JP2007166143A - Camera and mobile information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera capable of easily sharing image data with another camera and to provide a mobile information terminal. <P>SOLUTION: The cameras A and B register opposite individual identifiers and opposite IP addresses each other to a group member list to establish grouping. When the grouping is established between the cameras A and B, image data of an object image imaged by the cameras A and B are transmitted to the opposite cameras A, B, respectively wherein the image data are recorded. Since the cameras A and B can obtain the image data of the object image imaged by the opposite camera, the cameras A and B can share the image data with each other. This is similarly applicable to the case that three electronic cameras 100 or more are grouped. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for sharing imaging data handled by a camera and a portable information terminal.

  For example, a camera having a function capable of communicating with the outside, such as a mobile phone, is known. In this camera, imaging data can be transmitted to an external server by communication (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-87618 A

  However, in the conventional camera, in order to transmit the image data of the captured subject image to a plurality of external devices, an operation of transmitting the image data by setting each external device as a transmission destination is performed. It must be repeated as many times as necessary.

(1) The camera according to the invention of claim 1 is grouped with grouping means for grouping a plurality of cameras, and transmission means for transmitting imaging data to a plurality of other cameras grouped by the grouping means. Receiving means for receiving imaging data transmitted from a plurality of other cameras.
(2) The invention according to claim 2 is the camera according to claim 1, wherein the grouping means groups the plurality of cameras based on an identifier given in advance to each of the plurality of cameras. And
(3) According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the first aspect, the transmission means processes and transmits the imaging data according to the reception conditions in each of the plurality of other grouped cameras. Features.
(4) According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the first aspect, the transmission means establishes communication with a plurality of other cameras grouped when transmitting the imaging data, and transmits the imaging data. When the communication is completed, the established communication is disconnected.
(5) According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the first aspect, a determination unit that determines whether or not the imaging data transmitted by the transmission unit is correctly received by each of the other cameras, and a determination by the determination unit Transmission history management means for creating a transmission history table based on the result is further provided.
(6) According to the invention of claim 6, in the camera according to claim 1, when another camera is grouped by the power switch and the grouping means, at least reception is performed even if the power switch is turned off. The power supply to the means further includes a power management means for continuing.
(7) A portable information terminal according to the invention of claim 7 is a grouping means for grouping a plurality of portable information terminals, and a transmission means for transmitting data to a plurality of other portable information terminals grouped by the grouping means. And receiving means for receiving data transmitted from a plurality of other grouped portable information terminals.

  According to the present invention, the convenience of the camera and the portable information terminal can be improved.

  With reference to FIGS. 1-8, one Embodiment of the portable information terminal by this invention is described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera as an example of a portable information terminal. The electronic camera 100 includes an imaging unit 1, an image processing unit 2, a recording unit 3, a communication unit 4, a power supply unit 5, a control unit 6, an operation switch unit 7, and a display unit 8. .

  The imaging unit 1 is configured by a CCD image sensor or the like. The imaging unit 1 captures an image of subject light that has passed through a lens (not shown) for shooting, and outputs an imaging signal to the image processing unit 2. The image processing unit 2 is configured by an A / D conversion circuit, an ASIC, and the like. The image processing unit 2 converts an analog imaging signal into a digital signal, performs image processing such as white balance processing on the digitally converted image data, and compresses the image data after image processing in a predetermined format Then, decompression processing for decompressing the compressed image data is performed. In addition to the image processing described above, the image processing unit 2 also generates so-called thumbnail image data to be displayed on the display unit 8 described later.

  The recording unit 3 includes a built-in memory in which the image data after the above-described image processing and thumbnail image data are recorded. The recording unit 3 may be provided with a removable recording medium mounting unit so that the image data and the thumbnail image data are recorded on the recording medium. The communication unit 4 includes an antenna and a communication circuit. The communication unit 4 performs wireless communication with other electronic cameras. The power supply unit 5 includes a power source such as a primary battery or a secondary battery, and a power supply circuit for stably supplying power from the power source. The power supply unit 5 supplies power to each unit of the electronic camera 100.

  The control unit 6 is configured by a microcomputer or the like. The control unit 6 receives a signal output from each unit of the electronic camera 100, performs a predetermined calculation, and outputs a control signal based on the calculation result to each unit. The control unit 6 and each unit are connected to each other. The operation switch unit 7 includes buttons and switches including a release button, a zoom operation button, a main power switch, and various setting operation buttons and switches of the electronic camera 100.

  The display unit 8 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display monitor. The display unit 8 reproduces and displays the thumbnail image recorded in the recording unit 3. In addition, the display unit 8 displays shooting information such as a shutter speed (at the shutter speed), an aperture value, a set AF mode, the number of remaining frames, various setting menus of the electronic camera 100, and the like according to commands from the control unit 6. To do.

  In addition to the above-described components, the electronic camera 100 is provided with components relating to imaging such as photometry and distance measurement. However, these are well-known and are not directly related to the present invention, so the description thereof is omitted. .

  With the configuration described above, in the electronic camera 100, when the release button is pressed in a state where the power is turned on by operating a main power switch (not shown), the control unit 6 appropriately determines the shutter speed and the aperture value. Then, the control unit 6 controls the imaging unit 1 so as to capture a subject image at the determined shutter speed and aperture value. The imaging signal output from the imaging unit 1 is processed by the image processing unit 2 and recorded as image data by the recording unit 3. In the electronic camera 100, when reproduction of the image data recorded in the recording unit 3 is instructed by the operation of the operation switch unit 7, the thumbnail image data recorded in the recording unit 3 is read and displayed on the display unit 8. The control unit 6 controls the recording unit 3 and the display unit 8 so as to display.

  As will be described later, in the electronic camera 100, grouping can be set with another electronic camera 100 existing within a communicable range. In the electronic camera 100, when grouping is set, the subject image is captured by the imaging unit 1, and then the image data is controlled to be transmitted to the other electronic cameras 100 in the group via the communication unit 4. The unit 6 controls each unit. As a result, when a subject image is picked up by any one of the electronic cameras 100 in the group, the image data of the subject image is also transmitted to and recorded in the other electronic cameras 100 in the group. Hereinafter, the grouping setting and the operation of the electronic camera 100 after the grouping setting will be described.

---- Grouping setting ---
As shown in FIG. 2A, when two electronic cameras 100 are grouped, one electronic camera 100 (hereinafter referred to as camera A) to the other electronic camera 100 (hereinafter referred to as electronic camera B). A confirmation signal 51 is transmitted to inquire whether or not grouping is possible. That is, the control unit 6 of the camera A causes the communication unit 4 to transmit the confirmation signal 51. The confirmation signal 51 includes an individual identifier of the camera A, an individual identifier of the camera B, a grouping confirmation signal, an IP address of the camera A, and a temporary IP address of the camera B.

  Note that the individual identifier of the camera B that is the grouping partner is input by the user operating the operation switch unit 7 of the camera A. As the individual identifier of the camera B, for example, the manufacturing number of the camera B or the MAC address of the communication unit 4 of the camera B can be used. The individual identifier of the camera B can be displayed on the display unit 8 of the camera B by operating the operation switch unit 7 of the camera B. Therefore, the user can read the individual identifier of the camera B displayed on the display unit 8 of the camera B and input it to the camera A.

  When the camera B receives the confirmation signal 51 transmitted from the camera A, the camera B transmits the following signals 61 to 63 to the camera A in order to tell the camera A whether or not to perform grouping. That is, when the control unit 6 of the camera B receives the confirmation signal 51 transmitted to the camera B by the communication unit 4, the control unit 6 transmits a reception confirmation signal 61 for notifying that the confirmation signal 51 has been received to the communication unit 4. Let The reception confirmation signal 61 includes the individual identifier of the camera B. Then, the control unit 6 of the camera B causes the display unit 8 to display the individual identifier of the camera A included in the confirmation signal 51 and a display asking whether the camera A can be grouped.

  When an input operation for grouping is performed from the operation switch unit 7, the control unit 6 of the camera B causes the communication unit 4 to transmit a grouping permission signal 62. When an input operation indicating that no grouping is performed is performed from the operation switch unit 7, the control unit 6 of the camera B causes the communication unit 4 to transmit a grouping non-permission signal 63.

  In the camera A, when the reception confirmation signal 61 transmitted from the camera B is received by the communication unit 4, the control unit 6 performs grouping of the individual identifier of the camera B included in the reception confirmation signal 61 and the camera B. The display unit 8 displays a display to ask whether it is possible or not. When an input operation for performing grouping is performed from the operation switch unit 7, the control unit 6 of the camera A causes the communication unit 4 to transmit a grouping permission signal 52. When an input operation indicating that grouping is not performed is performed from the operation switch unit 7, the control unit 6 of the camera A causes the communication unit 4 to transmit a grouping non-permission signal 53.

When the transmission / reception of each signal described above is performed, if the following conditions are met, the individual identifier and IP address of the camera of the other party are registered in the group member list of each camera A and B, and grouped. Is set. That is, camera A and camera B are set to belong to the same group. The group member list is created and updated by the control unit 6 of each camera A and B, and is recorded by each recording unit 3.
(1) When the communication unit 4 of the camera A receives the reception confirmation signal 61 and the grouping permission signal 62, the control unit 6 of the camera A uses the individual identifier of the camera B and the IP address of the camera B as group members. Register to the list.
(2) When the communication unit 4 of the camera B receives the confirmation signal 51 and the grouping permission signal 52, the control unit 6 of the camera B displays the individual identifier of the camera A and the IP address of the camera A in the group member list. Register with.

  Thus, when grouping is set between the camera A and the camera B, as will be described later, the image data of the subject images captured by the cameras A and B are respectively the cameras A and B on the other side. Sent to. Accordingly, each of the cameras A and B can obtain image data of a subject image captured by the other camera, so that the image data can be shared between the cameras A and B.

  As described above, in the camera A, when the reception confirmation signal 61 is received after transmitting the confirmation signal 51 including the grouping confirmation signal, the individual identifier of the camera B included in the reception confirmation signal 61, The display unit 8 displays a display asking whether the camera B can be grouped. That is, from the viewpoint of the user, the confirmation signal 51 is transmitted after the operation of the camera A to perform the grouping with the camera B, but the grouping with the camera B is performed again. You must choose whether or not.

  The reason why the user of the camera A selects whether to group with the camera B in this way is to prevent unintended grouping setting with the electronic camera 100 other than the camera B. . For example, when the user of the camera A erroneously inputs the individual identifier of the camera B that is the grouping partner, the electronic camera 100 (for example, the camera X) having the erroneously input individual identifier is accidentally near the camera A. There is a risk that grouping is set with the camera X. Further, even if the individual identifier of the camera B input to the camera A is correct, the electronic camera 100 other than the camera B (for example, the camera Y) before receiving the reception confirmation signal 61 from the camera B receives it. When the transmitted reception confirmation signal 61 is accidentally received by the camera A, grouping with the camera Y may be set.

  Therefore, in order to prevent the erroneous setting of the grouping described above, the individual identifier of the camera B included in the reception confirmation signal 61 and a display asking whether the camera B can be grouped are displayed on the camera A. It is configured to be displayed on the display unit 8. By confirming the individual identifier of the camera B displayed on the display unit 8 by the user of the camera A, it is possible to prevent unintended grouping settings with the electronic camera 100.

--- Grouping setting by three or more electronic cameras 100 ---
In the above description, there are two electronic cameras 100 that perform grouping settings. However, grouping can be similarly set even if there are three or more electronic cameras. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the camera B is added to the group constituted by the two cameras A and C, the setting operation performed between the camera A and the camera B described above is the same. By setting operation, camera A and camera B are set to belong to the same group. That is, the signals 51, 52, 61, 62 are transmitted and received between the camera A and the camera B, and the individual identifier and IP address of the partner camera are registered in the group member list of each camera A, B. Grouping is set.

  Here, the grouping of the camera A and the camera C has already been set. Therefore, the camera A transmits the individual identifier and the IP address of the camera C to the camera B, and transmits the individual identifier and the IP address of the camera B to the camera C. That is, in the camera A, the control unit 6 registers the individual identifier and IP address of the camera B in the group member list, and then reads the individual identifier and IP address of the camera C already registered in the group member list.

  The control unit 6 controls the communication unit 4 to transmit a signal 54 including the read individual identifier and the IP address of the camera C to the camera B. Further, the control unit 6 of the camera A controls the communication unit 4 to transmit a signal 55 including the registered individual identifier of the camera B and the IP address to the camera C.

  When the communication unit 4 of the camera B receives the signal 54, the control unit 6 of the camera B registers the individual identifier and IP address of the camera C included in the signal 54 in the group member list. When the communication unit 4 receives the signal 54, the control unit 6 of the camera B controls the communication unit 4 to transmit a reception confirmation signal 64 to the camera A.

  When the communication unit 4 of the camera C receives the signal 55, the control unit 6 of the camera C registers the individual identifier and IP address of the camera B included in the signal 55 in the group member list. When the communication unit 4 receives the signal 55, the control unit 6 of the camera C controls the communication unit 4 to transmit a reception confirmation signal 75 to the camera A.

  Thus, in the cameras A to C, the individual identifiers and IP addresses of the other cameras A to C are recorded in the respective group member lists, and the grouping setting between the cameras A to C is performed. When grouping is set, as will be described later, the image data of the subject image captured by each camera A to C is transmitted to the other cameras A to C in the group, respectively. Accordingly, each of the cameras A to C can obtain image data of the subject image captured by the other cameras A to C in the group, so that the respective image data can be shared between the cameras A to C. . When the grouping is set, the control unit 6 controls each unit so that the power supply from the power supply unit 5 to the communication unit 4 is continued even when the main power switch is turned off.

--- Transmission and reception of image data ---
When a plurality of electronic cameras 100 are grouped, image data is transmitted and received between the electronic cameras 100 as follows. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, when a subject image is picked up by camera A among a plurality of grouped cameras A, B, C..., The image data of the subject image is included in the group as data signal 81. The other cameras B, C... Are also transmitted and recorded. After transmitting the data signal 81, the camera A transmits a transmission end message 82 to the cameras B, C. When reception of the data signal 81 and the transmission end message 82 transmitted from the camera A is completed, the cameras B, C... Transmit a reception completion signal 83 to the camera A.

  That is, in the camera A, when the release button is pressed, the control unit 6 controls the imaging unit 1 so as to capture a subject image. At the same time, the control unit 6 controls the communication unit 4 of the camera A so as to establish communication with the communication unit 4 of the cameras B, C. After the communication with the communication unit 4 of the cameras B, C... Is established, the control unit 6 uses the image data generated by processing by the image processing unit 2 as the data signal 81 to the cameras B, C. The communication unit 4 of the camera A is controlled to transmit. When the transmission of the data signal 81 is completed, the control unit 6 causes the communication unit 4 to transmit a transmission end message 82.

  In the cameras B, C,..., When the communication unit 4 receives the data signal 81 transmitted from the camera A, the control unit 6 communicates so that the recording unit 3 records the image data included in the received data signal 81. The unit 4 and the recording unit 3 are controlled. When the communication unit 4 receives the transmission end message 82 transmitted from the camera A, the control unit 6 of the cameras B, C,... Controls the communication unit 4 to transmit a reception completion signal 83 to the camera A. To do.

  In the cameras B, C..., When the main power switch is turned off when the communication unit 4 receives the data signal 81 transmitted from the camera A, the control unit 6 in the recording unit 3 Prior to recording the image data, power supply to the recording unit 3 is started.

  If the transmission of the image data fails, the camera A creates a transmission history table and records information about the transmission partner and the transmission image. That is, in the camera A, when the reception completion signal 83 transmitted from the cameras B, C... Cannot be received by the communication unit 4, the control unit 6 creates a transmission history table. The control unit 6 is information about a partner who has not received the reception completion signal 83 (hereinafter referred to as an untransmitted camera) and image data transmitted to the untransmitted camera (hereinafter referred to as untransmitted image data). Is recorded in the transmission history table. The transmission history table is created and updated by the control unit 6 and stored in the recording unit 3.

  Thereafter, when new imaging is performed by the imaging unit 1 of the camera A, the control unit 6 reads the transmission history from the transmission history table. When there is information about the untransmitted camera in the read transmission history, the control unit 6 of the camera A uses only the image data of the newly captured subject image as the data signal 81 transmitted to the untransmitted camera. Also, untransmitted image data is added. That is, the control unit 6 reads untransmitted image data from the recording unit 3. Then, the control unit 6 controls the communication unit 4 to transmit a data signal 81 including the image data of the newly captured subject image and the untransmitted image data to the untransmitted camera.

  In the camera A, when the communication unit 4 receives the reception completion signal 83 from the untransmitted camera, the control unit 6 deletes information about the untransmitted camera and the untransmitted image data from the transmission history table. When the communication unit 4 cannot receive the reception completion signal 83 from the untransmitted camera, the control unit 6 adds information on untransmitted image data regarding the untransmitted camera to the transmission history table.

  The communication between the camera A and the other cameras B, C,... Established after the subject image is captured is received after the reception completion signal 83 is received by the camera A, or the transmission history table is created or updated. And then cut off.

  In the electronic camera 100 configured as described above, if a plurality of people set grouping for each electronic camera 100, the image data of the subject image captured by the one electronic camera 100 can be immediately displayed on the other electronic camera. 100. Therefore, the image data of the subject image captured by each electronic camera 100 can be easily shared by each electronic camera 100. Therefore, it is not necessary to transfer the image data of one electronic camera 100 to another electronic camera or to transfer the image data of another electronic camera 100 individually to one electronic camera. High nature.

  For example, when interchangeable lenses having different focal lengths are attached to the respective electronic cameras 100, various image data can be shared as described above, as if the images were exchanged with interchangeable lenses having different focal lengths. Image data can be obtained. Note that a thumbnail image of a subject image captured by one electronic camera 100 can be displayed on the display unit 8 of another electronic camera 100. Users of other electronic cameras 100 can determine better imaging timing and composition by changing the shooting location with reference to the thumbnail images.

--- Flow chart for grouping ---
The process performed by the control unit 6 of the camera A described above when setting the grouping will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The program according to the flowchart of FIG. 4 is activated when an operation for starting the grouping process is input by operating the operation switch unit 7.

  In step S101, an input screen for the individual identifier of the other camera is displayed on the display unit 8, and the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the process waits until an individual identifier is input by operating the operation switch unit 7. If an affirmative determination is made in step S103, the process proceeds to step S105, the grouping confirmation signal and the individual identifier of the camera A are transmitted from the communication unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the IP address of camera A is transmitted from the communication unit 4 and the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the temporary IP address of camera B is transmitted from the communication unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S111.

  In step S111, it is determined whether or not the reception confirmation signal 61 from the camera B is received by the communication unit 4. If an affirmative determination is made in step S111, the process proceeds to step S113, where the display unit 8 displays an individual identifier of the camera B included in the reception confirmation signal 61 and a display asking whether the camera B can be grouped. Then, the process proceeds to step S115. In step S115, it is determined whether or not an input operation for grouping has been performed from the operation switch unit 7.

  If a positive determination is made in step S115, the process proceeds to step S117, the grouping permission signal 52 is transmitted to the communication unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S119. In step S119, it is determined whether the communication unit 4 has received the permission signal 62 or the non-permission signal 63 from the camera B. If a positive determination is made in step S119, the process proceeds to step S121, and it is determined whether or not the signal received in step S119 is the permission signal 62.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S121, the process proceeds to step S123, where the individual identifier of camera B and the IP address of camera B are registered in the group member list, and the process proceeds to step S125. In step S125, it is determined whether the individual identifier and the IP address of the electronic camera 100 other than the camera B are registered in the group member list.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S125, the process proceeds to step S127, the individual identifier and IP address of the electronic camera 100 other than the camera B are read from the group member list, and the signal 54 including the read individual identifier and IP address is displayed on the camera. The communication unit 4 is controlled to transmit to B. In step S127, the communication unit 4 is controlled to transmit the signal 55 including the individual identifier and IP address of the camera B registered in step S123 to the other electronic camera 100 other than the camera B, and the process proceeds to step S129. move on.

  In step S <b> 129, it is determined whether the communication unit 4 has received all the reception confirmation signals 64 and 75 transmitted from the camera B and the electronic camera 100 other than the camera B. If an affirmative determination is made in step S129, this program is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S129, the process proceeds to step S131, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If a negative determination is made in step S131, the process returns to step S129. If an affirmative determination is made in step S131, the process proceeds to step S133, the electronic camera 100 that has not received the reception confirmation signal is identified, and the process proceeds to step S135. In step S135, the electronic camera 100 identified in step S133 is caused to transmit the individual identifier and IP address of the electronic camera 100 in the group to the communication unit 4 again, and the process returns to step S129.

  If a negative determination is made in step S111, the process proceeds to step S141 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If a negative determination is made in step S141, the process returns to step S111. If an affirmative decision is made in step S141, the program is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S115, the process proceeds to step S143, the grouping non-permission signal 53 is transmitted to the communication unit 4, and the program is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S119, the process proceeds to step S145 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If a negative determination is made in step S145, the process returns to step S119. If an affirmative decision is made in step S145, the program is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S121, this program is terminated. When a negative determination is made in step S125, this program is terminated.

  The processing performed by the control unit 6 of the camera B described above when setting the grouping will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The program according to the flowchart of FIG. 5 is activated when an operation for starting the grouping process is input by operating the operation switch unit 7.

  In step S201, the individual identifier of the camera B is displayed on the display unit 8, and the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, the communication unit 4 waits until the confirmation signal 51 transmitted from the camera A is received. If a positive determination is made in step S203, the process proceeds to step S205, and it is determined whether or not the individual identifier included in the confirmation signal 51 received in step S203 belongs to the camera B.

  If an affirmative decision is made in step S205, the process proceeds to step S207, the temporary IP address of camera B included in the confirmation signal 51 received in step S203 is set as the IP address of camera B, and the process proceeds to step S209. In step S209, a reception confirmation signal 61 for notifying that the confirmation signal 51 has been received is transmitted to the communication unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S211, the individual identifier of the camera A included in the confirmation signal 51 received in step S203 and a display asking whether the camera A can be grouped are displayed on the display unit 8, and the process proceeds to step S213. In step S213, it is determined whether or not an input operation for grouping has been performed from the operation switch unit 7.

  If a positive determination is made in step S213, the process proceeds to step S215, the grouping permission signal 62 is transmitted to the communication unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S217. In step S217, it is determined whether the communication unit 4 has received the permission signal 52 or the non-permission signal 53 from the camera A. If a positive determination is made in step S217, the process proceeds to step S219, and it is determined whether or not the signal received in step S217 is the permission signal 52.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S219, the process proceeds to step S221, where the individual identifier of camera A and the IP address of camera A are registered in the group member list, and the process proceeds to step S223. In step S223, it is determined whether or not the communication unit 4 has received the signal 54 including the individual identifier and the IP address of the electronic camera 100 other than the camera A.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S223, the process proceeds to step S225, and the individual identifier and IP address of the electronic camera 100 other than the camera A included in the received signal 54 are registered in the group member list, and the process proceeds to step S227. In step S227, the reception confirmation signal 64 is transmitted from the communication unit 4 and the program is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S205, the process proceeds to step S231 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If a negative determination is made in step S231, the process returns to step S205. If an affirmative determination is made in step S231, the process proceeds to step S233, a display to the effect that grouping has failed is displayed on the display unit 8, and the program is terminated.

  When a negative determination is made in step S213, the process proceeds to step S235, the grouping non-permission signal 63 is transmitted to the communication unit 4, and the program is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S217, the process proceeds to step S237 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If a negative determination is made in step S237, the process returns to step S217. If an affirmative determination is made in step S237, the process proceeds to step S239, a display indicating that grouping has failed is displayed on the display unit 8, and the present program is terminated.

  When a negative determination is made in step S219, this program is terminated. If a negative determination is made in step S223, the process proceeds to step S241 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If a negative determination is made in step S241, the process returns to step S223. When an affirmative decision is made in step S241, the program is terminated.

--- Flow chart for sending and receiving image data ---
The processing performed by the control unit 6 of the camera A in FIG. 3 described above after the grouping setting will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. The program according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 is activated when a subject image is imaged by the imaging unit 1 by operating the release button of the operation switch unit 7 after the grouping setting.

  In step S601, a communication request signal for requesting communication to all other electronic cameras 100 registered in the group member list is transmitted to the communication unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, it is determined whether the communication unit 4 has received a communication permission signal for permitting communication. If a positive determination is made in step S603, the process proceeds to step S605, and the electronic camera 100 that has received the communication permission signal in the communication unit 4 is set as the transmission destination of the data signal 81, and the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S607, it is determined whether or not information about the untransmitted camera is recorded in the transmission history table. If a negative determination is made in step S607, the process proceeds to step S611 described later. If an affirmative determination is made in step S607, the process proceeds to step S609, and the transmission data for the untransmitted camera is set to be added with the untransmitted image data, and the process proceeds to step S611. In step S611, the communication unit 4 is controlled to transmit image data to each electronic camera 100, that is, the data signal 81 is transmitted to the communication unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S613.

  In step S613, the process waits until transmission of all image data to be transmitted is completed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S613, the process proceeds to step S615, the transmission end message 82 is transmitted to the communication unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S617 in FIG. In step S617, it is determined whether the communication unit 4 has received the reception completion signal 83 from all the electronic cameras 100 set as the transmission destination in step S605.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S617, the process advances to step S619 to determine whether or not information about an untransmitted camera is recorded in the transmission history table. If a negative determination is made in step S619, the process proceeds to step 622 described later. If an affirmative determination is made in step S619, the process proceeds to step S621, and information regarding the untransmitted camera and untransmitted image data for the electronic camera 100 set as the transmission destination in step S605 is deleted from the transmission history table, and the process proceeds to step S622.

  In step S622, the communication is disconnected and the process proceeds to step S623. In step S623, it is determined whether the main power switch is turned off. If a negative determination is made in step S623, the program is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S623, the process proceeds to step S625, power supply to the imaging unit 1, the image processing unit 2, and the recording unit 3 is stopped, and this program ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S603, the process proceeds to step S631, and it is determined whether the communication unit 4 has received a communication rejection signal. If a negative determination is made in step S631, the process proceeds to step S633, the communication request signal is retransmitted to the communication unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S635. In step S635, it is determined whether the communication unit 4 has received a communication permission signal. If a positive determination is made in step S635, the process proceeds to step S605.

  If a negative determination is made in step S635, the process proceeds to step S637, in which it is determined whether the number of transmissions of the communication request signal has reached a predetermined number set in advance. If a negative determination is made in step S637, the process proceeds to step S639 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If a positive determination is made in step S639, the process returns to step S633. If a negative determination is made in step S639, the process returns to step S635.

  If the determination in step S617 in FIG. 7 is negative, the process proceeds to step S651, and whether or not the communication unit 4 has received a signal requesting retransmission of the data signal 81 (retry request signal) transmitted from another electronic camera 100. Determine whether. If a positive determination is made in step S651, the process proceeds to step S653, the electronic camera 100 that has received the retry request signal is set as the transmission destination of the data signal 81, and the process returns to step S607 in FIG.

  If a negative determination is made in step S651, the process proceeds to step S655, and it is determined whether or not the number of retransmissions of the data signal 81 has reached a predetermined number set in advance. If an affirmative determination is made in step S655, the process proceeds to step S657, a transmission history table is created or updated, and the process proceeds to step S622. In step S657, when the process of this step is performed for the first time after the grouping is set, a transmission history table is created. After the setting of grouping, if the number of processings in this step is the second or later, the contents of the transmission history table already created are updated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S655, the process proceeds to step S659 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If a negative determination is made in step S659, the process returns to step S651. If an affirmative determination is made in step S659, the process proceeds to step S661, the electronic camera 100 that has not received the reception completion signal 83 by the communication unit 4 is set as the transmission destination of the data signal 81, and the process returns to step S607 in FIG.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S631 in FIG. 6, the process proceeds to step S657 in FIG. If an affirmative determination is made in step S637 in FIG. 6, the process proceeds to step S657 in FIG.

  A process performed by the control unit 6 of the camera B in FIG. 3 described above regarding the reception of the data signal 81 after the grouping setting will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 8. The same applies to the processing performed by the control unit 6 of the camera C in FIG. The program according to the flowchart of FIG. 8 is activated when the communication request signal described in step S601 of FIG. 6 is received.

  The electronic camera 100 is always supplied with power from the power supply unit 5 to the communication unit 4 and the control unit 6 even when the main power switch is off. Therefore, even when the main power switch of the electronic camera 100 is off, when the control unit 6 receives a communication request signal via the communication unit 4, the program of FIG.

  In step S701, it is determined whether the main power switch is off. If a negative determination is made in step S701, the process proceeds to step S707 described later. If an affirmative determination is made in step S701, the process proceeds to step S706, power supply to the recording unit 3 is started, and the process proceeds to step S707. In step S707, it is determined whether or not the electronic camera 100 that is the transmission source of the communication request signal is registered in the group member list.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S707, the process proceeds to step S709, a communication permission signal is transmitted to the communication unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S711. In step S711, reception of the data signal 81 is started, and the process proceeds to step S713. In step S713, the process waits until a predetermined time has elapsed. In step S715, it is determined whether or not the transmission end message 82 has been received by the communication unit 4.

  If a positive determination is made in step S715, the process proceeds to step S717, the reception completion signal 83 is transmitted to the communication unit 4, and the process proceeds to step S718. In step S718, the communication is disconnected and the process proceeds to step S719. In step S719, it is determined whether or not the main power switch is off. If a negative determination is made in step S719, the process returns. If an affirmative determination is made in step S719, the process proceeds to step S721 to perform a reception end process such as stopping the power supply to the recording unit 3 and return.

  If a negative determination is made in step S707, the process proceeds to step S723, a communication rejection signal is transmitted to the communication unit 4, and the process returns. If a negative determination is made in step S715, the process proceeds to step S725, a retry request signal is transmitted to the communication unit 4, and the process returns to step S711.

The electronic camera 100 according to the present invention has the following effects.
(1) Between the electronic cameras 100 in which the grouping setting is performed, the image data of the subject image captured by the imaging unit 1 can be transmitted from the communication unit 4 to the partner electronic camera 100. In addition, image data of a subject image captured by another electronic camera 100 can be received by the communication unit 4 and recorded in the recording unit 3. As a result, the image data can be easily shared between the electronic cameras 100, which is highly convenient.

(2) The individual identifier of each electronic camera 100 is registered in the group member list. Accordingly, the grouping setting process and the image data transmission destination setting process performed by the control unit 6 can be simplified. In addition, when the communication request signal is received by the communication unit 4, it is possible to simplify the process of determining whether or not the electronic camera 100 that is the transmission source of the communication request signal is a camera in the group. Therefore, the processing load in the control unit 6 is reduced and the processing speed is improved. Further, the recording capacity load in the recording unit 3 can be reduced.

(3) Each time image data is transmitted, communication is established between the electronic cameras 100 to transmit and receive the image data. When the transmission of the image data is completed, the established communication is disconnected. As a result, power consumption during standby can be reduced, and the movable time of the electronic camera 100 can be extended.

(4) The transmission history table is configured to manage the transmission history of image data. Therefore, even if there is an untransmitted camera, the control unit 6 can cause the communication unit 4 to transmit untransmitted image data together with the image data of the subject image obtained later. Thereby, image data can be reliably shared between the electronic cameras 100.

(5) When the grouping setting is performed, the control unit 6 is configured to control each unit so that the power supply from the power supply unit 5 to the communication unit 4 is continued even when the main power switch is turned off. . Thereby, even if the main power switch is turned off, image data transmitted from another electronic camera 100 can be received. Therefore, when there is no need to take an image, the main power switch can be turned off, and power consumption can be reduced.

---- Modified example ---
(1) In the above description, the image quality and size of the image data transmitted from the communication unit 4 are not particularly mentioned. However, the image data having different image quality and size is transmitted for each electronic camera 100 that is the transmission destination. May be.

  For example, when grouping is set, information related to the image quality and size of image data transmitted to one electronic camera is transmitted to the communication unit 4 from another camera by the control unit 6 of the one camera. Let In other cameras, when image data is transmitted to one camera, the control unit 6 causes the image processing unit 2 to change the image quality and size of the image data based on the information received from the one camera. Then, the changed image data is transmitted to the communication unit 4. Thereby, image data having an appropriate image quality and size according to the state of the electronic camera 100 on the receiving side such as the storage capacity of the recording unit 3 can be transmitted and received.

  Further, the image quality and size of the image data may be changed such that the control unit 6 changes the image processing unit 2 in the electronic camera 100 on the receiving side. For example, in the case of the electronic camera 100 used by a media representative, the size of image data to be transmitted may be a so-called thumbnail size. In other words, when a news reporter uses the electronic camera 100, it is only necessary that the thumbnail image of the subject image captured by one electronic camera 100 can be displayed on the display unit 8 of the other electronic camera 100. As described above, the control unit 6 of the electronic camera 100 on the transmission side may cause the image processing unit 2 to generate a thumbnail image, and the control unit 6 of the electronic camera 100 on the reception side generates a thumbnail image on the image processing unit 2. You may let them.

  When the press is using the electronic camera 100, it is not necessary to share image data among all the electronic cameras 100 in the group. Therefore, it is only necessary that thumbnail images are transmitted and received between the electronic cameras 100 grouped as described above. In this case, since the thumbnail image of the subject image captured by one electronic camera 100 can be displayed on the display unit 8 of the other electronic camera 100, the cameraman of the other electronic camera 100 can be referred to by referring to the thumbnail image. Can appropriately determine the subject image to be taken next.

(2) In the above description, the program according to the flowchart of FIG. 5 is configured to start when an operation for starting the grouping process is input by the operation of the operation switch unit 7. It is not limited to. For example, when the confirmation signal 51 transmitted from the camera A is received by the receiving unit 4, the program according to the flowchart of FIG. In this case, step S201 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 may be skipped.

(3) In the above description, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the camera B is added to the group constituted by the two cameras A and C, the confirmation signal 51 is transmitted from the camera A to form a group. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the grouping setting may be started by transmitting the confirmation signal 51 from the camera B. In this case, the control unit 6 of the camera A starts and executes the program according to the flowchart of FIG. In the control unit 6 of the camera B, the program according to the flowchart of FIG. 4 described above is activated and executed.

(4) In the above description, each time an image is captured by the electronic camera 100, communication with the other electronic camera 100 is established, and when the transmission / reception of image data is completed, the established communication is disconnected. It is not limited. For example, after establishing communication between one electronic camera 100 and another electronic camera 100, the communication may be established until the grouping setting is canceled. Further, it may be configured to be able to set for each electronic camera 100 whether to establish / disconnect communication every time an image is taken or to keep communication established.

(5) In the above description, the transmission history table is configured to record information related to untransmitted cameras and untransmitted image data, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electronic camera 100 that has successfully transmitted image data and information about the image data may be recorded in the transmission history table. Further, when the operation switch unit 7 is operated to display the transmission history table, the control unit 6 may be configured to display the transmission history table on the display unit 8.

  Further, when the operation switch unit 7 is operated based on the transmission history table displayed on the display unit 8 and the transmission of untransmitted image data to the untransmitted camera is instructed, the control unit 6 responds to the untransmitted camera. The recording unit 3 and the communication unit 4 may be configured to transmit untransmitted image data. That is, a configuration may be such that a user who views the transmission history table displayed on the display unit 8 can instruct transmission of untransmitted image data to an untransmitted camera by operating the operation switch unit 7.

(6) In the above description, the control unit 6 is configured to cause the image processing unit 2 to generate thumbnail image data when a subject image is captured by the imaging unit 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. Not. For example, when the reproduction of the image data is instructed by operating the operation switch unit 7, the control unit 6 controls the image processing unit 2 and the recording unit 3, so that the image data recorded in the recording unit 3 is based on the image data. You may comprise so that a thumbnail image may be produced | generated.
(7) You may combine each embodiment and modification which were mentioned above, respectively.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and a plurality of portable information terminals are grouped, data is transmitted to a plurality of other grouped portable information terminals, and a plurality of grouped plurality of portable information terminals is transmitted. Various portable information terminals that can receive data transmitted from other portable information terminals are included.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic camera 100. FIG. It is a figure explaining the setting of grouping, (a) is a figure shown about the case where the setting of grouping is performed between the camera A and the camera B, (b) is between cameras A-C. It is a figure shown about the case where the setting of grouping is performed. It is a figure explaining transmission / reception of image data. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the control part 6 of the camera A in the case of the setting of grouping. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the control part 6 of the camera B in the case of the setting of grouping. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the control part 6 of the camera A of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the control part 6 of the camera A of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the control part 6 of the camera B of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging part 3 Recording part 4 Communication part 5 Power supply part 6 Control part 7 Operation switch part 100 Electronic camera (Camera A, Camera B, Camera C)

Claims (7)

A grouping means for grouping a plurality of cameras;
Transmitting means for transmitting imaging data to a plurality of other cameras grouped by the grouping means;
A camera comprising: receiving means for receiving imaging data transmitted from the plurality of other grouped cameras. The camera of claim 1,
The grouping means groups the plurality of cameras on the basis of an identifier given in advance to each of the plurality of cameras. The camera of claim 1,
The camera is characterized in that the transmission means processes and transmits the imaging data in accordance with reception conditions in each of the plurality of other grouped cameras. The camera of claim 1,
The transmission means establishes communication with the plurality of other grouped cameras when transmitting the imaging data, and disconnects the established communication when transmission of the imaging data is completed. camera. The camera of claim 1,
Determining means for determining whether or not the imaging data transmitted by the transmitting means has been correctly received by each of the other cameras;
The camera further comprising: a transmission history management unit that creates a transmission history table based on a determination result by the determination unit. The camera of claim 1,
A power switch;
When the other cameras are grouped by the grouping means, the power management means further includes at least power supply means for continuing to supply power to the receiving means even when the power switch is turned off. Camera. A grouping means for grouping a plurality of portable information terminals;
Transmitting means for transmitting data to a plurality of other portable information terminals grouped by the grouping means;
A portable information terminal comprising receiving means for receiving data transmitted from the plurality of other grouped portable information terminals.

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