JP2013211742A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow for sharing processing of image data in a manner easy and faithful to user's intention, without compelling the user to do a complicated work.SOLUTION: An imaging unit 142 images a subject to generate image data. A communication unit 156 receives external identification information for identifying an external apparatus as an electromagnetic signal, from the external apparatus. A derivation unit 190 derives the incident angle of the received electromagnetic signal. An image output unit 148 outputs an image based on the image data to a monitor. If the incident angle is included in a designated range within an angle-of-view range, a target identification unit 196 identifies, as a transmission target of the image data, the external apparatus identified with the external identification information. The communication unit transmits the image data to the external apparatus identified as the transmission target.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that shares captured image data with an external apparatus.

  In recent years, imaging apparatuses such as digital cameras equipped with a wireless communication function have begun to spread. Such an imaging apparatus can share captured image data among a plurality of imaging apparatuses by wireless communication.

  In order to specify the imaging device that transmits the image data, for example, in a network composed of a plurality of imaging devices, each imaging device has face identification information for identifying a face and the face first identification information. A configuration has been proposed in which IP addresses of corresponding image data transmission destinations are stored in advance in association with each other (for example, Patent Document 1). In this configuration, when the captured image data includes face image data of the same person as the stored face first identification information, each imaging device transmits the image data to the IP address stored in association with each other. can do.

  Also, in order to ensure the safety of image data transmission / reception, the transmission-side imaging device displays authentication information such as a facial photograph or barcode on the monitor, and the reception-side imaging device displays the authentication information displayed. And the structure which performs the encryption process and decryption process based on this authentication information is proposed (for example, patent document 2). Furthermore, in order to simplify the image data sharing process, the face data of the user is registered in advance in each imaging device, and when a face other than the user is reflected in the captured image data, the image data is captured by another image. A real-time transmission mode for automatically transmitting to an apparatus has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 3).

JP 2006-166408 A JP 2008-269486 A JP 2009-200621 A

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1 described above, the prior setting such as the setting of the IP address and the association with the first face identification information is complicated. Further, in the configuration described in Patent Document 2, in a state where the image pickup device on the transmission side displays the authentication information on the monitor, the reception side must pick up an image with a size that allows the authentication information to be analyzed. It will force a lot of effort.

  On the other hand, in the real-time transmission mode of Patent Document 3, image data with no face is not transmitted and received and cannot be shared. In addition, when a face other than the registered user is captured, the image data is automatically transmitted, and the image capturing apparatus that has received the image data has received the user registered in the image capturing apparatus. The image data has been deleted. Therefore, when there is no intention to share image data, this processing is completely wasted, and the imaging apparatus wastes battery unnecessarily.

  Therefore, in view of such problems, the present invention has an object to provide an imaging apparatus capable of performing image data sharing processing easily or faithfully to the user's intention without forcing the user to perform complicated operations. Yes.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention receives an imaging unit that captures a subject and generates image data, and external identification information for identifying the external apparatus as an electromagnetic wave signal from the external apparatus. The communication unit, the derivation unit that derives the incident angle of the received electromagnetic wave signal, the image output unit that outputs an image based on the image data to the monitor, and the designated range within the field angle range of the imaging unit include the incident angle A target specifying unit that targets an external device specified by the external identification information as a transmission target of the image data, and the communication unit transmits the image data to the external device that is the transmission target. To do.

  A storage unit for storing the received external identification information is further provided, and the target identification unit has external identification information indicated by the electromagnetic wave signal from which the incident angle is derived even if the derived incident angle is outside the specified range. When the external identification information stored in the storage unit matches, the external device specified by the external identification information may be the transmission target.

  The storage unit further includes an information update unit that stores history information indicating a communication history with the external device specified by the external identification information in association with the external identification information, and deletes the external identification information based on the history information. May be.

  A superimposing unit that superimposes an image corresponding to the external identification information included in the electromagnetic wave signal from which the incident angle is derived at a position specified based on the incident angle in preview data for displaying an image based on the image data. May be further provided.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the image data sharing process can be performed easily or faithfully to the user's intention without forcing the user to perform complicated operations.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the schematic relationship of each apparatus which comprises an image processing system. It is the functional block diagram which showed the schematic structure of the imaging device. It is the functional block diagram which showed the schematic structure of the external device. It is a sequence diagram which shows the schematic flow of a process of an image sharing method. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the imaging device side among image sharing methods. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the preview data on which the external identification information was superimposed. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process of a superimposition part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process by the side of an external apparatus among image sharing methods. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the update process of an information update part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the image sharing process in a modification.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated. To do.

(Image sharing system 100)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic relationship between devices constituting the image sharing system 100. The image sharing system 100 includes an imaging device 110 and an external device 120 (indicated by 120a, 120b, and 120c in FIG. 1).

  The imaging device 110 captures an image of a subject, generates and stores image data, and transmits the stored image data to the external device 120 in response to a user operation input. The external device 120 receives the image data generated by the imaging device 110 from the imaging device 110, for example, a radio signal (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1) and stores it.

  For the imaging device 110 and the external device 120, electronic devices such as a digital video camera, a digital still camera, a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) including an imaging unit can be employed. .

  In the image sharing system 100 according to the present embodiment, the image data captured by the imaging device 110 can be easily shared with the external device 120 without complicated settings. Hereinafter, after describing schematic configurations of the imaging device 110 and the external device 120, a flow of image sharing processing using the imaging device 110 and the external device 120 will be described in detail.

(Imaging device 110)
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the imaging device 110. The imaging apparatus 110 includes an operation unit 140, an imaging unit 142, a data processing unit 144, a buffer unit 146, an image output unit 148, a monitor 150, a compression unit 152, an image holding unit 154, and a communication unit 156. And a storage unit 158 and a central control unit 160.

  The operation unit 140 includes operation keys including a release switch, a cross key, a joystick, and the like, and accepts a user operation input. Further, a touch panel may be provided on the display surface of the monitor 150 to be described later, and the operation unit 140 may be used.

  The imaging unit 142 is configured to receive an image pickup lens 170, a zoom lens 172 used for changing the angle of view, a focus lens 174 used for focus adjustment, an iris (aperture) 176 used for exposure adjustment, and a light beam incident through the image pickup lens 170. An image sensor 178 that performs photoelectric conversion to image data, and a drive unit 180 that drives the zoom lens 172, the focus lens 174, and the iris 176 in accordance with a control signal from the central control unit 160 are configured to capture an image of the subject. Then, image data is generated and output to the data processing unit 144.

  The data processing unit 144 performs predetermined processing on the image data output from the imaging unit 142 and outputs the processed image data to the buffer unit 146. The buffer unit 146 is configured by an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or the like, and temporarily holds image data.

  The image output unit 148 generates preview data for displaying an image based on the image data held in the buffer unit 146 on the monitor 150 and outputs the preview data to the monitor 150. The monitor 150 includes a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and the like, and displays preview data.

  The compression unit 152 encodes the image data held in the buffer unit 146 using a predetermined encoding method. The image holding unit 154 holds image data configured and encoded by an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

  The communication unit 156 includes, for example, a plurality of (at least three or more) arranged chip antennas (array antennas), a modulator / demodulator, and the like, and communicates with the external device 120 by wireless communication.

  The storage unit 158 includes an EEPROM, a flash memory, an HDD, and the like, and is self-identification information (for example, a unique number assigned to each imaging device 110) for identifying the imaging device 110 from other imaging devices in advance. ID numbers, user names, arbitrary user names, etc.) are stored. The storage unit 158 also receives the external identification information received by the communication unit 156 for identifying the external device 120 from other external devices, and the external device 120 specified by the external identification information in association with the external identification information. The history information indicating the communication history with is stored.

  The central control unit 160 manages and controls the entire imaging apparatus 110 by a semiconductor integrated circuit including a central processing unit (CPU), a ROM storing programs, a RAM as a work area, and the like. Further, the central control unit 160 functions as a derivation unit 190, a superimposition unit 192, an information update unit 194, a target identification unit 196, and a communication control unit 198.

  The deriving unit 190 derives the incident angle of the electromagnetic wave signal received by the communication unit 156 with respect to the reference plane based on an arrival direction estimation algorithm for estimating the radio wave arrival direction. Here, the reference plane is a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging unit 142 of the imaging device 110.

  As the arrival direction estimation algorithm, for example, the beam forming method for scanning the array antenna main lobe (main beam) in all directions and searching for the direction in which the output power of the array antenna increases, the eigenvalue of the correlation matrix of the received signal Further, a super resolution method using eigenvectors (for example, MUSIC: MUTiple SIgnal Classification) can be applied. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various existing arrival direction estimation algorithms can be applied.

  The superimposing unit 192 superimposes an image corresponding to the external identification information included in the electromagnetic wave signal from which the incident angle is derived, on the preview data image at a position specified based on the incident angle.

  The information update unit 194 deletes the external identification information from the storage unit 158 based on the history information stored in the storage unit 158.

  The target specifying unit 196 includes the incident angle of one or a plurality of external devices 120 derived by the deriving unit 190 in the designated range indicating part or all of the angle of view of the imaging unit 142, and the external device 120 If an electromagnetic wave signal (hereinafter referred to as a derivation source signal) from which the incident angle is derived is specified by external identification information included in the derivation source signal, the external device 120 is transmitted to an image data transmission target (hereinafter referred to as an image data transmission target) Simply referred to as a transmission target).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the designated range is the entire view angle range. For example, when the view angle range is ± 60 degrees, the designated range is within ± 30 degrees. Good.

  The communication control unit 198 controls the communication unit 156 to request the external device 120 for external identification information. At this time, the communication control unit 198 includes the own device identification information stored in the storage unit 158 in the request for external identification information to the external device 120 to be transmitted to the communication unit 156. The communication unit 156 receives the external identification information transmitted from the external device 120 as a response to the request from the external device 120 as an electromagnetic wave signal.

  Further, the communication control unit 198 controls the communication unit 156 to transmit the image data held in the image holding unit 154 and selected by the user's operation input to the external device 120 that is the transmission target.

(External device 120)
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the external device 120. The external device 120 includes an operation unit 140, an imaging unit 142, a data processing unit 144, a buffer unit 146, an image output unit 148, a monitor 150, a compression unit 152, an image holding unit 154, and a communication unit 156. And a storage unit 258 and a central control unit 160. The central control unit 160 functions as a derivation unit 190, a superimposition unit 192, an information update unit 194, a reception permission unit 296, and a communication control unit 298. Functions of the external device 120 that are substantially the same as those of the imaging device 110 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the imaging device 110 and will not be described in detail.

  The storage unit 258 is configured by an EEPROM, a flash memory, an HDD, and the like, and stores external identification information for identifying the external device 120 in advance. In addition, the storage unit 258 stores the own device identification information of the imaging device 110 received by the communication unit 156.

  The reception permission unit 296 includes the incident angle of the imaging device 110 derived by the deriving unit 190 in the designated range indicating part or all of the field angle range of the imaging unit 142, and the imaging device 110 is included in the derivation source signal. If it is specified by the own device identification information, the imaging device 110 is permitted as a transmission source of the image data.

  The communication control unit 298 controls the communication unit 156 of the external device 120 to transmit the external identification information as an electromagnetic wave signal as a response to the request for the external identification information from the imaging device 110. At this time, the communication unit 156 transmits the own device identification information included in the request from the imaging device 110 together with the external identification information.

(Image sharing method)
Next, image sharing processing using the above-described imaging device 110 and external device 120 will be described. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a schematic flow of processing of the image sharing method. Here, a detailed description of the imaging device 110 and the external device 120 will be omitted, and description will be made focusing on the transmission / reception timing of both data.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the communication control unit 198 of the imaging device 110 reads the own device identification information stored in the storage unit 158 and causes the communication unit 156 to output the wireless device identification information (S300).

  When the communication unit 156 of the external device 120 receives the device identification information (S302), the derivation unit 190 derives the incident angle of the received electromagnetic wave signal with respect to the reference plane (S304). Then, when the incident angle derived by the deriving unit 190 is included in the designated range, the reception permission unit 296 permits the imaging device 110 specified by the own device identification information included in the derived signal as a transmission source of the image data. (S306).

  The communication control unit 298 of the external device 120 reads the external identification information stored in the storage unit 258, and causes the communication unit 156 to output the wireless identification information (S308). When the communication unit 156 of the imaging device 110 receives the external identification information from the external device 120 (S310), the deriving unit 190 derives the incident angle of the electromagnetic wave signal including (transmitted) the external identification information with respect to the reference plane. (S312).

  When the incident angle is included in the designated range, the target specifying unit 196 sets the external device 120 specified by the external identification information included in the derivation source signal as a transmission target (S314).

  The communication control unit 198 controls the communication unit 156 to transmit the image data held in the image holding unit 154 and selected by the user's operation input to the external device 120 that is the transmission target (S316). When receiving the image data (S318), the external device 120 transmits to the imaging device 110 that the image data has been received (S320).

(Image sharing method on the imaging device 110 side)
Subsequently, the processing of the imaging device 110 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing on the imaging device 110 side in the image sharing method. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the communication control unit 198 reads out the own device identification information stored in the storage unit 158 and causes the communication unit 156 to output the wireless device identification information via wireless communication (S400).

  And the communication control part 198 determines whether the communication part 156 received the electromagnetic wave signal (S402). If the electromagnetic wave signal is not received (NO in S402) and the standby time has elapsed (YES in S404), the superimposing unit 192 superimposes an image informing that effect on the preview data (S406), and ends the image sharing method. . Until the standby time elapses (NO in S404), the processing from the own device identification information output step S400 is repeated.

  When the electromagnetic wave signal is received (YES in S402), the target identifying unit 196 determines whether the received electromagnetic wave signal includes external identification information and own device identification information (S408). If the external identification information and the own device identification information are not included (NO in S408), no special process is performed on the electromagnetic wave signal, and the process proceeds to transmission target selection step S422.

  Here, when external identification information is not included in the received electromagnetic wave signal, for example, the reason is that the external device 120 refuses transmission of the external identification information. In addition, when the received electromagnetic wave signal does not include the device identification information, for example, another imaging device is performing image sharing processing on the external device 120, and the communication signal is received by mistake. There are reasons such as.

  As described above, the target specifying unit 196 identifies that the external device 120 is a reply to the request for the external identification information transmitted by the imaging device 110 based on the own device identification information transmitted together with the external identification information. Therefore, the imaging device 110 can avoid a situation in which the communication signal between the external device 120 and another imaging device is mistaken as the communication signal between the imaging device 110 and the external device 120, and can safely perform image sharing processing. Is possible.

  In addition, in order to request external identification information from the imaging device 110 first, the external device 120 only has to transmit the external identification information only when the request from the imaging device 110 is confirmed. Load and power consumption can be reduced.

  When external identification information is included in the external identification information determination step S408 (YES in S408), the target identification unit 196 determines whether or not the external identification information is already stored in the storage unit 158 (S410). If stored (YES in S410), the external device 120 specified by the external identification information is set as a transmission target (S412).

  As described above, the target specifying unit 196 stores the external identification information indicated by the electromagnetic wave signal from which the incident angle is derived even when the derived incident angle is outside the specified range in the reception of the electromagnetic wave signal until the previous time. If the external identification information stored in the unit 158 matches, the external device 120 specified by the external identification information is set as a transmission target.

  Therefore, when the image capturing apparatus 110 transmits image data to the same external apparatus 120 a plurality of times, it is not necessary to perform processing for placing the external apparatus 120 in the angle of view range every time as will be described later, improving operability. it can.

  In the storage determination step S410, when the external identification information is not yet stored (NO in S410), the deriving unit 190 derives the incident angle with respect to the reference plane of the electromagnetic wave signal received by the communication unit 156 (S414).

  The target specifying unit 196 determines whether the incident angle derived by the deriving unit 190 is included in the designated range indicating part or all of the field angle range of the imaging unit 142 (S416). When the incident angle is included in the specified range (YES in S416), the external device 120 specified by the external identification information included in the derivation source signal is set as the transmission target (S418). If not included (NO in S416), no special process is performed on the electromagnetic wave signal, and the process proceeds to the transmission target selection step S422.

  As described above, the imaging apparatus 110 according to the present embodiment selects the transmission target based on the incident angle of the electromagnetic wave signal used for communication, and automatically excludes the external apparatus 120 that does not fall within the field angle range of the imaging unit 142, for example. . Therefore, the imaging device 110 can reduce the possibility of detecting the external device 120 that is not intended by the user as a transmission target candidate.

  Subsequently, the superimposing unit 192 superimposes an image corresponding to the external identification information included in the derivation source signal at a position specified based on the incident angle in the preview data (S420).

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of preview data on which external identification information is superimposed. As shown in FIG. 6A, three external devices 120a to 120c (external device 120) are within the field angle range of the imaging unit 142 of the imaging device 110, and the imaging device 110 determines which external device 120a in advance. Assume that no image data has been transmitted to .about.120c.

  Thereafter, in the transmission target determination step S418, any of the external devices 120a to 120c is set as a transmission target, and when the image superimposing step S420 is performed, the preview data corresponds to the external identification information as shown in FIG. Superimposed images are superimposed.

  The external devices 120a and 120b include user names aaa and bbb registered in advance in the external identification information, and the superimposing unit 192 superimposes the user names aaa and bbb on the preview data as external identification information. . In addition, the user name is not registered in the external device 120c or the user name is set in the external identification information of the external device 120c because the user is not set to transmit the name. Suppose it was not included. In this case, the superimposing unit 192 superimposes the ID number 1234567 on the preview data as the external identification information.

  Hereinafter, the case where the superimposing unit 192 identifies the position on the preview data corresponding to the external devices 120a to 120c based on the incident angle and superimposes the image corresponding to the external identification information will be described. However, when the number of external identification information is large, or when the incident angle cannot be specified, images corresponding to the external identification information may be displayed side by side.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the processing of the superimposing unit 192. In FIG. 7, the positional relationship between the imaging device 110 and the external devices 120a to 120c is shown from a vertical perspective. Since the image superimposition processing corresponding to the external identification information is substantially the same for all of the external devices 120a to 120c, the processing for the external device 120a will be described here, and the description of the external devices 120b and 120c will be omitted. .

  The point A indicates the position of the imaging device 110, the point B indicates the position of the external device 120a, the angle LAR indicates the field angle range of the imaging unit 142, and the line segment AM indicates the field angle range of the imaging unit 142. Located in the center of.

…（数式１） Let (x, y) be the starting position of an image leader line la (see FIG. 6B) corresponding to the external identification information of the external device 120a. Here, the origin of coordinates is the lower left corner of the preview data image. The width of the monitor 150 of the imaging apparatus 110 is defined as a width w and the height is defined as a height h. Also, assuming that the angle of view (angle LAM) of the imaging unit 142 is the angle of view φ and the horizontal incident angle (angle BAM) of the electromagnetic wave signal from the external device 120a is the incident angle θ, the coordinate x is expressed by the following Equation 1. expressed.

... (Formula 1)

…（数式２）
また、座標yは、上記数式２について、モニタ１５０の幅ｗを高さｈに、水平方向の入射角θを垂直方向に、それぞれ置き換えることで求めることができる。 In Expression 1, when the angle of view φ is represented by the focal length f, Expression 1 can be transformed into Expression 2 below. Here, it is assumed that the focal length f is fixed to a set value while the image sharing method is being performed, for example, to reduce the processing load. Also, the superimposing unit 192 may read out the focal length f when performing the above coordinate derivation process without fixing the focal length f to the set value.

... (Formula 2)
Further, the coordinate y can be obtained by replacing the width w of the monitor 150 with the height h and the horizontal incident angle θ in the vertical direction with respect to Equation 2 above.

  The superimposing unit 192 superimposes an image corresponding to the external identification information in the vicinity of the coordinate (x, y) with the coordinates (x, y) derived in this way as the start position of the lead line la as shown in FIG. . Depending on the position where the communication unit 156 is arranged inside the external device 120, the lead line la may overlap the external device 120 on the image. The superimposing unit 192 may estimate the length in which the leader line la overlaps and offset the start position of the leader line la from the coordinates (x, y).

  The superimposing unit 192 performs the same process on the external devices 120b and 120c. At this time, the overlapping position is controlled so that the respective external identification information and lead lines do not overlap.

  As described above, by performing the superimposition process on the preview data, the imaging device 110 allows the user to visually recognize the image of the external device 120 and quickly and easily grasp the external device 120 that is the transmission target. It becomes possible.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the target identifying unit 196 receives an operation input for selecting or deselecting external identification information corresponding to the external device 120 that transmits the image data (S <b> 422). At this time, the user looks at the external identification information displayed on the monitor 150, and if there is an external device 120 that has not yet been selected for the external device 120 that is desired to be transmitted, the user inputs a selection operation. If there is an external device 120 to be excluded, a selection canceling operation input is performed, and if there is none, selection and deselecting operation input is not performed. Thereafter, the transmission target selection step S422 is terminated by the user's selection end operation input.

  In the transmission target selection step S422, in the initial state before the operation input is performed, the external identification information determined as the transmission target in the transmission target determination steps S412 and S418 is selected, and the user corresponds to the intended external identification information. If it is confirmed that the image to be displayed is displayed on the monitor 150, there is no need to perform a selection operation. In this way, the imaging apparatus 110 can perform transmission of image data while suppressing the number of operation inputs by the user.

  Subsequently, the target specifying unit 196 determines whether or not the transmission target detection process end condition is satisfied (S424). Here, the end condition is, for example, 1. The communication unit 156 does not continue to receive an electromagnetic wave signal that is not included in the field angle range and exceeds the threshold value (that is, an electromagnetic wave signal that is expected to enter the field angle range is not detected). 2. 2. The number of times that the communication unit 156 has transmitted the identification information exceeds the set number of times. For example, the set time has elapsed.

  If the end condition is not satisfied (NO in S424), the process returns to the self-machine identification information output step S400. By adopting the first condition among the above-mentioned termination conditions, the image sharing method is terminated without being detected as a transmission target for the external device 120 that is about to fall within the field angle range of the imaging unit 142. You can avoid the situation.

  If the end condition is satisfied (YES in S424), the superimposing unit 192 superimposes an image notifying the user that the end condition is satisfied on the preview data and displays the image on the monitor 150 (S426). Here, the processing may be returned to the own device identification information output step S400 again by the user's operation input. At this time, if the communication direction of the communication unit 156 can be provided with directivity, for example, the imaging device 110 can be connected to the external device 120 by narrowing the communication range of the communication unit 156 by a user operation input. Detection accuracy can be improved.

  Then, the target specifying unit 196 determines whether there is any external identification information to be transmitted that is not yet stored in the storage unit 158 (S428). If there is nothing not stored (NO in S428), the process proceeds to image data selection step S432.

  If there is something that is not stored (YES in S428), the target specifying unit 196 stores the external identification information that is not stored in the storage unit 158 (S430). Then, in response to the user's operation input, the communication control unit 198 selects image data specified by the user's operation input from the image holding unit 154 (S432), controls the communication unit 156, and reads it out as a transmission target. The image data is transmitted (S434).

  After the transmission, the communication control unit 198 determines whether the communication unit 156 has received a response from the transmission target (S436). If not received (NO in S436), the communication control unit 198 determines whether or not the specified time has elapsed after transmitting the image data (S438). If not (NO in S438), the process returns to the image data transmission step S434.

  In the elapsed time determination step S438, when the specified time has elapsed (YES in S438), the superimposing unit 192 superimposes an image informing the preview data on the monitor 150 (S440), and ends the image sharing method. To do.

  If a response from the external device 120 is received in the reception determination step S436 (YES in S436), the communication control unit 198 determines whether or not the received response indicates successful reception of image data (S442). . In the reception determination step S436, when the reception is successful (YES in S442), the process is moved to the result display step S440.

  In the success determination step S442, if the received response does not indicate successful reception (NO in S442), the image data transmission / reception has failed, and the communication control unit 198 has the number of image data transmissions less than the upper limit number. It is determined whether or not (S444). If the number is less than the upper limit number (NO in S444), the process proceeds to image data transmission step S434. If the image data transmission count is equal to or greater than the upper limit count (YES in S444), the process proceeds to result display step S440.

(Image sharing method on the external device 120 side)
Next, the processing of the external device 120 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing on the external device 120 side in the image sharing method.

  The communication control unit 298 determines whether or not a request for external identification information from the imaging device 110 has been received (S500). While the external device 120 is activated, the communication control unit 298 always stands by until a request for external identification information is received (NO in S500).

  In request reception determination step S500, when communication unit 156 receives a request for external identification information (YES in S500), reception permission unit 296 has transmitted (included) the request for external identification information received by communication unit 156. For the electromagnetic wave signal, it is determined whether or not the device identification information of the imaging device 110 included in the request is already stored in the storage unit 258 (S502). If stored (YES in S502), the imaging device 110 specified by the own device identification information is permitted as a transmission source of the image data (S504).

  In the storage determination step S502, when the device identification information is not yet stored (NO in S502), the deriving unit 190 derives the incident angle of the electromagnetic wave signal received by the communication unit 156 with respect to the reference plane (S506).

  The reception permission unit 296 determines whether or not the incident angle derived by the deriving unit 190 is included in the field angle range of the imaging unit 142 (S508). If it is not included (NO in S508), the communication control unit 298 controls the communication unit 156 and does not include the external identification information (assuming that transmission of the external identification information is rejected). A response is made (S510), and the process returns to the request reception determination step S500.

  In the incident angle determination step S508, when the incident angle is included in the specified range (YES in S508), the superimposing unit 192 superimposes an image corresponding to the own device identification information on the preview data. Furthermore, the superimposing unit 192 also superimposes an image asking the user whether or not to transmit external identification information to the imaging device 110 specified by the own device identification information on the preview data (S512).

  The reception permission unit 296 determines whether or not there is an operation input that permits transmission of the external identification information (S514). If there is an operation input that permits (YES in S514), the reception permission unit 296 Is permitted as a transmission source of image data (S516).

  In operation input determination step S514, when there is no operation input permitting transmission of external identification information (NO in S514), the process proceeds to response step S510. Here, for example, the reception permission unit 296 determines that there is no operation input that permits transmission of the external identification information when there is an operation input that does not permit transmission of the external identification information or when a certain time has elapsed. .

  Subsequently, the communication control unit 298 controls the communication unit 156 to transmit a response to the request from the imaging apparatus 110 including the external identification information such as the user name and ID number stored in the storage unit 258. (S518).

  Then, the communication control unit 298 determines whether the communication unit 156 has received the image data transmitted from the imaging device 110 (S520). When the image data is received (YES in S520), the communication control unit 298 controls the communication unit 156 to transmit to the imaging apparatus 110 that the image data has been successfully received (S522), and the request reception determination step S500. Return processing to.

  If not received (NO in S520), the communication control unit 298 determines whether or not an allowable time has elapsed since the communication unit 156 transmitted a response (S524). If the allowable time has not elapsed (NO in S524), the process returns to image reception determination step S520. When the permissible time has elapsed (YES in S524), the communication control unit 298 controls the communication unit 156 to notify the imaging device 110 that the reception of the image data has failed (S526), and makes a request reception determination step S500. Return processing.

  As described above, the imaging device 110 according to the present embodiment can easily perform image data sharing processing without forcing the user to perform complicated operations. In addition, compared to a configuration in which image data is automatically transmitted without giving the user a chance of selection, the imaging apparatus 110 can select an external device 120 that does not want to share image data because the user can select a transmission target. It is possible to avoid the situation of being a transmission target. Furthermore, since the imaging device 110 does not use a special image such as a face image included in the image data for selecting the transmission target, image data that cannot detect a face such as a person is not captured with other external devices 120. It becomes possible to share.

(External identification information update process)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of update processing of the information update unit 194 of the imaging device 110. This update process is executed with a predetermined condition (for example, when the imaging apparatus 110 is activated) as an opportunity. As shown in FIG. 9, the information update unit 194 selects one external identification information stored in the storage unit 158 and not yet selected in the update process (S600), and associates it with the external identification information. The history information stored in the storage unit 158 is referred to (S602). The history information is information indicating a history of transmission of image data with the external device 120, and here is the number of times image data has been transmitted to the external device 120 and the date / time information when the image data was last transmitted.

  The information update unit 194 determines whether the total number of image data transmissions to the external device 120 is within a predetermined number (S604). If it is within the predetermined number of times (YES in S604), the process proceeds to information deletion step S608.

  In the number determination step S604, if it is not within the predetermined number of times (NO in S604), the information update unit 194 determines whether it is within the predetermined time from the time when the image data was transmitted to the external device 120 last time ( S606). If it is within the predetermined time (YES in S606), the process proceeds to selection end determination step S610.

  In the predetermined time determination step S606, when it is not within the predetermined time (NO in S606), the information update unit 194 deletes the external identification information from the storage unit 158 (S608).

  Then, the information update unit 194 determines whether or not the external identification information that has not been selected in the current update process is still stored in the storage unit 158 (S610). If stored (YES in S610), the process returns to information selection step S600. If not stored (NO in S610), the update process is terminated.

  As described above, the information update unit 194, for example, based on the history information stored in the storage unit 158, for example, the number of transmissions of image data is within a predetermined number of times, or exceeds a predetermined time since the last transmission of image data. If so, the external identification information is deleted from the storage unit 158. Therefore, for example, the free space of the storage unit 158 is not reduced by external identification information of the external device 120 of a person who has transmitted image data only once but never met after that. The imaging device 110 can efficiently use the storage unit 158.

  Here, the information update unit 194 of the imaging apparatus 110 has been described. Similarly, the information update unit 194 of the external apparatus 120 is also stored in the storage unit 258 in association with the own device identification information of the imaging apparatus 110. On the basis of the information, the self-identification information of the image pickup apparatus 110 that deletes the image data within the predetermined number of times or exceeds the predetermined time since the previous transmission of the image data is deleted from the storage unit 258. In this way, the external device 120 can efficiently use the storage unit 258.

(Modification)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining image sharing processing in a modified example. Here, the image data is transmitted in advance as described in the above-described embodiment, and the imaging apparatus 110 and the external apparatuses 120a, 120b, and 120c have already transmitted and received the own apparatus identification information and the external identification information. Thereafter, it is assumed that the automatic transmission mode is selected by a user operation input. Hereinafter, the automatic transmission mode will be described in detail.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, since the persons who are the subjects put the external devices 120a, 120b, 120c in their bags or pockets, the external devices 120a, 120b, 120c are not displayed in the preview data.

  In the automatic transmission mode, when the user has an operation input for requesting confirmation of the external devices 120a, 120b, and 120c holding the external identification information, the communication control unit 198 controls the communication unit 156 to control the external device 120a. , 120b, 120c request external identification information. At this time, the imaging device 110 does not need to know that the external devices 120a, 120b, and 120c are in the vicinity, and simply transmits its own identification information to the surroundings.

  Since the external devices 120a, 120b, and 120c already hold the own device identification information of the imaging device 110, the external devices transmit the external identification information to the imaging device 110 without requiring an operation input that permits transmission of the external identification information. To do.

  Since the external identification information received by the communication unit 156 matches the external identification information stored in the storage unit 158, the target specifying unit 196 sets the external devices 120a, 120b, and 120c as transmission targets. Then, the superimposing unit 192 of the imaging device 110 identifies the position on the preview data corresponding to the external devices 120a, 120b, and 120c based on the incident angle, and superimposes an image corresponding to the external identification information. Then, the monitor 150 displays the preview data on which the image is superimposed in a manner as shown in FIG. 10, for example. Here, as in the above-described embodiment, characters of user names aaa and bbb registered in advance are superimposed at positions corresponding to the external devices 120a and 120b, and ID numbers are displayed at positions corresponding to the external device 120c. 1234567 characters are superimposed. From this image, the user can grasp the external devices 120a, 120b, and 120c that are transmission targets of automatic transmission in the automatic transmission mode even if the external devices 120a, 120b, and 120c are not shown.

  When the image capturing unit 142 of the image capturing apparatus 110 captures a subject and generates image data, the communication unit 156 transmits the generated image data to the external device 120a without selection of the image data by a user operation input. , 120b, 120c (automatic transmission).

  As described above, by automatically transmitting the generated image data without selecting the image data based on the user's operation input, the imaging apparatus 110 can reduce the number of operation inputs that the user is forced to transmit the image data. It can be suppressed to 0 times at the minimum, and the user hardly feels the complexity of the operation when transmitting the image data.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Is done.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the external device 120 includes the imaging function has been described. However, the external device may be a storage device that does not include the imaging function but has a communication function. Also in this case, the imaging device 110 can transmit image data to an external device safely and easily. The external device includes an information updating unit 194, and the situation where the free space of the storage unit becomes small can be avoided by deleting the self-device identification information of the imaging device 110 according to the history information. It becomes.

  In addition, for example, if the external device is configured by a printing device having a storage unit, the user can easily print the image data received from the imaging device 110. Further, for example, if the external device is configured by a display device such as a display having storage means, the image data received from the imaging device 110 can be displayed on the display.

  In the above-described embodiment, the imaging device 110 is described as the image data transmission side, and the external device 120 is the image data reception side. However, the plurality of imaging devices 110 a, 110 b, and 110 c are the imaging device 110 and the image data transmission side, respectively. It may be configured to include both functions of the external device 120.

  In this case, the device identification information and the external identification information are simply referred to as identification information. For example, when transmitting image data from the imaging device 110a to the imaging devices 110b and 110c, the imaging device 110a transmits identification information of all transmission targets (imaging devices 110b and 110c) that share the image data to each transmission target. Send to. Then, since the imaging devices 110a, 110b, and 110c that once shared the image data hold each other's identification information, when the image data is transmitted / received thereafter, the imaging devices 110a, 110b, and 110c may not be included in each other's angle of view range. The transmission target and the image data transmission source are determined. Further, an operation input for permitting transmission / reception of identification information is not required, and image data can be shared without bothering the user.

  Note that each step in the image sharing method of the present specification does not necessarily have to be processed in time series in the order described in the sequence diagrams and flowcharts, and may include processing in parallel or by a subroutine.

  The present invention can be used for an imaging apparatus that shares captured image data with an external apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 ... Imaging device 120 ... External device 142 ... Imaging part 150 ... Monitor 156 ... Communication part 158 ... Storage part 190 ... Derivation part 192 ... Superimposition part 194 ... Information update part 196 ... Object specific | specification part

Claims (4)

An imaging unit that images a subject and generates image data;
A communication unit that receives external identification information as an electromagnetic wave signal for identifying the external device from the external device, and
A deriving unit for deriving the incident angle of the received electromagnetic wave signal;
An image output unit for outputting an image based on the image data to a monitor;
When the incident angle is included in the designated range within the field angle range of the imaging unit, a target specifying unit that sets the external device specified by the external identification information as a transmission target of the image data;
With
The image capturing apparatus, wherein the communication unit transmits the image data to an external apparatus to be transmitted. A storage unit for storing the received external identification information;
The target specifying unit stores the external identification information indicated by the electromagnetic wave signal from which the incident angle is derived even if the derived incident angle is outside the specified range. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the external identification information matches, the external apparatus specified by the external identification information is the transmission target. The storage unit stores history information indicating a communication history with an external device specified by the external identification information in association with the external identification information;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an information update unit that deletes the external identification information based on the history information.   In the preview data for displaying an image based on the image data, an image corresponding to the external identification information included in the electromagnetic wave signal from which the incident angle is derived at a position specified based on the incident angle The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a superimposing unit that superimposes.

Images