JPH03100633A - Wireless multiflash photographing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable a user to know the charging state of a slave electronic flash without parting from a camera by providing a means for displaying the charging state of the slave electronic flash in accordance with the charging state signal communicated from the slave electronic flash. CONSTITUTION:The slave electronic flash 700 starts the light emission of an electronic flash upon recognition that the triggering of the electronic flash is instructed from a camera 106 only by the communication of plural signals within certain prescribed time. The slave electronic flash discriminate its own charging state and transmits the result to the camera side by confirming that the instruction to confirm the charging state is made by the communication of the plural signals within the prescribed time different from the above-mentioned time. The camera 106 which receives the charging state from the slave electronic flash 700 displays whether the multiflash photographing is possible or not in accordance with this signal. A light projecting means for automatic focus detection is used commonly as a control signal communicating means and a light receiving means for automatic focus detection or a light receiving means for photometry is commonly used as a charging state detecting means. The user is able to know the charging state of the slave electronic flash in this way without parting from the camera.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Application of the Invention) The present invention provides a main strobe connected to or built into a camera, a slave strobe placed at a remote location by the camera, and wirelessly controlled by the camera. The present invention relates to a wireless multiple-flash photography system that includes the slave strobe and a camera that controls the main strobe to perform multiple-flash photography.

(Background of the Invention) Conventionally, in a system that performs multi-flash photography using a main strobe attached to or built into the accessory shoe of a camera and a slave strobe located at a distance from the camera,
A system that provides synchronization timing using a wireless method such as light or radio waves has been previously proposed (Special Publication Publication No. 58-31).
No. 327, Special Publication No. 57-56831, etc.).

However, compared to the wired method, this conventional method has the advantage of having a greater degree of freedom in the installation position of the slave strobe because there is no cord, but it also has the following drawbacks.

First, there is no indication on the camera side whether the slave strobe is fully charged or not, and the user has to go to the slave strobe and check the charging status when taking a picture.

Second, especially in the case of methods that use light to obtain synchronization, there is no consideration given to distinguishing light from flashes from other strobes, and if other strobes, etc. fire near the shooting location, it may result in incorrect synchronization and errors. There was a risk that it would emit light.

Third, it requires dedicated elements for transmission and reception, which is disadvantageous in terms of cost.

(Objective of the Invention) The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to enable the user to know the charging status of the slave strobe without leaving the camera in wireless multi-flash photography, and to enable the user to know the charging status of the slave flash without leaving the camera. It is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless multi-flash photographing system that can prevent erroneous light emission in synchronization with external light and further achieve miniaturization of the system.

(Features of the Invention) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a main strobe with:
A first signal for controlling a slave strobe, consisting of a plurality of signals with different time intervals. A control signal communication means for communicating the second control signal to the slave strobe side detects the control signal being communicated to the slave strobe and determines whether the signal at this time is the first control signal or not. control signal discriminating means for discriminating whether the signal is a signal; if the discrimination result by the means is a first control signal, it generates a charging state confirmation signal, and if it is a second control signal, it generates a strobe activation signal; a signal generating means for generating a signal; a charging state signal communication means for determining its own charging state by generating a charging state confirmation signal and communicating the result to the camera side as a charging state signal; and a charging state signal communication means for generating the signal. A strobe light emission control means is provided which performs its own light emission control by generating a strobe activation signal by the means, and a charge state signal detection means for detecting a charge state signal communicated from the slave strobe to the camera; The display means displays the charge state of the slave strobe based on the charge state signal from the means.The display means also detects a control signal communicated to the slave strobe, and the signal at this time is a first control signal. control signal discriminating means for discriminating whether the control signal is the first control signal; a control signal discriminating means for discriminating whether the discriminating signal is the first control signal; generating a charging state confirmation signal when the discriminating result by the means is the first control signal; is a signal generation means that generates a strobe activation signal, and a charging status signal communication unit that determines its own charging status by generating a charging status confirmation signal by the means, and communicates the result to the camera side as a charging status signal. A strobe light emission control means is provided which controls its own light emission by generating a strobe activation signal by the signal generation means, and the camera controls a slave strobe consisting of a plurality of signals having different time intervals. First for. a control signal communication means for communicating a second control signal to the slave strobe; a state-of-charge signal detection means for detecting a state-of-charge signal communicated from the slave strobe; Display means for displaying the state of charge are provided, and the slave strobe recognizes that an instruction to start the strobe has been given by the camera only when a plurality of signals are communicated within a certain predetermined time, and emits strobe light. It also recognizes that an instruction to check the charging status has been given by communicating multiple signals within a predetermined time period different from the above, determines its own charging status, and sends this result to the camera side. The camera that transmits the charging status signal and receives the charging status signal from the slave strobe also displays whether or not multi-flash photography is possible based on the signal.

Further, as the control signal communication means, the light emitting means for automatic focus detection can also be used, and as the charging state signal detection means, the light receiving means for automatic focus detection or the light receiving means for photometry can also be used. It is characterized by

(Embodiments of the Invention) Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a camera section in a first embodiment of the present invention.

A lens 150 is connected to the camera 106, and a portion of the light transmitted through the lens 150 is reflected by the main mirror 107 and guided to the screen 116, where it forms an image.
The image is formed by a pentaprism 115 and viewed by the user through a finder lens 117.

On the other hand, the light transmitted through the main mirror 107 is transmitted to the sub mirror 1.
09 and guided to the separator 111-2, where it is divided into three lights, each of which is connected to an autofocus light receiving element 111-6. This autofocus light receiving element 111-6 outputs a signal from the microcomputer 1.
12.

The main mirror 107 and the sub-mirror 109 are supported by a support member 10 that is rotatable about shafts 108a and 110a.
8 and 110 have a known configuration in which they are stored upward and downward during photographing, respectively.

The LEDllB is a display member that indicates whether multi-flash flash photography is possible or not, and is visible through the finder lens 117.

The built-in strobe 201, which is the main strobe, has a known configuration, and its details are shown in FIG.
is under the control of.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main parts of the camera 106.

The autofocus light receiving element 111-6 is the microcomputer 11
2 is connected to a built-in 3-channel A/D converter 112a, and the microcomputer 112 reads the output value. Switches 302 and 303 are used to press the first and second strokes of the shutter button 301 shown in FIG. 3, respectively. Closed accordingly. These signals are sent to the microcontroller 112
terminal S1. S2, and the microcomputer 112 determines which state it is in based on the signal. When each reaches the L level, it is in the closed state.

The terminal DI of the microcomputer 112 is connected to the L E D 118.
, and the LED 118 lights up at L level. A terminal STA of the microcomputer 112 is connected to the built-in strobe 201 and is used to provide a trigger to a discharge tube (Xe tube) 208 (see FIG. 4). A terminal STP of the microcomputer 112 is connected to the built-in strobe 201 and is used to stop the flashing of the discharge tube 208. The terminal STC of the microcomputer 112 is connected to the built-in strobe 201, and a signal is input to determine whether the energy necessary for the built-in strobe 201 to flash has been stored in the internal capacitor 206 (see Figure 4). This is a terminal for flashing, and the L level indicates "flash possible". A terminal MO of the microcomputer 112 is connected to the operating member 304, and is a terminal to which a signal indicating whether the user has selected wireless multiple-flash photography or single-flash photography is input.

A program shown in FIG. 6.7, which will be described later, is written in the microcomputer 112.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of the built-in strobe 201.

A power supply 202 is connected to a booster circuit 204 and a constant voltage circuit 203. The voltage boosted by the boost circuit 204 is charged in a capacitor 205, and the voltage Vc generated thereby is compared with the voltage V ref generated in the constant voltage circuit 203 by a comparator 205 via a voltage detection circuit 206.

As a result, when the voltage Vc is equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage Vref, the comparator 205 outputs the L level, and otherwise the comparator 205 outputs the H level.
Output the level. The discharge tube 208 starts emitting light when triggered by the trigger circuit 209, and stops emitting light when the switching circuit 210 controlled by the microcomputer 112 turns off.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of a slave strobe 700 (not shown).

A power supply 701 is connected to a booster circuit 702, a microcomputer 709, and a photodetection circuit 708. The booster circuit 702 is connected to the power supply 7
The voltage V batt of 01 is boosted to the voltage Vsc, and this is applied to the capacitor 703, the voltage detection circuit 704, and the trigger circuit 7.
05, to the discharge tube 706. The voltage detection circuit 704
is the result of determining whether the voltage Vsc charged in the capacitor 703 is equal to or higher than the voltage at which the discharge tube 706 can flash.
It is output to the terminal READY of the microcomputer 709. L level represents a predetermined voltage or higher. The trigger circuit 705 is connected to a terminal TRI of a microcomputer 709, and when a pulse signal is applied thereto, it triggers the discharge tube 706, that is, it applies a high voltage pulse to the trigger electrode. Switching circuit 707
are connected in series to the discharge tube 706, and switching is controlled by the terminal GATE of the microcomputer 709. The light detection circuit 708 is a known circuit that determines whether the intensity of external light is above a predetermined level, and its output is connected to a terminal 5ENS of a microcomputer 709. The L level represents a predetermined light intensity or higher. The setting member 710 is used to select whether or not to perform wireless multi-flash operation of the slave strobe 700, and its state is determined by the terminal MODE of the microcomputer 709.
is output to.

A program shown in FIG. 9.10, which will be described later, is written in the microcomputer 709.

The operation of the above configuration will be explained.

First, the operation of the camera 106 will be explained using the flowchart of FIG. 6.7 and the timing chart of FIG. 8.

FIG. 6 is a main flowchart of the camera 106 of the first embodiment. Since the operations other than step 406 are similar to those of other general cameras, the explanation thereof will be omitted here.

When the microcomputer 112 is supplied with power, it performs step 401.
→402→403...→Repeat 401.

Here, in the autofocus operation process of step 402, the light amount value of the autofocus light receiving element 111-6 is stored in the variable AFD.

Details of step 406 will be explained below using FIG. 7.

This process starts at step 501 in FIG. 7(a).

At step 501, the state of terminal STC is determined. At this initial stage, the charging voltage V of the built-in strobe 201 is
c has not reached the predetermined voltage V ref, so the terminal ST
C is H level. Therefore, the program goes to step 51.
Branch to 9.

In step 519, an H level is output to the terminal DI, the display member 11B is turned off, and the process proceeds to step 520.

At step 520, rOJ is assigned to the flag variable FG, and the processing routine returns to the main routine of FIG. 6 (R1).

Therefore, until the charging voltage Vc of the built-in strobe 201 reaches the predetermined voltage Vref, this process is E.

- Repeat steps 501-519→520-R.

Let this period be 71 (see FIG. 8(a)).

Period T! After that, when the charging voltage Vc of the built-in strobe 201 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage Vref, the terminal STC becomes L level. Therefore, at step 501, the process branches to step 502.

In step 502, the state of terminal S2 is determined.

At this time, the second stroke of the shutter button 301 is not pressed, so the terminal S2 is at the H level. Therefore, the program branches to step 503.

In step 503, the state of terminal Sl is determined.

At this time, the first stroke of the shutter button 301 is not pressed either, so the terminal S1 is at the H level. Therefore, the program branches to step 520.

At step 520, "O" is assigned to the flag variable FG, and the processing routine returns to the main routine in the same manner as described above.

Until the built-in strobe 201 is charged to a predetermined voltage V ref or higher and the first stroke of the shutter button 301 is pressed, this process continues from El-steps 501 to 50.
Repeat 2→503→520→R1. This period T2
shall be.

After period T2, when the charging voltage Vc of the built-in strobe 201 is higher than the predetermined voltage Vref, the shutter button 30 is pressed.
When the first stroke of No. 1 is pressed, the switch 302 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is closed, and the terminal Sl becomes L level.

Therefore, at step 503, the process branches to step 504.

In step 504, the contents of the flag variable FG are determined,
Since it is "0" at this point, the process branches to step 505.

At step 505, rlJ is assigned to the flag variable FG, and the process proceeds to step 506.

At step 506, "2" is assigned to variable N, and the process proceeds to step 507.

In step 507, a small amount of light is emitted. The details of this process will be explained with reference to FIG. 7(b).

The process proceeds from step 507 to R2 in FIG. 7(b), and the process starts from step 541.

In step 541, an H level signal is output to terminal STA, and the process proceeds to step 542.

In step 542, a standby operation is performed for time t1, and the process proceeds to step 543.

At step 543, an L level signal is output to terminal STA.

As described above, through the operations of steps 541 → 542 → 543,
A pulse signal with a time width t1 is output from the terminal STA, triggers the built-in strobe 201, and the strobe 201
receives this trigger signal and starts flashing.

After step 543, the program proceeds to step 544, performs a standby operation for time t2, and proceeds to step 545.

At step 545, an H level signal is output to terminal STP, and the process proceeds to step 546.

After a standby operation for time t3 in step 546, the program proceeds to step 547.

At step 547, an L level signal is output to the terminal STP.

As described above, through the operations of steps 545-546→547,
A pulse signal with a time width t3 is output from the terminal STP, instructing the built-in strobe 201 to stop flashing, and the built-in strobe 201 receives this dimming signal and stops flashing.

After processing step 547, the program returns (R2) and proceeds to step 508 in FIG. 7(a).

In step 508, the value of variable N is subtracted by "1" (as a result, the value becomes rlJ), and the process proceeds to step 509.

At step 509, since the value of variable N is "1", the process branches to step 510.

At step 510, after performing a standby operation for time t4, the process returns to step 507.

Similarly, proceed to steps 507-508, and step 50
At step 8, the value of variable N becomes rOJ, and the process advances to step 509.

At step 509, the value of N is "0", so step 5
Branch to 11.

At step 511, a standby operation is performed for a time t5.

After the period T2 explained above, step 503
The period from step 511 to step 511 is defined as T3.

During this period T3, the built-in strobe 201 emits a small amount of light twice.

At step 512, "5" is assigned to variable N, and the process proceeds to step 513.

In step 513, the autofocus light receiving element 11
The A/D conversion value of the amount of light inputted to step 1-6 is taken in, and the value is substituted into the variable AF, and the process proceeds to step 514.

In step 514, a standby operation is performed for a time t6, and then the process proceeds to step 515.

In step 515, (AP-AFD) is calculated,
It is determined whether the result is greater than a predetermined value DL. Here, if it is not larger than the predetermined value DL, step 516
Branch to.

In step 516, the value of variable N is subtracted by "1" (as a result, the value becomes "4"), and the process proceeds to step 517.

In step 517, it is determined whether the value of variable N is "0" or not. Since the value of variable N is "4" here, the process branches to step 513 again.

The program continues until the value of (AF-AFD) exceeds the predetermined value OL or the value of variable N becomes "0".
Step 513 → 514 → 515 → 516 → 517-5
Repeat step 13. Let this period be T4.

After period T4, when the slave strobe 700 flashes and the light enters the autofocus light receiving element 111-6, it is determined in step 515 that AF-AFD>DL,
The process branches to step 521.

At step 521, an L level is output to the terminal DI, indicating that multi-flash flash photography is possible! 18 is turned on to notify the user.

After this, the program proceeds to the main routine and ends this wireless multi-light processing routine.

After the above period T4, in step 521, the display member 11
Let T5 be the period until 8 lights up.

The main program is processed again, and then the wireless multi-light processing routine (step 406 in Figure 6) starts.
That is, the operation from step 501 is started.

Here, consider a case where the photographer holds the shutter button in the first stroke state.

At step 501, the state of terminal STC is determined. At this time, the charging voltage Vc of the built-in strobe 201 is set to the predetermined voltage V
Since the voltage has reached ref, the terminal STC is at L level. The program therefore branches to step 502.

Since the first stroke of the shutter button 301 remains pressed, the switch 302 is closed, and since the second stroke is not pressed, the switch 303 is opened.
The terminal Sl is at L level and the terminal S2 is at H level, so step 502. Via step 503, the program branches to step 504.

In step 504, the contents of the flag variable FG are determined,
Since it is "1" at this time, the process branches to R1.

This wireless multi-light processing routine ends at R1, and the processing continues in steps 501-502→50 until the switch 302 is opened by releasing the shutter button 301.
3-504→Repeat R1. Let this period be T6.

The operation of the period T1 to T6 described so far is performed by the camera 10.
6 and the built-in strobe 2 on the old side, the slave strobe 700 also operates according to the program shown in Nos. 9 and 10 during the above-mentioned period.

Therefore, the operation of the microcomputer 709 of the slave strobe 700 will be explained with reference to FIG.

When the power is turned on, the process starts from step 801 in FIG. 9(a).

In step 801, necessary variables, terminals, etc. are initialized, and the process proceeds to step 802.

At step 802, the state of the setting member 710 is changed to the terminal MO.
Input from DE.

Proceeding to step 803, the state of the previous setting member 710 is determined. Here, the description of this embodiment will proceed assuming that operation in wireless mode has been selected. Therefore, the program branches to step 804.

At step 804, interrupt input to terminal 5ENS is permitted, and the process proceeds to step 805.

In step 805, processing not directly related to this embodiment is performed, and the process returns to step 802.

In this way, if no interrupt occurs at terminal 5ENS, step 802-803-804-805-802
I'm repeating it. Let this period be T++ (see FIG. 8(a)).

When the built-in strobe 201 starts emitting a small amount of light in step 541 of the program of the camera 106 shown in FIG.
An interrupt occurs at terminal 5ENS of 09.

When an interrupt occurs, the program of the microcomputer 709 transfers control to step 807 in FIG. 9(b), that is, step 901 in FIG. 10.

At step 901, interrupts at the terminal 5ENS are disallowed to prevent interrupts from occurring again while this process is being performed, and the process proceeds to step 902.

At step 902, the state of the charged voltage Vsc is read at the terminal READY. At this time, if the voltage Vsc is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage that allows flashing, the terminal READY is at L level. Therefore, the process advances to step 903.

At step 903, timer tc is set to "0".

At step 904, the input to terminal 5ENS is at L level, so step 904 is repeated again. After the previous period Tll, step 90 occurs while the terminal 5ENS is at L level.
Let T1□ be the period in which 4 is repeated.

When the built-in strobe 201 stops flashing at step 545 of the program shown in FIG.
At step 04, the process branches to step 905.

At step 905, since terminal 5ENS is at H level, the process branches to step 909.

In step 909, if the timer tc has not elapsed for a time longer than the time (t4+δ), step 905 is performed again.
Branch to. Here, δ is longer than time t3 and (tt
+t2 +t3).

Therefore, when the level of the terminal 5ENS is H and the timer tc does not exceed the time (t4+δ), the program repeats steps 905-909-905, and this period is designated as T13.

When the timer tc does not exceed the time (ts+δ), the built-in strobe 201 emits a second small amount of light, and the terminal 5E
When NS becomes L level again, the process branches from step 905 to step 906. After the period TI3, the period up to this point is referred to as TI4.

At step 906, as described in the previous explanation of camera operation, since the interval between the first and second flashes of the built-in strobe 201 is longer than t4, the process branches to step 907.

At step 907, a standby operation for time t9 is performed.

This time t9 is a suitable time equal to or longer than time (1,+12+13+ts).

The process proceeds to step 908, where an H level signal is output to the terminal TRI, and the process proceeds to step 910.

The process advances to step 0, where an H level signal is output to the terminal GATE, and the process advances to step 911.

In step 911, a standby operation is performed for time t1, and the process proceeds to step 912.

In step 912, an L level signal is output to terminal TRI, and the process proceeds to step 913.

In step 913, a standby operation is performed for a time t7, and the process proceeds to step 914.

In step 914, an L level signal is output to the terminal GATE, the process proceeds to R, and this process is completed and the process returns.

Here, the time t such that the relationship t6X5<t7 holds true
6. Let it be t7.

Above, steps 908 → 910 → 911 → 912 → 91
3-914 causes the slave strobe 700 to flash for a time interval t7 (this is treated on the camera 106 side as a signal indicating that the slave strobe 700 side has completed charging).

As explained above, when the built-in strobe 201 is uncharged, the display member 118 does not light up (period T1), and when both the built-in strobe and the slave strobe are fully charged, the display member 118 does not light up (period T1).
8 is lit.

Next, when the built-in strobe 201 is fully charged and the slave strobe 700 is not fully charged, the camera 10
The operation of the microcomputer 112 of No. 6 will be explained using FIG.

As described above, the multi-light processing routine starts at step 501, and the operations up to period T3 are the same as those described above.

Therefore, the operations from step 512 onwards are shown in FIG.
This will be explained with reference to the timing chart of b).

At step 512, "5" is assigned to variable N, and the process proceeds to step 513.

In step 513, the autofocus light receiving element 11
The A/D conversion value of the amount of light inputted to step 1-6 is taken in, and the value is substituted into the variable AF, and the process proceeds to step 514.

At step 514, a standby operation is performed for a time t6, and the process proceeds to step 515.

In step 515, (AF-AFD) is calculated,
It is determined whether the result is greater than a predetermined value DL. If the value is not greater than the predetermined value DL, step 516
Branch to.

In step 516, the value of variable N is decreased by "1", and the process proceeds to step 517.

In step 517, it is determined whether the value of N is "oJ",
Here, since the value of variable N is "4", the process branches to step 513 again.

As will be explained later in the program of the slave strobe 700, if the slave strobe 700 is not fully charged, it will not flash in response to the light emission of the built-in strobe 201.

Therefore, in step 515, since the value of (AF-AFD) does not exceed the predetermined value OL, steps 513→514→515→51 are performed until the value of variable N reaches rOJ.
Repeat 6 → 517 → 513 5 times. During this period T2o
Let the elapsed time be t2°. After this step 5
Proceed to step 18.

At step 518, an H level is output to the terminal DI of the microcomputer 112 to indicate that multi-flash flash photography is not possible.
The user is notified by turning off the display member 118.

After this, the program advances to R1, and the present processing routine ends and returns.

The main program is processed again, and then the multi-light processing routine, ie, step 501, is started.

Now, let us consider a case where the photographer keeps pressing the first stroke of the shutter button in such a state.

At step 501, the state of terminal STC is determined. At this time, the charging voltage Vc of the built-in strobe 201 is set to the predetermined voltage V
Since the voltage has reached ref, the terminal STC is at L level. The program therefore branches to step 502.

Since the first stroke of the shutter button 301 remains pressed, the switch 302 is closed, and since the second stroke is not pressed, the switch 303 is opened.
The terminal S1 is at L level and the terminal s2 is at H level, so step 5o2. Via step 503, the program branches to step 504.

In step 504, the contents of the flag variable FG are determined,
Since it is "1" at this time, the process branches to R1.

This wireless multi-light processing routine ends at R1, and steps 501-502-5 are continued during this processing until the switch 302 is opened by releasing the shutter button 301.
03-504-Repeat R. The current period is assumed to be T6.

Next, the slave strobe 00 in the charging incomplete state
The program operation of the microcomputer 707 will be explained.

When the built-in strobe 201 starts emitting a small amount of light at step 541 of the program shown in FIG. 7(b) for the camera 106, light enters the light detection circuit 708,
An interrupt occurs at terminal 5ENS of 09.

When an interrupt occurs, the program of microcomputer 709 transfers control to step 901 in FIG.

At step 901, interrupts at the terminal 5ENS are disallowed to prevent interrupts from occurring again while this process is being performed, and the process proceeds to step 902.

At step 902, the state of the charged voltage Vsc is read via the terminal READY. At this time, the voltage Vsc is below a predetermined voltage that allows flashing, and the terminal READY is at H level. Therefore, the slave strobe 700 advances to R without flashing, and then returns to completion.

From the above explanation, when the slave strobe 700 is in an unfilled state, the display member 118'' in the viewfinder is turned off, thereby giving a warning to the photographer.

Next, regarding the operation during the main flash of wireless multi-flash photography,
This will be explained using the timing chart of FIG.

The main light emission is started by pressing the second stroke of the shutter button.

First, the operation of the program of the microcomputer 112 of the camera 106 will be explained.

As mentioned above, the process starts from step 501 in FIG. 7(a).

At step 501, the state of terminal STC is determined. At this initial stage, the charging voltage V of the built-in strobe 201 is
c has not reached the predetermined voltage V ref, the terminal ST
C is H level. Therefore, the program goes to step 51.
Branch to 9.

In step 519, an H level is output to the terminal DI, the display member 118 is turned off, and the process proceeds to step 520.

At step 520, rOJ is assigned to the flag variable FG, the process advances to R1, and the process returns from this processing routine.

Therefore, until the charging voltage Vc of the built-in strobe 201 reaches the predetermined voltage Vref, this process repeats E1→steps 501→519→520-"Rx, and during this period T3. (see FIG. 11). do.

After period T31, when the charging voltage Vc of the built-in strobe 201 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage Vref, the terminal STC becomes L level. Therefore, at step 501, the process branches to step 502.

In step 502, the state of terminal S2 is determined.

At this time, the second stroke of the shutter button 301 is not pressed, so the terminal S2 is at the H level. Therefore, the program branches to step 503.

In step 503, the state of terminal Sl is determined.

At this time, since the first stroke of the shutter button 301 is not pressed, the terminal St is at the H level. Therefore, the program branches to step 520.

At step 520, "0" is assigned to the flag variable FG, the process advances to R1, and the process returns from this processing routine.

Until the built-in strobe 201 is charged to a predetermined voltage V ref or higher and the second stroke (switch 303) of the shutter button 301 is pressed, this process continues from E1 → steps 501 → 502 → 503 → 520-R1. repeat. Let this period be 732.

After period T32, when the charging voltage Vc of the built-in flash 201 is higher than the predetermined voltage Vref, the shutter button 3 is pressed.
When the second stroke of 01 is pressed, the switch 303 shown in FIG. 2.3 is closed, and the terminal S2 becomes L level.

Therefore, at step 502, the process branches to step 530.

In step 530, a small amount of light is emitted. This process is shown in detail in FIG. 7(b), and its operation has been previously explained (at step 507), so a description thereof will be omitted. This period is assumed to be T33.

After the period TS3, the process proceeds to step 531, and a standby operation for a time t3° is performed. Here, time tso is decreased by t3° (t4
Set an appropriate value that satisfies the relationship t3). Let this period be 734.

After the period T34, the process proceeds to step 532, where the same operation as known strobe light control and light emission is performed. This period is designated as 73a.

After the period Tsa, the program proceeds to step 406 (sixth
(see figure) and return.

Next, the microcomputer 7 of the slave strobe 700 at this time
The operation of 09 will be explained using FIGS. 9 to 11.

In step 804 of FIG. 9(a), the terminal 5ENS is
interrupt input is permitted.

Built-in strobe 20 in step 541 of the previous program
1 starts flashing, light enters the light detection circuit 708,
An interrupt occurs at the terminal 5ENS of the microcomputer 709.

When an interrupt occurs, the program of the microcomputer 709 jumps to step 807 in FIG. 9(b) and transfers control to step 901 in FIG. 10.

At step 901, interrupts at the terminal 5ENS are disallowed to prevent interrupts from occurring again while this process is being performed, and the process proceeds to step 902.

At step 902, the state of the charged voltage Vsc is read via the terminal READY. At this time, the voltage Vs
c is higher than the predetermined voltage that can flash, and the terminal REA
DY is at L level. Therefore, the process advances to step 903.

At step 903, timer tc is set to "0".

At step 904, the signal input to terminal 5ENS is at L level, so step 904 is repeated again. Step 904 is repeated while the terminal SEMS is at L level, but this period is T4. (See Figure 11).

After the period T41, in step 545 of the previous program, when the built-in strobe 201 stops flashing, the terminal SE
MS becomes H level, and in step 904, the process branches to step 905.

At step 905, since terminal 5ENS is at H level, the process branches to step 909.

At step 909, since the timer tc has not elapsed for a time longer than the time (t4+δ), the process branches to step 905 again.

Therefore, when the level of the terminal 5ENS is H and the timer tc does not exceed the time (t4+δ), the program repeats steps 905→909→905. Let this period be 742.

When the timer tc does not exceed the time (t4+δ), the built-in strobe 20 is activated in step 532 of the previous program.
1 performs a second flash, that is, a normal flash, and when the terminal 5ENS becomes L level, the process branches from step 905 to step 906.

At step 906, as described in the previous explanation of camera operation, since the interval between the first and second flashes is less than t4, the process branches to step 915.

At step 915, discharge tube 706 starts emitting light.

After that, when it detects that the built-in strobe 201 has stopped flashing,
Outputs an L level signal to the terminal GATE and discharges the discharge tube 706.
stop the flash. The above flash period is assumed to be 743.

After the above processing, step 807 in FIG. 9(b) is completed.

Next, with the wireless multi-flash mode selected, the slave strobe 700 of the above embodiment is activated by the flash of a strobe used for other photography, that is, by the flash of a strobe that is not under the control of the camera 106. Explain that this will prevent erroneous light emission.

If a disturbance flash occurs as shown in Figure 12,
Control is transferred to step 901 in FIG.

At step 901, interrupts at the terminal 5ENS are disallowed to prevent interrupts from occurring again while this process is being performed, and the process proceeds to step 902.

At step 902, the state of the charged voltage Vsc is read via the terminal READY. At this time, the voltage Vsc is higher than a predetermined voltage that allows flashing, and the terminal READY is at L level. Therefore, the process advances to step 903.

At step 903, timer tc is set to rOJ.

At step 904, the input to the terminal SEMS is at L level, so step 904 is repeated again. Terminal 5ENS
This period during which step 904 is repeated while is at L level is designated as Tl11 (see FIG. 12).

When the flash of the disturbance stops, the terminal 5ENS becomes H level, and the process branches from step 904 to step 905.

At step 905, since terminal 5ENS is at H level, the process branches to step 909.

At step 909, since the timer tc has not elapsed for a time longer than the time (t4+6), the process branches to step 905 again.

Therefore, when the level of the terminal 5ENS is Hl and the timer tc does not exceed the time (t4+δ), the program repeats steps 905→909-905. This period is Ta
Let it be g.

When the timer tc exceeds the time (t4+δ) (because there is almost no possibility that the disturbance will occur continuously within the time (t4+δ)), the terminal 5ENS is returned to the H level, and step 90
After branching to R at step 9, this process, that is, FIG.
) ends step 807 and returns.

In the first embodiment described above, the preliminary signal (referring to each signal of the terminal STA→L level twice shown in FIG. 8) and the tuning signal (the second signal of the terminal 5TA-L level shown in FIG. 11) The signal ') was transmitted using the flash of the built-in strobe 201 as a medium, but even if this is replaced with an external strobe 1501 whose connection terminal 1502 is connected to the accessory shoe 120 on the camera 106, There is no need to explain that the purpose of can be achieved in the same way. The configuration of this second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, and parts having the same functions as those of the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

Regarding the operation, the built-in strobe 2 in the first embodiment
The external strobe 01 is only replaced by the strobe 1501, and its operation is exactly the same, so further explanation will be omitted.

In the first or second embodiment described above, the preliminary signal and the tuning signal are sent to the built-in strobe 201 or the external strobe 1.
5 The previous purpose was transmitted using flash light as a medium, but even if this was replaced with an auxiliary autofocus light built into these strobes or placed on the camera side, the above purpose could still be achieved in the same way. There's no need to explain. The configuration of this third embodiment is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, and parts having the same functions as those of the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of the camera section.

A lens 1610 is driven by a motor 1610, and a part of the light transmitted through the lens 161O is reflected by a main mirror 1614 and guided to a screen 1617 to form an image there, and the image is formed by a pentaprism 1618. It is visually viewed by the user through the finder lens 1619.

On the other hand, the light transmitted through the main mirror 1614 is reflected by the sub-mirror 1615 and guided to the separator 1611.
Here, the light is split into two lights, each of which is connected to an autofocus light receiving element 1601. This autofocus light receiving element 1601 outputs a signal to the microcomputer 11.
It is connected so that it is input to 2.

The main mirror 1614 and the sub-mirror 1615 are mounted in a known manner such that they are housed upward and downward during photographing, respectively, by supporting members 108 and 110 that are rotatable about shafts 108a and 110a, as in the first embodiment. The structure is as follows.

The charging completion display LED 1622 is a display member that indicates whether multi-flash flash photography is possible or not, and is visible through the finder lens 1619.

The autofocus auxiliary light LED 1608 projects a pattern 1620 onto a subject using a lens 1621 to assist the autofocus operation. This is a known technique, and in this embodiment, which is under the control of a microcomputer 1602, this is used as a preliminary signal generating means, and it is assumed that this is placed on the camera side.

The main strobe device is an external strobe 1501.
is connected onto the camera via an accessory shoe 120 (see FIG. 17).

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main parts of the camera.

The old autofocus light receiving element 16 is a microcomputer 160.
2 is connected to a built-in 2-channel A/D converter 1701, and a microcomputer 1602 reads its output value.

Switches 1702 and 1703 are closed in response to the first and second strokes of the shutter button 301 shown in FIG. 3, respectively. These signals are connected to terminals St and S2 of the microcomputer 1602, and the microcomputer 1602 determines which state it is in based on the signals.

When each reaches the L level, it is in the closed state.

The terminal DI of the microcomputer 1602 indicates the completion of charging.
It is connected to D1622, and the corresponding LED is at L level.
1622 will be lit. The terminal LD of the microcomputer 1602 is the autofocus auxiliary light LED16.
08 and is lit at L level. Microcomputer 16
The terminal STP 02 is externally connected to the strobe 1501 and is used to stop the discharge tube 208 from flashing. The terminal STC of the microcomputer 1602 is connected to the external strobe 1501.
The external terminal is a terminal to which a signal is input for determining whether or not the energy necessary for the strobe 1501 to flash is stored in the internal capacitor 206;
L level indicates "flash possible". The terminal GND of the microcomputer 1602 is externally connected to the strobe 1501, and is used to match the ground level with each other. Microcomputer 16
Terminal MD 02 is connected to the operating member 304, and is a terminal to which a signal indicating whether the user has selected wireless multiple-flash photography or single-flash photography is input.

A program shown in FIG. 18, which will be described later, is written in the microcomputer 1602.

In the above configuration, the operation of wireless multi-flash photography processing will be explained with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. As mentioned above, the external strobe 1501 is configured as shown in FIG. 15, and in this embodiment, this is used as the main strobe, and the slave strobe 700 (not shown) used during wireless multi-flash photography is The configuration is similar to that of the first embodiment described above.

This process starts from step 1801 in FIG. 18(a).

In step 1801, the state of terminal STC is determined.

At this initial stage, since the charging voltage Vc of the external strobe 1501 has not reached the predetermined voltage Vref, the terminal STC is at the H level. The program therefore branches to step 1819.

At step 1819, an H level is output to the terminal DI,
The display member 1622 is turned off, and step 1820
Proceed to.

At step 1820, rOJ is assigned to the flag variable FG, the process advances to R1, and the process returns from this processing routine.

Therefore, this process repeats E1→steps 1801→1819→1820→R1 until the charging voltage Vc of the external strobe 1501 reaches the predetermined voltage Vref. This period is designated as Tl9I.

After the period 7191, when the charging voltage Vc of the external strobe 1501 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage Vref, the terminal STC becomes L level. Therefore, at step 1801, the process branches to step 1802.

In step 1802, the state of terminal S2 is determined.

At this time, the second stroke of the shutter button is not pressed, so the terminal S2 is at the H level.

Therefore, the program branches to step 1803.

In step 1803, the state of terminal Sl is determined.

At this time, since the first stroke of the shutter button is not pressed, the terminal Sl is at the H level.

Therefore, the program branches to step 1820.

At step 1820, rOJ is assigned to the flag variable FG, the process advances to R1, and the process returns from this processing routine.

Until the external strobe 1501 is charged to a predetermined voltage V ref or higher and the first stroke of the shutter button is pressed, this process continues from El-step 1801→18.
Repeat 02→1803→1820→R1. This period is assumed to be T192.

After period T, □, the external strobe 1501 charging voltage V
When the first stroke of the shutter button is pressed in a state where c is higher than the predetermined voltage V ref, the switch 1702 shown in FIG. 17 is closed and the terminal S1 becomes L level.

Therefore, in step 1803, the process branches to step 1804.

In step 1804, the contents of the flag variable FG are determined, and since it is rOJ at this time, the process branches to step 1805.

At step 1805, "1" is assigned to the flag variable FG, and the process proceeds to step 18706.

In step 1806, "2" is assigned to variable N, and the process advances to step 1807.

In step 1807, a small amount of light is emitted. The details of this process will be explained with reference to FIG. 18(b).

From step 1807, the process proceeds to R2 in FIG. 18(b), and the process starts from step 1841.

In step 1841, an H level signal is output to terminal LD, and the process proceeds to step 1842.

At step 1842, a standby operation is performed for a time t1,
Proceed to step 1843.

At step 1843, an L level signal is output to terminal LD.

As described above, through the operations of steps 1841-1842→1843, a pulse signal with a time width t31 is output from the terminal LD, and the autofocus auxiliary light LED 1608 is turned on for the time t31.

After step 1843, the program proceeds to R2, returns from this process, and proceeds to step 1808 in FIG. 18(a).

In step 1808, the value of variable N is subtracted by "1" (as a result, the value becomes "1"), and the process proceeds to step 1809.

At step 1809, the value of variable N is "1", so the process branches to step 1810.

At step 1810, a standby operation is performed for time t4, and then the process returns to step 1807.

Similarly, the process proceeds to steps 1807-1808, and in step 1808, the value of variable N becomes rOJ, and step 1
Proceed to 809.

At step 1809, since the value of N is "0", the process branches to step 1811.

At step 1811, a standby operation is performed for time t5.

After the period T+** explained above, step 1
The period from step 803 to step 1811 is assumed to be TIes. During this period Tars, the autofocus auxiliary light L
ED 1608 emits light twice.

At step 1812, "5" is assigned to variable N, and the process proceeds to step 1813.

In step 1813, the autofocus light receiving element 1
601 (see FIG. 16) takes in the A/D converted value of the amount of light input, substitutes that value into variable AP, and proceeds to step 1814.

In step 1814, a standby operation is performed for a time t6, and then the process advances to step 1815.

In step 1815, (AF-AFD) is calculated, and it is determined whether the result is greater than a predetermined value DL.

Here, if it is not larger than the predetermined value OL, step 18
Branch to 16.

In step 1816, the value of variable N is subtracted by "1" (as a result, the value becomes "4"), and the process proceeds to step 1817.

In step 1817, it is determined whether the value of variable N is "0" or not, and since the value of variable N is "4" here, the process branches to step 1813 again.

The program continues until the value of (AP-AFD) exceeds a predetermined value or the value of variable N becomes "0".
Step 1813→1814→1815→1816→1
Repeat 817→1813.

After the above period, when the slave strobe 700 (not shown) flashes and the light enters the autofocus light receiving element 1622, it is determined in step 1815 that AP-AFD>DL, and the process branches to step 1821.

At step 1821, an L level is output to the terminal DI,
The user is informed that multi-flash flash photography is possible by lighting up the display member 1622.

After this, the program advances to R1, and this wireless multi-light processing routine ends and returns.

Again, the main program is processed, and then the wireless multi-light processing routine starts, ie, step 1801
More operations will begin.

Now, consider a case where the photographer holds the shutter button in the first stroke state.

In step 1801, the state of terminal STC is determined.

At this time, since the charging voltage Vc of the external strobe 1501 has reached the predetermined voltage Vref, the terminal STC is at L level. Therefore, the program branches to step 1802.

Since the first stroke of the shutter button remains pressed, the switch 1702 is closed, and since the second stroke is not pressed, the switch 1703 is opened, and the terminal Sl is at the L level and the terminal S2 is at the H level. and
Therefore, step 1802. Through step 1803, the program branches to step 1804.

At step 1804, the content of the flag variable FG is determined, and since it is "1" at this time, the process branches to R1.

At R1, this wireless multi-light processing routine ends and returns.
The process continues in steps 1801-1802→1802 until the switch 1702 is opened by releasing the shutter button.
Repeat 1803→1804→R1.

Although the operations during the period described so far are operations on the camera side, the slave strobe 700 also operates during the above-mentioned period in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The above explanation was about wireless communication of preliminary signals when the slave strobe 700 was fully charged.
The wireless communication of the preliminary signal and the wireless communication of the tuning signal when the slave strobe 700 is not fully charged operates in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.
Omit explanation.

As explained above, the autofocus auxiliary light LE
You can still reach the goal with D.

In each of the embodiments described above, A is used to detect the charge completion signal.
Although a P light-receiving element is used, it goes without saying that the objective can be achieved even if this is replaced with an AE (automatic exposure) light-receiving element.

FIG. 20 shows the configuration of the fourth embodiment.

In FIG. 20, a part of the light transmitted through the lens 281 is reflected by the main mirror 282 and forms an image on the screen 283. It is visible to the user as it passes by. Each is optically arranged at such a position.

On the other hand, a part of the light passing through the screen 283 passes through a pentaprism 284 and is further optically arranged at a position where it is guided to an AE light receiving element 286 by an AE lens 285. This AE light receiving element 286 receives its output signal from the microcomputer 112 (second
(not shown in Figure 0).

The main mirror 282 has a known configuration such that it is housed upward during photographing.

The charging completion display LED 292 is a display member that indicates whether wireless multi-flash photography is possible or not, and is visible through the finder lens 287. In the figure, 290 is an AF light receiving element.

FIG. 21 shows the electrical configuration of the camera.

The AE light receiving element 286 is an A/
It is connected to the D converter 401, and the microcomputer 112 reads the input value AES.

Switches 302 and 303 are closed in response to the first and second strokes of the shutter button shown in FIG. 3, respectively. The signals generated by these are connected to the terminal S1.32 of the microcomputer 112, and the microcomputer 112 can input the status.

Each L level indicates a closed state.

The terminal DI of the microcomputer 112 is the charging completion display LED 29.
2 and is lit at L level. Microcomputer 112
The terminal STA is connected to an external strobe 1501 used as a main strobe and provides a trigger to the strobe 1501. The terminal STP of the microcomputer 112 is externally connected to the strobe 1501.
Used to stop the flash of 01. Microcomputer 1
The terminal STC 12 is externally connected to the strobe 15 old, and receives a signal for determining whether or not the energy necessary for the strobe 1501 to flash has been stored in the capacitor. L level indicates "flash possible". The terminal GND of the microcomputer 112 is externally connected to the strobe 1501, and is used to match the ground levels of both terminals. A terminal MD of the microcomputer 112 is connected to the operating member 304, and a signal indicating whether the user has selected multi-flash photography or single-flash photography is input.

The external strobe 1501 is the same as in the second and third embodiments.

Regarding the operation, in step 403 of FIG. 6 in the first embodiment, the value of the AE light receiving element 286 is stored, and then in steps 513 and 515 of FIG. 7(a).
This can be easily achieved by performing the same process as replacing "AF" with rAEJ in the part corresponding to . The other operations are exactly the same.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that the above objective can also be achieved by using a remote control light receiving element to detect the charge completion signal on the slave strobe side.

FIG. 22 shows the configuration of the fifth embodiment.

The photodiode 243 is originally arranged as a receiving element for detecting a remote control signal from a remote control transmitter, but in this embodiment, it is also used as an element for detecting a charging completion signal from the slave strobe side. used.

The detection circuit 242 is a circuit that amplifies the photocurrent flowing to the photodiode 243 and cuts the DC component.

This output signal is input to the terminal (2) of the digital filter 241.

The digital filter 241 is connected to the terminal SW of the microcomputer 112.
Depending on the terminal S connected to the terminal S, the signal input to the terminal
You can choose whether to output it through. The output signal is input to the microcomputer 112.

Since the other configurations and operations are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, their explanations will be omitted.

According to this embodiment, the completion of charging of the slave strobe is displayed in the viewfinder, which was an inconvenience in conventional wireless multi-flash strobe systems, so you can know this while you are on the camera side. To surely cause both a main strobe and a slave strobe to emit light without wasting time and labor.

In addition, since the main flash is triggered by detecting two flashes within a predetermined period of time, malfunctions may occur even if a flash or external light from another system different from your own system occurs nearby. The reliability is improved without any problems.

Furthermore, the light receiving sensor for AE and AF and the light receiving sensor for detecting remote control signals can be used to detect charge completion signals from slave strobes, and the autofocus auxiliary light LED (can be used as a means for generating preliminary signals and synchronization signals. Since it is configured to be used for both purposes, the device does not become larger or more costly.

Furthermore, when a charging completion signal is sent to the camera by the flash of the discharge tube of the slave strobe, it can be confirmed in the viewfinder whether the light of the slave strobe is being projected onto the subject.

(Modification) In the above embodiment, the preliminary signal and the synchronization signal are sent to the terminal S twice.
Although the difference is made based on the pulse interval of the TA-4L level, it goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained by using, for example, LEDs that emit light of different colors.

In addition, in this embodiment, when both the main strobe and slave strobe are fully charged, a charging completion display is displayed in the viewfinder, indicating that multi-flash photography is possible, but the slave strobe It may be displayed only by detecting the completion of charging (since the completion of charging of the main strobe can be easily detected on the spot).

Also, although not mentioned in the description of the embodiment, during single flash photography rather than multi-flash photography (when shooting with only a slave strobe or only a main strobe), a preliminary signal is not emitted from the camera or the main strobe. Needless to say, the slave strobe does not issue a charging completion signal in response to this.

(Effects of the Invention) As explained above, according to the present invention, the slave strobe recognizes that an instruction to start the strobe has been given by the camera only when a plurality of signals are communicated within a certain predetermined time. The strobe starts firing, and the camera recognizes that an instruction to check the charging status has been given by communicating multiple signals within a predetermined time period different from the above, determines its own charging status, and sends this result to the camera. The camera that receives the charge status signal from the slave strobe also displays whether multi-flash photography is possible based on the signal, and also uses a flashlight for automatic focus detection as a control signal communication means. doubles as a means,
In addition, since the charge status signal detection means can also be used as a light receiving means for automatic focus detection or a light receiving means for photometry, the user can check the charging status of the slave strobe without leaving the camera during wireless multi-flash photography. In addition, it is possible to prevent erroneous light emission in synchronization with external light unrelated to the actual photographing, and it is also possible to reduce the size of the system.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the camera side in the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an electric circuit diagram of the main part thereof, and Fig. 3 is a switch structure linked to the release button shown in Fig. 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the built-in strobe shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a slave strobe used in each embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. Flowchart showing camera side operation in example, No. 8
9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the operation of the slave strobe in response to the camera operation shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a timing chart of the camera side and the slave strobe side, and FIG. 11 is the first embodiment. 12 is a timing chart for explaining when a disturbance occurs, and FIG. 13 is a timing chart for the camera side in the second embodiment of the present invention. Diagram showing the configuration, 1st
Figure 4 is an electric circuit diagram of the main part thereof, Figure 15 is a block diagram of the external strobe shown in Figure 13, Figure 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of the camera side in the third embodiment of the present invention, 17
The figure is an electric circuit diagram of the main part, FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation on the camera side in the third embodiment, FIG. 19 is a timing chart on the camera side and slave strobe side, and FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation on the camera side in the third embodiment. A diagram showing the configuration of the camera side in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 21 is an electric circuit diagram of the main part thereof, and FIG. 22 is an electric circuit diagram of the main part in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. . 106... Camera, 111... Autofocus light receiving element, 112... Microcomputer,
118...---LED. 201...Built-in strobe, 243...
Photodiode, 286... AE light receiving element, 700... Slave strobe, 1501...
... External strobe, 1608 ... Autofocus auxiliary light LED, 1601 ... Autofocus light receiving element, 1622! ...LED. Figure 1

Claims (8)

[Claims] (1) A main strobe connected to or built into the camera, a slave strobe placed remotely by the camera and wirelessly controlled by the camera, and multi-flash photography by controlling the slave strobe and the main strobe. A wireless multi-flash photography system comprising: a camera for controlling the slave strobe;
A control signal communication means for communicating the second control signal to the slave strobe side is configured to detect the control signal being communicated to the slave strobe and to determine whether the signal at this time is the first control signal or the second control signal. control signal determining means for determining whether the signal is a control signal;
A signal generating means for generating a charging state confirmation signal when the determination result by the means is the first control signal, and generating a strobe activation signal when the determination result is the second control signal; A charging status signal communication means that determines its own charging status by generating a confirmation signal and communicates the result to the camera side as a charging status signal, and a strobe activation signal is generated by the signal generating unit. , a strobe light emission control means for controlling its own light emission is provided, and the camera is provided with a charge state signal detection means for detecting a charge state signal communicated from the slave strobe, and a charge state signal detecting means for detecting a charge state signal from the slave strobe, A wireless multi-flash photography system characterized by having display means for displaying the charging status of each strobe. (2) A main strobe connected to or built into the camera, a slave strobe placed remotely by the camera and wirelessly controlled by the camera, and multi-flash photography by controlling the slave strobe and the main strobe. In a wireless multi-flash photography system equipped with a camera that performs control signal discriminating means for discriminating whether
A signal generating means for generating a charging state confirmation signal when the determination result by the means is the first control signal, and generating a strobe activation signal when the determination result is the second control signal; A charging status signal communication means that determines its own charging status by generating a confirmation signal and communicates the result to the camera side as a charging status signal, and a strobe activation signal is generated by the signal generating unit. , a strobe light emission control means for controlling its own light emission is provided, and the camera is provided with first and second strobe lights for controlling the slave strobe consisting of a plurality of signals having different time intervals.
a control signal communication means for communicating a control signal of the slave strobe to the slave strobe; a charging state signal detecting means for detecting a charging state signal communicated from the slave strobe; and charging the slave strobe based on the charging state signal from the means. A wireless multi-flash photography system characterized by having display means for displaying status. (3) A main strobe connected to or built into the camera, a slave strobe placed remotely by the camera and wirelessly controlled by the camera, and multi-flash photography by controlling the slave strobe and the main strobe. A wireless multi-flash photography system comprising: a camera for controlling the slave strobe;
A control signal communication means for communicating the second control signal to the slave strobe side is configured to detect the control signal being communicated to the slave strobe and to determine whether the signal at this time is the first control signal or the second control signal. control signal determining means for determining whether the signal is a control signal;
A signal generating means for generating a charging state confirmation signal when the determination result by the means is the first control signal, and generating a strobe activation signal when the determination result is the second control signal; A charging status signal communication means that determines its own charging status by generating a confirmation signal and communicates the result to the camera side as a charging status signal, and a strobe activation signal is generated by the signal generating unit. , a strobe light emission control means for controlling its own light emission is provided, and the camera is provided with a state-of-charge signal detection means for detecting a state-of-charge signal communicated from the slave strobe; A wireless multi-flash photography system characterized by being provided with display means for displaying whether multi-flash photography is possible based on both a charging status signal and a charging status signal. (4) A main strobe connected to or built into the camera, a slave strobe placed remotely by the camera and wirelessly controlled by the camera, and multi-flash photography by controlling the slave strobe and the main strobe. In a wireless multi-flash photography system equipped with a camera that performs control signal discriminating means for discriminating whether
A signal generating means for generating a charging state confirmation signal when the determination result by the means is the first control signal, and generating a strobe activation signal when the determination result is the second control signal; A charging status signal communication means that determines its own charging status by generating a confirmation signal and communicates the result to the camera side as a charging status signal, and a strobe activation signal is generated by the signal generating unit. , a strobe light emission control means for controlling its own light emission is provided, and the camera is provided with first and second strobe lights for controlling the slave strobe consisting of a plurality of signals having different time intervals.
a control signal communication means for communicating a control signal of the slave strobe to the slave strobe; a state of charge signal detection means for detecting a state of charge signal communicated from the slave strobe; a state of charge signal from the means and a state of charge signal of the main strobe; 1. A wireless multi-flash photography system characterized by being provided with a display means for displaying whether or not multi-flash photography is possible for both. (5) In the control signal communication means, a determination means for determining whether or not charging of the main strobe is completed, and a communication means for communicating a first control signal when the means determines that charging is complete. Claim 1 characterized by comprising:
2. The wireless multi-flash photography system according to 2, 3 or 4. (6) The wireless multi-flash photographing system according to claim 2, 4 or 5, wherein the light projecting means for automatic focus detection is also used as a control signal communication means for communicating the first and second control signals. . (7) The light receiving means for automatic focus detection is also used as a state of charge signal detection means for detecting a state of charge signal communicated from a slave strobe.
2. The wireless multi-flash photography system according to 2, 3 or 4. (8) Claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the light receiving means for photometry in automatic exposure photography is also used as a state of charge signal detection means for detecting a state of charge signal communicated from a slave strobe. Wireless multi-flash photography system described.