JP6584130B2 - LIGHTING DEVICE, IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGING SYSTEM, AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting device, an imaging device, an imaging system, and a control method thereof, and more particularly to control of a lighting device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, flash photography (hereinafter referred to as bounce flash photography) is known in which light from a lighting device is irradiated toward a ceiling or the like and a subject is irradiated with diffuse reflected light from the ceiling or the like. According to the bounce flash photography, the subject can be irradiated with light from the illumination device indirectly instead of directly, so that it is possible to depict with soft light.

  Furthermore, a technique for automatically determining the optimum irradiation direction in bounce flash photography has been proposed. In Patent Document 1, in a strobe device capable of automatically changing the rotation angle of the light emitting unit, the light of the light emitting unit is directed to the reflector by setting the rotation angle to the user side instead of the angle at which the light emitting unit faces the subject side. Techniques for irradiation have been proposed.

JP 2011-170014 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 can irradiate the light of the light emitting unit on the reflector with the rotation angle of the light emitting unit facing the user, but the user is irradiated with the light of the light emitting unit. Is not taken into account.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to enable a user to be prevented from being irradiated with light from a lighting device.

In order to achieve the above object, an illumination device according to the present invention is provided in a main body portion that is detachably attached to an imaging device, a movable portion that is rotatable with respect to the main body portion, and the movable portion. A light emitting unit; a driving unit that rotates the movable unit; a receiving unit that receives information related to a state of the imaging device mounted on the main unit; and an imaging unit mounted on the main unit that is received by the receiving unit. based on the information about the state, it has a setting means for setting a limit angle for limiting the rotation angle when rotating the movable portion by the drive unit, to the main body portion received by the receiving means The information relating to the state of the mounted imaging device includes information indicating that the imaging device mounted on the main body has been remotely operated .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can reduce that the light from an illuminating device is irradiated to a user.

It is a figure which is performing auto bounce flash photography using the imaging system in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the strobe device 200 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the camera 300 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the limiting angle of the strobe device 200 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process regarding the auto bounce flash imaging | photography in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the process regarding the auto bounce of the strobe device 200 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the camera 400 in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the direction which can rotate the image display part 501 of the camera 400 in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the visual recognition range which a photographer can visually recognize the image displayed on the image display part 501 of the camera 400 in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the limiting angle of the electronic flash device. It is a figure which shows the state which rotated the image display part 501 of the camera 400 in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention 90 degree | times centering on the 1st axis | shaft. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the attitude | position of the camera 400 in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the irradiation direction of the light from the strobe device 200. FIG. It is a figure which shows the process regarding the setting of the limiting angle in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram in which bounce flash photography is performed using an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The imaging system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a camera 300 that is an imaging device, a lens unit 5 that is detachably attached to the camera 300, and a strobe device 200 that is an illumination device that is detachably attached to the camera 300. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a strobe device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a camera 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In FIG. 1, the light from the strobe device 200 is reflected on the ceiling 101, and the subject 100 is illuminated with the reflected light. In FIG. 1, the center of the light beam emitted from the strobe device 200 is indicated by a solid line. The light beam actually emitted from the strobe device 200 has a width, and when reflected by the ceiling 101, it diffuses in multiple directions. However, for the sake of simplicity, the light that reaches the subject 100 among the light at the center of the irradiated light beam (light that passes through the center of the irradiation optical axis) is shown in FIG.

  The center of the light beam emitted from the strobe device 200 has the strongest intensity, and the shadow produced on the subject 100 differs depending on the angle at which the light at the center of the emitted light beam is directed toward the subject 100. For example, when the subject 100 is relatively close to the strobe device 200 as shown in FIG. 1, when light is emitted from the strobe device 200 toward the ceiling 101, the light reflected by the ceiling 101 is directly above the subject 100 or Incident from an angle close to directly above. When light is incident on the subject 100 at such an angle, a shadow is likely to occur on the subject 100 under the nose or neck. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, light is emitted from the strobe device 200 to the side opposite to the side where the subject 100 exists, and the subject 100 is illuminated with the light reflected by the ceiling 101, so that Shadows such as the neck are reduced.

  However, there may be a photographer on the side opposite to the side where the subject 100 exists. When light is emitted from the strobe device 200 on the side opposite to the side where the subject 100 exists, the photographer emits light from the strobe device 200. The photographer may feel uncomfortable when exposed to light.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, there is a high possibility that a photographer exists on the side opposite to the side where the subject 100 exists, and a low possibility that a photographer exists on the side opposite to the side where the subject 100 exists. The limit of the direction of light irradiation from the strobe device 200 is changed. In the following, there is a case in which there is a high possibility that a photographer is present on the side opposite to the side where the subject 100 is present, and a case where a photographer is unlikely to be present on the side opposite to the side where the subject 100 is present. An example of changing the limit of the irradiation direction of light from the apparatus 200 will be described.

  Next, the strobe device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the strobe device 200, the power supply circuit 203 is activated when the battery 202 is attached, and power is supplied to the control unit 201 that controls the strobe device 200.

  The control unit 201 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls the entire flash device 200. Further, the control unit 201 executes various processes according to the state of the SW circuit 210. When the MENU switch in the SW circuit 210 is pressed by the user, the control unit 201 causes the display circuit 215 to display the LCD 217 in the parameter setting mode. And the control part 201 sets the parameter required for control by the user's operation with respect to the dial unit 212 or the SET switch. The dial unit 212 has intercepts of DIAL1 and DIAL2 whose pulse output changes depending on the rotation direction. By acquiring the rotation direction and the number of rotations, parameters can be changed smoothly. Further, by operating the MENU switch in the SW circuit 210, the user can select an auto bounce mode to be described later.

  Further, the control unit 201 sets the operating state in the wireless mode according to the state of the wireless selector 211. In the wireless mode, wireless communication is performed by the wireless communication module (RF-u) in the communication circuit 213. When the state of the wireless selector 211 is OFF, it does not operate in the wireless mode. When the state of the wireless selector 211 is MASTER, it operates as a master. When the state of the wireless selector 211 is SLAVE, it operates as a slave. When performing multiple flash photography using multiple strobe devices, set whether the device will be a device that controls the multiple strobe devices (MASTER) or a device that operates according to the instructions of the MASTER (SLAVE) .

  The charging circuit 204 performs charging for causing the capacitor to store energy for causing the Xe tube 206 that is a light source of the light emitting unit to emit light. The light source may be other than the Xe tube 206, and may be an LED or the like. The charging circuit 204 is unnecessary in the case of a configuration that does not store energy for causing the LED to emit light, and is suitable for storing energy for causing the LED to emit light in a configuration that stores energy for causing the LED to emit light. A power storage element may be used.

  The display circuit 215, the LED 216, and the LCD 217 are controlled, and when charging is completed, the LED 216 is turned on, or information indicating that charging is completed is displayed on the LCD 217.

  The connection unit 214 is a part for detachably attaching the strobe device 200 to the camera 300 and has a connection terminal. Since the connection terminal is connected to the strobe connection terminal 20 of the camera 300, the camera 300 and the strobe device 200 can communicate with each other.

  The back surface detection sensor 220 has a configuration in which an infrared LED and a detection sensor are modularized. When an object or the like approaches, infrared light is reflected by the object, and the object can be detected based on the amount of light received by the detection sensor. It is like that. In addition, if it is the structure which can detect the object in a predetermined detection range, well-known structures other than infrared LED and a light-receiving part, for example, the structure using an illuminance sensor, an electrostatic sensor, etc. as a back surface detection part. Good. A sensor for measuring the distance to the object is also included in the sensor for detecting an object within the predetermined detection range because it can be determined from the measured distance whether the object is within the predetermined detection range. When a sensor that measures the distance to an object is used, it may be determined based on the sensor measurement result (sensor output) whether or not the object is detected within a predetermined detection range. The back surface detection sensor 220 is disposed on a surface (back surface) opposite to the surface on the subject side in a state where the strobe device 200 is attached to the camera 300 via the connection unit 214.

  As will be described later, the strobe device 200 is divided into a main body having a connection part 214 and a back surface detection sensor 220 and a movable part having an Xe tube 206. The bounce drive circuit 207 drives the motor 208 to rotate the movable part in the up and down direction and the left and right direction relative to the main body part. Further, the bounce drive circuit 207 detects the rotation state of the movable part based on the output of the position detection circuit 209 using a rotary encoder or an absolute encoder.

  The distance measuring circuit 221 acquires information related to the distance from the strobe device 200 of an object existing in the direction in which the light from the strobe device 200 is irradiated. The method for acquiring information related to distance is not limited. For example, using a light source and a light receiving sensor, the light emitted from the light source and reflected by the object is received by the light receiving sensor, and the distance related information is calculated from the received light quantity. Then, the method of obtaining it can be applied. In addition, a method may be applied in which information about distance is calculated from the time from irradiating an object with infrared rays from a light source and irradiating the infrared rays until the light receiving sensor detects the infrared rays. The distance measuring circuit 221 only needs to have an electronic component for acquiring information regarding the distance from the strobe device 200 to the object, and the light source and the light receiving sensor described above are examples.

  Next, the camera 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The camera 300 includes a microcomputer PRS140 that performs overall control, and an imaging unit 13 that includes a CCD or CMOS area sensor. The image processing unit 141 that processes an image signal input from the imaging unit 13, an image display unit 401 that displays an image, an external storage device 9 that includes a non-volatile storage member that stores a plurality of image data, and the like. ing.

  The microcomputer PRS 140 is, for example, a one-chip computer (hereinafter abbreviated as a microcomputer) in which a CPU (central processing unit), RAM, ROM, nonvolatile memory, input / output port, and the like are arranged.

  The microcomputer 140 performs a series of operations based on a sequence program stored in the ROM. In addition, a series of parameters are stored in the nonvolatile memory built in the microcomputer 140. For example, a series of camera control parameters including adjustment values related to exposure control and focus adjustment, image sensor adjustment values, control value data for displaying a captured image on the image display unit 401 from the white balance of the captured image, etc. The parameters are stored. In this way, a series of parameters related to control and adjustment of image processing are stored in the nonvolatile memory.

  The imaging unit 13 includes an imaging device such as a CCD or CMOS area sensor and a sensor driving unit that drives the imaging device. The imaging device photoelectrically converts an optical image formed on the imaging device through the optical system of the lens unit 5 and outputs the optical image to the image processing unit 141 as an electrical signal.

  The image processing unit 141 includes an image correction unit, an interface (IF) unit, and a display image generation unit, and performs a series of processes on the image sensor output from the imaging unit 13. The image correction unit has an A / D conversion function, performs A / D conversion on the electrical signal input from the imaging unit 13, and performs a series of corrections caused by the imaging unit 13, such as dark current correction and shading correction.

  The image processing unit 141 removes noise components using a low-pass filter, and performs a series of image processing related to a so-called image itself, such as pixel and color interpolation processing, white balance and gamma correction. The IF unit sends image data that has undergone a series of image processing to an external storage device 9 to be described later, and reads image data recorded in the external storage device 9.

  Further, the image processing unit 141 performs a series of processes for display on the image data subjected to image processing and the image data stored in the external storage device 9, and outputs the processed image data to the image display unit 401 via the IF unit. To do. Note that a series of processing until the image data is output from the IF unit to the image display unit 401 is performed via the resize unit and the VRAM unit in the display image generation unit.

  The image display unit 401 includes an LCD control unit and an LCD display unit. The image processing unit 141 adjusts brightness, contrast, and γ for the LCD display to the image data adjusted to the image size for the LCD display. And display on LCD.

  The image data to be displayed on the image display unit 401 includes image data stored in the external storage device 9 and camera setting information in addition to the image data obtained by the imaging unit 13 described above. .

  The image display unit 401 can also perform so-called live view display in which image data obtained by continuously capturing images with the image capturing unit 13 is sequentially displayed.

  The external storage device 9 is a non-volatile storage member that can store a plurality of image data, such as a CF card, and is detachable from the camera 300. Then, the image data output from the image processing unit 141 while being mounted on the camera is stored. As a result, after storing one or a plurality of image data, if it is detached from the camera and attached to another system that can be read out in the data format of this system, the stored captured image data can be reproduced, edited, and Saving is possible.

  The focus detection unit 4 includes a field lens, a reflection mirror, a secondary imaging lens, a diaphragm, and a line sensor such as a CCD including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in the vicinity of the imaging surface. The focus detection unit 4 in the present embodiment is a well-known phase difference method, and can detect a focus at the focus detection point using a plurality of regions in the observation screen (in the viewfinder field) as focus detection points. It is comprised so that it may become.

  The photometric sensor 8 is a sensor for performing photometry of a subject using an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS area sensor. A plurality of areas in the observation screen (in the viewfinder field) are set as photometric areas, and photometry is performed in the photometric areas. It is comprised so that it can perform.

  The operation unit 6 is a release button for instructing an imaging preparation operation such as focus detection or photometry (SW1 ON) or an imaging operation (SW2 ON), a setting for performing an operation mode or various settings of the camera 300. Includes buttons. The microcomputer 140 controls the camera 300 in accordance with a user operation on the operation unit 6.

  The lens unit 5 incorporates a focus adjustment circuit and a diaphragm drive circuit, and transmits signals to and from the microcomputer PRS 140 via a mount contact (not shown). The microcomputer 140 operates a focus adjustment circuit built in the lens unit 5 based on the signal output from the focus detection unit 4 and outputs a signal for optimal focus adjustment. Further, based on the signal output from the photometric sensor, the aperture driving circuit built in the lens unit 5 is operated to output a signal that provides an optimum exposure amount.

  The viewfinder 310 is a window that is disposed on a surface (back surface) opposite to the surface on the subject side, and allows a photographer to visually confirm an optical image obtained through the lens unit 5. The viewfinder 310 may be a so-called electronic viewfinder having a display unit that displays image data obtained by imaging with the imaging unit 13 instead of the optical image obtained through the lens unit 5.

  The back surface detection sensor 800 is a sensor that is disposed in the vicinity of the viewfinder 310 on the surface (back surface) opposite to the surface on the subject side, and can detect an object within a predetermined detection range. Note that the back surface detection sensor 800 may have the same configuration as the back surface detection sensor 220 of the strobe device 200, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The remote control unit 600 includes a reception unit 610 and a transmission unit 620, and performs remote operation of the camera 300 by performing wireless communication using radio waves or infrared rays between the reception unit 610 and the transmission unit 620. The transmission unit 620 includes an operation unit including buttons and switches for remotely operating the camera 300 and a transmission circuit for transmitting information regarding the state of the operation unit to the reception unit 610. The transmission circuit has a wireless communication module such as an antenna if it is configured to perform wireless communication using radio waves, and an infrared LED if configured to perform wireless communication using infrared rays. The receiving unit 610 has a wireless communication module such as an antenna if configured to perform wireless communication using radio waves, and an infrared light receiving sensor if configured to perform wireless communication using infrared rays. In the remote operation using the remote control unit 600, by operating the transmission unit 620, an instruction for an imaging preparation operation and an instruction for an imaging operation can be performed in the same manner as when the release button of the operation unit 6 is operated. The receiving unit 610 is provided on the subject-side surface of the camera 300, and information received by the receiving unit 610 is transmitted to the microcomputer 140.

  Next, the rotation angle of the movable part with respect to the main body part in the strobe device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, the irradiation direction of the light from the Xe tube 206 (irradiation direction of the light emitting unit) is determined by the strobe device 200, and the movable unit is moved with respect to the main body unit using the bounce drive circuit 207 so as to be the determined irradiation direction. This relative rotation is called auto bounce. A mode in which auto bounce is performed is called an auto bounce mode.

  The “Home position” (reference position) shown in FIG. 4 is a movable part in which the photographing optical axis of the camera 300 and the irradiation optical axis of the strobe device 200 are parallel when the strobe device 200 is mounted on the camera 300. The rotation angle is shown. In this “Home position”, the rotation angle of the movable part with respect to the main body is set to 0 degrees in the vertical direction and 0 degrees in the horizontal direction. In the present embodiment, an angle θL (first angle) and an angle θN (second angle) can be set as the limiting angle for limiting the rotation angle when rotating the movable part. As shown in FIG. 4, the angle θL is smaller than the angle θN, and in this embodiment, the angle θL is 90 degrees and the angle θN is 120 degrees. The value of the angle θL is not limited to 90 degrees, but is preferably 90 degrees or less in order to make it difficult for the photographer to be exposed to the light emitted from the strobe device 200. Further, the value of the angle θN is not limited to 120 degrees, but an angle close to the maximum rotation angle determined by the mechanical configuration is preferable in order to increase the degree of freedom when the movable part is rotated.

  The strobe device 200 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the movable part can move up to 120 degrees upward, 5 degrees downward, and 180 degrees horizontally from the "Home position". And A configuration in which the movable portion can rotate in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction with respect to the main body portion may be a configuration as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-049280, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When the movable part is rotated using the bounce drive circuit 207 when performing auto bounce flash photography, if the limit angle is set to the angle θL, it is included in the angle region A from “Home position” to the angle θL. The movable part is rotated so as to have a rotation angle. When the limit angle is set to the angle θN, the movable portion is rotated so that the rotation angle is included in the angle region B of the angle θN from “Home position”.

  Processing related to auto bounce flash photography including processing for setting a limit angle for limiting the rotation angle when the movable portion is rotated will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

  When the strobe device 200 is attached to the camera 300 and the power of the camera 300 is turned on, the microcomputer 140 performs a series of initial settings related to photographing in step S10.

  In step S20, the microcomputer 140 initializes information (strobe information) related to the strobe device 200 such as the light emission mode. When the power of the strobe device 200 is turned on, in step S30, the microcomputer 140 communicates with the strobe device 200 and acquires information regarding the attached strobe device 200.

  Next, in step S40, the microcomputer 140 instructs the bounce drive circuit 207 to move the movable part to “Home position” shown in FIG. It should be noted that this step is omitted when the movable part is already positioned at “Home position”.

  In step S50, the microcomputer 140 determines whether the release button of the operation unit 6 is operated and SW1 is turned on. If the release button of the operation unit 6 is operated and SW1 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S60. If the release button of the operation unit 6 is operated and SW1 is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S80.

  In step S60, the microcomputer 140 determines whether or not an object is detected by the back surface detection sensor 800. Note that the back surface detection sensor 800 may periodically perform an object detection operation, or may perform an object detection operation in step S60. When the object is detected by the back surface detection sensor 800, the process proceeds to step S90, and when the object is not detected, the process proceeds to step S70.

  In step S <b> 70, the microcomputer 140 communicates with the strobe device 200 and determines whether or not an object is detected by the back surface detection sensor 220. Similar to the back surface detection sensor 800, the back surface detection sensor 220 may periodically perform an object detection operation, or may perform an object detection operation in step S60. When the object is detected by the back surface detection sensor 800, the process proceeds to step 90, and when the object is not detected, the process proceeds to step S100.

  If it is determined in step S50 that the release button of the operation unit 6 is operated and SW1 is not turned on, in step S80, the microcomputer 140 operates the transmission unit 620 of the remote control unit 600 and turns SW1 on. It is determined whether or not. When the transmission unit 620 of the remote control unit 600 is operated and SW1 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S90. When the transmission unit 620 of the remote control unit 600 is operated and SW1 is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S50. Transition.

  In step S <b> 90, the microcomputer 140 sets the angle θN as the limit angle that limits the rotation angle when rotating the movable part, and transmits information regarding the set limit angle to the strobe device 200.

  In step S <b> 100, the microcomputer 140 sets a limit angle θL that limits a rotation angle when the movable part is rotated, and transmits information regarding the set limit angle to the strobe device 200.

  In step S110, the microcomputer 140 transmits an auto bounce execution instruction to the strobe device 200. In step S110, the microcomputer 140 instructs each unit to perform photographing preparation operations such as focus detection and photometry before transmitting an auto-bounce execution instruction to the flash device 200.

  In step S120, the microcomputer 140 determines whether the release button of the operation unit 6 or the transmission unit 620 of the remote control unit 600 is operated and SW2 is turned on.

  When SW2 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S130, and when SW2 is not turned on, the process proceeds to step 150.

  In step S130, the microcomputer 140 receives from the strobe device 200 an auto bounce completion notification indicating that the movable unit has been rotated so that the light irradiation direction from the strobe device 200 is a direction suitable for bounce flash photography. It is determined whether or not. If an auto bounce notification has been received, the process proceeds to step S140. If an auto bounce notification has not been received, step S130 is repeated.

  In step S140, the microcomputer 140 instructs each unit to perform an imaging operation. In addition, the microcomputer 140 transmits a light emission instruction to the strobe device 200 so that the strobe device 200 emits light in accordance with imaging.

  In step S150, the microcomputer 140 determines whether the release button of the operation unit 6 or the transmission unit 620 of the remote control unit 600 is operated and SW1 is turned on. If SW1 is ON, the process proceeds to step S120. If SW2 is not ON, the process proceeds to step S50.

  As described above, auto bounce flash photography is performed.

  Next, the processing of the strobe device 200 that has received an auto bounce execution instruction from the camera 300 will be described with reference to FIG. The process of FIG. 6 is started when an auto bounce execution instruction is received from the camera 300.

  In step S1010, the control unit 201 performs a series of operations for calculating the irradiation direction of light from the strobe device 200 suitable for bounce flash photography. In the present embodiment, the light from the strobe device 200 suitable for bounce flash photography is based on the information about the distance from the strobe device 200 to the subject and the information about the distance from the strobe device 200 to the object in a direction different from the subject. A method of calculating the irradiation direction is used.

  Therefore, the control unit 201 instructs the bounce drive circuit 207 so that the light irradiation direction from the strobe device 200 is directed to the subject in order to acquire information regarding the distance from the strobe device 200 to the subject. Rotate. When the strobe device 200 is attached to the camera 300, the light irradiation direction from the strobe device 200 faces the direction of the subject when the movable part is positioned at the “Home position”, so the position is at the “Home position”. The movable part is rotated. Thereafter, the control unit 201 uses the distance measuring circuit 221 to acquire information regarding the distance from the flash device 200 to the subject. Subsequently, in order to acquire information regarding the distance from the strobe device 200 to an object different from the subject, the control unit 201 causes the light irradiation direction from the strobe device 200 to be directed to a target different from the subject. The bounce drive circuit 207 is instructed to rotate the movable part. In the present embodiment, an example in which the ceiling is an object different from the subject will be described, but a wall or the like may be used instead of the ceiling. After rotating the movable unit, the control unit 201 uses the distance measuring circuit 221 to acquire information regarding the distance from the strobe device 200 to the ceiling.

  Next, the irradiation direction of light from the strobe device 200 suitable for bounce flash photography is calculated based on the acquired information about the distance from the strobe device 200 to the subject and the information about the distance from the strobe device 200 to the ceiling.

Here, the distance from the strobe device 200 to the ceiling is the distance L1, and the distance from the strobe device 200 to the subject is the distance L2. Then, using the following equation (1), the angle θSP is calculated for the irradiation direction of light from the strobe device 200 suitable for bounce flash photography based on the direction orthogonal to the direction of gravity.
TAN (θSP) = L1 / (L2 / 2) (1)

  Next, in step S1020, the control unit 201 sets the calculated angle θSP to the target angle θP for rotating the movable unit.

  In step S1030, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the set target angle θP is larger than a limit angle that limits a rotation angle when the movable unit is rotated. Here, the limit angle compared with the target angle θP is set by the microcomputer 140 in step S90 or step S100, and corresponds to information regarding the limit angle transmitted from the camera 300 to the strobe device 200. For example, when the information regarding the limit angle transmitted from the camera 300 to the strobe device 200 indicates the limit angle θN, the control unit 201 determines whether or not the target angle θP is larger than the limit angle θN. When the target angle θP is larger than the limit angle, the process proceeds to step S1040, and in step S1040, the control unit 201 sets the limit angle as the target angle. When the target angle θP is equal to or smaller than the limit angle, the process proceeds to step S1050, and the target angle is not changed.

  In step S1050, the control unit 201 instructs the bounce drive circuit 207 to rotate the movable unit, and determines whether the rotation angle of the movable unit has reached the target angle θP based on the output of the position detection circuit 209. . If the rotation angle of the movable part is the target angle θP, the process proceeds to step S1060. If the rotation angle of the movable part is not the target angle θP, step S1050 is repeated.

  In step S <b> 1060, the control unit 201 transmits to the camera 300 an auto bounce completion notification indicating that the movable unit has been rotated so that the light irradiation direction from the strobe device 200 is a direction suitable for bounce flash photography. .

  As described above, in this embodiment, the rotation when the movable part of the strobe device 200 is rotated based on the detection result of the back surface detection sensor 800 of the camera 300 and the detection result of the back surface detection sensor 220 of the strobe device 200. A limit angle is set to limit the angle. Specifically, when neither the back surface detection sensor 800 nor the back surface detection sensor 220 detects an object, the limit angle is set more than when at least one of the back surface detection sensor 800 and the back surface detection sensor 220 is detecting an object. A small angle is set. When neither the back surface detection sensor 800 nor the back surface detection sensor 220 detects an object, it is assumed that the photographer is away from the camera 300 or the flash device 200. For this reason, when the limit angle is set to a large angle so that light can be emitted from the strobe device 200 on the side opposite to the side where the subject 100 exists, the photographer is exposed to light emitted from the strobe device 200. May feel uncomfortable. Therefore, when neither the back surface detection sensor 800 nor the back surface detection sensor 220 detects an object, the limit angle is set so that the movable portion cannot be rotated to an angle at which the light emitted from the strobe device 200 is likely to hit the photographer. Set.

  Further, in the present embodiment, even when neither the back surface detection sensor 800 nor the back surface detection sensor 220 detects an object, an auto bounce start instruction is issued in response to the operation of the remote control unit 600. In this case, the limit angle is not set to a small value. This is because when the auto bounce start instruction is issued in response to the operation of the remote control unit 600, the photographer is unlikely to be located on the side opposite to the side where the subject 100 exists.

  As described above, by setting the limit angle for limiting the rotation angle when the movable part of the strobe device 200 is rotated, the degree of freedom in the light irradiation direction from the strobe device 200 is ensured as much as possible, and the strobe device It can reduce that the light from 200 is irradiated to a user.

(Second Embodiment)
The camera 400 of this embodiment is different from the camera 300 of the first embodiment in that it has an image display unit 501 that can be rotated about two axes. Further, the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a limit angle for limiting a rotation angle when the movable portion of the strobe device 200 is rotated based on the rotation state of the image display unit 501 is set. Different. Note that the imaging system of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in that the camera 400 is used instead of the camera 300, and the strobe device 200 of the first embodiment may be used.

  In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the processes that are the same as those in the first embodiment is omitted.

  First, the camera 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The camera 400 has an image display unit 501 that can be rotated about two axes orthogonal to each other on the surface (back surface) opposite to the subject side. A known method may be used to make the image display unit 501 rotatable about two axes as the rotation center. In this embodiment, a hinge mechanism that can rotate about the two axes is used. An example of a configuration in which the image display unit 501 is connected to the main body of the camera 400 will be described.

  In addition, the camera 400 has a first detection unit 510 that detects a rotation state with the first axis of the image display unit 501 as the rotation center, and a second axis of the image display unit 501 as the rotation center. And a second detection unit 520 that detects the rotation state. The detection method of the first detection unit 510 and the second detection unit 520 may be a known method. For example, a magnet is provided in one of the main body of the camera 400 and the image display unit 501, and a magnetic sensor is provided in the other. Thus, a method of detecting the rotation state from the detection result of the magnetic sensor may be used. Alternatively, a substrate provided with a pattern on either the main body of the camera 400 or the image display unit 501 and a contact brush provided on the other, and different signals are output from the substrate depending on the position on the pattern where the contact brush is in contact. A method of detecting the rotation state from the output signal may be used.

  The image display unit 501 can also perform so-called live view display in which image data obtained by continuously capturing images with the imaging unit 13 is displayed. The microcomputer 140 performs live display according to a user operation on the operation unit 6. Controls whether to perform the view (whether to enter the live view mode).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a direction in which the image display unit 501 can be rotated. In FIG. 8A, the display surface of the image display unit 501 faces away from the subject side, and the surface (back surface) opposite to the display surface of the image display unit 501 faces the main body of the camera 400. It is in a state. 8B, the image display unit 501 is rotated 180 degrees away from the main body of the camera 400 from the state shown in FIG. 8A around the first axis, and the second axis is the center. In this state, the image display unit 501 is rotated 45 degrees in the direction in which the display surface faces upward.

  In the present embodiment, when the state shown in FIG. 8A is the reference state, the image display unit 501 can be rotated 180 degrees in the direction away from the main body portion of the camera 400 from the reference state around the first axis. To do. In addition, the image display unit 501 can rotate 180 degrees from the reference state in the direction in which the display surface faces upward and the direction in which the display surface faces downward, with the second axis as the center.

  The posture detection unit 700 uses, for example, an angular velocity sensor or a gyro sensor, and detects a horizontal posture, a vertical posture, and a front-back posture. Posture information regarding the posture in each direction detected by the posture detection unit 700 is input to the microcomputer 140. Based on the detection result of the posture detection unit 700, the microcomputer 140 can determine the posture of the camera 400.

  Next, the relationship between the viewable range where the photographer can visually recognize the image displayed on the image display unit 501 and the limit angle of the strobe device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9A shows a state where the movable portion is rotated to the maximum angle when the limit angle is the angle θN, and FIG. 9B shows the maximum angle when the limit angle is the angle θL. The state where the movable part is rotated is shown.

  9A and 9B both display the image display unit 501 from a position where the image display unit 501 is rotated 180 degrees around the first axis and the display surface is parallel to the direction of gravity and facing upward. It is rotated by an angle θD about the second axis so that the surface faces the photographer.

  The angle θi in FIG. 9 is an angle indicating a visible range in which the photographer can visually recognize the image displayed on the image display unit 501. The viewable range is a range suitable for the photographer to visually recognize the image displayed on the image display unit 501. Outside the viewable range, the surrounding reflection and the visual field area to be watched are reduced. Visibility decreases. This visible range varies depending on the characteristics of the image display unit 501.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when the angle of the image display unit 501 is the angle θD and the rotation angle of the strobe device 200 is θN, the irradiation optical axis of the strobe device 200 falls within the visible range. Therefore, when the strobe device 200 emits light, the light from the strobe device 200 may enter the eyes of the photographer.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, when the angle of the image display unit 501 is the angle θD and the rotation angle of the strobe device 200 is θL, the irradiation optical axis of the strobe device 200 does not fall within the visible range. Therefore, even if the strobe device 200 is caused to emit light, the possibility that the light from the strobe device 200 enters the eyes of the photographer is low.

  As described above, the possibility that the light from the strobe device 200 enters the eyes of the photographer varies depending on the rotation state of the image display unit 501.

  Moreover, the state as shown in FIG. 10 is also conceivable as the rotation state of the image display unit 501. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the image display unit 501 is rotated 90 degrees around the first axis. In such a state, the possibility that the light from the flash device 200 enters the eyes of the photographer is low regardless of the vertical irradiation direction of the flash device 200.

  Further, the possibility that the light from the strobe device 200 enters the eyes of the photographer varies depending on the posture of the camera 400, as shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that the camera 400 is tilted forward by α degrees in the state shown in FIG. 9A and the irradiation direction of the strobe device 200 and the rotation state of the image display unit 501 are the same. In such a state, the visible range of the image display unit 501 is also tilted forward by α degrees. However, even within the visible range, the possibility of the image display unit 501 from the front is lower than directly above the image display unit 501. Therefore, even when it is better to set the limit angle to θL based on the rotation state of the image display unit 501, the limit angle may be set to θN depending on the posture of the camera 400.

  Processing for setting the limit angle in consideration of the above conditions will be described with reference to FIG.

  The process shown in FIG. 12 is executed subsequent to step S40 in FIG. 5, and is executed instead of steps S50 to S100 in FIG.

  In step 2010, the microcomputer 140 determines whether the release button of the operation unit 6 is operated and SW1 is turned on. If SW1 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S2020. If SW1 is not turned on, step 2010 is repeated.

  In step S2020, the microcomputer 140 determines whether or not the live view mode is set. If it is not the live view mode, the process proceeds to step S2030, and if it is the live view mode, the process proceeds to step S2070.

  In steps S2030, S2040, S2050, and S2060, the same processes as in steps S60, S70, S90, and S100 of FIG.

  In step S2070, the microcomputer 140 determines the posture of the camera 400 based on the detection result of the posture detection unit 700. The posture detection unit 700 may periodically detect the posture of the camera 400, or may detect the posture of the camera 400 in step S2070.

  In step S2080, the microcomputer 140 determines the rotation state of the image display unit 501 based on the detection result of the first detection unit 510 and the detection result of the second detection unit 520.

  In step S2090, the microcomputer 140 makes an angle around the first axis with reference to the position where the surface (back surface) opposite to the display surface of the image display unit 501 faces the main body portion of the camera 400. It is determined whether a certain angle θV is 90 degrees or more. When the angle θV is 90 degrees or more, the process proceeds to step S2100, and when it is less than 90 degrees, the process proceeds to step S2130. If it is determined in step S2090 that the angle θV is less than 90 degrees, the image display unit 501 and the main body of the camera 400 interfere with each other, so that the angle θD described later is limited to −90 degrees or 90 degrees. Regardless of the angle θD, there is a possibility that light from the flash device 200 may enter the eyes of the photographer. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S2130 so as to reduce the limit angle.

  In step S2100, the microcomputer 140 uses the angle θV as 180 degrees and the position where the display surface is parallel to the direction of gravity and faces upward as the reference, and the angle about the second axis so that the display surface faces the photographer. Whether or not the angle θD is −180 degrees or more and less than the first threshold θth1 is determined. Here, the angle about the second axis is expressed as less than 0 degrees so that the display surface faces the subject side. If the angle θD is −180 degrees or more and less than the first threshold θth1, the process proceeds to step S2120. If the angle θD is −180 degrees or more and less than the first threshold θth1, the process proceeds to step S2110. Here, when the angle θD is −180 degrees or more and less than the first threshold θth1, it is assumed that the display surface of the image display unit 501 faces the lower side or the subject side, and the first threshold θth1 is, for example, −90. Degree. As described above, when the display surface of the image display unit 501 is directed downward or on the subject side, the light from the strobe device 200 is unlikely to enter the eyes of the photographer at the time of bounce flash photography. The process moves to step S2120 so as not to make it smaller.

  In step S2110, the microcomputer 140 determines whether or not an angle θDC obtained by subtracting an angle θC that is an inclination angle of the camera 400 in the front-rear direction with respect to a direction parallel to the direction of gravity from the angle θD is equal to or larger than a second threshold θth2. Here, the angle θC when the camera 400 is tilted in the direction in which the photographing optical axis of the camera 400 is directed downward is represented by a positive value. When the angle θDC is equal to or larger than the second threshold θth2, the process proceeds to step S2130, and when the angle θDC is less than the second threshold θth2, the process proceeds to step S2200. Here, when the angle θDC is equal to or larger than the second threshold θth2, it is assumed that the difference between the light irradiation direction from the strobe device 200 and the position where the photographer views the image display unit 501 is relatively large. The threshold θth2 is 90 degrees, for example. As described above, when the difference between the irradiation direction of the light from the strobe device 200 and the position at which the photographer views the image display unit 501 is relatively large, the light from the strobe device 200 is captured by the photographer's eyes during the bounce flash shooting. The possibility of entering is low. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S2120 so as not to reduce the limit angle.

  In step S <b> 2120, the microcomputer 140 sets the angle θN as the limit angle that limits the rotation angle when rotating the movable part, and transmits information related to the limit angle set in the strobe device 200.

  In step S2130, the microcomputer 140 sets the limit angle θL that limits the rotation angle when rotating the movable part, and transmits information regarding the set limit angle to the strobe device 200.

  After the limit angle is set, the process proceeds to step S110 in FIG.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the limit angle is set based on the information indicating the position of the image display unit 501 and the posture information of the camera 400. Thereby, it is possible to secure the degree of freedom in the irradiation direction of the light from the strobe device 200 as much as possible, and to reduce the user from being irradiated with the light from the strobe device 200.

  In addition, the structure which performs one part of the process performed with the microcomputer 140 in said 2 embodiment with the control part 201 may be sufficient. For example, the control unit 201 receives information indicating the state of the imaging apparatus such as information indicating that the camera 300 has been remotely operated, information indicating the rotation state of the image display unit 501, and posture information of the camera 400 from the microcomputer 140. . Then, the control unit 201 may set a limit angle based on the received information. Further, the control unit 201 may receive information related to the posture of the camera 400 and information related to the detection result of the back surface detection sensor 800 from the microcomputer 140, and the control unit 201 may set the limit angle based on the received information.

  In the above-described two embodiments, the example of the imaging system having the back surface detection sensor in both the imaging device and the lighting device has been described. However, the imaging system having the back surface detection sensor in only one of the imaging device and the lighting device. It may be.

  Further, in the second embodiment, an example of an imaging system in which the imaging device has a posture detection unit has been described. However, the imaging device does not have a posture detection unit, and the lighting device has a posture detection unit. The detection result of the posture detection unit may be used as the posture of the imaging apparatus.

  In the second embodiment, the image display unit 501 of the strobe device 200 is configured to be capable of rotating around the first axis and rotating around the second axis. The configuration may be such that the part can only be rotated around one axis.

  Moreover, the structure which combined 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment may be sufficient.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and any configuration can be used as long as the functions shown in the claims or the functions of the configuration of the present embodiment can be achieved. Is also applicable.

6 Operation unit 140 Microcomputer 200 Strobe device 201 Control unit 206 Xe tube 207 Bounce drive circuit 220 Rear detection sensor 300 Camera 400 Camera 501 Image display unit 600 Remote control unit 700 Posture detection unit 800 Rear detection sensor

Claims (16)

A main body detachably mounted on the imaging device;
A movable part rotatable with respect to the main body part;
A light emitting part provided in the movable part;
Driving means for rotating the movable part;
Receiving means for receiving information on the state of the imaging device mounted on the main body;
Setting means for setting a limit angle for limiting a turning angle when the movable part is turned by the driving means, based on the information about the state of the imaging device attached to the main body received by the receiving means; , have a,
The information regarding the state of the imaging device attached to the main body received by the receiving unit includes information indicating that the imaging device attached to the main body has been remotely operated . The setting unit is configured to move the imaging device attached to the main body without remote operation when rotating the movable portion in response to the remote operation of the imaging device attached to the main body. The lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the limit angle is not made smaller than when the portion is rotated. In a state where the main body is mounted on the imaging device, the main body has a detection sensor for detecting an object within the detection range, which is disposed on the surface opposite to the subject side. ,
When the output of the detection sensor does not indicate that an object has been detected within the detection range, when rotating the movable portion in response to the remote operation of the imaging device mounted on the main body, The illumination device according to claim 2 , wherein the limit angle is made larger than when the imaging device attached to the main body is rotated without moving the movable unit. A main body detachably mounted on the imaging device;
A movable part rotatable with respect to the main body part;
A light emitting part provided in the movable part;
Driving means for rotating the movable part;
Receiving means for receiving information on the state of the imaging device mounted on the main body;
Setting means for setting a limit angle for limiting a turning angle when the movable part is turned by the driving means, based on the information about the state of the imaging device attached to the main body received by the receiving means; Have
Information about the state of the imaging device mounted on the main body portion received by the receiving means, a light irradiation you characterized in that it includes information indicating the position of the image display unit which the imaging apparatus which is mounted on the main body has apparatus. The lighting device according to claim 4 , wherein the setting unit changes the limit angle according to a position of the image display unit included in the imaging device mounted on the main body. A main body detachably mounted on the imaging device;
A movable part rotatable with respect to the main body part;
A light emitting part provided in the movable part;
Driving means for rotating the movable part;
Receiving means for receiving information on the state of the imaging device mounted on the main body;
Setting means for setting a limit angle for limiting a turning angle when the movable part is turned by the driving means, based on the information about the state of the imaging device attached to the main body received by the receiving means; Have
It said information about the state of the mounted imaging apparatus to the main body portion received by the receiving means, lighting devices you comprising a posture information of the picked-up device attached to the main body portion. It said drive means, the lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that rotating the movable portion within a range not exceeding the limit angle. A main body that is detachably attached to the imaging device, a movable part that is rotatable with respect to the main body, a light emitting part that is provided in the movable part, and a drive unit that rotates the movable part. An imaging device that can be equipped with a lighting device comprising:
Based on the information about the state of the imaging device, it has a setting means for setting a limit angle for limiting the rotation angle when rotating the movable portion by the driving means,
The information relating to the state of the imaging device includes information indicating that the imaging device has been remotely operated . A main body that is detachably attached to the imaging device, a movable part that is rotatable with respect to the main body, a light emitting part that is provided in the movable part, and a drive unit that rotates the movable part. An imaging device that can be equipped with a lighting device comprising:
A movable image display for displaying images;
Setting means for setting a limit angle for limiting a rotation angle when the movable unit is rotated by the driving unit based on information on the state of the imaging device;
The information relating to the state of the imaging device includes information indicating a position of the image display unit. A main body that is detachably attached to the imaging device, a movable part that is rotatable with respect to the main body, a light emitting part that is provided in the movable part, and a drive unit that rotates the movable part. An imaging device that can be equipped with a lighting device comprising:
Setting means for setting a limit angle for limiting a rotation angle when the movable unit is rotated by the driving unit based on information on the state of the imaging device;
The information regarding the state of the imaging device includes orientation information of the imaging device. A main body that is detachably attached to the imaging device, a movable part that is rotatable with respect to the main body, a light emitting part that is provided in the movable part, and a drive unit that rotates the movable part. An imaging system including an illuminating device and an imaging device to which the illuminating device can be attached,
Based on the information about the state of the imaging device, it has a setting means for setting a limit angle for limiting the rotation angle when rotating the movable portion by the driving means,
The information relating to the state of the imaging apparatus includes information indicating that the imaging apparatus has been remotely operated . A main body that is detachably attached to the imaging device, a movable part that is rotatable with respect to the main body, a light emitting part that is provided in the movable part, and a drive unit that rotates the movable part. An imaging system including an illuminating device and an imaging device to which the illuminating device can be attached,
Based on information relating to the state of the imaging device, it has setting means for setting a limit angle for limiting a rotation angle when the movable part is rotated by the driving means,
The information relating to the state of the imaging device includes information indicating a position of an image display unit included in the imaging device. A main body that is detachably attached to the imaging device, a movable part that is rotatable with respect to the main body, a light emitting part that is provided in the movable part, and a drive unit that rotates the movable part. An imaging system including an illuminating device and an imaging device to which the illuminating device can be attached,
Based on information relating to the state of the imaging device, it has setting means for setting a limit angle for limiting a rotation angle when the movable part is rotated by the driving means,
The information relating to the state of the imaging device includes posture information of the imaging device. A main body that is detachably attached to the imaging device, a movable part that is rotatable with respect to the main body,
A lighting device control method comprising: a light emitting unit provided in the movable unit; and a driving unit that rotates the movable unit.
On the basis of the information about the state of the mounted imaging apparatus main body, it has a setting step of setting a limit angle for limiting the rotation angle when rotating the movable portion by the driving means,
The information on the state of the imaging device includes information indicating that the imaging device mounted on the main body has been remotely operated . A main body that is detachably attached to the imaging device, a movable part that is rotatable with respect to the main body, a light emitting part that is provided in the movable part, and a drive unit that rotates the movable part. A method for controlling a lighting device comprising:
A setting step for setting a limit angle for limiting a rotation angle when the movable unit is rotated by the driving unit based on information on the state of the imaging device mounted on the main body unit;
The information on the state of the imaging device includes information indicating a position of an image display unit included in the imaging device. A main body that is detachably attached to the imaging device, a movable part that is rotatable with respect to the main body, a light emitting part that is provided in the movable part, and a drive unit that rotates the movable part. A method for controlling a lighting device comprising:
A setting step for setting a limit angle for limiting a rotation angle when the movable unit is rotated by the driving unit based on information on the state of the imaging device mounted on the main body unit;
The information on the state of the imaging device includes orientation information of the imaging device.

Images