JPH06347874A - Flashing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a flashing device capable of emitting slave light under any circumstances and the number of switches can be reduced so that the cost may be reduced by selecting whether the slave light should be emitted after confirming a transmitted identification signal, or the slave light should be emitted regardless of the identification signal, and then switching. CONSTITUTION:A photosensor 1 and a photoelectric converter 2 are prepared for detecting the light emitted by a main flashing device, and by the camera main body, a signal is transmitted to the flashing device through the terminal X, the terminal TTL of the CPU 3 and a terminal GND so as to control the flashing device to start/stop to emit the light. Furthermore, a switch SW1 is a changeover switch for a light emission mode, a switch SW2 is a changeover switch for a diming mode, the action of the switch SW2 is made differ in accordance with the state of the switch SW1. And it is selected by a switching means whether the slave light should be emitted after confirming the transmitted identification signal, or the light should be emitted regardless of the identification signal, and then, the slave light is emitted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a flash device capable of wirelessly controlling light emission as a slave flash device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when an image pickup device such as a camera is used to photograph by using a plurality of flash devices, each flash device responds to a release and dimming completion signal of the camera and a dimming completion signal. It was connected with a cord so as to convey a signal.

However, it is complicated to stretch the cord in this way, and there has always been an accident such as a break in the cord. Therefore, the flash device attached to the camera to wirelessly control each flash device is used as a master flash device, and a light emission start signal by light generated by the master flash device is detected by a light receiving element of another slave flash device, Techniques relating to a system for starting its own light emission have been proposed.

On the other hand, for example, in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 57-56831, when the second flash is detected within a predetermined time from the detection of the first flash from the master flash device, the slave flash device starts flashing and detects the third flash light. There is disclosed a technology regarding a "wireless dimming control system" in which the slave flash device stops emitting light. In addition, `` MINOLTA TECHNO REPORT No.9 (1992)
In ", a technique characterized by transmitting and receiving an identification signal pattern first between a master flash device and a slave flash device is also shown.

[0005]

However, in the conventional technique as described above, since the master flash device is generally attached to the camera, the subject is illuminated by the light emission of the flash device from the position of the camera. , Could not be used if, for example, illumination from the camera location was not desired.

Further, since the identification signal light from the master flash device is usually emitted with a small amount of light, even if the slave flash device is arranged near a distant subject, the light from the master flash device does not reach or the slave flash device emits light. There is also a problem that the slave flash cannot be fired if the model is not compatible.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to provide both a mode for transmitting / receiving an identification signal and a mode for simply emitting a slave light by flash light of a main flash device. Switchable,
In addition to enabling the slave flash in any situation, it is possible to switch between the normal flash automatic light control mode and the manual flash mode, and the slave flash identification mode and the simple flash mode, further reducing the number of switches to reduce costs. To provide a flash device.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, the slave type flash device according to the first aspect of the present invention is attachable to and detachable from the camera body, and emits light in response to light emission from the main flash device. In the slave flash device, the first flash device performs the slave flash after confirming the identification signal transmitted from the main flash device.
Select which one of the second slave light emission control means and the first and second slave light emission control means is operated, which performs slave light emission according to the light emission of the main flash device regardless of the slave light emission control means and the identification signal. And a switching means for performing the operation.

The flash device according to the second aspect is further provided with a first switching means for switching between a normal light emission mode in which the flash device is attached to the camera body to emit light and a slave light emission mode in which light is emitted at a position away from the camera body, and the first flash device. When the normal light emission mode is selected by the switching means, the mode is automatically switched to a mode in which the light emission amount is controlled or a manual light emission mode in which a constant light amount is emitted, and when the slave light emission mode is selected, the main light emission mode is selected. A single second switching means for switching to either a slave light emission mode after confirming an identification signal transmitted from the flash device or a slave light emission mode according to the light emission of the main flash device regardless of the identification signal. And is provided.

[0010]

That is, in the flash device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first slave light emission control means performs the slave light emission after confirming the identification signal transmitted from the main flash device, and the second slave light emission control means operates as described above. Irrespective of the identification signal, slave light emission is performed according to the light emission of the main flash device, and the switching means selects which of the first and second slave light emission control means to operate.

Further, in the flash device according to the second aspect, the first switching means switches between the normal light emission mode in which the light is emitted by being attached to the camera body and the slave light emission mode in which the light is emitted at a position distant from the camera body. When the normal light emission mode is selected by the first switching means, the second switching means automatically switches between a mode for controlling the light emission quantity and a manual light emission mode for emitting a constant light quantity, and the slave light emission. When the mode is selected, either the mode in which the slave flash light is emitted after confirming the identification signal transmitted from the main flash device or the mode in which the slave flash light is emitted according to the light emission of the main flash device regardless of the identification signal Switch to

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a flash device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the flash device according to the present embodiment includes an X terminal of the CPU 3 and a TT.
It is connected to the camera body via the L terminal and the GND terminal.
Then, the camera body transmits a signal to the flash device via the respective terminals to control the start and stop of light emission of the flash device. Further, the photosensor 1 and the photoelectric converter 2 are for detecting strong light from the outside, that is, light emission of the main flash device when the flash device of this embodiment is used as a slave flash device.
When the light emission of the main flash unit is detected, P of CPU3
The output signal to the O terminal changes from the high level "H" to the low level "L".

The light emission control circuit 4, the booster circuit 5, the discharge tube Xe, and the main capacitor MC are components for actually emitting light from the flash device, and the STON of the CPU 3 is used.
The discharge tube Xe starts to emit light based on the signal from the terminal,
The light emission is stopped based on the signal from the STOFF terminal of the CPU 3. Further, a signal for controlling on / off of the charging operation is output from the CHG terminal of the CPU 3 to the booster circuit 5, and a signal for monitoring the charging voltage of the main capacitor MC is also input to the A / D terminal of the CPU 3. . Also,
The battery BT supplies battery power to the booster circuit 5 and the DC / DC converter 6 when the power switch PSW is on. Further, the DC / DC converter 6 supplies power to each circuit.

Further, the switch SW1 is a switch for setting any one of the ports S01, S02 and S03 of the CPU which is pulled up to the GND level, and the switch SW2 is the ports S11 and S12 of the CPU which is also pulled up. , S13 or S14 is GND
This is a switch for setting the level. The AND element and OR element connected to the ports S01 to S03 and S11 to S14, the one-shot circuit 7
Constitutes a circuit for detecting switch switching. Further, since the switches SW1 and SW2 are mechanical switches, the ports S01 to S03 are instantly generated when switching is performed.
Alternatively, either of S11 to S14 becomes "H".
At this time, the circuit composed of the AND element and the OR element outputs the "H" signal, so that the one-shot circuit 7 outputs "H" to the SWINT terminal of the CPU 3 for a certain period of time. C
The PU 3 is for detecting and controlling the signal of each circuit or terminal as described above, and its operation will be described later.

Next, FIG. 2 is an external view of a state in which the flash unit according to the present embodiment is clipped on the camera body as seen from the rear side. In FIG. 2, a single-lens reflex camera is assumed as the camera 101, and when the release button 102 of the camera 101 is pressed, the camera 101 performs a series of photographing operations. Further, this camera 101 has a focal plane shutter, and when the shutter is fully opened, the CP
A signal ("L") is output from the X terminal of U3. Further, the camera 101 has a light receiving element for so-called TTL dimming and its circuit, and a TTL terminal. When the amount of received light reaches a predetermined level, a light emission stop signal is output from the TTL terminal (“L”). Output.

Further, the rear panel of the flash unit 100 is provided with three slide switches. That is, the power switch PSW is a switch for on / off controlling the supply of the battery power of the flash device. The switch SW1 is a switch for switching the light emission mode, and is N mode (normal light emission mode), S mode (slave light emission mode), M mode (slave control light emission mode).
You can choose either of Further, the switch SW2 is a switch for switching the dimming mode, and is A mode (automatic dimming mode), M1 mode (manual light emission mode: full light emission), M2 mode (manual light emission mode: 1 / 2GNo light emission), M3 mode ( Manual emission mode: 1/4 GNo emission) can be selected. The photo sensor 1 is attached to the rear panel of the flash device.

Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed structure of the optical / electrical signal converter 2. In FIG. 3, when an optical signal is input from the photo sensor 1, the resistor R1 and the operational amplifier OP.
An output voltage proportional to the intensity is obtained by Amp, and the output voltage is input to one terminal of the comparator Comp. Therefore, when strong light is input, the operational amplifier OP. Am
p outputs a high voltage value, and since that value is higher than Vref2 output, it outputs the "L" signal from the PO terminal to the CPU3.

Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the light emission control circuit 4 and the booster circuit 5. This light emission control circuit 4
Since the booster circuit 5 and the booster circuit 5 have already been disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-39640, they will be briefly described here.

In FIG. 5, the main capacitor MC and the sub-capacitor 24 are charged based on the charge start signal from the CHG terminal of the CPU 3, and when the main capacitor MC reaches the set voltage, the CPU 3 sends the signal to the CHG terminal. Turn off the application. Then, the main capacitor MC holds the charging voltage as it is, but the sub-capacitor 24 drops to near zero in a few seconds. After that, along with the release operation, STON
The light emission start signal is applied from the terminal to start light emission. The charging circuit signal CHG is applied to the terminal 51 for several ms to several hundred ms immediately before the light emission start signal is input, and the sub capacitor 24 is connected. To charge. When the voltage of the sub-capacitor 24 rises, a gate bias voltage is applied to the gate of the IGBT 18. Since this voltage is limited by the Zener diode 23, a constant voltage is applied,
As a result, the IGBT 18 is turned on. After that, a light emission start signal is input to the STON terminal before the charging voltage of the sub-capacitor 24 becomes equal to or lower than the gate bias voltage, the trigger circuit operates, and the discharge tube Xe starts light emission. When proper exposure is obtained, a light emission stop signal is input from the STOFF terminal of the CPU 3 and the switching transistor 2
0 is turned on, the gate of the IGBT 18 is shunted, and the light emission of the discharge tube Xe is stopped.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, the switches SW1,
Mode setting of the flash device by selection of SW2 will be described. First, the switch SW1 is a light emission mode switch. When the switch SW1 is set to the N position and the port S01 is set to “L”, the “normal light emission mode” is set,
Lights up when a signal is received from the camera through the X terminal when clipped on. And this switch SW1
When the port S02 is set to S and the port S02 is set to "L", a "slave light emission mode" is set, and light is emitted when an optical signal from the main flash device is received. Further, when the switch SW1 is set to the M position and the port S03 is set to "L", the "control light emission mode" is set, and the slave light emission control signal including the identification signal is transmitted to the slave flash device by flash light.

On the other hand, the switch SW2 is a dimming mode changeover switch. The action of the switch SW2 differs depending on the state of the switch SW1. That is, when the switch SW1 is in the N position, that is, in the "normal light emission mode", when the switch SW2 is in the A position, the "automatic light control mode" is set, and when the light emission stop signal is sent through the TTL terminal, the flash device emits light. Stop. When the switch SW2 is in any of M1 to M3, the "manual light emission mode" is set, and when a signal is input from the X terminal and light emission is started, light is emitted for a predetermined time and then the light emission is stopped. Specifically, when the switch SW2 is M1, the light emission is not stopped and the light is fully emitted. When the switch SW2 is M2, the maximum guide number is 1/2 (hereinafter, abbreviated as 1 / 2GNo), and when the switch SW2 is M3, only 1 / 4GNo is emitted. .

When the switch SW1 is in the S position, that is, in the "slave light emission mode", the switch SW2 is in the A position.
At the same time, the "slave dimming mode" is set, and at the same time, the "slave identification mode" for determining the identification signal of the main flash device is set. In this case, light emission is performed only when an identification signal is present, and light emission is stopped (dimming). When the switch SW2 is M1 to M3, the "slave manual light emission mode" is set, and at the same time, the "simple slave light emission mode" is set. That is, when light enters from the main flash device, it emits light regardless of the identification signal. The amount of emitted light is full when M1 and 1/2 when M2.
In case of GNo and M3, it becomes 1 / 4GNo. Furthermore, when the switch SW1 is in the M position, that is, in the "slave control light emission mode", the "slave control light emission mode" is set regardless of the state of the switch SW2, and slave control light emission is performed.

The operation when each of the above modes is selected will be described below. First, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a signal waveform in a normal light emission mode and an automatic light control mode. When this mode is selected and the camera outputs the "L" signal to the X terminal of the CPU 3, the CPU 3 outputs the "H" signal from the STON terminal to start light emission. Then, the camera integrates through the lens in accordance with the light amount of the subject, and when it reaches a predetermined level, outputs the "L" signal to the TTL terminal of the CPU 3. In response to this signal, the CPU 3 outputs the "H" signal from the STOFF terminal to stop the light emission.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing signal waveforms in the normal light emission mode and the manual light emission mode. When this mode is selected, the camera sends "L" to the X terminal of CPU3.
Light emission is started by outputting a signal. But,
No signal is output from the TTL terminal of the CPU 3. Or, even if it outputs, the flash device ignores it.
Then, the CPU 3 on the side of the flash device outputs the "H" signal from the STON terminal to emit light, and then C
A "H" signal is output from the STOFF terminal of PU3 to stop light emission. This predetermined time is set to Tm1, Tm2, Tm3 depending on the state of the switch SW2. It should be noted that this Tm1 is a time sufficient for the flash unit to fully emit light, and
m2 is 1/2 GNo, and Tm3 is 1/4 GNo.

Next, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing signal waveforms in the slave dimming mode (and slave identification mode). When this mode is selected, as the slave emission signal, the optical signal from the main flash device attached to the camera is received by the photo sensor 1 on the slave flash device side, and the operational amplifier OP. It was amplified by Amp. The flash light from the main flash device at this time consists of an identification signal and a light emission control signal. still,
The output of the PO terminal of the CPU 3 is an inversion of the slave light receiving signal.

The optical signals 1 and 2 are identification signals.
When the two light emission intervals are T1, the CPU 3 in the flash device determines that this is an identification signal and prepares for light emission. That is, light emission is started by the next incoming optical signal 3. However, this light emission is intermittent light emission, and the light emission time is T0 and the light emission interval is T2 (T0 << T2). Further, the first light emission on the slave flash device side is delayed by T3 (= T2 / 2) from the signal 3 so that the signal of the main flash device and the signal of the slave flash device do not overlap.

When the next received light signal 4 is received, CP
U3 ends the intermittent light emission there. Here, the output of the PO terminal by self-emission and the P by the main flash device
The distinction from the output of the O terminal is made temporally. That is, the self-light emission is performed in the cycle of T2, but the light emission stop signal from the main flash device is output in the middle of the cycle.

Next, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing signal waveforms in the slave manual flash mode (simple slave flash mode). When a signal is output from the slave light receiving signal when this mode is selected, the CPU 3 immediately outputs the ST signal.
An "H" signal is output from the ON terminal to start light emission. Then, depending on the state of the switch SW2, light emission is stopped after Tm1 to Tm3, so that the "H" signal is output to the STOFF terminal. This light emission stop control is the same as the manual light emission control.

Next, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing signal waveforms in the slave control light emission mode. When this mode is selected and the camera detects that the release button has been pressed, it first outputs an "L" signal to the TTL terminal. When this signal is received, the CPU3 causes the STON terminal, STOFF
The terminal is controlled so that a small light emission is performed twice. The interval of this small light emission is T1, which serves as an identification signal for the slave flash device. After that, the camera detects that the shutter curtain is fully opened and outputs an "L" signal to the X terminal. As a result, the CPU 3 of the flash device emits a small amount of light, which is a command to start light emission. The camera starts integral photometry and outputs "L" from the TTL terminal when it reaches a predetermined value. Upon receiving this signal, the CPU 3 of the flash device controls a small light emission for stopping the light emission at a certain timing. The timing is a time that is an integral multiple of T2 after the small light emission at the start of light emission, and is the first time after the "L" signal is output from the TTL terminal.

The light emission control of the CPU 3 of the flash device of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 11 to 15. CPU3 is each port S
01 to S03 are judged, and the port S01 is "L".
If the port S02 is "L", the "normal flash mode" (step S1) is selected, and if the port S02 is "L", the slave flash mode is selected.
(Step S2) If the port S03 is "L", "slave control light emission mode" is selected (step S2).
3). Then, when none of these modes is selected, for example, while the switch SW1 is being switched, the CPU 3 repeats the operation by the loop of steps S1 to S3 until the mode is determined by the switch SW1.

When the "normal light emission mode" is selected in step S1, the signal subsequently output from the X terminal has become "L" (shutter fully open) or output from the SWINT terminal. Signal is "H" (SW
It is determined whether or not 1 or SW2 has been switched) (steps S4, 5). Then, in this step 4, X
When the signal from the terminal becomes "L", step S6
Go to and output a pulse that goes "H" to the STON terminal,
Immediately start flash device emission. When the signal from the SWINT terminal becomes "H" in step S5, the process returns to step S1 and the switch SW1 is turned on again.
Detect the state of.

After the flash device starts to emit light in step S6, the CPU 3 proceeds to step S7 to detect the state of the port S11 of the switch SW2. Then, when the port S11 is "L", it is determined to be the automatic light control mode and the process proceeds to the loop of steps S8 and S9. This step S8,
In the loop of No. 9, it is checked whether the signal from the TTL terminal becomes "L" (light emission stop command) or whether a predetermined time is exceeded before outputting the "L" signal. This predetermined time is set to a time sufficient for the flash device to finish emitting light, and the loop can be exited even if the signal from the TTL terminal is not output from the camera. In this way, when this loop is exited, CP is executed in step S10.
The ST3 terminal of U3 is output a pulse to make it "H" to stop the light emission.

In step S7, the port S11
If is "H", manual flashing is performed. In this case, the ports S12, S1 in steps S11, S13
3 is checked and the port S12 is "L" (switch SW
When 2 is M1), the process proceeds to step S12 and port S
When 13 is "L" (switch SW2 is M2), the process proceeds to step S14, otherwise (switch SW2 is M3).
If so, the process proceeds to step S15. Then, after waiting for the times of Tm1, Tm2, and Tm3, respectively, step S1
At 0, the light emission stop operation is performed.

On the other hand, when the "slave dimming / identification mode" is selected in step S2, step S
16 and determines whether the port S11 is "L",
If "L", the following "slave dimming / identification mode" is entered. If the port S11 is not "L", the process branches to step S54 described later.

In steps S17 and S18, it is detected whether the signal from the PO terminal is "L", that is, whether or not the flash light is incident on the light receiving element. If the switch SW1 or SW2 is switched during this period, the process proceeds to step S1. Return. And C
When it is detected that the signal from the PO terminal of PU3 has become "L", it waits until the signal from the PO terminal becomes "H" in the next steps S19 and S20. And step S
When it is detected in 20 that the predetermined time L has been reached, step S
Return to 17. This is because the identification signal is light emission for a short time, and when the signal from the PO terminal is "L" for a long time, it can be determined that it is not the identification signal.

Then, in steps S21 and S22, it is determined whether or not the "L" signal is output (small light emission) from the PO terminal again after a predetermined time T1 after the first signal output from the PO terminal. Then, steps S23 and S2
In 3 again, it is again judged whether or not it is a light pulse for a short time, and it is confirmed whether or not it is an identification signal.

Further, in steps S25 and S26, the light emission start timing is waited for, and when a certain time has elapsed, the process returns to step S17. This is because the time from the identification signal to the start of light emission is the time from when the release button is pressed to when the shutter curtain is fully opened. is there. Then, this can prevent erroneous light emission.
When the signal from the PO terminal becomes "L" in step S25, the process proceeds to step S27 for a predetermined time T
After waiting for 3 times, small light emission is performed in steps S28 to S30. Then, it waits for a predetermined time T3, and it is determined whether or not the signal from the PO terminal of the CPU 3 is "L" in order to determine whether or not there is a light emission stop signal from the main flash unit. If the signal from the PO terminal of the CPU 3 is "L", the process returns to step S17 to end the intermittent light emitting operation. Further, if the signal from the PO terminal of the CPU 3 is not "L", it is checked whether or not the number N of small light emission exceeds the predetermined number N0. If not, the process returns to step S27 to perform the small light emission operation. And N
If it exceeds 0 times, that is, if it is in a state equal to full light emission, it is useless to perform the light emission operation any more, and the process returns to step S17 to end the intermittent light emission operation.

On the other hand, when the "slave control light emission mode" is selected in step S3, step S3
The loop from 34 to S35 waits until the signal from the TTL terminal becomes "L". When the signal from the SWINT terminal becomes "H" during this loop, the process returns to step S1. Further, when the signal from the TTL terminal becomes "L", the small light emission operation of steps S36 to S38 is performed. After that, after waiting for a predetermined time T1, step S is performed again.
A small light emission operation of 40 to 42 is performed. An identification signal is transmitted to the slave flash device by this series of operations. Then, in the loop of steps S43 and S44, the process waits until the signal from the X terminal becomes "L" and proceeds to step S45. If the signal from the X terminal does not become "L" even after waiting for a predetermined time, the slave control is stopped for a further time, and the process returns to step S34.

Then, in steps S45 to S47, a small light emission for instructing the start of light emission is performed, and in steps S48 to S47.
In 50, after instructing the start of light emission, TT is given every predetermined time T2.
It is determined whether the signal from the L terminal is "L". Further, in step S50, if the signal from the TTL terminal is not obtained even after a certain period of time, it is determined that the slave flash device cannot emit light any more, and the process proceeds to step S51 to transmit a light emission stop signal. Then, in steps S51 to S53, small light emission for stopping light emission is performed, and when this small light emission is completed, the process returns to step S34.

On the other hand, when the operation of the "slave manual light emission mode (= simple slave light emission mode)" is entered in step S16, the light signal of the light receiving element is detected in the loop of steps S54 and 55, and in the middle of the detection. At SWINT
When the signal from the terminal becomes "H", the process returns to step S1.
When a signal is detected in step S54, a pulse of "H" is output from the STON terminal in step S56 to cause the flash device to emit light. Furthermore, in steps S57 to S58, the state of the switch SW2 is checked,
If the port S12 is "L", the process proceeds to step S59,
If the port S13 is "L", the process proceeds to step S60, and if both are "H", the process branches to step S61, waits for a predetermined time Tm1, Tm2, Tm3, respectively, and proceeds to step S62 to output a light emission stop signal from the STOFF terminal. To do.
In step S63, the camera waits until the exposure operation of the camera is finished in order to prevent another flash light from entering immediately after the light emission is stopped and light is emitted again to cause overexposure.

The embodiment of the flash device according to the present invention has been described above. Finally, a specific method of using the flash device will be described. First, as a first method of use, when one flash unit is mounted on the camera body and the flash unit is photographed, after setting the flash unit and the camera as shown in FIG. 2, the power switch PSW is set. Is turned on, the switch SW1 is set to the N position, and the switch S
W2 is set to the position A if automatic dimming is desired, and is set to any of M1 to M3 if it is desired to adjust the light amount according to one's preference. Then, when the release button of the camera is pressed, a signal is sent from the camera to the flash device through the X terminal and the TTL terminal, and the flash device performs automatic light control or manual light emission. This first use method is a commonly used flash photography method,
Appropriate exposure can be performed by illuminating the front light even when the subject is dark.

On the other hand, as the second method of use, one flash unit is attached to the camera and the flash unit 1 is used.
When arranging one or more units away from the camera (slave dimming / identification mode), first, one flash unit is clipped on to the camera body. And power switch PS
After turning on W, the switch SW1 is set to the M position. At this time, the switch SW2 may be set anywhere. Then, the other flash devices are placed at positions desired by the user, apart from the camera, and then the power switch PSW is turned on to place the switch SW1 at the S position and the switch SW2 at the A position. Further, the camera is set to a mode for controlling slave light emission by a mode switch (not shown). Thus, when the release button of the camera is pressed, the camera notifies the flash device through the TTL terminal that the release button has been pressed. At this time, the flash unit emits two small flashes (time interval T1)
Then, the identification signal is sent to the slave flash device side. Then, the slave flash device is ready to emit light.
When the shutter curtain of the camera is fully opened, a signal is sent from the X terminal, and the main flash device attached to the camera emits a small amount of light. In response to this, the slave flash device repeats intermittent small light emission with a time interval of T2. And
When the camera outputs a dimming signal to the TTL terminal, the main flash unit emits a small amount of light after a time T3 from the last emission of the slave flash unit. This causes the slave flash device to stop emitting light. In the second method of use, the main flash device emits only a small amount of light twice, so that it is not significantly affected by the irradiation of the subject. Furthermore, even if there are a plurality of flash devices, the flash memory operates according to the identification signal, so that there is no danger of restarting light emission by the light emission of another flash device, and proper exposure can be expected, which is optimal for close-up photography, for example. Then, this method is also suitable when it is desired to give the flash light from a different angle than the front light and the subject is at a short distance, or when the flash light from another may enter.

On the other hand, as a third method of use, when one flash unit is attached to the camera and one or more flash units are arranged away from the camera (simple slave flash mode), first the main flash unit is attached to the camera. Is attached to enable light emission. For example, in the case of the flash device of the present invention, the power switch PSW is turned on and the switch SW
1 is set to N, and the switch SW2 is set to any of M1 to M3 or A. Of course, this main flash device need not be the flash device of the present invention.
And, the slave flash device has a power switch PS
After turning on W, switch SW1 to S, switch SW
2 is set to any of M1 to M3. After that, when the release button of the camera is pressed, the main flash unit emits light, and accordingly, the slave flash unit also emits the set amount of light emission. The third method of use is when the flash light is desired to be given from another angle, and when the second method does not reach a small light emission for control, or when the main flash device does not have a slave control function, or This is effective when arranging only the slave flash device near the subject when it is determined that the amount of light of the flash device that is clipped on is not sufficient.

[0044]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to switch between the mode for sending and receiving identification signals and the mode for simply flashing the light from the main flash device as a slave flash, enabling slave flash under any circumstances, as well as normal flash automatic dimming mode and manual It is possible to provide a flash device in which the light emission mode, the slave light emission identification mode, and the simple light emission mode can be switched, and the number of switches is further reduced to reduce the cost.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a flash device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a state in which the flash device of the embodiment is clipped on to the camera body as seen from the rear side.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of an optical / electrical signal converter 2.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining mode setting of the flash device by selecting switches SW1 and SW2.

5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a light emission control circuit 4 and a booster circuit 5. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a signal waveform in a normal light emission mode and an automatic light control mode.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a signal waveform in a normal light emission mode and a manual light emission mode.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing signal waveforms in a slave dimming mode (and a slave identification mode).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing signal waveforms in a slave manual flash mode (simple slave flash mode).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing signal waveforms in a slave control light emission mode.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a light emission control of the CPU 3 of the flash device of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a light emission control of the CPU 3 of the flash device of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a light emission control of the CPU 3 of the flash device of the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing light emission control of the CPU 3 of the flash device of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Photo sensor, 2 ... Optical / electrical converter, 3 ... CPU,
4 ... Emission control circuit, 5 ... Booster circuit, 6 ... DC / DC converter, 7 ... One-shot circuit.

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] January 18, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0004

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

On the other hand, for example, in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 57-56831, when the second flash is detected within a predetermined time from the detection of the first flash from the master flash device, the slave flash device starts flashing and detects the third flash light. There is disclosed a technology regarding a "wireless dimming control system" in which the slave flash device stops emitting light. In addition, `` MINOLTA TECHNO REPORT No.9 (1992)
In ", a technique characterized by transmitting and receiving an identification signal pattern first between a master flash device and a slave flash device is also shown.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0005

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, these techniques
Has advantages and disadvantages, and simply emits light with the master flash light
In flash type flash systems, the master flash device is usually attached to the camera,
Since the subject is always illuminated by the light emitted from the flash device from the camera position, it cannot be used, for example, when the illumination from the camera position is not desired.

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0006

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

On the other hand, the identification signal and the light emission control signal are mastered.
-Communication between the flash unit and slave flash unit
In such a system, the identification signal light from the master flash device is usually emitted with a small amount of light, so even if the slave flash device is placed near a distant subject, the light from the master flash device does not reach or the slave flash device emits light. There is also a problem that the slave flash cannot be fired if the model is not compatible.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 3

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 3]

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 5

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 5]

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A slave type flash device which is detachable from a camera body and emits light upon receipt of light emission from a main flash device, wherein slave emission is performed after confirming an identification signal transmitted from the main flash device. 1 slave light emission control means, second slave light emission control means for performing slave light emission according to light emission of the main flash device regardless of the identification signal, and any of the first and second slave light emission control means are operated. And a switching means for selecting whether the slave flash device. 2. A first switching means for switching between a normal light emission mode which is attached to the camera body and emits light and a slave light emission mode which emits light at a position distant from the camera body, and the normal light emission mode is selected by the first switching means. When the slave flash mode is selected, the identification signal sent from the main flash unit is switched to the flash mode. After the confirmation, the slave second mode is switched to either the slave flash mode or the slave flash mode according to the flash of the main flash device regardless of the identification signal.
And a switching unit.