JP2000019629A - Remote controller and camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To announce various manipulation signals with sound information by executing crosscommunication of signals between a camera body and a remote controller of a camera system consisting of the camera body and the remote controller. SOLUTION: The manipulation signal corresponding to the manipulation or operation mode selected by manipulation switches 201 to 204 of the remote controller 200 is transmitted to the receiver 320 of the camera body 100 by a transmitter 210. When this receiver receives the manipulation signal, a response signal is transmitted to the receiver 230 of the remote controller 200 by the transmitter 340 of the remote controller 100. When the receiver receives the response signal, the prescribed sound information meeting the response signal is produced by a sound producer 250. When the response signal is not received within the specified time after the transmission of the manipulation signal, an alarm is generated by the sound information different from the sound information described above.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for causing a controlled device to perform a predetermined operation from a remote place, and more particularly to a remote control device for controlling a photographing operation of a camera and a camera system using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a remote control device for controlling a photographing operation of a camera from a distant place in the case of self-timer photographing, hidden photographing of animals, and the like.
In addition to a camera system, for example, in a system such as a television receiver or a video recorder, a remote control device that selects one of a plurality of functions and controls a controlled device is also known.

[0003]

However, the conventional remote control device itself does not have a sounding body such as a buzzer or a speaker, and notifies the user of the transmitted signal or the type of the selected function by sound. Did not exist. In addition, there is a device that generates a predetermined response sound from a sounding body provided in the controlled device main body when a signal from the remote control device is received. If the sound is pronounced from the camera body, there is a problem that the shooting is failed due to being escaped by the target.

Further, the conventional remote control device only transmits a predetermined control signal to a controlled device such as a camera body, and receives a signal from the controlled device to inform the user of the operation status and the like of the controlled device. There was nothing to announce.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. A remote control device itself is provided with a tone generating function, and a transmitted signal, a selected function,
Alternatively, it is another object of the present invention to provide a remote control device capable of notifying a user of an operation state or the like of a controlled device and a camera system using the same.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a remote control device according to the present invention includes a transmitting device for transmitting an operation signal for causing a controlled device to perform a predetermined operation, and an operation signal by the transmitting device. And a sound generating device for generating a sound in response to the transmission of the sound.

Further, another remote control device according to the present invention includes an operation signal selection device for selecting an operation signal for causing a controlled device to perform a predetermined operation, and an operation signal selection device for transmitting the selected operation signal to the controlled device. A transmitting device that transmits the first sound information corresponding to the transmitted operation signal.

[0008] In the above configuration, a receiving device for receiving a response signal transmitted from the controlled device may be further provided, and the second sound information corresponding to the response signal may be output by the sounding device.

Further, the sound generating device includes an oscillating unit, an oscillating control unit that varies at least one of an oscillating frequency, a duration, an interval, and the number of times according to an operation signal and / or a response signal, and an oscillating unit. And a sounding body that outputs the first sound information and / or the second sound information.

[0010] Also, the sounding device includes a storage unit for storing a plurality of first information and / or second information corresponding to the operation signal and / or the response signal, and a plurality of first information stored in the storage unit.
An information selection unit that selects the first information and / or the second information corresponding to the operation signal and / or the response signal from the information and / or the second information; and the selected first information and / or the second information. A voice synthesizer for generating a voice synthesized signal using the voice synthesizer, and a sounding body driven by the voice synthesized signal and outputting the content of the first information and / or the second information by voice as the first sound information and / or the second sound information. May be provided.

On the other hand, a camera system according to the present invention includes a camera body and a remote control device. The remote control device includes an operation signal selection device for selecting an operation signal for causing the camera body to perform a predetermined operation. ,
The camera includes a transmitting device for transmitting the selected operation signal to the camera body, and a sound generating device for outputting first sound information corresponding to the transmitted operation signal.

In the above configuration, the operation signal is configured to include any one of a one-frame photographing signal, an interval photographing signal, a continuous photographing signal, a self-timer operation start signal, and a power automatic off timer start signal. Is also good.

Further, the remote control device further includes a timekeeping unit, which starts the timekeeping in synchronization with the transmission of the operation signal when the operation signal requires a timekeeping operation, and outputs the timekeeping signal at predetermined intervals during the timekeeping. The sounding device which generates the sound may output a timed sound in response to the timed signal.

[0014] Further, it is possible to output a time-out sound immediately before or at the same time as the time-out.

The operation signal may be an operation mode selection signal for selecting any one of a plurality of operation modes of the camera body.

Further, the camera body has a transmitting device for transmitting a response signal to the remote control device, and the remote control device has a receiving device for receiving the response signal transmitted from the camera body, and the remote control device has a receiving device. The second sound information corresponding to the response signal may be output by the sounding device.

The operation signal is one selected from a one-frame photographing signal, an interval photographing signal, a continuous photographing signal, a self-timer operation start signal, and an automatic power-off timer start signal. It may be configured to be a clock signal of the camera body when operation is required.

Further, the remote control device may be configured to output a clock sound from the sounding device using the received response signal.

Further, a timing sound different from the other timing sounds may be output immediately before the reception of the response signal, which is a timing signal from the camera body, or simultaneously with the end of the reception.

The operation signal may be an operation mode selection signal for selecting any one of a plurality of operation modes of the camera body.

Further, the sounding device includes a storage unit for storing a plurality of pieces of second information corresponding to the response signal, and the second information corresponding to the response signal from the plurality of pieces of second information stored in the storage unit. An information selection unit to be selected, a speech synthesis unit that generates a speech synthesis signal using the selected second information, and a pronunciation that is driven by the speech synthesis signal and outputs the content of the second information by voice as the second sound information. It may be configured to have a body.

Another camera system according to the present invention includes a camera body and a remote control device. The remote control device transmits a first transmission signal and a predetermined response signal to the camera body. Equipment and
A first receiving device for receiving a second transmission signal transmitted from the camera body; and a first receiving device for outputting first sound information corresponding to the first transmission signal and second sound information corresponding to the second transmission signal.
The camera body comprises a second receiving device for receiving a first transmission signal from the remote control device, and a second transmission device for transmitting a second response signal and a predetermined response signal to the remote control device. 2 a transmission device, and a second sounding device for outputting a predetermined alarm sound, the remote control device or the camera body, within a predetermined time after transmitting the first transmission signal or the second transmission signal, the camera body or the remote When a response signal is not received from the control device, the first sounding device and / or the second sounding device output a predetermined sound alert.

In the above configuration, the first transmission signal or the second transmission signal
If the response signal is not received within a predetermined time after transmitting the transmission signal, the remote control device or the camera body may be configured to repeatedly transmit the first transmission signal or the second transmission signal at predetermined intervals. .

As described above, by providing the sounding body in the remote control device, the user can recognize that a signal has been transmitted from the remote control device to the controlled device or the camera body and recognize the type of the transmitted signal. It is possible to perform the operation again in the case of an erroneous operation.
In addition, by providing the remote control device with a receiving device that receives a response signal (or a second transmission signal) transmitted from the controlled device, it is possible to confirm that the controlled device has received the operation signal (or the first transmission signal). In addition to being able to confirm, when a trouble such as inoperability of the controlled device occurs, it is possible to notify a user who is away from the controlled device of the occurrence of the trouble.

[0025]

(First Embodiment) A first embodiment of a remote control device and a camera system using the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the camera body 100 and the remote control device 200. An imaging lens 101 such as a zoom lens, a flash light emitting unit 102, a photometric circuit 3 are provided in front of a camera body 100 which is a controlled device.
05 (see FIG. 2), light receiving unit 103, viewfinder 10
4. A distance measuring window 105 of the distance measuring device, a receiving unit 106 of the receiving device 320 (see FIG. 2), and the like are provided. An operation dial 107 for selecting a shutter speed, a control mode, and the like, a shutter release button 108, and the like are provided on an upper surface of the camera body 100. On the other hand, the remote control device 200 has operation switches 201 and 20 for selecting and operating functions of the camera body 100.
2. A transmission unit 211 of the transmission device 210 (see FIG. 2), a sounding body 250 such as a buzzer and a speaker, and the like are provided.

Next, the camera body 100 of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 shows a block configuration of a control circuit of the remote control device 200. In the camera body 100, the power supply circuit 302 connected to the battery 301
And the like, and converts a DC of a predetermined voltage into an AC of a predetermined frequency and a predetermined voltage to charge a capacitor (not shown) of the flash light emitting circuit 303.
The CPU 300 is connected to a liquid crystal display device 330, a shutter release button 108, an operation switch 312 linked to the operation dial 107, a receiving device 320, a timer circuit 313 for counting time when a self-timer is used, and the like. Further, the CPU 300 has a distance measuring circuit 30 for detecting whether or not the lens is focused on the subject.
4. A photometric circuit 305 for measuring the brightness (luminance) of the subject, a lens driving motor M1 and a film feeding motor M2, a driving circuit 306 for driving a shutter unit 307 and the like, provided inside the finder, A finder display element 308 such as an LED for displaying a focus display, a flash display, a camera shake warning, etc., a nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 310 for storing a character string such as a preset title, photographing data and a title, etc. Is connected to a magnetic head 311 for recording the information in a magnetic recording area on the film. On the other hand, to the CPU 220 of the remote control device 200, operation switches 201 and 202, a timer circuit 221, a transmission device 210, a pulse generation circuit 240, and the like are connected.
Note that a sound generator 250 is connected to the pulse generation circuit 240.

The first embodiment is an example in which the functions of the camera body 100 that can be selected by the remote control device 200 are limited, and the configuration of the camera system is simplified. For example, the operation switch 201 selects the shutter release operation, and when the operation switch 201 is turned on, the sounding body 250 generates, for example, once a beep sound information, and immediately performs the shutter release operation of the camera body 100. When the operation switch 202 selects the self-timer operation and turns on the operation switch 202,
The sounding body 250 generates, for example, a plurality of timed sounds such as "beep", "beep", "beep"... At predetermined intervals, and performs a shutter release operation of the camera body 100 after a lapse of a predetermined time.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a timing chart of each operation of the camera body 100 and the remote control device 200 at the time of self-timer shooting in the first embodiment. 3A shows a self-timer operation signal from the transmission device 210 of the remote control device 200, and FIG.
0 indicates a timing sound generated by the sounding body 250,
(C) shows a timing signal of the camera body 100, and (d) shows a shutter release signal of the camera body 100.

When the self-timer operation is selected, the time from when the self-timer operation signal is transmitted to when the shutter is actually released or the total number of signals counted by the camera body 100 is known. The CPU 220 of (a) causes the sounding time of the timed sound immediately before the end of the timekeeping (timed sound) to be longer than the sounding time of the other timed sound (for example, “pip”), for example, to sound “p”. . Thus, the user knows that the shutter will be released soon.

Next, an example of a shutter release or self-timer operation in the camera system of the first embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. It is assumed that a film is already loaded in the camera body 100 and that a power switch (not shown) of the camera body 100 is also turned on.

When the power switch (not shown) of the remote control device 200 is turned on (step S10)
0), the CPU 220 determines whether or not the operation switch 201 for operating the shutter release has been turned on (step S105). When the operation switch S1 is turned on (YES in step S105), the CPU 220 controls the pulse generation circuit 240 to generate a pulse signal at a predetermined oscillation frequency and a predetermined duration (step S11).
0), the sounding body 250 is driven (step S115).
The sounding body 250 generates, for example, the above-mentioned “beep” sound and notifies the user that the switch operated by the user or the selected function is shutter release by sound. at the same time,
By controlling the transmitting device 210, the shutter release signal is transmitted to the receiving device 320 of the camera body 100 (step S120).

On the other hand, in step S105, the operation switch 2
01 is not turned on (N in step S105)
O), the CPU 220 further determines whether or not the operation switch 202 for operating the self-timer has been turned on (step S125). If operation switch 202 is turned on (YES in step S125), CPU 220
Controls the transmitting device 210 to transmit a self-timer operation signal to the receiving device 320 of the camera body 100 (step S120). The CPU 300 of the camera body 100
Upon receiving the self-timer activation signal, the camera body 10
Using the clock signal from the timer circuit 313 of 0,
The timer count until the shutter release starts is started. In parallel with this operation, the remote control device 2
00 of the remote control device 20
Using the clock signal from the timer circuit 221 of 0,
The timer count until the start of the shutter release is started (step S135).

Next, the CPU 220 of the remote control device 200 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S140), and after the predetermined time has elapsed (step S1).
Then, the pulse generator 240 is controlled to generate a first pulse signal with a predetermined oscillation frequency and a predetermined duration (step S145), and the sound generator 250 is driven (step S150). The sounding body 250 generates, for example, the above-mentioned “beep” sound, and notifies by sound that the switch operated by the user or the selected function is the self-timer.

The CPU 220 counts the number of times of sounding by the sounding body 250 (step S155), and determines whether a predetermined number of sounds have been generated (step S160). When a predetermined number of sounds are generated (YES in step S160), CPU 220
Controls the pulse generation circuit 240, generates a final pulse signal at an oscillation frequency and / or duration different from the oscillation frequency and / or duration from the timed sound of “beep” (step S165), and drives the sounding body 250 (Step S
170). The sounding body 250 generates, for example, a timing end sound such as “beep”, and notifies the user that a predetermined time has elapsed and that the shutter will be released soon.

When the shutter release signal is transmitted to the receiving device 320 of the camera body 100 in step S120 and when a predetermined time has elapsed after the transmission of the self-timer operation signal in step S130, the C
The PU 300 controls the shutter unit 307 and the like to perform a shutter release operation, and ends the remote operation of the camera body 100 (step S175).

The shutter release operation of the camera body 100 will be briefly described (the same applies to the following embodiments). For example, it is assumed that a so-called full-auto mode in which automatic flash emission is performed when the subject luminance is low is selected. CPU 300 of camera body 100
Operates the distance measuring circuit 304 to determine whether the lens is in focus on the subject (whether or not the subject is in focus),
When the focus is not on, the CPU 300
The lens driving motor M1 is driven through the lens to perform a focusing operation (for example, a movement of the focal position of the lens from infinity to a close distance side). With the movement of the lens, the distance measuring circuit 304
The CPU 300 stops driving the lens driving motor M1 via the driving circuit 306 when the CPU 300 detects that the subject is focused on the lens based on the signal from the distance measuring circuit 304 I do.

In parallel with the focusing operation, the photometric circuit 305
The luminance of the subject is measured, and based on a signal from the photometry circuit 305, according to a preset program,
Determine the aperture value and shutter speed of the lens. further,
If the determined shutter speed is lower than the camera shake limit speed set in advance according to the focal length of the lens or the like, the CPU 300 selects flash emission, and sets the flash guide number (light emission amount) according to the flash guide number (light emission amount). Change the aperture value and shutter speed. When the aperture value of the lens and the shutter speed are determined, the CPU 300 drives the shutter unit 307 at the determined predetermined shutter speed via the drive circuit 306, drives the flash light emission circuit 303 as necessary, and To expose the image of the subject.

When the exposure is completed, the CPU 300 drives the film feed motor M2 via the drive circuit 306,
The film is wound up by one frame, and the shutter unit 307 is charged at the same time. When the camera body 100 is compatible with the APS, the CPU 30
0 indicates a title, date of photographing, direction of the camera at the time of photographing, standard size or panoramic size, etc. in a magnetic information recording area provided above or below each frame on the back of the film via the magnetic head 311. The data such as the screen size of the data is recorded.

As described above, according to the first embodiment,
By providing the sounding body 250 in the remote control device 200, the user can use the remote control device 2
It is possible to recognize that a signal has been transmitted from 00 to the camera body 100 and the type of the transmitted signal, and it is possible to perform an operation again or the like in the case of an erroneous operation.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a remote control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a camera system using the same will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 shows the camera body 100 and the remote control device 2.
It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of 00. On the front of the camera body 100, for example, an imaging lens 101 such as a zoom lens, a flash light emitting unit 102, a light receiving unit 103 of a photometric circuit, a finder 104, a distance measuring device 105, a receiving unit 106 of a receiving device 320 (see FIG. 6), Transmission device 340 (see FIG. 6)
Is provided. An operation dial 107 for selecting a shutter speed, a control mode, and the like, a shutter release button 108, and the like are provided on an upper surface of the camera body 100. On the other hand, the remote control device 200 includes operation switches 201 to 204 for selecting and operating functions of the camera body 100, a transmission unit 211 of the transmission device 210 (see FIG. 6), and a reception device 23.
0 (see FIG. 6), a sounding body 250 such as a buzzer or a speaker, and the like are provided.

Next, the camera body 100 of the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 shows a block configuration of a control circuit of the remote control device 200. The description of the parts common to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 will be omitted, and only different points will be described. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 6 with FIG. 2, a timer circuit 313 and a transmission device 340 are connected to the CPU 300 of the camera body 100. The receiving device 230 and the voice synthesizing device 260 are also connected to the CPU 220 of the remote control device 200. In the first embodiment, the operation signal is unilaterally transmitted from the remote control device 200 to the camera body 100. However, in the second embodiment, the remote control device 2
This is an example in which signals can be exchanged between the camera body 100 and the camera body 100.

Of the operation switches 201 to 204 of the remote control device 200, for example, the operation switch 20
Reference numeral 1 denotes a switch for operating the shutter release as in the first embodiment. The operation switch 202 is, for example, a switch for selecting a function or an operation mode of the camera body 100. Each time the operation switch 202 is turned on, a signal to be sequentially transmitted to the camera body 100 includes “single frame shooting”, “interval shooting”. , "Continuous shooting", "self-timer shooting", "automatic power off", and so on. The operation switch 203 is, for example, a selection confirmation switch. When the operation switch 203 is turned on, a signal corresponding to the operation mode set at that time is transmitted to the camera body 10.
Sent to 0. The operation switch 204 is, for example, a search mode switch described later.

The one-frame shooting mode is defined by the operation switch 20
In one operation, shutter release is performed only once, and even if the operation switch 201 is kept pressed, the shutter release is not performed any more. The shutter release is reset by turning off the operation switch 201. The interval shooting mode is a mode in which the operation is started by the first operation of the operation switch 201 and the shutter is released every time a predetermined time elapses.
The operation is terminated by the second operation of. The continuous shooting mode is a mode in which the shutter release is continuously repeated while the operation switch 201 is kept pressed, and the operation ends when the operation switch 201 is turned off. The self-timer shooting mode is a mode in which a shutter release is performed after a certain period of time has elapsed after operating the operation switch 201. The automatic power-off mode is a mode in which the main switch of the camera body 100 is automatically turned off when the operation switch 201 is not operated continuously for a predetermined time.

The voice synthesizing device 260 includes the operation switch 20
This is for notifying the user of the content of the operation mode selected in Step 2 by voice, and includes a memory storing information corresponding to the operation mode that can be selected in advance. For example, by operating the operation switch 202, the one-frame shooting mode, the interval shooting mode, the continuous shooting mode, the self-timer shooting mode, the automatic power-off mode,
・ ・ When you select “Single-frame shooting mode”, “Interval shooting mode”, “Continuous shooting mode”, “Self-timer shooting mode”, “Auto power off mode” from the sounding body 250 ...

As described above, the second embodiment is an example in which signals can be mutually transmitted and received between the camera body 100 and the remote control device 200. First, when the operation switch 201 is turned on, a shutter release operation signal is transmitted from the transmission device 210 of the remote control device 200 to the reception device 320 of the camera body 100.
When the receiving device 320 receives the shutter release operation signal, the CPU 300 controls the transmitting device 340 to transmit a response signal to the receiving device 230 of the remote control device 200 and controls the shutter unit 307 to perform the shutter release operation. Do. When the receiving device 230 of the remote control device 200 receives the response signal, the CPU 220 controls the pulse generating circuit 240 to generate a predetermined pulse signal, and the sounding body 250 generates, for example, sound information such as “beep” once. .

When the self-timer shooting mode is selected by the operation switch 202, the operation switch 201
Is turned on, a self-timer operation signal is transmitted from the transmission device 210 of the remote control device 200 to the reception device 320 of the camera body 100. When the receiving device 320 receives the self-timer operation signal, the CPU 300 starts timing using the clock signal from the timer circuit 313, and every time a predetermined time elapses, the transmitting device 340.
To transmit a response signal to the receiving device 230 of the remote control device 200. Each time the receiving device 230 of the remote control device 200 receives the response signal, the CPU 220 controls the pulse generating circuit 240 to generate a predetermined pulse signal, and the sounding body 250 generates, for example, “beep”, “beep”, “beep”. A beep sound is generated. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 300 of the camera body 100 controls the shutter unit 307 to perform a shutter release operation.

Next, FIG. 7 shows a timing chart of each operation of the camera body 100 and the remote control device 200 at the time of self-timer shooting in the second embodiment. 7A shows a self-timer operation signal from the transmission device 210 of the remote control device 200, FIG. 7B shows a timekeeping signal of the camera body 100, and FIG. (D) shows a clock sound generated by the sounding body 250 of the remote control device 200, and (e) shows a shutter release signal of the camera body 100. As in the first embodiment, since the time from when the self-timer operation signal is transmitted to when the shutter is actually released or the total number of signals counted by the camera body 100 is known, the CPU 220 of the remote control device 200 As shown in (d), the sounding time of the timekeeping sound immediately before the end of the timekeeping is longer than the sounding time of the other timekeeping sounds (for example, “beep”), and for example, is played as “beep”. Thus, the user knows that the shutter will be released soon.

Next, an example of a shutter release or self-timer operation in the camera system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. It is assumed that a film is already loaded in the camera body 100 and that a power switch (not shown) of the camera body 100 is also turned on.

When the power switch (not shown) of the remote control device 200 is turned on (step S20)
0), the CPU 220 determines whether or not the operation switch 201 for operating the shutter release has been turned on (step S205). When the operation switch S1 is turned on (YES in step S205), the transmission device 210 is controlled to transmit a shutter release signal to the reception device 320 of the camera body 100 (step S210).

The receiving device 320 of the camera body 100 is ready to receive the operation signal from the remote control device 200 at all times, and the CPU 300 determines whether or not the operation signal has been received by the receiving device 320 (step S).
215). When the operation signal is received by receiving device 320 (YES in step S215), CPU 300 controls transmitting device 320 and causes remote control device 200
A response signal is transmitted to the receiving device 230 (step S220). The receiving device 230 of the remote control device 200 is ready to receive a response signal from the camera body 100 at all times.
It is determined whether a response signal has been received (step S225).

When the response signal is received by receiver 230 (YES in step S225), CPU 220 controls pulse generation circuit 240 to generate a pulse signal at a predetermined oscillation frequency and a predetermined duration (step S23).
0), the sounding body 250 is driven (step S235).
The sounding body 250 generates, for example, the above-mentioned “beep” sound and notifies the user that the switch operated by the user or the selected function is shutter release by sound. In parallel with this operation, the CPU 300 of the camera body 100 controls the shutter unit 307 and the like to perform a shutter release operation (step S305).

On the other hand, when the operation signal is transmitted from the transmission device 210 of the remote control device 200 but the operation signal cannot be received by the reception device 320 of the camera body 100 (NO in step S215), the transmission device of the camera body 100 Since no response signal is transmitted from 340, the receiving device 23 of the remote control device 200
0 does not receive a response signal. Therefore, step S2
25 when no response signal is received (step S2
(NO at 25), the CPU 220 controls the pulse generation circuit 240 to generate a pulse signal at an oscillation frequency and / or duration different from the oscillation frequency and / or duration (step S230), and drives the sounding body 250 (step S230). S2
35). The sounding body 250 generates, for example, a beep sound, and the operation signal transmitted to the user is
Warn that zero has not been reached.

As is apparent from FIG. 5, the transmission unit 21 of the transmission device 210 of the remote control device 200
1, the receiving unit 231 of the receiving device 230, and the camera body 10
The receiving unit 106 of the camera unit 100 and the transmitting unit 109 of the transmitting device 340 are provided close to each other, and the determination by the CPU 300 is performed instantaneously. Receiving the operation signal from the transmission unit 210 of
The receiving device 230 of the remote control device 200 almost certainly receives the response signal from the transmitting unit 340 of the camera body 100.

On the other hand, in step S205, the operation switch 2
01 is not turned on (N in step S205)
O), the CPU 220 further determines whether or not the self-timer operation is selected by the operation switch 202 (step S240). If the self-timer operation is selected (YES in step S240), CPU 220 controls transmitting device 210 to transmit a self-timer activation signal to receiving device 320 of camera body 100 (step S245).

CPU 300 of camera body 100 determines whether or not an operation signal has been received by receiving device 320 (step S250). When the operation signal is received by receiving device 320 (YES in step S250), CPU 3
00 starts the timer count until the shutter release starts using the clock signal from the timer circuit 313 (step S255). When the timer count is started, CPU 300 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S260). When the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S260), CPU 300 controls transmitting apparatus 320 to receive apparatus 230 of remote control apparatus 200. Is transmitted (step S265).

CPU of remote control device 200
220 determines whether or not a response signal has been received by receiving device 230 (step S270), and receives a response signal by receiving device 230 (YE in step S270).
S), the CPU 220 controls the pulse generation circuit 240,
A pulse signal is generated at a predetermined oscillation frequency and a predetermined duration (step S275), and the sounding body 250 is driven (step S280). The sounding body 250 generates, for example, the above-mentioned “beep” sound and notifies the user by sound that the self-timer has started to operate.

In parallel with this, the CPU of the camera body 100
300 and CPU 2 of remote control device 200
20 is the number of response signal transmissions and the sounding body 250 respectively.
The number of times of sound generation is counted (step S285), and it is determined whether a predetermined number of sounds have been generated (step S290). When a predetermined number of sounds are generated (YES in step S290), CPU 2
20 controls the pulse generation circuit 240 to generate a final pulse signal at an oscillation frequency and / or duration different from the oscillation frequency and / or duration of the timed sound of “beep” (step S 295). It is driven (step S300). The sounding body 250 generates, for example, a beep sound to notify the user that a predetermined time has elapsed and that the shutter will be released soon. Further, if a predetermined time has passed since the self-timer operation signal was transmitted in step S245, the CPU 3 of the camera body 100
00 controls the shutter unit 307 and the like to perform a shutter release operation, and ends the remote operation of the camera body 100 (step S305).

On the other hand, when the operation signal is transmitted from the transmission device 210 of the remote control device 200, but the operation signal cannot be received by the reception device 320 of the camera body 100 (NO in step S250), the transmission device of the camera body 100 Since no response signal is transmitted from 340, the receiving device 23 of the remote control device 200
0 does not receive a response signal. Therefore, step S2
70 when no response signal is received (step S2).
(NO at 70), CPU 220 controls pulse generation circuit 240 to generate a pulse signal at an oscillation frequency and / or duration different from the above oscillation frequency and / or duration (step S295), and drives sounding body 250 (step S295). S3
00). The sounding body 250 generates, for example, a beep sound, and the operation signal transmitted to the user is
Warn that zero has not been reached.

Next, an example of the operation mode selection operation in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. It is assumed that a power switch (not shown) of the camera body 100 is turned on.

When the power switch (not shown) of the remote control device 200 is turned on (step S40)
0), the CPU 220 determines whether or not the operation switch 202 for selecting the operation mode has been turned on (step S405), and counts the number of times the operation switch 202 has been turned on (step S410). Next, the CPU 220 determines an operation mode corresponding to the number of times the switch has been turned on (step S415). For example, the CPU 220 determines the operation mode information determined from the operation mode information stored in advance in a memory included in the speech synthesizer 260. The user reads out and drives the sounding body 250 to notify the user of the selected content by voice (step S420). For example, when the operation switch 202 is turned on for the first time, it is determined that the interval photographing mode has been selected, and "interval photographing mode" is pronounced. Similarly, when the operation switch 202 is turned on twice, it is determined that the continuous shooting mode has been selected, and "continuous shooting mode" is pronounced. The same applies hereinafter. When the operation switch 202 is not operated, it is assumed that the one-frame shooting mode is initially set.

Next, the CPU 220 operates the operation switch 203.
It is determined whether is turned on (step S425).
When the operation switch 203 is turned on (step S425)
Then, the CPU 220 determines the selected operation mode (step S430), controls the transmission device 210, and transmits the selected operation mode signal to the reception device 320 of the camera body 100 (step S435). The operation mode is not determined until the operation switch 203 is turned on (NO in step S425).
Repeats steps S405 to S420.

The receiving device 320 of the camera body 100 is always ready to receive the operation signal from the remote control device 200, and the CPU 300 determines whether or not the receiving device 320 has received the operation mode signal (step S440). ). When receiving the operation mode signal by receiving device 320 (YES in step S440), CPU 3
00 changes the operation mode to the selected operation mode (step S445), and further controls the transmitting device 320;
A response signal is transmitted to the receiving device 230 of the remote control device 200 (Step S450).

CPU of remote control device 200
220 determines whether or not a response signal has been received by the receiving device 230 (step S455). Receiving device 230
When a response signal is received (YE in step S455)
S), the CPU 220 controls the pulse generation circuit 240,
A pulse signal is generated at a predetermined oscillation frequency and a predetermined duration (step S460), and the sounding body 250 is driven (step S465). The sounding body 250 generates, for example, the above-mentioned “beep” sound, and notifies the user by sound that the operation mode has been changed.

On the other hand, when the operation mode signal is transmitted from the transmission device 210 of the remote control device 200, but the operation mode signal cannot be received by the reception device 320 of the camera body 100 (N in step S440).
O) Since no response signal is transmitted from the transmitting device 340 of the camera body 100, the remote control device 20
The receiving device 230 of 0 does not receive the response signal. Therefore, when a response signal is not received in step S455 (NO in step S455), the CPU 220 controls the pulse generation circuit 240 to generate a pulse signal at an oscillation frequency and / or duration different from the above oscillation frequency and / or duration. (Step S460), the sounding body 250 is driven (step S465). The sounding body 250 generates, for example, a beep sound and warns the user that the operation mode signal transmitted has not reached the camera body 100.

Next, the search mode in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The search mode means that the camera body 100 is installed at a remote position in advance, for example, for night view shooting or hidden shooting of nocturnal animals, and when the camera body 100 is collected after film exchange or shooting is completed, Camera body 100
Refers to a mode in which the camera body 100 and the remote control device 200 communicate with each other to search for the position.

When the operation switch 204 is turned on (step S500), the CP of the remote control device 200
U220 starts timer counting using the clock signal from the timer circuit 221 (step S50).
5). When the timer count starts, the CPU 220
Determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S51).
0), after a lapse of a predetermined time (YE in step S510)
S), the transmission device 230 is controlled to transmit a search signal (first transmission signal) to the reception device 340 of the camera body 100 (step S515).

CPU 300 of camera body 100 determines whether or not an operation signal has been received by receiving device 320 (step S520). When the operation signal is received by receiving device 320 (YES in step S520), CPU 3
00 controls the transmitting device 320 and sends a response signal (second signal) to the receiving device 230 of the remote control device 200.
A transmission signal is transmitted (step S525).

CPU of remote control device 200
220 determines whether a response signal has been received by the receiving device 230 (step S530), and receives a response signal by the receiving device 230 (YE in step S530).
S), the CPU 220 controls the pulse generation circuit 240,
A pulse signal is generated with a predetermined oscillation frequency and a predetermined duration (step S535), and the sounding body 250 is driven (step S540). The sounding body 250 generates, for example, the above-mentioned “beep” sound and notifies the user by sound that the self-timer has started to operate.

On the other hand, when the operation signal is transmitted from the transmission device 210 of the remote control device 200, but the operation signal cannot be received by the reception device 320 of the camera body 100 (NO in step S520), the transmission device of the camera body 100 Since no response signal is transmitted from 340, the receiving device 23 of the remote control device 200
0 does not receive a response signal. Therefore, step S5
30 when no response signal is received (step S5).
The CPU 220 controls the pulse generation circuit 240 to generate a pulse signal with an oscillation frequency and / or duration different from the above oscillation frequency and / or duration (step S535), and drives the sounding body 250 (step S535). S5
40). The sounding body 250 generates, for example, a beeping sound, and the direction in which the user is searching is determined by the camera body 10.
Warn that you are not in the 0 direction. Steps S505 to S540 are repeated until the camera body 100 is found, and the camera body 100 is found (step S54).
5 is YES), for example, the remote control device 200
The power switch of is turned off, and the search mode is ended.

FIG. 12 shows a timing chart in the search mode. (A) is a remote control device 20
0 shows a search mode selection signal by the operation switch 204, (b) shows a search signal transmitted from the remote control device 200, and (c) shows a response signal transmitted from the camera body 100 to the remote control device 200. , (D) shows sound information generated by the sounding body 250 of the remote control device 200. As can be seen from (c) and (d), the remote control device 2
00 does not receive a response signal from the camera body 100 within a certain period of time after transmitting the search signal, that is, if the user loses the direction of the camera body 100,
Since 50 emits an alarm sound different from the normal case,
The user can know that the search direction is different from the position of the camera body 100.

(Other Embodiments) In the first and second embodiments described above, in FIGS. 3 and 7, the sounding body 250 of the remote control device 200 is configured to emit the timed sound at regular intervals. The present invention is not limited to this, and the sounding interval may be shortened as the shutter release approaches. Instead of changing the sounding time of the clock sound, the timbre (frequency of sound) of the clock sound may be changed. Further, the timing at which the timing sound different from the normal timing sound is generated may be at the same time as the start of the shutter release, not immediately before the shutter release.

In the second embodiment, the functions (operation modes) of the camera body 100 that can be selected by the operation switch 202 include one-frame shooting, interval shooting, continuous shooting, self-timer shooting, and power-off automatically.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to this. Exposure control modes such as program AE, aperture priority AE, shutter speed priority AE, etc .; A control mode such as a flash control mode such as light emission, forced flash light emission, and non-flash light emission may be used. The present invention is not limited to the control mode, and information such as the current focal length of the imaging lens, the aperture value, the shutter speed, the state of charge of the flash, and the remaining amount of the battery may be notified by sound using the sounding body 250.

In the search mode in the second embodiment, the user operates the remote control device 20.
Although the case where the camera body 100 is searched by holding the camera body 100 has been described, the remote control apparatus 200 is configured to be searched by holding the camera body 100 in response to the case where the remote control apparatus 200 is lost. May be. In this case, it goes without saying that the search signal is transmitted from the camera body 100 and the response signal is transmitted from the remote control device 200. Further, a sounding body is also provided in the camera body 100, and when the camera body 100 or the remote control device 200 receives the search signal, the camera body 100 or the remote control device 2
A response sound may be generated from 00. Further, the camera body 100 and the remote control device 2
When 00 is separated by a certain distance or more, an alarm sound may be generated mutually. In this case, there is an effect on crime prevention such as a deposit.

Further, it goes without saying that the remote control device of the present invention can be applied not only to the above-mentioned camera system but also to a television receiver, a video recorder, and other remotely operable electronic devices.

[0075]

As described above, according to the remote control device of the present invention and the camera system using the same, the remote control device is operated to cause the camera body, which is the controlled device, to perform a predetermined operation. Since the transmitting device that transmits the signal and the sound generating device that generates a sound in response to the transmission of the operation signal by the transmitting device are provided, the user can know that the operation signal has been transmitted based on the sound information from the sound generating device. Becomes possible.

In particular, an operation signal selection device for selecting an operation signal for causing the camera body to perform a predetermined operation;
Since the transmitting device for transmitting the selected operation signal to the camera body and the sounding device for outputting the first sound information corresponding to the transmitted operation signal are provided, the user can send the selected operation signal from the remote control device to the camera body. It is possible to recognize that the operation signal has been transmitted and the type of the transmitted operation signal, and it is possible to perform the operation again in the case of an erroneous operation.

Further, the remote control device is further provided with a receiving device for receiving a response signal transmitted from the camera body, and the second sound information corresponding to the response signal is output by the sounding device, so that the user can receive the second sound information from the camera body. At a distant position, it is possible to confirm that the camera main body has received the operation signal, and it is also possible to know that the camera main body has not received the operation signal or that trouble such as inoperability has occurred.

Further, an oscillation control for oscillating a pulse signal having at least one of an oscillating frequency, a single duration, a continuous oscillation interval, and a continuous oscillation frequency different from one another in accordance with an operation signal and / or a response signal in the sound generating device. Unit and a sounding body driven by the pulse signal oscillated by the oscillation control unit and outputting the first sound information and / or the second sound information, the sounding device can generate various sound information. The operation selected by the user, the state of the camera body, and the like can be distinguished by different sound information.

Further, a storage unit for storing a plurality of first information and / or second information corresponding to the operation signal and / or the response signal in the sounding device, and a plurality of first information stored in the storage unit.
An information selection unit that selects the first information and / or the second information corresponding to the operation signal and / or the response signal from the information and / or the second information; and the selected first information and / or the second information. A voice synthesizer for generating a voice synthesized signal using the voice synthesizer, and a sounding body driven by the voice synthesized signal and outputting the content of the first information and / or the second information by voice as the first sound information and / or the second sound information. Is provided, the operation (operation mode) selected by the user, the state of the camera body, and the like can be notified by voice.

According to another camera system of the present invention, the camera system includes a camera body and a remote control device,
The remote control device includes a first transmission device for transmitting a first transmission signal and a predetermined response signal to the camera body, and a first reception device for receiving a second transmission signal transmitted from the camera body. A first sounding device that outputs first sound information corresponding to the first transmission signal and second sound information corresponding to the second transmission signal, wherein the camera body transmits the first transmission signal from the remote control device. A second receiving device for receiving, a second transmitting device for transmitting a second transmission signal to the remote control device and a predetermined response signal, and a second sounding device for outputting a predetermined alarm sound; The control device or camera body is the first
Within a predetermined time after transmitting the transmission signal or the second transmission signal,
When a response signal is not received from the camera body or the remote control device, a predetermined sound warning is output from the first sounding device and / or the second sounding device, respectively. In this configuration, the first transmission signal may be the operation signal or the search signal in each of the above embodiments. Therefore, in addition to the remote operation of the camera body as the controlled device, the user can search for the other position by holding either the camera body or the remote control device. As a result, for example, it is easy to change the film at the time of taking a night view or concealing a nocturnal animal, or to collect the camera body after the end of the shooting. In addition, the search when the remote control device is lost becomes easy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of a camera body and a remote control device in a first embodiment of a remote control device of the present invention and a camera system using the same.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of a control circuit of a camera body and a remote control device according to the first embodiment.

FIGS. 3A to 3D are timing charts showing operations of the camera body and the remote control device at the time of self-timer shooting in the first embodiment, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a shutter release or a self-timer operation in the camera system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of a camera body and a remote control device according to a second embodiment of the remote control device of the present invention and a camera system using the same.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a block configuration of a control circuit of a camera body and a remote control device according to a second embodiment.

FIGS. 7A to 7E are timing charts of respective operations of a camera body and a remote control device at the time of self-timer shooting in a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a shutter release or a self-timer operation in the camera system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation mode selection operation of the camera body in the camera system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a search mode according to the second embodiment.

FIGS. 12A to 12D are timing charts in a search mode according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100: Camera body 106: Receiving unit of receiving device 108: Shutter release button 109: Transmitting unit of transmitting device 200: Remote control devices 201 to 204: Operation switch (signal selecting device) 210: Transmitting device (first transmitting device) 211 : Transmitting unit of transmitting device 220: CPU 221 (of remote control device): Timer circuit (time measuring unit) 230: Receiving device (first receiving device) 231: Receiving unit of receiving device 240: Pulse generating circuit (oscillation of sound generating device) Control unit) 250: sounding body (sounding body of sounding device) 260: speech synthesizer (speech synthesizing unit and storage unit of sounding device) 300: CPU (of camera body) 320: receiving device (second receiving device) 340: Transmission device (second transmission device)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masayasu Hirano 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toru Kasai 2-chome Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi No. 13 Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Chisato Kasuya 2-3-1, Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Koichi Ujiie, Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City 3-13-13 Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Satoshi Yokota 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2H020 BA08 FB03 FB05 MC77 MC81 MD15 ME35

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A remote control device comprising: a transmission device for transmitting an operation signal for causing a controlled device to perform a predetermined operation; and a sound generation device for generating a sound in response to the transmission of the operation signal by the transmission device. . 2. An operation signal selection device for selecting an operation signal for causing a controlled device to perform a predetermined operation, a transmission device for transmitting the selected operation signal to the controlled device, A sound output device that outputs first sound information corresponding to the operation signal. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a receiving device for receiving a response signal transmitted from the controlled device, wherein the second sound information corresponding to the response signal is output by the sounding device. Remote control device. 4. A sound generating device comprising: an oscillating unit; an operation signal;
Alternatively, an oscillation control unit that varies at least one of an oscillation frequency, a duration, an interval, and the number of times according to a response signal, and a first signal driven by a signal oscillated by the oscillation unit.
The remote control device according to claim 2, further comprising: a sounding body that outputs sound information and / or second sound information. 5. A sound generating device, comprising: a storage unit that stores a plurality of first information and / or second information corresponding to an operation signal and / or a response signal; and a plurality of first information and a plurality of first information that are stored in the storage unit. And / or using an information selection unit that selects first information and / or second information corresponding to the operation signal and / or response signal from the second information, and the selected first information and / or second information. A speech synthesis unit that generates a speech synthesis signal, and a sounding body that is driven by the speech synthesis signal and that outputs the content of the first information and / or the second information by voice as the first sound information and / or the second sound information. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
Or the remote control device according to 3. 6. A camera system including a camera body and a remote control device, wherein the remote control device includes an operation signal selection device for selecting an operation signal for causing the camera body to perform a predetermined operation; A transmitting device for transmitting the operated operation signal to the camera body,
A camera system comprising: a sound generating device that outputs first sound information corresponding to the transmitted operation signal. 7. The operation signal according to claim 1, wherein the operation signal includes a signal selected from a one-frame photographing signal, an interval photographing signal, a continuous photographing signal, a self-timer operation start signal, and an automatic power-off timer start signal. 6. The camera system according to 6. 8. The remote control device further includes a timing unit, and when the operation signal requires a timing operation,
The timekeeping is started in synchronization with the transmission of the operation signal, a timekeeping signal is generated at predetermined intervals during the timekeeping, and the sounding device outputs a timekeeping sound in accordance with the timekeeping signal. Camera system. 9. The camera system according to claim 8, wherein a time-out sound is output immediately before or simultaneously with the end of the time measurement. 10. The camera system according to claim 6, wherein the operation signal is an operation mode selection signal for selecting any one of a plurality of operation modes of the camera body. 11. The camera body includes a transmitting device for transmitting a response signal to the remote control device, the remote control device includes a receiving device for receiving a response signal transmitted from the camera main body, and the remote control device receives the response signal. 7. The sound generator according to claim 6, wherein second sound information corresponding to the response signal is output by the sound generator.
The camera system as described. 12. The operation signal is one selected from a one-frame photographing signal, an interval photographing signal, a continuous photographing signal, a self-timer operation start signal, and a power automatic off timer start signal. 12. The camera system according to claim 11, wherein the signal is a timing signal of a camera body when an operation is required. 13. The camera system according to claim 12, wherein the remote control device outputs a timekeeping sound from the sounding device using the received response signal. 14. The camera system according to claim 13, wherein a timekeeping sound different from other timekeeping sounds is output immediately before the reception of the response signal, which is a timekeeping signal from the camera body, or simultaneously with the completion of the reception. 15. The camera system according to claim 11, wherein the operation signal is an operation mode selection signal for selecting any one of a plurality of operation modes of the camera body. 16. A sounding device, comprising: a storage unit for storing a plurality of pieces of second information corresponding to a response signal; and a second information corresponding to the response signal from a plurality of pieces of second information stored in the storage unit. An information selection unit to be selected, a speech synthesis unit that generates a speech synthesis signal using the selected second information, and a pronunciation that is driven by the speech synthesis signal and outputs the content of the second information by voice as the second sound information. 16. The camera system according to claim 15, comprising a body. 17. A camera system including a camera body and a remote control device, wherein the remote control device transmits a first transmission signal and a predetermined response signal to the camera body, A first receiving device for receiving a second transmission signal transmitted from the camera body, and a first sound output for outputting first sound information corresponding to the first transmission signal and second sound information corresponding to the second transmission signal And a second main unit for transmitting a second transmission signal and a predetermined response signal to the remote control device, and a second reception device for receiving a first transmission signal from the remote control device. A remote control device or a camera body for transmitting the first transmission signal or the second transmission signal; If no response signal is received from the camera body or the remote control device within a predetermined time after the first sound generation device and / or the second
A camera system for outputting a predetermined sound alert from a sounding device. 18. When a response signal is not received within a predetermined time after transmitting the first transmission signal or the second transmission signal, the remote control device or the camera body repeats the first transmission signal or the second transmission signal at predetermined intervals. 18. The camera system according to claim 17, wherein the camera system transmits a transmission signal.