JP2000253292A - Image pickup device, image recorder, image pickup and recording system and image transmission reception method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent waste in a power supply of an image transmitter side and an image receiver side and to automatically transmit an image through a radio cannel without the need for a user to make a transmission operation. SOLUTION: When a photographing available number of a recording medium of a camera section reaches 5 or below (step S18), a command signal to turn on a power supply of a storage section is sent in a radio wave to turn on the power supply of the storage section (step S20). Upon the receipt of a standby signal from the storage section (step S22), image data recorded in the recording medium of the camera section are sent to the storage section in the radio wave (step S26).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image capturing apparatus, an image recording apparatus, an image capturing and recording system, and an image transmitting and receiving method, and more particularly to an image capturing apparatus for transmitting and receiving an image between the image capturing apparatus and the image recording apparatus. The present invention relates to an image recording device, an image capturing / recording system, and an image transmitting / receiving method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an image captured by a digital camera is recorded on a recording medium (such as a memory card) in the camera. Then, the image recorded on the memory card is stored in a personal computer or the like having a large-capacity recording medium, or erased after being printed by a printer.

However, the number of images that can be recorded on a recording medium in a camera is about several tens, and the number of images that can be recorded is limited. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a spare recording medium.

On the other hand, an electronic still camera with a portable telephone function has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-133801). The electronic still camera with a mobile phone function communicates with a server using a mobile phone, and stores an image captured by the electronic still camera in the server. Thus, the photographing can be performed without worrying about the remaining capacity of the recording medium.

[0005]

However, the conventional electronic still camera with a cellular phone function does not consider the consumption of the battery or the like in the storage unit on the receiving side.
There is a problem that an image once transmitted cannot be confirmed by the camera.

Further, when an image is transmitted to the server every time a photograph is taken, radio waves are emitted to the storage unit on the receiving side even in a case where transmission is not necessary, thereby increasing the waste of the battery. In the case where data is transmitted to the storage unit by the user, there is a problem that the operation must be performed by the user and the operation is complicated.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can prevent waste of power on the image transmission side and the reception side, and does not require an image transmission operation by a user. Image capturing device, image recording device,
It is an object to provide an image capturing and recording system and an image transmitting and receiving method.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image capturing apparatus, comprising: an image capturing section; and a small-capacity recording apparatus capable of recording a predetermined number of images captured by the image capturing section. Means and a communication means for transmitting an image by wirelessly communicating with an image recording apparatus having a large-capacity recording means or a printer, when the remaining capacity of the small-capacity recording means becomes smaller than a preset capacity. And a communication means for transmitting a command signal for turning on the power of the image recording apparatus, and thereafter transmitting an image recorded in the small capacity recording means.

In other words, the image pickup apparatus transmits the images collectively when the remaining capacity of the small-capacity recording means in the apparatus becomes small, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and preventing the battery from being wasted. ing. Further, the image can be automatically transmitted without the user performing the transmission operation. Further, prior to the transmission of the image, a command signal for turning on the power of the image recording apparatus on the receiving side is transmitted so that the image recording apparatus can operate. That is, the power of the image recording apparatus is normally not turned on even in the reception standby state, and the power of the image recording apparatus is controlled on the image recording apparatus side, thereby reducing the waste of the power on the reception side. I try to prevent it.

When the transmission of the image to the image recording apparatus is completed, the communication means transmits a command signal to turn off the power of the image recording apparatus.
This prevents waste of the power supply of the image recording apparatus.

An image pickup apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the image pickup apparatus further comprises an erasing means for automatically erasing the image transmitted to the image recording apparatus by the communication means from the small capacity recording means. This makes it possible to automatically secure the recording capacity of the small-capacity recording means without performing an erasing operation.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus comprising: an image selection unit for selecting an image to be received or deleted from images recorded in the image recording device;
When an image is selected by the image selecting means, a command signal for turning on the power of the image recording apparatus is transmitted, and thereafter, a command signal for transmitting or deleting the selected image is transmitted. I have. Further, the image capturing apparatus according to claim 5 of the present application captures image selection information from the image recording apparatus and selects an image to be received or deleted from images recorded in the image recording apparatus based on the image selection information. Having image selection means, wherein the communication means comprises:
When the image selection processing by the image selection means is started, a command signal for turning on the power of the image recording apparatus is transmitted, and thereafter, a request signal for requesting the image selection information is transmitted, When the image is selected by
A command signal for transmitting or erasing the selected image is transmitted.

That is, the image pickup apparatus according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention can receive or delete the image once transmitted, so that the image recorded in the image recording apparatus can be read by the image pickup apparatus. Confirmation and reproduction can be performed, and deletion can be performed as necessary.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus, comprising: a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an imaging device to receive an image; and sets the communication unit in a reception standby state, and supplies power from the imaging device via the communication unit. Power supply means for turning on the power supply when a command signal for turning on the power supply is received, and for turning off the power supply when a command signal for turning off the power supply is received or after a predetermined time has elapsed after the reception is completed, a power supply means for setting the reception standby state And a large-capacity recording unit or a printer that records an image received from the imaging unit via the communication unit after the power is turned on by the power supply unit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image capturing and recording system, comprising: an image capturing section; a small-capacity recording means capable of recording a predetermined number of images captured by the image capturing section; The first communication means for transmitting the power of the image recording apparatus when the remaining capacity of the small capacity recording means becomes smaller than a preset capacity.
N, and thereafter, an image capturing apparatus having first communication means for transmitting an image recorded in the small-capacity recording means, and wirelessly communicating with the image capturing apparatus to receive the image A second communication unit and the second communication unit are set to a reception standby state, and when a command signal for turning on the power is received via the second communication unit, the power is turned on and the power is turned off. A power supply means for turning off the power when a command signal is received or a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the reception to set a reception standby state; and a second communication means after the power supply is turned on by the power supply means The image recording apparatus having a large-capacity recording unit or a printer for recording an image to be received.

That is, the image pickup apparatus transmits a command signal for turning on the power of the image recording apparatus on the receiving side when the remaining capacity of the small-capacity recording means becomes smaller than a preset capacity. To allow the image recording apparatus to operate, and then automatically transmit the image. On the other hand, when the image recording apparatus on the receiving side receives the command signal for turning on the power, it turns on the power from the reception standby state to enable the recording operation. Alternatively, it is recorded by a printer.

The invention according to claim 8 of the present invention is an image transmitting method for transmitting and receiving an image between an image pickup apparatus and an image recording apparatus, wherein the image pickup apparatus is adapted to transfer an image recorded on a small-capacity recording medium to a predetermined capacity. When the number reaches the number, a command signal for turning on the power of the image recording apparatus is transmitted, and thereafter, an image recorded on the small-capacity recording medium is transmitted, and the image recording apparatus transmits a command signal for turning on the power. When receiving, turn on the power so that it changes from the reception standby state to the operable state.
Thereafter, the transmitted image is received and recorded on a large-capacity recording medium or print paper, and after the recording is completed, the reception standby state is set again.

The image pickup apparatus is characterized in that an image transmitted to the image recording apparatus is automatically deleted from the small-capacity recording means, as described in claim 9 of the present application. Further, when the transmission of the image to the image recording apparatus is completed as described in claim 10 of the present application, the image imaging apparatus transmits a command signal to turn off the power of the image recording apparatus, and the image recording apparatus When the command signal for turning off the power is received, the power is turned off and the apparatus enters a reception standby state.

Further, the image recording apparatus is provided in the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, after a predetermined time elapses after the reception of the image has been completed, the power is turned off and a reception standby state is set.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the image pickup device selects an image to be received or deleted from the images recorded in the image recording device, the image pickup device outputs a command signal for turning on the power of the image recording device. Transmitting, and then transmitting an image selection signal for selecting the image to be received or erased, and upon receiving the command signal to turn on the power, the image recording apparatus supplies the power so as to change from the reception standby state to the operable state. Is turned on, and thereafter, when the image selection signal is received, an image corresponding to the image selection signal is transmitted or deleted.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image pickup apparatus, a power supply of the image recording apparatus is started at the start of an image selection process for selecting an image to be received or deleted from images recorded in the image recording apparatus. Sending a command signal to turn on, then sending a request signal requesting image selection information used to select the image to be received or erased,
Upon receiving the command signal to turn on the power supply, the image recording apparatus turns on the power supply so as to be in an operable state from the reception standby state, and subsequently, upon receiving the request signal, transmits the image selection information, When an image to be received or deleted is selected based on the image selection information, the image capturing device transmits an image selection signal indicating the selected image, and the image recording device receives the image selection signal, An image corresponding to the image selection signal is transmitted or deleted.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an image capturing apparatus, an image recording apparatus, an image capturing and recording system and an image transmitting / receiving method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an embodiment of an imaging and recording system according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram thereof.

As shown in these drawings, the image capturing and recording system includes an image capturing apparatus 10 and an image recording apparatus 20.

The image pickup apparatus 10 mainly includes the image pickup section 1
1, a digital camera with a communication function, comprising a controller 12, a recording medium 13 such as a memory card, and a wireless transmitting / receiving unit 14 and capable of wirelessly transferring image data recorded on the recording medium 13 to the image recording apparatus 20. is there.

The image pickup section 11 has a photographing lens, a diaphragm, an image pickup device, a signal processing circuit, and the like. When the shutter 16 (see FIG. 1) is turned off, the light enters the image pickup device via the photographing lens and the stop. The image light of the subject is converted into an electric signal by an image sensor, subjected to appropriate signal processing, and output to the controller 12 as image data. Controller 12
Performs memory control, communication control, and the like, and stores image data input from the imaging unit 11 at the time of photographing in the recording medium 1.
Record in 3.

When the remaining capacity of the recording medium 13 decreases, the wireless transmitting / receiving unit 14 transmits a command signal for controlling the power of the image recording apparatus 20 via the antenna 15 in response to a command from the controller 12, and
Is transmitted to the image recording device 20.

On the other hand, the image recording apparatus 20 is mainly composed of a radio transmitting / receiving section 22, a power supply section 24, a controller 26 and an image recording section 28, and has an image with communication function for recording image data transmitted from the image pickup apparatus 10. It is a recording device.

The radio transmission / reception section 22 is normally in a reception standby state, and
When a command signal for turning on the power is received via
The power supply unit 24 is turned on. As a result, power is supplied from the power supply unit 24 to each unit of the image recording apparatus 20, and a recording operation is enabled.

After that, the antenna 2 is
When the image data is received via the wireless communication unit 1 and the wireless transmission / reception unit 22, the image data is recorded on the image recording unit 28 via the controller 26. On the other hand, when a command signal for turning off the power is received from the image capturing apparatus 10 via the antenna 21, the power supply from the power supply unit 24 is stopped, and the apparatus enters a reception standby state and waits.

Next, referring to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the operation of the image pickup device 10 and the image recording device 20 having the above-described configurations will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the image pickup device 10 (hereinafter, referred to as “camera unit”)
After the power is turned on (step S10), when the shutter is released, an image is taken by the imaging unit 11, and the image data obtained by this imaging is recorded on the recording medium 13 via the controller 12 (step S1).
2). Subsequently, the controller 12 detects the remaining capacity of the recording medium 13 (Step S14), and calculates the number of shootable images based on the detected remaining capacity (Step S16). The recording medium 13 of the camera section has a small capacity, and the maximum number of recordable images is, for example, 20.

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of shootable images calculated in step S16 is 5 or less and the transfer function is ON (step S18). Step S1
If the determination at 8 is negative, the process returns to step S12, and if affirmative, it is determined that the remaining capacity of the recording medium 13 has decreased, and the process proceeds to step S20.

In step S 20, the image recording device 20 is transmitted from the wireless transmission / reception unit 14 of the camera unit via the antenna 15.
A command signal for turning on the power of the storage unit (hereinafter, referred to as “storage unit”) is transmitted, and the power of the storage unit is turned on. When the power is turned on, the storage unit transmits a standby signal indicating that image data can be received from the wireless transmission / reception unit 22 via the antenna 21. The camera unit determines whether or not the standby signal has been received (step S22). If the standby signal has not been received, the camera unit determines that communication with the storage unit is impossible (a location where radio waves cannot reach). Then, the fact is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 17 of the camera unit (see FIG. 1) to warn the user, and the transfer function of the camera unit is turned off (step S24).

On the other hand, when the standby signal is received, the image data recorded on the recording medium 13 is transmitted to the radio transmitting / receiving unit 1.
4 to the storage unit via the antenna 15 (step S26). The storage unit receives the image data transmitted from the camera unit via the antenna 21 and the wireless transmission / reception unit 22, and stores the image data in the large-capacity image recording unit 28 via the controller 26.

The camera section determines whether or not all the image data recorded on the recording medium 13 has been transferred (step S28). When the transfer of all the image data is completed, the power of the storage section is turned off. A command signal is transmitted (step S30). When the storage unit receives the command signal to turn off the power, the storage unit turns off the power and stands by in the reception standby state.

When the image data recorded on the recording medium 13 is transferred to the storage unit, the image data on the recording medium 13 is automatically deleted, and
The number of images that can be taken by 3 is restored.

In this embodiment, the recording medium 1
When the number of recordable images calculated based on the remaining capacity of No. 3 becomes five, the image data is transferred from the camera unit to the storage unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. , The transfer may be performed. The user may arbitrarily set the remaining number or the remaining capacity as a reference for the transfer timing. Further, the camera unit transmits a command signal for turning off the power of the storage unit after the transfer of the image data is completed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An auto power off function for automatically turning off the power may be provided in the storage unit.

Next, an embodiment in which the camera unit receives image data already stored in the storage unit will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, first, an image to be transmitted from the storage unit to the camera unit is selected in the camera unit (step S40). As an image selection method for selecting the image, one transmission unit when the image data is transmitted to the storage unit (a transmission date when the image data is transmitted to the storage unit, a case where an identifier is assigned to each transmission unit, Is its identifier etc.)
And a method of selecting based on image attached information such as shooting date and time.

Subsequently, a command signal for turning on the power of the storage unit is transmitted in the same manner as in steps S20 and S22 shown in FIG. 3 (step S42), and it is determined whether a standby signal has been received from the storage unit. Determine (Step S4
4). And, when the standby signal is not received,
It is determined that communication to the storage unit is not possible, and a warning is given to the user to that effect (step S46).

On the other hand, when the standby signal is received, an image transmission request for requesting transmission of the image selected in step S40 and a receivable number are transmitted (step S4).
8). When receiving the image transmission request and the receivable number, the storage unit searches the image data recorded in the image recording unit 28 for the requested transmission image data based on the reception, and prepares the transmission image data (step S50).

Subsequently, the storage unit transmits the prepared image data to the camera unit (Step S52). At this time, the number of search hits and the number of transmissions are also transmitted at the same time, but if the number of search hits is larger than the number of receivables, the next transmission data is prepared and transmitted according to a request from the camera unit. If there is an image deletion request, the commanded image is deleted.

In step S54, it is determined whether or not transmission of all image data has been completed. If transmission has not been completed, a request for transmission of remaining data is made (step S5).
6) Return to step S50. In this way, the image data requested to be transmitted from the camera unit is transmitted to the camera unit, and after the transmission of all image data is completed, the power is turned off according to an instruction from the camera unit.

Next, another embodiment in which the camera unit receives image data already stored in the storage unit will be described.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 5, steps common to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, there is no information (image selection information) for selecting an image in the camera section in advance, and this image selection information is taken in from the storage section. 4 is different from the embodiment shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, a menu for fetching image data from the storage unit is executed, and when the image selection process is started (step S60), a command signal for turning on the power of the storage unit is transmitted. (Step S42).

When the standby signal is received in step S44, a request signal requesting image selection information is transmitted (step S62). Upon receiving the request signal, the storage unit transmits image selection information to the camera unit (Step S64). Examples of the image selection information include information attached to each image data stored in the storage unit (for example, tag information including an image file name, a shooting date, a title), a thumbnail image, and the like. The information is not limited, and any information can be used as long as it can be used to select an image.

Upon receiving the image selection information, the camera section refers to the image selection information and selects an image to be transmitted to the camera section (step S66). Then, an image transmission request for requesting transmission of the image selected in step S66 and the receivable number are transmitted (step S48).
The processing after step S48 is the same as the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In this embodiment, the camera unit transmits the image data after turning on the power of the storage unit. However, an index image may be created and transmitted. Alternatively, transmission of an index image may be requested when image data is received, and the user may specify individual images after confirming the index image.

In this embodiment, the image recording apparatus 20 stores the image data received from the camera unit in the large-capacity image recording unit 28. A printer that prints an image on print paper based on the image data received from the unit may be provided, or both the image recording unit 28 and the printer may be provided.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the remaining capacity of the small-capacity recording means in the image pickup apparatus is reduced, the image transmission is performed at once, so that the transmission efficiency is improved. Battery waste can be prevented. Further, the image can be automatically transmitted without the user performing the transmission operation. Further, since the power of the image recording apparatus on the receiving side is controlled from the image capturing apparatus side, it is possible to prevent the power supply on the receiving side from being wasted. Further, by controlling the image recording device from the image pickup device, it is possible to request transmission of the transmitted image data, delete the transmitted data, and the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an embodiment of an imaging and recording system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the image capturing and recording system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart used to explain the operation of the image pickup recording system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another flowchart used to explain the operation of the imaging and recording system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is still another flowchart used to explain the operation of the image capturing / recording system shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image imaging device 11 ... Imaging part 12, 26 ... Controller 13 ... Recording medium 14, 22 ... Wireless transmission / reception part 15, 21 ... Antenna 20 ... Image recording device 24 ... Power supply part 28 ... Image recording part

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An image capturing unit, a small-capacity recording unit capable of recording a predetermined number of images captured by the image capturing unit, and an image recording apparatus having a large-capacity recording unit or a printer, and wirelessly transmitting the image. And transmitting a command signal to turn on the power of the image recording apparatus when the remaining capacity of the small-capacity recording unit becomes smaller than a preset capacity. A communication means for transmitting an image recorded in the means. 2. When the transmission of an image to the image recording apparatus is completed, the communication unit turns off the power of the image recording apparatus.
2. A command signal for setting to F is transmitted.
Image pickup device. 3. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an erasing means for automatically erasing an image transmitted to said image recording apparatus by said communication means from said small-capacity recording means. 4. An image selecting device for selecting an image to be received or deleted from images recorded in the image recording device, wherein the communication device is configured to select the image when the image is selected by the image selecting device. 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a command signal for turning on the power of the recording apparatus is transmitted, and thereafter, a command signal for transmitting or erasing the selected image is transmitted. 5. An image selecting means for fetching image selection information from the image recording device and selecting an image to be received or deleted from images recorded in the image recording device based on the image selection information, The communication means, when the image selection processing by the image selection means is started, transmits a command signal to turn on the power of the image recording apparatus, and then transmits a request signal requesting the image selection information, 2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when an image is selected by the image selecting means, a command signal for transmitting or deleting the selected image is transmitted. 6. A communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an imaging device to receive an image, and a command signal for setting the communication unit to a reception standby state and turning on a power supply from the imaging device via the communication unit is received. Then, when a command signal for turning on the power and turning off the power is received or when a predetermined time elapses after the reception is completed, the power is turned off and the reception standby state is established. An image recording apparatus, comprising: a large-capacity recording unit or a printer that records an image received from the imaging unit via the communication unit after the image processing is performed. 7. An image pickup unit, a small-capacity recording unit capable of recording a predetermined number of images taken by the image pickup unit, and a first communication unit for transmitting an image by wirelessly communicating with an image recording device. Transmitting a command signal to turn on the power of the image recording apparatus when the remaining capacity of the small-capacity recording unit becomes smaller than a preset capacity, and thereafter, the command signal is recorded in the small-capacity recording unit. An image capturing apparatus having a first communication unit for transmitting an image, a second communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the image capturing apparatus to receive an image, and setting the second communication unit in a reception standby state; The power is turned on when a command signal for turning on the power is received via the second communication means, and the power is turned off when a command signal for turning off the power is received or when a predetermined time elapses after reception is completed. Then receive a stan The image recording apparatus, comprising: a power supply unit for setting a state to a state; and a large-capacity recording unit or a printer for recording an image received via the second communication unit after the power supply unit is turned on. Image capturing and recording system. 8. An image transmitting method for transmitting and receiving an image between an image capturing device and an image recording device, wherein the image capturing device is configured to transmit the image when a predetermined number of images are recorded on a small-capacity recording medium. A command signal for turning on the power of the recording device is transmitted, and thereafter, an image recorded on the small-capacity recording medium is transmitted. When the image recording device receives the command signal for turning on the power, the image recording device changes from a reception standby state. Image transmission and reception, wherein the power is turned on so as to be in an operable state, and thereafter, the transmitted image is received and recorded on a large-capacity recording medium or print paper, and then, after the recording is completed, the apparatus enters a reception standby state again. Method. 9. The image transmitting / receiving method according to claim 8, wherein said image pickup device automatically deletes the image transmitted to said image recording device from said small-capacity recording means. 10. When the transmission of an image to the image recording device is completed, the image capturing device transmits a command signal to turn off the power of the image recording device, and the image recording device turns off the power. When the command signal is received, the power is turned off.
9. The image transmitting / receiving method according to claim 8, wherein the receiving / standby state is set to the FF mode. 11. The image transmission / reception method according to claim 8, wherein the image recording apparatus turns off the power and enters a reception standby state when a predetermined time has elapsed after the reception of the image has been completed. 12. The image pickup device, when selecting an image to be received or deleted from images recorded in the image recording device, transmits a command signal to turn on the power of the image recording device. Or transmitting an image selection signal for selecting an image to be erased, the image recording apparatus, when receiving a command signal to turn on the power, turns on the power so as to be in an operable state from the reception standby state, and thereafter, 9. The image transmission / reception method according to claim 8, wherein upon receiving the image selection signal, the image corresponding to the image selection signal is transmitted or deleted. 13. The image pickup device transmits a command signal for turning on the power of the image recording device at the start of an image selection process for selecting an image to be received or deleted from images recorded in the image recording device. Then, after transmitting a request signal requesting image selection information used to select the image to be received or erased, when the image recording apparatus receives the command signal to turn on the power, from the reception standby state The power is turned on so as to be in an operable state, and subsequently, when the request signal is received, the image selection information is transmitted, and the image pickup device selects an image to be received or deleted based on the image selection information. And transmitting an image selection signal indicating the selected image. Upon receiving the image selection signal, the image recording apparatus transmits or deletes an image corresponding to the image selection signal. 9. The image transmitting / receiving method according to claim 8, wherein the image is transmitted.