JP2008005034A - Imaging condition setting system, imaging condition setting method, imaging condition providing server, and imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set photographic conditions suitable for a photographing place to a camera, without giving troubles to a user. <P>SOLUTION: A server 8 decides whether a photographic condition request from the camera 100 has been received. When it is decided that the request has been received from the camera 100, a photographic condition table 8a is referred to for deciding on the optimum photographic conditions, corresponding to an APID received. The server 8 transmits the decided optimum photographic conditions to the camera 100 via an access point 2. The camera 100 determines whether the photographic conditions have been received from the server 8; when the camera 100 decides that the photographic conditions have been received, the received photographic conditions are set. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for setting optimal shooting conditions for a camera used in a specific place.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for setting a shooting condition suitable for a shooting location in a camera has been devised. For example, according to Patent Document 1, when shooting with a digital camera fixed at a shooting location, a specific camera holding device is prepared, and shooting conditions matching the ID of the location are set. According to Patent Document 2, the shooting setting condition used for shooting a specific image is transmitted to the camera via a server. According to Patent Document 3, an appropriate shooting condition is verified from a shot image without specifying a place, and the recommended condition is returned to perform shooting.
JP 2004-72246 A JP 2004-23352 A JP 2005-117190 A

  In Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to attach a camera to the holding device, there is no degree of freedom in shooting location, and it is difficult to make the holding device compatible with various types of cameras. Moreover, it is necessary to attach the camera to the holding device one by one, which is troublesome. In Patent Document 2, it is necessary for a photographer or an artist to register images and shooting conditions corresponding to each location in advance in the server. If an image of a location that the user wants to shoot is not registered, appropriate shooting conditions are set. Cannot be set. In Patent Literature 3, it is necessary for the user to set the shooting location as a shooting condition setting key in the shooting location setting field by looking at the map.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to set shooting conditions suitable for a shooting location in a camera without bothering a user.

  The present invention relates to an imaging condition setting system including an imaging device, an access point having unique identification information and wirelessly connected to the imaging device, and a server communicating with the imaging device via the access point.

  In this system, the server stores a shooting condition table in which identification information unique to each access point is associated with shooting conditions optimal for the installation location of each access point. In response to the wireless connection, a shooting condition request for requesting transmission of shooting conditions is transmitted to the server together with identification information unique to the specific access point, and the server transmits the unique identification information via the specific access point. When the imaging condition request is received, the imaging condition corresponding to the unique identification information is determined with reference to the imaging condition table, the determined imaging condition is transmitted to the imaging apparatus, and the imaging apparatus receives the imaging condition from the server. When received, the received shooting conditions are set.

  According to the present invention, when the photographing apparatus enters the communication area of a specific access point and is wirelessly connected, a transmission request for optimum photographing conditions is sent to the server together with identification information unique to the access point. The server stores the optimum shooting conditions corresponding to each access point. When the server receives the request and information specific to the access point from the imaging apparatus, the server determines the optimum shooting conditions corresponding to the received unique information. This is transmitted to the photographing apparatus. When receiving the optimum shooting condition from the server, the shooting apparatus sets this.

  That is, simply by wirelessly connecting a photographing apparatus to a specific access point, the optimum photographing condition in the vicinity of the installation position of the access point is automatically set in the photographing apparatus. The user does not have to bother to set optimal shooting conditions for each shooting location, and is expected to obtain a satisfactory image that is satisfactory according to the shooting conditions optimal for the shooting location.

  The present invention relates to an imaging condition setting support method used in a system including an imaging device, an access point having unique identification information and wirelessly connected to the imaging device, and a server communicating with the imaging device via the access point. .

  In this method, a step of storing in a server a shooting condition table in which identification information unique to each access point is associated with a shooting condition optimal for the installation location of each access point, and the shooting apparatus wirelessly connects to a specific access point. In response, a step of transmitting a shooting condition request for requesting transmission of shooting conditions to a server together with identification information unique to a specific access point; and When the imaging condition request is received, the imaging condition table is referred to, the imaging condition corresponding to the unique identification information is determined, the determined imaging condition is transmitted to the imaging apparatus, and the imaging apparatus determines the imaging condition from the server. Receiving, the step of setting the received imaging condition is included.

  The present invention relates to an imaging condition providing server that has unique identification information and communicates with an imaging device via an access point that is wirelessly connected to the imaging device.

  The server includes a storage unit that stores an imaging condition table that associates identification information unique to each access point and an imaging condition that is optimal for the installation location of each access point, and an imaging device that is wirelessly connected to the specific access point. A reception unit that receives identification information and a shooting condition request specific to a specific access point, a shooting condition determination unit that determines a shooting condition corresponding to the specific identification information with reference to a shooting condition table in the storage unit, and shooting A transmission unit that transmits the imaging condition determined by the condition determination unit to the imaging apparatus via a specific access point.

  The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus that communicates with a server via a wireless access point having unique identification information.

  The imaging apparatus includes: a transmission unit that transmits an imaging condition request for requesting transmission of imaging conditions to a server together with identification information unique to the specific access point in response to wireless connection with the specific access point; A receiving unit that receives the shooting conditions from, and a setting unit that sets the shooting conditions received by the receiving unit from the server.

  According to the present invention, simply by wirelessly connecting a photographing device to a specific access point, an optimum photographing condition in the vicinity of the installation position of the access point is automatically set in the photographing device. The user does not have to bother to set optimal shooting conditions for each shooting location, and is expected to obtain a satisfactory image that is satisfactory according to the shooting conditions optimal for the shooting location.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional configuration diagram of an imaging condition setting system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This system is used in a limited facility or area such as a theme park or a certain area in the town. This system includes a digital camera 100 owned by a facility visitor U, an access point 2 installed at each predetermined location in the facility (for example, for each attraction) and capable of wireless communication with the camera 100, and any access point. 2 includes a server 8 connected by a wired or wireless network 7.

  Each access point 2 stores unique identification information (hereinafter referred to as “APID”) in a semiconductor memory (not shown) or the like, and notifies the camera 100 that has entered its own communication area of the APID.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the server 8 includes a hard disk unit (not shown) that has a shooting condition table 8a in which an APID uniquely assigned to each access point 2 is associated with an optimum shooting condition corresponding to each APID. I remember it.

  Here, for example, for APID = “2A”, the optimal shooting conditions are “white balance designation according to weather information such as sunny or cloudy”, “shooting mode: AUTO (auto mode)”, and “flash according to time”. "ON / OFF" corresponds.

  The shooting condition corresponding to the APID of each access point 2 may simply be a condition that depends only on the location (that is, a shooting condition determined by the APID, hereinafter referred to as a static shooting condition), or depends on the current environment at that location. (That is, not only the APID but also the shooting conditions determined by the current environment of the place corresponding to the APID, hereinafter referred to as dynamic shooting conditions).

  For example, when the movement of the attraction where the access point 2 is installed is fast, the shooting mode is set to sports mode or high shutter speed, or when it is slow, the portrait mode is set. For example, it is possible to associate a static imaging condition depending on the environment unique to the installation location of the access point 2 with the APID.

  In addition, if the current time is evening and the access point is located outdoors, the sunset mode is selected. If the current weather conditions are cloudy, the flash is turned on, or the white balance value is determined according to the color temperature of the current lighting. In response to dynamic imaging conditions that depend on fluctuating parameters (weather conditions, time, lighting conditions, etc.) that represent the current environment specific to the installation location of the access point 2 at the time of shooting It is also possible to attach.

  Although detailed description of other optimal shooting conditions corresponding to APID is omitted, in short, since the shooting environment varies depending on the installation location of each access point, the optimal shooting conditions (dynamic or static shooting) At least one of the conditions) is associated.

  When the imaging condition determination unit 8b of the server 8 receives the APID of the specific access point 2 with which the camera 100 communicates from the camera 100, the imaging condition optimum for the current position of the camera 100 is based on the APID and the imaging condition table 8a. And the shooting conditions are transmitted to the camera 100. The camera 100 wirelessly communicates with a specific access point 2 and receives various shooting data and other data from the server 8 when shooting at a predetermined place in the facility.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the camera 100. The camera 100 is provided with an operation unit 120 for performing various operations when the user uses the camera 100. The operation unit 120 includes a power switch 121 for turning on the power for operating the camera 100, a mode dial 123 for selecting auto shooting, manual shooting, and the like, and setting and selection of various menus or zooming. A cross key 124, a flash emission switch 125, and an information position designation key 126 for executing or canceling the menu selected by the cross key 124 are provided.

  The types of imaging modes that can be specified by rotating the mode dial 123 include, for example, a still image imaging mode for capturing a still image and a moving image imaging mode for capturing a moving image. Auto mode for automatically setting imaging conditions such as shutter speed and aperture value, manual mode for manually setting these imaging conditions, person imaging, landscape imaging, sports imaging, night scene imaging, etc. Appropriate shutter speed, aperture value, exposure value, white balance, and other imaging modes (portrait mode, portrait imaging mode, landscape mode, sports mode, sunset mode, night scene mode) are automatically set. .

  In addition, the camera 100 is provided with an image display LCD 102 for displaying captured images, reproduced images, and the like, and an operation LCD display 103 for assisting operations.

  The camera 100 is provided with a release switch 104. The release switch 104 transmits a shooting start instruction to the main CPU 20. In the camera 100, switching between photographing and reproduction can be freely performed on a predetermined menu screen. Further, the camera 100 is provided with a flash light emitting device having an AF auxiliary light lamp 105b composed of a light emitting diode (LED) for irradiating a subject with a light projection spot during contrast AF, and a strobe 105a that emits flash light.

  In addition, the camera 100 includes a photographing lens 101, a diaphragm 131, and a CCD sensor 132 (hereinafter referred to as an image sensor) that converts a subject image formed through the photographing lens 101 and the diaphragm 131 into an analog image signal. Abbreviated as CCD 132). The CCD 132 generates an image signal by accumulating charges generated by subject light irradiated on the CCD 132 for a variable charge accumulation time (exposure period). The CCD 132 sequentially outputs image signals for each frame at a timing synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal VD output from the CG unit 136.

  When the CCD 132 is used as the image sensor, an optical low-pass filter 132a that removes unnecessary high-frequency components in the incident light is disposed in order to prevent the generation of color false signals and moire fringes. In addition, an infrared cut filter 132b that absorbs or reflects infrared light in incident light and corrects a sensitivity characteristic unique to the CCD sensor 132 having high sensitivity in a long wavelength region is provided. The specific arrangement of the optical low-pass filter 132a and the infrared cut filter 132b is not particularly limited.

  The camera 100 also adjusts the white balance of the subject image represented by the analog image signal from the CCD sensor 132 and adjusts the slope (γ) of the straight line in the gradation characteristics of the subject image, and further amplifies the analog image signal. A white balance / γ processing unit 133 including an amplifier with a variable gain is provided.

  Further, the camera 100 includes an A / D converter 134 that A / D converts an analog signal from the white balance / γ processing unit 133 into digital R, G, B image data, and an A / D converter 134. A buffer memory 135 for storing R, G, B image data is provided.

  The R, G, B image data obtained by the A / D conversion unit 134 is also input to the AF detection unit 150. The AF detection unit 150 averages the R, G, B image data for each predetermined divided area of the screen and for each same color component, and further integrates the R, G, B image data of all areas for each frame. Average values Ir, Ig, and Ib are calculated. The integrated average values Ir, Ig, and Ib are used as the amounts of R, G, and B visible light received.

  However, the R, G, and B visible light receiving amounts Ir, Ig, and Ib can be detected by a light receiving sensor (not shown) other than the CCD 132 that has sensitivity to the R, G, and B visible lights, respectively. is there.

  Further, the camera 100 includes a CG (clock generator) unit 136, a photometry / ranging CPU 137, a charge / light emission control unit 138, a communication control unit 139, a YC processing unit 140, and a power supply battery 68. It has been.

  The CG unit 136 includes a vertical synchronization signal VD for driving the CCD sensor 132, a drive signal including a high-speed sweep pulse P, a control signal for controlling the white balance / γ processing unit 133, the A / D conversion unit 134, and communication control. A control signal for controlling the unit 139 is output. Further, a control signal from the photometry / ranging CPU 137 is input to the CG unit 136.

  The photometry / ranging CPU 137 controls the zoom motor 110, the focus motor 111, and the aperture motor 112 for adjusting the aperture to drive the zoom lens 101a, the focus lens 101b, and the aperture 131, respectively, thereby driving the distance to the subject. Is calculated (ranging), and the CG unit 136 and the charge / light emission control unit 138 are controlled. Driving of the zoom motor 110, the focus motor 111, and the aperture motor 112 is controlled by the motor driver 62, and a control command for the motor driver 62 is sent from the photometry / ranging CPU 137 or the main CPU 20.

  The driving source of the zoom lens 101a, the focus lens 101b, the stop 131, and the AF auxiliary light irradiation angle is not necessarily limited to various motors such as the zoom motor 110, the focus motor 111, and the stop motor 112. It may be.

  The CPU 137 for photometry / ranging is based on image data (through image) obtained periodically (every 1/30 seconds to 1/60 seconds) by the CCD 132 when the release switch 104 is half-pressed (S1 is turned on). Measure the brightness of the subject (calculate EV value).

  That is, the AE calculation unit 151 integrates the R, G, and B image signals output from the A / D conversion unit 134 and provides the integrated values to the photometry / ranging CPU 137. The photometry / ranging CPU 137 detects the average brightness (subject brightness) of the subject based on the integrated value input from the AE calculation unit 151, and calculates an exposure value (EV value) suitable for photographing.

  Then, the photometry / ranging CPU 137 determines the exposure value including the aperture value (F value) of the aperture 131 and the electronic shutter (shutter speed) of the CCD 132 based on the obtained EV value according to a predetermined program diagram. (AE operation).

  When the release switch 104 is fully pressed (S2 is turned on), the photometry / ranging CPU 137 drives the aperture 131 based on the determined aperture value, controls the aperture diameter of the aperture 131, and determines the determined shutter speed. Based on the above, the charge accumulation time in the CCD 132 is controlled via the CG 136.

  The AE operation includes an aperture priority AE, a shutter speed priority AE, a program AE, etc. In any case, the subject brightness is measured, and an exposure value determined based on the photometric value of the subject brightness, that is, an aperture value and a shutter. By taking a picture in combination with the speed, control is performed so that an image is taken with an appropriate exposure amount, and it is possible to save troublesome determination of exposure.

  The AF detection unit 150 extracts image data corresponding to the detection range selected by the photometry / ranging CPU 137 from the A / D conversion unit 134. The method of detecting the focal position is performed using the feature that the high frequency component of the image data has the maximum amplitude at the in-focus position. The AF detection unit 150 calculates an amplitude value by integrating the high-frequency component of the extracted image data for one field period. The AF detector 150 is configured such that the photometry / ranging CPU 137 drives and controls the focus motor 111 to move the focus lens 101b within the movable range, that is, between the end point (INF point) on the infinity side and the end point (NEAR point) on the near side. When the maximum amplitude is detected, the detection value is transmitted to the photometry / ranging CPU 137 when the maximum amplitude is detected.

  The photometry / ranging CPU 137 obtains this detection value and issues a command to the focus motor 111 to move the focus lens 101b to the corresponding in-focus position. The focus motor 111 moves the focus lens 101b to the in-focus position in accordance with a command from the photometry / ranging CPU 137 (AF operation).

  The photometry / ranging CPU 137 is connected to the release switch 104 through inter-CPU communication with the main CPU 20, and the in-focus position is detected when the release switch 104 is half-pressed by the user. Further, a zoom motor 110 is connected to the photometry / ranging CPU 137, and when the main CPU 20 acquires a zoom command from the user in the TELE direction or WIDE direction, the zoom motor 110 is used. By driving the motor 110, the zoom lens 101a is moved between the WIDE end and the TELE end.

  The charging / light emission control unit 138 is supplied with electric power from the power supply battery 68 in order to cause the strobe 105a to emit light, and charges a flash light emitting capacitor (not shown) or controls light emission of the strobe 105a.

  The charging / light emission control unit 138 sends various signals such as charging start of the power supply battery 68, a half-press / full-press operation signal of the release switch 104, and signals indicating the light emission amount and the light emission timing to the main CPU 20 and the photometry / ranging CPU 137. Is supplied to the self-timer lamp 105c and the AF auxiliary light lamp 105b, and control is performed so that a desired light emission amount is obtained at a desired timing.

  Note that the self-timer lamp 105c may be constituted by an LED, or may be made common with the LED constituting the AF auxiliary light lamp 105b.

  A self-timer circuit 83 is connected to the main CPU 20. When the self-photographing mode is set, the main CPU 20 measures time based on the full-press signal of the release switch 104. During this timing, the main CPU 20 causes the self-timer lamp 105c to blink while gradually increasing the blinking speed in accordance with the remaining time via the photometry / ranging CPU 137. The self-timer circuit 83 inputs a timing completion signal to the main CPU 20 after timing is completed. The main CPU 20 causes the CCD 132 to perform a shutter operation based on the timing completion signal.

  The communication control unit 139 is provided with a communication port 107. The communication control unit 139 transmits various control information and the like to the server 8 and other external devices via the access point 2 wirelessly connected to the communication port 107. Wireless communication with the device.

  The camera 100 also has a function of simulating the function of switching to ISO sensitivity 80, 100, 200, 400, 1600, etc. of a normal camera that takes a photograph on a roll-shaped photographic film, and has an ISO sensitivity of 400 or more. When switched, the high-sensitivity mode is set in which the amplification factor of the amplifier of the white balance / γ processing unit 133 is set to a high amplification factor exceeding a predetermined amplification factor. The communication control unit 139 stops communication with the external device during shooting in the high sensitivity mode.

  The camera 100 also includes a compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 and an I / F unit 144. The compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 reads and compresses the image data stored in the buffer memory 135 via the bus line 142 and stores the image data in the memory card 200 via the I / F unit 144. In addition, the compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 extracts an identification number (ID) unique to the memory card 200 and reads the image data stored in the memory card 200 when reading the image data stored in the memory card 200. Are decompressed and stored in the buffer memory 135.

  The Y / C signal stored in the buffer memory 135 is compressed according to a predetermined format by the compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143, and then the removable medium such as the memory card 200 or the hard disk (HDD) 75 via the I / F 144. Are recorded in a predetermined format (for example, an Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) file) in a built-in mass storage medium such as Data recording to the hard disk (HDD) 75 or reading of data from the hard disk (HDD) 75 is controlled by the hard disk controller 74 in accordance with a command from the main CPU 20.

  The camera 100 includes a main CPU 20, an EEPROM 146, a YC / RGB conversion unit 147, and a display driver 148. The main CPU 20 controls the entire camera 100. The EEPROM 146 stores solid data and programs unique to the camera 100. The YC / RGB conversion unit 147 converts the color video signal YC generated by the YC processing unit 140 into RGB signals of three colors, and outputs them to the image display LCD 102 via the display driver 148.

  In addition, the camera 100 has a configuration in which an AC adapter 48 for obtaining power from an AC power supply and a power supply battery 68 are detachable. The power battery 68 is composed of a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, or a lithium ion battery. The power supply battery 68 may be a single-use primary battery such as a lithium battery or an alkaline battery. The power supply battery 68 is electrically connected to each circuit of the camera 100 by being loaded into a battery storage chamber (not shown).

  When the AC adapter 48 is loaded in the camera 100 and power is supplied from the AC power source to the camera 100 via the AC adapter 48, the power supply battery 68 is preferential even if it is loaded in the battery storage chamber. The power output from the AC adapter 48 is supplied to each part of the camera 100 as driving power. If the AC adapter 48 is not loaded and the power battery 68 is loaded in the battery storage chamber, the power output from the power battery 68 is supplied to each part of the camera 100 as driving power. Is done.

  Although not shown, the camera 100 is provided with a backup battery separately from the power supply battery 68 housed in the battery housing chamber. For example, a dedicated secondary battery is used as the built-in backup battery and is charged by the power supply battery 68. The backup battery supplies power to the basic functions of the camera 100 when the power battery 68 is not loaded in the battery storage chamber, such as when the power battery 68 is replaced or removed.

  That is, when the power supply from the power supply battery 68 or the AC adapter 48 is stopped, the backup battery is connected to the RTC 15 or the like by a switching circuit (not shown) and supplies power to these circuits. As a result, as long as the backup battery 29 does not reach the end of its life, power supply continues to the basic functions such as the RTC 15 without interruption.

  An RTC (Real Time Clock) 15 is a chip dedicated to timekeeping, and continuously operates by receiving power supply from the backup battery even when power supply from the power supply battery 68 or the AC adapter 48 is turned off.

  The image display LCD 102 is provided with a backlight 70 that illuminates the transmissive or transflective liquid crystal panel 71 from the back side. In the power saving mode, the main CPU 20 determines the brightness of the backlight 70 ( Brightness) is controlled through the backlight driver 72, and the power consumption of the backlight 70 is reduced. In the power saving mode, the information position designation key 126 of the operation unit 120 is pressed to display a menu screen on the image display LCD 102, and a predetermined operation can be performed on the menu screen so that on / off can be set. It has become.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the flow of processing performed by the present system will be described. A1 to A7 are processes on the camera 100 side, and B1 to B4 are processes on the server 8 side.

  In A1, the camera 100 determines whether or not the communication area of the specific access point 2 has been entered. If it is determined that it is within the communication area of the specific access point 2, the process proceeds to A2. If it is determined that it is not within the communication area of the specific access point 2, the process proceeds to A7.

  In A <b> 2, the camera 100 receives the APID from the access point 2 and stores it in the shooting location storage memory 152 b configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as the flash memory 152.

  In A3, the camera 100 sends a request (shooting condition request) for transmitting an optimum shooting condition to the server 8 through the access point 2 together with the APID of the shooting location storage memory 152b. Note that this request may be sent from the access point 2 to the server 8 in response to a request from the camera 100.

  On the other hand, in B1, the server 8 determines whether or not a shooting condition request from the camera 100 has been received. If it is determined that this request has been received from the camera 100, the process proceeds to B2.

  In B2, the server 8 reads the received APID.

  In B3, the imaging condition determination unit 8b of the server 8 refers to the imaging condition table 8a (FIG. 2) and determines an optimal imaging condition corresponding to the read APID. Details of this processing will be described later.

  In B4, the server 8 transmits the determined optimum shooting condition to the camera 100 via the access point 2.

  In A4, the camera 100 determines whether or not the shooting condition is received from the server 8, and when it is determined that the shooting condition is received, the process proceeds to A5. If not received, the determination of whether or not it has been received is repeated.

  In A5, the received shooting condition is stored in the shooting condition setting memory 152a configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as the flash memory 152. The CPU 20 sets, in each block of the camera 100, a shooting mode and an operation condition suitable for the shooting conditions stored in the shooting condition setting memory 152a in accordance with a command from the shooting condition setting unit 20a which is an operation program. Then, the process shifts to the A6 ready state, and an image acquisition operation is performed in response to the release switch 104 being fully pressed.

  In A7, automatic acquisition of a specific shooting condition is not performed, and an image acquisition operation is performed in response to a full depression of the release switch 104 in accordance with a shooting condition manually set by the user as appropriate.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the process for determining the optimum shooting condition by the shooting condition determination unit 8b of B4. Here, as an example, a description will be given of a process for determining an optimal shooting condition when the camera 100 is wirelessly connected to an outdoor access point 2 with APID = “2A”. However, even when APID = “2A” is not described. A similar process can be performed.

  In B11, the current time is read from an RTC (not shown) built in the server 8.

  In B12, weather information near the current access point 2 is obtained from an external weather information distribution site or the like.

  In B13, it is determined whether or not the APID received from the camera 100 is “2A”. If APID = “2A”, the process proceeds to B14. If APID = “2A”, the imaging conditions corresponding to the APID are appropriately determined with reference to the imaging condition table 8a (FIG. 2), and the process proceeds to B4.

  In B14, it is determined whether or not the current time is in a daytime period (for example, 11: 00 to 17:00). If the current time is in the daytime time zone, the process proceeds to B15. If the current time is not in the daytime time period, the process proceeds to B16.

  In B15, it is determined whether or not the current time is in the evening time zone (for example, 16:00 to 17:00). If the current time is in the evening time zone, the process proceeds to B23, and if the current time is not in the evening time zone, the process proceeds to B17.

  In B16, it is determined whether or not the acquired weather information is clear. If it is clear, the process proceeds to B19. If it is not clear, the process proceeds to B18.

  In B17, it is determined whether or not the acquired weather information is clear. If it is clear, the process proceeds to B22. If not clear, the process proceeds to B21.

  In B18, the photographing condition for setting the white balance to a predetermined value corresponding to the “cloudy” weather and turning on the flash 105a is determined as the optimum photographing condition.

  In B19, the photographing condition for setting the white balance to a predetermined value corresponding to the weather of “clear” and turning off the flash 105a is determined as the optimum photographing condition.

  In B21, the photographing condition for setting the white balance to a predetermined value corresponding to “cloudy” weather and turning on the flash 105a is determined as the optimum photographing condition.

  In B22, the white balance is set to a predetermined value corresponding to “evening scene” weather (a predetermined value corresponding to the “evening scene” scene position that can be set with the mode dial 123), and the flash 105a is turned off. Determine the optimal shooting conditions.

  In B23, the photographing condition for setting the white balance to a predetermined value corresponding to the auto mode and turning on the flash 105a is determined as the optimum photographing condition.

  Note that after the process of B18 to B23 is completed, the process proceeds to B4, and the determined optimum shooting condition is transmitted to the camera 100.

  As described above, the server 8 according to the present embodiment determines the optimal shooting condition for the current position of the camera 100 according to the identification information, weather information, and current time of the specific access point 2 accessed by the camera 100. The determined shooting conditions are sent to the camera 100. The camera 100 sets the shooting conditions received from the server 8. Therefore, even if the user does not set the shooting conditions one by one, the user can perform shooting with the camera 100 in which the shooting conditions optimal for the shooting location are automatically set, and the photographer can obtain a satisfactory image. it can.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging condition setting system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A diagram conceptually showing the structure of the shooting condition table Digital camera block diagram Flow chart showing the flow of processing executed by the imaging condition setting system The flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging condition determination process which a server performs

Explanation of symbols

2: Access point, 8: Server, 100: Digital camera

Claims (4)

An imaging condition setting support system comprising an imaging device, an access point having unique identification information and wirelessly connected to the imaging device, and a server communicating with the imaging device via the access point,
The server stores a shooting condition table in which identification information unique to each access point is associated with shooting conditions optimal for the installation location of each access point;
The imaging device transmits an imaging condition request for requesting transmission of imaging conditions to the server together with identification information unique to the specific access point in response to wireless connection with a specific access point,
When the server receives the unique identification information and the shooting condition request via the specific access point, the server determines a shooting condition corresponding to the unique identification information by referring to the shooting condition table. To the shooting device,
When the imaging apparatus receives the imaging condition from the server, the imaging condition setting system sets the received imaging condition. An imaging condition setting method used in a system including an imaging device, an access point having unique identification information and wirelessly connected to the imaging device, and a server communicating with the imaging device via the access point ,
Storing in the server a shooting condition table in which identification information unique to each access point is associated with shooting conditions optimal for the installation location of each access point;
Transmitting a shooting condition request for requesting transmission of shooting conditions to the server together with identification information specific to the specific access point in response to the radio connection of the shooting apparatus to a specific access point;
When the server receives the unique identification information and the photographing condition request via the specific access point, the photographing condition corresponding to the unique identification information is determined with reference to the photographing condition table. Transmitting the photographing conditions to the photographing device;
When the imaging device receives the imaging condition from the server, setting the received imaging condition;
Shooting condition setting method including An imaging condition providing server that has unique identification information and communicates with the imaging device via an access point that is wirelessly connected to the imaging device,
A storage unit for storing a photographing condition table in which identification information unique to each access point is associated with a photographing condition optimal for the installation location of each access point;
A receiving unit for receiving identification information unique to the specific access point and the shooting condition request from a shooting device wirelessly connected to the specific access point;
A shooting condition determining unit that determines a shooting condition corresponding to the unique identification information with reference to a shooting condition table of the storage unit;
A transmission unit that transmits the imaging condition determined by the imaging condition determination unit to the imaging device via the specific access point;
An imaging condition providing server comprising: An imaging device that communicates with a server via a wireless access point having unique identification information,
A transmission unit that transmits an imaging condition request for requesting transmission of imaging conditions to the server together with identification information unique to the specific access point in response to wireless connection with a specific access point;
A receiving unit for receiving the imaging conditions from the server;
A setting unit for setting the shooting conditions received by the receiving unit from the server;
An imaging device comprising:

Images