JP2005346572A - Imaging apparatus and notification method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To overcome the problems related to communication connection between a Web server and a communication terminal to realize comfortable communication environment, in an imaging apparatus having a communication function and a Web server function. <P>SOLUTION: This imaging apparatus 11 has the communication function and the Web server function, and allows browsing of an image stored in the communication terminal 13 connected via a communication network 12, and photographing of the image. The imaging apparatus 11 has: a Web server start condition distinction means setting a condition for starting a Web server, and distinguishing whether the Web server start condition is satisfied or not; and a Web server start notification means notifying the communication terminal of an address of the Web server by a mail when the Web server starts. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus with a communication function and a notification method in the imaging apparatus.

  Conventionally, as an example in which an imaging apparatus with a communication function operates as a Web server, there is a conventional technique proposed in Patent Document 1. Further, as an example in which a Web server notifies a URL necessary for connection by e-mail, there are conventional techniques proposed in Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and Patent Document 4.

JP 2003-069988 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-150462 JP 2002-269012 A JP 2002-366478 A

  In the above-described conventional technology, when an imaging device with a communication function has a Web server function and an image stored in the imaging device can be viewed from a communication terminal connected via a communication network, the communication terminal has a communication function. There is a problem that it is impossible to know whether or not the Web server function is activated when connecting to the imaging apparatus before attempting to connect.

  Moreover, in order to guarantee the connection from the communication terminal to the Web server of the imaging device with a communication function, there is a problem that the Web server function must be always activated.

  Furthermore, in the conventional technology in which the Web server notifies the URL by e-mail, there is a problem that the Web server function is not built in the imaging device with a communication function, and the activation and termination of the Web server function cannot be notified.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. In an imaging apparatus having a communication function and a Web server function, various problems relating to communication connection between the Web server and a communication terminal are solved, and comfortable communication is achieved. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that realizes an environment and a notification method thereof.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has a communication function and a Web server function, and browses an image stored in a communication terminal connected via a communication network or takes an image. When the web server is activated, the web server activation condition determining means for setting a condition for starting the web server and determining whether the web server activation condition is satisfied, or when the web server is activated, Provided is an imaging apparatus or the like comprising Web server activation notification means for notifying the communication terminal of the address of the Web server by mail.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid the necessity of always starting the Web server function, and it is possible to reduce communication cost and power consumption. Further, the user of the communication terminal can know that the Web server function is activated before connecting to the communication terminal. Furthermore, since the URL is attached to the mail for notifying activation of the web server, the user of the communication terminal can easily connect to the web server. Further, the user of the communication terminal can know that the Web server function is finished.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration including an imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention and an operation sequence thereof.
The imaging device 11 in the present embodiment has a communication function and a Web server function. In this imaging apparatus 11, when the Web server is activated, it is connected to the Internet 12 via the public network, and a mail with the URL of the Web server attached to the mail address stored in the imaging apparatus 11 is transmitted. Server startup is notified.

  In the communication terminal 13 that has received the mail, the Web browser is activated according to the attached URL, and is connected to the Web server. Thereafter, the image data stored in the imaging device 11 is transmitted and displayed on the Web browser on the communication terminal 13. Here, when there is an interface for transmitting a control command on the image browsing page of the Web server, as an example, a control command for image capturing is sent from the communication terminal 13 to the image capturing device 11 to perform image capturing, and the captured image Data is sent to the communication terminal 13 and displayed.

  When the Web server is terminated in the imaging device 11, a mail is transmitted to the mail address stored in the imaging device 11 to notify the termination of the Web server. Here, if the user of the communication terminal that has received the mail is connected to the Web server, the user may end the Web browser and do not start the Web browser until the next notification of starting the Web server is sent. it can.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device 11 includes a setting storage unit 201, an imaging unit 202, a sensor input unit 203, a RAM 204, a control unit 205, a user interface 206, an image storage unit 207, a storage control unit 208, and a communication unit 209. And is configured.

  The setting storage unit 201 is a storage area for storing setting values used in the operation algorithm of the imaging apparatus. The imaging unit 202 corresponds to a camera unit of the imaging device and captures an image. The sensor input unit 203 is connected to a sensor serving as a trigger for the operation of the imaging apparatus. When the sensor is turned on, the information is transmitted to the control unit 205. The RAM 204 is a temporary storage area, used by an operation algorithm, and stores an image taken by the imaging unit 202. The control unit 205 includes a ROM that stores an operation algorithm of the imaging apparatus and a CPU that executes the operation algorithm. The setting storage unit 201, the imaging unit 202, the sensor input unit 203, the RAM 204, the user interface 206, the storage control unit 208, and communication The unit 209 is controlled.

  The user interface 206 provides an interface for setting value input from the user, and receives an instruction for image capturing and Web server activation manually from the user. The image storage unit 207 is connected to the storage control unit 208 and stores captured image data. The storage control unit 208 stores the captured image data in the image storage unit 207 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 205. A communication unit 209 connects to a mail terminal or a server via a communication network according to an instruction from the control unit 205, and transmits captured image data.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image storage unit 207 of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In the first example, the image storage unit 301 is configured by a built-in memory, and photographic image data transferred from the storage control unit 208 according to an instruction from the control unit 205 is stored. As a type of the built-in memory, a non-volatile flash memory, a hard disk drive, and a rewritable optical disk drive can be used.

  In the second example, the image storage unit 302 includes a memory card interface and a memory card. The memory card is a detachable storage medium, and is connected to the storage control unit 208 via the memory card interface and stores captured image data. The storage control unit 208 detects the insertion and removal of the memory card, and stores the captured image data in the memory card in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 205.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the communication unit 209 of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In the first example, the communication unit 401 includes a communication control unit and a communication interface, and communication via a communication network connected through the communication interface is controlled by the communication control unit.

  In the second example, the communication unit 402 includes a card interface and a communication card, and the communication function of the imaging apparatus can be enabled or disabled by attaching or detaching the communication card. The communication card is equipped with functions corresponding to the communication control unit and the communication interface of the communication unit 401 of the first example. As an example, there is a combination of a CompactFlash (registered trademark) card (CF card) interface and a CF card type PHS card.

  In the present invention, the communication medium is not limited, and a wired analog line, ISDN, wired LAN, wireless LAN, PDC, PHS, IMT-2000, and other communication media compliant with communication standards to be standardized in the future can be used. is there.

  5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating examples of setting data stored in the setting storage unit 201 of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the setting data consists of setting items and setting values. The setting data includes “network setting” 501, “dial-up setting” 502, “mail delivery setting” 503, and “Web server setting” 601. The setting items of the setting data “network setting” 501 are “IP address”, “IP address designation”, “subnet mask”, “gateway”, “DNS setting”, “primary DNS”, and “secondary DNS”.

  In the setting item of “network setting” 501, “automatic acquisition” or “designation” is set as the setting value of “IP address”. In the setting value of “IP address designation”, the value of the IP address designated when the setting value of “IP address” is “designation” is set. The subnet mask value is set as the “subnet mask” setting value. As the setting value of “gateway”, the value of the IP address of the gateway is set. As the setting value of “DNS setting”, any one of “not used”, “server allocation”, and “designation” is set. As the setting value of “primary DNS”, the value of the IP address of the primary DNS is set. As the setting value of “secondary DNS”, the value of the IP address of the secondary DNS is set.

  In the setting item of “Dial-up setting” 502, the telephone number of the Internet service provider to be dial-up connected to connect to the Internet is set in the setting value of “Dial-up connection destination”. The user ID input at the time of dial-up connection is set as the setting value of “user ID”. A password input at the time of dial-up connection is set as a setting value of “password”.

  In the setting item of “mail delivery setting” 503, a character string indicating the address of the mail server is set in the setting value of “server name”. In the setting value of “sender”, the mail address set as the sender of the delivery mail is set. In the setting value of “delivery destination”, an e-mail address specified as an e-mail delivery destination is set. Multiple email addresses can be set as delivery destinations.

  In the setting item of “Web server setting” 601 shown in FIG. 6, the host name registered in the DNS server is set as the setting value of “host name”. As the setting value of “access authentication”, either “Yes” or “No” is set. Whether or not to provide password authentication for access to the Web server is set. As the setting value of “time setting”, either “present” or “none” is set. Whether to control the start / end of the Web server according to the time is set. As the setting value of “time setting start time”, the value of hour, minute, and second of the time of starting the Web server when “time setting” is “present” is set. As the setting value of “time setting end time”, a value of hour, minute and second of the time to end the Web server when “time setting” is “present” is set. As the setting value of “sensor setting”, either “present” or “none” is set. Whether to control the start / end of the Web server by sensor input is set. Here, the setting value of “sensor setting operation time” is set to a value in minutes and seconds from the start to the end of the Web server when “sensor setting” is “present”.

  The above-described setting data is set in advance by the user through the user interface described with reference to FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user interface 206 of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The display unit 701 provides a user with an input screen when setting data is set in the setting storage unit 201. The selection key 702 is used to select setting data, setting items, and setting values when the user inputs setting data. The setting key 703 is used when the user starts to input setting data, when selecting setting data, setting items, and setting values, or when confirming setting inputs for the setting items. A numeric / alphabet / symbol switching key 704 is used to switch between numeric input and alphabetic / symbol input when a numeric / alphabetic / symbol input key 706 is used to input characters. The shooting key 705 is used when shooting an image by manual shooting. When a moving image is shot by manual shooting, shooting is started with the shooting key 705, and shooting is ended when the shooting key 705 is pressed again. The alphabetic / symbol input key 706 is used to input numerals, alphabetic characters, and symbols. The start key 707 is used when starting the Web server manually. An end key 708 is used when manually ending the Web server.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit 701 when the setting value of the setting data is input by the user interface 206 in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. .
When the setting key 703 shown in FIG. 7 is pressed, setting input is started and setting data is selected as a top menu. First, “network setting” 801 is displayed, and subsequently, when the selection key 702 is pressed, “dial-up setting” 802 is displayed.

  Then, “Mail delivery setting” 803 and “Web server setting” 804 are displayed by the sequential selection key 702, and when the selection key 702 is further pressed, the process returns to the beginning and “Network setting” 801 is displayed. When the setting key 703 is pressed while setting data for which a setting value is desired to be input is displayed, the display moves to a submenu for inputting the setting value for the selected setting data.

FIG. 9 shows a display example of the setting screen displayed on the display unit 701 when the setting value of the setting data “network setting” is input by the user interface 206 in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure.
First, the “IP address” setting screen 901 of “network setting” is displayed, and “1. automatic acquisition” and “2. designation” are selected by the selection key 702 or the numeric / alphabet / symbol input key 706, and the setting key 703 is set. Here, when “1. Automatic acquisition” is set, a setting screen 905 is displayed. When “2. Designation” is set, a setting screen 902 is displayed.

  On the setting screen 902, “IP address designation” of “network setting” is set, and the value of the IP address is input by a numeric / alphabet / symbol input key 706 and set by a setting key 703. Next, a setting screen 903 is displayed.

  On the setting screen 903, “subnet mask” of “network setting” is set, and the value of the subnet mask is input by the number / alphabet / symbol input key 706 and set by the setting key 703. Next, a setting screen 904 is displayed.

  On the setting screen 904, “gateway” of “network setting” is set, and the IP address value of the gateway is input by the numeric / alphabet / symbol input key 706 and set by the setting key 703. Next, a setting screen 905 is displayed.

  On the setting screen 905, “DNS setting” of “Network setting” is set, and “1. Do not use”, “2. Server assignment”, “3. Designation” are input with the selection key 702 or numbers / alphabets / symbols. It is selected by a key 706 and set by a setting key 703. When “3. designation” is set, a setting screen 906 is displayed. In other cases, the setting of “network setting” is terminated and the display returns to the display of the setting screen 801.

  On the setting screen 906, “Primary DNS” of “Network Setting” is set, and the IP address value of the primary DNS is input by the numeric / alphabet / symbol input key 706 and set by the setting key 703. Next, a setting screen 907 is displayed.

  On the setting screen 907, “secondary DNS” of “network setting” is set, and the value of the IP address of the secondary DNS is input by the numeric / alphabet / symbol input key 706 and set by the setting key 703. Therefore, the setting of “network setting” is completed and the display returns to the setting screen 801.

  FIG. 10 shows a display example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit 701 when the setting value of the setting data “Web server setting” is input by the user interface 206 in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  First, a “host name” setting screen 1001 of “Web server setting” is displayed, and a character string of the host name is input by a number / alphabet / symbol input key 706 and set by a setting key 703. Next, a setting screen 1002 is displayed.

  On the setting screen 1002, “Access authentication” of “Web server setting” is set, and “1. presence” and “2. None” are selected by the selection key 702 or the number / alphabet / symbol input key 706 and set. Set by key 703. Next, a setting screen 1003 is displayed.

  On the setting screen 1003, “time setting” of “Web server setting” is set, and “1. presence” and “2. none” are selected by the selection key 702 or the number / alphabet / symbol input key 706 and set. Set by key 703. When “1. presence” is set, a setting screen 1004 is displayed. When “2. None” is set, a setting screen 1006 is displayed.

  On the setting screen 1004, “Time setting start time” of “Web server setting” is set, and when “Time setting” is “Yes”, the value of the time to start the Web server is a numeric / alphabetic / symbol input key. This is input by 706 and set by a setting key 703. Next, a setting screen 1005 is displayed.

  On the setting screen 1005, “Time setting end time” of “Web server setting” is set, and when “Time setting” is “Yes”, the value of the time to end the Web server is a numeric / alphabetic / symbol input key. This is input by 706 and set by a setting key 703. Next, a setting screen 1006 is displayed.

  On the setting screen 1006, “sensor setting” of “Web server setting” is set, and “1. existence” and “2. no.” Are selected by the selection key 702 or the numeric / alphabetic / symbol input key 706 and set. Set by key 703. When “1. presence” is set, a setting screen 1007 is displayed. When “2. None” is set, the setting of “Web server setting” is ended and the screen returns to the display of the setting screen 804.

  On the setting screen 1007, “sensor setting operation time” of “Web server setting” is set, and the value of the operation time when starting the Web server by sensor input is input by the numeric / alphabet / symbol input key 706, It is set by a setting key 703. Therefore, the setting of “Web server setting” is ended, and the setting screen 804 is displayed again.

  For other setting data “dial-up setting” and “mail delivery setting”, setting values are input by displaying the setting screen in the same manner as in FIGS. As described above, using FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 as an example, one set of setting data can be input using the user interface 206.

  FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 15, FIG. 18, and FIG. 19 are flowcharts showing the operation algorithm of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Below, operation | movement of an imaging device is demonstrated according to a flowchart.

FIG. 11 shows an operation algorithm of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In step S1101, the Web server is activated. Details of the processing in step S1101 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, in step S1102, the activation of the Web server is notified to the communication terminal by mail. Details of the processing in step S1102 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, in step S1103, it is determined whether there is a communication terminal connected to the Web server of the imaging apparatus. If there is a communication terminal connected to the Web server, the process proceeds to step S1104. If there is no communication terminal connected to the Web server, the process proceeds to step S1106, and the process is continued.

  Subsequently, in step S1104, data transmission is performed between the imaging device that operates the Web server and the communication terminal connected to the Web server. Details of the processing in step S1104 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, in step S1105, the control command sent from the communication terminal to the Web server is processed by the imaging device. Details of the processing in step S1105 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, in step S1106, it is determined whether or not to end the Web server that operates on the imaging apparatus. Details of the processing in step S1106 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1107, the end of the Web server is notified to the communication terminal by mail. FIG. 20 shows an example of the mail text of the Web server end notification mail. 2001 is an example of notifying which imaging device's Web server is terminated by the host name when “Host name” of “Web server setting” 601 is set, and 2002 is an imaging device's termination of the Web server. This is an example of notifying an IP address.

  Subsequently, in step S1108, the Web server is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing Web server activation in the operation algorithm of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart corresponds to step S1101 in FIG.

  First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the start button 707 of the user interface 206 has been pressed. If it is determined that the start button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1206. If it is determined that the start button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1202, and the process is continued.

  Subsequently, in step S1202, it is determined whether or not the “time setting” of the setting data “Web server setting” 601 is “present”. If the “time setting” is “present”, the process proceeds to step S1203. If the “time setting” is “none”, the process proceeds to step S1204, and the process is continued.

  Subsequently, in step S1203, it is determined whether or not the current time is “time setting start time” of “Web server setting” 601. If it is determined that it is “time setting start time”, the process proceeds to step S1206. If it is determined that it is not “time setting start time”, the process proceeds to step S1204, and the processing is continued.

  Subsequently, in step S1204, it is determined whether or not the “sensor setting” of the setting data “Web server setting” 601 is “present”. If “sensor setting” is “present”, the process proceeds to step S1205. If “sensor setting” is “none”, the process proceeds to step S1201, and the process is continued.

  Subsequently, in step S1205, it is determined whether or not the sensor input unit 203 has a sensor input. If there is a sensor input, the current time is stored in order to determine whether the “sensor setting operation time” of “Web server setting” 601 has elapsed, and the process proceeds to step S1206. If there is no sensor input, the process proceeds to step S1201. Processing continues.

  Subsequently, in step S1206, the Web server is activated and can be accessed by a Web browser from a communication terminal via the public network and the Internet.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing activation notification mail transmission in the operation algorithm of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart corresponds to step S1102 in FIG.

  First, in step S1301, the mail text of the activation notification mail is generated. An example of the mail text is shown in FIG. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, a sentence “Web server has been started” is generated.

  Subsequently, in step S1302, it is determined whether or not “host name” of the setting data “Web server setting” 601 is set. If “host name” is set, the process proceeds to step S1303. If “host name” is not set, the process proceeds to step S1304, and the process is continued.

  In step S1303, a URL is generated from the “host name”. In the example of FIG. 14, when “12123.canon.co.jp” is set in the “host name”, the URL “http://12123.canon.co.jp/” is displayed as indicated by 1401. Generated.

  In step S 1304, a URL is generated from the IP address designated or automatically acquired in “Network setting” 501. In the example of FIG. 14, when the IP address is “123.45.67.89”, a URL “http://123.45.67.89/” is generated as indicated by 1402.

  Subsequently, in step S1305, the URL generated in step S1303 or step S1304 is added to the mail text.

  Subsequently, in step S1306, it is determined whether or not “Access authentication” of “Web server setting” 601 is “Yes”. If “access authentication” is “present”, the process proceeds to step S1307. If “access authentication” is “none”, the process proceeds to step S1309, and the process is continued.

  In step S1307, a password for access authentication to the Web server is generated.

  Subsequently, in step S1308, the generated access authentication password is added to the mail text. In the example shown in FIG. 14, a password character string “abcde” is generated and added to the mail body as shown at 1403.

  Subsequently, in step S1309, the generated mail is transmitted to the communication terminal.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing data transmission in the operation algorithm of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart corresponds to step S1104 in FIG.

  First, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not “Access authentication” of “Web server setting” 601 is “Yes”. If “access authentication” is “present”, the process proceeds to step S1502, and if “access authentication” is “none”, the process proceeds to step S1506, and the processing is continued.

  Subsequently, in step S1502, it is determined whether or not the communication terminal connected to the Web server is unauthenticated. If unauthenticated, the process proceeds to step S1503. If authenticated, the process proceeds to step S1506, and the process is continued.

  Subsequently, in step S1503, authentication page data is generated for allowing the communication terminal user to input an access authentication password.

  Subsequently, in step S1504, the authentication page data generated in step S1503 is transmitted to the communication terminal and displayed on the Web browser on the communication terminal. FIG. 16 shows an example 1601 of the authentication page. A cursor for entering the password for access authentication is displayed.

  In step S1505, access authentication processing is performed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 16, when the user of the communication terminal inputs the password described in the mail text of the Web server activation notification, the input password is transmitted to the Web server of the imaging apparatus for authentication.

  In step S1506, it is determined whether a web page is requested from the communication terminal. If a web page is requested, the process proceeds to step S1507. If no web page is requested, the process proceeds to step S1509, and the processing is continued.

  Subsequently, in step S1507, Web page data is generated and transmitted to the communication terminal in step S1508.

  In step S1509, it is determined whether image data is requested from the communication terminal. If image data is requested, the process advances to step S1510 to continue the process. If image data is not requested, the process ends.

  In step S1510, image data is read from the image storage unit 207. Thereafter, the image is transmitted to the communication terminal in step S1511, and the image is displayed on the web browser of the communication terminal that has received the image data. FIG. 17 shows an example of image display on the web browser of the communication terminal. In the case of the image display example shown in FIG. 17, when the user operates the user interface of the web browser of the communication terminal, a request for image data is sent to the imaging device. The web browser screen 1701 has an update button 1702, and the user of the communication terminal operates the update button 1702 with a key assigned to the pointing device or the shooting button. When the update button 1702 is turned on, a request for transmitting the latest image data stored in the imaging apparatus is sent to the imaging apparatus.

  Here, the image display example shown in FIG. 17 shows an example, and the screen design need not be limited to FIG. Also, by operating an update button provided in the Web browser as a standard, if a Web page request and a script for displaying an image are described on the page, an image data request is sent to the imaging apparatus.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing control command processing in the operation algorithm of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart corresponds to step S1105 in FIG. In the case of the image display example shown in FIG. 17, the control command is sent to the imaging apparatus when the user operates the user interface of the web browser of the communication terminal. The Web browser screen 1701 has a shooting button 1703, and the user of the communication terminal operates the shooting button 1703 with a key assigned to the pointing device or the shooting button.

  First, in step S1801, it is determined whether an image capturing command is received from a communication terminal connected to the Web server. In the case of the image display example shown in FIG. 17, when the shooting button 1702 is turned on, an image shooting command is sent to the imaging apparatus. If an image shooting command has been received, the process proceeds to step S1802, and the process is continued. If no image shooting command has been received, the process ends.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 1802, the image capturing unit 202 captures an image and the image data is transferred to the RAM 204.

  In step S1803, the image data transferred to the RAM 204 is stored in the image storage unit 207 by the storage control unit 208.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating Web server termination determination in the operation algorithm of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart corresponds to step S1106 in FIG.

  First, in step S1901, it is determined whether or not the Web server end button 708 of the user interface 206 has been pressed. If it is determined that the end button 708 has been pressed, the process advances to step S1902, where it is determined that the Web server has ended and the process ends. If it is determined that the end button 708 has not been pressed, the process advances to step S1903 to continue the processing.

  Subsequently, in step S 1903, it is determined whether or not the “time setting” of the setting data “Web server setting” 601 is “Yes”. If the “time setting” is “present”, the process proceeds to step S1904. If the “time setting” is “none”, the process proceeds to step S1905, and the processing is continued.

  In step S 1904, it is determined whether the current time is “time setting end time” of “Web server setting” 601. If it is determined that it is the “time setting end time”, the process advances to step S1902, where it is determined that the Web server is ended, and the process is ended. If it is determined that it is not the “time setting end time”, the process advances to step S 1905 to continue the process.

  Subsequently, in step S1905, it is determined whether or not the “sensor setting” of the setting data “Web server setting” 601 is “present”. If the “sensor setting” is “present”, the process proceeds to step S1906 and the process is continued. If “Sensor Setting” is “None”, the process advances to step S1907 to determine that the Web server is to be continued, and the process ends.

  Subsequently, in step S1906, it is determined whether or not the “sensor setting operation time” of the setting data “Web server setting” 601 has elapsed. If the “sensor setting operation time” has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1902, where it is determined that the Web server has ended, and the process ends. If the “sensor setting operation time” has not elapsed, the process advances to step S1907 to determine that the Web server is to be continued, and the process ends.

(Second Embodiment)
2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16, 17, 18, and 18 for an imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration and an operation sequence including an imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The imaging device 21 in the present embodiment has a communication function and a Web server function. When a call is received from the communication terminal 23 to the imaging device 21, authentication based on the caller number is performed. When authentication is permitted, the Web server is started in the imaging device 21, and a Web server start notification mail attached with the URL of the Web server is transmitted to the communication terminal 23 via the public network and the Internet 22.

  In the communication terminal 23 that has received the mail, a Web browser is activated in accordance with the URL attached to the mail and is connected to the Web server of the imaging device 21. Thereafter, the image data stored in the imaging device 21 is transmitted and displayed on the Web browser on the communication terminal 23. When there is an interface for transmitting a control command on the image browsing page of the Web server, as an example, a control command for image capturing is sent from the communication terminal 23 to the image capturing device 21 to perform image capturing, and the captured image data is communicated. It is sent to the terminal 23 and displayed. Also, when the Web server is terminated in the imaging device 21, a mail is transmitted to the mail address stored in the imaging device 21 to notify the termination of the Web server. The user of the communication terminal 23 that has received the mail can end the Web browser when connected to the Web server, and can prevent the Web browser from starting until the next start-up notification of the Web server is notified.

5 and 22 are diagrams illustrating examples of setting data stored in the setting storage unit 201 of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In the present embodiment, the setting data “network setting” 501, “dial-up setting” 502, and “mail delivery setting” 503 shown in FIG. 5 are described in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the same. The setting data shown in FIG. 22 are “Web server setting” 2201 and “incoming user setting” 2202.

  In the setting item of “Web server setting” 2201, the host name registered in the DNS server is set as the setting value of “host name”. As the setting value of “access authentication”, either “Yes” or “No” is set. Whether or not to provide password authentication for access to the Web server is set. As the setting value of “incoming call setting”, either “present” or “no” is set. It is set whether or not the activation of the Web server is controlled by an incoming call to the imaging apparatus. As the setting value of “incoming call setting operation time”, when “incoming call setting” is “present”, a value in minutes and seconds from the start to the end of the Web server is set.

  In the setting item of “incoming user setting” 2202, the telephone number of the communication terminal that permits authentication by the caller number when receiving an incoming call is set as the setting value of “telephone number”. A plurality of setting values for “phone number” can be set.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit 701 when a setting value of setting data is input by the user interface 206 in the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. .
When the setting key 703 shown in FIG. 7 is pressed, setting input is started and setting data is selected as a top menu. First, “network setting” 2301 is displayed. Subsequently, when the selection key 702 is pressed, “dial-up setting” 2302 is displayed.

  Then, “Mail delivery setting” 2303, “Web server setting” 2304, “Incoming user setting” 2305 are displayed by the sequential selection key 702. When the selection key 702 is further pressed, the process returns to the beginning and “Network setting” 2301 is displayed. Is displayed. When the setting key 703 is pressed while setting data for which a setting value is desired to be input is displayed, the screen moves to a submenu for inputting the setting value for the selected setting data.

FIG. 24 shows a display example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit 701 when the setting value of the setting data “Web server setting” is input by the user interface 206 in the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
First, a “host name” setting screen 2401 of “Web server setting” is displayed, and a character string of the host name is input by a number / alphabet / symbol input key 706 and set by a setting key 703. Next, a setting screen 2402 is displayed.

  On the setting screen 2402, “Access authentication” of “Web server setting” is set, and “1. presence” and “2. None” are selected by the selection key 702 or the number / alphabet / symbol input key 706 and set. Set by key 703. Next, a setting screen 2403 is displayed.

  On the setting screen 2403, “Incoming setting” of “Web server setting” is set, and “1. presence” and “2. None” are selected by the selection key 702 or numeric / alphabet / symbol input key 706 and set. Set by key 703. When “1. presence” is set, a setting screen 2404 is displayed. When “2. None” is set, the setting of “Web server setting” is terminated, and the setting screen 2304 is displayed again.

  On the setting screen 2404, “Incoming setting operation time” of “Web server setting” is set, and the value of the operation time when the Web server is started with an incoming call from the communication terminal as a trigger is a numeric / alphabetic / symbol input key. This is input by 706 and set by a setting key 703. Therefore, the setting of “Web server setting” is ended, and the setting screen 2304 is displayed again.

FIG. 25 shows a display example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit 701 when the setting value of the setting data “incoming user setting” is input by the user interface 206 in the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
First, a “telephone number” setting screen 2501 of “incoming user setting” is displayed, and a telephone number that permits authentication of incoming calls is input by a caller number by a number / alphabet / symbol input key 706 and set by a setting key 703. Is done. Next, a setting screen 2502 is displayed.

  The setting screen 2502 shows an example in which a plurality of “telephone numbers” of “incoming user settings” are set. Similarly to the setting screen 2501, a telephone number that permits authentication of incoming calls is input by a caller number by a number / alphabet / symbol input key 706 and set by a setting key 703. Next, a setting screen 2503 is displayed.

  The setting of “telephone number” in “incoming user setting” is completed when the setting key 703 is pressed in a state where no telephone number is input as shown in the setting screen 2503. Therefore, the setting of “incoming user setting” is terminated, and the setting screen 2305 is displayed again.

  For other setting data “network setting”, “dial-up setting”, and “mail delivery setting”, setting values are input by displaying the setting screen in the same manner as in FIG. 9, FIG. 24, and FIG. As described above, using FIG. 23, FIG. 24, and FIG. 25 as an example, a set of setting data can be input using the user interface 206.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing Web server activation in the operation algorithm of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart corresponds to step S1101 in FIG.

  First, in step S2601, it is determined whether an incoming call is received from the communication terminal to the imaging device. If an incoming call has been received, the process proceeds to step S2602. If no incoming call has been received, the process proceeds to step S2604, and the process is continued.

  Subsequently, in step S2602, it is determined whether or not the “incoming call setting” of the setting data “Web server setting” 2201 is “present”. If the “incoming call setting” is “present”, the process proceeds to step S2603. If the “incoming call setting” is “none”, the process proceeds to step S2601, and the process is continued.

  Subsequently, in step S2603, it is determined whether or not the caller number of the communication terminal that has arrived at the imaging device matches the number registered in the “telephone number” of “incoming user setting” 2202. If it is determined that the “phone number” in “incoming user setting” 2202 matches the caller number, the current time is used to determine the elapse of “incoming setting operation time” in “web server setting” 2201. , The process proceeds to step S2605, and if it is determined that there is no match in the “phone number” of “incoming user setting” 2202, the process proceeds to step S2601, and the process is continued.

  On the other hand, in step S2604, it is determined whether or not the start button 707 of the user interface 206 has been pressed. If it is determined that the start button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S2605. If it is determined that the start button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S2601, and the process is continued.

  In step S2605, the Web server is activated and can be accessed by a Web browser from a communication terminal via the public network and the Internet.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating Web server termination determination in the operation algorithm of the imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This flowchart corresponds to step S1106 in FIG.

  First, in step S2701, it is determined whether or not the Web server end button 708 of the user interface 206 has been pressed. If it is determined that the end button 708 has been pressed, the process advances to step S2702, and it is determined that the Web server has ended, and the process ends. If it is determined that the end button 708 has not been pressed, the process advances to step S2703 to continue the process.

  Subsequently, in step S2703, it is determined whether or not the “incoming call setting” of the setting data “Web server setting” 2201 is “present”. If the “incoming call setting” is “present”, the process proceeds to step S2704 and the processing is continued. If “incoming call setting” is “none”, the process advances to step S 2705 to determine that the Web server is to be continued, and the process is terminated.

  Subsequently, in step S2704, it is determined whether or not the “incoming call setting operation time” of the setting data “Web server setting” 2201 has elapsed. If the “incoming call setting operation time” has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S2702, where it is determined that the Web server has ended, and the process ends. If the “incoming call setting operation time” has not elapsed, the process advances to step S2705 to determine that the Web server is to be continued, and the process is terminated.

(Other embodiments)
The setting items set in the imaging apparatus according to the present invention are not limited to those used in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The voice input function may be added to add a setting for starting the Web server when sound is input.

The control command sent from the communication terminal to the imaging apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the image shooting used in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Pan / tilt control can be added when there is a control mechanism, and zoom control can be added when the image pickup unit of the image pickup apparatus has a zoom function.

  Further, FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 23, 24, and 25 of the setting data setting screen show an example. If the setting value of the setting data can be set, the setting screen shown in the example It is not limited to.

  In the second embodiment, the incoming call from the communication terminal to the imaging device with the communication function is authenticated by the caller number in accordance with the setting value of “incoming user setting” 2202 shown in FIG. As an example, incoming call authentication may be performed using setting data in which the setting item of “incoming user setting” is “sub address”. In the case of “incoming user setting” 2801, authentication is permitted when the caller subaddress sent from the communication terminal matches the set value. In the case of “incoming user setting” 2802, authentication is permitted when the called party subaddress sent from the communication terminal matches the set value. In the case of “incoming user setting” 2803, authentication is permitted when the caller subaddress and the callee subaddress sent from the communication terminal match the set values. In the case of “incoming user setting” 2804, authentication is permitted when the caller subaddress or the callee subaddress sent from the communication terminal matches the set value. When an incoming call is made from a communication terminal to an imaging device with a communication function using a communication medium including a sub-address information element for call setting, such as ISDN or PHS, the sub-address can be used for incoming call authentication. Also, authentication combining a caller ID and a subaddress is possible.

  In addition, the transmission capability required for call setting when making an incoming call from a communication terminal to an imaging apparatus with a communication function is not limited to data communication, and voice communication can also be used. That is, it is possible to authenticate the incoming call from the communication terminal by the imaging device with a communication function by either data communication or voice communication.

  Setting of setting data is not limited to being performed from the user interface of the imaging apparatus. For example, software for inputting setting values of setting data is installed on a PC or an information device, and a user inputs setting values. This may be realized by connecting the PC or the information device and the imaging device and transferring the setting data for which the setting value has been input. In this case, the connection between the PC or information device and the imaging device is RS-232C, USB, parallel, Bluetooth, wired LAN, wireless LAN, or any other communication interface for communication between information devices. This is possible by mounting on both the device and the imaging device.

In addition, setting of setting data is not limited to being performed from the user interface of the imaging device. For example, a service for inputting setting values of setting data at a site on the Internet is implemented, and the user can set the setting value with a browser. May be realized by transferring the setting data with the set value input from a site on the Internet via a communication network.

1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration including an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention and an operation sequence thereof. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the image memory | storage part of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the communication part of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting data memorize | stored in the setting memory | storage part of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting data memorize | stored in the setting memory | storage part of the imaging device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example displayed on the display unit when a setting value is input through a user interface in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example displayed on the display unit when a setting value is input through a user interface in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example displayed on the display unit when a setting value is input through a user interface in the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement algorithm of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating Web server activation in the operation algorithm of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows starting notification mail transmission in the operation | movement algorithm of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of the mail which notifies the starting of a web server in the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the data transmission in the operation | movement algorithm of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of the authentication page at the time of performing access authentication with the web browser on the communication terminal connected to the web server which operate | moves with the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of the page which displays the image data transmitted to the communication terminal from the Web server which operate | moves with the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and provides the command input interface of image pick-up. It is a flowchart which shows the control command process in the operation | movement algorithm of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating Web server termination determination in the operation algorithm of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the example of the mail which notifies the completion | finish of a Web server in the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure and operation | movement sequence in which the imaging device with a communication function which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is used. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting data memorize | stored in the setting memory | storage part of the imaging device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of a display displayed on a display part when inputting a setting value with a user interface in the imaging device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of a display displayed on a display part when inputting a setting value with a user interface in the imaging device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the example of a display displayed on a display part when inputting a setting value with a user interface in the imaging device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows Web server starting in the operation | movement algorithm of the imaging device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the web server end determination in the operation | movement algorithm of the imaging device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting data memorize | stored in the setting memory | storage part of the imaging device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

11, 21 Imaging device 12, 22 Public network and Internet 13, 23 Communication terminal 201 Setting storage unit 202 Imaging unit 203 Sensor input unit 204 RAM
205 Control Unit 206 User Interface 207 Image Storage Unit 208 Storage Control Unit 209 Communication Unit 701 Display Unit 702 Selection Key 703 Setting Key 704 Number / English / Symbol Switching Key 705 Shooting Key 706 Number / English / Symbol Key 707 Web Server Start Key 708 Web server termination key

Claims (3)

An imaging apparatus having a communication function and a Web server function, capable of browsing an image stored in a communication terminal connected via a communication network, or capturing an image,
Web server activation condition determining means for setting a condition for starting the Web server and determining whether or not the Web server activation condition is satisfied;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a Web server activation notification unit that notifies the communication terminal of the address of the Web server by mail when the Web server is activated. Web server termination condition determination means for setting a condition for termination of the Web server and determining whether the Web server termination condition is satisfied;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a Web server end notifying unit that notifies the communication terminal by e-mail when the Web server is ended. A notification method in an imaging apparatus having a communication function and a Web server function and capable of browsing an image stored in a communication terminal connected via a communication network and capturing an image ,
A Web server start condition determining step for setting a condition for starting the Web server and determining whether the Web server start condition is satisfied;
And a Web server activation notification step of notifying the communication terminal of the address of the Web server by mail when the Web server is activated.

Images