JP2004134980A - Image input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an external information processing apparatus and an image input device to synchronize information with each other even for a photographic parameter group in which setting information that other photographic parameters possibly have is changed interlocked with setting of each photographic parameter. <P>SOLUTION: This image input device has: a change request accepting means of accepting a request to change the value of one of a plurality of parameters from the external processing apparatus connected to the image input device; a set value sending-back means of sending a list of settable values of the plurality of parameters which are updated in response to the change request back to the external information processing apparatus; and a parameter change inhibiting means of inhibiting requests to change values of parameter values other than the parameter whose change request is accepted by the change request accepting means until the list is sent back by the set value sending-back means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image input system such as a digital camera system for mainly capturing moving images and still images, and more particularly to a system including an information processing device such as a PC (personal computer) and an image input device such as a digital camera. The present invention relates to a technique for acquiring and setting various photographing parameters related to photographing of an image input device such as a digital camera from an external information processing device such as a PC.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image data, audio data, and the like captured by a digital camera have been recorded on a recording device such as a flash memory mounted inside the digital camera, or recorded on a recording medium that is detachable from the digital camera. Also, a digital camera and an information processing device such as a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) are connected by a cable or the like, and a recording device inside the digital camera, image data recorded on a recording medium detachable from the digital camera, and the like. A system for transferring such information to a PC has been devised and commercialized.
[0003]
Further, in a system in which a PC and a digital camera are connected and used, a system in which the operation of the digital camera is controlled from the PC, and an image can be photographed, and parameters related to various photographing at the time of the photographing can be set and changed from the PC. Has also been developed.
[0004]
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H11-163873 proposes a case in which parameters that can be set for a camera are acquired in advance from a digital camera connected to a PC and are used in an application on the PC.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
U.S. Pat. No. 6,163,816
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
At present, the market for digital cameras is rapidly expanding, and the functions of the cameras are various and diverse. In addition, the functions of digital cameras have been advanced, and fine manual operations can be performed.
[0007]
In addition, these cameras often have different photographing parameters that can be set, so that the same setting item may have different values that can be taken by the cameras.
[0008]
In Patent Document 1 described above, this problem has been solved, and it is considered that this is effective when a plurality of cameras having different setting parameters are used in an application on a PC.
[0009]
However, in an actual digital camera, even for the same parameter item of the same camera, the range of values that can be set dynamically varies depending on the state of the camera, or a value that can be set in conjunction with the values of other parameter items. Depending on the situation, the range of items that can be set and the list of values that can be set are presented to the user accurately and in detail, and the above-mentioned patent is required to make settings for the camera. Reference 1 was also extremely difficult.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to provide a setting or a setting from an external information processing apparatus (for example, a PC) for a shooting parameter group in which a possible set value of another shooting parameter is changed in conjunction with setting of each shooting parameter. The purpose is to synchronize information between the external information processing device and the image input device in all cases regardless of settings from the image input device (for example, a digital camera).
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The image input device according to the present invention is an image input device having a plurality of parameters related to imaging, and a parameter whose settable value of at least one other parameter can be changed according to setting of a value of a predetermined parameter. Change request receiving means for receiving a request to change one of the plurality of parameters from an external information processing device connected to the image input device; and the plurality of parameters updated in response to the change request. Setting value returning means for returning a list of settable values to the external information processing apparatus, and returning the list by the setting value returning means for values of parameters other than the parameters for which the change request has been received by the change request receiving means. Up to this point, a parameter change prohibiting means for prohibiting a change request is provided.
[0012]
According to the present invention, even with respect to a shooting parameter group in which a set value that can be taken by another shooting parameter is changed in conjunction with setting of each shooting parameter, setting from an external information processing device or from an image input device. In all cases, information can be synchronized between the external information processing apparatus and the image input apparatus regardless of the setting of the external information processing apparatus. In addition, the application of the external information processing apparatus does not manage the state of the image input apparatus. Digital camera) without having to be aware of the differences.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, it is roughly divided into an information input device (hereinafter, referred to as a digital camera) 100 such as a digital camera and an information processing device 101. The information processing apparatus 101 generally uses a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a PC), and includes therein an arithmetic processing device (CPU), a primary storage device (RAM), and a secondary storage device (hard disk) (not shown). , Operating devices (keyboard, mouse), and a display device (display).
[0014]
The digital camera 100 includes an optical unit 105 including a lens, a CCD, a driving circuit, etc., a signal processing circuit 104 for processing image data and the like, an arithmetic device 103 such as a CPU, a primary storage device 106 such as a DRAM, a built-in flash ROM, and the like. Storage device 107, operating member 108, display device 109 such as liquid crystal (LCD), read-only memory 110 such as ROM used for storing programs, and removable recording medium 111 such as a compact flash (R) memory card , And a communication control device 102 that manages connection with the PC.
[0015]
Depending on the type of digital camera, only the removable storage medium 111 may be possessed, or only the secondary storage device 107 such as a non-removable built-in flash ROM may be possessed.
[0016]
Next, an outline of an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2 and will be described.
2A to 2C show images of an application for changing various shooting parameters from the PC 212 in a state where the PC 212 and the camera 211 are connected. As shown in the figure, in this example, the exposure mode, the aperture value (AV), the shutter speed value (TV), the Zoom position, and the like can be changed from the PC.
[0017]
Reference numeral 201 denotes a control for selecting an exposure mode, which can select auto, TV priority, AV priority, manual exposure, and the like. An AV value selection control 202 is used to select an AV value. Reference numeral 203 denotes a TV value selection control for selecting a TV value. Reference numeral 204 denotes a zoom position adjustment control which can adjust the zoom position of the camera.
[0018]
FIG. 2A shows a case where the exposure mode is manual and the zoom position is at the wide end. In this case, the user can set almost all TV values and AV values supported by the camera.
[0019]
FIG. 2B shows a case where the exposure mode is manual and the zoom position is at the telephoto end. In this case, some of the open sides of the selectable AV value cannot be used. This is due to the performance of the lens, but the list of possible values differs depending on the camera and the type of lens.
[0020]
FIG. 2C shows a case where the exposure mode is the AV priority mode and the zoom position is at the telephoto end. In this case, when the user selects an AV value, the camera automatically calculates a TV value for obtaining an optimal exposure, and thus the TV value is set to Auto. In short, the user cannot select a TV value.
[0021]
As described above, generally, not only the case where the shooting parameters of the camera operate independently, but also the setting items are linked while affecting each other's settable values. In the present embodiment, in such a model, the application on the PC side can automatically display selection items suitable for the state of the camera as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C.
[0022]
As described above, the camera 211 has a plurality of parameters relating to shooting, and at least one of the settable values of another parameter can be changed according to the setting of the value of the predetermined parameter. The plurality of parameters are, for example, an exposure mode 201, an aperture (AV) 202, a shutter speed (TV) 203, and a zoom position 204. In this specification, the parameter values include, for example, “auto, TV priority, AV priority, manual exposure” in the exposure mode 201, “4.0 to 22” in the aperture 202, and, for example, in the shutter speed 203. It includes “1/30 to 1/250”, and the value of the other parameter includes ON or OFF.
[0023]
Next, the object model of the present embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, a camera 300 includes a communication object (Communication Object) 305 for communicating with the PC 301 and a capture management object (Capture Management Object) 302 for managing camera shooting. The Capture Management Object 302 includes a current data field (CurrentDataField) 303 for storing current values of various parameters related to photographing of the camera, and an available data for storing a value that can be set by the camera at that time for each item. There is a data field (AvailableDataField) 304.
[0024]
In response to a request from the PC 301, the Communication Object 305 requests the information of the CurrentDataField 303 and the information of the AvailableDataField 304 to the Capture Management Object 302, and stores them in the transfer data field (TransferDater301) in the transfer data field 306 which is prepared for transfer. Send.
[0025]
In the PC 301, there are objects such as a communication driver (Communication Driver) 308 for communicating with the camera 300 and a user interface management module (UI Management Module) 307 for managing a user interface and the like.
[0026]
Next, a sequence of parameter setting in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
First, when one of the controls for various settings shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C is changed by the user, the UI Management Module 307 executes the Set Current Parameter method on the Communication Driver 308. With this method, the Communication Driver 308 issues a SetUILock command to the Communication Object 305 in the camera 300. This command prohibits the user from operating the camera 300 to change the shooting parameters in the camera 300.
[0027]
The Communication Object 305 receives this command, issues a SetUILock request to the Capture Management Object 302, and locks the camera 300 (Lock).
[0028]
Next, the Communication Driver 308 issues a SetCurrentParametaData command to the Communication Object 305. With this command, the value of the parameter item changed by the user is sent to the camera 300. The Communication Object 305 issues a SetCurrentParameter request to the Capture Management Object 302. In response to this request, the Capture Management Object 302 updates the CurrentDataField 303 in itself, reconfigures the settable values of various photographing parameter items that are changed in conjunction with the change, and reflects the values in the AvailableDataField 304.
[0029]
After that, the Communication Driver 308 issues a GetAvailableValues command to the Communication Object 305 in the camera 300.
This command is used to check what values can be set for one shooting parameter item, and the reply data has the structure shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, the number of values that can be set first is included in the return data as NumOFValues. Next, the data type of the value that follows is stored as TypeOfValue. After that, a list of settable values is stored for that number. The UI Management Module 307 that has received the reply data refers to the number of configurable values NumOFValues, and if this value is 0, it can also recognize that the setting item cannot be set.
[0030]
The actual settable value stored in the list of values may be an immediate value that can be used as it is, or may be a reference value defined in advance.
[0031]
Upon receiving this command, the Communication Object 305 issues a GetAvailableValueList request to the Capture Management Object 302.
The Capture Management Object 302 receives this, and returns the information of the AvalableDataField 304 held by itself to the Communication Object 305. Communication Object 305 stores this in TransferDataField 306 and returns it to PC 301.
[0032]
Here, a feature of the present embodiment is that the Communication Driver 308 repeatedly issues the GetAvailableValues command for all the shooting parameter items used in the PC 301 and obtains all the settable value list information of each parameter item at that time. That is to do.
[0033]
By this action, even if a change in one of the parameter items set on the PC 301 side causes a change in the settable value of the linked item, the PC 301 can collect the information.
[0034]
Then, when the settable values of all necessary items are obtained, the Communication Driver 308 issues an UpdateParamList request to the UI Management Module 307. This works like, for example, a CallBack service, and the UI Management Module 307 updates the list of values of each setting item managed by itself at this timing. After that, the Communication Driver 308 issues a GetCurrentParametaData command to the Communication Object 305. This command is to acquire all the currently set values of the respective shooting parameters held by the camera 300 at that time. Upon receiving this command, the Communication Object 305 issues a GetCurrentParameter request to the Capture Management Object 302.
[0035]
The capture management object 302 returns the information of the current data field 303 held by the capture management object 302 to the communication object 305. Communication Object 305 stores this in TransferDataField 306 and returns it to PC 301.
[0036]
The Communication Driver 308 that has received the reply data issues an UpdateParamList request to the UI Management Module 307. This works like, for example, a CallBack service, and the UI Management Module 307 updates the current value of each setting item managed by itself at this timing. When displaying each item of various photographing parameters set in the camera 300, the PC 301 displays only the settable values acquired and updated as described above.
[0037]
Thus, for example, even if a change in one parameter item set on the PC 301 side causes a change in the current value of the linked item, it is possible to synchronize with the current value held by the camera.
[0038]
Finally, the Communication Driver 308 issues a ResetUILock command to the Communication Object 305 in the camera 300. With this command, the user interface (UI) operation of the camera 300, which has been prohibited, is released, and the user can operate the camera 300.
[0039]
As described above, for the values of the parameters other than the parameter for which the change request has been received, the request for changing the parameter value is prohibited until the list of the settable values of the parameter is returned. The parameter request prohibiting unit that prohibits the request for changing the parameter until the list of settable values is returned may prohibit the PC 301 from issuing the parameter change request signal. A change request signal issued by the camera 300 may not be accepted by the camera 300.
[0040]
Communication Object 305 receives this command, issues a ResetUILock request to Capture Management Object 302, and releases the camera lock state.
[0041]
The above is a series of sequences that occur when one item of the shooting parameter is changed. In the present embodiment, it is necessary to change these various shooting parameter items one by one. It is necessary to execute the above-described change sequence regardless of which photographing parameter item is changed in the setting.
[0042]
In the above, the case where the shooting parameters of the camera are changed from the PC has been described. Next, the case where the setting of the shooting parameters of the camera is changed by operating the UI of the camera will be described.
[0043]
In the case of a camera in which the user can operate the UI on the camera side to change the shooting parameters while the PC and the camera are connected, it is necessary to synchronize the state on the PC and the state on the camera side in that case.
[0044]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the object is achieved by implementing a sequence as shown in FIG.
First, when a user operates the UI of the camera 300 to change a certain item of a shooting parameter, the Capture Management Object 302 issues a ChangeByUI notification to the Communication Object 305.
Upon receiving this notification, the Communication Object 305 issues an UpdateParamEvent to the PC 301.
[0045]
This is issued from the camera 300 as an asynchronous event, and the camera 300 can perform a normal operation immediately after issuing this event.
If the PC 301 does not handle this event, there is no problem for the camera 300, and whether to handle this event and synchronize information depends on the PC 301.
[0046]
In the present embodiment, the Communication Driver 308 that has received this event notifies the UI Management Module 307 of the UpdateUIRequest.
Upon receiving the notification, the UI Management Module 307 executes the CheckParameter method for the Communication Driver 308. With this method, the Communication Driver 308 issues a SetUILock command to the Communication Object 305 in the camera 300. This command prohibits the user from operating the camera 300 to change the shooting parameters in the camera 300.
[0047]
The Communication Object 305 receives this command, issues a SetUILock request to the Capture Management Object 302, and locks the camera (Lock).
[0048]
Next, the Communication Driver 308 issues a GetAvailableValues command to the Communication Object 305 in the camera 300.
This command is the same as that described when the parameter is changed from the PC 301 described above.
[0049]
Upon receiving this command, the Communication Object 305 issues a GetAvailableValueList request to the Capture Management Object 302.
The Capture Management Object 302 receives this, and returns the information of the AvalableDataField 304 held by itself to the Communication Object 305. Communication Object 305 stores this in TransferDataField 306 and returns it to PC 301.
[0050]
Also in this embodiment, the communication driver 308 repeatedly issues the GetAvailableValues command for all the shooting parameter items used in the PC 301 and obtains all the settable value list information at that time for each parameter item. That is to do.
[0051]
By this action, even if a change in one of the parameter items changed on the camera 300 side causes a change in the settable value of the linked item, the PC 301 can collect the information.
[0052]
Then, when the settable values of all necessary items are obtained, the Communication Driver 308 issues an UpdateParamList request to the UI Management Module 307. This works like, for example, a CallBack service, and the UI Management Module 307 updates the list of values of each setting item managed by itself at this timing. After that, the Communication Driver 308 issues a GetCurrentParametaData command to the Communication Object 305. This command is to acquire all the currently set values of the respective shooting parameters held by the camera 300 at that time. Upon receiving this command, the Communication Object 305 issues a GetCurrentParameter request to the Capture Management Object 302.
[0053]
The capture management object 302 returns the information of the current data field 303 held by the capture management object 302 to the communication object 305. Communication Object 305 stores this in TransferDataField 306 and returns it to PC 301.
[0054]
The Communication Driver 308 receiving the reply data issues an UpdateParamList request to the UI Management Module 307. This works like, for example, a CallBack service, and the UI Management Module 307 updates the current value of each setting item managed by itself at this timing.
[0055]
Thus, for example, even if a change in one parameter item changed on the camera 300 side causes a change in the current value of the linked item, the current value held by the camera 300 can be synchronized. .
[0056]
Finally, the Communication Driver 308 issues a ResetUILock command to the Communication Object 305 in the camera 300. With this command, the prohibited UI operation of the camera 300 is released, and the user can operate the camera 300.
[0057]
Communication Object 305 receives this command, issues a ResetUILock request to Capture Management Object 302, and releases the camera lock state.
[0058]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, not only each shooting parameter item is independently set, but also a list of setting values that can be taken by another item in conjunction with the setting value of a certain item. Even in the case of a group of photographing parameters that may be changed, information can be synchronized between the PC side and the camera side regardless of the setting from the PC and the setting from the camera in all cases. This can be achieved without managing the state and without being aware of the difference between cameras.
[0059]
This embodiment can be realized by a computer executing a program. Further, means for supplying the program to the computer, for example, a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM in which the program is recorded, or a transmission medium such as the Internet for transmitting the program is also applied as an embodiment of the present invention. Can be. Further, a program product such as a computer-readable recording medium on which the above-mentioned program is recorded can be applied as an embodiment of the present invention. The above programs, recording media, transmission media, and program products are included in the scope of the present invention. As the recording medium, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, and the like can be used.
[0060]
It should be noted that each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of a concrete example in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted in a limited manner. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features.
[0061]
Examples of embodiments of the present invention are listed below.
[0062]
[Embodiment 1] An image input device having a plurality of parameters related to imaging, wherein a settable value of at least one other parameter can be changed in accordance with setting of a value of a predetermined parameter,
Change request receiving means for receiving a request to change one of the plurality of parameters from an external information processing device connected to the image input device;
Setting value return means for returning a list of settable values of the plurality of parameters updated in response to the change request to the external information processing apparatus,
A parameter change prohibition unit for prohibiting a change request until a value of a parameter other than the parameter whose change request is received by the change request receiving unit is returned by the setting value returning unit is returned. Image input device.
[0063]
[Embodiment 2] An image input system including an image input device and an information processing device,
The image input device,
Settable value holding means for holding settable values of a plurality of shooting parameters;
A settable value update unit that updates settable values of other shooting parameters when a shooting parameter is set,
A setting value returning unit that receives a setting value request from the information processing apparatus and returns a settable value of the requested imaging parameter based on the settable value held by the settable value holding unit,
The information processing device,
An image input system comprising: a set value request unit for requesting the image input device to return a settable value of a photographing parameter.
[0064]
[Third Embodiment] The image input system according to the second embodiment, wherein the setting value returning means returns a number of settable values and a list of the settable values of the number.
[0065]
[Embodiment 4] In the case where the information processing apparatus sets the shooting parameters for the image input device, the information processing apparatus sets one shooting parameter at a time, and requests a return of a settable value for each setting. An image input system according to the second embodiment.
[0066]
Embodiment 5 The settable value updating means of the image input device updates the settable value each time one imaging parameter is set from the information processing device. Image input system.
[0067]
[Sixth Embodiment] The image input system according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the information processing apparatus repeatedly executes a setting and a reply request performed for each photographing parameter for a required number of photographing parameters.
[0068]
[Seventh Embodiment] The image according to the second embodiment, wherein the information processing device displays a settable value acquired from the image input device when displaying a shooting parameter to be set in the image input device. Input system.
[0069]
[Eighth Embodiment] The image input apparatus notifies the information processing apparatus of a change when a shooting parameter is changed by operating an operation member,
The image input system according to the second embodiment, wherein the information processing device, upon receiving the change notification, requests the image input device to return a settable value of a shooting parameter.
[0070]
[Ninth Embodiment] The image processing apparatus according to the eighth embodiment, wherein the information processing apparatus displays a settable value acquired from the image input device when displaying an imaging parameter set in the image input device. Input system.
[0071]
[Embodiment 10] A settable value holding step of holding settable values of a plurality of shooting parameters;
A settable value updating step of updating settable values of other shooting parameters when the shooting parameter is set;
Receiving a setting value request and returning a settable value of the requested imaging parameter based on the held settable value;
A photographing parameter processing method comprising:
[0072]
As described above, by providing the first, second, and tenth embodiments, it is possible to acquire values for dynamically changing and settable shooting parameters of an image input device such as a digital camera from an information processing device such as a PC. In addition, it is not necessary to manage the type of the digital camera, the state at that time, information related to other setting items, and the like on the PC, and the processing on the PC can be integrated and generalized.
[0073]
Further, by providing the third embodiment, the information processing device side can accurately secure a storage area for acquiring the number of dynamically changing settable values of the variable length, so that an accurate list can always be obtained. You can get it.
[0074]
In addition, by providing the fourth and fifth embodiments, even when the values that can be taken by other setting items fluctuate in conjunction with each setting item, the list of settable values at that time can be accurately displayed on the image input device side. Can be obtained by the information processing apparatus.
[0075]
In addition, by providing the sixth embodiment, it is possible to perform a setting action in which the image input device and the information processing device can be synchronized without contradiction in all the setting items required by the information processing device.
[0076]
In addition, by providing the seventh embodiment, the list of setting values displayed on the information processing apparatus is always settable by the image input device at that time, so that it is accurate and easy for the user. The photographing parameter setting display becomes possible.
[0077]
Also, by providing the eighth and ninth embodiments, even when various shooting parameters are changed by operating the operation member of the image input device, the list information of settable values of other setting items generated by the change is immediately displayed. Can be displayed to the user on the information processing apparatus side, and consistency in operation and display can be ensured.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, even with respect to a shooting parameter group in which a possible setting value of another shooting parameter is changed in conjunction with the setting of each shooting parameter, an external In all cases, regardless of settings or settings from the image input device, information is synchronized between the external information processing device and the image input device, and without managing the state of the image input device as an application of the external information processing device, Further, it can be realized without being conscious of the difference between image input devices (for example, digital cameras).
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation of a setting item according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an internal module configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a first sequence diagram used in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a parameter configuration used in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a second sequence diagram used in the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100: Digital camera
101: Information processing device
102: Communication control device
103: arithmetic unit
104: signal processing device
105: Optical unit
106: Primary storage device
107: Secondary storage device
108: Operation member
109: Display member
110: Read-only memory
111: Removable recording medium

Claims (1)

An image input device having a plurality of parameters related to imaging, and having at least one parameter that can be changed according to a setting of a value of a predetermined parameter.
Change request receiving means for receiving a request to change one of the plurality of parameters from an external information processing device connected to the image input device;
Setting value return means for returning a list of settable values of the plurality of parameters updated in response to the change request to the external information processing apparatus,
A parameter change prohibition unit for prohibiting a change request until a value of a parameter other than the parameter whose change request is received by the change request receiving unit is returned by the setting value returning unit is returned. Image input device.

Images