JP5344606B2 - IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGING DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND CONTROL PROGRAM - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus with which photographing reflected with the intention of a photographer can be performed even if any abnormality occurs in communication with an external strobe device. <P>SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus comprises: a communication means for communicating on light emission timing information with an external strobe device (step S402); a determination means for determining whether or not the light emission timing information is normally communicated by the communication means (step S405); and a control means for controlling so as to communicate the light emission timing information with the external strobe device again (step S406) if the determination means determines that the light emission timing information is not normally communicated (step S405:No), and controlling so as to perform communication during a prescribed period of time from the start of photographing processing to the start of exposure (steps S405-S407) when communicating the light emission timing information with the external strobe device again. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device such as a digital camera capable of operating an external strobe device, a control method for the imaging device, and a control program.

  Communication methods for operating the external strobe device on the photographing device side include light pulse and wireless communication, but these communication methods have lower communication reliability than wired connection. For example, in the case of light pulses, communication errors are likely to occur due to directivity and disturbance light, and in the case of wireless, communication errors are likely to occur due to environmental noise such as electromagnetic waves and radio wave intensity. May not be possible. In addition, in light pulses and wireless communication, there is a problem that it takes time for communication processing in consideration of retransmission processing at the time of communication error.

  For this reason, conventionally, there has been proposed an imaging apparatus capable of synchronizing the light emission by transmitting light emission timing information to an external strobe device in advance, even when communication processing takes time (Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-297414 A

  However, the imaging device of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that light emission synchronization cannot be performed when communication with an external strobe device fails in a situation where communication reliability is lacking due to disturbance noise such as a radio wave environment.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides an imaging apparatus, an imaging apparatus control method, and a control program capable of performing imaging that reflects a photographer's intention even when a communication abnormality with an external strobe apparatus occurs. For the purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication unit that communicates light emission timing information with an external strobe device, and whether or not the communication of the light emission timing information by the communication unit is normally performed. Determining means for determining, and control means for controlling communication of the light emission timing information with the external strobe device again when the determination means determines that the communication of the light emission timing information is not normally performed. when, wherein the control means, when performing the external strobe device again communication of the light emitting timing information, controls to perform communication in the period between the start exposure from the start of processing relating to photographing It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, even when a communication abnormality with an external strobe device occurs, it is possible to perform shooting that reflects the photographer's intention.

It is a control block diagram for demonstrating the imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation example which gives priority to the confirmation of strobe communication of the imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation example which gives priority to the confirmation of strobe communication of the imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation example which gives priority to imaging | photography of the imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a timing chart of light emission timing information transmission processing and photographing processing in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4. It is a flowchart figure for demonstrating the switching operation example of the communication process of the imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure for demonstrating the switching operation example of the communication process of the imaging device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

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

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a control block diagram for explaining the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, light incident on a photographing lens 310 is coupled to the imaging element 13 as an optical image via a diaphragm 312, a mirror 130, and a shutter 12 by a single lens reflex method. Image. The shutter 12 controls the exposure amount of light reaching the image sensor 13, and the image sensor 13 converts an optical image of the formed subject into an electrical signal.

  The A / D converter 16 converts the analog signal output of the image sensor 13 into a digital signal. The timing generator 18 is controlled by the memory controller 22 and the system controller 50, and supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 13, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26.

  The image processing unit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D conversion unit 16 or the data from the memory control unit 22. Further, the image processing unit 20 performs predetermined calculation processing on the captured image data, and also performs TTL (Through The Lens) type auto white balance processing based on the obtained calculation result.

  The memory control unit 22 controls the A / D conversion unit 16, the timing generation unit 18, the image processing unit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A conversion unit 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32. The data output from the A / D converter 16 is displayed via the image processor 20 and the memory controller 22, or the data output from the A / D converter 16 is directly displayed via the memory controller 22. The data is written in the memory 24 or the memory 30. The display image data written in the image display memory 24 is displayed on the image display unit 28 including a TFT, an LCD, and the like via the D / A conversion unit 26.

  The memory 30 is for storing captured image data, and the memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control unit 50. The compression / decompression circuit 32 is a circuit that compresses / decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like, reads the image data stored in the memory 30, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and finishes the processing. Is written into the memory 30.

  The shutter control unit 40 controls driving of the shutter 12 in cooperation with the aperture control unit 340 that controls the aperture 312 based on the photometry information from the photometry circuit 46.

  The distance measuring circuit 42 performs AF processing for measuring the in-focus state of an image formed on the image sensor 13 as an optical image by causing subject light to enter through the mirror 130 and a distance measuring sub mirror (not shown). . Subject light is incident through the photometry circuit 46, mirrors 130 and 132, and a photometric lens (not shown), thereby performing AE processing for measuring the exposure state of an image formed on the image sensor 13 as an optical image. The photometry circuit 46 also performs EF processing in cooperation with the built-in flash 48. The built-in flash 48 has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash light control function.

  The system control unit 50 controls the entire imaging apparatus 100. The memory 52 stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for operating the system control unit 50. The display unit 54 is configured by a combination of, for example, an LCD, an LED, a lamp, a sound generation element, and the like, and displays an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like according to execution of a program by the system control unit 50. To do. The display unit 54 is also disposed in the vicinity of the operation unit 70 and in the optical viewfinder 104.

  On the LCD of the display unit 54, for example, single-shot / continuous-shot shooting display, self-timer display, compression rate display, recording pixel number display, recording number display, remaining image number display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, The exposure compensation display and flash exposure compensation display are displayed. Further, on the LCD or the like of the display unit 54, a light emission amount display, a red-eye reduction display, a buzzer setting display, a battery remaining amount display, an error display and the like of the external strobe device are displayed.

  The display unit 54 in the optical viewfinder 104 has an in-focus display, a shooting preparation completion display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a flash charge completion display, an FE lock display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, A recording medium writing operation display or the like is displayed.

  A recording medium writing operation display or the like is displayed on the LED or the like of the display unit 54. The lamp of the display unit 54 includes a self-timer notification lamp. The LED of the display unit 54 and the self-timer notification lamp may be shared with the AF auxiliary light.

  The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable / recordable memory, and for example, an EEPROM or the like is used. The mode dial switch 60 switches between automatic shooting mode, program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, automatic depth of field (auto depth) shooting mode, portrait shooting mode, and the like. . The mode dial switch 60 switches and sets each function shooting mode such as a landscape shooting mode, a close-up shooting mode, a sports shooting mode, and a night view shooting mode.

  The shutter switch (SW1) 62 is turned on when a shutter button (not shown) is half-pressed, and instructs to start operations such as AF processing, AE processing, and EF processing. The shutter switch (SW2) 64 is turned ON when a shutter button (not shown) is fully pressed, and an ON signal is output to the system control unit 50.

  When the shutter switch (SW2) 64 is turned on, the system control unit 50 performs an exposure process of writing image data to the memory 30 via the A / D conversion unit 16 and the memory control unit 22 as a signal read from the image sensor 13. Start. In addition, when the shutter switch (SW2) 64 is turned on, the system control unit 50 performs development processing using calculation in the image processing unit 20 or the memory control unit 22, and white balance processing based on the set white balance mode. To start. Further, when the shutter switch (SW2) 64 is turned on, the system control unit 50 reads the image data from the memory 30, compresses it by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and starts a recording process for writing the image data to the recording medium 200. To do.

  The FE lock switch 66 instructs the start of the FE lock operation. The FE lock is a function for pre-flashing with a built-in flash 48 or an external strobe device 400 on a subject captured within a predetermined range and storing an appropriate flash amount before photographing. By performing the FE lock operation, it is possible to calculate and store the light emission amount at the time of photographing without involving photographing processing. Therefore, even when the composition is changed after obtaining an appropriate amount of light for an arbitrary subject in advance, it is possible to perform shooting based on the stored amount of light.

  The playback switch 68 instructs the start of a playback operation in which a shot image is read from the memory 30 or the recording medium 200 and displayed by the image display unit 28 in the shooting mode state. The operation unit 70 includes various buttons, a touch panel, and the like, and includes a menu button, a set button, a single shooting / continuous shooting / self-timer switching button, a shooting image quality selection button, an exposure correction button, a dimming correction button, and an external flash emission amount setting button. Have The operation unit 70 includes an image display ON / OFF switch for setting ON / OFF of the image display unit 28, a reproduction switch, a white balance setting switch for selecting a white balance mode, and the like.

  The communication interface 110 is an interface for connecting the external strobe device 400 to the imaging device 100, and the external strobe device 400 is connected by IEEE802.15.4 or the like that is a wireless communication standard. In the present invention, communication standards and methods are not particularly limited, and connection may be made by other methods such as optical pulse communication.

  The interface 120 is an interface for connecting the imaging device 100 and the lens unit 300, and the connector 122 is a connector for electrically connecting the imaging device 100 and the lens unit 300. The connector 122 exchanges control signals, status signals, data signals, and the like between the imaging device 100 and the lens unit 300, and also has a function of supplying currents of various voltages. The connector 122 may be configured to transmit not only electrical communication but also optical communication, voice communication, and the like.

  The mirrors 130 and 132 guide the light incident on the photographing lens 310 to the optical viewfinder 104 by a single-lens reflex system. The mirror 132 may be either a quick return mirror or a half mirror. In the present embodiment, the configuration is a quick return mirror, and a first state in which light incident through the photographing lens 310 is retracted from the photographing optical path so as to reach the image sensor 13 and the incident is located in the photographing optical path. It is possible to move in the second state for guiding the light to the optical viewfinder 104.

  The recording medium 200 is a memory card, a hard disk, or the like, and includes a recording unit 202 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 204 with the imaging apparatus 100, and a connector 206 that connects to the imaging apparatus 100.

  The lens mount 306 is a mount for mechanically coupling the lens unit 300 to the imaging device 100, and includes various functions for electrically connecting the lens unit 300 to the imaging device 100.

  The interface 320 is an interface for connecting the lens unit 300 to the imaging apparatus 100, and the connector 322 is a connector for electrically connecting the lens unit 300 to the imaging apparatus. The connector 322 exchanges control signals, status signals, data signals, and the like between the imaging apparatus 100 and the lens unit 300, and also has a function of supplying or supplying currents of various voltages. Further, the connector 322 may be configured to transmit not only electrical communication but also optical communication, voice communication, and the like.

  The aperture controller 340 controls the aperture 312 in cooperation with the shutter controller 40 that controls the shutter 12 based on the photometric information from the photometric circuit 46. The zoom control unit 344 controls zooming of the photographing lens 310, and the distance measurement control unit 342 controls focusing of the photographing lens 310.

  The lens control unit 350 controls the entire lens unit 300. The lens control unit 350 includes a memory for storing operation constants, variables, programs, etc., identification information such as numbers unique to the lens unit 300, management information, function information such as an open aperture value, minimum aperture value, focal length, And a function of a nonvolatile memory for holding past setting values and the like.

  The external strobe device 400 is attachable to and detachable from the imaging device 100, and includes a communication interface 404, a strobe control unit 406, an operation / display unit 408, a light emitting unit 410, and a light receiving unit 412.

  The communication interface 404 is an interface for connecting the external strobe device 400 and the imaging device 100, and performs communication using IEEE 80 2, 15, 4, etc., which is a wireless communication standard, as with the imaging device 100. In the present invention, the communication standard and method are not particularly limited, and the connection may be made by other methods such as optical pulse communication.

  The strobe control unit 406 controls the overall operation of the external strobe device 400. The operation / display unit 408 includes an operation member group for setting the operation state of the external strobe device 400 and a display unit for displaying the operation state.

  The operation member group includes a power switch for turning on / off the power of the external strobe device 400, a setting switch for performing various settings, a dial, and the like. Settings such as the wireless operating state can be made.

  The light emitting unit 410 includes a light emission control circuit such as an Xe tube, a trigger generation circuit, and an IGBT, and performs a light emission operation according to a dimming operation instruction from the imaging device 100. The light emitting unit 410 is also used as an output unit for control information of the slave strobe when the communication with the imaging device 100 is realized by an optical pulse signal. In this case, the strobe controller 406 converts control command data for controlling the slave strobe into an optical pulse signal and outputs it from the light emitting unit 410.

  Next, a communication method between the imaging device 100 and the external strobe device 400 will be described.

  First, the imaging device 100 and the external strobe device 400 are registered in advance as communication partners by known wireless pairing. When the power supply of the imaging apparatus 100 is turned on, the imaging apparatus 100 controls the communication interface 110, scans the channel by changing the radio frequency, and searches for the external strobe device 400 that is the communication partner.

  When the power is turned on, the external strobe device 400 controls the communication interface 404 in the same manner as the imaging device 100, sets a channel to be used, and is set in a state where it can respond to a search from the imaging device 100.

  The external strobe device 400 ensures the communication reliability by transmitting an Ack packet each time a packet is received from the imaging device 100. The Ack packet is a data packet for notifying that the transmitted data has been normally received, and holds a value determined between the imaging device 100 and the external strobe device 400.

  If the Ack packet is not returned from the external strobe device 400 even after a certain time has elapsed with respect to the transmitted packet, the imaging device 100 determines that a communication error has occurred and performs retransmission processing to transmit the same packet again. Do.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, an operation example of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Each process in FIG. 2 is executed by a CPU or the like of the system control unit 50 after a control program stored in a ROM, a hard disk, or the like is loaded into the RAM.

  In step S201, the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S202 when detecting that the shutter switch (SW2) 64 is turned on.

  In step S202, the system control unit 50 transmits a packet (light emission timing information) for notifying the light emission timing (time) to the external strobe device 400, and proceeds to step S203. When the external strobe device 400 normally receives a packet, the external strobe device 400 transmits an Ack packet to notify the imaging device 100 of the fact.

  Here, the light emission timing information transmitted from the imaging apparatus 100 to the external strobe device 400 is a timing at which the shutter front curtain actually travels and the shutter is fully opened after the imaging apparatus 100 starts a shooting sequence. . This information may be an elapsed time since the transmission of timing information, for example, after 100 ms, or may notify the time when the shutter is fully opened if the time is synchronized with the external strobe device 400. .

  In step S203, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not communication with the external strobe device 400 has ended normally. If communication has ended normally, the process proceeds to step S204, where communication has ended normally. If not, the process returns to step S202.

  Specifically, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not an Ack packet transmitted from the external strobe device 400 has been received. If the system control unit 50 does not receive an Ack packet from the external strobe device 400 even after a predetermined time has elapsed with respect to the transmitted packet, the system control unit 50 determines that a communication abnormality has occurred, returns to step S202, and again performs the same operation. Performs retransmission processing to send packets.

  The external strobe device 400 emits the light emitting unit 410 at the instructed timing after receiving the light emission timing information transmitted by the imaging device 100 in step S202. Here, the instruction relating to the light emission amount from the imaging device 100 may be included in a packet for notifying the light emission timing, or notified to the external strobe device 400 from the imaging device 100 before transmitting the light emission timing information. You can leave it.

  In step S204, the system control unit 50 starts shooting processing, drives the mirror 130 to perform mirror-up processing, and proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, the system control unit 50 drives the shutter 12 and proceeds to step S206. The driving of the shutter 12 here is performed by accurate time management so as not to deviate from the light emission timing notified to the external strobe device 400.

  In step S206, the system control unit 50 drives the mirror 130 to perform the mirror down process after the exposure is completed, and ends the process.

  As described above, in the process shown in FIG. 2, if an Ack packet is not received from the external strobe device 400 even if a certain time elapses with respect to the transmitted packet, it is determined that a communication abnormality has occurred. Then, a retransmission process for transmitting the same packet again is performed. As a result, it is possible to perform photographing without causing failure in flash synchronization due to communication abnormality.

  That is, even when communication or more occurs, it is possible to reliably perform shooting with synchronized strobe light emission without performing shooting until a state in which shooting can be performed with synchronized strobe light emission. However, since the shooting is not performed until the state where the flash light emission can be synchronized and the shooting can be performed, the time until the shooting is performed may be increased. Therefore, an upper limit time may be set for the time for performing the retransmission process. Processing in that case will be described with reference to FIG.

  Each process in FIG. 3 is executed by a CPU or the like of the system control unit 50 after a control program stored in a ROM, a hard disk, or the like is loaded into the RAM.

  In step S301, when the system control unit 50 detects that the shutter switch (SW2) 64 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S <b> 302, the system control unit 50 starts measuring time by a timer of the upper limit time of the light emission timing information retransmission process, and proceeds to step S <b> 303.

  In step S303, the system control unit 50 transmits a packet (light emission timing information) for notifying the light emission timing (time) to the external strobe device 400, and proceeds to step S304.

  In step S304, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the time measured by the timer has reached the upper limit time. If the time measured by the timer has reached the upper limit time, the system control unit 50 proceeds to the photographing process in step S306, and if not, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S <b> 305, the system control unit 50 determines whether communication with the external strobe device 400 has ended normally, that is, whether an Ack packet transmitted from the external strobe device 400 has been received.

  If the communication is normally completed, the system control unit 50 proceeds to the photographing process in step S306. If the communication is not normally completed, the system control unit 50 returns to step S303 to perform the light emission timing information retransmission process. . The photographing process in step S306 is the same as that in step S204 to step S206 in FIG.

  As described above, in the process shown in FIG. 3, since an upper limit time is provided for the process of retransmitting the light emission timing information, some abnormality has occurred on the external strobe device 400 side and communication cannot be performed. However, it is possible to avoid a situation in which shooting is impossible.

  However, in the process shown in FIG. 3, the shooting process is started when the communication with the external strobe device 400 is successful, or when the communication is not successful even if it takes a predetermined time. There are cases where this is not done. Therefore, a process in the case of performing the re-transmission process of the light emission timing information without delaying the photographing timing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows an example of timing for performing each of the transmission processing and the photographing processing of the light emission timing information in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Each process in FIG. 4 is executed by a CPU or the like of the system control unit 50 after a control program stored in a ROM, a hard disk, or the like is loaded into the RAM.

  In step S401, when the system control unit 50 detects that the shutter switch (SW2) 64 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, the system control unit 50 transmits a packet (light emission timing information) for notifying the light emission timing (time) to the external strobe device 400, and proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, the system control unit 50 starts photographing processing regardless of the reception status of the Ack packet from the external strobe device 400, drives the mirror 130 to perform mirror-up processing, and proceeds to step S404.

  In step S404, the system control unit 50 starts the time measurement by the release timer for stabilizing the time from the start of the photographing process to the actual shutter travel, and the process proceeds to step S405. Thereby, stable photographing operation can be performed regardless of the setting of the aperture value and the battery voltage condition.

  In step S405, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not communication with the external strobe device 400 has been normally completed, that is, whether or not an Ack packet transmitted from the external strobe device 400 has been received.

  Then, the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S407 when the communication ends normally, and proceeds to step S406 when the communication does not end normally.

  In step S406, the system control unit 50 determines that a communication abnormality has occurred, retransmits a packet (light emission timing information) for notifying the external strobe device 400 of the light emission timing (time), and proceeds to step S407. move on.

  In step S407, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the time measured by the release timer has elapsed a predetermined time. If it has elapsed, the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S408, and if not, returns to step S405. Note that the processing in step S408 and step S409 is the same as the processing in step S205 and step S206 in FIG.

  Here, if the communication with the external strobe device 400 has not ended normally at the time of step S408, shooting is performed without a strobe, but as shown in FIG. Strobe communication is performed (10 times in this example). Accordingly, if the external strobe device 400 can normally receive the light emission timing information even once, the external flash device 400 can emit light at the correct timing, so that the reliability is improved.

  Furthermore, since the strobe communication is performed until the completion of the mirror up operation, there is no delay in photographing timing due to the strobe communication being performed a plurality of times. In other words, if a communication error with the external strobe device occurs, repeat communication for a predetermined period after the start of the imaging process so that communication can be performed normally. A delay in shooting timing can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to perform shooting reflecting the photographer's intention. In order to prevent a delay in shooting timing, strobe communication may be performed during a predetermined period from when shooting processing is started to when shutter travel is actually performed and exposure is started.

  Further, as the light emission timing information, the elapsed time after transmitting the timing information or the light emission time may be indicated, but when notifying the elapsed time, every time the timing information is repeatedly transmitted, The notification time will become shorter.

  Next, referring to FIG. 6, shooting is performed regardless of the mode for waiting for shooting until the light emission timing information is normally communicated and the determination result of whether or not the transmission of the light emission timing information has been performed normally. A switching operation with the allowed mode will be described. In other words, the processing shown in FIG. 2 is performed in a mode in which shooting is waited until the light emission timing information is normally communicated. Note that, in the mode in which photographing is waited until the light emission timing information is normally communicated, the process of FIG. 3 may be performed instead of the process of FIG. On the other hand, the process shown in FIG. 4 is performed in a mode in which shooting is permitted regardless of the determination result of whether or not the transmission of the light emission timing information has been performed normally. Each process in FIG. 6 is executed by a CPU or the like of the system control unit 50 after a control program stored in a ROM, a hard disk, or the like is loaded into the RAM.

  In step S601, when the system control unit 50 detects that the shutter switch (SW2) 64 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S602.

  In step S602, the system control unit 50 transmits a packet (light emission timing information) for notifying the light emission timing (time) to the external strobe device 400, and proceeds to step S603.

  In step S603, the system control unit 50 determines whether to give priority to shooting or to confirm flash communication according to the shooting mode selected by the mode dial switch 60. For example, the system control unit 50 prioritizes shooting when the mode dial switch 60 is in the sport mode, and proceeds to step S604. In other modes such as the close-up mode, priority is given to confirmation of strobe communication, and the process proceeds to step S609. In addition, since the process of step S604-step S608 is the same as the process of step S403-step S407 of FIG. 4, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In step S609, the system control unit 50 determines whether communication with the external strobe device 400 has been normally completed, that is, whether an Ack packet transmitted from the external strobe device 400 has been received.

  Then, the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S610 when the communication is normally terminated, and returns to step S602 when the communication is not normally terminated, and performs the process of retransmitting the light emission timing information.

  In step S610, the system control unit 50 starts the time measurement by the release timer for stabilizing the time from the start of the photographing process to the actual shutter travel, and the process proceeds to step S611.

  In step S611, the system control unit 50 drives the mirror 130 to perform mirror-up processing, and proceeds to step S612.

  In step S612, the system control unit 50 determines whether the time measured by the release timer has passed a predetermined time. If the time has elapsed, the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S613. Note that the processing in step S613 and step S614 is the same as the processing in step S205 and step S206 in FIG.

  Here, in the case where there are a plurality of controllable external strobe devices, it is preferable that the light emission timing information is simultaneously transmitted as a broadcast packet to the plurality of external strobe devices.

  In this case, regarding the confirmation of the reception status of the Ack packet in step S609, it may be determined to confirm whether or not the Ack packet has been returned from all the external strobe devices. Further, when it is determined that the waiting time is not acceptable for the response to the photographer, the photographing sequence may be started upon reception of an Ack packet from any one external strobe device.

  Alternatively, when a plurality of external strobe devices are detected, processing may be performed with priority on shooting without confirming reception of the Ack packet. Further, based on the setting information of the strobe, a strobe having a small influence on the brightness of the main subject may be processed with priority on photographing without waiting for reception of an Ack packet. The setting information of the strobe includes information such as whether the strobe illuminates the front of the main subject, the strobe for illuminating the background, or the strobe for erasing the shadow of the main subject.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a mode in which shooting is waited until the light emission timing information is normally transmitted and a mode in which shooting is permitted without waiting for the completion of communication of the light emission timing information are performed by the photographer. Can be switched according to the selected shooting mode. As a result, it is possible to operate according to the shooting situation, such as when shooting priority is given priority to shooting, and when it is not, priority is given to flash synchronization, and when there is a communication error with an external flash device. In addition, it is possible to perform photographing that reflects the intention of the photographer. Further, instead of switching the communication processing mode with the external strobe device according to the shooting mode selected by the photographer, it may be possible to set in which communication processing mode the photographer performs communication processing.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, with respect to the first embodiment, overlapping or corresponding parts will be described with reference to the drawings and symbols.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Each process in FIG. 7 is executed by a CPU or the like of the system control unit 50 after a control program stored in a ROM, a hard disk, or the like is loaded into the RAM. In the present embodiment, a mode in which photographing is waited until the light emission timing information is normally communicated when the FE lock function is used and a case in which the FE lock function is not used, and photographing is permitted without waiting for completion of communication of the light emission timing information. The switching operation with the mode to be performed will be described.

  In step S701, the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S702 when detecting an input of the FE lock switch 66, and proceeds to step S703 when not detecting an input of the FE lock switch 66.

  In step S702, the system control unit 50 performs an FE lock operation, and proceeds to step S703. Here, the FE lock is a function for pre-flashing a subject with a strobe and storing an appropriate flash amount before photographing. When FE lock is used, even if the composition is subsequently changed, it is possible to shoot with an appropriate flash emission amount for the subject aimed at the time of FE lock.

  In step S703, when the system control unit 50 detects that the shutter switch (SW2) 64 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S704.

  In step S704, the system control unit 50 transmits a packet (light emission timing information) for notifying the light emission timing (time) to the external strobe device 400 as in the first embodiment, and the process proceeds to step S705. move on.

  In step S705, the system control unit 50 determines whether to give priority to shooting or to confirm flash communication depending on whether or not the FE lock processing has been performed. For example, if the FE lock process is not performed, the system control unit 50 prioritizes shooting and proceeds to step S706. If the FE lock process is performed, the system control unit 50 prioritizes confirmation of strobe communication and proceeds to step S711. . Note that the processes in steps S706 to S710 and steps S711 to S716 are the same as the processes in steps S604 to S608 and steps S609 to S614 in FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the mode in which shooting is waited until the light emission period timing information is normally transmitted and the mode in which shooting is permitted without waiting for the completion of the transmission of the light emission timing information are FE. Switching is possible depending on whether the shooting is based on lock. This makes it possible to operate according to the shooting situation, such as strobe tuning priority in situations where reproducibility of dimming results is important, and shooting priority in other situations, and in the event of a communication error with an external strobe device. Even if it exists, it is possible to perform photographing reflecting the intention of the photographer. Other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to what was illustrated by said each embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably. For example, in each of the above embodiments, in order to start the communication of the light emission timing information with the external strobe device as soon as possible, the mirror up operation is started after the first communication, but the mirror up operation is started. The first communication may be performed after that.

  The object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the following processing. That is, a storage medium that records a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. This is the process of reading the code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Moreover, the following can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code. For example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM or the like. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, the present invention includes a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Is also included.

  Furthermore, a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the following processing is also included in the present invention. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing.

12 Shutter 13 Image Sensor 16 A / D Converter 18 Timing Generator 20 Image Processor 22 Memory Control Circuit 24 Image Display Memory 26 D / A Converter 28 Image Display 30 Memory 32 Compression / Expansion Circuit 40 Shutter Controller 42 Measurement Distance circuit 46 Photometry circuit 48 Built-in flash 50 System control unit 52 Memory 54 Display unit 56 Non-volatile memory 60 Mode dial switch 62 Shutter switch SW1
64 Shutter switch SW2
66 FE lock switch 68 Playback switch 70 Operation unit 90 Interface 92 Connector 100 Imaging device 104 Optical finder 106 Lens mount 110 Communication interface 120 Interface 122 Connector 130 Mirror 132 Mirror 202 Recording unit 204 Interface 206 Connector 300 Lens unit 306 Lens mount 310 Shooting lens 312 Aperture 320 Interface 322 Connector 340 Aperture control unit 342 Distance measurement control unit 344 Zoom control unit 350 Lens control unit 400 External strobe device 404 Communication interface 406 Strobe control unit 408 Operation display unit 410 Light emitting unit 412 Light receiving unit

Claims (6)

A communication means for communicating light emission timing information with an external strobe device;
Determination means for determining whether or not the communication of the light emission timing information by the communication means has been normally performed;
Control means for controlling to perform communication of the light emission timing information again with the external strobe device when it is determined that the communication of the light emission timing information is not normally performed by the determination means;
Wherein, when performing the external strobe device again communication of the light emitting timing information, and controls to communicate in the period between the start exposure from the start of processing relating to photographing Imaging device. A mirror movable in a first state retracted from the photographing optical path so that light incident through the photographing lens reaches the image sensor and a second state located in the photographing optical path;
When the control means communicates the light emission timing information with the external strobe device again, the control means returns to the first state after the mirror starts moving from the second state to the first state. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so that communication is performed in a period until the movement is completed. A selection means for selecting one shooting mode from a plurality of shooting modes;
Wherein, when performing the external strobe device again communication of the light emitting timing information, in accordance with the selected photographing mode by the selection means, the period between from the start of the processing on imaging start exposure Switching between whether to control to perform communication, or to control to start the processing related to the photographing after the determination unit determines that the communication of the light emission timing information is normally performed. Item 3. The imaging device according to Item 1 or 2. Instructing means for instructing to calculate the light emission amount at the time of photographing without involving the processing relating to the photographing,
When the control means performs photographing with the light emission amount calculated in accordance with the instruction from the instruction means and communicates the light emission timing information with the external strobe device again, the determination means communicates the light emission timing information. 3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so that the processing relating to the photographing is started after it is determined that the image capturing is normally performed. A communication step for communicating the flash timing information with an external strobe device;
A determination step of determining whether or not the communication of the light emission timing information in the communication step has been normally performed;
A control step for performing control so that communication of the light emission timing information with the external strobe device is performed again when it is determined that the transmission of the light emission timing information is not normally performed in the determination step;
In the control step, when performing the external strobe device again communication of the light emitting timing information, and controls to communicate in the period between the start exposure from the start of processing relating to photographing Control method of imaging apparatus. A communication step for communicating the flash timing information with an external strobe device;
A determination step of determining whether or not the communication of the light emission timing information in the communication step has been normally performed;
A control step for controlling to perform communication of the light emission timing information again with the external strobe device when it is determined that the transmission of the light emission timing information is not normally performed in the determination step;
In the control step, the case of the external flash device again communication of the light emitting timing information, characterized by causing a computer to execute to carry out communication in the period between the start exposure from the start of processing relating to photographing An imaging device control program.