JPH0843892A - Master flash device, slave flash device and wireless flash photographing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent erroneous emission even in the case a discriminating signal is short and also another light is intermittently emitted, and to inhibit the reception of the flash light for a specified time in the case of receiving the flash light and judging that the received flash light is not the discriminating signal. CONSTITUTION:The flash device is constituted of a power source circuit part 17, a light emitting part 18, a control part 19 and a light receiving circuit part 20. The light receiving part 18 is constituted of a serial circuit of a main capacitor MC, a discharge tube Xe, a diode D1, and an IGBT 22, a voltage doubler circuit constituted of resistances R1 to R3 and a capacitor C1 and a trigger circuit constituted of a trigger transducer T1 and a trigger capacitor C2, and the start and stop of emitting the light is controlled by controlling the IGBT 22. An X terminal for transmitting a light emission starting signal from the camera, a TTL terminal for transmitting the light emission stop signal from the camera and a GND terminal are connected with a CPU 24 constituting the control part 19, and also, switches SW1 to SW3 are connected with the CPU 24.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wireless flash photographing system, and more particularly to a master flash device, a slave flash device and a wireless flash photographing system for controlling light emission by a flash light signal from a flash device built in or attached to a camera. It is a thing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to effectively use strobe light at the time of photographing, a method of using a main (main) flash and a sub (slave) flash that receives and emits strobe light from the main flash has been adopted. ing.

For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-343343 discloses an embodiment in which an identification signal is transmitted by flash light before the shutter front curtain travels. Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-343343, a flash device built in or connected to a camera outputs an identification signal composed of a plurality of pulsed lights, which is detected by a wireless flash device not connected to the camera. Then, a technique for receiving the strobe light separately from other strobe light is disclosed.

[0004]

However, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-343343 mentioned above, the identification signal is output before the front curtain of the focal plane shutter travels. In this method, the camera system has a limitation that a signal before the shutter front curtain is run is required in advance, and a camera that cannot output the signal cannot be used.

In addition, since it is necessary to output the identification signal from the camera side, such a flash device lacks versatility. Therefore, it is necessary to shorten the identification signal. However, if the identification signal is shortened, there is a possibility that it may be indistinguishable from the intermittent strobe light emission of another flash device, for example, during multiple lighting.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a master flash device and a slave flash device capable of outputting an identification signal such that the shutter time does not become long even if a normal camera is used. With the goal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless flash photographing system which does not emit light erroneously, especially when another system exists.

[0008]

That is, the present invention provides a master flash device of a wireless flash photographing system capable of controlling light emission of a slave flash device by an optical signal from a master flash device built in or clipped on a camera. A light emitting means capable of outputting the light signal during intermittent light emission; and a control means for controlling at least light emission start and light emission stop. Is characterized by.

Further, according to the present invention, in a slave flash device of a wireless flash photographing system capable of controlling light emission of a slave flash device by an optical signal from a master flash device built in or clipped on to a camera, light emission capable of intermittent light emission. Means, photoelectric conversion means for receiving the optical signal and outputting an electric signal, separation means connected to the photoelectric conversion means for separating the electric signal into an identification signal and a control signal, and the identification signal and control A control means for controlling light emission according to a signal and a timer means for measuring a predetermined time are provided, and when the identification signal is not for itself, the output signal from the photoelectric conversion means is invalidated for a predetermined time. It is characterized by doing.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the identification signal corresponds to an initial pulse time interval in the optical signal.

[0011]

The present invention provides a master flash device of a wireless flash photographing system capable of controlling light emission of a slave flash device by an optical signal from the master flash device built in or clipped on to a camera.
The identification signal for the slave flash is mixed in the optical signal by the mixing means, and the optical signal is output from the light emitting means during intermittent light emission. Then, at least light emission start and light emission stop are controlled by the control means.

Further, according to the present invention, in a slave flash device of a wireless flash photographing system capable of controlling light emission of a slave flash device by an optical signal from a master flash device built in or clipped on to a camera, intermittent light emission is a light emitting means. Made in. Then, the optical signal is received by the photoelectric conversion means and output as an electric signal. Further, the electric signal is separated into the identification signal and the control signal by the separating means connected to the photoelectric converting means. Further, the light emission is controlled by the control means according to the identification signal and the control signal. When the identification signal is not for itself, the output signal from the photoelectric conversion means is invalidated for a predetermined time counted by the timer means.

Further, according to the present invention, the identification signal corresponds to an initial pulse time interval in the optical signal.

[0014]

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

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of a wireless flash photographing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This photographing system includes a camera body 10 and
It consists of at least two flash units 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ . The flash units 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ are the same and can be detachably attached to the camera body 10. Optical sensors 12 ₁ and 12 ₂ are provided on the back surfaces of these flash devices 11 ₁ and 11 ₂ , but of course they may be provided on the front or side surfaces,
Alternatively, a plurality of units may be installed.

In the following description, wireless flash photography using two flash devices will be described. Of these, one flash unit 11 ₁ is mounted on the camera body 10 and is a wireless master flash (WMF). On the other hand, another flash unit 1
No. 1 ₂ is a wireless slave flash (WSF) which is arranged at a remote position without being mounted on the camera body 10.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an operation panel on the back surface of the flash unit. It should be noted that the reference numeral of the flash device is 11 and the optical sensor is 12 here.

An operation panel is formed on the back surface of the flash unit 11 so that various modes can be set. In FIG. 3, the above-mentioned optical sensor 1 is shown in the upper right.
2 is provided and the flash light can be received by this light sensor. On the other hand, in the lower left corner, "TES
Push switch 13 for test light emission labeled "T"
Is provided. When this switch 13 is pressed, a test flash of a predetermined amount of light is emitted when the normal flash mode is set, and when it is pressed when the wireless flash mode is set, intermittent continuous flash is emitted to the subject at visible time intervals (hereinafter referred to as modeling flash). I do.

A slide switch 14 is provided at the upper left of the rear panel to select either the master flash side ("M") or the slave flash side ("S") for wireless flash photography. Has been. Below the slide switch 14, there are provided slide switches 15 that can be set in four channel modes of “NORM”, “a”, “b”, and “c”. The leftmost "NORM" position is a mode in which normal flash light emission is performed. The remaining three positions, “a”, “b”, and “c”, are modes for performing wireless flash photography. The three positions are switched to channel a, channel b, and channel c, respectively, and channels can be set.

Further, at the bottom right of the rear panel, "Powe
A power switch 16 labeled "r" is provided.
When the slide switch 16 is set to "I", the power is turned on, and when it is set to "O", the power is turned off.

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the flash device described above.

The circuit of this flash device is roughly divided into a power supply circuit section 17, a light emitting section 18, a control section 19 and a light receiving circuit section 20.

In the power supply circuit section 17, the power supply circuit 21
Is for boosting the low voltage output of the battery E connected to the power supply circuit 21 to a high voltage + V _MC , and for generating the voltage + V _IGBT of the IGBT driver 23 for driving the IGBT 22, and a power supply for driving the circuit. It has a function of generating the voltage V _CC . In addition, the power switch SW4 (P
The power supply (corresponding to the power switch 16) is connected in series to the portion that supplies the battery voltage. When the switch is turned on, the power supply circuit operates, and when turned off, the power supply circuit is stopped. Since this power supply circuit is a well-known technology,
Detailed description is omitted in this embodiment.

The light emitting section 18 includes a main capacitor MC, a discharge tube Xe, a diode D1 and a switching element IGBT.
22 series circuit, resistors R1 to R3 and capacitor C1
And a trigger circuit composed of a trigger transformer T1 and a trigger capacitor C2.
In this circuit, when the IGBT 22, which is a switching element, is turned on, the charge of the trigger capacitor C2 flows to the primary side of the trigger transformer T1, and a high voltage is generated on the secondary side of the trigger transformer T1 to excite the discharge tube Xe. It has become.

[0026] At this time, by the action of the voltage doubler circuit, the connection portion of the discharge tube Xe and the diode D1 becomes a moment -V _MC, the discharge tube _{Xe, + V MC - (-} V MC) = 2V MC voltage Is added, making it easier to emit light. That is, in this circuit, light emission start and light emission stop can be controlled only by controlling the IGBT 22.

The control section 19 is composed of a CPU 24, a connection terminal for the above-mentioned switch and a camera (not shown).

That is, three terminals are provided at the connection portion with a camera (not shown). One of these terminals
One is an X terminal for transmitting a light emission start signal from the camera, one is a TTL terminal for transmitting a light emission stop signal from the camera, and the other is a GND terminal.
The X terminal and the TTL terminal are pulled up by resistors R4 and R5, and when the camera short-circuits these terminals, a light emission start / stop signal is sent to the CPU2 in the flash unit.
4 is transmitted.

Switch SW1 connected to CPU 24
(TEST) is a push switch and corresponds to the push switch 13 of FIG. The signal S1 is normally an "H (high level)" signal due to the pull-up resistor R6, and is "L" when the switch SW1 is turned on.
(Low level) ”.

The switch SW2 (M / S) is shown in FIG.
It corresponds to the slide switch 14 of. When the switch 14 is set to the "M" position, the switch SW2 is turned off, and when the switch 14 is set to the "S" position, the switch SW2 is turned on. Since this switch SW2 is also pulled up by the resistor R7, it becomes an "H" signal when it is set to the "M" position, and an "L" signal when it is set to the "S" position.

The switch SW3 is composed of slide switches (corresponding to the slide switch 15 shown in FIG. 3) which can be set in four positions, and includes "NORM", "a",
Either "b" or "c" can be selected. These four contacts are connected in series with a resistor group R8-
It is connected to R11 and is 0 at the "NORM" position.
V, V _a is in the position of "a", V _b is in the position of "b",
At the position of "c", the voltage is V _c . One end of the switch SW3 is connected to S3 of the CPU 24, and the CPU 24
Is designed to read this voltage directly.

The CPU 24 detects the signal from these terminals and the signal from the switch, and also detects the signal PSS from the light receiving circuit 25, and also controls the light emission by the IGBT.
The signal STC for driving the T driver 23 is output. still,
In the figure, GND represents the ground, and the IGBT driver 23 and the light receiving circuit 25 will be described later.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing details of the light receiving circuit section 20.

The light receiving circuit section 20 includes an optical sensor PS1.
(Corresponding to reference numeral 12 in FIG. 3) and a light receiving circuit 25.

If the flash device is a wireless slave flash, the flash light signal from the external wireless master flash is received by the photosensor PS1. Then, the photocurrent is extracted by being converted into a voltage value by the resistor R21 connected in series with the photosensor PS1.

Since the voltage value V _PS in FIG. 4 includes noise signals other than flash light (periodic noise of fluorescent lamps or disturbance light such as automobile headlights), it is necessary to remove it. And capacitor C21 and resistor R
An output is obtained through a differentiation circuit composed of 22. The output value V _PS ′ is the diode D22, D2
It is kept at an appropriate level by the voltage comparator COMP.
1 is connected to be input to the negative input terminal. On the other hand, the positive input terminal of the voltage comparator COMP1 has a resistor R2
3, the reference voltage value V _ref divided by R24 is input.

The lower limit voltage level of these voltages is set by the diode D21 connected in series with the resistor R21.
It is raised by one diode from the ground. The reason for this will be described later.

In the voltage comparator COMP1, the voltage value V _PS '
And V _ref are compared. Here, "L" is output when V _PS 'is larger, and "H" is output in the opposite case. The output signal V _PS ″ of the voltage comparator COMP1 is input to the input section of the one-shot circuit OS1. In the one-shot circuit OS1, V _PS ″ switches to a falling edge (“H” to “L”). When it detects (instantaneous), it outputs a pulse with a predetermined width. The signal PSS from the one-shot circuit OS1 is C as shown in FIG.
Supplied to PU.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing details of the IGBT driver circuit 23 for turning on and off by applying a predetermined voltage to the gate of the IGBT 22.

In FIG. 5, the control terminal STC
1 is a terminal for the CPU 24 of FIG. 1 to control the IGBT 22, and when the voltage is “H”, the IGBT 22 is turned on and “L”.
At that time, the IGBT 22 is turned off. This circuit is a complementary type push-pull driver, and the ON / OFF of the IGBT 22 can be easily controlled by operating the control terminal STC.

The operation will be described below. First, when the terminal STC is "L", the transistor Q31 is turned off via the resistors R31 and R32, and as a result, the resistors R33 and R32.
The transistor Q32 is also turned off via 34. Therefore, the base potentials of the two complementary type transistors Q33 and Q34 reach the ground (GND) level via the resistor R35, so that the transistor Q34 turns on and the transistor Q33 turns off. Therefore, since the GND level voltage is applied to the gate of the IGBT 22,
T22 is turned off.

On the other hand, when the terminal STC is "H", the transistor Q31 is turned on, and as a result, the transistor Q31 is turned on.
32 is also turned on. Therefore, transistors Q33 and Q
+ V _IGBT is added to the base of 34, and transistor Q3
3 turns on and transistor Q34 turns off. Therefore, the voltage + V _IGBT is applied to the gate of the _IGBT 22, and the _IGBT 22 is turned on.

Next, each light emission mode of the flash device will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 6 shows a waveform in the case of "NORM".

When the switch SW3 is set to "NORM", the flash device enters a mode in which flash light is emitted in response to a light emission start signal and a light emission stop signal from the camera.

When the X terminal becomes "L", the CPU 24 determines that the light emission start signal is input and sets STC to "H". Then, the IGBT 22 is turned on and light emission is started. After that, when the TTL terminal becomes "L",
When it is determined that the light emission stop signal is input, STC is set to "L". At this time, the IGBT 22 is turned off and the light emission is stopped.

Next, the waveform in the case of the "a" channel in FIG. 7 will be described.

In FIG. 7, the switch SW2 is set to the "M" position (that is, designated as the wireless master flash).
The waveform when the switch SW3 is set to the "a" position is shown.

In this mode, when the X terminal becomes "L", the CPU 24 starts the light emitting operation as the wireless master flash. The CPU 24 outputs the flash pulse light of the light emission time t ₍₁₎ while operating the STC. Then, after _a time interval of t _a , this time the light emission time t ₍₂₎
The flash pulse light of is output. After that, the flash pulse lights having the light emission times t ₍₂₎ , t ₍₃₎ , ... Are sequentially output at time intervals of t _i . This pulsed light train continues until the signal at the TTL terminal becomes "L", or 15
It continues until it emits light.

In FIG. 8, the switch SW2 is set to the "M" position (that is, designated as the wireless master flash).
And shows the waveform when the switch SW3 is set to the "b" position.

When the X terminal becomes "L" in this mode,
The CPU 24 enters the light emitting operation as the wireless master flash. The CPU 24 outputs the flash pulse light of the light emission time t ₍₁₎ while operating the STC. After that, at a time interval of t _b , the flash pulse light of the light emission time t ₍₂₎ is output this time. After that, the flash pulse lights having the light emission times t ₍₂₎ , t ₍₃₎ , ... Are sequentially output at time intervals of t _i . This train of pulsed light is
The process is continued until the signal at the TTL terminal becomes "L" or until 15 light is emitted.

In FIG. 9, the switch SW2 is set to the "M" position (that is, designated as the wireless master flash).
The waveform when the switch SW3 is set to the "c" position is shown.

When the X terminal becomes "L" in this mode,
The CPU 24 enters the light emitting operation as the wireless master flash. The CPU 24 outputs the flash pulse light of the light emission time t ₍₁₎ while operating the STC. Then, after a time interval of t _c , the flash pulse light of the light emission time t ₍₂₎ is output. After that, the flash pulse lights having the light emission times t ₍₂₎ , t ₍₃₎ , ... Are sequentially output at time intervals of t _i . This train of pulsed light is
The process is continued until the signal at the TTL terminal becomes "L" or until 15 light is emitted.

FIG. 10 shows that when the switch SW2 is set to "M" (that is, the wireless master flash is designated) and the switch SW3 is set to "a", "b" or "c". It shows a light emission waveform when SW1 (switch 13) is pressed, that is, a waveform at the time of wireless modeling light emission.

In this mode, the CPU 24 first outputs the flash pulse light of the light emission time t ₍₀₎ by controlling the STC, and thereafter, at the time of the "a" channel, t _a ,
The light emission time t ₍₀₎ is set at t _{b for} the “b” channel and t _{c for} the “c” channel.
The flash light pulse of is output.

Thereafter, the light emission pulse of the light emission time t ₍₀₎ is output at the interval of t _int . Then, the light emission ends when a total of 50 pulses are output. Also, the light emission interval t _int
Is a time sufficiently longer than the light emission interval t _i when the wireless master flash is emitted.

As will be described later, in this embodiment, t _a = 350 μsec, t _b = 400 μsec, t
_c = 450 μsec, t _i = 300 μsec, t _int =
22 msec, t _{(1) to} t _{( 15)} = 30 to 150 μse
It is assumed that the time is set such that c, t ₍₀₎ = 30 μsec.

Here, the relationship between the number of pulses and the guide number during intermittent continuous light emission will be described with reference to FIG.

The wireless master flash performs intermittent continuous light emission at a maximum of 15 times (a maximum of 14 times at the wireless slave flash side) during wireless shooting light emission, and the light emission time is t _{(1) to} t ₍₁₅₎ . FIG. 11 shows the relationship between the number of pulses and the guide number (however, the cumulative value) when intermittent continuous light emission is performed by setting the light emission time.

As shown in the figure, the linear characteristics are set. Conversely, the light emission time is determined so as to have such characteristics.

Next, referring to FIG. 12 to FIG. 14, the flash device is set to the wireless slave flash (WSF).
When used as, the signal waveform when the light receiving circuit 25 receives a signal from the wireless master flash will be described.

FIG. 12 shows a waveform when the magnitude of the signal V _PS received by the photosensor PS1 and the resistor R21 is appropriate.

This signal V _PS is subjected to disturbance light removal by a differentiating circuit composed of a capacitor C21 and a resistor R22 (V _PS ′), and then waveform-shaped by the voltage comparator COMP1 (V _PS ″). _The falling edge of _PS "is read, and the one-shot circuit OS1 outputs the pulse signal PSS which becomes" H "for a predetermined time width t _OS .

FIG. 13 shows the signal waveforms when the magnitude of the signal received from the wireless master flash is small, and FIG. 14 shows the signal waveforms when the magnitude of the signal is large. In the case of these signals, the waveform-shaped signal V _PS ″ has a very narrow “L” width or “H” width, and if the CPU 24 tries to detect this signal directly,
Such a signal with a narrow time width may not be detected.

However, since the one-shot circuit OS1 converts the pulse signal into the pulse signal having the predetermined time width t _OS and outputs the pulse signal to the CPU 24, the CPU 24 does not miss the signal.

FIG. 15 shows a waveform in which noise is superimposed on the ground GND.

In the light receiving circuit 25, in order to increase the receiving sensitivity, the threshold voltage V _ref input to the positive input terminal of the voltage comparator COMP1 may be lowered or the resistor R21 may be increased. However, in that case, the disadvantage of being susceptible to noise naturally occurs.

Therefore, this circuit is devised so that it is not easily affected by noise even if the sensitivity is increased. One of them is that a differentiating circuit for removing ambient light is provided. With this differentiating circuit, it is possible to remove noise such as a fluorescent lamp in which the light intensity changes at a somewhat slow cycle.

Further, the flash device has a circuit for destabilizing the power supply, such as a booster circuit by a transformer and a trigger circuit. Therefore, noise often enters through the ground. The waveform in FIG. 15 is an example.

In this embodiment, in order to reduce the influence of this noise, the diode D21 is inserted in the light receiving circuit (see FIG. 4). Even if noise such as that shown in FIG. 15 is superimposed on the ground (GND), the diode D21 allows a current to flow in only one direction, and when the current does not flow, it also functions as a capacitor. Due to the characteristics, the influence of noise can be greatly reduced.

V _D is a waveform on the anode side of the diode D21.

In addition to noise, there are other factors that cause malfunctions. This occurs, for example, when the signal from the wireless master flash is small, and the light emitted and emitted by itself reflects and enters the optical sensor PS1. FIG. 16 shows a process of causing the phenomenon, and shows a waveform when the diode D22 is removed from the circuit having the configuration of FIG.

Now, it is assumed that the wireless master flash outputs a flash optical signal, and the components received by the optical sensor of the wireless slave flash are waveforms 31 to 34 of the wireless master flash signal component. Receiving this signal, the wireless slave flash emits light, and the reflected light of its own flash light is input to the optical sensor.
3 '.

The voltage value V _PS generated in the resistor R21 has a waveform as shown in the third stage (light receiving signal V _PS ) of FIG. However, when passing through the differentiating circuit described above, the signal waveform of V _PS gradually decreases to the right due to the action of the capacitor C21. This is because the differentiating circuit composed of the capacitor C21 and the resistor R22 has the characteristic of removing the DC component. for that reason,
As shown in the stage of V _PS ′, the signal level gradually decreases. As a result, 34 wireless master flash signals cannot be detected.

The diode D22 shown in FIG. 4 is inserted to prevent this phenomenon. The effect is represented by the waveform shown in FIG.

That is, like the waveform shown in FIG. 16, when the received light signal V _PS is "H", the signal is falling to the right, but when the received light signal V _PS is "L", the diode D22 is generated.
Therefore, the voltage does not fall below a predetermined voltage (below GND in this circuit). Because when it becomes below GND, diode D
This is because a current flows through the capacitor C21 through 22.

The diode D22 prevents the signal of the wireless master flash from being unable to be detected and prevents the wireless slave flash from malfunctioning.

Next, the operation of the CPU 24 in the embodiment will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. In the following description, the time required for each process is ignored. In some cases, the time required for the processing cannot be ignored in practice, but since the emphasis here is on explaining the concept of processing in an easy-to-understand manner, the time required for the processing itself is zero. Of course, in an actual program, the time required for such processing itself is taken into consideration.

When the CPU 24 receives the supply of the power supply voltage V _CC from the power supply circuit 21 and starts the operation, it enters a main routine as shown in FIG.

First, in steps S1 to S3, the switch S
When W3 is set to the "NORM" position, X
This is a part that waits for a signal or a signal from the test light emission switch SW1.

That is, in step S1, the X terminal is "0".
(When the signal is "L", it is indicated by "0". The same applies hereinafter.)
Determine if If it is "0" in this step S1, the process proceeds to the "flash light emission" subroutine of step S4, and "1" is shown when the signal is "H".
If the same applies hereinafter), the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, it is determined whether S1 is "0",
If it is "0", the process proceeds to step S5 to perform a "test emission" subroutine, and if it is "1", the process proceeds to step S3.

Further, in step S3, it is detected by A / D conversion whether S3 is 0V or not. Here, S3 is 0
If it is V, it is determined to be the "NORM" mode, and the process returns to step S1 again. On the other hand, when it is determined that S3 is not 0V but the wireless flash mode, step S6
Go to.

When the operation of the subroutine in steps S4 and S5 is completed, the process returns to step S1.

Next, steps S6 to S9 are a routine in the wireless flash emission mode. In step S6, it is checked whether S2 is "1". here,
If it is "1", the process proceeds to step S7 to operate as a wireless master flash, and if it is "0", step S7.
Proceed to 10 to operate as a wireless slave flash.

In step S7, the signal from the X terminal is detected, and if it is "0", the process proceeds to the "wireless master light emission" process in step S13. Then, in step S8, detects the signal of S1. Here, if S1 is "0", the process proceeds to the "modelin master light emission" process of step S14. On the other hand, if it is not "0", the process proceeds to step S9 and S3.
The voltage value of is detected. If S3 is 0V, the process returns to step S1; otherwise, the process returns to step S6.

In step S6, when S2 is 0, the routine of steps S10 to S11 is entered to operate as a wireless slave flash.

If PSS is "1" in step S10, the process proceeds to the "wireless slave light emission" subroutine of step S12. On the other hand, when PSS is "0", the process proceeds to step S11 to detect the voltage value of S3. In this step S11, when S3 is 0V, step S1
Otherwise, returns to step S6.

After the completion of the respective subroutines of steps S12, S13 and S14, the process returns to step S6 again.

FIG. 19 is a subroutine for explaining the operation of flash light emission.

In the flash emission subroutine, first, in step S21, the timer is set to 10 msec. After that, in step S22, STC is set (expressed as switching the signal from "0" to "1" is set. Conversely, switching from "1" to "0" is expressed as reset. The same applies hereinafter). Then, the light emission is started.

After the light emission, in steps S23 and S24, the signal at the TTL terminal becomes "0", or the timer set in step S21 is over (that is, 1).
This routine waits until either 0 msec has elapsed) or one of them occurs. After exiting the routines of steps S23 and S24, the process proceeds to step S25 to reset the STC. That is, the light emission is stopped. Then, it returns to the main routine.

FIG. 20 is a subroutine for explaining the test light emission operation.

In this test light emission subroutine, first,
In step S31, the timer is set to 100 usec. Then, set STC in step S32,
Start the light emission. Next, in step S33, the process waits until the set timer times out. Then, in step S34, STC is reset, that is, light emission is stopped, and then the process returns to the main routine.

Next, with reference to FIG. 21, a modeling master emission subroutine will be described.

First, in steps S41 and 42, the voltage value of S3 is detected, and the process branches to each step according to the voltage value. If S3 = V _a , to step S43, that is, the processing of the signal output of the “a” channel, if S3 = V _b , to step S47, that is, the processing of the signal output of the “b” channel, and if S3 is otherwise (that is, V If _c ), the process proceeds to step S51, that is, the signal output process of the "c" channel.

For channel "a", step S4
The first pulsed light is output in 3 to S45. That is, the STC set in Step S43 (light emission start) until STC reset in step S45 (emission stop), since the time waiting for t _(0), the light emission is pulsed light emission time of t ₍₀₎ is there. Then, in step S46, t _a −
The process waits for t ₍₀₎ and proceeds to step S55.

Also, step S47 of the "b" channel
~ S49 is step S43 ~ of the above "a" channel.
It is the same as S45, and the operation of step S50 is different from that of step S46. Therefore, step S4
The description of the operations of 7 to S49 is omitted. And step S
At 50, after the first pulsed light is output, it waits for t _b −t ₍₀₎ .

Similarly, in the "c" channel, steps S51 to S53 are the same as steps S43 to S45 of the "a" channel, and therefore the description of the operation is omitted. The operation of waiting for t _c −t ₍₀₎ after the output of the first pulsed light in step S54 is a part different from the “a” channel.

When the process proceeds to step S55 in this way, the variable n
= 2. Then, the routine proceeds to steps S56 to S61.

First, in steps S56 to S58, t
The pulsed light with the emission time of ₍₀₎ is output. After that, in step S59, if n = 50, this "modeling master light emission" subroutine is terminated. n = 50
If not, the process proceeds to step S60, waits for the time of t _int , and then n = n + 1 is set in step S61. Then, the process returns to step S56.

By this series of operations, intermittent continuous light emission as shown in FIG. 10 can be output. That is, by setting the "a" to "c" channels, time intervals for the first 2 rounds of pulsed light is emitted such that t _a, t _b, t _c. Then, after that, at a time interval of t _int , 48
Outputs pulsed light. The emission time of this pulsed light is
Both are t ₍₀₎ .

Next, the operation of "wireless master light emission" will be described with reference to the subroutine of FIG.

First, in steps S71 and S72, the voltage value of S3 is detected, and the process branches depending on the voltage value. Here, if S3 = V _a , to step S73, that is, the processing of the signal output of the “a” channel, if S3 = V _b , to step S77, that is, the processing of the signal output of the “b” channel, and if S3 is other than that. If it is (that is, V _c ), the process proceeds to step S81, that is, the signal output of the “c” channel.

For channel "a", steps S73-
At S75, the first pulsed light is output. That is, from the STC setting (light emission start) in step S73 to the STC reset (light emission stop) in step S75, the light emission waits for t ₍₁₎ . Therefore, this light emission is pulsed light of the light emission time of t _(1). is there. Then, it progresses to step S76 and t _a
After waiting for -t ₍₁₎ , the process proceeds to step S85.

In addition, step S77 of the "b" channel
~ S79 is step S73 ~ of the above "a" channel.
It is the same as S75, and the operation of step S80 is different from that of step S76. Therefore, step S7
The description of the operations of 7 to S9 is omitted. That is, step S
At 80, after the output of the first pulsed light, it waits for t _b −t ₍₁₎ .

Similarly, in the "c" channel, steps S58 to S83 are the same as steps S73 to S75 of the "a" channel, and therefore the description of the operation is omitted. The operation of waiting for t _c −t ₍₁₎ after the output of the first pulsed light in step S84 is a part different from that of the “a” channel.

When the process proceeds to step S85 in this way, the variable n
= 2. Then, the routine proceeds to steps S86 to S92.

In steps S86 to S88, pulsed light having a light emission time of t _(n) is output. Then, step S
If the signal from the TTL terminal is "0" at 89 or n = 15 at step S90, this "wireless master light emission" subroutine is terminated. Otherwise, at step S91, after waiting for a t _i -t of _(n) time, as n = n + 1 in step S92, the flow returns to step S86.

By this series of operations, intermittent continuous light emission as shown in FIG. 11 can be output. That is, by setting the "a" to "c" channels, time intervals for the first 2 rounds of pulsed light is emitted such that t _a, t _b, t _c. And then a maximum of 1 at time intervals of t _i
Outputs three pulsed lights. The emission time of these pulsed lights is t _{(1) to} t ₍₁₅₎ . However, when a "0" signal is input from the TTL terminal, the light emission is stopped midway.

23 and 24 show a subroutine of "wireless slave light emission".

To enter this subroutine, S3 is "N
Other than the case of being set to "ORM", and S2
Is “0 (that is, the switch SW2 is set to“ S ”)” and the signal from the light receiving circuit 25 is “1.” That is, the wireless master is set in the wireless slave flash. This subroutine is entered when a pulsed light signal is detected from the flash.

First, in steps S101 to S107, the time between the first pulsed light and the next pulsed light is measured. The method is as follows.

In step S101, first, the variable N is set to "0". Then, steps S102 to S1
In 04, the variable N is incremented by 1 every 10 μsec until the PSS becomes “0” (until the first pulsed light signal cannot be detected). Next, steps S105 to S
At 107, the variable N is incremented by 1 every 10 μsec until the PSS becomes “1” (until the next pulsed light is detected). That is, the value of N indicates the time from the first pulsed light to the next pulsed light.

In steps S108 and S109, S3
Detect the setting state of. That is, if S3 = V _a, it is determined to be the “a” channel, and the process proceeds to step S110 and S3.
= V _b, it is determined to be the “b” channel and step S1
11. If not, the channel is determined to be "c" and the process proceeds to step S112.

In the case of the "a" channel, step S
At 110, it is determined whether N is in the range of 33 to 38. If it is the "b" channel, N is determined at step S111.
Is in the range of 38 to 43, and if it is the "c" channel, it is determined in step S112 whether N is in the range of 43 to 48. That is,
If the time from the first pulsed light to the next pulsed light is about 350 μsec for the “a” channel, about 400 μsec for the “b” channel, and about 450 μsec for the “c” channel, then step S114. Proceed to. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S113, waits for 10 msec, and then exits this subroutine.

Here, in step S113, 10 m
Waiting for sec, even if it is judged that it is a different channel,
This is because if the main routine is immediately returned, the subroutine will be immediately returned to, and depending on the timing of the return, the channels may be erroneously identified and light may be emitted from the middle. Especially, when the pulse signal is sent from the wireless master flash at high speed, the possibility increases. This is because the time difference between the identification signal and the light emission interval during intermittent light emission cannot be increased.

Therefore, at least when it is detected that they do not match in the first discrimination, the detection of the light reception signal is prohibited for a sufficient time to complete the light emission control, so that erroneous light emission is prevented. Can be prevented.

In step S114, the variable n is set to "1", and in steps S115 to S117 the light emission time t
The pulsed light of ₍₁₎ is output. Then, step S118
To set the short timer 1 and then step S1
At 19, the long timer 2 is set. Here, for example, the timer 1 is 400 μsec, and the timer 2 is 30 msec.
And These intervals are longer than the light emission interval of wireless master light emission in the case of timer 1 and longer than the light emission interval of modeling master light emission in the case of timer 2.

Next, in step S120, the light receiving circuit 2
It waits for the signal PSS from 5 to become "0", and then branches at steps S121 and S122 depending on whether the PSS becomes "1" before the timer 1 times out.
If the PSS becomes "1" first, the process proceeds to step S134 to perform the operation of emitting light in synchronization with the master slave emission of the wireless master flash. On the other hand, timer 1
If the time elapses, the modeling flash is emitted in synchronization with the modeling master flash of the wireless master flash.

When the process proceeds to step S123, step S1
The routine of S23 and S124 waits until PSS becomes "1" again. If the PSS becomes "1" before the timer 2 times out, the process proceeds to step S125, and if the timer 2 times out before the PSS becomes "1", the process proceeds to step S143.

When the process proceeds to step S125, the timer 2 is first set again (30 msec in the example). Next, in step S126, 1 is added to the variable n, and in steps S127 to S129, pulsed light having the light emission time t ₍₀₎ is output. Then, in step S130, n = 49
If so, the process proceeds to step S143, and if not, the process proceeds to step S131.

In step S131, the process waits until PSS becomes "0", and then steps S132 and S133.
Wait for the PSS to become "1" in the routine. Timer 2
Is the first time to go to step S143,
If PSS becomes "1" before the time is over, the process returns to step S125.

That is, by operating steps S125 to S133, a pulsed light of a predetermined light amount is output every time the pulsed light of the modeling master emission from the wireless master flash is detected. Therefore, the subject is synchronized with the emission of the wireless master flash. Can be irradiated.

On the other hand, steps S121 and S122 described above.
If the PSS becomes "1" before the timer 1 times out, the process proceeds to step S134, and the timer 1 is set again (400 μsec in the example). Next, in step S135, 1 is added to the variable n, and in steps S136 to S138, pulsed light of the light emission time t _(n) is output.

Then, in step S139, n =
If it is 14, the process proceeds to step S143, and if not, the process proceeds to step S140 and waits until PSS becomes "0". Then, it waits for PSS to become "1" in the routines of steps S141 and S142. Here, if the timer 1 first times out, the process goes to step S143, and if the PSS becomes "1" before the time out, the process returns to step S134.

That is, the above steps S134 to S14.
By the operation of 2, since a pulsed light of a predetermined light amount is output every time the pulsed light of the master flash emission from the wireless master flash is detected, it is possible to illuminate the subject in synchronization with the emission of the wireless master flash.

Thus, in step S143, 5 mse
c, and then this subroutine ends.

Lastly, an operation for performing wireless flash photography using these flash devices will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the photographer connects one of the two or more flash devices through the hot shoe of the camera or the like. Then, the remaining plurality of flash devices are arranged at different positions without being connected to the camera. For the flash unit 11 ₁ connected to the camera side, that is, the wireless master flash WMF, the switch SW3 is set to "a", "b", or "c", and the switch SW3 is set.
Set 2 to the "M" position. On the other hand, the flash device 11 ₂ not connected to the camera, that is, the wireless slave flash WSF sets the switch SW3 to the same position as the wireless master flash WMF, and also sets the switch SW2 to the “S” position.

When the test switch 13 of the wireless master flash WMF is pressed while looking through the viewfinder of the camera body 10, the wireless master flash WM
F and wireless slave flash WSF is 22ms
Intermittent continuous light emission is performed at ec intervals. This emission interval is 22m
Since it emits light 50 times in sec, it continues to emit light for 22 msec × 50 = 1.1 sec. Therefore, the photographer can see in advance the shadow and the amount of light when shooting with the flash. This allows the photographer to move the flash unit to a position where appropriate light can be emitted.

When the flash device is properly arranged, the photographer can press the shutter button to perform flash photography as confirmed in advance. This is because when a shutter button is pressed and a light emission start signal is sent from the camera body 10 to the wireless master flash WMF through the X terminal, the wireless master flash WMF starts master slave light emission. The wireless slave flash WSF receives the signal and emits intermittent light in synchronization with the wireless master flash WMF. When the amount of light received by the film reaches a predetermined amount, the camera body 10 outputs a light emission stop signal to the wireless master flash WMF through the TTL terminal to stop light emission. At this time, the wireless slave flash WSF cannot detect the light emission pulse from the wireless master flash WMF, so that the light emission ends at the same time.

Although the IGBT is used as the switching element for controlling light emission in the above-mentioned embodiments, other elements such as thyristors and FETs may be used.

FIG. 25 shows a P-channel MCT (MOS
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a light emitting circuit and an MCT driver circuit using CONTROLLED THYRISTOR).

The MCT and the IGBT have different driving power supplies. The IGBT can be controlled to be turned on and off with one power source of 0 to V _IGBT , but the MCT requires two power sources of -V _GON to -V _GOFF . When -V _GON is applied to the gate terminal of MCT, MCT turns on, and when -V _GOFF is added, it turns off. This M
The CT driver is basically the same as the IGBT driver and is a complementary push-pull driver. The operation will be described below.

As for the control terminal STC, the CPU is MC
This is a terminal for controlling T, and turns the MCT on when it is "H" and turns it off when it is "L". When STC is "H", the signal becomes "L" by the inverter INV101, the transistor Q101 is turned off, and as a result, the transistor Q102 is also turned off.

Therefore, the base potentials of the two complementary transistors Q103 and Q104 are -V.
Since it becomes the _GON level, the transistor Q104 turns on and the transistor Q103 turns off. Therefore, since the voltage of -V _GON level is applied to the gate of the MCT, the MCT is turned on.

On the other hand, when STC is "L", the signal becomes "H" by the inverter INV101, the transistor Q101 is turned on, and as a result, Q102 is also turned on. Therefore, + V _GOFF is added to the bases of the transistors Q103 and Q104, turning on the transistor Q103 and turning off Q104. Therefore, the voltage + _VGOFF is applied to the gate of the MCT and the MCT turns on.

On the light emitting circuit side, a series circuit including a main capacitor MC, a discharge tube Xe, a diode D101, and MCT, a trigger capacitor C104, and a trigger transformer T1.
01, and a voltage doubler circuit including resistors R106 to R108 and a capacitor C103.

This circuit is a switching element MC
When T is turned on, the electric charge of the trigger capacitor C104 flows through the primary side of the trigger transformer T101, a high voltage is generated on the secondary side of the trigger transformer T101, and the discharge tube Xe is excited. At this time, due to the function of the voltage doubler circuit, the connecting portion between the discharge tube Xe and the diode D101 becomes + V _MC for a moment, so that + V _MC − (− V _MC )
= 2V _MC voltage is applied, making it easier to emit light. That is, in this circuit, light emission starts only by controlling MCT,
The stop of light emission can be controlled.

FIG. 26 is a circuit configuration diagram of a power supply circuit capable of outputting −V _GON and + V _GOFF as a power supply for driving the MCT and charging the main capacitor MC.

This circuit can be divided into a primary side circuit section and a secondary side circuit section of the step-up transformer T111.

First, the primary side comprises a circuit for permitting / prohibiting the boosting operation of the low voltage power source and a switching portion for turning on / off the primary side of the transformer T111. The former is transistors Q111-Q113 and resistors R111-R.
And 116. One end of the resistor R112 is G
At the ND level, the transistor Q111 turns off,
Therefore, the transistors Q112 to Q113 are turned on,
Allows boost operation. When one end of R112 becomes a negative voltage, the transistor Q111 turns on, and Q112-
Since Q113 is turned off, the boosting operation is prohibited.

The voltage booster includes resistors R117 to R11.
9, transistors Q114 to Q115, constant voltage diode ZD111, diode D111, capacitor C11
1 and a step-up transformer T111. The operation of this circuit begins with the resistor R119 to the transistor Q1.
It begins with the flow of current through the base of 14. The transistor Q114 turns on and Q115 also turns on. When a current flows through the transistor Q115, a current flows through the primary side of the transformer T111 and a high voltage is generated at the secondary side.

At this time, the transformer T111 and the resistor R119
A negative voltage is generated at the contact point between and, turning off the transistor Q114. Then, the transistor Q115
Turns off and stops the current that was flowing. Then, the voltage value of the resistor R119 returns to the original value, so that a current flows through the resistor R119 to the transistor Q114 and the transistor Q114 is turned on. By repeating this, the booster circuit operates.

The high voltage generated on the secondary side reaches the main capacitor MC through the rectifying diode D113 and is charged with time. Then, when the main capacitor MC is charged to a predetermined voltage (for example, -300V), the neon tube NE is turned on and the connection point between the resistors R121 and R112 becomes a negative voltage, so that the transistor Q111 is turned on and the boosting operation is performed. finish.

+ V _GOFF is created during the process in which the transformer T111 charges the main capacitor MC.
Then, the rectifying diode D112 and the transistor Q11
6, a resistor R120, a constant voltage diode D112, and a capacitor C112, a predetermined positive voltage, for example, +2
A voltage value such as 0V is generated.

Also, -V _GON is the main capacitor MC
Constant voltage diode ZD1 using the electric charge
A voltage of, for example, −10 V is produced by the resistor 13, the resistor R123, and the capacitor C113.

In the above-described embodiment, the wireless master flash (WMF) and the wireless slave flash (WSF) are the same flash device, but of course they may be constructed as completely different models.

Although the wireless master flash is mounted on the camera body, the wireless master flash may be built in the camera, or both may be provided with the function and either one may be selected.

Further, although the wireless master flash is mounted on the camera body in the above-mentioned embodiment, the wireless master flash may be connected to the camera body by a cable.

According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the following constitution can be obtained.

(1) In a wireless flash photographing system for controlling light emission of a slave flash device by a signal from a flash device built in a camera or externally attached, a first light emission starting signal generated during a photographing operation is inputted. And a first flash device which is built in the camera or is externally attached, and which has an input means and a light emitting means which emits an identification signal in response to the light emission start signal and then intermittently emits light at predetermined time intervals. A light receiving circuit that detects intermittently emitted light of the first flash device, a detection circuit that detects an identification signal from an output signal of the light receiving circuit, and a light emission of the first flash device when the identification signal is detected. And a second flash device including at least one light emitting unit that emits light intermittently in synchronism with Flash photography system.

(2) In the wireless flash photographing system described in (1) above, when the light receiving circuit of the second flash device detects a signal and determines that it is not an identification signal, the light receiving circuit for a predetermined time. A wireless flash photography system, which is characterized by ignoring signals from.

[0154]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the identification signal is output after the light emission start signal, any camera can use the wireless flash function.

Even if other systems are mixed, if the first flash light signal does not match the identification signal, the operation of the light receiving circuit is prohibited or ignored for a predetermined time, so that the other system intermittently emits light. Therefore, there is no malfunction such as accidentally emitting light together.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a wireless flash photography system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation panel on the back surface of the flash unit.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing details of a light receiving circuit section of the flash device of FIG.

5 is a circuit diagram showing details of the IGBT driver circuit of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a light emission mode of the flash device and showing a waveform in the case of “NORM”.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a light emission mode of the flash device and showing a waveform in the case of the “a” channel.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a light emission mode of the flash device and showing a waveform in the case of a “b” channel.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a light emission mode of the flash device and showing a waveform in the case of a “c” channel.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a light emission mode of the flash device, showing a waveform during wireless modeling light emission.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a relationship between a pulse number and a guide number during intermittent continuous light emission.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a received waveform of the light receiving circuit when the amount of received light is appropriate.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a received waveform of the light receiving circuit when the amount of received light is too small.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a received waveform of the light receiving circuit when the amount of received light is excessive.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a waveform in which noise is superimposed on the ground GND.

16 is a diagram showing a waveform when a diode D22 is removed from the light receiving circuit of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing waveforms of the light receiving circuit of FIG. 4 (when the diode D22 is provided).

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of CPU 24 in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a subroutine for explaining the operation of flash light emission.

FIG. 20 is a subroutine explaining the operation of test light emission.

FIG. 21 is a subroutine for explaining the operation of modeling master emission.

FIG. 22 is a subroutine for explaining the operation of wireless master light emission.

FIG. 23 is a subroutine for explaining the operation of wireless slave light emission.

FIG. 24 is a subroutine for explaining the operation of wireless slave light emission.

FIG. 25 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a light emitting circuit using an MCT and an MCT driver circuit.

FIG. 26 is a circuit configuration diagram of a power supply circuit capable of driving an MCT.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Camera body, 11, 11 ₁ , 11 ₂ ... Flash device, 12, 12 ₁ , 12 ₂ , PS ₁ , ... Photo sensor, 1
3, SW1 ... Push switch, 14, SW2 ... Slide switch, 15, SW3 ... Slide switch, 16,
SW4 ... Slide switch, 17 ... Power supply circuit section, 18 ...
Light emitting part, 19 ... Control part, 20 ... Light receiving circuit part, 21 ... Power supply circuit, 22 ... IGBT, 23 ... IGBT driver, 24
... CPU, 25 ... Light receiving circuit, C1 ... Capacitor, C2 ...
Trigger capacitor, D1 ... Diode, E ... Battery, MC
... main condenser, R1 to R11 ... resistor, T1 ... trigger transformer, Xe ... discharge tube.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. In a master flash device of a wireless flash photographing system capable of controlling light emission of a slave flash device by an optical signal from the master flash device built in or clipped on to a camera, a slave flash is sent to the slave flash during the optical signal. A master flash device comprising: mixing means for mixing the identification signals of 1., light emitting means capable of outputting the optical signal at the time of intermittent light emission, and control means for controlling at least light emission start and light emission stop. 2. A light emitting means capable of intermittent light emission in a slave flash device of a wireless flash photography system capable of controlling light emission of a slave flash device by an optical signal from a master flash device built in or clipped on to a camera, A photoelectric conversion unit that receives the optical signal and outputs an electric signal, a separation unit that is connected to the photoelectric conversion unit and separates the electric signal into an identification signal and a control signal, and the identification signal and the control signal. It is provided with a control means for controlling light emission in accordance with the above, and a timer means for measuring a predetermined time, and when the identification signal is not for itself, it is possible to invalidate the output signal from the photoelectric conversion means for a predetermined time. Characteristic slave flash device. 3. The wireless flash photographing system according to claim 1, wherein the identification signal corresponds to an initial pulse time interval in the optical signal.