JP4478675B2 - Strobe system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a strobe system that performs light emission control of a slave strobe device (reception side strobe device) arranged at a position spatially separated from a camera by a master transmission device (transmission side strobe device) including a camera, for example. is there.

  Various examples of conventional photographing systems using a wireless strobe device arranged at a position away from a camera are known.

  However, it is not disclosed that the strobe control information is wirelessly transmitted by radio wave or sound wave signals and the light emission start signal is wirelessly transmitted by light.

  The strobe system according to the first invention of the present application includes a transmission side illumination unit that emits illumination light, and a transmission unit that wirelessly transmits strobe control information for setting a light emission condition using a radio wave or sound wave signal. A transmission-side strobe device that wirelessly transmits a light emission start signal for causing the reception-side illumination means to start light emission using illumination light of the transmission-side illumination means, using a capacitor that stores energy for the illumination means to emit illumination light; Receiving side illumination according to the strobe control information based on the reception of strobe control information. A receiving side strobe device that performs a light emission preparation operation of the means and causes the receiving side illumination means to emit light based on reception of the light emission start signal. Characterized by comprising and.

  The second invention of the present application has receiving side illumination means, wirelessly receives strobe control information for setting a light emission condition by a radio wave or sound wave signal, and wirelessly transmits a light emission start signal for starting light emission. A receiving side strobe device is provided that performs a light emission preparation operation of the receiving side illumination unit according to the strobe control information based on reception of the strobe control information and causes the receiving side lighting unit to emit light based on the reception of the light emission start signal. A transmission-side strobe device used in a strobe system, comprising: a transmission-side illumination unit that emits illumination light; and a transmission unit that wirelessly transmits strobe control information using radio waves or sound wave signals. Using a capacitor that stores energy to emit light, a light emission start signal is sent to the receiving-side strobe device, and illumination of the transmitting-side illumination means Characterized by wireless transmission by.

  A third invention of the present application includes a transmission side illumination unit that emits illumination light, and a transmission unit that wirelessly transmits strobe control information for setting a light emission condition using a radio wave or sound wave signal. A strobe system including a transmission-side strobe device that wirelessly transmits a light emission start signal for causing a reception-side illumination unit to start light emission using illumination light of a transmission-side illumination unit, using a capacitor that stores energy for emitting light. A reception-side strobe device used, having a reception-side illumination means, wirelessly receiving strobe control information by a radio wave or sound wave signal, wirelessly receiving a light emission start signal by light, and based on reception of strobe control information The receiver side lighting unit performs the light emission preparation operation according to the flash control information, and is received based on the reception of the light emission start signal. Characterized in that emit illumination means.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  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.

  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 disposed on the planned imaging plane of the photographic lens 11, and reference numeral 4 denotes a finder optical path changing pentaprism. Reference numeral 5 denotes an eyepiece, and the photographer can observe the photographing screen by observing the focusing plate 3 from this window. 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.

  Reference numeral 25 denotes a sub-mirror that folds light rays from the subject downward and guides them toward the focus detection unit 26.

  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.

  Reference numeral 140 denotes a strobe test light emission start switch attached to the apron side of the camera.

  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 two-group lens, which is movable 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.

  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.

  Reference numeral 18 denotes an external strobe (flash device) which 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.

  Reference numerals 20 and 21 denote a reflector and a Fresnel lens, each of which has a function 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.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a light transmission means such as a glass fiber, which is led to a light receiving element 31 as a first light receiving means such as a photodiode for monitoring light emitted from the xenon tube 19. The light quantity is measured directly. Reference numeral 32 denotes a light receiving element such as a photodiode which is a second light receiving means for monitoring light emitted from the xenon tube 19. The flat light emission is controlled by limiting the light emission current of the xenon tube 19 by the output of the light receiving element 32. Reference numerals 20a and 20b are 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 the light receiving element 31.

  Next, FIG.2 and FIG.3 has shown the electric circuit block diagram of a present Example. The members corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  The camera microcomputer 100 performs focus adjustment of the lens by exchanging signals with the lens microcomputer 112 based on the focus detection information.

  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 a steady state in which strobe light is not pre-flashed toward the subject and a pre-flash state in which pre-flash is emitted. The camera microcomputer 100 performs A / D conversion on the luminance signal, and calculates the aperture value, the shutter speed for adjusting the exposure for shooting, and the flash emission amount at the time of exposure.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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 the exposure operation. SWFELK is a switch that performs pre-flash independently, and TEST is a switch that activates the test flash of the strobe from the camera side. Signals from switches SW 1, SW 2, SWFELK and other operation members of the camera (not shown) are detected by the switch sense circuit 110 and sent to the camera microcomputer 100.

  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.

  Next, the flash and lens interface terminals of the camera microcomputer 100 will be described.

  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, and SDI is a data input terminal for serial communication with the strobe. SCHG is an input terminal for detecting whether the flash can emit light, 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 lens. This is a data input terminal for serial communication.

  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 has a focus drive motor 16 in the lens and a power supply contact L0 for the aperture drive motor 17 and a power supply contact L1 for the lens microcomputer 112 as lens control means. Further, it has a clock contact L2 for performing known serial data communication, a data transmission contact L3 from the camera to the lens, and a data transmission contact L4 from the lens to the camera. Furthermore, L5 which is a motor ground contact for the motor power supply and L6 which is a ground contact for the lens microcomputer 112 power supply are provided.

  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.

  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.

  Reference numeral 206 denotes a first coil for limiting the light emission current, and reference numeral 207 denotes a first diode for absorbing a counter electromotive voltage generated when light emission is stopped. Reference numeral 208 denotes a second coil for limiting the light emission current, and reference numeral 209 denotes a second diode for absorbing a counter electromotive voltage generated in the coil 8 when light emission is stopped.

  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, and 212 a light emission control circuit such as an IGBT. A thyristor 213 is a switching element for bypassing the coil 208. When a short light pulse is generated from the Xe tube 19 when performing wireless communication using the Xe tube 19 and when stopping control is improved when light emission is stopped during flash emission, current is not supplied to the coil 208. The light emission current is bypassed by the thyristor 213.

  Reference numeral 214 denotes a resistor for causing a current to flow to the gate which is the control pole of the thyristor 213 in order to turn on the thyristor 213. Reference numeral 215 denotes a gate potential stabilization resistor for preventing the thyristor 213 from being turned on when noise is applied to the gate of the thyristor 213. Reference numeral 216 denotes a capacitor for rapidly turning on the thyristor 213, and reference numeral 217 denotes a noise absorbing capacitor for preventing the thyristor 213 from being turned on when noise is applied to the gate of the thyristor 213. Reference numeral 218 denotes a transistor for switching the gate current of the thyristor 213.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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. .

  Reference numeral 241 denotes a wireless selector switch for setting the wireless operation state of the strobe. Reference numeral 242 denotes a power switch for controlling power on / off of the strobe. Reference numeral 243 denotes an LED for indicating completion of charging of the strobe. A dimming display LED 244 indicates that the strobe has been photographed with an appropriate amount of light, 245 is a known motor control circuit, and 246 indicates the Xe tube 19 and the reflective shade 20 according to the focal length of the lens mounted on the camera body. It is a motor for moving and setting the irradiation angle.

  Reference numeral 247 denotes a backlight lighting switch by an EL or LED (not shown) for illuminating the liquid crystal 240, and reference numeral 248 denotes a mode switch for selecting a flash emission mode. Reference numeral 249 denotes a switch for selecting a parameter associated with the light emission mode (for example, light emission amount in manual light emission), 250 is an up switch for increasing the parameter setting value, and 251 is a down switch for decreasing the parameter. It is. 252 is a zoom switch for manually setting the light emission angle, 253, 254, 255 are encoders that indicate the position of the light emission angle, and 256 is a photodiode that is a means for receiving control information from the camera side. A light receiving circuit 257 amplifies the photocurrent flowing through the photodiode 256 and converts it into a voltage, and 260 is a test light emission switch.

  Next, each terminal of the microcomputer 238 will be described.

  CNT is a control output terminal that controls charging of the DC / DC converter 2, LCDS is a wiring group for displaying and lighting the liquid crystal 240, and COM 1 is a control output terminal corresponding to the ground potential of the switch 241. NORM is an input terminal that is selected when the operating state of the strobe is in the normal shooting state (not in the wireless mode).

  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 controls the operation of the wireless slave strobe. SLAVE is selected when the strobe is operating in wireless slave mode, that is, at a position distant from the camera, receiving a light emission control light signal from the master strobe by the light receiving element 256, and controlling the light emission of the strobe. Input terminal.

  Next, COM2 is a control output terminal corresponding to the ground potential of the switch 242, and OFF is an input terminal selected when the strobe is powered off. ON is an input terminal that is selected when the strobe is turned on, and SE is an input terminal that is selected when the strobe is turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  CLK is a synchronous clock input terminal for serial communication with the camera, and DO is a serial data output terminal for transferring serial data from the strobe to the camera in synchronization with the synchronous clock. DI is a serial data input terminal for transferring serial data from the camera to the strobe in synchronization with the synchronization clock, X is an input terminal for the X contact of the camera, and PI is an input terminal for a wireless optical signal as input information.

  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, and TEST is an input terminal of the test light emission switch 260. ZOOM0, ZOOM1, and ZOOM2 are input terminals for inputting signals from the encoders 253, 254, and 255 indicating the zoom position, COM0 is a control output terminal corresponding to the ground potential of the zoom encoder, etc., and ZOOM is the zoom position setting switch 252. Input terminal. DOWN is an input terminal of the light emission parameter decrease switch 251, UP is an input terminal of the light emission parameter increase switch 250, SEL / SET is an input terminal of the data selection switch 249, and MODE is the light emission mode selection switch 248. Input terminal. LIGHT is an input terminal of the illumination switch 247, YIN is an input terminal for detecting the output state of the data selector 230, and INT is an integration control output terminal of the photometric integration circuit 236. AD0 is an A / D conversion input terminal for reading an integration voltage indicating the light emission amount of the photometric integration circuit 236, and DA0 is a digital to analog output terminal (D / A) for outputting the comparator 231 and 232 comparator voltages. Output terminal).

  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.

  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.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of wireless photographing using a master strobe (transmitting side strobe device) MS and one slave strobe (receiving side strobe device) SS.

  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.

  The light emission control light of the master strobe MS is reflected by the subject and received from the light receiving window 258 to control the 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).

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, when the master strobe MS is set to the master flash mode, both the master strobe MS and the slave strobe emit light. Here, the light quantity ratio control is not performed between the master strobe and the slave strobe, and light is emitted with the same amount of light emission (ratio off mode).

  FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of wireless shooting using the master flash MS set in the master flash mode and the slave flash SSB set in the group B. 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.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of wireless shooting 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 strobes of group A and the strobe of group B by setting the master strobe MS.

  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.

  The master strobe MS can control the slave strobes SSB and SSC and can emit light at an arbitrary light quantity ratio between the master strobe and the slave strobes SSB and SSC.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of wireless photographing using the master strobe MS set in the control-only mode and the three slave strobes SSA, SSB, and SSC.

  The three slave strobes are set to group A, group B, and group C, respectively, and light is emitted at an arbitrary light intensity ratio between the strobes of group A, the strobe of group B, and the strobe of group C according to the master strobe MS setting. Things are possible. Next, a display example of the liquid crystal display 240 arranged on the back of the strobe will be described.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  In the figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a flash light emission mode display. In the case of a master flash (first row, second row), an automatic light control mode (ETTL) and a manual light emission mode (M) according to the light emission mode. Any one of the multi-flash modes (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.

  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.

  303 is a zoom display indicating the set zoom position, and 304 and 305 are icons for displaying the wireless mode. In the master mode (first column and second column), the display of 304 is directed outward and the slave In the mode (third column), the display of 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.

  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.

  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.

  Reference numeral 308 denotes a display of the set manual light emission amount in the manual light emission mode, and displays the light emission amount per one emission of the multi light emission in the multi light emission mode. In the master mode (first and second columns), the value set by the master flash is displayed. In the slave mode (third column), the value instructed by the master flash is displayed. .

  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.

  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.

  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.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes a display indicating the light quantity ratio mode, which indicates that two groups of the group A strobe and the group B strobe can be controlled.

  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 in half steps from 8: 1 to 1: 8. Can be set continuously. The set light amount ratio can be visually recognized by the mark lighting position 322.

  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 represented by blinking of either A or B in the light amount ratio mode display 320.

  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).

  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.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes a display indicating that the mode is the light amount ratio mode, which indicates that the three groups of the group A strobe, the group B strobe, and the group C strobe can be controlled.

  Reference numeral 323 denotes a dimming level display of the group C strobe during the automatic dimming operation. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the group C strobe is used for background illumination, so that the group A strobe and the group B strobe are independent of each other. The correction amount for the appropriate dimming level for group C alone can be set and displayed.

  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.

  Also, in the liquid crystal display examples of FIGS. 8 to 10, the setting of the light emission modes of the automatic light control mode, the manual light emission mode, and the multi light emission mode is selected by pressing the MODE button 248 of FIG. Set the number of slave controls (RATIO OFF, A: B, A: B: C), manual flash output, multi-flash count, multi-flash frequency, A: B light ratio, C light control The level, control channel, master flash mode and control-only mode, and flash group settings for the slave strobe are all selected by pressing the SEL button 249 in FIG. 4 to select an item to be set, and the + button in FIG. 250, set with the-button 251.

  The normal mode, wireless master mode, and wireless slave mode can be selected by switching the switch 241 in FIG.

<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.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a wireless light control signal generated by the master strobe MS when the slave strobe is pre-flashed.

  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.

  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. Show. E) shows the emission signal when the master strobe is in the master emission mode, and F) shows the emission of the slave strobe.

  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).

  The first byte is composed of a START pulse, a CH pulse, and data of a total of 10 bits from D7 to D0. The START and CH intervals indicate channel identification signals, and the subsequent predetermined intervals D7 to D0 indicate 1-byte data. The 1-byte data is a combination of light pulses from D7 to D0 and compresses information such as the light emission mode (pre-light emission, main light emission, manual light emission, multi-light emission), flash or flat light emission mode, and light emission time during flat light emission. Is configured. The contents of this command will be described later.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  On the other hand, the slave strobe receives the first byte and the second byte of the wireless optical communication pulse from the master strobe MS, and decodes information such as a channel code, a light emission mode, a light emission time, and a light emission amount. Then, in synchronization with the light emission of the master strobe described above, pre-light emission for a predetermined light amount and a predetermined light emission time shown in FIG.

  Next, typical commands of the above-described wireless communication will be described using the communication table of FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a table showing typical communication modes of wireless communication in this embodiment.

  The first byte is a command, and is displayed for each 1 bit for detailed explanation. Further, D7 to D0 in the first byte correspond to D7 to D0 in FIG.

  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.

  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.

  The second to fifth bytes are data following each light emission command, and have data corresponding to the command, such as light emission amount, multi-light emission frequency, and multi-light emission frequency.

  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.

  The data at the time of test light emission indicates the mode of test light emission, and the content is shown in the test light emission mode table at the bottom of FIG.

  Next, the slave strobe information receiving operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  [Step 01] When the slave strobe receives the wireless information signal from the master strobe at the photodiode 256 as the receiving means, the signal is amplified and filtered through the light receiving circuit 257. Then, only an early rising signal such as an optical pulse is input to the PI terminal of the microcomputer 238 and enters an internal buffer.

  [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.

  [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.

  [Step 04] The remaining reception length to be received is set according to the received command.

  [Step 05] If the remaining data to be received is 0, the data reception process is terminated, and the process branches to Step 07.

  [Step 06] The remaining data is received.

  [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.

  [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.

  [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.

  [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.

  [Step 11] A light emission process is performed according to the received command and data.

  [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 this embodiment, display or updating is not performed during test light emission.

  [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.

  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.

  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.

  The following flowchart is a routine 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 flash switch 140 of the camera is pressed, it is confirmed that the test flash switch has been pressed from the camera to the strobe by the well-known serial communication via the serial communication interface SCK, SDI, SDO between the camera and the strobe. connect. On the other hand, when the test light emission switch 260 on the strobe side is pressed, the strobe microcomputer 238 detects directly.

  [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 check the position of the slave strobe, and the main purpose is to check in advance the flash output level of the main flash in manual and multi-flash modes. It can be.

  [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.

1) Manual 1-lamp (ratio off) mode: Flash intensity set by command 8 and master flash 2) Manual 2-lamp mode: Group A flash output and group B flash output set by command 9 and master flash 3) Manual 3-lamp mode: Group A, Group B, Group B and Group C strobes set with command 10 and master strobe 1) Multi 1-lamp (ratio off) mode: Command 11 and master Flash amount, number of flashes, and flash frequency set with the strobe 2) Manual 2-lamp mode: Group A strobe flash amount set with command 12 and master flash, Group B strobe flash amount, flash count, flash frequency 3) Manual 3-lamp mode: Command 13 and master strobe Set Group A, Group B strobe, Group C strobe, number of flashes, and emission frequency [Step 103] If the master strobe is set to ratio-off in auto flash mode, In the case of step 104, A: B, the process branches to step 105, and in the case of A: B: C, the process branches to step 106.

  [Step 104] If the ratio is off, preparation is made to transmit the command 14 and data F0H shown in FIG.

  [Step 105] In the case of A: B, preparation is made for transmitting the command 14 and data F1H shown in FIG.

  [Step 106] In the case of A: B: C, preparation is made for transmitting the command 14 and data F2H shown in FIG.

  [Step 107] The master strobe transmits commands and data to the slave strobe in the same manner as described in FIG.

  [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. Further, in the case of a command 8 to 13 manual or multi-flash command, the process branches to step 109.

  [Step 109] The command sent, the light emission data of each group, and the match of the set group are checked. If they do not match, the test light emission is not performed, so step 110 is skipped.

  That is, in the ratio-off mode in which all strobes set to the same channel emit light under the same conditions, a test response is performed regardless of the slave group setting. If the slave group setting is incorrect in the ratio on mode (A: B or A: B: C), for example, if the slave strobe is set to group C in the two-flash mode A: B, the slave strobe will be tested. Do not respond. For this reason, it is possible to make the photographer recognize a setting error.

  [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.

  [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. To do. Otherwise, the process branches to step 113.

  [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.

  [Step 113] In the ratio-on mode, the match between the sent data and the set group is checked. If they do not match, the test light emission is not performed, and the subsequent light emission process is skipped.

  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.

  [Step 114] Wait for a test response for a predetermined time according to the set group.

  For example, the group A strobe is 0.3 seconds, the group B strobe is 0.6 seconds, and the group C strobe is 0.9 seconds.

  [Step 115] Test light emission is performed with a predetermined amount of light.

  Next, typical operations during test light emission will be described using the timing charts of FIGS. 15 and 16.

  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. Therefore, the strobes of each group emit light at the same time. FIG. 16 shows the state of the test flash in automatic light control A: B: C mode (because of automatic light control, each strobe does not need to emit light at the main light emission intensity, and which strobe is selected individually. The light is emitted in chronological order.

  In each figure, A) shows the state of the test flash switch 260 of the master strobe or the test flash switch 140 of the camera, and B) shows the light emission waveform of the Xe tube of the master strobe. C) is a light emission waveform of a slave strobe set to group A, D) is a light emission waveform of a slave strobe set to group B, and E) is a light emission waveform of a slave strobe set to group C. .

  First, FIG. 15 will be described.

  [Timing t0] The test light emission switch is turned on.

  [Timing t1] The master strobe causes the Xe tube 19 to emit a pulse and transmits the command 14 of FIG. 12 (1).

  [Timing t2] Since the ratio-off automatic dimming is performed, F0H shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted (2).

  [Timing t3] The Xe tube 19 is caused to emit pulses, and a light emission start timing signal (3) is transmitted to the slave strobe.

  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.

  [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.

  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.

  Next, FIG. 16 will be described.

  [Timing t0] The test light emission switch is turned on.

  [Timing t1] The master strobe causes the Xe tube 19 to emit a pulse and transmits the command 14 of FIG. 12 (1).

  [Timing t2] Since A: B: C automatic dimming, F2H shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted (2).

  [Timing t3] The Xe tube 19 is caused to emit pulses, and a light emission start timing signal (3) is transmitted to the slave strobe.

  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.

  [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.

  [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.

  [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.

  If the photographer wants to shoot A: B: C, but the slave flash group is set to A, C, or C, the middle B does not emit light. , Can recognize that the setting is wrong.

  In addition, since each slave strobe emits light with an equal interval delay after the test switch is turned on, the slave response rhythm will be disrupted if the slave setting is incorrect, so it is easy to set which slave strobe. It becomes possible to recognize whether the mistake is made.

  In the first embodiment, only in the automatic dimming mode, the slave strobe response has a time delay according to the setting group, and in other than the automatic dimming mode, each slave has no time difference and is set. The light is emitted under the light emission conditions (light emission amount, light emission frequency, number of times of light emission). This is especially the case in manual flash mode, where the exposure is often determined by a known flash exposure meter placed near the subject using a test flash, so if each slave flash does not fire simultaneously, This is due to the fact that metering is not possible. However, as long as it is only for confirming the response, the slave response may be changed by the delay time or the like as in the automatic light control mode. Further, although the light emission by the Xe tube of the master strobe is used as the strobe control information transmitting means, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the same result can be obtained even if an infrared filter is attached in front of the Xe tube and transmitted by infrared rays, or transmitted by a high-intensity LED, or transmitted using ultrasonic waves or radio waves. Needless to say.

  As described above, the first embodiment has the following effects.

  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. Change the form of the test response, such as changing the delay time. Thereby, there is an effect that the arrangement and response of the strobe of each light emitting group can be easily confirmed.

  In addition, the wireless flash control device has a plurality of light emission modes, and by instructing the slave flash with test light emission information corresponding to the set light emission modes, it is possible to perform appropriate test light emission according to the light emission mode.

  The second embodiment is an example in which a sound generator is used for the test response of the slave strobe and the response is confirmed by sound.

  FIG. 17 is an electric circuit block diagram of a strobe in the second embodiment. The description of the same parts as in FIG. 3 is omitted.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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. When the test flash switch 140 of the camera is pressed, it is confirmed that the test flash switch has been pressed from the camera to the strobe by the well-known serial communication via the serial communication interface SCK, SDI, SDO between the camera and the strobe. connect. On the other hand, when the test light emission switch 260 on the strobe side is pressed, the strobe microcomputer 238 detects directly.

  [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. If A: B: C, the process branches to step 204.

  [Step 202] If the ratio is off, preparation is made to transmit the command 14 and data F0H shown in FIG.

  [Step 203] In the case of A: B, preparation is made for transmitting the command 14 and data F1H shown in FIG.

  [Step 204] In the case of A: B: C, preparation is made for transmitting the command 14 and data F2H shown in FIG.

  [Step 205] The master strobe transmits commands and data to the slave strobe in the same manner as described in FIG.

  [Step 206] When the slave strobe receives the command and data transmitted 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.

  [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.

  [Step 208] In the ratio-on mode (A: B or A: B: C), the sent data and the set group are checked for matches, and if they do not match, the test flash is not performed. The subsequent light emission processing is skipped.

  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.

  [Step 209] Wait for a test response for a predetermined time according to the set group.

  For example, the group A strobe is 0.3 seconds, the group B strobe is 0.6 seconds, and the group C strobe is 0.9 seconds (0.3 second interval).

  [Step 210] The sounding body 261 generates a sound at a predetermined frequency.

  Next, typical operations during test light emission will be described using the timing charts of FIGS. 19 and 20.

  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.

  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. Is a sound waveform of the sound generator 261. D) is a sound waveform of the sound generator 261 of the slave strobe set to the group B, and E) is a sound waveform of the sound generator 261 of the slave strobe set to the group C.

  First, FIG. 19 will be described.

  [Timing t0] The test light emission switch is turned on.

  [Timing t1] The master strobe causes the Xe tube 19 to emit a pulse and transmits the command 14 of FIG. 12 (1).

  [Timing t2] Since the ratio is off, F0H shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted (2).

  [Timing t3] The Xe tube 19 is caused to emit pulses, and a sound generation start timing signal (3) is transmitted to the slave strobe.

  On the other hand, the slave strobe receives the command (1) and the 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. .

  [Timing t4] After a predetermined waiting time, each slave strobe emits sound at a predetermined frequency at the same time.

  Next, FIG. 20 will be described.

  [Timing t0] The test light emission switch is turned on.

  [Timing t1] The master strobe causes the Xe tube 19 to emit a pulse and transmits the command 14 of FIG. 12 (1).

  [Timing t2] Since A: B: C automatic dimming, F2H shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted (2).

  [Timing t3] The Xe tube 19 is caused to emit pulses, and a sound generation start timing signal (3) is transmitted to the slave strobe.

  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.

  [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.

  [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.

  [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.

  If the photographer wants to shoot three lamps of A: B: C, but the group setting of the slave strobe is set to A, C, C, the middle B does not sound , Can recognize that the setting is wrong.

  In particular, each slave strobe emits sound with an equal delay after the test switch is turned on, so that the slave response rhythm is disrupted when the slave is set incorrectly. As a result, it is possible to easily recognize which slave strobe setting is wrong.

  Also, if the sound frequency (pitch) of each slave strobe is made different, the response of each slave strobe can be further clearly determined.

  In Example 2, since the test response is performed by the sound of the sounding body, it cannot be said that photometry using a strobe meter is performed during manual light emission as in Example 1. For this reason, there is no distinction between the automatic light control mode, manual and multi-flash modes, and a time delay is given to the response of the slave strobe in accordance with the set group.

  Further, although the light emission by the Xe tube of the master strobe is used as the strobe control information transmitting means, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the same result can be obtained even if an infrared filter is attached in front of the Xe tube and transmitted by infrared rays, or transmitted by a high-intensity LED, or transmitted using ultrasonic waves or radio waves. Needless to say.

  In addition, 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 described in the second embodiment may be selected.

  As described above, the second embodiment has the following effects.

  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. Change the form of the test response, such as changing the delay time until it is changed or changing its pitch. Thereby, there is an effect that the arrangement and response of the strobe of each light emitting group can be easily confirmed.

  In the third embodiment, a slave strobe control signal is generated using a strobe built in the camera to control a slave strobe installed at a position away from the camera.

  FIG. 21 shows a cross section of the camera in the third embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to members corresponding to those in FIG.

  In the figure, reference numerals 118 and 119 denote a Fresnel lens and a reflector, respectively, which have a function of efficiently condensing light emission energy toward a subject. Reference numeral 120 denotes a xenon tube as a light emitting means.

  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.

  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.

  FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram illustrating the inside of the strobe light emission control circuit 113.

  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. It is a battery. 125 is a known DC-DC converter, which boosts the battery voltage to several hundred volts.

  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.

  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.

  Reference numeral 134 denotes a comparator for adjusting the light emission amount of the Xe tube 120 at the time of wireless pulse light emission, and 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 light control. Reference numeral 136 denotes a photometric circuit that amplifies a minute current flowing through the light receiving sensor 123 and converts the photocurrent into a voltage. Reference numeral 137 denotes an integrating circuit for integrating subject reflected light received by the light receiving sensor 121.

  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.

  Reference numeral 313 denotes a thyristor which is a switching element for bypassing the coil 308, and reference numeral 314 denotes a resistor for causing a current to flow to a gate which is a control pole of the thyristor 313 in order to turn on the thyristor 313. Reference numeral 315 denotes a gate potential stabilization resistor for preventing the thyristor 313 from being turned on when noise is applied to the gate of the thyristor 313. Reference numeral 316 denotes a capacitor for rapidly turning on the thyristor 313. Reference numeral 317 denotes a noise absorbing capacitor for preventing the thyristor 313 from being turned on when noise is applied to the gate of the thyristor 313, and 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.

  The circuit configuration of the camera built-in strobe is basically the same as that of the strobe described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating 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 as in the first embodiment, and transmits control information to the slave strobe located at a position away from the camera body. Wireless slave shooting is possible.

  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.

  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.

  In the figure, 141 is a shutter speed setting value, 142 is an aperture setting value, 143 is a film shooting number display, 144 is a light emission mode display, 145 is a wireless mode display, 146 is a high-speed sync display, and 147 is a channel display. Reference numeral 148 denotes a display indicating the A: B light quantity ratio setting mode, reference numeral 149 denotes an A: B light quantity ratio display, and reference numeral 150 denotes an A: B light quantity ratio setting value.

  151 is the flash amount of the group A strobe in the strobe manual flash mode, 152 is the flash amount of the group B strobe in the same manner, and in the strobe multi flash mode, the flash per group multi-flash is emitted. Amount. Similarly, 152 is the light emission amount of the strobe of group B. 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.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the camera body can basically perform the same operation as the wireless master strobe shown in the first embodiment. However, for the convenience of the display member, only two groups of slave strobes, group A and group B, can be controlled from the camera body.

  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.

  FIG. 26 shows the state of test light emission during automatic light control and ratio off, and FIG. 27 shows the state of test light emission during automatic light control A: B mode.

  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.

  First, FIG. 26 will be described.

  [Timing t0] The test light emission switch is turned on.

  [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).

  [Timing t2] Since the ratio-off automatic dimming is performed, F0H shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted (2).

  [Timing t3] The Xe tube 120 is caused to emit pulses, and a light emission start timing signal (3) is transmitted to the slave strobe.

  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.

  [Timing t4] After a predetermined waiting time, each slave strobe simultaneously performs a test light emission with a predetermined light emission amount.

  Next, FIG. 27 will be described.

  [Timing t0] The test light emission switch 140 of the camera is turned on.

  [Timing t1] The Xe tube 120 is caused to emit pulses and the command 14 shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted (1).

  [Timing t2] Since A: B automatic dimming, F1H shown in FIG. 12 is transmitted (2).

  [Timing t3] The Xe tube 120 is caused to emit pulses, and a light emission start timing signal (3) is transmitted to the slave strobe.

  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.

  [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.

  [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.

  If the photographer wants to take a two-lamp shot of A: B, but the slave flash group setting is set to A or C, the flash set in group B will not fire, causing a setting error. You can recognize that you are doing. In addition, since each slave strobe emits light with an equal interval delay after the test switch is turned on, the slave response rhythm is disrupted if the slave is set incorrectly, so it is easy to set which slave strobe. It becomes possible to recognize whether the mistake is made.

  In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a time delay is given to the response of the slave strobe in the automatic dimming mode, and there is no time difference between the slaves in a mode other than the automatic dimming mode. If light is emitted under the light emission conditions (light emission amount, light emission frequency, number of times of light emission), the same effect as in Example 1 can be obtained.

  Also, 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 only by performing transmission with a flash built in the camera.

(Correspondence between Invention and Embodiment)
In the above embodiment, the command and data shown in FIG. 12 correspond to the strobe control information of the present invention.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a strobe control camera system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Electrical circuit block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the camera and lens of FIG. Electrical circuit block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the strobe of FIG. 1 is an external view of a strobe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Photographing example in the first embodiment of the present invention (A), (b) is a photographing example in the first embodiment of the present invention. (A), (b) is a photographing example in the first embodiment of the present invention. Display example of strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention Display example of strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention Display example of strobe in the first embodiment of the present invention Timing chart illustrating wireless communication according to the first embodiment of the present invention The figure explaining the wireless communication command in 1st Embodiment of this invention The flowchart explaining operation | movement of the slave strobe of 1st Embodiment of this invention. Flowchart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe of the first embodiment of the present invention. Timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe of the first embodiment of the present invention Timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe of the first embodiment of the present invention Electrical circuit block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the strobe control circuit of the second embodiment of the present invention The flowchart explaining operation | movement of the camera and strobe of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the second embodiment of the present invention Timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe of the second embodiment of the present invention Cross-sectional view of a camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention The electric circuit block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of the camera and lens of 3rd Embodiment of this invention Electrical circuit block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the camera built-in strobe of the third embodiment of the present invention Photographing example in the third embodiment of the present invention Display example of camera in the third embodiment of the present invention Timing chart for explaining the operation of the camera and strobe in the third embodiment of the present invention 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 (3)

Energy for transmitting the illumination light by the transmission side illumination means, and a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting the strobe control information for setting the light emission condition by radio wave or sound wave signal. A transmission-side strobe device that wirelessly transmits a light emission start signal for causing the reception-side illumination means to start light emission using the illumination light of the transmission-side illumination means, using a capacitor that stores
The receiving side illumination means includes the strobe control information wirelessly received by a radio wave or sound wave signal, and the light emission start signal is wirelessly received by light. Based on the reception of the strobe control information, the strobe control information is converted into the strobe control information. A strobe system comprising: a reception side strobe device that performs a light emission preparation operation of the reception side illumination unit according to the received light emission start signal and causes the reception side illumination unit to emit light based on reception of the light emission start signal. The strobe control information for receiving the strobe control information for setting the light emission condition is received wirelessly by a radio wave or sound wave signal, and the light emission start signal for starting the light emission is wirelessly received by light. A strobe system including a receiving-side strobe device that performs a light emission preparation operation of the receiving-side illumination unit according to the strobe control information based on reception of light and causes the receiving-side illumination unit to emit light based on reception of the light emission start signal Transmission side strobe device used for
A transmitting side illumination means for emitting illumination light;
Transmission means for wirelessly transmitting the strobe control information by radio wave or sound wave signals,
A transmission characterized in that the light emission start signal is wirelessly transmitted to the reception side strobe device by the illumination light of the transmission side illumination unit using a capacitor storing energy for the transmission side illumination unit to emit illumination light. Side strobe device. Energy for transmitting the illumination light by the transmission side illumination means, and a transmission means for wirelessly transmitting the strobe control information for setting the light emission condition by radio wave or sound wave signal. Receiving-side strobe used in a strobe system including a transmitting-side strobe device that wirelessly transmits a light emission start signal for causing the receiving-side illuminating means to start light emission using illumination light of the transmitting-side illuminating means A device,
Having the receiving side illumination means;
The strobe control information is wirelessly received by radio wave or sound wave signal, and the light emission start signal is wirelessly received by light,
The reception side illumination means performs a light emission preparation operation according to the strobe control information based on the reception of the strobe control information, and the reception side illumination means emits light based on the reception of the light emission start signal. Receiver strobe device.

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