JP2014023077A - Imaging apparatus having radio communication function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus having convenience at selection of a connection target device through radio communication.SOLUTION: An imaging device (100), including: radio communication means (102) for radio communication with an external device; and means (123) for generating setting information to implement a network using the self-device as a main device of radio communication, further includes: means (115, 122, 123) for setting self-device identification information to identify the self-device; means (118) for storing the self-device identification information; determination means (123) for determining whether the self-device identification information is stored; according to result of the determination means; radio communication identification means (123) for generating an identifier for radio communication from the self-device identification information; and based on the generated identifier SSID for radio communication, means (102, 123) for implementing a radio network.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus equipped with a wireless communication function and a method thereof, and more particularly to settings and displays for facilitating wireless connection.

  In recent years, image data captured by a digital camera equipped with a communication function is transferred to an information device equipped with a communication function using wireless communication. It is possible to build a shared system.

  In addition, when wireless communication is performed between a digital camera and an information device using a wireless LAN, the access point function must be installed in the ad hoc mode or the digital camera in order to improve convenience rather than the infrastructure mode via the access point. Thus, it is possible to construct a wireless LAN that allows one-to-one communication between the digital camera and the information device.

  However, in order to communicate with a wireless LAN of the IEEE802.11 series, it is necessary to set an SSID (Service Set Identifier) as a network identifier of the wireless LAN for each communication device. As an SSID setting method, there is a method using a MAC address set in a communication device (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-2224070 A

  For example, in the case where the digital camera is a wireless LAN base unit, it is necessary to set the same SSID as that of the digital camera in order for the information device to wirelessly communicate with the digital camera. In this case, the information device needs to find the SSID of the digital camera to be connected from the plurality of searched wireless LAN devices by searching for other wireless LAN devices.

  However, in the prior art disclosed in the above-mentioned patent documents, since the SSID uses a MAC address that is an enumeration of the numbers of devices, it is not easy to read for humans, and it is easy to find a device to search for and connect to the SSID at a glance. Is difficult.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus capable of improving convenience for selecting a connection destination device in wireless communication.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a wireless communication means (102) for wirelessly communicating with an external device and a means for generating setting information for constructing a network using the own device as a main apparatus for wireless communication. (123) In an imaging device (100) comprising:
Means (115, 122, 123) for setting own device identification information for identifying the own device, means (118) for storing the own device identification information, and whether the own device identification information is stored Determination means (123) for determining the wireless communication identification means (123) for generating an identifier for wireless communication from the device identification information according to the result of the determination means, and the generated identifier for wireless communication It has a means (102, 123) which constructs | assembles a wireless network based on SSID.

The photographing apparatus (100) includes a wireless communication means (102) for wirelessly communicating with an external device, and a means (123) for generating setting information for constructing a network using the own apparatus as a main apparatus for wireless communication. )
Means (115, 122, 123) for setting own apparatus identification information for identifying the own apparatus, storage means (118) for storing the own apparatus identification information, and the own apparatus identification stored in the storage means Means (123) for adding information to the image data, determination means (123) for determining whether or not the own device identification information is stored, and wireless communication from the own device identification information according to a result of the determination means Wireless communication identifying means (123) for generating a wireless identifier and means (102, 123) for constructing a wireless network based on the generated wireless communication identifier SSID.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the imaging device which can improve the convenience for selecting the apparatus of a connection destination in radio | wireless communication can be provided.

1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the system configuration | structure in 1st embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the setting screen of the nickname in 1st embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the connection setting screen of wireless LAN in 1st embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the connection setting of the wireless LAN in 1st embodiment of this invention (A) is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the image data image | photographed with the imaging device, (b) is a figure which shows an example of metadata. (A) is a diagram showing a registration menu for owner information and copyright information, and (b) is a diagram showing a screen for a registration menu for camera owner names. Wireless LAN connection setting flowchart

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of an imaging apparatus main body 100 such as a digital camera.

  Reference numeral 123 denotes a main microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a main microcomputer) that controls the image pickup apparatus main body, and performs power control, switch control, lens control, photometry, distance measurement control, shutter control, wireless communication control, and the like. Do.

  The main microcomputer 123 includes a power supply circuit 119, release buttons SW1 and SW2 for instructing the start of the release with a two-stage stroke, and an operation member 122 which is a switch array such as a menu button for operating a GUI (graphical user interface) to be described later. The oscillation circuit 125, the wireless communication circuit 102, the focus detection circuit 103, the photometry circuit 104, the LCD drive circuit 105, the mirror control circuit 107, the shutter control circuit 108, the motor control circuit 109, the image processing engine 124, and the like are connected. The interchangeable photographic lens transmits signals through a lens microcomputer 126, which is a microcomputer that performs a lens control circuit disposed in the lens, and a mount contact. The wireless communication circuit 102 is a circuit that controls a wireless LAN such as IEEE802.11b or IEEE802.11g.

  The focus detection circuit 103 performs accumulation control and readout control of the distance measuring sensor in accordance with the signal from the main microcomputer 123, outputs each pixel information to the main microcomputer 123, and performs focus detection by a known phase difference detection method. Do. The main microcomputer 123 performs focus adjustment (AF) of the lens by exchanging signals with the lens microcomputer 126 based on the focus detection information.

  The photometric circuit 104 outputs the luminance signal output from the photometric sensor to the main microcomputer 123 as the luminance signal of the subject, and performs exposure calculations such as calculation of a known aperture value and calculation of the shutter speed (AE).

  The shutter control circuit 108 controls the two shutter drive magnets constituting the focal plane shutter according to the signal from the main microcomputer 123, runs the shutter curtain, and performs the exposure operation.

  SW1 is turned on by the first stroke of the release button and serves as a switch for starting AE and AF. SW2 is turned on by the second stroke of the release button and serves as a switch for starting an exposure operation. The main microcomputer 123 detects signals from SW1 and SW2 and other camera operation members.

  The LCD drive circuit 105 controls the in-viewfinder LCD 106 according to a signal from the main microcomputer 123.

  The image processing engine 124 is a processor that mainly performs digital image processing, and performs various controls in cooperation with the main microcomputer 123. The image processing engine 124 performs accumulation control and readout control of the imaging sensor 111 via a timing generator (TG) 112. The read image signal is analog-to-digital converted by the AD converter 113 and is subjected to development processing such as known color interpolation processing, white balance processing, and gamma processing, and finally converted into digital image data such as JPEG and volatilized. Is temporarily stored in the DRAM 117 which is a volatile memory. Further, a quick review is displayed on the display device 115, and the image data is recorded on the recording medium 116 as a file.

  The display device 115 also displays a menu screen for setting the imaging device 100 by the user's operation, and uses the operation member 112 to set various settings of the imaging device and settings of the wireless LAN described in the present embodiment. It is configured to be able to do. Reference numeral 118 denotes a nonvolatile memory capable of recording various data and a program for controlling the imaging apparatus.

  Further, the imaging apparatus 100 can communicate with other imaging apparatuses and communication apparatuses on a network using the wireless communication circuit 102. The imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is connected to other imaging apparatuses and information apparatuses via a wireless LAN.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the system in the present embodiment. FIG. 2A shows a case where the imaging device 100 and the portable information device 200 construct a wireless LAN via wireless communication. In the present embodiment, the image data captured by the image capturing apparatus 100 is configured to be viewable from the information apparatus 200 via wireless communication using the viewing software incorporated in the information apparatus 200. In the present embodiment, the case of the information apparatus 200 as a connection destination of the imaging apparatus 100 will be described, but an imaging apparatus similar to the imaging apparatus 100 may be used as the connection destination. In this case, a system that transmits / receives image data to / from each other between the imaging devices can be considered.

  Here, in order for the imaging device 100 and the information device 200 to be connected via a wireless LAN, communication cannot be performed only by each device having a wireless communication circuit, and settings for performing wireless communication are possible. Usually, the following settings are required. These are the SSID that is the network identifier of the wireless LAN, encryption settings for preventing leakage, settings for channels, and the like. In addition, various settings are required as to which of an infrastructure mode, an ad hoc mode, or a mode in which the imaging apparatus 100 operates as an access point, which will be described in the present embodiment, is used as a communication method.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to set and store a nickname for the imaging device 100 in order to identify the imaging device 100. The nickname for identifying the imaging device is identification information for identifying the imaging device on the network that is highly readable by the user. In the present embodiment, the nickname is used on the information device 200 to which the imaging device 100 is connected. This is used for recognizing the imaging apparatus 100. Normally, each device is identified on the network by a unique MAC address. However, it is not realistic for the user to recognize each device by the MAC address. Therefore, when the user operates the operation member 122, a wireless LAN setting menu is displayed on the display device 115, and a nickname can be set.

  FIG. 3A shows a wireless LAN setting menu. On this screen, in addition to various settings related to the wireless LAN, nicknames can be set.

  Reference numeral 301 denotes a menu for performing wireless LAN connection settings, various parameters necessary for wireless LAN connection, settings for selecting the image capturing apparatus 100 as a wireless LAN parent device and slave device, connection with a connection destination device, and registration. This is a menu for giving instructions. Reference numeral 302 denotes a connection / disconnection menu, which is a menu for instructing connection of a wireless LAN with already registered contents. That is, various parameters set in the connection setting menu 301 and devices registered as connection destinations can be made by instructing connection from the connection / disconnection menu 302.

  A nickname registration menu 303 is a menu for performing an instruction to set / change the nickname of the imaging apparatus 100. When the nickname registration menu 303 is selected by the user, the nickname registration menu is displayed.

  FIG. 3B shows a nickname registration menu screen. A nickname display unit 304 displays the current nickname of the imaging apparatus 100. Reference numeral 305 denotes a software keyboard for inputting alphanumeric characters, and the cursor is moved by the operation member 122 to instruct arbitrary character input. When the nickname input is completed and OK of 306 is pressed, the nickname of the imaging device 100 input to the nickname display unit 304 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 118. In the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming that “Family Camera” is set as the nickname. When the cancel button 307 is pressed, the registration of the nickname is stopped and the screen shifts to the wireless LAN setting menu shown in FIG.

  If the nickname is not set when the wireless LAN setting menu is selected and displayed by the user's operation, the screen may be changed to the screen of FIG. 3B to prompt the user to set the nickname. Good.

  Next, the wireless LAN connection setting in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the user selects the connection setting menu 301 shown in FIG. 3B, the connection setting menu shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. First, when the connection setting menu is entered, as shown in FIG. 4A, the imaging apparatus 100 is activated as an access point mode (401) as a wireless connection, or connected to access points (not shown) around the imaging apparatus 100. The wireless LAN mode selection screen for selecting whether to start in the infrastructure mode (402) to be displayed is displayed. The following embodiments will be described assuming that the access point mode (401) is selected.

  When OK (403) is pressed while the access point mode is selected, a setting selection screen shown in FIG. 4B is displayed. On this screen, it is possible to select a simple setting mode (405) in which various parameters necessary for wireless LAN connection are automatically set by the main microcomputer 123 and a manual setting mode (406) in which the user can make arbitrary settings. In the present embodiment, a case where the simple setting mode (405) is selected will be described.

  In addition, the screen displays the contents automatically set for various parameters necessary for wireless LAN connection, and the nickname “Family Camera” input by the user is set as the SSID as the SSID as described in FIG. Is displayed (407). Here, when the nickname is not registered by the user, it may be configured to prompt the user to set the nickname by transitioning to FIG.

  When the user presses OK (408), the wireless communication circuit 102 is activated so that the imaging apparatus 100 operates as a wireless LAN access point with the contents indicated by 407 according to an instruction from the main microcomputer 123. Then, the screen transits to a connection standby screen shown in FIG. 4C and waits for connection processing to be performed from the information device 200 that is the connection destination to the imaging device 100.

  The information apparatus 200 connects to the wireless LAN by a predetermined operation. However, since the method differs depending on the device, details are not described in this embodiment. As an example, FIG. 2B shows a state where a result of searching for a wireless network by the information device 200 is displayed on the screen. The user can perform a wireless LAN connection procedure by selecting a connection destination from the list. In the present embodiment, “Family Camera” is the SSID of the imaging device 100, and therefore the information device 200 can perform the connection procedure of the imaging device 100 LAN by selecting the wireless network of “Family Camera”. After the wireless LAN connection is completed, processing for registering the imaging device 100 and each other device as a connection destination by activating browsing software for browsing the image data stored in the imaging device 100 on the information device 200 ( This process is called “pairing”). In addition, since the technique of the pairing process is known, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the pairing is completed, the imaging apparatus 100 transitions to the screen of FIG. 4D and completes the connection with the information apparatus 200.

  Next, the flow of wireless LAN connection setting in the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the connection setting menu is selected by a user operation, the main microcomputer 123 determines whether or not the access point mode is selected as the wireless LAN mode (S501). When determining that the access point mode has been selected, the main microcomputer 123 displays a setting selection screen on the display device 115 (S502). Next, the main microcomputer 123 reads the nickname recorded in the nonvolatile memory 118 (S503). An SSID is generated from the read nickname so as to have a maximum of 32 characters, and is set to be used by the wireless communication circuit 102 (S504). In this embodiment, the alphanumeric characters that can be used for the nickname are set to be the same as the alphanumeric characters that can be used for the SSID. The number of characters in the nickname may be limited to 32 characters. Subsequently, the main microcomputer 123 determines a channel to be used in the wireless communication circuit 102, generates an encryption key, and sets it (S505). Since channel determination and encryption key generation techniques are known, description thereof will be omitted. Next, the main microcomputer 123 determines whether or not the simple setting mode is selected (S506). If it is determined that the simple setting mode has been selected, the main microcomputer 123 controls the wireless communication circuit 102 to operate the imaging device 100 as an access point of the wireless LAN, and displays a connection standby screen on the display device 115 (S507). Subsequently, the main microcomputer 123 makes a wireless connection with the information device 200 that is the connection destination, and determines whether pairing is completed (S508). When the pairing connection is completed, a connection completion screen is displayed (S509), and a series of wireless LAN connection settings are terminated.

  If it is determined in step S501 that the infrastructure mode has been selected, the process advances to step S510 to perform wireless LAN connection settings in accordance with the infrastructure mode. As the wireless LAN connection setting in the infrastructure mode, for example, a result of searching for an access point is displayed on the display device 115, an arbitrary access point is selected by a user operation, and connection processing is performed. Since details are known techniques, description thereof is omitted in this embodiment.

  If it is determined in step S506 that the manual connection mode is selected, the process proceeds to step S511, and the user can arbitrarily set various parameters necessary for wireless LAN connection such as SSID, channel, and encryption key using the operation member 122. Proceed to the manual setting process. At this time, the SSID generated from the nickname may be shown as an initial value to the user as in the simple setting as the SSID.

  In the above embodiment, the nickname “Family Camera” is used as the SSID. However, a configuration may be provided in which “Family Camera” is changed when it is detected that the device is already used by another device. .

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the imaging apparatus 100 controls as an access point of the wireless LAN, the nickname set in the imaging apparatus 100 to identify the imaging apparatus 100 is an identifier on the wireless LAN network. A configuration that can be used even with a certain SSID. With this configuration, the user does not need to set an SSID, and when performing a wireless LAN connection between the imaging device 100 and the information device 200, the user can easily select the imaging device 100 that is the target access point on the information device 200. And can be connected.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the imaging apparatus operates as an access point has been described. Needless to say, however, the imaging apparatus 100 and the information apparatus 200 can be appropriately adapted to a wireless LAN connection in an ad hoc mode.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary.

  Next, a second embodiment in the imaging apparatus of the present invention will be described. In addition, since the principal part structure of the imaging device 100 in this embodiment is the same as that of 1st embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is a modification of the SSID generation method described in the first embodiment, and the differences will be described.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of image data captured by the imaging apparatus 100. The image data 600 includes an image data body 601 composed of a still image or a moving image and metadata 602.

  FIG. 6B shows an example of metadata. The metadata includes the shooting date and time, the camera owner name indicating the owner of the imaging apparatus 100, copyright information indicating the copyright of the image data, and the like.

  In this embodiment, data such as the camera owner name and copyright information can be registered by the user operating the operation member 122.

  FIG. 7A shows a registration menu for owner information and copyright information.

  Reference numeral 701 denotes a menu for registering the owner name of the camera, and a menu for giving an instruction to register / change the owner name of the imaging apparatus 100. Reference numeral 702 denotes a menu for registering the copyright owner name, and a menu for giving an instruction to register / change the copyright owner name. Reference numeral 703 denotes a menu for giving an instruction to register / change copyright information. The registered information is added as metadata to the image data captured by the imaging apparatus 100.

  FIG. 7B shows a registration menu screen for the camera owner name. When the camera owner name input menu 701 is selected by the user, it is displayed. A camera owner name display unit 704 displays the current camera owner name of the imaging apparatus 100. Reference numeral 705 denotes a software keyboard for inputting alphanumeric characters, and the operation member 122 moves the cursor to instruct an arbitrary character input. When the input of the camera owner name is completed and OK of 706 is pressed, the camera owner name input to the camera owner name display unit 704 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 118. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that “Taro” is set as the camera owner name. If the cancel button 707 is pressed, the registration of the camera owner name is canceled, and the screen shifts to the owner information / copyright information registration menu shown in FIG.

  Note that registration is possible in the same manner as the registration of the copyright owner name, copyright information, and camera owner name.

  Next, the flow of wireless LAN connection setting in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the connection setting menu is selected by a user operation, the main microcomputer 123 determines whether or not the access point mode is selected as the wireless LAN mode (S801). When determining that the access point mode has been selected, the main microcomputer 123 displays a setting selection screen on the display device 115 (S802). Next, the main microcomputer 123 determines whether the camera owner name is stored in the nonvolatile memory 118 (S803). If it is determined that the camera owner name is stored, the main microcomputer 123 reads the camera owner name from the nonvolatile memory 118 (S804). An SSID is generated from the read camera owner name so as to have a maximum of 32 characters, and set to be used by the wireless communication circuit 102 (S805). In this embodiment, the alphanumeric characters that can be used for the camera owner name are set to be the same as the alphanumeric characters that can be used for the SSID. The number of characters in the camera owner name may be limited to 32 characters. Subsequently, the main microcomputer 123 determines a channel to be used in the wireless communication circuit 102, generates an encryption key, and sets it (S806). Next, the main microcomputer 123 determines whether or not the simple setting mode is selected (S807). If it is determined that the simple setting mode has been selected, the main microcomputer 123 controls the wireless communication circuit 102 to operate the imaging device 100 as an access point of the wireless LAN, and displays a connection standby screen on the display device 115 (S808). Subsequently, the main microcomputer 123 determines whether or not the connection from the information device 200 that is the connection destination is completed (S809). When the connection is completed, a connection completion screen is displayed (S810), and a series of wireless LAN connection settings are terminated.

  If the main microcomputer 123 determines in step S803 that the camera owner name is not stored in the nonvolatile memory 118, it determines whether the copyright owner name is stored (S812). If it is determined that the copyright owner name is stored, the main microcomputer 123 reads the copyright owner name from the nonvolatile memory 118 (S813). An SSID is generated from the read copyright owner name so as to have a maximum of 32 characters and set to be used by the wireless communication circuit 102 (S805). The following is the same. If the main microcomputer 123 determines in step S812 that the copyright owner name is not stored, the main microcomputer 123 generates an SSID from the individual number or the like of the imaging apparatus 100 (S805). In addition, you may comprise so that a user may set arbitrary SSID.

  Since the processing flow of S811 and S814 not described below is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the imaging apparatus 100 is controlled as a wireless LAN access point, the camera owner name or the copyright owner name set in the imaging apparatus 100 to identify the imaging apparatus 100 is identified. Is configured to be usable even with an SSID that is an identifier on a wireless LAN network. That is, the SSID is usually generated from information set by the user for the purpose of adding it to the image data as metadata. Since this information is easy for the user to recognize and it is not necessary to set the SSID anew, when the wireless LAN connection is made between the imaging device 100 and the information device 200, the information can be easily set on the information device 200. It is possible to select and connect the imaging device 100 as an access point.

  In the present embodiment, although both the camera owner name and the copyright owner name are registered, it goes without saying that only one of them can be appropriately applied.

  In addition to the above information, it is needless to say that the present invention can be appropriately applied to a configuration in which information set for identifying an imaging device or image data is used for the SSID.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and change are possible within the range of the summary.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Imaging device 101 Wireless antenna 102 Wireless communication circuit 111 Imaging sensor 115 TFT display device 116 Recording medium 117 DRAM
118 FROM
122 Operation member 123 Microcomputer 124 Image processing engine

Claims (5)

In a photographing apparatus (100) comprising wireless communication means (102) for wirelessly communicating with an external device, and means (123) for generating setting information for constructing a network using the own device as a main apparatus for wireless communication ,
Means (115, 122, 123) for setting own machine identification information for identifying the own machine, means (118) for storing the own machine identification information, and whether the own machine identification information is stored Determination means (123) for determining the wireless communication identification means (123) for generating an identifier for wireless communication from the device identification information according to the result of the determination means, and the generated identifier for wireless communication An imaging apparatus comprising means (102, 123) for constructing a wireless network based on an SSID.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the own device identification information is a nickname. In a photographing apparatus (100) comprising wireless communication means (102) for wirelessly communicating with an external device, and means (123) for generating setting information for constructing a network using the own device as a main apparatus for wireless communication ,
Means (115, 122, 123) for setting own apparatus identification information for identifying the own apparatus, storage means (118) for storing the own apparatus identification information, and the own apparatus identification stored in the storage means Means (123) for adding information to the image data, determination means (123) for determining whether or not the own device identification information is stored, and wireless communication from the own device identification information according to a result of the determination means An imaging apparatus comprising: wireless communication identifying means (123) for generating a wireless identifier; and means (102, 123) for constructing a wireless network based on the generated wireless communication identifier SSID.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the self-machine identification information is owner information indicating an owner of the imaging apparatus 100. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the self-machine identification information is copyright information indicating a copyright owner of image data.