JP2004007478A - Imaging system and control method therefor, and communication device having remote control function and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an imaging system, a remote controller, an imaging device, a control method thereof, a control program, and a storage medium in which a remote controller can easily and accurately know a release timing of the imaging device.
A release timing signal relating to an imaging timing is received from a digital camera (S407), and an imaging timing notification sound is reproduced based on the received release timing signal (S409, S411, S412).
[Selection diagram] Fig. 4

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging system, a communication device having a remote control function, an imaging device, and a control method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an imaging device such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, there is an imaging device that can be remotely controlled from a remote controller by wireless communication using infrared rays or radio waves.
[0003]
Conventional remote controllers for imaging devices are disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and Patent Document 4.
[0004]
According to the device disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a captured image can be visually recognized on a display unit of a remote controller, and whether or not an image has been actually captured can be confirmed by using a flash or the like.
[0005]
On the other hand, according to the device disclosed in Patent Literature 2, whether or not shooting is actually performed, shooting information such as insufficient memory and battery capacity, and whether or not composition and normal shooting can be performed are determined by the remote controller. You can check with.
[0006]
Further, in Patent Document 3, when a remote controller receives an instruction for self-timer shooting, the remote controller plays back a pre-recorded voice, and sends a release signal to the imaging device when the playback ends. The imaging device receives the release signal and performs photographing, and sends an end signal to the remote controller when photographing is completed. Upon receiving the end signal, the remote controller reproduces a message notifying the end of shooting.
[0007]
Patent Document 4 discloses a system in which when a remote controller instructs an imaging device to perform self-timer imaging, the imaging device that has received the instruction transmits a timing signal to the remote controller every predetermined time. In this system, the remote controller generates a beep every time the timing signal is received, and receives a predetermined number of times (the number of times corresponding to the time when the imaging device is released) of the timing signal. A beeping sound is generated for a longer time to generate a "p" to notify the user of the release.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-5-72608
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-275030 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-10-274802
[Patent Document 4]
JP 2000-19629 A
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the related art, when performing photographing using a self-timer or the like, there is no technology that can reliably confirm the release (imaging) timing on the imaging device side, that is, the time until the imaging, on the remote controller side. .
[0010]
For example, in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, when shooting is performed using a self-timer or the like, there is no means for confirming the release (imaging) timing on the imaging apparatus side, that is, the time until the imaging on the remote controller side. . Further, in the method of notifying the release timing of the imaging device by lighting the flash, power consumption is unnecessarily consumed for the lighting of the flash. On the other hand, according to the technique described in Patent Document 3, even if the reproduction of the sound for the self-timer is completed, the photographing is not actually performed unless the release signal from the remote controller reaches the imaging device. Further, in the technique described in Patent Literature 4, only the same “beep” is generated each time until the last dial tone “peep” indicating the end of the release is generated, so the self-timer shooting is used several times. Only the user knows how many times a "pip" is generated until the last dial tone "p" is generated, and it is difficult to judge the timing until the actual release, which is not convenient.
[0011]
For this reason, for example, when there are a large number of subjects in commemorative photography or the like, there have been cases where problems such as erroneous closing of the eyes at the photographing timing or looking away. Further, in the method of notifying the release timing of the imaging device by lighting the flash, power is wastedly consumed for the lighting of the flash. Further, in the method of notifying the release timing as a sound on the imaging device side, there is a problem that the sound from the imaging device does not reach the subject in a place with much noise. Further, there is no method for notifying the user of the timing until the release while monitoring the image to be shot, and the usability is not good.
[0012]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the related art, and an object of the present invention is to simply and accurately notify a release timing of an imaging device using a remote controller. Another object of the present invention is to confirm release timing while monitoring a captured image using a remote controller.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, a system according to the present invention is an imaging system having an imaging device and a remote controller, wherein the imaging device has an input unit that inputs an image, and an image that is input from the input unit. A transmission unit that transmits an imaging timing notification signal relating to the timing of imaging to the remote controller, wherein the remote controller displays an image transmitted from the imaging device and transmits the image from the imaging device. It is characterized by having control means for controlling so as to perform notification of the imaging timing based on the imaging timing notification signal in parallel.
[0014]
Another system according to the present invention is an imaging system that includes an imaging device and a remote controller that remotely controls the imaging device, wherein the imaging device is configured to have an input unit that inputs an image and an input unit that is input from the input unit. Transmitting means for transmitting an image and an imaging timing notification signal relating to imaging timing to the remote controller, wherein the remote controller displays the image transmitted from the imaging device and the imaging device. And a control unit for performing control so as to notify an imaging timing according to the content of the imaging timing notification signal transmitted from the control unit.
[0015]
In order to achieve the above object, an apparatus according to the present invention is a communication apparatus having a function of remotely controlling an imaging apparatus, and receives an image timing notification signal related to an image and an imaging timing transmitted from the imaging apparatus. Receiving means, and control means for controlling display of an image received by the receiving means and imaging timing notification based on the imaging timing notification signal received by the receiving means in parallel. And
[0016]
Another device according to the present invention is a communication device having a function of remotely controlling an imaging device, a receiving unit configured to receive an imaging timing notification signal related to an image and an imaging timing transmitted from the imaging device, And a control unit for displaying an image received by the receiving unit and controlling to perform an imaging timing notification according to the content of the imaging timing notification signal received by the receiving unit.
[0017]
In order to achieve the above object, a method according to the present invention is a method for controlling an imaging system having an imaging device and a remote controller, wherein, in the imaging device, an inputting step of inputting an image, and in the imaging device, An image input in the input step, a transmission step of transmitting an imaging timing notification signal relating to an imaging timing to the remote controller, displaying the image transmitted from the imaging apparatus in the remote controller, And a control step of controlling the notification of the imaging timing based on the imaging timing notification signal sent from the control unit to be performed in parallel.
[0018]
Another method according to the present invention is a method for controlling an imaging system including an imaging device and a remote controller that remotely controls the imaging device, wherein the inputting step of inputting an image in the imaging device, the imaging device An image input in the input step, and a transmission step of transmitting an imaging timing notification signal relating to imaging timing to the remote controller; and displaying the image transmitted from the imaging device in the remote controller. And a control step of performing control so as to perform an imaging timing notification according to the content of the imaging timing notification signal sent from the imaging device.
[0019]
Still another method according to the present invention is a method for controlling a communication device having a function of remotely controlling an imaging device, the method comprising receiving an image transmitted from the imaging device and an imaging timing notification signal relating to an imaging timing. And a control step of controlling the display of the image received in the receiving step and the notification of the imaging timing based on the imaging timing notification signal received in the receiving step to be performed in parallel. Features.
[0020]
Still another method according to the present invention is a method for controlling a communication device having a function of remotely controlling an imaging device, the method comprising receiving an image transmitted from the imaging device and an imaging timing notification signal relating to an imaging timing. And displaying the image received in the receiving step, and having a control step of controlling to perform an imaging timing notification according to the content of the imaging timing notification signal received in the receiving step. Features.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be illustratively described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the relative arrangement of components, the order of processing, and the like described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to them only unless otherwise specified.
[0022]
(1st Embodiment)
A system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is an imaging system including an imaging device having an imaging unit that captures an image and stores digital image information, and a remote controller that remotely controls the imaging device. Transmitting means for transmitting an imaging timing notification signal relating to imaging timing to the remote controller, the remote controller receiving means for receiving the imaging timing notification signal transmitted from the transmitting means, and receiving the imaging timing Playback means for playing back the imaging timing notification sound based on the notification signal.
[0023]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a digital camera 1 applicable to an imaging system as a first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the digital camera 1 may be a digital video camera other than a camera dedicated to digital still photography. In addition, as long as so-called self-timer shooting is possible, a mobile phone or a PDA with a camera function may be used.
[0024]
A control unit 100 of the digital camera includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103. Reference numeral 104 denotes a sound control unit that performs audio encoding and A / D conversion, and controls a speaker unit 105 and a microphone unit 106. 107 is a sound selection unit for selecting various sound information, 108 is a display control unit for controlling the display 109, and 110 is an LED control unit. Reference numeral 111 denotes an operation control unit for controlling various operations; 112, a wireless control unit including an RF unit and a baseband processing unit for transmitting and receiving wireless communication; 113, an antenna unit; 114, a shutter drive control unit for performing shutter drive during release; It is. Reference numeral 115 denotes a signal processing circuit that processes an image signal from the CCD unit 116, 117 denotes a timer control unit that controls timer processing, 118 denotes an AF control unit that controls AF, and 119 denotes a storage unit that stores image information and the like. is there.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a remote controller 2 applicable to the imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The remote controller 2 is configured to be able to remotely control the digital camera 1 by wireless communication.
[0026]
As the remote controller 2, a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA) independent of the digital camera 1 can be considered in addition to the device attached to the digital camera 1. In the remote controller 2, reference numeral 200 denotes a controller of the remote controller, which includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. Reference numeral 204 denotes a sound control unit that performs audio encoding and A / D conversion, controls a speaker unit 205, 206 denotes a sound selection unit that selects various types of sound information, and 207 denotes a display control unit that controls a display unit 208. . Reference numeral 210 denotes a wireless control unit including an RF unit and a baseband processing unit for transmitting and receiving wireless communication, reference numeral 209 denotes an antenna unit, and reference numeral 211 denotes a monitor shooting selection unit that performs processing when monitor shooting is selected as a shooting mode. A release shooting selection unit 212 performs processing when release shooting is selected as a shooting mode, a timer control unit 213 performs control related to timer processing, a storage unit 214 stores image information and the like, and 216 performs various operations. An operation control unit 217 for controlling is an LED control unit for controlling the LED.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the digital camera 1 when the digital camera 1 performs wireless communication with the wireless control unit 210 of the remote controller 2 via the wireless control unit 112. FIG. 9 is a sequence chart showing an operation between the digital camera 1 and the remote controller 2.
[0028]
First, upon receiving a wireless connection request from the remote controller 2 (901), the digital camera 1 returns a connection permission to the remote controller 2 (902), and establishes a wireless communication connection between the digital camera 1 and the remote controller 2. (S301). When the digital camera 1 and the remote controller 2 are ready for data communication, the process proceeds to step S302, and the digital camera 1 waits for reception of a data signal from the remote controller 2. Upon receiving the data signal, the process advances to step S303 to determine whether the received signal includes a signal (903) indicating a monitor image request. If the received signal includes a signal (903) indicating a monitor image request, the process proceeds to step S304, where the input signal of the current photographed image from the CCD unit 116 is encoded by the signal processing circuit 115, and the process proceeds to step S305. The converted image (904) is transmitted as a monitor image via the wireless control unit 112. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the received signal does not include the signal (903) indicating the monitor image request, it is determined whether the received signal includes the signal (905) indicating the release request (S306). If the received signal includes the signal (905) indicating the release request, the process advances to step S307 to input the current photographed image input signal from the CCD unit 116 together with the monitor image encoded by the signal processing circuit 115 to the digital camera. The timing value (906) until the release timing of 1 is transmitted. After the release request signal is received and before the photographing is performed, the timing value is transmitted together with the monitor image when the monitor request signal is received.
[0029]
The timing value is a value from 0 to N (a positive integer), and represents a time until an actual release. The CPU 101 increments the timing value stored in the RAM 103 at predetermined time intervals, and performs imaging when the timing value reaches N. In this case, the value is incremented from 0 to N. However, the image may be taken at the timing of 0 by decrementing from N to 0. The timing value has the same meaning as the shouting of the photographer to the photographed person at the time of photographing (for example, “3 (three), two (two), one (one). Photographing”). In the present embodiment, as an example, the timing value is incremented from 1 to 3, and imaging is performed when the timing value becomes 3.
[0030]
After transmitting the timing value, the process proceeds to step S308 to determine whether or not the release synchronization timing (imaging timing) has been reached. If the release synchronization timing has not been reached, the process returns to step S307 and responds to the next monitor request signal. The monitor image and the timing value are transmitted. Then, the monitor image and the timing value are repeatedly transmitted until the release synchronization timing comes (907).
[0031]
When the release synchronization timing comes, the process proceeds to step S309, where the shutter drive control unit 114 performs release and encodes a captured image. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S310, where a signal indicating that the release has been completed is transmitted to the remote controller 2 (909). Further, when the release imaging encoding is completed, the process proceeds to step S311, and the release imaging encoded image (captured image) is transmitted to the remote controller 2 (910).
[0032]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the remote controller 2 when the remote controller 2 performs wireless communication with the wireless control unit 112 of the digital camera 1 via the wireless control unit 210.
[0033]
First, in step S401, a wireless connection request is transmitted from the remote controller 2 to the digital camera 1 (901). When a connection permission is returned from the digital camera 1 (902), a communication between the digital camera 1 and the remote controller 2 is performed. Make a wireless communication connection. Thereby, the digital camera 1 and the remote controller 2 enter a state in which data communication is possible. Next, in step S402, the remote controller 2 waits for an operation input from the operation control unit 216, and if there is a monitor request operation, the process proceeds to step S403 to transmit a monitor image request signal to the digital camera 1 ( 903).
[0034]
When the monitor request operation is performed, a monitor image request signal is periodically transmitted until a monitor end operation is performed.
[0035]
If a release request operation has been performed, the flow advances from step S404 to step S405 to transmit a release request signal (905). After transmitting the release request signal, the process proceeds to step S406. When the release request operation is performed and the release request signal (905) is transmitted to the digital camera 1 in step S405, the remote controller 2 periodically monitors the release until the release completion signal is transmitted from the digital camera 1. An image request signal is transmitted to the digital camera 1. This is executed even if the monitor request operation is not performed. Thus, even if the monitor request operation is not performed, the release timing can be confirmed while confirming the monitor image, as described later.
[0036]
In step S406, reception of a data signal from the digital camera 1 is waited. If the data signal is the release timing signal (906, 908) transmitted together with the monitor image, the process proceeds from step S407 to step S408, and Check the timing value included in the signal.
[0037]
If the timing value (906, 908) is 1, the process proceeds from step S408 to step S409, where the monitor image which received the timing value is displayed on the display unit 208, and the first value indicating the timing value "1" is displayed. The notification sound is selected by the sound selection unit 206, the sound control unit 204 encodes the sound signal, and is reproduced from the speaker 205. On the other hand, if the timing value is 2, the process proceeds from step S408 to step S411 via step S410, where the monitor image which received the timing value is displayed on the display unit 208 and the second value indicating the timing value “2” is displayed. Select and play the notification sound. If the timing value is neither 1 nor 2, the process proceeds to step S412, and the third notification sound (shutter sound) is reproduced as the actual release timing.
[0038]
If the received data includes a monitor image that does not include a timing value (904), the process advances from step S413 to step S414 to display the monitor image without reproducing the notification sound and to receive the release image. Proceeds from step S415 to step S416 to display a release image.
[0039]
If the timing value can be confirmed on the remote controller 2 side, the timing value may be transmitted as data different from the monitor image, or the timing value may be transmitted as additional data of the monitor image. When transmitting as a separate data from the monitor image, the time until the monitor image is displayed can be shortened. When transmitting as the additional data, the monitor image corresponding to the timing value can be easily recognized.
[0040]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the digital camera is remotely controlled by the remote controller, the notification sound is reproduced from the remote controller as to the release timing of the actual digital camera while displaying the monitor image. Therefore, the subject on the remote controller side can accurately recognize the shutter timing while checking the monitor image. Further, since the sound indicating the timing value is changed according to the timing, the timing until the release can be easily understood.
[0041]
Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the user can freely change the notification sound according to the timing value. In this case, the remote controller may be provided with an Internet connection means so that the notification sound can be downloaded from the Internet, or the notification sound data may be transmitted from the digital camera 1 via wireless communication such as Bluetooth (Bluetooth). . If the user can freely change the notification sound in this way, there is an effect of further improving the user's convenience.
[0042]
(2nd Embodiment)
Next, an imaging system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, a plurality of timing values are transmitted from the digital camera 1 to the remote controller 2 each time. In the present embodiment, information indicating the release timing is transmitted only once. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, the same configurations or processes are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here.
[0043]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the digital camera 1 when the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment performs wireless communication with the remote controller 210 via the wireless control unit 112. Steps S507 and S508 are different from those in FIG.
[0044]
If the digital camera 1 receives a signal indicating a release request in step S306, the process advances to step S507 to transmit timing information until release to the remote controller 2 together with a monitor image. Then, proceeding to step S508, the digital camera 1 counts down until the transmitted release timing N reaches 0, and when it reaches 0, proceeds to step S309 to perform release.
[0045]
Here, in step S507, when the monitor request is received from the remote controller 2 after transmitting the timing information to the remote controller 2, the monitor image is transmitted to the remote controller 2 and the timing information is not transmitted.
[0046]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the remote controller 2 when the remote controller 2 according to the present embodiment performs wireless communication with the wireless control unit 112 of the digital camera 1 via the wireless control unit 210. The processing in steps S608 to S612 is different from that in FIG.
[0047]
If it is determined in step S407 that the data signal received from the digital camera 1 is release timing information, the process advances from step S407 to step S608 to check whether the timing value included in the information is zero. If the timing value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S609, where the monitor image received together with the timing information is displayed on the display unit 208, the timing sound corresponding to the timing value is reproduced, and the process further proceeds to step S612 to decrement the timing value. I do. Thereafter, each time a monitor image is received, the monitor image is displayed and the timing sound corresponding to the timing value decremented in step S612 is reproduced. The display of the monitor image and the timing sound are repeated until the timing value becomes zero. To play. When the timing value becomes 0, the digital camera 1 performs actual shooting, and the process advances from step S608 to step S611 to reproduce a release sound (shutter sound).
[0048]
With this, the shutter release timing can be individually adjusted on the digital camera 1 side and the remote controller 2 side, so that there is no need to use wireless resources unnecessarily for the timing notification, and both the digital camera 1 and the remote controller 2 can save. Electricity can be achieved.
[0049]
Further, in the present embodiment, the value of the timing notification is included in the release timing signal. May be. By doing so, finer synchronization between the digital camera 1 and the remote controller 2 can be achieved.
[0050]
(Third embodiment)
Next, an imaging system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, a plurality of timing values are transmitted from the digital camera 1 to the remote controller 2 each time. In the present embodiment, information indicating a timer time until release is transmitted only once. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, the same configurations or processes are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here. Here, the timing value of the first embodiment and the timer value of the present embodiment are different in that the timing value is a relative value and the timer value represents an absolute time. In the present embodiment, the timer time until the release is notified from the digital camera 1 to the remote controller 2, and the remote controller 2 plays music for release timing notification prepared in advance based on the time. is there.
[0051]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the digital camera 1 when the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment performs wireless communication with the remote controller 210 via the wireless control unit 112. Steps S707 and S708 are different from those in FIG.
[0052]
If a signal indicating a release request has been received in step S306, the process advances to step S707 to transmit information indicating the remaining time until release to the remote controller 2. Next, the process proceeds to step S708, and the digital camera 1 waits until the transmitted release timer (remaining time) expires (becomes 0), and after that, performs release in step S309. Also in the present embodiment, a monitor image request is periodically sent from the remote controller 2 even after transmitting information indicating the remaining time until the release, and the digital camera 1 transmits the monitor image upon receiving the request. I do.
[0053]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the remote controller 2 when the remote controller 2 according to the present embodiment performs wireless communication with the wireless control unit 112 of the digital camera 1 via the wireless control unit 210. Steps S807 to S812 are different from FIG.
[0054]
Waiting for the reception of the data signal from the digital camera 1, if the data signal is a release timer signal, the process proceeds from step S807 to step S808 to check the remaining time included in the signal. If the remaining time is not 0, the process proceeds to step S809, and a timing sound corresponding to the remaining time is reproduced. For example, a different timing sound is reproduced every second. In step S812, the remaining time is reduced as in the case of the digital camera 1, and after a predetermined time (for example, one second) has elapsed, the flow returns to step S808. When the remaining time becomes 0, the release sound is reproduced (S811).
[0055]
If the above configuration is applied, the remote controller 2 can freely set any sound or music as the timing sound (and the release sound). In that case, the remote controller 2 notifies the digital camera 1 of the duration of the timing sound to be played before the release, and the digital camera 1 receives the duration of the timing sound and sets the timer value until the release to the timing. What is necessary is just to be able to set the length of the sound. According to such a configuration, the remote control user can set a unique timing sound.
[0056]
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an imaging system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, only one communication link between the digital camera 1 and the remote controller 2 is established, and the monitor image and the timing value are transmitted there. However, when the monitor image and the timing value are transmitted simultaneously as separate data, the digital camera 1 takes a long time to encode the monitor image, and the timing value may not be transmitted until the monitor image is generated. . Also, if the timing value is transmitted after the monitor image transfer when the communication speed is low, it may be conceivable that the monitor image transfer consumes time and the timing value cannot be transmitted properly.
[0057]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, a link for control data for transmitting a timing value is established separately from a link for transmitting a monitor image.
[0058]
FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing an operation between the digital camera 1 and the remote controller 2. Parts similar to those described in the first embodiment are omitted.
[0059]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the digital camera 1 when the digital camera 1 performs wireless communication with the wireless control unit 210 of the remote controller 2 via the wireless control unit 112.
[0060]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the remote controller 2 when the remote controller 2 performs wireless communication with the wireless control unit 112 of the digital camera 1 via the wireless control unit 210.
[0061]
Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12.
[0062]
First, upon receiving a wireless connection request from the remote controller 2 (1001), the digital camera 1 returns a connection permission to the remote controller 2 (1002), and establishes a wireless communication connection link 1 between the digital camera 1 and the remote controller 2. Is established (steps S1201, S1301).
[0063]
In this link 1, the digital camera 1 generates a monitor image in response to a monitor request from the remote controller 2 and transfers the monitor image. That is, the process proceeds to step S1302 in FIG. 12, and the remote controller 2 waits for an operation input from the operation control unit 216. If there is a monitor request operation, the process advances to step S1303 to transmit a monitor image request signal (1003) to the digital camera 1. Thereafter, the remote controller 2 periodically sends monitor image request signals (1005, 1007, 1013, 1016, 1019, 1022, and 1025) until a monitor end operation is performed.
[0064]
The digital camera 1 waits for a data signal from the remote controller 2 in step S1202 in FIG. 11, and when a monitor request signal (1003) is received (step S1203), the digital camera 1 receives the input signal of the current captured image from the CCD unit 116. Encoding is performed by the signal processing circuit 115. Then, the process proceeds to step S1204, and the coded image (1004) is transmitted as a monitor image via the wireless control unit 112. The digital camera 1 processes the input signal of the current photographed image from the CCD unit 116 every time a monitor image request signal (1005, 1007, 1013, 1016, 1019, 1022, 1025) is received thereafter. The encoding is performed by the circuit 115. Then, the encoded monitor images (1006, 1008, 1014, 1017, 1020, 1023, and 1026) are transmitted to the remote controller 2 via the wireless control unit 112. The remote controller 2 monitors the data signal from the digital camera 1 (Step S1308), and upon receiving the monitor image (Step S1319), displays the received monitor image.
[0065]
When recognizing that the release request operation has been performed from the operation control unit 216 in step S1304, the remote controller 2 requests the digital camera 1 for a control data link connection (1009, step S1305). In step S1206, the digital camera 1 receiving this request replies with a connection OK (1010). Then, a link 2 for control data is established between the digital camera 1 and the remote controller 2 (steps S1207 and S1306). When the link for control data is established, the remote controller 2 issues an imaging release request to the digital camera 1 (1011, step S1307), and the digital camera 1 that has received the request releases an OK response (1012, step S1208). ) At the same time, a timing notification until the release is started (1015, step S1209). Further, even while the link 2 is being controlled, the remote controller 2 transmits a monitor image request to the digital camera 1 (1013), and the digital camera 1 transmits the monitor image (1014). Upon receiving the monitor image, the remote controller displays the monitor image on the display 208. Thereafter, the digital camera 1 continues to transmit the timing signal until the release via the link 2 periodically (1018, 1021, 1024, 1027).
[0066]
The remote controller 2 monitors the data signal from the digital camera 2 (step S1308), and proceeds to step S1310 when the release timing signal is detected. If the received timing signal is “1” (1015, 1018, 1021), the process proceeds from step S1310 to step S1311, and the sound selection unit 206 selects a notification sound indicating 1 until release. Then, the sound control unit 204 performs encoding processing of the sound signal, and reproduces the sound signal using the speaker 205.
[0067]
Similarly, if the received timing signal is “2” (1024), the process proceeds from step S1312 to step S1313, in which the sound selection unit 206 selects a notification sound indicating 2 until release, and the sound control unit 204 An encoding process is performed, and reproduced by the speaker 205.
[0068]
If the received timing signal is “3” (1027), the process proceeds from step S1314 to step S1315, where the sound selection unit 206 selects a notification sound indicating a shutter sound, and the sound control unit 204 encodes the sound signal. The processing is performed and reproduced by the speaker 205.
[0069]
On the other hand, the digital camera 1 monitors whether or not the release synchronization timing has come while periodically transmitting the timing signal in step S1209 (step S1210). Send. Then, the shutter is driven by the shutter drive control unit 114, the captured image is encoded, and the completion of the imaging release is notified to the remote controller 2 (1028, step S1213).
[0070]
Upon receiving the imaging release completion signal (1028) (step S1316), the remote controller 2 displays "completion" on the display unit 208 (S1317), and then sends a release image request signal (1029) to the digital camera 1 (step S1317). (Step S1318).
[0071]
The digital camera 1 that has received the image transmits the released image to the remote controller 2 (1030, steps S1214 and S1215). When the remote controller 2 receives the release image (step S1321), the image is displayed on the display unit. 208 is displayed (step S1322).
[0072]
In the above description, the digital camera 1 sends the timing signal at a certain fixed period. However, the digital camera 1 can send the timing signal only when the timing value is updated. By doing so, the traffic on the link 2 for control data can be reduced.
[0073]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the wireless link for transmitting and receiving control information such as timing is separately controlled from the wireless link for image data, so that the wireless link is influenced by the image encoding capability of the digital camera 1. The timing signal can be transmitted without any change, and the accuracy of the release timing can be improved.
[0074]
(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the delay error information of the timing caused by the delay of the wireless communication is generated at the time of establishing the wireless communication in the digital camera 1, and the timing error and the remaining time are transmitted to the remote controller 2. It is desirable to add information.
[0075]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus including a single device.
[0076]
According to the present invention, a software program (the program corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, 11, and 12 in the above embodiment) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is directly transmitted to a system or an apparatus. Alternatively, the present invention includes a case in which the program code is supplied from a remote place, and is achieved by a computer of the system or apparatus reading and executing the supplied program code. In that case, the form need not be a program as long as it has the function of the program.
[0077]
Therefore, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. That is, the claims of the present invention include the computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.
[0078]
In this case, any form of the program, such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, and script data supplied to the OS, is applicable as long as the program has the function of the program.
[0079]
As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card , ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) and the like.
[0080]
Other methods of supplying the program include connecting to a homepage on the Internet using a browser of a client computer, and downloading the computer program itself of the present invention or a file containing a compressed automatic installation function from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. Can also be supplied. Further, the present invention can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. In other words, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for implementing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the claims of the present invention.
[0081]
In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and downloaded to a user who satisfies predetermined conditions from a homepage via the Internet to download key information for decryption. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer to realize the program.
[0082]
The functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented when the computer executes the read program, and an OS or the like running on the computer executes a part of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program. Alternatively, all the operations are performed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing.
[0083]
Further, after the program read from the recording medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the A CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing also realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.
[0084]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the release timing on the imaging device side can be easily and accurately known on the remote controller side.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing features of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing features of the remote controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the remote controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of a remote controller according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a remote controller according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a sequence chart showing an operation between the digital camera and the remote controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing an operation between a digital camera and a remote controller according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a digital camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a remote controller according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital still camera
100 control unit
104 sound control unit
105 Speaker unit
106 Microphone
107 sound selector
112 wireless controller
115 signal processing circuit
116 CCD
2 Remote controller
200 control unit
204 sound control unit
205 speaker unit
206 sound selector
210 Radio control unit
211 Monitor shooting selection section
212 Release shooting selector

Claims (23)

In an imaging system having an imaging device and a remote controller,
The imaging device,
Input means for inputting an image,
An image input from the input unit, and a transmission unit that transmits an imaging timing notification signal related to an imaging timing to the remote controller,
Has,
The remote controller includes:
An imaging system, comprising: control means for controlling display of an image sent from the imaging device and notification of imaging timing based on an imaging timing notification signal sent from the imaging device in parallel. The imaging device further includes first timing value changing means for changing a timing value indicating a remaining time until an imaging timing at predetermined time intervals, and the imaging device captures an image when the timing value reaches a predetermined value. And
The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the imaging timing notification signal indicating the timing value to the remote controller. 3. The imaging system according to claim 2, wherein the transmission unit transmits the imaging timing notification signal each time the timing value is changed by the first timing value changing unit. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the imaging timing notification signal representing the timing value to the remote controller only once per one imaging in response to a request from the remote controller. Imaging system. The imaging system according to claim 4, wherein the remote controller further includes a second timing value changing unit that changes the received timing value at predetermined time intervals. The imaging apparatus further includes a determination unit that determines a delay error caused by communication with the remote controller,
2. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit generates and transmits the imaging timing notification signal in consideration of the delay error. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the remote controller further includes a setting unit that sets an image as the imaging timing notification information. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit adds the imaging timing signal to an image input from the input unit and transmits the image. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the image input from the input unit and the imaging timing signal as different data. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the image each time a request for an image from a remote controller is received. The imaging device and a remote controller can connect a plurality of links,
The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the image and the imaging timing notification signal through different links. An imaging system that includes an imaging device and a remote controller that remotely controls the imaging device,
The imaging device,
Input means for inputting an image,
An image input from the input unit, and a transmission unit that transmits an imaging timing notification signal related to an imaging timing to the remote controller,
Has,
The remote controller has a control unit for displaying an image transmitted from the imaging device and controlling to perform an imaging timing notification according to the content of the imaging timing notification signal transmitted from the imaging device. Imaging system. A communication device having a function of remotely controlling an imaging device,
Receiving means for receiving an image and an imaging timing notification signal related to the timing of imaging transmitted from the imaging device,
Control means for controlling display of the image received by the receiving means and imaging timing notification based on the imaging timing notification signal received by the receiving means in parallel;
A communication device comprising: 14. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the control unit updates a display image each time the image is received. 14. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the control unit performs imaging timing notification according to the content of the timing notification signal. 14. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the receiving unit receives an imaging timing notification signal as additional information of the image. 14. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the receiving unit receives the imaging timing notification signal and the image as different data. A communication device having a function of remotely controlling an imaging device,
Receiving means for receiving an image and an imaging timing notification signal related to the timing of imaging transmitted from the imaging device,
Control means for displaying an image received by the receiving means, and controlling to perform an imaging timing notification according to the content of the imaging timing notification signal received by the receiving means,
A communication device comprising: 19. The communication apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the control unit reproduces a sound according to the content of the imaging timing signal received by the receiving unit. In a control method of an imaging system having an imaging device and a remote controller,
In the imaging device, an input step of inputting an image,
In the imaging device, a transmission step of transmitting an image input in the input step and an imaging timing notification signal related to imaging timing to the remote controller,
A control step of controlling the display of the image sent from the imaging device and the notification of the imaging timing based on the imaging timing notification signal sent from the imaging device in parallel with the remote controller;
A control method for an imaging system, comprising: An imaging apparatus, a method for controlling an imaging system including a remote controller that remotely controls the imaging apparatus,
In the imaging device, an input step of inputting an image,
In the imaging device, a transmission step of transmitting an image input in the input step and an imaging timing notification signal related to imaging timing to the remote controller,
In the remote controller, while displaying the image sent from the imaging device, a control step of controlling to perform imaging timing notification according to the content of the imaging timing notification signal sent from the imaging device,
A control method for an imaging system, comprising: A control method of a communication device having a function of remotely controlling an imaging device,
A receiving step of receiving an image and an imaging timing notification signal related to an imaging timing transmitted from the imaging apparatus,
A control step of controlling the display of the image received in the receiving step and the notification of the imaging timing based on the imaging timing notification signal received in the receiving step in parallel;
A method for controlling a communication device, comprising: A control method of a communication device having a function of remotely controlling an imaging device,
A receiving step of receiving an image and an imaging timing notification signal related to an imaging timing transmitted from the imaging apparatus,
A control step of displaying the image received in the receiving step and controlling to perform an imaging timing notification according to the content of the imaging timing notification signal received in the receiving step,
A method for controlling a communication device, comprising:

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