JP2011114500A - Camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera system by which a desired imaging range can be photographed by a simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: The camera system consists of a first camera and accessary devices mounted on the first camera, wherein the accessary devices are provided with a subcamera unit 30 whose eye field is wider than a photographing eye field obtained by the first camera, a turning control unit 41 holding the camera system and turning the first camera in a horizontal direction around an axis intersecting perpendicularly to a lens optical axis of the first camera, and a communication unit 50 carrying out communication with the first camera, and are composed to be freely attached to and detached from the first camera, and the first camera is provided with a display unit 8 displaying a composed image based on the image acquired by the imaging element and the wide eye field image acquired by the subcamera unit, and a specified signal operation unit 11b carrying out a specified position operation based on the position specifying signal to the composite image displayed in the display unit. The turning control unit controls a turning amount of the first camera based on the operation result of the specified signal operation unit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera system, and more particularly, to a camera system including a camera that captures an image and an accessory device that is attached to the camera and expands the capturing function of the camera.

  Conventionally, an optical image formed by a photographing optical system is sequentially converted into an image signal by a photoelectric conversion element or the like, and the image signal thus obtained can be recorded on a recording medium as digitized image data. Image data recorded on the camera, such as a digital camera or a video camera (hereinafter collectively referred to as a digital camera, video camera, etc.). Is generally put into practical use. In addition, by mounting such a camera function, various small portable devices that are configured by adding a photographing function to an original function and are suitable for carrying are widely used.

  Since the image data acquired by such a camera or the like is digital data, it has a feature that the data can be handled very easily.

  For example, in a conventional camera or the like, it is usual to capture a scene with a relatively narrow field of view as an image for one screen by taking a picture as if a predetermined range is cut out from the scene spreading in front of the camera. is there.

  On the other hand, in recent cameras and the like, image processing is performed in the camera in which a series of images obtained in this manner are automatically combined and shot in a plurality of times so as to be continuous with a wide-view range scene. Are automatically provided with a shooting mode such as a so-called multi-screen shooting (or panoramic shooting) mode for automatically generating a wider field of view as one image than the normal field of view for one screen.

  Furthermore, a plurality of images obtained by using a plurality of cameras at the same time can obtain various forms of photographing results that cannot be obtained with only a single image obtained using a single camera. Cameras that can be easily realized. In particular, when performing moving image shooting, a monotonous shooting result tends to occur if the screen is not switched, and thus a technique for easily and smoothly switching the shooting range is desired.

  For example, the means disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-294895 moves the display range from the currently displayed screen to a different part on the same sheet when broadcasting a partial range such as a newspaper article on a television or the like. This is a technique for generating and displaying an image so that the display gradually changes without sudden screen switching.

  That is, when a change from one screen to another screen is displayed as a moving image, it is very difficult to naturally express the state of transition from one screen to another screen, which is uncomfortable. In view of this, an image of a process in which the display transitions during movement is prepared in advance so as to simulate it.

  On the other hand, in a conventional camera or the like, an accessory device that is attached to a camera and secures an electrical connection with the camera and cooperates with the camera to expand the shooting function of the camera. Various proposals have been made.

  For example, the means disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-271369 relates to a camera accessory device configured to be able to be assembled to the camera in an expanded manner as needed in order to support the continuous shooting function. .

  On the other hand, in an imaging lens, a surveillance camera, an observation apparatus using a camera, and the like applied to a conventional camera, the omnidirectional (surrounding viewing angle range of 360 degrees) centered on the device or from an observation object, etc. In recent years, an omnidirectional optical system capable of acquiring a continuous image by receiving a light beam has been put into practical use.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-294895 JP-A-10-271369

  However, the means disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-294895 is premised on display transition of a partial range within a predetermined image range, as in a newspaper article. There are a variety of objects to be photographed by a normal camera, and they vary depending on the situation. It is extremely difficult to apply the means disclosed in the above publication to a normal camera.

  Further, in the means disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-271369, there is a technique specialized only for extending the continuous shooting function among the shooting functions of the camera by attaching an accessory device to the camera. It is only disclosed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera system including a camera that captures an image and an accessory device that can be mounted on the camera to expand a photographing function. System capable of easily displaying a desired shooting position on the display screen during a shooting operation and capable of shooting a range including the desired shooting position with simple operation and with certainty. Is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, a camera system according to the present invention is a camera system including a first camera and an accessory device attached to the first camera, and has a wider field of view than a photographing field range obtained by the first camera. A sub-camera unit that can image a range, a turning control unit that holds the camera system and rotates the first camera horizontally about an axis orthogonal to the optical axis of the photographing lens of the first camera; and An accessory device that includes a communication unit that communicates with the first camera and is configured to be detachable from the first camera, an image acquired by the imaging device, and a wide-field image acquired by the sub-camera unit And a designated position calculation based on a position designation signal for the synthesized image displayed on the display section and a display section for displaying a synthesized image based on Is constituted by a first camera and a constant signal calculating section, the turning control unit is characterized in that based on the calculation result of the designation signal arithmetic unit for controlling the amount of rotation of the first camera.

  According to the present invention, in a camera system including a camera that captures an image and an accessory device that can be mounted on the camera to expand a photographing function, a desired photographing position can be easily displayed on a display screen during a photographing operation. It is possible to provide a camera system capable of performing easy-to-understand display that can be specified and performing photographing within a range including a desired photographing position with a simple operation and with certainty.

Schematic which shows the state which disconnected each structural unit of the camera system of one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the constituent units of the camera system of FIG. 1 are assembled (excluding the movable unit). The side view of the state which assembled each component unit of the camera system of FIG. The principal part expansion perspective view which shows the structure of each connection part which connects a camera main body and a communication unit in the camera system of FIG. The block block diagram which shows schematically the internal structure of the camera system of FIG. The block block diagram which mainly shows the structure of the signal wire | line inside the communication unit in the camera system of FIG. Schematic which shows the state which mounted the camera system of FIG. 1 in the drive unit. The figure which shows an example of the display form displayed on the display part of a camera main body, when performing imaging | photography operation | movement using the camera system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state when a camera is operated during a photographing operation using the camera system of FIG. 1. The figure which shows the change of the display form displayed on the display part of the camera main body at the time of performing operation of FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing how the camera system of FIG. 1 is executed by a remote operation. The flowchart which shows the one part process sequence of the effect | action in the camera system of FIG. The flowchart which shows the detail of the processing sequence of a remote camera imaging | photography control process (step S106) among the processing sequences shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example about a non-remote camera imaging | photography control process among the processing sequences shown in FIG. The figure which shows the concept of an effect | action when the process sequence of an angle and direction conversion process (step S214) is performed among the process sequences shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a turning operation of the camera when the processing sequence of the angle / direction conversion processing (step S314) of FIG. 13 is executed. The conceptual diagram which shows an example of the operation means by a user when the process sequence of the angle and direction conversion process (step S314) of FIG. 13 is performed.

  The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

  1-17 is a figure explaining one Embodiment of this invention. Among these, FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a state in which each constituent unit of the camera system of one embodiment of the present invention is cut off. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the constituent units of the camera system of the present embodiment are assembled. However, FIG. 2 shows a state excluding the movable unit. FIG. 3 is a side view of the camera system according to this embodiment in a state where the constituent units are assembled. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing the configuration of each connection part that connects the camera body and the communication unit in the camera system of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the camera system of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram mainly showing the configuration of signal lines inside the communication unit in the camera system of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a state where the camera system of the present embodiment is placed on the drive unit.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display form displayed on the display unit of the camera body when a shooting operation is performed using the camera system of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating how the camera is operated during a shooting operation using the camera system of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a change in the display form displayed on the display unit of the camera body when the operation of FIG. 9 is performed. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing how the camera system of the present embodiment performs a shooting operation by remote control.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence of a part of the operation in the camera system of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the remote camera shooting control process (step S106) in the process sequence shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the non-remote camera shooting control process in the process sequence shown in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a concept of an action when the processing sequence of the angle / direction conversion processing (step S214) is executed in the processing sequence shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing the turning operation of the camera when the processing sequence of the angle / direction conversion processing (step S314) of FIG. 13 is executed. FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the operation means by the user when the processing sequence of the angle / direction conversion processing (step S314) of FIG. 13 is executed.

  In the camera system of one embodiment of the present invention, a camera that captures an image photoelectrically converts, for example, an optical image formed by an optical lens using a solid-state imaging device, and an image signal obtained thereby is a still image or a moving image. So that the digital data thus generated can be recorded on a recording medium, and a still image or a moving image can be reproduced and displayed on a display device based on the digital image data recorded on the recording medium. A configured digital camera is shown as an example.

  In each drawing used for the following description, the scale is different for each component in order to make each component large enough to be recognized on the drawing. The present invention is not limited only to the quantity of components described in the figure, the detailed shape of the components, the ratio of the sizes of the components, and the relative positional relationship of the components.

  A schematic configuration of the camera system of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the camera system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a camera body 10, a photographing lens unit 20, accessory devices (a sub camera unit 30, a movable unit 40, and a communication unit 50). The drive unit 60 and the like.

  In the present embodiment, a device in which the sub camera unit 30, the movable unit 40, and the communication unit 50 are connected is referred to as an accessory device.

  Further, a device in which the photographing lens unit 20 is mounted on the camera body 10 is referred to as a first camera for convenience. The accessory device is configured to be detachable from the first camera.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, an accessory mounting portion 10 d that can mount an accessory device (detailed configuration will be described later) is provided on the upper surface of the camera body 10. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a connecting portion (50c; described later) of an accessory device is fitted to the back side of the camera body 10, and the camera body 10 and the accessory device (of which the communication unit 50 is included) are connected. A terminal portion 10b (see also FIG. 5) for electrical connection is provided in the vicinity of the accessory mounting portion 10d.

  The accessory mounting portion 10d is generally applied to, for example, a conventional camera, and has a configuration substantially similar to a mounting portion (also referred to as an accessory shoe or a hot shoe) for mounting an accessory device such as a flash light emitting device. Applies. The accessory mounting portion 10d in this embodiment is also used as an accessory shoe for mounting the flash light emitting device. For this purpose, the accessory mounting portion 10d is also provided with a contact 10c for mounting the flash light emitting device.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a photographing lens unit 20 is disposed on the front surface of the camera body 10 so as to be integrated. In this state, that is, when the camera body 10 and the photographing lens unit 20 are integrally connected, an electrical connection is ensured between the camera body 10 and the photographing lens unit 20. Yes. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 5, the camera body 10 is provided with a contact terminal 10a, while the photographing lens unit 20 is provided with a contact terminal 20a. When the camera body 10 and the photographic lens unit 20 are integrally connected, the contact terminal 10a and the contact terminal 20a come into contact with each other.

  Here, the details of the internal configuration of the camera body 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the camera body 10 includes an imaging unit 2, an image recording unit 4, an acceleration detection unit 5, an operation determination unit 6, an audio recording unit 7, a display unit 8, and a touch panel. A control unit 8x, a timepiece 9, a signal processing / control unit 11, an accessory communication unit 12 as a first communication unit, a lens unit communication unit 14, and the like are provided.

  The signal processing / control unit 11 is a control circuit that performs overall control of the entire camera body 10, and is a control circuit that receives various signals and performs various signal processing. The signal processing / control unit 11 includes a compression / expansion unit 11a and a designated signal calculation unit 11b.

  Among these, the compression / decompression unit 11a receives the image signal acquired by the imaging unit 2 and performs data compression processing to obtain image data in an optimum form for recording on the recording medium, or has already been recorded on the recording medium. This is a processing circuit that reads compressed image data and executes signal processing such as data expansion processing to obtain an image signal in an optimal form for reproduction and display using, for example, the display unit 8 or the like.

  Further, the designation signal calculation unit 11b determines the amount of camera movement when controlling the movable unit 40 when designating a desired shooting position from the wide-field image acquired by the sub camera unit 30 during the shooting operation. It is a circuit part to calculate.

  The imaging unit 2 includes an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and the like, and an optical image formed by the photographing lens unit 20 is obtained. It comprises a photoelectric conversion element that receives light and converts it into an electrical signal corresponding to the optical image, a signal processing circuit that performs preprocessing of an image signal generated by the photoelectric conversion element, and the like. The image signal generated by the imaging unit 2 is output to the signal processing / control unit 11.

  The image recording unit 4 is a recording medium for recording and accumulating, as image data, an image signal generated by the imaging unit 2 and subjected to predetermined signal processing suitable for recording by the signal processing / control unit 11 And a drive circuit for driving the recording medium, such as a process for recording image data on the recording medium and a process for reading recorded image data.

  The acceleration detection unit 5 includes a sensor (for example, an acceleration sensor) that detects a state such as the posture of the camera body 10 and a circuit that receives a signal from the detection sensor and generates a predetermined instruction signal.

  The operation determination unit 6 receives an instruction signal generated by operating various operation members (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the camera body 10 and transmits the instruction signal to the signal processing / control unit 11. Consists of.

  The audio recording unit 7 includes a microphone that collects audio, a drive circuit that drives the microphone, a recording medium that records audio signals collected by the microphone as audio data, a recording circuit that drives the recording medium, and the like. The

  A so-called touch panel type configured by combining a display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD) for displaying an image and an input device such as a touch pad is applied to the display unit 8.

  The display unit 8 serving as a display device has a display subjected to signal processing by the signal processing / control unit 11 based on an image signal generated by the imaging unit 2 or based on image data recorded in the image recording unit 4. In response to the image signal, the image reproduction display is performed.

  As an input device, an operation input can be performed by pressing an arbitrary position on the screen with a finger or by sliding the finger or the like in an arbitrary direction on the screen.

  Further, it is assumed that the display unit 8 in the present embodiment includes an audio output device such as a speaker that generates sound based on audio data, for example. In normal cases, the audio data is usually recorded simultaneously with the moving image data recording operation. As another form, there is an operation mode for recording audio data alone.

  The timepiece 9 includes a timing circuit that contributes to a timing operation and the like necessary for controlling the internal electric circuit.

  The accessory communication unit 12 includes a circuit that performs communication with an accessory device attached to the camera body 10.

  The lens unit communication unit 14 includes a circuit that performs communication with the photographing lens unit 20 connected to the camera body 10.

  In addition, the camera body 10 is provided with various other electrical components. However, in order to avoid complication of the drawings, members other than the above-described components that are not related to the present invention are illustrated and illustrated. Description is omitted.

  The photographic lens unit 20 includes a lens 21 composed of a plurality of optical lenses and a unit body 20b that holds the lens 21 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The unit main body 20b includes a diaphragm mechanism and its driving unit, a lens driving mechanism and its driving unit, and the like. About these structures, the illustration and description in detail are abbreviate | omitted as the thing substantially the same as the imaging | photography lens unit applied in the camera which is generally prevailing and utilized conventionally is applied.

  The taking lens unit 20 is mounted on the front side of the camera body 10 and is disposed so as to protrude toward the front of the camera body 10. The taking lens unit 20 may be configured integrally with the camera body 10 or may be configured to be detachable from the camera body 10.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the photographic lens unit 20 includes a contact terminal 20 a for making contact with the contact terminal 10 a of the camera body 10 to ensure electrical connection with the camera body 10, and a camera. A communication unit 22 that communicates with the main body 10 and a lens information storage unit 23 that stores data such as unique information of the photographing lens unit 20 in advance are included.

  Next, the configuration of the accessory device in the camera system 1 of the present embodiment will be described below. As described above, the accessory device according to the present embodiment includes the sub camera unit 30, the movable unit 40, and the communication unit 50.

  That is, the sub camera unit 30, the movable unit 40, and the communication unit 50 can be mounted on the accessory mounting portion 10 d of the camera body 10 in a state where the sub camera unit 30, the movable unit 40, and the communication unit 50 are integrally connected via the respective connection portions. In this state, the accessory device is electrically connected to the camera body 10. In addition, when the accessory device is mounted on the camera body 10, the accessory device can perform wireless data communication with another camera system different from the camera body 10 (described later). (See FIG. 5 and FIG. 11).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the sub camera unit 30 among the component units of the accessory device is configured to include a camera unit 31, a communication unit 32, a connection unit 30a, and the like.

  The connection portion 30a is a connection member that electrically connects the sub camera unit 30 and the communication unit 50 by fitting with a terminal portion 50a of the communication unit 50 described later (see also FIG. 1). The connection relationship in this case is indicated by an arrow B in FIG.

  The camera unit 31 forms an optical image on an imaging device (photoelectric conversion device), an imaging circuit that drives the imaging device and performs signal processing of an image signal acquired by the imaging device, and a light receiving surface of the imaging device. And an omnidirectional optical system. This omnidirectional optical system is an optical system that can acquire a continuous image by receiving a light beam from an omnidirectional (surrounding viewing angle 360 ° range) centered on the device or from an observation object.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which an omnidirectional optical system is applied as an optical system provided in the camera unit 31 of the sub camera unit 30 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. As an optical system applied to the sub camera unit 30, for example, it has a wider angle of view than the lens 21 that is the optical system of the photographic lens unit 20 attached to the camera body 10, and from the photographic range that can be acquired by the lens 21. It is sufficient if it has a sufficiently wide angle of view.

  The image signal acquired by the camera unit 31 is output to the camera body 10 via the communication unit 32 and the communication unit 50.

  The communication unit 32 is a communication circuit that performs communication with the communication unit 50 via the connection unit 30a.

  The movable unit 40 fixes and holds the entire camera system 1 and rotates the first camera in a substantially horizontal direction around an axis orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens 21 of the first camera. is there.

  For this purpose, the movable unit 40 includes a turning control unit 41, a communication unit 42, a connection unit 40b, a camera holding unit 40c, and the like.

  The camera holding unit 40 c is a pedestal unit that holds the camera body 10. In this case, the camera body 10 is attached from the direction indicated by the arrow D in FIG. 1 and arranged as shown in FIG.

  The camera holding portion 40c is provided with a connecting portion 40b so as to protrude toward the front surface at a predetermined portion on the upper side. In contrast, for example, a screw member corresponding to a tripod screw is provided at a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the lower portion at a position corresponding to the tripod screw hole of the camera body 10. Thereby, the camera body 10 can be fixed to the camera holding portion 40c.

  The connection part 40b is a connection member that electrically connects the movable unit 40 and the communication unit 50 by fitting with a terminal part 50b of the communication unit 50 described later (see also FIG. 1). The connection relationship in this case is indicated by an arrow A in FIG.

  The communication unit 42 is a communication circuit that performs communication with the communication unit 50 via the connection unit 40b.

  The turning control unit 41 receives a control signal output from the camera body 10 via the communication unit 50 and drives and controls a drive unit 60 described later, thereby driving the entire movable unit 40 to turn. It is a circuit part that functions as a part.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the communication unit 50 includes a control unit 51, a communication unit 52, a switch unit 53, a first wireless communication unit 54, terminal units 50a and 50b, a connection unit 50c, and the like. It is configured.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the communication unit 50 is formed with groove portions 50 e on both side surfaces near the bottom surface of the housing. The groove-shaped part 50e has a shape corresponding to the accessory mounting part 10d of the camera body 10. Accordingly, the accessory device of the present embodiment can be mounted by sliding it along the direction of arrow C in FIG. 1 with respect to the accessory mounting portion 10d of the camera body 10 via the communication unit 50. . When the accessory device is removed from the camera body 10, it is slid along the direction opposite to the arrow C direction in FIG.

  The communication unit 50 is formed in a wall shape so as to face the rear surface of the camera body 10 and protrude toward the lower surface of the communication unit 50 when the communication unit 50 is attached to the camera body 10. 50d (see FIGS. 1 and 4). As shown by a dotted line in FIG. 4, the wall-like portion 50 d protrudes forward, and when the communication unit 50 is attached to the camera body 10, the terminal portion 10 b of the camera body 10. The connection part 50c which fits and connects the camera main body 10 and the communication unit 50 electrically is provided.

  1, 4, 5, etc., the shapes of the terminal portions 10 b, 50 a, and 50 b are shown by female shapes (hole shapes), and the shapes of the connection portions 30 a, 40 b, and 50 c are male shapes (convex shapes), respectively. However, the shape is not limited to the illustrated shape, and the female shape may be a male shape, and the male shape may be a female shape.

  The terminal portion 50a is a connection member that electrically connects the communication unit 50 and the sub camera unit 30 by fitting the connection portion 30a of the sub camera unit 30 (see also FIG. 1). The connection relationship in this case is indicated by an arrow B in FIG.

  The terminal portion 50b is a connection member that electrically connects the communication unit 50 and the movable unit 40 by fitting the connection portion 40b of the movable unit 40 (see also FIG. 1). The connection relationship in this case is indicated by an arrow A in FIG.

  The connection portion 50c is a connection member that fits into the terminal portion 10b of the camera body 10 and electrically connects the camera body 10 and the communication unit 50 (see also FIG. 1).

  With such a configuration, the accessory device according to the present embodiment functions as a sub camera that acquires an omnidirectional image when the accessory device is attached to the camera body 10 and a photographing operation is performed. The omnidirectional image obtained by the accessory device is output to the camera body 10 and displayed using a part of the display unit 8.

  The procedure for assembling the accessory device of the present embodiment configured as described above is, for example, as follows.

First, the camera body 10 is arranged at a predetermined position corresponding to the camera holding unit 40c.
At the same time, the communication unit 50 is mounted on the upper surface of the camera body 10.
Next, the sub camera unit 30 is connected to the communication unit 50.
Subsequently, the communication unit 50 and the movable unit 40 are connected.

  Thereby, the accessory apparatus of this embodiment is assembled. The accessory device assembled in this way is attached to the drive unit 60 via the movable unit 40.

  The drive unit 60 is mainly configured by a drive unit 61, a communication unit 62, and the like.

  The communication unit 62 is a communication circuit that performs communication with the movable unit 40.

  The drive unit 61 includes a drive mechanism that cooperates with the movable unit 40, a drive control circuit that controls the drive mechanism, and the like. The drive unit 61 is driven and controlled by receiving a control signal output from the turning control unit 41 of the movable unit 40 via the communication unit 62.

  As a usage form of the drive unit 60, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, a form configured as a movable pan head fixedly mounted on a tripod of a general form used for photography or the like can be considered.

  By the way, in the camera system of the present embodiment, when the accessory device is mounted on the camera body 10 and electrically connected to each other, the communication units (12, 32, 42, 52) included in each component unit are As necessary, communication is performed with each other to exchange control signals and transmit image signals.

  In this case, as the signal line, a plurality of signal lines such as a moving image transmission signal line (for example, HDMI standard), a still image transmission signal line, and a device control control line are required. Among these, a large amount of data flows in the moving image transmission signal line.

  However, in a small system such as the camera system of this embodiment, providing a plurality of signal lines causes an increase in the number of terminals and an increase in the size of the device. Therefore, in the camera system of the present embodiment, the communication unit 50 mainly responsible for communication between the constituent units is provided with the switch unit 53, thereby performing time division control while also using the signal line. .

  A schematic configuration of each signal line in the switch unit 53 of the communication unit 50 is as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of signals that are output from the accessory communication unit 12 of the camera body 10 and that transmit signals (video signal, control signal 1, control signal 2, designation signal, etc.) input to the communication unit 50 are transmitted. A plurality of switches (SW1 to SW6) are provided on the line. These switches (SW1 to SW6) are on / off controlled by the control unit 51 of the communication unit 50 based on a position designation signal (described later).

  A schematic operation when performing a photographing operation using the camera system 1 configured as described above is as follows.

  First, when the camera system 1 is activated, the display unit 8 of the camera body 10 displays as shown in FIG. 8 when a shooting operation can be performed.

  In FIG. 8, the display screen frame of the display unit 8 is indicated by reference numeral 8a. In a predetermined area 8b in the display screen frame 8a, a wide range image based on the image signal acquired by the sub camera unit 30 of the accessory device and transmitted to the camera body 10 via the communication unit 50 is displayed.

  In addition, the indicators 8d and 8e are displayed in the substantially central portion of the region 8b. The index 8d is an index indicating the approximate position in the direction in which the optical axis of the taking lens unit 20 mounted on the camera body 10 is directed.

  The index 8e is an index that shows an outline of the shooting range of the shooting lens unit 20. In FIG. 8, the photographing range frame by the photographing lens unit 20 can be visually recognized by an index 8e indicated by two dotted lines.

  On the other hand, in the area 8b of the display screen frame 8a, images taken by the photographing lens unit 20 attached to the camera body 10 and acquired by the imaging unit 2 are continuously displayed.

  While viewing the display screen frame 8a, the user designates the shooting position desired to be shot in the area 8b by touching the display screen with a finger or the like (referred to as touch operation). FIG. 9 shows the user performing a shooting position designation operation (touch operation).

  Here, for example, it is assumed that the photographing position desired by the user is within a range indicated by reference numeral 8f in FIGS. 8 and 10A (a range indicated by a dotted line).

  The user designates the shooting position 8f by a touch operation as shown in FIG. Then, the display of the display screen frame 8a changes from the state of FIG. 8 to the state of FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 10A, the image displayed in the region 8c is a predetermined range including the photographing position 8f instructed by the touch operation described above.

  That is, the camera body 10 performs a control of turning the camera body 10 by driving the drive unit 60 through the movable unit 40 under the control of the signal processing / control unit 11 by a touch operation by the user. At the same time, the signal processing / control unit 11 drives and controls the imaging unit 2, the photographic lens unit 20, and the like, and executes a shooting operation. Thereby, the optical axis of the photographic lens unit 20 of the camera body 10 is directed in the direction instructed to shoot, and the shooting range instructed to shoot can be shot.

  That is, at this time, an image based on the image signal acquired by the imaging unit 2 of the camera body 10 is synthesized and displayed in the area 8c of the display screen frame 8a. At this time, the image of the region 8b does not change. The display of the display screen frame 8a at this time is as shown in FIG.

  Further, if an operation for completing the photographing operation at this timing, for example, a shutter release operation, is performed, the display unit 8 performs photographing using the display shown in FIG. 10B, that is, the entire screen area of the display screen frame 8a. The result display is displayed for a predetermined time.

  In addition, when performing the touch operation described above, if a plurality of touch operations are performed, a plurality of image data can be acquired continuously. Using this, for example, if a position specifying operation is performed so as to specify a plurality of positions at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction in the region 8b, panoramic image data is automatically generated using the plurality of images acquired thereby. Controls that are generated are easily conceivable.

  By the way, in the usage example described above, the user directly operates the camera system 1 to instruct a shooting range and execute a desired shooting operation. A usage example of the camera system 1 different from the usage example will be described below.

  The camera system 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to perform remote operation by performing wireless communication with other cameras having the same configuration. A configuration example in this case will be described below with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the system for remotely operating the camera system 1 of the present embodiment described above is the camera system 1 of the present embodiment and an external device for remote operation, for example, a wireless communication accessory device 70. And a second camera equipped with the.

  The second camera is a camera including a camera body and a photographic lens unit having the same configuration as the camera body 10 in the camera system 1. In the system example shown in FIG. 11, a second camera (see FIGS. 5 and 10) as another individual different from the camera body 10 in the camera system 1 is used. Therefore, the configuration of the second camera body 10A is exactly the same as the configuration of the camera body 10 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The wireless communication accessory device 70 is an accessory device configured to be detachable with respect to the second camera body 10 </ b> A by substantially the same shape as the communication unit 50 described above. The connection between the wireless communication accessory device 70 and the second camera body 10A is performed by fitting the connection portion 70b and the terminal portion 10b.

  The wireless communication accessory device 70 performs second wireless communication between the communication unit 71 that performs communication with the second camera body 10 </ b> A and the first wireless communication unit 54 of the communication unit 50 of the camera system 1. It is mainly configured by the communication unit 72 and the like.

  When the wireless communication accessory device 70 having such a configuration is attached to the second camera body 10A, the second camera body 10A is connected to the camera system 1 via the wireless communication accessory device 70 as shown in FIG. The camera system 1 can be remotely operated through wireless communication.

  First, the camera system 1 and the second camera are activated, and the second camera is set in a state in which a remote operation can be performed in a state in which the camera system 1 can execute a shooting operation. And both shall be in the state which can perform radio | wireless communication mutually.

  In this state, the display image signal acquired by the camera system 1 is transmitted to the second camera by wireless communication, and the display as shown in FIG. 8 is performed on the display unit 8 of the second camera body 10A. Although FIG. 8 is merely a display example, FIG. 8 used in the above-described use example will be used here to explain.

  The user performs an instruction operation similar to that in the above-described use example while viewing the display unit 8 (display screen frame 8a; FIG. 8) of the second camera body 10A. FIG. 11 shows the user performing a shooting position designation operation (touch operation).

  Upon receiving this touch operation instruction signal, the second camera body 10A performs wireless communication with the camera system 1 via the wireless communication accessory device 70, and transmits a control signal based on the shooting instruction to the camera system 1. . In response to this, the camera system 1 executes the turning control and photographing operation of the camera body 10 under the control of the signal processing / control unit 11. As a result, the camera system 1 is in a state where it can shoot the shooting range instructed to shoot. The image signal for display acquired as a result is transmitted to the second camera body 10A via the wireless communication accessory device 70 by wireless communication. A display as shown in FIG. 10A is made on the display unit 8 of the second camera body 10A.

  In this state, if the user performs an operation for executing a photographing operation on the second camera side, for example, a shutter release operation, the display unit 8 of the second camera body 10A has a display shown in FIG. In other words, the photographing result display is displayed for a predetermined time using the display shown in FIG.

  Next, the effect | action at the time of performing imaging | photography operation | movement using the camera system 1 of this embodiment is further explained in full detail using FIGS.

  First, a first camera (hereinafter, a device in this state) composed of a camera body 10 to which the photographing lens unit 20 is attached is in an activated state and can perform a photographing operation. It shall be.

  In the processing sequence of FIG. 12, first, it is confirmed whether or not the accessory device is attached to the first camera (the state established as the camera system 1).

  Next, whether to perform shooting operation control (non-remote camera shooting control) using only the camera system 1 or shooting operation control (remote camera shooting control) for remotely operating the camera system 1 using the second camera. Confirmation is made.

  That is, in step S101 of FIG. 4, the signal processing / control unit 11 of the camera body 10 in the camera system 1 monitors the signal from the operation determination unit 6, and whether the currently set operation mode is the shooting mode or not. Confirm that. If it is confirmed that the operation mode of the camera body 10 is set to the shooting mode, the process proceeds to the next step S102.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the operation mode of the camera body 10 is set to an operation mode other than the shooting mode (for example, a playback mode), the process proceeds to step S111.

  In step S <b> 102, the signal processing / control unit 11 checks whether or not the accessory device is attached via the accessory communication unit 12. If it is confirmed that the accessory device is attached, the process proceeds to the next step S103. If it is confirmed that the accessory device is not attached, the process proceeds to step S105, and the normal photographing control process is executed in step S105. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S103, the signal processing / control unit 11 monitors the signal from the first wireless communication unit 54 of the communication unit 50 via the accessory communication unit 12, and determines whether or not the wireless connection with the second camera is established. Confirm.

  If it is confirmed that the camera system 1 is in a wireless connection state with the second camera, the process proceeds to the next step S106.

  If it is confirmed in step S103 that the wireless connection state is not established, the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the signal processing / control unit 11 performs camera photographing control by non-remote operation, that is, The photographing operation control only by the camera system 1 is executed.

  In this case, if the user desires to remotely operate the camera system 1 wirelessly using the second camera, the second camera body 10A equipped with the wireless communication accessory device 70 is in an activated state. And the second camera is in a wireless communicable state.

  Here, in order to make the second camera ready for wireless communication, for example, a predetermined operation member provided in the second camera body 10A is operated, and an operation for starting wireless communication is performed. The wireless communication start instruction signal generated thereby is transmitted to the signal processing / control unit 11 of the second camera body 10A via the operation determination unit 6 of the second camera body 10A. In response, the signal processing / control unit 11 executes a control process for controlling the wireless communication accessory device 70 to start wireless communication.

  That is, the signal processing / control unit 11 of the second camera body 10 </ b> A communicates with the second wireless communication unit 72 of the wireless communication accessory device 70 via the accessory communication unit 12, and the second of the wireless communication accessory device 70. A remote cooperation signal for requesting start of wireless communication is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 72 to the camera system 1.

  When the first wireless communication unit 54 of the communication unit 50 of the camera system 1 receives this remote cooperation signal, the first wireless communication unit 54 communicates with the signal processing / control unit 11 of the camera body 10 via the communication unit 52 and the accessory communication unit 12 of the camera body 10. To transmit. In response to this, the signal processing / control unit 11 starts control processing for performing wireless communication with the second camera. The processing in step S103 described above is a processing step in which the signal processing / control unit 11 confirms whether or not this state exists.

  Therefore, as described above, when it is confirmed that the camera system 1 and the second camera are in a wireless connection state in the process of step S103 described above, the user can remotely connect the camera system 1 with the second camera. In this case, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the camera system 1 executes a remote camera photographing control process.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in the process of step S103 described above that the camera system 1 is not in a wireless connection state with the second camera, this means that the second camera is not in an activated state. Then, the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the camera system 1 executes non-remote camera shooting control processing.

  Note that this non-remote camera shooting control processing is substantially the same as the remote camera shooting control processing (FIG. 13) described below, and only the processing in the camera system 1 and the camera system 1 without wireless communication. The only difference is that the operation is performed. Accordingly, the non-remote camera shooting control process will be described only for a process different from the process sequence of the remote camera shooting control process of FIG. 13 (see FIG. 14 described later), and detailed description of the other processes will be omitted.

  Here, the details of the process of step S106, that is, the remote camera shooting control process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In step S201 of FIG. 13, the signal processing / control unit 11 of the camera body 10 in the camera system 1 monitors the signal from the first wireless communication unit 54 of the communication unit 50 via the accessory communication unit 12, and The first wireless communication unit 54 checks whether or not a remote cooperation signal for requesting wireless communication is received from the second wireless communication unit 72 of the wireless communication accessory device 70 of the second camera.

  Here, when reception of the remote cooperation signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S211. If reception of the remote cooperation signal is not confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S202.

  In step S202, the signal processing / control unit 11 similarly monitors the signal from the first wireless communication unit 54, and the first wireless communication unit 54 terminates the wireless communication from the second wireless communication unit 72. It is confirmed whether an end signal has been received. If the reception of the remote cooperation end signal is not confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S211. If reception of the remote cooperation end signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S203.

  In step S <b> 203, the signal processing / control unit 11 turns off the components of the circuit system that are necessary for performing wireless communication. Thereafter, the series of sub-sequences is terminated, the process returns to the original process (return), and the process proceeds to step S122 in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S <b> 211, the signal processing / control unit 11 starts communication with the communication unit 32 of the sub camera unit 30 from the accessory communication unit 12 via the communication unit 50, and the camera unit 31 of the sub camera unit 30. To perform a shooting operation. Thereby, the camera unit 31 acquires predetermined wide-field (omnidirectional) image data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S212, the signal processing / control unit 11 controls the sub-camera unit 30 and the communication unit 50, and the wide-field (omnidirectional) image data acquired by the processing in step S211 described above is used as the first wireless communication unit. The process of wireless transmission from 54 is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S213.

  In step S213, the signal processing / control unit 11 monitors a signal from the first wireless communication unit 54 of the communication unit 50 via the accessory communication unit 12, and receives a position designation signal for designating a shooting position from the second camera. It is confirmed whether or not the first wireless communication unit 54 has received. If it is confirmed that the position designation signal has been received, the process proceeds to the next step S214. If no position designation signal is received, the process proceeds to step S221.

  In step S214, the signal processing / control unit 11 performs angle / direction conversion processing. This angle / direction conversion processing is the processing in step S213 described above when the current direction in which the optical axis of the lens 21 of the photographing lens unit 20 of the first camera in the camera system 1 is the reference position. This is a process of calculating the camera movement amount (rotation angle and rotation direction) necessary for directing the optical axis of the lens 21 to the designated position based on the received position designation signal. This calculation processing is mainly performed by the designated signal calculation unit 11b in the signal processing / control unit 11 of the camera body 10.

  Here, the angle / direction conversion processing will be briefly described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 15 shows a schematic external view of the camera system 1 and a part of the display screen frame 8a of the display unit 8 when an image acquired by the sub camera unit 30 of the camera system 1 is displayed. The display example of the display screen frame 8a is the same as that in FIG.

  A wide field of view (omnidirectional) image acquired by the sub camera unit 30 in the camera system 1 of FIG. 15 is displayed in a predetermined area 8 b of the display screen frame 8 a of the display unit 8.

  In the present embodiment, since the omnidirectional optical system is adopted for the sub camera unit 30, a horizontally long image in a range of 360 degrees in the horizontal direction centering on the camera system 1 is displayed in the region 8b of the display screen frame 8a. Expanded to the full width.

  In the region 8b, the index 8d displayed at a substantially central position indicates the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 21 of the first camera is facing. The display position of the index 8d is set as a reference position.

  Here, it is assumed that the photographing position desired by the user is, for example, a range indicated by reference numeral 8f of 15 (a range indicated by a dotted line).

  The operation for the user to specify the shooting position 8f is an operation by a touch operation as described above. In addition to this, for example, a cursor index as indicated by reference numeral 8g may be displayed at a predetermined position in the display screen frame 8a and in the vicinity of the region 8b. The cursor index 8g moves in the horizontal direction of the lower edge of the region 8b in conjunction with the movement of the finger touched by the user on the display screen. Alternatively, the cursor index 8g may be moved in the designated direction in conjunction with the operation of a predetermined operation member in the left-right direction.

  In this way, when the user designates the photographing position 8f, the signal processing / control unit 11 calculates the camera movement amount based on the preset reference position and the designated position in the angle / direction conversion process. To do.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15, since the image is an omnidirectional optical system, the horizontal width of the display screen frame 8a is defined as an angle of 360 degrees. In this case, it can be seen that the separation dimension between the reference position index 8d and the specified position (for example, the cursor index 8g) is 1 / n (natural number) with respect to the horizontal dimension of the display screen frame 8a. If this n (natural number) is calculated, the turning angle in the camera movement amount can be easily calculated (see FIG. 15).

  When the cursor index 8g is used, the direction may be set so that the camera is turned based on the operation direction (see FIG. 16) when the user moves the cursor.

  Returning to FIG. 13, when the angle / direction conversion process ends in the process of step S214 described above, the process proceeds to step S215.

  In step S <b> 215, the signal processing / control unit 11 executes a pan head turning control process for controlling the movable unit 40 via the communication unit 50 to drive the drive unit 60. In this pan head turning control process, the drive unit 60 (movable pan head) is driven based on the turning angle and turning direction in the camera movement amount calculated in the process of step S214 described above, and integrated with the movable unit 40. This is a control process for turning and moving the mounted camera body 10. When this pan head turning control process ends, the process proceeds to step S216.

  In step S216, the signal processing / control unit 11 performs a process of changing and displaying the display position of the reference position index 8d in the wide-field image (region b).

That is, as a result of the processing in step S215 described above (the pan head turning control processing), the camera body 10 is turned so that the optical axis of the lens 21 is directed to the designated position. Even in this case, the image being displayed in the area 8b of the display screen frame 8a of the display unit 8 does not change according to the turning operation of the camera. Therefore, by moving the position of the reference position index 8d within the region 8b, processing is performed so that the direction in which the optical axis of the lens 21 is directed changes with the turning movement of the camera. . Then, it returns to the process of step S201 and repeats the subsequent processes.

On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the position designation signal is not received in the process of step S213 described above, and the process proceeds to the process of step S221, the signal processing / control unit 11 turns the accessory communication unit 12 on in step S221. The signal from the first wireless communication unit 54 of the communication unit 50 is monitored via the communication unit 50 to confirm whether or not a shooting start signal for starting a shooting operation from the second camera, for example, a signal generated by a shutter release operation is received . Here, when the photographing operation start signal is confirmed, the photographing operation by the first camera is executed, and the photographing operation for the photographing position designated by the user is executed. As a result, the acquired image data is temporarily stored in an internal memory (not shown) of the signal processing / control unit 11 and also recorded on a recording medium of the image recording unit 4. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the next step S222. If the shooting operation start signal is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S224.

  In step S <b> 222, the signal processing / control unit 11 performs a process of displacing the sub camera unit 30 to the off state via the communication unit 50. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S223.

  In step S223, the signal processing / control unit 11 acquires the first wireless data of the communication unit 50 via the accessory communication unit 12 using the image data acquired in the processing of step S221 and temporarily stored in the internal memory. A captured image transmission process is performed in which the image is output to the communication unit 54 and wirelessly transmitted from here to the wireless communication accessory device 70 of the second camera. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S224.

  In step S224, the signal processing / control unit 11 confirms whether there is an instruction to end the photographing operation. If the photographing operation end instruction is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S225. If the photographing operation end instruction is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S225.

  In step S225, the signal processing / control unit 11 performs an end process of the image transmission process to the second camera. Thereafter, the process returns to the above-described step S201, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  In the above-described processing sequence (FIG. 13), the captured image data acquired by the imaging operation of the camera system 1 is transmitted to the second camera immediately after the imaging operation in the processing of step S223 described above. However, this transmission process can be omitted. In that case, instead of omitting the processes of steps S223 and S225, for example, the recording operation to the recording medium is executed at the timing of the process of step S223, and the image data recorded on the recording medium at the timing of the process of step S225. The file (s) may be transmitted to the second camera.

  On the other hand, in the process of step S101 described above, when it is confirmed that the operation mode of the camera body 10 is an operation mode other than the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S111. In step S111, the signal processing / control unit 11 is processed. Monitors the signal from the operation determination unit 6 and confirms whether or not the currently set operation mode is the reproduction mode. If it is confirmed that the operation mode of the camera body 10 is set to the playback mode, the process proceeds to the next step S112. When it is confirmed that the operation mode of the camera body 10 is not set to the playback mode, the process returns to the above-described step S101 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  In step S <b> 112, the signal processing / control unit 11 executes a file list display process based on a plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium of the image recording unit 4. The result of the file list display process is displayed on the display unit 8. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S114, the signal processing / control unit 11 monitors the signals from the operation determination unit 6 and the touch panel control unit 8x, and generates a file selection instruction signal generated when an image file or audio file selection operation is performed. A check is made to see if it exists. Specific examples of the file selection operation include operation of a predetermined operation member or touch operation of the display unit 8. If the file selection operation is confirmed here, the process proceeds to the next step S114. If the file selection operation is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S115.

  In step S114, the signal processing / control unit 11 controls the image recording unit 4 and the display unit 8 to execute the selected file reproduction process. In the selected file reproduction process, the image data selected by the above-described file selection operation among the plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium of the image recording unit 4 is read from the recording medium, and decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 11a. The display image signal is output to the display unit 8 and is reproduced and displayed on the display unit 8. After completion of the reproduction display of the selected file, the camera enters an operation standby state while maintaining the state where the selected image is displayed on the display unit 8. At this time, a process is performed in which the user performs an operation for displaying the file list again, or the file list is displayed again after a predetermined time has elapsed. Thereafter, the processing returns to the above-described step S112, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  In the process of step S115, the signal processing / control unit 11 monitors signals from the operation determination unit 6 and the touch panel control unit 8x, and confirms an end instruction signal to end the reproduction mode. If the reproduction mode end instruction signal is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, when the reproduction mode end instruction signal is not confirmed, the processing returns to the above-described step S112 and the subsequent processing is executed.

  Although not shown in FIG. 12, in the operation standby state in the process of step S112 described above, it is also possible to perform an interrupt process such as a user switching from the playback mode to another operation mode or performing a power-off operation. Then, the process proceeds from the reproduction mode process to the process sequence instructed to operate.

  Next, the non-remote camera shooting control processing in the camera system 1 will be described below based on the flowchart of FIG. As described above, this non-remote camera shooting control process is substantially the same as the processing sequence of the remote camera shooting control process of FIG. Therefore, in the following description, only processing steps different from the remote camera shooting control processing will be described, and detailed descriptions of other processing steps will be omitted.

  First, in step S201A of FIG. 14, the signal processing / control unit 11 checks whether a camera control instruction signal has been received. This camera control instruction signal is an instruction signal generated when a user operates a predetermined operation member in order to perform shooting operation control of the camera system 1 in which an accessory device is mounted on the camera body 10. Here, if the camera control instruction signal is confirmed, the process returns to the original processing sequence (FIG. 12). If the camera control instruction signal is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S211.

  The processing in steps S211 to SS215 is exactly the same as the processing sequence of the remote camera shooting control processing in FIG.

  When the pan head turning control process in step S215 ends, the process proceeds to the process in step S216A, and in this step S216A, the signal processing / control unit 11 displays the screen so as to match the direction in which the sub camera is facing. The display screen switching control is performed by controlling the unit 8.

  On the other hand, in the process of step S213 described above, when the position designation signal is not received and the process proceeds to the shooting operation start process of step S221, the image signal acquired by the shooting operation started in step S221 described above in step S223A. The image recording process is started.

  Then, after the photographing operation end process in step S224, an image recording operation end process is executed in step S225A. afterwards. Returning to the process of step S211, the subsequent processes are repeated.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the sub camera unit 30 including the optical lens that acquires an image with a wide field of view angle, the movable unit 40 that can rotate the system, and each of the accessory devices An accessory device including a communication unit 50 that is interposed between the configuration unit and the camera body 10 or an external device and controls communication between the configuration units is used as a first camera including the camera body 10 to which the photographing lens unit 20 is attached. In the camera system 1 mounted on the camera body (FIG. 1 and the like), the wide-field image acquired by the sub camera unit 30 and the image acquired on the camera body 10 side on the display screen of the display unit 8 of the camera body 10. When the user designates a desired position of the wide-field image in the composite display image, the position designated portion is displayed. The photographing operation of a predetermined range including (This range is subject to photographable angle of the lens 21), the first camera is adapted to automatically perform.

  In addition, by using a second camera equipped with a wireless communication accessory device 70 that can perform wireless communication with the camera system 1 to exchange signals such as image signals and control signals, the above-described position designation operation and the like can be performed. By performing various operations on the second camera side, the camera body on the camera system 1 side can be remotely operated. In this case, the second camera on the hand side that performs remote operation performs wireless communication with the camera system 1 and acquires a composite display of the wide-field image acquired on the camera system 1 side and the main image by the camera body. And can be displayed on the display unit.

  Therefore, with this configuration, remote control can be easily performed from the second camera side at a position distant from the camera system 1 that executes the actual shooting operation, so that shooting performed using a conventional camera is possible. It is possible to easily shoot in a different situation. Thereby, it becomes possible to easily obtain a photographing result different from an image obtained by a conventional camera.

  For example, in the present embodiment, a second camera having the same configuration as the first camera applied to the camera system 1 is used as a device for remotely operating the camera system 1. From this, the user can perform a photographing operation from the camera system 1 by remotely operating the camera system 1 installed at a distant place with the second camera on the hand side, and can also perform the second operation on the hand side. It is also possible to execute a shooting operation using a camera. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily acquire images of different angles with respect to a subject desired to be photographed without moving while on the spot.

  In this way, by cooperation with a remotely operated device, a plurality of images can be obtained and moving images and still images with changes can be taken.

  In the description of the above-described embodiment, only handling of image data is mainly described. However, data files that can be handled by the camera system are not limited to image data. In the present camera system, for example, moving image data can be taken in the same manner as a conventional camera or the like. In this case, audio data corresponding to a moving image can be acquired by the simultaneous recording function at the time of moving image shooting. For example, when using as a recorder using a voice recorder function (recording function), only audio data can be recorded by a single camera of the camera system. In this case, the audio data is recorded as a single file. Such audio data can also be handled by the camera system.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example of a camera system configured by attaching a communication unit, a tripod, a wide-angle lens, or the like as an accessory to the camera has been described. However, the present invention can be applied. The system is not limited to such a form. For example, it is possible to adopt a form such as a photographing apparatus that is configured by integrally incorporating each component unit such as a camera, a communication unit, a tripod, and a wide-angle lens. The present invention can be easily applied to such a configuration. be able to.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the camera system mounted on the tripod is mechanically rotated by the drive unit is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and for example, only the imaging unit is moved. Alternatively, the shooting area may be switched from the wide-field shooting area.

  In the above-described embodiment, communication between the camera and the accessory device is performed by wired connection, but may be performed by wireless.

  In the above-described embodiment, shooting is started by a shutter release operation. Instead, for example, if an image at a specified position can be shot, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, You may control to start imaging | photography automatically.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that various modifications and applications can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if several constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the above-described embodiment, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effect of the invention can be obtained, this constituent requirement is deleted. The configured structure can be extracted as an invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Camera system 2 ... Imaging part 4 ... Image recording part 6 ... Operation determination part 8 ... Display part 8a ... Display screen frame 8d ... Reference position index 8f ... Shooting position 8g ... Cursor index 8x …… Touch panel control unit 10 …… Camera body 10A …… Second camera body 10a …… Contact terminal 10b …… Terminal part 10c …… Contact 10d …… Accessory mounting part 11 …… Signal processing / control part 11a …… Compression / decompression Section 11b …… Specified signal calculation section 12 …… Accessory communication section 14 …… Lens unit communication section 20 …… Photographing lens unit 20a …… Contact terminal 20b …… Unit body 21 …… Lens 22 …… Communication section 23 …… Lens Information storage unit 30 ... sub camera units 30a, 40b, 50c ... connection unit 31 ... camera unit 32 ... communication unit 40 ... movable unit 40c ... camera holding unit 41 ... Turning control unit 42 …… Communication unit 50 …… Communication unit 50a, 50b …… Terminal unit 50d …… Wall-like part 50e …… Groove-like part 51 …… Control part 52 …… Communication part 53 …… Switch part 54 …… First wireless communication unit 60... Drive unit 61... Drive unit 62 .. communication unit 70 .. wireless communication accessory device 70 b .. connection unit 71 .. communication unit 72.

Claims (7)

In a photographing system comprising a first photographing device and a second photographing device,
The second device is
A display unit for acquiring and displaying a signal indicating a shootable region of the first photographing device;
A position specifying unit for specifying a shooting position of the first device on the display unit and outputting a position specifying signal;
The first device is
An imaging system capable of including an imaging area switching unit that receives the position designation signal and determines an imaging area. A main imaging unit, and a sub-imaging unit capable of imaging a field of view wider than the imaging field of view obtained by the main imaging unit;
A turning control unit for rotating the camera;
A display unit that displays a composite image based on the image acquired by the image sensor and the wide-field image acquired by the sub-imaging unit;
In a photographing apparatus including a designation signal calculation unit that performs a designation position calculation based on a position designation signal to the composite image displayed on the display unit,
Based on the calculation result of the specified signal calculation unit, the amount of rotation at the time of the turn control,
An imaging device characterized by controlling.   The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the imaging device includes a determination unit that determines a rotation direction during the turning control based on a position designation signal for the composite image displayed on the display unit. machine. In a camera system comprising a first camera and an accessory device attached to the first camera,
A sub-camera unit capable of capturing a wider field of view than the photographing field of view obtained by the first camera, and the axis holding the camera system and orthogonal to the optical axis of the photographing lens of the first camera. An accessory device comprising a turning control unit for rotating the first camera in the horizontal direction and a communication unit for communicating with the first camera, the accessory device being configured to be detachable from the first camera;
A display unit that displays a composite image based on an image acquired by the image sensor and a wide-field image acquired by the sub-camera unit, and designation based on a position designation signal for the composite image displayed on the display unit A first camera comprising a designation signal calculation unit for performing position calculation;
Composed by
The turning control unit controls a rotation amount of the first camera based on a calculation result of the designation signal calculation unit. The camera system further includes an external device having a second wireless communication unit and an image display unit,
The communication unit further includes a first wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the external device,
The external device receives the wide-field image signal of the sub-camera unit transferred by wireless communication between the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit, and displays an image based on the wide-field image signal as described above. The camera system according to claim 4, wherein the camera system displays the image on an image display unit. The first camera includes a display control unit by touch panel or cursor control,
The camera system according to claim 4, wherein the designation signal calculation unit performs a designation position calculation based on a position designation signal from the display control unit. The external device includes a display control unit by touch panel or cursor control,
6. The camera system according to claim 5, wherein the designation signal calculation unit performs a designation position calculation based on a position designation signal from the display control unit.

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