" processing, the mode change switch SWL is determined (# 7). If the mode switch SWL is ON, the APO timer is reset and started (# 8), and # Go to 10. Where AP
O means auto power off, which means that there is no switch operation or flash emission instruction for a predetermined time or more, and when left unattended, the power is automatically turned off to reduce current consumption. In # 10, the flash mode is determined based on the mode flag FWL. When FWL = 1, FWL = 0 is set (# 11), and the display control unit 32 is instructed to turn off the LED 2 (# 12), and the process proceeds to # 15. F
When WL = 0, FWL = 1 is set (# 13), the display controller 32 is instructed to turn on LED2 (# 14), and the process proceeds to # 15. The lighting pattern of the LED 2 at this time is controlled as shown in FIG. 6 according to the selected wireless mode.
If the mode switch SWL is OFF in # 7, the process proceeds to # 15 without performing the above operation. Thereby, every time the mode switch SWL is turned on, the normal flash mode and the wireless flash mode are switched.

In # 15, it is determined whether or not the flash B is mounted on the camera A by the shoe switch SSHOE (# 15). When the shoe switch is ON, that is, when it is attached, the focal length data of the photographing lens of the camera A is read out from the memory (# 16), and the light distribution characteristics of the flash become appropriate characteristics for the angle of view of the focal length. The zoom position of the flash is calculated (# 17), and the zoom of the flash is driven to the target position (# 18).
Proceed to 24. If the shoe switch is OFF in # 15, that is, if the shoe switch is not mounted, the mode is determined by the mode flag FWL (# 19). When FWL = 1, that is, in the wireless flash mode, the zoom flash is driven to the wide end to widen the light distribution characteristics of the flash (# 20), and the process proceeds to # 23.

In step # 23, it is determined by the APO timer whether or not one hour has elapsed.
AIN "and repeat the above operation.
Go to 25. In step # 19, when FWL = 0, that is, in the normal flash mode, and when the routine proceeds to step # 24, it is determined by the APO timer whether four minutes have elapsed. If four minutes have not elapsed, the process returns to "MAIN". If it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 25, instructing the display control unit 32 to turn off the LEDs 1 and 2, and the microcomputer MC2 enters the "STOP mode". In the "STOP mode", the microcomputer MC2 turns off the power supply of each block of the above-mentioned flash, and stops the oscillator itself to minimize the current consumption. Then, the return from the "STOP mode" is performed by changing the above-mentioned switches and the terminal SRE.
This is performed when there is a request for serial communication from the camera A by Q, and when returning, the operation is started from the above-mentioned "MAIN".

Next, the processing operation of the aforementioned subroutine "fullness check 2" will be described with reference to FIG. First, the charge flag FRDY2 is reset to “0” (# 10
1). The charge completion flag FRDY2 is a flag for determining whether or not charging is being performed, and is "1" during charging and "0" during non-charging. Next, the voltage of the terminal RDY2 is A / D converted to detect the charging voltage of the main controller (# 102), and the flash mode is determined (# 103). When FWL = 1, that is, in the wireless flash mode,
It is determined whether or not charging is being performed based on the charging flag FRDY2 (# 104). During charging, the A /
From the result D, it is determined whether or not the voltage of the main controller is 320 V or more (# 105). If the voltage has reached 320 V, the boosting is stopped (# 106), and the interruption of the terminal WLIN is permitted (# 107). Then, the charge flag FRDY2 is reset to "0"(# 123), and the routine proceeds to # 119. If the main control voltage has not reached 320 V, the process returns to # 102.
If the charging is not being performed in # 104, the process proceeds to # 108, and it is determined whether the main controller voltage is equal to or lower than 300V. When the main control voltage is 300 V or less, the interruption of the terminal WLIN is prohibited (# 109). Then, start boosting (#
110), the charge flag FRDY2 is set to "1"(# 111), and the display controller 32 is instructed to turn off the LED 1 (# 112), and the process returns to # 102.

If FWL = 0 in step # 103, that is, if the wireless flash mode is not set, the process proceeds to step # 113.
The operation after # 113 is different from the operation in the above-mentioned wireless mode in that the control of the permission and prohibition of the interruption of the terminal WLIN and the voltage of the main controller are changed from 320 V to 300 V, 30
Only the difference from 0 V to 270 V is different, so the details are omitted. As described above, the main controller voltage must be 300 V to 3 in the wireless flash mode.
By maintaining the voltage at 20 V and the voltage during normal flash from 270 V to 300 V, the main controller voltage in the wireless flash mode is higher than that in the normal flash mode, and the voltage variation is suppressed to be small. In # 119, it is determined whether the channel selection switch SCH is "1" or "2".
The display pattern of D1 is instructed to be the display of C in FIG. 6 (# 120), and in the case of channel 2, the display control unit 32 is instructed to be the display of B in FIG. 6 (# 121). To return. In the normal flash mode, # 122
When the process has proceeded to, the display control unit 32 is instructed to turn on the LED 1 and the process returns.

Next, the state of communication when the flash B is mounted on the camera A will be described with reference to FIG.
When the terminal SREQ is set to "L", the microcomputer MC2
Generates an interrupt, and starts an interrupt processing routine from "INTS". The microcomputer MC2 transmits data determined in advance with the microcomputer MC1 at the terminal SIN in synchronization with the serial clock from the terminal SCK from the microcomputer MC1 built in the camera A at the terminal SIN (# 151). Communication is performed (# 152), and the process returns.

In this communication, for example, data such as the focal length of the photographing lens, the flash mode, the photographing mode, the test flash instruction from the camera A to the flash B, and the charge state of the main controller, the flash Data such as a mode, a selected channel, and a tuning shutter speed are transmitted and received according to a predetermined format. Here, the tuning speed is transmitted from the start of the intermittent light emission when all the lights are emitted because the number of times that the intermittent light can be emitted is different due to a difference in the main controller capacity when a wireless flash different from the present embodiment is used. This is because the total time until the end of the intermittent light emission is different. Then, by transmitting the flash mode data as described above, when the flash B is mounted on the camera A, the flash mode on the flash B side is the same as the flash mode set on the camera A side.

In this embodiment, the flash mode set on the camera A side is prioritized. However, the flash mode data is transmitted from the flash B to the camera A side, and the flash mode data set on the flash B side is set. The flash mode may be prioritized. If the flash mode is transmitted / received, the flash mode can be set in both the camera A and the flash B. By the way, camera A
Sets a channel in the wireless flash mode according to the channel data from the flash B. In this embodiment, the channel setting of the flash mode on the camera A side is performed by attaching the flash B to the camera A. However, similarly to the flash mode, a channel setting switch is provided on the camera A side. The channel setting may be performed by the camera A alone.

Next, an interrupt processing routine for the terminal WLIN will be described with reference to FIGS. In the wireless flash mode, a wireless signal from the camera built-in flash 4 is received, and WLIN =
Upon receiving the "L" signal, the microcomputer MC2 starts operation from "INTWL" for signal identification and determines whether or not the next signal is input. First, the timer TWL is started (# 201). The operation speed of the microcomputer MC2 is sufficiently high, and accordingly, the timer TWL is set to WLIN.
Starts almost simultaneously with the change from "H" to "L". Then, wait for a maximum of 2.2 milliseconds (# 202, # 203) until WLIN changes from "H" to "L" again (the second signal is received), and changes by 2.2 milliseconds or more. If not, the first signal is considered to be noise, and the process returns.

When the signal changes from "H" to "L" within 2.2 milliseconds, it is determined whether the channel set for the flash B is "1" or "2"(# 204). In the case of channel 1, the timer TWL is set to 0.9 milliseconds or more and 1.
It is determined whether the time is less than 1 millisecond (# 205, # 2
06). Thus, it is determined whether the interval between the first signal and the second signal is 0.9 ms to 1.1 ms.
Otherwise, the two signals are considered to be noise and return. If so, it can be confirmed that the two signals are identification signals. Then, the timer TWL is started again (# 207),
Further, it is determined whether the next signal comes between 0.9 ms and 1.1 ms. That is, WLIN is “H”
Waits for a maximum of 1.1 ms to change from “L” to “L” (# 2
08, # 209), “H” before 1.1 milliseconds elapse
If the signal does not change from “L” to “L”, the signal at 1 ms intervals is 2
Since it is only a call, the wireless mode of channel 1 is identified, and “W
To the "L light emission mode". If it has changed within 1.1 milliseconds, the process proceeds to # 210, and it is determined whether or not 0.9 milliseconds have elapsed. If 0.9 ms or more has elapsed, three signals at 1-ms intervals have been input for convenience, and the test mode of channel 1 is identified. , # 217 and the following “test mode”.

For channel 2, # 204 to # 21
The processing proceeds to # 1, and the same processing is performed in # 211 to # 216 except that the time of the timer is different from that described above.
That is, in this case, it is checked whether the signal interval between the first signal and the second signal is 1.8 milliseconds to 2.2 milliseconds, and the next signal is 1.8 milliseconds to 2.2 milliseconds. It checks if it comes in milliseconds. If there are only two signals, it is identified that the wireless mode is the channel 2 wireless mode. If three signals are emitted, it is identified that the wireless device is in the channel 2 test mode.

In the "test mode", after waiting for 500 milliseconds (# 217), the terminal TRG2
Is set to “L” to perform test light emission (# 21).
8, # 219, # 220), reset the APO timer (# 239), and return. In the “WL light emission mode”, the timer TWL is restarted (# 221),
WLIN changes from "H" to "L", that is, waits for a maximum of 10 milliseconds for the X signal to come (# 222, # 22
4). If WLIN does not change from "H" to "L" for 10 milliseconds, the process proceeds to # 239 and returns. If it has changed within 10 milliseconds, it is next determined whether or not 5 milliseconds or more have elapsed (# 223), and if not, the routine returns. Therefore, if there is no change of WLIN from "H" to "L" in the range of 5 ms to 10 ms from the start of the timer TWL at # 221, the process returns.

The reason for this is as follows. When shooting in the wireless flash mode, the camera A to which the present invention is applied travels one curtain immediately after outputting the identification signal, and immediately after the one curtain is completed. An X signal for instructing the start of light emission is output. By the way, there is some variation in the time from the start to the completion of one curtain run, and the microcomputers MC1 and MC1 also change due to environmental changes such as temperature.
It is conceivable that a slight error occurs in the clock operation 2. The time from 5 milliseconds to 10 milliseconds in # 223 and # 224 has a width so that it always falls within this range when the shutter and the microcomputer operate normally. Note that this time width changes depending on the performance of the shutter and the microcomputer, and is not limited to the above.
When the identification signal is determined, the time width (± 10
%) For the same reason.

If the terminal WLIN changes from "H" to "L" within the above-mentioned time, the flow proceeds to # 225, the counter n is set to 1, and the flow proceeds to # 226 and thereafter. This counter counts the number of times the flash B emits light intermittently thereafter. Subsequently, the terminal TRG2 is set to "L"(# 226), and light emission is performed based on the relationship between the number of times of light emission and the light emission time (see the above table) (# 227, # 228, # 22).
9) After waiting for 10 microseconds (# 230), the timer T
WL is started (# 231), and waits for the terminal WLIN to be "L", that is, for outputting a stop signal from the camera A for a maximum of 90 microseconds (# 232, # 23).
3). If the terminal WLIN becomes "L" before the elapse of 90 microseconds, the routine proceeds to # 239, where the APO timer is reset, started and returned. Therefore, no further light emission is performed.

On the other hand, the terminal W within 90 microseconds
When LIN does not become "L", the process proceeds to # 234,
It is determined whether light emission has been performed 36 times by checking the counter n (# 234). If light emission has not been performed 36 times, the counter n is set to n + 1 (# 235), and #
Returning to 226, the above operation is repeated. If it is determined in # 234 that the light emission of 36 times has been completed, the flow proceeds to # 236, and the last 37 times of light emission of 500 microseconds are performed (# 23).
7) Then, reset and start the APO timer and return. By the light emission for 500 microseconds, almost all the electric charge of the main controller is discharged.

Next, the operation of the camera A will be described. When a battery is inserted into camera A, microcomputer MC1
The operation is started from "START" of No. 6. First, ON / OFF of the photometric distance measurement switch S1 is determined (# 301).
If it is ON, the process proceeds to "S1" described later, and if it is OFF, ON / OFF of the mode selection switch SMOD is determined (# 302). If it is ON, the process proceeds to step # 307, where the mode flag FMOD is determined. Here, the mode flag FMOD is a flag for determining whether the camera A is in the normal flash mode or the wireless flash mode. The mode flag FMOD is "0" during normal flash and "1" during wireless flash. FMOD = at # 307
When it is 1, FMOD = 0 is set (# 308), and FM
When OD = 0, FMOD = 1 (# 30
9) Return to # 301. That is, the mode selection switch S
Each time the MOD is turned on, switching between the normal flash mode and the wireless flash mode is possible.

If the mode selection switch SMOD is OFF in # 302, the flow advances to # 303, and the mode flag F
MOD is determined, and the normal flash mode (FMOD
= 0), the flow returns to # 301, and if it is the wireless flash mode (FMOD = 1), the flow proceeds to # 304 to perform communication with the flash B described later. Next, the process proceeds to # 305, where it is determined whether or not the flash B is mounted.
When the flash B is attached, return to # 301,
Test flash button switch STST when not mounted
Is determined (# 306), and if OFF, the process returns to # 301.
Proceed to. Although not described in this flowchart, the camera A also has an auto power-off function similar to that of the flash B. When the operation switch is not operated for a predetermined time or longer, the microcomputer MC1 shuts off the power of each block, and the microcomputer MC1 also transmits the signal. And stop until the operation switch is operated.
State.

Next, the processing operation in "flash communication" will be described with reference to FIG. First, in order to request the flash B for serial communication, the terminal SREQ is set to “L” (# 351), and the microcomputer MC2 built in the flash B is caused to generate an interrupt. After waiting for one millisecond (# 352), serial communication is performed (# 353). At this time, the microcomputer MC1 built in the camera A outputs a clock for serial communication from the terminal SCK. At this time, if a predetermined signal is not input from the terminal SIN, the microcomputer MC1 determines that the flash B is not mounted. To cancel communication. When predetermined data is input from the terminal SIN, communication is continuously performed according to a predetermined format. When the communication of the predetermined number of bits is completed, the process returns.

Next, the flowchart of the above-mentioned "S1" will be described with reference to FIG. First, the distance is measured by the distance measuring unit 22 (# 401), and it is determined whether the object is in focus (#).
402). A (not shown) to the in-focus position if not in focus
The photographing lens is driven by the F motor (# 403), and #
Return to 402. When the subject is in focus, the distance to the subject is calculated from the lens position (# 404), and the brightness of the subject is measured by the photometry unit 21 (# 405). Exposure calculation described later is performed based on this (# 406), and the process proceeds to # 407. In step # 407, it is determined whether the release switch S2 is ON or OFF. If the release switch S2 is ON, the process proceeds to "S2" described later. When the switch is OFF, ON / OFF of the photometric distance measurement switch S1 is determined (# 4).
08) If it is ON, the process returns to # 401, and if it is OFF, the process proceeds to the above-mentioned "START".

Next, the processing operation of "exposure calculation" will be described with reference to FIG. First, the flash mode is determined based on the mode flag FMOD (# 421). In the normal flash mode (FMOD = 0), it is determined whether or not the subject luminance is lower than a predetermined luminance (# 422). If not, the shutter speed TV and the aperture are determined from a natural light photographing program line (not shown). The AV is obtained (# 423), and the process proceeds to # 441 described later. If the subject brightness is low at # 422, the flash flag FF is set to “1” (# 424).
The above-mentioned "flash communication" is performed (# 425).
Proceed to 426. Here, the flash flag FF is a flag for determining whether or not to use the flash at the time of exposure, and is "1" when the flash is used and "0" when the flash is not used.

In # 426, it is determined whether or not the flash B is mounted. If not, it is determined whether or not the built-in flash 4 is popped up (# 427). If it is not popped up, the flash unit 4 is popped up by the light emitting unit driving unit 28 (# 42).
8) The state of charge of the main controller is detected by the "fullness check 1" described later, and if the main controller voltage is insufficient, charging is performed (# 429). Then, the shutter speed TV and the aperture AV are determined by a program line for normal flash photography (not shown) (# 430), and the process returns. When the flash B is mounted in # 426, and when the flash 4 is popped up in # 427, the process proceeds directly to # 429. Incidentally, the shutter speed of the flash photography program line is usually fixed at 1/250, and the aperture varies depending on the subject luminance.

If FMOD = 1 in step # 421, that is, the wireless flash mode, the above-mentioned "flash communication" is performed (# 431), and it is determined whether or not the flash B is mounted (# 432). Flash B
If the camera is mounted, the process proceeds to step # 422, where the same operation as in normal flash photography is performed. When the flash B is not mounted, the flash flag FF is set to “1” (# 43).
3) It is determined whether or not the built-in flash 4 is popped up (# 434). If the flash 4 is not popped up, the flash 4 is popped up (# 435), and the process proceeds to "Complete Check 1" to be described later, the main controller voltage is checked (# 436), and the shutter speed is set by a wireless flash photographing program line (not shown). The TV and aperture AV are determined (# 437). If the flash 4 has been popped up in # 434, directly enter # 436
Proceed to. In the wireless flash program line, the shutter speed is determined by the synchronized shutter speed input by “flash communication”, and the aperture is determined by the subject brightness.

Next, it is determined whether or not the subject distance data obtained at the time of focusing the photographing lens is within 1 meter (# 438). If it is not within 1 meter, the process proceeds to # 441. If it is within 1 meter, the aperture AV determined in # 437 is shifted by one stage in the narrowing direction (# 43).
9) The shutter speed TV is shifted one step in the long time direction (# 440), and the process proceeds to # 441. In # 441, # 43
The shutter speed TV determined in step 7 or the TV shifted in step # 440 is compared with the camera shake limit shutter speed TVH. The shutter speed TV is the camera shake limit shutter speed T
When the speed is higher than VH, the process returns as it is. When the speed is lower than VH, the display unit 23 is caused to warn the camera shake (# 442) and the process returns. Note that the camera shake limit shutter speed TVH is set to one-fourth of the focal length (millimeter) of the normal photographing lens at the lowest shutter speed that is considered not to cause camera shake when a photograph is taken normally.

Next, the operation of the routine "S2" for performing the above-described exposure and film winding will be described with reference to FIG. First, the mirror is raised (# 451), and the aperture is driven to set the above-described aperture AV (# 452). Then, it is determined whether or not to use the flash at the time of exposure by the flash flag FF (# 453). When the flash is not used (FF = 0), the process proceeds to # 467. When the flash is used (FF = 1), the mode flag FMOD determines whether the flash mode is the normal flash mode or the wireless flash mode (# 454). Normal flash mode (FMOD = 0)
In the case of, the process proceeds to # 467. In the case of the wireless flash mode (FMOD = 1), the flow proceeds to # 470. In # 470, it is determined whether or not the flash is mounted. If the flash is mounted, the process proceeds to # 467. If the flash is not mounted, the process proceeds to step # 455, where it is determined whether the subject distance data is within 3 meters or more than 3 meters. When the distance is less than 3 meters, a trigger time TTRG, which will be described later, is set to 10 microseconds (# 456).
It is set to 0 microseconds (# 457), and the process proceeds to # 458. Here, the trigger time TTRG is the light emission time of the built-in flash 4 that emits light when transmitting a wireless signal such as an identification signal to the flash B.

In steps # 458, # 459, and # 460, the terminal TR is set for the trigger time TTRG set as described above.
G1 is set to "L" to emit light. When the set channel is "1", the control waits for 1 ms, and when the set channel is "2", waits for 2 ms (# 461, # 462, # 463), and sets the terminal TRG1 to "L" for the trigger time TTRG + 10 microseconds ( (# 464, # 465, # 466), and proceed to # 467.
In step # 467, exposure is performed according to a flowchart of "exposure" described later. After the exposure is completed, one frame of the film is wound by a film feeding means (not shown) (# 46).
8) The charging status of the main controller is checked by "charging check 1" described below (# 469), and the process returns to "START".

Next, the exposure operation will be described with reference to the "exposure" flowchart shown in FIG. First, one curtain is started (# 501), and the timer SS is used to measure the shutter speed.
Is started (# 502). Then, it is determined from the flash flag FF whether or not to use a flash at the time of exposure (# 503).
Proceed to 11. When used, the terminal I from the integrating circuit 29 is used.
The interrupt of NT is permitted (# 504), and the operation of the integration circuit 29 is started (terminal IST = "L") (# 505).
Wait for the completion of one-curtain running (terminal SX = "L") (# 50
6). When the one-curtain driving is completed, the terminal TRG1 is set to "L" to start light emission (# 507). Then, the mode flag FMOD is determined (# 508). If the mode is the normal flash mode (FMOD = 0), the process proceeds to # 511, and if the mode is the wireless flash mode (FMOD = 1), it is determined whether or not the flash is mounted. Make a determination (# 51
5) If the flash is attached, proceed to # 511, while if not, proceed to # 509. Then, it waits for the trigger time TTRG (# 509),
1 is set to "H"(# 510). With this signal, the flash B starts intermittent light emission in the wireless flash mode. In # 511, the control waits for the timer SS to elapse for a time corresponding to the above-mentioned TV, and inhibits the interruption of the terminal INT (# 512), and starts the second curtain (# 51).
3). Then, as a sufficient time for the two curtains to complete running, wait 10 milliseconds (# 514) and return.

FIG. 22 shows an interrupt processing routine "INTFL" for emitting a stop signal when an interrupt is generated by the terminal INT from the integration circuit 29 during exposure using a flash. To explain this, when an interrupt occurs, first, the mode flag FMO
D to determine the flash mode (# 551),
In the normal flash mode (FMOD = 0), the terminal TRG1 is set to "H" to stop light emission (# 558).
To return. Wireless flash mode (FMOD
= 1), it is determined whether or not the flash is mounted (# 560). If the flash is mounted, # 558 is determined.
If not, the counter n is set to "0"(# 552), and the process proceeds to # 553. The counter n manages the number of emission stop signals to the flash B. In # 553, the terminal TRG1 is set to “L”, and after waiting for a trigger time TTRG + 20 microseconds × n (# 5
54), the terminal TRG1 is set to “H” (# 555). Next, the counter n is set to n + 1 (# 556), and it is checked whether or not the counter n has become 3 (# 557). If not, it waits for 100 microseconds (# 559), returns to # 553, and performs the same operation repeat. Then, in # 557, n =
If it reaches 3, it returns. Therefore, TRG1 is changed from "L" to "H" three times, so that the stop signal is output three times, and the light emission time becomes longer as the number of times of light emission increases.

As described above, the stop signal for emitting light to the flash B in the wireless flash mode is output a plurality of times (three times in this embodiment). This is because the intermittent light emission timing of the flash B and the timing of the stop signal output from the camera A are not synchronized.
This is because the flash B may not be able to detect the stop signal due to the overlap of the light emission. In this embodiment, the above problem is solved by outputting the stop signal a plurality of times. However, the flash timing data of the flash B is stored in advance in the camera A before the wireless flash shooting, and based on the flash timing data. Alternatively, the stop signal may be output at a time when the flash B is not emitting light. This timing data may be written to the ROM in the camera A, and the flash B and the camera A
May be transmitted from the flash B to the camera A by communication with the camera. Alternatively, a light receiving unit similar to the flash B may be provided on the camera A side, and the light receiving unit may detect when the flash B is not emitting light and output a stop signal. By doing so, the emission of the flash B can be reliably stopped by outputting the stop signal only once.

In this embodiment, X after the output of the identification signal is set.
Although light emission is started by a signal, light emission may be started after waiting for a predetermined time from the identification signal. This predetermined time is a time sufficient to complete the running after one curtain starts running (10 milliseconds in the case of the camera of this embodiment). By doing so, the X signal for starting light emission becomes unnecessary. Further, in this embodiment, the flash B starts intermittent light emission by the X signal for the light emission start instruction, and the camera A integrates the reflected light from the subject, and outputs a stop signal when a predetermined value is reached. Although the intermittent light emission is stopped, as another embodiment, the flash B emits light only once every time the X signal is output once, based on the above-mentioned light emission frequency-light emission time data. The camera A may continue to output the X signal until the reflected light reaches a predetermined value. This eliminates the need for a stop signal. FIG. 25 shows a time chart at this time.

FIG. 23 shows a state in the wireless flash mode.
This is a "test light emission" routine for outputting a signal for performing test light emission. To explain this, first,
The state of charge of the main controller is detected by “charging check 1” (# 651). Then, the counter n is set to 1 (# 652), and the terminal TRG1 is set to "L" for 30 microseconds to emit light (# 653). Then, the selected channel is discriminated (# 654). For channel 1, it waits for 1 millisecond, and for channel 2, it waits for 2 milliseconds (# 655, # 655).
656), between 30 microseconds + 10 microseconds × n,
The terminal TRG1 is set to “L” to emit light (# 657), then the counter n is set to n + 1 (# 658), and the counter n
It is checked whether or not has become 3 (# 659). Counter n is 3
Steps # 654 to # 658 are repeated until. When the light emission signal is output three times and the counter n reaches 3, # 66
0, execute “Charge completion check 1”, and execute “STAR
When the signal of the test light emission instruction is output, if the camera A has the subject distance data after the distance measurement has been performed, the camera A uses the subject distance in the same manner as in the case of transmitting the identification signal. The light emission time may be switched.

FIG. 24 shows a "charge check 1" routine for checking the charge state of the main controller of the built-in flash 4 of the camera A and controlling the charge. To explain this, first, the charging flag FRDY is set to “0” (# 70).
1). The charging flag FRDY is a flag for determining whether or not charging is being performed, and is "1" during charging and "0" otherwise. Next, the charge information of the main controller is read by A / D converting the output of the terminal RDY1 (# 702). The flash mode is determined based on the mode flag FMOD (# 703). If the mode is not the wireless flash mode (FMOD = 0), the process proceeds to step # 709. If the mode is the wireless flash mode (FMOD = 1), the flash mode is subsequently determined by the charge flag FRDY. Determine whether charging is in progress (#
704). # 70 when not charging (FRDY = 0)
Then, when charging is in progress (FRDY = 1), it is determined from the A / D conversion result of RDY1 whether or not the main control voltage is 320 V or more (# 705). Main control voltage is 32
When the voltage has not reached 0 V, the process returns to # 702, and when the voltage is 320 V or more, the boosting is stopped (# 714), and the charge flag FRD
Y is set to "0"(# 715), and the routine returns. # 70
At 6, it is determined whether or not the main controller voltage exceeds 300V. When the voltage exceeds 300 V, the process returns to step # 702. When the voltage does not exceed 300V, the voltage is increased (step # 707).
The charge flag FRDY is set to “0” (# 708), and # 7
Return to 02. Note that the processes in # 709 to # 713 are the same as those in the wireless flash mode except that the main controller voltage is changed from 320V to 300V, 300V to 270V, and thus the description is omitted.

In this embodiment, the built-in flash 4
When the distance is short, the aperture is reduced or the light emission time is shortened as shown in the routines of FIGS. 19 and 20 in order to minimize the influence on the exposure. May be added. Further, in this embodiment, in the wireless flash photography, the built-in flash 4 of the camera is used only for transmitting the signal light to the flash B, the amount of contribution to the film exposure is reduced as much as possible, and the subject is exposed with the flash B. Like that. However, as described above, the flash light integration circuit 29 of the present embodiment can set the integration level. Therefore, for example, the integral level is set to be two-thirds of the proper exposure amount, and the wireless light emission is performed. In response to the transmission of the stop signal, the integral level is set to one-third of the proper exposure amount.
Is set, and the built-in flash 4 is caused to emit light until INT = “L”, so that there is a three-dimensional effect, and it is also possible to take a picture with less strong shadow. By appropriately changing the integration level, the flash B
And the ratio of the amount of contribution of the built-in flash 4 to exposure can be changed. If the flash B does not provide the proper exposure even after the flash has been fired all the time, the photograph will be underexposed in this embodiment. In such a case, the built-in flash 4 will not emit enough light until the INT becomes "L". You may make up for the minute.

Further, in this embodiment, when taking a picture in the wireless flash mode, the built-in flash 4 automatically pops up if it is not popped up. A warning may be issued to prompt the user. In this embodiment, the test flash button 3 is operated in the wireless flash mode to enable the test flash of the flash B. However, when the flash B is mounted on the camera A, the test flash button 3 is operated. Then, a test emission of the flash B may be performed at the terminal X. By doing so, the test flash can be performed without the test flash button on the flash B side. When the flash B is not mounted in the normal mode, the test flash of the built-in flash 4 may be performed. Note that, in the above description, the identification signal communicated between the camera A and the flash B is not limited to light, and may be, for example, infrared rays or ultrasonic waves.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera and a wireless flash to which the present invention is applied, as viewed from a back cover side.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the wireless flash.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a table of the wireless flash.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the camera.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the wireless flash.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a light emission pattern of a display unit of the wireless flash.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a light receiving unit of the wireless flash.

FIG. 8 is a time chart illustrating an operation in a wireless flash mode according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a time chart in the test light emission mode.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation on the camera side.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the above.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of a subroutine “fullness check 2” of the above.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a state of communication between a camera and a wireless flash.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of an interrupt processing routine “INTWL” on the wireless flash side.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the above.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation on the camera side.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation of a subroutine “flash communication” of the above.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart when the distance measuring switch S1 is turned on.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of “exposure calculation”.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart when the release switch S2 is turned on.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an “exposure” operation.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an operation of an interrupt processing routine “INTFL”.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a “test light emission” routine for outputting a signal for performing test light emission.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a routine of “fullness check 1”.

FIG. 25 is a time chart in a test light emission mode according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A camera B wireless flash MC1 microcomputer with built-in camera MC2 microcomputer with built-in wireless flash 2 mode change button 4 flash with built-in camera

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Reiji Seki 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Okada 2-chome Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi No. 3-13 Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-2-264229 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03B 15/04- 15/05

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A normal flash mode using a built-in flash in a camera, and a wireless flash which emits light wirelessly by receiving an emission control signal from the main flash in an external flash used without being connected to the camera. A wireless flash photographing camera system having a mode, wherein when the external flash is connected to a camera, the camera performs a normal flash mode operation regardless of the set photographing mode. Camera system capable of flash photography. 2. A normal flash used by being connected to a camera.
Flash mode and the camera without being connected to the camera
Receive the light emission control signal and use it wirelessly
Wireless flash with wireless flash mode
Flash when the flash is connected to the camera
Regardless of the mode you are in, it is usually controlled in flash mode
Wireless flash flash
rush.