JPH02287334A - Controller for illuminating angle in flash photographing - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To appropriately illuminate an object by controlling the illuminating angle of a flash device in accordance with the photographing magnification of the object. CONSTITUTION:A photographing magnification output means 1 outputs informa tion on the photographing magnification beta of the object. The photographing magnification beta of the object is obtained by dividing the focal distance (f) of a photographing lens by the photographic distance (x) of the object and is easily operated in a camera provided with an automatic focusing function. Under the control of an illuminating angle control means 4, the illuminating angle theta1 of the flash device 3 is controlled in accordance with the photographing magnification beta of the object. Namely, the illuminating angle theta1 of the flash device 3 is controlled so that it is reduced to effectively illuminate the object when the photographing magnification beta of the object is small and it is expand ed not to make flash light excessive when the magnification beta is large. Thus, the object is appropriately illuminated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to an illumination angle control device for flash photography, and is particularly suitable for photographing a backlit subject.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-219936 discloses an automatic flash for a backlight-compatible camera that is equipped with a lighting angle variable means for narrowing the lighting angle of strobe light emission to the center of the field screen when a backlighting condition is detected. Although a device is disclosed, the irradiation angle is not switched according to the photographing magnification when detecting backlight.

Further, Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 59-87030 discloses a flash device illumination angle control device that automatically changes the illumination angle of a flash device depending on the focal length of the photographing lens, but it It does not change the irradiation angle. Japanese Utility Model Application No. 56-11,0423 discloses a magnification changing mechanism of a zoom lens and a variable illumination angle of a flash.
] A flash camera has been disclosed in which the flash illumination angle is changed according to the change in the zoom magnification by linking with the flash magnification, but the illumination angle is not changed according to the photographing magnification of the subject. .

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention 1] If the flash illumination angle is determined according to the focal length of the photographing lens as in the prior art, the flash illumination angle will change whether the photographing distance of the subject is short or long. I will not do it. Therefore, when the photographing distance of the subject is long, there is a problem in that the amount of flash light is insufficient and the subject appears dark. On the other hand, when the photographing distance of a backlit subject is short during daytime synchronized photography, there is a problem in that the amount of light from the flash becomes excessive, resulting in overexposure of the main subject.

The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an illumination angle control device for flash photography that can properly illuminate a subject.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, the first
As shown in the figure, the photographic magnification output means 1 outputs the photographing magnification β of the subject, and the illumination angle control means 4 controls the illumination angle θ1 of the flash device 3 according to the photographic magnification β of the subject. It is characterized by:

Here, the photographic magnification output means 1 may be a means for directly inputting information regarding the photographic magnification β from the photographic lens,
Information regarding the focal length w1f is input from the photographic lens, and photographing magnification β (= r/x=aN/f(a
: constant)) may be used as a means of calculating.

Note that the flash device 3
display means 5 for displaying the irradiation range within the viewfinder field of view;
It is preferable to further include a backlight detection means 2 for detecting that the object field is backlit, and the illumination angle control means 4 may be activated only when the field is backlit.

[Effect] Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG.

The photographic magnification output means 1 outputs information regarding the photographic magnification β of the subject. The shooting magnification β of the subject can be found by dividing the focal length r of the photographing lens by the shooting distance be able to. Then, under the control of the illumination angle control means 4, the illumination angle θ of the flash device 3 is controlled according to the photographing magnification β of the subject. Specifically, when the imaging magnification β of the subject is small, the illumination angle θ1 of the flash device 3 is narrowed down to effectively illuminate the subject, and when the imaging magnification β of the subject is large, the illumination angle θ of the flash device 3 is widened. Control the flash light so that it does not become excessive. This makes it possible to properly illuminate the subject.

Further, in the invention according to another claim of the present application, the backlight detection means 2 detects whether the object field is backlit, that is, whether the background brightness BVAM is higher than the object brightness BVs. The illumination angle control means 4 operates only when the subject is in a backlit state.

[Embodiment] FIG. 2 shows a circuit configuration of a camera as an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, CPUB is a microcomputer inside the camera body (hereinafter referred to as "microcomputer"), which performs calculations for exposure control and automatic focus adjustment, and sequence control for the entire camera.The microcomputer CPUB is connected to various peripheral circuits. It is possible to exchange information with these peripheral circuits.

LMC is a photometry circuit, which measures the brightness BV at the center of the shooting screen.
It has a spot photometry function that measures s, and a peripheral photometry function that measures the brightness BVAM of the entire screen excluding the center of the shooting screen. The information on the center brightness BVs and the peripheral brightness BVAM is converted into digital quantities and then transmitted to the microcomputer CPUB.

DEDR is a decoder driver, and the microcomputer CPU
Based on the aperture value and shutter speed calculated in B,
It drives the leading curtain travel start magnet ICMg, the trailing curtain travel start magnet 2CMg, and the aperture control magnet FM8, and also drives the motor M1 for film winding and charging.

DSP is a display circuit for on-body display.
It receives display data from the microcomputer CPUB and displays the necessary information on the liquid crystal display board on the camera body. Display contents include, for example, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure control mode, drive mode, flash mode, film counter, and the like.

FIN is a display circuit for performing infinder display, and receives display data from the microcomputer CPUB.
Display the necessary information in the finder. Display contents include, for example, shutter speed, aperture value, flash charging completion indication, focus indication, focus detection failure indication, contrast between the center and peripheral areas of the screen during flash photography (difference in exposure value), and shooting. These include the flash irradiation range on the screen.

The ISD is a film sensitivity reading circuit that reads the film sensitivity information recorded in the FIL-11 cartridge or the semiconductor memory attached to the cartridge, and sends it to the microcomputer CPU.
Communicate to B. This information is stored in A on the microcomputer CPUB.
Used for E calculation.

Note that this circuit ISD may be equipped with a manual operation member (push button, dial, etc.) so that the film sensitivity can be manually set and changed.

EMC is an exposure correction amount setting circuit, and outputs an exposure correction amount set by a known method to the microcomputer cPUB.

AFC is a focus detection circuit, which includes a circuit for driving a CCD for focus detection that photoelectrically converts the subject light that has passed through the photographic lens, and an A/D circuit that processes the analog output of the CCD and processes the signal.
It also includes a circuit that converts the data and supplies it to the microcomputer CPU.

AFMCGiAFF-ta control circuit, which controls the AP MOMO-2M2 normal rotation/reverse rotation/reverse rotation for driving the focusing lens.
Control the stop. This AF MOMO-2M2 rotation amount ΔN is monitored by the microcomputer CPUB, and it is possible to determine whether or not the AF MOMO-2M2 has been driven by a predetermined M during automatic focus adjustment, and also enables the adjustment of the focus adjustment lens. By knowing the amount of movement from the infinite photographing position, it is possible to calculate the photographing distance and photographing magnification of the main subject.

OFL is an external flash that is detachably attached to a hot shoe (not shown) on the top surface of the camera body, and its circuit configuration will be described in detail in the explanation of FIG. 3. TM
I is a connection terminal between the external flash OFL and the camera body, and is placed on the hot shoe.

IFL is an internal flash built into the camera body, and emits flash light under the control of the microcomputer CPUB. C2 is the luminous energy N of the internal flash IFL
This is a capacitor for TFt.

The LEC is a lens circuit built into the photographic lens, and transmits lens data unique to the photographic lens to the camera body. The contents of the lens data include, for example, the minimum aperture value (
Open aperture value) AVo=R large aperture value (aperture value for the minimum aperture aperture) AVmax, focal length ", variable ta coefficient, etc. Here, the conversion coefficient is the amount of defocus obtained by the focus detection circuit AFC. This is a coefficient for converting DF into the driving amount ΔN of the focusing lens. 7M2 is a connection terminal between the lens circuit LEC and the camera body, and is arranged at or near the lens mount.

SX is a synchronization switch that is turned ON when the front curtain of the focal brain shutter completes travel, and when this switch SX is turned ON during front curtain synchronization shooting, a light emission start signal 5XON is issued to the external flash FL via the connection terminal TMI.

FCC is a flash dimming circuit for controlling the amount of light emitted by the flash, and measures the amount of flash light incident from the photographing lens, and outputs a light emission stop signal FSTOP when the amount of flash light reaches a predetermined value. This signal FST
OP is sent to the external flash OFL via the interface circuit INF and the connection terminal TM1, and causes the external flash OFL to stop emitting light. Also, this signal F STO
P is also sent to the microcomputer CPUB, and upon receiving this signal, the microcomputer CPUB stops the built-in flash IFL from emitting light.

INF is an interface circuit, and lens circuit LE
The C1 internal flash IFL is arranged between the external flash OFL and the microcomputer CPUB.

Each of the input ports t'P+ to P of the microcomputer CPUB is pulled up to the 'Iligb' level by a resistor (not shown), and is connected to the ground level through a separate switch. When turned on, the corresponding input port becomes Low" level, and the microcomputer CPUB can determine whether each switch is 0N10FF. Each switch will be explained below.

SM is the main switch, and this switch SM is ON.
When OFF, the camera becomes operational, and when OFF, the camera becomes inoperable.

Sl is a photographing preparation switch that is turned on by pressing down the first stroke of a release button (not shown), and when this switch is turned on, each operation fphc of photometry, exposure calculation, and automatic focus adjustment is started.

S2 is O by pressing down on the second stroke of the release button.
This is the release switch that is turned on, and this switch is turned on.
Then, the exposure control operation starts [fj].

SMD is a switch for switching exposure control mode, and each time this switch SMD is turned ON, the exposure control mode is switched to P mode, A mode 5S mode, M mode, and P mode l1lff. Here, the P mode is a program AE mode in which the shutter speed and aperture value are automatically set on the camera side.

A mode is an aperture-priority AE mode in which only the aperture value is manually set, and the shutter speed is automatically set on the camera side. In S mode, only the shutter speed is set manually.
The aperture value is automatically set on the camera side, and the shutter speed is one amount ahead of the AE mode. M mode is a manual mode in which both the shutter speed and aperture value are set manually.

SDR is a switch for switching drive modes, and each time this switch SDR is turned ON, the drive mode is alternately switched between single shooting mode and continuous shooting mode.

SFM is a switch for switching flash modes, and each time this switch SFM is turned ON, the flash mode is switched in the following order: forced flash mode, automatic flash mode, trailing curtain sync mode, non-flash mode, and forced flash mode. . Here, the forced light emission mode is a mode in which the flash is always emitted, and the automatic light emission mode is a mode in which the flash is automatically emitted according to the n-degree distribution of the subject. In both modes, the flash is emitted in synchronization with the activation of the synchro switch SX. Further, the trailing curtain synchronization mode is a mode in which a flash is emitted in synchronization with the start of travel of the shutter trailing curtain. The non-light emitting mode is a mode in which flash light is not emitted under any circumstances.

SUP is an up switch and SON is a down switch. When the shooting preparation switch S is OFF, it becomes an up/down switch for setting the aperture value or shutter speed. When the shooting preparation switch S1 is ON, it is an up/down switch for setting the aperture value or shutter speed. Contrast between area and center (CV value)
This is an up/down switch for setting (details will be described later).

SAV is the aperture setting switch, and in M mode, when the shooting surface switch S is OFF, this switch SAV is ONI, and the up/down switch 5I is
When JP and SDN are operated, the aperture value is increased/decreased, and while this switch SAY is set to ○FFI, the aperture value is increased/decreased.
When the down switches S LJP and S DN are operated, the shutter speed is increased or decreased.

Next, the power supply relationship will be explained.

EB is a power supply battery inside the body, and its direct output voltage ■o is the motor M + , M 2, and magnet FMg.

It is supplied to circuits and elements with large loads such as ICMg, 2CMg, and internal flash IFL.

DDB is an in-body booster circuit, and the in-body power supply fil
Voltage boost operation is performed when the l ttg signal PWCB is at the ``Lo-'' level.■) (is the high voltage (for example, 13V) used for the power supply of the CCD in the focus detection circuit AFC, and vL is the voltage applied via the diode D2. Power line V.

The low voltage (
For example, 5V), and VC is a low voltage (for example, 5V) that serves as a power source for other circuits.

C1 is a backup capacitor, and high voltage vH
is charged by In the camera of this embodiment, as will be described later, during charging of the internal flash IFL, the in-body power supply control signal PWCB is set to High level to stop the in-body booster circuit DDB.As a result, the voltage V, , ■l, and ■o are no longer output, but the regulator REG is activated by the charging voltage of the capacitor C1, and power continues to be supplied to the power supply line VD via the diode D1.Therefore, the internal flash IFL
Even when the microcomputer CPUB, display circuit DSP, FI
N continues to operate. In addition, in the camera of this embodiment, an analog voltage monitor is installed so that the voltage of the backup capacitor C1 does not become lower than the minimum voltage V + (for example, 3V) at which the regulator REG operates and the microcomputer CPUB becomes inoperable. The voltage of the capacitor C1 is monitored by the terminal A/D, and when the voltage of the capacitor C1 drops to the minimum operating voltage of the regulator REG ■1, the in-body power supply control signal PWCB is set to "Low" level and the booster circuit DDB is activated. At the same time, charging of the internal flash IFL is temporarily stopped, and the capacitor C1 is charged again.

A/D2 is a terminal for monitoring the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 for storing flash light energy in the internal flash IFL, and the microcomputer CPLIB determines whether the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 is higher than a predetermined voltage v2. . I will discuss this in detail later.

FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing the internal configuration of the external flash FL.

CPU is a microcomputer within the flash for performing sequence control within the flash. The microcomputer CPUF connects its terminal P only when flash emission is permitted.
When the light emission start signal 5XON is input to fl, a signal is sent to the flash light emission control circuit FLCC to start flash light emission.

EF is a power battery for flash.

MC is a capacitor for the flash light emission energy M product in the external flash OFL.

DDF is a flash internal voltage circuit, which boosts the input voltage from the power supply battery EF and charges the capacitor MC. This circuit DDF performs a boosting operation when the internal flash power supply control signal PWCF is at the 'Los' level.

CVG is a flash internal constant voltage source, constant voltage FVoD
is supplied to low power consumption parts such as the microcomputer CPUF of the external flash OFL.

M is a motor for switching the flash irradiation angle, and DR is its driver.

ZPC is a circuit that outputs position data of the flash illumination angle changing member driven by the motor M, and specifically, it is composed of a code plate on which a conductive pattern is formed and a brush that reads the code from the code plate. has been done.

FLCC is a flash light emission control circuit and includes a known flash light emission section. This circuit FLCC monitors the charging voltage of the capacitor MC, and when the charging voltage exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 300V), outputs a charging completion signal to the microcomputer CPUF in the flash. The flash light emission control circuit FLCC starts flash light emission when it receives a light emission start signal from the microcomputer CPUF, and stops flash light emission when it receives a light emission stop signal FSTOP from the flash dimming circuit FCC in the camera body.

FMS is a flash main switch for switching the external flash OFL to emit or not emit light. This switch FMS is connected to terminals P and I of the microcomputer CPUF, and is also connected to the pulse generator PG. Every time this flash main switch FMS is switched from OFF to ON, a pulse of 'L6w' level is output from the pulse generator PG, and an interrupt signal is input to the interrupt terminal INTF of the microcomputer CPUF in the flash. ,
The flash microcomputer CPUF handles interrupt processing INT, which will be described later.
Execute I (see Figure 16).

Note that when the internal microcomputer CPUB communicates data with the flash internal microcomputer CPUF, the internal microcomputer CPUB uses the connection terminal TMI.
``'Low'' level flash selection signal C3 via
FL is output to the microcomputer CPU, and the microcomputer CP
When the UF receives this signal C3FL, that is, when the signal line to which this signal is sent changes from the "I (igb" level) to the "L am" level, the UF executes the interrupt processing Fl, which will be described later.
Execute I NT2 (see Figure 17).

FBS is a bounce switch and is connected to the terminal PF2 of the microcomputer CPU. This switch FBS is
It is turned on when the angle (irradiation direction) of a light emitting unit (not shown) is changed in order to reflect the flash light on surrounding walls, ceilings, floors, and other surfaces to indirectly illuminate the subject.

FO9 is a switch that is turned on when off-camera flash photography is performed. This switch is for example
It consists of a normally closed switch installed near the shoe (not shown) of the external flash OFL.
It is designed to turn off when the FL is attached to a hot shoe (not shown) on the camera body.

Note that the terminals PF1 to PF4 of the microcomputer CPUF are also pulled up by a resistor not shown, similar to the terminals P and -P of the microcomputer CPUB.

This completes the description of the hardware configuration of the camera system to which the present invention is applied, and next the software configuration will be described with reference to flowcharts (FIGS. 4 to 17).

When the power supply battery EB is attached to the camera body, a power-on reset is applied to the microcomputer CPUB in the body, and the microcomputer CPUB starts processing 1 m from step #1 shown in FIG. In #1, it is determined whether the main switch SM is ON.

If the main switch SM is not ON at #1, stop charging at #2 and set the terminal PWCB to 'High' in case the main switch SM is turned OFF during charging.
b'' level to stop the operation of the booster circuit DDB.

Thereafter, in #3, the flags are reset and initial values are set in the registers, and in #4, data for erasing the display is transferred to the display circuits DSP and FIN, and the process returns to #1. This loop is repeated while the main switch SM is OFF. Note that the previous values may be stored in the registers. If main switch SM is ON in #1, #
After resetting the flag in #5, the terminal PWCB is set to “
Set it to 'Low' level and operate the booster circuit DDB.

As a result, the photometric circuit LMC is activated and photometric operation is started. Then, in #7, the switch determination routine (14th
(see figure), then in #8 the display circuit DSP and F
Send display data to IN and proceed to #9. In #9, it is determined whether the flash mode is a forced light emission mode.

If it is determined in #9 that the flash mode is the forced light emission mode, then in #10 the subroutine for flash mode (2) (see FIG. 6) is executed, and the process moves to #11. If the flash mode is not the forced light emission mode in #9, the subroutine #10 is skipped and the process moves to #11. #1
1, it is determined whether or not the photographing preparation switch S1 is ON. If the shooting preparation switch Sl is not ON in #11, return to #1 and repeat steps 1 and above. Furthermore, if the switch SM is ON and no switch is operated for a predetermined period of time, the switch You may proceed to #2 in the same way as when SM is turned off (auto power off function). #11 turns on the shooting preparation switch S1
If so, initialize the CCD in #12 and
Next, in #13, input the film's ISO sensitivity S from the film sensitivity reading circuit ISD and read the exposure compensation amount ΔS from the exposure compensation amount setting circuit EMC.
Enter V. And #14. Lens circuit L with #15
Input lens data and flash data from EC and external flash OFL respectively.Next, in #16, enter C
Performs the CD integration operation and converts the CO into A/D in #17.
Import data from D and perform distance measurement calculation (focus detection) in #18
After the distance measurement calculation, an exposure calculation subroutine (see FIG. 9) is executed in #19. Then, in #20, the flash mode I subroutine (see FIG. 6) is executed. Then, the display data is transferred to the display circuits DSP and FIN, and in #21 it is determined whether the photographing preparation switch S is 0N10FF. If the photographing preparation switch S1 is not ON in #21, the process returns to #1. At #21, the shooting preparation switch SI is set to O.
If it remains N, it is determined in #22 whether or not it is in focus. If it is determined that the focus is not in focus in #22, #18
Based on the distance measurement value obtained in step #23, the focusing lens is driven, and the process returns to #14, and the loop from #14 to #23 is repeated until the focus is achieved. During this time, when the photographing preparation switch S is turned off, the process returns from #21 to #1.

If it is determined in step #22 that focus is achieved, a subroutine (see FIG. 13) for calculating the irradiation angle of the flash is executed in step #24.

Next, in #25 shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether the drive mode is the snapshot mode. As will be described later, in the continuous shooting mode, the drive mode register DRR becomes DRR=1. If #25 is snapshot mode (DRR=1), #
Continuous shooting flag C0NT indicates whether it is the first shot of quick shooting at 26.
Determine by F. If it is the first shot of continuous shooting, C0NTF=
O, and C0NTF=1 for the second and subsequent snapshots.

If C0NTF=O in #26, it means that this is the first snapshot, and in #27 it is determined whether the flag FLOKF is 1 or not. Here, the flag FLOKF is a flash OK7 lag indicating that flash emission is necessary and that the external flash OFL is operable. F at #27
If LOKF=1, external flash OFL is set in #28.
Then, based on this flash data, it is determined in #29 whether or not charging of the external flash OFL has been completed. External flash OFL with #29
If charging is not completed, switch SrhτO is set at #30.
Determine whether it is N or not, and if switch S is ON, #
The process returns to step 28, and if the switch sI is OFF, the process returns to #1. Here, the state of the switch S is determined so that the exposure control mode and the like can be set while the external flash OFL is being charged. If it is determined in #29 that the external flash OFL is fully charged, C0NTF is determined in #31.
= 1, and move to #33. FLOKF=O at #27
If so, the external flash OFL charge completion determination (#2
8. Skip #29) and move on to #31. Further, if C0NTF=1 in #26, it means that the second or later photograph is to be taken quickly, so the process directly proceeds to #33. From the above, in the snapshot mode, the external flash OFL is preferentially used for the first frame.

On the other hand, if it is not snapshot mode in #25, that is, DRR=
If it is O, the continuous shooting flag C0NTF is reset to 0 in #32, and the process moves to #33.

In #33, it is determined whether the release switch S2 is ON. If the release switch S2 is not ON in #33, it is determined in #34 whether the photographing preparation switch S1 is ON. At #34, the shooting preparation switch S1 is turned on.
If it remains the same, the exposure calculation subroutine (see FIG. 9) is executed in #35, and the flash mode I subroutine (see FIG. 6) is executed in #36. Then, the display data is transferred to the display circuits DSP and FIN, and the process returns to #33. Therefore, the focus is locked by keeping the switch S1 ON. If the photographing preparation switch S is not ON in #34, the process returns to #1 in FIG. on the other hand,
If release switch S2 is ON in #33, #38
Execute the exposure control subroutine (see Figure 11) with
In #39, it is determined whether the continuous shooting flag C0NTF is 1 or not. If C0NTF=1 in #39, that is, if it is continuous shooting mode, the process returns to #14 in FIG. therefore,
In the quick shooting mode, continuous shooting is performed by holding the release button down to the second stroke. On the other hand, if C0NTF=O in #39, that is, in single shooting mode, switch S1 is OFF in #40.
Wait until it becomes , then return to #1.

Next, each subroutine will be explained.

FIG. 6 shows the subroutine of flash mode I, (2). First, when the flash mode r subroutine is called, the flash mode register FMR is
The flash mode is determined based on the value of (see FIG. 14) (#S1.#S15° #S17.#524). #
In S1, it is determined whether the flash mode is a forced light emission mode. If the flash mode is the forced light emission mode, the process moves to the flash mode ■ subroutine. In this subroutine (flash mode ■), the flag FLF indicating flash emission is set to 1 in #S2, and in P and A modes, the shutter speed is set to the synchronized speed TV.
If it is faster than X, change the shutter speed TV to the synchronization speed TV
When in S or M mode, the photographer may be warned to set the shutter speed to a slow value below the synchronization speed T V x (#33). Input the flash data from the external flash OFL in S4, and input the flash data from the external flash OFL in #S5.
Determine the presence or absence of. If it is determined in #S5 that the external flash OFL is attached, it is determined in #S6 whether the flash main switch FMS of the external flash OFL is ON based on the flash data. #S6
Flash main switch F of external flash OFL
If it is determined that MS is ON, external flash OF
Since L is operable, the flash OK flag F L OK F is set to 1 in #S7. Next, in #S8, it is determined whether the bounce switch FBS is ON or the off-camera switch FO3 is ON. #S8 turns bounce switch FBS ON or off-camera switch FoS
If it is ON, it is determined in #S9 whether charging of the external flash ○FL has been completed, and if charging has not been completed, it is determined in #SiO whether the switch S is ON. Then, while the switch S is ON, the loop of #S4 to #S9 is repeated until charging of the external flash OFL is completed. On the other hand, when the switch S1 is OFF, #
Return to 1. When charging of the external flash OFL is completed in #S9, charging routine A (see FIG. 7) is executed in #S11, and the process returns.

On the other hand, if the bounce switch FBS is OFF and the off-camera switch FOS is OFF in #S8, the one of the external flash OFL and the internal flash IFL that has been fully charged first is caused to emit light. For this purpose, it is determined in #S12 whether charging of the external flash OFL has been completed, and if charging has been completed, the charging completion flag READYF is set to 1 in #S13 and the process returns.

If charging of the external flash OFL is not completed in #S12, charging routine B (see FIG. 8) is executed in #S14, and the process returns.

Also, even if the external flash OFL is not connected in #S5 or even if the external flash OFL is connected,
If the flash main switch FMS of the external flash OFL is not ON in #S6, the charging routine A (see FIG. 7) is executed in #S23, and the process returns.

Next, if the flash mode is not the forced flash mode in #S1, it is determined whether the flash mode is the automatic flash mode in #S15, and if the flash mode is the automatic flash mode, the backlight flag RL is set in #S16.
It is determined whether F (details will be described later) is 1 or not. #S
If the backlight flag is 1 in step 16, the process moves to the subroutine of flash mode (2) and performs the same operation as the forced light emission mode described above.

If the backlight flag RLF is not 1 in #S16, it means that there is no backlight condition, so in #S25, the flash flag FLF is set to O, as in the non-emission mode described later.
In #S26, the charging completion flag READYF is also set to 0 and the process returns. In addition, in #S10, it is determined whether or not the subject is of low brightness, and if the subject is dark and there is a risk of camera shake if photographed using only natural light, the process proceeds to #S2 and flash photography is performed. good.

If the automatic light emission mode is not set in #S15, the process moves to #S17, and it is determined whether or not the rear curtain synchronization mode is set. If it is the rear curtain synchronization mode, it is determined in #S18 whether the mode is P mode or A mode, and if it is P mode or A mode, the flag BulbF is set to 1 in #S19, and in #S21
to move to. If it is not P mode or A mode, #S2
0, the flag BulbF is set to O, and the process moves to #S21. Here, the flag BulbF is a flag that is set when bulb photography is performed. In #321, the flash flag FLF is set to 1, and then in #S22, the external flash priority flag 0UTF is set to O.

This is because the camera system of this embodiment uses the internal flash IFL in the rear curtain synchronization mode. Then, in #S23, charging routine A (see Figure 7)
Execute and return.

If it is not the rear curtain synchronization mode in #S17, it is determined in #S24 whether the flash mode is the non-light emission mode, and if it is not the non-light emission mode, the process returns to #S1. If the flash mode is the non-emission mode in #S24, the flash flag FLF is set to 0 in #825, the charging completion flag READYF is also set to 0 in #S26, and the process returns.

FIG. 7 shows the contents of charging routine A.

In this subroutine, capacitor C2 is charged until charging of internal flash IFL is completed. When this subroutine is called, it is checked in #S30 whether charging of the internal flash IFL is completed (capacitor C
2) is determined. If charging is completed, charging is stopped in #S37. When charging is completed in #S30, the booster circuit DDB is always operating, so the terminal PWCB is at the "Lou+" level.Then, in #S38, the charging completion flag RE is set.
Set ADYF to 1 and return. On the other hand, if charging of the internal flash IFL is not completed in #S30, #S3
1, it is determined whether the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 for storing light emission energy of the internal flash IFL is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage V2.

Here, the meaning of 5 predetermined voltage (2) will be explained with reference to FIG. In the figure, the vertical axis represents the charging voltage of the capacitor C2, and the horizontal axis represents the passage of time after the start of charging the internal flash IFL. Vmax is the charging completion level of capacitor C2 (
For example, 300 V) and reaches the charging completion level Vmax at time L2. While the main capacitor of the flash is being charged, the power supply voltage fluctuates greatly, making it impossible to perform operations such as focus detection accurately, and making it impossible to drive the motor. Therefore, conventionally, focus detection operation, winding operation, etc. were started after charging was completed, that is, after time L2. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the power supply voltage becomes stable enough to perform the focus detection operation accurately and drive the motor, the focus detection operation and winding operation are performed in parallel with the charging operation. etc. have started.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the time t when charging is completed
If the focus detection operation, winding operation, etc. have already been completed in step 2, the next photographing operation can be performed immediately. Furthermore, even if the focus detection operation, winding operation, etc. are not completed, the waiting time can be reduced by the time (t2tj) compared to conventional cameras. In the camera of this embodiment, we focused on the point that the power supply voltage is stable if the charging voltage of the capacitor is high, and the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 is set to a predetermined voltage V.
2 (for example, 250V), a focus detection operation etc. is performed in parallel with the charging operation from the time 1+.

Returning to the charging routine A in FIG. 7, the explanation will be continued. #S
If the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 of the internal flash IFL is 3L and the operation start voltage is 72 or higher, the charging completion voltage V
In order to further increase the voltage to ll1ax, charging of the capacitor C2 is started in #S36.

Then, the terminal PWCB is set to the "Low" level so that the focus detection operation etc. can be performed, and the booster circuit DDB is activated, and then the process returns. If the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 is lower than the operation start voltage V2, the terminal PWCB is set to “High”.
After setting the level and stopping the booster circuit DDB, #S32
Charging of the capacitor C2 is started in step S33, and it is determined in #S33 whether the charging voltage of the backup capacitor C1 is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage ■1.

Here, the predetermined voltage V is the lowest operating voltage of the regulator REG. In this camera system, the internal microcomputer CPUB and display circuit DSP
To enable FIN to operate, power supply voltage is supplied to the microcomputer cPUB, display circuit DSP, FIN, and interface circuit INF by the regulator REG. Therefore, when the voltage of the backup capacitor C1 becomes lower than the minimum operating voltage V1, the charging of the capacitor C2 is temporarily stopped in #S34, the terminal PWCB is set to the low level, the booster circuit DDB is activated, and the capacitor C1 is turned on again. When the charging voltage of the capacitor C1 reaches a predetermined value in #S35 and the backup function can be fully performed, the process returns to #S30.In #S33, the voltage of the backup capacitor C1 reaches the minimum operating voltage. (2) If it is greater than 1, #S34 and #S35 are skipped.

While charging the capacitor C2, this loop of #S30 to #S35 is repeated, and in #S30 the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 reaches the charging completion voltage Vmax, or in #S31 the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 reaches the operation start voltage ■2 or higher If so, I will return it.

Note that in this embodiment, the exposure control mode cannot be set while the capacitor C2 is being charged, but #S33
．． In the path returning from #S35 to #S30, a subroutine for switch determination may be executed so that the exposure control mode and the like can be set even while the capacitor C2 is being charged.

FIG. 8 shows the contents of charging routine B.

In this subroutine, the capacitor C2 is charged until either one of the external flash OFL and the internal flash IFL is completely charged.

Then, the flash that has been fully charged first will be used to emit flash light. When this subroutine is called, it is determined in #S40 whether or not the internal flash IFL has been fully charged. If the internal flash IFL has been fully charged in #S40, charging is stopped in #S53, and the charging completion flag READYF is set to 1 in #s54. In this case, since the internal flash IFL completed charging first, the external flash priority flag is set to 0UT in #S55.
Set F to 0 and return. Here, the flag 0UTF
is a flag that is set when causing the external flash OFL to emit light. If the internal flash IFL is not fully charged in #340, similarly to charging routine A, it is determined in #S41 whether the voltage of the capacitor C2 of the internal flash IFL is equal to or higher than the operation start voltage 72, and the operation start voltage is determined. If the voltage is 72 or more, the capacitor C2 is charged in #S52 in order to further increase the voltage to the charging completion voltage Vmax. Then, the terminal PWCB is set to "Low" level, the booster circuit DDB is activated, and the process returns.

Further, if the charging voltage of capacitor C2 is less than the operation start voltage V2, the terminal PWCB is set to 'Higb' in #S42.
After setting the level to stop the booster circuit DDB, charging is started. Next, in #S43, flash data is input from the external flash OFL, and in #S45 it is determined whether or not the external flash FL has been fully charged. #S45
If the external flash OFL has been fully charged with #S
After stopping charging of the internal flash IFL at step 49,
Set the terminal PWCB to 'Low' level and boost circuit DDB
Activate. Then, the charging completion flag READYF is set to 1, and since the external flash OFL has completed charging first, the external flash priority flag 0UTF is set to 1 in #S51, and the process returns. External flash OFL with #S45
If charging has not been completed, it is determined in #S46 whether the voltage of the backup capacitor C1 is equal to or lower than the minimum operating voltage V1 of the regulator REG. At #S46, the voltage of backup capacitor C1 reaches the minimum operating voltage V
If it is below, stop charging the capacitor C2 of the internal flash IFL in #S47, set the terminal PWCB to the "Lo@n level, activate the booster circuit DDB, and operate the capacitor C1
charge again. Then, in #S48, when the charging voltage of the capacitor C1 reaches a predetermined value and the backup function can be fully performed, the process returns to #S40. If the voltage of the backup capacitor C1 is not less than V in #S46, steps #S47 and #348 are omitted and the process proceeds to #S4.
Return to 0. While charging capacitor C2, this #S40~#
Repeat the loop of S48 and connect the capacitor C2 at #S40.
Whether the charging voltage reaches the charging completion voltage Vmax or #S4
If the charging voltage of the capacitor C2 becomes equal to or higher than the operation start voltage 72 in step 1, or if charging of the external flash OFL is completed in #S45, the process returns. Note that, similarly to the charging routine A, the switch determination routine may be executed during the return from #S46° and #S48 to #S40.

FIG. 9 shows a subroutine for exposure calculation.

When this subroutine is called, in #S60 the brightness BVs of the central part of the shooting screen is input from the photometry circuit LMC, and in #S61 the brightness BVAM of the part other than the central part (periphery) is inputted.
is input from the photometric circuit LMC.

After that, the brightness difference ΔBV (= BVAN
BVs) (#362) and set the photometry completion flag LM.
Set ENF to 1. Next, in #S64, ΔBV>O
In other words, it is determined whether or not there is backlight. #
If ΔBV>O in S64, it is determined that there is backlight, and #S
In step 65, the backlight flag RLF is set to 1, and the process moves to #S67. If ΔBV≦O in #S64, it is determined that there is front light, and in #S66 the backlight flag RLF is set to O, and the process moves to #S67. In #S67, it is determined whether the exposure control mode is P mode or not, and if it is not P mode, the process moves to #S79,
Exposure calculation is performed based on the aperture value and/or shutter speed set in A mode, S mode, or M mode, and #
In S80, the photometry completion flag LMENF is set to 0 and the process returns.

On the other hand, if it is the P mode in #S67, it is determined in #S68 whether or not the flash mode is the forced light emission mode.

If the flash mode is not forced flash mode, #S6
In step 9, it is determined whether or not the automatic light emission mode is set. If the automatic light emission mode is set, the process proceeds to #S70, and it is determined whether or not to emit flash light. In #S70, the backlight flag R
If LF is set or the brightness value BVs of the center part is less than or equal to a predetermined value (or a value that changes depending on the focal length of the lens), it is determined that the flash will be emitted,
#Proceed to S71. Otherwise, flash photography is not performed, so the process moves to #S78, where exposure calculation is performed based only on natural light, and the process moves to #S80. Also, #S6
If the automatic light emission mode is not set in step 9, the process moves to #S78.

Further, if the flash mode is the forced light emission mode in #S68, the process advances to #S71.

Next, exposure calculation (#S71) when firing the flash is performed.
~#577) will be explained. In #S71, the up/down subroutine (see FIG. 15) is called. Here, since the photometry is completed (LMENF=1), the process moves from #S180 to #5192 shown in FIG.
The V determination routine is executed to determine the contrast (CV value) between the center and the periphery, and the process returns.

Here, the C■ determination routine will be explained. When proceeding to this routine, the microcomputer CPUB will perform the following steps as shown in FIG.
In #S91, it is determined whether the up switch SυP is ON, and if the up switch sup is ON, #S9
In step 2, it is determined whether the up switch SUP has changed from OFF to ON.

If the up switch 5tJP changes from OFF to ON, proceed to #S93 and set the CV value to 0.5.
Increase by step (0,5EV) and return to #S91. #S
If the up switch SυP is OFF at 91,
Or, if the up switch 5LJP is kept in the ON state in #S92, proceed to #S94, that is, the CV
The value is increased by +0°5EV only when the up switch SUP changes from OFF to ON. #S94
Then, it is determined whether the down switch SDN is ON, and if the down switch SUN is ON, it is determined in #S95 whether the down switch SON has changed from OFF to ON. As with the up switch SUP, only when the down switch SDN changes from OFF to ON, the CV value is decreased by 0.5 steps (0.5 EV) in #S96. #S94 turns off the down switch SDN
If this is the case, or if the down switch SDN is kept in the ON state in #S95, the process returns.

The CV value determined by this C■ determination routine is the difference in exposure value between the peripheral part of the photographic screen that is not illuminated with flash light and the central part of the photographic screen that is illuminated with flash light during flash photography, that is, This indicates how many levels the peripheral area is exposed relative to the central area. This CV
The values will be explained with reference to FIG. 19. In addition,
Although FIG. 19 shows a backlit situation, the same applies to a frontlit situation.

FIG. 19 shows the exposure values of the peripheral part and the central part in the APEX system. In the figure, A and B are the exposure values of the peripheral and central areas E V AM (=
B V AM + S V ), E V s (= B V
S+S■) are shown respectively. And, C shows the exposure value EVT of the central part when the flash light is spot irradiated only to the central part, and if the exposure value by only the flash light irradiated is QV, E V r= E V s+ Q It becomes V.

If a spot of flash light is irradiated only on the central part, the peripheral part will not be irradiated with flash light. Therefore, natural light exposure is controlled based on the peripheral brightness BVAM,
The CV value can be arbitrarily set by controlling the flash light Next, the control of the flash light to obtain an arbitrarily set CV value will be explained.

Now, let TV be the shutter j degree determined based on the peripheral brightness BVA, and AV be the aperture value. Since the center area is overexposed by ΔS■ than the appropriate value, the amount of light required for the center area is 2TV+AV+ΔSV. On the other hand, the amount of natural light incident on the center is 2BvS
+Sv. Therefore, the amount of flash light required at the center is: 2TV+AV+ΔSv BVS+SV.

By the way, since the peripheral area is overexposed by CV compared to the central area, the peripheral area is (ΔSV+CV) more than the appropriate value.
) are overexposed. Therefore, the required scene in the peripheral area is 2T■+AV+Δsv+cv. However, since the peripheral area is exposed only by natural light, 2TV+AV+ASV+CV BvA, +5v=2, TV+AV+Δ5v=2BVA9+S■-CV1.
2 holds true.

Therefore, the amount of flash light required at the center is 2 B
VAM + S V CV B V s +
It becomes SV.

As is clear from this, setting the CV value uniquely determines the required amount of flash light.

Next, consider the amount of flash light required.

Of the light amount 2T■+AV+Δsv required for the central area, the proportion of the flash light amount 2T■+AV+ΔSV BvS1SV is: 2Tv+AV+ΔSV BvS10Sv2TV+AV
+Δsv 2 B vAs +S V CV =l-2BV9+SV-(BVAM+SV CV)=
l, CV-(BVA, -BV・)-1-2CV-A
It becomes BV. This can be shown graphically as shown in FIG. 20. In the same figure, (,) indicates backlight (ΔBv〉0)
, (b) shows the state in front light (ΔBV≦0).

As is clear from the graph, the smaller the CV value, the
That is, the greater the amount of exposure of the central portion relative to the peripheral portion, the greater the amount of flash light required. In addition, the CV value is defined as the difference ΔBV between the peripheral brightness BVA and the central brightness BVs.
When set to
It can be seen that V-ΔBV)° is obtained. Then, the difference in exposure amount (contrast) between the periphery and the center is made larger than the difference in brightness between the periphery and the center (i.e.,
Since it is impossible to further darken the center by irradiating the center with flash light, C■≦ΔBV.

The graph shown below both graphs shows the amount of light adjustment amount correction ΔE V F (A P
It shows the relationship between EX value) and CV value. The light adjustment amount correction amount ΔEVF (APEX value) is expressed as a base 2 logarithm of the ratio of the flash light to the required light amount by 5, and is ΔE VF = 1og2 (12C''-ΔB■).

For example, as shown in FIG. 20(b), when the ratio of the flash light amount is 1/2, ΔEVF--1,
It is sufficient to correct the light control amount level by one step to the under side. Also, when the ratio of the amount of flash light is 1, that is, when the necessary amount of light is obtained only with the flash light (for example, when the center is in true darkness (ΔBV--t)),
When the peripheral area is exposed to pure black (such as CV--ω), ΔEVF=0, and no correction of the light adjustment amount is necessary. When the ratio of the flash light amount is 0, that is, when exposing only with natural light, ΔEV, = -ω, that is, the light adjustment amount is corrected to the under side by ω steps so that no flash light is emitted. Make it.

As is clear from Equation 1 (%), which indicates the proportion of flash light, the proportion of flash light does not depend on the exposure compensation amount ΔS■, but depends on the brightness difference ΔI between the peripheral area and the central area.
3V and its contrast value CV only. In other words, the contrast is determined only by the relative relationship between the center and the periphery, and has no relation to the absolute value (appropriate level).

Returning to FIG. 9, the explanation will be continued.

After determining the CV value in #S71, it is determined in #S72 whether or not there is backlight. If the backlight flag RLF is set,
Proceed to #S74 and limit the CV value to ΔBV or less. The reason for this is that, as described above, it is impossible to make the contrast between the periphery and the center larger than the difference in brightness between the periphery and the center.

On the other hand, if the backlight flag RLF has been reset in #S72, the process advances to #S73 and the CV value is limited to (ΔB■-1) or less. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 20, at least half of the amount of exposure of the central portion is obtained by flash light. This is to make the most of the effect of the flash light in the photograph without unnecessarily restricting the flash light when the subject is not backlit.

Once the CV value is determined, the aperture value AVF for flash photography is determined in #S75. As mentioned above, the exposure control value is determined based on the peripheral brightness BVA, and the relationship between the aperture value AV and the shutter speed TV is AV+ΔS=
The relationship BVAM+S■-CV holds true. During flash photography, the shutter speed TV is set to the flash synchronization speed T V x, so the aperture value A F during flash photography is AV F = BV AM + SV - Δ5V - CV
- Becomes TVX.

Subsequently, in #S76, the above-mentioned light adjustment amount correction amount ΔE
Calculate VF. Thereafter, in #S77, the CV value and the exposure correction amount ΔS■ are displayed.

This display is performed in the finder or on the LCD panel on the top of the body using an analog scale of ±2.5 steps, as shown in FIG. In the same figure (a) and (b),
The triangular mark EVT at the bottom of the scale is the exposure value EV at the center.
, and its triangular mark f3. The value indicated by V-r indicates ΔS■. Further, the triangular mark EVAM above the scale indicates the exposure 11iEVAM of the peripheral portion. And both marks EV.

The EVAM interval indicates the CV value.

For example, FIG. 21(a) shows Δ5V--0.5, CV-+
1.5, and the figure (b) shows ΔSV-+1, CV=-0
, 5 are shown.

21G(e) shows a modification of displaying the exposure compensation layer Δsv and cv values, and displays the same values as in FIG. 21(a). In this variant, the display is done with a barcode. Each dot forming the barcode is composed of an LED panel capable of emitting two colors of red and green, for example. The dot EV in the center indicates the exposure value EVT, and the other dots emit light in different colors.For example, the dot EV is red,
The dots in the pond are displayed in green. The length of the lit barcode indicates the CV value. Note that the color of each dot may be the same, and the display form of the dot EV and other dots may be changed. For example, the dot EV,
It is also possible to make the dot blink and the other dots light up.

After displaying the exposure correction amount ΔSV and CV value, the photometry completion flag LMENF is reset in #S80, and the process returns.

FIG. 11 shows a subroutine for exposure control. When the release button is pushed to the second stroke, the mirror is unlocked and switch 2 S2 is turned on.
Proceed to this subroutine.

When this subroutine is called, magnet ICM8.2CMg and FMg are energized in #3100. As a result, even when the mirror is raised and the shutter is unlocked, the shutter front curtain does not move. Furthermore, the lock of the aperture is released and the aperture starts to be narrowed down. Then #510
The number of aperture stages from the open aperture is calculated according to the aperture value previously determined in step 1. If the aperture value previously obtained in #5102 is not the open aperture value, wait until the aperture has been narrowed down by the number of stages determined in #5101 in #S104, and then turn off the power to the magnet FMg in #S104 to stop the aperture. make it stop. If the aperture value found earlier in #3102 is the open aperture value, skip #5103e and immediately go to #510.
4 to stop narrowing down. Next, in #3105, the previously determined flash light adjustment amount correction amount ΔEV is output to the flash light adjustment control circuit FCC. At #5106, the magnet ICM is de-energized and the shutter front curtain starts running. Next, in #5107, the flash flag FL
Determine whether F is 1 or not. #5107 is l”L
If P = O, that is, when photographing using only natural light, wait for the exposure time TV determined earlier in #3108 to elapse, and then set the magnet 2 CM g in #5109.
energization is turned off, and the shutter trailing curtain starts running. After the exposure is completed in #5123 (after the shutter trailing curtain has completed running), the film is wound, the shutter, mirror, and aperture are adjusted, and the process returns.

When the flash flag FLF is 1 in #3107,
In #5110, it is determined whether the pulp flag BulbF is 1 or not. If BulbF=O, the light emission routine is executed in #5111. In this subroutine, the 12th
As shown in the figure, in #5126, it is determined whether bounce photography or off-camera flash photography is to be performed. #
If bounce photography is to be performed in 5126 or flash photography is to be performed off-camera, the internal flash rFL is emitted in #9127, and the process returns. #5126
If this is not bounce shooting or off-camera shooting, the external flash priority flag is set to 0 in #S128.
It is determined whether the UTF is 1 or not.

If 0UTF=O, the internal flash IFL is made to emit light in #3129, and the process returns.

#S If 0UTF = 1t- in 128, Sonoma 1'J
Turn. Note that the shutter front curtain starts running at #5106, and at #5127. When the process reaches #5129, the synchro switch SX is already turned on.

After executing the light emission routine in #5111, it is checked in #5112 whether the previously determined exposure time TV has elapsed.

If 1 mrv has not yet elapsed at the time of exposure, #3113
Proceed to #51 and determine whether the flash light adjustment amount (flash stop signal FSTOP has been output from the wholesale circuit FCC). If the signal F S T OF' has been output,
Stop the internal flash IFL at #14 and #51
Return to 12. Note that the signal FSTOP is also output to the external flash OFL, and when this signal is output,
The external flash OFL also stops emitting light. If the signal FSTOP is not output in #5113, the process returns to #5112. The above operations are repeated until the exposure time TV has elapsed.

When it is determined in #5112 that the exposure time TV has elapsed, the process proceeds to #5115, where the magnet 2CMH is de-energized and the shutter trailing curtain is run. After that, #31
16, execute charging routine B (see Fig. 8, 9), and #51
At step 23, after the shutter has finished running, the film is wound up, the shutter, mirror, and aperture are charged, and the machine returns.

#S1. If BulbF = 1 in IO, the second curtain synchronization mode is in effect, so the process waits for the release switch S2 to be turned off in #5117. When the release switch S2 is turned off, the internal flash IFL is caused to emit light in #5118. Then, in #3119, the process waits for the light emission stop signal FSTOP to be output from the flash dimming control circuit FCC, and in #5120, the internal flash IFL stops emitting light, and the process moves to #5121. In #5121, the power supply to the Maghot 2CMg is turned off and the shutter trailing curtain starts running. Then, in #5122, the above-mentioned charging routine A (see Fig. 7) is executed, and when the charging of the capacitor C2 of the internal flash IFL is completed or the charging voltage reaches the operation start voltage 72 or higher, the process advances to #5123. After the shutter trailing curtain has completed its travel, winding and charging of the shutter, mirror, and aperture are started, and the process returns.

FIG. 13 shows the irradiation angle calculation routine.

When this subroutine is called, first in #5130 it is determined whether or not the flash flag FLF is 1, and then
If L F = 0, return as is. F
If LF=1, input the focal length f data from the lens circuit LEC in #8131, and set the photographing magnification β in #5132.
Calculate.

Next, the flash irradiation angle θ1 is determined. Here, the flash irradiation angle will be explained with reference to FIG. 22. The object size (height or width) is 2, the shooting distance is d, and the flash irradiation angle is θ. At this time.

Adjust the illumination angle θ so that the flash light illuminates only the subject.
When set to 1, jan(θ,
/2>-1/2d. On the other hand, if the photographing magnification is β and the focal length of the lens is r, then β=f/d, so θI= 2 jan-
'(l-β/2r). In this example, the height is 180
It is based on a full-body photograph of a person in theory C, and is 1-1800.
It is set as Cmn+'l. In other words, θ+=2 jan-'(900β/').

After determining the irradiation angle θ, the process proceeds to #5135, and according to Table 1, focal length data fv having the same field of view as the flash irradiation angle θ determined in #3134 is determined.

For example, if θ1-65°, fv=28 (mm)
It is.

Next, in #3136, data on the focal length fv is output to the external flash OFL, and in the external flash OFL, the motor M3 for switching the illumination angle is driven based on the data on the focal length fv. Note that in #5136, the flash flag FLF and external flash priority flag 0UTF are set to prohibit or permit the external flash OFL to emit light.
The contents of are also output to the external flash ○FL. While the irradiation angle is being switched with the external flash OFL, the flash irradiation range is displayed on the finder screen in #5137 on the camera body side (described later). And #513
In step 8, flash data is input from the external flash OFL, and in step #3139, it is determined whether or not the irradiation angle switching operation has been completed. If the irradiation angle switching has been completed, the process returns.

Here, the display of the flash irradiation range in #3137 will be explained using FIG. 23.

As an example, consider a case where a lens with a focal length of 28+nm is used. If the focal power 1lfv, which has the same angles as the flash irradiation angle θ found in #3134, is 501IIm, frame F will be displayed in the shooting screen FRM, and if the focal length V is 35n+m, frame F2 will be displayed. By displaying the flash irradiation range within the photographing screen FRM in this manner, the photographer can easily confirm the flash irradiation range.

Incidentally, the narrower the flash irradiation range, the larger the amount of flash light irradiated per unit area, and the larger the flash guide number G No . Second
The table shows an example of the relationship between the lens focal length "v" and the guide number 〇No.

For example, when taking pictures using a photographic lens with a focal length of 28+nla, the flash illumination angle θ1 required to illuminate the entire body of the main subject is 85111c11 with a focal length of 85111c11
Assuming that the angle of view of the lens is equal to the angle of view of the lens, the guide number after switching the illumination angle is 32/22 = 1.
It becomes 45. Therefore, in this case, the guide number is approximately 1.0 compared to the case where the entire photographing screen is illuminated.
The distance of the flash light can also be increased by about 1.5 times.

FIG. 14 shows the switch discrimination routine.

#5150 has a switch SMD for switching exposure control mode
Determine whether or not is ON, and if ON, #S 1
In step 51, it is determined whether the exposure control mode register is MORll. If MOR=tl, MO with #5152
If R=OO and MOR≠11, MO with #3153
Set R=MOR, 11, and move to #5155. Here, the exposure mode register MOR is a 2-bit register for selecting 4 types of exposure ff1l18 modes, and when MOR,=OO, program A
E mode (P mode), aperture priority AE mode (A mode) when MOR=OL, shutter speed priority AE mode (S mode) when MOR=10, MC)R-=
11, manual mode (M mode) is selected.

Thereafter, in #3155, the process waits until the switch SMr) is turned OFF, and then returns.

If the switch SMD is not ON in #5150, #
5156, drive mode switching switch SDR is O.
Determine whether it is N or not. If switch SDR is ON, drive mode register DRR is set to 1 in #5157.
Determine whether or not, and if DRR=1, #3158
If DRR≠1, DRR=1 is set in #5159. Here, DRR is a 1-bit register for selecting the drive mode, and DRR=O
When DRR=1, the single-shot mode (l-frame shooting) is selected, and when DRR=1, the quick-shot mode (continuous shooting) is selected. Then #5
At step 161, wait until the drive mode switch SDR is turned OFF, and then return.

If switch SDR is not ON in #5156, #
At 3162, it is determined whether the flash mode switching switch SFM is ON. If the switch SFM is ON, the process moves to #8163, and it is determined whether or not FMR is -11. If FMR=11, FMR=11 is determined in #5164.
OO, and if F'MR≠11, FMR with #5165
=FMR+1, and proceed to #5167. Here, FMR is a register for selecting four types of flash modes, and when FIVR=OO, it is forced flash mode, when FMR=01, it is automatic flash mode,
When FI'l = 10, f&mure synchro mode FMR
When =11, the non-emission mode is selected. after that,#
Wait for switch SFM to turn OFF at 5167,
Return.

#5168 has an up/down switch (Sup/5
ON) is ON. If neither up switch 5LIP nor down switch SDN is ON, return as is; if either is ON, #516
At step 9, the UP/DOWN subroutine is executed.

As shown in FIG. 15, this UP/DOWN subroutine first determines whether #SL80''c'LMENF=1. If LMENF=1, the photographing preparation switch S1 is ON. , up/down switch (
S(Iρ/SON> will be used to set the contrast C■, and the process moves to #31.92, executes the CV determination subroutine described earlier, and returns. On the other hand, when LMENF=0 If there is, switch S is OFF.
Therefore, the up/down switch (S up/S
ON) will be used to set the aperture value AV or shutter speed T'V, and the process advances to #5181. #5
At step 181, lens data (A large aperture value, open aperture value) is input from the lens circuit LEC in order to know the controllable range of the aperture. Then, in #3182, it is determined whether the exposure control mode is manual mode (M mode). If the mode is M, it is determined in #5183 whether the aperture setting switch SAV is turned on, and if it is turned on, the aperture value AV is set to a predetermined value (for example 0.
5EV> up/down, and according to the lens data (maximum aperture value, open aperture value) input in #3181,
In #5185, the aperture value AV is limited, and the process moves to #3191.

If the aperture setting switch SAV is not turned on in #9183, the shutter speed TV is increased/decreased by a predetermined value (for example, IEV) in #5186, and the shutter speed TV is limited (for example, -5EV≦TV≦12E) in #5187.
V) and move to #8191. If #5182 is not M mode, #5188 is A mode (aperture priority AE).
mode), and if it is A mode, #5
184 and set the aperture value AV, #3188
If it is not A mode, it is determined in #5189 whether it is S mode (shutter speed priority AE mode), and if it is S mode, the process moves to #5186 and the shutter speed T
If the mode is not S mode in #5189, the exposure control mode is P mode (program AE mode), so the aperture value AV and shutter speed TV are not set at all, and the process proceeds to #5191.

In addition, when in P mode, switch S up (S DN)
is ON, the shutter speed TV is increased (decreased) by a predetermined value (for example, 0.5EV) and the aperture value A is
V may be decreased (increased) by the same value.

In this way, by operating the switches S IJP and S DN, it becomes possible to perform a so-called program shift I. After the above, uploaded with #5191/
Wait until the down switch (S up/S ON) turns OFF, then return.

Next, the operation of the internal flash microcomputer CPUF in the external flash OFL will be described. When the flash main switch FMS of the external flash OFL changes from OFF to ON, the pulse generator pG generates an interrupt to the interrupt terminal INTF as described above. Interrupt terminal f
When an interrupt occurs to NT, microcontroller C in the flash
PUP executes interrupt processing lNTl shown in FIG. In this interrupt processing, first, 1-input is enabled in #F1, and it is determined in #F2 whether or not the flash main switch FMS is ON. Flash main switch FM
If S is ON, determine whether charging of the main capacitor MC is completed with #F3, if charging is not completed, start charging with #F4, and if charging is complete, start charging with #F5. Stop and return to #F1. If the flash main switch FMS is OFF at #F2, charging is stopped at #F6, and the standby state is entered to wait for the next interrupt to occur at #F7.

Also, the flash selection signal C3F from the camera body side
When L reaches the "Los" level, the intra-franchise microcomputer CPUF executes interrupt processing INT2 shown in FIG. 17. In this interrupt processing INT2, first, interrupts are disabled in #F10, and it is determined in #F11 whether or not the flash main switch FMS is ON. If the flash main switch FMS is OFF, charging of the main capacitor MC is stopped at #F12, interrupts are enabled at #F13, and the standby state is entered at #F14. If the flash main switch FMS is ON, it is determined in #F15 whether the signal is transmitted from the flash to the camera body or from the camera body to the flash. If the signal is transmitted from the flash to the camera body, it is determined in #F16 whether charging of the main capacitor MC has been completed. If charging is completed, the third bit b2 of the flash data FLD is set to 1 in #F17, and if charging is not completed, the third bit b2 of the flash data FLD is set to 0 in #F18, and the data is set to #F19. Transition. Here, the flash data FLD is 3 bits b2. The status data consists of bb. At #F19, it is determined whether or not the motor M3 for switching the illumination angle is being driven. If the motor is being driven, use #F20 to flash data FLD.
If the second bit b1 of is set to 1 and the motor is not being driven,
At #F21, the second bit b1 of the flash data FLD is set to 0, and the process moves to #F22. In #F22, bounce switch FBS is ON or off camera switch F
○Determine whether S is ON. If the bounce switch FBS is ON or the off-camera switch FO8 is ON, the first bit b of the flash data FLD is set in #F23. is 1, and if bounce switch FBS is OFF and off-camera switch FO3 is OFF, #F
24, the first bit b of the flash data FLD. are set to O, and the process moves to #F25. The flash data FLD obtained as above is output to the camera body side at #F25, and the flash select signal C3 is output at #F36.
Wait until FL becomes "'High" level. signal C3
When FL becomes "High" level, interrupt is enabled at #F37 and the process returns.

On the other hand, if #F15 indicates signal transmission from the camera body to the flash, data from the camera body is input in #F26. This data includes focal length fv data for switching the irradiation angle and flash flag FLF data.
, external flash priority flag 0UTF, etc.

At #F27, the flash select signal C3FL is “'H”.
Wait for the signal C3FL to become “High” level.
When the level reaches “gh” level, the flash flag F is set with #F28.
Determine LF. If FLF=O, flash photography will not be performed, so prohibit flash firing with #F31.
#Proceed to F32.

If FLF=1 in #F28, flag 0U in #F29
Determine TF. If 0UTF=O, the external flash OFL will not emit light, so the process proceeds to #F31. 0UT
If F=1, the external flash OFL is caused to emit light, so light emission is permitted in #F30, and the process proceeds to #F32.

At #F32, subsequent interrupts are enabled, and the process advances to #F33. At #F33, the motor M3 for switching the irradiation angle is driven.

At #F34, a signal from the code plate ZPC for detecting the irradiation angle is input, and the motor M3 is driven until the irradiation angle corresponds to the focal length fv. When the switching of the illumination angle is completed, #F35
Stop motor M3 and return.

If&, flags and registers used in the above embodiment are summarized in Tables 3 and 4, respectively.

(Left below) Table 3 Table 4 In the embodiments described above, the internal flash IFL was fired in the rear curtain sync mode, but even in the rear curtain sync mode, the external flash OFL was used. It's okay. For this purpose, the above embodiment may be modified as follows.

First, we will explain the hardware changes. First, delete the synchro switch SX. And the microcomputer CPUB
A signal line dedicated to the light emission start signal 5XON is provided from 1 to 5, and this is connected to the terminal PFF of the microcomputer CPUP in the external flash via the connection terminal TMI.

Next, software changes will be explained. First, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, step #S22 (OUT
F=O) and proceed from #S21 to #S12. Then, in #5118 of Fig. 11, the 0 light emission routine calls the subroutine of the "light emission routine" (Fig. 12), and if 0UTF = 1 in #5128, it outputs the light emission start signal 5XON to the external flash OFL. Change to

Alternatively, only the software may be changed as follows.

First, in #3136 (Fig. 13), the flash emission mode is also set to the external flash OFL as flash data.
Output to. Then, in #3118 (Fig. 11), the flag ○UTF is determined, and if 0UTF=1, the light emission start signal 5TART (different from SXON) is sent via the interface circuit INF like other flash data. Change to output to external flash OFL.

And in the flash microcomputer CPtJF, #F2
After step 6 (FIG. 17), a step of determining whether the light emission start signal 5TART has been issued is provided.

If the signal 5TART is emitted, a signal is sent to the flash and dimming control circuit FLCC to cause the flash to emit light regardless of whether light emission is permitted or not.
Change to return. If the signal 5TART is not being issued, proceed to #F27. Then, a step is provided between #F29 and #F30 to determine whether or not the light emission mode is the rear curtain synchronization mode, and if it is the rear curtain synchronization mode, the process advances to #F31 and prohibits flash emission. Change it as follows.

It is also possible to change the hardware as shown in FIG.

When the flag 0UTF is set, the microcomputer CP
Terminal P of UB. From NAND circuit N circuit D1 ``H:
gb” level is output and in rear curtain synchronization mode,
A “Higl+” level is output from the terminal PI+ to the NOR circuit NoR1 (indicated by negative logic) and the AND circuit D1.The synchro switch SX is connected to the NOR circuit N0.
Connected to R1. The release switch S2 is connected to the AND circuit Ii'8ANDI via the one-shot circuit O3I.
It is connected to the.

When the switch S2 is turned off, the one-shot circuit O3I outputs a one-shot pulse of 11 H; gh T+ level with a predetermined time width. NOR circuit N0R1,
The outputs of the AND circuit DI are both input to the OR circuit OR1, and the output of the OR circuit OR1 is input to the NAND circuit N circuit D.
1 is input. The output of the NAND circuit NA'NDI is input as a light emission start signal 5XON to the external flash OFL via the terminal TM1.

During normal flash photography using an external flash ○FL, ')Iigh' level is output from terminal P1o, and 'Low' level is output from terminal P, so the front curtain has completed its travel. When the switch Sx is turned on, the output of the NAND circuit N circuit D1 becomes "Low" level. Therefore, the signal 5XON is input to the external flash OFL, and the external flash OFL emits flash light. In addition, since the "Low" level is output from the terminal P, the switch S2 is turned off when the shooting is completed.
Becomes an FF, and from the one-shot circuit O3I “)-1i
Even if a pulse of ``gh'' level is output, the AND circuit circuit D1 continues to output ``Low level''. Therefore, again,
Signal 5XON is never output.

When in rear curtain synchronization mode using external flash OFL, “I(igl+
” level signal is being output. Therefore, even if the synchro switch SX is turned on, the NOR circuit N0R1
does not output the "HigI+" level and no light emission start signal is output. When the photographing is completed and the switch S2 is turned OFF, a one-shot pulse of the "Hi gb" level is output from the one-shot circuit ○S1.Terminal pH from'
Since the "High" level is being output, the AND circuit D1 outputs the "High" level, and the OR circuit RI outputs the "High" level. Since the “High” level is output from the terminal P1°, when the output of the OR circuit RI becomes High” level, the NAND
1NAND1 outputs a 'Low' level, and this output is used as a light emission start signal 5XON to trigger the external flash OFL.
is input. Then, the external flash OFL emits light.

When the external flash OFL is not used, that is, when the flag 0UTF=O, a "Low" level is output from the terminal 21, so the NAND circuit N circuit D1
continues to output the "Higb'" level.

Therefore, even if the switch SX is turned ON or the switch S2 is turned OFF, the light emission start signal 5XON is
is not output. Therefore, the external flash OFL does not emit light.

By configuring a circuit that outputs the light emission start signal 5XON in this way, the external flash OFL only needs to emit flash light when the light emission start signal 5XON is input, regardless of the flash mode. Therefore, even if a conventionally known normal flash device is used instead of a dedicated flash device, the same flash photography as the flash photography device of the present invention (rear-curtain synchronization, switching between internal flash and external flash) can be achieved. It can be performed.

In addition, if TTL direct metering is performed using the flash dimming control circuit FCC and an appropriate exposure amount is obtained before switch S2 is turned OFF in rear curtain synchronization mode, the flash will flash even if switch S2 is ON. The rear curtain of the shutter may run without emitting light. By doing this, it is possible to obtain proper exposure even when shooting in rear curtain synchronization mode under relatively bright conditions. In this case, a flash may be emitted in response to the start of the movement of the shutter f and curtain, and the effect of the flash may be reflected in the photograph.

Further, in the above embodiment, the exposure values for the peripheral area and the central area can be freely set by combining the exposure correction amount ΔSV and the CV value.

However, the invention is not limited to this, and either the central part or the peripheral part may always be properly exposed.

To ensure that the center area is always properly exposed, delete the exposure compensation setting circuit EMC and set the control program to Δ
It is sufficient to set 5V=O. Then, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 21<a), the mark EVT may be fixed at the center of the scale. Generally, the main subject is often located at the center of the photographic screen. Therefore, if the central part is always properly exposed, the main subject can always be properly exposed, which is particularly advantageous for beginners and other people who are inexperienced with photography.

In order to ensure that the peripheral area is always properly exposed, the exposure compensation amount setting circuit EMC is deleted and the calculation in step #575 (Figure 9) of the control program is changed to AVF=BVAM-1.
Just change it to -3V-TVX. As a result, the peripheral area is properly exposed to only natural light. Then, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 21(b), the mark EVAM may be fixed at the center of the scale.

Here, we will consider the amount of light required to properly expose the peripheral area.

Since the periphery is properly exposed, in order to make the contrast between the periphery and the center Cv, the center should be properly exposed and underexposed by CV. Therefore, the amount of light required at the center is 2TV·+AVF-CV. Therefore, the required amount of flash light is 2TVx+A
VF-CV BVs+SV, and the proportion of flash light in the light amount in the center is: 1-2BVs + 5V-(TVx+AVF-CV) 1-2
CV-ΔBV','AVF=BVAM+5V-TVXΔBv=BVA
M-BVs. This is the same formula as explained in the previous example. In other words, the contrast is relative and has nothing to do with its absolute value. In the above-mentioned embodiments, when the photograph was taken in direct light, the proportion of the flash light was set to 1/2 or more, thereby reflecting the effect of the flash on the photograph as much as possible. However, steps #S72 and #373 (Fig. 9) may be deleted and the CV value may be freely set regardless of the brightness distribution of the subject (however, as mentioned above, C ΔBV
).

In addition, when implementing the present invention, it is possible to add various modifications as described below.1 For example,
By pre-flashing the flash and measuring the amount of incident light when the flash light is added to natural light, it is possible to freely set the amount of flash light that will give the subject an appropriate exposure, thereby determining the exposure value of the subject under flash irradiation. It is also possible to control the difference in the exposure value of the background due to natural light. In addition, a manual setting member for the irradiation range is provided on the external flash OFL, so that the areas that are illuminated by the flash and the areas that are not illuminated can be freely adjusted, and the difference in exposure value of the image area can also be adjusted. I don't mind. Furthermore, data regarding the flash irradiation range set on the flash side may be input from the flash to the camera, and the flash irradiation range may be displayed in the camera's finder. Furthermore, the photometry ranges for the center and periphery of the photographic screen may be automatically switched based on data regarding the flash irradiation range. Furthermore, the exposure value step setting means may be provided on the flash side instead of on the camera side, and data regarding the exposure value step set on the flash side may be input from the flash to the camera. It doesn't matter if it is fixed. Note that the present invention can also be applied to a camera with a built-in zoom flash. In addition, the flash irradiation range and metering range for the center of the shooting screen are automatically set according to the shooting magnification, and the flash light control amount is controlled so that steps in the exposure value (preset or fixed) are obtained. You may do as you please.

In the above embodiment, the irradiation range of the flash light was changed depending on the photographing magnification regardless of whether the camera was backlit or frontlit. By the way, when flash light is emitted in front light, the field of view is usually very dark and the aperture aperture is set large.

Therefore, the flash light reaches relatively far. On the other hand, when the subject is backlit, the field of view is usually bright, so the aperture aperture is set small. Therefore, during backlighting, the distance that Franche light reaches is relatively short.

Taking the above into consideration, narrowing the irradiation range of the flash light and increasing the guide number 〇N o is very meaningful when backlit, but when it is frontlit,
It doesn't make any sense when it's backlit. Furthermore, if the irradiation range is narrowed when the brightness is low, only the subject in the center will be exposed, and the subjects in the periphery may not be exposed at all.

Therefore, the irradiation range of the flash light may be changed depending on the photographing magnification only when the subject is backlit. To make this modification, in the illumination angle calculation routine (Fig. 13), a step is provided to determine the backlight flag RLF before step #9131, and when RLF=1, the process proceeds to #5131, and RLF=1. If it is O, just return.

Furthermore, in the forced flash mode, the photographer intends to reflect the effect of flash light on the photograph. Therefore, in the forced flash mode, it is desirable to make the flash light reach as far as possible. Therefore, in the above modification, the irradiation range of the flash light may be changed in accordance with the photographing magnification even in the forced light emission mode. To modify in this way, in the above modification, when RLF=O, the flash mode register F
Check MR, if FMR=OO, step #913
1, and if FMR≠00, just return.

When transformed in this way, when the brightness is low (frontlight), by setting the automatic flash mode (FMR = 01), everything within the shooting range and within the reach of the flash light will be exposed to the flash light. be able to. and,
By setting the forced flash mode (FMR-〇〇), it is possible to irradiate only the main subject with flash light and expose only the main subject.

Further, in the above embodiment, the flash that was charged first among the internal flash unit FL and the external flash OFL was emitted, but the present invention can also be applied when two external flashes are used. . It can also be applied to cameras with two built-in flashes. or,
If three or more flashes are used (regardless of whether they are built-in or external), the flash that has completed charging the earliest may be set to emit light.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, since the irradiation angle of the flash device is controlled according to the imaging magnification of the subject, there is an effect that the subject can be appropriately irradiated. Particularly when the photographing distance of the subject is long and the photographing magnification is small when the subject is backlit, narrowing down the irradiation angle of the flash device and increasing the guide number has the effect of lengthening the word order that the flash light reaches.

In addition, if a display device is provided that displays the irradiation range of the flash light within the viewfinder field of view, the photographer can know the irradiation range of the flash light on the shooting screen, and can take pictures while anticipating the result. This is convenient because it allows you to

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a camera system as an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of an external flash used in the same, and FIGS. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the same operation as above;
The figure is a diagram showing the change over time in the charging voltage of the internal flash used in the same as above, FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the light control amount of the flash used in the same as above,
) is a diagram showing the relationship between the step in the exposure value of the peripheral part and the central part and the ratio of the flash light amount in backlighting and frontlighting, respectively, and FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the finder display used in the above, FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flash irradiation range on the subject, FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of display of the flash irradiation range on the infinder display section, and FIG. 24 is an example of a part of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a photographing magnification output means, 2 is a backlight detection means, 3 is a flash device, 4 is an illumination angle control means, and 5 is a display means.

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) Illumination angle for flash photography characterized by comprising: an imaging magnification output means for outputting the imaging magnification of the subject; and an illumination angle control means for controlling the illumination angle of the flash device according to the imaging magnification of the subject. Control device. 2. The irradiation angle control device for flash photography according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the irradiation range of the flash device within the field of view of the finder. (3) Illumination for flash photography according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the photographic magnification output means is a means for calculating the photographic magnification from information regarding the focal length of the photographing lens and information regarding the photographing distance of the subject. Angle control device. (4) The irradiation angle control means further includes a backlight detection means for detecting whether or not the subject is backlit, and the illumination angle control means has a means for enabling its operation only when the subject is backlit. The illumination angle control device for flash photography according to any one of claims 1 to 3.