JP2009147482A - Communication equipment and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide communication equipment and a communication method, that can perform efficient and secure communication, especially, by a unidirectional communication system. <P>SOLUTION: The communication apparatus includes a CCD 3 which images a transmission-partner apparatus to acquire image data, an image analyzing function 13a of analyzing an image of the image data, a communication-partner deciding function 15c of discriminating the transmission-partner apparatus such as a printer and a mobile phone through the image analysis, a communication data converting function 15e of converting transmission data based upon the discrimination result of the communication-partner discrimination function 15c, and an external infrared data I/F 51 which transmits the data-converted transmission data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication method, and more particularly to a communication device and a communication method for recognizing a communication object by image recognition, converting the data to a data type corresponding to the recognized communication object, and transmitting data.

In recent years, communication between an imaging device such as a digital camera and devices such as a printer, a television, a mobile phone, a personal computer, and a camera and exchanging data is increasing. As a communication method in this case, generally, it is performed according to a communication protocol of IrDA (Infrared Data Association). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that communication is performed by infrared communication between a digital camera and a printer according to an IrDA communication protocol, and a captured image is printed out. Patent Document 2 discloses that communication is performed by infrared communication between a digital camera and a printer according to an IrDA communication protocol, and a captured image is displayed on a display device.
JP 2005-110303 A JP 2001-83948 A

  The IrDA communication system is widely used as one of short-range wireless communication using infrared light. In recent years, the amount of data to be handled has increased with the advancement of functions such as mobile phones, and it has been desired to increase the communication speed. Under such circumstances, an IrSimple communication system improved from the IrDA communication system was developed and international standardized. This IrSimple communication system has two unidirectional / bidirectional profiles, a short connection establishment time, and high transfer efficiency. In the IrSimple one-way communication method, data is transmitted only in one direction, and the receiver side does not need to send anything back to the transmitter side. It can be lowered.

  The IrSimple one-way communication method has various advantages as described above. However, in the one-way communication method, the transmitter ends transmission regardless of whether or not the receiver has received successfully. Therefore, it is necessary to check whether the user has received the message normally, and if necessary, the user has to retransmit the data.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device and a communication method capable of performing efficient and reliable communication even in the one-way communication method.

  In order to achieve the above object, a communication device according to a first aspect of the invention recognizes an object, an imaging unit that captures an object and converts it into image data, a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the object, and the object An image recognition unit; and a data conversion unit that converts data to be transmitted by the communication unit in accordance with a recognition result in the image recognition unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device according to the first aspect, wherein the display unit displays a candidate for the object recognized by the image recognition unit, and a predetermined target from the candidate for the object displayed on the display unit. An operation unit for selecting an object, and the data conversion unit converts the data transmitted by the communication unit into data corresponding to the object selected by the operation unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device according to the first aspect, further comprising: a storage unit that acquires the image data of the object and stores the image data before the image recognition by the image recognition unit. The image recognition unit retrieves a similar image from the image data stored in the storage unit, and the data conversion unit converts the data based on the search result.
Furthermore, in the communication device according to the fourth invention, in the first invention, the communication unit communicates with the object in accordance with an IrDA communication protocol.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device that images a transmission destination device, acquires an image data, an image analysis unit that performs image analysis of the image data, and the transmission destination based on the image analysis. A determination unit that determines a device, a data conversion unit that performs data conversion of transmission data based on a determination result by the determination unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the data-converted transmission data.
A communication device according to a sixth aspect of the invention includes an imaging unit that images a transmission destination device and acquires image data, a storage unit that images the transmission destination device in advance by the imaging unit, and stores image data; Based on the similar image search unit for searching for an image similar to the image data captured in advance from the image data stored in the storage unit, and a similar image search result by the similar image search unit A data conversion unit that performs data conversion of the data.
A communication device according to a seventh invention is the communication device according to the fifth invention or the sixth invention, wherein the communication device is an imaging device and image data captured by the imaging unit in response to an operation of a release button. Has a recording medium for recording.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method of photographing an object and converting it into image data;
Recognizing the object, converting data to be transmitted by the communication unit according to the recognition result of the object, and transmitting the converted data to the object. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device and a communication method capable of performing efficient and reliable communication, particularly in a one-way communication method.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments using a digital camera to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. This digital camera can perform shooting preparation operations such as photometry and distance measurement when the release button is pressed halfway, and can convert the subject image into image data and record it on a recording medium when the release button is fully pressed. is there. In addition, this digital camera can display a subject image picked up by the image pickup device on a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor prior to photographing. Further, this digital camera can communicate image data and the like to an external device such as a printer in accordance with an IrSimple communication protocol.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this digital camera, a lens 1 for forming a subject image is disposed, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 3 is provided in the vicinity of the imaging position of the lens 1. In addition to the CCD 3, a two-dimensional imaging device such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor may be used.

  The output of the CCD 3 is connected to an imaging circuit 5 that reads out and amplifies image signals. The output of the imaging circuit 5 is connected to an A / D (Analog Digital) converter 7 that performs analog-digital conversion. The A / D converter 7 is connected to a data bus 9, which includes a frame memory 11, a second CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13, a recording buffer 17, and a FIFO (First In First Out) memory. 23 is connected.

  The frame memory 11 is a memory for temporarily storing image data output from the A / D converter 7 and is configured by a memory such as an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory).

  The recording buffer 17 is connected to a recording medium I / F (interface) 19, and the recording medium I / F 19 is connected to a recording medium 21. The recording medium 21 is a recording medium for image data, which is built into the camera body or can be attached to the camera body. The recording buffer 17 and the recording medium I / F 19 record and control image data.

  The FIFO memory 23 is a timing adjustment memory used when displaying image data stored in the frame memory 11 or the recording medium 21. If the timing adjustment is not particularly required when displaying the image data, it may be omitted. The output of the FIFO memory 23 is connected to a video output circuit 25 and a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal drive circuit 31.

  The video output circuit 25 is a circuit that generates a video signal for external output, and this output is connected to the video output terminal 27. The external image display device 29 is a display device for image data recorded on the recording medium 21 or the like, and the input terminal of the external image display device 29 can be connected to the video output terminal 27.

  The output of the TFT liquid crystal driving circuit 31 is connected to a TFT panel 33 which is a liquid crystal display monitor, and image data input through the FIFO memory 23 is displayed on the TFT panel 33. The subject image recorded on the recording medium 21 or the like is reproduced and displayed on the TFT panel 33. In addition, a through image (also referred to as a live view) is displayed and used as a finder display for determining the composition. An illumination backlight unit 35 is disposed in the vicinity of the TFT panel 33.

  A battery 39 serving as a power supply source is disposed in the camera, and an output of the battery 39 is connected to a battery state detection circuit 37. The battery state detection circuit 37 detects the output voltage of the battery 39 and outputs the detection result to the first CPU 15. The battery 39 is connected to a power supply circuit 41, and power is supplied from the power supply circuit 41 to each circuit. A backup power supply 43 is connected to the power supply circuit 41. The backup power source 43 is a power source for supplying power to a clock circuit (not shown).

The first CPU 15 includes a power supply circuit 41, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display circuit 45, a key matrix 49, an external infrared data I / F 51, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable).
Programmable ROM) 55 and a lens actuator drive circuit 57 are connected. The LCD display circuit 45 is connected to the LCD panel 47. On the LCD panel 47, information related to camera control such as an exposure control value such as a shutter speed and an aperture value output from the first CPU 15 and a photographing mode is displayed.

  The key matrix 49 includes various operation buttons, dials, various detection switches and the like provided on the camera body, and is a switch group for detecting an operation state by the user and a camera state. This switch group includes a 1st release switch that is turned on when the release button is half-pressed and a 2nd release switch that is turned on when the release button is fully pressed. In addition, operation switches for menu mode setting, a cross button for moving a cursor used for setting the menu mode, a dial for shooting mode setting, and a playback display of recorded images on the TFT panel 33 are displayed. A switch linked to a playback button for instructing a playback mode to be performed is also included in the switch group. The automatic discrimination mode to be described later is set according to the menu mode. The infrared data I / F 51 is an interface for performing infrared communication with an external device in accordance with an IrSimple communication protocol.

  The EEPROM 55 is an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory, and includes a flash ROM or the like. In the EEPROM 55, various adjustment values of the camera and programs for controlling the first and second CPUs 13 and 15 are stored. In addition, registration information 55a of a communication partner such as a printer that communicates with the digital camera is stored. In the communication partner registration information 55a, an image of a communication partner device, an image data size at the time of communicating with the device, an image format standard, and the like are stored.

  The lens actuator drive circuit 57 is connected to the actuator 59. The actuator 59 is an actuator for performing focus adjustment and zooming of the lens 1, and is configured by a DC motor, an ultrasonic motor, or the like.

  The first CPU 15 mainly fulfills the system control function 15a of the camera and controls the basic operation of the entire camera. The first CPU 15 has functions such as a communication partner information management function 15b, a communication partner determination function 15c, a communication partner registration function 15d, and a communication data conversion function 15e.

  The communication partner information management function 15 b is a function for managing the communication partner registration information 55 a stored in the EEPROM 55. The communication partner determination function 15c is a function of determining the communication partner based on image analysis / search by the second CPU 13. The communication partner registration function 15d is a function for registering in advance in the communication partner registration information 55a as a communication partner. The communication data conversion function 15e is a function that converts communication data according to the function of the device that is the communication partner determined by the communication partner determination function 15c.

  The second CPU 13 is a CPU that mainly controls image processing of the camera, and has various functions such as an image analysis function 13a, an image compression / decompression function 13b, a similar image search function 13c, and a recording medium access function 13d. is doing.

  The image analysis function 13a is a function that performs image analysis of the communication partner acquired by the CCD 3. The similar image search function 13c is a function for searching for a device similar to the image of the communication partner registered in the communication partner registration information 55a using the analysis result of the image analysis function 13a.

  The image compression / decompression function 13 b compresses image data when recording the image data stored in the frame memory 11 on the recording medium 21. The function 13b decompresses image data when the compressed image data recorded on the recording medium 21 is reproduced and displayed on the TFT panel 33. The recording medium access function 13d performs reading for recording and reproducing image data on the recording medium 21.

  The image transmission operation of the digital camera according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This digital camera performs various controls such as live view display, exposure control, automatic focus adjustment, and shooting operation. Here, the description will focus on processing related to image transmission to an external device performed after shooting.

  When the user selects the image transmission mode in the menu mode, it is first determined whether or not the automatic discrimination mode is set (S1). The automatic discrimination mode is a mode in which an image of the device is analyzed for the type of the destination device, and is automatically converted into transmission data suitable for the device and transmitted.

  If the result of determination in step S1 is that the automatic determination mode has not been set, the type of the transmission partner is selected from the options (S3). That is, in this case, as shown in FIG. 3A, the transmission partner is displayed on the TFT panel 33, so the transmission partner is manually selected. The user operates an operation member such as a cross button to select a destination device. FIG. 3A shows an example in which a printer is selected as a transmission destination.

  If the automatic discrimination mode is set as a result of the determination in step S1, the transmission partner is photographed by the camera (S21). Here, an image of the transmission destination device is acquired by the CCD 3, and the image is displayed on the communication counterpart device display unit 33a of the TFT panel 33 as a through image. Note that the device image acquired here is not particularly recorded on the recording medium 21.

  Subsequently, based on the acquired image of the device, a transmission partner is determined by image analysis (S23). That is, image analysis is performed by the image analysis function 13a, and a transmission partner is determined by the communication partner determination function 15c.

  In the image analysis, the size of the transmission destination device is estimated from the shooting distance and the like, and the outline of the transmission destination device is estimated by extracting the outline of the image, and a similar image search is performed based on the information. In the determination, data on the size and shape of a general camera, a mobile phone, a television, or the like is stored, and the determination is made based on this data. When the determination is made, the type of the counterpart device is displayed on the counterpart device display unit 33b of the TFT panel 33 as shown in FIG.

  When a communication partner device is set in step S3 or step S23, a transmission partner type is set (S5), and transmission data is converted in accordance with the transmission partner (S7). Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the image data is converted by the transmission partner. For example, when the destination device is a camera of the same model, the image size and the image format remain the same as the original data, and there is no need to perform conversion.

  When the destination device is a printer, the image size may be transmitted as the original data, and the image format may be transmitted as the original data or index data. Furthermore, when the destination device is a mobile phone, the image size is 640 × 480 dots according to the VGA (Video Graphic Array) standard, and the image format is JPEG. When the transmission destination device is a television, the image size is 1902 × 1080 dots, and the image format is JPEG or MPEG (moving images are also permitted). These sizes and formats are examples, and other numerical values and standards may of course be used.

  Next, transmission preparation OK is displayed on the TFT panel 33 (S9), and it is determined whether or not the transmission is stopped (S11). That is, the user looks at the transmission preparation OK display and operates a transmission operation member (for example, an OK button) when transmitting, and transmits a transmission stop operation member (for example, a cancel button) when canceling transmission. Etc.), it is determined whether or not these operation members have been operated.

  As a result of the determination in step S11, if the transmission is not stopped, the image data is transmitted to the transmission destination device through the external infrared data I / F 51 by infrared communication using the IrSimple method (S13). On the other hand, if the transmission is canceled, the transmission is stopped (S15). When the process of step S13 or step S15 ends, the process returns to the original flow.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the image of the transmission destination is acquired by the camera, and the image at this time is analyzed to determine whether the transmission destination is a printer, a camera, a mobile phone, or the like. It is discriminated whether it is any device. Based on this determination, the image size, image format, etc. for image transmission are converted. For this reason, data suitable for the model of the communication partner can be transmitted at high speed without detecting the state of the partner by handshaking in communication.

  In the configuration of the first embodiment, communication partner information is not registered in advance, so communication partner registration information 55a, similar image search function 13c, communication partner information management function 15b, communication partner registration function. 15d and the like may be omitted.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the device information is determined without registering the communication partner device information in advance. In the second embodiment, the communication partner device information is registered in advance. This function is provided, and when selecting a communication partner, a search is performed from among the registered devices.

  The second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The flowchart of the image transmission mode shown in FIG. 3 is replaced with the flowchart of FIG. 6, and the flowchart of the destination registration mode shown in FIG. Since only the point of adding is different, the difference will be mainly described.

  First, an operation for registering information of a communication partner device performed in advance will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. When the transmission destination registration mode is set by the menu mode or the like and the transmission destination registration mode is entered, an image of the transmission partner is photographed as in step S21 (S41). The acquired image is displayed as a through image on the communication partner device display unit 33d of the TFT panel 33. Note that the device image acquired here is not recorded on the recording medium 21 as in step S21.

  Subsequently, the transmission partner is determined by image analysis (S43). In this image analysis, as in step S23, the size of the transmission destination device is estimated from the shooting distance or the like, and the outline of the transmission destination device is estimated by extracting the contour of the image. Based on this, a similar image search is performed. In the determination, data on the size and shape of a general camera, a mobile phone, a television, or the like is stored, and the determination is made based on this data.

  Next, based on the determination result by image analysis in step S43, the type of the registered partner is determined (S45), and the result is displayed in a list (S47). As shown in FIG. 7, the result is displayed by displaying the type of destination device on the destination device display unit 33e of the TFT panel 33.

  Subsequently, the user determines whether the type of the destination device displayed on the destination device display unit 33e is correct (S49). If the type display is incorrect, the transmission destination device is changed by clicking the up / down index 33f on the TFT panel 33.

  If the image of the transmission destination device displayed for registration on the communication counterpart device display unit 33d matches the type, the transmission partner type is associated with the registered image and registered as the communication partner registration information 55a in the EEPROM 55 in the camera ( S51). Here, the transmission partner type is registered in association with information such as the image size and the image format described with reference to FIG.

  The operation in the image transmission mode when the transmission destination is registered in this way will be described with reference to FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, steps that perform the same processing as in FIG. 2 are assigned the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  When the image transmission mode is entered and the automatic discrimination mode is not set, Steps S3 to S15 are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. If the result of determination in step S1 is that the automatic determination mode has been set, the transmission partner is photographed with a camera (S21), and an image is acquired.

  Subsequently, collation with the registered communication partner is performed by the similar image search function 13c (S25). That is, an image similar to the image acquired in step S21 is searched from images registered in advance as communication partner registration information 55a in the transmission destination registration mode shown in FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a registered communication partner device has been searched as a result of the collation / search in step S25 (S27). If the registered communication partner device is found as a result of the determination, the communication partner type set in advance, for example, a printer, a mobile phone, etc. is set for the device (S29).

  On the other hand, if the registered communication partner cannot be searched as a result of the determination in step S27, the transmission partner is determined by image analysis in the same manner as in steps S23 and S43 (S31). When the determination is finished, the type of communication partner is determined from the analysis result (S33). That is, based on the image analysis, for example, a type such as a printer or a mobile phone is set.

  If the type of the destination device is set in step S5, step S29, or step S33, transmission data is converted in accordance with the destination (S7). The following operations are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the image of the transmission destination device, the image size of the data at the time of transmission, the standard of the image format, etc. are set in advance and recorded as communication partner registration information 55a in the EEPROM 55. At the time of image transmission, the transmission destination device is determined by searching for an image recorded in the registration information 55a. For this reason, compared with the case where the type of the transmission destination apparatus is determined only by image analysis of the image acquired by the CCD 3, it is possible to determine the transmission destination apparatus with high accuracy in a short time.

  As described above, in each embodiment of the present invention, when performing one-way communication with an external device, an image of the external device is acquired using an imaging element such as a CCD 3 and the acquired image is analyzed. Thus, the type of external device (for example, a printer, a mobile phone, etc.) is discriminated, and data appropriate for the discriminated type of external device is transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to provide a communication device and a communication method capable of performing efficient and reliable communication, particularly in the one-way communication method.

  In each embodiment, communication is performed by infrared communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and wireless communication or the like may be used. Each embodiment is particularly effective in one-way communication, but the present invention may be applied to a device having a two-way communication function. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied supplementarily to bidirectional communication.

  Furthermore, in each embodiment, as a result of image analysis, the type of a printer, a mobile phone, or the like has been identified. However, as in the second embodiment, it is registered in advance including the model, for example, XX You may make it set finely, such as printer model No. manufactured by company.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, a digital camera is used as the imaging device. However, the camera may be a digital single lens reflex camera or a compact digital camera, and may be a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA). Of course, an imaging device such as a camera built in a personal digital assist may be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, you may delete some components of all the components shown by each embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the image transmission mode of the digital camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. In the digital camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the display screen at the time of selection of a transmission destination, Comprising: (A) is set manually, (B) is automatically by automatic discrimination mode. It is a figure which shows the case where it sets. In the digital camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is a figure which shows the specification etc. of the transmission image data for every transmission partner. It is a flowchart which shows the transmission destination registration mode of the digital camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the image transmission mode of the digital camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the registration screen of a transmission partner in the digital camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Lens, 3 ... CCD, 5 ... Imaging circuit, 7 ... A / D converter, 9 ... Data bus, 11 ... Frame memory, 13 ... 2nd CPU, 13a ... image analysis function, 13b ... image compression / decompression function, 13c ... similar image search function, 13d ... recording medium access function, 15 ... first CPU, 15a ... System control function, 15b ... Communication partner information management function, 15c ... Communication partner discrimination function, 15d ... Communication partner registration function, 15e ... Communication data conversion function, 17 ... Recording buffer, 19. ..Recording medium I / F, 21... Recording medium, 23... FIFO memory, 25... Video output circuit, 27.・ TFT liquid crystal drive circuit, 33 ... FT panel, 33a ... communication partner device display unit, 33b ... partner device display unit, 33d ... communication partner device display unit, 33e ... partner device display unit, 33f ... up / down indicator 35 ... Backlight unit, 37 ... Battery state detection circuit, 39 ... Battery, 41 ... Power supply circuit, 43 ... Backup power supply, 45 ... LCD display circuit, 47 ... LCD panel, 49 ... key matrix, 51 ... external infrared data I / F, 55 ... EEPROM, 55a ... communication partner registration information, 57 ... lens actuator drive circuit, 59 ... Actuator

Claims (8)

An imaging unit that shoots an object and converts it into image data;
A communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the object;
An image recognition unit for recognizing the object;
In accordance with the recognition result in the image recognition unit, a data conversion unit that converts data to be transmitted by the communication unit;
A communication device comprising: A display unit for displaying candidate objects recognized by the image recognition unit;
An operation unit for selecting a predetermined object from candidate objects displayed on the display unit;
Further comprising
The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the data conversion unit converts data to be transmitted by the communication unit into data corresponding to an object selected by the operation unit. Prior to image recognition by the image recognition unit, the image recognition unit further includes a storage unit that acquires image data of the object and stores the image data.
2. The image recognition unit searches for similar images from the image data stored in the storage unit, and the data conversion unit converts the data based on the search result. The communication device described in 1.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit performs communication with the object according to an IrDA communication protocol. An image capturing unit that captures an image of a transmission destination device and acquires image data;
An image analysis unit for performing image analysis of the image data;
A determination unit that determines the transmission destination device based on the image analysis;
Based on the determination result by the determination unit, a data conversion unit that performs data conversion of transmission data;
A transmission unit for transmitting the data-converted transmission data;
A communication device comprising: An image capturing unit that captures an image of a transmission destination device and acquires image data;
A storage unit that images the transmission destination device in advance by the imaging unit and stores the image data;
A similar image search unit for searching for an image similar to the image data captured in advance from the image data stored in the storage unit;
Based on the similar image search result by the similar image search unit, a data conversion unit that performs data conversion of transmission data;
A communication device comprising:   The communication device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the communication device is an imaging device, and has a recording medium that records image data captured by the imaging unit in response to an operation of a release button. machine. Photographing the object and converting it to image data;
Recognizing the object,
Converting the data to be transmitted by the communication unit according to the recognition result of the object;
Transmitting the converted data to the object;
A communication method comprising: