JP2003224758A - Remote control apparatus and imaging system employing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote control apparatus capable of enhancing its practicality and general-purpose performance of image data stored therein and to provide an imaging system employing the same. <P>SOLUTION: The remote control apparatus 20 includes a storage section for sufficiently storing image data, a camera side light projection section 14 of a digital camera 10 transmits image data photographed by the digital camera 10 to a remote controller side light receiving section 22 of the remote controller apparatus 20 to attain the storage of the image data to the storage section. Further, the remote control apparatus 20 is provided with a transmission means such as a connector 26 and a transmission button 27 for transmitting the image data to an external device and transmits the image data to the external device such as a personal computer 40 or a printer 50 by using a communication cable or the like, so that the external device such as the personal computer 40 or the printer 50 receiving the data can edit or print out the image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control device for remotely controlling electronic equipment having various photographing functions such as a digital still camera and a digital video camera, and a photographing system using the remote control device. It is a thing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a remote control device (hereinafter, referred to as a remote control device) used in combination with an electronic device having a photographing function such as a digital still camera can transmit and receive data to and from the electronic device. In addition, by providing a memory and a monitor in itself, the remote control device instructs the electronic device to shoot, and the electronic device that receives the command performs shooting,
Further, there is known a photographing system configured to transfer the image data to the remote control device and to confirm the photographing result in the remote control device receiving the image data.

[0003]

However, in such a photographing system, even though the remote control device itself is a multifunctional device having a memory and a monitor, the remote control device is a so-called "remote control". ", There is a possibility that the user may inadvertently lose it. That is, since the remote control device is used only for operating the electronic device at the time of remote shooting and checking the monitor of the shot image, it is not practical and is not used during normal shooting. Therefore, there is a possibility that the user may lose it due to carelessness.

Further, since the image data relating to the photographed image is usually recorded in a storage section provided inside the electronic device or a removable recording medium, it is provided in the remote control device itself. Since the memory has a small capacity and the image data stored therein is used only for checking the monitor of the captured image, the image data stored in the remote control device itself is not versatile.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a remote controller which is not practical in spite of being provided with a memory, a monitor and the like and having multiple functions. The control device is provided with a storage unit sufficient to store image data relating to a captured image, the remote control device is used as a so-called "external memory", and the image data stored in this storage unit is used by an external device. By using the remote control device as a "image data transmission device", it is possible to enhance the practicability of the remote control device itself and general-purpose image data stored in the remote control device. It is to provide a remote control device that can enhance the performance and a photographing system using the remote control device.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is to send an instruction for causing an electronic device having a photographing function to perform a predetermined operation. A remote control device including: an information receiving unit that receives information transmitted from the electronic device; a storage unit that stores the information; and a control unit that controls the information. It is characterized by further comprising an information transmission means for transmitting information to an external device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 6 is a command transmitting means for transmitting a command for causing a predetermined operation to an electronic device having a photographing function,
In a remote control device having a storage unit that stores information transmitted from the electronic device and a control unit that controls these, a detection that detects whether or not the remote control device is connected to the electronic device It is characterized by further comprising means.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an invention according to claim 14 is to provide an electronic device having a photographing function, and a command transmitting means for transmitting a command for causing the electronic device to perform a predetermined operation. In an imaging system including an information receiving unit that receives information transmitted from the electronic device, a storage unit that stores the information, and a remote control device that has a control unit that controls these, the remote control device includes: It is characterized by further comprising information transmitting means for transmitting the information stored in the storage means to an external device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 19 is an electronic device having a photographing function, and a command transmitting means for transmitting a command for causing the electronic device to perform a predetermined operation. In a photographing system including a remote control device having a storage unit that stores information transmitted from the electronic device, and a control unit that controls these, in the remote control device, the remote control device is provided in the electronic device. It is characterized by further comprising a detection means for detecting whether or not it is connected.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of a remote control device and a photographing system using the same according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. still,
The remote control device and the photographing system using the same according to the present invention are applicable to electronic devices having various photographing functions such as a digital still camera and a digital video camera. In order to make a detailed description, a digital still camera (hereinafter referred to as a digital camera) will be taken as an example for description.

[First Embodiment] First, as a first embodiment, a conventional digital camera having a remote control function is combined with a remote control device according to the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as a remote control device) for photographing. The case where the system is configured will be described below as an example.

[Schematic Structure ...] FIG. 1 shows an overall structure of a remote control device and a photographing system using the same according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG.
The digital camera 10 mainly includes a digital camera 10 having a remote control function and a remote control device 20 that transmits a remote control release signal to the digital camera 10 to execute a shooting operation.

On the front surface of the digital camera 10, a camera side light receiving section 13 and a camera side light projecting section 14 are provided in addition to a taking lens 11 and a finder window 12. A release button 15 is provided on the upper surface of the digital camera 10.

On the other hand, on the front surface of the remote controller 20,
A remote-control-side light projecting unit 21 and a remote-control-side light receiving unit 22 are provided, and a remote control release button 23, a command button 24, and an LCD monitor 2 are provided on the upper surface of the remote control device 20.
5 and the like are provided.

(When performing normal shooting) In such a configuration, when performing normal shooting, the remote control device 20 is used.
Will function as a so-called "external memory".
That is, when the user presses the release button 15 of the digital camera 10, the image pickup operation by the image pickup device is performed.
The electronic image data obtained by this image capturing operation is subjected to predetermined image processing, and then is temporarily stored in the digital camera 10.
Is recorded in the image recording circuit. Then, the remote controller 2
When communication with 0 is possible, the light is emitted from the camera-side light projecting unit 14 in the form of an optical signal. The projected electronic image data is received by the light-receiving unit 22 on the remote controller side of the remote controller 20.
Through the remote control device 20,
After being subjected to predetermined signal processing, it is displayed on the LCD monitor 25 and is simultaneously stored in the image storage circuit provided inside the remote control device 20. The electronic image data stored in the image storage circuit is displayed on the LCD monitor of the remote control device 20 by operating various buttons (remote control release button 23, command button 24, transmission button 27) provided on the remote control device 20. It is possible to reproduce at 25.

(When Remote Shooting is Performed) In such a configuration, the remote control device 20 also functions as a so-called "external memory" when performing remote shooting. That is, when the user presses the remote control release button 23 of the remote control device 20, the remote control side light projecting unit 21
Emits a signal related to the release operation. This light emission signal is taken into the inside through the camera side light receiving unit 13 of the digital camera 10 and it is determined whether or not it is a remote control release signal. If it is determined that the remote control release signal is received, the digital camera 1
The image pickup operation is performed by the image pickup device of 0.

The electronic image data obtained by this image pickup operation is subjected to predetermined image processing and then temporarily recorded in the image recording circuit of the digital camera 10. Then, when the communication with the remote control device 20 becomes possible, the light is emitted from the camera side light emitting unit 14 in the form of an optical signal. The projected electronic image data is taken into the inside through the remote control side light receiving unit 22 of the remote control device 20, subjected to predetermined signal processing, and then displayed on the LCD monitor 25.
At the same time, it is stored in the image storage circuit provided inside the remote control device 20. The electronic image data stored in the image storage circuit is displayed on the LCD monitor of the remote control device 20 by operating various buttons (remote control release button 23, command button 24, transmission button 27) provided on the remote control device 20. It is possible to reproduce at 25.

(When performing pre-shooting) Further, in such a configuration, when performing pre-shooting, the remote control device 20 functions as a so-called "remote control" as in the conventional case. That is, when the user operates the remote controller 20
When the command button 24 is pressed, a signal relating to the command is projected from the remote-control-side projector 21 to the digital camera 10. This light projection signal is taken into the inside through the camera side light receiving unit 13 of the digital camera 10 and it is determined whether or not it is a command signal. Then, the image pickup operation of the image pickup element of the digital camera 10 is performed. The electronic image data obtained by this image capturing operation is immediately (of course, the remote controller device 2 after being subjected to predetermined image processing).
The condition that the communication with 0 is possible) The light is emitted from the camera side light projecting unit 14 in the form of an optical signal. The projected electronic image data is taken into the inside of the remote control device 20 through the light receiving unit 22 on the remote control side, subjected to predetermined signal processing, and then displayed on the LCD monitor 25. Since the electronic image data projected based on the command signal relates to pre-shooting, it need only be displayed on the LCD monitor 25 and stored in the image storage circuit provided inside the remote control device 20. It will not be done. Therefore, the user can temporarily confirm the image to be shot prior to shooting. However, the display on the LCD monitor 25 is repeatedly displayed while the user presses the command button 24.

(Detection of invalidity of remote control operation) Also, when the user presses the remote control release button 23 at the time of performing the remote photographing, a signal relating to the release operation is emitted from the remote control side light emitting unit 21. Regardless of this, this signal is not correctly transmitted due to the problem of directivity, the problem of the transmittable distance, the influence of obstacles on the way, and the signal is correctly received by the camera side light receiving unit 13 of the digital camera 10. As a result, when the digital camera 10 does not perform the shooting operation, the LCD monitor 25 on the remote control device 20 displays a warning to that effect. The details will be described later.

[Detailed Configuration ...] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital camera 10. As shown in the figure, the control circuit 100 is a part that controls the entire operation sequence of the digital camera 10. Further, a photographing lens 116, an image pickup element 109, and an image processing circuit 108 are provided as digital image photographing means.
Similarly, the objective lens 11 is used as a finder optical system.
1, a half mirror 112, and an eyepiece lens 113 are provided. With this configuration, the user can view the subject image with his / her own eye 114. Similarly, as imaging means,
Objective lens 111, half mirror 112, imaging lens 1
10, an image sensor 109 is provided. With this configuration, a part of the subject image is incident on the image sensor 109 via the half mirror 112 and the imaging lens 110, and the same subject image as the user looking through the finder is captured. Become. The analog signal obtained by this imaging is sent to the image processing circuit 108, converted into a digital signal, and then input to the control circuit 100 as electronic image data. Then, the electronic image data input to the control circuit 100 is temporarily recorded in the image recording circuit 117. Incidentally, in addition to transmitting this electronic image data to the remote control device 20, for example, it is displayed on the LCD monitor 119 on the camera side, or if another recording circuit is provided in the digital camera, It is also possible to memorize. In addition, the release switch 118
Is a switch that operates in conjunction with the release button 15.

Further, as a receiving means for receiving the remote control release signal transmitted from the remote control device 20,
A camera side light receiving lens 104, a light receiving element 103, and a signal processing circuit 102 are provided. Further, a drive circuit 105, a light projecting element 106, and a camera side light projecting lens 107 are provided as means for transmitting the electronic image data obtained by the imaging operation to the remote control device 20.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the remote controller 20. The control circuit 200 is a part that controls the entire operation sequence of the remote control device 20. The remote control release switch 208 operates in conjunction with the remote control release button 23, and the command switch 209 operates in conjunction with the command button 24. Further, the transmission switch 213
Is a switch that operates in conjunction with the send button 27.

Further, a drive circuit 201, a light projecting element 202, and a remote control projecting lens 203 are provided as means for transmitting a remote control release signal. Further, as means for receiving digital image data from the digital camera 10, the remote-control light-receiving lens 206, the light-receiving element 205,
A signal processing circuit 204 is provided.

(When performing normal shooting) In the above-mentioned configuration, when performing normal shooting, the remote control device 20
It will function as a so-called "external memory". That is, the control circuit 100 of the digital camera 10 performs a so-called image capturing operation of capturing the subject image captured by the image sensor 109 as electronic image data when it is detected that the release switch 118 is turned on. The subject image is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor 109, waveform-shaped by the signal processing circuit 108, and input to the control circuit 100. The control circuit 100 temporarily records the electronic image data in the image recording circuit 117. Then, when communication with the remote control device 20 becomes possible, the drive circuit 105 outputs the captured electronic image data to the light projecting element 1.
It is converted into a pulse signal for driving 06. The light projecting element 106 is driven by the pulse signal and outputs a corresponding optical signal. This optical signal is sent to the camera side projection lens 1
The light is projected onto the remote control device 20 via 07.

The optical signal (electronic image data) that has passed through the light receiving lens 206 on the remote control side of the remote control device 20 is converted into an electrical signal by the light receiving element 205, and then the signal processing circuit 204.
The waveform is shaped by and input to the control circuit 200. When the control circuit 200 confirms that the electronic image data is electronic image data based on the remote control release signal, the control circuit 200 performs a so-called storage operation of storing the electronic image data in the image storage circuit 210.

(When Remote Shooting is Performed) Further, in the above-described configuration, the remote control device 20 also functions as a so-called "external memory" when performing remote shooting. That is, the control circuit 200 of the remote control device 20 generates a remote control release signal and sends it to the drive circuit 201 when it is detected that the remote control release switch 208 is turned on. The drive circuit 201 converts this remote control release signal into a pulse signal capable of driving the light projecting element 202. The light projecting element 202 is driven by this pulse signal and outputs a corresponding optical signal. This optical signal is
Digital camera 1 via remote control projection lens 203
It is projected to 0.

The optical signal (remote control release signal) that has passed through the camera side light receiving lens 104 of the digital camera 10 is converted into an electric signal by the light receiving element 103, and then waveform-shaped by the signal processing circuit 102 to be controlled by the control circuit 100. Entered in. When the control circuit 100 confirms that the remote control release signal is received, the control circuit 100 performs a so-called image capturing operation of capturing the subject image captured by the image sensor 109 as electronic image data. The subject image is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor 109, waveform-shaped by the signal processing circuit 108, and input to the control circuit 100. The control circuit 100 temporarily records the electronic image data in the image recording circuit 117. Then, when the communication with the remote control device 20 becomes possible, the drive circuit 105 converts the captured electronic image data into a pulse signal for driving the light projecting element 106. The light projecting element 106 is driven by the pulse signal and outputs a corresponding optical signal. This optical signal is projected onto the remote control device 20 via the camera side projection lens 107.

Further, the optical signal (electronic image data) that has passed through the light receiving lens 206 on the remote control side of the remote control device 20 is
After being converted into an electric signal by the light receiving element 205, the signal processing circuit 204 shapes the waveform and inputs the signal to the control circuit 200. When the control circuit 200 confirms that the electronic image data is electronic image data based on the remote control release signal, the control circuit 200 performs a so-called storage operation of storing the electronic image data in the image storage circuit 210.

(When performing pre-shooting) In the above-described configuration, when performing pre-shooting, the remote control device 20 functions as a so-called "remote control" as in the conventional case. That is, the control circuit 200 of the remote control device 20 generates a command signal and sends it to the drive circuit 201 when it is detected that the command switch 209 is turned on. The drive circuit 201 converts this command signal into a pulse signal capable of driving the light projecting element 202. The light projecting element 202 is driven by this pulse signal and outputs a corresponding optical signal. This optical signal is projected to the digital camera 10 via the remote control projection lens 203.

Then, the optical signal (command signal) that has passed through the camera side light receiving lens 104 of the digital camera 10 is converted into an electric signal by the light receiving element 103, and then waveform-shaped by the signal processing circuit 102 to the control circuit 100. Is entered.
When the control circuit 100 confirms that it is a command signal,
A so-called image capturing operation is performed in which the subject image captured by the image sensor 109 is captured as electronic image data. The subject image is
After being converted into an electric signal by the image sensor 109, the signal processing circuit 108 shapes the waveform and inputs the signal to the control circuit 100. The drive circuit 105 immediately projects the electronic image data input to the control circuit 100 (provided that communication with the remote control device 20 is possible) immediately.
To a pulse signal for driving the. Projection element 10
6 is driven by the pulse signal and outputs a corresponding optical signal. This optical signal is transmitted to the camera side light projecting lens 107.
The light is projected onto the remote control device 20 via the.

Further, the optical signal (electronic image data) that has passed through the light receiving lens 206 on the remote control side of the remote control device 20 is
After being converted into an electric signal by the light receiving element 205, the signal processing circuit 204 shapes the waveform and inputs the signal to the control circuit 200. When the control circuit 200 confirms that the electronic image data is based on the command signal, the control circuit 200 does not store the electronic image data in the image storage circuit 210 and the LCD on the remote controller side.
A so-called display operation of displaying on the monitor 207 is performed.

(Detection of Invalidation of Remote Control Operation) As described above, the user depresses the remote control release button 23 to perform remote photography, and the remote control side light projecting section 21 is pressed.
Even though the signal related to the release operation is emitted from this, this signal is not correctly transmitted due to the problem of directivity, the problem of the transmittable distance, or the influence of obstacles on the way, and When the camera-side light receiving unit 13 of the digital camera 10 does not correctly receive the signal, and as a result, the digital camera 10 does not perform the shooting operation, the control circuit 200 causes the remote-control-side LCD monitor 207 to operate.
On the (= LCD monitor 25), a warning display to that effect is displayed.

Specifically, a timer 211 provided inside the remote control device 20 starts timing at the same time when a signal relating to the release operation is emitted from the remote control side light emitting section 21, and a predetermined time has elapsed. At times, a signal indicating that time has elapsed is sent to the control circuit 200. Upon receiving this, the control circuit 200 does not perform the shooting operation even after the lapse of a predetermined time,
If the electronic image data is not projected from the camera side light projecting unit 14 of the digital camera 10 and the remote control side light receiving unit 22 of the remote control device 20 cannot confirm that the electronic image data is received, FIG. A warning display to that effect is displayed on the remote control side LCD monitor 207 (= LCD
Monitor 25).

Hereinafter, the remote controller 20 according to the present invention.
The “feature of transmitting electronic image data to an external device”, which is a characteristic part of the above, will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.

[Schematic Structure ...] As shown in FIG. 1, the remote controller 20 further transmits electronic image data stored in its own image storage circuit to an external device such as a personal computer 40 or a printer 50. Connector 2
6 and a send button 27, for example, by connecting the connector 26 to the personal computer 40 or the printer 50 with a communication cable or the like, and then pressing the send button 27, the electronic data stored in the image storage circuit of the remote control device 20. Image data is transferred to the personal computer 4
0 or an external device such as the printer 50. As a result, the personal computer 40 or the printer 50 that has received the electronic image data can perform an action such as editing or printing the electronic image data. If external devices such as the personal computer 40 and the printer 50 are installed in, for example, convenience stores or service shops, the user can edit or print electronic image data in these stores. It is also possible to provide such services.

As a means for transmitting the electronic image data stored in the image storage circuit to an external device, a wired means such as a communication cable is used as described above, and in addition to the above, a remote control side projection of the remote control device 20 is performed. Of course, it is also possible to use wireless means such as the optical unit 21.

[Detailed Description ...] As shown in FIG. 3, the remote control device 20 transmits image data stored in its image storage circuit 210 to an external device such as a personal computer or a printer. A transmission interface 212 and a transmission switch 213 are provided, and when transmitting electronic image data to an external device, the control circuit 20
0 detects that the transmission switch 213 is turned on, and at the same time, calls the electronic image data stored in the image storage circuit 210, and calls this electronic image data via the image data transmission interface 212. Send to an external device such as a printer. The image data transmission interface 212 is an interface provided corresponding to the connector 26, and the transmission switch 213 is a switch that operates in conjunction with the transmission button 27.

As a method of transmitting the electronic image data stored in the image storage circuit 210 to an external device, a communication means such as a communication cable is connected to the image data transmission interface 212, and the electronic image data of the electronic image data is wired. In addition to transmitting, for example, the drive circuit 201 of the remote control device 20, the light projecting element 202, the remote control side light projecting lens 20.
Of course, it is also possible to wirelessly transmit the electronic image data by using the transmitting means composed of 3.

As described above, the remote control device according to the present invention not only functions as a conventional "remote control",
A transmission that includes a storage unit sufficient to store electronic image data related to a captured image and that functions as a so-called "external memory" and that transmits the electronic image data stored in its own storage unit to an external device Since the remote control device is provided with a function as an “image transmitting device”, the practicality of the remote control device itself can be improved and the user can prevent the remote control device from being lost due to carelessness. By allowing an external device such as a personal computer or a printer, which has transmitted the electronic image data from the remote control device, to edit or print the electronic image data, the versatility of the electronic image data stored in the remote control device can be improved. Can be increased.

Second Embodiment Next, as a second embodiment, a case where a photographing system is constructed by combining a remote control device according to the present invention and a digital camera capable of incorporating the remote control device will be described as an example. This will be explained below.

[Schematic Configuration ...] FIG. 5 shows an overall configuration diagram of a remote control device and a photographing system using the remote control device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG.
The digital camera 10 mainly includes a digital camera 10 having a remote control function and a remote control device 20 that transmits a remote control release signal to the digital camera 10 to execute a shooting operation.

On the front surface of the digital camera 10, a camera side light receiving section 13 and a camera side light projecting section 14 are provided in addition to the taking lens 11 and the finder window 12. A release button 15 is provided on the upper surface of the digital camera 10. Further, a side face of the digital camera 10 is provided with an insertion opening 16 for inserting a remote control device which will be described later, and inside thereof, a connector 17 for connecting the remote control device is provided.

On the other hand, on the front surface of the remote controller 20,
A remote-control-side light projecting unit 21 and a remote-control-side light receiving unit 22 are provided, and a remote control release button 23, a command button 24, and an LCD monitor 25 are provided on the upper surface of the remote control device 20.
Etc. are provided. Further, on the rear surface of the remote controller 20, a connector 26 connected to the connector 17 of the digital camera 10 is provided.

(When performing normal shooting) In such a configuration, when performing normal shooting, the remote control device 2 is used.
0 is inserted into the insertion opening 16 of the digital camera 10,
Moreover, by connecting to the connector 17, it functions as a so-called “external memory”. That is, when the user presses the release button 15, the image pickup operation of the image pickup device of the digital camera 10 is performed, and the electronic image data obtained by this image pickup operation is immediately subjected to the predetermined image processing and immediately thereafter. Connector 17 of digital camera 10
Is transmitted to the connector 26 on the remote control device 20 side via. Further, the electronic image data transmitted to the connector 26 is taken inside the remote controller device 20,
After the predetermined signal processing is performed, the signal is stored in the image storage circuit provided inside the remote control device 20. The electronic image data stored in the image storage circuit is displayed on the LCD monitor of the remote control device 20 by operating various buttons (remote control release button 23, command button 24, transmission button 27) provided on the remote control device 20. Two
It is possible to reproduce in 5.

(When performing remote photography) Further, in such a configuration, when performing remote photography, the remote control device 20 is detached from the insertion opening 16 of the digital camera 10 and is a so-called "remote control" or "remote control". It will function as an "external memory". That is, when the user presses the remote control release button 23, a signal relating to the release operation is emitted from the remote control side light emitting unit 21. This light emission signal is taken into the inside through the camera side light receiving unit 13 of the digital camera 10 and it is determined whether or not it is a remote control release signal. If it is determined that the signal is a remote control release signal, the image pickup operation of the image pickup element of the digital camera 10 is performed. Then, the electronic image data obtained by this image pickup operation is subjected to predetermined image processing and then temporarily recorded in the image recording circuit of the digital camera 10. Then, when the communication with the remote control device 20 becomes possible, the light is emitted from the camera side light emitting unit 14 in the form of an optical signal. The projected electronic image data is taken into the inside of the remote control device 20 via the remote control light-receiving portion 22 and subjected to predetermined signal processing, and then LC
It is displayed on the D monitor 25, and at the same time, the remote controller 20
The image is stored in the image storage circuit provided inside. The electronic image data stored in the image storage circuit is displayed on the LCD monitor of the remote control device 20 by operating various buttons (remote control release button 23, command button 24, transmission button 27) provided on the remote control device 20. It is possible to reproduce at 25.

The electronic image data obtained by the image pickup operation of the image pickup element of the digital camera 10 is, when the communication with the remote control device 20 becomes possible, as described above, the side of the digital camera 10 that is the camera side. In addition to the light emitted from the light emitting unit 14 in the form of an optical signal, for example, when the remote controller 20 is inserted into the insertion opening 16 of the digital camera 10 and connected to the connector 17, that is, , The remote controller 20 is the digital camera 10
When it is built into the remote controller 20, it is transmitted to the connector 26 on the remote controller 20 side through the connector 17 of the digital camera 10, and is further taken into the inside of the remote controller 20 from this connector 26 to generate a predetermined signal. After the processing is performed, the image may be stored in the image storage circuit provided inside the remote control device 20.

(When performing pre-shooting) Further, in such a configuration, when performing pre-shooting, the remote control device 20 functions as a so-called "remote control" as in the conventional case. That is, when the user operates the remote controller 20
When the command button 24 is pressed, a signal relating to the command is projected from the remote-control-side projector 21 to the digital camera 10. This light projection signal is taken into the inside through the camera side light receiving unit 13 of the digital camera 10 and it is determined whether or not it is a command signal. Then, the image pickup operation of the image pickup element of the digital camera 10 is performed. The electronic image data obtained by this image capturing operation is immediately (of course, the remote controller device 2 after being subjected to predetermined image processing).
The condition that the communication with 0 is possible) The light is emitted from the camera side light projecting unit 14 in the form of an optical signal. The projected electronic image data is taken into the inside of the remote control device 20 through the light receiving unit 22 on the remote control side, subjected to predetermined signal processing, and then displayed on the LCD monitor 25. Since the electronic image data projected based on the command signal relates to pre-shooting, it need only be displayed on the LCD monitor 25 and stored in the image storage circuit provided inside the remote control device 20. It will not be done. Therefore, the user can temporarily confirm the image to be shot prior to shooting. However, the display on the LCD monitor 25 is repeatedly displayed while the user presses the command button 24.

(Detection of Invalidation of Remote Control Operation) Further, when the user presses the remote control release button 23 at the time of performing the remote photographing, a signal relating to the release operation is emitted from the remote control side light projecting section 21. Regardless of this, this signal is not correctly transmitted due to the problem of directivity, the problem of the transmittable distance, the influence of obstacles on the way, and the signal is correctly received by the camera side light receiving unit 13 of the digital camera 10. If, as a result, the shooting operation is not performed, a warning display to that effect is displayed on the LCD monitor 25 on the remote control device 20 side. The details will be described later.

[Detailed Configuration ...] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital camera 10. As shown in the figure, the control circuit 100 is a part that controls the entire operation sequence of the digital camera 10. Further, a photographing lens 116, an image pickup element 109, and an image processing circuit 108 are provided as digital image photographing means.
Similarly, the objective lens 11 is used as a finder optical system.
1, a half mirror 112, and an eyepiece lens 113 are provided. With this configuration, the user can view the subject image with his / her own eye 114. Similarly, as imaging means,
Objective lens 111, half mirror 112, imaging lens 1
10, an image sensor 109 is provided. With this configuration, a part of the subject image is incident on the image sensor 109 via the half mirror 112 and the imaging lens 110, and the same subject image as the user looking through the finder is captured. Become. The analog signal obtained by this imaging is sent to the image processing circuit 108, converted into a digital signal, and then input to the control circuit 100 as electronic image data. Then, the electronic image data input to the control circuit 100 is temporarily recorded in the image recording circuit 117. Incidentally, in addition to transmitting this electronic image data to the remote control device 20, for example, it is displayed on the LCD monitor 119 on the camera side, or if another recording circuit is provided in the digital camera, It is also possible to memorize. In addition, the release switch 118
Is a switch that operates in conjunction with the release button 15.

Further, a camera side light receiving lens 104, a light receiving element 103, and a signal processing circuit 102 are provided as receiving means for receiving the remote control release signal transmitted from the remote control device 20. Further, a drive circuit 105, a light projecting element 106, and a camera side light projecting lens 107 are provided as means for transmitting the electronic image data obtained by the imaging operation to the remote control device 20.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the remote controller 20. The control circuit 200 is a part that controls the entire operation sequence of the remote control device 20. The remote control release switch 208 operates in conjunction with the remote control release button 23, and the command switch 209 operates in conjunction with the command button 24. The transmission switch 213 is a switch that operates in conjunction with the transmission button 27.

(When performing normal shooting) In the above-described configuration, when performing normal shooting, the remote control device 20 is used.
Will be inserted into the insertion opening 16 of the digital camera 10 and connected to the connector 17 to function as a so-called "external memory". That is, the control circuit 100 of the digital camera 10 performs a so-called image capturing operation of capturing the subject image captured by the image sensor 109 as electronic image data when it is detected that the release switch 118 is turned on. The subject image is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor 109, waveform-shaped by the signal processing circuit 108, and input to the control circuit 100. The control circuit 100 immediately sends this electronic image data (provided that the remote control device 20 is connected to the digital camera 10 of course) to the connector 26 on the remote control device 20 side via the connector 17. On the other hand, in the remote controller 20, the electronic image data sent to the connector 26 is transferred to the control circuit 20.
The control circuit 200, which has sent the data to 0 and received it, performs a so-called storage operation of storing the electronic image data in the image recording circuit 210.

(When Remote Shooting is Performed) Further, in the above-described configuration, when performing remote shooting, the remote control device 20 is detached from the digital camera 10, so-called
It will function as a "remote control" and an "external memory". That is, the control circuit 200 of the remote control device 20 generates a remote control release signal and sends it to the drive circuit 201 when it is detected that the remote control release switch 208 is turned on. The drive circuit 201 converts this remote control release signal into a pulse signal capable of driving the light projecting element 202. The light projecting element 202 is driven by this pulse signal and outputs a corresponding optical signal. This optical signal is
Digital camera 1 via remote control projection lens 203
It is projected to 0.

The optical signal (remote control release signal) that has passed through the camera side light receiving lens 104 of the digital camera 10 is converted into an electric signal by the light receiving element 103, and then waveform-shaped by the signal processing circuit 102 to be controlled by the control circuit 100. Entered in. When the control circuit 100 confirms that the remote control release signal is received, the control circuit 100 performs a so-called image capturing operation of capturing the subject image captured by the image sensor 109 as electronic image data. The subject image is converted into an electric signal by the image sensor 109, waveform-shaped by the signal processing circuit 108, and input to the control circuit 100. The control circuit 100 temporarily records the electronic image data in the image recording circuit 117. Then, when communication with the remote control device 20 becomes possible, the drive circuit 105 outputs the electronic image data to the light projecting element 1.
It is converted into a pulse signal for driving 06. The light projecting element 106 is driven by the pulse signal and outputs a corresponding optical signal. This optical signal is sent to the camera side projection lens 1
The light is projected onto the remote control device 20 via 07.

Further, the optical signal (electronic image data) that has passed through the light receiving lens 206 on the remote controller side of the remote controller 20 is
After being converted into an electric signal by the light receiving element 205, the signal processing circuit 204 shapes the waveform and inputs the signal to the control circuit 200. When the control circuit 200 confirms that the image data is electronic image data based on the remote control release signal, the control circuit 200 performs a storage operation of storing the electronic image data in the image storage circuit 210.

Further, the image pickup device 10 of the digital camera 10
As described above, the electronic image data obtained by the image pickup operation by the camera 9 is projected in the form of an optical signal from the camera side projection lens 107 of the digital camera 10 when the communication with the remote control device 20 becomes possible. In addition to being illuminated, for example, when the remote control device 20 is inserted into the insertion opening 16 of the digital camera 10 and connected to the connector 17, that is, the remote control device 20 is connected to the digital camera 10.
When it is built in the digital camera 10, it is transmitted from the digital camera 10 to the control circuit 200 on the remote control device 20 side via the connector 17 and the connector 26 of the remote control device 20 connected thereto, and the control circuit 200 which receives the control signal is received. After confirming that the electronic image data is electronic image data based on the remote control release signal, a storage operation of storing the electronic image data in the image storage circuit 210 may be performed.

(When performing pre-shooting) In the above-described configuration, when performing pre-shooting, the remote control device 20 functions as a so-called "remote control" as in the conventional case. That is, the control circuit 200 of the remote control device 20 generates a command signal and sends it to the drive circuit 201 when it is detected that the command switch 209 is turned on. The drive circuit 201 converts this command signal into a pulse signal capable of driving the light projecting element 202. The light projecting element 202 is driven by this pulse signal and outputs a corresponding optical signal. This optical signal is projected to the digital camera 10 via the remote control projection lens 203.

The optical signal (command signal) that has passed through the camera side light receiving lens 104 of the digital camera 10 is converted into an electric signal by the light receiving element 103, and then waveform-shaped by the signal processing circuit 102 to be sent to the control circuit 100. Is entered.
When the control circuit 100 confirms that it is a command signal,
A so-called image capturing operation is performed in which the subject image captured by the image sensor 109 is captured as electronic image data. The subject image is
After being converted into an electric signal by the image sensor 109, the signal processing circuit 108 shapes the waveform and inputs the signal to the control circuit 100. The drive circuit 105 immediately projects the electronic image data input to the control circuit 100 (provided that communication with the remote control device 20 is possible) immediately.
To a pulse signal for driving the. Projection element 10
6 is driven by the pulse signal and outputs a corresponding optical signal. This optical signal is transmitted to the camera side light projecting lens 107.
The light is projected onto the remote control device 20 via the.

Further, the optical signal (electronic image data) that has passed through the light receiving lens 206 on the remote control side of the remote control device 20 is
After being converted into an electric signal by the light receiving element 205, the signal processing circuit 204 shapes the waveform and inputs the signal to the control circuit 200. When the control circuit 200 confirms that the electronic image data is based on the command signal, the control circuit 200 does not store the electronic image data in the image recording circuit 210, and the LCD on the remote controller side.
A so-called display operation for displaying on the monitor 207 (= LCD monitor 25) is performed.

(Detection of Invalidation of Remote Control Operation) Further, as described above, the user depresses the remote control release button 23 to perform the remote photography, and the remote control side light projecting section 21 is pressed.
Even though the signal related to the release operation is emitted from this, this signal is not correctly transmitted due to the problem of directivity, the problem of the transmittable distance, or the influence of obstacles on the way, and When the camera-side light receiving unit 13 of the digital camera 10 does not correctly receive the signal, and as a result, the digital camera 10 does not perform the shooting operation, the control circuit 200 causes the remote-control-side LCD monitor 207 to operate.
On the (= LCD monitor 25), a warning display to that effect is displayed.

Specifically, the timer 211 provided inside the remote control device 20 starts counting at the same time when a signal relating to the release operation is emitted from the remote control side light emitting unit 21, and a predetermined time has elapsed. At times, a signal indicating that time has elapsed is sent to the control circuit 200. Upon receiving this, the control circuit 200 does not perform the shooting operation even after the lapse of a predetermined time,
If the electronic image data is not projected from the camera side light projecting unit 14 of the digital camera 10 and the remote control side light receiving unit 22 of the remote control device 20 cannot confirm that the electronic image data is received, FIG. A warning display to that effect is displayed on the LCD monitor 207 on the remote control side, as shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the remote controller 20 according to the present invention.
The "feature of transmitting electronic image data to an external device" will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[Schematic Structure ...] As shown in FIG. 5, the remote controller 20 further transmits electronic image data stored in its own image storage circuit to an external device such as a personal computer 40 or a printer 50. Connector 2
6 and a send button 27, as shown in the figure, for example, the connector 26 and the personal computer 40 or the printer 50 are connected by a communication cable or the like, and then the send button 27 is pressed to be stored in the image storage circuit. The electronic image data is transmitted to an external device such as the personal computer 40 or the printer 50. As a result, in the personal computer 40 or the printer 50 that receives the electronic image data,
The electronic image data can be edited or printed. If external devices such as the personal computer 40 and the printer 50 are installed in, for example, convenience stores or service shops, the user can edit or print electronic image data in these stores. It is also possible to provide services such as.

As a means for transmitting the electronic image data stored in the image storage circuit to the external device, a wired means such as a communication cable is used as described above, and in addition to the remote control device 20, the remote control side projection is performed. Of course, it is also possible to use wireless means such as the optical unit 21.

[Detailed Description ...] As shown in FIG. 7, the remote control device 20 transmits image data stored in its own image storage circuit 210 to an external device such as a personal computer or a printer. A transmission interface 212 and a transmission switch 213 are provided, and when transmitting electronic image data to an external device, the control circuit 20
0 detects that the transmission switch 213 is turned on, and at the same time, calls the electronic image data stored in the image storage circuit 210, and calls this electronic image data via the image data transmission interface 212. Send to an external device such as a printer. The image data transmission interface 212 is an interface provided corresponding to the connector 26, and the transmission switch 213 is a switch that operates in conjunction with the transmission button 27.

As a method of transmitting the electronic image data stored in the image storage circuit 210 to an external device, a communication means such as a communication cable is connected to the image data transmission interface 212, and the electronic image data of the electronic image data is wired. In addition to transmitting, for example, the drive circuit 201 of the remote control device 20, the light projecting element 202, the remote control side light projecting lens 20.
Of course, it is also possible to wirelessly transmit the electronic image data by using the transmitting means composed of 3.

As described above, in the remote control device according to the present invention and the photographing system using the remote control device, the remote control device constituting the photographing system functions as a conventional "remote control", and in addition to the electronic device for photographing images. It is provided with a storage unit sufficient to store image data, functions as a so-called "external memory", and is provided with a transmission unit for transmitting the electronic image data stored in its own storage unit to an external device, Since it also functions as an “image transmitting unit”, the practicality of the remote control device itself can be enhanced, the user can prevent the remote control device from being lost due to carelessness, etc. External devices such as personal computers and printers that send image data can be edited and printed. Doing, it is possible to increase also the versatility of electronic image data in which the remote control device is stored.

[0068]

As described above, in the remote control device according to the present invention, in addition to performing the function as the conventional "remote control", the storage section is sufficient to store the electronic image data relating to the photographed image. And a so-called "external memory" function, and a transmission means for transmitting the electronic image data stored in its own storage unit to an external device, and also a "image transmission means" function. Therefore, it is possible to improve the practicality of the remote control device itself, prevent the user from losing the remote control device due to carelessness, and prevent the remote control device from being lost by the personal computer or printer that has transmitted the electronic image data. By allowing an external device to edit or print it, the electronic image data stored in the remote control device can be stored. It can be enhanced versatility of data.

Further, as described above, in the remote controller and the photographing system using the same according to the present invention, the remote controller constituting the photographing system functions as a conventional "remote controller". Also has a storage unit sufficient to store electronic image data relating to a captured image, performs a so-called "external memory" function, and transmits the electronic image data stored in its own storage unit to an external device. Since the remote control device is also provided with a transmission means for performing the function of "image transmission means", the practicality of the remote control device itself can be improved and the user can prevent the remote control device from being lost due to carelessness. , Edit or print this on an external device such as a personal computer or printer that has sent electronic image data from the remote control device. By allowing such or can also enhance the versatility of electronic image data in which the remote control device is stored.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a photographing system including a remote control device according to the present invention and a conventional digital camera.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the remote control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a warning display indicating invalid remote control operation displayed on the LCD monitor of the remote control device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a photographing system according to the present invention, which is configured by a remote control device according to the present invention and a digital camera capable of incorporating the remote control device.

6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital camera shown in FIG.

7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the remote control device shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Digital camera 11 ... Shooting lens 12 ... Finder window 13 ... Camera side light receiving part 14 ... Projector on camera side 15 ... Release button 16 ... insertion slot 17 ... Connector 20 ... Remote control device 21 ... Projector on remote control side 22 ... Light receiving part on remote control side 23 ... Remote control release button 24 ... Command button 25 ... LCD monitor 26 ... Connector 27 ... Send button 40 ... Personal computer 50 ... Printer 100 ... Control circuit 102 ... Signal processing circuit 103 ... Light receiving element 104 ... Camera side light receiving lens 105 ... Driving circuit 106 ... Projector element 107 ... Projector lens on camera side 108 ... Image processing circuit 109 ... Image sensor 110 ... Imaging lens 111 ... Objective lens 112 ... Half mirror 113 ... Eyepiece 114 ... Eye 116 ... Shooting lens 117 ... Image recording circuit 118 ... Release switch 200 ... Control circuit 201 ... Driving circuit 202 ... Projector element 203 ... Projector lens on remote control side 204 ... Signal processing unit 205 ... Light receiving element 206 ... Light receiving lens on remote control side 207 ... LCD monitor on remote control side 208 ... Remote control release switch 209 ... Command switch 210 ... Image storage circuit 211 ... timer 212 ... Image data transmission interface 213 ... Transmission switch

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5C022 AA00 AB65 AC01 AC31 AC42                       AC69 AC77 AC78                 5C052 GA01 GC00 GE08                 5C056 AA04 BA10 CA08 CA11 DA11                       EA01 EA05 EA09 EA11 EA17

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. An instruction transmitting means for transmitting an instruction for performing a predetermined operation to an electronic apparatus having a photographing function, an information receiving section for receiving information transmitted from the electronic apparatus, and the information. In a remote control device having a storage unit for storing the information and a control unit for performing these controls, the remote control device further includes an information transmission unit for transmitting the information stored in the storage unit to an external device. Remote control device. 2. A display unit for displaying the information, wherein the control unit receives the information transmitted from the electronic device by the information receiving unit, stores the information in the storage unit, and displays the information. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control device is configured to perform control for displaying on the means. 3. The control unit further performs control of receiving information transmitted from the electronic device by the information receiving unit and displaying the information on the display unit without storing the information in the storage unit. The remote control device according to claim 2, wherein 4. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the information is image data captured by the electronic device. 5. The control unit, in the case where the electronic device does not take a picture even though a command to take a picture is transmitted from the command transmitting means, the control section displays the The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a control for displaying a warning to that effect. 6. An instruction transmitting means for transmitting an instruction for performing a predetermined operation to an electronic apparatus having a photographing function, a storage section for storing information transmitted from the electronic apparatus, and control thereof. In the remote control device, the remote control device further comprises detection means for detecting whether or not the remote control device is connected to the electronic device. 7. The control unit stores information transmitted from the electronic device in the storage unit, when the detection unit detects that the remote control device is connected to the electronic device. 7. The remote control device according to claim 6, wherein the remote control device is controlled. 8. The control unit connects the remote control device to the electronic device by the detection unit when the detection unit detects that the remote control device is not connected to the electronic device. 7. The remote control device according to claim 6, wherein when it is detected that the information is transmitted, the control for storing the information transmitted from the electronic device in the storage means is performed. 9. An information receiving unit for receiving information transmitted from the electronic device, wherein the detecting unit detects that the remote control device is not connected to the electronic device, 7. The remote control device according to claim 6, wherein the information receiving unit receives information transmitted from an electronic device and stores the information in the storage unit. 10. A display unit for displaying the information,
10. The control unit stores the information transmitted from the electronic device in the storage unit and controls the display unit to display the information. 10. Remote control device. 11. The remote control according to claim 10, wherein the control unit further performs control to display information transmitted from the electronic device on the display unit without storing the information in the storage unit. apparatus. 12. The remote control device according to claim 6, wherein the information is image data captured by the electronic device. 13. The control unit, when the electronic device does not capture an image even though a command to capture the image is transmitted from the command transmitting unit, the control unit displays a message to that effect on the display unit. 12. The remote control device according to claim 6, wherein the remote control device is controlled to display the warning. 14. An electronic device having a photographing function, a command transmitting means for transmitting a command for causing the electronic device to perform a predetermined operation, and an information receiving means for receiving information transmitted from the electronic device. And a storage unit for storing the information, and a remote control device having a control unit for controlling these, the remote control device, wherein the remote control device transmits the information stored in the storage unit to an external device. An image capturing system further comprising an information transmitting unit for transmitting the information. 15. The remote control device has a display unit for displaying the information, and the control unit receives the information transmitted from the electronic device by the information receiving unit and stores the information in the storage unit. 15. The photographing system according to claim 14, wherein the photographing system is controlled to be stored in the display unit and displayed on the display unit. 16. The control unit further performs control of receiving information transmitted from the electronic device by the information receiving unit and displaying the information on the display unit without storing the information in the storage unit. The imaging system according to claim 15, wherein: 17. The information is image data photographed by the electronic device.
The imaging system according to claim 16. 18. The control unit, in the case where the electronic device does not take a picture even though a command to take a picture is transmitted from the command transmitting means, the control section displays the 17. The imaging system according to claim 14, further comprising a control of displaying a warning to that effect. 19. An electronic device having a photographing function, a command transmitting means for transmitting a command for causing the electronic device to perform a predetermined operation, and a storage means for storing information transmitted from the electronic device. In the imaging system including a remote control device having a control unit that performs these controls, the remote control device further includes detection means for detecting whether or not the remote control device is connected to the electronic device. A photography system characterized by 20. The control unit, when the detection unit detects that the remote control device is connected to the electronic device, stores the information transmitted from the electronic device in the storage unit. 20. The photographing system according to claim 19, wherein the photographing system is controlled. 21. The control unit connects the remote control device to the electronic device by the detection unit when the detection unit detects that the remote control device is not connected to the electronic device. 20. The photographing system according to claim 19, wherein when it is detected that the information is transmitted, control for storing information transmitted from the electronic device in the storage unit is performed. 22. An information receiving unit for receiving information transmitted from the electronic device, wherein the detecting unit detects that the remote control device is not connected to the electronic device, 20. The photographing system according to claim 19, wherein the information receiving means receives the information transmitted from the electronic device and stores the information in the storage means. 23. Display means for displaying the information,
23. The control unit stores the information transmitted from the electronic device in the storage unit and displays the information on the display unit, according to any one of claims 20 to 22. Shooting system. 24. The photographing system according to claim 23, wherein the control unit further performs control of displaying information transmitted from the electronic device on the display unit without storing the information in the storage unit. . 25. The information is image data captured by the electronic device.
25. The imaging system according to claim 24. 26. When the electronic device does not take a picture even though a command to take a picture is sent from the command sending means, the control section gives a message to that effect on the display means. 25. The imaging system according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein control for displaying the warning is performed.