JP2001169173A - Image processing system, image processor and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain coherent photo combination, even when specifications concerning the photographing of respective cameras are different from each other in the case of preparing the photo combination by communicating images photographed by plural cameras. SOLUTION: In this image processing system, consisting of a first camera 100 and at least one second cameras 400 and 700 which are connected to a communication network, the first camera gives information on a photographing function in photographing to the second cameras (1002 and 1003), the second camera decides whether the photographing function can cope with the given information (1004 and 1006), informs the first camera of the deciding result (1005 and 1007), and the first camera judges whether it is possible to request photographing based on the information to the second camera, based on a notified deciding result.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing system, an image processing apparatus, and a control method for capturing, recording, reproducing, and communicating a still image or a moving image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processing apparatus such as an electronic camera for recording and reproducing a still image or a moving image and an image for communicating a recorded image to an information processing apparatus such as a computer using a memory card having a solid-state memory element as a recording medium. Processing systems are already commercially available. Further, an image processing system using an electronic camera having an electronic finder such as a color liquid crystal panel is also sold.

According to these image processing systems, the user of the electronic camera can continuously determine the composition by continuously displaying the image before shooting, and can reproduce and check the shot image and the communication image for confirmation. It is possible.

Further, according to the image processing apparatus and the image processing system such as an electronic camera, those provided with various image pickup devices and lenses, provided with various photographing functions, photographing modes, and the like are provided and generally used. ing.

[0005]

However, in a conventional image processing system such as an electronic camera, when a plurality of electronic cameras are used at different places or at different times, a group photograph is taken jointly. Since there is a difference in the specifications regarding shooting of each electronic camera, the usable range at the time of shooting differs for each specification, and as a result, there has been a problem that it is difficult to obtain a uniform set of photographs.

The specifications of each electronic camera for photographing include a focal length setting range of a lens or a zoom lens, an aperture setting range, a shutter speed setting range, the presence or absence of a strobe, the number of pixels of an image sensor, sensitivity, and color reproduction. If these specifications are different due to the range and the like, it is difficult to obtain a uniform set of photographs.

For example, an electronic camera equipped with a lens having a wide open f-number is capable of photographing while taking advantage of the blurred background. It is difficult to take advantage of the bokeh effect of an electronic camera equipped with a long focal length lens, and it is possible to take advantage of the background bokeh effect, but any electronic camera equipped with a short focal length lens can be used. For example, it was difficult to shoot using the bokeh of the background.

Thus, in each electronic camera, the focal length of the lens or the focal length setting range of the zoom lens, the aperture setting range, the shutter speed setting range,
When specifications such as the presence or absence of a strobe are different, there is a problem that it is difficult to obtain a uniform set of photographs.

Further, when the number of pixels of the image pickup device is different, there is a problem that it is difficult to obtain a uniform photograph having the same resolution and gradation.

When the sensitivity of the image pickup device and the amount of dark current noise are different, it is difficult to obtain a uniform set of images having uniform image quality in high-sensitivity mode shooting or long-time exposure shooting.

Further, since the color filter configuration and arrangement of the image sensor and the characteristics thereof and the characteristics of the infrared cut filter are different, it is difficult to obtain a uniform set of images having uniform image quality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and relates to a case where a plurality of photographers individually photograph and communicate a photographed image to form a group photograph, and the photographing of each electronic camera. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system, an image processing apparatus, and a control method capable of obtaining a unified set of photographs even when there is a difference in specifications.

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided, in accordance with the present invention, a first image processing apparatus connected to a communication network and at least one second image processing apparatus. In the image processing system, the first image processing device notifies the second image processing device of information on a photographing function at the time of photographing, and the second image processing device transmits the information to the notified information. Determining whether the photographing function of the second image processing apparatus is compatible with the first image processing apparatus.
The first image processing device notifies the image processing device of
Based on the notified determination result, it is determined whether or not it is possible to request the second image processing apparatus to perform imaging based on the information.

Further, according to the present invention, the image processing system comprising a first image processing device and at least one second image processing device connected to a communication network, wherein the first image processing device comprises: The processing device requests information on a photographing function from the second image processing device, and the second image processing device notifies the first image processing device of information on the requested photographing function, and The first image processing apparatus can request the second image processing apparatus to perform photographing based on the information of the photographing function at the time of photographing by the first image processing apparatus based on the notified information on the photographing function. It is determined whether or not there is.

Preferably, when it is determined that a request for photographing is possible to the second image processing apparatus, a photographing function at the time of photographing by the first image processing apparatus is performed on the second image processing apparatus. The user makes a request to perform shooting based on the information.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus connected to at least one external image processing apparatus via a communication network, wherein the means for notifying the external image processing apparatus of information on a photographing function at the time of photographing; From an external image processing device,
Means for receiving a determination result indicating whether or not a shooting function of the external image processing apparatus is compatible with the information; and, based on the received determination result, performing shooting of the external image processing apparatus based on the information. Means for determining whether a request is possible.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus connected to at least one external image processing apparatus via a communication network, wherein the means for requesting the external image processing apparatus for information regarding a photographing function; Means for receiving information on a shooting function from a processing device, and information on a shooting function at the time of shooting by the image processing device, based on the received information on the shooting function of the external image processing device. Means for determining whether or not a request for photographing based on the information is possible.

Preferably, when it is determined that a request for photographing can be made to the external image processing apparatus, photographing is performed on the external image processing apparatus based on information on a photographing function at the time of photographing by the image processing apparatus. Further comprising means for making a request.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus connected to an external image processing apparatus via a communication network, wherein the information processing apparatus receives the information regarding a shooting function at the time of shooting by the external image processing apparatus. To the information, determine whether or not the shooting function of the image processing device is compatible,
Determining means for notifying a determination result to the external image processing apparatus; and when receiving a request for cooperative imaging from the external image processing apparatus, controlling a shooting function of the image processing apparatus based on the received information, And control means for performing the following.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus connected to an external image processing apparatus via a communication network, the information processing apparatus comprising: Notification means for notifying the external image processing apparatus of the following, and when a request for cooperative imaging is received from the external image processing apparatus, information on a shooting function at the time of shooting by the external image processing apparatus is received from the external image processing apparatus. And a control unit for controlling a photographing function of the image processing apparatus based on the information to perform photographing.

According to the present invention, there is further provided a method for controlling an image processing system comprising a first image processing device and at least one second image processing device connected to a communication network. Notifying the second image processing apparatus of information relating to a photographing function at the time of photographing from the image processing apparatus, and the second image processing apparatus Determining whether or not the shooting function is compatible, and notifying the first image processing device of the determination result; and the first image processing device, based on the notified determination result, Determining whether it is possible to request the second image processing apparatus to shoot based on the information.

Further, according to the present invention, the control method of the image processing system comprising the first image processing device and at least one second image processing device connected to the communication network, Requesting information on a photographing function from the first image processing apparatus to the second image processing apparatus; and transmitting the information on the requested photographing function to the first image processing apparatus. A step of notifying, and the first image processing apparatus, based on the notified information on the photographing function, transmits the information of the photographing function to the second image processing apparatus at the time of photographing by the first image processing apparatus. Determining whether or not a request for imaging based on the request is possible.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image processing device connected to at least one external image processing device via a communication network, comprising the steps of: From the external image processing device, a step of receiving a determination result indicating whether or not the shooting function of the external image processing device can correspond to the information,
Determining whether the external image processing apparatus can request imaging based on the information based on the received determination result.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image processing apparatus connected to at least one external image processing apparatus via a communication network, comprising the steps of requesting the external image processing apparatus for information regarding a photographing function; A step of receiving information on a photographing function from the image processing apparatus, and, based on the received information on the photographing function of the external processing apparatus, information on the photographing function at the time of photographing by the image processing apparatus for the external image processing apparatus. Judging whether or not a request for photographing based on is possible.

Preferably, when it is determined that a request for photographing can be made to the external image processing apparatus, photographing is performed on the external image processing apparatus based on information on a photographing function at the time of photographing by the image processing apparatus. Making a request.

According to the present invention, a control method of an image processing apparatus connected to an external image processing apparatus by a communication network is as follows.
A step of receiving information relating to a photographing function at the time of photographing by the external image processing device; and determining whether the photographing function of the image processing device is compatible with the received information. Notifying the image processing apparatus, and, when receiving a request for cooperative imaging from the external image processing apparatus, controlling a shooting function of the image processing apparatus based on the received information, and performing shooting. .

According to the present invention, a control method of an image processing apparatus connected to an external image processing apparatus by a communication network is as follows.
A step of receiving a request for information about a photographing function from the external image processing apparatus, a step of notifying the information about the photographing function to the external image processing apparatus, and when receiving a request for cooperative photographing from the external image processing apparatus, Receiving information on a photographing function at the time of photographing by the external image processing device from the external image processing device, controlling the photographing function of the image processing device based on the information, and photographing.

According to the above configuration, when a plurality of photographers individually photograph and create a group photograph by communicating the photographed images, even if there are differences in the photographing specifications of the respective image processing apparatuses, A unified set of photos can be obtained.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the information on the photographing function includes information on a photographing lens.
Also preferably, the information on the photographing lens includes information on a focal length.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the information relating to the photographing function includes information relating to a photographing mode. Preferably, the information about the imaging mode includes at least one of information about an aperture, information about a shutter speed, and information about a flash.

Thus, even if the specifications such as the focal length of the lens or the focal length setting range of the zoom lens, the aperture setting range, the shutter speed setting range, the presence or absence of a strobe, and the like are different, a uniform set of photographs can be obtained.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the information on the photographing function includes information on an image sensor. Preferably, the information about the image sensor includes at least one of information about the number of pixels, information about a pixel configuration, information about sensitivity, and information about a color filter.

As a result, even when the number of pixels of the image pickup device is different, a grouped photograph having uniform resolution and gradation can be obtained. Further, even when the color filter configuration and arrangement of the image pickup device and the characteristics thereof and the characteristics of the infrared cut filter are different, a grouped photograph with uniform image quality can be obtained.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the information on the photographing function includes information on color reproducibility. Preferably, the information on color reproducibility includes information on white balance.

Thus, when the sensitivity of the image pickup device and the amount of dark current noise are different, a uniform set of images with uniform image quality can be obtained even in high-sensitivity mode shooting or long-time exposure shooting. .

[0036]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 100 denotes an image processing apparatus such as an electronic camera having a communication unit and an antenna 112.

Reference numeral 400 denotes an image processing apparatus such as an electronic camera having a communication unit and an antenna 412.

Reference numeral 700 denotes an image processing apparatus such as an electronic camera having a communication unit and an antenna 712.

Image processing device 100, image processing device 40
0, the image processing device 700 mutually transmits and receives a predetermined command and / or data including an image via a communication unit and an antenna.

<Description of Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus 100>
The configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 described above will be described with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a photographing lens, 12 denotes a shutter having an aperture function, 14 denotes an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electric signal, and 16 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output of the image sensor 14 into a digital signal. is there.

Reference numeral 18 denotes an image sensor 14, an A / D converter 16,
A timing generation circuit for supplying a clock signal and a control signal to the D / A converter 26;
2 and the system control circuit 50.

An image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on image data from the A / D converter 16 or image data from the memory control circuit 22. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs a predetermined arithmetic process using the image data output from the A / D converter 16, and performs a system control circuit 50 based on the obtained arithmetic result.
Supplies a through-the-lens (TTL) autofocus (A) to the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42.
F) processing, automatic exposure (AE) processing, and flash pre-emission (EF) processing. Further, the image processing circuit 20
Performs predetermined arithmetic processing using image data output from the A / D converter 16, and also performs TTL auto white balance (AWB) processing based on the obtained arithmetic results.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a memory control circuit, which includes an A / D converter 16, a timing generation circuit 18, an image processing circuit 20,
Image display memory 24, D / A converter 26, memory 30,
The compression / decompression circuit 32 is controlled. The image data output from the A / D converter 16 is written to the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or only via the memory control circuit 22.

Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory; 26, a D / A converter; and 28, an image display unit composed of a TFT LCD or the like. The display image data written in the image display memory 24 is a D / A converter 26. Is displayed by the image display unit 28 via the. The electronic viewfinder function can be realized by sequentially displaying the captured image data using the image display unit 28. Further, the image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the image processing apparatus 100 can be significantly reduced. Can be.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing photographed still images and moving images, and has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images and moving images for a predetermined time.
Thus, even in the case of continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, a large amount of images can be written to the memory 30 at high speed. Also, the memory 30
Can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

32 is an adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT)
A compression / decompression circuit for compressing / decompressing image data by, for example, reading an image stored in the memory 30 and performing compression processing or decompression processing, and writing the processed data back to the memory 30.

An exposure control unit 40 controls the shutter 12 having an aperture function, and also has a flash dimming function in cooperation with the flash 48. 4
2 is a distance measurement control unit that controls focusing of the photographing lens 10, 44 is a zoom control unit that controls zooming of the photographing lens 10, and 46 is a barrier 10 that protects the lens.
2 is a barrier control unit that controls the operation of the second control unit. Reference numeral 48 denotes a flash, which also has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash dimming function. The exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 are TT
As described above, the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the image data from the A / D converter 16 by the image processing circuit 20 as described above. The unit 42 is controlled.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control circuit for controlling the entire image processing apparatus 100;
Is a memory for storing constants, variables, programs, and the like for the operation of.

Reference numeral 54 denotes a notifying unit for notifying an operating state, a message, and the like to the outside using characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with the execution of the program in the system control circuit 50. A display unit for performing a visual display, a sounding element for performing a voice notification, and the like are used, and are configured by one or more of these. In particular, in the case of the display unit, the display unit is installed at a single or a plurality of locations that are easily visible near the operation unit 70 of the image processing apparatus 100. The notification unit 54 has a part of its functions installed in the optical viewfinder 104.

Of the notification contents of the notification unit 54, those displayed on the LCD or the like include, for example, a single shot / continuous shooting display, a self-timer display, a compression ratio display, a recording pixel number display, a recording number display, and a remaining image capturing. Available number display, Shutter speed display, Aperture value display, Exposure compensation display, Flash display, Red-eye reduction display, Macro shooting display, Buzzer setting display, Battery remaining battery display, Battery remaining display, Error display, Multi-digit number Information display, display of detached state of recording media 200 and 210, communication I / F operation display, date
There are a time display, a display indicating a connection state with an external computer, and the like.

Of the notification contents of the notification section 54, those displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 include, for example, an in-focus display, a shooting ready display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charging display, a flash charging completion display, and a shutter charging display. There are a speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, a recording medium writing operation display, and the like.

Further, among the notification contents of the notification unit 54, L
Examples of what is displayed on the ED, such as an in-focus display, a shooting ready display, a camera shake warning display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a flash charge completion display, a recording medium writing operation display, a macro shooting setting notification display, There is a next battery charge state display and the like.

Of the notification contents of the notification section 54, a notification by a lamp or the like is, for example, a self-timer notification lamp or the like. This self-timer notification lamp may be shared with the AF auxiliary light.

Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable and recordable nonvolatile memory, for example, an EEPROM or the like.

Reference numerals 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, and 72 denote operating means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50, such as switches and dials, a touch panel, pointing by gaze detection, and voice recognition. It is composed of a single device or a combination of a plurality of devices.

Here, these operation means will be specifically described.

Numeral 60 is a mode dial switch, which is a power-off, automatic shooting mode, program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, portrait shooting mode, Landscape shooting mode, close-up shooting mode, sports shooting mode, night view shooting mode, panorama shooting mode, playback mode, multi-screen playback / erase mode,
Each function mode such as a PC connection mode can be switched and set.

Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch SW1, which is turned on by half-pressing a shutter button (not shown) to set the AF switch.
Processing start, such as processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing, is instructed.

Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch SW2, which is turned ON when a shutter button (not shown) is fully pressed, and transfers a signal read from the image sensor 14 to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. Write exposure processing, image processing circuit 20 and memory control circuit 22
Instructs the start of a series of processing, ie, a development process using the calculation in step S1, reading image data from the memory 30, compressing the image data by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and writing the image data to the recording medium 200 or 210.

Reference numeral 66 denotes a selection / selection switch, which can set selection and switching of various functions when photographing and reproducing in a panorama mode or the like.

Reference numeral 68 denotes a decision / execution switch, which can set the decision and execution of various functions when photographing and reproducing in the panorama mode and the like.

Reference numeral 70 denotes an operation unit including various buttons, a touch panel, and the like. A menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single shooting / continuous shooting / self-timer switching button,
Menu move + (plus) button, menu move-(minus) button, playback image move + (plus) button, playback image-(minus) button, shooting image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button, image display Part 28
And a quick review ON / OFF button for setting a quick review function for automatically reproducing image data shot immediately after shooting on the image display unit 28.

Reference numeral 72 denotes a compression mode switch, which is used to select a compression ratio of JPEG compression, or a CCDRA for digitizing a signal of an image pickup device as it is and recording it on a recording medium.
This is a switch for selecting the W mode. As the JPEG compression mode, for example, a normal mode and a fine mode are prepared.

In the JPEG compression mode, the image data read from the image sensor 14 and written in the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22 is read. , Compression / decompression circuit 32
After the compression is performed to the compression ratio set in the step 2, the recording is performed on the recording medium 200 or 210.

In the CCD RAW mode, image data is read out line by line according to the pixel arrangement of the color filter of the image pickup device 14 and written to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. The read image data is read and recorded on the recording medium 200 or 210.

Reference numeral 80 denotes a power supply control unit, which includes a battery detection circuit,
-It is composed of a DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like.
The type of the battery and the remaining amount of the battery are detected, and the DC-DC converter is controlled based on the detection result and the instruction of the system control circuit 50, and a required voltage is supplied to each unit including a recording medium for a required period.

Reference numerals 82 and 84 denote connectors, 86 denotes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a NiCd battery or a NiM
The power supply unit includes a secondary battery such as an H battery and a Li-ion battery, and an AC adapter.

Reference numerals 90 and 94 denote interfaces with recording media such as memory cards and hard disks.
Reference numeral 98 denotes a connector for connecting to a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, and 98 denotes a recording medium attachment / detachment detection circuit for detecting whether or not the recording medium 200 or 210 is attached to the connector 92 and / or 96. The recording medium attachment / detachment detection circuit 98 can also detect whether or not any of the connectors 92 and / or 96 other than the recording medium 200 or 210, for example, various communication cards described later, is attached.

In the present embodiment, the description has been made assuming that there are two interfaces and connectors for attaching a recording medium. Of course, the interface and the connector for attaching the recording medium may have a single or plural number of systems. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which interfaces and connectors of different standards are provided in combination.

As the interface and the connector,
It may be configured using a card conforming to a standard such as a PCMCIA card or a CF (compact flash) card.

Further, the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96 are connected to a PCMCIA card or CF.
(Compact flash) When using a card conforming to the standard such as a card, a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, an IEEE1394 card, a P128
Transfer of image data and management information attached to image data with other computers and peripheral devices such as printers by connecting various communication cards such as communication cards such as 4 cards, SCSI cards, and PHS. Can be.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a lens 1 of the image processing apparatus 100.
This is a barrier that is a protection device that protects the image capturing unit from dirt and damage by covering the image capturing unit including “0”.

Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical finder, which enables photographing using only the optical finder without using the electronic finder function of the image display unit 28. In the optical viewfinder 104, some functions of the notification unit 54, such as a focus state, a camera shake warning,
Flash charging, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure compensation, etc. are displayed.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a communication circuit, such as RS232C or US
It has various communication functions such as B, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, wireless communication, and the like.

Reference numeral 112 denotes a connector for connecting the image processing apparatus 100 to another device by the communication circuit 110, or an antenna in the case of wireless communication.

Reference numeral 120 denotes a microphone for converting voice into an electric signal, and reference numeral 122 denotes an A / D converter for converting an analog output signal of the microphone into a digital signal.

Reference numeral 124 denotes a memory control circuit. The output data of the A / D converter 120 is written to the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 124, and the data read from the memory 30 is stored in the D / A converter. 126 is input.

Reference numeral 126 denotes a D / A converter for converting a digital signal into an analog signal, and reference numeral 128 denotes a speaker for converting an electric signal into an audio signal.

Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 including a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk, an interface 204 with the image processing device 100, and a connector 206 for connecting to the image processing device 100. Reference numeral 210 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, which includes a recording unit 212 including a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk, an interface 214 with the image processing apparatus 100, and a connector 2 for connecting to the image processing apparatus 100.
16 is provided.

<Image Processing Apparatus 400 and Image Processing Apparatus 7
Next, the configuration of the above-described image processing apparatus 400 and image processing apparatus 700 will be described with reference to FIG.

Reference numeral 310 denotes a photographing lens; 312, a shutter having an aperture function; 314, an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electric signal; and 316, an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output of the image sensor 314 into a digital signal. is there.

Reference numeral 318 denotes an image sensor 314 and an A / D converter 3
16, a timing generation circuit that supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the D / A converter 326, respectively, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 350.

Reference numeral 320 denotes an image processing circuit which performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on data from the A / D converter 316 or image data from the memory control circuit 322. Further, the image processing circuit 320 includes the A / D converter 3
The system control circuit 350 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the image data output from the digital camera 16, and based on the obtained arithmetic result, the exposure control unit 340 and the distance measurement control unit 342 perform TTL AF processing, AE processing and EF processing are performed. Further, the image processing circuit 320 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the image data output from the A / D converter 316, and performs TTL-based ATL based on the obtained arithmetic result.
WB processing is also performed.

Reference numeral 322 denotes a memory control circuit, which includes an A / D converter 316, a timing generation circuit 318, an image processing circuit 320, an image display memory 324, a D / A converter 326,
The memory 330 and the compression / decompression circuit 332 are controlled. A /
The image data output from the D converter 316 is supplied to the image display memory 32 via the image processing circuit 320 and the memory control circuit 322 or only via the memory control circuit 322.
4 or written into the memory 330.

324 is an image display memory, 326 is a D / A
The converter 328 is an image display unit composed of a TFT LCD or the like, and the display image data written in the image display memory 324 is transmitted via the D / A converter 326 to the image display unit 3.
Indicated by 28. By sequentially displaying image data captured using the image display unit 328, an electronic finder function can be realized. The image display unit 32
Reference numeral 8 indicates that the display can be arbitrarily turned ON / OFF according to an instruction from the system control circuit 350. When the display is turned OFF, the image processing apparatus 400 and the image processing apparatus 70
0 power consumption can be significantly reduced.

Reference numeral 330 denotes a memory for storing captured still images and moving images, and has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images and moving images for a predetermined time. Accordingly, even in the case of continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, a large amount of images can be written to the memory 330 at high speed. The memory 330 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 350.

332 is an adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADC)
T) is a compression / decompression circuit that compresses / decompresses image data according to T) or the like. The image stored in the memory 330 is read and subjected to compression processing or decompression processing, and the processed data is written into the memory 330 again.

Reference numeral 340 denotes a shutter 31 having an aperture function.
2 is an exposure control unit that controls a flash control unit 2 and also has a flash dimming function in cooperation with the flash 348. Reference numeral 342 denotes a distance measurement control unit that controls focusing of the photographing lens 310, 344 denotes a zoom control unit that controls zooming of the photographing lens 310, and 346 denotes a barrier control unit that controls the operation of the barrier 402 for protecting the lens. Reference numeral 348 denotes a flash, which also has a function of projecting AF auxiliary light and a function of controlling flash light. The exposure control unit 340 and the distance measurement control unit 342 are controlled using the TTL method. As described above, the system control circuit 340 calculates the image data from the A / D converter 316 based on the calculation result obtained by the image processing circuit 320. 350 controls the exposure control unit 340 and the distance measurement control unit 342.

A system control circuit 350 controls the image processing apparatus 400 or the entire image processing apparatus 700.
A memory 352 stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for the operation of the system control circuit 350.

Reference numeral 354 denotes a notifying section for notifying an operating state, a message, and the like to the outside using characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with the execution of the program by the system control circuit 350. A display unit for performing a visual display, a sounding element for performing a voice notification, and the like are used, and are configured by one or more of these. In particular, in the case of the display unit, the image processing device 400
In addition, it is installed at a single or a plurality of places where the operation unit 370 of the image processing apparatus 700 is easily visible. The notification unit 354 has a part of the function of the optical viewfinder 404.
It is installed in.

Of the notification contents of the notification unit 354, those displayed on the LCD or the like include, for example, a single shot /
Continuous shooting display, self-timer display, compression ratio display, recording pixel number display, number of recorded images display, remaining shot number display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure compensation display, flash display, red-eye reduction display, macro shooting display , Buzzer setting display, remaining battery level display for clock, remaining battery level display, error display, information display with multiple digits, display of attachment / detachment status of recording media 500 and 510, communication I / F operation display, date / time
There are a time display, a display indicating a connection state with an external computer, and the like.

[0095] Of the notification contents of the notification unit 354, those displayed in the optical viewfinder 404 include, for example, an in-focus display, a shooting ready display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charging display, a flash charging completion display, and a shutter charging display. There are a speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, a recording medium writing operation display, and the like.

Further, of the notification contents of the notification unit 354,
Examples of what is displayed by an LED or the like include a focus display,
Shooting ready display, camera shake warning display, camera shake warning display,
There are a flash charge display, a flash charge completion display, a recording medium writing operation display, a macro shooting setting notification display, a secondary battery charge state display, and the like.

Then, of the notification contents of the notification unit 354,
For example, there is a self-timer notification lamp or the like as a notification by a lamp or the like. This self-timer notification lamp may be shared with the AF auxiliary light.

Reference numeral 356 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory, for example, an EEPROM or the like.

360, 362, 364, 366, 36
Reference numerals 8, 370, and 372 denote operation means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 350, and include one or a combination of switches, dials, touch panels, pointing by gaze detection, voice recognition devices, and the like. You.

Here, these operation means will be specifically described.

Reference numeral 360 denotes a mode dial switch, which can switch and set various function modes such as power-off, automatic photographing mode, photographing mode, panoramic photographing mode, reproducing mode, multi-screen reproducing / erasing mode, and PC connection mode.

Reference numeral 362 denotes a shutter switch SW1, which is turned on by half-pressing a shutter button (not shown).
It instructs the start of operations such as F processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing.

Reference numeral 364 denotes a shutter switch SW2, which is turned ON by fully pressing a shutter button (not shown), and converts a signal read from the image sensor 314 into an A / D converter 31.
6. Exposure processing for writing image data to the memory 330 via the memory control circuit 322, development processing using calculations in the image processing circuit 320 and the memory control circuit 322, and memory 3.
The image data is read out from the compression / decompression circuit 332.
, And instructs the start of a series of processes of a recording process of writing image data to the recording medium 500 or 510.

Reference numeral 366 denotes a selection / selection switch, which can set selection and switching of various functions when executing photographing and reproduction in a panorama mode or the like.

Reference numeral 368 denotes a decision / execution switch, which can set the decision and execution of various functions when photographing and reproducing in the panorama mode and the like.

An operation unit 370 includes various buttons, a touch panel, and the like. A menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single-shot / continuous-shot / self-timer switching button, and a menu shift + (Plus) button, move menu-
(Minus) button, playback image move + (plus) button, playback image-(minus) button, image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button, image display for setting ON / OFF of image display section 328 ON / OF
An F button, a quick review ON / OFF button for setting a quick review function for automatically reproducing image data shot immediately after shooting on the image display unit 328, and the like are provided.

Reference numeral 372 denotes a compression mode switch, which is a JPEG
CCDR for selecting the compression ratio of the compression or digitizing the signal of the image sensor as it is and recording it on a recording medium
This is a switch for selecting the AW mode. JPEG
As the compression mode, for example, a normal mode and a fine mode are prepared.

In the JPEG compression mode, the image data read from the image sensor 314 and written in the memory 330 via the A / D converter 316, the image processing circuit 320, and the memory control circuit 322 is read. After performing compression to the compression ratio set by the compression / decompression circuit 332,
Recording is performed on the recording medium 500 or 510.

In the CCD RAW mode, the image sensor 314
In accordance with the pixel arrangement of the color filter, the image data is read out for each line as it is, and the image data written in the memory 330 is read out via the A / D converter 316 and the memory control circuit 322. Recording is performed at 510.

Reference numeral 380 denotes a power supply control unit, which includes a battery detection circuit, D
It comprises a C-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching the block to be energized, and the like, and detects the presence or absence of a battery, the type of the battery, the remaining battery level, and performs DC based on the detection result and an instruction from the system control circuit 350. Control the DC converter to supply a required voltage to each unit including the recording medium for a required period.

Reference numerals 382 and 384 denote connectors, and 386 denotes a power supply unit including a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li-ion battery, and an AC adapter.

Reference numerals 390 and 394 denote interfaces with recording media such as a memory card and a hard disk, 392 and 396 are connectors for connecting to a recording medium such as a memory card and a hard disk, and 398 is a connector 392 and / or 398.
Alternatively, a recording medium attachment / detachment detection circuit for detecting whether or not the recording medium 500 or 510 is attached to the 396.
The recording medium attachment / detachment detection circuit 398 can also detect whether or not a connector 392 and / or 396, for example, various communication cards described later, other than the recording medium 500 or 510, are attached.

In this embodiment, the description has been made assuming that there are two interfaces and connectors for attaching a recording medium. Of course, the interface and the connector for attaching the recording medium may have a single or plural number of systems. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which interfaces and connectors of different standards are provided in combination.

As the interfaces and connectors,
It may be configured using a card conforming to a standard such as a PCMCIA card or a CF (compact flash) card.

Further, interfaces 390 and 39
4, and when the connectors 392 and 396 are configured using a PCMCIA card, a CF (Compact Flash) card, or the like, a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, an IEEE 1394 card,
By connecting various communication cards such as P1284 card, SCSI card, PHS and other communication cards, image data and management information attached to the image data can be transferred between other computers and peripheral devices such as printers. Can be.

Reference numeral 402 denotes a barrier which is a protection device for covering the image pickup section including the lens 310 of the image processing apparatus 400 or 700 to prevent the image pickup section from being stained or damaged.

Reference numeral 404 denotes an optical finder, which enables photographing using only the optical finder without using the electronic finder function of the image display unit 328. In the optical viewfinder 404, some functions of the notification unit 354, for example, an in-focus state, a camera shake warning, a flash charge, a shutter speed, an aperture value, and an exposure correction are displayed.

Reference numeral 410 denotes a communication circuit, such as RS232C or US
It has various communication functions such as B, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, wireless communication, and the like.

Reference numeral 412 denotes a connector for connecting the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700 to another device by the communication circuit 410 or an antenna in the case of wireless communication.

Reference numeral 420 denotes a microphone for converting sound into an electric signal, and reference numeral 422 denotes an A / D converter for converting an analog output signal of the microphone into a digital signal.

Reference numeral 424 denotes a memory control circuit. The output data of the A / D converter 420 is written to the memory 330 via the memory control circuit 124, and the data read from the memory 330 is stored in the D / A converter. 426.

Reference numeral 426 denotes a D / A converter which converts a digital signal into an analog signal, and 428 denotes a speaker which converts an electric signal into an audio signal.

Reference numeral 500 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 500 includes a recording unit 502 including a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk, an interface 504 with the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700, and a connector 506 for connecting to the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700. Have. Reference numeral 510 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, which includes a recording unit 512 including a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk, an interface 514 with the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700, and an image processing device 40.
0 or a connector 51 for connection with the image processing apparatus 700
6 is provided.

Note that the image processing apparatus 400 and the image processing apparatus 700 may be the same type of apparatus having the above configuration or different types of apparatuses. The specifications such as the focal length of the lens, the focal length setting range of the zoom lens, the aperture setting range, the shutter speed setting range, the number of pixels of the image sensor, the sensitivity, and the color reproduction range are described in the image processing apparatus 4.
00 and the image processing apparatus 700 may be the same or different.

[First Embodiment] Next, FIGS.
FIGS. 3 to 9 and FIGS. 11 to 1 show the operations of the image processing apparatuses 100, 400, and 700 having the configuration described with reference to FIG.
5 and FIG.

FIG. 16 shows the image processing apparatuses 100 and 4
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the flow of commands and image data transmitted and received between 00 and 700. As an example for explanation, the image processing apparatus 400 is capable of cooperative imaging,
The case where the image processing apparatus 700 is not able to cope is shown.

<Description of Operation of Image Processing Apparatus 100> FIG.
4 shows a flowchart of a main routine of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

In step S101, the system control circuit 50 initializes flags, control variables, and the like upon power-on such as battery replacement, and performs initialization processing of each section of the image control apparatus 100.

When the initialization is completed, the system control circuit 50 determines the set position of the mode dial 60 in step S102. Mode dial 60 is powered off
If it has been set, the process proceeds to step S103, the display of each display unit is changed to the end state, the barrier 102 is closed to protect the imaging unit, and necessary parameters, setting values, settings including flags, control variables, and the like are set. The mode is recorded in the non-volatile memory 56, and after the power supply control unit 80 performs predetermined end processing such as shutting off unnecessary power of each unit of the image processing apparatus 100 including the image display unit 28, the process returns to step S102.

If the mode dial 60 has been set to another mode in step S102, the process proceeds to step S104, and the system control circuit 50 causes the power control unit 80 to check the remaining capacity of the power source 86 composed of a battery or the like. It is determined whether or not the operation situation has a problem in the operation of the image processing apparatus 100. If there is a problem, a predetermined warning is displayed in the form of an image or sound using the notification unit 54 and / or the image display unit 28 in step S105, and then, in step S10.
Return to 2.

If there is no problem in the power supply 86 (step S
(YES in 104), the process proceeds to step S106. If the mode dial 60 has been set to the communication mode (YES in step S106), the system control circuit 50 executes predetermined communication mode 1 processing in step S107, and returns to step S102 after finishing the processing. In addition,
Details of the communication mode 1 process performed in step S107 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

If the mode is not the communication mode and it is determined in step S108 that the mode dial 60 has been set to the shooting mode, the system control circuit 50 executes a predetermined shooting mode process in step S109, It returns to S102.

When it is determined in step S108 that the mode dial 60 has been set to the cooperative photographing mode, the system control circuit 5 is determined in step S110.
0 executes predetermined cooperative shooting mode 1 processing (processing 1001 in FIG. 16), and returns to step S102 after the processing. Note that the cooperative photographing mode 1 performed in step S110
Details of the processing will be described later with reference to FIGS.

If it is determined in step S108 that the mode dial 60 has been set to another mode, then in step S111 the system control circuit 5
0 executes a process according to the selected mode, and returns to step S102 after the process.

Next, the detailed processing of communication mode 1 performed in step S107 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

First, in step S201, the system control circuit 50 performs a predetermined initialization process relating to the communication function including the communication circuit 110 and the communication processing program. After initialization, in step S202, the system control circuit 50 determines the setting position of the mode dial 60, and if the mode dial 60 has been set to the communication mode,
Proceeding to step S205, if the other mode has been set, in step S203 the system control circuit 50 terminates the connection with the communication line via the communication circuit 110, and further in step S204 the communication circuit 11
A predetermined communication end process relating to the communication function including the communication mode 0 and the communication processing program is performed, and the communication mode 1 process ends.

In step S205, the system control circuit 50 causes the power control unit 80 to determine whether the remaining capacity and the operating state of the power supply 86 composed of a battery or the like are in the image processing apparatus 100.
It is determined whether or not there is a problem in the communication processing operation. If there is a problem, a predetermined warning is given in step S208 by using the notification unit 54 and / or the image display unit 28 and / or the image display unit 28 by an image or sound. After the display, the process returns to step S202.

If there is no problem in the power supply 86 (step S
In step S206, the system control circuit 50 connects to the image processing device 400 and / or the image processing device 700 via the communication circuit 110 and the communication line in step S206.
YES), and proceeds to step S209. If there is a problem in connection with the image processing device 400 and / or the image processing device 700 via the communication line (step S207)
In step S208, the system control circuit 50 uses the notification unit 54 to display a predetermined warning using an image or sound, and then returns to step S202.

In step S209, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700
It is determined whether or not a command or the like has been received through the communication line and the communication circuit 110, and if so, in step S210, it is determined what kind of command the received information contains.

As a result of determining the content of the received command,
If it is a response notification command for the shooting information notification, the system control circuit 50 receives a response in step S212 (processing 1005 or processing 1007 in FIG. 16),
It is determined whether the answer notification received in step S213 is an enable notification or a disable notification. If it is a usable notification (YES in step S213), step S214
The process proceeds to step S209, where the usable registration is made in the cooperative photographing management table stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 (step 1008 in FIG. 16).
Return to If it is an unusable notification (NO in step S213), the flow advances to step S215 to register unusable in the cooperative imaging management table stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 (FIG. The process returns to step S209. Used in step S213 or step S214,
FIG. 27 shows an example of the response information portion of the cooperative management table of the image processing apparatus 100.

In step S210, the content of the command received in step S209 is determined.
If the received command is another command, a process corresponding to the command is executed in step S211 and the process returns to step S209.

In step S210, the content of the command received in step S209 is determined.
If the received command is a captured image data reception command, the system control circuit 50 receives the captured image data from the image processing apparatus 400 or the image processing apparatus 700 via the communication line and the communication circuit 110 in step S216 (step S216). 1017) and sequentially store them in a predetermined area of the memory 30.

When the reception of the photographed image data is completed (YES in step S217), the system control circuit 50
Updates the cooperative photographing management table in step S218, and proceeds to step S219. In step S219,
The photographing information relating to the received photographed image data is received (step 1018 in FIG. 16) and stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30. There is no problem if the received photographing information is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

The photographing information relating to the received photographed image data includes a shutter speed (Tv value), an aperture (Av
Value), exposure correction information, flash ON / OFF information, flash light control information, white balance (WB) information, ranging information, date / time information, shooting mode information, and the like.

The types of shooting mode information received as shooting information include automatic shooting mode, program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, There are a portrait shooting mode, a landscape shooting mode, a close-up shooting mode, a sports shooting mode, a night view shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, and the like.

Further, as photographing information relating to photographed image data, photographed position information (latitude, longitude, time difference from standard time), weather information (obtained by data multiplex broadcasting or an information providing service using the Internet) and the like may be used. good.

In step S220, the system control circuit 50
Reads out the received captured image data from a predetermined area of the memory 30 by the memory control circuit 22, creates a finder multi-image, and stores it in the image display memory 24 (FIG. 1).
6, the viewfinder multi-image created in step S221 is displayed on the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26 (process 1020 in FIG. 16).

In step S222, the system control circuit 50 reads out the received photographic image data from a predetermined area of the memory 30 and records it on the recording medium 200 or 210 via the interface 90 or 94 (see FIG. 1).
6, the process returns to step S209.

If no command or the like has been received from the image processing device 400 and / or the image processing device 700 via the communication line and the communication circuit 110 (NO in step S209), the system control circuit 50 executes the process shown in FIG. S
Proceed to 231.

The system control circuit 50 controls the image processing device 4
00 and / or if the imaging information is notified to the image processing apparatus 700 (YES in step S231), step S2 is performed.
At 32, it is determined whether or not the cooperative photographed image has been photographed. If the cooperative photographed image has not been photographed (step S
232), and in step S233, the system control circuit 50 uses the notification unit 54 to display a predetermined warning using an image or sound, and then returns to step S209 in FIG.

If the cooperative photographed image has been photographed (YES in step S232), step S234 is executed.
In step S235, the system control circuit 50 notifies the image processing apparatus 400 or the image processing apparatus 700 of shooting information related to the image processing apparatus 100 (step 1002 or 1003 in FIG. 16). Then, the cooperative photographing management table stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 is updated.
FIG. 23 shows an example of a part of the cooperative management table of the image processing apparatus 100 used when notifying the photographing information in step S234, and the image processing apparatus updates in step S235 corresponding to the photographing information notification state. 100
FIG. 26 shows an example of the shooting information notification portion of the cooperative shooting management table of FIG.

Here, the notification of the photographing information regarding the image processing apparatus 100 includes the setting range of the focal length of the lens, the setting range of the shutter speed (Tv value), the setting range of the aperture (Av value), the setting range of the exposure correction, and the flash function. Presence / absence, flash ON / OFF setting status, flash guide N
o. , Flash light distribution range, flash light control range, white balance (WB) setting range, white balance setting type such as sunlight, cloudy sky, fluorescent light, etc., ranging setting range, ranging point type, ranging point position, continuous shooting Number of frames, continuous shooting speed, burst continuous shooting frames, number of recordable images, image compression mode, battery level,
Information such as battery type / AC adapter type, presence / absence of camera shake correction function, date / time setting, shooting mode, and the like.

The types of shooting mode information notified as shooting information include automatic shooting mode, program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, There are a portrait shooting mode, a landscape shooting mode, a close-up shooting mode, a sports shooting mode, a night view shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, and the like.

Further, the notification of the photographing information regarding the image processing apparatus 100 includes the number of pixels of the image pickup device, the sensitivity, the color reproduction range, and the like.

If the photographing information is to be notified to the next image processing device (YES in step S236), the process returns to step S234 to repeat the process, and if the photographing information is not notified to the next image processing device (step S236). And N
O), returning to step S209 in FIG.

If the communication with the image processing device 400 and / or the image processing device 700 is terminated without transmitting the cooperative photographed image data (NO in step S237) and the line connection is terminated (YES in step S238), or When the line connection is terminated after a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S239), the system control circuit 50
In step S240, the connection with the image processing device 400 and / or the image processing device 700 via the communication circuit 110 and the communication line is terminated, and the process returns to step S202 in FIG.

When there is cooperative photographed image data to be transmitted (YES in step S237), system control circuit 50
Is a predetermined area of the memory 30 or the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 5 in step S241.
Based on the camera information unique to the image processing device 400 and / or the image processing device 700 stored in the memory 2, a cooperative captured image is created using the image data stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 (see FIG. 16). Processing 1009).

Next, in step S242, the system control circuit 50 sets a predetermined transmission mode, and then refers to the cooperative photographing management table stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 in step S243. (Process 1010 in FIG. 16), Step S
At 244, it is determined whether there is an available image processing device.

If there is no usable image processing device (NO in step S244), the system control circuit 50 uses the notification unit 54 to display a predetermined warning by image or sound in step S245, It returns to step S209.

If there is an available image processing device (YES in step S244), in step S246, the system control circuit 50 sequentially reads the cooperative photographed image data to be transmitted stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30, and In step S247, the image processing device 400 and / or the image processing device 7 via the communication circuit 110 and the communication line.
00 (step 1011 in FIG. 16).

When the transmission of the cooperative photographed image data is completed (YES in step S248), in step S249, the system control circuit 50 stores the transmitted photographing information relating to the transmitted cooperative photographed image data in a predetermined area of the memory 30 or in the system control circuit 50. The data is read out from the internal memory or the memory 52 and transmitted to the image processing apparatus 400 via the communication circuit 110 and the communication line (process 1012 in FIG. 16), and the cooperative imaging management table is updated in step S250.

If the cooperative photographed image is transmitted to the next image processing device (YES in step S251), step S2 is performed.
43, and repeats the process. If the cooperative captured image is not transmitted to the next image processing device (N in step S251)
O), returning to step S209 in FIG.

Next, the detailed processing of the cooperative photographing mode 1 performed in step S110 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

First, in step S301, the system control circuit 50 performs a predetermined initialization process relating to the cooperative photographing mode function. After initialization, in step S302, the system control circuit 50 determines the setting position of the mode dial 60, and if the mode dial 60 has been set to another mode, the system control circuit 50 determines in step S303 that the cooperative photographing has been performed. After performing the predetermined end processing relating to the mode function, the cooperative imaging mode 1 processing ends.

If it is determined in step S302 that the mode dial 60 has been set to the cooperative photographing mode, the flow advances to step S304 to execute the system control circuit 50.
Sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to the through display state. In the through display state, the image sensor 14, A /
D converter 16, image processing circuit 20, memory control circuit 22
, The electronic finder function is realized by sequentially displaying data sequentially written in the image display memory 24 on the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26. .

In step S305, it is determined whether or not the shutter switch SW1 has been pressed. If the shutter switch SW1 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S3.
Returning to step 02, if the shutter switch SW1 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S331 in FIG.

[0167] In step S331, the system control circuit 50 sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to the freeze display state, and proceeds to step S332. In the freeze display state, rewriting of image data in the image display memory 24 via the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22 is prohibited, and the last written image data Is displayed on the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26, so that the frozen image is displayed on the electronic finder.

The system control circuit 50 executes the next step S
At 332, a distance measurement process is performed to focus the photographing lens 10 on the subject, and a photometry process is further performed to determine an aperture value and a shutter time. In the photometry processing, the flash setting is also performed if necessary. Details of the distance measurement and photometry processing performed in step S332 will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the distance measurement and photometry processing in step S332 is completed, the system control circuit 50 sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to the through display state in step S333, and proceeds to step S334. Step S333
Is the same operation state as the through state in step S311.

In this state, if the shutter switch SW2 is not pressed (NO in step S334) and the shutter switch SW1 is also released (step S3).
(NO at 35), and returns to step S302 in FIG.

If the shutter switch SW2 has been pressed (YES in step S334), the flow advances to step S3.
It is determined whether or not an area for storing image data obtained by photographing remains at 36, and if it is determined that the storage area is not sufficient, the system control circuit 5 determines at step S337.
In step S <b> 0, after performing a predetermined warning display using an image or sound using the notification unit 54, the process returns to step S <b> 302 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S336 that the storage area is sufficient, the flow proceeds to step S338, in which the system control circuit 50 sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to the fixed color display state, and then proceeds to step S339.

In the fixed color display state, the image sensor 1
4. Instead of the captured image data written to the image display memory 24 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22, the replaced fixed-color image data is replaced with the memory control circuit 22, By displaying the image on the image display unit 28 via the D / A converter 26, a fixed color image is displayed on the electronic viewfinder.

In step S339, the system control circuit 50 controls the memory control circuit 22 via the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter. Via the memory 30
And an exposure process for writing the image data captured in the memory 30 and a development process for reading the image data written in the memory 30 and performing various processes using the memory control circuit 22 and the image processing circuit 20 as necessary. Execute The details of the photographing process in step S339 will be described later with reference to FIG.

After the photographing processing in step S339, in step S340, the system control circuit 50 reads out the image data written in the memory 30 by the photographing processing, and performs vertical addition processing and color processing as necessary. The display image is transferred to the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22. Then, in step S341, the system control circuit 50 sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to the quick review display state, and proceeds to step S342. In the quick review state, step S3
The image display memory 24 by the display image processing in 40
Is transferred to the memory control circuit 22, D /
By displaying the image on the image display unit 28 via the A converter 26, an electronic finder function for automatically reproducing the captured image is realized.

Thereafter, in step S342, the system control circuit 50 reads out the photographed image data written in the memory 30, and performs various image processing using the memory control circuit 22 and the image processing circuit 20 as necessary. After performing the pixel square processing as needed, and performing the compression processing for performing the image compression processing according to the mode set using the compression / expansion circuit 32, the interface 90 or 94 and the connector 92 or 96 are connected in step S343. Then, a recording process for writing image data to the recording medium 200 or 210 such as a memory card or a compact flash card is executed.

When the image display unit 28 is ON, it indicates that the writing operation is being performed while the image data is being written to the recording medium 200 or 210. For example, display such as “BUSY” is performed on the image display unit 28.

Further, in the notifying section 54, for example, an LED
The display of the recording medium writing operation such as blinking is also performed.

Thereafter, in step S344, it is determined whether or not the shutter switch SW1 has been pressed. If the shutter switch SW1 has been pressed, the process returns to step S331. If the shutter switch SW1 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S302 in FIG.
Return to

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The distance measurement / photometry processing in step S332 in FIG. 7 will be described in detail.

In step S 2001, the system control circuit 50 reads out a charge signal from the image pickup device 14 and
The captured image data is sequentially read into the image processing circuit 20 via the A / D converter 16. Using the sequentially read image data, the image processing circuit 20 performs a predetermined calculation used for the TTL AE process, the EF process, and the AF process.

In each of the processes, a specific portion of the total number of photographed pixels, which is necessary, is cut out by a necessary portion and extracted, and is used in the calculation. Thus, in each of the TTL-based AE, EF, AWB, and AF processes, it is possible to perform an optimal calculation for each of the different modes such as the center-weighted mode, the average mode, and the evaluation mode.

Using the calculation result in the image processing circuit 20,
The system control circuit 50 uses the exposure control unit 40 in step S2003 until the exposure (AE) is determined to be appropriate (i.e., until YES is determined in step S2002).
Perform E control.

Using the measurement data obtained by the AE control in step S2003, the system control circuit 50 determines in step S2004 whether or not a flash is necessary. If a flash is required, the system control circuit 50 sets a flash flag. To charge the flash 48.

If it is determined that the exposure (AE) is appropriate (YES in step S2002), the measurement data and / or setting parameters are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

Next, the system control circuit 50 uses the calculation result of the image processing circuit 20 and the measurement data obtained by the AE control until the system control circuit 50 determines that the white balance (AWB) is appropriate (ie, YES in step S2006). ), The AWB control is performed by adjusting the color processing parameters using the image processing circuit 20 in step S2007.

If it is determined that the white balance (AWB) is appropriate (YES in step S2006), the measurement data and / or setting parameters are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

Further, using the measurement data obtained by the AE control and the AWB control, the system control circuit 50 sets the focus (A
F) until it is determined that focus has been achieved (that is, step S
Until “YES” in 2008), AF control is performed using the distance measurement control unit 42 in step S2009.

If it is determined that the focus (AF) is in focus (YES in step S2008), the measured data and / or setting parameters are stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50, and the process proceeds to step S332 in FIG. The distance measurement / photometry processing routine ends.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The photographing process in step S339 in FIG. 7 will be described in detail.

In step S2101, the system control circuit 50 opens the shutter 12 having the aperture function by the exposure control unit 40 in accordance with the aperture value in accordance with the photometric data stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50. Then, in step S2102, exposure of the image sensor 14 is started.

In step S2103, it is determined from the flash flag whether or not light control by the flash 48 is necessary, and if necessary, the flash is fired (step S2103).
2104).

The system control circuit 50 determines in step S21
At 05, the exposure of the image sensor 14 is waited for in accordance with the photometric data. When the exposure is completed, the shutter 12 is closed and the charge signal is read from the image sensor 14 at step S2106.
In step S2107, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or the A / D converter
The data of the captured image is written from the D converter 16 to the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22 directly.

When a series of processing is completed, step 3 in FIG.
The photographing processing routine in 39 ends.

<Image Processing Apparatus 400 and Image Processing Apparatus 7
Description of Operation of 00> FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a main routine of the image processing apparatus 400 and the image processing apparatus 700 according to the first embodiment. It should be noted that, in the figure, the processing in steps S401 to S406 is the same as the processing in steps S101 to S106 shown in FIG.
8, S409 and S411 are performed in step S10 in FIG.
8, S109, and S111 are the same, so that the detailed description is omitted here, and the communication mode S407 in step S407 and the cooperative shooting mode 2 in step S410 will be described.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show steps S in FIG.
407 is a detailed flowchart of a communication mode 2 process in 407.

First, in step S501, the system control circuit 350 performs a predetermined initialization process relating to the communication function including the communication circuit 110 and the communication processing program.
After initialization, in step S502, the system control circuit 350 determines the setting position of the mode dial 360. If the mode dial 360 has been set to the communication mode, the process proceeds to step S505, and the other mode has been set. If this is the case, the system control circuit 350 terminates the connection with the communication line via the communication circuit 410 in step S503, and performs a predetermined communication termination process relating to the communication circuit 410 and the communication function including the communication processing program in step S504. Then, the communication mode 2 process ends.

In step S 505, the system control circuit 350 determines that the remaining capacity and the operating state of the power supply 386 constituted by a battery or the like by the power supply control unit 380 have a problem in the communication processing operation of the image processing apparatus 400 or 700. It is determined whether or not there is a problem.
08, the notification unit 354 and / or the image display unit 32
After performing a predetermined warning display using an image or a sound using No. 8, the process returns to step S502.

If there is no problem in the power supply 386 (YES in step S505), the system control circuit 350 connects to the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 410 and the communication line in step S506, and If (YES in step S507), step S50
Go to 9. Further, the image processing apparatus 100 via a communication line
If there is a problem with the connection with (N in step S507)
O), in step S508, the system control circuit 350 uses the notification unit 354 to display a predetermined warning using an image or a sound, and then returns to step S502.

In step S509, the system control circuit 350 determines whether or not a command or the like has been received from the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication line and the communication circuit 410.
It is determined what command the received information contains.

As a result of determining the content of the received command,
If the command is a shooting information notification command, the system control circuit 350 receives the shooting information notification transmitted in step S512 (step 1002 or 100 in FIG. 16).
3) In step S513, whether or not the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700 can cope based on the received shooting information, that is, whether the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700 can perform shooting corresponding to the shooting information. The system control circuit 350 determines whether or not this is the case (step 1004 or step 1005 in FIG. 16).

Here, the notification of the received photographing information regarding the image processing apparatus 100 includes the setting range of the focal length of the lens, the setting range of the shutter speed (Tv value), and the stop (Av).
Value) setting range, exposure compensation setting range, presence / absence of flash function, flash ON / OFF setting status, flash guide No. , Flash light distribution range, flash light control range, white balance (WB) setting range, white balance setting type such as sunlight, cloudy sky, fluorescent light, etc., ranging setting range, ranging point type, ranging point position, continuous shooting Information such as the number of frames, continuous shooting speed, burst continuous shooting frames, number of recordable images, image compression mode, remaining battery level, battery type / AC adapter type, presence / absence of camera shake correction function, date / time setting, shooting mode, etc. is there.

The types of shooting mode information received as shooting information include automatic shooting mode, program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, There are a portrait shooting mode, a landscape shooting mode, a close-up shooting mode, a sports shooting mode, a night view shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, and the like.

Further, the received photographing information regarding the image processing apparatus 100 includes the number of pixels of the image pickup device, the sensitivity, the color reproduction range, and the like.

Therefore, can the image processing apparatus 400 or 700 cope with the notified specification of the focal length of the lens or the focal length setting range of the zoom lens, the aperture setting range, the shutter speed setting range, the presence or absence of a strobe, and the like? No, whether or not the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700 can correspond to the notified specification of the number of pixels, resolution, gradation, etc. of the image sensor, the notified sensitivity or dark current noise amount of the image sensor, Whether the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700 can cope with specifications such as shooting in the sensitivity mode or shooting with long exposure, and further, the notified color filter configuration and arrangement of the image sensor and its characteristics. The system control circuit determines whether or not the image processing apparatus 400 or the image processing apparatus 700 can cope with the specifications such as the characteristics of the infrared cut filter and the like. 350 judges.

FIG. 24 shows a part of the cooperative photographing management table of the image processing apparatus 400 used when judging the correspondence based on the photographing information received in step S513, and FIG. 11 is an example showing a part of a cooperative shooting management table of the image processing apparatus 700.

Image processing device 400 or image processing device 7
00 is possible (YE in step S514)
S), in step S515, the system control circuit 35
The corresponding answer flag stored in the internal memory 0 or the memory 52 is set, and the process returns to step S509.

If the image processing apparatus 400 or the image processing apparatus 700 cannot cope (step S514)
NO), in step S516, the corresponding answer flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 350 or the memory 52 is released, and the process returns to step S509.

In step S510, as a result of determining the content of the command received in step S509,
If the received command is another command, the system control circuit 350 executes processing corresponding to the command in step S511, and returns to step S509.

In step S510, as a result of determining the content of the command received in step S509,
If the received command is the cooperative photographed image data reception command, the system control circuit 350 determines in step S517 that the communication circuit 4
10 and the cooperative photographed image data from the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication line (step 1011 in FIG. 16),
The received cooperative photographed image data is sequentially stored in a predetermined area of the memory 330.

When the reception of the cooperative photographed image data is completed (YES in step S518), the system control circuit 350 subsequently receives photographing information relating to the received cooperative photographed image data (step S519) (FIG. 16). Process 1012).

Here, the photographing information relating to the received cooperative photographed image data includes shutter speed (Tv value), aperture (Av value), exposure correction information, flash ON / OFF.
Information, flash dimming information, white balance (WB)
Information, ranging information, date / time information, shooting mode information, and the like.

The types of shooting mode information received as shooting information include automatic shooting mode, program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, There are a portrait shooting mode, a landscape shooting mode, a close-up shooting mode, a sports shooting mode, a night view shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, and the like.

Further, as photographing information relating to the cooperative photographed image data, photographed position information (latitude, longitude, time difference from standard time), weather information (obtained by data multiplex broadcasting or an information providing service using the Internet) and the like are used. Is also good.

When the system control circuit 350 determines in step S509 that no command or the like has been received from the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication line and the communication circuit 410, the flow advances to step S531 in FIG.

If the response notification is transmitted (YES in step S531), system control circuit 350 checks the setting state of the response possible flag stored in internal memory of system control circuit 350 or memory 52 in step S532, and responds. If the possible answer flag has been set (YES in step S532), a notice of support in step S533 is transmitted (process 1005 in FIG. 16), and FIG.
It returns to step S509 of 2nd.

On the other hand, if the possible response flag has been cleared (NO in step S532), step S53
4 to transmit a response impossible notification (processing 100 in FIG. 16).
7), and return to step S509 in FIG.

Without transmitting the photographed image data (step S
If NO in 535, the communication with the image processing apparatus 100 is terminated and the line connection is terminated (YE in step S536).
S) Or, if the line connection is terminated after a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S537), in step S538, the system control circuit 350 communicates with the communication circuit 410 and the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication line. The connection is terminated, and the process returns to step S502 in FIG.

If the photographed image data is to be transmitted (YES in step S535), in step S639, the system control circuit 350 sets a predetermined transmission mode, and then transmits the data stored in a predetermined area of the memory 330 in step S540. The captured image data is sequentially read out and transmitted to the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 410 and the communication line in step S541 (processing 10 in FIG. 16).
17).

When the transmission of the photographed image data is completed (YES in step S542), in step S543, the system control circuit 350 stores the photographing information relating to the transmitted photographed image data in a predetermined area of the memory 330 or in the system control circuit 350. Memory or memory 352
After reading from the communication circuit 410 and transmitting the image data to the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 410 (processing 1018 in FIG. 16), the process returns to step S509 in FIG.

Next, the detailed processing of the cooperative photographing mode 2 in step S410 of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

First, in step S601, the system control circuit 350 performs a predetermined initialization process relating to the cooperative photographing mode function. After initialization, in step S602, the system control circuit 350
Is determined, and if the mode dial 360 is set to the cooperative shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S604. If the mode dial 360 is set to any other mode, the system control circuit 350 determines in step S603 that the cooperative shooting mode function is set. After performing the predetermined ending process for the cooperative imaging mode 2, the process ends.

In step S604, the system control circuit 350 determines whether or not the finder image data for cooperative photographing is transmitted from the image processing apparatus 100 and stored in a predetermined area of the memory 330. (NO in step S604), step S605
After performing a predetermined warning display with an image or sound using the notification unit 354 and / or the image display unit 328, the process returns to step S602.

If one or a plurality of finder image data for cooperative photography transmitted from image processing apparatus 100 is stored in a predetermined area of memory 330 (YES in step S604), system control circuit 350 in step S606. Reads the received and stored coordinated image data from a predetermined area of the memory 330 by the memory control circuit 322 and writes the data in a predetermined area of the image display memory 324, and then changes the display state of the image display unit 328 to the viewfinder multi-through mode. The display state is set (process 1013 in FIG. 16).

In the finder multi-through display state, data sequentially written to the image display memory 324 via the image sensor 314, the A / D converter 316, the image processing circuit 320, and the memory control circuit 322 are coordinated. The memory control circuit 322, D /
The electronic viewfinder function is realized by sequentially displaying images in a predetermined photographing area of the image display unit 328 via the A converter 326.

Next, in step S607, the system control circuit 350 sets the operation mode and parameters of the image processing device 400 or 700 based on the received photographing information (process 1014 in FIG. 16).
The photographing information regarding the received cooperative photographed image data includes focal length information, shutter speed (Tv value) information, aperture (Av value) information, exposure correction information, and flash O
There are N / OFF information, flash light control information, white balance (WB) information, ranging information, date / time information, shooting mode information, single / continuous shooting information, continuous shooting frame speed information, and the like.

The types of shooting mode information received as shooting information include automatic shooting mode, program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, There are a portrait shooting mode, a landscape shooting mode, a close-up shooting mode, a sports shooting mode, a night view shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, and the like.

Further, as photographing information relating to cooperative photographed image data, photographed position information (latitude, longitude, time difference from standard time), weather information (obtained by data multiplex broadcasting or an information providing service using the Internet) and the like are used. Is also good.

If information on the position on the earth and / or weather and / or date and time can be received, exposure setting, white balance setting, color reproduction setting, exposure correction such as backlight correction, etc. are set or performed according to the received information. Correction settings can be made. In particular, by setting the exposure based on the information on the relationship between the shooting position and the direction and the position of the sun, the season, and the weather, it is possible to effectively perform the correction setting such as the backlight correction.

The operation mode and various photographing parameters of the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700 are optimally set based on the received photographing information relating to the cooperative photographed image data, so that the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700 In this case, it becomes possible to perform a photographing similar to the received cooperative photographed image.

As described above, by using the cooperative photographing function of automatically setting the operation mode and the parameters of the image processing apparatus using the photographing information relating to the received cooperative photographed image data, the user of the image processing apparatus 100 can use the cooperative photographing function. The user of the image processing apparatus 400 or the image processing apparatus 700 can easily perform the image capturing similar to the image captured by the user.

In step S608, it is determined whether or not the shutter switch SW1 has been pressed. If the shutter switch SW1 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S60.
Returning to step 2, if the shutter switch SW1 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S631 in FIG.

In step S631, the system control circuit 350 sets the display state of the image display section 328 to the viewfinder multi-freeze display state, and then proceeds to step S63.
Proceed to 2. In the viewfinder multi-freeze display state, rewriting of image data in the image display memory 324 via the image sensor 314, the A / D converter 316, the image processing circuit 320, and the memory control circuit 322 is prohibited, and the last written data is written. The frozen image is displayed on the electronic viewfinder by displaying the image data together with the finder image for cooperative shooting in a predetermined shooting area of the image display unit 328 via the memory control circuit 322 and the D / A converter 326. I have.

In the next step S632, the system control circuit 350 performs a distance measurement process to focus the photographing lens 310 on the subject, and further performs a photometry process to determine an aperture value and a shutter time. In the photometry processing, the flash setting is also performed if necessary. This step S63
The distance measurement / photometry processing performed in step 2 is the same as the processing described above with reference to FIG.

When the distance measurement and photometry processing in step S632 is completed, the system control circuit 350 sets the display state of the image display unit 328 to the finder multi-through display state in step S633, and proceeds to step S634.
The finder multi-through display state in step S633 is the same operation state as the finder multi-through state in S606.

In this state, if the shutter switch SW2 is not pressed (NO in step S634) and the shutter switch SW1 is also released (step S6).
(NO at 35), and returns to step S602 in FIG.

If the shutter switch SW2 is pressed (YES in step S634), the flow advances to step S6.
It is determined whether or not an area for storing the image data obtained by photographing remains at 36, and if it is determined that the storage area is not sufficient, the system control circuit 3 determines at step S637.
After performing a predetermined warning display using an image or a sound using the notification unit 354, the process 50 returns to step S602 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S636 that the storage area is sufficient, the flow advances to step S638, where the system control circuit 350 sets the display state of the image display unit 328 to the viewfinder multi-fixed color display state, and proceeds to step S639.
Proceed to.

In the finder multi-fixed color display state, instead of the photographed image data written to the image display memory 324 via the image sensor 314, the A / D converter 316, the image processing circuit 320, and the memory control circuit 322, To
By displaying the replaced fixed-color image data together with the finder image for cooperative photographing in a predetermined photographing area of the image display unit 328 via the memory control circuit 322 and the D / A converter 326, the fixed-color image is displayed. Is displayed on the electronic viewfinder.

In step S639, the system control circuit 350 controls the memory control circuit 322 via the image sensor 314, A / D converter 316, image processing circuit 320, and memory control circuit 322, or directly from the A / D converter. Exposure processing for writing captured image data in the memory 330 via the memory control circuit 322 and, if necessary, image data written in the memory 330 using the image processing circuit 320 to perform various processing. The photographing process including the process is executed (process 1015 in FIG. 16).
Note that the photographing processing in step S639 is the same as the processing described above with reference to FIG.

After the photographing processing in step S639, in step S640, the system control circuit 350 reads out the image data written in the memory 330 by this photographing processing, and performs vertical addition processing and color processing as necessary. The image display memory 3 via the memory control circuit 322
The display image is transferred to 24. Then, Step S641
In step S642, the system control circuit 350 sets the display state of the image display unit 328 to the viewfinder multi quick review display state (process 1016 in FIG. 16).
Proceed to. In the finder multi-quick review state, the image data transferred to the image display memory 324 by the display image processing in step S640 is transferred to the memory control circuit 32 together with the cooperative photographing finder image.
2. An electronic viewfinder function for automatically reproducing a photographed image is realized by displaying the image in a predetermined photographing area of the image display unit 328 via the D / A converter 326.

Thereafter, in step S642, the system control circuit 350 reads the captured image data written in the memory 330, and performs various image processing using the memory control circuit 322 and the image processing circuit 320 as necessary. Performs pixel squaring if necessary, compresses
After performing compression processing for performing image compression processing according to the mode set using the expansion circuit 332, a recording medium such as a memory card or a compact flash card is transmitted via the interface 390 or 394 and the connector 392 or 396 in step S643. A recording process for writing image data to 500 or 510 is executed.

When the image display unit 328 is ON,
While the image data is being written to the recording medium 500 or 510, it is clearly indicated that the writing operation is being performed.
For example, display such as “BUSY” is performed on the image display unit 328.

Further, in the notification unit 354, for example, LE
A recording medium writing operation display such as blinking of D is also performed.

Thereafter, it is determined in step S644 whether or not the shutter switch SW1 has been pressed. If the shutter switch SW1 has been pressed, the flow returns to step S631. If the shutter switch SW1 has not been pressed, step S60 in FIG.
Return to 2.

Next, with reference to FIG. 22, the cooperative photographing display function according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 22A is an example of a display screen on the image display unit 28 of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 131 denotes a photographing finder image area in a use state, and 132 denotes a photographing finder image area in an unused state. Regions 131 and 132
Thereby, a multi finder display can be performed.

Reference numeral 134 denotes a shooting mode of the image processing apparatus 100 and various shooting parameter display areas.

Reference numeral 135 denotes an AE (auto exposure) lock display,
36 is a flash shooting display, 137 is a shutter speed (TV value) display, 138 is an aperture (AV value) display, 139
Is a flash light control display, 140 is an AF (auto focus) in-focus display, 141 is an exposure correction display and a light control correction display, 142 is an AWB (auto white balance) display and a manual WB display, 143 is a shooting mode display, 14
Reference numeral 4 denotes a distance measurement information display. The shooting mode display 143 indicates that the camera is operating in the landscape shooting mode in this example.

FIG. 22B is an example of a display screen on the image display section 328 of the image processing device 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 431 denotes a photographing finder image area in a cooperative photographing display state (that is, a state in which a received image is displayed), and reference numeral 432 denotes a photographing finder image area in a use state. Regions 431 and 4
32 allows a multi-finder display.

Reference numeral 434 denotes a shooting mode of the image processing apparatus 400 and various shooting parameter display areas.

Reference numeral 435 denotes an AE (auto exposure) lock display,
36, a flash shooting display; 437, a shutter speed (TV value) display; 438, an aperture (AV value) display;
Is a flash light control display, 440 is an AF (auto focus) in-focus display, 441 is an exposure correction display and a light control correction display, 442 is an AWB (auto white balance) display and a manual WB display, 443 is a shooting mode display, 44
Reference numeral 4 denotes a distance measurement information display.

The shooting mode display 443 indicates that the camera is operating in the landscape shooting mode in this example.

As described above, using the cooperative photographed image and the photographing information transmitted from the image processing apparatus 100, the cooperative photographed image display 431, the image processing apparatus 400 and / or the image processing apparatus set by the cooperative photographing function, respectively. The user of the image processing apparatus 400 and / or the image processing apparatus 700 easily performs an image capturing similar to the image captured by the user of the image processing apparatus 100 by performing the image capturing mode 700 and the various image capturing parameter displays 434. Can be possible.

[Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, FIGS.
The operation of the image processing apparatuses 100, 400, and 700 having the configuration described with reference to FIG. 0 and FIG. 16 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 17 to FIG.

In the first embodiment, the image processing apparatus 400 and the image processing apparatus 700 determine whether or not cooperative photographing is possible. In the second embodiment, this determination is made. A case where the processing is performed on the image processing apparatus 100 side will be described.

FIG. 21 shows the image processing apparatuses 100 and 4
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the flow of commands and image data transmitted and received between 00 and 700. As an example for explanation, the image processing apparatus 400 is capable of cooperative imaging,
The case where the image processing apparatus 700 is not able to cope is shown.

<Description of Operation of Image Processing Apparatus 100> First, the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 will be described. In the second embodiment, the operation in the communication mode 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the operation is different from the operation in the communication mode 1 in the first embodiment described above, the operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show steps S1 of FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows the detailed operation | movement of the communication mode 1 process in 07.

First, in step S1201, the system control circuit 50 performs a predetermined initialization process relating to the communication function including the communication circuit 110 and the communication processing program.
After the initialization, in step S1202, the system control circuit 50 determines the setting position of the mode dial 60,
If the mode dial 60 or the communication mode has been set, the process proceeds to step S1205. If the mode has been set to another mode, the system control circuit 50 connects to the communication line via the communication circuit 110 in step S1203. Then, in step S1204, a predetermined communication end process related to the communication function including the communication circuit 110 and the communication processing program is performed, and the communication mode 1 process ends.

In step S 1205, the system control circuit 50 uses the power control unit 80 to determine whether the remaining capacity and operating conditions of the power supply 86 composed of a battery or the like are correct.
It is determined whether or not there is a problem in the communication processing operation of No. 0, and if there is a problem, a predetermined warning is displayed by an image or a sound using the notification unit 54 and / or the image display unit 28 and / or the image display unit 28 in step 1208. , And the process returns to step S1202.

If there is no problem with the power supply 86 (step S
(YES in 1205), in step S1206, system control circuit 50 causes image processing device 400 and / or image processing device 700 to communicate via communication circuit 110 and the communication line.
Connection is established, and if the connection is established normally (step S1
207), the process proceeds to step S1209. Also,
If there is a problem with the connection with the image processing device 400 and / or the image processing device 700 via the communication line (NO in step S1207), the system control circuit 50 uses the notification unit 54 to transmit an image or sound in step S1208. After performing the predetermined warning display, the process returns to step S1202.

[0265] In step S1209, the system control circuit 50 operates the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 70.
If a command or the like is received from 0 through the communication line and the communication circuit 110 (S1209), it is determined what kind of command the received information includes, and if received, in step S1210, It is determined what command the received information contains.

As a result of determining the content of the received command,
If the received command is a camera information reception command, the system control circuit 50 receives the camera information (step 2004 in FIG. 21).
Alternatively, the camera information received in step S1212 is stored in the system control circuit 5 in step S1213.
After the registration in the cooperative imaging management table stored in the internal memory 0 or the memory 52 (step 2006 in FIG. 21),
It returns to step S1209.

Here, the received camera information includes a focal length setting range of a lens, a shutter speed (Tv value) setting range, an aperture (Av value) setting range, an exposure correction setting range,
Whether the flash function is available, the flash ON / OFF setting status, the flash guide No. , Flash light distribution range, flash light control range, white balance (WB) setting range, white balance setting type such as sunlight, cloudy sky, fluorescent light, etc., ranging setting range, ranging point type, ranging point position, continuous shooting Information such as the number of frames, continuous shooting speed, burst continuous shooting frames, number of recordable images, image compression mode, remaining battery level, battery type / AC adapter type, presence / absence of camera shake correction function, date / time setting, shooting mode, etc. is there.

The types of received shooting mode information include automatic shooting mode, program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode,
There are a portrait shooting mode, a landscape shooting mode, a close-up shooting mode, a sports shooting mode, a night view shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, and the like.

Further, the received camera information includes the number of pixels of the image sensor, the sensitivity, the color reproduction range, and the like.

In step S1210, as a result of judging the content of the command received in step S1209, if the received command is another command, step S1210 is executed.
In step S1, a process corresponding to the command is executed.
Return to 209.

In step S1210, as a result of judging the content of the command received in step S1209, if the received command is a captured image data reception command, the system control circuit 50 transmits the command via the communication line and the communication circuit 110 in step S1216. After receiving the captured image data from the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700 (FIG. 21)
(Step 1017), and sequentially store them in a predetermined area of the memory 30.

When the reception of the photographed image data is completed (YES in step S1217), the system control circuit 5
If the value is 0, the cooperative imaging management table is updated in step S1218, and the flow advances to step S1219. Step S1219
Then, the photographing information about the received photographed image data is received (step 1018 in FIG. 21) and stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30. There is no problem if the received photographing information is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

The photographing information relating to the received photographed image data includes a shutter speed (Tv value), an aperture (Av
Value), exposure correction information, flash ON / OFF information, flash light control information, white balance (WB) information, ranging information, date / time information, shooting mode information, and the like.

The types of shooting mode information received as shooting information include automatic shooting mode, program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, There are a portrait shooting mode, a landscape shooting mode, a close-up shooting mode, a sports shooting mode, a night view shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, and the like.

Further, as photographing information relating to photographed image data, photographed position information (latitude, longitude, time difference from standard time), weather information (obtained by data multiplex broadcasting or an information providing service using the Internet) and the like may be used. good.

FIG. 28 is an example showing a part of the cooperative photographing management table of the image processing apparatus 100 received in step S1213.

In step S1220, the system control circuit 5
0 indicates that the received photographic image data is read out from a predetermined area of the memory 30 by the memory control circuit 22, a finder multi image is created and stored in the image display memory 24 (process 1019 in FIG. 21), and the finder multi image created in step S1221 is created. The image is displayed on the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26 (process 1020 in FIG. 21).

In step S1222, the system control circuit 50 reads out the received photographic image data from a predetermined area of the memory 30 and records it on the recording medium 200 or 210 via the interface 90 or 94 (step 1021 in FIG. 21). ), And return to step S1220.

If no command or the like has been received from the image processing device 400 and / or the image processing device 700 via the communication line and the communication circuit 110 (NO in step S1209), the system control circuit 50 executes The process proceeds to S1261.

The system control circuit 50 controls the image processing device 4
00 and / or if camera information is requested from the image processing apparatus 700 (YES in step S1261), the communication circuit 1 is sent to the image processing apparatus selected in step S1262.
10 and a camera information request command is transmitted via the communication line (processing 2002 or processing 2003 in FIG. 21).
Then, if it is to be transmitted to the next image processing device (YES in step S1263), the process returns to step S1262 to repeat the processing. If it is not to be transmitted to the next image processing device (NO in step S1263), step S1 in FIG.
It returns to 1202.

If the system control circuit 50 issues a cooperative photographing notification (YES in step S1264), the flow advances to step S1265 to register it in the cooperative photographing management table stored in the internal memory of system control circuit 50 or memory 52. Image processing apparatus 400 and / or 700
With reference to the camera information (process 2008 in FIG. 21), it is determined whether or not the image processing device that notifies in step S1266 is usable (process 2007 in FIG. 21).

The camera information registered in the cooperative photographing management table includes a lens focal length setting range, a shutter speed (Tv value) setting range, an aperture (Av value) setting range, an exposure correction setting range, and a flash function. Presence / absence, flash ON / OFF setting status, flash guide N
o. , Flash light distribution range, flash light control range, white balance (WB) setting range, white balance setting type such as sunlight, cloudy sky, fluorescent light, etc., ranging setting range, ranging point type, ranging point position, continuous shooting Number of frames, continuous shooting speed, burst continuous shooting frames, number of recordable images, image compression mode, battery level,
Information such as battery type / AC adapter type, presence / absence of camera shake correction function, date / time setting, shooting mode, and the like.

The types of shooting mode information registered in the cooperative shooting management table include automatic shooting mode, program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, and depth of focus priority (depth). Shooting mode, portrait shooting mode, landscape shooting mode, close-up shooting mode, sports shooting mode,
There are a night view shooting mode, a panorama shooting mode, and the like.

Further, the shooting information registered in the cooperative shooting management table includes the number of pixels of the image sensor, the sensitivity, the color reproduction range, and the like.

Accordingly, the specifications such as the focal length of the lens registered in the cooperative photographing management table or the focal length setting range of the zoom lens, the aperture setting range, the shutter speed setting range, the presence or absence of a strobe, the color filter configuration of the image sensor, The specifications such as the array and its characteristics, the characteristics of the infrared cut filter, etc., the notified sensitivity of the image sensor and the amount of dark current noise, the specifications such as shooting in high sensitivity mode and shooting with long exposure, the image sensor The system control circuit 50 determines whether or not an image processing device that sends a notification can be used based on shooting information such as the number of pixels, resolution, and gradation.

If the image processing device for notification is usable (YES in step S1266), step S1 is executed.
In 267, the system control circuit 50 transmits a cooperative photographing request notification to the selected image processing device via the communication circuit 110 and the communication line (process 2009 in FIG. 21). Also,
If the image processing device to be notified is unavailable (NO in step S1266), in step S1268, the system control circuit 50 sends a cooperative imaging error notification to the selected image processing device via the communication circuit 110 and the communication line. The data is transmitted (process 2010 in FIG. 21).

Step S1267 or step S12
After performing the cooperative photographing request / error notification at 68, the system control circuit 50 updates the cooperative photographing management table stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 in step S1269 according to the transmission content.

Then, if the cooperative photographing notification is to be made to the next image processing device (YES in step S1270), the process returns to step S1265 to repeat the process, and if the cooperative photographing notification is not made to the next image processing device (step S1270). S127
(NO at 0), and returns to step S1209 in FIG.

FIG. 29 shows the result of selecting usable cameras in the cooperative photographing management table of the image processing apparatus 100 used in the determination in step S1266, and step S1.
269 is an example of information indicating the coordinated shooting notification state updated in 269.

If the communication with image processing apparatus 400 and / or image processing apparatus 700 is terminated without transmitting the cooperative photographed image data (NO in step S1237) and the line connection is terminated (YES in step S1238), or If the line connection is terminated after a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S1239), the system control circuit 5
0, the connection with the image processing apparatus 400 and / or the image processing apparatus 700 via the communication circuit 110 and the communication line is terminated in the communication step S1240, and the step S1240 in FIG.
It returns to 1202.

When there is cooperative photographed image data to be transmitted (YES in step S1237), system control circuit 5
0 is determined based on the camera information unique to the image processing device 400 and / or the image processing device 700 stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 or the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 in step S1241, and A cooperative photographed image is created using the image data stored in the predetermined area (process 1009 in FIG. 21).

Next, in step S1242, the system control circuit 50 sets a predetermined transmission mode, and then in step S1243,
21 with reference to the cooperative photographing management table stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of FIG.

[0293] In step S1244, it is determined whether there is an available image processing device. If there is no usable image processing device (step S
In step S1245, the system control circuit 50 uses the notification unit 54 to display a predetermined warning using an image or sound, and then returns to step S1209 in FIG.

If there is a usable image processing device (YES in step S1244), step S124
In step 6, the system control circuit 50 sequentially reads out the transmitted coordinated image data stored in a predetermined area of the memory 30 and transmits the data to the image processing device 400 and / or the image processing device 700 via the communication circuit 110 and the communication line in step S1247. (Step 1011 in FIG. 21).

If the transmission of the cooperative photographed image data has been completed (YES in step S1248), step S124
The 9de system control circuit 50 reads the photographing information relating to the transmitted cooperative photographed image data from a predetermined area of the memory 30 or an internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52, and sends the photographing information to the image processing apparatus 400 via the communication circuit 110 and the communication line. (The processing 101 in FIG. 21).
2) In step S1250, the cooperative imaging management table is updated.

If the cooperative photographed image is transmitted to the next image processing device (YES in step S1251), step S125 is executed.
Returning to 1243, if the processing is repeated and the cooperative photographed image is not transmitted to the next image processing device (step S1251)
NO), and returns to step S1209 of FIG.

<Image Processing Apparatus 400 and Image Processing Apparatus 7
Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 400 and the image processing apparatus 700 will be described. In the second embodiment, the operation in the communication mode 2 is the same as that in FIGS.
Since the operation is different from the operation in the communication mode 2 in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3, the operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. The other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show steps S in FIG.
4 shows a detailed flowchart of a communication mode 2 process in 407.

First, in step S1501, the system control circuit 350 performs predetermined initialization processing relating to the communication function including the communication circuit 110 and the communication processing program (after initialization, in step S1502, the system control circuit 350 The setting position of the dial 360 is determined. If the mode dial 360 has been set to the communication mode, the process proceeds to step S1505. If the mode dial 360 has been set to any other mode, the system control circuit 350 proceeds to step S1503. Then, the connection with the communication line is terminated via the communication interface, and in step S1504, a predetermined communication end process relating to the communication function including the communication circuit 410 and the communication processing program is performed, and the communication mode process ends.

[0300] In step S1505, the system control circuit 350 determines that the remaining capacity of the power supply 386 constituted by a battery or the like or the operating condition is problematic in the communication processing operation of the image processing apparatus 400 or 700 by the power control section 380. It is determined whether or not there is a problem.
After performing a predetermined warning display by an image or a sound using the notification unit 354 and / or the image display unit 328 in 1508, the process returns to step S1502.

If there is no problem with the power supply 386 (YES in step S1505), the system control circuit 350 connects to the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 410 and the communication line in step S1506, and If it is (YES in step S1507), the process advances to step S1509. If there is a problem with the connection with the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication line (step S15
07, NO), the system control circuit 350 proceeds to step S1
After performing a predetermined warning display by image or sound using the notification unit 354 in 508, the process returns to step S1502.

In step S1509, the system control circuit 350 determines whether or not a command or the like has been received from the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication line and the communication circuit 410. If the command has been received (step 2002 in FIG. 21). Or processing 2003), steps S1521 and S1510
In, it is determined what command the received information contains.

As a result of determining the content of the received command,
If it is a camera information request command (step S1
In step S1522, the system control circuit 350 transmits camera information about the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700 to the image processing device 100 via the communication circuit 410 and the communication line in step S1522 (step 2004 in FIG. 21). Or process 2005), step S
It returns to 1509.

The notification of the photographing information regarding the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700 transmitted here is as follows.
Lens focal length setting range, shutter speed (Tv value)
Setting range, aperture (Av value) setting range, exposure compensation setting range, presence / absence of flash function, flash ON / OFF setting status, flash guide No. , Flash light distribution range, flash light control range, white balance (WB)
Setting range, sunlight, cloudy sky, fluorescent light, etc., white balance setting type, ranging setting range, ranging point type, ranging point position, continuous shooting frame number, continuous shooting speed, burst continuous shooting frame number, recordable Number,
There are information such as an image compression mode, a remaining battery level, a battery type / AC adapter type, presence / absence of a camera shake correction function, date / time setting, and a shooting mode.

The types of shooting mode information transmitted as shooting information include automatic shooting mode, program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, There are a portrait shooting mode, a landscape shooting mode, a close-up shooting mode, a sports shooting mode, a night view shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, and the like.

[0306] Further, the shooting information regarding the image processing apparatus 400 to be transmitted includes the number of pixels of the image sensor, the sensitivity, the color reproduction range, and the like.

As a result of determining the content of the received command,
If the command is a cooperative photographing request / error notification command (step 2090 or 2010 in FIG. 21), step S
At 1523, the cooperative shooting notification information is received via the communication line and the communication circuit 410, and at step S1524, the system control circuit 350 determines whether the received notification information is a request notification or an error notification.

[0308] If the received notification information is a request notification, the system control circuit 350 uses the notification unit 354 and / or the image display unit 328 and / or the image display unit 328 to display a cooperative photographable image or voice in step S1525. Are performed, and the process returns to step S1509. Also,
If the received notification information is an error notification, the system control circuit 350 determines in step S1526 that the notification unit 354
And / or image display unit 328 and / or image display unit 3
After performing a predetermined warning display with an image or a sound using 28, the process returns to step S1509.

In step S1510, if the command received in step S1509 is determined to be another command, the process proceeds to step S1510.
In step 11, the system control circuit 350 executes a process according to the command, and returns to step S1509.

In step S1510, as a result of determining the content of the command received in step S1509, if the command is a cooperative photographed image data reception command,
The system control circuit 350 receives the cooperative image data from the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 410 and the communication line in step S1517 (step 10115 in FIG. 21).
1) The received coordinated image data is sequentially stored in the memory 330.
In a predetermined area.

When the reception of the cooperative photographed image data is completed (YES in step S1518), the system control circuit 350 subsequently receives the photographing information relating to the received cooperative photographed image data (step S1519) (FIG. 21). Process 1012).

Here, the photographing information relating to the received cooperative photographed image data includes shutter speed (Tv value), aperture (Av value), exposure correction information, flash ON / OFF.
Information, flash dimming information, white balance (WB)
Information, ranging information, date / time information, shooting mode information, and the like.

The types of shooting mode information received as shooting information include automatic shooting mode, program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, There are a portrait shooting mode, a landscape shooting mode, a close-up shooting mode, a sports shooting mode, a night view shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, and the like.

Further, as photographing information relating to the cooperative photographed image data, photographed position information (latitude, longitude, time difference from standard time), weather information (obtained by data multiplex broadcasting or an information providing service using the Internet) and the like are used. Is also good.

If the system control circuit 350 determines in step S1509 that no command or the like has been received from the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication line and the communication circuit 410, the flow advances to step S1531 in FIG.

The system control circuit 350 terminates communication with the image processing apparatus 100 and terminates the line connection without transmitting the photographed image data (NO in step S1535) (YES in step S1536), or If the line connection is terminated after the elapse of the predetermined time (YES in step S1537), in step S1538, the communication circuit 410 and the image processing apparatus 10 via the communication line are used.
The connection with 0 is terminated, and the process returns to step S1502 in FIG.

If the photographed image data is to be transmitted (YES in step S1535), in step S1539, the system control circuit 350 sets a predetermined transmission mode and then transmits the data stored in a predetermined area of the memory 330 in step S1540. The captured image data is sequentially read out and transmitted to the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 410 and the communication line in step S1541 (FIG. 21).
Processing 1017).

If the transmission of the photographed image data is completed (YES in step S1542), step S1543 is performed.
In the system control circuit 350, the photographing information relating to the transmitted photographed image data is stored in a predetermined area of the memory 330 or an internal memory of the system control circuit 350 or the memory 3.
After reading from the communication device 52 and transmitting it to the image processing apparatus 100 via the communication circuit 410 and the communication line (process 1018 in FIG. 21), the process returns to step S1509 in FIG.

In the first and second embodiments, the image processing device 100, the image processing device 400 and / or
Alternatively, communication of camera information, cooperative photographed image, and photographing information is performed with the image processing apparatus 700, but any combination of the image processing apparatus and another image processing apparatus such as one or more electronic cameras Among the system configurations,
Communication of camera information, cooperative photographed images, and photographing information may be performed. Also in this case, similarly to the first and second embodiments, when a plurality of photographers individually photograph and create a group photograph, composition, angle of view, shutter speed, aperture, exposure correction,
It is possible to create a group photograph having the same color reproducibility and the like.

In FIG. 22, the image processing apparatus 1
Although an example of the display contents of the image display unit 28 and the image display unit 328 of the image processing device 400 or the image processing device 700 has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. If communication is performed and displayed on the image display unit, even in other display modes, when a plurality of photographers individually shoot and create a group photo, composition, angle of view, shutter speed, aperture , It is possible to create a set of photographs having the same exposure correction, color reproducibility, and the like.

Then, the recording media 200 and 210
Not only memory cards such as CMCIA cards and compact flash, hard disks, etc., but also micro DATs,
It may be constituted by a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk such as CD-R or CD-WR, or a phase-change optical disk such as DVD.

Further, the recording media 200, 210, 500 and 510 may be a composite medium in which a memory card and a hard disk are integrated. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which a part of the composite medium is detachable.

In the description of the first and second embodiments, the recording media 200, 210, 500 and 51
0 has been described as being separated from the image processing apparatus 100 or the image processing apparatus 400 and can be arbitrarily connected. However, any one or all of the recording media may be fixed to the image processing apparatus 100 or the image processing apparatus 400. Is also good.

Further, the recording media 200, 210, 500, 510 are stored in the image processing apparatus 100 or 400.
However, a configuration in which a single or a plurality of arbitrary numbers of combinations can be connected may be used.

In FIG. 2, the communication circuit 110 has been described as being directly connected to the system control circuit 50. However, the memory 30, the compression / decompression circuit 32, and the memory control circuit 2
2. A configuration may be employed in which a connection is made to a higher-speed bus together with the interface 90 and the interface 94. The same applies to the communication circuit 410 shown in FIG.

[Other Embodiments] The object of the present invention is as follows.
A storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads out the program code stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, it can also be achieved by executing.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As storage media for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM
Etc. can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0331]

As described above, according to the present invention, when a plurality of photographers individually shoot and communicate the shot images to create a group photograph, there are differences in the specifications regarding the shooting of each electronic camera. Even in some cases, a unified group photo can be obtained.

Even if the specifications such as the focal length of the lens or the focal length setting range of the zoom lens, the aperture setting range, the shutter speed setting range, and the presence or absence of a strobe are different in each electronic camera, a unified set photograph Can be obtained.

[0333] Even when the number of pixels of the image pickup device is different, a united photograph with uniform resolution and gradation can be obtained.

When the sensitivity of the image pickup device and the amount of dark current noise are different, even in high-sensitivity mode shooting or long-time exposure shooting, a uniform set of images with uniform image quality can be obtained.

Further, even when the color filter configuration and arrangement of the image sensor and the characteristics thereof and the characteristics of the infrared cut filter are different, a uniform set of images having uniform image quality can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an image processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a 0.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a main routine of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a communication mode 1 processing routine of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a communication mode 1 processing routine of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a cooperative imaging mode 1 processing routine of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a cooperative imaging mode 1 processing routine of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a ranging / photometry processing routine of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a photographing processing routine of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an image processing apparatus 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a 00.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a main routine of the image processing apparatus 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a communication mode 2 processing routine of the image processing apparatus 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a communication mode 2 processing routine of the image processing apparatus 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a cooperative imaging mode 2 processing routine of the image processing apparatus 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a cooperative imaging mode 2 processing routine of the image processing apparatus 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows an image processing apparatus 100, an image processing apparatus 400, and an image processing apparatus 700 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of commands and image data transmitted and received between the two.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a communication mode 1 processing routine of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a communication mode 1 processing routine of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a communication mode 2 processing routine of the image processing apparatus 400 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a communication mode 2 processing routine of the image processing apparatus 400 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows an image processing apparatus 100, an image processing apparatus 400, and an image processing apparatus 700 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of commands and image data transmitted and received between the two.

FIG. 22 is an image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
0, the image processing device 400 and / or the image processing device 7
It is a figure which shows the example of a display in the image display part of 00.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a part of a cooperative imaging management table of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a part of a cooperative photographing management table of the image processing apparatus 400 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a part of a cooperative imaging management table of the image processing apparatus 700 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram relating to a shooting information notification portion of a cooperative shooting management table of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram related to a response information portion of the cooperative imaging management table of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a part of a cooperative imaging management table of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a diagram relating to a usable camera selection result portion and a cooperative shooting notification state portion of the cooperative shooting management table of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100,400 Image processing device 10,310 Photographing lens 12,312 Shutter 14,314 Image sensor 16,316 A / D converter 18,318 Timing generation circuit 20,320 Image processing circuit 22,322 Memory control circuit 24,324 Image Display memory 26,326 D / A converter 28,328 Image display unit 30,330 Memory 32,332 Image compression / expansion circuit 40,340 Exposure control unit 42,342 Distance measurement control unit 44,344 Zoom control unit 46,346 Barrier control unit 48,348 Flash 50,350 System control circuit 52,352 Memory 54,354 Display unit 56,356 Non-volatile memory 60,360 Mode dial switch 62,362 Shutter switch SW1 64,364 Shutter switch SW2 66,3 6 selection / changeover switch 68,368 decision / execution switch 70,370 operation unit 72,372 compression mode switch 80,380 power supply control unit 82,84,382,384 connector 86,386 power supply unit 90,94,390,394 interface -Faces 92, 96, 392, 396 Connectors 98, 398 Recording medium detachment detection circuit 102, 402 Barrier 104, 404 Optical finder 110, 410 Communication circuit 112, 412 Connector (or antenna) 120, 420 Microphone 122, 422 A / D Converters 124, 424 Memory control circuits 126, 426 D / A converters 128, 428 Speakers 200, 210, 500, 510 Recording media 202, 212, 502, 512 Recording units 204, 214, 504, 514 Interface 20 , 216,506,516 connector

Claims (40)

[Claims] 1. An image processing system, comprising: a first image processing device connected to a communication network; and at least one second image processing device, wherein the first image processing device comprises: Notifying the second image processing apparatus of information relating to a photographing function at the time of photographing, wherein the second image processing apparatus can correspond to the notified information with the photographing function of the second image processing apparatus. The first image processing apparatus determines whether or not the information has been transmitted to the second image processing apparatus based on the notified determination result. An image processing system for determining whether or not a request for photographing based on an image is possible. 2. An image processing system comprising a first image processing device and at least one second image processing device connected to a communication network, wherein the first image processing device comprises: Requesting information on a photographing function from the second image processing apparatus, the second image processing apparatus notifies the first image processing apparatus of information on the requested photographing function, and the first image processing The apparatus determines whether it is possible to request the second image processing apparatus to perform photographing based on the information of the photographing function at the time of photographing by the first image processing apparatus based on the notified information regarding the photographing function. The image processing system characterized in that: 3. When it is determined that a request for photographing can be made to the second image processing apparatus, a photographing function for photographing by the first image processing apparatus is given to the second image processing apparatus. 3. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein a request for performing photographing based on the information is issued. 4. The information on the photographing function includes information on a photographing lens.
The image processing system according to any one of the above. 5. The image processing system according to claim 4, wherein the information on the photographing lens includes information on a focal length. 6. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information on the photographing function includes information on an image sensor. 7. The information according to claim 6, wherein the information about the image sensor includes at least one of information about the number of pixels, information about a pixel configuration, information about sensitivity, and information about a color filter. The image processing system described in the above. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information on the photographing function includes information on an imaging mode.
The image processing system according to any one of the above. 9. The image processing system according to claim 8, wherein the information about the imaging mode includes at least one of information about an aperture, information about a shutter speed, and information about a flash. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information about the photographing function includes information about color reproducibility.
The image processing system according to any one of the above. 11. The image processing system according to claim 10, wherein the information on color reproducibility includes information on white balance. 12. An image processing apparatus connected to at least one external image processing apparatus via a communication network, wherein: a means for notifying the external image processing apparatus of information on a photographing function at the time of photographing; Means for receiving a determination result indicating whether or not a shooting function of the external image processing device can correspond to the information; and, based on the received determination result, shooting of the external image processing device based on the information. And a means for determining whether or not a request can be made. 13. An image processing apparatus connected to at least one external image processing apparatus via a communication network, wherein: means for requesting information regarding a shooting function to the external image processing apparatus; Means for receiving information about a function, and a request for photographing to the external image processing apparatus based on information about the photographing function at the time of photographing by the image processing apparatus, based on the received information about the photographing function of the external image processing apparatus. Means for determining whether or not image processing is possible. 14. A request to perform photographing based on information of a photographing function at the time of photographing by the image processing apparatus, when it is determined that the photographing request can be made to the external image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: 15. An image processing apparatus connected to an external image processing apparatus via a communication network, wherein when information about a shooting function at the time of shooting by the external image processing apparatus is received, the received information includes the image A determination unit that determines whether a shooting function of the processing device is compatible, and notifies a determination result to the external image processing device; and when a request for cooperative imaging is received from the external image processing device, A control unit for controlling a photographing function of the image processing apparatus based on the received information and performing photographing. 16. An image processing device connected to an external image processing device via a communication network, wherein when a request for information regarding a shooting function is received from the external image processing device, the information regarding the shooting function is transmitted to the external image processing device. Notifying means for notifying the device, When receiving a request for cooperative imaging from the external image processing device, receiving information on a shooting function at the time of shooting by the external image processing device from the external image processing device, and in the information Control means for controlling a photographing function of the image processing apparatus based on the image processing apparatus and performing photographing. 17. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the information on the photographing function includes information on a photographing lens. 18. The image processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the information on the photographing lens includes information on a focal length. 19. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the information about the photographing function includes information about an image sensor. 20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the information on the image sensor includes at least one of information on the number of pixels, information on a pixel configuration, information on sensitivity, and information on a color filter. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 21. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the information on the photographing function includes information on an imaging mode. 22. The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the information about the imaging mode includes at least one of information about an aperture, information about a shutter speed, and information about a flash. 23. The image processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the information on the photographing function includes information on color reproducibility. 24. The image processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the information on color reproducibility includes information on white balance. 25. A method for controlling an image processing system comprising a first image processing device and at least one second image processing device connected to a communication network, wherein the first image processing A step of notifying the second image processing apparatus of information relating to a photographing function at the time of photographing from the apparatus; and a step of notifying the second image processing apparatus of the photographing function of the second image processing apparatus to the notified information Determining whether or not is compatible, and notifying the first image processing device of the determination result, the first image processing device, based on the notified determination result, the second image Determining whether it is possible to request a processing device to take a photograph based on the information. 26. A method for controlling an image processing system comprising a first image processing device and at least one second image processing device connected to a communication network, the method comprising: A step of requesting information on a photographing function from the apparatus to the second image processing apparatus; and a step of the second image processing apparatus notifying the first image processing apparatus of information on the requested photographing function. The first image processing apparatus requests the second image processing apparatus to perform shooting based on information on a shooting function performed by the first image processing apparatus based on the notified information on the shooting function. A step of determining whether or not the control is possible. 27. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus connected to at least one external image processing apparatus via a communication network, the method comprising: notifying an external image processing apparatus of information relating to a photographing function at the time of photographing; Receiving, from a processing device, a determination result indicating whether or not a shooting function of the external image processing device is compatible with the information; and, based on the received determination result, the external image processing device Determining whether or not a request for imaging based on the image is possible. 28. A method for controlling an image processing device connected to at least one external image processing device via a communication network, the method comprising: requesting information on a photographing function from the external image processing device; Receiving information on a photographing function, and, based on the received information on the photographing function of the external processing device, Determining whether or not a request is possible. 29. A request to perform photographing based on information of a photographing function at the time of photographing by the image processing apparatus, when it is determined that the photographing request can be made to the external image processing apparatus. The control method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, further comprising the step of: 30. A method for controlling an image processing device connected to an external image processing device via a communication network, comprising: a step of receiving information on a shooting function at the time of shooting by the external image processing device; Determining whether the imaging function of the image processing apparatus is compatible, and notifying the external image processing apparatus of the determination result; and when receiving a request for cooperative imaging from the external image processing apparatus, Controlling the photographing function of the image processing apparatus based on the received information to perform photographing. 31. A method for controlling an image processing device connected to an external image processing device via a communication network, the method comprising: receiving a request for information on a photographing function from the external image processing device; A step of notifying the external image processing apparatus, and when receiving a request for cooperative imaging from the external image processing apparatus, receiving information on a shooting function at the time of imaging by the external image processing apparatus from the external image processing apparatus; Controlling a photographing function of the image processing apparatus based on the information to perform photographing. 32. The control method according to claim 25, wherein the information on the photographing function includes information on a photographing lens. 33. The control method according to claim 32, wherein the information on the photographing lens includes information on a focal length. 34. The control method according to claim 25, wherein the information on the photographing function includes information on an image sensor. 35. The information processing apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the information about the image sensor includes at least one of information about the number of pixels, information about a pixel configuration, information about sensitivity, and information about a color filter. The control method described. 36. The control method according to claim 25, wherein the information on the photographing function includes information on an imaging mode. 37. The control method according to claim 36, wherein the information about the imaging mode includes at least one of information about an aperture, information about a shutter speed, and information about a flash. 38. The control method according to claim 25, wherein the information on the photographing function includes information on color reproducibility. 39. The control method according to claim 38, wherein the information on color reproducibility includes information on white balance. 40. A storage medium holding a program code for realizing the control method according to claim 25.