JP6685732B2 - Illumination device, imaging system, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting device capable of changing a light distribution angle, an imaging system including the lighting device, a control method thereof, and a program.

  As one of imaging methods using an imaging system having an imaging device and a lighting device, the light of the lighting device is directed toward a reflector such as a ceiling or a wall, and diffuse reflected light from the reflector is applied to a subject. There is flash photography for shooting (hereinafter referred to as "bounce flash photography"). In bounce flash photography, the light of the illumination device can be indirectly radiated to the subject, so that it is possible to draw with soft light. Regarding such bounce flash photography, the irradiation direction of the light from the lighting device is calculated inside the lighting device using the detection results of the distance detection means and the posture detection means, and is automatically adjusted by the drive unit in the lighting device. There is a known automated technology.

  In order to obtain a highly accurate calculation result in the bounce flash photography automation technology, it is necessary to increase the detection accuracy when measuring the distance to the subject and the reflector. However, in the distance measurement using the conventional reflected light detection means, the light distribution angle of the light emission for distance measurement is fixed at the light distribution angle corresponding to the focal length of the photographing lens or the light distribution angle of the main light emission at the time of actual photographing. . Therefore, it is not possible to measure the distance around the angle of view, or the guide number becomes smaller, which tends to cause variations in the distance measurement results. There is a problem in that variations in distance measurement results become large. As a technique for solving such a problem, there has been proposed a bounce photographing device in which the distance measurement accuracy is improved by correcting the distance measurement result according to the reflectance of the subject at the time of distance measurement using the reflected light detection means. (See Patent Document 1).

JP, 2015-004933, A

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problem because the correction is performed on the assumption that the light emission for distance measurement is correctly emitted to the subject. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating a problem of conventional light emission for distance measurement. FIG. 15A shows a state in which the distance measurement light emitting range is displaced from the subject. Such a situation may occur, for example, when the photographing field angle and the distance measuring light distribution angle are deviated from each other, such as when the photographing lens has a wide focal length and the illumination device has a narrow light distribution angle in the telephoto mode. In this case, since the subject is not exposed to the light for distance measurement, correct correction cannot be performed and a highly accurate distance measurement result cannot be obtained. On the other hand, FIG. 15B shows a state in which the range-finding emission range covers the shooting angle of view, but an unnecessarily wide range-finding emission range is set for the subject. In this case, the guide number of the illuminating device is reduced and the amount of light is insufficient, so that the distance range in which distance measurement is possible becomes short. Therefore, as the distance to the subject increases, it becomes impossible to obtain a highly accurate distance measurement result.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an illuminating device capable of appropriately controlling light emission during distance measurement of a subject and a reflector and main light emission during image pickup.

An image pickup system according to the present invention is an image pickup system including a lens barrel, an image pickup device, and a lighting device, wherein the lighting device is configured to be able to change an irradiation direction and a light distribution angle of light to be irradiated. And a detection unit that detects information about the distance to the subject and information about the distance to the reflector based on reflected light when light is emitted from the light emitting unit to the subject and the reflector, respectively. At least one of the illumination device and the imaging device has a control unit that controls a light irradiation direction and a light distribution angle in the light emitting unit, and the control unit emits light from the light emitting unit to the reflector. The light distribution angle of the light emitting unit when detecting the information about the distance of the subject when performing the bounce photographing for photographing the subject by irradiating the subject with the reflected light from the reflector is Determined based on the first information based on the focal length of's barrel, determined based on a different second information from said bounce flash of the first information light distribution angle of the light emitting portion of the present shooting However, the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit when detecting the information regarding the distance of the reflector when detecting the information regarding the distance of the reflector after detecting the information regarding the distance of the subject, It is characterized by controlling to the same angle as the light distribution angle of the light emitting portion .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately control the light emission during distance measurement of the subject and the reflector and the main light emission during main shooting, and it is possible to obtain a high-quality shot image.

It is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of an imaging system concerning an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the image pickup system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a strobe device that constitutes the imaging system shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of drive control according to the first embodiment of the strobe device in auto-bounce flash photography by the imaging system shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the 1st example and 2nd example of a portrait photography scene. It is a schematic diagram explaining the method of calculating the drive amount of the movable part of the strobe device which makes the bounce angle optimal. It is a figure which shows the state which the strobe device inclines with respect to each of a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. It is a flowchart of the process of step S413 of FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the process of step S419 of FIG. It is a figure explaining the light distribution angle at the time of the pre-light emission for ceiling distance detection set by step S904 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the process of step S427 of FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of drive control according to a second embodiment of a strobe device in auto-bounce flash photography by the imaging system shown in FIG. 1. 13 is a flowchart of the process of step S1213 of FIG. It is a flowchart of the process of step S1219 of FIG. It is a figure which illustrates typically the problem of the conventional light emission for distance measurement.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Structure of imaging system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an imaging system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the imaging system 10. 1 and 2, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The imaging system 10 includes a camera body 100 that is an imaging device, a lens barrel 200 that is mounted on the camera body 100, and a strobe device 300 that is an illumination device mounted on the camera body 100. The strobe device 300 is detachable from the camera body 100, and the lens barrel 200 may be fixed (integrated) to the camera body 100, or may be detachable from the camera body 100.

  The camera body 100 includes a camera microcomputer 101 (hereinafter referred to as “CCPU 101”), an image sensor 102, a shutter 103, a main mirror 104, a focus plate 105, a photometric circuit 106, a focus detection circuit 107, a gain switching circuit 108, and an A / D conversion. The container 109 is provided. The camera body 100 also includes a timing generator (TG) 110 signal processing circuit 111, an input unit 112, a display unit 113, a pentaprism 114, a sub-mirror 115, a communication line LC, a communication line SC, a terminal 120, a terminal 130, and an attitude detection circuit. 140 is provided.

  The CCPU 101 is a microcomputer that controls the operation of each unit of the camera body 100 by executing various software (program codes). The CCPU 101 has a microcomputer built-in one-chip IC circuit configuration including, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output control circuit (I / O control circuit), a multiplexer, a timer circuit, an EEPROM, an A / D converter, a D / A converter, and the like. Has become. The CCPU 101 performs various determination processing and arithmetic processing for controlling the camera body 100 by the CPU expanding a predetermined program code stored in the ROM into the RAM. The image pickup device 102 is an image pickup device such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor including an infrared cut filter, a low pass filter, or the like. The light flux from the subject that has passed through the lens barrel 200 forms an image of the subject on the image sensor 102. The shutter 103 is configured to be able to transit between a state where the image sensor 102 is shielded from light and a state where the image sensor 102 is exposed. The main mirror 104 is a half mirror, and a position where a part of the light incident through the lens barrel 200 is reflected to form an image on the focusing plate 105, and the main mirror 104 is retracted from the shooting optical path from the lens barrel 200 to the image sensor 102. It is configured to be able to transition to and from the position where A subject image is formed on the focusing plate 105. The user (photographer) can confirm the subject image formed on the focusing plate 105 via an optical viewfinder (not shown).

  The photometric circuit 106 includes a photometric sensor in the circuit, and outputs exposure information by performing photometry in one or a plurality of areas set for the subject. The photometric sensor in the photometric circuit 106 expects the subject image formed on the focusing plate 105 via the pentaprism 114. The focus detection circuit 107 includes a distance measuring sensor having a plurality of distance measuring points in the circuit, and outputs focus information such as the defocus amount of each distance measuring point. The gain switching circuit 108 amplifies the signal output from the image sensor 102. The CCPU 101 switches the gain applied to the signal in the gain switching circuit 108 according to the shooting conditions, the user's operation, and the like. The A / D converter 109 generates image data by converting the analog signal output from the gain switching circuit 108 into a digital signal. The timing generator 110 synchronizes the signal output timing from the image sensor 102 (the input timing of the amplified signal from the gain switching circuit 108 to the A / D converter 109) and the A / D conversion timing in the A / D converter 109. Let

  The signal processing circuit 111 performs predetermined signal processing on the image data composed of digital signals output from the A / D converter 109. The input unit 112 includes operation units such as a power switch, a release switch, and a setting button, and the CCPU 101 executes various processes based on an instruction from the input unit 112 according to an operation on the input unit 112. For example, when the release switch is operated by one step (half-press), the CCPU 101 executes a shooting preparation operation such as AF (auto focus) and AE (auto exposure). When the release switch is operated in two steps (fully pressed), the CCPU 101 executes a series of shooting operations from exposure of the image sensor 102 to storage of the generated image data. Further, various settings of the flash device 300 can be performed by operating the setting button. Here, when wireless communication is possible between the strobe device 300 and the camera body 100, even if the strobe device 300 is not directly attached to the camera body 100, various types of strobe device 300 are mounted in the same manner as when the strobe device 300 is attached. Can be set.

  The display unit 113 includes a liquid crystal device and a light emitting element, and displays a shooting mode set for the camera body 100 and other shooting information. The liquid crystal device displays a subject image and a shot image during shooting. Reproduction display and the like are also possible. The pentaprism 114 guides the subject image on the focusing plate 105 to a photometric sensor in the photometric circuit 106 and an optical finder (not shown). The sub mirror 115 guides the light that has entered from the lens group 202 and transmitted through the main mirror 104 to the distance measuring sensor of the focus detection circuit 107.

  The communication line LC is a signal line of an interface that communicatively connects the camera body 100 and the lens barrel 200, and the communication line SC is a signal line of an interface that communicatively connects the camera body 100 and the strobe device 300. . The imaging system 10 includes terminals 120 and 130 for performing three-terminal serial communication as an example of communication using the communication lines LC and SC, and performs information communication such as data exchange and command transmission using the CCPU 101 as a host. . The terminal 120 includes an SCLK_L terminal, a MOSI_L terminal, a MISO_L terminal, and a GND terminal. The SCLK_L terminal is a terminal for synchronizing communication between the camera body 100 and the lens barrel 200. The MOSI_L terminal is a terminal for transmitting data from the camera body 100 to the lens barrel 200. The MISO_L terminal is a terminal for transmitting data from the lens barrel 200 to the camera body 100. The GND terminal connects the camera body 100 and the lens barrel 200 to drop them to the ground potential. The terminal 130 includes an SCLK_S terminal, a MOSI_S terminal, a MISO_S terminal, and a GND terminal. The SCLK_S terminal is a terminal for synchronizing communication between the camera body 100 and the flash device 300. The MOSI_S terminal is a terminal for transmitting data from the camera body 100 to the flash device 300. The MISO_S terminal connects the camera body 100 and the strobe device 300 and drops them to the ground potential.

  The posture detection circuit 140 is a circuit that detects a posture difference of the camera body 100, and includes a posture H detection unit 140a that detects a horizontal posture difference, a posture V detection unit 140b that detects a vertical posture difference, and a front-back direction ( It has a posture Z detection unit 140c that detects a posture difference in the Z direction). For the attitude detection circuit 140, for example, an angular velocity sensor or a gyro sensor is used. The posture information regarding the posture difference in each direction detected by the posture detection circuit 140 is supplied to the CCPU 101.

  The lens barrel 200 includes a lens microcomputer 201 (hereinafter referred to as “LPU 201”), a lens group 202, a lens driving unit 203, an encoder 204, a diaphragm 205, and a diaphragm control circuit 206. The LPU 201 is a microcomputer that controls each unit of the lens barrel 200. The LPU 201 has a microcomputer built-in one-chip IC circuit configuration including, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output control circuit (I / O control circuit), a multiplexer, a timer circuit, an EEPROM, an A / D converter, a D / A converter, and the like. Has become.

  The lens group 202 is composed of a plurality of lenses including a focus lens and a zoom lens. The lens group 202 may not include the zoom lens. The lens driving unit 203 drives the lenses included in the lens group 202 in the optical axis direction. The drive amount of the lens group 202 is calculated by the CCPU 101 based on the output of the focus detection circuit 107 provided in the camera body 100, and the calculated drive amount is transmitted from the CCPU 101 to the LPU 201. The encoder 204 detects the position of the lens group 202 and outputs drive information to the LPU 201. The drive information from the encoder 204 is transmitted to the CCPU 101 via the LPU 201, and the lens drive unit 203 drives the lens group 202 by the drive amount calculated by the CCPU 101 to perform focus adjustment. The diaphragm 205 adjusts the amount of light that passes through the lens barrel 200. The aperture control circuit 206 drives the aperture 205 under the control of the LPU 201.

  The strobe device 300 is roughly composed of a main body portion 300a that can be attached to and detached from the camera main body 100, and a movable portion 300b that is rotatably held in the vertical and horizontal directions with respect to the main body portion 300a. The up-down direction is a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens barrel 200, and is a direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction when the camera body 100 is held in a normal posture. The left-right direction is a direction substantially orthogonal to both the optical axis of the lens barrel 200 and the vertical direction when the camera body 100 is held in a normal posture.

  The strobe device 300 includes a battery 301, a booster circuit block 302, a trigger circuit 303, a light emission control circuit 304, a discharge tube 305, a reflector 306, a strobe optical system 307, a reflected light detector 308, an integrating circuit 309, and an AND gate 311. . The strobe device 300 also includes a strobe microcomputer 310 (hereinafter referred to as “FPU 310”), an input unit 312, a display unit 313, a photodiode 314, a comparator 315, an optical system drive circuit 330, a bounce circuit 340, and a posture detection circuit 360.

  The FPU 310 is a microcomputer that controls each unit of the flash device 300. The FPU 310 has a microcomputer built-in one-chip IC circuit configuration including, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output control circuit (I / O control circuit), a multiplexer, a timer circuit, an EEPROM, an A / D converter, a D / A converter, and the like. ing. The battery 301 functions as a power source (VBAT) of the flash device 300. The booster circuit block 302 includes a booster unit 302a, resistors 302b and 302c, and a main capacitor 302d. The booster 302a boosts the voltage of the battery 301 to several hundreds of volts, and the main capacitor 302d is charged with electric energy for light emission. The charging voltage of the main capacitor 302d is divided by the resistors 302b and 302c, and the divided voltage is input to the A / D conversion terminal of the FPU 310. The trigger circuit 303 applies a pulse voltage for exciting the discharge tube 305 to the discharge tube 305. The light emission control circuit 304 controls start and stop of light emission of the discharge tube 305. The discharge tube 305 is excited by receiving a pulse voltage of several KV applied from the trigger circuit 303, and emits light using the electric energy charged in the main capacitor 302d.

  The integrating circuit 309 integrates the received light current of the photodiode 314 and inputs the integration result to the inverting input terminal of the comparator 315 and the A / D converter terminal of the FPU 310. The non-inverting input terminal of the comparator 315 is connected to the D / A converter terminal in the FPU 310, and the output of the comparator 315 is connected to the input terminal of the AND gate 311. The other input terminal of the AND gate 311 is connected to the light emission control terminal of the FPU 310, and the output of the AND gate 311 is input to the light emission control circuit 304. The photodiode 314 is a sensor that receives the light emitted from the discharge tube 305 directly or via a glass fiber or the like. The reflector 306 reflects the light emitted from the discharge tube 305 and guides it in a predetermined direction. The strobe optical system 307 includes an optical panel and the like, and is held so that the relative position to the discharge tube 305 can be changed. By changing the relative positions of the discharge tube 305 and the strobe optical system 307, the guide number and the light distribution angle of the strobe device 300 can be changed within respective predetermined ranges. The light emitting portion of the strobe device 300 is mainly composed of a discharge tube 305, a reflector 306, and a strobe optical system 307. The light distribution angle of the light emitting portion is changed by driving the strobe optical system 307, and the light emitting portion is irradiated. The direction changes depending on the rotation of the movable portion 300b. The method of changing the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit is not limited to the method of changing the relative position between the discharge tube 305 and the strobe optical system 307. For example, the method of changing the shape of the reflector 306 or the strobe optical system 307 is used. A method of changing the optical characteristics of the above may be used.

  The reflected light detection unit 308 detects the amount of light emitted from the discharge tube 305 and reflected from a reflector such as a subject or a ceiling. The FPU 310 performs an operation based on the amount of reflected light detected by the reflected light detector 308 so that the distance to the subject or the reflector can be calculated. The input unit 312 includes an operation unit such as a power switch, a mode setting switch for setting the operation mode of the strobe device 300, an auto bounce start button for executing auto bounce driving, and a setting button for setting various parameters. The FPU 310 executes various processes based on an instruction from the input unit 312 according to an operation on the input unit 312. In this embodiment, the automated bounce flash photography performed by the imaging system 10 is referred to as auto bounce flash photography. Further, the auto-bounce drive means the rotational drive of the movable unit 300b for executing the auto-bounce flash photography.

  The display unit 313 has a liquid crystal device and a light emitting element, and displays various setting information and operating states of the flash device 300. The optical system drive circuit 330 has a position detection unit 330a and an optical system drive unit 330b. The position detector 330a detects information about the relative position of the discharge tube 305 and the strobe optical system 307 by an encoder (not shown) or the like. The optical system driving section 330b includes a motor and the like for driving the strobe optical system 307. The FPU 310 acquires focal length information output from the LPU 201 via the CCPU 101, and calculates the drive amount of the strobe optical system 307 based on the acquired focal length information.

  The bounce circuit 340 includes a first bounce angle detection circuit 340a, a second bounce angle detection circuit 340c, a first bounce drive circuit 340b, and a second bounce drive circuit 340d. FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the strobe device 300 with a part of the movable portion 300b removed. FIG. 3B is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the strobe device 300. The first bounce angle detection circuit 340a (bounce H detection circuit) detects the lateral drive amount of the movable portion 300b. The second bounce angle detection circuit 340c (bounce V detection circuit) detects the vertical drive amount of the movable portion 300b. A rotary encoder or an absolute encoder is used to detect these drive amounts. The first bounce drive circuit 340b (bounce H drive circuit) drives the movable portion 300b in the left-right direction. The second bounce drive circuit 340d (bounce V drive circuit) drives the movable portion 300b in the vertical direction. A known motor or the like is used for driving these.

  The posture detection circuit 360 is a circuit that detects a posture difference of the strobe device 300, and includes a posture H detection unit 360a that detects a horizontal posture difference, a posture V detection unit 360b that detects a vertical posture difference, and a front-back direction ( A posture Z detection unit 360c that detects a posture difference in the Z direction) is included. For the attitude detection circuit 360, for example, an angular velocity sensor or a gyro sensor is used. The posture information regarding the posture difference in each direction detected by the posture detection circuit 360 is supplied to the FPU 310.

  In the imaging system 10 configured as described above, the CCPU 101, the LPU 201, and the FPU 310 cooperate with each other to control each unit that configures the imaging system 10, whereby a smooth operation of the entire imaging system 10 is realized.

<Drive Control Method According to First Embodiment of Strobe Device>
Next, a drive control method according to the first embodiment of the flash device 300 in the case of executing the auto bounce flash photography by the imaging system 10 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of drive control according to the first embodiment of the flash device 300 in auto-bounce flash photography. Each process shown in FIG. 4 is realized by the FPU 310 executing a predetermined program code to control the operation of each unit of the flash device 300. The flowchart of FIG. 4 starts when the power switch included in the input unit 312 is turned on and the FPU 310 of the strobe device 300 becomes operable. In the following description, the distance to the subject from the strobe light emitting surface of the strobe device 300 as a starting point is referred to as the “subject distance”, and the distance to the ceiling taken as an example of the reflector is referred to as the “ceiling distance”. To do.

  In step S401, the FPU 310 initializes its own memory and port, reads the states of the switches included in the input unit 312 and preset input information, and determines various emission modes such as the emission amount determination method and emission timing. Make settings. In step S402, the FPU 310 starts the operation of the booster circuit block 302 and charges the main capacitor 302d. At this time, it may be determined that the bounce circuit 340 and the strobe optical system 307 cannot be simultaneously driven because the voltage of the battery 301 is low. In this case, the FPU 310 fixes the light distribution angle of the distance measurement light emission to the same angle as the light distribution angle (hereinafter referred to as “main light emission light distribution angle”) for light emission (main light emission) when performing main shooting. The optical fixed mode is switched to and the information is stored in the RAM in the FPU 310. On the other hand, when the bounce circuit 340 and the strobe optical system 307 can be simultaneously driven, the FPU 310 switches to the “light distribution variable mode” in which the light distribution angle for distance measurement light emission and the main light emission light distribution angle can be separately set, The information is stored in the RAM in the FPU 310.

  In step S403, the FPU 310 stores the focal length information (first information) of the lens barrel 200 acquired from the CCPU 101 via the communication line SC in the RAM in the FPU 310. Note that the FPU 310 updates the data with new focal length information when the focal length information was stored in the RAM before this. In step S404, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 by the optical system driving circuit 330 so that the light distribution angle of the strobe light falls within the range according to the focal length information acquired in step S403. Driving the strobe optical system 307 refers to changing the position of the strobe optical system 307 with respect to the discharge tube 305 in order to change the light distribution angle of the strobe device 300, and will be used in the same meaning below.

  By the way, when the “light distribution fixed mode” is set in step S402, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 to the main light emission distribution angle by the optical system driving circuit 330. If it is not necessary to drive the stroboscopic optical system 307 when the light distribution angle corresponding to the focal length information (hereinafter referred to as “focal length light distribution angle”) is the same as the main light emission distribution angle, step S404. Is omitted.

  In step S405, the FPU 310 displays on the display unit 313 information about the light emission mode set through the input unit 312, information about the acquired focal length information, and the like. In step S406, the FPU 310 confirms whether the flash mode set in the flash device 300 is the auto bounce mode. If the FPU 310 is in the auto bounce mode (YES in S406), the process proceeds to step S407, and if it is not in the auto bounce mode (normal emission mode) (NO in S406), the process proceeds to step S430. The light emission mode can be set from the input unit 312, but can also be set from the input unit 112 via the CCPU 101 and the communication line SC.

  In step S407, the FPU 310 determines whether or not the main capacitor 302d has been charged. If the charging is completed (YES in S407), the FPU 310 advances the process to step S408. If the charging is not completed (NO in S407), the determination of step S407 is repeated. It should be noted that although the processing when charging cannot be completed due to insufficient battery capacity or the like is not mentioned here, in this case, the FPU 310 displays on the display unit 313 that an error has occurred, and terminates this processing. .

  In step S408, the FPU 310 determines whether the auto bounce start button is turned on. If the auto-bounce start button is turned on (YES in S408), FPU 310 advances the process to step S409, and if the auto-bounce start button is not turned on (in the off state), advances the process to step S433. . As described above, the auto bounce start button is assigned to the input unit 312. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the input unit 112 may be provided with an auto bounce start button, and ON / OFF of the auto bounce start button may be determined by the FPU 310 via the CCPU 101 and the communication line SC.

  In step S409, the FPU 310 transmits the fact that it is in the auto bounce drive state to the CCPU 101 via the communication line SC. Note that “ST → C communication” shown in FIG. 4 refers to communication from the strobe device 300 to the camera body 100 (FPU 310 to CCPU 101), and “C → ST communication” refers to communication from the CCPU 101 to the FPU 310.

  In step S410, the FPU 310 determines the direction of pre-light emission for detecting information about the ceiling distance (hereinafter referred to as "pre-light emission for ceiling distance detection"). Therefore, based on the detection result of the attitude detection circuit 360, It is determined whether or not the posture is in the lateral position photographing state. In this determination, the FPU 310 stores the detection result of the attitude detection circuit 360 in the RAM in the FPU 310, and determines whether it is within a predetermined tilt angle range, thereby determining whether it is in the horizontal position shooting state or the vertical position shooting state. To do. The FPU 310 advances the processing to step S411 if it is in the horizontal position imaging state (YES in S410), and advances the processing to step S412 if it is in the vertical position imaging state (NO in S410). Note that step S410 may be performed using the detection result of the attitude detection circuit 140 instead of the detection result of the attitude detection circuit 360.

  In step S411, the FPU 310 stores, in the RAM in the FPU 310, information indicating that the lateral position angle control is applied as the direction control for performing the ceiling distance detection pre-light emission. Pre-light emission for detecting information about the distance to the subject (hereinafter referred to as “pre-light emission for subject distance detection”) is followed by pre-light emission for ceiling distance detection. When the lateral position angle control is applied, the ceiling distance detection pre-light emission is a control that drives the second bounce drive circuit 340d to emit light toward the upper side of the flash device 300. In step S412, FPU 310 stores information indicating that vertical position angle control is applied as direction control for performing pre-light emission for ceiling distance detection, in RAM in FPU 310. Pre-light emission for ceiling distance detection performed after pre-light emission for subject distance detection, when the vertical position angle control is applied, drives the first bounce drive circuit 340b to emit light in the left-right direction of the strobe device 300. Control. Also in this case, the light emission direction is determined to be upward based on the detection result of the attitude detection circuit 360.

  In step S413 after completion of steps S411 and S412, the FPU 310 drives the bounce circuit 340 so that the movable portion 300b faces the front direction (direction toward the subject). Further, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 to the light distribution angle at the time of pre-light emission for subject distance detection in synchronization with the driving of the bounce circuit 340. The details of driving the strobe optical system 307 in step S413 will be described later. In step S414, the FPU 310 stores the angle detection results of the first bounce angle detection circuit 340a and the second bounce angle detection circuit 340c in the RAM of the FPU 310, and the movable unit 300b faces the front direction based on the angle detection result. It is determined whether or not there is. FPU310 advances a process to step S415, when the movable part 300b faces the front direction (YES in S414), and advances a process to step S416 when the movable part 300b does not face the front direction (NO in S414). .

  In step S415, the FPU 310 performs pre-light emission for subject distance detection at the light distribution angle after driving the strobe optical system 307 in step S413, detects reflected light from the subject in the reflected light detection unit 308, and determines the detected light amount. Based on this, information regarding the distance to the subject is calculated. The FPU 310 stores information regarding the calculated subject distance in the RAM in the FPU 310, and then advances the process to step S419. On the other hand, in step S416, the FPU 310 determines whether or not the auto-bounce end instruction based on the fact that the bounce drive cannot be normally performed is acquired from the CCPU 101 via the communication line SC. If the FPU 310 has acquired the auto-bounce end instruction (YES in S416), the process is terminated and the process returns to step S402. If the auto-bounce end instruction cannot be acquired (NO in S416), the process proceeds to step S417. . In the flowchart of FIG. 4, “return” means returning the process to step S402.

  In step S417, the FPU 310 determines whether the bounce drive is completed within a predetermined time. If the FPU 310 has timed out (the bounce drive has not been completed within the predetermined time) (YES in S417), the process proceeds to step S418, and if the time has not timed out (NO in S417), the process proceeds to step S414. Return to. In step S418, the FPU 310 transmits that the auto bounce drive is in an error state to the CCPU 101 via the communication line SC, and then returns the process to step S402.

  In step S419, the FPU 310 drives the bounce circuit 340 so that the movable portion 300b is directed toward the ceiling, and the strobe optical system is set so that the light distribution angle in the pre-light emission for ceiling distance detection is adjusted according to the driving of the bounce circuit 340. 307 is driven. The direction of the ceiling when the camera body 100 is held toward the subject is preset by the user and stored in the RAM in the FPU 310. The details of driving the strobe optical system 307 in step S419 will be described later.

  Subsequently, in step S420, the FPU 310 stores the angle detection results of the first bounce angle detection circuit 340a and the second bounce angle detection circuit 340c in the RAM of the FPU 310, and the movable unit 300b moves toward the ceiling based on the angle detection result. To determine whether or not. FPU310 advances a process to step S421, when the movable part 300b faces the ceiling direction (YES in S420), and advances a process to step S422 when the movable part 300b does not face the ceiling direction (NO in S420). .

  In step S421, the FPU 310 performs pre-light emission for ceiling distance detection at the light distribution angle after driving the strobe optical system 307 in step S419, detects reflected light from the ceiling by the reflected light detection unit 308, and determines the detected light amount. Based on this, information about the ceiling distance is calculated. The FPU 310 stores information regarding the calculated ceiling distance in the RAM in the FPU 310, and then advances the process to step S425. If the light distribution variable mode is set in step S402, but the bounce circuit 340 and the strobe optical system 307 cannot be simultaneously driven in step S419, the light distribution angle in step S421 is set to the object distance detection pre-measurement. The light distribution angle may be the same as that during light emission.

  On the other hand, in step S422, the FPU 310 determines whether or not the auto-bounce end instruction based on the fact that the bounce drive cannot be normally performed is acquired from the CCPU 101 via the communication line SC. If the FPU 310 has acquired the auto-bounce end instruction (YES in S422), the process is terminated and the process returns to step S402. If the auto-bounce end instruction cannot be acquired (NO in S422), the process proceeds to step S423. . In step S423, the FPU 310 determines whether the bounce drive is completed within a predetermined time. If the FPU 310 has timed out (the bounce drive has not been completed within the predetermined time) (YES in S423), the process proceeds to step S424, and if the time has not expired (NO in S423), the process proceeds to step S420. Return to. In step S424, the FPU 310 transmits that the auto bounce drive is in an error state to the CCPU 101 via the communication line SC, and then returns the process to step S402.

  In step S425, the FPU 310 calculates the optimum bounce angle based on the posture detection result of step S410, the information about the subject distance calculated at step S415 and the information about the ceiling distance calculated at step S421. The optimum bounce angle is the light irradiation angle to the ceiling in the actual shooting. Here, a method of calculating the optimal bounce angle that gives a natural shadow to a portrait photograph will be described.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a first example of a portrait photography scene, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a second example of a portrait photography scene. When the bounce angle of the movable portion 300b is set to a relatively small value such as 45 degrees as in the first example shown in FIG. 5A, the diffuse reflection light seen from the subject is emitted like a top light. Therefore, the shadow of the chin and the like becomes large and becomes dark easily. On the other hand, when the bounce angle of the movable part 300b is set to a relatively large value such as 90 degrees as in the second example shown in FIG. 5B, the reflecting surface seen from the subject is far from the subject. Since they are separated, the diffuse reflected light is incident on the subject at a shallow angle. As a result, the shadow is small and thin, which tends to create a natural atmosphere.

  The atmosphere of the captured image (photograph) changes depending on the subject distance and the ceiling distance, which is the distance to the reflecting surface of the reflector (hereinafter referred to as the "reflector distance"), but generally, the subject and the user are relatively close to each other. When shooting is performed in a certain state, it is likely to be irradiation like a top light. Therefore, when performing automatic bounce driving, the movable portion 300b may be driven toward the user side in order to reduce the angle of incidence on the subject. The optimum incident angle of the diffusely reflected light with which the subject is irradiated is experimentally obtained, and in step S425, the drive amount of the movable portion 300b is set so that the bounce angle becomes optimum (the optimum incident angle is obtained). Is calculated.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of calculating the drive amount of the movable portion 300b that optimizes the bounce angle. FIG. 6A shows the case where the subject and the user are relatively distant from each other, and FIG. 6B shows the case where the subject and the user are relatively close to each other. The distance (subject distance) to the subject from the strobe light emitting surface of the strobe device 300 as a starting point is x, and the ceiling distance from the strobe light emitting surface of the strobe device 300 as a starting point is y. X ₁ a distance from the subject to the point of intersection between the vertical line from the ceiling reflecting _surface, and the distance to the light emitting surface of the flash device 300 from the intersection point to _{x 2, x = x 1 +} x 2, the relation holds. Further, the optimum incident angle formed by the diffuse reflected light incident on the subject and the horizontal line is θ ₁ , and the optimum bounce angle formed by the irradiation direction from the light emitting surface of the strobe device 300 and the horizontal line is θ ₂ . In this case, the distance x ₂ can be obtained from the following equation 1 from the triangle formed by the subject, the ceiling reflecting surface, and the intersection. Further, the optimum bounce angle θ ₂ can be obtained by the following equation 2 from the triangle formed by the light emitting surface of the strobe device 300, the ceiling reflecting surface, and the above intersection and equation (1).

The above equation 2 makes it possible to determine the optimum bounce angle θ ₂ of the movable portion 300b for realizing the optimum incident angle θ ₁ on the subject. In the above formula 2, since the optimum incident angle θ ₁ is a preset constant, the optimum bounce angle θ ₂ of the movable part 300b is detected by detecting the distances x and y by the reflected light detection unit 308 in steps S415 and S421. Can be calculated. For example, in FIG. 6A, when the optimum incident angle θ ₁ is 30, the subject distance x is 3 m, and the ceiling distance y is 1.4 m, the optimum bounce angle θ ₂ is set to about 68 degrees. Good. Further, in FIG. 6B, when the optimum incident angle θ ₁ is 30 degrees, the subject distance x is 2 m, and the ceiling distance y is 1.4 m, the above expression 1 has a negative value. Therefore, the left side of the above equation 2 is 180 + θ ₂ , and as a result, it is understood that the optimum bounce angle θ ₂ should be set to about 107 (= 180 + θ ₂ ) degrees. Note that the optimum bounce angle θ ₂ may be obtained not only by such a method but also by another known method.

  The FPU 310 calculates the optimum bounce angle in step S425, stores the calculated optimum bounce angle in the RAM in the FPU 310, and advances the process to step S426. In step S426, the FPU 310 calculates the actual drive amount of the movable portion 300b based on the optimum bounce angle calculated in step S425 and the detection results of the first bounce angle detection circuit 340a and the second bounce angle detection circuit 340c. .

  At this time, the attitude of the strobe device 300 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction or the vertical direction. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a state in which the strobe device 300 is tilted by an angle γ with respect to the horizontal axis Z, and FIG. 7B is a state in which it is tilted by an angle η with respect to the vertical axis X. FIG. When it is determined that the attitude correction is necessary, the FPU 310 detects the tilt angle (γ, η) of each axis of the attitude detection circuit 360, and calculates the correction drive amount that cancels the tilt angle to the calculated bounce drive amount, The bounce drive amount is corrected with the calculated correction drive amount. At this time, the detection result of the attitude detection circuit 140 may be used instead of the detection result of the attitude detection circuit 360. The FPU 310 calculates the bounce drive amount, stores the calculated value in the RAM in the FPU 310, and advances the process to step S427.

  In step S427, the FPU 310 drives and controls the bounce circuit 340 to drive the movable portion 300b based on the calculation result in step S426, and at the same time as the bounce circuit 340 is driven, the FPU 310 strobes the light distribution angle in the main light emission. Drive system 307. The details of driving the strobe optical system 307 here will be described later. In the following step S428, the FPU 310 determines whether or not the movable part 300b driven in step S427 has been driven to the calculation position in step S426 based on the detection results of the first bounce angle detection circuit 340a and the second bounce angle detection circuit 340c. To determine. FPU310 advances a process to step S430, when the movable part 300b is driven to the calculation position (YES in S428), and advances a process to step S429 when the movable part 300b is not driven to the calculation position (YES in S428). Proceed.

  In step S429, the FPU 310 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (whether or not it has timed out). FPU310 advances a process to step S430, when predetermined time passed (timed out), without driving of the movable part 300b being completed (YES in S429), and when not timed out (NO in S429), the process of step S428. Return to. In step S430, the FPU 310 determines whether the charging voltage of the main capacitor 302d is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (whether charging is completed). If charging is completed (YES in S430), FPU 310 advances the process to step S432, and if charging is not completed (NO in S430), advances the process to step S431. In step S431, the FPU 310 restarts the operation of the booster circuit block 302 to charge the main capacitor 302d, and then advances the process to step S432.

  In step S432, the FPU 310 transmits a charge completion signal to the CCPU 101. Then, in step S433, the FPU 310 determines whether or not a light emission start signal has been received from the CCPU 101 as a light emission command. When FPU 310 receives the light emission start signal (YES in S433), the process proceeds to step S434, and when the light emission start signal is not received (NO in S433), the process returns to step S402. In step S434, the FPU 310 instructs the light emission control circuit 304 to emit light in accordance with the received light emission start signal, and the light emission control circuit 304 causes the discharge tube 305 to emit light. After that, the FPU 310 returns the process to step S402. Note that in step S434, the FPU 310 does not return to step S402 even after each light emission ends for a series of light emission such as pre-light emission for dimming and main light emission, and performs processing after the end of a series of light emission in step S402. Return to.

  Details of step S413 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the process of step S413. In step S801, the FPU 310 determines whether the light distribution variable mode is set. If the light distribution variable mode is set (YES in S801), the FPU 310 advances the process to step S802, and if the light distribution variable mode is not set (light distribution fixed mode) (NO in S801), the process advances to step S804.

  Here, it is desirable that the light distribution angle at the time of pre-light emission for subject distance detection be the light emission angle with the focal length light distribution angle stored in step S403. This is because the entire angle of view can be covered by emitting light at the focal length light distribution angle, so that distance measurement is possible regardless of where the subject is located within the angle of view. Therefore, in step S802, the FPU 310 confirms whether to drive the strobe optical system 307 to the focal length light distribution angle. When driving the strobe optical system 307 to the focal length light distribution angle (YES in S802), the FPU 310 exits this process and advances the process to step S414. On the other hand, if the FPU 310 does not drive the strobe optical system 307 to the focal length light distribution angle based on the setting made by the user (NO in S802), the process proceeds to step S803.

  In step S803, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 to a light distribution angle that covers the AF possible area calculated based on the focal length information (hereinafter referred to as “AF area light distribution angle”), and then exits this processing and proceeds to step The process proceeds to S414. In step S804, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 at the main light emission distribution angle based on the information switched to the fixed light distribution mode in step S402, and then exits this process and advances the process to step S414.

  Details of step S419 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the process of step S419. In step S901, the FPU 310 determines whether or not the light distribution variable mode is set. FPU310 advances a process to step S902, when it is light distribution variable mode (it is YES at S901), and when it is not light distribution variable mode (it is light distribution fixed mode) (it is NO at S901), it advances a process to step S905.

  Here, it is desirable that the light distribution angle during the pre-light emission for ceiling distance detection is the same as that during the main light emission. This eliminates the need to drive the strobe optical system 307 between the pre-light emission for ceiling distance detection and the main light emission, and it becomes possible to end the drive of the strobe optical system 307 during the bounce drive. Can be shortened. Therefore, in step S902, the FPU 310 confirms whether to detect the information about the ceiling distance at the main light emission distribution angle. FPU310 advances a process to step S903, when detecting the information regarding a ceiling distance with a main light emission light distribution angle (YES in S902). On the other hand, when the bounce driving time by the bounce circuit 340 is shorter than the driving time of the strobe optical system 307, the FPU 310 does not detect the information about the ceiling distance at the main light emission distribution angle (NO in S902), and the process is performed. To Step S904.

  In step S903, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 at the main light emission distribution angle. In step S904, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 to a light distribution angle (intermediate light distribution angle) in an intermediate region between the light distribution angle at the time of pre-light emission for subject distance detection and the main light emission distribution angle. That is, the strobe optical system 307 is driven toward the main light emission distribution angle only while the bounce circuit 340 is being driven. As a result, the light emitting section is caused to emit light at the light distribution angle when the strobe optical system 307 is stopped within an angle range between the light distribution angle at the time of pre-light emission for subject distance detection and the main light emission light distribution angle. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a light distribution angle at the time of pre-light emission for ceiling distance detection set in step S904. FIG. 10A shows a case where the light distribution angle during pre-emission for subject distance detection is equal to or larger than the main light emission distribution angle, and FIG. 10B shows a light distribution angle during pre-emission for subject distance detection. Indicates the case where the distribution angle is less than the main light emission distribution angle. In step S904, the light distribution angle at the time of pre-light emission for ceiling distance detection is set to a one-valued angle in the shaded area shown in FIGS. Thereby, even if the driving speed of the strobe optical system 307 is slow, the strobe optical system 307 can be efficiently driven to an appropriate position. In step S905, the FPU 310 does not drive the strobe optical system 307. This is because the light distribution fixed mode is switched to in step S402, and the strobe optical system 307 has already reached the main light emission light distribution angle in step S804. After steps S903 to 905, the FPU 310 exits this process and advances the process to step S420.

  Details of step S427 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the process of step S427. In step S1101, the FPU 310 determines whether or not the light distribution variable mode is set. If the light distribution variable mode is set (YES in S1101), the FPU 310 advances the process to step S1102. If the light distribution variable mode is not set (light distribution fixed mode) (NO in S1101), the process proceeds to step S1204.

  Here, the main light emission distribution angle can be determined regardless of the focal length information stored in step S403. It is preferable that the main emission light distribution angle has a good balance between the guide number and the irradiation range. Therefore, it is desirable to set the light distribution angle near the center value of the settable angle range (second information). On the other hand, the main emission light distribution angle may be set to a predetermined angle (second information) by the user. Therefore, in step S1102, the FPU 310 determines whether the current light distribution angle is the main emission light distribution angle. When the current light distribution angle is the main light emission light distribution angle (YES in S1102), the FPU 310 advances the process to step S428, and when the current light distribution angle is not the main light emission light distribution angle (S1102). NO), and the process proceeds to step S1103.

  In step S1103, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 so that the main light emission distribution angle is achieved. Further, in step S1104, the FPU 310 does not drive the strobe optical system 307 because it is switched to the fixed light distribution mode in step S402 and the strobe optical system 307 has already reached the main light emission distribution angle in step S804. After steps S1103 and S1104, the FPU 310 exits this process and advances the process to step S428.

  By controlling the strobe device 300 as described above, it is possible to prevent the distance measurement range from becoming too short, while preventing the distance measurement in the peripheral portion of the shooting field angle from being impossible. As a result, it is possible to appropriately and automatically control the light emission and the main light emission during distance measurement between the subject and the reflector. In the above description, the FPU 310 automatically controls the light irradiation direction and the light distribution angle of the strobe device 300, but the light irradiation direction and the light distribution angle of the strobe device 300 are determined by the CCPU 101 of the camera body 100. It may have a controllable structure.

<Drive Control Method According to Second Embodiment of Strobe Device 300>
Next, a drive control method according to the second embodiment of the flash device 300 when the auto-bounce flash photography is executed by the imaging system 10 will be described. The first embodiment has a flow of detecting the information about the ceiling distance, which is the distance to the reflecting surface of the reflector (hereinafter referred to as “reflector distance”), after detecting the information about the distance to the subject. On the other hand, the second embodiment has a flow of detecting information on the subject distance after detecting information on the reflector distance. In this case, compared to the first embodiment, there is a possibility that the bounce drive amount may increase and the drive time may increase, but on the other hand, the bounce drive time is used to detect information regarding the reflector distance. There is an advantage that the degree of freedom of the light distribution angle can be increased.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of drive control according to the second embodiment of the flash device 300 in auto-bounce flash photography. Each process illustrated in FIG. 12 is realized by the FPU 310 executing a predetermined program code to control the operation of each unit of the flash device 300. Of the various processes in the flowchart of FIG. 12, the same processes as those in the flowchart of FIG. 4 will be noted and their description will be omitted.

  Since each processing of steps S1201 to S1212 is the same as each processing of steps S401 to S412, description thereof will be omitted here. In step S1213, the FPU 310 drives the bounce circuit 340 so that the movable portion 300b faces the ceiling. Further, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 to the light distribution angle of the pre-emission for ceiling distance detection in synchronization with the driving of the bounce circuit 340. The details of driving the strobe optical system 307 in step S1213 will be described later.

  In subsequent step S1214, FPU 310 stores the angle detection results of first bounce angle detection circuit 340a and second bounce angle detection circuit 340c in RAM in FPU 310, and based on the angle detection results, movable unit 300b faces the ceiling. Is determined. FPU310 advances a process to step S1215, when the movable part 300b faces the ceiling direction (YES in S1214), and advances a process to step S1216 when the movable part 300b does not face the ceiling direction (NO in S1214). . Since each processing of steps S1216 to S1218 is the same as each processing of steps S422 to S424, description thereof will be omitted here.

  In step S1215, the FPU 310 performs pre-light emission for ceiling distance detection, the reflected light from the ceiling is detected by the reflected light detection unit 308, and information regarding the ceiling distance is calculated based on the detected light amount. The FPU 310 stores information regarding the calculated ceiling distance in the RAM in the FPU 310, and then advances the process to step S1219. In step S1219, the FPU 310 drives the bounce circuit 340 so that the movable portion 300b faces the front direction. In addition, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 to the light distribution angle of the pre-emission for subject distance detection in synchronization with the driving of the bounce circuit 340. Details of driving the strobe optical system 307 in step S1219 will be described later.

  In step S1220, the FPU 310 stores the angle detection results of the first bounce angle detection circuit 340a and the second bounce angle detection circuit 340c in the RAM of the FPU 310, and the movable unit 300b faces the front direction based on the angle detection result. It is determined whether or not there is. FPU310 advances a process to step S1221 when the movable part 300b faces the front direction (YES in S1220), and advances a process to step S1222 when the movable part 300b does not face the front direction (NO in S1220). . Since each processing of steps S1222 to S1224 is the same as each processing of steps S416 to S418, the description thereof is omitted here.

  In step S1221, the FPU 310 performs pre-light emission for subject distance detection, detects reflected light from the subject by the reflected light detection unit 308, and calculates information regarding the subject distance based on the detected light amount. The FPU 310 stores the calculated information regarding the distance to the subject in the RAM in the FPU 310, and then advances the process to step S1225. Since each process of steps S1225-S1234 is the same as each process of steps S425-S434, the description thereof is omitted here.

  Details of step S1213 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the process of step S1213. In step S1301, the FPU 310 determines whether or not the light distribution variable mode is set. When the light distribution variable mode is set (YES in S1301), the FPU 310 advances the process to step S1302, and when the light distribution variable mode is not set (light distribution fixed mode) (NO in S1301), the process advances to step S1305. In step S1302, the FPU 310 determines whether or not the light distribution angle of the pre-light emission for subject distance detection is less than or equal to the main light emission light distribution angle. If the light distribution angle of the pre-light emission for subject distance detection is equal to or less than the main light emission light distribution angle (YES in S1302), FPU 310 advances the process to step S1303. On the other hand, when the light distribution angle of the pre-light emission for subject distance detection is larger than the main light emission light distribution angle (NO in S1302), the FPU 310 advances the process to step S1304.

  In step S1303, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 so that the light distribution angle of the ceiling distance detection pre-emission becomes the focal length light distribution angle. As a result, in step S1219, the light distribution angle becomes the same as the light distribution angle of the pre-emission light for subject distance detection, so that driving of the strobe optical system 307 can be omitted. In step S1304, the flash microcomputer 310 drives the flash optical system 307 so that the main light emission light distribution angle or the light distribution angle on the telephoto side is obtained. As the light distribution angle in this case, the light distribution angle at the time of main light emission may be used, or a 1-value light distribution angle set by the user at the telephoto side light distribution angle from the main light emission distribution angle may be used. Good. In this way, by performing the ceiling-distance-detecting pre-light emission on the more telephoto side, it is possible to increase the guide number and perform distance measurement, so that the distance measurement range can be widened when the ceiling is high. In step S1305, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 at the main light emission light distribution angle based on the information switched to the light distribution fixed mode in step S1202. After steps S1303 to S1305, the FPU 310 exits this process and advances the process to step S1214.

  Details of step S1219 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the process of step S1219. In step S1401, the FPU 310 determines whether the light distribution variable mode is set. The FPU 310 advances the process to step S1402 if the light distribution variable mode is set (YES in S1401), and advances the process to step S1405 if it is not the light distribution variable mode (light distribution fixed mode) (NO in S1401). In step S1402, the FPU 310 confirms whether to detect the information about the distance to the subject at the focal length light distribution angle. FPU310 advances a process to step S1403, when detecting the information regarding the distance of a to-be-photographed object by a focal length light distribution angle (it is YES at S1402). On the other hand, if the FPU 310 does not detect the information regarding the distance to the subject in the focal length light distribution angle based on the setting by the user (NO in S1402), the process proceeds to step S1404.

  In step S1403, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 so that the light distribution angle of the pre-light emission for subject distance detection becomes the focal length light distribution angle. If the strobe optical system 307 has already reached the focal length light distribution angle in step S1303, step S1403 is omitted. In step S1404, the FPU 310 drives the strobe optical system 307 to the AF area light distribution angle. In step S1405, the FPU 310 does not drive the strobe optical system 307 because it is switched to the fixed light distribution mode in step S1202 and the strobe optical system 307 has already reached the main light emission distribution angle in step S1305. After steps S1403 to S1405, the FPU 310 exits this process and advances the process to step S1214.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by detecting the information about the reflector distance (ceiling distance) prior to the detection of the information about the distance to the subject, the bounce drive amount increases, but by using the drive time, The strobe optical system 307 can be driven in a wider range. This can increase the degree of freedom of the light distribution angle when detecting the information about the distance of the reflector. Further, the present embodiment is effective when the auto bounce drive is sufficiently fast. In addition, when it is desired to perform the auto-bounce drive in a shorter time, it is desirable to use the drive control in the first embodiment.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist thereof. For example, the processes of the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 12 may be executed in different orders as long as there is no problem. Further, in the present embodiment, the ceiling is applied to the reflector at the time of bounce shooting, but the reflector is not limited to the ceiling, and a wall capable of irradiating the reflected light in the direction intended by the user. It is possible to change it to a reflector such as a partition or curtain.

  The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. It can also be realized by the processing. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

10 Imaging system 100 Camera body 101 CCPU (camera microcomputer)
102 Image sensor 107 Focus detection circuit 140 Posture detection circuit 200 Lens barrel 300 Strobe device 305 Discharge tube 307 Strobe optical system 308 Reflected light detection unit 310 FPU (strobe microcomputer)
330 Optical system drive circuit 340 Bounce circuit 360 Attitude detection circuit

Claims (14)

An imaging system including a lens barrel, an imaging device, and a lighting device,
The lighting device is
A light emitting unit configured to change the irradiation direction and the light distribution angle of the light to be irradiated,
Information regarding the distance of the subject, and information regarding the distance of the reflector, and a detecting unit that detects based on the reflected light when the light is emitted from the light emitting unit to the subject and the reflector, respectively.
At least one of the illumination device and the imaging device has a control unit that controls a light irradiation direction and a light distribution angle of the light emitting unit,
The control means relates to the distance of the subject when performing bounce photography for photographing the subject by irradiating the reflector with light from the light emitting unit and irradiating the subject with light reflected from the reflector. The light distribution angle of the light emitting unit at the time of detecting information is determined based on the first information based on the focal length of the lens barrel, and the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit in the main shooting of the bounce shooting is set to the above. Make a decision based on second information that is different from the first information ,
The light distribution angle of the light emitting unit when detecting the information regarding the distance of the reflector when the information regarding the distance of the reflector is detected after detecting the information regarding the distance of the subject, An imaging system characterized by controlling the light distribution angle to the same angle .   The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the second information is either an angle range of a light distribution angle that can be set in the light emitting unit or an angle set by a user. An attitude detecting means for detecting the attitude of the light emitting unit,
The image pickup system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls an irradiation direction of light from the light emitting unit based on a detection result of the posture detection unit. The control unit changes the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit only while driving the light emitting unit so as to change the irradiation direction of the light from the light emitting unit from the direction toward the subject to the direction toward the reflector. The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the imaging system is controlled to operate. The control unit controls the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit when detecting information about the distance to the subject to a light distribution angle corresponding to focal length information of the lens barrel. The imaging system according to any one of 4 above. The control unit controls a light distribution angle of the light emitting unit when detecting information regarding a distance to the subject to a light distribution angle that covers an area where the imaging device can autofocus the subject. The imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . When the control unit cannot change the irradiation direction of the light from the light emitting unit and the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit at the same time, the control unit does not distribute the light emitting unit when detecting information about the distance to the subject. the imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that setting the optical angular at the same angle as the light distribution angle of the light emitting portion in the main photographing. An imaging system including a lens barrel, an imaging device, and a lighting device,
The lighting device is
A light emitting unit configured to change the irradiation direction and the light distribution angle of the light to be irradiated,
Information regarding the distance of the subject, and information regarding the distance of the reflector, and a detecting unit that detects based on the reflected light when the light is emitted from the light emitting unit to the subject and the reflector, respectively.
At least one of the illumination device and the imaging device has a control unit that controls a light irradiation direction and a light distribution angle of the light emitting unit,
The control means relates to the distance of the subject when performing bounce photography for photographing the subject by irradiating the reflector with light from the light emitting unit and irradiating the subject with light reflected from the reflector. The light distribution angle of the light emitting unit at the time of detecting information is determined based on the first information based on the focal length of the lens barrel, and the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit in the main shooting of the bounce shooting is set to the above. When determining information based on the second information different from the first information and detecting information regarding the distance of the subject after detecting information regarding the distance of the reflector, The light distribution angle of the light emitting unit is controlled to a light distribution angle of the light emitting unit in the main shooting or a light distribution angle on the telephoto side of the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit in the main shooting. Imaging system. The lens barrel, the imaging device, and the illuminating device are provided, and when the light is emitted from the light emitting unit of the illuminating device to the reflector, reflected light from the reflector is applied to the subject to perform bounce photography for photographing the subject. A method of controlling an imaging system for automatically controlling the irradiation direction and the light distribution angle of light from the light emitting unit at the time of,
The irradiation direction of light from the light emitting portion to drive the light emitting portion so as to face to said object, said lens barrel light distribution angle at the time of emitting the light emitting portion to detect the information about the distance of the object Information based on the first information based on the focal length of the subject, and information about the distance to the subject is detected based on reflected light when light is emitted from the light emitting unit to the subject at the determined light distribution angle. Steps to
The irradiation direction of light from the light emitting portion of the emitting portion is driven so as to face to the reflector, the second information or the first information different from the reflector distance the information about the first information A step of detecting information regarding the distance of the reflector based on the reflected light when the light is emitted from the light emitting unit to the reflector at the determined light distribution angle,
Determining the irradiation angle of the light from the light emitting unit to the reflector when performing the main shooting of the bounce shooting based on information about the distance to the subject and information about the distance to the reflector,
The light emitting unit is driven so that the light from the light emitting unit is irradiated to the reflector at the irradiation angle, and the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit in the main photographing is determined based on the second information. When detecting information about the distance of the reflector after detecting information about the distance of the subject, the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit at the time of detecting information about the distance of the reflector is defined as the light emission angle of the main photographing. Controlling the same angle as the light distribution angle of the unit . The lens barrel, the imaging device, and the illuminating device are provided, and when the light is emitted from the light emitting unit of the illuminating device to the reflector, reflected light from the reflector is applied to the subject to perform bounce photography for photographing the subject. A method of controlling an imaging system for automatically controlling the irradiation direction and the light distribution angle of light from the light emitting unit at the time of,
The light distribution part is driven so that the direction of irradiation of light from the light emitting part is directed to the subject, and the light distribution angle when the light emitting part is made to emit light in order to detect information regarding the distance to the subject is defined by the lens barrel. Information based on the first information based on the focal length of the subject, and information about the distance to the subject is detected based on reflected light when light is emitted from the light emitting unit to the subject at the determined light distribution angle. Steps to
The light emitting unit is driven so that the irradiation direction of the light from the light emitting unit is directed to the reflector, and information about the distance of the reflector is the second information or the first information different from the first information. A step of detecting information regarding the distance of the reflector based on the reflected light when the light is emitted from the light emitting unit to the reflector at the determined light distribution angle,
Determining the irradiation angle of the light from the light emitting unit to the reflector when performing the main shooting of the bounce shooting based on information about the distance to the subject and information about the distance to the reflector,
The light emitting unit is driven so that the light from the light emitting unit is irradiated to the reflector at the irradiation angle, and the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit in the main photographing is determined based on the second information. , The light distribution angle of the light emitting unit when detecting the information regarding the distance of the reflector when detecting the information regarding the distance of the subject after detecting the information regarding the distance of the reflector, Controlling the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit or the light distribution angle on the telephoto side of the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit in the main photographing. A computer for controlling an illumination device having a light emitting unit configured to change a light irradiation direction and a light distribution angle, and a sensor for detecting reflected light of light emitted from the light emitting unit,
Detecting means for detecting information on the distance to the subject and information on the distance to the reflector based on the reflected light detected by the sensor when the light is emitted from the light emitting unit to the subject and the reflector, respectively.
When performing bounce photography in which the imaging device captures the subject by irradiating the subject with light reflected from the reflector by irradiating the reflector with light from the light emitting unit, information about the distance to the subject is displayed. The light distribution angle of the light emitting unit at the time of detection is determined based on the first information based on the focal length of the lens barrel of the imaging device, and the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit in the main shooting of the bounce shooting is determined. Is detected based on second information different from the first information, and information regarding the distance of the reflector is detected when information regarding the distance of the reflector is detected after detecting information regarding the distance of the subject. A program causing a light distribution angle of the light emitting unit to be controlled to be the same as a light distribution angle of the light emitting unit in the main photographing . A computer for controlling an illumination device having a light emitting unit configured to change a light irradiation direction and a light distribution angle, and a sensor for detecting reflected light of light emitted from the light emitting unit,
Detecting means for detecting information on the distance to the subject and information on the distance to the reflector based on the reflected light detected by the sensor when the light is emitted from the light emitting unit to the subject and the reflector, respectively.
When performing bounce photography in which the imaging device captures the subject by irradiating the subject with light reflected from the reflector by irradiating the reflector with light from the light emitting unit, information about the distance to the subject is displayed. The light distribution angle of the light emitting unit at the time of detection is determined based on the first information based on the focal length of the lens barrel of the imaging device, and the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit in the main shooting of the bounce shooting is determined. Is detected based on second information different from the first information, and the information on the distance of the reflector is detected when the information on the distance of the object is detected after detecting the information on the distance of the reflector. Control means for controlling the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit at the time of performing the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit in the main shooting or a light distribution angle on the telephoto side of the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit in the main shooting. Specially designed to function as Programs that. A light emitting unit configured to change the irradiation direction and the light distribution angle of the light to be irradiated,
A detection unit that detects information about the distance to the subject and information about the distance to the reflector based on reflected light when light is emitted from the light emitting unit to the subject and the reflector, respectively.
A lighting device comprising: a control unit that controls a light irradiation direction and a light distribution angle of the light emitting unit,
The control means illuminates the reflector from the light emitting unit and irradiates the subject with light reflected by the reflector to perform bounce photography in which the subject is photographed by an imaging device. After determining the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit when detecting the information regarding the distance of the object based on the first information based on the focal length of the lens barrel included in the imaging device , and after detecting the information regarding the distance of the subject. When the information regarding the distance of the reflector is detected, the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit when detecting the information regarding the distance of the reflector is controlled to be the same angle as the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit in the main photographing. Lighting device. A light emitting unit configured to change the irradiation direction and the light distribution angle of the light to be irradiated,
A detection unit that detects information about the distance to the subject and information about the distance to the reflector based on reflected light when light is emitted from the light emitting unit to the subject and the reflector, respectively.
A lighting device comprising: a control unit that controls a light irradiation direction and a light distribution angle of the light emitting unit,
The control means illuminates the reflector from the light emitting unit and irradiates the subject with light reflected by the reflector to perform bounce photography in which the subject is photographed by an imaging device. The light distribution angle of the light emitting unit when detecting the information regarding the distance is determined based on the first information based on the focal length of the lens barrel included in the imaging device, and the information regarding the distance of the reflector is detected. The light distribution angle of the light emitting unit at the time of detecting the information about the distance of the reflector when the information about the distance of the subject is subsequently detected is the light distribution angle of the light emitting unit at the main shooting or the light distribution angle at the main shooting. An illuminating device characterized by controlling to a light distribution angle on a telephoto side with respect to a light distribution angle of the light emitting section.