JP5966418B2 - Wireless device, wireless system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless device, a wireless system, a control method, and a program.

When the pairing mode button is pressed, the printer shifts to the pairing mode and transmits a beacon at a short time interval until the timer finishes timing, and receives a beacon from the printer and transmits a beacon at a short time interval. There is known a communication system that includes a printer that extracts a printer that sends a message as a connection destination candidate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[Prior art documents]
[Patent Literature]
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-148471

  In a wireless system in which a plurality of wireless devices having different functions are mixed, there is a problem in that wireless devices having incompatible functions are paired. If the protocol is divided for each type of device in order to prevent this, there is a problem that the wireless device becomes complicated in communication procedures such as a pairing procedure and a command, and a load is applied to the wireless device.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the wireless device has a requesting device that requests pairing as a transmission source, and a receiving unit that wirelessly receives a pairing request signal including function information indicating a function of the requesting device; A determination unit that determines whether or not the wireless device has a corresponding function corresponding to the function indicated by the function information, and a transmission source of the pairing request signal when it is determined that the wireless device has the corresponding function A pairing information storage unit that stores identification information for identifying a pairing partner, and identification information for identifying a transmission source of the wireless signal when the wireless signal is received is stored in the pairing information storage unit And a reception unit that receives the radio signal on the condition that

  In a second aspect of the present invention, a wireless system includes the wireless device and the requesting device.

  In a third aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a wireless device includes a requesting device requesting pairing as a transmission source, and receiving by wireless a pairing request signal including function information indicating a function of the requesting device. A step of determining whether the wireless device has a corresponding function, which is a function corresponding to the function indicated by the function information, and a pairing request signal when it is determined that the wireless device has the corresponding function A storage step of storing identification information for identifying the transmission source as identification information of the pairing partner, and identification information for identifying the transmission source of the wireless signal when a wireless signal destined for the wireless device is received. A reception step of receiving the radio signal on condition that the step is stored.

  In the fourth aspect of the present invention, the wireless device program receives from the requesting device requesting pairing as a transmission source, and wirelessly receives a pairing request signal including function information indicating the function of the requesting device. A step for determining whether or not the wireless device has a corresponding function corresponding to the function indicated by the function information, and a pairing request signal when it is determined that the wireless device has the corresponding function A storage step of storing identification information for identifying the transmission source of the wireless communication device as identification information of the pairing partner, and identification information for identifying the transmission source of the wireless signal when a wireless signal destined for the wireless device is received as a pair. On the condition that it is stored in the ring information storage unit, the computer is caused to execute a reception step for receiving the radio signal.

  It should be noted that the above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention. In addition, a sub-combination of these feature groups can also be an invention.

An example of the use environment of the camera system 5 concerning one Embodiment is shown. An example of the functional block of the radio | wireless communication module 200 which the radio | wireless apparatus 40 which is an accessory for cameras has is shown. An example of a data structure of a pairing request signal in the camera system 5 is shown. An example of a function assigned to each bit of the function information is shown in a table format. The types of wireless devices 40 that can be stored as pairing partners are shown in a table format. An example of information stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 is shown in a table format. An example of information stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 is shown in a table format. An example of information stored in the communication history storage unit 290 is shown in a table format. An example of the operation | movement flow in case the radio | wireless apparatus 40 transmits a radio signal is shown. An example of the operation | movement flow in case the radio | wireless apparatus 40 receives a radio signal is shown.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, not all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solving means of the invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a use environment of a camera system 5 according to an embodiment. A camera system 5 as an example of a wireless system includes cameras 10a and 10b, speedlights 20a and 20b that are flash devices, a computer 30, and a plurality of wireless devices 40a to 40f. In the description of the camera system 5, subscripts such as “a” and “b” may be omitted to collectively refer to the respective constituent elements. For example, the cameras 10a and 10b may be collectively referred to as the camera 10.

  The wireless devices 40 are attached to corresponding devices and wirelessly communicate with each other. As an example, the wireless device 40 communicates using the same communication method, the same communication format, and the same channel (frequency band). The wireless devices 40 are identified by a unique identification code assigned to each. When the wireless device 40 receives a packet with a wireless signal and determines that the packet is not addressed to itself based on the destination identification code, the packet is ignored. For this reason, the control logic for receiving the radio signal of the radio device 40 incorporates a mechanism that generates a reception interrupt only when the destination of the received packet matches its own identification code. As a result, the burden on packet data processing can be reduced. In the description of the camera system 5, this unique identification code is referred to as a device ID. If the MAC address is adopted as the device ID, the individual wireless device 40 can be identified. An arbitrary management number or name may be used as the device ID. In this case, although complete individual identification may not be realized, the device ID can be set so that individual identification can be performed within a limited wireless system. In any case, the device ID is used in the camera system 5 to identify the wireless device 40 to be identified. In the camera system 5, the wireless device 40 that is previously permitted as a partner of wireless communication between the wireless devices 40 is specified using the device ID. In the camera system 5, at least one wireless device 40 storing the device ID of the communication partner is called pairing. It may be paired that the wireless devices 40 mutually store the device IDs.

  The wireless device 40a is a wireless remote controller. The wireless device 40a functions alone. In the description of the camera system 5, the wireless remote controller may be abbreviated as a remote controller. The remote controller, for example, activates the camera 10 installed at a distant place or instructs photographing. Further, the remote controller performs various settings such as the shutter speed and aperture value of the camera, and reads the settings.

  The wireless devices 40 b and 40 c are devices that are detachably attached to the camera 10. The wireless devices 40 b and 40 c are so-called camera accessories, and add a wireless function to the camera 10. In this figure, the wireless device 40b is attached to the camera 10b, and the wireless device 40c is attached to the camera 10b. The camera accessory communicates with the mounted camera 10 to control the operation of the camera 10. The camera accessory has the ability to communicate with devices such as the speedlight 20 and the computer 30 to realize various controls. In order for the camera accessory to control the operation of the camera 10, both the camera accessory and the camera 10 need to be equipped with software such as firmware for realizing the control. When adding a new function, the operation of the camera accessory and camera 10 is made to correspond to a wireless command corresponding to the new function, or the firmware of the camera accessory and camera 10 is rewritten to the firmware corresponding to the new function. Can add functions. A new function can be added by a so-called firmware update function.

  The wireless devices 40d and 40e are devices that are detachably attached to the speedlight 20. The wireless devices 40 d and 40 e are so-called speedlight accessories, and add a wireless function to the speedlight 20. The accessory for speedlight is an accessory for wireless communication for controlling the speedlight 20 provided remotely. In this figure, the wireless device 40d is attached to the speedlight 20a, and the wireless device 40e is attached to the speedlight 20b. In single-flash photography, a flash device may be directly attached to the camera 10 for use, but in multi-flash photography, at least one camera 10 often performs light emission control or the like by wireless communication. Of course, even with single-light photography, photography can be performed using a single speedlight 20 provided remotely. In shooting using a plurality of speedlights 20, one or more cameras 10 communicate with a plurality of speedlight accessories.

  The wireless device 40f is a device that is detachably attached to the computer 30. The wireless device 40f adds a wireless function to the attached computer 30. For example, the wireless device 40 f is a PC accessory that can communicate with the camera 10. The PC accessory has, for example, a connector that can be connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal of the computer 30 and is also called a USB dongle or the like. Communication between the computer 30 and the USB dongle is performed via USB. The PC accessory implements various wireless communication controls with the camera 10 by the function of software installed in the computer 30.

  The camera 10 images a subject and records image data. The speedlight 20 emits a flash to illuminate the subject in a short time. The camera 10 captures an image in synchronization with the light emission of the speedlight 20. Specifically, when the camera 10a receives a command for instructing photographing from the wireless device 40a as a wireless signal, the camera 10a flashes the wireless device 40d through the wireless device 40b when it determines that it is necessary to emit a flash. A command for emitting light is transmitted as a radio signal. When the wireless device 40d receives the command, the wireless device 40d instructs the speedlight 20 to emit a flash. After transmitting the command, the camera 10a waits for a predetermined time required to reach a sufficient amount of light emitted from the speedlight 20a, and then performs a shooting operation. As described above, the camera 10a receives the imaging instruction from the wireless device 40a via the wireless device 40b, causes the speedlight 20a to emit light via the wireless device 40b and the wireless device 40d, and images in synchronization with the light emission. The camera 10b, the wireless device 40c, the wireless device 40e, and the speedlight 20b operate similarly. That is, the camera 10b receives an imaging instruction from the wireless device 40a via the wireless device 40c, causes the speedlight 20b to emit light via the wireless device 40c and the wireless device 40e, and performs imaging in synchronization with the light emission.

  Here, among the four types of accessories included in the camera system 5, the remote controller is a device that controls the camera 10, and therefore it is desirable that the communication partner of the remote controller be limited to the camera accessory. Since the accessory for speedlight is a device controlled from the camera 10, it is desirable that the communication partner is limited to the accessory for camera. Possible uses for the PC accessory include using the computer 30 as a remote control or receiving image data from a camera and displaying it on a monitor. When the computer 30 is used for such an application, it is desirable that the communication partner of the PC accessory is limited to the camera accessory. Note that when the inspection function of each accessory is provided by the application of the computer 30, the PC accessory may communicate with all the accessories to be inspected.

  Thus, it is desirable that the camera accessory can communicate with all of the remote controller, the speedlight accessory, and the PC accessory. In addition, when realizing a function of releasing two or more cameras 10 in conjunction with each other, it is necessary to transmit a shooting instruction command from a wireless accessory attached to a released camera to a camera accessory of another camera 10. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to communicate between camera accessories.

  As shown in this example, when there are wireless devices 40 having different functions in one wireless system, combinations of counterparts with which the wireless device 40 should communicate differ. Therefore, it is desirable to change the pairing partner of wireless communication. In this example, the remote controller, the accessory for speedlight, and the accessory for PC may permit pairing only with the camera accessory, but the camera accessory needs to permit pairing with all other accessories. In order to inspect the accessory, it is necessary to allow the PC accessory to pair with all the wireless devices 40.

  The user can perform pairing by operating the pairing buttons 80a to 80f included in each wireless device 40. For example, when performing pairing between the wireless device 40a and the wireless device 40b, the user pushes the pairing button 80a and pushes the pairing button 80b, so that the wireless device 40a and the wireless device 40b perform wireless communication. Paired. Specifically, when the user presses the pairing button 80a, the wireless device 40a continues to transmit a pairing request signal by broadcast for a predetermined period. In addition, when the user presses the pairing button 80b, the pairing request signal is continuously transmitted by broadcast from the wireless device 40b for a predetermined period. When the wireless device 40b receives the pairing request signal from the wireless device 40a within a predetermined period, the wireless device 40b stores the transmission source ID of the pairing request signal as the device ID of the pairing partner. Similarly, when the wireless device 40a receives a pairing request signal from the wireless device 40b within a predetermined period, the wireless device 40a stores the transmission source ID of the pairing request signal as the device ID of the pairing partner. Thereby, each radio | wireless apparatus 40 can accept only the command which transmission source ID has memorize | stored as ID of a pairing other party among the new commands received with the radio signal.

  Here, the pairing request signal includes function information indicating a function of each wireless device 40 and a device ID as a transmission source ID. For example, the wireless device 40a includes function information indicating that it has a remote control transmission function. Since the wireless device 40b has a remote control reception function corresponding to the remote control transmission function, the device ID of the wireless device 40a is stored as the device ID of the pairing partner. However, the wireless device 40d and the wireless device 40e, which are speedlight accessories, do not have a remote control reception function. Therefore, even when the wireless device 40d receives a pairing request signal from the wireless device 40a during a predetermined period after the pairing button 80d is pressed, the wireless device 40a uses the device ID of the wireless device 40a as the pairing partner device ID. Never remember as. For this reason, even when the wireless device 40d receives a command transmitted from the wireless device 40a, the wireless device 40d only discards the command and does not accept the command. The same applies to the wireless device 40e. Therefore, when receiving a command from the wireless device 40a, the wireless devices 40d and 40e only discard the command without determining the content of the command when checking the transmission source ID and determining that the wireless device is not a pairing partner. It's okay. For this reason, the load concerning command processing can be reduced.

  In the figure, devices having a pairing relationship are illustrated by arrows. As described above, the wireless device 40b and the wireless device 40c store the device ID of the wireless device 40a as a pairing partner. The wireless device 40d stores the device ID of the wireless device 40b as a pairing partner. The wireless device 40e stores the device ID of the wireless device 40c as a pairing partner. Further, the wireless device 40b and the wireless device 40c can further store the device of the wireless device 40f as a pairing partner. In this manner, each wireless device 40 allows pairing with another wireless device 40 having a corresponding function. For this reason, each radio | wireless apparatus 40 can limit the other party to pair among the other radio | wireless apparatuses 40. FIG. Therefore, the load on command processing in the wireless device 40a is reduced.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of functional blocks of the wireless communication module 200 included in the wireless device 40. Here, functional blocks of the wireless communication module 200 are shown together with a memory unit 270 included in the wireless device 40. The wireless communication module 200 includes a communication control MPU 210, an RF communication circuit 204, and an antenna 202.

  The communication control MPU 210 includes an input / output unit 208 that inputs / outputs a signal to / from the main MPU, an input / output unit 206 that inputs / outputs a signal to / from the RF communication circuit 204, a reception unit 230, a determination unit 220, and a communication destination specification. Unit 240, memory control unit 250, and notification unit 260.

  The antenna 202 receives a radio signal. The radio signal received by the antenna 202 is demodulated in the RF communication circuit to generate a packet. The generated packet is output to the input / output unit 206. The functional blocks of the antenna 202 and the RF communication circuit 204 function as a receiving unit that receives wireless signals such as pairing information and commands. In other words, the functional blocks of the antenna 202 and the RF communication circuit 204 transmit the pairing request signal including the function information indicating the function of the other wireless device 40 using the other wireless device 40 that requests pairing as a transmission source. It functions as a receiving unit that receives data. The packet generated by the input / output unit 206 is supplied to the reception unit 230, the determination unit 220, and the notification unit 260.

  An operation when a pairing request signal is received will be described. The determination unit 220 determines whether or not it has a corresponding function that is a function corresponding to the function indicated by the function information included in the pairing request signal. When it is determined that the wireless device 40 has the corresponding function, identification information for identifying the transmission source of the pairing request signal is supplied to the memory control unit 250. When it is determined that the wireless device 40 has a corresponding function, the memory control unit 250 stores identification information for identifying the transmission source of the pairing request signal in the memory unit 270 as identification information of the pairing partner. The memory control unit 250 stores the identification information in a memory area that functions as the pairing information storage unit 280. Examples of the identification information include the transmission source ID included in the pairing request signal, that is, the device ID of the wireless device 40 that has transmitted the pairing request signal.

  The pairing information storage unit 280 stores the identification information of the pairing partner up to a predetermined allowable number that is the number of other wireless devices 40 that can be allowed as the pairing partner. The allowable number is stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 as a value unique to the wireless device 40. The allowable number is stored in association with a plurality of functions. The memory control unit 250 stores the identification information of the pairing partner in the pairing information storage unit 280 for each corresponding function with an allowable number predetermined for each function as an upper limit. By setting the allowable number in this way, the memory area secured as the pairing information storage unit 280 in the memory unit 270 can be reduced.

  In the memory unit 270, a storage area for the communication history storage unit 290 for storing the communication history is secured. The communication history storage unit 290 stores a communication history with another wireless device 40 identified by the identification information stored in the pairing information storage unit 280. For example, the communication history storage unit 290 stores the time of the last communication with another wireless device 40 in association with the identification information that identifies the other wireless device 40. Based on the communication history stored in the communication history storage unit 290, the communication destination specifying unit 240 specifies the communication destination that has communicated most recently. Specifically, the memory control unit 250 supplies the communication history stored in the communication history storage unit 290 to the communication destination specifying unit 240. The communication destination specifying unit 240 specifies the identification information stored corresponding to the oldest time as the identification information of the communication destination that communicated the oldest.

  When the determination unit 220 receives a new pairing request signal having the identification information not stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 as a transmission source and determines that the pairing request signal itself has a corresponding function, When the number of pieces of identification information stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 reaches an allowable number, a new pairing request is used instead of the identification information of the other wireless device 40 specified by the communication destination specifying unit. The identification information of the signal transmission source is stored in the pairing information storage unit 280. Therefore, it can suppress that the identification information of the radio | wireless apparatus 40 which communicated frequently is deleted from the pairing information storage part 280. FIG.

  The notification unit 260 notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 260 instructs the main MPU to notify the user using image display, light emission, sound, vibration, or the like. Specifically, when the identification information of the transmission source of the pairing request signal is stored in the pairing information storage unit 280, the notification unit 260 notifies the user that the pairing partner has been stored. For this reason, the user can easily recognize that the pairing has been completed.

  In addition, the notification unit 260 receives a new pairing request signal having the identification information that is not stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 as a transmission source, and determines that the notification unit 260 has the corresponding function. When the number of identification information stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 as a partner has reached the allowable number, the user may be notified that the allowable number has been reached. Thereby, the user can easily recognize that the allowable number of pairing has been reached.

  Further, when the notification unit 260 receives a pairing request signal as a transmission source of the identification information stored in the pairing information storage unit 280, the notification unit 260 notifies the user that it is stored as a pairing partner. Good.

  In the case of notifying that the pairing has been completed, the case of notifying that the pairing partner has reached the allowable number, and the case of notifying that it is stored as the pairing partner, At least one of the sound pattern and the vibration pattern may be made different. For example, the notification unit 260 may change the light emission pattern by changing at least one of the light emission time, the light emission interval, the light emission intensity, and the color. Further, the notification unit 260 may change the sound pattern by changing at least one of the duration, interval, volume, and frequency of the sound. In addition, the notification unit 260 may change the vibration pattern by changing at least one of the vibration duration, the vibration interval, the vibration amplitude, and the vibration frequency.

  Next, an operation when the above-described command is received from another wireless device 40 will be described. The accepting unit 230 acquires the packet supplied from the input / output unit 206. When the reception unit receives a radio signal destined for itself, the reception unit 230 is configured on the condition that identification information for identifying the transmission source of the radio signal is stored in the pairing information storage unit 280. Accept radio signals. Specifically, the memory control unit 250 reads identification information from the pairing information storage unit 280 and supplies the identification information to the reception unit 230. The receiving unit 230 determines whether or not the identification information supplied from the memory control unit 250 matches the identification information for identifying the transmission source of the packet from the input / output unit 206, and receives the packet if they match. . For example, the reception unit 230 receives a packet when the device ID supplied from the memory control unit 250 matches the packet transmission source ID from the input / output unit 206. The accepting unit 230 supplies the accepted packet to the main MPU via the input / output unit 208. The main MPU controls each unit of the wireless device 40 according to the packet.

  On the other hand, when the device ID supplied from the memory control unit 250 does not match the packet transmission source ID from the input / output unit 206, the reception unit 230 does not supply the packet to the main MPU. Therefore, the packet is discarded in the wireless communication module 200. Therefore, it is not necessary to analyze the command such as analyzing the contents of the command.

  Next, a case where a command is transmitted to another wireless device 40 using a wireless signal will be described. The command is generated by the main MPU and supplied to the receiving unit 230 through the input / output unit 208. The accepting unit 230 generates a packet addressed to the pairing partner identification information stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 and supplies the packet to the input / output unit 206. The packet is output from the input / output unit 206 to the RF communication circuit 204, and the RF communication circuit 204 generates a modulated signal modulated with the packet data and supplies the modulated signal to the antenna 202. The antenna 202 transmits a modulation signal as a radio signal of any predetermined channel in the 2.4 GHz band, for example.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the data structure of the pairing request signal in the camera system 5. The pairing request packet 300 includes a header part and a data part. The header part includes fields for storing a transmission source ID 310 and a destination ID 320. The transmission source ID stores the device ID assigned to the wireless device 40 that transmits the packet. Since the pairing request signal is transmitted by broadcast, a value indicating broadcast is stored in the destination ID. For example, a zero value is stored in the destination ID.

  The data part 330 includes a field for storing a command ID and function information. The command ID field 340 stores a predetermined value indicating a pairing request. The function information field 350 stores information indicating the function of the wireless device 40 that is the transmission source. For example, the function information is a 16-bit bit string, and whether or not the transmission-source wireless device 40 has 16 predetermined functions is represented by a bit value at a corresponding bit position.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a function assigned to each bit of the function information in a table format. The wireless device 40 includes a side that requests execution of a function and a side that executes a requested function. For example, the remote controller is a side that instructs imaging or the like, and the camera accessory is a side that performs imaging or the like. Moreover, the accessory for cameras is a side which instruct | indicates a flash operation, and the accessory for speedlights is a side which performs a flash operation. As described above, since there is a side that requests execution of a function and a side that executes a requested function, there are two functions, that is, an instruction function and a function to be executed for one function. The function to be instructed and the function to be executed are functions corresponding to each other.

  As described with reference to FIG. 3, the function information is transmitted as binary data included in the pairing request signal. Each function is assigned to each bit of binary data. Here, as functions used in the camera system 5, three functions of remote control, speedlight control, and image transmission control are illustrated.

  The function on the instruction side is assigned from the first bit (bit 0) to the eighth bit (bit 7) of the function information. In the figure, the first bit indicates whether or not it has a function of transmitting a remote control signal with respect to remote control. For example, the first bit indicates whether or not the camera 10 has a function of controlling photographing and instructing wake-up.

  The second bit (bit1) indicates whether or not it has a function of instructing a flash-related operation regarding flash control. For example, the second bit indicates whether or not it has a function of instructing various controls of the speedlight 20, for example, flash timing, light emission amount, and the like.

  The third bit (bit 2) indicates whether or not the image transmission control has a function of requesting image transmission. For example, the third bit indicates whether or not it has a function of instructing to transmit an image.

  From the 8th bit (bit 7) to the 16th bit (bit 15), a receiving function is assigned. In this figure, the 8th bit (bit 7) indicates whether or not it has a function of receiving a remote control signal with respect to remote control. For example, the eighth bit indicates whether or not the camera 10 has a function of executing various operations related to imaging. Specifically, the eighth bit indicates whether or not the camera 10 has a function of causing the camera 10 to perform a shooting operation in response to a shooting instruction, or causing the camera 10 to wake up in response to a wake-up instruction.

  The ninth bit (bit 8) indicates whether or not the flash control has a function of executing a flash operation. For example, the ninth bit indicates whether or not the speedlight 20 has a function to execute various flash-related operations. Specifically, the ninth bit indicates whether the speedlight 20 is flashed and has a function of instructing the light emission amount.

  The tenth bit (bit 9) relates to image transmission control and indicates whether or not it has a function of transmitting an image in response to an image transmission request.

  In this figure, functions are not defined in the 4th bit (bit 3) to the 8th bit (bit 7) and the 11th bit (bit 10) to the 16th bit (bit 15). These bit areas are reserved as reserved areas for adding functions that can be used in the camera system 5 in the future.

  In this figure, each of the remote control, the camera accessory, the speedlight accessory, and the PC accessory shows a bit string transmitted as function information. A bit value of 1 indicates that the corresponding function is provided, and a bit value of 0 indicates that the corresponding function is not provided. A bit in the reserved area is set to 0.

  The wireless device 40a, which is a remote controller, transmits 1000000000000000 as function information. That is, the wireless device 40a transmits information indicating that it has a remote control transmission function as function information.

  The wireless devices 40b and 40c, which are camera accessories, transmit 1110000010100000 as function information. That is, the wireless device 40b and the wireless device 40c transmit, as function information, information indicating that they have a remote control transmission function, a flash control instruction function, an image transmission request function, a remote control reception function, and an image transmission function. .

  The wireless devices 40d and 40e, which are speedlight accessories, transmit 000000000000000000 as function information. That is, the wireless devices 40d and 40e transmit, as function information, information indicating that they have a function of performing a flash operation.

  The wireless device 40f that is a PC accessory transmits 1010000000000000 as function information. That is, the wireless device 40f transmits, as function information, information indicating that it has a function of remote control transmission and a function of requesting image transmission.

  The wireless device 40 stores the function of each as a bit string. The bit string is stored in the memory unit 270, read when transmitting a pairing request signal, and set as function information of the pairing request signal. When a pairing request signal is received from another wireless device 40, it is read from the memory unit 270 and used to determine whether or not it has a corresponding function. Specifically, the determination unit 220 of the wireless device 40 that has received the pairing request signal, in the function information included in the pairing request signal, the bit of the execution function corresponding to the bit whose instruction function of the wireless device 40 is 1 Is 1, it is determined that the corresponding function is provided. Further, the determination unit 220 determines that the corresponding function is included when the function information included in the pairing request signal has the instruction function bit corresponding to the execution function of the wireless device 40 corresponding to the bit of 1. . When the wireless device 40 that has received the pairing request signal has a plurality of functions, if at least one of them is determined to be a corresponding function, it may be stored as a pairing partner.

  As described above, the pairing request signal includes bit information including a plurality of bit fields corresponding to a plurality of functions and indicating whether or not the other wireless device 40 has the corresponding functions as function information. Based on the bit information included in the pairing request signal, the determination unit 220 included in each wireless device 40 determines whether or not its own wireless device 40 has a corresponding function. The determination unit 220 may determine that the wireless device 40 that has emitted the pairing request signal has a corresponding function when the wireless device 40 has a corresponding function corresponding to at least one of the functions.

  Of the remote control, camera accessory, speedlight accessory, and PC accessory illustrated in this figure, only the camera accessory has a remote control reception function that is a function corresponding to remote control transmission. Therefore, when the wireless device 40a transmits a pairing request signal, at least one of the wireless devices 40b and 40c can store the device ID of the wireless device 40a as a pairing partner. Similarly, when the wireless device 40b transmits a pairing request signal, only the wireless device 40c can be stored as a pairing partner.

  Further, the remote control has a remote control transmission function which is a function corresponding to remote control reception. Therefore, when the wireless devices 40b and 40c having a remote control reception function transmit a pairing request signal, the wireless device 40a that is a remote controller can store the wireless devices 40b and 40c as a pairing partner. Since the camera accessory and the PC accessory also have a remote control transmission function, when the wireless devices 40b and 40c transmit a pairing request signal, the wireless device 40b or 40c that has received the pairing request signal, the PC accessory The wireless device 40f can also store the device IDs of the wireless devices 40b and 40c as a pairing partner.

  As described above, in the example of this figure, functions are not defined in the 4th bit (bit 3) to the 8th bit (bit 7) and the 11th bit (bit 10) to the 16th bit (bit 15). When the number of functions that can be used in the camera system 5 is increased, a new function can be added corresponding to a bit for which no function is defined. In this case, this function map is revised, and a new radio device 40 can be introduced accordingly. However, since it is possible to maintain upward compatibility with the existing function map, it is necessary to coexist with the existing radio device 40. I can do it. It is also easy to update the corresponding function in the camera system 5 such as changing the function corresponding to the bit to another function or deleting the function.

  In the wireless device 40, the corresponding function may be updated by firmware update or the like. In this case, the bit string transmitted as the function information may be updated. Even when the function is updated, it is possible to perform pairing with a new partner having a function corresponding to the updated function only by updating the bit string illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows the types of wireless devices 40 that can be stored as pairing partners in a table format. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the remote control can store the camera accessory as a pairing partner. The camera accessory can store a remote controller, another camera accessory, a speedlight accessory, and a PC accessory as a pairing partner. Further, the accessory for speedlight and the accessory for PC can store the accessory for camera as a pairing partner. Thus, each radio | wireless apparatus 40 can restrict | limit the apparatus memorize | stored as a pairing other party to the apparatus which has a corresponding function. For this reason, the processing amount concerning the command processing in each radio | wireless apparatus 40 can be reduced.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of information stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 in a table format. The pairing information storage unit 280 stores the function ID, the allowable number, and the number of storage devices in association with each other. The function ID is ID information for identifying the function described with reference to FIG. The allowable number indicates the upper limit of the number of wireless devices 40 that can be stored as a pairing partner. The number of storage devices indicates the number of device IDs currently stored as a pairing partner.

  In this example, an example of information stored in the wireless device 40b which is a camera accessory is illustrated. Function ID 1, function ID 2, function ID 4, function ID 256, and function ID 1024 correspond to a remote control transmission function, a flash control function, an image transmission request function, a remote control reception function, and an image transmission function, respectively. .

  In the example of this figure, when the wireless device 40b functions as the remote control execution side, up to five device IDs of the wireless device 40 of the remote controller, the camera accessory, and the PC accessory can be stored as a pairing partner. When the wireless device 40b functions as a flash control instruction side, up to three device IDs of the speedlight wireless device 40 can be stored. When the wireless device 40b functions as an image transmission instruction side, up to three device IDs of the wireless device 40 of the camera accessory can be stored. In addition, when the wireless device 40b functions as a remote control transmission side, up to five device IDs of the camera accessory wireless device 40 can be stored as a pairing partner. Further, when the wireless device 40b functions as an image transmission execution side, up to three device IDs of the wireless device 40 of the PC accessory can be stored as a pairing partner.

  As a result, the camera accessory can store the device IDs of the three types of wireless devices 40 of the remote controller, the camera accessory, and the PC accessory as a pairing partner. Even when a wireless device 40 other than the three types is added in the camera system 5, if the wireless device 40 has a function on the remote control side, for example, it has a corresponding function. Pairing is allowed.

  Thus, according to the wireless device 40, a plurality of other wireless devices 40 can be paired for one function. For example, the camera accessory can be paired with a plurality of remote controllers, respectively. Therefore, the user can activate the camera 10 from any of the plurality of remote controllers.

  For one function, the device ID may be stored for each device type of the wireless device 40 that has transmitted the pairing request signal. For example, when a camera accessory having functions of remote control transmission and remote control reception is attached to a plurality of cameras 10 and a command for starting one camera is transmitted, the camera accessory attached to the camera is paired. By sending a similar command to other ringed camera accessories, multiple cameras can be activated and photographed. Therefore, in the same remote control reception function, it is preferable to set the allowable number that can be paired separately between the remote control and the camera accessory. In other words, it is desirable to manage and secure the storage area so that an allowable number can be stored for each type of wireless device 40 to be paired even with the same function. It is desirable that the pairing request signal includes information indicating the type of the wireless device 40 that is the transmission source in addition to the function information.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of information stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 in a table format. The pairing information storage unit 280 stores the device ID currently stored as the pairing partner in association with the function ID. The function ID has been described with reference to FIG. The device ID is currently stored as identification information of the pairing partner. Specifically, the value of the transmission source ID included in the pairing request signal is stored as the device ID.

  In the pairing information storage unit 280, a storage area for storing the device ID is secured by an allowable number corresponding to the function for each function. As described with reference to FIG. 6, since the allowable number 5 is set for the function ID 1, five storage areas are secured as storage areas corresponding to the function ID 1. Similarly, three storage areas are secured as storage areas corresponding to the device ID2.

  When the determination unit 220 determines that the corresponding function is included, the memory control unit 250 stores the device ID in an area reserved for the function ID indicating the corresponding function. If it is determined that there are a plurality of corresponding functions, the memory control unit 250 may store the device ID in any one of the corresponding function areas. For example, when the camera accessory receives a pairing request signal from another camera accessory, the device ID of the other camera accessory may be stored in the function ID 1 or stored in an area corresponding to the function ID 4. May be.

  Note that the memory control unit 250 may identify the function ID having the largest area in which no device ID is stored, and store the device ID in the area of the corresponding function having the largest area in which the device ID is not stored. . The memory control unit 250 identifies the corresponding function having the largest area in which no device ID is stored based on the allowable number and the number of storage devices stored in association with a plurality of function IDs indicating a plurality of corresponding functions. be able to. In this way, by storing the device ID with higher priority in the area corresponding to the function ID having more free areas, the number of device IDs of the pairing partner can reach the allowable number early. It can be prevented in advance. For this reason, the area which stores apparatus ID can be used efficiently.

  Note that the allowable number assigned to each function may be set more as the number of devices expected to be stored as a pairing partner increases. For example, the remote control can be a pairing partner not only with the remote control but also with other camera accessories, while only the personal computer can be the pairing partner with respect to image transmission. For this reason, the allowable number corresponding to the remote control reception function may be larger than the allowable number for the image transmission function. For this reason, by assigning a larger allowable number to the function corresponding to the function expected to have more devices, the number of paired counterpart device IDs will reach the allowable number at an early stage. Can be prevented.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of information stored in the communication history storage unit 290 in a table format. The communication history storage unit 290 stores the last communication date and time in association with the device ID. The communication history storage unit 290 stores the last communication date and time in association with one or more device IDs stored in the pairing information storage unit 280. Therefore, every time a command having the device ID as a transmission source is received, the last communication date and time is updated.

  When the communication destination specifying unit 240 receives a pairing request signal whose source is a device ID that is not stored in the pairing information storage unit 280, the communication destination specifying unit 240 associates it with the oldest last communication date and time in the communication history storage unit 290. The stored device ID is specified. The determination unit 220 determines that the device ID of the transmission source of the pairing request signal should be stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 instead of the identified device ID. The communication history storage unit 290 stores the device ID of the transmission source of the pairing request signal instead of the device ID specified by the communication destination specifying unit 240, and sets the date and time when the pairing request signal is received as the last communication date and time. Store. For this reason, the radio | wireless apparatus 40 which transmitted the new pairing request signal can be memorize | stored automatically, without making a user delete a pairing other party manually.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of an operation flow when the wireless device 40 transmits a wireless signal. This flow is started when the power button is pressed to turn on the power and the initialization process for transmitting a radio signal is completed. The processing related to this flow is executed mainly by the wireless communication module 200 unless otherwise specified.

  When this flow starts, it is determined in step S902 whether or not to transmit a radio signal. Specifically, the receiving unit 230 determines whether there is a packet to be transmitted. Here, for easy understanding, it is assumed that the presence of a packet is detected by polling. However, since the packet is supplied from the main MPU side at any time, detection of the packet can occur at any time. For this reason, it is preferable to detect a packet to be transmitted by interruption.

  If it is determined that there is a packet to be transmitted, it is determined in step S904 whether the packet is a packet of a pairing request signal. When the packet to be transmitted is a pairing request signal packet, the pairing request signal is transmitted by broadcast (step S906). That is, a pairing request signal is transmitted to an unspecified partner.

  Subsequently, in step S908, it is determined whether the pairing period is in progress. For example, when a predetermined period has not elapsed since the pairing button 80 was pressed, it is determined that the pairing period is in progress. If it is determined that the pairing period is in progress, the transmission of the pairing request signal is repeated in step S906. In this case, the pairing request signal may be transmitted at a predetermined time interval. If it is determined in step S908 that the pairing period is not in effect, it is determined whether or not to end the operation (step S920). For example, when it is determined that the power is turned off by pressing the power button in the main MPU, it is determined to end the operation. If it is determined not to end the operation, the process proceeds to step S902.

  If it is determined in step S904 that the packet to be transmitted is not a pairing request signal packet, another command is transmitted (step S912), and the process proceeds to step S920. In step S912, a corresponding command may be transmitted with the device ID stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 as a pairing partner.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of an operation flow when the wireless device 40 receives a wireless signal. This flow is started when the power button is pressed to turn on the power and the initialization process for receiving the radio signal is completed. The processing related to this flow is executed mainly by the wireless communication module 200 unless otherwise specified.

  When this flow starts, it is determined in step S1002 whether a radio signal has been received. Here, for easy understanding, it is assumed that reception of a radio signal is detected by polling. However, since radio signals are transmitted from other radio devices 40 at any time, reception detection of radio signals can occur at any time. For this reason, it is preferable to detect reception of a radio signal by interruption.

  If a wireless signal is received, it is determined whether or not the received packet is a broadcast packet (step S1004). If it is determined that the packet is a broadcast packet, the packet command is analyzed (step S1006). For example, the command ID is extracted from the packet.

  In step S1008, it is determined whether the received packet is a pairing request. If it is determined that the request is a pairing request, it is determined whether or not it is during the pairing period (step S1010). Specifically, when a predetermined time has not elapsed since the pairing button 80 was pressed, it is determined that the pairing period is in progress. If it is determined that the pairing period is in progress, function information is extracted (step S1012). Subsequently, in step S1014, it is determined whether or not it has a function corresponding to the function of the transmission source of the pairing request signal. Specifically, as described with reference to FIG. 4 and the like, whether the function information has a corresponding function by comparing the bit string of the function information with the bit string indicating the own function stored in the memory unit 270. Judge whether or not.

  When it is determined that the device has a corresponding function, the transmission source ID of the pairing request signal is stored as the device ID of the pairing information storage unit 280. Thereby, it is memorize | stored as a pairing other party (step S1016). As described with reference to FIG. 7, it is determined on the basis of the number of empty areas in which the device ID is not currently stored, which of the corresponding functions is stored in association with the function ID of the corresponding function. It's okay. If there is no empty area in any function ID corresponding to the corresponding function, as described in relation to FIG. 8, instead of the device ID stored in association with the oldest last communication date and time, The source ID of the pairing request signal may be stored.

  In step S1016, the transmission source ID of the pairing request signal is stored in the pairing information storage unit 280, and the current time may be stored in the communication history storage unit 290 as the last communication date and time in association with the transmission source ID. . Further, when the transmission source ID is already stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 as a pairing partner, the transmission source ID is not newly added to the pairing information storage unit 280, and the final communication history storage unit 290 The communication date and time may be updated with the current time. In addition, when the process of storing in the pairing information storage unit 280 is completed, the user may be notified that it has been stored as a pairing partner. When the process of storing as a pairing partner is completed, the process proceeds to step S1050.

  If it is determined in step S1014 that the function does not correspond to the function of the transmission source of the pairing request signal, the process proceeds to step S1050 without storing the device ID in the pairing information storage unit 280.

  When it is determined in step S1010 that the pairing period is not in progress, it is determined whether or not the transmission source of the pairing request signal is already stored as the pairing partner (step S1022). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the transmission source ID of the pairing request signal is stored as the device ID of the pairing information storage unit 280. When it is determined that the transmission source of the pairing request signal is already stored as the pairing partner, the user is notified that the pairing has been completed (step S1024), and the process proceeds to step S1050. If it is determined in step S1022 that the source of the pairing request signal is not already stored as the pairing partner, the process proceeds to step S1050.

  If it is determined in step S1008 that the request is not a pairing request, processing is executed in accordance with the broadcast command (step S1032).

  If it is determined in step S1004 that the received wireless signal is not a broadcast packet, it is determined whether or not the destination ID of the wireless signal matches its own device ID (step S1042). When it is determined that the destination ID matches the own device ID, it is determined whether or not the transmission source ID of the packet is stored in the pairing information storage unit 280 as a pairing partner (step S1044). If it is determined that the packet transmission source ID is stored as the pairing partner, the command is analyzed (step S1046). For example, the main MPU analyzes a command ID included in the data portion of the packet and determines a process to be executed. Subsequently, in step S1048, the main MPU executes processing according to the command (step S1048). In addition, the last communication date and time stored in the communication history storage unit 290 in association with the transmission source ID is updated with the current date and time. When the process of step S1048 is completed, the process proceeds to step S1050.

  If it is determined in step S1042 that the destination ID of the wireless signal does not match the own device ID, the process proceeds to step S1050. If it is determined in step S1044 that the packet transmission source ID is not stored as the pairing partner device ID, the process proceeds to step S1050.

  In step S1050, it is determined whether or not to end the operation. For example, in the main MPU, when it is determined that the power is turned off by pressing the power button, it is determined that the operation is finished. If it is determined not to end the operation, the process proceeds to step S1002.

  As described above, the function information stored in the bit string as described with reference to FIG. 4 is stored for each function of the wireless device 40, and the function information is paired with the device ID for identifying the wireless device 40. Send as a signal. For this reason, if it is determined that pairing is permitted, it is possible to perform pairing in the future for the wireless device 40 that does not yet exist, and the allowable number determined for each function of the device is set as an upper limit. The wireless device 40 can be paired. By limiting the number of units that can be paired for each function, the possibility that the storage area to be stored as a pairing partner will be insufficient can be reduced. When the number stored as the pairing partner reaches the allowable number, the device ID of the wireless device 40 with the oldest communication date is overwritten as described above, but the allowable number is set for each function. Thus, at least one pairing partner can be stored for each function. Of course, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which an allowable number for each function is not set by preparing a sufficient storage area for storing the device ID of the pairing partner.

  Thus, according to the camera system 5, in a communication system including a plurality of wireless devices 40 having different corresponding functions, it is possible to prevent the wireless devices 40 from being paired wastefully. Unlike the camera system 5, in a simple system in which wireless devices having a common function are paired, there is no problem even if pairing is performed unconditionally without considering the function. For example, in a wireless system including a remote controller transmitter and receiver and a wireless system including a plurality of wireless communication devices, there is no problem even if pairing is unconditionally performed.

  However, when a plurality of wireless devices 40 having different functions corresponding to each other exist in the wireless system as in the camera system 5, inconvenience occurs when simple pairing is performed. For example, the wireless device 40a corresponds only to the remote control transmission function, the wireless device 40d corresponds only to the flash control reception function, and the wireless device 40b corresponds to the remote control reception function and the flash control instruction function. The device 40b needs to be able to pair with both the wireless device 40a and the wireless device 40d, but it is desirable that the wireless device 40a and the wireless device 40d cannot be paired. Thus, inconvenience arises when a simple pairing method is applied to a wireless system in which wireless devices having different functions are mixed.

  Bluetooth (registered trademark) is a protocol applicable to devices having different functions, and so-called pairing is also performed between these devices. For example, in Bluetooth (registered trademark), a protocol is formulated for each type of device. These protocols are called profiles. Only when devices to communicate with each other have the same profile, communication can be performed according to the profile. However, in the method of preparing a protocol for each type of device, processing for communication is heavy, and the load on the communication control processor or main processor is large. In addition, it is not easy to cope with a case where one device has a plurality of functions.

  However, according to the camera system 5, when wireless devices 40 having different functions coexist, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not pairing is possible between the wireless devices 40. Further, once the pairing is completed, it is only necessary to determine whether or not the transmission source ID is stored as the pairing partner, and it is not necessary to check the functions one by one. For this reason, the processing concerning communication does not become remarkably heavy.

  The processing of the wireless device 40 of the camera system 5 described above can be realized by causing each unit of each device, for example, a processor such as the communication control MPU 210 and the main MPU to operate according to a program. That is, the process can be realized by a so-called computer device. The computer device may load a program for controlling the execution of the above-described process, operate according to the read program, and execute the process. The computer device can load the program by reading a computer-readable recording medium storing the program.

  In the above description, the wireless devices 40b to 40f are used by being mounted on other devices, but it goes without saying that the functions of these wireless devices 40 may be incorporated in the devices in advance. Further, taking the camera system 5 in which the wireless devices 40b and 40c and the wireless device 40f having a plurality of functions and the single-function wireless device 40a, the wireless device 40d, and the wireless device 40e exist in the system, An example of function and operation has been described. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied not only to the camera system 5 but also to various systems other than the camera system such as an audio system and a video system such as a television.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. It is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The order of execution of each process such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, the description, and the drawings is particularly “before” or “prior to”. It should be noted that the output can be realized in any order unless the output of the previous process is used in the subsequent process. Regarding the operation flow in the claims, the description, and the drawings, even if it is described using “first”, “next”, etc. for convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. It is not a thing.

5 camera system, 10 camera, 20 speedlight, 30 computer, 40 wireless device, 80 pairing button, 200 wireless communication module, 202 antenna, 204 RF communication circuit, 206, 208 input / output unit, 210 communication control MPU, 220 determination unit , 230 reception unit, 240 communication destination identification unit, 250 memory control unit, 256 function ID, 260 notification unit, 270 memory unit, 280 pairing information storage unit, 290 communication history storage unit, 300 pairing request packet

Claims (8)

A storage unit that stores identification information for identifying the transmitting device when having a function corresponding to the signal received from the transmitting device that transmits the signal;
A reception unit that receives the received signal when the received signal includes information corresponding to the identification information stored in the storage unit ;
The said memory | storage part is a radio | wireless apparatus which memorize | stores the said identification information for every said function by making into the upper limit the number defined for each of the said some function . A recording unit for recording a communication history with the transmitting device identified by the identification information stored in the storage unit;
The number of identification information stored in the storage unit when the identification signal included in the new signal received from the transmitting device is not stored in the storage unit and has a function corresponding to the received signal when There have reached the defined number of said, instead of the identification information communication history is of most past, and a control unit you store identification information included in the new signal in the storage unit The wireless device according to claim 1 , further comprising: Receiving a signal including identification information that is not stored in the storage unit, wherein when having the corresponding functions, when the number of identification information stored in the storage unit has reached the defined number of said the wireless device of claim 1 or 2 having a notifying unit for notifying that has reached the number of the defined. The wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising: a notification unit that notifies that identification information is stored when a signal including the identification information stored in the storage unit is received. Signal from the transmitter is corresponding to a plurality of functions, including the corresponding function bit information including a plurality of bit field indicating whether a said transmitter, as the information of the function,
The more bits of information, the wireless device according to claim 1 for determining whether a function corresponding to the received signal to any one of 4 from the transmitter. A wireless device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ;
A wireless system comprising the transmitting device. A method for controlling a wireless device, comprising:
A storage step of storing identification information for identifying the transmitting device when having a function corresponding to the signal received from the transmitting device that transmits the signal;
The received signal, if it contains information corresponding to the identification information stored in said storage step, and a reception step of receiving the received signal,
The said storage step is a control method which memorize | stores the said identification information for every said function by making the number determined for each of the said some function into an upper limit . A program for a wireless device,
A storage step of storing identification information for identifying the transmitting device when having a function corresponding to the signal received from the transmitting device that transmits the signal;
When the received signal includes information corresponding to the identification information stored in the storage step, the computer executes a reception step of receiving the received signal ,
The storage step stores the identification information for each function, with an upper limit being a number determined for each of the plurality of functions .

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