JP2009118007A - Communication equipment, its control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide communication equipment capable of more easily searching an image held by an imaging apparatus to be a transmission source, and to provide its control method or the like. <P>SOLUTION: Time indicated by an internal clock is received from a transfer source camera, a difference from the time indicated by the internal clock of the transfer source camera is measured, and the difference is stored as correction time (step S403). Time (reference time) obtained by adding the correction time to photographing time of an image reproduced in a step S401 and a retrieval time range with the reference time as reference are transmitted to the transfer source camera (step S404). For example, if the photographing time of a reference image is "10:00 on July 9, 2007", the correction time is "-5 minutes" and a retrieval time range is "±1 minute", "09:55 on July 9, 2007" and "±1 minute" are transmitted to the transfer source camera. Thumbnail images of images satisfying a condition transmitted in the step S404 are received from the transfer source camera. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication apparatus capable of receiving an image from an external device, a control method thereof, and the like.

  In recent years, integration of wireless communication devices has progressed, and wireless communication devices are mounted not only on portable personal computers but also on printers, personal digital assistants, digital cameras, mobile phones, and the like. As a result, wireless communication is possible even with a device that has been able to communicate only with a wired connection with a specific device using a USB connection until then, and data can be easily exchanged with various other devices. It is possible to communicate.

  And it becomes possible to transmit the image image | photographed with one imaging device to another imaging device by communication between several imaging devices which can image | photograph image data, such as a digital still camera and a digital video camera. . For example, regarding image capturing in a soccer game, if image data acquired by another imaging device is received, a plurality of image data of the same scene captured from different angles at the same time can be acquired, and captured at the same time A plurality of image data of different scenes can be acquired. These plural pieces of image data can never be obtained only by using one imaging device. Patent Document 1 describes that an identifier is provided for each digital camera in order to exchange image data between the digital cameras (Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-209796 A

  However, when transmitting and receiving image data between a plurality of communication devices, it is difficult to find desired image data from a plurality of image data held by a communication device serving as a transmission source from a communication device serving as a transmission destination. . This is because a large amount of image data can be held in one communication device with the recent increase in capacity of storage media.

  For example, taking the above-described imaging device as an example, when a large amount of image data is held in an imaging device as a transmission source for imaging in a soccer game, the desired image data is searched from among them. Therefore, a great deal of labor is required. In particular, it is difficult to search for a specific scene that occurs in a specific time zone. For example, even if an attempt is made to search for a shoot scene that has occurred in the loss time, if a large amount of image data of the shoot scene is retained, it is difficult to specify the one with the loss time.

  In such a case, if it is possible to input detailed search conditions in the communication device, it may be possible to easily search for an image. However, a highly portable communication device such as a digital camera is not provided with an input device such as a keyboard. In addition, when such an input device is provided, the portability is greatly reduced.

  Although it is conceivable to input a search reference time, the internal clocks of many communication apparatuses are set by respective users, and there may be a gap between them. In such a case, information of a desired image cannot be acquired simply by inputting a reference time.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device that can more easily find an image held by a communication device that is a transmission source, a control method thereof, and the like.

  As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the present inventor has come up with various aspects of the invention described below.

  The communication apparatus according to the present invention includes a time measuring means, a calculating means for calculating a difference between a time indicated by the time measuring means and a time indicated by the time measuring means of the external device, and a reference indicating a condition of an image acquired from the external device. A correction unit that corrects time information using a time difference calculated by the calculation unit; a transmission unit that transmits reference time information corrected by the correction unit to the external device; and Receiving means for receiving an image selected by the external device according to the transmitted reference time information after correction.

  The communication apparatus control method according to the present invention includes a calculation step for calculating a difference between a time indicated by the time measuring means and a time indicated by the time measuring means of the external device, and a reference time indicating a condition of an image acquired from the external device. A correction step for correcting the information using the time difference calculated in the calculation step, a transmission step for transmitting information on the reference time after the correction in the correction step to the external device, and the transmission transmitted in the transmission step A receiving step of receiving an image selected by the external device in accordance with the corrected reference time information.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to acquire an image satisfying a condition relating to a predetermined time as a reference from an external device, for example, another imaging device. That is, it is possible to easily find an image held by another device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus which is an example of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a photographing lens 10, a shutter 12 having a diaphragm function, an imaging element 14 (imaging unit) that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and an analog output signal of the imaging element 14 as a digital signal. An A / D converter 16 is provided for conversion into the A / D converter. By using these imaging systems, the subject can be imaged. Furthermore, a barrier 102 that covers the imaging unit including the photographing lens 10 and prevents the imaging unit from being contaminated and damaged is provided. In addition, an image display memory 24 and a memory control circuit 22 for controlling the image display memory 24 are provided, and output data of the A / D converter 16 is stored in the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22, for example. Is done. Further, an image processing circuit 20 that performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and / or color conversion processing on the output data of the A / D converter 16 and the output data of the memory control circuit 22 is also provided. The image processing circuit 20 can perform predetermined arithmetic processing using captured image data, and can perform TTL (through-the-lens) AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result. . Further, a D / A converter 26 that converts output data (digital signal) of the memory control circuit 22 into an analog signal, and an image display unit 28 that displays the output data of the D / A converter 26 are provided. Accordingly, the display image data stored in the image display memory 24 is displayed by the image display unit 28 via the D / A converter 26. Furthermore, a timing generation circuit 18 for supplying a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26 is provided. The memory control circuit 22 also controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, and the D / A converter 26.

  For example, a TFT-LCD is provided in the image display unit 28. The contents displayed on the image display unit 28 include single shot / continuous shooting display, self-timer display, compression rate display, number of recorded pixels, number of recorded pixels, number of remaining shots displayed, shutter speed display, aperture value display. , Exposure compensation display, flash display, and the like. Also, red-eye reduction display, macro shooting display, buzzer setting display, clock battery level display, battery level display, error display, information display with multiple digits, external recording medium attachment / detachment status display, communication I / F operation A display, a date / time display, a display showing a connection state with an external device, and the like are also included. In addition, the image display part 28 is attached to the position which is easy to visually recognize from the outside, for example, and can be rotated and opened and closed. The image display unit 28 also functions as an electronic viewfinder.

  In this embodiment, an optical viewfinder 104 is provided. The optical viewfinder 104 functions as a viewfinder and also functions as a display unit. The contents displayed on the optical viewfinder 104 include, for example, in-focus display, photographing preparation completion display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, flash charge completion display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, and recording medium. Write operation display and the like can be mentioned.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, an LED, a lamp, and the like (not shown) are provided as a display unit. The contents displayed on the LED include, for example, in-focus display, shooting preparation completion display, camera shake warning display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, flash charge completion display, recording medium writing operation display, macro shooting setting notification display, and A secondary battery charge state display etc. are mentioned. Examples of the contents displayed on the lamp include a self-timer notification lamp. This self-timer notification lamp may be used in common with AF auxiliary light.

  The output data of the A / D converter 16 may be stored in the image display memory 24 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22. Further, if the captured image data is sequentially displayed using the image display unit 28, the electronic viewfinder function can be realized. The image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control unit 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the imaging apparatus 100 can be significantly reduced. it can.

  In the present embodiment, a memory 30 for storing a captured still image and / or moving image is also provided. The capacity of the memory 30 is preferably as large as possible, and it is more preferable that a large amount of image data can be stored at high speed even in continuous shooting and panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot. Output data of the A / D converter 16 is stored in the memory 30 through the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or only through the memory control circuit 22. In the present embodiment, an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory 31, a compression / decompression circuit 32, and a real time clock (RTC) 33 (timer) are further provided. As the nonvolatile memory 31, for example, an EEPROM or a flash memory is used. The compression / decompression circuit 32 reads the image data stored in the memory 30 by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT), wavelet transform, or the like, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and stores the processed image data in the memory 30. Let The real time clock 33 measures the actual time such as date. The memory control circuit 22 also controls the memory 30 and the compression / decompression circuit 32.

  In the present embodiment, the exposure control unit 40 that controls the shutter 12, the distance measurement control unit 42 that controls the focusing of the photographic lens 10, the zoom control unit 44 that controls the zooming of the photographic lens 10, and the operation of the barrier 102 are also included. A barrier control unit 46 for controlling the above is provided. Further, a connector 82 to which the connector 84 of the power source 86 is connected is provided. As the power source 86, for example, a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li-ion battery, or an AC adapter is used. The connector 82 is connected to a power control unit 80. The power supply control unit 80 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like. The power control unit 80 detects whether or not the power source 86 is attached, the type of the power source 86, and the remaining amount of the power source 86, and controls the internal DC-DC converter based on the detection result and the like to obtain the necessary voltage. It supplies to the predetermined site | part in the imaging device 100 for a required period. Note that the real-time clock 33 has a power source independent of the power source 86 and continues to operate even during a period in which no power is supplied from the power source 86. A connector 48 to which the connector 412 of the flash 414 is connected is also provided. The exposure control unit 40 and the flash 414 can exhibit the AF auxiliary light projecting function and the flash light control function.

  In the present embodiment, a connector 92 to which the connector 206 of the recording medium 200 including the recording unit 202, the interface (I / F) 204, and the connector 206 is connected is provided. The recording unit 202 is configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk. A media controller 90 that functions as an interface is connected to the connector 92. The recording medium 200 functions as a recording unit.

  In the present embodiment, a connector 91 to which a connector 302 of a speaker 300 including a sounding unit 304, an amplifier (AMP) 303 and a connector 302 is connected is further provided. An audio controller 301 that functions as an interface is connected to the connector 91.

  In the present embodiment, a system control unit 50 that controls these units is provided. For example, the timing generation circuit 18 is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control unit 50. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and the system control unit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 based on the obtained calculation result. There is. Examples of such control include TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing. The system control unit 50 also uses the memory 30 as a work area as necessary, and the memory 30 can also store constants, variables, programs, and the like for operation of the system control unit 50. Note that the system control unit 50 is not necessarily a single piece of hardware, and a plurality of pieces of hardware may share the processing and control each unit.

  In this embodiment, a power switch (main switch) 68, shutter switches 62 and 64, an image display ON / OFF switch 66, an operation unit 70, a recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 98, a communication unit 110, and a connector 112 are further provided. ing. The power switch (main switch) 68 is a switch that is operated when the user switches between power-on and power-off modes of the imaging apparatus 100. In addition, the power-on and power-off settings of various accessory devices connected to the imaging device 100 can be switched and set together. The shutter switch 62 is turned on during the operation of a shutter button (not shown), and is operated when the user gives an instruction to start operations such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing. is there. When the shutter switch 62 is turned on, the signal SW1 is turned on. The shutter switch 64 is a switch that is turned on when the operation of a shutter button (not shown) is completed, and is operated when the user instructs the start of a series of processes including an exposure process, a development process, and a recording process. In the exposure process, the image data is written into the memory 30 by the signal output from the image sensor 14 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. In the development process, development is performed using computations in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22. In the recording process, the image data is read from the memory 30, compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and written to the recording medium 200. When the shutter switch 64 is turned on, the signal SW2 is turned on.

  The image display ON / OFF switch 66 is a switch operated when the user switches on / off of the image display unit 28.

  The operation unit 70 includes, for example, a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, and a single shooting / continuous shooting / self-timer switching button. Also, menu movement + (plus) button, menu movement-(minus) button, playback image movement + (plus) button, playback image-(minus) button, shooting image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button, And a compression mode switch. Quick review switch for setting a quick review function in which image data captured immediately after shooting is automatically reproduced and displayed on the image display unit 28, and selection and switching of various functions when performing shooting, reproduction and / or communication A selection / changeover switch is also provided. Furthermore, a determination / execution switch for setting determination and execution of various functions when performing photographing, reproduction, and / or communication is also provided. These are composed of mechanical buttons or a touch panel.

  The compression mode switch is operated when the user selects a compression rate for JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) compression. Further, the operation is performed when the CCD RAW mode in which the signal of the image sensor 14 is directly digitized and recorded on the recording medium 200 is selected. In the present embodiment, for example, a normal mode and a fine mode are prepared as JPEG compression modes. Therefore, the user of the imaging apparatus 100 may select the normal mode when importance is attached to the data size of the photographed image, and may select the fine mode when importance is attached to the image quality of the photographed image. In the JPEG compression mode, the system control unit 50 reads the image data written in the memory 30, the compression / decompression circuit 32 compresses the image data at a set compression rate, and an encryption / decryption circuit (not shown) as necessary. Is recorded on the recording medium 200 after performing a predetermined encryption process. In the CCD RAW mode, the image data is read as it is for each line according to the pixel arrangement of the color filter of the image sensor 14, and the system control unit 50 reads the image data written in the memory 30. Then, after the encryption / decryption circuit performs a predetermined encryption process as necessary, the data is recorded on the recording medium 200.

  Further, the recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 98 detects that the recording medium 200 is connected to the connector 92.

  The communication unit 110 is a wireless communication function such as Bluetooth, or a TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) system, a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) system, a W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) system, or a PHS (Personal Handyphone System). It has a mobile phone communication function such as a system. The communication unit 110 includes RS232C, USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394, P1284, SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), modem, LAN (Local Area Network), and other wired communication, IrDA ( It may have various communication functions such as infrared communication such as Infrared Data Association) or optical communication.

  The connector 112 transmits and receives signals when the system control unit 50 connects to the image information management apparatus (image gateway) via the packet network or the network via the communication unit 110. In the case of wireless communication, for example, an antenna is used instead of the connector 112.

  In the present embodiment, a mode selection switch 60 is further provided. Via this mode selection switch 60, the user can switch and set operation modes such as a shooting mode such as a normal shooting mode and a panoramic shooting mode, a playback mode such as a normal playback mode and a multi-screen playback / erase mode.

  Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. This operation is mainly performed by control based on a predetermined program by the system control unit 50.

  First, the system control unit 50 detects the position of the mode selection switch 60 and determines whether one of the photographing modes is selected or one of the reproduction modes is selected (step S3001). Then, the system control unit 50 performs the process of step S3003 when the photographing operation is selected, and performs the process of step S3002 when the reproduction operation is selected. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation unit of the imaging apparatus 100. Selection of the photographing operation and the reproduction operation is performed via the mode selection switch 60. Details of the reproduction processing in step S3002 will be described later.

  In step S3003, the system control unit 50 performs image shooting processing. During this shooting (imaging), the system control unit 50 adds the time indicated by the RTC 33 to the image information as the imaging time. Next, the system control unit 50 records the captured image data, for example, in the memory 30 (step S3004). If an arbitrary compression processing or image processing flag is set, image processing or the like is performed on the image data recorded in the memory 30 and recorded in the recording medium 200 (step S3004).

  After steps S3004 and S3002, the system control unit 50 determines whether the operation end is selected (step S3005). If the operation end is selected, the process ends. On the other hand, if the operation end is not selected, the system control unit 50 returns to step S3001 and continues the processing.

  Next, the reproduction process in step S3002 will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aspect of communication of the imaging apparatus 100.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the transfer source camera 2001 (transmission source) and the transfer destination camera 2002 (transmission destination) communicate with each other via the communication medium 2003. In other words, when the transfer destination camera 2002 requests the transfer source camera 2001 to transfer image data, the transfer source camera 2001 transfers image data to the transfer destination camera 2002 in accordance with the request. In this embodiment, both the transfer source camera 2001 and the transfer destination camera 2002 have the same configuration as that of the imaging device 100 shown in FIG. 1, and perform the operation shown in FIG. Note that it is not necessary to provide all the units shown in FIG. 1, and it is sufficient if it has a configuration capable of performing the operations described below. A communication medium 2003 is a medium that can exchange data between the transfer source camera 2001 and the transfer destination camera 2002. An example of the communication medium 2003 is a medium for performing a wired connection such as a USB cable. In addition, it is not necessarily a wired connection, and a wireless connection such as a wireless LAN may be used.

  Here, the operation of the transfer destination camera 2002 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the content of the reproduction process (step S3002) in the transfer destination camera 2002 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the transfer destination camera 2002, first, the system control unit 50 causes the user to select an image to be reproduced (step S401). The image is selected through an image selection button 407 (FIG. 3). When an image is selected, the system control unit 50 performs image reproduction processing for the image stored in the recording medium 200.

  Next, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the connection button 406 (FIG. 3) has been pressed (step S402). If not, the system control unit 50 returns to step S401 and responds to the operation of the image selection button 407. Display an image.

  On the other hand, when the connection button 406 is pressed, the system control unit 50 starts communication with the transfer source camera 2001 (step S420). As a result, data can be transmitted and received between the transfer source camera 2001 and the transfer destination camera 2002. Next, the system control unit 50 performs time difference calculation processing in order to calculate the time difference from the transfer source camera 2001. First, the transfer source camera 2001 is requested for the time indicated by the internal clock of the transfer source camera 2001 (step S421). When the time indicated by the internal clock (RTC33) is received from the transfer source camera 2001 (step S422), the difference from the time indicated by the RTC 33 of the transfer destination camera is measured and stored in the memory 30 as the correction time (step S403). For example, when the time of the internal clock of the transfer destination camera 2002 is advanced by 5 minutes from the time of the internal clock of the transfer source camera 2001, the system control unit 50 sets “−5 minutes” as the correction time.

  Thereafter, a reference time that is information on the time obtained by adding the correction time to the shooting time of the image reproduced in step S401 (hereinafter referred to as “reference time”), and a search time range based on the corrected reference time Is transmitted to the transfer source camera 2001 (step S404). That is, the system control unit 50 corrects the reference time, designates a predetermined time range from the corrected reference time, and transmits it to the transfer source camera 2001. For example, the shooting time of the reference image, that is, the reference time before correction is “July 9, 2007 10:00”, the correction time is “−5 minutes”, and the predetermined time range of search is “± 1 minute”. Consider a case. In this case, the system control unit 50 transmits “July 9, 2007, 9:55” and “± 1 minute” to the transfer source camera 2001. The reference time after correction and a predetermined range of time become a reception request range, that is, a search condition, and information of an image whose photographing time deviation from the corrected reference time is within the predetermined range is requested.

  The predetermined time range based on the corrected reference time may be fixed in advance or may be variable. If this time range is variable, for example, it may be possible to store a plurality of candidates in advance in the nonvolatile memory 31 or the like. The system control unit 50 displays a screen for allowing the user to select a predetermined time range before the process of step S404. Then, based on the time range selected by the user, the process of step S404 is executed.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 receives a thumbnail image of the image that satisfies the condition transmitted in step S404 from the transfer source camera 2001. For example, when “July 9, 2007, 9:55” and “± 1 minute” are transmitted, the system control unit 50 sets the shooting time to “July 9, 2007, 9:54” to “ The thumbnail image of the image “July 9, 2007, 9:56” is received.

  Therefore, from the user's standpoint, the shooting date and time of the reference image is determined as the reference date and time simply by pressing the connection button 406 while displaying the desired image as the reference image. Then, after the reference time is corrected, an image photographed within a predetermined time range from the reference time is received. As described above, the user can acquire an image taken in the same time zone as the specific image from the external device with a simple operation.

  After step S405, the system control unit 50 causes the image display unit 28 to display the thumbnail image received in step S405.

  Next, the system control unit 50 causes the user to select an image that the user desires to receive from among them, and determines whether the transmission request for the selected thumbnail image has been determined (step S407). Then, the system control unit 50 performs the process of step S410 if there is a determination, and performs the process of step S408 if there is no determination. The selection of the thumbnail image is performed via the image selection button 407, and the determination of whether or not there is a determination is made based on, for example, whether or not the determination button 408 has been pressed.

  In step S410, the system control unit 50 receives the image data of the selected and determined thumbnail image from the transfer source camera 2001.

  Next, the system control unit 50 stores the image data in the recording medium 200 of the transfer destination camera 2002 (step S411), and returns to step S406.

  In step S408, the system control unit 50 determines whether there is a disconnection request. If there is a disconnection request, the system control unit 50 performs the process of step S409, and if there is no disconnection request, the system control unit 50 performs the process of step S412. This determination is made based on, for example, whether or not the connection button 406 is pressed again.

  In step S409, the system control unit 50 performs processing for disconnecting communication with the transfer source camera 2001.

  In step S <b> 412, the system control unit 50 determines whether the displayed reference image has been changed by operating the image selection button 407. If the reference image has not been changed, the system control unit 50 returns to step S407 and determines whether reception of the thumbnail image has been determined. On the other hand, if the reference image has been changed, the system control unit 50 returns to step S404. In step S404 and subsequent steps, the reception request range is transmitted to the transfer source camera 2001 after correcting the shooting time of the changed reference image, that is, the changed reference time.

  In this way, processing in the transfer destination camera 2002 is performed.

  Here, the display contents of the image display unit 28 of the transfer destination camera 2002 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing display contents when image data is received.

  The image displayed on the image display unit 28 when the connection button 406 is pressed in step S <b> 402 is displayed as the reference image 401. Further, the thumbnail image received in step S405 is displayed in the thumbnail image display field 402 (step 406). All thumbnail images may be displayed in the thumbnail image display field 402, or some thumbnail images may be sequentially displayed using scrolling. For example, in the center of the thumbnail image display field 402, the image 404 to be received in step S407 is displayed, and the image 403 immediately before the shooting time and the image 405 immediately after the shooting time are displayed. . In this case, the image 404 has been selected by the user in step S407. In this display state, when the “up button” of the image selection button 407 is operated, the image 403 is selected, and conversely, when the “down button” of the image selection button 407 is operated, the image 405 is changed to the selected state. Become.

  According to the first embodiment as described above, the search for image data based on the time is performed after the time difference indicated by the internal clock (RTC 33) between the two transfer source cameras 2001 and 2002 is compensated. Therefore, it is possible to find out image data taken at the same timing as the reference image in a short time.

  Note that, instead of or in addition to the thumbnail image, data that can identify the image, such as a list of image file names and / or shooting dates and times within the reception request range, may be transmitted and received. That is, it is only necessary to identify what kind of image data is in the reception request range among images held by the communication partner.

  Further, when the capacities of the memory 30 and the recording medium 200 are not sufficient, an upper limit may be set for the number of thumbnail images received in step S405. This upper limit may be input by the user as the image number upper limit setting means by the system control unit 50, or may be held in advance by the system control unit 50.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the reproduction process (step S3002) in the transfer destination camera 2002 is different from the first embodiment. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the reproduction process in the transfer destination camera 2002 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the second embodiment, the system control unit 50 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment until step S402. If the connection button 406 is pressed in step S402, the system control unit 50 performs device determination processing in step S401. In the device determination process, it is determined whether the reproduced image is taken by the own device, that is, the transfer destination camera 2002 (step S601). This determination can be made by referring to the camera ID included in the image data. The system control unit 50 performs the process of step S403 if the image is taken by the own device, and performs the process of step S602 otherwise.

  In step S602, the system control unit 50 determines, as difference addition determination means, whether a later-described correction mark is stored for the image being reproduced. If the correction mark is stored, the process of step S403 is performed, and if not, the process of step S603 is performed.

  In step S603, the system control unit 50 sets the correction time to 0 and holds it. The process in step S603 is performed, for example, when image data is written on the recording medium 200 from a PC or the like.

  Further, after step S410, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not time correction (addition of correction time) in step S403 has been performed on the reference time (step S605). This time correction includes the case where there is no difference in the time of the internal clocks of both devices and the correction time is zero. If the time correction of step S403 is performed, the process of step S606 is performed. If the time correction is not performed, the process of step S411 is performed.

  In step S606, the system control unit 50 corrects the shooting time of the image by adding a correction time to the shooting time of the image received in step S410. For example, when the shooting time of the image is “July 9, 2007 10:00” and the correction time is “−5 minutes”, the system control unit sets the shooting time of the image to “July 9, 2007”. 9:55 ".

  Next, the system control unit 50 stores the corrected shooting time in the recording medium 200 and also stores a correction mark indicating that the shooting time has been corrected in the recording medium 200 (step S607), and stores the image in step S411. I do.

  If the reference image has been changed in step S412, the system control unit 50 returns to step S601 and determines whether the changed reference image was taken by the own device.

  According to the second embodiment, when an image is received from another device, the corrected shooting time and the correction mark indicating the presence or absence of the time correction are recorded, and this image is later used as a reference image. Even when searching, appropriate processing can be performed. That is, recording and searching can always be performed based on the time of the internal clock of the device itself. Furthermore, even when an image captured by another device is a reference image, if the shooting time is corrected when the reference image is received, the newly received image is also received. The shooting time is corrected. Therefore, the photographing time is always adjusted along the time indicated by the internal clock of the device itself. For this reason, even when trying to display in order of photographing time, it is possible to arrange them in the order as intended by the user. Further, even when no correction mark is recorded for some reason, a search with a correction time of 0 is performed, so that a situation where the search is impossible can be avoided.

  Note that the processing in steps S605 to S607 may be performed in the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the reproduction process (step S3002) in the transfer destination camera 2002 is different from that in the first embodiment. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the content of the reproduction process in the transfer destination camera 2002 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In the third embodiment, the system control unit 50 performs the same processing as in the first embodiment until step S403. Next, it is determined whether a tag is attached to the image reproduced in step S401 (step S901). If no tag is attached, the process of step S404 is performed. If a tag is attached, the process of step S902 is performed. The tag here is an identification mark for identifying the type of image, and examples thereof include “landscape”, “person”, “night view”, and the like. Such a tag is touched by the user after shooting, for example. In addition, when the face detection function is added to the imaging apparatus 100, a “person” tag may be automatically attached to an image focused on the face. Also, a tag of “night view” may be automatically attached to a photo having high ISO sensitivity and taken after the evening.

  In step S902, the system control unit 50 transmits the tag to the transfer source camera 2001 together with the corrected reference time and time range, and causes the transfer source camera 2001 to perform a search including the same tag in the item. That is, the received reference range includes the corrected reference time, time range, and tag identity (identity of image type). Thereafter, the system control unit 50 performs the process of step S405.

  According to the third embodiment, since a search including a tag indicating the type of image is performed, a more detailed search is performed and a more desirable thumbnail image is acquired. Therefore, a desired image can be found more easily. For example, when it is desired to search for a wedding cake cut scene, a landscape photograph is mixed and held in the transfer source camera 2001. In this case, by including the tag “person” in the reception request range, only the thumbnail image of the photo including the cake cut scene is transmitted to the transfer destination camera 2002.

  Note that the first to third embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  The embodiment of the present invention can be realized by, for example, a computer executing a program. Also, means for supplying a program to a computer, for example, a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM recording such a program, or a transmission medium such as the Internet for transmitting such a program is also applied as an embodiment of the present invention. Can do. The above program can also be applied as an embodiment of the present invention. The above program, recording medium, transmission medium, and program product are included in the scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation unit of the imaging apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an aspect of communication of the imaging apparatus 100. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the reproduction | regeneration processing in the transfer destination camera 2002 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display content at the time of image data reception. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the reproduction | regeneration processing in the transfer destination camera 2002 in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the reproduction | regeneration processing in the transfer destination camera 2002 in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

20: Image processing circuit 30: Memory 50: System control unit 110: Communication unit 112: Connector 200: Recording medium

Claims (10)

Timekeeping means,
Calculating means for calculating a difference between the time indicated by the time measuring means and the time indicated by the time measuring means of the external device;
Correction means for correcting the information of the reference time indicating the condition of the image acquired from the external device using the time difference calculated by the calculation means;
Transmitting means for transmitting information of the reference time after correction by the correcting means to the external device;
And a receiving unit configured to receive an image selected by the external device in accordance with the corrected reference time information transmitted by the transmitting unit. It further has reproduction means for reproducing the image stored in the storage means,
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference time information is based on a date and time when an image reproduced by the reproducing unit is captured.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image number upper limit setting unit that sets an upper limit of the number of images that can be received by the receiving unit.   4. The communication according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit receives an image captured at a time indicated by information on the corrected reference time transmitted by the transmitting unit. 5. apparatus. The transmission means transmits a predetermined time range based on the information of the corrected reference time,
5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit receives an image captured in the predetermined time range transmitted by the transmitting unit.   6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an adjusting unit that adjusts an imaging time of an image received by the receiving unit using a time difference calculated by the calculating unit. Communication device. Imaging means for capturing an image of a subject and obtaining an image;
Adjusting means for adjusting the imaging time of the image received by the receiving means using the time difference calculated by the calculating means;
Determining means for determining whether or not the image being reproduced by the reproducing means has been imaged by the imaging means;
When the determination unit determines that the image being reproduced by the reproduction unit is not captured by the imaging unit, the determination unit further determines whether or not the adjustment by the adjustment unit is performed on the image. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when it is determined that the adjustment is not performed, the correction unit does not perform the correction. The transmission means transmits other conditions together with the information of the reference time,
The said receiving means receives the image which the said external apparatus selected according to the information of the said reference time after correction | amendment transmitted by the said transmission means, and said other conditions, The one of the Claims 1 thru | or 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. Item 1. The communication device according to item 1. A calculation step for calculating a difference between the time indicated by the time measuring means and the time indicated by the time measuring means of the external device;
A correction step for correcting the reference time information indicating the condition of the image acquired from the external device using the time difference calculated in the calculation step;
A transmission step of transmitting information of the reference time after correction in the correction step to the external device;
And a receiving step of receiving an image selected by the external device in accordance with the information of the corrected reference time transmitted in the transmitting step. On the computer,
A calculation step for calculating a difference between the time indicated by the time measuring means and the time indicated by the time measuring means of the external device;
A correction step for correcting the reference time information indicating the condition of the image acquired from the external device using the time difference calculated in the calculation step;
A transmission step of transmitting information of the reference time after correction in the correction step to the external device;
And a receiving step of receiving an image selected by the external device according to the corrected reference time information transmitted in the transmitting step.

Images