JP2018042112A - Imaging apparatus and control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for smoothly shifting to an unreasonable communication state according to a user's intention even when wireless communication used for voice acquisition and wireless communication of a captured image can be mixed. An image pickup apparatus having a built-in microphone and an image pickup unit for recording a video with sound on a predetermined storage medium, an interface for connecting an external device, and wireless communication with the external apparatus When a wireless microphone receiver and a wireless microphone receiver that transmits collected sound wirelessly are connected to an interface in a state where wireless communication is performed with an external device via the wireless communication unit, Switching from the built-in microphone to the wireless microphone as an audio input source when the wireless communication of the wireless communication unit is terminated and the wireless communication of the wireless communication unit is terminated. Part. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a control method thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an imaging apparatus that records an image signal and an audio signal is known. Some of these image pickup apparatuses are detachable from a microphone (built-in microphone) provided in the image pickup apparatus, and include a technique for acquiring an audio signal by wireless communication. When acquiring and recording an audio signal by wireless communication, it is common to record with the sound of the built-in microphone cut off. There is an apparatus that uses Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication as wireless communication for obtaining an audio signal, and there is also an apparatus that cannot perform wireless communication control from the imaging apparatus and automatically starts communication as soon as it is mounted.

  Furthermore, there are devices that transmit and receive data using wireless communication such as wireless LAN in these imaging apparatuses. However, for example, when transmitting and receiving data, if the same frequency band as the voice signal acquisition method by Bluetooth communication is used, interference may occur and voice quality may deteriorate, data transfer speed may decrease, etc. There's a problem. For this reason, when an audio signal is acquired by Bluetooth communication, there is a device that operates to disconnect wireless communication in a wireless LAN used for data transmission / reception. In addition, when a plurality of wireless communications are operating in the same frequency band, there is a method of displaying communication item options and disconnecting communications other than the selected communication item (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-45369 A

  Patent Document 1 is effective in the case of a device that allows a user to select desired communication from a plurality of wireless communications, but as described above, a device that cannot perform communication control of wireless communication used for obtaining an audio signal. Then it is not effective.

  In addition, for devices that cannot control wireless communication used to acquire audio signals, forcibly terminate wireless communication used for data transmission / reception to prevent interference even when priority is given to wireless communication used for data transmission / reception. Therefore, in order to operate again, it is necessary to remove the external device that performs wireless communication used for obtaining the audio signal and then perform the connection procedure again, which causes a problem of user trouble.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and even in a case where wireless communication used for voice acquisition and wireless communication of a captured image may be in a state of interference, the communication state according to the user's intention is reasonable. It is intended to provide a technology that can move smoothly.

In order to solve this problem, for example, an imaging apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
An imaging device that has a built-in microphone and an imaging unit, and records video with audio in a predetermined storage medium,
Interface means for connecting external devices;
Wireless communication means for wireless communication with an external device;
When a wireless microphone receiver that wirelessly transmits the collected sound is connected to the interface while performing wireless communication with the external device via the wireless communication means, a predetermined time Communication control means for terminating wireless communication by the wireless communication means after elapse of time,
And switching means for switching from the built-in microphone to the wireless microphone as an audio input source in response to termination of wireless communication by the wireless communication means.

  According to the present invention, even when wireless communication used for voice acquisition and wireless communication of a captured image may be in a situation where interference occurs, it is possible to smoothly shift to a reasonable communication state according to the user's intention. .

1 is a block configuration diagram of an imaging apparatus to which an embodiment is applied. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of an imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6.

  FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of an imaging apparatus to which the embodiment can be applied. The imaging unit 1001 includes a photographing lens that captures an optical image of a subject, an aperture that controls the amount of light, an imaging element that converts the optical image into an electrical signal, and the like. The video processing unit 1002 performs processing necessary for the video recording method, such as converting the image signal obtained from the imaging unit 1001 to an appropriate signal level, converting it into digital data, and recording one frame at a time. The audio input unit 1003 collects audio around the imaging device with an external wireless microphone or the like connected via an audio input terminal, performs analog / digital conversion, and converts the audio signal to the input selection unit 1005 as digital data. To transmit. In this embodiment, a microphone (hereinafter referred to as a BT microphone) that supports Bluetooth communication is taken as an example of a wireless microphone. The BT microphone includes a wireless microphone and a wireless microphone receiver (hereinafter simply referred to as a receiver), and the receiver is mounted on the imaging apparatus. The receiver has a USB slave interface, for example, and parameters related to communication with the microphone are fixed. Then, surrounding sounds picked up by the microphone are transferred to the receiving end via Bluetooth communication. In addition, the imaging apparatus in the embodiment is provided with a USB master interface, to which the above receiver can be connected. As described above, the communication control of the BT microphone cannot be performed from the imaging apparatus, and the Bluetooth communication operates when the BT microphone (receiver) is attached to the imaging apparatus. If the BT microphone is removed, the Bluetooth communication operation is also stopped. Bluetooth communication uses the 2.4 GHz band. The built-in microphone 1004 is attached to the imaging apparatus from the beginning, collects sound around the imaging apparatus, performs analog-digital conversion, and transmits the audio signal to the input selection unit 1005.

  The input selection unit 1005 selects one of the audio signals obtained from the audio input unit 1003 and the built-in microphone unit 1004 according to an instruction from the device control unit 1016, and transmits the selected audio signal to the audio signal processing unit 1006. The audio signal processing unit 1006 has an amplifier that amplifies the acquired audio signal to an appropriate level, and processes the audio signal to generate audio data.

  The operation unit 1007 functions as an interface between the user and the imaging apparatus, and includes various buttons, switches, a touch panel, and the like. The display unit 1008 displays data from the display control unit 1009. For example, a touch panel that is a component of the operation unit 1007 may be provided on the display screen of the display unit 1008. The display control unit 1009 causes the display unit 1008 to display a video relating to the image signal transmitted from the video processing unit 1002, an operation screen (menu screen) for operating the imaging apparatus, and the like.

  The video / audio bus 1010 is a bus for transmitting image data and audio data between the processing units. The control signal bus 1011 is a bus for transmitting a control signal from the apparatus control unit 1016, an instruction signal from the operation unit 1007, and the like.

  The wireless communication control unit 1012 acquires data on the image / audio bus 1010 and controls the communication function of the wireless communication unit 1013 according to an instruction from the device control unit 1016. The wireless communication unit 1013 performs wireless communication with an external device (not shown) by modulating data and placing it on a carrier wave according to an instruction from the wireless communication control unit 1012. The wireless communication is, for example, Wi-Fi (wireless LAN), and is selected and set by the user from the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Examples of functions for performing wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as wireless functions) include a camera system function, a playback system function, and a setting system function.

  The camera system function is a mode in which an image captured by the present apparatus is transferred to an external apparatus (for example, a smart phone). Typically, this is the case where the image captured by the external device is received wirelessly and displayed (recorded). In this situation, in addition to the captured image, voice is also transferred from the voice input unit 1003 or the built-in microphone unit 1004 to the external device, so the influence of voice deterioration due to interference is great.

  The reproduction system function is a mode in which audio-added video data previously captured and recorded in the recording unit 1015 or the like is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 1013 to an external device. Since recorded data is transmitted and received, voice is not collected during the function operation, but the influence of a decrease in data transfer speed due to interference can be considered.

  The setting function is a function for performing setting in wireless communication in the wireless communication control unit 1012. For example, it is used when searching for nearby access points. There is no need to consider the influence on the data transfer speed because no sound is collected during the function operation and no video or audio data is transferred.

  The recording control unit 1014 acquires data for wireless communication from the recording unit 1015 according to an instruction from the device control unit 1016. The recording unit 1015 records the video data obtained from the video processing unit 1002, the audio data obtained from the audio signal processing unit 1006, and other data in association with each other as necessary, and the recorded data is recorded. It has a function of reading according to an instruction from the recording control unit 1014.

  The device control unit 1016 controls the various processing units described so far according to various functions, and includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

  The above is the description of the configuration of the imaging apparatus in the embodiment, but it should be understood that the above is merely an example. For example, although various control units are shown in FIG. 1, the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is not necessarily required. Regarding the control of the imaging apparatus, one hardware may function as a means for performing various controls, or a plurality of hardware may function to control each unit of the imaging apparatus while sharing the processing.

  FIG. 2 is a control flowchart executed by the apparatus control unit 1016 when a removable audio signal acquisition unit (hereinafter referred to as a BT microphone (Bluetooth microphone)) is attached to the imaging apparatus in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the processing content of the apparatus control unit 1016 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the apparatus control unit 1016 detects that the BT microphone (receiver) is attached via the audio input unit 1003, the apparatus control unit 1016 advances the process to step S 2001. In step S2001, apparatus control unit 1016 determines whether radio communication control unit 1012 is operating. If so, the process proceeds to step S2002. If not, the process proceeds to step S2009.

  In step S2002, apparatus control unit 1016 determines the frequency band used by the operating wireless function. In the case of the 2.4 GHz band, since the band overlaps with the communication frequency in the BT microphone (same band), the process proceeds to step S2003. On the other hand, when the wireless communication is in the 5 GHz frequency band, there is no influence of interference, so the process proceeds to step S2009. Here, the determination of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz is performed, but it may be determined whether or not the frequency band used by the detected BT microphone is the same.

  In step S2003, apparatus control unit 1016 determines the type of wireless function. In the case of a camera system function, that is, a function of performing imaging using the imaging unit 1001, the process proceeds to step S2004. In the case of a playback function, that is, a function that transmits data in the recording unit 1015 or the like from the wireless communication unit 1013 to an external device, the process proceeds to step S2010. In the case of a setting function, that is, a function for performing settings in wireless communication in the wireless communication control unit 1012, the communication time is short and the influence of interference is small, so the process proceeds to step S2009.

  In step S2004, apparatus control unit 1016 counts down for predetermined time T. In the embodiment, T = 5 seconds will be described. However, this time may be set by the user from the operation unit 1007. When the user sets, the set time may be stored and held in the nonvolatile memory, and the value may be used as long as there is no correction.

  In step S2005, the apparatus control unit 1016 updates the screen of the display unit 1008. An example of a screen displayed on the display unit 1008 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, a notice message including the end of the wireless LAN function, switching to the BT microphone, and the remaining time is displayed. The device control unit 1016 displays the countdown time in step S2004 on the time display portion 5001 in the screen.

  In step S2006, apparatus control unit 1016 determines whether or not the BT microphone is continuously attached to audio input unit 1003. If it is continuously worn, the process proceeds to step S2007, and if no wearing is detected, the process ends. When the user detects that the BT microphone (receiver) is not connected for a certain period of time, there is no interference and the wireless function can be operated continuously.

  In step S2007, apparatus control unit 1016 determines whether time T has elapsed. If it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S2008, and if it has not elapsed, the process returns to step S2005.

  In step S2008, the device control unit 1016 issues a stop command to the wireless communication control unit 1012 to stop the operating wireless function. The BT microphone is attached during the wireless function operation, and the wireless function is continuously operated for a certain time (5 seconds in the embodiment). However, since the user did not remove the BT microphone within the time T, the wireless function is terminated. By terminating the wireless function, interference can be prevented.

  In step S2009, apparatus control unit 1016 switches to voice input unit 1003 as the voice input source. As a result, it is determined that the cause of the interference is removed or there is no influence of the interference until the process of step S2009. In step S2009, the device control unit 1016 specifically performs a process of switching the voice input from the built-in microphone unit 1004 to the BT microphone detected by the voice input unit 1003 by the input selection unit 1005.

  In step S2010, apparatus control unit 1016 performs screen display processing for the playback system function. Since the playback system function basically does not require the use of a BT microphone, the wireless function is prioritized and continued. However, since the data transfer speed is affected by interference, the user is prompted to remove the BT microphone. FIG. 6 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 1008.

  Note that each event determination step S2001, S2002, S2003, S2006, S2007 in this flow has been described in the order of inquiry, but when waiting for an event of each condition at the same time, each process is executed in the order of event occurrence. May be.

  In the present embodiment, in consideration of the influence of interference as described above, different control is performed depending on the type of wireless function currently being executed. As a result, it is possible to reduce the condition that the two wireless communications cannot be used at the same time, and to give time for the user to select a process before the wireless function is forcibly terminated.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The apparatus configuration in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the description of the common parts will be omitted, and the description will be focused on the parts specific to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the apparatus control unit 1016 when the BT microphone is attached to the apparatus in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The feature of the second embodiment is that, compared with the first embodiment, the wireless function is forcibly terminated, and the wireless function is automatically switched to a frequency band that is not affected by interference and restarted. It is the feature.

  When it is detected that the BT microphone (receiver) is attached to the apparatus via the voice input unit 1003, the apparatus control unit 1016 starts processing from step S3001.

  In step S3001, apparatus control unit 1016 determines whether or not wireless communication control unit 1012 is operating. If it is operating, the process proceeds to step S3002, and if it is not operating (not operating), the process proceeds to step S3005.

  In step S3002, the frequency band used by the operating wireless function is determined. If it is the 2.4 GHz band, the process proceeds to step S3003 although it is the same as the band used by the BT microphone. On the other hand, if the wireless function uses the frequency band of 5 GHz, there is no influence of interference, and the process advances to step S3005. Here, although the determination of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz is performed, it may be determined whether or not the frequency band used by the detected BT microphone is the same.

In step S3003, apparatus control unit 1016 ends the wireless function being operated by wireless communication control unit 1012. In step S3004, the device control unit 1016 causes the wireless communication control unit 1012 to resume the wireless function using the 5 GHz band. When the resumption of the wireless function is completed, the process proceeds to step S3005. In step S3005, apparatus control unit 1016 performs voice input switching. Before the processing in step S3005, it is determined that the cause of interference has been removed or that there is no influence of interference. Therefore, the input selection unit 1005 switches the voice input from the built-in microphone unit 1004 to the BT microphone detected by the voice input unit 1003.

  Note that each event determination step S3001 and S3002 in this flow has been described by the determination by inquiry in order, but when waiting for an event of each condition at the same time, each process may be executed in the order of event occurrence.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when two radio communications are in the same frequency band and there is an influence of interference, one radio communication is automatically restarted in a different frequency band. As a result, it is possible to prevent interference without requiring user operation.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 7. Note that the apparatus configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description of the common parts is omitted, and the description is focused on the parts unique to the third embodiment.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the device control unit 1016 when a wireless function start request is issued in the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the process of the apparatus control unit 1016n will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, when the wireless communication control unit 1012 is set to perform wireless communication from the wireless communication unit 1013 in the frequency band 2.4 GHz, the wireless communication is performed by changing the frequency band in order to prevent interference. To start. Note that this flowchart is processing when a wireless function start request is received from the operation unit 1007 or the like in a state where the wireless function is OFF.

  When the apparatus control unit 1016 receives a wireless function communication start instruction from the operation unit 1007 or the like, the apparatus control unit 1016 starts processing from step S4001.

  In step S4001, apparatus control unit 1016 determines whether or not wireless communication control unit 1012 is set to perform wireless communication from wireless communication unit 1013 in the frequency band 2.4 GHz. If it is the 2.4 GHz band, the process proceeds to step S4002, and if it is 5 GHz, the process proceeds to step S4004.

  In step S <b> 4002, apparatus control unit 1016 detects attachment of BT microphone (receiver) to audio input unit 1003. If attachment of the BT microphone is detected, apparatus control unit 1016 advances the process to step S4003. If not detected (if no BT microphone is attached), apparatus control unit 1016 advances the process to step S4005.

  In step S4003, apparatus control unit 1016 updates the screen of display unit 1008. FIG. 7 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 1008. Since there are devices that are not compatible with the 5 GHz band depending on the external device connected to the wireless communication unit 1013, the purpose is to explicitly notify the user. Note that the apparatus control unit 1016 detects a selection (touch operation, confirmation key, or the like) from the user for the button 7001 on the screen, and proceeds to the next step S4004.

  In step S4004, apparatus control unit 1016 causes wireless communication control unit 1012 to start a wireless function in the 5 GHz band. This makes it possible to start wireless communication that prevents interference with the BT microphone being used.

  On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S4005, the apparatus control unit 1016 causes the wireless communication control unit 1012 to start a wireless function in the 2.4 GHz band. It is determined that there is no influence of interference before the process of step S4005.

  Note that each event determination step S4001 and S4002 in this flow has been described by the determination by inquiry in order, but when waiting for an event of each condition at the same time, each process may be executed in the order of event occurrence.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when the apparatus control unit 1016 receives a wireless function start request, the frequency band at the start of the wireless function is determined according to the setting of the frequency band and the presence or absence of detection of the BT microphone. . Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent interference.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the present invention are also included in the present invention. included. A part of the above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined. In the above-described embodiment, the communication control of the BT microphone cannot be performed from the imaging device, and the Bluetooth communication is operated when the BT microphone is attached to the imaging device. However, the communication from the imaging device to the BT microphone is described. If control is possible, communication control may be performed according to the type of wireless function and the influence of interference. For example, during the camera system function operation, the communication of the BT microphone is not started for a certain time, and if the user does not remove the BT microphone within the certain time, the wireless function is terminated and the communication of the BT microphone is started. During playback system function operation and setting system function operation, communication of the BT microphone is not started. It is good. Further, a notification may be displayed on the display unit 1008 at the start of communication of the BT microphone.

  The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of one embodiment of the present invention, and the embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

(Other examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1001 ... Imaging part, 1002 ... Video processing part, 1003 ... Audio | voice input part, 1004 ... Built-in microphone part, 1005 ... Input selection part, 1006 ... Audio | voice signal processing part, 1007 ... Operation part, 1008 ... Display part, 1009 ... Display control , 1012 ... Wireless communication control unit, 1013 ... Wireless communication unit, 1014 ... Recording control unit, 1015 ... Recording unit, 1016 ... Device control unit

Claims (9)

An imaging device that has a built-in microphone and an imaging unit, and records video with audio in a predetermined storage medium,
Interface means for connecting external devices;
Wireless communication means for wireless communication with an external device;
In a state where wireless communication is performed with the external device via the wireless communication means, when a wireless microphone receiver that wirelessly transmits the collected sound is connected to the interface, a predetermined time is Communication control means for terminating wireless communication by the wireless communication means after elapses;
An imaging apparatus comprising: switching means for switching from the built-in microphone to the wireless microphone as an audio input source in response to termination of wireless communication by the wireless communication means. The communication control means includes
When connection to the interface of the receiver is detected in a state where the image being captured by the image capturing unit is being transmitted to the external device via the wireless communication unit, the wireless communication is performed until the predetermined time elapses. Display a message indicating the remaining time until wireless communication by the communication means ends,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the disconnection of the receiver is detected before the predetermined time elapses, control is performed so that wireless communication by the wireless communication unit is continued. The communication control means includes
If the connection of the receiver to the interface is detected in a state where the video already recorded on the storage medium is being transmitted to the external device via the wireless communication means, prompting the user to remove the receiver The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a message is displayed and wireless communication by the wireless communication unit is continued. An imaging device that has a built-in microphone and an imaging unit, and records video with audio in a predetermined storage medium,
Interface means for connecting external devices;
Wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with an external device using one of a plurality of frequency bands;
In a state where wireless communication is performed with the external device via the wireless communication means, a wireless microphone receiver that wirelessly transmits the collected sound is connected to the interface, When the frequency band used by the wireless communication unit and the frequency band used by the receiver overlap, the frequency band used by the receiver does not overlap with the receiver. Communication control means for resuming connection with an external device;
An imaging apparatus comprising: switching means for switching from the built-in microphone to the wireless microphone as an audio input source in response to completion of resumption of connection by wireless communication of the wireless communication means. The communication control means includes
When the receiver is connected to the interface and switched to the wireless microphone as an audio input source, and the wireless communication means is instructed to start communication with the external device, the reception to the wireless communication means The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein communication is started using a frequency band excluding a frequency band used by the machine.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the communication control unit displays a message indicating a frequency band used by the wireless communication unit. The wireless communication means is a wireless LAN,
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wireless communication between the wireless microphone and the receiver is Bluetooth of a fixed parameter related to communication. An image pickup apparatus control method comprising an interface means for connecting an external device, a wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with an external apparatus, a built-in microphone, and an image pickup unit, and recording a video with sound in a predetermined storage medium. There,
In a state where wireless communication is performed with the external device via the wireless communication means, when a wireless microphone receiver that wirelessly transmits collected sound is connected to the interface, a predetermined time is A communication control step of terminating wireless communication by the wireless communication means after elapses;
And a switching step of switching from the built-in microphone to the wireless microphone as an audio input source in response to the end of the wireless communication of the wireless communication means. Interface means for connecting an external device, wireless communication means for wirelessly communicating with an external device using one of a plurality of frequency bands, a built-in microphone, an image pickup unit, and an image with sound A method for controlling an imaging apparatus for recording in a predetermined storage medium,
In a state where wireless communication is performed with the external device via the wireless communication means, a wireless microphone receiver that wirelessly transmits the collected sound is connected to the interface, When the frequency band used by the wireless communication unit and the frequency band used by the receiver overlap, the frequency band used by the receiver does not overlap with the receiver. A communication control step for resuming connection with an external device;
A switching method of switching from the built-in microphone to the wireless microphone as an audio input source in response to completion of resumption of connection by wireless communication in the wireless communication step.

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