JP2007019936A - Visible light communication system, imaging apparatus, and visible light communication preparation method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of setting an environment adaptive to visible light communication. <P>SOLUTION: A photometry/range finding CPU 137 controls a zoom motor 110 to move a zoom lens 101a to a WIDE end in a step S101. When the zoom lens 101a is moved to the WIDE end, visible light signals from a communication light emission unit 16 of a transmitter side camera 100 located in the vicinity of a receiver side camera 300 can be contained within a field angle (imaging range) and the accuracy of receiving the visible light signals can be improved. The photometry/range finding CPU 137 controls a focus motor 111 to move a focus lens 101b to a NEAR point in a step S102. When the focus lens 101b is moved to the NEAR point, the visible light signals can be received in a well-focused state of the communication light emission unit 16 of the transmitter side camera 100 located in the vicinity of the receiver side camera 300 and the accuracy of receiving the visible light signals can be improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to visible light communication, and more particularly to visible light communication applicable to an imaging apparatus.

Conventionally, various visible light communications using light emitting means and light receiving elements have been developed. For example, according to Patent Document 1, optical communication is performed by applying an inverted pulse position modulation (inverted PPM) process in which an on / off position in pulse position modulation (PPM) is inverted to a communication data sequence and applying an inverted PPM signal. . According to this document, for example, when communication using visible light is performed in a lighting device or a display device, it is possible to perform communication without reducing the illumination illuminance and without reducing the luminance level of the display. Become.
JP 2004-72365 A

  By the way, in visible light communication, the position on the light receiving side is far or close from the light emitting side, which may be inappropriate for communication. In this regard, in Patent Document 1, communication is performed without reducing the illuminance of the illumination and without reducing the luminance level of the display, and no specific means for setting a favorable communication environment is disclosed. The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables environment setting suitable for visible light communication.

  In order to solve the above problems, a visible light communication system according to the present invention includes an LED group composed of LEDs that emit R, G, and B visible light, a light emission control unit that sets a light emission pattern of the LED group, and a light emission control unit. An LED driver that controls the light emission of the LED group according to the set light emission pattern, and a light emission pattern storage unit that stores a table that defines the light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to the desired communication data. The light emission control unit stores the desired communication data. A visible light signal transmitting device that transmits visible light signals of R, G, and B from the LED group by setting the LED driver according to the table of the light emission pattern storage unit, and a photographing lens that forms an image with the visible light signal transmitting device as a subject, Imaging of R, G, B by receiving R, G, B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group of the visible light signal transmitter imaged by the taking lens Image sensor that converts the signal into a signal and outputs it, an A / D converter that converts R, G, and B image signals output from the image sensor into R, G, and B image data, and an A / D converter Received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color of the R, G, B visible light signals based on the R, G, B image data output from the LED, and the light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to the desired communication data A light emitting pattern discriminating unit for discriminating the light emitting pattern of the LED group according to the amount of received light for each color of the R, G, B visible light signals detected by the light receiving amount detecting unit; An imaging device including a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern determined by the light emission pattern determination unit according to the table of the reception side light emission pattern storage unit, and the imaging device is visible light from the visible light signal transmission device Reception of signal Upon, performing the preparation operation visible light communication.

  The imaging lens includes a focus lens, and the imaging device drives the focus lens to move the focus between the end point on the infinity side and the end point on the near side, and focus control that controls the driving of the focus motor If the unit is further provided, a specific aspect of the preparation operation can be performed as follows, for example. That is, when receiving the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmitter, the focusing control unit controls the driving of the focusing motor to move the focus lens to the closest end point.

  Even if the imaging device is placed close to the visible light signal transmission device, if the focus lens is moved to the closest side, the visible light signal can be received while the visible light signal transmission device is in focus. The accuracy of signal reception increases.

  Alternatively, the photographing lens includes a zoom lens, and the imaging apparatus further includes a zoom motor that drives the zoom lens to move in the telephoto direction or the wide-angle direction, and a zoom control unit that controls the driving of the zoom motor. The operation can be performed as follows, for example. That is, the zoom control unit controls the driving of the zoom motor to move the zoom lens in the wide-angle direction when receiving the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device.

  Even if the imaging device is arranged close to the visible light signal transmission device, if the zoom lens is moved in the wide-angle direction, the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device arranged close to the imaging device is displayed. It can be stored in the corner (imaging range), and the accuracy of visible light signal reception is improved.

  Preferably, the imaging device further includes an instruction transmission unit that transmits a test light emission instruction to the visible light signal transmission device, and the visible light signal transmission device receives the test light emission instruction transmitted from the test light emission instruction unit. The light emission control unit performs predetermined test light emission in response to the instruction receiving unit receiving the test light emission instruction.

  Preferably, the imaging device includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the arrangement of the imaging device is suitable for visible light communication based on the image data output from the A / D conversion unit after the instruction light emission instruction is transmitted by the instruction transmission unit. Further prepare.

  For example, the determination unit determines whether the arrangement of the imaging device is suitable for visible light communication based on a feature amount representing the sharpness of the image data.

  The feature amount representing sharpness represents that the contour is clear, and is obtained using a delta histogram or MTF (modulation transfer function). If the outline of the test light emission emitted from the visible light signal transmission device of the contour of the test light emission is clear, it is considered that the visible light signal can be received appropriately, so the appropriateness of the arrangement is determined based on such a determination. Is desirable.

  Alternatively, the determination unit determines whether the arrangement of the imaging device is suitable for visible light communication based on the level of image data in a predetermined area in one screen.

  If the image signal is saturated within a predetermined area, it is considered that the visible light signal emitted from the visible light signal transmitter is completely captured within the angle of view. It can be said that it is desirable to judge.

  And it is preferable that a visible light communication system or an imaging device is further provided with the notification part which notifies the result of judgment by a judgment part.

  The user can appropriately change the arrangement of the visible light communication system according to the notification, and can secure the arrangement suitable for the visible light communication.

  In addition, the photographing lens includes a focus lens, and the image pickup apparatus detects an in-focus position based on image data output from the A / D conversion unit. The focus lens is driven to focus on an infinite point. A focus motor that moves between the lens and the closest end point, and a focus control unit that controls the drive of the focus motor so that the focus lens moves to the focus position detected by the AF detection unit. As the communication preparation operation, it is preferable that the focus control unit controls the driving of the focus motor so that the focus lens moves to the in-focus position detected by the AF detection unit after the instruction transmission instruction is transmitted by the instruction transmission unit.

  In this way, the visible light signal can be received in a state in which the visible light signal transmission source is focused, and the light receiving accuracy of the visible light signal is improved.

  In addition, the photographing lens includes a zoom lens, and the imaging device can be communicated if it further includes a zoom motor that drives the zoom lens to move in the telephoto direction or wide-angle direction, and a zoom control unit that controls the drive of the zoom motor. As a preparatory operation, the zoom control unit controls the driving of the zoom motor after transmitting the test light emission instruction by the instruction transmission unit so that the level of the image data in a predetermined area in one screen exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Is preferably moved.

  In this way, the visible light signal can be captured within the angle of view, and the light receiving accuracy of the visible light signal is improved.

  The imaging apparatus includes an aperture that adjusts the exposure amount to the image sensor, an aperture drive unit that adjusts the aperture diameter by driving the aperture, a photometric unit that measures the brightness of a visible light signal based on image data, and photometry of the photometric unit If an exposure control unit that determines an appropriate aperture value based on the brightness of the visible light signal and drives the aperture drive unit based on the appropriate aperture value to control the aperture diameter of the aperture is further provided. As a preparatory operation, it is preferable that the exposure control unit controls the aperture diameter of the aperture by driving the aperture driving unit based on the determination of an appropriate aperture value and the appropriate aperture value after transmitting the test light emission command by the command transmission unit.

  By doing this, it is possible to prevent over / under of the amount of received visible light signal.

  The imaging apparatus may further include a communication start operation unit that receives an input operation for starting visible light communication, and may perform a preparation operation for visible light communication when the communication start operation unit receives an input operation for starting visible light communication. .

  An imaging device according to the present invention includes a focus lens, and forms a visible light signal transmission device that emits visible light signals of R, G, and B from a group of LEDs as a subject. An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group of the optical signal transmitter, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, An A / D converter that converts the B imaging signal into R, G, and B image data and outputs the image data, and R, G, and B based on the R, G, and B image data output from the A / D converter Detection unit for detecting the amount of received light for each color of the visible light signal, receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining the light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, detection of the light reception amount detection unit R, G and B visible light signals received for each color A light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates the light emission pattern of the LED group according to the amount, a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, and driving the focus lens The focus motor that moves the focal point between the end point on the infinity side and the end point on the near side, and when the visible light signal is received from the visible light signal transmission device, the focus motor is controlled by controlling the drive of the focus motor. A focusing control unit for moving to the end point on the side.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a zoom lens, and includes a photographic lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that emits visible light signals of R, G, and B from an LED group, and a visible image formed by the photographic lens. An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group of the optical signal transmitter, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, An A / D converter that converts the B imaging signal into R, G, and B image data and outputs the image data, and R, G, and B based on the R, G, and B image data output from the A / D converter Detection unit for detecting the amount of received light for each color of the visible light signal, receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining the light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, detection of the light reception amount detection unit Received R, G, B visible light signal for each color Accordingly, the light emission pattern discriminating unit for discriminating the light emission pattern of the LED group, the data specifying unit for specifying the communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, and the zoom lens are driven. A zoom motor that moves in the telephoto direction or wide angle direction, and a zoom control unit that controls the drive of the zoom motor and moves the zoom lens in the wide angle direction when receiving a visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device.

  An imaging device according to the present invention includes a photographing lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that emits visible light signals of R, G, and B from an LED group as a subject, and a visible light signal transmission device that is imaged by the photographing lens. An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, and B image signals output from the image sensor An A / D conversion unit that converts and outputs R, G, and B image data, and R, G, and B visible light signals based on R, G, and B image data output from the A / D conversion unit A received light amount detecting unit for detecting the received light amount for each color, a receiving side light emitting pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emitting pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R, G, detected by the received light amount detecting unit LED emission according to the amount of light received for each color of the visible light signal of B A light emission pattern discriminating unit for discriminating a pattern, a data specifying unit for specifying communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, and a visible light signal from the visible light signal transmitting device When receiving light, a determination unit is provided that determines whether the arrangement of the imaging device is suitable for visible light communication based on the image data output from the A / D conversion unit.

  An imaging device according to the present invention includes a focus lens, and forms a visible light signal transmission device that emits visible light signals of R, G, and B from a group of LEDs as a subject. An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group of the optical signal transmitter, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, An A / D converter that converts the B imaging signal into R, G, and B image data and outputs the image data, and R, G, and B based on the R, G, and B image data output from the A / D converter Detection unit for detecting the amount of received light for each color of the visible light signal, receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining the light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, detection of the light reception amount detection unit R, G and B visible light signals received for each color A light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates the light emission pattern of the LED group according to the amount, a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, and an A / D conversion unit AF detection unit that detects the in-focus position based on image data output from the motor, a focus motor that drives the focus lens to move the focal point between the end point on the infinity side and the end point on the near side, visible light signal When receiving a visible light signal from the transmission device, a focus control unit is provided for controlling the driving of the focus motor so that the focus lens moves to the focus position detected by the AF detection unit.

  An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a zoom lens, and includes a photographic lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that emits visible light signals of R, G, and B from an LED group, and a visible image formed by the photographic lens. An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group of the optical signal transmitter, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, An A / D converter that converts the B imaging signal into R, G, and B image data and outputs the image data, and R, G, and B based on the R, G, and B image data output from the A / D converter Detection unit for detecting the amount of received light for each color of the visible light signal, receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining the light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, detection of the light reception amount detection unit Received R, G, B visible light signal for each color Accordingly, the light emission pattern discriminating unit for discriminating the light emission pattern of the LED group, the data specifying unit for specifying the communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, and the zoom lens are driven. When receiving a visible light signal from a zoom motor or a visible light signal transmitter that moves in a telephoto direction or a wide-angle direction, the level of image data in a predetermined region in one screen is controlled by controlling the driving of the zoom motor. A zoom control unit that moves the zoom lens so as to exceed the threshold value is provided.

  An imaging device according to the present invention includes a photographing lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that emits visible light signals of R, G, and B from an LED group as a subject, and a visible light signal transmission device that is imaged by the photographing lens. An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, and B image signals output from the image sensor An A / D conversion unit that converts and outputs R, G, and B image data, and R, G, and B visible light signals based on R, G, and B image data output from the A / D conversion unit A received light amount detecting unit for detecting the received light amount for each color, a receiving side light emitting pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emitting pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R, G, detected by the received light amount detecting unit LED emission according to the amount of light received for each color of the visible light signal of B A light emission pattern discriminating unit for discriminating a pattern, a data specifying unit for specifying communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emitting pattern storage unit, a diaphragm for adjusting the exposure amount to the image sensor, An aperture drive unit that adjusts the aperture diameter by driving the aperture, a metering unit that measures the brightness of the visible light signal based on the image data, and an appropriate aperture value based on the brightness of the visible light signal measured by the photometry unit And an exposure control unit that controls the aperture diameter of the aperture by driving the aperture drive unit based on an appropriate aperture value, and the exposure control unit receives the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device. Based on the determination of the aperture value and the appropriate aperture value, the aperture drive unit is driven to control the aperture diameter of the aperture.

  A visible light communication preparation method according to the present invention includes a focus lens, and forms an image by a photographing lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that emits R, G, and B visible light signals from an LED group as a subject. The R, G, B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group of the visible light signal transmitting device received, converted into R, G, B imaging signals and output, and the R output from the imaging device , G, B imaging signals are converted into R, G, B image data and output, and R, G, B image data output from the A / D converter R, A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color of the G and B visible light signals, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and a received light amount detection Of R, G and B visible light signals detected by A light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates the light emission pattern of the LED group according to the amount of received light, a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, and a focus lens Is a visible light communication preparation method used in an imaging device including a focusing motor that moves a focal point between an end point on the infinity side and an end point on the near side by driving a visible light from a visible light signal transmission device When receiving the signal, the method includes a step of controlling the driving of the focus motor to move the focus lens to the end point on the closest side.

  The visible light communication preparation method according to the present invention includes a zoom lens and forms an image by a photographing lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that emits R, G, and B visible light signals from an LED group as a subject. The R, G, B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group of the visible light signal transmitting device received, converted into R, G, B imaging signals and output, and the R output from the imaging device , G, B imaging signals are converted into R, G, B image data and output, and R, G, B image data output from the A / D converter R, A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color of the G and B visible light signals, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and a received light amount detection Color of R, G, B visible light signals detected by A light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates the light emission pattern of the LED group according to the amount of received light, a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, and a zoom lens A visible light communication preparation method used in an imaging device including a zoom motor that is driven to move in a telephoto direction or a wide-angle direction, and driving a zoom motor when receiving a visible light signal from a visible light signal transmission device And controlling to move the zoom lens in the wide-angle direction.

  The visible light communication preparation method according to the present invention includes a photographing lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that emits visible light signals of R, G, and B from an LED group, and a visible light signal formed by the photographing lens. An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group of the transmitter, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, and B signals that are output from the image sensor An A / D converter that converts an imaging signal into R, G, and B image data and outputs the image data, and R, G, and B visible based on R, G, and B image data output from the A / D converter A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color of the optical signal, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and an R detected by the received light amount detection unit , G, and B according to the amount of received light for each color of visible light signal Visible pattern used in an imaging device including a light emission pattern determination unit that determines a light emission pattern of group D, and a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern determined by the light emission pattern determination unit according to the table of the reception side light emission pattern storage unit Whether or not the arrangement of the imaging device is suitable for visible light communication based on the image data output from the A / D converter when receiving a visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device. The step of judging is included.

  A visible light communication preparation method according to the present invention includes a focus lens, and forms an image by a photographing lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that emits R, G, and B visible light signals from an LED group as a subject. The R, G, B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group of the visible light signal transmitting device received, converted into R, G, B imaging signals and output, and the R output from the imaging device , G, B imaging signals are converted into R, G, B image data and output, and R, G, B image data output from the A / D converter R, A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color of the G and B visible light signals, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and a received light amount detection Of R, G and B visible light signals detected by A light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates the light emission pattern of the LED group according to the amount of received light, a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit; An AF detection unit for detecting a focus position based on image data output from the D conversion unit, and a focus motor for driving the focus lens to move the focal point between the end point on the infinity side and the end point on the closest side A method for preparing a visible light communication used in an imaging apparatus provided with the focus motor driving so that a focus lens moves to a focus position detected by an AF detection unit when receiving a visible light signal from a visible light signal transmission device The step of controlling is included.

  The visible light communication preparation method according to the present invention includes a zoom lens and forms an image by a photographing lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that emits R, G, and B visible light signals from an LED group as a subject. The R, G, B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group of the visible light signal transmitting device received, converted into R, G, B imaging signals and output, and the R output from the imaging device , G, B imaging signals are converted into R, G, B image data and output, and R, G, B image data output from the A / D converter R, A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color of the G and B visible light signals, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and a received light amount detection Color of R, G, B visible light signals detected by A light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates the light emission pattern of the LED group according to the amount of received light, a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, and a zoom lens A visible light communication preparation method used in an imaging device including a zoom motor that is driven to move in a telephoto direction or a wide-angle direction, and driving a zoom motor when receiving a visible light signal from a visible light signal transmission device And a step of moving the zoom lens so that the level of the image data in a predetermined area in one screen exceeds a predetermined threshold.

  The visible light communication preparation method according to the present invention includes a photographing lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that emits visible light signals of R, G, and B from an LED group, and a visible light signal formed by the photographing lens. An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group of the transmitter, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, and B signals that are output from the image sensor An A / D converter that converts an imaging signal into R, G, and B image data and outputs the image data, and R, G, and B visible based on R, G, and B image data output from the A / D converter A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color of the optical signal, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and an R detected by the received light amount detection unit , G, and B according to the amount of received light for each color of visible light signal A light emission pattern discriminating unit for discriminating the light emission pattern of the D group, a data specifying unit for specifying communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, and an exposure amount to the image sensor Aperture to be adjusted, Aperture drive unit that drives the aperture to adjust the aperture diameter, Photometric unit that measures the brightness of the visible light signal based on image data, Appropriate based on the brightness of the visible light signal measured by the photometric unit A visible light communication preparation method used in an imaging device including an exposure control unit that determines an appropriate aperture value and drives an aperture drive unit based on an appropriate aperture value to control an aperture diameter of the aperture. When receiving a visible light signal from the transmitter, the method includes determining an appropriate aperture value and driving the aperture drive unit based on the appropriate aperture value to control the aperture diameter of the aperture.

  A visible light communication preparation program for causing a computer to execute the above-described visible light communication preparation method is also included in the present invention.

  According to the photographing preparation operation according to the present invention, the focus lens is moved to the closest end point when the visible light signal is received. In this way, communication can be started in a state in which the visible light signal transmission device disposed close to the imaging device is focused, and the accuracy of visible light signal reception is improved.

  Alternatively, according to the shooting preparation operation according to the present invention, the focus lens is moved to the detected focus position. For this reason, communication can be started in the state which focused on the visible light signal transmitter.

  Alternatively, according to the photographing preparation operation according to the present invention, the zoom lens is moved in the wide-angle direction when the visible light signal is received. In this way, the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device arranged close to the imaging device can be stored within the angle of view (imaging range), and the accuracy of visible light signal reception is increased.

  Alternatively, according to the photographing preparation operation according to the present invention, the zoom lens is moved so that the level of the image data in a predetermined area in one screen exceeds a predetermined threshold when the visible light signal is received. In this way, the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device can be captured within the angle of view, and the accuracy of visible light signal reception increases.

  Further, according to the photographing preparation operation according to the present invention, the aperture diameter of the diaphragm is controlled when the visible light signal is received. In this way, over / under of the amount of visible light signal reception can be prevented.

  In the shooting preparation operation according to the present invention, the appropriateness of the arrangement of the visible light communication system is determined and the result is notified, so that the user appropriately changes the arrangement in accordance with this notification, and the arrangement suitable for visible light communication. Can be secured.

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

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a transmission side digital camera 100 (hereinafter abbreviated as a transmission side camera 100) which is a preferred embodiment of a visible light signal transmission device according to the present invention. The originating camera 100 is provided with an operation unit 120 for performing various operations when the user uses the originating camera 100. The operation unit 120 includes a power switch 121 for turning on the power for operating the originating camera 100, a switching lever 122 for freely switching between a photographing mode, a reproduction mode, and a visible light communication mode, auto photographing, manual photographing, and the like. A shooting mode dial 123 for selecting, a cross key 124 for setting, selecting or zooming various menus, a flashing switch 125, and executing or canceling the menu selected with the cross key 124. It is composed of an information position designation key 126 and a lever switch that can be operated in the vertical direction. By operating the switch in the upward direction, the zoom is moved in the telephoto (TELE) direction, and by operating in the downward direction, the wide angle (WIDE) direction. A zoom switch 127 for zooming is provided.

  Further, the originating camera 100 is provided with an image display LCD 102 for displaying a photographed image, a reproduced image, and the like, and an operation LCD display 103 for assisting the operation.

  The originating camera 100 is provided with a release switch 104. The release switch 104 transmits a shooting start instruction to the main CPU 20. In the originating camera 100, the switching lever 122 can freely switch between shooting, reproduction, and visible light communication. The user switches the switching lever 122 to the shooting side when shooting, and the switching lever 122 switches when shooting. When switching to the reproduction side and performing visible light communication, the switching lever 122 is switched to the visible light communication side. Further, the light emitting side camera 100 is provided with a flash light emitting device having a flash light emitting tube 105a that emits flash light.

  In addition, the originating camera 100 includes a photographing lens 101 and a CCD sensor 132 that is an image sensor that converts a subject image formed via the photographing lens 101 into an analog image signal.

  The photographing lens 101 includes a zoom lens 101a, a focus lens 101b, and a diaphragm 131. A zoom motor 110 that performs zooming, a focus motor 111 that performs focus adjustment, and a diaphragm motor 112 that performs diaphragm adjustment, respectively. Is driven.

  More specifically, the CCD sensor 132 generates an image signal by accumulating charges generated by subject light irradiated to the CCD sensor 132 for a variable charge accumulation time (exposure period). The CCD 132 sequentially outputs image signals for each frame at a timing synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal VD output from the CG unit 136.

  As shown in FIG. 2, minute color filters of R, G, and B are arranged in a matrix on the light receiving surface of the CCD 132, and an image pickup signal including each color component of R, G, and B has a white balance / γ After being amplified to an appropriate level by the processing unit 133, the A / D unit 134 converts the image data into R, G, and B images. The pixel arrangement of the CCD 132 is illustrated by taking a Bayer type as an example, but various arrangement methods such as a honeycomb type can be adopted and are not limited to those illustrated.

  When the CCD sensor 132 is used as the image sensor, an optical low-pass filter 132a that removes unnecessary high-frequency components in the incident light is disposed in order to prevent generation of color false signals, moire fringes, and the like. . In addition, an infrared cut filter 132b that absorbs or reflects infrared light in incident light and corrects a sensitivity characteristic unique to the CCD sensor 132 having high sensitivity in a long wavelength region is provided. There are various specific arrangement modes of the optical low-pass filter 132a and the infrared cut filter 132b. For example, the arrangement can be as described in paragraphs 0003 to 0004 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-114502 by the present applicant.

  Further, the source camera 100 adjusts the white balance of the subject image represented by the analog image signal from the CCD sensor 132 and adjusts the slope (γ) of the straight line in the gradation characteristic of the subject image, and further receives the analog image signal. A white balance / γ processing unit 133 including an amplification variable amplifier for amplification is provided.

  Further, the originating camera 100 includes an A / D unit 134 for A / D converting analog signals from the white balance / γ processing unit 133 into digital R, G, B image data, and the A / D unit 134. A buffer memory 135 for storing R, G, B image data is provided.

  In this embodiment, the A / D unit 134 has an 8-bit quantization resolution, and the analog R, G, B imaging signals output from the white balance / γ processing unit 133 are used as the received light amount of the CCD sensor 132. Accordingly, it is converted into R, G, B digital image data of levels 0 to 255 and output. Hereinafter, the level of R, G, B digital image data corresponding to the received light amount of R, G, B of the CCD 132 is also referred to as received light amount. However, this quantization resolution is merely an example and is not an essential value for the present invention.

  The originating camera 100 also includes a CG (clock generator) unit 136, a photometry / ranging CPU 137, a charge / emission control unit 138, a communication control unit 139, a YC processing unit 140, and a power battery 68. Is provided.

  The CG unit 136 includes a vertical synchronization signal VD for driving the CCD sensor 132, a drive signal including a high-speed sweep pulse P, a control signal for controlling the white balance / γ processing unit 133, the A / D unit 134, and a communication control unit. A control signal for controlling 139 is output. Further, a control signal from the photometry / ranging CPU 137 is input to the CG unit 136.

  The photometry / ranging CPU 137 measures the distance by controlling the zoom motor 110, the focus motor 111, and the aperture motor 112 for adjusting the aperture to drive the zoom lens 101a, the focus lens 101b, and the aperture 131, respectively. The CG unit 136 and the charge / light emission control unit 138 are controlled. Driving of the zoom motor 110, the focus motor 111, and the aperture motor 112 is controlled by the motor driver 62, and a control command for the motor driver 62 is sent from the photometry / ranging CPU 137 or the CPU 20.

  When the release switch 104 is half-pressed, the photometry / ranging CPU 137 measures the brightness of the subject (EV) based on the image data periodically (every 1/30 seconds to 1/60 seconds) obtained by the CCD 132. Value calculation).

  That is, the AE calculation unit 151 integrates the R, G, and B image signals output from the A / D conversion unit 134 and provides the integrated values to the photometry / ranging CPU 137. The photometry / ranging CPU 137 detects the average brightness (subject brightness) of the subject based on the integrated value input from the AE calculation unit 151, and calculates an exposure value (EV value) suitable for photographing.

  Then, the photometry / ranging CPU 137 determines the exposure value including the aperture value (F value) of the aperture 131 and the electronic shutter (shutter speed) of the CCD 132 based on the obtained EV value according to a predetermined program diagram. .

  When the release switch 104 is fully pressed, the photometry / ranging CPU 137 drives the aperture 131 based on the determined aperture value, controls the aperture diameter of the aperture 131, and controls the CG 136 based on the determined shutter speed. The charge accumulation time in the CCD 132 is controlled via the AE (AE operation).

  The AE operation includes an aperture priority AE, a shutter speed priority AE, a program AE, etc. In any case, the subject brightness is measured, and an exposure value determined based on the photometric value of the subject brightness, that is, an aperture value and a shutter. By taking a picture in combination with the speed, control is performed so that an image is taken with an appropriate exposure amount, and it is possible to save troublesome determination of exposure.

  The AF detection unit 150 extracts image data corresponding to the detection range selected by the photometry / ranging CPU 137 from the A / D conversion unit 134. The method of detecting the focal position is performed using the feature that the high frequency component of the image data has the maximum amplitude at the in-focus position. The AF detection unit 150 calculates an amplitude value by integrating the high-frequency component of the extracted image data for one field period. The AF detector 150 is configured such that the photometry / ranging CPU 137 drives and controls the focus motor 110 to move the focus lens 101a within the movable range, that is, between the end point on the infinity side (INF point) and the end point on the near side (NEAR point). When the maximum amplitude is detected, the detection value is transmitted to the photometry / ranging CPU 137 when the maximum amplitude is detected.

  The photometry / ranging CPU 137 obtains this detection value and issues a command to the focus motor 111 to move the focus lens 101b to the corresponding in-focus position. The focus motor 111 moves the focus lens 101b to the in-focus position in accordance with a command from the photometry / ranging CPU 137 (AF operation).

  The photometry / ranging CPU 137 is connected to the release switch 104 through inter-CPU communication with the main CPU 20, and the in-focus position is detected when the release switch 104 is half-pressed by the user. Further, a zoom motor 111 is connected to the photometry / ranging CPU 137, and when the main CPU 20 obtains a zoom command in the TELE direction or WIDE direction from the user by the zoom switch 127, the zoom motor 111 is used. By driving the motor 110, the zoom lens 101a is moved between the WIDE end and the TELE end.

  The charge / light emission control unit 138 is supplied with power from the power supply battery 68 to emit light from the flash light emission tube 105a, charges a flash light emission capacitor (not shown), and controls light emission from the flash light emission tube 105a. .

  The communication control unit 139 includes a communication port 107, and the communication control unit 139 outputs an image signal of a subject photographed by the originating camera 100 to an external device such as a personal computer equipped with a USB terminal. In addition, by inputting an image signal from such an external device to the originating camera 100, data communication with the external device is performed. The originating camera 100 has a function that simulates the ISO sensitivity 100, 200, 400, 1600, etc. of a normal camera that takes a photograph in a roll-shaped photographic film, and has an ISO sensitivity of 400 or more. When switched, the high-sensitivity mode is set in which the amplification factor of the amplifier of the white balance / γ processing unit 133 is set to a high amplification factor exceeding a predetermined amplification factor.

  Further, the originating camera 100 includes a compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 and an I / F unit 144. The compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 reads and compresses the image data stored in the buffer memory 135 via the bus line 142 and stores the image data in the memory card 200 via the I / F unit 144. In addition, the compression / decompression & ID extraction unit 143 extracts an identification number (ID) unique to the memory card 200 and reads the image data stored in the memory card 200 when reading the image data stored in the memory card 200. Are decompressed and stored in the buffer memory 135.

  In addition, the originating camera 100 includes a main CPU 20, an EEPROM 146, a YC / RGB conversion unit 147, and a display driver 148. The main CPU 20 controls the entire originating camera 100. The EEPROM 146 stores solid data and programs unique to the originating camera 100. The YC / RGB conversion unit 147 converts the color video signal YC generated by the YC processing unit 140 into RGB signals of three colors, and outputs them to the image display LCD 102 via the display driver 148.

  The originating camera 100 includes an infrared light receiving circuit 63. The infrared light receiving circuit 63 converts the incident infrared signal into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the main CPU 20.

  Note that the originating camera 100 can also receive an infrared signal by the CCD 132. That is, if infrared light passes through the optical low-pass filter 132a and reaches the light receiving surface of the CCD 132, the infrared light received by the CCD 132 is used as white light, and the infrared light receiving circuit 63 is used as a substitute. . Thereby, the CCD 132 can detect an infrared signal in addition to a visible light signal, and a special configuration such as the infrared light receiving circuit 63 can be omitted.

  In addition, the originating camera 100 has a configuration in which an AC adapter 48 for obtaining power from an AC power supply and a power supply battery 68 are detachable. The power supply battery 68 is composed of a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, or a lithium ion battery. The power supply battery 68 may be a single-use primary battery such as a lithium battery or an alkaline battery. The power supply battery 68 is electrically connected to each circuit of the source camera 100 by being loaded into a battery storage chamber (not shown).

  The case where the AC adapter 48 is loaded in the originating camera 100 and power is supplied from the AC power source to the originating camera 100 via the AC adapter 48 is when the power battery 68 is loaded in the battery storage chamber. In addition, the power output from the AC adapter 48 is preferentially supplied to each part of the source camera 100 as driving power. In addition, when the AC adapter 48 is not loaded and the power battery 68 is loaded in the battery storage chamber, the power output from the power battery 68 is used as driving power for each part of the source camera 100. Supplied as

  Although not shown, the originating camera 100 is provided with a backup battery separately from the power supply battery 68 housed in the battery housing chamber. For example, a dedicated secondary battery is used as the built-in backup battery and is charged by the power supply battery 68. The backup battery supplies power to the basic function of the source camera 100 when the power battery 68 is not loaded in the battery storage chamber, such as when the power battery 68 is replaced or removed.

  That is, when the power supply from the power supply battery 68 or the AC adapter 48 is stopped, the backup battery is connected to the RTC 15 or the like by a switching circuit (not shown) and supplies power to these circuits. As a result, as long as the backup battery 29 does not reach the end of its life, power supply continues to the basic functions such as the RTC 15 without interruption.

  An RTC (Real Time Clock) 15 is a chip dedicated to timekeeping, and continuously operates by receiving power supply from the backup battery even when power supply from the power supply battery 68 or the AC adapter 48 is turned off.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the communication light emitting device 16. The communication light emitting unit 16 includes a pattern table storage unit 12, a light emission control CPU 14, an LED group 17 (R, G, B LEDs 17R, 17G, 17B), a light control sensor 18, and an LED driver 19.

  The LED driver 19 takes in a light emission control signal indicating a light emission pattern, a light emission timing, a light emission time, a light emission amount, and the like from the light emission control CPU 14. The light emission pattern of the LED group 17 is stored in advance in the pattern table storage unit 12 including various storage media such as a nonvolatile memory.

  The light emission timing set in the LED driver 19 by the light emission control CPU 14 is synchronized with a transmission drive signal that is a clock signal output from the CG 136.

  The LED driver 19 controls the LED group 17 in accordance with a control signal from the light emission control CPU 14, and controls the light emission pattern, light emission timing, light emission time, and light emission amount of the LEDs 17R, 17G, and 17B. The electrical energy of the R, G, B LEDs 17R, 17G, 17B is supplied from the power supply battery 68 or the AC adapter 48.

  When the LED group 17 emits light, the light emission control CPU 14 detects the light emission amount via the light control sensor 18. When the detected light emission amount matches the reference value for adjusting the light emission amount, a light emission stop signal is output to the LED driver 19 in order to stop the light emission. When the light emission stop signal is input from the light emission control CPU 14, the LED driver 19 controls to stop the light emission of the LED group 17. Thereby, the electric current which flows into the LED group 17 from the power supply battery 68 is interrupted | blocked, and light emission of the LED group 17 stops.

  Although not shown, the configuration of the communication light emitting unit 16 may be made common to all or part of the configuration of the flash light emitting device or the conventional tally lamp, AF auxiliary light, and the light emission control device. For example, the light emission control CPU 14 and the photometry / ranging CPU 137 may be the same CPU. Alternatively, all or part of the LEDs 17R, 17G, and 17B may be configured in common with a tally lamp or the like. In this way, the visible light signal transmission device according to the present invention can be realized without providing a special device in the conventional digital camera.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a receiving-side digital camera 300 (hereinafter abbreviated as receiving-side camera 300), which is a preferred embodiment of the imaging apparatus according to the present invention. In this figure, the same blocks as those of the originating camera 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the configuration and function thereof are basically the same as described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The CCD 132 of the receiving camera 300 receives R, G, B visible light emitted from the communication light emitting device 16 of the emitting camera 100. Visible light received by the CCD 132 is converted into R, G, B image signals and output to the white balance / γ processing unit 133, subjected to predetermined processing, and then subjected to R, G, B in the A / D conversion unit 134. The conversion to the B image data is as described above.

  The R, G, B image data obtained by the A / D unit 134 is also input to the AF detection unit 150. The AF detection unit 150 averages the R, G, B image data for each predetermined divided area of the screen and for each same color component, and further, R, G, B for all areas or a predetermined region for each frame. The integrated average values Ir, Ig, and Ib of the image data are calculated. The integrated average values Ir, Ig, and Ib are used as the amounts of R, G, and B visible light received.

  However, R, G, and B visible light receiving amounts Ir, Ig, and Ib (sometimes collectively referred to as received light amounts R) are light receiving sensors other than the CCD 132 having sensitivity to R, G, and B visible lights, respectively. It is also possible to detect by (not shown).

  The receiving camera 300 includes an infrared signal transmitter 30. The infrared signal transmitting unit 30 transmits an infrared signal to the emitting camera 100 by infrared light. The configuration of the infrared signal transmitting unit 30 includes, for example, a configuration of a flash light emitting device, a configuration of a conventional tally lamp and a light emission control device thereof. You may make it common with all or one part. Or you may comprise by the transmission apparatus only for infrared communication.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a communication system 500 according to the present invention includes an originating camera 100 and a receiving camera 300. The emitting camera 100 is disposed such that the communication light emitting device 16 faces the light receiving surface of the CCD 132 of the receiving camera 300. In this case, in order for the CCD 132 of the receiving camera 300 to receive a visible light signal transmitted from the communication light emitting device 16 satisfactorily, the emitting camera 100 and the receiving camera 300 are preferably disposed close to each other.

  The communication operation of the communication system 500 is performed as follows.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the communication operation. First, when the switching levers 122 of the originating camera 100 and the receiving camera 300 are switched to the visible light communication side, the main CPU 20 of the originating camera 100 and the receiving camera 300 performs a communication preparation operation accordingly. Start (S0, 1). Details of the communication preparation operation will be described later. When the communication preparation operation is completed, the main CPU 20 controls the infrared signal transmitter 30 to transmit a light emission command (S2).

When the receiving camera 300 receives the light emission command by the infrared signal light receiving circuit 63, the main CPU 20 sends desired communication data including a binary bit string to the light emission control CPU 14 via the bus line 142. When the light emission control CPU 14 receives the communication data, the light emission control CPU 14 divides the received bit string every 3 bits from the start bit (S3). This 3-bit string is called a divided bit string. The divided bit string is a three-digit binary number, and is equivalent to an octal number representing 2 ³ = 8 patterns. When a bit string less than 3 bits is generated from the end of the communication data, “0” is added to the missing bit to forcibly form a divided bit string of 3 bits.

  Next, the light emission control CPU 14 refers to the pattern table (see FIG. 7) stored in the pattern table storage unit 12 and sets the high (H) or low (L) of the R, G, B pulse for each divided bit string. The LED driver 19 is set (S4).

  The light emission amount and the light emission time are also set, but the values are arbitrary. Further, the contents of the pattern table are not limited to those shown in FIG.

  Here, the pulse setting cycle of the light emission control CPU 14, that is, the generation cycle of the transmission drive signal by the CG unit 136 is preferably synchronized with the charge accumulation period (exposure period) of the CCD 132 of the receiving camera 300. Description of is omitted.

  The LED driver 19 causes the LED group 17 to emit light at a timing according to the R, G, and B pulse settings (S5).

  For example, if the bit string of communication data is 110001, the bit string is first divided into “110” and “001” every 3 bits from the start bit. Next, according to the pattern table, for the divided bit string “110”, the R pulse is set high, the G pulse is set high, and the B pulse is set low (see FIG. 8). In this case, the LED 17R and the LED 17B emit light with the set light emission amount and light emission time, but the LED 17G does not emit light.

  Hereinafter, communication data optically transmitted by the light emission of the LED group 17 is referred to as a visible light signal.

  Referring to FIG. 6 again, the receiving camera 300 receives the visible light signal transmitted from the communication light emitting device 16 by the CCD 132 (S6).

  The main CPU 20 of the receiving camera 300 determines the light emission pattern of the received visible light signal (S7). That is, the main CPU 20 inputs the received light amounts Ir, Ig, and Ib in the entire screen or a predetermined area calculated by the integrating unit 150 for the visible light received by the CCD 132, and the received light amounts Ir, Ig, and Ib are set to the predetermined threshold value X. It is determined for each received light amount whether it is above or below. If the received light amount Ir, Ig, Ib of a certain color exceeds the threshold value X, it is determined that the color is light emission (H), and if it is below the threshold value X, the color is determined to be non-light emission (L) ( (See FIG. 9).

  If the bit resolution of the A / D converter 134 is level 0 to 255 and the maximum level of received light amount of image data obtained by full light emission of the LED 17R, LED 17B, and LED 17G is 150, the predetermined threshold value X is 150. One example is to set X = 75.

  Then, in accordance with a pattern table stored in the EEPROM 146 in advance (the same as that stored in the source camera 100), a divided bit string corresponding to the H, L light emission pattern of R, G, B is specified (S7). . For example, when RGB visible light as shown in FIG. 9 is received, the divided bit string “110” is restored.

  This process is repeated in synchronization with the light emission period of RGB visible light. This repetition period is a period in which an image signal of one frame is read out if the light emission period of RGB is synchronized with the charge accumulation period of the CCD 132. Theoretically, the maximum communication speed is obtained.

  Then, a bit string in which the divided bit strings specified from the visible light signals sequentially received according to the light emission period are arranged in the light receiving order is restored as communication data (S8).

  That is, in this communication system 500, 3-bit binary data (equivalent to octal) can be expressed by one light emission of the LED group 17, and 3 per light emission as compared with the conventional optical communication by on-off keying. Double the data can be transmitted.

  Next, details of the communication preparation operation will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication preparation operation according to the first embodiment. This communication preparation operation is a specific content of the operation of S1 of the receiving camera 300. In the present embodiment, it is not necessary to particularly define the operation of the originating camera 100 at S0.

  In S101, the photometry / ranging CPU 137 controls the zoom motor 110 to move the zoom lens 101a to the WIDE end. If the zoom lens 101a is moved to the WIDE end, the visible light signal from the communication light emitting device 16 of the originating camera 100 arranged in the vicinity of the receiving camera 300 can be kept within the angle of view (imaging range). This increases the accuracy of visible light signal reception.

  In S102, the photometry / ranging CPU 137 controls the focus motor 111 to move the focus lens 101b to the NEAR point. If the focus lens 101b is moved to the NEAR point, the visible light signal can be received in a state where the communication light emitting device 16 of the originating camera 100 disposed close to the receiving camera 300 is in focus. Increases the accuracy of reception.

  In this communication preparation operation, either S101 or S102 may be executed.

Second Embodiment
In the communication preparation operation of the first embodiment, it is assumed that the originating camera 100 and the receiving camera 300 are arranged close to each other. However, in practice, the user may leave the originating camera 100 and the receiving camera 300 apart, and may not be able to receive a visible light signal satisfactorily.

  For this reason, in the communication preparation operation according to the present embodiment, the user is notified of the necessity of position change in order to prompt the user to appropriately arrange the originating camera 100 and the receiving camera 300.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the communication preparation operation according to the second embodiment.

  First, the main CPU 20 of the receiving camera 300 controls the infrared signal transmitter 30 to transmit a test light emission command (S201).

  The emitting camera 100 receives a test light emission command by the infrared light receiving circuit 63 (S202). In response to the reception of the test emission command, the source camera 100 performs a test emission (S203). The light emission pattern of the test light emission is not particularly limited. For example, each of the LEDs 17R, G, and B is sequentially made to emit light at a predetermined light emission amount so as to cover all the light emission patterns defined by the pattern table (see FIG. 7). .

  The receiving camera 300 receives the test light emission by the CCD 132 (S204). The main CPU 20 of the receiving camera 300 determines whether or not the receiving camera 300 is appropriately arranged with respect to the emitting camera 100 based on the image data output from the A / D conversion unit 134 in response to the received light. (S205).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, this determination is made as to whether or not the feature amount f representing the sharpness of the image data in a predetermined area Z (here, the central four areas) in one screen I exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It is done by judging. The feature amount f is various sharpness indexes obtained using a delta histogram or MTF (modulation transfer function). The feature amount f indicates that the higher the value, the more high-frequency components of the image and the sharper the contour of the region. If the outline of the test light emission emitted from the communication light-emitting device 16 is clear, it can be considered that the visible light signal can be received appropriately. Therefore, it can be said that it is desirable to determine the appropriateness of arrangement based on this determination. .

  Alternatively, this determination is made, for example, whether or not the level of the image data in a predetermined region Z in one screen I is saturated (specifically, the level of the image data exceeds a predetermined threshold, for example, 130). It can be done by judging. If the image signal is saturated within the predetermined region Z, it is considered that the visible light signal emitted from the communication light emitting device 16 is completely captured within the angle of view. It can be said that it is desirable to judge.

  In this case, if the received light amount in the predetermined region Z is Ir, Ig, Ib, the influence of the surrounding light source can be eliminated as much as possible, and the received light amount of only the visible light signal can be obtained as accurately as possible. it can.

  Here, if the main CPU 20 of the receiving camera 300 determines that the arrangement is not appropriate, the main CPU 20 controls various notification means to indicate that it is necessary to move the originating camera 100 and the receiving camera 300 to appropriate positions. The user is notified (S206). This notification is performed by displaying characters or the like on the operation LCD display 103, displaying characters or icons on the image display LCD 102, reproducing sound from a speaker (not shown), blinking a warning lamp, or operating a vibration.

  On the other hand, when determining that the arrangement is appropriate, the main CPU 20 of the receiving camera 300 controls various notification means and notifies the user that the communication preparation is completed (S207). After this operation, the process proceeds to S2 of the communication operation, where visible light signals are transmitted and received.

  The operations in S201 to S206 are repeated until it is determined in S205 that the arrangement is appropriate. During this time, the user changes the arrangement of the originating camera 100 or the receiving camera 300 as appropriate. If an appropriate arrangement is obtained, this is notified in S207, and the user completes the arrangement change of the communication system 500 at that position. By doing so, an arrangement suitable for visible light communication can be secured.

<Third Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, the environment setting suitable for visible light communication depends only on the user's arrangement changing operation, but in addition to this, the receiving camera 300 performs auxiliary setting suitable for visible light communication as an auxiliary. May be.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of a communication preparation operation according to the third embodiment.

  First, the main CPU 20 of the receiving camera 300 controls the infrared signal transmitter 30 to transmit a test light emission command (S401).

  The emitting camera 100 receives a test light emission command by the infrared light receiving circuit 63 (S402). The originating camera 100 performs test light emission in response to receiving the test light emission command (S403). The light emission pattern of the test light emission is not particularly limited.

  The receiving camera 300 receives the test light emission by the CCD 132 (S404). Note that this test light emission continues until at least S408 described later starts.

  In response to the test light emission, the receiving camera 300 performs settings suitable for the reception of the visible light signal (S405).

  Based on the image data obtained from the A / D conversion unit 134, the main CPU 20 of the receiving camera 300 determines whether or not the receiving camera 300 is properly positioned with respect to the originating camera 100 (S406). This determination is the same as S205 in the second embodiment.

  When determining that the arrangement is not appropriate, the main CPU 20 of the receiving camera 300 controls various notification means and notifies the user of the result of the test light emission (S407).

  On the other hand, the main CPU 20 of the receiving camera 300 controls various notification means and, when determining that the arrangement is appropriate, notifies the user that the communication preparation is completed (S408). After this operation, the process proceeds to S2 of the communication operation, where visible light signals are transmitted and received.

  FIG. 14 shows a specific example of the setting operation suitable for receiving a visible light signal in S405. The photometry / ranging CPU 137 measures the brightness of visible light from the communication light emitting device 16 incident on the CCD 132 (A1), and determines an exposure value suitable for communication according to the measured brightness (A2). The exposure value suitable for communication includes an aperture value suitable for communication (communication aperture value) and a shutter speed suitable for communication (communication shutter speed). The photometry / ranging CPU 137 controls the aperture motor 112 according to the determined communication aperture value to drive the aperture 131 and control the aperture diameter of the aperture 131. The photometry / ranging CPU 137 controls the charge accumulation time in the CCD 132 via the CG 136 based on the determined communication shutter speed (A3).

  For example, when the photometry / ranging CPU 137 measures the brightness below a predetermined first threshold, the maximum aperture value on the open side (the limit value that does not work for larger aperture diameters) is set accordingly. Decide on a value. Further, for example, when the photometry / ranging CPU 137 measures the brightness above a predetermined second threshold value, the minimum aperture value on the small aperture side (the limit value that does not operate to a smaller aperture diameter) is set accordingly. Determine the communication aperture value. By doing this, it is possible to prevent over / under of the amount of received visible light signal.

  Alternatively, the photometry / ranging CPU 137 drives the zoom motor 110 so that the image data in a predetermined area Z (see FIG. 12) in one screen is saturated (A4). In this way, the visible light signal can be captured with a predetermined size, and the light receiving accuracy of the visible light signal is improved.

  The operation A4 is also a specific example of the setting operation, but may be performed independently regardless of the operations A1 to A3.

  Or the content of the operation | movement of S405 is not restricted to said A1-4, A normal focusing operation | movement (AF operation | movement) may be sufficient (A5). In this way, the visible light signal can be received in a state in which the visible light signal transmission source is focused, and the light receiving accuracy of the visible light signal is improved.

  The operation A5 is also one specific example of the setting operation, but may be performed independently regardless of the operations A1 to A4. Or the operation | movement which combined a part of operation | movement of A1-A3, A4, or A5 may be sufficient.

  Note that the operations of S401 to S407 are repeated until it is determined in S406 that the arrangement is appropriate. During this time, the receiving camera 300 automatically performs settings suitable for visible light signal reception. For this reason, it is possible to save the trouble of fine adjustment of the arrangement by the user, and to ensure an arrangement suitable for visible light communication reliably and quickly.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the third embodiment, the AE operation is described as one of the settings suitable for receiving the visible light signal. However, depending on the surrounding conditions, there may be a case where the visible light signal cannot be received with a sufficient amount of received light even when the aperture is opened. It is done.

  In this case, it is preferable that the received light amount of the entire screen is Ir, Ig, Ib, not the received light amount in the predetermined region Z.

  Further, in this case, the photometry / ranging CPU 137 may issue a command to the focus motor 111 to move the focus lens 101b to a position other than the in-focus position, and receive a visible light signal in the “out-of-focus” state.

<Fifth Embodiment>
A program for causing the light emission control CPU 14, the main CPU 20, or the photometry / ranging CPU 137 to execute the above-described communication operation or communication preparation operation is also included in the present invention. This program is stored in the pattern table storage unit 68, the EEPROM 146, and other computer-readable storage media.

Block diagram of the originating digital camera Arrangement of R, G, B minute color filters on the CCD light receiving surface Block diagram of light emitting device for communication Block diagram of the receiving digital camera Configuration diagram of communication system Flow chart showing the flow of communication operation Conceptual illustration of pattern table The figure which shows an example of the setting pulse of R, G, B The figure which shows an example of received light quantity Ir, Ig, and Ib which the integrating | accumulating part calculated The flowchart which shows the flow of the communication preparation operation | movement which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the communication preparation operation | movement which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which illustrated the state which caught the visible light signal in the predetermined field in 1 screen The flowchart which shows the flow of the communication preparation operation | movement which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. Flow chart showing the flow of setting operation suitable for receiving visible light signals

Explanation of symbols

14: Light emission control CPU, 17: LED group, 19: LED driver, 16: Communication light emitting device, 20: Main CPU, 63: Infrared light receiving circuit, 101: Shooting lens, 101a: Zoom lens, 101b: Focus lens, 110 : Zoom motor, 111: focus motor, 112: aperture motor, 131: aperture, 132: CCD, 134: A / D converter, 150: AF detector, 151: AE calculator

Claims (25)

LED group composed of LEDs that emit visible light of R, G, and B, a light emission control unit that sets a light emission pattern of the LED group, and an LED driver that controls light emission of the LED group according to the light emission pattern set by the light emission control unit A light emission pattern storage unit that stores a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and the light emission control unit sends the desired communication data to the LED driver according to the table of the light emission pattern storage unit. A visible light signal transmitting device for transmitting visible light signals of R, G, B from the LED group by setting;
A photographic lens that forms an image with the visible light signal transmission device as a subject, and R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the LED group of the visible light signal transmission device that is imaged by the photographic lens. , An image sensor that converts and outputs an image signal of B, an A / D converter that converts an image signal of R, G, B output from the image sensor into image data of R, G, B, and outputs the image data; A received light amount detection unit that detects the received light amount for each color of the R, G, and B visible light signals based on the R, G, and B image data output from the A / D conversion unit. A reception side light emission pattern storage unit that stores a table that defines a light emission pattern of the corresponding LED group, and according to the amount of received light for each color of the R, G, and B visible light signals detected by the light reception amount detection unit. Light emission pattern discrimination to determine the light emission pattern An imaging device comprising a data identification unit for identifying the communication data corresponding to the determined light emitting pattern of the light emission pattern determination unit in accordance with the table of the receiving-side emission pattern storage unit,
Have
A visible light communication system in which the imaging device performs a preparation operation for visible light communication when receiving the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device. The photographing lens includes a focus lens,
The imaging apparatus further includes a focus motor that drives the focus lens to move the focal point between an end point on the infinity side and an end point on the close side, and a focus control unit that controls driving of the focus motor,
2. The focus control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the visible light signal is received from the visible light signal transmission device, the focus control unit controls the drive of the focus motor to move the focus lens to the closest end point. Visible light communication system. The photographing lens includes a zoom lens,
The imaging apparatus further includes a zoom motor that drives the zoom lens to move in a telephoto direction or a wide-angle direction, and a zoom control unit that controls driving of the zoom motor,
2. The visible light communication system according to claim 1, wherein the zoom control unit controls driving of the zoom motor to move the zoom lens in a wide-angle direction when receiving the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device. . The imaging apparatus further includes an instruction transmission unit that transmits a test light emission instruction to the visible light signal transmission device,
The visible light signal transmission device further includes an instruction receiving unit that receives a test emission instruction transmitted from the test emission instruction unit,
The visible light communication system according to claim 1, wherein the light emission control unit performs predetermined test light emission in response to the instruction receiving unit receiving the test light emission instruction.   The image pickup apparatus determines whether or not the arrangement of the image pickup apparatus is suitable for visible light communication based on the image data output from the A / D conversion section after the test light emission instruction is transmitted by the instruction transmission section. The visible light communication system according to claim 1, further comprising:   The visible light communication system according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the arrangement of the imaging device is suitable for visible light communication based on a feature amount representing sharpness of the image data.   The visible light communication system according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines whether the arrangement of the imaging device is suitable for visible light communication based on a level of image data in a predetermined area in one screen.   The visible light communication system according to claim 5, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a result of determination by the determination unit. The photographing lens includes a focus lens,
The imaging apparatus detects an in-focus position based on image data output from the A / D converter, and drives the focus lens to focus the infinity end point and the close end point. A focusing motor that moves the focusing lens, and a focusing control unit that controls the driving of the focusing motor so that the focus lens moves to the in-focus position detected by the AF detection unit,
The focus control unit controls the drive of the focus motor so that the focus lens moves to the focus position detected by the AF detection unit after the test emission instruction is transmitted by the instruction transmission unit. The visible light communication system according to any one of the above. The photographing lens includes a zoom lens,
The imaging apparatus further includes a zoom motor that drives the zoom lens to move in a telephoto direction or a wide-angle direction, and a zoom control unit that controls driving of the zoom motor,
The zoom control unit controls the drive of the zoom motor after the instruction transmission instruction is transmitted by the instruction transmission unit, so that the level of image data in a predetermined region in one screen exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The visible light communication system according to claim 4, wherein the visible light communication system is moved. The imaging apparatus includes an aperture that adjusts an exposure amount to the image sensor, an aperture drive unit that adjusts an aperture diameter by driving the aperture, and a photometric unit that measures the brightness of the visible light signal based on the image data Exposure control for determining an appropriate aperture value based on the brightness of a visible light signal measured by the photometry unit and controlling the aperture diameter of the aperture by driving the aperture drive unit based on the appropriate aperture value Further comprising
The exposure controller controls the aperture diameter of the aperture by driving the aperture driver based on the determination of the appropriate aperture value and the appropriate aperture value after transmitting the test light emission command from the command transmitter. The visible light communication system in any one of -8.   The imaging apparatus further includes a communication start operation unit that receives an input operation for starting visible light communication, and performs a preparation operation for visible light communication when the communication start operation unit receives an input operation for starting visible light communication. Item 12. The visible light communication system according to any one of Items 1 to 11.   An imaging lens that includes a focus lens and forms an image of a visible light signal transmitter that emits R, G, and B visible light signals from the LED group, and an LED group of the visible light signal transmitter that is imaged by the imaging lens An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the image sensor, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, and B image signals output from the image sensor , G, B image data A / D converter for output and R, G, B visible light signals based on R, G, B image data output from the A / D converter A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R detected by the received light amount detection unit , G, B visible light signals for each color A light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates a light emission pattern of the LED group according to the amount; a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to a table of the receiving light emission pattern storage unit; A focus motor that drives the lens to move the focal point between the end point on the infinity side and the end point on the near side, and when the visible light signal is received from the visible light signal transmission device, the focus motor is driven. An imaging apparatus including a focusing control unit that controls and moves the focus lens to the end point on the closest side.   An imaging lens that includes a zoom lens and forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that transmits R, G, and B visible light signals from the LED group as a subject, and an LED group of the visible light signal transmission device that is imaged by the imaging lens An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the image sensor, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, and B image signals output from the image sensor , G, B image data A / D converter for output and R, G, B visible light signals based on R, G, B image data output from the A / D converter A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R detected by the received light amount detection unit Amount of received light for each color of visible light signal of G, B Accordingly, a light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates a light emission pattern of the LED group, a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, the zoom lens The zoom lens that moves the zoom lens in the wide-angle direction by controlling the drive of the zoom motor when receiving the visible light signal from the visible-light signal transmission device. An imaging apparatus including a zoom control unit.   An imaging lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that transmits R, G, and B visible light signals from the LED group as an object, and an R that is transmitted from the LED group of the visible light signal transmission device formed by the imaging lens. , G, B visible light signals are received, converted into R, G, B imaging signals and output, and R, G, B imaging signals output from the imaging elements are R, G, B An A / D converter that converts the image data to output, and receives the R, G, and B visible light signals for each color based on the R, G, and B image data output from the A / D converter. A received light amount detecting unit for detecting the amount of light, a receiving side light emitting pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emitting pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R, G, B detected by the received light amount detecting unit The LED group according to the amount of received light for each color of the visible light signal A light emission pattern discriminating unit for discriminating a light emission pattern, a data specifying unit for specifying communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, from the visible light signal transmitting device An imaging apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the arrangement of the imaging apparatus is suitable for visible light communication based on image data output from the A / D conversion unit when receiving the visible light signal.   An imaging lens that includes a focus lens and forms an image of a visible light signal transmitter that emits R, G, and B visible light signals from the LED group, and an LED group of the visible light signal transmitter that is imaged by the imaging lens An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the image sensor, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, and B image signals output from the image sensor , G, B image data A / D converter for output and R, G, B visible light signals based on R, G, B image data output from the A / D converter A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R detected by the received light amount detection unit , G, B visible light signals for each color A light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates a light emission pattern of the LED group according to the amount; a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit; AF detection unit that detects a focus position based on image data output from the / D conversion unit, and for focusing to move the focus lens between the end point on the infinity side and the end point on the near side by driving the focus lens A focus control unit that controls driving of the focus motor so that the focus lens moves to a focus position detected by the AF detection unit when receiving the visible light signal from the motor and the visible light signal transmission device; An imaging apparatus provided.   An imaging lens that includes a zoom lens and forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that transmits R, G, and B visible light signals from the LED group as a subject, and an LED group of the visible light signal transmission device that is imaged by the imaging lens An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the image sensor, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, and B image signals output from the image sensor , G, B image data A / D converter for output and R, G, B visible light signals based on R, G, B image data output from the A / D converter A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R detected by the received light amount detection unit Amount of received light for each color of visible light signal of G, B Accordingly, a light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates a light emission pattern of the LED group, a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, the zoom lens In a predetermined area in one screen by controlling the driving of the zoom motor upon receiving the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device. An imaging apparatus comprising a zoom control unit that moves the zoom lens so that the level of image data exceeds a predetermined threshold.   An imaging lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that transmits R, G, and B visible light signals from the LED group as an object, and an R that is transmitted from the LED group of the visible light signal transmission device formed by the imaging lens. , G, B visible light signals are received, converted into R, G, B imaging signals and output, and R, G, B imaging signals output from the imaging elements are R, G, B An A / D converter that converts the image data to output, and receives the R, G, and B visible light signals for each color based on the R, G, and B image data output from the A / D converter. A received light amount detecting unit for detecting the amount of light, a receiving side light emitting pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emitting pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R, G, B detected by the received light amount detecting unit The LED group according to the amount of received light for each color of the visible light signal A light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates a light emission pattern, a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to a table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, and an exposure amount to the image sensor A diaphragm to be adjusted, a diaphragm driving unit for adjusting the aperture diameter by driving the diaphragm, a photometric unit for measuring the brightness of the visible light signal based on the image data, and a brightness of the visible light signal measured by the photometric unit An exposure control unit that determines an appropriate aperture value based on the aperture value and drives the aperture drive unit based on the appropriate aperture value to control an aperture diameter of the aperture. The exposure control unit includes the visible light signal. An imaging device that controls the aperture diameter of the aperture by driving the aperture drive unit based on the determination of the appropriate aperture value and the appropriate aperture value when receiving the visible light signal from the transmitter . An imaging lens that includes a focus lens and forms an image of a visible light signal transmitter that emits R, G, and B visible light signals from the LED group, and an LED group of the visible light signal transmitter that is imaged by the imaging lens An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the image sensor, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, and B image signals output from the image sensor , G, B image data A / D converter for output and R, G, B visible light signals based on R, G, B image data output from the A / D converter A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R detected by the received light amount detection unit , G, B visible light signals for each color A light emission pattern discriminating unit for discriminating a light emission pattern of the LED group according to the amount; a data specifying unit for specifying communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit; A visible light communication preparation method used in an imaging device including a focus motor that drives a lens to move a focal point between an end point on the infinity side and an end point on the close side,
A visible light communication preparation method including the step of controlling the driving of the focusing motor to move the focus lens to the end point on the closest side when receiving the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device. An imaging lens that includes a zoom lens and forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that transmits R, G, and B visible light signals from the LED group as a subject, and an LED group of the visible light signal transmission device that is imaged by the imaging lens An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the image sensor, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, and B image signals output from the image sensor , G, B image data A / D converter for output and R, G, B visible light signals based on R, G, B image data output from the A / D converter A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R detected by the received light amount detection unit Amount of received light for each color of visible light signal of G, B Accordingly, a light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates a light emission pattern of the LED group, a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, the zoom lens A visible light communication preparation method used in an imaging apparatus including a zoom motor that moves the lens in a telephoto direction or a wide-angle direction by driving
A visible light communication preparation method including a step of moving the zoom lens in a wide-angle direction by controlling driving of the zoom motor upon reception of the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device. An imaging lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that transmits R, G, and B visible light signals from the LED group as an object, and an R that is transmitted from the LED group of the visible light signal transmission device formed by the imaging lens. , G, B visible light signals are received, converted into R, G, B imaging signals and output, and R, G, B imaging signals output from the imaging elements are R, G, B An A / D converter that converts the image data to output, and receives the R, G, and B visible light signals for each color based on the R, G, and B image data output from the A / D converter. A received light amount detecting unit for detecting the amount of light, a receiving side light emitting pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emitting pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R, G, B detected by the received light amount detecting unit The LED group according to the amount of received light for each color of the visible light signal Visible light used in an imaging device comprising: a light emission pattern determination unit for determining a light emission pattern; and a data specifying unit for specifying communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern determined by the light emission pattern determination unit according to the table of the reception side light emission pattern storage unit A communication preparation method,
When receiving the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device, determining whether the arrangement of the imaging device is suitable for visible light communication based on the image data output from the A / D converter. A visible light communication preparation method including: An imaging lens that includes a focus lens and forms an image of a visible light signal transmitter that emits R, G, and B visible light signals from the LED group, and an LED group of the visible light signal transmitter that is imaged by the imaging lens An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the image sensor, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, and B image signals output from the image sensor , G, B image data A / D converter for output and R, G, B visible light signals based on R, G, B image data output from the A / D converter A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R detected by the received light amount detection unit , G, B visible light signals for each color A light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates a light emission pattern of the LED group according to the amount; a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit; AF detection unit that detects a focus position based on image data output from the / D conversion unit, and for focusing to move the focus lens between the end point on the infinity side and the end point on the near side by driving the focus lens A visible light communication preparation method used in an imaging apparatus including a motor,
Visible light communication preparation including the step of controlling the driving of the focus motor so that the focus lens moves to the in-focus position detected by the AF detection unit when receiving the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device Method. An imaging lens that includes a zoom lens and forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that transmits R, G, and B visible light signals from the LED group as a subject, and an LED group of the visible light signal transmission device that is imaged by the imaging lens An image sensor that receives R, G, and B visible light signals transmitted from the image sensor, converts them into R, G, and B image signals and outputs them, and R, G, and B image signals output from the image sensor , G, B image data A / D converter for output and R, G, B visible light signals based on R, G, B image data output from the A / D converter A received light amount detection unit for detecting the received light amount for each color, a receiving side light emission pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emission pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R detected by the received light amount detection unit Amount of received light for each color of visible light signal of G, B Accordingly, a light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates a light emission pattern of the LED group, a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to the table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, the zoom lens A visible light communication preparation method used in an imaging apparatus including a zoom motor that moves the lens in a telephoto direction or a wide-angle direction by driving
Upon receiving the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmission device, the zoom lens is controlled so that the drive of the zoom motor is controlled so that the level of image data in a predetermined area in one screen exceeds a predetermined threshold. A visible light communication preparation method including the step of moving. An imaging lens that forms an image of a visible light signal transmission device that transmits R, G, and B visible light signals from the LED group as an object, and an R that is transmitted from the LED group of the visible light signal transmission device formed by the imaging lens. , G, B visible light signals are received, converted into R, G, B imaging signals and output, and R, G, B imaging signals output from the imaging elements are R, G, B An A / D converter that converts the image data to output, and receives the R, G, and B visible light signals for each color based on the R, G, and B image data output from the A / D converter. A received light amount detecting unit for detecting the amount of light, a receiving side light emitting pattern storage unit for storing a table defining a light emitting pattern of the LED group corresponding to desired communication data, and R, G, B detected by the received light amount detecting unit The LED group according to the amount of received light for each color of the visible light signal A light emission pattern discriminating unit that discriminates a light emission pattern, a data specifying unit that specifies communication data corresponding to the light emission pattern discriminated by the light emission pattern discriminating unit according to a table of the receiving side light emission pattern storage unit, and an exposure amount to the image sensor A diaphragm to be adjusted, a diaphragm driving unit for adjusting the aperture diameter by driving the diaphragm, a photometric unit for measuring the brightness of the visible light signal based on the image data, and a brightness of the visible light signal measured by the photometric unit An appropriate aperture value is determined based on the aperture value, and a visible light communication preparation method used in an imaging apparatus including an exposure control unit that drives the aperture drive unit based on the appropriate aperture value to control the aperture diameter of the aperture Because
When receiving the visible light signal from the visible light signal transmitter, determining the appropriate aperture value and driving the aperture drive unit based on the appropriate aperture value to control the aperture diameter of the aperture. Preparation method for visible light communication.   The visible light communication preparation program for making a computer perform the visible light communication preparation method in any one of Claims 19-24.

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