JP2003051912A - System with digital camera and wireless communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system with a digital camera and a wireless communication device, that employs the digital camera with a communication function and the wireless communication device, such as a mobile telephone so as to attain communication over a long time, while reducing current consumption used for the wireless communication at the outside of the camera. SOLUTION: In this system, the digital camera 1 is provided with an imaging lens 12, an operation member 15, and a wireless communication section 18, and the communication device 2 is provided with a wireless communication section 22 and an operation member 23. Then the digital camera 1 has a first connection period, where transmission reception is repeated for a prescribed period, until a connection is established, after the operation of the operation member 15 and a second connection period, where transmission reception is intermittently carried out for a prescribed period, after a lapse of the first connection period. Similarly the communication device 2 has a first connection period, where transmission reception is repeated for a prescribed period until connection is established after the operation of the operation member 23 and a second connection period, where transmission reception is intermittently carried out for a prescribed period, after a lapse of the first connection period.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system having a digital camera and a wireless communication device, and more specifically,
The present invention relates to an improvement in a system having a digital camera with a communication function, a digital camera that performs wireless communication with the outside of the camera using a wireless communication device such as a mobile phone, and a wireless communication device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various cameras have become highly functional.
Higher performance has been achieved. In addition, for example, an auxiliary device has been developed that can switch modes of the camera body and change shooting conditions and the like from outside the camera body.

For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-297438 discloses a camera system in which a transmitter is connected to a camera body and a receiver is connected to a flash device.
In this camera system, the communication path is closed immediately before and after the camera is switched from the operation mode to the standby mode, and the communication path is opened when the camera is switched from the standby mode to the operation mode by a button operation.

[0004]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention
In Japanese Patent No. 97438, if the operation mode is lengthened in consideration of the ease of use of the camera, the transmission circuit also operates for that amount of time, resulting in increased power consumption. On the contrary, if the time to enter the operation mode is shortened to reduce the power consumption, the standby mode is immediately entered. In other words, it is necessary to operate the camera every time communication is performed and shift from the standby mode to the operation mode, which is troublesome.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and reduces the current consumption used for wireless communication outside the camera by using a digital camera with a communication function and a wireless communication device such as a mobile phone. It is an object of the present invention to provide a system having a digital camera and a wireless communication device that enables long-time communication.

[0006]

That is, the present invention provides a digital camera having a first operation member for performing an image pickup operation, an image pickup means including a taking lens for picking up an image of a subject, and a first wireless communication means, and a second camera. And a wireless communication device including a second operation member for performing an input operation, the digital camera comprising:
After the operation member is operated, the first connection period (Tc1) in which transmission / reception is repeated for a predetermined period until the connection is established.
And a second connection period in which transmission / reception is intermittently performed in a predetermined cycle (Tc2) after the lapse of the first connection period (Tc1), and the wireless communication device, after operating the second operation member, There is a first connection period (Tk1) in which transmission and reception are repeated until a connection is established, and a second connection period in which transmission and reception are intermittently performed at a predetermined cycle (Tk2) after the lapse of the first connection period (Tk1). However, the first and second connection periods and the predetermined cycle have a relationship of (Tc1> Tk2) and (Tk1> Tc2).

In a system having a digital camera and a wireless communication device according to the present invention, the digital camera has a first operation member for performing an image pickup operation, an image pickup means including a photographing lens for picking up an object, and a first image pickup means. And wireless communication means. In addition, the wireless communication device includes a second wireless communication unit and a second operation member for performing an input operation. Then, the digital camera has a first connection period (Tc1) in which transmission and reception are repeated for a predetermined period until a connection is established after the operation of the first operation member, and a predetermined period after the first connection period (Tc1) has elapsed. Cycle (Tc
It has a second connection period in which transmission / reception is intermittently performed in 2). Similarly, in the wireless communication device, after the operation of the second operation member, a first connection period (Tk1) in which transmission and reception are repeated for a predetermined period until a connection is established,
It has a second connection period in which transmission / reception is intermittently performed in a predetermined cycle (Tk2) after the lapse of the first connection period (Tk1). Here, the first and second connection periods and the predetermined period are (Tc1> Tk2) and (T
It has a relationship of k1> Tc2).

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the concept of a system having a digital camera and a wireless communication device of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, this system comprises a digital camera 1 and a communication device 2.

The digital camera 1 has a control unit (CPU) 11 that controls the entire digital camera. The control unit 11 includes an image pickup lens 12 and an image pickup unit 13 for picking up an image of a subject, a timer unit 14 for measuring a predetermined period for establishing a connection with the communication device 2, a barrier, a release switch, and the like. And an operation member 15 and a memory unit 1 for storing images and programs
6, a display unit 17 that displays images and various information, and a wireless communication unit 18 that sends and receives image data and the like to and from the communication device 2.

Further, the communication device 2 has a control unit (CPU) 21 which controls the communication device 2 as a whole. A wireless communication unit 22 for performing wireless communication with the digital camera, an operation member 23 for performing an input operation of the communication device 2, and a timer unit 24 are connected to the control unit 21. ing.

5A and 5B are time charts for explaining the operation timing of the system shown in FIG. 1, where FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the communication timing of the camera, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the communication timing of the communication device. Is.

On the camera side, first, after the camera is operated, transmission and reception are continuously performed for a period of Tc1 to try to establish a connection. After that, Tc3 during Tc2 period
Only during the period, transmission / reception for establishing a connection is performed. After the Tc4 period, transmission / reception for establishing a connection is not performed.

In the present embodiment, the Tc1 period corresponds to the setup of the digital camera (extending the lens wide). Further, the Tc4 period corresponds to the operation period of the digital camera, and in the present embodiment, the display is started after the digital camera is operated and set up, the display is turned off after 4 minutes, and the period until the lens is collapsed. Corresponding to. After that, wireless communication is not performed until the camera is newly operated.

On the other hand, on the side of the communication device, transmission / reception is continuously performed for Tk1 period after the operation of the communication device to try to establish the connection. After that, transmission / reception for establishing a connection is performed only during the Tk3 period of the Tk2 period. Furthermore, after the Tk4 period, transmission / reception for establishing a connection is not performed.

Next, the transmission / reception timing in the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the time charts of FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b).

In the digital camera 1, after the operation member 15 is operated, transmission / reception is repeated for a predetermined period (Tc1) in order to establish a connection with the communication device 2 of the communication partner. When the connection cannot be established within the predetermined period (Tc1), thereafter, transmission / reception for establishing the connection is performed intermittently at a predetermined cycle (Tc2).

On the other hand, in the communication device 2, after the operation member 23 is operated, the transmission is repeated for a predetermined period (Tk1) in order to establish a connection with the communication partner digital camera 1. Then, if the connection cannot be established during that time, then the reception is performed intermittently at a predetermined cycle (Tk2). Here, the relationship between the predetermined period and the cycle is
(Tc1> Tk2) and (Tk1> Tc2).

When the digital camera 1 and the communication device 2 are operated almost at the same time, both the digital camera 1 and the communication device 2 transmit and receive repeatedly (Tc1, Tc).
Since k1), the connection is quickly established.

The operation of the digital camera 1 is performed first,
When the communication device 2 is operated while the digital camera 1 is intermittently transmitting / receiving for establishing a connection at a predetermined cycle Tc2, the connection may not be established immediately, but Tk1> Since it is Tc2, the connection can be established within the maximum Tc2 period.

On the contrary, the digital camera 1 is operated when the communication device 2 is first operated and the communication device 2 is intermittently transmitting and receiving for establishing the connection at the predetermined cycle Tk2. The same applies to the case. That is, although the connection may not be immediately established, since Tc1> Tk2, the connection can be established within the maximum Tc1 period.

If the camera and the communication device are constantly transmitting and receiving to establish the connection, the current consumption becomes large, and the usable time of the battery-operated camera and the communication device becomes very short. However, it is possible to drastically reduce the current consumption by intermittently transmitting and receiving the connection establishment as in the present invention.

Period Tc for waiting for connection establishment
The values of 1 and Tk1 are sufficiently acceptable to the user if they are about 0.1 to 1 second.

In general, a camera performs mechanical control such as lens extension after the camera is powered on to prepare for shooting. If the lens extension period is Tc1, the lens is extended. Since the connection is established before, there is no need to wait.

Next, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection form between the digital camera and the communication device in the system of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a connection form between a digital camera and a mobile phone having a built-in wireless communication section.

In the figure, the digital camera 30 has a built-in wireless communication section 31 which is a wireless means.
On the other hand, the mobile phone 33 has a built-in wireless communication unit 34 that transmits and receives signals to and from the wireless communication unit 31 in the digital camera 30. In this case, the mobile phone 33 is Java
(Registered trademark) programs can be executed, and
Not only can the wireless communication with the digital camera 30 be controlled by the (registered trademark) program, but a home page or database on the Internet can be accessed.

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a connection form between a digital camera and a mobile phone having no built-in wireless communication section.

In FIG. 2, the mobile phone 35 is shown in FIG.
Unlike the mobile phone 33 shown in (a), it does not have a built-in wireless communication unit. The mobile phone 35 is configured to transmit / receive data to / from the wireless communication unit 31 in the digital camera 30 via a wireless communication device 36 mounted outside the phone.

That is, the portable telephone 35 is Java
(Registered trademark) A device that does not support the program. The wireless communication device 36 communicates with the digital camera 30 via the wireless communication device 31 and is connected to an interface unit such as a USB (registered trademark) of the mobile phone 35, and via the mobile phone 35, a home page or a database on the Internet. Will be accessible. In this case, the mobile phone 35 functions only as a line.

The wireless communication device 36 includes a power-on switch (PWSW) 37a, a release switch (RELSW) 37b, and a set transmission switch (SET).
SW) 37c and display section 38 for displaying the IP address
And are provided.

FIG. 2C is a diagram showing a connection form between the digital camera and the personal computer.

The digital camera 30 can be connected to, for example, a personal computer 40 as another communication device instead of a mobile phone. In this case, the wireless communication device 41 is attached to the personal computer 40 via an interface unit such as USB (registered trademark). The wireless communication device 41 communicates with the digital camera 30 via the wireless communication device 31 and is connected to the interface section of the personal computer 40 described above to enable access to a home page or database on the Internet.

The wireless communication device 41 has a power-on switch (PW) as in the wireless communication device 36 described above.
SW) 42a and release switch (RELSW) 42
b, a set transmission switch (SETSW) 42c, and a display unit 43 are provided.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external structure of the digital camera according to the present invention.

A photographing lens 46 is attached to the front surface of the main body 45 of the digital camera 30. On the other hand, the main body 4
On the back surface of 5, there is provided a finder 47 for capturing a subject image, and on the rear lid portion there is provided an image display portion 48 composed of an LCD or the like for image display.

A zoom switch (S) for driving a zoom lens (not shown) is provided near the image display section 48.
W) 50, an image display switch (SW) 51 for displaying the captured image on the image display section 48, and an image immediately before or after the image displayed on the image display section 48. The image up / down switch (SW) 52 including a seesaw switch and the display image are displayed on the digital camera 30.
And a transfer switch (SW) 53 for transferring the data from each. Further, in FIG. 3, in the vicinity of the right end portion of the back surface of the main body, an IC card 55 as a storage means is provided.
A card lid 56 for holding the card is provided so that it can be opened and closed.

On the upper part of the main body 45 of the digital camera, various modes are displayed and an LCD for displaying the IP address of the camera and the IP address of the communication partner (the mobile phone number if the communication partner is a mobile phone) are displayed. A configured information display section 58 is provided. Further, on the upper part of the main body 45, a mode switch (SW) 59 for switching the photographing mode of the camera and a release switch (S) for photographing operation.
W) 60 is provided.

The information display section 58 displays not only the IP address but also display marks (camera in this case) 61 and (same mobile phone) 62 representing the IP address, as well as a photographing mode and the like.

FIG. 4 is an external view showing a structural example of a mobile phone 33 of the type having a built-in wireless communication section as shown in FIG. 2 (a).

The mobile phone 33 comprises an operation unit 65 for key operation, a display unit 66 for displaying an image obtained on the public telephone network or the Internet, and an antenna 67 for transmitting and receiving information. Then, the operation unit 65
Is composed of a keyboard 68 including a plurality of keys such as a numeric keypad and a plurality of function keys.

Next, the main operation of the digital camera will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

In the digital camera, first, the state of the barrier (not shown) is judged. Here, if the barrier is closed, the process proceeds to step S2, and the zoom lens is retracted and put in the stored state. Then, step S3
At, the LCD is turned off. As a result, the communication status display, the camera IP address display, and the communication partner IP address display are turned off. After that, the operation of the camera is stopped in step S4. Then, when the operation of the camera is started again, the process proceeds to step S1.

On the other hand, when the barrier is opened in step S1, the process proceeds to step S5, and the wireless IP address of the digital camera is displayed on the LCD (information display section 58). Next, in step S6, the wireless communication circuit such as the built-in wireless communication unit 31 is turned on.

Further, in step S7, the zoom lens is returned to the wide position and is ready for photographing. In step S8, the I of the LCD displayed in step S5 is displayed.
The display of the P address is turned off. Then, step S
At 9, a 4-minute timer for displaying the LCD of the camera and a 2-second timer for searching for a communication partner existing around the camera are started.

In step S10, the state of the barrier is determined again. Here, if the barrier is in the closed state, the process proceeds to step S2, and if it is in the open state, the process proceeds to step S11.

Next, in step S11, it is determined whether or not 2 seconds have elapsed since the 2-second timer was started in step S9. Here, if it is within 2 seconds, the process proceeds to step S16, and the state of the wireless circuit is determined.

On the other hand, if the time exceeds 2 seconds in step S11, it is determined in step S12 whether or not 2 seconds later and within 0.01 second of every 0.5 second. . That is, it is determined whether or not it is within 0.01 seconds of 0.5 seconds that are transmitted / received intermittently after the lapse of 2 seconds. Here, if it is within the intermittent time, step S
16. If not so, move to step S13.

In step S13, it is determined whether or not wireless communication is in progress. If wireless communication is in progress, the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if the wireless communication is not in progress, that is, if the above-mentioned 2 seconds have elapsed and within 0.49 seconds of 0.5 seconds that are transmitted and received intermittently, the process proceeds to step S14.

When the radio circuit is turned off in step S14, the "HALT" state is set in the following step S15. The "HALT" state is a state in which the operation of the CPU is stopped, and is the state in which the operation is started by the timer interrupt, various keys, or switch input after 0.5 seconds. This is the power saving mode, and when the operation is started, the process proceeds to step S25.

In step S16, the state of the radio circuit is judged. Here, if the wireless circuit is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S17 and the wireless circuit is turned on.
In this way, it is determined in step S18 whether the connection with the communication device has been established while the wireless circuit is on.

If the connection is not established, the process moves to step S19, and the information display section 58 displays that the connection with the communication device is not established. Next, in step S20, the transmission for establishing the connection with the communication device is transmitted for a certain period (for example, 0.01
Seconds). Thus, if there is a reply from the communication device, the connection is established, and if there is no reply, the connection is not established.

On the other hand, if the connection with the communication device is established in step S18, step S21.
The information display section 58 displays a message indicating that the connection has been established by shifting to.

Next, in step S22, it is determined whether or not the communication device of the communication partner of the digital camera is a mobile phone. As a result, when the communication partner is the mobile phone, the process proceeds to step S23, and the telephone number of the mobile phone as the communication partner or the lower four digits thereof is displayed on the information display unit 58. On the other hand, if the communication partner is not the mobile phone, the process proceeds to step S24, and the IP address of the communication device as the communication partner or the lower four digits thereof is displayed on the information display unit 58.

Next, in step S25, it is determined whether or not there is a key input. Here, if there is a key input, the process proceeds to step S26 and the process according to the key input is executed. At this time, the setting of the automatic image transfer mode is also canceled.

In step S27, it is determined whether or not a release request signal has been received. Here, if the release request is received, the process proceeds to step S33, and if it is not received, the operation states of the various switches in steps S28 to S32 are determined.

That is, first, in step S28, the state of the release switch (release SW) 60 is determined. Here, if the release switch 60 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S33, and if it is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S29.

In steps S33 to S40, a release process is performed. First, in step S33, the image pickup circuit in the image pickup unit is turned on, and subsequently, in steps S34 and S35, distance measurement and photometry are performed. Furthermore, when focusing is performed in step S36, imaging is performed in step S37. Then, in step S38, processing of the captured image is performed.

This image processing is, for example, processing such as defect image correction, white balance adjustment, image data compression, and image data storage. After these image processing,
In step S39, the number of frames imaged is counted up. Further, the image display is turned on in step S40, and the obtained image is displayed on the image display unit 48.

Next, in step S41, it is determined whether or not the image automatic transfer mode is set. In the case of the image automatic transfer mode, the process proceeds to step S42, and first, the display indicating that the image is being transmitted is turned on. Then, step S43
At, source information is added to the transmitted image data. Furthermore, in step S44, the image data of the display image is transmitted. Then, in step S45, the display indicating that the image is being transmitted is turned off. Then, step S46
Move to.

In step S46, the 4-minute timer for LCD display is started. In the following step S47, a 10-second timer for image display is started. Then, it transfers to step S54.

If the release switch is not pressed in step S28, the state of the zoom switch 50 (zoom up switch (ZUS
W) and the zoom down switch (ZDSW) is turned on and off. Here, if the zoom switch 50 is turned on (zoom up or zoom down), the process proceeds to step S48, and the zoom lens is controlled.
Then, it transfers to step S52.

If the zoom switch is not turned on in step S29, the process proceeds to step S30 and the state of the mode switch (mode SW) 59 is determined. Here, if the mode switch 59 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S49 and the mode changing process is executed. After this changing process, the process proceeds to step S52.

If the mode switch is not turned on in step S30, the process proceeds to step S31 and it is determined whether the image display switch (image display SW) 51 is turned on. Then, if the image display switch 51 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S50 to perform image display processing, and then proceeds to step S52.

Further, if the image display switch is not turned on in step S31, the process proceeds to step S32 and the image up / down switch (image up / down S
W) 52 status is determined. Here, if the image up / down switch 52 is pressed during image display, the process proceeds to step S51, and if not pressed, step S54.
Move to.

In step S51, the previous or next captured image is displayed on the image display unit 48 in response to the down or up of the image up / down switch 52.

In step S52, a 4-minute timer for LCD display is started. In the following step S53, a 10-second timer for image display is started. Then, it transfers to step S54.

In step S54, it is determined whether the image display time of 10 seconds by the timer has elapsed. If 10 seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S55 and the image display is turned off. Next, in step S56, the 10-second timer for image display is stopped.

If the 10-second timer is stopped or if 10 seconds have not elapsed in step S54, the process proceeds to step S57 to determine whether the connection between the digital camera and the communication device has been established. Is judged. Here, if the connection is not established, the process proceeds to step S74, and if it is established, the process proceeds to step S58.

In step S58, the state of the image transfer switch (image transfer SW) 53 is determined. If the image transfer switch 53 is turned on, step S64
If it is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S59.

In step S59, it is determined whether or not the automatic image transfer mode is set. Here, in the image automatic transfer mode, the process proceeds to step S60, and it is determined whether or not there is an untransmitted image after the release. If there is an untransmitted image, the process proceeds to step S68. If there is no untransmitted image or if the image is not in the automatic image transfer mode, the process proceeds to step S61.

In step S61, it is determined whether or not an image transmission request has been received from the communication device. If the image transmission request is received, the process proceeds to step S68, and if not, the process proceeds to step S62.

Then, in step S62, it is determined whether or not an image display request has been received. Here, if the image display request is not received, the process proceeds to step S74. On the other hand, when the image display request is received, the process proceeds to step S63, and after the supported image is displayed, the process proceeds to step S74.

In step S64, the state of the radio circuit is judged. Here, if the wireless circuit is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S65 and the wireless circuit is turned on. Then, with the wireless circuit turned on, step S66.
Then, it is judged whether or not the image is being displayed. If the image is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S68. If it is not being displayed, the process proceeds to step S67 and the latest captured image is displayed on the image display unit 48. Then, it transfers to step S68.

In step S68, the display indicating that the image is being transmitted is turned on. Then, in step S69, the transmission source information is added to the transmitted image data. Furthermore,
In step S70, the image data of the display image is transmitted. Then, in step S71, the display indicating that the image is being transmitted is turned off.

Next, in step S72, a 4-minute timer for LCD display is started. Continued Step S73
Then, the 10-second timer for image display is started. Then, it transfers to step S74.

In step S74, it is determined whether 4 minutes have elapsed since the 4-minute timer was started. Here, if 4 minutes have not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, when 4 minutes have passed, the process proceeds to step S75, and the zoom lens is controlled to the wide position.

Further, the display on the LCD is turned off in step S76. Then, when the wireless circuit is turned off in step S77, this routine ends.

By stopping the camera operation, the original vibration is also stopped and the current consumption becomes zero. Then, the camera operation is restored by opening the barrier or attaching / detaching the battery.

Next, the processing operation of the communication device for communicating with the above-mentioned digital camera will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, in step S81, it is determined whether or not the communication device is a mobile phone equipped with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Java (registered trademark) program. Here, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Ja
If the mobile phone is not equipped with the va (registered trademark) program, the process proceeds to step S131 described later, but if the mobile phone is installed, the process proceeds to step S82.

That is, step S82 to be described below.
In S122, the processing operation of the mobile phone 33 including the wireless communication unit 34 as shown in FIG. 2A is performed, and the communication with the digital camera is controlled by the Java (registered trademark) program of the mobile phone 33. It

In step S82, it is determined whether or not the mobile phone to be used has downloaded the Java (registered trademark) program. If the program has already been downloaded, the process proceeds to step S86, and if not already downloaded, the process proceeds to step S83.

In step S83, the IP address of the camera displayed when the digital camera is powered on is input. Here, the IP address on the camera side or the lower 4 digits thereof displayed on the camera at the time of power-on is input.

Next, in step S84, the input IP address of the digital camera is registered in the database on the network. Then, in step S85, J
The ava (registered trademark) program is downloaded.

In step S86, the downloaded J
The ava (registered trademark) program is started. continue,
In step S87, a 4-minute timer for LCD display and a 2-second timer for searching for a communication partner (the digital camera 30 in this case) existing around the mobile phone 33 are started.

Next, in step S88, it is determined whether or not 2 seconds have elapsed since the 2-second timer was started in step S87. If it is within 2 seconds, the process proceeds to step S90. On the other hand, if it exceeds 2 seconds in step S88, it is determined in step S89 whether or not 2 seconds later and within 0.01 seconds of every 0.5 seconds. That is, it is determined whether or not it is within 0.01 seconds of 0.5 seconds that are transmitted / received intermittently after the lapse of 2 seconds. Here, if it is within the intermittent time, the process proceeds to step S90, and if not, the process proceeds to step S95.

In step S90, the digital camera 30
It is determined whether or not the connection with is established. Here, if the connection is not established, the process proceeds to step S91, and it is displayed that the connection with the digital camera 30 is not established. Next, in step S92, transmission for establishing a connection with the digital camera 30 is performed for a fixed period (for example, 0.01 seconds).

Further, in step S93, it is determined whether or not the IP address of the communication partner, in this case, the digital camera 30, is the above-mentioned input or selected IP address. Here, if both match, step S
If not, the process proceeds to step S95. That is, if there is a reply from the communication partner (digital camera 30) of the mobile phone 33 and the IP address of the communication partner and the input or selected IP address match, the connection is established.

If the connection with the digital camera 30 is already established in step S90, step S9.
Then, the process moves to step 4, and a message indicating that the connection is established is displayed.

The processing from step S95 onward is processing by operating the keyboard 68 of the mobile phone 33. That is, first, in step S95, it is determined whether or not the "#" key of the keyboard 68 of the mobile phone 33 is turned on. Here, if the “#” key is turned on, the process proceeds to step S96, and if not, the process proceeds to step S98.

In step S96, the IP address of the camera displayed when the digital camera is powered on is additionally input. Here, the IP address on the camera side or the lower 4 digits thereof displayed on the camera at the time of power-on is input. Next, in step S97, the input IP address of the digital camera is registered in the database on the network.

Then, in step S98, it is determined whether or not the connection between the mobile phone 33 and the digital camera 30 has been established. If the connection is established, the process proceeds to step S99, and if not, the process proceeds to step S122.

In step S99, it is determined whether the "*" key of the keyboard 68 of the mobile phone 33 has been turned on. Here, if the "*" key is turned on, the process proceeds to step S100, and if it is not turned on, step S1 is performed.
Move to 03.

In step S100, the digital camera 3
A request for release processing (imaging) is transmitted to 0. Next, in step S101, the latest captured image is requested of the digital camera 30. And in response to this request,
When the latest captured image is transmitted from the digital camera 30 to the mobile phone 33, the image is displayed on the display unit 66. Further, in step S102, the 4-minute timer is restarted.

In step S103, it is determined whether the "2" key on the keyboard 68 of the mobile phone 33 has been turned on. If the "2" key is turned on, the process proceeds to step S104, and if it is not turned on, the step S104 is performed.
Move to 106.

In step S104, the digital camera 3
The latest captured image is required for 0. When the latest captured image is transmitted from the digital camera 30 to the mobile phone 33 in response to this request, the image is displayed on the display unit 66. Next, in step S105, the 4-minute timer is restarted.

In step S106, it is determined whether or not an image is currently being displayed. As a result, if the image is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S107, and if it is not being displayed, the process proceeds to step S122.

In step S107, it is determined whether the "4" key of the keyboard 68 of the mobile phone 33 has been turned on. Here, if the "4" key is turned on, the process proceeds to step S108, and if it is not turned on, the step S108 is performed.
Move to 110.

In step S108, the digital camera 3
The captured image immediately before the present is requested to be 0. In response to this request, when the digital camera 30 transmits the previous captured image to the mobile phone 33, the image is displayed on the display unit 66. Then, in step S109, 4
The minute timer is restarted.

Next, in step S110, it is determined whether or not the "6" key of the keyboard 68 of the mobile phone 33 has been turned on. Here, if the "6" key is turned on, the process proceeds to step S111, and if not, the process proceeds to step S113.

In step S111, the digital camera 3
A captured image one after the present is requested to be 0. In response to this request, when the digital camera 30 transmits the captured image after the above one to the mobile phone 33, the image is displayed on the display unit 66. Then, in step S112, 4
The minute timer is restarted.

In step S113, it is determined whether the "8" key on the keyboard 68 of the mobile phone 33 has been turned on. Here, if the "8" key is turned on, the process proceeds to step S114, and if it is not turned on, the step S114 is performed.
Move to 116.

In step S114, the digital camera 3
The image displayed at 0 is transmitted to the database on the network. Then, in step S115, the 4-minute timer is restarted.

In step S116, it is determined whether or not the "0" key on the keyboard 68 of the mobile phone 33 has been turned on. If the "0" key is turned on, the process proceeds to step S117, and if it is not turned on, the step S117 is performed.
Transition to 119.

In steps S114 and S117, a warning is issued if there is an unregistered image.

In step S119, after the key operation of the keyboard is determined as described above, it is determined whether the digital camera 30 requests image transmission. If there is a request, the process proceeds to step S120,
If not, the process proceeds to step S122.

In step S120, the image data, the image information, and the digital camera information are received by the mobile phone 33. Then, in step S121,
The image data, the image information, and the digital camera information received in step S120 are transmitted from the mobile phone 33 to the database via the public telephone network or the Internet.

Thereafter, in step S122, it is determined whether or not 4 minutes of the time measured by the 4-minute timer has elapsed. Here, if 4 minutes have not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S88, and if 4 minutes has elapsed, this routine ends.

Next, the processing operation when the communication device is not a portable telephone having the Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Java (registered trademark) program installed will be described.

At step S81, Bluetooth is executed.
If it is determined that the mobile phone is not equipped with the th (registered trademark) or Java (registered trademark) program, step S131.
At, it is determined whether or not the communication device is a mobile phone that is not compatible with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Java (registered trademark) programs. As a result, Blue
If the mobile phone does not support the tooth (registered trademark) or Java (registered trademark) program, the process proceeds to step S132. If not, step S161 described later.
Move to.

That is, step S132 described below.
From S156 to S156, the processing operation of the mobile phone 35 to which the wireless communication device 36 can be attached as shown in FIG. 2B is performed, and the wireless communication device 36 controls the communication with the digital camera 30. Therefore, the mobile phone 35 in this case has only the role of a line.

In step S132, the 4-minute timer for LCD display and the 2-second timer for searching for the communication partner (the digital camera 30 in this case) existing around the wireless communication device 36 are started. .

Next, in step S133, it is determined whether or not 2 seconds have elapsed since the 2-second timer was started in step S132. Here, if it is within 2 seconds, the process proceeds to step S135. On the other hand, the above step S1
If it exceeds 2 seconds at 33, the process proceeds to step S134, and it is determined whether or not it is within 2 seconds and within 0.01 seconds of every 0.5 seconds. That is, 0.01 seconds out of 0.5 seconds that are transmitted and received intermittently after the above 2 seconds have elapsed.
It is determined whether it is within seconds. Here, if it is within the intermittent time, the process proceeds to step S135, and if not, the process proceeds to step S144.

In step S135, the digital camera 3
It is determined whether or not the connection with 0 has been established. Here, if the above connection is not established, the process proceeds to step S136, and the digital camera 30
A message that the connection with is not established is displayed. Next, in step S137, the transmission for establishing the connection with the digital camera 30 is transmitted for a certain period (for example, 0.01
Seconds).

Furthermore, in step S138, the IP address of the communication partner, in this case, the digital camera 30, is
It is determined whether the IP address is the input or selected IP address. Here, if both match, step S13
9 and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step S144. That is, if there is a reply from the communication partner (digital camera 30) of the wireless communication device 36 to which the mobile phone 35 is attached, and the IP address of the communication partner and the input or selected IP address match, the connection is established.

If the connection with the digital camera 30 is already established in step S135, step S135.
Transition to 139.

In step S139, it is determined whether or not the other party with which the wireless communication device 36 is connected is the already registered camera. If only registered cameras are available, the process proceeds to step S140,
If not, the process proceeds to step S143.

In step S140, the IP address of the communication partner (digital camera 30) currently connected is displayed on the display section 38 of the wireless communication device 36. Next, in step S141, the power-on switch (PW
Each time the (SW) 37a is turned on, the display of the IP address during connection displayed on the display unit 38 is switched.

Further, when the set transmission switch 37c is operated in step S142, the digital camera 30 in connection is registered. This is registered by turning on the set transmission switch 37c when the IP address on the camera side or the lower 4 digits thereof displayed on the camera at power-on is displayed.

On the other hand, if the connection partner is a registered camera, the establishment of a connection with the camera is displayed in step S143. That is, the IP address of the camera is displayed on the display unit 38 of the wireless communication device 36.

Next, in step S144, it is determined whether or not the connection between the wireless communication device 36 and the registered digital camera 30 has been established. Here, if the connection is established, step S14
5, the process proceeds to step S155 if not established.

In step S145, the wireless communication device 36
It is determined whether or not (remote control) release switch (RLSW) 37b is turned on. Here, if the release switch 37b is turned on, the process proceeds to step S146, and if not, the process proceeds to step S148.

In step S146, the digital camera 3
A request for release processing (imaging) is transmitted to 0. Next, when the 4-minute timer is restarted in step S147, the process proceeds to step S148.

In step S148, the wireless communication device 36
It is determined whether or not the set transmission switch (SETSW) 37c has been turned on. Here, if the set transmission switch 37c is turned on, the process proceeds to step S149,
If it is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S152.

In step S149, the digital camera 3
A request for displaying the latest captured image is transmitted to 0. Then, in response to this request, the image currently being displayed is transmitted to the database on the network. Next, in step S151, the 4-minute timer is restarted.

In step S152, it is determined whether there is an image transmission request from the digital camera 30. As a result, if there is a request, the process proceeds to step S153, and if there is no request, the process proceeds to step S155.

In step S153, the image data, the image information, and the information of the digital camera 30 are transferred to the wireless communication device 3
Received at 6. Next, in step S154, the image data, the image information, and the digital camera information received in step S153 are transmitted from the wireless communication device 36 to the database via the public telephone network or the Internet.

Then, in step S155, it is determined whether or not 4 minutes of the time measured by the 4-minute timer has elapsed. Here, if 4 minutes have not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S156, and if 4 minutes has elapsed, this routine ends. In step S156, it is determined whether or not the wireless communication device 36 is connected to the mobile phone 35. As a result, if connected, the above step S1
The process moves to 33, and if not connected, this routine ends.

Next, the processing operation when the communication device is neither a Bluetooth (registered trademark), a Java (registered trademark) program-equipped mobile phone, nor an incompatible mobile phone will be described.

At step S131, Bluetooth is set.
If it is determined that the mobile phone is not compatible with the oth (registered trademark) or Java (registered trademark) program,
In step S161, the USB (registered trademark) status is determined. If no voltage is applied to the USB (registered trademark), this routine ends. On the other hand, if voltage is applied to the USB (registered trademark), step S162
Move to.

In this state, when the USB (registered trademark) terminal is connected to the host, that is, the personal computer 41 or PDA (registered trademark) is connected, the digital camera is connected to the digital camera by the personal computer or PDA (registered trademark). Is a state in which the communication is controlled.

In step S162, the digital camera 3
It is determined whether or not the connection with 0 has been established. Here, if the connection is not established, the process proceeds to step S163, and the digital camera 30
A message that the connection with is not established is displayed. Next, in step S164, transmission for establishing a connection with the digital camera 30 is performed for a certain period (for example, 0.01
Seconds).

Further, in step S165, it is determined whether or not the IP address of the communication partner, in this case, the digital camera 30, is the input or selected IP address. Here, if they match, step S166.
If they do not match, the process proceeds to step S171. That is, if there is a reply from the communication partner (digital camera 30) of the wireless communication device 41 and the IP address of the communication partner and the input or selected IP address match, the connection is established.

If the connection with the digital camera 30 is already established in step S162, step S162.
Move to 166. In step S166, it is determined whether or not the partner with which the wireless communication device 41 is connected is only the already registered camera. Here, if there are only registered cameras, the process proceeds to step S170, and if not, the process proceeds to step S167.

In step S167, the IP address of the communication partner (digital camera 30) currently connected is displayed on the display unit 43 of the wireless communication device 41. Next, in step S168, the power-on switch (PW
Each time the (SW) 42a is turned on, the display of the IP address during connection displayed on the display unit 43 is switched.

Further, when the set transmission switch 42c is operated in step S169, the digital camera 30 in connection is registered. This is registered by turning on the set transmission switch 37c when the IP address on the camera side or the lower 4 digits thereof displayed on the camera at power-on is displayed.

On the other hand, if the connection partner is a registered camera, the establishment of the connection with the camera is displayed in step S170. That is, the IP address of the camera is displayed on the display unit 43 of the wireless communication device 41.

Next, in step S171, it is determined whether or not the connection between the wireless communication device 41 and the registered digital camera 30 has been established. Here, if the connection has been established, step S17.
2, the process proceeds to step S177 if not established.

When the above connection has been established, the connection is physically made, but the logical and communication contents function equivalently to the normal priority USB (registered trademark) connection.

Then, in step S172, it is determined whether or not there is a transmission from a personal computer or PDA (registered trademark). Here, if there is a transmission from the device, the process proceeds to step S173, processing is performed according to the transmission content from the personal computer or PDA (registered trademark), and then the process proceeds to step S174. On the other hand, if there is no transmission from both devices in step S172, the process directly proceeds to step S174.

In step S174, it is determined whether or not there is a request for image transmission from the digital camera. here,
If there is no request, the process proceeds to step S177, and if there is a request, the process proceeds to step S175.

In step S175, the image data, the image information, and the digital camera information are received by the wireless communication device 41. Next, in step S176, the image data, the image information, and the digital camera information received in step S175 are transmitted to the database via the public telephone network or the Internet.

Then, in step S177, it is determined again whether or not a voltage is applied to the USB (registered trademark) terminal. As a result, if it is applied, the process proceeds to step S162, and if not applied, this routine ends.

Next, the processing operation on the database side on the net will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S181, Java is executed.
It is determined whether the request is a download request for the a (registered trademark) program. If the request is for downloading the program, the process proceeds to step S182, and if not, the process proceeds to step S186.

In step S182, it is determined whether the IP address on the camera side has already been registered on the wireless communication device side. If registered, step S18
3. If registration has not been completed, go to step S185.
Move to each.

If the IP address is already registered, it is displayed on the digital camera when the power is turned on, and the database is managed by the IP address of the camera or its lower 4 digits.
That is, in step S183, a database directory is created with the IP address of the camera. Next, in step S184, the IP address on the camera side is registered.

In step S185, the Java (registered trademark) program is downloaded.

Next, in step S186, it is determined whether or not the request is a registration request for the camera being used. Here, if it is a registration request, the process proceeds to step S187, and if it is not a registration request, the process proceeds to step S190.

In step S187, it is determined whether or not the IP address on the camera side has been registered. If registered, the process proceeds to step S190, and if not registered, the process proceeds to step S188.

Then, in step S188, a database directory is created with the IP address on the camera side. Then, in step S189, the IP on the camera side
The address is registered.

In step S190, it is determined whether or not there is an image data registration request. If it is not the registration request, the process proceeds to step S181, and if it is the registration request, the process proceeds to step S191.

At step S191, the camera IP
Image data, shooting date and time, and IP addresses of wireless communication devices such as mobile phones are stored in pairs in a directory corresponding to the addresses. Next, in step S192, it is determined whether or not the camera-side IP address has been registered. Here, if registered, the process proceeds to step S181. On the other hand, if the IP address is not registered, the process proceeds to step S193, and a warning that the IP address on the camera side is not registered is transmitted. Then, the process proceeds to step S181.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, long-time communication is possible while reducing the power consumption used for wireless communication between the camera and the external communication device.

According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the following constitution can be obtained.

That is, (1) In a system having a camera having a first operating member, a photographing means and a first wireless communication means, and a wireless communication device having a second operating member and a second wireless communication means, After the operation of the operation member, the camera repeats transmission and reception for a predetermined period until the connection is established in the first connection period (T
c1) and a second connection period in which transmission / reception is intermittently performed at a predetermined cycle (Tc2) after the lapse of the first connection period (Tc1), and the wireless communication device, after operating the second operation member, A first connection period (Tk1) in which transmission and reception are repeated for a predetermined period until the connection is established;
After the lapse of the first connection period (Tk1), there is a second connection period in which transmission / reception is intermittently performed in a predetermined cycle (Tk2), (Tc1> Tk2) and (Tk1> Tc2).
A system having a camera and a wireless communication device.

(2) In the system having the camera and the wireless communication device described in (1) above, the camera has a power switch means, a storage state in which a photographic lens is further stored, and the photographic lens is extended. Has a ready-to-shoot state, and the power switch unit operates to change from the stored state to the ready-to-shoot state or from the ready-to-shoot state to the stored state, and during the transition period from the stored state to the ready-to-shoot state, the first connection. A system having a camera and a wireless communication device, wherein the system is for a period (Tc1).

(3) In the system having the camera and the wireless communication device described in (2) above, the camera has a display means and a timer means, and an image is taken from the housed state by operating the power switch means. The display means and the timer means are operated in synchronism with the shift to the enabled state, the second connection period is entered, and the operation of the display means is stopped after the timer means has measured for a predetermined period. A system having a camera and a wireless communication device, characterized by terminating the connection period of.

(4) In the system having the camera and the wireless communication device described in (3) above, the camera displays the connection state with the wireless communication device on the display means. And a system having a wireless communication device.

(5) In the system having the camera and the wireless communication device described in (1) above, the wireless communication device is built in or connected to a mobile phone, and the camera and the wireless communication device are characterized in that System with.

[0164]

As described above, according to the present invention, by using a digital camera with a communication function and a wireless communication device such as a mobile phone, it is possible to reduce the current consumption used for wireless communication outside the camera for a long time. A system having a digital camera and a wireless communication device that enable communication can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing a concept of a system having a digital camera and a wireless communication device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a specific embodiment of the present invention, showing a connection form between a digital camera and a communication device in the system of the present invention, in which (a) is a built-in digital camera and a wireless communication unit. Shows a connection form between the digital camera and the mobile phone, (b) shows a connection form between the digital camera and the mobile phone without a built-in wireless communication unit, and (c) shows a connection form between the digital camera and the personal computer. It is the figure shown.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a digital camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an external view showing a configuration example of a mobile phone 33 of a type having a built-in wireless communication unit as shown in FIG.

5A and 5B are time charts for explaining the operation timing of the system shown in FIG. 1, in which FIG. 5A is a diagram showing communication timing of the camera, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing communication timing of the communication device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a main operation of the digital camera according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a main operation of the digital camera according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a main operation of the digital camera according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a communication device that communicates with a digital camera.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a communication device that communicates with a digital camera.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a communication device that communicates with a digital camera.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a communication device that communicates with a digital camera.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a communication device that communicates with a digital camera.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a communication device that communicates with a digital camera.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation on the database side on the net.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,30 digital cameras, 2 communication devices, 11, 21 control unit, 12 shooting lens, 13 Imaging unit, 14, 24 Timer section, 15, 23 operation member, 16 memory section, 17, 38, 43, 66 Display, 18, 22 Wireless communication part, 31 wireless communication unit, 33, 35 mobile phones, 34 wireless communication unit, 36, 41 wireless communication device, 37a, 42a Power-on switch (PWSW), 37b, 42b Release switch (RELSW), 37c, 42c Set transmission switch (SETSW), 40 personal computer, 45 body, 48 image display, 50 Zoom switch (SW), 51 Image display switch (SW), 52 Image up / down switch (SW), 53 Transfer switch (SW), 58 Information display section, 59 Mode switch (SW), 60 Release switch (SW), 65 Operation part, 68 keyboard.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A digital camera including a first operation member for performing an image capturing operation, an image capturing unit including a taking lens for capturing an image of a subject, and a first wireless communication unit, and a second wireless communication unit for performing an input operation. And a wireless communication device including a second operation member for operating the first operation member.
There is a first connection period (Tc1) in which transmission / reception is repeated for a predetermined period until a connection is established, and a second connection period in which transmission / reception is intermittently performed in a predetermined cycle (Tc2) after the lapse of the first connection period (Tc1). The wireless communication device, after the operation of the second operation member, repeats transmission and reception for a predetermined period until a connection is established.
Connection period (Tk1) and a second connection period in which transmission / reception is intermittently performed in a predetermined cycle (Tk2) after the first connection period (Tk1) has passed, and the first and second connection periods The predetermined cycle is
A system having a digital camera and a wireless communication device, which has a relationship of (Tc1> Tk2) and (Tk1> Tc2). 2. A system having the digital camera according to claim 1 and a wireless communication device, wherein the digital camera further comprises a power switch means, and a housing state in which the taking lens is housed and the taking lens is provided. And an extended photographing ready state, and by operating the power switch means, the storage state is changed to the photographing possible state, or the photographing possible state is changed to the storage state, and the transition period from the storage state to the photographing possible state is the first period. A system having a digital camera and a wireless communication device, wherein the connection period is 1 (Tc1). 3. A system having the digital camera according to claim 2 and a wireless communication device, wherein the digital camera further comprises timer means for measuring a predetermined period, and display means for displaying various kinds of information. By operating the power switch means, the display means and the timer means are operated in synchronism with the transition from the stored state to the image-capturing state, and the second connection period starts, and the timer means measures a predetermined period. A system having a digital camera and a wireless communication device, characterized in that the display of the display means is stopped later and the second connection period is ended.