JP2011109453A - Imaging apparatus system, external apparatus, and adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide: an imaging apparatus system configured such that, when a plurality of external apparatuses are mounted thereto, functions of the respective external apparatuses can be automatically changed over in accordance with types of the plurality of mounted external apparatuses; an external apparatus; and an adapter. <P>SOLUTION: The imaging apparatus system capable of communicably connecting this external apparatus comprising a self-imaging imaging unit 30 and a displaying apparatus 40 to a camera 10 includes: a communication part 12 for communicably connecting the external apparatus to the camera 10; a branch part 51 capable of branching and connecting the communication part 12 to communication lines of a plurality of the external apparatuses; and communication parts 32, 42 capable of designating any of the plurality of external apparatuses connected by the branch part 50 to link the camera 10 to the external apparatus in imaging by the camera 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device system, an external device, and an adapter, and more specifically, an imaging device system, an external device, and an imaging device such as a camera and an external device such as an external device that can be connected to the imaging device. Regarding the adapter.

  In recent years, portable devices having a photographing function such as a digital camera have made various functions possible with built-in devices and external devices (accessories). For example, although the shooting direction is only in front of the camera, a multi-screen shooting has been proposed in combination with a screen in a direction other than the front. Also, in audio recording, stereo recording has been proposed that enhances directivity and matches with a sense of reality and image expression from simple one-way monaural recording. In addition to observing the subject image with the display on the back of the camera, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL panel, an EVF (Electronic View Finder) that can be viewed through the eyepiece is removable. Improves sex.

  As described above, various functions have been proposed. However, since it is not easy to provide all functions in one photographing apparatus, the functions can be executed by attaching an external apparatus. For example, in Patent Document 1, during continuous shooting, recording is performed in a non-compressed RGB format in a memory built in the expansion unit, and after completion of continuous shooting, Y / C data conversion and image compression are recorded in the camera memory. An external device for a digital camera is disclosed.

JP-A-10-271369

  Various proposals have been made for individual external devices as described above. However, these proposals all add functions when individual external devices are mounted. How to switch the functions of each external device when mounting multiple external devices Is not considered at all.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when a plurality of external devices are attached, the function of each external device is automatically set according to the type of the plurality of external devices attached. An object is to provide an imaging device system, an external device, and an adapter that can be switched.

  In order to achieve the above object, a photographic device system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a photographic device system capable of communicatively connecting an external device to a camera, a communication connection unit for communicatively connecting the external device to the camera, A branching unit that can branch connect the communication connection unit to the communication line of the external device, and at the time of shooting by the camera, specify any of the plurality of external devices connected by the branching unit, the camera and the external device A communication control unit that enables cooperation of devices.

In the photographing apparatus system according to the second invention, in the first invention, the communication lines of the plurality of external devices include an image transmission / reception line and a device designation line, and the communication control unit When a plurality of external devices are connected, a signal for inactivating the image signal line of the external device not designated is transmitted through the device designation line.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the photographing apparatus system according to the first aspect, one of the plurality of external devices includes a photographing unit and a display unit, and the communication control unit includes the photographing unit. When using, the display unit is put into a non-use state.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing apparatus system according to the first aspect, further comprising a detection unit that detects a use state of the camera, and the communication control unit is a use state of the camera detected by the detection unit. In response to this, the cooperation between the camera and the external device is controlled.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the use state of the camera is determined based on a movement between the camera and the photographer.

  An external device according to a sixth aspect of the invention is an external device communicably connected to a camera, and designates any one of the external devices from the camera at the time of shooting by the camera, and a communication connection unit for communication connection with the camera. And a communication control unit that enables cooperation between the camera and the external device based on the designation signal.

  An adapter according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is an adapter that enables an external device to be connected to a camera by communication. The external device is connected to the camera by communication, and the communication connection section is branched and connected to communication lines of a plurality of external devices. When the photographing by the camera is possible, a designation signal for designating any of the external devices is received from the camera, and on the basis of the designation signal, the branch is switched by the branching unit. A communication control unit that enables cooperation of the external device.

  According to the present invention, when a plurality of external devices are attached, the function of each external device can be automatically switched according to the type of the plurality of external devices attached, the external device , And adapters can be provided.

It is a block diagram which shows mainly an electrical structure of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure regarding switching of the communication line of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is an external view of the system of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention, (a) is an external appearance perspective view when mounting an external apparatus in a camera, (b) is a side view when mounting an external apparatus. It is. It is a figure which shows the use condition of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention, (a) shows a mode that a photographer looks into EVF and observes a to-be-photographed object, (b) shows a back view with a photographer. (C) shows a photographed image in the state of (b). It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the camera control of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of imaging | photography / display control of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. In the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing another use state of mounting an omnidirectional camera as an external device, (a) is an external view when an omnidirectional lens is mounted on the camera, (B) shows a composite image of the image taken by the omnidirectional lens and the image taken by the camera body, (c) shows the image taken by the camera body, and (d) shows the subject image by looking into the EVF. (E) shows how the photographer observes the rear display unit. It is a block diagram which mainly shows the electrical structure of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure regarding switching of the communication line of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  A preferred embodiment will be described below using a photographing apparatus system having a camera to which the present invention is applied according to the drawings. The camera 10 constituting the photographing apparatus system is a digital camera. This photographing apparatus system generally has the following functions. The subject image is converted into image data by the imaging unit of the camera 10, and based on the converted image data, the subject image is displayed in live view on a display unit disposed on the back of the main body. When photographing a normal still image, the photographer determines the composition and the photo opportunity by observing the live view display. In addition, during moving image shooting, shooting is started by operating the release button, and shooting is ended by another operation. Further, an external device such as an EVF, a self-portrait camera, or an omnidirectional camera can be attached to the camera 10 via an adapter 50. When these external devices are attached, the camera 10 performs control suitable for the combination of the external device and the camera. When the camera 10 is released, the image data is recorded on the recording medium. The captured image recorded on the recording medium can be reproduced and displayed on the display unit when the reproduction mode is selected.

  With reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 1, a configuration of a photographing apparatus system including the camera 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and an external device that can be attached to the camera 10 will be described. The photographing apparatus system includes a camera 10, an interchangeable lens 20, a self-portrait photographing unit 30, a display device 40, and an adapter 50.

  The camera 10 includes a signal processing and control unit 1, an imaging unit 2, a recording unit 4, an acceleration detection unit 5, an operation determination unit 6, an audio recording unit 7, a display unit 8, a clock unit 9, communication units 12 and 14, and the like. Is done. The imaging unit 2 includes an exposure control unit such as a shutter, an imaging device, driving of the imaging device, a readout circuit, and the like, and converts the subject image formed by the imaging lens 21 in the interchangeable lens 20 into image data by the imaging device. And output this. In the present specification, the image data is not limited to data output from the image sensor, image data processed by the signal processing and control unit 1, image data recorded in the recording unit 4, and the like. Also used for.

  The signal processing and control unit 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and peripheral hardware circuits, and controls the entire sequence of the camera 10 according to a program stored in a storage unit (not shown). . The signal processing and control unit 1 includes a designation signal unit 1b. The signal designating unit 1b designates which of the interchangeable lens 20, the self-portrait photographing unit 30, and the display device 40 is to be used for communication.

  The recording unit 4 includes a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the camera body, or a built-in recording medium. The recording unit 4 records image data and audio data of still images and moving images output from the imaging unit 2 and subjected to image processing by the signal processing and control unit 1, and data associated with these data.

  The acceleration detection unit 5 is composed of a plurality of acceleration sensors arranged inside the camera main body and its driver, and detects the posture of the camera and vibration applied to the camera. The detection result of the acceleration detection unit 5 is output to the image processing and control unit 1 and used for the image stabilization operation, and the state of the camera 10 is determined, and the display state of the display unit 41 in the display device 40 and the display unit 8 are determined. This is used for switching the display state in.

  The operation determination unit 6 has various operation members such as a release button, a power button, a playback button, a composite image adoption button, a menu button, and the like arranged on the exterior of the camera 10, and determines an operation state of the operation member. The determination result is output to the signal processing and control unit 1. The audio recording unit 7 includes a built-in microphone, an audio processing circuit, a speaker, and the like, and mainly collects audio in front of the camera and records audio data together with image data during moving image shooting. The audio data processed here is recorded in the recording unit 4. In addition, when reproducing a moving image, audio data is also reproduced by a speaker.

  The display unit 8 is connected to the signal processing and control unit 1 and has a monitor such as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL arranged on the back surface of the main body, and a live view display, a REC view display during shooting, It displays a recorded image recorded in the recording unit 4 and a control screen such as a menu screen. The clock unit 9 has a time measuring function and outputs date / time information. At the time of shooting, this date / time information is recorded on the recording medium of the recording unit 4 together with the image data.

  The communication unit 12 performs bidirectional communication with an external device such as the self-portrait photographing unit 30 or the display device 40 via the adapter 50. As a communication method, of course, other than wired communication, wireless communication or infrared communication may be used, but in this embodiment, wired communication is used. In communication, image data or the like is transmitted / received to / from each external device. However, only the external device designated by the designation signal unit 1b has received the signal such as image data effectively and was not designated. An external device can invalidate signals such as image data.

  Signal lines in the communication unit 12 include an analog signal line, a digital signal line, and a control signal line in addition to a designation signal line for designating an external device by the designation signal unit 1b. The analog signal line is used to transmit to the camera 10 an analog audio signal collected by a microphone 34 in a self-portrait photographing unit 30 described later. The digital signal line is used for image transmission by a differential signal such as LVDS (hereinafter referred to as LVDS or the like), file delivery, or the like. The LVDS includes the HDMI standard. Since the digital signal line for image transmission by LVDS or the like has a large number of signal pins and it is difficult to provide a plurality of systems, image transmission of two devices is performed by time division control. In the present embodiment, the image data from the self-portrait photographing unit 30 and the image data to the display device 40 are used in a time-sharing manner using the same LVDS line. Note that if a signal is input to a video signal line of a device that has not been specified, malfunction or destruction occurs, so that a video signal is not input to a device that has not been erroneously specified by the specification signal from the specification signal unit 1b. . A configuration for signal transmission / reception to / from an external device will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The communication unit 14 is connected to the communication unit 22 in the interchangeable lens 20 via a connection terminal and communicates with the interchangeable lens 20. When communicating with the interchangeable lens 20 by the designation signal unit 1b, the communication unit 14 is selected, and communication is performed via the communication unit 22 in the interchangeable lens 20.

  The interchangeable lens 20 includes a photographing lens 21 and a communication unit 22, and includes an aperture adjustment mechanism, a focus adjustment mechanism, and a focal length adjustment mechanism (not shown). The photographing lens 21 condenses the subject luminous flux and forms a subject image on the image sensor in the imaging unit 2. A diaphragm adjusting mechanism (not shown) is disposed on the optical axis of the photographic lens 21 to control the subject light quantity. The photographing lens 21 is constituted by a zoom lens or the like, and performs automatic focus adjustment by a focus adjustment mechanism (not shown) and changes the focal length by a focal length adjustment mechanism (not shown). The automatic focus adjustment is performed based on the signal processing in the camera 10 and the control signal from the control unit 1 via the communication units 14 and 22.

  The communication unit 22 communicates with the communication unit 14 in the camera 10, and inherent optical characteristics such as the maximum and minimum focal lengths, the open aperture value, and the minimum aperture value of the interchangeable lens 20, the set focal length, and focal point. A set optical characteristic value such as a position and an aperture value is transmitted, and an aperture value signal and an automatic focus control signal are received from the camera 10. A designation unit 23 is provided in the communication unit 22 and controls the diaphragm, the focus adjustment mechanism, and the focal length adjustment mechanism designated by the designation unit 23.

  The self-portrait shooting unit 30 includes a shooting unit 31, a communication unit 32, and a microphone 34. The photographing unit 31 has a configuration necessary for photographing, such as a sub-shooting lens and an image sensor. The sub-shooting lens of the photographing unit 31 faces rearward and mainly photographs the photographer. The microphone 34 collects sound and converts it into an analog audio signal while the photographer 31 is photographing the photographer.

  The communication unit 32 communicates with the camera 10 via the branch unit 51 and the communication unit 12 of the camera 10. A designation and operation unit 33 is provided in the communication unit 32. The designation and operation unit 33 validates the output of image data only when the self-portrait photographing unit 30 is designated among the image data and control signals received via the communication unit 32. As described above, the analog audio signal output from the microphone 34 is transmitted to the camera 10 via the communication units 32 and 12, subjected to AD conversion, and then recorded in the recording unit 4. Details of the communication unit 32 and the like will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The display device 40 includes a display unit 41 and a communication unit 42. In the camera 10, the subject image can be observed only by the display unit 8 having a liquid crystal panel or the like, and the subject image cannot be observed through the eyepiece. On the other hand, the display device 40 has a function as an EVF, and can observe a subject image by looking into the eyepiece. The display unit 41 is a monitor composed of a liquid crystal, an organic EL, or the like for displaying a subject image, and an image displayed on the monitor can be observed through an eyepiece unit.

  The communication unit 42 communicates with the camera 10 via the branch unit 51 and the communication unit 12 of the camera 10. In the communication unit 42, a designation and operation unit 43 is provided. The designation and operation unit 43 validates input of image data only when the display device 40 is designated among the image data and control signals received via the communication unit 42. The digital image data of the subject image acquired by the imaging unit 2 of the camera 10 is transmitted to the display device 40 through the communication unit 42 and displayed on the display unit 41 through the LVDS line. Details of the communication unit 42 and the like will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The adapter 50 is attached to the camera 10, and devices such as the self-photographing unit 30 and the display device 40 can be attached to the adapter 50. A branch portion 51 is provided in the adapter 50. The branching unit 51 connects the communication unit 12 on the camera 10 side to the communication units 32 and 42 of the self-portrait photographing unit 30 and the display device 40 when these devices are mounted.

  Next, a configuration for signal transmission / reception with respect to an external device will be described with reference to FIG. Between the communication unit 12 in the camera 10 and the adapter 50, a designation signal line 61, a video signal line (digital signal line) 62, and a control signal line 63 are provided as communication lines. In addition, there is an analog line for communicating analog audio, but it is omitted in FIG. Among these, the designation signal line 61 outputs a designation signal representing an external device designated by the designation signal unit 1b. The video signal line 62 inputs / outputs digital image data for image transmission by the above-described LVDS or the like. The control signal line 63 outputs a signal for operating each external device, and receives a signal indicating an operation state of each external device.

  The designation signal line 61, the video signal line 62 and the control signal line 63 from the communication unit 12 are connected to the branching unit 51 in the adapter 50. The branching unit 51 simply distributes each line to two devices, that is, the self-portrait photographing unit 30 and the display device 40.

  The communication unit 32 in the self-portrait photographing unit 30 is provided with a designation unit 33a and an imaging and processing unit 33b. The designation line 61 is connected to the designation unit 33a via the branch unit 51, the video signal line 62 is connected to the imaging and processing unit 33b via the branch unit 51 and the switch 33c, and the control signal line 63 is connected to the branch unit. It is connected to the imaging and processing unit 33b via a 51 switch 33d. The switch control terminals of the switches 33c and 33d are respectively connected to the designation unit 33b and are turned on / off according to a switch control signal from the designation unit 33b.

  The communication unit 42 in the display device 40 is provided with a designation unit 43a and a TFT driver 43b. The designation line 61 is connected to the designation section 43a via the branch section 51, the video signal line 62 is connected to the TFT driver 43b via the branch section 51 and the switch 43c, and the control signal line 63 is connected to the branch section 51 switch. The TFT driver 43b is connected through 43d. The switch control terminals of the switches 33c and 33d are respectively connected to the designation unit 33b, and the switches are turned on and off according to a switch control signal from the designation unit 33b. The TFT driver 43 b controls display on the display unit 41 in the display device 40.

  An operation of a circuit for signal transmission / reception with respect to the external device configured as described above will be described. A signal indicating an external device designated by the designation signal unit 1b of the camera 10 is output to the designation signal line 61. This signal is input by the designation units 33a and 43a, and the switch 33c, 33d, 43c, and 43d are turned on and off.

  As described above, the video signal line uses the LVDS line for transmission in a time-sharing manner, and only the device designated by the designation signal unit 1b can input and output the video signal. That is, when the self-portrait photographing unit 30 is designated by the designation signal unit 1b, the switches 33c and 33d are turned on, while the switches 43c and 43d are turned off. Therefore, only the video signal from the imaging and processing unit 33 b is transmitted to the camera 10 through the video signal line 62. When the display device 40 is designated by the designation signal unit 1b, the switches 43c and 43d are turned on, while the switches 33c and 33d are turned off. Therefore, an image signal for live view display or the like from the camera 10 is transmitted only to the display device 40 via the video line 62.

  As described above, in the signal transmission / reception circuit for the external device in the present embodiment, the switches 33c, 33d, 43c, and 43d are turned on only for the external device designated by the signal designating unit 1b, and image signals and control signals are sent and received. It can be performed. On the other hand, for external devices not designated, the switches 33c, 33d, 43c, and 43d are turned off, and image signals cannot be transmitted / received. That is, in the present embodiment, it can be said that a signal for inactivating an image signal line of an external device that has not been specified is transmitted through the specified signal line 61.

  Next, an example will be described in which transmission / reception of signals to / from an external device in this embodiment is used to transmit / receive two systems of image signals between two external devices. FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the mounting relationship of each external device to the camera 10, and FIG. 3B is a side view at the time of mounting. As shown in FIG. 3, the adapter 50 is attached to the connector portion 12 b of the camera 10, the display device 40 having a function as an EVF is attached to the front of the adapter 50, and the self-portrait shooting unit 30 is located behind the adapter 50. Can be worn.

  When each device is mounted on the camera 10, the connection terminals of each device are connected, and the communication unit 32 in the selfie shooting unit 30 and the communication unit 42 in the display device 40 are connected to each other in the camera 10 via the adapter 50. Connected to the communication unit 12. Further, the photographing lens 35 and the microphone 34 that are part of the photographing unit 31 of the self-portrait photographing unit 30 face rearward, and the eyepiece 44 that is part of the display unit 41 of the display device 40 faces rearward.

  Next, how to use such an adapter 50 and an external device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A shows a state where the display device 40 is attached to the camera 10 via the adapter 50. In this state, the image data from the imaging unit 2 is transmitted from the camera 10 to the TFT driver 43b via the communication unit 12, the adapter 50, and the communication unit 42, and the TFT driver 43b displays the subject image on the display unit 41. That is, since the display device 40 functions as an EVF, the photographer 71 can observe the subject image displayed on the display unit 41 of the display device 40 through the eyepiece. EVF is not affected by the brightness around the camera 10 and can accurately grasp the hue of the captured image.

  When the photographer 71 moves the camera 10 away from the state shown in FIG. 4A, as shown in FIG. 4B, the photographer 71 looks into the eyepiece 44 of the display device 40 to view the subject image. I can't observe. In this state, the display unit 41 of the display device 40 is inactivated, and a live view display is performed on the display unit 8 (rear panel) of the camera 10 based on the image data from the imaging unit 2. Further, since the camera 10 is separated from the photographer 71, the photographing unit 31 of the self-portrait photographing unit 30 is operated, and the photographer 71 at this time is photographed. Image data captured by the imaging unit 31 is transmitted to the signal processing and control unit 1 via the communication unit 32, the adapter 50, and the communication unit 12 of the camera 10.

  The signal processing and control unit 1 generates a composite image based on the image data in front of the camera 10 acquired by the imaging unit 2 and the image data in the rear of the camera 10 acquired by the imaging unit 31, and displays it on the display unit 8. It may be displayed. As this composite image, for example, as shown in FIG. 4C, the rear image 73 may be composited at the corner of the front image of the camera 10, and the composite image is displayed on the display unit 8. Can be confirmed.

  Further, the microphone 34 of the self-portrait photographing unit 30 collects sound in the rear direction of the camera 10, that is, in the direction of the photographer 71, and analog sound data based on this sound collection is the communication unit 32, the adapter 50, and the camera 10. The signal is transmitted to the signal processing and control unit 1 via the communication unit 12. When the signal processing and control unit 1 also records the rear image 73 together, it may record the sound from the microphone 34 together.

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. This flowchart is executed by the signal processing and control unit 1 according to a program stored in a storage unit (not shown).

  When the power button is operated, the power is turned on, and the camera control flow starts, it is first determined whether or not the camera is in shooting mode (S1). The camera 10 has a shooting mode and a playback mode. In this step, if it is not the playback mode, the camera 10 is determined to be in the shooting mode. If the result of this determination is that the camera is in shooting mode, it is next determined whether or not to start recording (S2). In this camera 10, when the release button is operated, the recording of the moving image is started, and when the release button is operated again, the recording of the moving image is ended. In this step, it is determined whether or not the release button is operated. judge.

  If the result of determination in step S2 is that recording has not started, processing returns to step S1. On the other hand, if the recording has started, it is next determined whether or not there is a connection (S3). In this step, it is determined whether or not at least one of the self-portrait photographing unit 30 and the display device 40 is connected to the camera 10 via the adapter 50. This determination is made by communicating with the self-portrait photographing unit 30 and the display device 40 via the adapter 50, and determining whether or not communication has been established. In addition to the method of determining whether or not communication is established, it may of course be detected by a method of providing a connection detection contact at the connection portion of the adapter 50.

  If the result of determination in step S3 is that there is no connection, then normal shooting control is performed (S5). Since both the self-portrait photographing unit 30 (sub camera) and the display device 40 (EVF) are not attached to the camera 10 and are the camera 10 alone, photographing control by the camera 10 is performed in this case. .

  If the result of determination in step S3 is that there is a connection, it is next determined whether or not the sub camera and EVF are connected (S4). Here, it is determined whether or not both the self-portrait photographing unit 30 (sub camera) and the display device 40 (EVF) are connected.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 4 is that both the sub camera and EVF have been connected, then shooting and display control is performed (S <b> 6). Here, control of photographing of the photographer 71 by the self-portrait photographing unit 30 and display on the EVF by the display device 40 is performed. Detailed operation of this photographing / display control will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If the result of determination in step S4 is that both are not mounted, it is next determined whether or not only the sub camera is present (S7). Here, whether or not the self-portrait photographing unit 30 is attached via the adapter 50 is determined based on communication with the self-portrait photographing unit 30.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 7 is that only the sub camera is attached, then shooting switching control is performed (S <b> 8). This state is a case where only the self-portrait photographing unit 30 is attached to the adapter 50 of the camera 10. When the camera 10 is close to the photographer 71, it is difficult to take a self-portrait. On the other hand, when the photographer 71 moves away from the camera 10, self-photographing is possible, so the image of the photographer 71 by the photographing unit 31 and the image of the subject in front by the imaging unit 2 are acquired and combined. Switch to shooting.

  If the result of determination in step S7 is that no sub-camera is connected, it is the case that only EVF (display device 40) is attached, so display control is performed (S9). In this step, image data is transmitted from the camera 10 to the display unit 41 of the display device 40, and EVF display is performed. At this time, the live view display on the display unit 8 of the camera 10 may be stopped.

  Once the display control is performed, next, normal photographing control is performed (S10). In this state, since the self-portrait shooting unit 30 is not attached, normal shooting for acquiring an image by the image pickup unit 2 is executed.

  If normal shooting in step S5, shooting / display control in step S6, or normal shooting in step S10 is performed, it is next determined whether or not recording is finished (S21). Here, it is determined whether or not the release button has been operated again. As described above, when the release button is operated again, the moving image recording ends.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 21 is that recording has not ended, processing returns to step S <b> 3 and video recording continues. On the other hand, if the result of determination is that recording has ended, it is next determined whether or not the power is off (S22). If the result of this determination is that power is not off, processing returns to step S1. On the other hand, if the result of determination is that the power supply is off, the camera control flow is terminated after performing a power-off process.

  If the result of determination in step S1 is not shooting mode, it is next determined whether or not playback mode is in effect (S11). When the playback button is operated, the mode is switched to the playback mode. In this step, the state of the playback button is determined. If the result of this determination is that playback has not been made, processing returns to step S1.

  If the result of determination in step S11 is playback mode, a file list is then displayed (S12). Here, a thumbnail image such as the first image of the moving image is displayed. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an image and sound have been selected (S13). Here, it is determined whether or not the user has selected an image and sound from the moving images displayed in the file list.

  If the result of determination in step S13 is that an image and sound have been selected, cooperative playback of the selected file is performed (S14). Here, when the self-portrait shooting unit 30 has taken a self-portrait, the self-portrait image, the voice recorded at that time, the image acquired by the imaging unit 2 of the camera 10 and the audio recording unit 7 are acquired. Playback is performed in conjunction with the recorded audio. When cooperative playback is performed, the process returns to step S11 to continue the playback mode.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S13 is that no image or sound has been selected, it is determined whether or not to end reproduction (S15). When the playback button is operated again, the playback mode is terminated. In this step, it is determined whether or not the playback button has been operated again. If the result of this determination is not end, processing returns to step S12 and playback is continued. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S <b> 15 is end, the process proceeds to step S <b> 22 described above to determine whether the power is off, and if it is power off, the camera control flow ends.

  Next, detailed operation of the photographing / display control in step S6 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. When the shooting / display control flow is entered, it is first determined whether or not the shooting is finished (S31). Here, the release button is operated again, and it is determined whether or not to end the shooting of the moving image. If the result of this determination is that shooting has been completed, processing returns to the original flow.

  If the result of determination in step S31 is that photographing has not been completed, then the communication section of the sub camera is turned off and only the main image is recorded (S32). At the time of entering the shooting / display control flow, it is assumed that the photographer 71 looks into the eyepiece 44 of the display device 40 and observes the subject with the EVF, as shown in FIG. In this state, since it is difficult to photograph the photographer 71 by the self-portrait photographing unit 30, the sub-camera, that is, the photographing unit 31 of the self-portrait photographing unit 30 is not photographed. The communication unit 32 is turned off. When the communication unit 32 is turned off, a signal is transmitted from the designation signal unit 1b to the designation unit 33a of the communication unit 32 via the designation signal line 61, and the switches 33c and 33d are turned off. Further, a subject image (main image) is taken by the imaging unit 2 of the camera 10, and the image data at this time is recorded in the recording unit 4.

  Subsequently, the EVF communication unit is turned on, EVF display is started, and the rear panel is turned off (S33). As described above, it is assumed that the photographer 71 looks into the eyepiece 44 of the display device 40 (EVF) and observes the subject. In this state, the photographer 71 in the display unit 8 (rear panel) of the camera 10. Since the photographer 71 does not observe the display, the display is turned off. In order to turn on the EVF communication unit, a signal is transmitted from the designation signal unit 1b to the designation unit 43a of the communication unit 42 via the designation signal line 61, and the switches 43c and 43d are turned on. As a result, the image data transmitted from the communication unit 12 of the camera 10 via the video signal line 62 is input to the TFT driver 43b because the switch 43c is on, and the electronic view display of the display unit 41 is possible. Become. Further, the display unit 8 (rear panel) of the camera 10 is turned off, and the live view display on the camera 10 is stopped.

  Next, it is determined whether there is an acceleration in the Z direction (S34). Here, from the state where the photographer 71 shown in FIG. 4A is looking into the eyepiece 44 of the display device 40, the photographer 71 releases the camera 10 as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the live view display on the 10 display units 8 has been changed to the observation state. In this determination, it is determined whether or not there is an acceleration of a predetermined value or more in the Z direction of the acceleration detection unit 5, that is, in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens 21 of the interchangeable lens 20. The predetermined value may be a level at which it can be determined whether or not the photographer 71 has moved the camera 10 in the direction away from the camera 10.

  If there is no acceleration in the Z direction as a result of the determination in step S34, the process returns to step S31, the subject image is displayed by the electronic viewfinder by the display device 40, and the moving image recording of the main image acquired by the imaging unit 2 of the camera 10 is performed. continue.

  If the result of determination in step S34 is that there is acceleration in the Z direction, then the EVF communication unit is turned off and the back panel is turned on (S35). Here, as shown in FIG. 4B, since the photographer 71 has released the camera 10, display by the electronic viewfinder in the display device 40 is stopped, and the display unit 8 (rear surface) of the camera 10 is stopped. Live view display by panel). In order to turn off the EVF communication unit (communication unit 42), a signal is transmitted from the designation signal unit 1b to the designation unit 43a of the communication unit 42 via the designation signal line 61, and the switches 43c and 43d are turned off. As a result, the image data transmitted from the communication unit 12 of the camera 10 via the video signal line 62 is not input to the TFT driver 43b because the switch 43c is off, and display by the electronic viewfinder is not performed. Stopped. Further, the display unit 8 (rear panel) of the camera 10 is turned on, and live view display is performed on the camera 10.

  Next, the sub camera communication unit is turned on and the sub camera is activated (S36). As described above, since the photographer 71 is away from the camera 10, the photographing unit 31 of the self-portrait photographing unit 30 (sub camera) can be photographed. Therefore, the communication unit 32 of the self-portrait photographing unit 30 is turned on, and the operation of the self-portrait photographing unit 30 is started. In order to turn on the communication unit of the sub camera, a designation signal is transmitted from the designation signal unit 1b to the designation unit 33a of the communication unit 32 via the designation signal line 61, and the switches 33c and 33d are turned on. Accordingly, the image data from the photographing unit 31 and the imaging and processing unit 33b of the self-portrait photographing unit 30 is transmitted to the communication unit 12 of the camera 10 through the video signal line 62 because the switch 33c is on. .

  Subsequently, the image is synthesized on the rear panel and displayed (S37). Since the image data is transmitted from the self-portrait photographing unit 30 in step S36, the signal processing and control unit 1 combines the image data and the image data acquired by the imaging unit 2 of the camera 10, for example, FIG. A composite image of a moving image as shown in (c) is obtained. The image data of the composite image is displayed on the display unit 8 (rear panel).

  Once the composite image is displayed, it is next determined whether or not there is acceleration in the direction opposite to the Z direction (S38). Here, it is determined whether the camera 10 has been attracted to the photographer 71 as shown in FIG. 4A from the state in which the camera 10 as shown in FIG. judge. In this determination, the acceleration detection unit 5 determines whether the camera 10 has moved in the direction opposite to the Z direction determined in step S34.

  If the result of determination in step S38 is that there is acceleration in the direction opposite to the Z direction, processing returns to step S31, and by executing step S32 and subsequent steps, the camera 10 is drawn to the photographer 71 and the electronic viewfinder ( The subject is displayed by EVF). On the other hand, if there is no acceleration in the direction opposite to the Z direction as a result of the determination, it is next determined whether or not an adoption operation has been performed (S39). In step S37, the composite image is displayed on the display unit 8, and when the photographer 71 wants to adopt this composite image, in other words, when he wants to record the composite image in the recording unit 4, the manual operation member is adopted. Operate the button. Therefore, in this step, it is determined whether or not the operation determination unit 6 has operated the adoption button.

  If the result of determination in step S39 is that recruitment operation has not been made, processing returns to step S35 and live view display on the display unit 8 (rear panel) is continued. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S39 is that an adoption operation has been made, a composite image is recorded as a moving image (S40). Here, the synthesized image generated in step S37 is recorded as a moving image in the recording unit 4. When the composite image is recorded, the process returns to step S35 to continue the live view display.

  As described above, in the flow of camera control and shooting / display control, the camera and the external device are linked so that each function is exhibited according to the type of the external device attached. That is, when the self-portrait shooting unit 30 is attached, depending on the distance between the camera 10 and the photographer 71, whether to shoot with the camera 10 alone or with both the camera 10 and the self-portrait shooting unit 30 Is switched. In addition, when the display device 40 is attached, the display of the subject image is switched depending on the distance between the camera 10 and the photographer 71.

  In the flow of camera control and photographing / display control, sound collection and sound recording by the sound recording unit 7 and the microphone 34 are not described. However, when image data is acquired by the imaging unit 2 of the camera 10, audio data is acquired simultaneously by the audio recording unit 7, and when image data is acquired by the imaging unit 31 of the self-portrait shooting unit 30. At the same time, an analog audio signal may be acquired by the microphone unit 34. When the image data is acquired by the photographing unit 31, the switch 31c is turned on to transmit the image data. At the same time, a switch (not shown) on the analog signal line is also turned on to send an analog audio signal to the camera 10. What is necessary is just to make it transmit. The microphone 34 may be omitted if there is no need for audio recording.

  In the flow of camera control and shooting / display control, only moving image shooting has been described. However, in addition to moving image shooting, still image shooting may be performed, or only still image shooting may be performed. When shooting both a moving image and a still image, a moving image release button and a still image release button may be provided, respectively.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the example in which the self-portrait shooting unit 30 and the display device 40 are mounted as external devices has been described. However, external devices are not limited to these devices. As a modification of the first embodiment, FIG. 7 shows an example in which an omnidirectional camera 36 is attached instead of the self-portrait photographing unit 30.

  The omnidirectional camera 36 is a wide-field sub-camera having a wider angle of view than the photographing lens 21 of the interchangeable lens 20, and may have a 360-degree field of view, such as a fisheye lens.

  Assume that an omnidirectional camera 36 and a display device 40 are mounted as external devices. When the photographer 71 looks into the eyepiece 44 of the display device 40 as shown in FIG. 7D, at this time, the display device 40 functions as an EVF as in the first embodiment of the present invention. Then, as shown in FIG. 7C, the subject image (main image 77) is displayed on the display unit 41 using the image data acquired by the imaging unit 2 of the camera 10.

  When the photographer 71 releases the camera 10 as shown in FIG. 7E from the state shown in FIG. 7D, the display device 40 also displays the display as in the first embodiment of the present invention. Is stopped, and live view display is performed on the display unit 8 (rear panel) of the camera 10. The omnidirectional camera 36 obtains image data by the photographing unit and transmits it to the camera 10. As a composite image at this time, as shown in FIG. 7B, the sub image 78 acquired by the omnidirectional camera 36 is combined with the upper part of the main image 77 acquired by the imaging unit 2 of the camera 10. Also good.

  As described above, in the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, the omnidirectional camera 36 can be mounted as an external device, and acquired by the omnidirectional camera 36 in addition to the main image acquired by the imaging unit 2 of the camera 10. Sub-images can also be acquired. Further, the display device 40 that is mounted together with the omnidirectional camera 36 can cooperate with the display device 40 in the same manner as in the first embodiment to exhibit its function.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention and the modifications thereof, the camera 10 is branched into a plurality of external devices such as the self-portrait photographing unit 30, the omnidirectional camera 36, and the display device 40. When a plurality of external devices are attached, control is performed according to the combination of the attached external devices. In the present embodiment, when both the self-portrait photographing unit 30 (or the omnidirectional camera 36) and the display device 40 are attached, the self-portrait photographing unit 30 (or the omnidirectional camera 36) is in a normal state. The display device 40 is operated as an electronic viewfinder (EVF). However, when the camera 10 moves away from the photographer 71, the operation of the display device 40 as the EVF is stopped, and photographing by the self-portrait photographing unit 30 (or the omnidirectional camera 36) is performed. As described above, in the present embodiment, appropriate cooperation is performed according to the attached external device. Therefore, when a plurality of external devices are attached, the function of each external device can be automatically switched according to the type of the plurality of external devices attached.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the designation signal from the designation signal unit 1b passes through the adapter 50 as it is, and the signal switching is performed in the designation unit 33a in the self-portrait photographing unit 30 and the designation unit 43a in the display device 40. Was doing the process for. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, processing for switching signals is performed in the adapter 50.

  The photographing apparatus system according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and includes a camera 10, an interchangeable lens 20, a self-portrait photographing unit 30, a display device 40, and an adapter 50 as shown in FIG. . Since the internal configurations of the camera 10 and the effect lens 20 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same blocks, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the adapter 50, a control unit 52, a communication unit 53, and a switch unit 54 are provided. The communication unit 52 communicates with the communication unit 12 in the camera 10. The control unit 52 receives the signal processing of the camera 10 and the control signal and the designation signal from the control unit 1 and the designation signal unit 1b via the communication unit 53, and based on these signals, Take control. In particular, the switch in the switch unit 54 is switched in accordance with a designation signal from the designation signal unit 1b.

  The self-portrait shooting unit 30 includes a shooting unit 31 and a communication unit 32. The photographing unit 31 photographs the photographer 71 as in the first embodiment, and has a photographing lens, an image sensor, and the like for this purpose. Further, the communication unit 32 in the first embodiment switches whether to input or output a video signal in the self-portrait photographing unit 30 in accordance with the designation signal from the designation signal unit 1. However, this switching function is processed in the adapter 50, and the communication unit 32 in the present embodiment does not have a video signal or control signal switching function.

  The display device 40 includes a display unit 41 and a communication unit 42. Similar to the first embodiment, the display unit 41 is a monitor composed of a liquid crystal, an organic EL, or the like for displaying a subject image, and functions as an electronic viewfinder. Similar to the communication unit 32, the communication unit 42 does not have a video signal or control signal switching function.

  Next, a configuration for signal transmission / reception with respect to an external device in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As in the first embodiment, a designation signal line 61, a video signal line 62, and a control signal line 63 are provided between the communication unit 12 and the adapter 50 in the camera 10 as communication lines.

  In the switch unit 54 in the adapter 50, a designation unit 54a and switches 54b to 54e are arranged. The designation unit 54a performs the same function as the designation units 33a and 43a in the first embodiment, receives a designation signal via the designation signal line 61, and outputs an on / off signal to the switches 54b to 54e. The switch 54b is on the video signal line 62, and performs imaging in the communication unit 32 and input / output control to the processing unit 32b. The switch 54c is on the control signal line 63, and performs imaging in the communication unit 32 and input / output control to the processing unit 32b. The switch 54d is on the video signal line 62 and performs input / output control to the TFT driver 42b in the communication unit 42 of the display device 40. The switch 54 e is on the control signal line 63 and performs input / output control to the TFT driver 42 b in the communication unit 42.

  The communication unit 32 of the self-portrait photographing unit 30 is provided with an imaging and processing unit 32b. The imaging and processing unit 32b has the same configuration as the imaging and processing unit 33b in the first embodiment, and performs processing of an image signal from the imaging element in the imaging unit 31. A TFT driver 42 b is provided in the communication unit 42 of the display device 40. The TFT driver 42 b has the same configuration as the TFT driver 43 b in the first embodiment, and is a drive circuit for displaying on the display unit 41.

  Thus, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a circuit for signal transmission / reception with respect to an external device is configured. As in the first embodiment, a signal indicating an external device designated by the designation signal unit 1b of the camera 10 is output to the designation signal line 61. The designation signal is input to the designation unit 54a, and the switches 54b to 54e are turned on / off in response to the signal.

  As described above, the video signal line uses the LVDS line for transmission in a time-sharing manner, and only the device designated by the designation signal unit 1b can input and output the video signal. That is, when the self-portrait photographing unit 30 is designated by the designation signal unit 1b, the switch 54b is turned on, while the switch 54d is turned off. Therefore, the video signal from the imaging and processing unit 32 b is transmitted to the camera 10 via the video signal line 62. When the display device 40 is designated by the designation signal unit 1b, the switch 54d is turned on, while the switch 54b is turned off. Therefore, an image signal for live view display or the like from the camera 10 is transmitted to the display device 40 via the video line 62.

  As described above, in the signal transmission / reception circuit for the external device in the present embodiment, the switches 54b to 54e are turned on only for the external device designated by the signal designating unit 1b, and image signals can be transmitted / received. On the other hand, the external devices that are not designated cannot switch image switches because the switches 54b to 54e are turned off.

  As described above, the configuration of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration for signal transmission / reception with respect to an external device. For this reason, the way of turning on and off the switches 54b to 54e for signal transmission is different. However, except for this point, the operation is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the detailed operation of the second embodiment is not described.

  As described above, in the first and second embodiments of the present invention, when photographing with the camera 10, a plurality of external devices (30, 36, 40) are designated so that the camera 10 and the external device can be linked. Yes. For this reason, when multiple external devices are installed, the function of each external device can be automatically switched according to the type of multiple external devices that are installed, and each function can be used effectively. Can do.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, there are two devices that can be connected to the camera 10 as external devices. However, the number of devices is not limited to this and may be three or more. In this case, it is possible to attach three or more external devices to the adapter 50, or to make it possible to attach three or more external devices by making it possible to attach two or more adapters 50 to the camera 10.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, an audio signal is transmitted in analog and an image signal is transmitted / received digitally. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and both the audio signal and the image signal may be transmitted / received digitally, and conversely, may be transmitted / received analogly. Further, in each embodiment of the present invention, it is detected that the camera 10 is separated from the photographer 71 based on the detection result of the acceleration detector 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an eye sensor or a proximity sensor having a light projecting / receiving unit is provided on the back surface of the camera 10 or the self-portrait photographing unit 30 to detect the reflected light from the eyes, cheeks, etc. of the photographer 71. Of course, other methods may be used.

  Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present invention, a digital camera has been described as an apparatus for photographing. However, the camera may be a digital single lens reflex camera or a compact digital camera, such as a video camera or a movie camera. It may be a camera for moving images, or may be a camera built in a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a game device, or the like.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Signal processing and control part, 1b ... Designation signal part, 2 ... Imaging part, 4 ... Recording part, 5 ... Acceleration detection part, 6 ... Operation determination part, 7. ..Audio recording unit, 8 ... display unit, 9 ... clock unit, 10 ... camera, 12 ... communication unit, 12b ... connector unit, 14 ... communication unit, 20 ... Interchangeable lens, 21... Photographic lens, 22 .. communication unit, 23... Designation unit, 30 .. self-portrait photographing unit, 31. .. Imaging and processing unit, 33... Designation and actuating unit, 33a... Designation unit, 33b... Imaging and processing unit, 33c. 35 ... photographic lens, 36 ... omnidirectional camera, 40 ... display device, 41 ... display unit, 42 ... communication 42b... TFT driver, 43... Designation and operation part, 43a... Designation part, 43b... TFT driver, 44. , 61 ... designated signal line, 62 ... video signal line, 63 ... control signal line, 71 ... photographer, 73 ... front image, 75 ... back image, 77 ...・ Main image, 78 ... Sub image

Claims (7)

In a photographic equipment system that can connect external devices to the camera,
A communication connection unit for communication connection of the external device to the camera;
A branching unit capable of branching and connecting the communication connection unit to communication lines of a plurality of external devices;
A communication control unit that designates one of the plurality of external devices connected by the branching unit at the time of shooting by the camera and enables cooperation between the camera and the external device;
An imaging device system comprising: The communication lines of the plurality of external devices are composed of a line for image transmission / reception and a line for device designation.
The communication control unit transmits a signal for inactivating an image signal line of an external device not designated through the device designation line when the plurality of external devices are connected. The imaging device system according to claim 1. One of the plurality of external devices has a photographing unit and a display unit,
The imaging device system according to claim 1, wherein the communication control unit sets the display unit to a non-use state when the imaging unit is used. It has a detection unit that detects the use state of the camera,
The photographing apparatus system according to claim 1, wherein the communication control unit controls cooperation between the camera and the external device according to a use state of the camera detected by the detection unit.   The photographing apparatus system according to claim 4, wherein the use state of the camera is determined based on a movement between the camera and a photographer. In an external device that can be connected to the camera,
A communication connection for communicating with the camera;
A communication control unit that receives a designation signal for designating one of the external devices from the camera at the time of shooting by the camera, and enables cooperation between the camera and the external device based on the designation signal;
An external device characterized by comprising: In an adapter that allows external devices to communicate with the camera,
A branch unit that allows the camera to communicate with the external device, and can branch-connect the communication connection unit to a plurality of communication lines of the external device;
At the time of shooting by the camera, a designation signal for designating one of the external devices is received from the camera, and based on this designation signal, branching is switched by the branching unit, and the camera and the external device are linked. A communication control unit to enable;
An adapter comprising: