JP3976905B2 - Strobe system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a strobe system that performs light emission control of a slave strobe device disposed at a position spatially separated from a camera by a master transmission device including a camera, for example.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Various examples of conventional photographing systems using a wireless strobe device arranged at a position away from a camera are known.
[0003]
As a first example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-343336 discloses a wireless strobe system having a flash shooting mode in which shooting is performed by emitting a flash along with a release operation and a test flash mode in which flash is emitted without a release operation. Is disclosed.
[0004]
In addition, as a second example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-120092 discloses that a slave flash can perform a light emission operation similar to shooting without a release before shooting to obtain a light amount necessary for shooting. A wireless strobe system is disclosed that verifies that the device operates correctly.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the wireless strobe system of the first example does not disclose multi-flash photography, and when a plurality of slave strobes are arranged, each strobe emits light simultaneously when a test flash is instructed from the camera side. Therefore, when the present invention is applied to a multi-flash strobe system in which the ratio of light quantity is photographed between the strobes, it is difficult to confirm where the strobe set at which light quantity is arranged.
[0006]
In the second example, the test response regarding the multiple-flash photography is not taken into consideration. Further, since the light emission operation is performed in the same manner as when photographing, there is a possibility that the slave strobe may be charged once the test light emission is performed, and there is a possibility that a photo opportunity will be missed.
[0007]
In the first and second examples, only automatic light control is considered, and test light emission in the wireless mode in the photographing mode other than the automatic light control mode is not considered.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above inconveniences, and an object of the present invention is to perform a response test of a slave strobe before photographing in a multi-flash strobe system that controls light emission of a plurality of grouped slave strobes. In addition to identifying the slave strobe of each group, it is necessary to confirm that it can respond reliably upon receiving an instruction from the camera side.
[0010]
[TaskMeans for solving the problem]
  A strobe system according to a first invention of the present application includes a master transmission device and a plurality of slave strobe devices grouped, and controls the light emission of the slave strobe device according to control information transmitted from the master transmission device. The master transmitter transmits control information including at least the group information of the selected slave strobe device, the light emission mode, and the test mode to the slave strobe device, and the slave strobe device transmits the received control information to the control information. And control means for causing the flash light emitting means to emit light at different timings from the slave flash devices of other groups when the test mode, the group information to which the test belongs, and the automatic light control mode are included. .
  A strobe system according to a second invention of the present application includes a master transmission device and a plurality of slave strobe devices grouped, and controls the light emission of the slave strobe device according to control information transmitted from the master transmission device. The master transmitter transmits control information including at least the group information of the selected slave strobe device, the light emission mode, and the test mode to the slave strobe device, and the slave strobe device transmits the received control information to the control information. When the flash mode other than the test mode, the group information to which it belongs, and the flash mode other than the automatic light control mode are included, the flash unit is flashed with the set flash intensity at the same flash timing as the slave flash units of other groups. It is characterized by having a control means.
  A strobe system according to a third invention of the present application includes a master transmission device and a plurality of slave strobe devices grouped, and controls the light emission of the slave strobe device according to control information transmitted from the master transmission device. The master transmitter transmits control information including at least the group information of the selected slave strobe device, the light emission mode, and the test mode to the slave strobe device, and the slave strobe device transmits the received control information to the control information. When the test mode and the group information to which the user belongs are included, control means for causing the sounding body to sound at a predetermined timing is provided.
  A strobe system according to a fourth invention of the present application has a master transmission device and a plurality of slave strobe devices grouped, and controls the light emission of the slave strobe device according to control information transmitted from the master transmission device. The master transmitter transmits control information including at least the group information of the selected slave strobe device, the light emission mode, and the test mode to the slave strobe device, and the slave strobe device transmits the received control information to the control information. When the test mode, the group information to which the device belongs, and the automatic light control mode are included, the control unit causes the sounding body to sound by shifting the sounding timing from the slave strobe devices of other groups.
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0034]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view mainly illustrating an optical configuration of a strobe control camera system implemented by applying the present invention to a single-lens reflex camera.
[0035]
Reference numeral 1 denotes a camera body in which optical parts, mechanical parts, electric circuits, films, and the like are housed so that photography can be performed. Reference numeral 2 denotes a main mirror, which is obliquely set in or removed from the photographing optical path according to the observation state and the photographing state. The main mirror 2 is a half mirror, and transmits about half of the light beam from the subject through a focus detection optical system described later. Reference numeral 3 denotes a focusing plate arranged on the planned imaging plane of the photographic lens 11, 4 a pentaprism for changing the finder optical path, 5 an eyepiece, and the photographer observes the focusing screen 3 through this window to observe the shooting screen I can do it. Reference numerals 6 and 7 denote an imaging lens and a photometric sensor for measuring the luminance of the object in the observation screen. The imaging lens 6 associates the focus plate 3 and the photometric sensor 7 in a conjugate manner via the reflected light path in the pentaprism 4. ing. A shutter 8 and a photosensitive member 9 are made of a silver salt film or the like.
[0036]
A sub-mirror 25 bends the light beam from the subject downward and guides it toward the focus detection unit 26.
[0037]
The focus detection unit 26 includes a secondary imaging mirror 27, a secondary imaging lens 28, a focus detection line sensor 29, and the like. The secondary imaging mirror 27 and the secondary imaging lens 28 form a focus detection optical system, and the secondary imaging surface of the photographing optical system is connected to the focus detection line sensor 29. The focus detection unit 26 realizes an automatic focus detection device by detecting the focus state of the subject in the shooting screen by a known phase difference detection method and controlling the focus adjustment mechanism of the shooting lens.
[0038]
Reference numeral 140 denotes a strobe test light emission start switch attached to the apron side of the camera.
[0039]
Reference numeral 10 denotes a mount contact group as an interface between the camera and the lens, and 11 denotes a lens barrel attached to the camera body. Reference numerals 12 to 14 denote photographing lenses, and reference numeral 12 denotes a first group lens. The focal position of the photographing screen can be adjusted by moving back and forth on the optical axis. Reference numeral 13 denotes a second lens group that moves back and forth on the optical axis, thereby changing the shooting screen and changing the focal length of the shooting lens. Reference numeral 14 denotes a three-group fixed lens. Reference numeral 15 denotes a photographing lens aperture.
[0040]
Reference numeral 16 denotes a first group lens drive motor, which can automatically adjust the focus position by moving the first group lens back and forth in accordance with an automatic focus adjustment operation. Reference numeral 17 denotes a lens diaphragm drive motor, which can drive the photographing lens diaphragm to a desired diaphragm diameter.
[0041]
  18 is an external strobe (Master strobe described later) Is attached to the camera body 1 and performs light emission control in accordance with a signal from the camera. Reference numeral 19 denotes a xenon tube as a luminous tube, which converts current energy into luminous energy.
[0042]
Reference numerals 20 and 21 denote a reflector and a Fresnel lens, each of which plays a role of efficiently condensing light emission energy toward a subject. A strobe contact group 22 serves as an interface between the camera body 1 and the external strobe 18.
[0043]
  30 is a light transmission means such as glass fiber.,Xenon tube 19soThe light is guided to a light receiving element 31 as a first light receiving means such as a photodiode which is a light receiving means for monitoring the emitted light, and directly measures the light quantity of pre-flash and main flash. 32 is also xenon tube 19soIt is a light receiving element such as a photodiode, which is a second light receiving means for monitoring the emitted light. Limiting the light emission current of the xenon tube 19 by the output of the light receiving element 32by doingFlat light controlIs done. Reference numerals 20a and 20b denote light guides integrated with the reflective shade 20, and reflect and guide the light of the xenon tube to the light receiving element 32 or 31.
[0044]
Next, FIG.2 and FIG.3 has shown the electric circuit block diagram of this Embodiment. The members corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0045]
As a control means on the camera side, the camera microcomputer 100 performs an internal operation based on a clock generated by the oscillator 101.
[0046]
The EEPROM 100b as a storage means can store film counter and other shooting information. An A / D (analog-to-digital converter) 100c A / D converts analog signals from the focus detection circuit 105 and the photometry circuit 106, and the camera microcomputer 100 processes the A / D values in various states. Set. Connected to the camera microcomputer 100 are a focus detection circuit 105, a photometry circuit 106, a shutter control circuit 107, a motor control circuit 108, a film travel detection circuit 109, a switch sense circuit 110, an LCD drive circuit 111, and the like. Further, signals are transmitted to the microcomputer 112 as a lens control circuit disposed in the photographing lens via the mount contact 10, and the external strobe is connected to the strobe contact group 22 as processing means on the strobe side. Signals are transmitted to the strobe microcomputer 238.
[0047]
The focus detection circuit 105 performs accumulation control and readout control of the CCD line sensor 29 that is a known distance measuring element in accordance with a signal from the camera microcomputer 100, and outputs each pixel information to the camera microcomputer 100. The camera microcomputer 100 A / D converts this information and performs focus detection by a known phase difference detection method.
[0048]
  The camera microcomputer 100 exchanges signals with the lens microcomputer 112 based on the focus detection information.TheBy doing so, the focus of the lens is adjusted.
[0049]
The photometry circuit 106 outputs an output from the photometry sensor 7 to the camera microcomputer 100 as a luminance signal of the subject. The photometry circuit 106 outputs a luminance signal in both the steady state where the strobe light is not pre-flashed toward the subject and the pre-flash state where the flash is pre-flashed, and the camera microcomputer 100 performs A / D conversion of the luminance signal. Then, the aperture value and shutter speed for adjusting the exposure for shooting are calculated, and the flash emission amount at the time of exposure is calculated.
[0050]
The shutter control circuit 107 runs the shutter front curtain drive magnet MG-1 and the shutter rear curtain drive magnet MG-2 constituting the focal plane shutter 8 in accordance with a signal from the camera microcomputer 100, and performs an exposure operation.
[0051]
The motor control circuit 108 controls the motor in accordance with a signal from the camera microcomputer 100 to perform up / down of the main mirror 2, charge of the shutter, and feeding of the film.
[0052]
The film running detection circuit 109 detects whether or not the film has been wound up by one frame when the film is fed, and sends a signal to the camera microcomputer 100.
[0053]
SW1 is turned on by a first stroke of a release button (not shown), and serves as a switch for starting photometry and AF. SW2 is turned on by the second stroke of the release button and serves as a switch for starting an exposure operation. SWFELK is a switch that performs pre-flash independently, TEST is a switch that activates test light emission of the strobe from the camera side, and signals from switches SW1, SW2, SWFELK, and other camera operation members (not shown) are switches The sense circuit 110 detects and sends it to the camera microcomputer 100.
[0054]
The liquid crystal display circuit 111 controls display on the in-viewfinder LCD 24 and the monitor LCD 42 according to signals from the camera microcomputer 100. SWX is a strobe light emission start switch, which is turned on simultaneously with the completion of shutter front curtain travel.
[0055]
Next, the flash and lens interface terminals of the camera microcomputer 100 will be described.
[0056]
SCK is a synchronous clock output terminal for serial communication with the strobe, SDO is a serial data output terminal for serial communication with the strobe, SDI is a data input terminal for serial communication with the strobe, and SCHG is a strobe of the strobe. Input terminal for detecting the possibility of light emission, LCK is an output terminal of a synchronous clock for serial communication with the lens, LDO is a serial data output terminal for serial communication with the lens, and LDI is a serial communication terminal with the lens. This is a data input terminal.
[0057]
Next, the configuration of the lens will be described. The camera body and the lens are electrically connected to each other via the lens mount contact 10. This lens mount contact 10 is L0 which is a power contact for the focus drive motor 16 and the aperture drive motor 17 in the lens, L1 which is a power contact for the lens microcomputer 112 as lens control means, and known serial data communication. Contact L2 for clock transmission, L3 contact for data transmission from the camera to the lens, L4 contact for data transmission from the lens to the camera, L5 which is the ground contact for the motor to the power supply for the motor, the power supply for the lens microcomputer 112 It is comprised by L6 which is a ground contact with respect to.
[0058]
The lens microcomputer 112 is connected to the camera microcomputer 100 through these lens mount contacts 10 and operates the first lens drive motor 16 and the lens aperture motor 17 to control the focus adjustment and the aperture of the lens. Reference numerals 35 and 36 denote a photodetector and a pulse plate. The lens microcomputer 112 counts the number of pulses, whereby position information of the first group lens can be obtained, and the focus of the lens can be adjusted.
Next, the structure of the strobe will be described with reference to FIG.
[0059]
A battery 201 is a power source, and a known DC-DC converter 202 boosts the battery voltage to several hundred volts. Reference numeral 203 denotes a main capacitor for accumulating light emission energy, and 204 and 205 denote resistors, which divide the voltage of the main capacitor 203 into a predetermined ratio.
[0060]
  206 is a first coil for limiting the light emission current, 207 is a first diode for absorbing the back electromotive voltage generated when light emission is stopped, 208 is a second coil for limiting the light emission current, and 209 is Second diode for absorbing the back electromotive voltage generated in the coil 8 when light emission is stoppedIs.
[0061]
Reference numeral 19 denotes a light emitting means, an Xe tube serving as a slave strobe control information output means, 211 a trigger generation circuit, 212 a light emission control circuit such as an IGBT, and 213 a switching element for bypassing the coil 208. A certain thyristor is used to generate a short light pulse from the Xe tube 19 when performing wireless communication using the Xe tube 19, and to improve the stop controllability at the time of light emission stop when flashing light. The light emission current is bypassed by the thyristor 213 so that no current flows through the thyristor.
[0062]
  214 is a thyristor 213.TheA resistor 215 for causing a current to flow to the gate which is the control pole of the thyristor 213 for turning on, and a gate potential for preventing the thyristor 213 from being turned on when noise is applied to the gate of the thyristor 213 when the thyristor 213 is off. A stabilizing resistor 216 is a capacitor for rapidly turning on the thyristor 213, and 217 isSA noise absorbing capacitor 218 for preventing the thyristor 213 from turning on when noise is applied to the gate of the thyristor 213 is a transistor for switching the gate current of the thyristor 213.
[0063]
219 and 220 are resistors, 221 is a transistor for switching the transistor 218, and 222 and 223 are resistors. A data selector 230 selects D0, D1, and D2 and outputs them to Y by a combination of two inputs Y0 and Y1.
[0064]
231 is a comparator for controlling light emission intensity of flat light emission, 232 is a comparator for controlling light emission amount during flash light emission, 32 is a photodiode which is a light receiving sensor for flat light emission control, and is an Xe tube 19 which is a light emitting means. Monitor the light output.
[0065]
234 is a photometric circuit that amplifies a minute current flowing through the photodiode 32 and converts the photocurrent into a voltage, and 31 is a photodiode that is a light receiving sensor for controlling flash emission, and the light of the Xe tube 19 that is a light emitting means. Monitor the output.
[0066]
Reference numeral 236 denotes a photometric integration circuit for logarithmically compressing the photocurrent flowing through the photodiode 31 and compressing and integrating the light emission amount of the Xe tube 19. Reference numeral 238 denotes a microcomputer for controlling the operation of the entire strobe, 22 denotes a contact group provided on the hot shoe for communication with the camera body, and 240 denotes a liquid crystal display which is a display means for displaying the operating state of the strobe. .
[0067]
  241 is a wireless selector switch for setting the wireless operation state of the strobe, 242 is a power switch for controlling the power on / off of the strobe, 243 is an LED for indicating that the strobe is fully charged, 244 is for indicating that the strobe has been shot with an appropriate light amount Dimming display LED, 245 is a known motor control circuit, 246 is the focal length of the lens mounted on the camera bodyDepending onMove Xe tube 19 and reflex shade 20LetThis is a motor for setting the irradiation angle.
[0068]
  247 is a backlight lighting switch by EL or LED (not shown) for illuminating the liquid crystal 240, 248 is a mode switch for selecting a flash mode, 249 is a parameter associated with the flash mode (for example, manual flash mode) A switch for selecting a light emission amount, etc. 250 is an up switch for increasing the parameter set value, 251 is a down switch for decreasing the parameter, and 252 is a zoom for manually setting the light emission angle. Switches 253, 254, and 255 are encoders that indicate the positions of light emission angles, 256 is a photodiode that is a means for receiving control information from the camera side, and 257 is a photodiode 256.InA light receiving circuit 260 amplifies the flowing photocurrent and converts it into a voltage, and 260 is a test light emission switch.
[0069]
Next, each terminal of the microcomputer 238 will be described.
[0070]
CNT is a control output terminal for controlling the charging of the DC / DC converter 2, LCDS is a wiring group for displaying and lighting the liquid crystal 240, COM1 is a control output terminal corresponding to the ground potential of the switch 241, and NORM is an operation state of the strobe. This is an input terminal that is selected in the normal shooting state (not in the wireless mode).
[0071]
  MASTER is an input terminal selected when the operation state of the strobe is connected to the camera using the wireless master mode, that is, the camera hot shoe contact group 22, and SLAVE is an operation state of the strobe. Is in the slave mode, that is, in a state where the light emission control light signal from the master strobe is received by the light receiving element 256 and the light emission of the strobe is controlled.TimeIs the input terminal selected.
[0072]
Next, COM2 is a control output terminal corresponding to the ground potential of the switch 242, OFF is an input terminal that is selected when the strobe is turned off, ON is an input terminal that is selected when the strobe is turned on, and SE is a strobe that has passed a predetermined time. This input terminal is selected when the power is turned off later.
[0073]
CLK is a synchronization clock input terminal for serial communication with the camera, DO is a serial data output terminal for transferring serial data from the strobe to the camera in synchronization with the synchronization clock, and DI is a synchronization clock from the camera to the strobe. A serial data input terminal for transferring serial data to X, X is an input terminal of an X contact of the camera, and PI is an input terminal of a wireless optical signal which is input information.
[0074]
  M0 and M1 are output terminals for controlling four types of operation states (CW drive, CCW drive, motor off, motor brake) of the motor driver, TEST is an input terminal of the test light emission switch 260, ZOOM0, ZOOM1, and ZOOM2 are the same as those described above. Encoders 253, 254, 255 indicating zoom positionsSignal from, COM0 is a control output terminal corresponding to the ground potential of the zoom encoder, etc., ZOOM is an input terminal of the zoom position setting switch 252, DOWN is an input terminal of the light emission parameter decrease switch 251, and UP is the light emission described above. The parameter increase switch 250 input terminal, SEL / SET is the input terminal of the data selection switch 249, MODE is the input terminal of the light emission mode selection switch 248, LIGHT is the input terminal of the illumination switch 247, and YIN is the data. An input terminal for detecting the output state of the selector 230, INT is an integration control output terminal of the photometric integration circuit 236, and AD0 is an A / D conversion input terminal for reading an integrated voltage indicating the light emission amount of the photometry integration circuit 236. Yes, DA0 is comparator 231,This is a digital to analog output terminal (D / A output terminal) for outputting 232 comparator voltage.
[0075]
Y0 and Y1 are selection state setting output terminals of the data selector 230, TRIG is a light emission trigger generation output terminal, and SCR_CTRL is a control output terminal of the thyristor 213.
[0076]
Next, FIG. 4 is an external view of the strobe device according to the present embodiment. Each switch, display, and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. Reference numeral 258 denotes a light receiving window of the photodiode 256 as the information receiving means described above, and the photodiode is disposed therein.
[0077]
Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of wireless photographing using the master strobe MS and one slave strobe SS.
[0078]
The master strobe MS connected to the camera 1 has the aforementioned wireless mode selection switch 242 set to MASTER, and the slave strobe SS has the aforementioned wireless mode selection switch 241 set to SLAVE.
[0079]
  The light emission control light of the master strobe MS is the subjectsoThe light is reflected and received from the light receiving window 258 to control light emission of the slave strobe SS. The master strobe MS can be set in two modes: a mode in which the master strobe itself emits light (master light emission mode) and a mode in which the master strobe itself controls only the slave strobe (control only mode).
[0080]
In the example shown in FIG. 5, when the master strobe MS is set to the master flash mode, the master strobe MS and the slave strobe both emit light, but the light quantity ratio control is not performed between the master strobe and the slave strobe. In addition, light is emitted with the same light emission amount (ratio off mode).
[0081]
  FIG. 6A shows a master strobe MS set to the master flash mode and a slave strobe SSB set to group B.TheIt is a figure which shows the example of used wireless imaging | photography. The master strobe MS controls the slave strobe SSB and can emit light at an arbitrary light quantity ratio between the master strobe and the slave strobe.
[0082]
FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of wireless imaging using the master flash MS set in the control-only mode and the two slave flashes SSA and SSB. The two slave strobes are set to group A and group B, respectively, and can emit light at an arbitrary light quantity ratio between the group A strobe and the group B strobe by setting the master strobe MS.
[0083]
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of wireless shooting using the master flash MS set in the master flash mode, the slave flash SSB set in the group B, and the slave flash SSC set in the group C. is there.
[0084]
The master strobe MS can control the slave strobe SSB and SSC and can emit light at an arbitrary light quantity ratio between the master strobe and the slave strobe SSB and SSC.
[0085]
FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of wireless photographing using the master flash MS set in the control-only mode and the three slave flashes SSA, SSB, and SSC.
[0086]
Three slave strobes are set to group A, group B, and group C, respectively, and it is possible to emit light at any light ratio among group A strobe, group B strobe, and group C strobe by setting master strobe MS. It is.
Next, a display example of the liquid crystal display 240 arranged on the back of the strobe will be described.
[0087]
FIG. 8 is a display example of the liquid crystal display 240 of the strobe at the time of one-lamp wireless photography described in FIG.
[0088]
In the same figure, A), B) and C) are display examples at the time of automatic light control operation, D), E) and F) are display examples at the time of manual light emission operation, and G), H) and I. ) Is an example of display during multi-flash operation.
[0089]
The first row A), D), G) in the figure is an example of the master strobe display in the master flash mode, and the second row B), E), H) is the master strobe in the control-only mode. This is a display example, and the third column C), F), and I) are display examples in the slave mode.
[0090]
  In the figure, 301 is a flash mode display of the strobe.Case(First row, second row)IsAccording to the light emission mode, any one of an automatic light control mode (ETTL), a manual light emission mode (M), and a multi light emission mode (MULTI) is selected and displayed. on the other hand,In the slave mode (third column), the light emission mode instructed from the master flash is displayed.
[0091]
Reference numeral 302 denotes a display icon indicating that the flat flash photography is being performed, and is displayed when the flat flash is permitted in the master mode, and is displayed when the flat flash is instructed from the master flash in the slave mode.
[0092]
  Reference numeral 303 denotes a zoom display indicating the set zoom position, and 304 and 305 denote icons for displaying the wireless mode.Case(First row, second row)IsThe display of 304 becomes outward and the slave modeCase(3rd column)IsThe display 304 is inward. Reference numeral 305 denotes a front emission mark in the wireless mode, which is displayed in the first row of the master emission mode and is turned off in the second row of the control emission mode. Express.
[0093]
Reference numeral 306 denotes a channel display, which displays a channel set so as not to interfere when a plurality of photographers use the strobe system of the present invention at the same time.
[0094]
  Reference numeral 307 denotes a slave mode display that is displayed when the slave mode is selected. In this embodiment, one of the three states of ABC is displayed.ButIs displayed.
[0095]
308 is a display of the set manual light emission amount in the manual light emission mode, and a display of the light emission amount per multi-flash in the multi light emission mode, and the master mode (first column, second column). In the case of (eye), the value set by the master strobe is displayed. In the slave mode (third column), the value instructed by the master strobe is displayed.
[0096]
309 is a display of the number of flashes set in the multi-flash mode. In the master mode (first column, second column), the value set by the master flash is displayed, and the slave mode (third column) is displayed. At that time, the value indicated by the master strobe is displayed.
[0097]
310 is a display of the frequency set in the multi-flash mode. In the master mode (first column, second column), the value set by the master flash is displayed, and in the slave mode (third column). Displays the value specified by the master strobe.
[0098]
FIG. 9 is a display example of the liquid crystal display 240 of the strobe in the two-lamp light quantity ratio wireless photographing mode described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. Only the parts different from FIG. 8 will be described.
[0099]
Reference numeral 320 denotes a display indicating that it is in the light amount ratio mode, which indicates that two groups of group A strobe and group B strobe can be controlled.
[0100]
Reference numeral 321 denotes a display indicating the light amount ratio between the group A strobe and the group B strobe in the automatic light control mode, and in this embodiment, the light amount ratio of A: B is continuously reduced in half steps from 8: 1 to 1: 8. Can be set automatically. The set light amount ratio can be visually recognized by the mark lighting position 322.
[0101]
Further, since the light emission amount display 308 in the manual flash mode with the master flash can be displayed only for one group in this embodiment, the light emission amount of the blinking group of either A or B in the light amount ratio mode display 320 is displayed. It is displayed on the light emission amount display 308. Similarly, the light emission amount display 308 in the multi-flash mode with the master strobe is also displayed by flashing either A or B of the light amount ratio mode display 320.
[0102]
The slave display 307 shows the state set to group A in the display example C) or K), and the state set to group B in F).
[0103]
FIG. 10 shows a display example of the liquid crystal display 240 of the strobe in the three-lamp light quantity ratio wireless photographing mode described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In the same figure, only a different part from FIG. 8, FIG. 9 is demonstrated.
[0104]
Reference numeral 320 denotes a display indicating that the light quantity ratio mode is selected, which indicates that three groups of group A strobe, group B strobe, and group C strobe can be controlled.
[0105]
Reference numeral 323 denotes a dimming level display of the group C strobe during the automatic dimming operation. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, considering that the group C strobe is used for background illumination, the group A strobe and the group B strobe are independent of each other. The correction amount for the appropriate dimming level of C alone can be set and displayed.
[0106]
The slave display 307 shows a state set to group A in the display example of C), F) shows a state set to group B, and K) shows a state set to group C. Show.
[0107]
In the liquid crystal display examples shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the flash mode setting of the automatic flash mode, manual flash mode, and multi flash mode is selected by pressing the MODE button 248 in FIG. Slave control number setting (RATIO OFF, A: B, A: B: C), manual flash output, multiple flash count, multiple flash frequency, A: B light ratio, C light control level, control channel In the master flash mode, the control only mode, and the flash group setting in the slave strobe, all the items to be set are selected by pressing the SEL button 249 in FIG. 4, and the + button 250,-button in FIG. Set at 251.
[0108]
The normal mode, wireless master mode, and wireless slave mode can be selected by switching the switch 241 in FIG.
[0109]
<Description of wireless communication>
Next, wireless communication for transmitting light emission information from the master strobe to the slave strobe will be described with reference to FIG.
[0110]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a wireless light control signal generated by the master strobe MS when the slave strobe is pre-flashed.
[0111]
A) is a synchronous clock signal for serial communication from the camera to the strobe, B) is a data output signal from the camera to the strobe, and C) is a data output signal from the strobe to the camera. It is.
[0112]
D) and E) are wireless optical communication signals to the slave strobe generated by the master strobe causing the Xe tube 19 to emit light intermittently. D) is the light emission signal when the master strobe is in the control-only mode. E) shows the light emission signal when the master strobe is in the master light emission mode, and F) shows the light emission of the slave strobe.
[0113]
In the figure, when a pre-flash instruction is given from the camera via the serial communication line, the master strobe generates a wireless optical communication signal shown in D) or E).
[0114]
The first byte is composed of a START pulse, a CH pulse, and data of 10 bits in total including D7 to D0. The START and CH intervals indicate a channel identification signal, and D7 to D0 of the following predetermined intervals are 1 byte data. The 1-byte data is a combination of light pulses of D7 to D0, such as the light emission mode (pre-light emission, main light emission, manual light emission, multi-light emission), flash or flat light emission mode, light emission time in flat light emission, etc. The information is compressed and configured. The contents of this command will be described later.
[0115]
From the second byte onward, a START pulse at a predetermined interval and D7 to D0 indicate 1-byte data, and indicate data such as the light emission amount according to the above-described light emission mode. The communication data length of the wireless optical communication signal is defined as a predetermined length according to the light emission mode. The pre-light emission communication shown in FIG. 6 has a length of 2 bytes. The reason for superimposing the channel identification signal only on the first byte and not assigning the second and subsequent bytes is to shorten the communication length.
[0116]
The master strobe MS drops the DO communication line to the low level during the wireless transmission, and returns to the high level when the transmission is completed.
[0117]
At time t2, the camera recognizes that the DO communication line has returned to high level, and at time t3 pulls down the CLK signal line to instruct the start of pre-emission.
[0118]
The master strobe MS detects that the CLK communication line has fallen and generates the light emission start light pulse shown in FIG. 11 (3) in the case of the control exclusive mode, and in FIG. 11 (4) in the case of the master light emission mode. It emits light with a predetermined luminous intensity for a predetermined time instructed from the camera shown.
[0119]
On the other hand, the slave strobe receives the first and second bytes of the wireless optical communication pulse from the master strobe MS and decodes information such as channel code, light emission mode, light emission time, light emission amount, etc. In synchronism, pre-emission with a predetermined amount of light and a predetermined emission time shown in FIG. 11 (5) is performed.
[0120]
Next, typical commands of the above-described wireless communication will be described using the communication table of FIG.
[0121]
FIG. 12 is a table showing typical communication modes of wireless communication in the present embodiment.
[0122]
The first byte is a command, which is displayed for each bit for detailed explanation. Further, D7 to D0 in the first byte correspond to D7 to D0 in FIG.
[0123]
The FS described in the D7 bit of the first byte is a bit indicating flash light emission and flat light emission, and is 0 for flash light emission and 1 for flat light emission. In addition, multi-emission is 0 because it is performed by flash emission.
[0124]
The D2 to D0 bits indicate the light emission time, and represent 8 different times by combining 3 bits of T2, T1, and T0. The flat pre-light emission indicates the pre-light emission time, and the main light emission indicates the shutter speed and the curtain speed. The light emission time of flat light emission in accordance with is shown.
[0125]
  Data from the 2nd byte to the 5th byte is data following each light emission command, and has a length corresponding to the command, light emission amount, frequency of multiple light emission, number of times of multiple light emissionetcIt is data of.
[0126]
In addition, F / C in the third to fifth bytes at the time of multi-emission is data indicating the frequency of multi-emission and the number of times of emission, and each byte is divided into 4 bits to express the frequency and the number of times of emission. Yes.
[0127]
Further, the data at the time of test light emission indicates the mode of test light emission, and the contents are shown in the test light emission mode table at the bottom of FIG.
[0128]
Next, the slave strobe information receiving operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0129]
[Step 01] When the slave strobe receives the wireless information signal from the master strobe by the photodiode 256 as the receiving means, the signal is amplified and filtered through the light receiving circuit 257, and only the signal having a fast rise such as an optical pulse is received. Is input to the PI terminal of the microcomputer 238 and enters the internal buffer.
[0130]
[Step 02] The first byte of data received is the first START pulse, CH. Since the pulse interval represents a channel, the interval is measured to identify the channel and analyze whether the remaining data D7 to D0 match the command of FIG.
[0131]
[Step 03] If the received first byte command does not match the command table of FIG. 7, the process branches to Step 13 as a command error.
[0132]
[Step 04] The remaining reception length to be received is set according to the received command.
[0133]
[Step 05] If the remaining data to be received is 0, the data reception process is terminated, and the process branches to Step 07.
[0134]
[Step 06] The remaining data is received.
[0135]
[Step 07] It is determined whether the received data is appropriate. If the received data is not appropriate, the process proceeds to Step 13 without proceeding to the light emission process.
[0136]
[Step 08] If the start of light emission of the master strobe is detected, the process proceeds to Step 10, and if not detected, the process branches to Step 09.
[0137]
[Step 09] If the start of light emission from the master strobe cannot be detected for a predetermined time, the process branches to step 13 as a timeout.
[0138]
[Step 10] If the channel identified in Step 02 does not match the channel of the slave strobe, the process proceeds to Step 13 without performing the light emission process.
[0139]
[Step 11] A light emission process is performed according to the received command and data.
[0140]
[Step 12] The liquid crystal display 240 displays the light emission state (light emission mode: flash light emission, flat light emission, light emission mode: automatic light adjustment, manual light emission, multi-light emission, light emission parameter: light emission amount, number of times of light emission, light emission frequency, etc.) To do. In the present embodiment, display or updating is not performed during test light emission.
[0141]
[Step 13] In the case of a command error, data error, etc., the light emission process is not performed, and after waiting for a predetermined time, the next data reception is awaited.
[0142]
Next, the light emission operation of the master strobe and the slave strobe at the time of test light emission will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
[0143]
In the figure, steps 101 to 107 show the operation of a master strobe which is a master transmission device (wireless control device), and steps 108 to 115 show the operation of a slave strobe. Here, the master strobe is a state in which the wireless selector switch 241 is set to MASTER, and the slave strobe is a state in which the wireless selector switch 241 is set to a slave.
[0144]
The following flowchart is a routine that is executed when the test light emission switch 140 of the camera or the test light emission switch 260 of the strobe is turned on. When the test light emission switch 140 of the camera is pressed, the serial connection between the camera and the strobe is performed. It communicates that the test flash switch has been pressed from the camera to the strobe through a known serial communication via the communication interfaces SCK, SDI, and SDO. On the other hand, if the test flash switch 260 on the strobe is pressed, the flash microcomputer 238 Is detected directly.
[0145]
[Step 101] When the test flash switch 140 of the camera or the test switch 260 of the master flash is pressed, different test flashes are emitted depending on the flash mode set by the master flash. Branches to step 102, and branches to step 101 when in the automatic light control mode. In the automatic light control mode, the main purpose of the test flash mode is to confirm the position of the slave strobe, and the main purpose is to check in advance the amount of light emitted by the main flash in manual and multi-flash modes. It can be.
[0146]
[Step 102] In the manual light emission mode and the multi light emission mode, preparations for transmitting the following light emission commands and data shown in FIG. 12 are made.
[0147]
1) Manual single lamp (ratio off) mode: Flash output set with command 8 and master flash
2) Manual 2-lamp mode: Group A flash emission and group B flash emission set with command 9 and master flash
3) Manual 3-lamp mode: Group A flash emission, group B flash emission and group C flash emission set with command 10 and master flash
1) Multi 1-light (ratio off) mode: The amount of light emission, the number of times of light emission, and the light emission frequency set by command 11 and master flash
2) Manual 2-lamp mode: Group A flash emission, group B flash emission, number of flashes, and emission frequency set with command 12 and master flash
3) Manual 3-lamp mode: Group A flash emission amount, group B flash emission amount, group C flash emission amount, number of flashes, and emission frequency set by command 13 and master flash
[Step 103] In the case of the automatic light control mode, if the master strobe setting is ratio off, the process branches to Step 104, A: B is Step 105, and A: B: C is Step 106.
[0148]
[Step 104] If the ratio is off, preparation is made to transmit the command 14 and data F0H shown in FIG.
[0149]
[Step 105] In the case of A: B, preparation is made for transmitting the command 14 and data F1H shown in FIG.
[0150]
[Step 106] In the case of A: B: C, preparation is made for transmitting the command 14 and data F2H shown in FIG.
[0151]
[Step 107] The master strobe transmits commands and data to the slave strobe in the same manner as described in FIG.
[0152]
[Step 108] When the slave strobe receives the command and data transmitted from the master strobe in step 107, if the received command is the test command 14 of the command, the slave strobe branches to step 111, and the commands 8 to 13 If it is a manual or multi-flash command, the process branches to step 109.
[0153]
  [Step 109]From master strobeSentTheStep 110 is skipped because test light emission is not performed if the incoming command, the light emission data of each group, and the match of the set group are checked, and if they do not match.
[0154]
That is, in the ratio-off mode where all strobes set to the same channel emit light under the same conditions, a test response is made regardless of the slave group setting, and the ratio-on mode (A: B or A: B: C ), If the slave group setting is incorrect, for example, if the slave strobe is set to group C in the two-flash mode A: B, the slave strobe will not respond to the test, so set it to the photographer. Can be recognized.
[0155]
[Step 110] If the light emission groups match, test light emission is performed using the instructed light emission mode and light emission data. For example, in the manual mode, test light emission is performed with the light emission amount set in the master mode.
[0156]
[Step 111] If the command received from the master strobe is the command 14, that is, the test flash in the automatic light control mode, the process branches to step 112 if the data is F0H, that is, in the ratio off mode, according to the data following the command 14. Otherwise, the process branches to step 113.
[0157]
[Step 112] In the ratio off mode, the group setting of the slave strobe does not matter, and the light is emitted under the same conditions. Therefore, the waiting time until the test response is set to the same predetermined value.
[0158]
  [Step 113] Sent in ratio on modeTheA check is made on the match between the incoming data and the set group, and if it does not match, the test light emission is not performed, and the subsequent light emission process is skipped.
[0159]
That is, when the slave strobe is set to group C in the two-light emission mode of A: B, the slave strobe does not perform a test response, so that the photographer can recognize a setting error.
[0160]
[Step 114] Wait for a test response for a predetermined time according to the set group.
[0161]
For example, a waiting time (0.3 second interval) is provided for a group A strobe of 0.3 seconds, a group B strobe of 0.6 seconds, and a group C strobe of 0.9 seconds.
[0162]
[Step 115] Test light emission is performed with a predetermined amount of light.
[0163]
Next, typical operations during test light emission will be described using the timing charts of FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0164]
Fig. 15 shows the state of the test flash when the ratio of automatic dimming is off (the flash intensity of the selected strobe is the same, so there is no need to check the difference in the flash intensity of each strobe. 16, the flashes of each group emit light at the same time. FIG. 16 shows the test light emission state in the automatic light control A: B: C mode (automatic light control. It is not necessary to emit light at the light intensity, and it is only necessary to be able to individually determine which strobe is selected.
[0165]
In each figure, A) is the state of the master flash test flash switch 260 or camera test flash switch 140, B) is the flash waveform of the master flash Xe tube, and C) is the slave set to group A. The light emission waveform of the strobe, D) is the light emission waveform of the slave strobe set to group B, and E) is the light emission waveform of the slave strobe set to group C.
[0166]
First, FIG. 15 will be described.
[0167]
[Timing t0] The test light emission switch is turned on.
[0168]
[Timing t1] The master strobe causes the Xe tube 19 to emit a pulse and transmits the command 14 of FIG. 12 (1).
[0169]
  [Timing t2] Since the ratio-off automatic dimming is performed, F0H shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted. (2)
  [Timing t3] The Xe tube 19 emits a pulse to emit a slave flash.InA light emission start timing signal (3) is transmitted.
[0170]
On the other hand, the slave strobe receives the command (1) and data (2), analyzes that it is the same test light emission, and counts a predetermined waiting time regardless of its own light emission group.
[0171]
[Timing t4] After the predetermined waiting time, each slave strobe performs a test light emission of a predetermined light emission amount at the same time regardless of the setting of the light emission group.
[0172]
Therefore, in the same emission mode when the ratio is off, light is emitted regardless of the group setting of the slave strobe, so that even if the photographer does not match the light emission group setting of the slave strobe, the light is emitted correctly.
[0173]
Next, FIG. 16 will be described.
[0174]
[Timing t0] The test light emission switch is turned on.
[0175]
[Timing t1] The master strobe causes the Xe tube 19 to emit a pulse and transmits the command 14 of FIG. 12 (1).
[0176]
[Timing t2] Since A: B: C automatic dimming, F2H shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted (2).
[0177]
  [Timing t3] The Xe tube 19 emits a pulse to emit a slave flash.InA light emission start timing signal (3) is transmitted.
[0178]
On the other hand, the slave strobe receives the command (1) and data (2), analyzes that it is automatic light control ABC, counts a predetermined waiting time according to its own light emission group, and generates a test light emission. wait.
[0179]
[Timing t4] After the end of the waiting time of group A, the slave strobe set in group A performs a test light emission with a predetermined light emission amount.
[0180]
[Timing t5] After the end of the waiting time for group B, the slave strobe set in group B performs a test light emission with a predetermined light emission amount.
[0181]
[Timing t6] After the end of the group C waiting time, the slave strobe set in the group C performs a test light emission with a predetermined light emission amount.
[0182]
  If the photographer wants to shoot three lamps of A: B: C, but sets the group setting of the slave strobe as A, C, C,Group B slave strobeBy not emitting light, you can recognize that the setting is wrong.
[0183]
  Also, especially after turning on the test switch, each slavestrobeCauses the wrong slave to fire with equal delaysStrobeSlave if setStroberesponse(Light emission)Since the rhythm of this is broken, it is possible to easily recognize which slave strobe is set incorrectly.
[0184]
  In the first embodiment, only in the automatic dimming mode, a time delay is given to the response of the slave strobe according to the set group.strobeIn the manual flash mode, light is emitted with the set flash conditions (flash level, flash frequency, flash count) without any time difference. Each slave uses a flash exposure meter to determine the exposure.strobeThis is because if the light is not emitted at the same time, metering cannot be performed with a strobe meter.Stroberesponse(Flash timing)You can change the In addition, the light emitted from the Xe tube of the master strobe was used as the strobe control information transmission means, but the infrared filter was attached in front of the Xe tube and transmitted by infrared light, or it was transmitted by a high-luminance LED or the like. It goes without saying that the same result can be obtained even if transmission is performed using ultrasonic waves or radio waves.
[0185]
As described above, the first embodiment has the following effects.
[0186]
  When multiple flash mode is selected in the test response of a slave flash before shooting in a multi-flash system that controls the flash of multiple slave flash units, the test flash will be activated according to the flash group of the slave flash unit. Arrange the strobe of each firing group by changing the form of the test response, such as changing the delay time.WhenThere is an effect that the response can be easily confirmed.
[0187]
  Also,MultipleFlash modeOut ofBy instructing the slave strobe with test light emission information corresponding to the set light emission mode, appropriate test light emission corresponding to the light emission mode can be performed.
[0188]
(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a response is confirmed by sound using a sound generator for a test response of a slave strobe.
[0189]
FIG. 17 is an electric circuit block diagram of the strobe in the second embodiment. The description of the same parts as in FIG. 3 is omitted.
[0190]
In the figure, reference numeral 261 denotes a sounding body such as a piezoelectric buzzer, which generates a sound having an applied frequency (pitch) when a driving voltage having a predetermined frequency is applied.
[0191]
The BZ output terminal of the microcomputer 238 is a drive output terminal of the sounding body 261 and outputs a drive signal having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined amplitude.
[0192]
Next, the light emission operation of the master flash and the slave flash at the time of test light emission will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
[0193]
The following flowchart is a routine that is executed when the test light emission switch 140 of the camera or the test light emission switch 260 of the strobe is turned on, as in the first embodiment, and when the test light emission switch 140 of the camera is pressed. Communicates that the test flash switch has been pressed from the camera to the strobe via the serial communication interfaces SCK, SDI, SDO between the camera and the strobe described above, while the test flash switch 260 on the strobe side. When is pressed, the flash microcomputer 238 detects directly.
[0194]
  [Step 201] When the test light emission switch 140 of the camera or the test switch 260 of the master strobe is pressed, depending on the state set by the master strobe, step 202 is set when the ratio is off, and step 203 is set when A: B. A: B: CCaseBranches to step 204.
[0195]
[Step 202] If the ratio is off, preparation is made to transmit the command 14 and data F0H shown in FIG.
[0196]
[Step 203] In the case of A: B, preparation is made for transmitting the command 14 and data F1H shown in FIG.
[0197]
[Step 204] In the case of A: B: C, preparation is made for transmitting the command 14 and data F2H shown in FIG.
[0198]
[Step 205] The master strobe transmits commands and data to the slave strobe in the same manner as described in FIG.
[0199]
[Step 206] When the slave strobe receives the command and data sent from the master strobe in step 205, the data branches to step 207 if the data is F0H, that is, in the ratio-off mode, according to the data following the received command 14. Otherwise, the process branches to step 208.
[0200]
[Step 207] In the ratio-off mode, the group setting of the slave strobe is irrelevant and light is emitted under the same conditions. Therefore, the waiting time until the test response is set to the same predetermined value.
[0201]
  [Step 208] In the ratio on mode (A: B or A: B: C),SentTheA check is made on the match between the incoming data and the set group, and if it does not match, the test light emission is not performed, and the subsequent light emission process is skipped.
[0202]
That is, when the slave strobe is set to group C in the two-flash mode of A: B, the slave strobe does not make a test response, so that the photographer can recognize the setting error.
[0203]
[Step 209] Wait for a test response for a predetermined time according to the set group.
[0204]
For example, a waiting time of 0.3 seconds is provided for the group A strobe, 0.6 seconds for the group B strobe, and 0.9 seconds (interval of 0.3 seconds) for the group C strobe.
[0205]
[Step 210] The sounding body 261 generates a sound at a predetermined frequency.
[0206]
Next, typical operations during test light emission will be described using the timing charts of FIGS. 19 and 20.
[0207]
FIG. 19 shows the state of the test response when the ratio is off, and FIG. 20 shows the state of the test response when in the A: B: C mode.
[0208]
In each figure, A) is the state of the master flash test flash switch 260 or the camera test flash switch 140, B is the master flash Xe tube emission waveform, and C) is the slave flash set to group A. D) is the sound waveform of the sound generator 261 of the slave strobe set to group B, and E) is the sound waveform of the sound generator 261 of the slave strobe set to group C. is there.
[0209]
First, FIG. 19 will be described.
[0210]
[Timing t0] The test light emission switch is turned on.
[0211]
[Timing t1] The master strobe causes the Xe tube 19 to emit a pulse and transmits the command 14 of FIG. 12 (1).
[0212]
[Timing t2] Since the ratio is off, F0H shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted (2).
[0213]
  [Timing t3] The Xe tube 19 emits a pulse to emit a slave flash.InA sounding start timing signal (3) is transmitted.
[0214]
On the other hand, the slave strobe receives the command (1) and data (2), analyzes that it is the same test response, counts a predetermined waiting time regardless of its own light emission group, and waits for the occurrence of the test response. .
[0215]
[Timing t4] After a predetermined waiting time, each slave strobe emits sound at a predetermined frequency at the same time.
[0216]
Next, FIG. 20 will be described.
[0217]
[Timing t0] The test light emission switch is turned on.
[0218]
[Timing t1] The master strobe causes the Xe tube 19 to emit a pulse and transmits the command 14 of FIG. 12 (1).
[0219]
  [Timing t2] Since A: B: C automatic dimming, F2H shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted. (2)
  [Timing t3] The Xe tube 19 emits a pulse to emit a slave flash.InA sounding start timing signal (3) is transmitted.
[0220]
On the other hand, the slave strobe receives the command (1) and the data (2), analyzes that it is automatic light control ABC, and counts a predetermined waiting time according to its own light emission group.
[0221]
[Timing t4] After the end of the waiting time of group A, the slave strobe set in group A generates sound at a predetermined frequency.
[0222]
[Timing t5] After the end of the waiting time for the group B, the slave strobe set for the group B generates sound at a predetermined frequency.
[0223]
[Timing t6] After the end of the group C waiting time, the slave strobe set in the group C generates sound at a predetermined frequency.
[0224]
  If the photographer wants to shoot three lamps of A: B: C, but sets the group setting of the slave strobe as A, C, C,Group B slave strobeBy not uttering, it can be recognized that the setting is wrong.
[0225]
  In addition, each slave strobe emits sound with an equal interval after turning on the test switch.StrobeSlave if setStroberesponse(pronunciation)Since the rhythm of this is broken, it is possible to easily recognize which slave strobe is set incorrectly.Also, the response of each slave strobe can be confirmed with sound even if the photographer is not gazing at the slave strobe.
[0226]
  Each slavestrobeIf the sound frequency (pitch) is different, each slavestrobeIt is possible to clearly determine the response.
[0227]
In the second embodiment, since the test response is performed by the sound of the sounding body, it cannot be said that metering is performed using a strobe meter during manual light emission as in the first embodiment. There is no distinction between the automatic light control mode, manual mode, and multi-flash mode, and a time delay is given to the response of the slave strobe in accordance with the set group.
[0228]
  In addition, the light emitted from the Xe tube of the master strobe was used as the strobe control information transmission means. However, an infrared filter was attached in front of the Xe tube and transmitted by infrared light, or it was transmitted by a high-luminance LED or the like. ,OrIt goes without saying that similar results can be obtained even if transmission is performed using ultrasonic waves or radio waves.
[0229]
In addition, it may be possible to select the case of responding with the test light emission described in the first embodiment with the same strobe and the response with the sound of the sounding body shown in the second embodiment.
[0230]
As described above, the second embodiment has the following effects.
[0231]
  When a multi-flash mode is selected in the slave flash test response before shooting in a multi-flash system that controls the flash of multiple slave flash units, a test response is made with sound according to the flash group of the slave flash unit. By changing the test response mode, such as changing the delay time until the interval is changedWhenThere is an effect that the response can be easily confirmed.
[0232]
(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, a slave strobe control signal is generated by using a strobe built in the camera to control a slave strobe installed at a position away from the camera.
[0233]
FIG. 21 shows a cross section of a camera in the third embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to members corresponding to those in FIG.
[0234]
In the figure, reference numerals 118 and 119 denote a Fresnel lens and a reflecting plate, respectively, which serve to condense light emission energy toward the subject efficiently. Reference numeral 120 denotes a xenon tube as a light emitting means.
[0235]
121 is a light control sensor for monitoring the reflected light of the film surface for performing TTL automatic light control of the built-in strobe light, and 122 is a lens for forming an image of the film surface on the light control sensor. 123 is a light receiving element for directly monitoring the light emission amount of the Xe tube 120.
[0236]
FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a circuit in the third embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to members corresponding to those in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 113 denotes a strobe light emission circuit for performing strobe light emission control. This circuit will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
[0237]
FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram illustrating the inside of the strobe light emission control circuit 113.
[0238]
In the figure, 121 is a light receiving sensor for receiving light reflected from the film surface by a strobe to perform TTL light control, 123 is a light receiving sensor for directly monitoring the light emission of the Xe tube 120, and 124 is a power source. A battery 125 is a known DC-DC converter, and boosts the battery voltage to several hundred volts.
[0239]
Reference numeral 126 denotes a main capacitor for accumulating light emission energy, and 127 and 128 denote resistors, which divide the voltage of the main capacitor 126 into a predetermined ratio. Reference numeral 129 denotes a first coil for limiting the light emission current, and reference numeral 130 denotes a first diode that absorbs a back electromotive voltage generated in the coil 129 when light emission is stopped.
[0240]
131 is a trigger generation circuit, 132 is a light emission control circuit such as an IGBT, and 133 is a data selector. D0, D1, and D2 are selected and output to Y by a combination of two inputs Y0 and Y1.
[0241]
134 is a comparator for adjusting the light emission amount of the Xe tube 120 at the time of wireless pulse light emission, 135 is a comparator for adjusting the light emission amount of the Xe tube 120 by a predetermined light emission amount at the time of TTL dimming control, 136 is to the light receiving sensor 123 A photometric circuit 137 for amplifying the flowing minute current and converting the photocurrent into a voltage, 137 is an integrating circuit for integrating the subject reflected light received by the light receiving sensor 121.
[0242]
Reference numeral 308 denotes a second coil for limiting the emission current, and reference numeral 309 denotes a diode for circulating back electromotive voltage generated in the coil 308 when emission is stopped.
[0243]
  Reference numeral 313 denotes a thyristor which is a switching element for bypassing the coil 308, and reference numeral 314 denotes a thyristor 313.TheA resistor 315 for causing a current to flow through the gate which is a control pole of the thyristor 313 for turning on, and a gate potential for preventing the thyristor 313 from being turned on when noise is applied to the gate of the thyristor 313. Stabilizing resistor 316 is a capacitor for rapidly turning on the thyristor 313, 317 is a noise absorbing capacitor for preventing the thyristor 313 from turning on when noise is applied to the gate of the thyristor 313, 318 Is a transistor for switching the gate current of the thyristor 313, 319 and 320 are resistors, 321 is a transistor for switching the transistor 318, and 322 and 323 are resistors.
[0244]
The circuit configuration of the camera built-in strobe is basically the same as the strobe described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0245]
Next, FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of photographing using the strobe system in the third embodiment, in which two slave strobes are controlled using the built-in strobe of the camera. In the third embodiment, the strobe built in the camera generates a wireless optical signal for controlling the slave strobe, and controls the slave strobe located at a position away from the camera body, as in the first embodiment. Information is transmitted and wireless slave shooting is possible.
[0246]
FIG. 25 shows a display example of the camera monitor LCD 42 in the wireless mode, which is an example in which the strobe control mode is displayed.
[0247]
A) is a display at the time of two-flash automatic flash photography, B) is a display at the time of two-flash manual light emission, and C) is a display at the time of two-flash multi-flash.
[0248]
In this figure, 141 is the shutter speed setting value, 142 is the aperture setting value, 143 is the number of film shots, 144 is the flash mode display, 145 is the wireless mode display, 146 is the high-speed sync display, 147 is the channel display, and 148 is the A : A display indicating the B light amount ratio setting mode, 149 is a display of the A: B light amount ratio, and 150 is a display indicating the A: B light amount ratio setting value.
[0249]
151 is the flash amount of the group A strobe in the flash manual flash mode, 152 is the flash amount of the group B strobe in the same manner, and in the flash multi flash mode is the flash amount per group multi flash in the flash multi-flash mode. , 152 are the light emission amounts of the group B strobes. Reference numeral 153 denotes the number of times of light emission in the strobe multi-light emission, and reference numeral 154 denotes a light emission frequency.
[0250]
As shown in FIG. 25, the camera body can basically operate in the same manner as the wireless master strobe shown in the first embodiment. Only group 2 slave strobes can be controlled.
[0251]
Next, the response of the camera and the slave strobe when the test light emission switch of the camera is pressed will be described with reference to the timing charts of FIGS.
[0252]
  FIG. 26 shows the state of the test flash at the time of automatic light control and ratio off.27Is automatic dimmingA: BThis is the state of test light emission in mode.
[0253]
In each figure, A) is the state of the test light emission switch 140 of the camera, B is the light emission waveform of the Xe tube of the camera, C) is the light emission waveform of the slave strobe set to group A, and D) is 7 is a light emission waveform of a slave strobe set in group B.
[0254]
First, FIG. 26 will be described.
[0255]
[Timing t0] The test light emission switch is turned on.
[0256]
[Timing t1] The camera causes the Xe tube 120 of the built-in strobe to emit pulses, and transmits the command 14 in FIG. 12 (1).
[0257]
[Timing t2] Since the ratio-off automatic dimming is performed, F0H shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted (2).
[0258]
  [Timing t3] The Xe tube 120 emits a pulse to emit a slave flash.InA light emission start timing signal (3) is transmitted.
[0259]
On the other hand, the slave strobe receives the command (1) and data (2), analyzes that it is the same test light emission, and counts a predetermined waiting time regardless of its own light emission group.
[0260]
[Timing t4] After a predetermined waiting time, each slave strobe simultaneously performs a test light emission with a predetermined light emission amount.
[0261]
Next, FIG. 27 will be described.
[0262]
[Timing t0] The test light emission switch 140 of the camera is turned on.
[0263]
  [Timing t1]Xe tube120 emits pulses and transmits the command 14 of FIG. 12 (1).
[0264]
[Timing t2] Since A: B automatic dimming, F1H shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted (2).
[0265]
  [Timing t3] The Xe tube 120 emits a pulse to emit a slave flash.InA light emission start timing signal (3) is transmitted.
[0266]
On the other hand, the slave strobe receives the command (1) and the data (2), analyzes that it is automatic light control AB, counts a predetermined waiting time according to its own light emission group, and generates a test light emission. wait.
[0267]
[Timing t4] After the end of the waiting time of group A, the slave strobe set in group A performs a test light emission with a predetermined light emission amount.
[0268]
[Timing t5] After the end of the waiting time for group B, the slave strobe set in group B performs a test light emission with a predetermined light emission amount.
[0269]
  Here, if the photographer is going to perform two-lamp shooting of A: B, but the group setting of the slave strobe is set to A, C, the groupBIf the strobe set to し な い does not fire, you can recognize that the setting is incorrect. Also, especially after turning on the test switch, each slavestrobeCauses the wrong slave to fire with equal delaysStrobeSlave if setStroberesponse(Light emission)Since the rhythm of this is broken, it is possible to easily recognize which slave strobe is set incorrectly.
[0270]
  In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the slave flash unit is used in the automatic light control mode.ResponseEach slave has a time delay and is not in the automatic dimming mode.strobeIf the light is emitted under the set light emission conditions (light emission amount, light emission frequency, number of times of light emission) without having a time difference, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0271]
Further, the slave strobe response may be pronounced as in the second embodiment. That is, it is needless to say that the same effect as in the first and second embodiments can be obtained simply by performing transmission with a flash built in the camera.
[0274]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention has the following effects.
[0275]
  When a multi-flash mode is selected in the test response of a slave flash before shooting in a multi-flash system that controls the flash of multiple slave flash units, the test flash will be activated according to the flash group of the slave flash unit. By changing the form of the test response, such as changing the delay time,SlaveStrobe placementWhenThere is an effect that the response can be easily confirmed.
[0276]
  Also,MultipleFlash modeOut ofBy instructing the slave strobe with test light emission information corresponding to the set light emission mode, appropriate test light emission corresponding to the light emission mode can be performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a strobe control camera system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an electric circuit block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the camera and lens of FIG.
FIG. 3 is an electric circuit block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the strobe of FIG.
FIG. 4 is an external view of a strobe according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a shooting example in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are examples of photographing in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are examples of photographing in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a display example of a strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an example of strobe display in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a display example of a strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a timing chart illustrating wireless communication according to the first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a wireless communication command according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the slave strobe of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is an electric circuit block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a strobe control circuit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe of the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe of the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is an electric circuit block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a camera and a lens according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is an electric circuit block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a camera built-in flash according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a photographing example in the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a display example of a camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
19, 120 Xenon tube
100 camera microcomputer
238 Strobe microcomputer
212 Light emission control circuit
256 photodiode
240 Liquid crystal display device

Claims (4)

In a strobe system having a master transmission device and a plurality of slave strobe devices grouped, and performing light emission control of the slave strobe device by control information transmitted from the master transmission device,
It said master transmission apparatus transmits the group information of said selected slave flash device, a light emitting mode, the control information including at least a test mode for the slave flash device,
The slave flash device, on the received control information, test mode, if it contains group information and automatic dimming mode belongs self, flash emission unit shifting the slave flash device and the light emitting timing of the other groups A strobe system having control means for emitting light. In a strobe system having a master transmission device and a plurality of slave strobe devices grouped, and performing light emission control of the slave strobe device by control information transmitted from the master transmission device,
It said master transmission apparatus transmits the group information of said selected slave flash device, a light emitting mode, the control information including at least a test mode for the slave flash device,
The slave flash device, on the received control information, test mode, if it contains self-genus group information and emission modes other than automatic light mode, at the same light emission timing and slave flash devices of other groups a strobe system, characterized in that it comprises a control means for emitting flash light emitting means by the emission intensity that is set. In a strobe system having a master transmission device and a plurality of slave strobe devices grouped, and performing light emission control of the slave strobe device by control information transmitted from the master transmission device,
It said master transmission apparatus transmits the group information of said selected slave flash device, a light emitting mode, the control information including at least a test mode for the slave flash device,
The slave strobe device has control means for causing a sounding body to sound at a predetermined timing when the received control information includes test mode and group information to which the slave strobe device belongs . In a strobe system having a master transmission device and a plurality of slave strobe devices grouped, and performing light emission control of the slave strobe device by control information transmitted from the master transmission device,
It said master transmission apparatus transmits the group information of said selected slave flash device, a light emitting mode, the control information including at least a test mode for the slave flash device,
The slave flash device, on the received control information, test mode, if it contains group information and automatic dimming mode belongs self, the sounding body by shifting the slave flash device and tone generation timing of the other groups A strobe system having control means for sound generation.

Images