JP2009273033A - Camera system, control method of controller, and program of the controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera system that readily enables AE/AF detection position setting operation for a camera, at the controller side. <P>SOLUTION: The camera system has the camera and a controller. The camera has: a camera communication section for communicating an image and information on photographing the conditions to the controller and for receiving information relating to the position of a main object transmitted from the controller; and a remote control section for controlling the camera, in accordance with the information, relating to the photographing conditions transmitted from the controller and for controlling the setting of the photographing conditions of the camera, based on the information at the position of the main object received by the camera communication section. The controller has: a communication section for communicating the image and the information relating to the photographic conditions to the camera, and for transmitting the information relating to the position of the main object position instructed by the operation section as the information on the photographic conditions; a display section for displaying a monitor image, based on the image data transmitted by the camera and received by the communication section; and an operation section for instructing the position of the main object on the monitor image which is displayed at the display section. The system is so constituted as to have the controller control the camera from the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention realizes a camera system and a controller control method, a controller program, and more specifically, a camera system including a camera and a controller that controls the camera from the outside, a controller control method in the camera system, and the control method This is related to the controller program.

  Conventionally, in a camera system composed of a camera and a controller, a controller that can confirm a monitor image, a captured image, and the like acquired by operating the camera by remote operation from outside is displayed on the display unit, and is externally controlled by this controller. Various proposals have been made and put into practical use for a remote control system in a camera system combined with a camera.

  For example, in the camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-330089, when an operation member such as a release switch and a liquid crystal display device are provided in a controller and the camera is remotely operated using this controller to perform shooting. The state information of the camera, for example, the remaining memory capacity, battery capacity, image information that can be captured, and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the controller. Further, when the camera is caused to perform a photographing operation by operating the release switch of the controller, a message to that effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the controller when the photographing operation is normally completed.

  In addition, the camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-174164 performs on / off switching operation of the power state of the camera, zooming operation of the photographing lens of the camera, autofocus operation (automatic focus adjustment operation: AF operation), and the like. It can be controlled remotely by an operation member of the controller.

  In the camera system disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-173992, when the camera receives a shooting request signal including shooting condition data transmitted from the controller, the camera side is based on the received shooting condition data. Control is performed such that the camera shooting conditions are set and the shooting operation is executed in accordance with the received shooting request signal. And a camera is comprised so that the image data etc. which were acquired by imaging | photography operation | movement may be transmitted to a controller.

As described above, in the remote control system of the conventional camera system, not only the camera shooting timing is instructed by the controller, but also various information of the camera can be displayed on the controller display device, or the camera zooming can be performed from the controller. There are some which can perform operations, AF operations, and the like.
JP 2003-330089 A JP 2006-174164 A JP 2007-173992 A

  By the way, when performing an operation when taking a photograph using a camera, that is, when performing an imaging operation, various operations are performed on each component of the camera as an operation before the release operation is performed in the series of operations. The operation to set up is included. In this case, the exposure setting and the focus adjustment setting of the photographed image including the main subject that is a desired photographing target are particularly important among various kinds of condition information (referred to as photographing condition information) regarding photographing that should be set in advance. It is an item.

  In exposure setting in a conventional camera, first, an EV value of a captured image including a desired shooting target (main subject) is automatically calculated, and an appropriate shutter speed value and aperture value are calculated based on the calculated EV value. Generally, this is performed by automatic exposure setting processing (referred to as AE processing) that is automatically set.

  Similarly, the focus adjustment setting in the conventional camera is performed by controlling the movement of the lens in the direction along the optical axis, and within a predetermined range in the captured image including the desired shooting target (main subject) (mainly the main subject). ) Is automatically detected, and the lens position at the image in-focus position obtained from the phase difference of the image to be photographed (main subject) is automatically detected, and the photographing lens position is set to the detected lens position. Usually, this is performed by automatic focus position setting processing (referred to as AF processing).

  These AE processing and AF processing are automatically executed by camera control at the timing immediately before the release operation of the photographing operation processing is performed.

  Similarly, in a camera system that performs a photographing operation by remote control, the AE process and the AF process are usually automatically executed immediately before the release operation.

  In a conventional camera, as a position on an image to be subjected to the AE processing or AF processing (hereinafter referred to as an AE / AF detection position), for example, a shooting screen defined by a viewfinder device for observing the shooting target (that is, In general, a predetermined range of a substantially central portion within a range equivalent to a photographed image is fixedly defined.

  Consider the flow of operations when shooting using a conventional camera of this configuration. First, the operator performs a framing operation for setting the direction of the camera (the direction indicated by the lens optical axis). In this case, framing is performed so that the main subject desired to be photographed is the AE / AF detection position defined in the camera. When the framing is determined, an operation for starting execution of the AE process and the AF process (for example, a half-press operation of the release button) is subsequently performed. Thereafter, a release operation (for example, a full press operation of the release button) is performed to perform a photographing operation.

  On the other hand, in a camera suitable for performing more advanced shooting, such as a single-lens reflex camera, an AE / AF detection position is provided in order to ensure a wide degree of freedom of framing by a photographer according to a desired subject. In addition to the central portion of the shooting screen, a region in a predetermined range of a position biased in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction in the shooting screen can be set as the AE / AF detection position.

  Therefore, when a single-lens reflex camera having such a configuration is remotely controlled by a controller to perform a photographing operation, it is convenient if the AE / AF detection position can be easily set by an operation on the controller side.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to control a camera photographing operation by a controller in a camera system including a camera and a controller that controls the camera from the outside. Camera system that can easily set the AE detection position and AF detection position of the camera by the operation on the controller side, the controller control method in the camera system, and the control method are realized To provide a controller program.

  In order to achieve the above object, a camera system according to the present invention is a camera system comprising a camera and a controller that controls the camera from the outside, and the camera communicates information about an image and shooting conditions with the controller. And a remote control unit that controls the camera in accordance with information related to the shooting conditions transmitted from the controller, and the controller communicates information about the image and the shooting conditions with the camera. A display unit for displaying a monitor image based on image data transmitted from the camera communication unit and received by the communication unit, and an operation unit for instructing the position of the main subject on the monitor image being displayed on the display unit. The communication unit includes the main unit instructed by the operation unit as information on shooting conditions. The information on the position of the subject is transmitted, the camera communication unit receives the information on the position of the main subject transmitted from the communication unit, and the remote control unit receives the main subject received by the camera communication unit. Control for setting shooting conditions of the camera is performed based on information on the position of the camera.

  The controller control method according to the present invention is a controller control method in which information including a captured image is communicated with a camera, and the camera is externally controlled. The monitor image transmitted from the camera is displayed, and the monitor image is displayed on the monitor image. Information on the AE detection position or the AF detection position specified in step (1) is transmitted to the camera.

  The controller program according to the present invention communicates information including a captured image with a camera and displays a monitor image transmitted from the camera in the controller program for controlling the camera from the outside. Transmitting to the camera information related to the AE detection position or AF detection position indicated in step (b).

  According to the present invention, in a camera system including a camera and a controller that controls the camera from the outside, when the camera photographing operation is controlled by the controller, the setting of the AE detection position and the AF detection position of the camera is performed by the controller. It is possible to provide a camera system that can be easily performed by a side operation, a controller control method in the camera system, and a controller program that realizes the control method.

  The present invention will be described below with reference to illustrated embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an entire camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of internal configurations of the controller and the camera in the camera system of FIG.

  First, a schematic configuration of a camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

  The camera system of the present embodiment includes a digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera) 2 that acquires an optical subject image as image data and stores it in a recording medium, and a controller 1 that controls the operation of the camera 2 from the outside. It is composed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 1 includes a display unit 18 and a plurality of operation members. Examples of the plurality of operation members include a four-direction selection button 21 (21L, 21R, 21D, 21U), a determination button 21a, a menu button 22, an AF / AE button 22b, a release button 23, and the like. The plurality of operation members are disposed at predetermined positions on the exterior surface.

The four-way selection button 21 instructs to select a desired item on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 18, or is a position setting index (mark; displayed in detail on the display unit 18). A left direction selection button 21L for moving a selection item index or a position setting index to the left in the display screen, for example,
A right direction selection button 21R for moving the selection item index and the position setting index to the right in the display screen;
A downward selection button 21D for moving the selection item index and the position setting index downward in the display screen;
An upward selection button 21U for moving the selection item index and the position setting index upward in the display screen;
There is.

  The determination button 21a is an operation member for determining and instructing an item selected and instructed by the four-way selection button 21 and determining the position of the position setting index moved by the four-way selection button 21.

  The menu button 22 is an operation member that is operated when a predetermined display screen is displayed on the display unit 18.

  The AF / AE button 22b is an operation member for starting execution of AE processing and AF processing among photographing operations performed by the camera 2 under the control of the controller 1 using the controller 1.

  The release button 23 is an operation member that is operated when a release process is executed in a shooting operation performed by the camera 2 under the control of the controller 1 when the camera 2 to be controlled is remotely operated using the controller 1. . It should be noted that the control may be such that when the release button 23 is half-pressed, an instruction operation to start execution of the AE process or AF process is performed, and the release process is performed by a full-press operation.

  Examples of the target camera 2 controlled by the controller 1 include a single-lens reflex digital camera with interchangeable lenses and a normal compact digital camera. In the camera system of this embodiment, the form of the camera 2 to be controlled by the controller 1 is a single-lens reflex digital camera. As a specific example, a single-lens reflex camera having the form indicated by reference numeral 2 in FIG. Presenting.

  The camera 2 includes, for example, an interchangeable lens unit 43 that is detachably disposed on the front surface of the camera body 46, a camera display unit 38 is provided on the back surface of the camera body 46, and an information display unit is provided on the upper surface of the camera body 46. 42 is provided, and has a plurality of operation members at predetermined positions on the exterior surface of the camera body 46.

  As operation members, there are, for example, a four-direction selection button 41 (41L, 41R, 41D, 41U), an enter button 41a, a menu button 41b, a release button 41c, and the like, as shown in FIG. The plurality of operation members are respectively disposed at predetermined positions on the exterior surface of the camera body 46.

The four-direction selection button 41 instructs to select a desired item on the operation screen displayed on the camera display unit 38, or is a position setting index (details will be described later) displayed superimposed on an image displayed on the display unit 38. For example, a left direction selection button 41L for moving a selection item index or a position setting index to the left in the display screen;
A right direction selection button 41R for moving the selection item index and the position setting index to the right in the display screen;
A downward selection button 41D for moving the selection item index and the position setting index downward in the display screen;
An upward selection button 41U for moving the selection item index and the position setting index upward in the display screen;
There is.

  The determination button 41a is an operation member for determining and instructing an item selected and instructed by the four-way selection button 41 and determining the position of the position setting index moved by the four-way selection button 41.

  The menu button 41 b is an operation member that is operated when an operation screen is displayed on the camera display unit 38.

  The release button 41c is an operation member that is operated at the start of execution of the AE process and the AF process among the photographing operations performed by the camera 2.

  Note that the form of the camera 2 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the form of the camera to be controlled by the controller 1 of the present embodiment is not limited to the illustrated form of the camera, but other forms. Of course, this camera may be used.

  The camera system of the present embodiment is configured by combining the controller 1 and the camera 2. In this case, the controller 1 and the camera 2 communicate with each other for various data such as image data and control signals based on a predetermined communication format. Thereby, the controller 1 can control the camera 2 from the outside.

  As a communication format performed between the controller 1 and the camera 2, for example, IrDA (Infrared Data Association) which is a standard of optical wireless communication using infrared rays, Bluetooth (Bluetooth: registered trademark) standard, A wireless format conforming to a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) standard or WUSB (Wireless USB) standard is applied. In addition to this, a wired communication format such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard can also be applied.

  Next, an outline of each internal configuration of the controller 1 and the camera 2 to be controlled by the controller 1 in the camera system of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 1 includes a control unit 11, a ROM 12, an operation unit 13, a RAM 14, a recording / reproducing unit 15, a recording medium unit 16, a display control unit 17, a display unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a bus line 20. , Antenna 54 and the like.

  The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the entire controller 1 based on a program. The control unit 11 is electrically connected to the above-described components such as the ROM 12 and the operation unit 13 via the bus line 20 and a dedicated signal line.

  The control unit 11 has a processing function in which an operation control unit 11a that receives an instruction signal from the operation unit 13 linked to each operation member (21, 22, 23, etc.) and issues a corresponding control signal is executed by a program. It is provided as.

  The ROM 12 is an index such as a control program for controlling the control unit 11, operation screen data displayed on the display unit 18, icon display data indicating various information, AE index, AF index (details will be described later), and the like. It has a storage area for storing display data and the like, and is configured by a nonvolatile memory or the like.

  The operation unit 13 is linked to the various operation members (21, 22, 23, etc.) operated by the operator, and notifies the operation control unit 11a of the control unit 11 of an instruction signal corresponding to the operated operation member. It is a circuit part to do.

  For example, the operation unit 13 receives an instruction signal from the operated operation member and inputs it to the operation control unit 11a when the operator performs an operation input using the operation member from the operation screen displayed on the display unit 18. In response, the same instruction signal is output.

  The RAM 14 is a temporary memory that is composed of a volatile memory or the like and serves as a work area for temporarily storing various data.

  The recording / reproducing unit 15 stores the image data received by the communication operation in the recording medium unit 16 or the image data received by the communication operation and temporarily stored in the RAM 14 or stored in the recording medium unit 16. The image data is read out to the RAM 14 at a predetermined timing or in response to an instruction, decompressed, etc., and transferred to the display control unit 17 etc. It is a circuit part that contributes.

  The recording medium unit 16 is configured to include a recording medium such as a flash memory or a hard disk, and receives image data output from the recording / reproducing unit 15 and records it on a predetermined recording medium.

  The display control unit 17 is a circuit unit that performs control related to display on the display unit 18. The display control unit 17 displays an image based on image data input from the recording / playback unit 15, the communication unit 19, etc., operation screen data read from the ROM 12, icon display data, AE index / AF index display This is a circuit unit that contributes to display control by performing a process of displaying a corresponding display on the display unit 18 based on data or the like.

  The display unit 18 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and is based on image data, operation screen data, icon display data, AE index / AF index display data, and the like output from the display control unit 17. The display device realizes visualization of images and various displays under the control of the display control unit 17. In this case, when the display unit 18 displays an image based on the image data, the image data may be image data stored in the recording medium unit 16 or may be transmitted from the camera 2 and transmitted to the communication unit 19. The image data received by may be used.

  The communication unit 19 is a circuit unit that communicates with the camera 2 configured separately from the controller 1 and exchanges image data, control signals, and the like via the antenna 54. For this purpose, an antenna 54 is connected to the communication unit 19.

  The antenna 54 functions as an input / output unit for various data and control signals when communicating with the camera 2 configured separately from the controller 1.

  The bus line 20 includes signal lines and data lines for electrically connecting the internal components of the controller 1 to each other.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 1 may be configured to include an imaging unit 25, a lens unit 26, and the like as necessary. Since these components are not essential components for configuring the present invention, they are surrounded by a dotted line in FIG.

  The imaging unit 25 includes an imaging element, an image processing circuit, and the like, as in a normal camera, and has a shooting function that photoelectrically converts a light image of a subject formed by the lens unit 26 into electrical image data. It is what.

  The lens unit 26 is configured by an optical lens or the like, and forms an optical image of a subject on the light receiving surface of the imaging unit 25.

  In the case where the controller 1 includes the imaging unit 25 and the lens unit 26, the image data output from the imaging unit 25 is temporarily stored in the RAM 14. At this time, the RAM 14 functions as a temporary memory for captured image data.

  Further, the recording / reproducing unit 15 has a function of recording the acquired image data in the recording medium unit 16 at the time of a photographing operation that operates using the imaging unit 25 and the lens unit 26.

  Furthermore, the operation unit 13 emits an instruction signal corresponding to the operated operation member in conjunction with the operation members (21, 22, 23, etc.) as described above. Alternatively, in addition to these operation members, the touch panel unit 24 may be provided on the display screen of the display unit 18.

  The touch panel unit 24 is a constituent member that includes a circuit unit that can be used as a part of the operation unit 13, and is superimposed on the display screen of the display unit 18. As a configuration in the case where this touch panel unit 24 is applied, a configuration in which the operation member (21, 22, 23, etc.) is provided may be provided, or the operation member (21, 22, 23, etc.) may be eliminated and the touch panel unit 24 may be disposed. It is good also as a structure which employ | adopts only as an operation member replaced with the said operation member (21, 22, 23, etc.).

  Next, an outline of the configuration of the camera 2 to be controlled by the controller 1 will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the camera 2 includes a camera control unit 31, a camera ROM 32, a camera operation unit 33, a camera RAM 34, a camera recording / playback unit 35, a camera recording medium unit 36, a camera display control unit 37, a camera display unit 38, and a camera. The communication unit 39, the bus line 40, the camera antenna 44, the camera imaging unit 45, the interchangeable lens unit 43, the information display unit 42, and the like are provided.

  The camera control unit 31 is a circuit unit that comprehensively controls the entire camera 2 based on a program. The camera control unit 31 has a remote control unit 31a that performs control when performing communication with the controller 1 configured separately from the camera 2 as a processing function executed by a program. The camera control unit 31 is electrically connected to the above-described components such as the camera ROM 32, the camera operation unit 33, the interchangeable lens unit 43, and the camera imaging unit 45 via the bus line 40, a dedicated signal line, and the like. .

  The camera ROM 32 is composed of a non-volatile memory or the like, and includes a control program for controlling the camera control unit 31, operation screen data displayed on the display unit 18, icon display data indicating various information, AE index and AF index. Index display data such as (details will be described later) are stored.

  The operation screen data includes display data constituting the operation screen, a display program for performing display in a predetermined form on the camera display unit 38 using the display data, and the like.

  The camera operation unit 33 is a circuit unit that detects an operation instruction signal generated when an operator operates an arbitrary operation member among a plurality of operation members and notifies the camera control unit 31 of the operation instruction signal.

  The camera RAM 34 is a temporary memory that temporarily stores the image data output from the camera imaging unit 45 and serves as a work area when performing various digital processes on the image data obtained by the shooting operation.

  The camera recording / reproducing unit 35 performs a process of compressing the acquired image data during the shooting operation and stores the compressed image data in the camera recording medium unit 36 as a camera storage unit, while the camera recording medium unit is compressed in the reproducing operation. The circuit unit contributes to the recording operation and the reproducing operation of the image data, such as a process of reading predetermined image data stored in 36 and decompressing the image data, and then transferring it to the camera RAM 34, the camera display control unit 37, and the like.

  The camera recording medium unit 36 includes a recording medium that records and stores image data and the like acquired by the shooting operation under the control of the camera recording / reproducing unit 35, for example, a recording medium such as a flash memory or a hard disk. It is.

  The camera display control unit 37 is a circuit unit that contributes to display control for displaying an image displayed on the camera display unit 38 and an operation screen display.

  The camera display unit 38 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and is based on image data, operation screen data, icon display data, AE index / AF index display data, etc. output from the camera display control unit 37. The display device realizes visualization of images and various displays under the control of the camera display control unit 37. In this case, when the display unit 38 displays an image based on the image data, the image data may be image data stored in the camera recording medium unit 36 or may be transmitted from the controller 1 to perform camera communication. The image data received by the unit 39 may be used.

  The camera communication unit 39 is a circuit unit for communicating image data, control signals, and the like with the controller 1 and exchanging image data, control signals, and the like via the antenna 44. The camera communication unit 39 functions as an interface that transmits, for example, image data or the like recorded in the camera recording medium unit 36 to the controller 1 or receives a control signal or the like from the controller 1. For this purpose, a camera antenna 44 is connected to the camera communication unit 39.

  The camera antenna 44 functions as an input / output unit for various data and control signals when communicating with the controller 1.

  The bus line 40 includes signal lines, data lines, and the like for electrically connecting the internal components of the camera 2 to each other.

  The interchangeable lens unit 43 includes an optical lens, a diaphragm mechanism, a shutter mechanism, and mechanical parts such as an actuator that drives these. As described above, the interchangeable lens unit 43 is configured to be detachable from the camera body 46 (see FIG. 1).

  The camera imaging unit 45 performs zoom control performed in response to an operator's zoom operation, and autofocus control (AF control) for moving a focus lens to a focus position detected based on an output signal (contrast signal) of the image sensor. ) And other optical lenses that perform various controls such as automatic exposure control (AE control) that controls the aperture mechanism, shutter mechanism, etc. of the interchangeable lens unit 43 based on the output signal (luminance signal) of the image sensor. An imaging device that photoelectrically converts a light image of a subject formed by the system control unit and the interchangeable lens unit 43; an imaging processing unit that processes an electrical signal output from the imaging device and outputs image data; and And a processing system circuit such as an AD conversion unit that converts an analog signal output from the unit into a digital signal.

  The information display unit 42 is, for example, a small monochrome liquid crystal display device and the like, and is a display device that displays various types of information set in the camera 2.

  Other configurations are substantially the same as those of a conventional general digital camera. Therefore, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In this embodiment, a single-lens reflex digital camera with interchangeable lenses is described as an example of the camera 2 controlled by the controller 1 as shown in FIGS. The target camera 2 controlled by 1 is not limited to this, and may be a camera of another form, such as a compact digital camera.

  In the camera system of the present embodiment configured as described above, communication between the controller 1 and the camera 2 and the operation flow when the camera 2 is remotely operated by the operation of the controller 1 will be described below. .

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation when controlling the camera by remotely operating the camera using the controller in the camera system of the present embodiment. FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing processing steps when the camera 2 is operated in the remote mode, and each step number is indicated by “Sn” (n is an integer). FIG. 3B is a flowchart showing processing steps when the controller 1 is operated in the remote mode, and each step number is indicated by “Tn” (n is an integer).

  First, on the camera 2 side, when an operator operates a power button (not shown) among the operation members of the camera 2, the power state of the camera 2 is turned on.

  When the camera 2 is turned on, the camera control unit 31 monitors the output signal of the camera operation unit 33 in step S11 shown in FIG. It is confirmed whether or not an operation switching operation to the remote mode has been performed by operating a predetermined operation member for switching the operation mode.

  The operation mode of the camera 2 includes a remote mode in which communication with the controller 1 is performed and operation control by the controller 1 as a communication partner is accepted, and a local mode in which the camera 2 operates alone.

  When the camera 2 operates in the remote mode, the camera 2 communicates with the controller 1 to execute a shooting operation according to an instruction signal from the controller 1 under the control of the controller 1 by remote operation, or to the camera recording medium unit 36. A reproduction operation for handling the stored image data, for example, processing such as transferring recorded image data to the controller 1 side is performed.

  In the local mode of the camera 2, control for executing a function (for example, a shooting operation or an image reproduction operation) as a normal general digital camera alone is performed under the control of the camera control unit 31.

  If it is determined in step S11 that the operation switching operation to the remote mode has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step S13.

  In step S <b> 13, the camera control unit 31 executes communication establishment processing with the controller 1. Here, when communication cannot be established with the controller 1 as the communication partner within a predetermined time (in the case of timeout), predetermined error processing is executed. As this error process, for example, a warning display indicating that communication could not be established is displayed on the camera display unit 38 and the operator is prompted to perform some operation input. If communication is established, the process proceeds to step S14.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the operation switching operation to the remote mode has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S <b> 12, the camera control unit 31 determines that the operation mode of the camera 2 is set to a local mode in which the camera 2 operates alone, and starts executing a process for operating the camera 2 in the local mode. To do. Then, during operation in the local mode, for example, when an instruction signal for operation switching operation to the remote mode or the reproduction mode is detected, the operation in the local mode is terminated, and the process returns to the above-described step S11. The subsequent processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, on the controller 1 side, when a power button (not shown) of the operation members of the controller 1 is operated by the operator, the power state of the controller 1 is turned on.

  When the controller 1 is turned on, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13 in step T11 shown in FIG. 3A, and the operation mode among the operation members of the controller 1 is operated by the operator. It is confirmed whether or not an operation switching operation to the remote mode has been performed by operating a predetermined operation member for switching the operation mode.

  Note that the operation mode of the controller 1 includes a remote mode and a local mode as in the case of the camera 2 described above. The remote mode is an operation mode for controlling the operation of the camera 2 by communicating with the camera 2. The local mode is an operation mode in which the controller 1 operates alone.

  When the controller 1 operates in the remote mode, the camera 1 communicates with the camera 2 to control the camera 2 by remote operation to execute a photographing operation, or the image stored in the camera recording medium unit 36 of the camera 2. Processing such as transferring data to the controller 1 side can be executed.

  In the local mode of the controller 1, the controller 1 functions as a so-called image viewer (VIEWER) by controlling reproduction and display of an image based on the image data stored in the recording medium unit 16, or the controller 1 operates the lens unit 26 and the imaging unit. 25, etc. can be used to perform control such as performing a photographing operation to function as a normal digital camera.

  In the process of step T11 described above, the control unit 11 checks whether or not an instruction signal generated by the operation switching operation, that is, a mode switching instruction signal to the remote mode is generated. If it is determined that the operation switching operation to the remote mode has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step T13.

  In step T <b> 13, the control unit 11 executes communication establishment processing with the camera 2. Here, when communication cannot be established with the camera 2 as the communication partner within a predetermined time (in the case of timeout), predetermined error processing is executed. As this error process, for example, a warning display indicating that communication could not be established is displayed on the display unit 18 and the operator is prompted to perform some operation input. And when communication is established, it progresses to the process of step T14.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation switching operation to the remote mode is not performed in the process of step T11 described above, the process proceeds to step T12.

  In step T12, the control unit 11 determines that the operation mode of the controller 1 is set to the local mode in which the controller 1 operates alone, and starts executing processing for operating the controller 1 in the local mode. Then, during operation in the local mode, for example, when a corresponding instruction signal or an instruction signal such as a power-off operation due to an operation switching operation to the remote mode or the reproduction mode is detected, the processing in step T11 described above is performed. Return to and repeat the subsequent processing.

  In the communication establishment process by the camera control unit 31 in the process of step S13 described above and the communication establishment process by the control unit 11 in the process of step T13 described above, both control units (11, 31) have mutual device information. For example, data for specifying a model is exchanged, and a process for confirming whether the devices are suitable as communication partners is performed.

  Then, when communication between the controller 1 and the camera 2 is established, the control unit 11 of the controller 1 controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 17 to perform a predetermined operation according to the set operation mode. An operation screen is displayed on the display unit 18. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T14.

  In step T14, the control unit 11 confirms whether or not the photographing control mode is instructed as the operation mode in the remote mode. Here, if it is confirmed that the photographing control mode has been selected, the process proceeds to step T15.

  In step T15, the control unit 11 sets various shooting conditions in the shooting control mode. The shooting condition setting performed here is, for example, a drive control setting at the time of shooting, a bracket shooting setting, or the like, but since the setting itself is not related to the present invention, detailed description thereof is omitted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T16.

  In step T <b> 16, the control unit 11 performs processing for transmitting each setting information in the shooting control mode to the camera 2 via the communication unit 19 and the antenna 54. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T19.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in the process of step T14 that the shooting control mode has not been instructed, that is, the playback control mode has been selected, the process proceeds to step T17.

  In step T17, the control unit 11 performs settings for various playback conditions in the playback control mode. A detailed description of the reproduction condition setting performed here is also omitted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T18.

  In step T <b> 18, the control unit 11 performs processing for transmitting each setting information in the reproduction control mode to the camera 2 via the communication unit 19 and the antenna 54. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T20.

  In response to the transmission processing performed in the above-described steps T16 and T18, the camera control unit 31 of the camera 2 controls the camera antenna 44 and the camera communication unit 39 in step S14 of FIG. To execute the setting information reception process. Accordingly, the setting information transmitted from the controller 1 is received via the camera antenna 44 and the camera communication unit 39 of the camera 2 and temporarily stored in the camera RAM 34. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the camera control unit 31 confirms whether or not the operation mode of the camera 2 is set to the shooting mode in the remote mode. If it is confirmed that the shooting mode is set, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the camera control unit 31 executes a shooting execution process for executing a shooting operation. Details of the photographing execution process will be described later with reference to FIG. After this photographing execution process is completed, the process proceeds to step S18.

  On the other hand, in the process of step S15 described above, if it is confirmed that the operation mode of the camera 2 is not set to the shooting mode but is set to the playback mode, the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, the camera control unit 31 executes a reproduction execution process for executing an operation in the reproduction mode. The details of the reproduction execution process are not related to the present invention, and thus description thereof is omitted. After the reproduction execution process is completed, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S <b> 18, the camera control unit 31 monitors the output signal of the camera operation unit 33 and confirms whether the power-off operation has been performed. Here, when it is confirmed that the power-off signal is detected and the turning-off operation is confirmed, the series of processing ends (end). If no power-off signal is detected, it is determined that the power-off operation has not been performed, and the process proceeds to the next step S19.

  In step S <b> 19, the camera control unit 31 confirms whether or not a mode switching instruction signal (see step T <b> 22 described later) from the controller 1 is received via the camera antenna 44 and the camera communication unit 39. Here, when the mode switching instruction signal is received, the processing returns to the above-described step S14 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the mode switching instruction signal is not received, the processing returns to the above-described step S15 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  Returning to the processing sequence of the controller 1 in FIG. As described above, when the transmission process of the setting information of the shooting control mode or the setting information of the reproduction control mode to the camera 2 is completed, the process proceeds to the process of step T19 or step T20 in FIG.

  First, after the shooting control mode setting information transmission process, in step T19, the control unit 11 executes a shooting instruction process. Details of the photographing instruction process will be described later with reference to FIG. After this photographing instruction process is completed, the process proceeds to step T21.

  On the other hand, after the reproduction control mode setting information transmission process, in step T20, the control unit 11 executes a reproduction instruction process. The details of the reproduction instruction process are not related to the present invention, and thus description thereof is omitted. After the reproduction instruction process is completed, the process proceeds to step T21.

  In step T <b> 21, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13 and confirms whether or not a power-off operation has been performed. Here, when it is confirmed that the power-off signal is detected and the turning-off operation is confirmed, the series of processing ends (end). If no power-off signal is detected, it is determined that the power-off operation has not been performed, and the process proceeds to the next step T22.

  In step T22, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13, detects the mode switching instruction signal, and checks whether or not the signal is transmitted via the communication unit 19 and the antenna 54 (described above). Step S19). If it is confirmed that the mode switching instruction signal has been transmitted, the process proceeds to the next step T23.

  In step T23, the control unit 11 confirms whether or not the mode switching instruction signal detected in the process of step T22 described above is an instruction signal for switching from the shooting mode to the reproduction mode. Here, when it is confirmed that the detection signal is a switching instruction signal from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, the process returns to the above-described step T20, and the same processing is executed thereafter. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the detection signal is not a switching instruction signal from the photographing mode to the reproduction mode, the process returns to the above-described step T19, and the same processing is executed thereafter.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the mode switching instruction signal has not been transmitted in the process of step T22 described above, the process proceeds to step T24.

  In step T24, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13 and confirms whether or not an operation mode switching instruction signal generated by an operation of switching the operation mode to the local mode is detected. If the operation mode switching instruction signal is confirmed, the process returns to the above-described step T12 and the subsequent processes are repeated. On the other hand, when the operation mode switching instruction signal is not confirmed, the process returns to the above-described step T14 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  Next, a shooting instruction process (the process of step T19 in FIG. 3B) executed by the controller 1 and a shooting execution process (FIG. 3A) executed by the camera 2 in response to this shooting instruction process. Details of the processing in step S16 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows, in the camera system of the present embodiment, a controller shooting instruction process (the process in step T19 in FIG. 3B) and a camera shooting execution process (the process in step S16 in FIG. 3A). It is a flowchart to show. FIG. 4A shows the flow of the photographing execution process of the camera 2, and each step number is indicated by “Sn” (n is an integer). FIG. 4B shows the flow of the imaging instruction process of the controller 1, and each step number is indicated by “Tn” (n is an integer).

  First, when the photographing instruction process of the controller 1 is executed, in step T31 of FIG. 4B, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13, and the operation member (the operator performs a menu operation) ( It is confirmed whether or not the menu button 22) has been operated. If the menu operation is confirmed here, the process proceeds to the next step T32. If the menu operation is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step T35.

  In step T <b> 32, the control unit 11 reads the operation screen menu data from the ROM 12 and controls the display unit 18 via the display control unit 17 to execute a menu display process for displaying the menu on the display unit 18. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T33.

  In step T <b> 33, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal of the operation unit 13 and confirms whether or not a shooting condition change operation has been performed. If the photographing condition changing operation is confirmed here, the process proceeds to step T34. If the photographing condition change operation is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step T40.

  In step T34, the control unit 11 executes a shooting condition transmission process for transmitting information related to the shooting condition (referred to as shooting condition change instruction information) for which the change operation has been performed in the process of step T33 described above (step S31 described later). reference). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T40.

  On the other hand, if the menu operation is not performed in step T31 and the process proceeds to step T35, in step T35, the control unit 11 monitors image data (steps described later) transmitted from the camera 2. S33) is received using the communication unit 19 and the antenna 54, and processing for displaying a monitor image on the display unit 18 based on the monitor image data, that is, monitor image reception display processing is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T36.

  On the other hand, when the shooting execution process of the camera 2 is executed, in step S31 of FIG. 4A, the camera control unit 31 monitors the camera communication unit 39 and receives shooting condition change instruction information (FIG. 4) from the controller 1. It is confirmed whether or not (see step T34 in (B)) has been received. If it is confirmed that the photographing condition change instruction information has been received, the process proceeds to step S32. If the reception of the photographing condition change instruction information is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S32, the camera control unit 31 executes a shooting condition change process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, the camera control unit 31 executes monitor image data transmission processing based on the image data acquired by the camera imaging unit 45 (see step T35 in FIG. 4B). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S34.

  Note that the monitor image data transmitted in the process of step S33 is data based on the image data acquired by the camera imaging unit 45 as described above. In this transmission process, the image data that is actually transmitted is the acquired image data as it is or the image data that has been resized. Here, when the image data itself is subjected to transmission processing, the controller 1 that has received the image data can display various forms of images by performing various data processing.

  Also, since the resized image data has a small data size, when it is used for transmission processing, it is suitable for displaying an image on the small display unit 18 mounted on the controller 1. There is an advantage that the load on the data transmission process can be reduced and transmission can be performed at high speed.

  In response to this, the controller 1 performs the monitor image reception display process in the process of step T35 in FIG. 4B as described above. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T36.

  Here, FIG. 5A shows a display example of the monitor image displayed on the display unit 18 in the process of step T35 described above.

  FIG. 5 is a display example of the display unit of the controller at the time of shooting instruction processing in the camera system of the present embodiment. Among these, FIG. 5A shows an initial screen at the time of monitor image reception display processing.

  On the display screen 18 a of the display example shown in FIG. 5A, a monitor image based on the monitor image data transmitted from the camera 2 and received by the controller 1 is displayed using the entire screen of the display unit 18.

  In this display screen 18a, as a display example of the monitor image, a near-field subject is displayed in the area Z, a middle-ground subject is displayed in the area Y, and a distant subject is displayed in the area X. .

  Then, an AF / AE display 18 s indicating that the operation mode in which the AF process and the AE process can be executed is displayed on a predetermined part of the display screen 18 a.

  As described above, the camera 2 and the controller 1 operate in the shooting control mode, and after the monitor image (data) is transmitted from the camera 2 (step S33 in FIG. 4A), the controller 1 receives the monitor image (data). When the corresponding monitor image is displayed on the display unit 18 (step T35 in FIG. 4B), in this state, the controller 1 is in a state (operation mode) in which AF processing and AE processing can be executed. Yes. Therefore, for this status display, an AF / AE display 18s is displayed on the display screen 18a of FIG.

  In this state, the operator performs, for example, the pressing operation of the AF / AE button 22b or the half-pressing operation of the release button 23, and the execution of the AF process and the AE process is started.

  FIG. 5B shows an initial screen immediately after switching from the state of FIG. 5A to the AF setting mode.

  On the display screen 18b, a focus mark 18t for designating a focus position is newly displayed on the display screen 18a of FIG. The focus mark 18t is displayed in the approximate center of the screen in the initial state. Then, focus adjustment is performed on the subject in the image area corresponding to the focus mark 18t. As a result, in the display state of FIG. 5B, the middle scene area Y is in focus, and the foreground area Z and the far scene area Y are out of focus. In FIG. 5B, in order to represent the out-of-focus state, the image pattern is indicated by a thick line (the same applies hereinafter).

  In the state in which the display screen 18b of FIG. 5B is displayed, the operator uses, for example, the four-direction selection button 41 or the touch panel unit 24 among the operation members to display the position of the focus mark 18t. It can be changed to a desired position in 18b.

  When the focus position change setting is performed by changing the position of the focus mark 18t from the display state of FIG. 5B to an arbitrary position, for example, the display state of FIG. 5C is obtained.

  FIG. 5C shows a display screen after the operator performs an operation of changing the focus position with the operation member of the controller in the state of FIG. FIG. 5B shows an example in which the focus position is set at an arbitrary part on the image of the foreground area Z as a display example in this case.

  As shown in the display screen 18c in FIG. 5C, the position of the focus mark 18t displayed in the approximate center of the screen during display of the display screen 18b in FIG. A focus position change setting is performed by performing a position change operation so as to be superimposed and displayed on the subject. As a result, the display state shown in FIG.

  When the position of the focus mark 18t is further changed from the display state of FIG. 5C to change the focus position, the display state of FIG. 5D is obtained.

  FIG. 5D shows a display screen when the operator further changes the focus position with the operation member of the controller from the state of FIG. FIG. 5D shows an example in which the focus position is set at an arbitrary part on the image of the distant view area X as a display example in this case.

  In this case, as shown in the display screen 18d of FIG. 5D, the position of the focus mark 18t (the foreground region Z) on the display screen 18c of FIG. The position change operation is performed so as to be superimposed. Thereby, the focus position change setting is performed, and the display state shown in FIG.

  Here, the processing sequence returns to FIG. After performing the monitor image reception display process in the process of step T35 described above, in step T36, the control unit 11 monitors the output signal from the operation unit 13 and performs an operation of changing and setting the focus position. Confirm whether or not. If it is confirmed that the focus position change setting operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step T37. If it is confirmed that the focus position change setting operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step T38.

  In step T <b> 37, the control unit 11 performs a process of transmitting information related to the focus position. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T38.

  In response to this, the camera control unit 31 checks whether or not the position change information related to the focus position from the controller 1 is received via the camera communication unit 39 in step S34 of FIG. In the above example, the focus position change information is obtained when the display state shown in FIG. 5B is changed to the display state shown in FIG. 5C or when the display state shown in FIG. This is information related to the position change operation of the focus mark 18t at the time of transition to the display state in (D).

  If it is confirmed that the focus position change information has been received, the process proceeds to step S35. If reception of focus position change information is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S35, the camera control unit 31 executes a focus position changing process for changing the focus position in the setting on the camera 2 side. In this focus position changing process, simultaneously with the setting of the focus position when the AF process is executed on the camera 2 side, the AF process at the set position and the resulting monitor image data are sent to the controller 1. And a series of processes such as a process of sending feedback. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In the controller 1, the monitor image reception process from the camera 2 described above is continuously performed after the transmission process in step T37 described above.

  Then, when the process proceeds from step T37 to step T38, in step T38, the control unit 11 confirms whether or not an operation for changing and setting the photometric position is performed. If it is confirmed that the photometric position changing operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step T39. If it is confirmed that the photometric position changing operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step T40.

  Here, a monitor image displayed on the display unit 18 when the photometric position changing operation is performed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a display example of the display unit of the controller during the shooting instruction process in the camera system of the present embodiment, and shows an initial screen when the AE process is executed.

  In the display screen 18e shown in FIG. 6, a predetermined range area for performing photometry in the AE process (for the same display as the display screen 18a shown in FIG. 5A (the initial screen during the monitor image reception display process)) ( An AE mark 18v for instructing (photometric position) is displayed. The AE mark 18v is displayed at the approximate center of the screen in the initial screen display state.

  When the display screen 18e of FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 18 of the controller 1, the operator uses, for example, the four-way selection button 41 or the touch panel unit 24 among the operation members to set the position of the AE mark 18v. It can be changed to a desired position in the display screen 18e.

  When this operation is performed, an instruction signal indicating that the photometric position has been changed is output from the four-way selection button 41 or the touch panel unit 24 to the operation unit 13. The operation unit 13 outputs the instruction signal to the control unit 11.

  In response to this, the control unit 11 confirms the photometric position changing operation in the process of step T38 described above, and proceeds to the process of step T39.

  In step T39, the control unit 11 executes a photometric position transmission process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T40.

  Then, in the camera 2, in step S <b> 36, the camera control unit 31 confirms whether or not photometric position change information has been received via the camera communication unit 39. If the photometric position change information is received, the process proceeds to step S37. If the photometric position change information is not received, the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S <b> 37, the camera control unit 31 performs photometric position change processing. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S38, the camera control unit 31 performs AE processing and AF processing. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S39.

  In the controller 1, in step T <b> 40, it is confirmed whether the control unit 11 has performed a photographing operation, that is, whether or not the release button 23 has been fully pressed. If it is confirmed that the photographing operation (release full-press operation) has been performed, the process proceeds to step T41. If it is confirmed that the photographing operation (release full-pressing operation) has not been performed, the process returns to step T31 described above, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  In step T41, the control unit 11 executes a process of transmitting a shooting instruction signal. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step T42.

  In response, in the camera 2, in step S <b> 39, the camera control unit 31 confirms whether or not a shooting instruction signal has been received via the camera communication unit 39. If a shooting instruction signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S40. On the other hand, when the photographing instruction signal is not received, the processing returns to the above-described step S31 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  In step S40, the camera control unit 31 executes a photographing process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S <b> 41, the camera control unit 31 executes a process of transmitting the image data acquired and temporarily stored in the shooting process of step S <b> 40 described above as a rec view image. Thereafter, the series of processing ends, and the processing returns to the original processing (return).

  In response to this, in step T42, the controller 11 receives the REC view image data, and executes REC view image reception display processing for displaying an image based on the received image data on the display unit 18. Thereafter, the series of processing ends, and the processing returns to the original processing (return).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the camera system including the camera 2 and the controller 1 that controls the camera 2 from the outside, the camera communication unit 39 of the camera 2 and the communication unit 19 of the controller 1 are used. , The camera 2 transmits image data (captured image data, monitor image data) acquired by the action of the camera imaging unit 45, and the controller 1 receives the image data, It can be displayed on the display unit 18. Thereby, the controller 1 located at a position away from the camera 2 can observe the image data obtained by the camera 2.

  In this case, the controller 1 observes the image data displayed on the display unit 18 while observing the image data and information data (focus position (AF detection position) information and photometric position (photometric position) information necessary for performing a shooting operation). When an operation related to setting or changing AE detection position) information or the like is performed, the shooting condition information data is transmitted from the controller 1 to the camera 2. In response to this, the camera 2 controls the setting and change of the shooting conditions of the camera 2 according to the received information data on the shooting conditions. Thereby, information data (focus position information, photometric position information, etc.) regarding the shooting conditions of the camera 2 can be easily set by remote operation by operating the controller 1.

  Furthermore, by adopting the touch panel unit 24 as an operation member of the controller 1, it is possible to set focus position information, photometric position information, and the like with a simpler operation.

  In the above-described position embodiment, the focus position information and the photometric position information are illustrated as specific examples of the information regarding the imaging conditions so that the position information can be set separately.

  When performing a shooting operation using the camera 2, the photographer usually sets a focus position and a photometric position for a desired area in the shooting screen, for example, one main subject desired to be shot. It is normal. In such shooting, the focus position and photometry position are often set to the same position. Therefore, instead of setting the focus position and the photometry position separately, the focus position and the photometry position may be simultaneously set to the same position by a single setting operation.

  In order to realize this, for example, a single mark for the focus mark and the AE mark displayed on the display unit 18 of the controller 1 may be displayed.

  FIG. 7 shows a display example when the AF position and AE position combined mark (hereinafter abbreviated as AF / AE combined mark) 18w is displayed on the display screen 18f.

  The operator uses the four-way selection button 41 or the touch panel unit 24 to set the AF / AE combined mark 18w to a desired position in the display screen 18f, so that the focus position and the photometric position are set by a single setting operation. Can be simultaneously set at the same position.

  When this shooting condition information is transmitted from the controller 1 to the camera 2, the camera 2 sets the AF position and the AE position at the same time based on the received shooting condition information, and the AF process and the AE process are simultaneously performed in parallel. Then, control such as execution is performed. Therefore, the shooting preparation process before the release operation can be performed more efficiently and at high speed.

  In the above-described position embodiment, the focus mark and the photometry mark are displayed at the focus position and the photometry position designated on the display screen of the display unit 18 by using the operation member of the controller 1.

  The display unit 18 employed in the camera 2 or the controller 1 in the camera system according to the present embodiment has a larger display screen, visibility of displayed images and various information (focus mark, photometric mark, etc.), Naturally, the operability when performing the setting operation of the focus position and the photometry position is improved. However, considering that the camera system is mainly carried and used, there is a limit to adopting the display unit 18 having a large display screen.

  Therefore, without adopting the large display unit 18, the display unit 18 is expanded as a device for improving the visibility of the display image and various information and the operability of the setting operation of the focus position and the photometric position. There is a method of displaying an image.

  8 to 10 show display examples by a camera system according to a modification of the above-described embodiment. Among these, FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the monitor image displayed on the display unit of the controller of the camera system of the modification of the embodiment of the present invention and the action at the time of the focus position setting operation.

  9 and 10 show a state in which an enlarged image of a region including the focus position or photometry position set on the display unit of the controller is displayed in the camera system of the above modification. 9 shows an enlarged image when the focus position is set for a foreground subject (region I in FIG. 8), and FIG. 10 shows an enlarged image when the focus position is set for a subject in the far background (region H in FIG. 8). Respectively.

  The basic configuration of this modification is substantially the same as that of the camera system of the above-described embodiment, and only part of the control is different.

  That is, in this modification, the operator uses the operation member of the controller 1 while the monitor image based on the monitor image data transmitted from the camera 2 is displayed on the display unit 18 of the controller 1. When the setting operation of the focus position and photometry position is performed on the display screen, an enlarged image of the area including the set focus position and photometry position is displayed on the display unit 18.

  For example, it is assumed that the display screen 18g shown in FIG. 8 is a monitor image displayed on the display unit 18 of the controller 1.

  On this display screen 18g, the operator uses the operation member (four-way selection button 41 or touch panel unit 24) to indicate a desired subject to be set as the focus position in the entire screen.

  Then, after the image of the predetermined area (for example, the area I or the area H in FIG. 8) is cut out with the instructed position as the center, as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. The entire display screen is enlarged and displayed. Then, a focus mark 18x is displayed at a substantially central portion of the enlarged image. The center position of the screen on which the focus mark 18x is displayed is set as the focus position.

  FIG. 9 shows a display screen 18i on which an enlarged image of the area I in FIG. 8 is displayed, and FIG. 10 shows a display screen 18h on which an enlarged image of the area H in FIG. 8 is displayed.

  The image region cutout process and the image enlargement display process are performed by the display control unit 17 or the like under the control of the control unit 11 of the controller 1, for example.

  In addition, in the display screens 18i and 18h in FIGS. 9 and 10, there is a region 18z (a portion indicated by hatching) where an image is not displayed. This is due to the fact that an image of a predetermined region is cut out with the set focus position as the center during the enlarged display process. That is, when the set focus position is in the vicinity of the periphery of the display screen, it may include a region where no image exists when a predetermined region is cut out.

  Further, in this modification, an area including the position designated by the operation member is cut out from the monitor image and displayed in an enlarged manner. On the other hand, the position instructed without being enlarged may be displayed so as to be substantially at the center of the display screen of the display unit. In this case, the subject at the specified position is always displayed in the center portion of the display screen while omitting the cutout process and the enlargement process of a partial area of the image, so the specified position such as the focus position or the photometric position in the entire image Can be easily confirmed.

  In the above description, the case where the focus position is set is described as an example, but the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where the photometric position is set.

  As described above, according to the above modification, when the focus position or photometry position is set by the operator, the display unit 18 displays the area in a predetermined range including the set focus position in an enlarged manner. Displayed on the screen. Therefore, the operator can confirm the result of the AF process or the AE process with the enlarged image, so that better operability can be obtained.

  In addition, about each process in the control part (11, 31) demonstrated in the said embodiment, you may comprise a part or all instead of software with hardware. Conversely, the remote control unit (31a) described as hardware may be configured by software. A specific configuration in this case is a design item.

  Each control process by the control units 11 and 31 is realized by a software program stored in the ROMs 12 and 32 being supplied to the control units 11 and 31 and operating according to the supplied program. Therefore, the software program itself realizes the functions of the control units 11 and 31, and the program itself constitutes the present invention. A recording medium for storing the program also constitutes the present invention. In this case, as the recording medium, in addition to the flash memory, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM (-R, -RW, etc.), a DVD-ROM (-R, -RW), or a magneto-optical such as MD, MO, etc. A recording medium, a magnetic medium using a magnetic tape, a semiconductor memory such as an IC card, and the like can be applied.

  In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is described as an example of a camera system including a digital camera and a controller. However, the device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this, for example, a portable device. A configuration in which a telephone or the like is used as a controller is also conceivable.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and it is needless to say that in the implementation stage, various modifications and applications can be made to the constituent elements without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed by the above embodiments. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above embodiment, the problems described in the column of problems to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effects described in the effects of the invention can be achieved. In the case of being obtained, a configuration in which this component is deleted can be extracted as an invention. And you may comprise combining the component covering different embodiment suitably.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an entire camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block block diagram which shows the outline of each internal structure of the controller and camera in the camera system of FIG. The flowchart which shows the effect | action at the time of controlling a camera by operating a camera remotely using a controller in the camera system of FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a controller shooting instruction process (step T19) and a camera shooting execution process (step S16) side by side in the camera system of FIG. 3 is a display example of a display unit of a controller at the time of shooting instruction processing in the camera system of FIG. 1. 3 is a display example of a display unit of a controller at the time of shooting instruction processing in the camera system of FIG. 1. In the camera system of FIG. 1, another display example of the AF position mark and the AE position mark displayed on the display screen. FIG. 9 is a display example by a camera system according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram for explaining a monitor image displayed on a display unit of a controller and an operation in a focus position setting operation. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which an enlarged image of region I in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit of the controller in the camera system in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an enlarged image of the region H in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit of the controller in the camera system in FIG. 8.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Controller 2 ... Camera 11 ... Control part 11a ... Operation control part 12 ... ROM
13 …… Operation unit 14 …… RAM
15 ... Recording / reproducing unit 16 ... Recording medium unit 17 ... Display control unit 18 ... Display unit 19 ... Communication unit 21 ... Four-way selection button 21a ... Set button 22 ... Menu button 22b ... AF / AE button 23 …… Release button 24 …… Touch panel unit 31 …… Camera control unit 31a …… Remote control unit 32 …… Camera ROM
33 …… Camera operation unit 34 …… Camera RAM
35 …… Camera recording / playback unit 36 …… Camera recording medium unit 37 …… Camera display control unit 38 …… Camera display unit 39 …… Camera communication unit 40 …… Bus line 41 …… Four-way selection button 41a …… Enter button 41b …… Menu button 41c …… Release button 42 …… Information display portion 43 …… Interchangeable lens portion 44 …… Camera antenna 45 …… Camera imaging portion 46 …… Camera body 54 …… Antenna

Claims (8)

In a camera system consisting of a camera and a controller that controls the camera from the outside,
The camera includes a camera communication unit that communicates information about the image and shooting conditions with the controller, a remote control unit that controls the camera according to information about the shooting conditions transmitted from the controller,
With
The controller includes a communication unit that communicates information about an image and photographing conditions with the camera, a display unit that displays a monitor image based on image data transmitted from the camera communication unit and received by the communication unit, and An operation unit for instructing the position of the main subject on the monitor image being displayed on the display unit;
With
The communication unit transmits information on the position of the main subject instructed by the operation unit as information on shooting conditions,
The camera communication unit receives information on the position of the main subject transmitted from the communication unit,
The remote control unit performs control for setting shooting conditions of the camera based on information on the position of the main subject received by the camera communication unit.   The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging condition set by the remote control unit includes at least one of an AE detection position and an AF detection position of the camera.   The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes a touch panel provided on a surface of the display unit. The display unit displays the position indicated by the operation unit on the monitor image in a substantially central portion of the display screen,
The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the remote control unit sets a subject displayed at a substantially central portion of the display unit as an AE detection position or an AF detection position. The controller further includes a display control unit that controls an image displayed on the display unit,
5. The camera system according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit performs control to enlarge and display a partial region including a position designated by the operation unit in the monitor image transmitted from the camera. .   The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is a camera including an imaging unit. In a control method of a controller for communicating information including a captured image with a camera and controlling the camera from the outside,
A controller control method, comprising: displaying a monitor image transmitted from the camera; and transmitting information related to an AE detection position or an AF detection position indicated on the monitor image to the camera. In a program of a controller that communicates information including a captured image with a camera and controls the camera from the outside,
Displaying a monitor image transmitted from the camera;
Transmitting information on the AE detection position or AF detection position indicated on the monitor image to the camera;
A controller program comprising:

Images