JP2007110276A - Communication system, communication apparatus and method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of securely and easily carrying out communication settings. <P>SOLUTION: A digital camera 11 carried by a user 301 activates a strobe light emission section 52 to output unique information of the digital camera 11 while the user 301 directs the strobe light emission section 52 toward an access point 12. The strobe light is outputted as shown in the arrow in dotted lines. The access point 12 starts a camera function section 180, a CCD 222 photographs the strobe light and converts the light into image data. Further, the access point 12 extracts the unique information of the digital camera 11 from a photographed image obtained by the photographing. The access point 12 uses the acquired unique information to generate a WEP key with respect to the digital camera 11. The technology above can be applied to communication systems. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, a communication apparatus and method, and a program, and more particularly, to a communication system, a communication apparatus and method, and a program that enable communication settings to be performed safely and easily.

  In recent years, with the spread of networks such as a home LAN (Local Area Network), there is an increasing demand for a data sharing function using a network even in digital cameras. In particular, as a standard for so-called wireless LAN (Local Area Network), which is a network that uses wireless communication, wireless LAN that conforms to the IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard is now commonly used. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for a data sharing function via the wireless LAN.

  In a wireless LAN, an infrastructure (for example, a digital network having a wireless communication function) connected to a device on a wired network via a wireless LAN relay station called an access point (access point) Infrastructure) method.

  In this case, the access point has settings such as SSID (Service Set ID) and WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) in order to eliminate unauthorized connections, connect only legitimate parties, and improve wireless LAN security. The station may not be able to connect to the access point without using this information.

  A digital camera as a station usually does not have a general-purpose input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. Therefore, there is a possibility that a complicated operation is required for the user to input such wireless communication settings. In addition, in order to set correctly, knowledge about network construction is also required.

  Therefore, there is a method of automating and facilitating the setting of wireless communication by supplying setting information from the access point side to the station and registering it. However, in this case, if the setting information is exchanged using the same wireless communication function as that of the wireless LAN, the setting information may be intercepted and misused by a third party.

  In addition, when the access point generates the setting information dedicated to the station using the individual information of the station, more secure wireless communication can be established, but when transmitting the individual information from the station to the access point, If the setting information is exchanged using the same wireless communication function as the wireless LAN, the individual information may be intercepted and misused by a third party.

  Therefore, a method for exchanging information using another communication method such as infrared communication can be considered (for example, see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a device that requests connection using a password acquired through infrared communication when transmitting image data to the projector, and a projector that supplies the password to the device using infrared communication. Yes.

JP 2004-118488 A

  However, in the case of the method described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a processing unit and a device (IrDA communication unit) that perform infrared communication in each device. In other words, for example, if the station is a digital camera, an infrared communication unit (including an infrared LED light-emitting unit and an infrared light-receiving unit) that has nothing to do with photographing, which is the original function, but only for exchanging information. It is necessary to provide the digital camera. Therefore, this method not only increases the manufacturing cost of the device, but also increases the power consumption. In addition, it may be difficult to reduce the housing of the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and makes it possible to easily perform communication settings without impairing safety.

  A communication system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a communication system in which a first communication device and a second communication device perform wireless communication with each other, and the first communication device serves as auxiliary light during imaging. Controls the strobe light emission means for outputting the strobe light to be used and the strobe light emission means, and controls the supply of the solid information by outputting the solid information of the first communication device by the flashing of the strobe light. Solid-state information supply control means, wherein the second communication device controls photographing by the photographing means, photographing control means for photographing flashing of the strobe light, and photographing control. Image analysis means for analyzing a photographed image group obtained by photographing under the control of the means, and extracting the solid information from a flashing pattern of the strobe light included in the photographed image; Based on the solid information obtained is image analyzed by the analyzing means, and a common key generating means for generating a common key for encrypted communication information.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, in the first communication device, the solid information of the first communication device is output by flashing of strobe light used as auxiliary light at the time of shooting. In the second communication device, The flashing of the strobe light is photographed, the captured image group obtained by photographing is analyzed, solid information is extracted from the flashing light flash pattern included in the photographed image, and the solid obtained by image analysis Based on the information, a common key for encrypting the communication information is generated.

  A communication device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a communication device that performs wireless communication with another communication device, and includes a strobe light emitting unit that outputs strobe light used as auxiliary light at the time of photographing, and the strobe light emitting unit. Solid-state information supply control means for controlling supply of the solid-state information by controlling and outputting the solid-state information of the communication device by blinking the strobe light.

  Photographing means for photographing a subject, photographing control means for controlling photographing by the photographing means and photographing visible light output from the other communication device, and photographing obtained by photographing under the control of the photographing control means Image analysis means for analyzing the image and acquiring synchronization data indicating information acquisition timing in the other communication device supplied from the other communication device by the visible light; and the solid-state information supply control means The solid information can be supplied at a timing based on the synchronization data obtained by image analysis by the image analysis means.

  The solid information supply control means further comprises supply timing extraction means for extracting supply timing, which is information specifying the supply timing of the solid information, from the synchronous data obtained by image analysis by the image analysis means, The solid information can be supplied at a timing based on the supply timing extracted by the supply timing extraction means.

  A communication method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a communication method of a communication device that performs wireless communication with another communication device, and controls a strobe light emitting unit that outputs strobe light used as auxiliary light at the time of shooting, Controlling the supply of the solid information by outputting the solid information of the communication device by blinking the strobe light.

  A program according to a second aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to perform wireless communication with another communication device, controls a strobe light emitting unit that outputs strobe light used as auxiliary light at the time of photographing, and performs the communication Controlling the supply of the solid information by outputting the solid information of the device by flashing the strobe light.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, the supply of the solid information is controlled by outputting the solid information by flashing the strobe light.

  A communication apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is a communication apparatus that performs wireless communication with another communication apparatus, and controls an image capturing unit that captures an image of a subject, the image capturing by the image capturing unit, and the other communication device. Shooting control means for photographing the flashing of the strobe light that is output, and the captured image group obtained by photographing under the control of the shooting control means, and analyzing the flashing pattern of the strobe light included in the photographed image. Image analysis means for extracting solid information of another communication device, and common key generation for generating a common key for encrypting communication information based on the solid information obtained by image analysis by the image analysis means Means.

  Synchronous data generating means for generating synchronous data indicating timing for causing the photographing means to perform photographing, visible light emitting means for outputting visible light by emitting light, and light emission of the visible light emitting means And a synchronization data supply means for supplying the synchronization data to the other communication device by outputting the visible light, and the imaging control control means controls the imaging means, and the synchronization data The strobe light can be photographed at a timing based on.

  An activation control unit that controls activation of the imaging unit and the visible light emitting unit may be further provided.

  The apparatus may further include a common key storage unit that stores the common key generated by the common key generation unit.

  Using the common key generated by the common key generation means, setting information generation means for generating setting information for eliminating unauthorized connections and connecting only authorized parties, visible light is emitted. A visible light emitting means for outputting; and a setting information supply means for controlling the light emission of the visible light emitting means and outputting the visible light to supply the setting information to the other communication device. can do.

  A communication method according to a third aspect of the present invention is a communication method of a communication device that performs wireless communication with another communication device, and controls a photographing unit that photographs a subject and outputs a strobe output from the other communication device. Photographing blinking light, analyzing a photographed image group obtained by photographing, extracting solid information of the other communication device from the flashing light flashing pattern included in the photographed image, to the solid information Based on this, a step of generating a common key for encrypting the communication information is included.

  A program according to a third aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to perform wireless communication with another communication device, controls a photographing unit that photographs a subject, and controls strobe light output from the other communication device. The flashing is photographed, the photographed image group obtained by photographing is analyzed, the solid information of the other communication device is extracted from the flashing pattern of the strobe light included in the photographed image, and based on the solid information And generating a common key for encrypting the communication information.

  In the third aspect of the present invention, a photographing unit for photographing a subject is controlled, flashing of strobe light output from another communication device is photographed, a photographed image group obtained by photographing is analyzed, and photographing is performed. Solid information of another communication device is extracted from the flashing pattern of the strobe light included in the image, and a common key for encrypting the communication information is generated based on the solid information.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, wireless communication can be performed. In particular, communication settings can be performed safely and easily.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The correspondence relationship between the invention described in this specification and the embodiments of the invention is exemplified as follows. This description is intended to assure that embodiments supporting the claimed invention are described in this specification. Therefore, although there is an embodiment which is described in the embodiment of the invention but is not described here as corresponding to the invention, it means that the embodiment is not It does not mean that it does not correspond to the invention. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described herein as corresponding to an invention, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to an invention other than the invention. Absent.

  Further, this description does not mean all the inventions described in this specification. In other words, this description is an invention described in the present specification and is not claimed in this application, that is, an invention that will be filed in the future or added by amendment. Is not to deny.

  The communication system according to the first aspect of the present invention is a communication in which a first communication device (for example, the digital camera in FIG. 1) and a second communication device (for example, the access point in FIG. 1) perform wireless communication with each other. In the system (for example, the communication system of FIG. 1), the first communication device includes a strobe light emitting unit (for example, a strobe light emitting unit in FIG. 2) that outputs strobe light used as auxiliary light at the time of photographing, Solid-state information supply control means for controlling the supply of the solid-state information by controlling the strobe light emitting means and outputting the solid-state information of the first communication device by blinking the strobe light (for example, solid-state information in FIG. 4). Supply control unit), and the second communication device includes an imaging unit (for example, an optical block, a CCD, an A / D conversion unit, and a signal processing unit in FIG. 6) for imaging a subject, and the imaging unit. Shoot And a shooting control unit (for example, a shooting control unit in FIG. 8) for shooting the flashing of the strobe light, and a group of shot images obtained by shooting under the control of the shooting control unit. Based on the solid information obtained by image analysis by the image analysis means (for example, the image analysis section in FIG. 8) for extracting the solid information from the flashing pattern of the strobe light included in the image, and the image analysis means And a common key generating means (for example, a WEP key generating unit in FIG. 8) for generating a common key (for example, the WEP key in FIG. 6) for encrypting communication information.

  The communication apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is a communication apparatus (for example, the digital camera of FIG. 1) that performs wireless communication with another communication apparatus (for example, the access point of FIG. 1), and serves as auxiliary light during shooting. By controlling the strobe light emission means (for example, the strobe light emission unit in FIG. 2) that outputs the strobe light used and the strobe light emission means, the solid-state information of the communication device is output by the flashing of the strobe light. Solid information supply control means (for example, the solid information supply control unit in FIG. 4) for controlling supply of the solid information.

  Imaging means (for example, the optical block, CCD, A / D conversion unit, and signal processing unit in FIG. 2) that captures the subject, and the visible light that is controlled by the imaging unit and is output from the other communication device A shooting control unit (for example, the shooting control unit in FIG. 4) for shooting the image, and a shot image obtained by shooting under the control of the shooting control unit is analyzed and supplied from the other communication device by the visible light. And image analysis means (for example, an image analysis unit in FIG. 4) for acquiring synchronous data indicating information acquisition timing in the other communication device, and the solid-state information supply control means performs image analysis by the image analysis means. The individual information can be supplied at a timing based on the synchronization data obtained.

  Supply timing extraction means for extracting supply timing, which is information specifying the supply timing of the solid information, from the synchronization data obtained by image analysis by the image analysis means (for example, the supply timing extraction section in FIG. 4) The solid information supply control means can supply the solid information at a timing based on the supply timing extracted by the supply timing extraction means.

  A communication method or program according to a second aspect of the present invention is a communication method of a communication device (for example, the digital camera of FIG. 1) that performs wireless communication with another communication device (for example, the access point of FIG. 1). Controlling a strobe light emitting unit that outputs strobe light used as auxiliary light at the time of photographing, and controlling supply of the solid information by outputting solid information of the communication device by blinking of the strobe light (for example, Step S38) of FIG. 11 is included.

  The communication apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is a communication apparatus (for example, an access point in FIG. 1) that performs wireless communication with another communication apparatus (for example, the digital camera in FIG. 1), and shoots to photograph a subject. Means (for example, the optical block, CCD, A / D conversion unit, and signal processing unit in FIG. 6) and the photographing by the photographing means, and the flashing of strobe light output from the other communication device is photographed. The photographing control unit (for example, the photographing control unit in FIG. 8) and a photographed image group obtained by photographing under the control of the photographing control unit are analyzed, and the flashing pattern of the strobe light included in the photographed image is used for the analysis. Based on the solid state information obtained by image analysis by the image analysis unit (for example, the image analysis unit in FIG. 8) for extracting solid information of another communication device and the image analysis unit, the communication information is encrypted. for Tsukagi (e.g., WEP keys of FIG. 6) and a common key generating means for generating (e.g., WEP keys generation unit of FIG. 8).

  Visible light that emits visible light by emitting light, and synchronous data generating means (for example, a synchronous data generating unit in FIG. 8) that generates synchronous data indicating the timing at which the photographing means performs photographing. Light emitting means (for example, the LED light emitting unit in FIG. 6) and synchronous data supply means for controlling the light emission of the visible light emitting means and outputting the visible light to supply the synchronous data to the other communication device (For example, the synchronization data supply control unit in FIG. 8), and the imaging control control unit can control the imaging unit so that the strobe light is captured at a timing based on the synchronization data.

  An activation control unit (for example, a camera function unit activation control unit in FIG. 8) that controls activation of the imaging unit and the visible light emitting unit may be further provided.

  A common key storage unit (for example, a storage unit in FIG. 6) that stores the common key generated by the common key generation unit may be further provided.

  Using the common key generated by the common key generation means, setting information generation means (for example, setting information generation in FIG. 8) for generating setting information for eliminating unauthorized connections and connecting only authorized parties. Part), visible light emitting means for emitting visible light by emitting light (for example, LED light emitting part in FIG. 6), and controlling the light emission of the visible light emitting means to output the visible light, A setting information supply unit (for example, a setting information supply unit in FIG. 8) that supplies the setting information to the other communication device may be further provided.

  A communication method or program according to a third aspect of the present invention is a communication method of a communication device (for example, the access point of FIG. 1) that performs wireless communication with another communication device (for example, the digital camera of FIG. 1). Control a photographing unit (for example, the optical block, CCD, A / D conversion unit, and signal processing unit in FIG. 6) for photographing a subject to photograph flashing of strobe light output from the other communication device (for example, , Step S106 of FIG. 14), the captured image group obtained by capturing is analyzed, and the solid information of the other communication device is extracted from the flashing pattern of the strobe light included in the captured image (for example, FIG. 14 step S108), and a step of generating a common key for encrypting the communication information based on the solid information (for example, step S123 of FIG. 15).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example according to an embodiment of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, a communication system 1 includes a digital camera 11, an access point 12, a personal computer 13, a network 14, and a personal computer 15, and each device performs wired or wireless communication with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the access point 12 is a radio wave relay that connects stations via a wireless local area network (LAN), and is based on a standard such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 802.11x. The wireless LAN is constructed by performing wireless communication with each station such as the digital camera 11 and the personal computer 13.

  For example, the access point 12 relays data transmitted from the digital camera 11 and transmits it to the personal computer 13, or relays data transmitted from the personal computer 13 and transmits it to the digital camera 12. .

  The access point 12 is also connected to a network 14 to which a personal computer 15 is connected. The access point 12 has a routing function and a NAT (Network Address Translation) function, and includes a wireless LAN including the digital camera 11 and the personal computer 13 and the network 14. Also works as a bridge. That is, the digital camera 11 and the personal computer 13 are connected to each other via the access point 12 and are also connected to the personal computer 15 connected to the network 14 via the access point 12.

  For example, the access point 12 relays data transmitted from the digital camera 11 or the personal computer 13 to the personal computer 15 or relays data transmitted from the personal computer 15 to the digital camera 11 or personal computer. Or transmitted to the computer 13.

  The access point 12 is installed at an arbitrary place. As will be described later, the access point 12 includes a camera function unit for acquiring solid information of the digital camera 11 and a light emitting unit for supplying setting information for connecting to the access point 12 to the digital camera 11. Have. The access point 12 acquires solid information of the digital camera 11 by photographing blinking of strobe light output from the digital camera 11 by the camera function unit, and creates setting information based on the solid information. The access point 12 outputs visible light by causing the light emitting unit to emit light, and supplies (transmits) setting information by blinking the visible light. A detailed configuration example of the access point 12 will be described later.

  The digital camera 11 has a wireless communication function for performing wireless communication based on a predetermined standard such as IEEE802.11x, in addition to a camera function for imaging a subject and recording image data obtained as a result of imaging on a recording medium. ing. The digital camera 11 is connected to the access point 12 by this wireless communication function using the infrastructure method, and communicates with other devices connected to the network relayed by the access point 12. The digital camera 11 has a function of emitting strobe light as one of camera functions. The digital camera 11 outputs the solid-state information of the digital camera 11 with the blinking pattern by blinking the strobe light during the connection process to the access point 12. Further, the digital camera 11 acquires setting information transmitted from the access point 12 by imaging visible light output from the access point 12, and performs communication settings based on the information. A detailed configuration example of the digital camera 11 will be described later.

  The personal computer 13 shows an example of a device that communicates with the digital camera 11 via the access point 12. For example, the personal computer 13 communicates with the digital camera 11 via the access point 12 to acquire captured image data obtained by the digital camera 11 and supply programs and data to the digital camera 11. The contents of communication are arbitrary.

  The network 14 is an example of a network configured by wire or wireless, and is configured by one or a plurality of networks represented by the Internet, LAN, public line network, and the like. The access point 12 and the personal computer 15 communicate with each other via the network 14 according to a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The personal computer 15 is an example of a device that communicates with the digital camera 11 in the same manner as the personal computer 13. In the case of FIG. 1, the personal computer 15 communicates with the digital camera 11 via the network 14 and the access point 13, for example, acquires captured image data obtained by the digital camera 11, Or provide data. The contents of communication are arbitrary.

  In the communication system 1 of FIG. 1, the digital camera 11 is appropriately connected to the access point 12 for transferring captured image data to, for example, a personal computer 13 or a personal computer 15.

  The access point 12 can encrypt communication information in order to suppress the interception of communication contents by a third party and increase the safety of the wireless LAN. In this case, a WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) key, which is a common key, is used for encryption, but this WEP key eliminates unauthorized connections when a station connects and connects only authorized parties. It is also used as setting information. That is, the authentication process is performed so that only stations having the same WEP key as the WEP key set in the access point 12 can connect to the access point 12.

  In order to further enhance the security of the wireless LAN, the access point 12 can set a WEP key for each station. In this case, the access point 12 generates the WEP key using individual information (for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, etc.) of a station (for example, the digital camera 11) as a communication partner, thereby easily and safely. A WEP key corresponding to each station can be created.

  Furthermore, in that case, the station needs to provide its own solid information to the access point 12. The digital camera 11 serving as a station performs the transmission and reception of the solid information by flashing the strobe light using the camera function in order to enhance safety. For example, the digital camera 11 transmits solid information serially by setting the strobe light emission state to “1”, turning off the strobe light to “0”, and flashing the strobe light based on a predetermined synchronization timing. To do. That is, the flashing pattern of the strobe light is information including the solid information of the digital camera 11. The access point 12 has a camera function, as will be described later, and acquires solid-state information of the digital camera 11 by photographing the flashing of the strobe light and analyzing the light emission pattern.

  As described above, since solid information is exchanged by a method different from wireless communication using radio waves (wireless communication for establishing a connection), the digital camera 11 and the access point 12 of the communication system 1 can safely exchange solid information. Can do. The access point 12 creates a WEP key using the acquired solid information and supplies it to the digital camera 11 as setting information.

  In this case, the access point 12 supplies setting information including the WEP key to the digital camera 11 using visible light by causing the light emitting unit to emit light (flashing). For example, the access point 12 sets “1” when the light emitting unit emits light, sets “0” when the light emitting unit is turned off, and blinks the visible light based on a predetermined synchronization timing, thereby serializing the setting information. Send to. That is, the blinking pattern of visible light indicates the setting information. The digital camera 11 captures the visible light to acquire setting information and perform communication settings. Then, the digital camera 11 connects to the access point 12 using the communication settings.

  In general, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse can handle various input operations, but its size is large. On the other hand, in the digital camera 11 that requires portability, it is important to reduce the size of the casing and the cost. Therefore, the input device of the digital camera 11 is usually not a general-purpose huge input device but a small input device such as a knob, a button, a touch panel, etc., and is configured to the minimum necessary.

  As described above, the input performance (for example, versatility) of the digital camera 11 is generally low and is often unsuitable for input of communication settings related to the wireless communication function, which is a function other than the photographing function. Therefore, a complicated operation is required for the user to operate the input device provided in the digital camera 11 and input setting information for communication connection with the access point 12.

  Therefore, as described above, the setting information necessary for connecting to the access point 12 is supplied from the access point 12 to the digital camera 11, so that the user of the digital camera 11 reduces the security of the network. The digital camera 11 can be easily connected to the access point 12 without any problems.

  Further, the access point 12 supplies setting information to the digital camera 11 using a communication method (for example, visible light) different from the wireless communication function (wireless communication using radio waves) used for the construction of the wireless LAN. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the interception of the setting information by a third party when the setting information is exchanged, and to safely supply the setting information to the digital camera 11.

  By using visible light in the exchange of setting information, the communicable range is limited. For example, it becomes difficult for a third party to intercept the communication in the shadow, so the access point 12 is more secure. Setting information can be supplied to the digital camera 11.

  In addition, the digital camera 11 can acquire the setting information by imaging the visible light emitted from the access point 12 in the photographing unit. In other words, the digital camera 11 does not need to be provided with a configuration for transmitting / receiving setting information such as a visible light receiving unit, and can easily acquire setting information. Thereby, the digital camera 11 can suppress an increase in housing size, manufacturing cost, and power consumption.

  As described above, the digital camera 11 can safely and easily perform communication settings.

  Next, each configuration will be specifically described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of the digital camera 11 of FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the digital camera 11 has a bus 30 for transmitting various kinds of information. The bus 30 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 31, a read only memory (ROM) 32, a random access memory (RAM) 33, a camera unit 34, an input unit 35, an output unit 36, a storage unit 37, a drive 38, and A wireless communication unit 39 is connected.

  The CPU 31 is a control unit for the entire digital camera 11 and controls each unit of the digital camera 11 by using dedicated hardware or executing software as necessary. The ROM 32 is a non-volatile storage unit, and stores various information such as programs and data executed by the CPU 31 in advance. The RAM 33 has a volatile storage area, and holds programs and data read from the ROM 32 or the storage unit 37 by the CPU 31. That is, when executing the software, the CPU 31 executes a program stored in the ROM 32 or executes a program loaded from the ROM 32 or the storage unit 37 to the RAM 33. The RAM 33 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 31 to execute various processes.

  The camera unit 34 is controlled by the CPU 31 via, for example, the bus 30 and images a subject to obtain image data. The camera unit 34 supplies the obtained image data (captured image data) to the storage unit 37 via the bus 30, for example, and stores it.

  The camera unit 34 includes an optical block 41, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 42, an A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion unit 43, and a signal processing unit 44. The optical block 41 is composed of an optical lens, a focus mechanism, a shutter mechanism, an aperture mechanism, and the like, collects the light reflected on the subject as an image, and forms an optical image of the subject on the light receiving unit of the CCD 42. Let

  The CCD 42 is constituted by a CCD sensor, and converts an optical image of the subject imaged by the optical block 41 into an image signal that is an electrical signal by photoelectrically converting the image. The CCD 42 supplies an image signal, which is an electrical signal obtained as a result of the conversion, to the A / D conversion unit 43. The operation of the mechanism of the optical block 41, the drive timing of the CCD 42, and the like are controlled by the CPU 31. The photoelectric conversion element taking the CCD 42 as an example is not limited to a CCD sensor, and may be any imaging element that can convert an optical image into an electrical signal, such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor.

The A / D converter 43 converts the image signal that is an analog signal supplied from the CCD 31 into image data that is a digital signal. The A / D conversion unit 43 supplies image data, which is a digital signal generated by the conversion, to the signal processing unit 44.

The signal processing unit 44 performs AGC (Automatic Gain Control) processing for appropriately controlling the gain on the image data that is a digital signal supplied from the A / D conversion unit 43, and corrects the value (pixel value) of the image data. AWB (Auto White Balance) processing that corrects the color tone of the image displayed by the entire image data based on a predetermined reference color such as white, and AF (Auto) that focuses on the subject Focus) processing, camera signal processing such as AE (Auto Exposure) processing that determines exposure based on the brightness of the subject, compression encoding processing in a predetermined format such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) system, and Then, predetermined signal processing such as expansion processing corresponding to the compression encoding processing is performed.

  The camera unit 34 further includes a strobe control unit 51 and a strobe light emitting unit 52. The strobe control unit 51 is controlled by the CPU 31 to control the strobe light emitting unit 52 that outputs (emits) strobe light used as auxiliary light at the time of shooting, and causes the light to be emitted or turned off. For example, the strobe control unit 51 causes the strobe light emitting unit 52 to emit light as auxiliary illumination at the time of shooting, or blinks the strobe light emitting unit 52 to transmit solid information.

  The input unit 35 receives user operations, and includes, for example, a knob, a button, a dedicated input device such as a touch panel superimposed on a display, an external input terminal, and the like, and performs processing related to input of various types of information. Note that any input device may be used, and a general-purpose input device such as a keyboard or a mouse may be applied.

  The output unit 36 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display (Organic ElectroLuminescence Display), a speaker, an external output terminal, and the like, and performs processing related to output of audio and images.

  The storage unit 37 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or flash memory, and stores various types of information such as captured image data obtained by the camera unit 34 and programs and data executed by the CPU 31. Is done.

  The drive 38 is appropriately mounted with a removable medium 61 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and is controlled by the CPU 31 to read computer programs and data read from the removable medium 61 as necessary. Install in the storage unit 37. The drive 38 may be configured to be detachable from the bus 30 and may be connected to the bus 30 as necessary.

  The wireless communication unit 39 is controlled by the CPU 31 and performs wireless communication with other devices. For example, the wireless communication unit 39 performs wireless communication with the access point 12 of FIG. 1 based on IEEE802.11x (for example, IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, or IEEE802.11g) to construct a wireless LAN. Then, the wireless communication unit 39 is connected to the personal computer 15 via the access point 12 and supplies, for example, photographed image data to the personal computer 15 or acquires information from the personal computer 15. Note that any wireless communication standard may be used.

  The wireless communication unit 39 includes a MAC (Media Access Control) unit 71, a baseband processing unit 72, a high frequency processing unit 73, and an antenna 74.

  When receiving a signal, the antenna 74 receives a modulated wave transmitted from another device (for example, the access point 12 in the case of FIG. 1) as a radio wave by wireless communication. The antenna 74 supplies the received modulated wave signal to the high frequency processing unit 73. In addition, when transmitting a signal, the antenna 74 radiates the modulated signal supplied from the high frequency processing unit 73 as a radio wave. For example, in the case of FIG. 1, the radiated radio wave is received by the access point 12.

  When receiving a signal, the high frequency processing unit 73 demodulates the modulated wave supplied from the antenna 74 by a predetermined demodulation method. The high frequency processing unit 73 supplies a signal obtained by demodulation to the baseband processing unit 72. Further, when transmitting a signal, the high frequency processing unit 73 modulates the signal supplied from the baseband processing unit 72 by a predetermined modulation method. The high frequency processing unit 73 supplies the modulated signal (modulated wave) to the antenna 74.

  When receiving the signal, the baseband processing unit 72 converts the signal, which is an analog signal, supplied from the high frequency processing unit 73 into digital signal data. The baseband processing unit 73 supplies the digital signal data generated by the conversion to the MAC unit 71. In addition, when transmitting a signal, the baseband processing unit 72 converts the digital signal data supplied from the MAC unit 71 into a signal that is an analog signal. The baseband processing unit 72 supplies the signal generated by the conversion to the high frequency processing unit 73.

  When receiving a signal, the MAC unit 71 converts the data supplied from the baseband processing unit 72 into a predetermined format. For example, the MAC unit 71 extracts a header and an error correction code (error detection code) included in the data supplied from the baseband processing unit 72, and identifies a device that has transmitted data based on the header Then, the error of the received data is corrected based on the error correction code, and the data is converted into data having a system in which the header and the error correction code are removed. The MAC unit 71 supplies the data converted into a predetermined format to the RAM 33 and the storage unit 37 via the bus 30 for storage, or supplies the data to the CPU 31.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example inside the CPU 31.

  3, the CPU 31 includes an access point search unit 101, a search result display unit 102, a user instruction reception unit 103, a connection request unit 104, a confirmation unit 105, an authentication processing unit 106, a notification processing unit 107, a setting information request unit 108, A solid information supply unit 109 and a setting information acquisition unit 110 are included.

  The access point search unit 101 controls the wireless communication unit 39 to receive a packet (beacon) including an SSID (Service Set Identifier) (or ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier)) that is periodically transmitted from the access point 12. To do. This SSID is an identifier of a network (that is, a wireless LAN constructed by the access point 12).

  The access point search unit 101 searches the access point 12 within the communicable range by controlling the wireless communication unit 39 and attempting to acquire this beacon. The search result is supplied to the search result display unit 102. The search result display unit 102 controls the output unit 36 to display the search result on the display. When the search result is displayed, the search result display unit 102 notifies the user instruction receiving unit 103 to that effect. The search result may be output by voice.

  The user of the digital camera 11 refers to the search result displayed on the display, and if necessary, operates the input unit 35 to instruct connection to the access point 12 (designates a network to be connected by SSID). The user instruction receiving unit 103 controls the input unit 35, receives the user instruction, and supplies it to the connection request unit 104.

  The connection request unit 104 controls the wireless communication unit 39, supplies the access point 12 with the SSID of the network designated by the user, and requests connection to the network. Then, the connection request unit 104 notifies the confirmation unit 105 to that effect. The confirmation unit 105 confirms the response to the request. For example, if the connection to the access point 12 is possible, the confirmation unit 105 causes the authentication processing unit 106 to perform authentication processing. In this case, the authentication processing unit 106 controls the wireless communication unit 39 to communicate with the access point 12 and performs authentication processing for establishing communication.

  If the communication with the access point 12 is impossible, the confirmation unit 105 causes the notification processing unit 107 to notify the user of an error. The notification processing unit 107 controls the output unit 36 to notify the user that the connection has failed by voice or image.

  Further, when the communication setting information necessary for establishing the connection is insufficient and the confirmation unit 105 cannot establish a connection with the access point 12 as it is, the confirmation unit 105 sends the setting information request unit 108 to the access point 12. To request the setting information necessary for connection. For example, when setting information such as a WEP key that is common key information for encrypting communication information is used for establishing a communication connection, the confirmation unit 105 causes the setting information request unit 108 to request the WEP key. The setting information request unit 108 controls the wireless communication unit 39 to request the setting information from the access point 12 and supplies the information to the solid information supply unit 109.

  The solid-state information supply unit 109 controls the strobe light emitting unit 52 via the strobe control unit 51 of the camera unit 34 to cause the access point 12 to create a WEP key dedicated to communication with the digital camera 11. Processing to supply solid information. The supply of the solid information is performed by strobe light emission (flashing) as described above. At that time, the solid-state information supply unit 109 acquires the synchronization signal supplied by the visible light from the access point 12 by controlling the optical block 41 to the signal processing unit 44 of the camera unit 34, and uses the synchronization signal. The flash emission timing is synchronized with the imaging timing at the access point 12. In other words, the digital camera 11 can more reliably exchange the solid information by the transmission / reception of the synchronization signal. When the solid information is supplied, the solid information supply unit 109 notifies the setting information acquisition unit 110 to that effect.

  The setting information acquisition unit 110 controls the camera unit 34 and the like, and performs processing related to acquisition of setting information requested by the setting information request unit 108. As described above, the access point 12 supplies the setting information to the digital camera 11 using visible light. The setting information acquisition unit 109 acquires the setting information by controlling the camera unit 34 and the like and imaging the visible light.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the solid information supply unit 109.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the solid information supply unit 109 includes an imaging control unit 121, an image analysis unit 122, a supply timing extraction unit 123, a supply solid information generation unit 124, and a solid information supply control unit 125. Yes.

  The imaging control unit 121 controls the camera unit 34 to capture visible light output from the access point 12. The obtained captured image is stored in the RAM 33 or the storage unit 37. When shooting is finished, the shooting control unit 121 notifies the image analysis unit 122 to that effect.

  The image analysis unit 122 analyzes the captured image obtained by the control of the imaging control unit 121 and extracts the synchronization information (information including the synchronization signal) output as blinking of visible light by the access point 12. The image analysis unit 122 supplies the synchronization information to the supply timing extraction unit 123. The supply timing extraction unit 123 extracts supply timing, which is information specifying the timing for supplying the solid information, from the synchronization information. When the processing ends, the supply timing extraction unit 123 supplies the fact to the supply solid information generation unit 124.

  The supply solid information generation unit 124 acquires solid information stored in the ROM 32, RAM 33, or storage unit 37, generates supply solid information for supply to the access point 12, and supplies the solid information to the solid information supply control. To the unit 125. The solid-state information supply control unit 125 is a control unit that controls the supply of solid-state information. Specifically, the solid-state information supply control unit 125 controls the strobe control unit 51 of the camera unit 34 and outputs the solid-state information for supply by blinking strobe light. Let

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the setting information acquisition unit 110.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the setting information acquisition unit 110 includes a synchronization control unit 141, a shooting control unit 142, an image analysis unit 143, a zoom control unit 144, an image cutout unit 145, a setting information extraction unit 146, and an authentication processing unit 147. A setting information update unit 148 and a notification processing unit 149.

  The synchronization control unit 141 is a control unit that performs processing for synchronizing the shutter timing (that is, image capture timing) of the imaging processing in the digital camera 11 with blinking of visible light at the access point 12. The synchronization control unit 141 includes a start bit standby unit 151 and a shutter control unit 152.

  The start bit waiting unit 151 controls the camera unit 34 to perform a process of waiting for a start bit included in a synchronization signal supplied from the access point 12 and indicating the output timing of setting information at the access point. The start bit is information indicating the output timing of the setting information, and indicates the synchronization timing by blinking of visible light. The start bit waiting unit 151 controls the camera unit 34 to continue imaging the access point 12, and detects the start bit (flashing infrared light) by analyzing the image of the obtained image data. The shutter control unit 152 is notified of the control timing.

  That is, the imaging timing while waiting for the start bit by the start bit waiting unit 151 is not synchronized with the output timing of the access point 12. Therefore, the access point 12 can also synchronize the imaging timing (shutter timing) with the information output timing of the access point 12 by detecting the start bit in the start bit waiting unit 151 even in such asynchronous imaging. The light emitting part is caused to blink. For example, the access point 12 blinks the light emitting unit a plurality of times over a predetermined period.

  The shutter control unit 152 controls opening and closing of the shutter of the optical block 41 based on the control timing supplied from the start bit waiting unit 151. In addition, the shutter control unit 152 notifies the imaging control unit 142 of the control timing as a synchronization signal.

  The imaging control unit 142 controls the camera unit 142 based on the synchronization signal (control timing) supplied from the synchronization control unit 141 (shutter control unit 152), and images the access point 12 at the timing of the synchronization signal. . That is, the photographing control unit 142 performs photographing in synchronization with the opening / closing timing of the shutter control unit 152 to obtain photographed image data. The imaging control unit 142 stores the captured image data in the storage unit 37 or the RAM 33 and supplies it to the image analysis unit 143. The image analysis unit 143 analyzes the obtained captured image and detects emitted visible light from the captured image.

  For example, when the visible light is small in the captured image, the image analysis unit 143 controls the zoom control unit 144 or the image cutout unit 145 to enlarge the visible light portion. The zoom control unit 144 controls the optical block 41 of the camera unit 34, changes the zoom setting, and controls the imaging control unit 142 so that the visible light portion is magnified (zoomed) again. The imaging control unit 142 stores the new captured image data in the storage unit 37 or the RAM 33 and supplies it to the image analysis unit 143. The image analysis unit 143 analyzes the obtained captured image and detects emitted visible light from the captured image.

  When adjusting the size of the infrared portion in the captured image by adjusting the zoom at the time of shooting, each unit repeats the above processing.

  Further, for example, the size of the visible light portion in the photographed image may be adjusted by cutting out (trimming) the infrared portion from the obtained photographed image and enlarging it. In this case, when the position of visible light is specified, the image analysis unit 143 supplies the information to the image cutout unit 145. Based on the information, the image cutout unit 145 trims a visible light portion from the shot image, and enlarges the image cut out by the trimming to the size of the original shot image. Then, the expanded information is supplied to the setting information extraction unit 146.

  If the visible light is captured sufficiently large and enlargement is not necessary, the image analysis unit 143 notifies the setting information extraction unit 146 to that effect.

  The setting information extraction unit 146 performs image processing as described above, and stores a predetermined number of shot image data that can be confirmed to emit visible light at an appropriate size, reads the image data, and analyzes each image. Then, setting information indicated by blinking visible light is extracted. The setting information extraction unit 146 stores the extracted setting information (for example, WEP key) in the RAM 33 or the storage unit 37, and supplies the fact to the authentication processing unit 147.

  The authentication processing unit 147 controls the wireless communication unit 39 and performs authentication processing on the access point 12 using necessary information (for example, a WEP key) including the setting information extracted by the setting information extraction unit 146.

  If the authentication process is successful, the authentication processing unit 147 notifies the setting information update unit 148 to that effect. The setting information update unit 148 updates the setting information (for example, WEP key) stored in the RAM 33 or the storage unit 37 using the setting information (for example, WEP key) used for the authentication process. When the setting information does not exist in the RAM 33 or the storage unit 37, the setting information used for the authentication process is newly stored.

  If the authentication process fails, the authentication processing unit 147 notifies the notification processing unit 149 to that effect. If the start bit cannot be detected, the start bit waiting unit 151 of the synchronization control unit 141 notifies the notification processing unit 149 to that effect.

  The notification processing unit 149 controls the output unit 36 and notifies the user of these notifications by an image or sound.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the access point 12 of FIG.

  In FIG. 6, the access point 12 has a bus 170 for transmitting various types of information. Connected to the bus 170 are a CPU 171, ROM 172, RAM 173, input unit 174, output unit 175, storage unit 176, wired communication unit 177, drive 178, wireless communication unit 179, and camera function unit 180.

  The CPU 171 is a control unit for the access point 12 as a whole, and controls each unit of the access point 12 by using dedicated hardware or executing software as necessary. The ROM 172 is a non-volatile storage unit, and stores various information such as programs and data executed by the CPU 171 in advance. The RAM 173 has a volatile storage area, and holds programs and data read from the ROM 172 or the storage unit 176 by the CPU 171. That is, when executing the software, the CPU 171 executes a program stored in the ROM 172, or executes a program loaded from the ROM 172 or the storage unit 176 into the RAM 173. The RAM 173 also stores data necessary for the CPU 171 to execute various processes as appropriate.

  The input unit 174 is configured by, for example, a dedicated input device such as a knob or a button, an external input terminal, or the like that accepts a user operation, and is controlled by the CPU 171 to perform processing related to input of various types of information. Note that any input device may be used, and a general-purpose input device such as a keyboard or a mouse may be applied.

  Note that the user performs operations related to communication settings and communication log reference to the access point 12, but generally, by operating an external device connected to the access point 12 via a network. Do. For example, in the case of FIG. 1, the user operates the access point 12 by operating a personal computer 15 connected to the access point 12 via the network 14. In such a case, the access point 12 has, for example, a WEB server function, and the user operates the personal computer 15 to access the WEB server, and a GUI (Graphical User) for setting input and log reference Interface). Then, the personal computer 15 supplies information input by a user operation based on the GUI to the access point 12, and causes the access point 12 to update setting information, provide a communication log, and the like.

  That is, in this case, communication is performed via the wired communication unit 177 and receives data and requests, but the input unit 174 has such a WEB server function and controls its input. In addition to the WEB server, the input unit 174 may have a communication function for receiving an input from the outside by performing communication using a protocol other than HTTP. That is, the input unit 174 may be configured not only by hardware but also by software.

  The output unit 175 includes, for example, a display such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an LCD, and an organic EL display, a speaker, an external output terminal, and the like. The output unit 175 is controlled by the CPU 171 and performs processing related to output of audio and images.

  The storage unit 176 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory, and stores various types of information such as programs executed by the CPU 171 and data. For example, the storage unit 176 stores a WEP key 191 and an SSID 192 as setting information necessary for connection to the access point 12. These pieces of information are appropriately transmitted to the communication partner or used for authentication processing.

  The wired communication unit 177 is controlled by the CPU 171 and performs communication via a wired network based on a predetermined standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark). For example, in the case of FIG. 1, the wired communication unit 177 communicates with the personal computer 15 via the network 14.

  The drive 178 is appropriately mounted with a removable medium 201 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and is controlled by the CPU 171 to read computer programs and data read from the removable medium 201 as necessary. Install in the storage unit 176. The drive 178 may be configured to be detachable from the bus 170 and may be connected to the bus 170 as necessary.

  The wireless communication unit 179 is controlled by the CPU 171 and performs wireless communication with other devices. For example, the wireless communication unit 178 establishes a wireless LAN by performing wireless communication with the digital camera 11 of FIG. 1 based on IEEE802.11x (for example, IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, or IEEE802.11g) standards. Note that any wireless communication standard may be used.

  The wireless communication unit 178 includes a MAC unit 211, a baseband processing unit 212, a high frequency processing unit 213, and an antenna 214.

  When receiving a signal, the antenna 214 receives a modulated wave transmitted from another device (for example, the digital camera 11 in the case of FIG. 1) as a radio wave by wireless communication. The antenna 214 supplies the received modulated wave signal to the high frequency processing unit 213. In addition, when transmitting a signal, the antenna 214 radiates the modulated signal supplied from the high frequency processing unit 213 as a radio wave. For example, in the case of FIG. 1, the emitted radio wave is received by the digital camera 11 or the like.

  When receiving a signal, the high frequency processing unit 213 demodulates the modulated wave supplied from the antenna 214 by a predetermined demodulation method. The high frequency processing unit 213 supplies a signal obtained by demodulation to the baseband processing unit 212. In addition, when transmitting a signal, the high frequency processing unit 213 modulates the signal supplied from the baseband processing unit 212 using a predetermined modulation method. The high frequency processing unit 213 supplies the modulated signal (modulated wave) to the antenna 214.

  When receiving the signal, the baseband processing unit 212 converts the signal, which is an analog signal, supplied from the high frequency processing unit 213 into digital signal data. The baseband processing unit 213 supplies the digital signal data generated by the conversion to the MAC unit 211. Further, when transmitting a signal, the baseband processing unit 212 converts the digital signal data supplied from the MAC unit 211 into a signal that is an analog signal. The baseband processing unit 212 supplies a signal generated by the conversion to the high frequency processing unit 213.

  When receiving a signal, the MAC unit 211 converts the data supplied from the baseband processing unit 212 into a predetermined format. For example, the MAC unit 211 extracts a header and an error correction code (error detection code) included in the data supplied from the baseband processing unit 212, and identifies a device that has transmitted data based on the header. Then, the error of the received data is corrected based on the error correction code, and the data is converted into data having a system in which the header and the error correction code are removed. The MAC unit 211 supplies the data converted into a predetermined format to the RAM 173 and the storage unit 176 via the bus 170 for storage, or supplies the data to the CPU 171.

  The camera function unit 180 is controlled by, for example, the CPU 171 to capture an image of a subject and obtain image data. The camera control unit 180 supplies the obtained image data (captured image data) to the storage unit 176 via the bus 170, for example, and stores it.

  The camera function unit 180 includes an optical block 221, a CCD 222, an A / D conversion unit 223, and a signal processing unit 224. The optical block 221 includes an optical lens, a focus mechanism, a shutter mechanism, and a diaphragm (iris) mechanism, collects light reflected on the subject as an image, and forms an optical image of the subject on the light receiving unit of the CCD 222. Let

  The CCD 222 includes a CCD sensor, and converts an optical image of the subject imaged by the optical block 221 into an image signal that is an electrical signal by photoelectrically converting the image. The CCD 222 supplies an image signal, which is an electrical signal obtained as a result of the conversion, to the A / D conversion unit 223. The operation of the mechanism included in the optical block 221 and the drive timing of the CCD 222 are controlled by the CPU 171. The photoelectric conversion element taking the CCD 222 as an example is not limited to a CCD sensor, and may be any imaging element that can convert an optical image into an electric signal, such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor.

The A / D conversion unit 223 converts the image signal that is an analog signal supplied from the CCD 221 into image data that is a digital signal. The A / D conversion unit 223 supplies image data, which is a digital signal generated by the conversion, to the signal processing unit 224.

The signal processing unit 224 appropriately performs camera signal processing such as AGC processing, AWB processing, AF processing, and AE processing, and compression coding processing on image data that is a digital signal supplied from the A / D conversion unit 223. And predetermined signal processing such as expansion processing.

  The camera function unit 180 further includes an LED light emitting unit 231 that outputs visible light by emitting light. The LED light emitting unit 231 includes, for example, one or a plurality of LEDs and a control unit thereof, and is controlled by the CPU 171 to repeatedly emit light and extinguish, thereby blinking setting information (for example, SSID and WEP key) and synchronization. The signal is transmitted to the digital camera 11.

  If the LED light emitting unit 231 has a plurality of LEDs, the LEDs may blink at the same time to output information one bit at a time, or each LED may indicate a different bit. In addition, a plurality of bits of information may be output in parallel at a single timing, or a plurality of LEDs may be used to display characters, pictures, etc., and part or all of the setting information may be image information ( That is, it may be output as encoded information), or a combination of these output methods and other methods may be used.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the CPU 171 in FIG. 6.

  In FIG. 7, the CPU 171 includes a connection request receiving unit 251, an associating unit 252, and a processing execution request handling processing unit 253.

  For example, the connection request reception unit 251 controls the wireless communication unit 179 in FIG. 6 to perform a process of receiving a connection request (establishing a communication connection as a wireless LAN) from another device (for example, the digital camera 11). Is received, the fact is notified to the associating unit 252.

  The association unit 252 performs association (association) processing and issues an AID (Association IDentifier) in response to a connection request from the digital camera 11 that is a station. This AID is supplied to the digital camera 11 that is the connection request source via the wireless communication unit 179. When the AID is issued, the associating unit 252 notifies the processing execution request handling processing unit 253 to that effect.

  The processing execution request handling processing unit 253 performs processing for various processing execution requests further supplied from the digital camera 11 that has requested connection. For example, the digital camera 11 requests an authentication process or requests setting information supply in order to establish communication. The processing execution request response processing unit 253 performs processing corresponding to these requests.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the processing execution request handling processing unit 253 of FIG.

  In FIG. 8, a processing execution request handling processing unit 253 includes a processing execution request receiving unit 271, a request determining unit 272, a synchronous data generating unit 273, a camera function unit activation control unit 274, a synchronous data supply control unit 275, and a photographing control unit 276. , Image analysis unit 277, internal processing ID generation unit 278 during authentication, WEP key confirmation unit 279, WEP key acquisition unit 280, setting information generation unit 281, WEP key generation unit 282. A setting information supply unit 283 and an authentication processing unit 284 are included.

  The process execution request accepting unit 271 controls the wireless communication unit 179 in FIG. 6 to perform a process of accepting a process execution request supplied from the digital camera 11, and when accepting a process execution request, supplies the fact to the request determining unit 272. To do. The request determination unit 272 confirms the content of the request and determines whether the request is an authentication process request or a WEP key transmission request. If it is determined that the WEP key has been requested, the request determination unit 272 notifies the synchronous data generation unit 273 to request the solid information necessary for generating the WEP key. When it is determined that the authentication process is requested, the request determination unit 212 supplies the fact to the authentication processing unit 219.

  The synchronization data generation unit 273 generates synchronization data including a synchronization signal indicating shooting timing, information indicating supply timing, and the like, and supplies the synchronization data to the camera function unit activation control unit 274. The camera function unit activation control unit 274 activates the camera function unit 180. In this way, the access point 12 activates the camera function unit 180 only when acquiring the solid information using the camera function unit activation control unit 274. The camera function unit 180 is configured to acquire solid information transmitted from the digital camera 11 serving as a station and to supply synchronization information and setting information to the digital camera 11 serving as a station. Therefore, the camera function unit 180 is turned off to reduce power consumption when it is unnecessary (the power is turned off or suspended). When the camera function unit 180 is activated, the camera function unit activation control unit 274 notifies the synchronization data supply control unit 275 to that effect and supplies the synchronization data.

  The synchronization data supply control unit 275 controls the LED light emitting unit 231 of the activated camera function unit 180 to output the supplied synchronization data as blinking of visible light. When the synchronization data is output, the synchronization data supply control unit 275 supplies the synchronization information to the imaging control unit 276.

  The shooting control unit 276 controls the optical block 221 to the signal processing unit 224 of the camera function unit 180, performs shooting at a timing based on the supplied synchronization information, and shots flashing strobe light output from the digital camera 11. . The imaging control unit 276 supplies the image data obtained by the imaging directly to the image analysis unit 277 or stores it in the RAM 173 or the storage unit 176 and notifies the image analysis unit 277 to that effect. The image analysis unit 277 analyzes the captured image and extracts solid information of the digital camera 11 that is a station from the flashing pattern of the strobe light included in the captured image. The image analysis unit 277 stores the solid information in the RAM 173 and the storage unit 176 and notifies the authentication internal processing ID generation unit 278 to that effect.

  The authentication internal processing ID generation unit 278 generates an authentication internal processing ID, which is an ID used for processing performed in the access point 12 during authentication, and stores the ID in the RAM 173 or the storage unit 176, which indicates the WEP. The key confirmation unit 279 is notified.

  The WEP key confirmation unit 279 accesses the storage unit 176 and confirms whether or not the WEP key 191 is stored. When the WEP key 191 is stored, the WEP key confirmation unit 279 notifies the WEP key acquisition unit 280 to that effect. If the WEP key 191 is not stored, the WEP key confirmation unit 279 notifies the WEP key generation unit 282 to that effect.

  The WEP key acquisition unit 280 acquires the WEP key 191 from the storage unit 176 and supplies it to the setting information generation unit 281. The WEP key generation unit 282 generates a new WEP key 191 based on the solid information supplied from the digital camera 11 and supplies it to the setting information generation unit 281. Note that the WEP key acquisition unit 280 and the WEP key generation unit 282 hold the WEP key 191 in the RAM 173 or the storage unit 176 instead of supplying the WEP key 191 to the setting information generation unit 281, and a setting information generation unit You may make it notify to 281.

  The setting information generation unit 281 generates setting information (setting information necessary for the digital camera 11 to connect to the access point 12) to be provided to the digital camera 11 including the WEP key 191 and outputs the setting information to the setting information supply unit 283. To supply. Note that the setting information generation unit 281 may store the generated setting information in the RAM 173 or the storage unit 176 and notify the setting information supply unit 283 to that effect.

  The setting information supply unit 283 controls the wireless communication unit 179, supplies the setting information generated by the setting information generation unit 281 to the digital camera 11, and notifies the processing execution request reception unit 271 to that effect.

  The authentication processing unit 284 performs authentication processing for establishing a communication connection based on the authentication request, and notifies the processing execution request receiving unit 271 to that effect.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the exchange of information between the digital camera 11 and the access point 12.

  In FIG. 9A, the digital camera 11 carried by the user 301 emits the strobe light emitting unit 52 to output the solid information of the digital camera 11 while being directed to the access point 12 by the user 301. The strobe light is output as indicated by the dotted arrow. The access point 12 activates the camera function unit 180, captures the strobe light with the CCD 222, and converts it into image data. Then, the access point 12 extracts individual information of the digital camera 11 from the photographed image obtained by the photographing.

  The access point 12 generates a WEP key for the digital camera 11 using the solid information thus obtained.

  In FIG. 9B, the access point 12 controls the LED light emitting unit 231 of the camera function unit 180, and outputs setting information and synchronization data including the generated WEP key by blinking the LED. The visible light is output as indicated by the dotted arrow. The digital camera 11 acquires the synchronization data by photographing the visible light, and further uses the synchronization data to more reliably eliminate the illegal connection and acquire the setting information for connecting only the right party. To do.

  As described above, since the transmission / reception of the solid information and the setting information is performed by communication different from the normal wireless communication (communication for establishing connection), the communication system 1 suppresses the interception of the solid information and the setting information by a third party. , Individual information and setting information can be exchanged safely. Therefore, the communication system 1 and each device can easily establish wireless communication without impairing the safety of the wireless LAN.

  The digital camera 11 outputs solid information by causing the strobe light emitting unit 52 that emits strobe light in normal shooting to emit light (flash). In addition, the digital camera 11 acquires setting information and a synchronization signal transmitted by the access point 12 by capturing visible light output from the access point 12 using the camera unit 34 that performs normal capturing. It is not necessary to provide hardware only for supplying information and hardware only for acquiring setting information, and an increase in manufacturing cost, housing size, and power consumption can be suppressed.

  In addition, as a method of transmitting / receiving setting information, for example, a method in which an access point displays a two-dimensional barcode including setting information and a digital camera captures the setting information to acquire setting information is conceivable. Since there is an upper limit on the information amount of the dimensional barcode, the information amount of the setting information cannot be increased without limit. On the other hand, since the access point 12 transmits setting information to the digital camera 11 using visible light, the information amount of the setting information can theoretically be increased unlimitedly by transferring the information serially. it can.

  Further, in the case of the two-dimensional barcode method, in order to photograph the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the access point, the user is located in the vicinity of the access point, and the digital camera 11 is brought close to the display portion of the two-dimensional barcode. However, since the access point 12 transmits setting information using visible light, the digital camera 11 can acquire the setting information even if it is a few meters away from the access point 12. That is, since the user 301 does not need to bring the digital camera 11 close to the access point 12, the setting information can be acquired by the digital camera 11 even when the user 301 cannot approach the access point 12. In other words, the access point 12 can be installed in a place where the user 301 cannot approach, for example, near the ceiling. That is, the degree of freedom of the installation location of the access point 12 is expanded.

  Note that the exchange of solid information is the same as the exchange of setting information. In other words, since the digital camera 11 and the access point 12 exchange the solid information using the strobe light, the digital camera 11 and the access point 12 differ from each other even when they are separated from each other by a predetermined distance, unlike the case where the two-dimensional barcode is used. It is possible to realize the exchange of solid information. In other words, the degree of freedom of the installation location of the access point 12 is expanded.

  In addition, by transmitting and receiving solid information and setting information with directional visible light (including strobe light), the communicable range can be limited. For example, the communication can be performed by a third party or the like hidden behind the object. Eavesdropping is suppressed. Furthermore, for example, by covering the periphery of the LED light emitting unit 231 with a shielding object, the communicable range can be further limited. In addition, a sign is set in advance as a mark at a position optimal for communication with the access point 12 (for example, the front surface of the LED light emitting unit 231 of the access point 12), or a picture or a character is previously placed on the floor or wall. You may draw.

  Next, the flow of processing related to the connection between the digital camera 11 and the access point 12 will be specifically described.

  First, the flow of connection processing by the digital camera 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  After the power of the digital camera 11 is turned on, when the user switches the operation mode of the digital camera 11 to a wireless mode for performing wireless communication, the CPU 31 of the digital camera 11 starts connection processing.

  When the connection process is started, first, the access point search unit 101 searches for nearby access points in step S1 and supplies the search result to the search result display unit 102. The search result display unit 102 controls the output unit 36, displays the search result on the display, and advances the process to step S3.

  The user of the digital camera 11 refers to the search result and inputs an instruction for requesting connection to the digital camera 11 as necessary. At this time, the information supplied from the access point 12 includes the SSID, and the search result includes the information of the SSID. Therefore, the user can identify the wireless LAN to be connected using the SSID.

  In step S <b> 3, the user instruction receiving unit 103 controls the input unit 35 to receive a user instruction, and supplies the received user instruction to the connection request unit 104. In step S4, the connection request unit 104 determines whether to connect to the access point designated by the user instruction. When the user instruction accepting unit 103 has not accepted the user instruction and determines not to connect, the connection request returns the process to step S1 and repeats the subsequent processes. In other words, the access point search unit 101, the search result display unit 102, the user instruction reception unit 103, and the connection request unit 104 repeat the processing from step S1 to step S4 until a connection instruction is acquired.

  If it is determined in step S4 that a connection instruction is received from the user and the connection is made, the user instruction receiving unit 103 acquires the user instruction via the user instruction receiving unit 103, and if it is determined that the connection is made, the connection requesting unit 104 In step S5, the wireless communication unit 39 is controlled to request connection to the access point 12, and the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S <b> 6, the confirmation unit 105 confirms whether the digital camera 11 is associated with the access point 12. If it is determined that the access point 12 is associated, the confirmation unit 105 proceeds with the process to step S7. In step S <b> 7, the confirmation unit 105 determines whether WEP key setting is necessary for establishing a communication connection. When setting of the WEP key is necessary, the confirmation unit 105 advances the process to step S8.

  In step S8, the confirmation unit 105 determines whether or not the access point 12 that is a connection destination of wireless communication has a camera function of receiving strobe light. If it is determined that the access point 12 has a camera function based on the information acquired from the access point 12, the confirmation unit 105 advances the process to step S9. In step S <b> 9, the setting information request unit 108 controls the wireless communication unit 39 to request setting information from the access point 12.

  In step S10, the setting information requesting unit 108 determines whether or not the request has been successfully transmitted. If the transmission is successful, the solid information supply unit 109 executes an individual information supply process in step S11. Details of the individual information supply process will be described later. When the individual information supply process ends, the solid information supply unit 109 advances the process to step S12. In step S12, the setting information acquisition unit 110 executes setting information acquisition processing. Details of the setting information acquisition process will be described later. When the setting information acquisition process ends, the setting information acquisition unit 110 ends the connection process.

  If it is determined in step S6 that the association with the access point 12 has failed, the confirmation unit 105 advances the process to step S13. In step S13, the notification processing unit 107 performs error notification processing for notifying the user that connection to the access point 12 has failed, and ends the connection processing.

  If it is determined in step S7 that no WEP key has been set for the access point 12 and WEP key setting is not necessary, the confirmation unit 105 advances the process to step S14. In step S14, the authentication processing unit 106 performs authentication processing without using the WEP key. When the authentication process ends, the authentication processing unit 106 ends the connection process.

  If it is determined in step S8 that the access point 12 to be connected does not have a camera function, the confirmation unit 105 advances the process to step S15. In step S15, the notification processing unit 107 notifies the user that the connection to the access point 12 has failed because the access point 12 does not have a camera function and cannot transfer individual information. To complete the connection process.

  If it is determined in step S10 that the request has not been successfully transmitted, the setting information request unit 108 advances the process to step S16. In step S <b> 16, the notification processing unit 107 performs error notification processing for notifying the user that transmission of the request has failed and connection to the access point 12 has failed, and ends the connection processing.

  Next, details of the solid information supply processing executed in step S11 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the solid information supply processing is started, the imaging control unit 121 and the image analysis unit 122 first perform processing related to acquisition of synchronization data. That is, in step S <b> 31, the shooting control unit 121 controls the camera unit 34 to perform shooting, and acquires a shot image of the access point 12. In step S32, the RAM 33 or the storage unit 36 holds the captured image data. In step S33, the image analysis unit 122 analyzes the captured image, and extracts synchronization data indicated by blinking of visible light from the captured image. In step S34, the image analysis unit 122 determines whether or not the synchronization data has been acquired. If it is determined that the synchronization data has not been acquired, the image analysis unit 122 returns the process to step S31 and repeats the subsequent processes.

  If it is determined in step S34 that the synchronization data has been acquired, the image analysis unit 122 advances the process to step S35.

  In step S35, the supply timing extraction unit 123 determines whether or not the supply timing is included in the synchronization data based on the image analysis result by the image analysis unit 122. If it is determined that the supply timing is included, the process proceeds to step S36. Then, supply timing information is extracted, and the process proceeds to step S37.

  When it is determined in step S35 that the supply timing is not included in the synchronization data, the supply timing extraction unit 123 advances the process to step S37. In step S37, the supply solid information generation unit 124 generates supply solid information, and the process proceeds to step S38. In step S38, the solid information supply control unit 125 controls the light emission of the strobe based on the extracted supply timing, and supplies the solid information. When the supply of the solid information ends, the solid information supply control unit 125 ends the solid information supply process, returns the process to step S11 of FIG. 10, and advances the process to step S12.

  As described above, since the synchronization data supplied from the access point 12 that is the supply destination of the solid information is acquired and the solid information is supplied based on the synchronization data, the digital camera 11 determines the supply timing of the solid information. It is possible to synchronize with the acquisition timing of the point 12, and to supply the solid information to the access point 12 more reliably.

  Next, details of the setting information acquisition processing executed in step S11 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the setting information acquisition process is started, the start bit waiting unit 151 of the synchronization control unit 141 controls the camera unit 34 in step S51, repeatedly shoots the LED light emitting unit 231 of the access point 12, and captures each captured image. By analyzing, the process of detecting the start bit indicated by the blinking interval of the LED light emitting unit 231 is repeated, and the start bit is waited for.

  Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, in step S52, the start bit waiting unit 151 determines whether or not a start bit has been detected. When the LED light emission unit 231 (visible light) blinking at a predetermined interval is detected from the photographed image group by the image analysis described above and it is determined that the start bit is detected, the start bit waiting unit 151 proceeds to step S53. Proceed.

  In step S53, the shutter control unit 152 synchronizes the shutter control timing with the blinking of the infrared light, and the process proceeds to step S54. In step S54, the imaging control unit 142 controls the camera unit 34 and acquires a captured image. In step S55, the RAM 33 or the storage unit 37 holds (stores) the obtained captured image data. The image analysis unit 143 analyzes the captured image in step S56, and determines in step S57 whether or not to enlarge the portion of the LED light emitting unit 231 (visible light) of the captured image. When it determines with enlarging, the image analysis part 143 advances a process to step S58.

  In step S58, the zoom control unit 144 or the image cutout unit 145 enlarges the image of the LED light emitting unit 231 (visible light) by zooming or trimming. Note that whether to select enlargement by zooming or enlargement by trimming may be determined in advance or may be selectable by the user. For example, when the digital camera 11 includes the zoom control unit 144 and does not include the image cutout unit 145, the digital camera 11 performs zooming. Further, for example, the digital camera 11 displays a message prompting the user to select either zooming or trimming together with the captured image obtained by the imaging control unit 142 and accepts the user selection. Good. Further, the digital camera 11 may of course display a GUI for accepting user selection.

  When enlarging by zooming, the image analysis unit 143 notifies the zoom control unit 144 of an image analysis result and an enlargement instruction. Based on the image analysis result, the zoom control unit 144 controls the optical block 41 so that the size of the LED light emitting unit 231 (visible light) in the captured image is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference, and the CCD 42 Zoom (optical zoom) is performed to switch between wide angle and telephoto by changing the focal length between lenses. When the zoom operation is completed, the imaging control unit 142 performs imaging again, and the image analysis unit 143 analyzes the new captured image. It should be noted that each of the zoom control by the zoom control unit 144, the shooting control by the shooting control unit 142, and the image analysis by the image analysis unit 143, which are repeatedly performed, may be simultaneously performed in parallel.

  When the size of the LED light emitting unit 231 (visible light) is equal to or larger than the predetermined reference and it is determined that further enlargement is not necessary, the image analysis unit 143 advances the process to step S59.

  When performing enlargement by trimming, the image analysis unit 143 notifies the image cutout unit 145 of an image analysis result and an enlargement instruction. Based on the image analysis result, the image cutout unit 145 extracts the LED light emitting unit 231 (visible light) from the captured image so that the size of the LED light emitting unit 231 (visible light) in the captured image is equal to or larger than a predetermined reference. ) Is cut out, and the cut out image is enlarged to the size of the original photographed image. At this time, the image cutout unit 145 cuts out the image with the same aspect ratio as that of the original captured image, thereby suppressing the occurrence of image distortion.

  When the captured image is trimmed and enlarged, the image cutout unit 145 advances the process to step S59.

  If it is determined in step S57 that the LED light emission unit 231 (visible light) of the captured image is sufficiently large and the image is not enlarged, the image analysis unit 143 omits the process of step S58, Proceed to S59.

  In step S59, the setting information extraction unit 146 analyzes a signal included in a held image that is a captured image (including a clipped image) held in the RAM 33 or the storage unit 37, and extracts setting information.

  When the setting information is extracted, the setting information extraction unit 146 determines in step S60 whether or not the reception of the setting information has ended, and the LED light emitting unit 231 continues to blink, and the reception of the setting information has not ended. If it is determined, the process returns to step S54 to cause each unit to repeat the subsequent processes.

  In step S60, for example, when the number of captured images reaches a predetermined number of shots or when the blinking interval recognized as the stop bit indicating the end of data transmission is detected in the blinking of the LED light emitting unit 231, the setting information The extraction unit 146 advances the processing to step S61.

  In step S61, the authentication processing unit 147 performs an authentication process using the extracted setting information. That is, the authentication processing unit 147 controls the wireless communication unit 39, supplies a WEP key or the like to the access point 12, and requests authentication of the digital camera 11. In response to the authentication request, the access point 12 authenticates the digital camera 11 based on the supplied WEP key or the like. If the access point 12 determines that the authentication is valid, the access point 12 notifies the digital camera 11 of the authentication, and is unauthorized. If it is determined, the digital camera 11 is notified that the authentication is impossible.

  The authentication processing unit 147 controls the wireless communication unit 39 and acquires the authentication result. In step S62, the authentication processing unit 147 determines whether or not authentication has been performed based on the authentication result. If the authentication processing unit 147 determines that the authentication and the communication connection have been established, the process proceeds to step S63.

  In step S63, the setting information update unit 148 updates the setting information stored in the RAM 33 or the storage unit 37, ends the setting information acquisition process, returns the process to step S12 in FIG. 10, and ends the connection process. .

  If it is determined in step S52 of FIG. 12 that the start bit has not been detected, the start bit waiting unit 151 advances the processing to step S64. Furthermore, when it determines with having not been authenticated in step S62, the authentication process part 147 advances a process to step S64.

  In step S64, the notification processing unit 149 performs an error notification process for notifying the user that the communication connection has failed, ends the setting information acquisition process, returns the process to step S12 in FIG. 10, and ends the connection process. .

  As described above, when the setting information is acquired, the shutter control timing is synchronized with the blinking of the visible light, so that the digital camera 11 can acquire the setting information more reliably.

  Next, connection request response processing executed by the access point 12 in response to the processing of the digital camera 11 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the power is turned on, the access point 12 starts connection request response processing. When the connection request handling process is started, the connection request receiving unit 251 controls the wireless communication unit 179 in step S81 to receive a connection request from a station (for example, the digital camera 11), and in step S82, issues a connection request. It is determined whether or not it has been acquired. If it is determined that the connection request has not been acquired, the connection request receiving unit 251 returns the process to step S81 and repeats the subsequent processes. In other words, the connection request receiving unit 251 repeats the processes of step S81 and step S82 until a connection request is acquired. If it is determined in step S82 that a connection request has been acquired, the connection request receiving unit 251 advances the process to step S83.

  In step S83, the associating unit 252 controls the wireless communication unit 179 to communicate with the connection request transmission source (for example, the digital camera 11), exchange predetermined information, issue an AID, and perform association. When the association is performed, the associating unit 252 advances the process to step S84.

  In step S <b> 84, the processing execution request handling processing unit 253 performs processing corresponding to a processing execution request that requests execution of processing such as authentication processing and provision of setting information supplied from the associated device (for example, the digital camera 11). The process execution request corresponding process is executed. Details of the process execution request handling process will be described later. When the process execution request handling process ends, the process execution request handling process unit 253 ends the connection request handling process.

  Next, the flow of the process execution request handling process executed in step S84 of FIG. 13 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  When the process execution request handling process is started, the process execution request accepting unit 271 controls the wireless communication unit 179 and accepts the process execution request in step S101. In step S102, the request determination unit 272 determines whether or not a request for setting information has been received by the process of step S101. If it is determined that the request has been received, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the synchronization data generation unit 273 generates synchronization data including a synchronization signal for controlling the shooting timing by the camera function unit 180, and the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the camera function unit activation control unit 274 activates the camera function unit 180, and the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the synchronization data supply control unit 275 controls the LED light emitting unit 231 of the camera function unit 180 to supply synchronization data. When the synchronization data is supplied, the synchronization data supply control unit 275 advances the process to step S106.

  In step S <b> 106, the shooting control unit 276 controls the camera function unit 180 to perform shooting at a timing based on the synchronization data and acquire a shot image. In step S107, the RAM 173 or the storage unit 176 holds the captured image. In step S108, the image analysis unit 277 analyzes the captured image, detects flashing strobe light, and extracts solid information of the digital camera 11 from the flashing.

  In step S109, the image analysis unit 277 determines whether or not the solid information has been acquired. If it is determined that the solid information has not been acquired, the image analysis unit 277 returns the processing to step S106 and repeats the subsequent processing. That is, the imaging control unit 276, the RAM 173 (or the storage unit 176), and the image analysis unit 277 repeat the processing from step S106 to step S109 until the solid information is acquired. If it is determined in step S109 that solid information has been acquired, the image analysis unit 277 advances the processing to step S121 in FIG.

  In step S121 of FIG. 15, the authentication internal process ID generation unit 278 generates an authentication internal process ID, and the process proceeds to step S122. In step S122, the WEP key confirmation unit 279 refers to the storage unit 176 (or RAM 173), determines whether or not the WEP key has been set, and if it is determined that the WEP key has been set, the WEP key acquisition unit 280 To acquire the WEP key, and the process proceeds to step S125.

  If it is determined in step S122 that the WEP key is not set, the WEP key confirmation unit 279 advances the process to step S123. In step S123, the WEP key generation unit 282 newly generates a WEP key by using, for example, the solid information of the digital camera 11 that is the setting information request source. Storage unit 176 stores the WEP key in step S124, and advances the process to step S125.

  In step S125, the setting information generation unit 278 generates setting information to be supplied to the digital camera 11 that is the setting information request source, including the generated or acquired WEP key. The RAM 173 holds the setting information in step S126. Note that the storage unit 176 may hold the setting information.

  When the setting information is held, the setting information supply unit 283 confirms the operation status of the LED light emitting unit 231 of the camera function unit 189 in step S127, determines whether the setting information can be transmitted, and transmits the setting information. Wait until it is determined that it is possible. If it is determined that transmission is possible, the setting information supply unit 283 advances the process to step S128, controls the LED light emitting unit 231 of the camera function unit 180, transmits setting information by blinking of visible light, and transmits the setting information at the request source. This is supplied to a certain digital camera 11. When the transmission ends, the setting information supply unit 283 advances the process to step S129.

  If it is determined in step S102 in FIG. 14 that the setting information request has not been acquired, the request determination unit 272 proceeds to step S110 to determine whether an authentication request has been acquired. If it is determined that the authentication request has not been acquired, the request determination unit 272 returns the process to step S101 and causes each unit to repeat the subsequent processes.

  If it is determined in step S110 that an authentication request has been acquired, the request determination unit 272 advances the process to step S130 in FIG. In step S130, the authentication processing unit 284 performs authentication processing to establish a connection. When the authentication process ends, the authentication processing unit 284 advances the process to step S129.

  In step S129, the process execution request receiving unit 271 determines whether or not to end the process execution request handling process. If it determines not to end the process, the process returns to step S101 in FIG. Is repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step S129 in FIG. 15 that the process execution request handling process is to be terminated, the process execution request accepting unit 271 terminates the process execution request handling process, returns the process to step S84 in FIG. The response process is terminated.

  As described above, since the access point 12 supplies setting information such as a WEP key to the digital camera 11 by blinking of visible light based on a request from the digital camera 11, the digital camera 11 can safely and easily set communication settings. It can be carried out.

  As described above, since the access point 12 can generate the WEP key using the individual information of the digital camera 11 even if the WEP key is not set in advance, the security of the wireless LAN can be easily increased. Can be secured. In addition, since the solid information is exchanged using the strobe light at that time, the digital camera 11 and the access point 12 can safely exchange the solid information. That is, the digital camera 11 and the access point 12 can perform communication settings safely and easily.

  Note that the access point 12 may supply information regarding the arrangement and luminance of the LED light emitting unit 231 when the synchronization data is supplied to the digital camera 11.

  For example, when the LED light emitting unit 231 has a plurality of LEDs, the access point 12 can output a plurality of bits of information at a time (in parallel). In addition, the access point 12 can display characters and patterns in the entire LED group by arranging the plurality of LEDs in, for example, an array and turning on or off the LEDs. That is, the access point 12 can encode output information (synchronization data, setting information, etc.) into image information and output it. Furthermore, the access point 12 can control the brightness of each LED to an arbitrary brightness (multiple levels of three or more levels) as well as two levels of “lit” and “off”. In that case, each LED can output N-ary information (N is an arbitrary natural number of 2 or more). That is, each LED can output multiple bits of information at a time.

  As described above, the configuration of the LED light-emitting unit 231 and the control method thereof can be made different depending on the access point. First, the digital camera 11 is notified of how the access point 12 outputs information. By doing so, the digital camera 11 can analyze the captured image more accurately.

  For example, the access point 12 supplies the digital camera 11 with information such as the number of LEDs, how LEDs are arranged (arrangement), and in what level the brightness of each LED is controlled. At that time, the access point 12 may supply the information on the LED to the digital camera 11 via the wireless communication unit 39 (that is, by radio waves), or via the LED light emitting unit 231 (that is, visible light). May be supplied to the digital camera 11. Furthermore, when supplying information related to LEDs to the digital camera 11 via the LED light emitting unit 231, the access point 12 may demonstrate all patterns of LED light emission.

  Thus, the flow of processing when the access point 12 supplies information related to the LED to the digital camera 11 using visible light will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the setting information requesting unit 108 of the digital camera 11 requests setting information in step S201, the process execution request receiving unit 271 of the access point 12 receives the request in step S301. When the request determination unit 272 determines that a request for setting information has been received, the synchronization data generation unit 273 of the access point 12 generates synchronization data in step S302. In step S303, the camera function unit activation control unit 274 of the access point 12 activates the camera function unit 180. In step S <b> 304, the synchronization data fiction control unit 275 of the access point 12 controls the LED light emitting unit 231 of the camera function unit 180 and supplies visible data to the digital camera 11 by outputting visible light.

  In step S202, the imaging control unit 121, the RAM 33 (or the storage unit 37), and the image analysis unit 122 of the digital camera 11 capture the visible light output from the LED light emitting unit 231 and hold the captured image for analysis. Then, a captured image acquisition holding analysis process for acquiring synchronous data is performed. In step S203, the image analysis unit 122 determines whether or not the synchronization data has been acquired, and repeatedly executes the processes in steps S202 and S203 until it is determined that the synchronization data has been acquired. If it is determined in step S203 that the synchronization data has been acquired, the image analysis unit 122 proceeds with the process to step S204.

  When the access point 12 has a plurality of LEDs, the synchronization data supply control unit 275 that has supplied the synchronization data via the LED light emitting unit 231 further determines the LED arrangement and the arrangement / luminance related to the luminance in step S305. Information is supplied to the digital camera 11 via the LED light emitting unit 231.

  On the other hand, the image analysis unit 122 of the digital camera 11 determines whether or not the access point 12 has a plurality of LEDs based on the information acquired from the access point 12 or the image analysis result in step S204. To do. If it is determined that there are a plurality of LEDs, the image analysis unit 122 proceeds with the process to step S205. In step S205, the imaging control unit 121, the RAM 33 (or the storage unit 37), and the image analysis unit 122 of the digital camera 11 capture the visible light output from the LED light emitting unit 231, hold the captured image, and analyze it. The arrangement / luminance information output from the access point 12 is acquired by performing the captured image acquisition / holding analysis process. The image analysis unit 122 sets the acquired arrangement / luminance information, and advances the process to step S207.

  If it is determined in step S204 that there are not a plurality of LEDs, the image analysis unit 231 advances the process to step S207.

  In step S207, the supply timing extraction unit 123 extracts the supply timing from the captured image. The supply solid information generation unit 124 generates supply solid information in step S208. The solid information supply control unit 125 controls the strobe light emitting unit 52 via the strobe control unit 51 of the camera unit 34 and supplies the solid information to the access point 12 by strobe control.

  In step S306, the imaging control unit 276, the RAM 173 (or the storage unit 176), and the image analysis unit 277 of the access point 12 perform a captured image acquisition / hold analysis process, and perform a process of acquiring solid information from the captured image. In step S307, the image analysis unit 277 determines whether or not individual information has been acquired, and repeats the processes in steps S306 and S307 until it is determined that the individual information has been acquired. If it is determined in step S307 that solid information has been acquired, the image analysis unit 277 advances the process to step S308.

  In step S308, the authentication internal processing ID generation unit 278 through the setting information supply unit 283 exchanges setting information with the digital camera 11 and performs an authentication setting process for performing settings related to authentication. On the other hand, the synchronization control unit 141 to the setting information extraction unit 146 of the digital camera 11 exchanges setting information with the access point 12 and performs an authentication setting process.

  In step S309, the authentication processing unit 284 of the access point 12 exchanges information with the digital camera 11 and performs authentication processing. On the other hand, in step S211, the authentication processing unit 147 of the digital camera 11 exchanges information with the access point 12 and performs authentication processing.

  As described above, the digital camera 11 can acquire the setting information more accurately by exchanging the LED arrangement / luminance information of the LED light emitting unit 231.

  In the above description, the access point 12 has been disclosed to disclose the SSID, but the SSID is not disclosed, and like the WEP key, the access point 12 eliminates unauthorized connections and connects only valid parties. It may be used as setting information for this purpose. In that case, the SSID is exchanged by flashing visible light together with the WEP key.

  In the above description, the digital camera 11 and the access point 12 exchange setting information using visible light. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any communication medium may be used. For example, infrared light may be used instead of visible light.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or software, but when the series of processes described above is executed by software, the software described above is installed from a recording medium. You may make it do.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, this recording medium is a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk) on which a program is recorded, which is distributed to distribute the program to the user separately from the apparatus main body. , Removable media consisting of optical disks (including compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), DVD (digital versatile disk)), magneto-optical disks (including MD (mini-disk) (registered trademark)), or semiconductor memory The medium 61 and the removable medium 201 are configured.

  However, in this case, the process of reading the software package recorded on the removable medium mounted on the drive is automatically executed so that the digital camera 11 and the access point 12 do not require a configuration for receiving an instruction from the user (removable). It is desirable to be able to automatically play back software packages recorded on media.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order. It also includes processes that are executed individually.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus composed of a plurality of devices (apparatuses). In the above description, the configuration described as one device may be divided and configured as a plurality of devices. Conversely, the configurations described above as a plurality of devices may be combined into a single device. Of course, configurations other than those described above may be added to the configuration of each device. Furthermore, if the configuration and operation of the entire system are substantially the same, a part of the configuration of a certain device may be included in the configuration of another device.

It is a figure which shows the structural example which concerns on one Embodiment of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the digital camera of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of a CPU in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the solid-state information supply part of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the setting information acquisition part of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the access point of FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of a CPU in FIG. 5. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structural example of the process execution request corresponding | compatible process part of FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the example of the mode of transmission / reception of individual information and setting information. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a connection process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of an individual information supply process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a setting information acquisition process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a connection request response process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of a process execution request response process. It is a flowchart following FIG. 14 explaining the example of the flow of a process execution request response process. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of the exchange process of the information regarding LED.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication system, 11 Digital camera, 12 Access point, 31 CPU, 34 Camera part, 39 Wireless communication part, 51 Strobe control part, 52 Strobe light emission part, 106 Authentication processing part, 107 Notification processing part, 108 Setting information request part, 109 solid-state information supply unit, 110 setting information acquisition unit, 121 imaging control unit, 122 image analysis unit, 123 supply timing extraction unit, 124 supply solid information generation unit, 125 solid-state information supply control unit, 141 synchronization control unit, 142 imaging Control unit, 143 image analysis unit, 144 zoom control unit, 145 image cutout unit, 146 setting information extraction unit, 147 authentication processing unit, 148 setting information update unit, 151 start bit waiting unit, 152 shutter control unit, 171 CPU, 176 Storage unit, 179 wireless communication unit, 180 camera machine Unit, 191 WEP key, 192 SSID, 231 LED light emitting unit, 253 processing execution request response processing unit, 273 synchronization data generation unit, 274 camera function unit activation control unit, 275 synchronization data supply control unit, 281 setting information generation unit, 282 WEP key generation unit, 283 setting information supply unit, 284 authentication processing unit, 301 users

Claims (13)

In a communication system in which a first communication device and a second communication device perform wireless communication with each other,
The first communication device is:
Strobe light emitting means for outputting strobe light used as auxiliary light at the time of shooting;
Solid-state information supply control means for controlling the supply of the solid-state information by controlling the strobe light-emitting means and outputting the solid-state information of the first communication device by blinking the strobe light;
The second communication device is:
Photographing means for photographing the subject;
Shooting control means for controlling shooting by the shooting means and shooting flashing of the strobe light;
Image analysis means for analyzing a captured image group obtained by being photographed under the control of the photographing control means, and extracting the solid information from a flashing pattern of the strobe light included in the captured image;
A communication system comprising: a common key generation unit that generates a common key for encrypting communication information based on the solid information obtained by image analysis by the image analysis unit. A communication device that performs wireless communication with another communication device,
Strobe light emitting means for outputting strobe light used as auxiliary light at the time of shooting;
A communication apparatus comprising: solid-state information supply control means for controlling supply of the solid-state information by controlling the strobe light emission means and outputting the solid-state information of the communication apparatus by blinking the strobe light. Photographing means for photographing the subject;
Shooting control means for controlling shooting by the shooting means and shooting visible light output from the other communication device;
An image obtained by analyzing a photographed image obtained by photographing under the control of the photographing control means and acquiring synchronization data indicating information acquisition timing in the other communication device supplied from the other communication device by the visible light. An analysis means, and
The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the solid-state information supply control unit supplies the solid-state information at a timing based on the synchronization data obtained by image analysis by the image analysis unit. A supply timing extraction means for extracting supply timing, which is information specifying the supply timing of the solid information, from the synchronization data obtained by image analysis by the image analysis means;
The communication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the solid information supply control unit supplies the solid information at a timing based on the supply timing extracted by the supply timing extraction unit. In a communication method of a communication device that performs wireless communication with another communication device,
Communication including a step of controlling a strobe light emitting unit that outputs strobe light used as auxiliary light at the time of photographing and controlling supply of the solid information by outputting solid information of the communication device by blinking of the strobe light Method. A program for causing a computer to perform wireless communication with another communication device,
A program including a step of controlling a strobe light emitting unit that outputs strobe light used as auxiliary light at the time of photographing, and controlling supply of the solid information by outputting solid information of the communication device by blinking of the strobe light . A communication device that performs wireless communication with another communication device,
Photographing means for photographing the subject;
Photographing control means for controlling photographing by the photographing means and photographing flashing of strobe light output from the other communication device;
An image analysis unit that analyzes a group of captured images obtained by imaging under the control of the imaging control unit, and extracts solid information of the other communication device from a flashing pattern of the strobe light included in the captured image;
A communication device comprising: a common key generation unit that generates a common key for encrypting communication information based on the solid information obtained by image analysis by the image analysis unit. Synchronization data generating means for generating synchronization data indicating timing at which the imaging control means causes the imaging means to perform imaging;
Visible light emitting means for outputting visible light by emitting light;
Synchronization data supply means for controlling the light emission of the visible light emitting means and outputting the visible light to supply the synchronization data to the other communication device,
The communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the photographing control control unit controls the photographing unit to photograph the strobe light at a timing based on the synchronization data. The communication apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising an activation control unit that controls activation of the imaging unit and the visible light emitting unit. The communication apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a common key storage unit that stores the common key generated by the common key generation unit. Using the common key generated by the common key generation means, setting information generation means for generating setting information for eliminating unauthorized connections and connecting only authorized parties;
Visible light emitting means for outputting visible light by emitting light;
The communication apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising setting information supply means for controlling the light emission of the visible light emitting means and outputting the visible light to supply the setting information to the other communication apparatus. In a communication method of a communication device that performs wireless communication with another communication device,
Control the shooting unit for shooting the subject, shooting the flashing strobe light output from the other communication device,
Analyzing a captured image group obtained by capturing, extracting solid information of the other communication device from the flashing pattern of the strobe light included in the captured image,
A communication method including a step of generating a common key for encrypting communication information based on the solid information. A program for causing a computer to perform wireless communication with another communication device,
Control the shooting unit for shooting the subject, shooting the flashing strobe light output from the other communication device,
Analyzing a captured image group obtained by capturing, extracting solid information of the other communication device from the flashing pattern of the strobe light included in the captured image,
A program including a step of generating a common key for encrypting communication information based on the solid information.

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