JP2016115995A - Imaging apparatus, imaging apparatus control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To miss a photo opportunity because a handover process affects imaging. An imaging unit, a first wireless communication unit, a second wireless communication unit, and a communication parameter for communicating with the other device by the second wireless communication unit are set to the first wireless communication. And when the start of an action related to shooting is detected, the sharing means for recording via the recording means, the recording means for recording whether or not the second wireless communication means can be enabled, and the recording means for recording in the recording area are detected. The information is set to information indicating that it cannot be validated, and when the end of the action relating to photographing is detected, setting information is set to information indicating that the information can be validated, and the sharing means includes: An imaging apparatus characterized in that the availability information is also shared with the other apparatus. [Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that transmits and receives information by wireless communication.

  In recent years, a mechanism called handover has been proposed as a technique for realizing setting for communication connection such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark) with a simple operation. Handover uses a communication method with a narrow communication range such as NFC (Near Field Communication), etc., and exchanges setting information required for authentication between devices, and then communication with a wider communication range such as a wireless LAN. It is a mechanism to switch to the method.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, when a handover switching request is received, it is determined whether or not the switching destination communication method is in an available state. There has been proposed a mechanism for changing the communication method to a possible state.

  Such technology has also been installed in cameras.

JP 2011-151746 A

  While handover by NFC can be easily communicated, there is a possibility that the NFC handover process will start at an unintended timing. During NFC handover processing, there is a possibility that the camera user's shooting action may be hindered, such as displaying a display indicating that processing is in progress on a camera display unit such as a TFT, or prohibiting shooting from the camera. . In order to take a picture from this state, the user needs to interrupt the NFC handover process once. However, this process takes a certain amount of time and cannot be resumed immediately. This may cause the camera user to miss a great photo opportunity.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent handover processing from affecting imaging.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention is different from the first wireless communication in the imaging means, the first wireless communication means connected to another device via the first wireless communication, and the first wireless communication. A second wireless communication means for connecting to the other apparatus via a second wireless communication, and a communication parameter for communicating with the other apparatus by the second wireless communication means for the first wireless communication. A recording unit that records in a recording area information indicating whether the second wireless communication unit can be enabled, a sharing unit that is shared with the other device, and imaging using the imaging unit When detecting the start and end of the action, and when detecting the start of the action related to the shooting, the availability information is set to information indicating that the action cannot be enabled, and when the end of the action related to the shooting is detected, Validate the availability information And a setting means for setting the information indicating that you can, the shared unit, wherein the availability information is also shared with the other device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the handover process from affecting imaging.

(A) It is a block diagram of the digital camera in 1st Embodiment. (B), (c) is an external view of the digital camera in the first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone in 1st Embodiment. It is a format example of the tag memory in the first embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network system in a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow of the conventional handover process in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the information storage process of the tag memory in 1st Embodiment. It is a connection sequence of the communication apparatus and information terminal in 1st Embodiment. It is a format example of the tag memory in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the information storage process of the tag memory in 2nd Embodiment. It is a connection sequence of the communication apparatus and information terminal in 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of a display of the information terminal 200 when communication is not possible in the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the communication setting method using the operation part of the communication apparatus in 3rd Embodiment.

  EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated in detail using attached drawing.

  The embodiment described below is an example as means for realizing the present invention, and may be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Moreover, it is also possible to combine each embodiment suitably.

[First Embodiment]
<Configuration of Communication Device 100>
FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication device 100 that is an example of a communication device according to the present embodiment. Here, a digital camera will be described as an example of a communication device.

  The control unit 101 controls each unit of the communication apparatus 100 according to an input signal and a program described later. Note that instead of the control unit 101 controlling the entire apparatus, a plurality of hardware may share the processing to control the entire apparatus.

  The imaging unit 102 includes, for example, an optical lens unit, an optical system that controls the aperture, zoom, focus, and the like, and an imaging device that converts light (video) introduced through the optical lens unit into an electrical video signal. Composed. In general, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is used as the imaging element. The imaging unit 102 is controlled by the control unit 101 to convert subject light imaged by a lens included in the imaging unit 102 into an electrical signal by the imaging device, and perform noise reduction processing or the like to convert the digital data into an image. Output as data. In the communication apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the image data is recorded on the recording medium 110 in accordance with the DCF (Design Rule for Camera File system) standard.

  The non-volatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, and stores a program to be described later executed by the control unit 101.

  The work memory 104 is used as a buffer memory that temporarily holds image data picked up by the image pickup unit 102, an image display memory of the display unit 106, a work area of the control unit 101, and the like.

  The operation unit 105 is used for the user to accept an instruction for the communication apparatus 100 from the user. The operation unit 105 includes, for example, a power button for instructing the user to turn on / off the communication apparatus 100, a release switch for instructing photographing, a reproduction button for instructing reproduction of image data, and an exposure value. Includes AE lock button for fixing. Furthermore, an operation member such as a dedicated connection button for starting communication with another device via the communication unit 111 described later is included. The operation unit 105 also includes an eyepiece sensor installed in the vicinity of a viewfinder or EVF (Electronic View Finder) for the purpose of detecting the eyepiece of the user. A touch panel formed on the display unit 106 described later is also included in the operation unit 105. The release switch has SW1 and SW2. When the release switch is in a so-called half-pressed state, SW1 is turned on. Thus, an instruction for performing imaging preparation processing such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing is accepted. Further, when the release switch is in a fully-pressed state, SW2 is turned on. Thus, an instruction for performing the imaging process is received.

  The display unit 106 displays a viewfinder image at the time of shooting, displays shot image data, and displays characters for interactive operation. Note that the display unit 106 is not necessarily built in the communication device 100. The communication apparatus 100 can be connected to the internal or external display unit 106 and only needs to have at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 106.

  The recording medium 110 can record the image data output from the imaging unit 102. The recording medium 110 may be configured to be detachable from the communication device 100 or may be built in the communication device 100. That is, the communication apparatus 100 only needs to have at least a means for accessing the recording medium 110.

  The communication unit 111 is an interface for connecting to other devices. The communication device 100 of this embodiment can exchange data with other devices via the communication unit 111. For example, the image data generated by the imaging unit 102 can be transmitted to another device via the communication unit 111. Note that in the present embodiment, the communication unit 111 includes an interface for communicating with other devices via a so-called wireless LAN in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard. The control unit 101 realizes wireless communication with other devices by controlling the communication unit 111. Note that the communication method is not limited to the wireless LAN, and includes, for example, an infrared communication method.

  The close proximity wireless communication unit 112 includes, for example, an antenna for wireless communication and a modulation / demodulation circuit and a communication controller for processing a wireless signal. The proximity wireless communication unit 112 outputs non-contact proximity communication by outputting a modulated wireless signal from the antenna and demodulating the wireless signal received by the antenna. Here, non-contact proximity communication according to the ISO / IEC 18092 standard (so-called NFC: Near Field Communication) is realized. The close proximity wireless transfer unit 112 of the present embodiment is disposed on the side of the communication device 100.

  The information terminal 200 described later is connected by starting communication by bringing the close proximity wireless communication units 112 close to each other. In addition, when connecting using the near field communication part 112, it is not necessary to contact the near field communication parts 112 mutually. Since the close proximity wireless communication unit 112 can communicate even if they are separated from each other by a certain distance, in order to connect the devices to each other, the close proximity wireless communication range may be close. In the following description, it is also referred to as bringing close to the range where close proximity wireless communication is possible.

  Further, if the close proximity wireless communication units 112 are within a range where close proximity wireless communication is not possible, communication is not started. Further, when the close proximity wireless communication units 112 are within a range in which close proximity wireless communication is possible and the communication devices 100 are connected to each other, the close proximity wireless communication units 112 are separated to a range where close proximity wireless communication is not possible. If this happens, the communication connection is canceled. The contactless proximity communication realized by the proximity wireless communication unit 112 is not limited to NFC, and other wireless communication may be employed. For example, non-contact proximity communication according to the ISO / IEC 14443 standard may be adopted as non-contact proximity communication realized by the proximity wireless communication unit 112.

  In the present embodiment, the communication speed realized by the communication unit 111 is faster than the communication speed realized by the proximity wireless communication unit 112 described later. The communication realized by the communication unit 111 has a wider communication range than the communication by the close proximity wireless transfer unit 112. Instead, in the communication by the close proximity wireless communication unit 112, the communication partner can be limited by the narrowness of the communicable range, so processing such as exchange of encryption keys necessary for communication realized by the communication unit 111 is required. And not. That is, it is possible to communicate more easily than using the communication unit 111.

  Note that the communication unit 111 of the communication apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has an AP mode that operates as an access point in the infrastructure mode, and a CL mode that operates as a client in the infrastructure mode. Then, by operating the communication unit 111 in the CL mode, the communication device 100 according to the present embodiment can operate as a CL device in the infrastructure mode. When the communication apparatus 100 operates as a CL device, it can participate in a network formed by the AP device by connecting to a peripheral AP device. Further, by operating the communication unit 111 in the AP mode, the communication apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is a kind of AP, but operates as a simple AP (hereinafter referred to as a simple AP) with more limited functions. Is also possible. When the communication device 100 operates as a simple AP, the communication device 100 forms a network by itself. Devices around the communication device 100 can recognize the communication device 100 as an AP device and participate in a network formed by the communication device 100. It is assumed that a program for operating the communication apparatus 100 is held in the nonvolatile memory 103 as described above.

  Note that although the communication apparatus 100 in this embodiment is a kind of AP, it is a simple AP that does not have a gateway function for transferring data received from a CL device to an Internet provider or the like. Therefore, even if data is received from another device participating in the network formed by the own device, it cannot be transferred to a network such as the Internet.

  Next, the external appearance of the communication device 100 will be described. FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C are diagrams illustrating an example of the appearance of the communication device 100. The release switch 105a, the playback button 105b, the direction key 105c, the touch panel 105d, and the eye sensor 105e are operation members included in the operation unit 105 described above. Further, the display unit 106 displays an image obtained as a result of imaging by the imaging unit 102. Moreover, the communication apparatus 100 of this embodiment has the antenna part of the near field communication part 112 in the side surface of a camera housing. Proximity wireless communication with other devices can be established by bringing the proximity wireless communication units 112 closer to each other at a certain distance. Thereby, it is possible to communicate in a non-contact manner without using a cable or the like, and it is possible to limit communication partners according to the user's intention.

  The above is the description of the communication device 100.

<Internal configuration of information terminal 200>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the information terminal 200 which is an example of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Although a mobile phone is described here as an example of an information terminal, the information terminal is not limited to this. For example, the information terminal may be a digital camera with a wireless function, a tablet device, or a personal computer.

  The control unit 201 controls each unit of the information terminal 200 according to an input signal and a program described later. Note that instead of the control unit 201 controlling the entire apparatus, the entire apparatus may be controlled by a plurality of pieces of hardware sharing the processing.

  The imaging unit 202 converts subject light imaged by a lens included in the imaging unit 202 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, and outputs digital data as image data. The captured image data is stored in the buffer memory, and then a predetermined calculation is performed by the control unit 201 and recorded on the recording medium 210.

  The nonvolatile memory 203 is an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory. The nonvolatile memory 203 stores an OS (operating system) that is basic software executed by the control unit 201 and an application that realizes an applied function in cooperation with the OS. In the present embodiment, the nonvolatile memory 203 stores an application (hereinafter referred to as an application) for communicating with the communication device 100.

  The work memory 204 is used as an image display memory of the display unit 206, a work area of the control unit 201, and the like.

  The operation unit 205 is used to accept an instruction for the information terminal 200 from the user. The operation unit 205 includes, for example, operation members such as a power button for instructing the user to turn on / off the power of the information terminal 200 and a touch panel formed on the display unit 206.

  The display unit 206 displays image data, characters for interactive operation, and the like. Note that the display unit 206 is not necessarily provided in the information terminal 200. The information terminal 200 can be connected to the display unit 206 and need only have at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 206.

  The recording medium 210 can record image data output from the imaging unit 202. The recording medium 210 may be configured to be detachable from the information terminal 200 or may be built in the information terminal 200. That is, the information terminal 200 only needs to have at least means for accessing the recording medium 210.

  The communication unit 211 is an interface for connecting to other devices. The information terminal 200 of this embodiment can exchange data with the communication device 100 via the communication unit 211. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 211 is an antenna, and the control unit 101 can be connected to the communication device 100 via the antenna. In connection with the communication device 100, the connection may be made directly or via an access point. As a protocol for communicating data, for example, PTP / IP (Picture Transfer Protocol over Internet Protocol) through a wireless LAN can be used. Note that communication with the communication apparatus 100 is not limited to this. For example, the communication unit 211 can include an infrared communication module, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication module, and a wireless communication module such as WirelessUSB. Furthermore, a wired connection such as a USB cable, HDMI (registered trademark), or IEEE1394 may be employed.

  The near field communication unit 212 is a communication unit for realizing non-contact near field communication with other devices. The close proximity wireless communication unit 212 includes an antenna for wireless communication, a modulation / demodulation circuit for processing a wireless signal, and a communication controller. The close proximity wireless communication unit 212 outputs non-contact short-range communication by outputting a modulated wireless signal from an antenna and demodulating the wireless signal received by the antenna. Here, non-contact communication according to the ISO / IEC 18092 standard (so-called NFC) is realized. When the proximity wireless communication unit 212 receives a data read request from another device, it outputs response data based on the data stored in the nonvolatile memory 203. In this embodiment, the information terminal 200 operates in the card reader mode, the card writer mode, and the P2P mode defined by the NFC standard through the proximity wireless communication unit 212, and mainly acts as an initiator. On the other hand, the communication apparatus 100 behaves mainly as a target via the short-range wireless communication unit 112.

  The public network communication unit 213 is an interface used when performing public wireless communication. The information terminal 200 can talk with other devices via the public network communication unit 213. At this time, the control unit 201 inputs and outputs an audio signal via the microphone 214 and the speaker 215, thereby realizing a call. In the present embodiment, the public network communication unit 213 is an antenna, and the control unit 101 can be connected to the public network via the antenna. Note that the communication unit 211 and the public network communication unit 213 can be shared by a single antenna.

  The above is the description of the information terminal 200.

<Example of tag memory format>
When performing proximity wireless communication using the NFC method, the proximity wireless communication unit 112 includes a tag memory therein. The NFC card function has a function of transmitting information stored in a predetermined recording area of the tag memory to another device having an NFC reader / writer function.

  Here, an example of the data format of the tag memory in this embodiment is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the tag memory has a total capacity of 64 bytes, and can store information of SSID (16 bytes), encryption key (16 bytes), and communication availability information (1 byte). The SSID (Service Set Identifier) and the encryption key are information necessary for connecting to a wireless LAN network generated by the communication unit 111 described later. The communication availability information is information indicating whether or not the communication device 100 can transition to a state in which communication with the other device can be performed using the communication unit 111, and is “0: possible” or “1: impossible”. Indicated. In the present embodiment, this information indicates whether to use the wireless LAN function of the communication unit 111 of the communication device 100.

<Network system configuration>
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the network system of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a digital camera as a communication device and a mobile phone as an information terminal will be described as an example of a system for wireless communication connection between them. As shown in FIG. 4, the network system includes a communication device 100 and an information terminal 200, which can communicate by proximity wireless communication using the NFC scheme. Further, the communication device 100 and the information terminal 200 can communicate with each other by short-range wireless communication using a wireless LAN method.

  As described above, in the case of the NFC method, communication is performed by a method in which the information terminal 200 having a reader / writer function reads information stored in the tag memory of the communication device 100 having a card function.

  FIG. 4 shows an example in which a digital camera is used as a communication device and a smartphone is used as an information terminal, but these do not limit the system configuration to which the present invention can be applied.

  Next, an outline of a conventional handover procedure executed in the network configuration shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that it is assumed that the communication apparatus 100 and the information terminal 200 are powered on in advance before starting the procedure of FIG.

  First, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, as preparation for handover, wireless LAN parameter information (SSID, encryption key) for connecting to the wireless LAN network generated by the access point function of the communication device 100 in the tag memory Is stored (S501). The execution of this step may be an input operation by the user via the operation unit 105, or may be automatically processed by the control unit 101 of the communication apparatus 100. The wireless LAN parameters stored here are generated randomly every time this step is executed. This enhances security.

  Subsequently, when the user brings the information terminal 200 close to the communication device 100 in a state where advance preparation has been made, NFC near field wireless communication is executed, and wireless LAN parameter information stored in the tag memory is transmitted to the information terminal 200. (S502). As a result, the communication parameters of the wireless LAN network are shared between the communication device 100 and the information terminal 200. Subsequently, the information terminal 200 transmits a communication connection request to the wireless LAN network corresponding to the SSID included in the wireless LAN parameter information received in S501 (S503).

  Thereafter, the communication device 100 that has received the communication connection request transmits a response indicating the request permission to the information terminal 200 (S504), and a wireless LAN communication connection is established between the communication device 100 and the information terminal 200.

  The flow of the conventional handover process has been described above.

  Up to this point, the configurations of the communication device 100 and the information terminal 200 and the network system configuration in the present embodiment have been described. Next, the handover process in such a configuration will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Tag memory information storage processing>
First, a process of storing information in the tag memory in the communication apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As a premise of this processing, it is assumed that wireless LAN parameter information (SSID, encryption key) for connecting to the wireless LAN network generated by the access point function of the communication unit 111 is stored in the tag memory in advance.

  The processing flow shown in FIG. 6 is executed when the communication apparatus 100 is turned on.

  In step S <b> 601, the control unit 101 determines whether a shooting action start trigger is detected from the communication apparatus 100. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to S602, and if it is NO, the process proceeds to S603. For example, as a case corresponding to YES, a case in which counting of a photometric timer (holding time at the time of AE lock) is started (here, counting is started when SW2 is turned OFF) can be considered. In addition, it is conceivable that the eye sensor is turned on (when the eye is touched by a finder) or the AE lock button is turned on. Further, the case where the release switch SW1 is turned on, the case where SW2 is turned on, the moving image shooting is started, the mirror up shooting is started, and the like can be considered.

  In step S602, the control unit 101 updates the information on the communication availability information in the tag memory. In this step, the communication availability information is set to “1: impossible”.

  In step S <b> 603, the control unit 101 determines whether to detect a shooting action end trigger from the communication apparatus 100. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to S604, and if it is NO, the process proceeds to S605. For example, as a case corresponding to YES, a case where the photometry timer is turned off (when the count reaches a predetermined time and ends) can be considered. In addition, there are cases where the eye sensor is turned off (when the user leaves the viewfinder) or the AE lock button is turned off. Furthermore, the case where the release switch SW1 is turned off, the case where the SW2 is turned off, the moving image photographing is finished, the mirror up photographing is finished, and the like can be considered.

  In step S604, the control unit 101 updates the information on the communication availability information in the tag memory. In this step, the communication availability information is set to “0: Acceptable”.

  In S605, it is determined whether or not the detection of the shooting start / end trigger is to be ended. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to S606, and if it is NO, the process returns to S601 to continuously detect the shooting start / end trigger.

  If it is determined YES in S605, the control unit 101 executes the designated end process in S606.

  The information storage process in the tag memory has been described above.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless LAN parameter information (SSID, encryption key) has been described in the case where a randomly generated value is stored in the tag memory. For example, fixed wireless LAN parameter information at the time of factory shipment is written in the tag memory. May be included. Alternatively, the setting menu screen may be displayed on the display unit 106, and the wireless LAN parameter information on the tag memory may be updated when the wireless LAN network setting is changed by a user input operation via the operation unit 105. Good.

<Handover processing>
Next, the details of the handover process executed between the communication device 100 and the information terminal 200 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the following description, the processing sequence when the handover process is started in each of the cases where the communication availability information of the communication device 100 is “0: possible” and “1: impossible” is shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a processing sequence when the communication availability information of the communication apparatus 100 is “0: possible”.

  In step S <b> 701, the control unit 101 of the communication device 100 detects the shooting end trigger, and rewrites the communication availability information portion of the tag memory of the close proximity wireless communication unit 112 to “0: Possible”.

  In step S <b> 702, the control unit 201 of the information terminal 200 activates the NFC reader / writer function in response to a user operation. For example, it may be activated when a predetermined button of the operation unit 205 is pressed.

  In step S <b> 703, the control unit 201 of the information terminal 200 transmits a read request signal by the reader / writer function of the close proximity wireless transfer unit 212. This step is executed when the user brings the information terminal 200 and the communication device 100 close to the communicable range in NFC communication. Here, the communicable range of the NFC method is in the range of a close distance of about 10 cm. For example, a screen that prompts the user to bring the information terminal 200 close to (touch) the communication device 100 is displayed on the display unit 206 of the information terminal 200. When the user touches the communication device 100 with the information terminal 200, a read request signal transmitted from the close proximity wireless communication unit 212 reaches the close proximity wireless communication unit 112 of the communication device 100. Note that the shaded portion on the vertical axis in FIG. 7 indicates a state in which the devices are close to each other within the communicable range of NFC communication.

  In step S704, the close proximity wireless transfer unit 112 of the communication device 100 reads the information stored in the tag memory and transmits the information to the information terminal 200 as a response signal of the read request signal. The information transmitted here includes wireless LAN parameter information (SSID, encryption key) for connecting to the wireless LAN network generated by the access point function of the communication unit 111 of the communication device 100. Furthermore, information of communication availability information (“0: Allowed”) is also included. Note that the close proximity wireless communication unit 112 of the communication device 100 performs processing using power generated by electromagnetic induction when receiving radio waves supplied from the close proximity wireless communication unit 212 of the information terminal 200.

  In step S <b> 705, the close proximity wireless transfer unit 112 of the communication device 100 controls the power supply control unit 111 to validate the battery power supply of the communication device 100 and activate the entire system of the communication device 100. At the same time, it requests the control unit 101 to validate the communication unit 111. Upon receiving this request, the control unit 101 validates the access point function of the communication unit 111.

  In step S <b> 706, the control unit 201 of the information terminal 200 analyzes the information received in step S <b> 703 and determines whether to transmit a communication connection request from the communication unit 211. Specifically, it is determined whether or not to transmit a communication connection request from the communication unit 211 by referring to a determination table provided in advance in the information terminal 200 based on the acquired information on communication availability.

  In step S <b> 707, the control unit 201 of the information terminal 200 controls the communication unit 211 to send a communication connection request to the wireless LAN network generated by the access point function of the communication unit 111 of the communication device 100. To 100. This step corresponds to connection request means in the present invention. Here, the wireless LAN parameter information (SSID, encryption key) acquired in S704 is used.

  In step S708, the control unit 101 of the communication apparatus 100 determines that the wireless LAN parameter information (SSID, encryption key) transmitted in step S707 is valid, and controls the communication unit 111 to allow a communication connection request. Is transmitted to the information terminal 200. Thereby, a wireless LAN communication connection is established between the communication device 100 and the information terminal 200.

  Next, a processing sequence when the communication availability information of the communication apparatus 100 is “1: impossible” will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 701, the control unit 101 of the communication device 100 detects the shooting start trigger, and rewrites the communication availability information portion of the tag memory of the close proximity wireless communication unit 112 to “1: Impossible”.

  Since S702 to S704 and S706 are the same, description thereof will be omitted.

  In S711, since the information terminal 200 has obtained information that the communication availability information of the communication device 100 is “1: impossible” in S706, the communication connection request is not transmitted, and the handover process ends.

  The details of the handover process executed between the communication device 100 and the information terminal 200 in the present embodiment have been described above with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the embodiment described above, it is possible to prohibit the NFC handover process when the communication apparatus 100 is photographing. Further, by setting the start and end triggers of the photographing action as the start and end of the photometric timer count, the NFC handover NG period continues for a certain period even when the camera user ends the operation of the release button. For this reason, it is possible to control whether or not the NFC handover process is possible even in a slight gap between the photographing action and the influence on the photographing action of the camera user.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the communication device 100 stores wireless LAN parameter information (SSID, encryption key) and communication availability information in the tag memory, and rewrites the communication availability information by detecting the shooting start trigger and the shooting end trigger. An example of the case has been described. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the shooting start trigger and the shooting end trigger are set as the photometry timer start and the photometry timer end, respectively, and information on the set value of the photometry timer is stored in the tag memory.

  Some communication devices having a photometric timer function allow the user to arbitrarily set the photometric timer time. The set value of the metering timer can be set from several seconds to several tens of minutes, and is selected by operating the operation unit while viewing the menu displayed on the display unit of the communication apparatus. In such a communication apparatus, when the communication enable / disable information is switched based on the start / end trigger of the photometry timer, the communication impossible state continues for several tens of minutes depending on the set value of the photometry timer. The user cannot perform NFC handover for several tens of minutes after shooting. Therefore, information on the setting value of the haste timer is stored in the tag memory, and it is read on the information terminal and displayed on the display unit, etc., so that the user has set the metering timer and the setting value and metering timer are turned off. You can give information such as the remaining time until.

  Since the internal configuration of the communication device 100 and the information terminal 200 and the network system in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

<Configuration of Communication Device (Tag) 100>
First, FIG. 8 shows an example of the data format of the tag memory in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the tag memory has a total capacity of 64 bytes, SSID (16 bytes), encryption key (16 bytes), communication enable / disable information (1 byte), photometry timer state (1 byte), photometry Information on the timer setting value (4 bytes) can be stored. The SSID, the encryption key, and the communication availability information are the same as those in the first embodiment. The photometric timer state is information indicating the state of the photometric timer of the communication apparatus 100. In this embodiment, it is defined as “0: off state” and “1: on state”. The photometry timer setting value is information indicating the setting value of the photometry timer set in the communication apparatus 100.

<Tag memory information storage processing>
Next, a process for storing information in the tag memory in the communication apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, only processing steps different from the storage processing shown in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment will be described.

  If the communication apparatus 100 detects a shooting start trigger in S901, it is checked in S902 whether the photometric timer of the communication apparatus 100 is in an ON state. If it is OFF, the process proceeds to S903, and if it is ON, the process proceeds to S904.

  In step S903, the control unit 101 updates the information on the communication availability information in the tag memory. In this step, the communication availability information is set to “1: impossible”, and the photometry timer state is set to “0: off”.

  In step S904, the setting value of the photometry timer set in the communication apparatus 100 is acquired. In step S905, the control unit 101 updates the information on the communication availability information in the tag memory. In this step, it is assumed that the communication availability information is “1: impossible”, the photometry timer state is “1: on”, and the photometry timer setting value is the value acquired in S904.

  If the communication apparatus 100 detects a shooting end trigger in S906, it is checked in S907 whether the photometry timer of the communication apparatus 100 is in an ON state. If it is OFF, the process proceeds to S908. If it is ON, the process proceeds to S909.

  In step S908, the control unit 101 updates the information on the communication availability information in the tag memory. In this step, the communication availability information is set to “0: possible”, and the photometry timer state is set to “0: off”.

  In S909, the setting value of the photometry timer set in the communication apparatus 100 is acquired, and in S910, the control unit 101 updates the information on the communication availability information in the tag memory. In this step, it is assumed that the communication availability information is “1: impossible”, the photometry timer state is “1: on”, and the photometry timer setting value is the value acquired in S909.

  The information storage process in the tag memory according to the present embodiment has been described above.

<Handover processing>
Next, details of the handover process executed between the communication apparatus 100 and the information terminal 200 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the steps different from the handover process shown in FIG. 7 in the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  Here, as a typical processing sequence, cases where the communication availability information of the communication device 100 is “0: possible” and “1: impossible” are given as examples, and the handover process is started in each case. A processing sequence in this case will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence when the communication availability information of the communication apparatus 100 is “0: Acceptable” and the photometry timer is off.

  In step S1001, the control unit 101 of the communication device 100 confirms that the photometry timer of the communication device 100 is off, sets the communication availability information part of the tag memory of the close proximity wireless communication unit 112 to “0: possible”, and sets the photometry timer state. Rewrite to “0: OFF state”. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

  Thereby, a wireless LAN communication connection is established between the communication device 100 and the information terminal 200. Next, a processing sequence when the communication availability information of the communication apparatus 100 is “1: impossible” and the photometry timer is on will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1001, the control unit 101 of the communication device 100 confirms that the photometry timer of the communication device 100 is on, sets the communication availability information portion of the tag memory of the close proximity wireless communication unit 112 to “1: impossible”, and sets the photometry timer state. Rewrite to “1: ON state”. In addition, the set value of the photometric timer is acquired, and the photometric timer set value portion of the tag memory of the close proximity wireless transfer unit 112 is similarly rewritten.

  Since the processing up to step S706 is the same, the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S1002, the information terminal 200 obtains information indicating that the photometry timer of the communication apparatus 100 is on in step S704, and thus displays information indicating that handover cannot be performed and information indicating that the cause is that the photometry timer is on. Displayed on the unit 206. FIG. 11 shows a display example at this time.

  FIG. 11A is an example showing that NFC handover cannot be performed and that the cause is that the photometric timer of the communication apparatus 100 is on.

  FIG. 11B shows an example in which the set value of the photometry timer currently set in the communication apparatus 100 is displayed in addition to the above. The user can estimate the approximate time from when the photometric sensor setting value is reached until the communication device 100 becomes communicable again.

  In this embodiment, the setting value of the metering timer is written to the tag memory. However, by writing the time when the metering timer is turned on in addition to the setting value of the metering timer, the remaining time until the metering timer is turned off is written. Time can be calculated. The remaining time can be counted down on the information terminal 200. An example is shown in FIG.

  The details of the handover process executed between the communication device 100 and the information terminal 200 in the present embodiment have been described above with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the embodiment described above, it is possible to display on the information terminal 200 that NFC handover cannot be performed when the communication device 100 is in the photometric timer on state.

[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a third embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which communication enable / disable information is written in the tag memory, and whether to perform NFC handover is determined according to this state.

  In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which it is determined whether or not to perform communication based on the communication availability information in the tag memory even when communication is set from the operation unit 105 of the communication apparatus 100 instead of NFC handover.

  Since the configuration of the communication apparatus 100, the format example of the tag memory, and the information storage process of the tag memory in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 12 shows a flow of short-range wireless communication setting using the operation unit 105 of the communication apparatus 100.

  In step S1201, the operation unit of the communication device 100 is operated to start the short-range wireless communication setting wizard.

  In S1202, the tag memory of the communication apparatus 100 is referred to and it is confirmed whether or not the communication availability information is “0: Permitted”. If “0: Permitted”, the process proceeds to S1202. If it is not “0: Permitted”, the process proceeds to S1205.

  In step S1203, the short-range wireless communication setting wizard is continued, and the user operates the operation unit 105 to input parameters necessary for arbitrary short-range wireless communication. Here, the communication device 100 may automatically generate parameters.

  In S1204, the short-range wireless communication function is activated using the communication parameters set in S1203.

  In S1205, information indicating that short-range wireless communication is not possible is displayed on the display unit 106 and the short-range wireless communication setting wizard is terminated.

  As described above, according to the embodiment described above, the communication device 100 can control whether or not to communicate using the communication availability information in the tag memory even in the communication setting by the operation unit.

[Other Embodiments]
In the above-described embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, the software of the information terminal 200 is described without distinguishing between the OS and the application installed by the OS. However, in a mobile device typified by a smartphone, the OS generally controls network level communication and the application controls application level communication. Therefore, for example, information for starting an application may be described in a tag, and the application may be started simply by bringing the devices close to each other. It should be noted that so-called vendor-specific information such as communication enable / disable information is confirmed by the activated application. Therefore, the information for starting the application is transmitted to the information terminal 200 no matter what value is set in the communication enable / disable information.

  In the above-described embodiment, the timing at which the end of any operation or process is detected is used as the end trigger of the shooting action. For this, for example, the time may be counted from the start trigger of the shooting action, and the timing when this count reaches a predetermined time may be used instead of the end trigger of the shooting action. In addition, the example using a photometry timer is an example at the time of using the timer for another function like said alternative process.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and the computer of the system or apparatus (or CUP, MPU, etc.) reads the program. To be executed.

Claims (15)

Imaging means;
A first wireless communication means for connecting to another device via the first wireless communication;
A second wireless communication means for connecting to the other device via a second wireless communication different from the first wireless communication;
Sharing means for sharing communication parameters for communicating with the other device via the second wireless communication means with the other device via the first wireless communication;
Recording means for recording in the recording area whether or not the second wireless communication means can be enabled;
Detecting means for detecting the start and end of an action relating to photographing using the imaging means;
When the start of the action related to the shooting is detected, the availability information is set to information indicating that it cannot be enabled, and when the end of the action related to the shooting is detected, the enable / disable information is set to information indicating that the action can be enabled. Setting means for setting,
The image sharing apparatus, wherein the sharing unit also shares the availability information with the other apparatus. Means for setting a time for fixing the AE value of the imaging means as a photometric timer;
The detecting means detects the start of an action relating to the photographing when the counting of the photometric timer is started, and detects the end of the action relating to the photographing when the counting of the photometric timer ends. The imaging device according to claim 1. A viewfinder,
An eye sensor for detecting that the viewfinder is in contact with the eye,
The detection means detects when the eye sensor is in contact with the viewfinder, detects the start of the action related to the shooting, and when the eye sensor no longer detects the eye of the viewfinder, The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an end of an action related to the photographing is detected. An AE lock button for fixing the AE of the imaging means;
The detection means detects the start of an action related to shooting when the AE lock button is turned on, and detects the end of the action related to shooting when the AE lock button is turned off. The imaging device according to claim 1. A release switch that receives an instruction regarding imaging when pressed by the user;
The imaging means starts imaging preparation processing in response to the release switch being half-pressed, starts imaging processing in response to the release switch being fully pressed,
The detection means detects the start of an action related to the shooting when the release switch is half-pressed, and detects the end of the action related to the shooting when the release switch is not pressed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. A release switch that receives an instruction regarding imaging when pressed by the user;
The imaging means starts imaging preparation processing in response to the release switch being half-pressed, starts imaging processing in response to the release switch being fully pressed,
The detecting means detects the start of an action related to the shooting when the release switch is fully pressed, and detects the end of the action related to the shooting when the release switch is fully pressed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is characterized.   2. The detection unit according to claim 1, wherein when the moving image shooting is started, the detection unit detects the start of the action related to the shooting, and when the moving image shooting is ended, the detection unit detects the end of the action related to the shooting. The imaging device described.   The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second wireless communication has a longer communicable distance than the first wireless communication.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second wireless communication unit is an NFC tag.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording area is included in the second wireless communication unit.   11. The sharing unit according to claim 1, wherein the second wireless communication unit shares the communication parameter in response to a request from the other device. The imaging device described.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sharing unit also shares information for starting an application installed in the other apparatus.   13. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the sharing unit shares information for starting an application installed in the other apparatus regardless of the setting of the availability information. The imaging unit, the first wireless communication unit connected to the other device via the first wireless communication, and the second device connected to the other device via the second wireless communication different from the first wireless communication A control method of an imaging apparatus having a second wireless communication means,
A sharing step of sharing communication parameters for communicating with the other device via the second wireless communication with the other device via the first wireless communication;
A recording step of recording availability information indicating whether or not the second wireless communication means can be enabled in a recording area;
A detection step of detecting the start and end of an action relating to shooting using the imaging means;
When the start of an action related to the shooting is detected, the availability information is set to information indicating that it cannot be enabled, and when the end of the action related to the shooting is detected, the information indicating whether the enable / disable information can be enabled A setting step for setting,
In the sharing step, the availability information is also shared with the other device.   A computer-readable program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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