JP2010268227A - Imaging apparatus, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform communication that gives greater importance to real time performance without interfering with other communication even though there are a plurality of radio communication sections. <P>SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus having a first radio communication section and a second radio communication section in which at least a part of frequency bands of radio communication overlaps includes a timing determination means for determining timing for performing communication of the first radio communication section so as to avoid timing for transmitting a periodical synchronizing signal on the basis of the periodical synchronizing signal of the second radio communication section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus having a plurality of wireless communication units, a control method thereof, and a program.

  In recent years, digital cameras are equipped with wireless communication devices. In a digital camera equipped with such a wireless communication device, captured images can be transmitted directly to a personal computer or the like by wireless communication and stored, or transmitted to a server or the like via the Internet and stored. . Here, there exist IEEE802.11, Bluetooth, etc. as a radio | wireless communication system of a radio | wireless communication apparatus. However, these frequency bands are both 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz, and there is a problem that interference occurs when they are used simultaneously.

  For example, the technique of Patent Document 1 discloses a control method for operating IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth with a single device. In the technology of this Patent Document 1, when at least a part of a wireless system operating at the first frequency and a wireless system operating at the second frequency overlap and one of them is in communication, the other communication cannot be performed. This avoids radio communication interference.

JP 2001-217853 A

  Here, in wireless communication, not only a signal for data communication but also a synchronization signal is normally transmitted periodically, and this synchronization signal can also cause interference. However, in the technique of Patent Document 1 described above, interference related to such a synchronization signal is not considered, and when trying to perform wireless communication that places more emphasis on real-time characteristics, the signal is a periodic synchronization signal. There is a possibility of interference.

For example, when wireless communication is performed between a digital camera and an external strobe, interference with a synchronization signal occurs, command transfer is delayed, and shooting and strobe light emission are not synchronized. As described above, when performing wireless communication in which real-time characteristics are important, it is necessary to avoid radio interference.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and performs communication with an emphasis on real-time characteristics without interfering with other communication even when a plurality of wireless communication units are included. To be able to.

The present invention is an imaging apparatus having a first wireless communication unit and a second wireless communication unit that overlap at least a part of a frequency band of wireless communication, and a periodic synchronization signal of the second wireless communication unit And a timing determining means for determining a timing for performing communication of the first wireless communication unit so as to avoid a timing for transmitting the synchronization signal.
The present invention is a method of controlling an imaging apparatus having a first wireless communication unit and a second wireless communication unit that overlap at least a part of a frequency band of wireless communication, wherein the second wireless communication unit periodically And a timing determination step of determining a timing for performing communication of the first wireless communication unit so as to avoid a timing of transmitting the synchronization signal based on a simple synchronization signal.

  According to the present invention, even when a plurality of wireless communication units are provided, communication with an emphasis on real time can be performed without interfering with other communication.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of a digital camera. It is the schematic of a camera system. It is a flowchart which shows the operation processing of the digital camera which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating whether the timing of strobe communication overlaps. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement process of the digital camera which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a digital camera will be described as an example of the imaging device.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera according to the present embodiment.
<Configuration of digital camera>
The digital camera 100 includes a lens unit 101. The lens unit 101 includes a plurality of lens groups and can be exchanged. The lens unit 101 includes a lens control circuit 101a and an aperture control circuit 101b, and can communicate with the microcomputer 127. The microcomputer 127 controls the lens control circuit 101a to shift the focusing lens in the lens unit 101 so as to focus. This shift amount is calculated based on the output of the distance measurement control circuit 117. The microcomputer 127 controls the aperture control circuit 101b to change the optical aperture value.

  The digital camera 100 also includes a quick return mirror 102, a shutter 103, an optical filter 104, an image sensor 105, an A / D converter 106, and a timing generation circuit 108. The quick return mirror 102 is arranged in the photographing optical path and is movable between a position for guiding the subject light from the lens unit 101 to a finder optical system (not shown) and a position for retracting out of the photographing optical path. The optical filter 104 is covered with dustproof glass. The image sensor 105 converts the optical image into an electrical signal. The A / D converter 106 converts the analog signal output from the image sensor 105 into a digital signal. The timing generation circuit 108 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 105 and the A / D converter 106. The timing generation circuit 108 is controlled by a memory control circuit 111 and a microcomputer 127 described later.

  The digital camera 100 also includes an image processing circuit 107, an image display circuit 109, a memory control circuit 111, an image display memory 112, a display unit 110, and a memory 113. The image processing circuit 107 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing, development processing, and the like on the data from the A / D converter 106 or the image data from the memory control circuit 111 based on the processing data added to the image data. I do. The memory control circuit 111 controls the A / D converter 106, the image processing circuit 107, the timing generation circuit 108, the image display memory 112, the memory 113, and the compression / decompression circuit 114. The signal converted by the A / D converter 106 is written into the image display memory 112 or the memory 113 via the image processing circuit 107 and the memory control circuit 111.

  The display unit 110 is a display composed of a TFT-LCD or the like. The display image data written in the image display memory 112 is displayed on the display unit 110 by the image display circuit 109. The memory 113 is used as an image buffer area for temporarily storing photographed uncompressed image data. The memory 113 is a work buffer area for storing processing data used when developing image data in the image processing circuit 107, holding of calculation results of AF / AE / AWB, and other temporarily used data. Used as Further, the memory 113 is a memory including an area as a file buffer for storing the compressed image data compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 114. The memory 113 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images. Therefore, even in the case of continuous shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, a large amount of image writing can be performed in the memory 113 at high speed.

The digital camera 100 also includes a compression / decompression circuit 114, a shutter control circuit 115, a mirror control circuit 116, a distance measurement control circuit 117, a photometry control circuit 118, a microcomputer 127, and a nonvolatile memory 119.
The compression / decompression circuit 114 compresses and decompresses image data as JPEG data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like. The compression / decompression circuit 114 reads the image data stored in the memory 113, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and writes the processed data to the memory 113. The shutter control circuit 115 controls the shutter 103. The mirror control circuit 116 drives and controls the quick return mirror 102 in and out of the photographing optical path. The distance measurement control circuit 117 measures the distance to the subject and controls the focusing lens of the lens unit 101 based on the output. The photometry control circuit 118 measures the luminance of the subject and controls the exposure based on the output. The microcomputer 127 controls the entire digital camera 100. The nonvolatile memory 119 stores various programs such as a program for performing an imaging process, a program for performing an image process, and a program for recording image file data created on a recording medium on the recording medium. In addition, the nonvolatile memory 119 stores various programs such as an OS that implements and executes the multitask configuration of the above-described program, adjustment values for performing various controls, and the like.

The digital camera 100 also includes various operation units. The operation unit is various button switches, a dial, a touch panel, and the like for the user to input various operation instructions to the microcomputer 127. Here, these operation units will be specifically described.
The release switch 120 includes SW1 that is turned on when the release switch 120 is half-pressed and SW2 that is turned on when the release switch 120 is fully pressed. When the SW1 of the release switch 120 is turned on, the microcomputer 127 starts photographing preparation operations such as AF (autofocus) processing and AE (automatic exposure) processing.

On the other hand, when SW2 of the release switch 120 is turned on, the microcomputer 127 starts a series of processing operations as described below. That is, the microcomputer 127 performs an imaging process of writing image data into the memory 113 via the A / D converter 106 and the memory control circuit 111 for the signal read from the imaging element 105. Further, the microcomputer 127 performs white balance correction processing or development processing according to the white balance mode set for the image data using the image processing circuit 107. The microcomputer 127 performs a recording process of reading the developed image data from the memory 113, compressing the image data by the compression / decompression circuit 114, and writing the image data on the recording medium.
The menu operation switch 121 includes a menu key, a set key, and a cross key (not shown). The user can use the menu operation switch 121 to view the screen display displayed on the display unit 110 for various operations such as changing various settings such as the shooting conditions and development conditions of the camera and selecting the power saving mode of the external recording medium. Can be done.

Next, each component and attachment part connected to the digital camera 100 will be described. The digital camera 100 includes a power control circuit 122, an I / F control unit 123, and a connector 125. The power supply control circuit 122 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like. The power supply control circuit 122 detects the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The power supply control circuit 122 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and the instruction of the microcomputer 127, and supplies a necessary voltage to each part including the recording medium for a necessary period.
The I / F control unit 123 controls a recording medium such as a memory card. The connector 125 is connected to a recording medium such as a memory card.

  The digital camera 100 also includes a first wireless communication unit 128 and a second wireless communication unit 129. In the present embodiment, the first wireless communication unit 128 is a wireless communication unit that places importance on real-time characteristics, and performs communication for synchronizing the flash emission timing with the shooting timing, for example. As a wireless communication standard, IEEE802.5.4 standard wireless communication or wireless communication such as BlueTooth is used. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the second wireless communication unit 129 is a wireless communication unit that performs image data transmission / reception and the like. Note that IEEE 802.11 wireless communication is used as the wireless communication standard.

  The digital camera 100 also includes a recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 includes a storage medium unit 133 composed of a semiconductor memory, an I / F control unit 132 that controls the storage medium unit 133 as an interface with the digital camera 100, and a connector 131 that connects the digital camera 100. ing. In the present embodiment, the recording medium 200 is a memory card composed of a semiconductor memory. The housing of the digital camera 100 is provided with an insertion slot for inserting the recording medium 200. In addition, an openable / closable lid for covering the insertion opening is provided near the insertion opening of the digital camera 100.

Next, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a camera system including the digital camera described above.
The camera system according to this embodiment includes a digital camera 100, a PC (personal computer) 201, and strobes 202 and 203. Here, the digital camera 100 uses the first wireless communication unit 128 to perform strobe communication with the strobes 202 and 203 as an example of camera control. Also, the digital camera 100 performs communication such as image data transmission / reception with the PC 201 using the second wireless communication unit 129. Note that the first wireless communication unit 128 and the second wireless communication unit 129 may be configured to be detachable from the digital camera 100.

<Main sequence>
Next, operation processing of the digital camera in the camera system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the digital camera. The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is realized by the microcomputer 127 executing a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 119 of the digital camera 100.
First, in step S301, the digital camera 100 shifts to a power-on state in response to the user performing an operation to activate the camera. In addition, it is assumed that the user performs an operation of turning on the power of the camera system, that is, the digital camera 100, the PC 201, and the strobes 202 and 203. Subsequently, the digital camera 100 transmits a periodic synchronization signal to the strobes 202 and 203 using the first wireless communication unit 128. Further, the digital camera 100 transmits a periodic synchronization signal to the PC 201 using the second wireless communication unit 129.

  Next, in step S <b> 302, the microcomputer 127 of the digital camera 100 has the first wireless communication unit 128 and the second wireless communication unit 129 having wireless communication that partially overlaps the respective frequency bands. The channel judgment of whether or not is performed. In this determination, the determination may be made based on whether or not the size of the overlapping frequency band is greater than or equal to a threshold value. This processing corresponds to an example of processing by the channel determination unit. In the following description, it is assumed that the first wireless communication unit 128 and the second wireless communication unit 129 exist in the same frequency band. When the microcomputer 127 determines that the first wireless communication unit 128 and the second wireless communication unit 129 are in the same frequency band, the microcomputer 127 stores the timings of all periodic synchronization signals in, for example, the nonvolatile memory 119. ,Hold. Note that the following sequence is not executed when the first wireless communication unit 128 and the second wireless communication unit 129 are not in the same frequency band.

  Next, in step S <b> 303, the microcomputer 127 determines whether or not a shooting instruction has been given by the user. More specifically, the microcomputer 127 determines whether or not the user has pressed the SW2 of the release switch 120 to receive a shooting start signal from the release switch 120. If a shooting start signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S304. If a shooting start signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step S313.

  In step S304, the microcomputer 127 determines whether or not the second wireless communication unit 129 is communicating. More specifically, the microcomputer 127 uses the second wireless communication unit 129 to determine whether or not image data transmission / reception communication is performed with the PC 201. This processing corresponds to an example of processing by the communication determination unit. If the second wireless communication unit 129 is communicating, the process proceeds to step S305. If the second wireless communication unit 129 is not communicating, the process proceeds to step S306.

  In step S305, the microcomputer 127 stops the wireless communication by the second wireless communication unit 129. More specifically, the microcomputer 127 stops communication of image data transmission / reception with respect to the PC 201 using the second wireless communication unit 129. Further, the microcomputer 127 transits the second wireless communication unit 129 to the low power consumption state where the power consumption is low. Even when the image data transmission / reception communication is stopped, the microcomputer 127 transmits a synchronization signal to the PC 201 using the second wireless communication unit 129.

In step S <b> 306, the microcomputer 127 uses the first wireless communication unit 128 to calculate timing for performing strobe communication with the strobes 202 and 203, i.e., timing for transmitting strobe light emission instruction information. This processing corresponds to an example of processing by the timing determination unit.
At this time, as will be described later, the microcomputer 127 transmits the time from the current time until the strobe communication is performed using the first wireless communication unit 128 and the periodic synchronization signal acquired in step S302 from the current time. It is calculated by comparing with the time until.

Here, processing for calculating the timing of strobe communication will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are diagrams illustrating the timing of strobe communication when shooting instructions are received at different timings.
Reference numeral 401 denotes a synchronization signal transmitted by the second wireless communication unit 129. As described above, the microcomputer 127 periodically transmits the synchronization signal 401 to the PC 201 using the second wireless communication unit 129 even when the image data transmission / reception communication is stopped. . Here, the communication time of the synchronization signal 401 is assumed to be t3. t3 is determined in advance by the communication standard of the second wireless communication unit 129, and is stored in the nonvolatile memory 119, for example. Therefore, the microcomputer 127 can obtain t3 from the nonvolatile memory 119 or the like.
Next, reference numeral 402 denotes a shooting start signal. When the user presses SW <b> 2 of the release switch 120, the release switch 120 transmits a shooting start signal 402 to the microcomputer 127.

Next, reference numeral 403 denotes strobe communication timing.
Here, it is assumed that the time from when the microcomputer 127 receives the photographing start signal until the strobe communication is performed is t1. t1 is a predetermined time in the digital camera 100, and is stored in the nonvolatile memory 119, for example. Therefore, the microcomputer 127 can obtain t1 from the nonvolatile memory 119 or the like.
Also, let t2 be the time from when the microcomputer 127 receives the imaging start signal until the next synchronization signal is transmitted. Here, the microcomputer 127 can calculate t2 based on the period of the synchronization signal acquired in step S302 described above.
Thus, the microcomputer 127 acquires t1, t2, and t3.

In step S307, the microcomputer 127 determines that the timing of the strobe communication 403 using the first wireless communication unit 128 from the acquired t1, t2, and t3 is the synchronization signal 401 using the second wireless communication unit 129. It is determined whether or not the timing overlaps.
More specifically, the microcomputer 127 determines whether or not the condition of t2 ≦ t1 ≦ t2 + t3 is satisfied. Here, the case where the above-described condition is satisfied is a case where the timing of the strobe communication 403 and the timing of the periodic synchronization signal 401 overlap as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the case where the above-mentioned condition is not satisfied is a case where the timing of the strobe communication 403 and the timing of the periodic synchronization signal 401 do not overlap as shown in FIG.

If it is determined that the above condition is not satisfied, the microcomputer 127 determines that the timing of the flash communication 403 and the timing of the periodic synchronization signal 401 do not overlap, and proceeds to step S308.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the above condition is satisfied, the microcomputer 127 determines that the timing of the flash communication 403 and the timing of the periodic synchronization signal 401 overlap, and returns the process to step S306. That is, the microcomputer 127 calculates the timing of the flash communication 403 using the first wireless communication unit 128 again without immediately performing the photographing operation. In this case, for example, the microcomputer 127 may acquire t2 with reference to the time when the process is returned to step S306. Thus, there is a high possibility that the microcomputer 127 does not satisfy the above-described condition by calculating t2 again with reference to a different time. That is, there is a high possibility that the timing of the flash communication 403 and the timing of the periodic synchronization signal 401 do not overlap.

In step S308, the microcomputer 127 starts a photographing operation.
In step S <b> 309, the microcomputer 127 transmits strobe communication, that is, flash instruction information to the strobes 202 and 203 using the first wireless communication unit 128. Note that only the strobe communication 403 is performed here by the determination in step S307 described above, and the timing of the periodic synchronization signal 401 does not overlap. On the other hand, the strobes 202 and 203 emit strobe light according to the light emission instruction information.

In step S310, the microcomputer 127 receives a photographing end signal.
In step S <b> 311, the microcomputer 127 determines whether communication of image data transmission / reception with the PC 201 is stopped in the second wireless communication unit 129. If the communication is not stopped, the process returns to step S302 to prepare for the next shooting operation. On the other hand, if communication is stopped, the process proceeds to step S312.
In step S <b> 312, the microcomputer 127 restores the second wireless communication unit 129 from the low power consumption state to the normal communication state, and resumes communication of image data transmission / reception with respect to the PC 201.

  Next, a case will be described in which, in step S303 described above, the user does not issue a shooting instruction and the process proceeds to step S313. The processing after step S313 is processing when the digital camera 100 performs strobe communication other than the light emission instruction to the strobes 202 and 203. Here, the strobe communication other than the light emission instruction is communication for transmitting various parameters such as a light emission amount of the strobe. Even when the digital camera 100 transmits such parameters to the strobes 202 and 203, it is required not to overlap with the periodic synchronization signal 401 by the second wireless communication unit 129. . Hereinafter, a case where the digital camera 100 performs strobe communication of light emission amount information to the strobes 202 and 203 will be described as an example.

In step S <b> 313, the microcomputer 127 determines whether to perform strobe communication with the strobes 202 and 203 using the first wireless communication unit 128. If the flash communication is not performed, the process returns to step S302 to prepare for the next shooting operation. On the other hand, when performing strobe communication, the process proceeds to step S314.
In step S314, the microcomputer 127 determines whether or not the second wireless communication unit 129 is communicating. This processing corresponds to an example of processing by the communication determination unit. If the second wireless communication unit 129 is not communicating, the process proceeds to step S316. If the second wireless communication unit 129 is communicating, the process proceeds to step S315.
In step S315, the microcomputer 127 stops the wireless communication by the second wireless communication unit 129 and transitions to the low power consumption state.

  In step S <b> 316, the microcomputer 127 uses the first wireless communication unit 128 to calculate timing for performing strobe communication with respect to the strobes 202 and 203, that is, timing for transmitting information on the light emission amount. This processing corresponds to an example of processing by the timing determination unit. This process is the same process as step S306 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S <b> 317, the microcomputer 127 determines whether the timing of strobe communication using the first wireless communication unit 128 overlaps with the timing of the synchronization signal using the second wireless communication unit 129. This process is the same as that in step S307 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted. If the microcomputer 127 determines that the timing of the strobe communication does not overlap with the timing of the periodic synchronization signal, the process proceeds to step S318. On the other hand, when the microcomputer 127 determines that the timing of the strobe communication and the timing of the periodic synchronization signal overlap, the microcomputer 127 returns the process to step S316.

In step S318, the microcomputer 127 uses the first wireless communication unit 128 to transmit strobe communication, that is, information on the light emission amount, to the strobes 202 and 203.
Thereafter, in step S311, as described above, the microcomputer 127 determines whether the second wireless communication unit 129 has stopped communication of image data transmission / reception with the PC 201.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when a plurality of wireless communication units are included, it is possible to perform communication that emphasizes real-time characteristics without interfering with other communication.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, when it is determined that the timing of the strobe communication and the timing of the periodic synchronization signal overlap, the timing of the strobe communication is calculated again in step S306. That is, since the shooting operation is delayed so that the strobe communication timing does not interfere with other signals, the actual shooting operation is slightly delayed. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an embodiment in which the shooting operation is not delayed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the digital camera. The flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is obtained by adding step S501 to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment, and the same step numbers are assigned to other identical processes, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.
Here, in step S307, the microcomputer 127 determines that the timing of the strobe communication using the first wireless communication unit 128 from the acquired t1, t2, and t3 is the timing of the synchronization signal using the second wireless communication unit 129. Whether or not to overlap. If it is determined that the timings of the synchronization signals overlap, the process proceeds to step S501.

In step S501, the microcomputer 127 changes the strobe communication timing so that the strobe communication timing does not overlap the periodic synchronization signal timing. This processing corresponds to an example of processing by the changing unit. More specifically, the microcomputer 127 performs timing setting so as to perform communication earlier than the strobe communication of the normal first wireless communication unit 128.
In step S308, the microcomputer 127 starts a photographing operation.

In step S309, when the microcomputer 127 sets the timing so as to speed up the flash communication, the microcomputer 127 performs the flash communication of the first wireless communication unit 128 at a timing according to the setting. At this time, if the microcomputer 127 sets the strobe communication timing earlier than the normal timing, for example, by t time, the microcomputer 127 adds a time parameter (time information) to be executed after t time to the light emission instruction information to be transmitted. On the other hand, when the strobes 202 and 203 receive the light emission instruction information, the strobe lights up with a delay of t time based on the time parameter. Therefore, the strobe communication timing does not interfere with the timing of the periodic synchronization signal, and shooting can be performed without delaying the shooting operation.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when a plurality of wireless communication units are provided, it is possible to perform communication that places importance on real time without delay without interfering with other communication.

In the first and second embodiments, only when it is determined whether or not the timing of communication of the first wireless communication unit and the timing of the periodic synchronization signal of the second wireless communication unit overlap. explained. However, the microcomputer transmits a synchronization signal to the strobe using the first wireless communication unit. Therefore, in step S307 and step S317, the microcomputer similarly determines whether or not the timing of the strobe communication and the timing of the synchronization signal for the strobe using the first wireless communication unit overlap.
Similarly, even when there are three or more wireless communication units, the microcomputer 127 similarly determines whether or not the timing of the strobe communication and the timings of the synchronization signals from all the wireless communication units overlap. If it is determined that all the synchronization signals do not overlap, the process proceeds to step S308 and step S318, respectively.

In the above-described embodiment, only the case where the first wireless communication unit communicates with the strobe has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the communication of the first wireless communication unit may be anything as long as it relates to camera control that places importance on timing between the digital camera and the external device.
Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, only the case where the second wireless communication unit performs image data transmission / reception communication with the PC 201 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, the communication of the second wireless communication unit may be communication between a digital camera and an external device such as a printer.

  Each unit of the imaging apparatus and each step of the control method thereof in the above-described embodiment can be realized by executing a program stored in a ROM or the like by the microcomputer of the imaging apparatus. This program and a computer-readable recording medium on which this program is recorded are included in the present invention.

  Further, the present invention can be implemented as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  The present invention supplies a software program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely to a system or apparatus. In addition, this includes a case where the system or the computer of the apparatus is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image pick-up device 101 Lens unit 102 Quick return mirror 103 Shutter 104 Optical filter 105 Image pick-up element 106 A / D converter 107 Image processing circuit 108 Timing generation circuit 109 Display control circuit 110 Display part 111 Memory control circuit 112 Image display memory 113 Memory 114 Compression / decompression circuit 119 Non-volatile memory 120 Release switch 128 First wireless communication unit 129 Second wireless communication unit 201 PC
202 Strobe 203 Strobe

Claims (13)

An imaging apparatus having a first wireless communication unit and a second wireless communication unit that overlap at least part of a frequency band of wireless communication,
Based on a periodic synchronization signal of the second wireless communication unit, a timing determining unit that determines a timing for performing communication of the first wireless communication unit so as to avoid a timing of transmitting the synchronization signal. An imaging device that is characterized. The timing determining means includes
Determining means for determining whether or not the periodic synchronization signal of the second wireless communication unit and the communication timing of the first wireless communication unit overlap;
If the determination means determines that the periodic synchronization signal of the second wireless communication unit and the communication timing of the first wireless communication unit overlap, the communication timing of the first wireless communication unit is set. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising changing means for changing. When it is determined by the determination unit that the periodic synchronization signal of the second wireless communication unit and the communication timing of the first wireless communication unit overlap, the determination unit uses a different time as a reference, Again, determine whether the periodic synchronization signal of the second wireless communication unit and the timing of communication of the first wireless communication unit overlap,
The change means determines that the timing of the communication of the first wireless communication unit does not overlap when the determination means determines that it does not overlap with the periodic synchronization signal of the second wireless communication unit The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the timing is changed to the timing of When it is determined by the determination means that the periodic synchronization signal of the second wireless communication unit and the communication timing of the first wireless communication unit overlap,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the changing unit accelerates a communication timing of the first wireless communication unit. Further comprising transmission means for transmitting information to an external device using the first wireless communication unit;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the transmission unit transmits the information by adding time information of an earlier time to the information.   6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising channel determination means for determining whether or not at least a part of frequency bands of wireless communication between the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit overlap each other. The imaging device according to any one of the above.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the channel determination unit acquires a timing of a periodic synchronization signal of communication of the second wireless communication unit. Communication determining means for determining whether communication of the second wireless communication unit is performed when performing communication of the first wireless communication unit;
The apparatus further comprises a stopping unit that stops communication of the second wireless communication unit when the communication determining unit determines that communication of the second wireless communication unit is being performed. The imaging device according to any one of 1 to 7.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the communication of the second wireless communication unit is stopped by the stop unit, the state of the second wireless communication unit is changed to a state of low power consumption.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication of the first wireless communication unit is camera-controlled communication.   11. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication of the second wireless communication unit is communication of image data transmission / reception. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus having a first wireless communication unit and a second wireless communication unit that overlap at least part of a frequency band of wireless communication,
A timing determining step for determining a timing for performing communication of the first radio communication unit based on a periodic synchronization signal of the second radio communication unit so as to avoid timing for transmitting the synchronization signal; Characteristic control method. A computer having a first wireless communication unit and a second wireless communication unit that overlap at least part of a frequency band of wireless communication,
In order to execute a timing determination step for determining a timing for performing communication of the first wireless communication unit based on a periodic synchronization signal of the second wireless communication unit so as to avoid a timing of transmitting the synchronization signal Program.

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