JP2014103685A - Information transmission system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information transmission system capable of transmitting information simply and in an easy-to-understand manner even when a photographer is concentrated on a subject underwater.SOLUTION: The information transmission system has a camera 10 having an imaging section which images a subject image to output image data and a waterproofing protector 30 storing the camera 10 water-tightly, in which an acceleration detection section 7 which detects acceleration applied to the camera 10 itself, a sound wave transmission section 31 which externally transmits sound wave and a sound wave transmission control section 1b which changes a sound wave pattern on the basis of the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection section 7 are arranged. The sound wave transmission section 31, when generating a signal according to the sound wave pattern changed by the sound wave transmission control section 1b and transmitting the sound wave based on the generated signal to another camera 10, allows another camera 10 or the like to generate an image for transmitting the information and combines the generated image with the subject image displayed in another camera 10 to display the image.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information transmission system, and more particularly, to an information transmission system that facilitates information exchange for communication underwater.

  In recent years, imaging devices such as cameras have been marketed in which a waterproof function is improved and a waterproof function is provided so as not to break down even if dropped in water. Various underwater cameras that can be used underwater have also been proposed. Underwater, scenery different from land spreads, and the enjoyment of users is increasing.

  However, underwater diving may not be aware of the danger if the photographer concentrates on the subject due to various problems such as water pressure and oxygen. Moreover, if the staying time in water becomes long, in addition to the problem of breathing, there is a risk of receiving various damages due to water pressure, such as diving diseases. Therefore, various underwater communication devices using sound waves have been proposed with other divers, instructors and the like for underwater diving. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication device that detects a distance to a partner machine and controls a transmission output in accordance with the distance.

JP 2009-272980 A

  By using sound waves, communication can be performed efficiently even in water. However, in the communication device disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, since the transmitted information is converted into voice, the information cannot be transmitted in an easy-to-understand manner. In particular, when underwater shooting is performed, if there is a concentration on the subject, there is a risk of overlooking the information transmission.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an information transmission system capable of easily and easily transmitting information even when a photographer concentrates on the subject underwater. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information transmission system according to a first invention includes an imaging device having an imaging unit that captures a subject image and outputs image data, and a waterproof protector that stores the imaging device in a watertight manner. An information transmission system in which the imaging device and another imaging device are communicably connected to each other. The imaging device includes an acceleration detection unit that detects acceleration applied to the imaging device itself, and is waterproof. The protector is provided with a sound wave transmission unit that transmits sound waves to the outside, and at least one of the imaging device and the waterproof protector transmits a sound wave that changes a sound wave pattern based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit. A control unit is arranged, and the sound wave transmission unit of the waterproof protector generates a signal corresponding to the sound wave pattern changed by the sound wave transmission control unit. When a sound wave based on the generated signal is transmitted to the other imaging device, the transmitted sound wave pattern generates an image for transmitting information to the other imaging device or another waterproof protector. An information transmission system, wherein the generated image is combined and displayed on a subject image displayed in at least one of the display units of the other imaging device or the other waterproof protector.

In the information transmission system according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the sound wave oscillation control unit determines whether or not it is a shake operation based on the acceleration, and when it is determined that the shake operation is performed, The sound wave pattern to be transmitted to the other imaging device or the other waterproof protector is changed according to the speed of the shake operation.
The information transmission system according to a third aspect is the information transmission system according to the first aspect, wherein the sound wave transmission control unit determines the trajectory of the imaging apparatus itself based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit, Based on the sound wave pattern is changed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information transmission system according to the third aspect, the imaging apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores character pattern information for analyzing a character pattern, and the sound wave transmission unit control unit Changes the sound wave pattern according to the determined character pattern information when the trajectory of the imaging device itself corresponds to the character pattern information.
The information transmission system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the information transmission system according to the fourth aspect, wherein the imaging device further includes an operation member, and the sound wave transmission control unit is configured as described above when the operation member is not operated. A trajectory of a portion not corresponding to the trajectory of the character pattern information is not configured.

  The information transmission system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the information transmission system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the sound wave transmission control unit detects that the imaging device itself has been moved in the optical axis direction by the acceleration detection unit of the imaging device. At this time, when the system comprising the image pickup device and the waterproof protector has finished drawing the trajectory for one character, the other image pickup device or the other waterproof protector is passed through the sound wave transmitting portion of the waterproof protector. To communicate.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information transmission system according to the first aspect, the waterproof protector further receives a sound wave based on the image data and receives a sound wave and converts it into a sound wave signal. A sound wave receiving unit, and the imaging device generates a display image for analyzing the sound wave signal converted by the sound wave receiving unit to be combined with the subject image, and is displayed on the display unit. And a display control unit that synthesizes and displays the display image on the subject image.

  In an information transmission system according to an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect, the display control unit of the imaging device determines whether a tap operation has been performed based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit. If it is determined that the tap operation has been performed, the image combined with the subject image is enlarged.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information transmission system capable of easily and easily transmitting information even when a photographer concentrates on a subject underwater.

It is a block diagram which shows mainly an electrical structure of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure and operation | movement of the acceleration detection part of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a perspective view which shows the structure of an acceleration sensor, (b) (c) is an acceleration sensor. It is a graph which shows signal output, (d) is the perspective view which showed arrangement | positioning of the acceleration sensor in a camera, and was seen from the camera front side, (e) is the perspective view which looked at the camera from the front side. . FIG. 2 shows a use state of the camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention, (a) shows a state in which two cameras are used in water, and (b) to (d) show display states of the display unit of the camera. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the camera control of the camera concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. The use state of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) shows a mode that two cameras are used underwater, (b) is a figure which shows the display state of the display part of a camera. (C) and (d) are diagrams showing the gripping state of the camera during use. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the camera control of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the character transmission operation | movement of the camera concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows mainly an electrical structure of the camera concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The camera concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention and the waterproof protector which accommodates this camera are shown, (a) is an external appearance perspective view, (b) is sectional drawing in the state which accommodated the camera in the waterproof protector.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment will be described using a camera to which the present invention is applied according to the drawings. A camera according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a digital camera, and includes an imaging unit. The imaging unit converts the subject image into image data. Based on the converted image data, the subject image is converted to the main body. Live view is displayed on the display unit on the back. The photographer determines the composition and the photo opportunity by observing the live view display. During the release operation, image data is recorded on the recording medium. The image data recorded on the recording medium can be reproduced and displayed on the display unit when the reproduction mode is selected.

  The configuration of the camera 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described using the block diagram shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, two cameras 10 are shown, but both have the same configuration. The camera 10 includes an image processing and control unit 1, an imaging unit 2, a strobe 3, a recording unit 4, a water pressure detection unit 5, a switch unit 6, an acceleration detection unit 7, a display unit 8, a clock unit 9, a sound wave transmission unit 11, and a sound wave. The receiving unit 12 is configured.

  The imaging unit 2 includes a photographic lens 2a (see FIG. 2E), an exposure control unit such as a shutter, an imaging device, a drive and readout circuit for the imaging device, and the like, and captures a subject image formed by the photographic lens 2a. It is converted into image data by the element and output. In this specification, the image data is not limited to the image signal output from the image sensor, but is the image data processed by the image processing and control unit 1, the image data recorded in the recording unit 4, and the like. Also used.

  The image processing and control unit 1 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and peripheral hardware circuits, and the entire camera 10 according to a program stored in a storage unit such as a flash ROM (not shown). Control the sequence. The image processing and control unit 1 includes a display control unit 1a and a sound wave transmission control unit 1b.

  The display control unit 1a performs live view display of the subject image on the display unit 8 based on the image data output from the imaging unit 2, and reads out and reproduces the image data recorded in the recording unit 4. Control the display of images. Further, the display control unit 1a analyzes the pattern of the sound wave received by the sound wave receiving unit 12, and performs display on the display unit 8 based on the analysis result. At the time of display, an image based on the analysis result is synthesized and displayed on the subject image for live view display. Further, when the display control unit 1a determines that the tap operation has been performed based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit 7, the display control unit 1a displays an enlarged image based on the analysis of the sound wave.

  The sound wave transmission control unit 1 b changes the pattern of sound waves transmitted from the sound wave transmission unit 11 according to the movement applied to the camera 10 based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit 7. The image processing and control unit 1 also performs various types of image processing on the image data input from the imaging unit 2, such as white balance, color correction, live view display image generation, moving image generation, image compression / decompression, and the like. Perform image processing.

  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 still image and moving image image data output from the imaging unit 2 and subjected to image processing by the image processing and control unit 1 together with accompanying data. 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 water pressure detection unit 5 detects the water pressure and outputs the detection result to the image processing and control unit 1. Based on this detection result, it can be determined whether the camera 10 exists in water. Instead of the water pressure detection unit 5, an underwater detection unit that detects underwater using a change in conductivity in water may be provided.

  The switch unit 6 includes various mechanical operation members such as a release button 6a (see FIG. 2 (e)), a power button 6b (see FIG. 2 (e)), a playback button, a menu button, and the like disposed on the exterior of the camera 10. The switch unit 6 determines an operation state of a switch or the like interlocked with these operation members, and outputs the determination result to the image processing and control unit 1.

  The acceleration detection unit 7 includes an acceleration sensor arranged in the camera 10 and a driver thereof, and detects vibration applied to the camera 10. The vibration detection result is output to the image processing and control unit 1 and used for the vibration isolation operation. Further, in order to communicate underwater, the locus of a movement (shake operation) when the photographer intentionally moves the camera 10 is detected. Moreover, the acceleration detection part 5 can also detect the acceleration which generate | occur | produces instantaneously when a user taps the camera 10 (tap). Based on this tap operation, the camera 10 inputs an instruction from the photographer. The detailed configuration and operation of the acceleration detector 7 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The display unit 8 is connected to the image processing and control unit 1 and has a monitor such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL arranged on the back surface of the main body. The display unit 8 performs live view display, REC view display at the time of shooting, and recording. Display of recorded images recorded in the unit 4 and a control screen such as a menu screen are displayed.

  The strobe 3 is an auxiliary light source disposed in the upper right of the front surface of the camera 10 (see FIG. 2E), and compensates for exposure with auxiliary light in an environment where the amount of light is insufficient, such as indoors or underwater. In an environment where the red wavelength is attenuated, such as in water, the original color can be drawn by shooting with the strobe 3 emitting light.

  The sound wave transmission unit 11 outputs sound waves to the outside in a pattern according to the control signal from the sound wave transmission control unit 1b. Here, the sound wave transmission unit 11 generates a carrier wave signal, a circuit that generates a signal to be transmitted (a signal corresponding to the above-described pattern), and a modulation that generates an amplitude-modulated wave based on the carrier wave and the signal to be transmitted. A circuit, a transmission amplifier that amplifies the amplitude-modulated wave, a transducer such as an ultrasonic transducer driven by the amplified amplitude-modulated wave, and the like.

  The sound wave receiving unit 12 receives a sound wave transmitted from the outside, converts it into an electrical signal, and outputs the converted sound wave signal to the image processing and control unit 1. The sound wave receiving unit 12 receives a sound wave transmitted from another camera 10 and converts it into an electric signal, a transducer such as an ultrasonic transducer, a reception amplifier that amplifies the sound wave signal converted into the electric signal, and the amplified signal It has an ALC circuit having an ALC function for amplifying a sound wave signal to a certain level, a demodulation circuit for detecting a signal from the ALC circuit, a filter circuit for passing a necessary frequency component, and the like.

  The sound wave used in the present embodiment may be 8 KHz that can be used in an underwater telephone, and may be about 50 KHz that is used in a fish finder or the like when using ultrasonic waves. Since it does not use reflection like a fish finder, a small output is sufficient, and there is no need to narrow the directivity.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the acceleration detector 7 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the vibration applied to the camera 10 is detected based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor that constitutes the acceleration detection unit 7, and whether or not the photographer performs the shake operation and the photographer performs the tap operation. The operation such as whether or not has been performed is determined. Here, the shake operation is an operation in which the photographer shakes the camera 10 left and right. The tap operation is an operation in which the photographer strikes the surface of the camera 10 and refers to an operation that gives an impact to the camera 10 when the photographer strikes it. Further, it is also determined based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor whether or not an operation for pushing in the direction of the optical axis of the photographing lens 2a of the imaging unit 2 has been performed.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the acceleration sensor of the acceleration detection unit 7 includes fixed metal portions 62a and 62b on the chip surface and a cross-linked metal portion 61, and is manufactured by, for example, a MEMS process. . The metal part 61 includes four base points 61a, an H-shaped bridging part 61b held by the base point 61a, and a movable part 61c opposed to the fixed metal parts 62a and 62b. The acceleration sensor detects the capacitance of a capacitor composed of the movable part 61c and the fixed metal parts 62a and 62b.

  When vibration is applied to the camera 10 and a shake operation, a tap operation, or the like is performed, the direction in which gravity is applied is changed, so that the movable portion 61c is bent and changed, and the capacitance of the capacitor is changed. When the metal part 61 moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2A, the capacitance of the capacitor changes. By obtaining this amount of change, the acceleration α in the direction of the arrow can be detected.

  When force is applied to the camera 10 due to vibration or the like and the camera 10 moves in each direction, the acceleration sensor outputs signals as shown in FIGS. That is, when moving in one direction at time t1, the signal changes in a pulse shape to the plus side from the steady state as shown in FIG. 2B, and when moving in the other direction at time t2, it is illustrated. Thus, the signal changes in a pulse shape to the minus side from the steady state. Further, when moving in the other direction first, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the signal changes in the negative direction at time t3, and when moving in one direction at time t4, the signal becomes pulsed in the positive direction. Change.

  In addition, the example illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C shows a signal change when the tap operation is performed. The frequency of the signal waveform when the shake operation is performed is lower than the signal waveform shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, and the peak value is lower. Therefore, based on the frequency of the signal waveform and the magnitude of the peak value, it can be determined whether a shake operation or a tap operation has been performed.

  In this way, based on whether the acceleration α is positive or negative, the direction in which the camera 10 has moved, whether the shake operation has been performed based on the frequency, peak value, etc. of the signal waveform, tap operation Can be determined. In the present embodiment, an acceleration sensor is provided in the camera 10 so that it can be detected whether it has moved up and down, left and right (X direction), or back and forth (Z direction). As shown in 2 (d), they are arranged along three directions.

  FIG. 2D is a perspective view seen from the front side of the camera 10, and acceleration sensors 150x, 150y, and 150z are arranged at three locations in the main body of the camera 10, and accelerations in three directions of the XYZ axes (αx , Αy, αz) is shown. In the camera 10, acceleration sensors 150x, 150y, and 150z are arranged. The acceleration sensor 150x is arranged on the upper part of the camera 10 in a direction for detecting the acceleration αx in the width direction (longitudinal direction of the camera). The acceleration sensor 150y is arranged in a direction to detect the vertical acceleration αy. The acceleration sensor 150z is arranged in a direction to detect the acceleration αz in the thickness direction of the camera 10 (the same direction as the optical axis direction of the photographing lens 2a of the imaging unit 2).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2E, the sound wave receiving unit 12 is arranged on the right side when viewed from the front side of the camera 10. That is, the photographic lens 2a is arranged in the center of the main body of the camera 10, the sound wave receiving unit 12 is arranged in the main body on the right side, and the sound wave transmitting unit 11 is arranged in the main body on the left side. As shown in FIG. 2D, since the photographer normally holds the main body of the camera 10 with the right hand 20R, the sound wave receiving unit 12 is set to prevent the sound wave receiving unit 12 from being covered with the right hand 20R. Located on the right side. When the body of the camera 10 is gripped by the right hand 20R, the sound wave transmission unit 11 is covered by the right hand 20R, but when transmitting the sound wave signal, the position of the right hand 20R may be shifted so that the sound wave transmission unit 11 is not covered by the right hand 20R. Good.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a case where divers communicate with each other using the camera according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, the diver 20A in the water observes the display unit 8a of the camera 10a and concentrates on underwater photography. The configurations of the camera 10a and the display unit 8a are the same as those of the camera 10 and the display unit 8 shown in FIG. On the other hand, the diver 20B is a friend or an instructor of the diver 20A and sends a signal to the diver 20A in an attempt to move to another location.

  When the diver 20B sends a signal, if the diver 20A moves without noticing, there is a risk of losing sight of each other and causing an accident depending on the turbidity of the water. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the camera 10b (same as the camera 10 in FIG. 1) of the diver 20B is shaken as shown in FIG. 3A, the display is performed on the display unit 8a of the camera 10a of the diver 20A. I am doing so.

  That is, when the diver 20B gives a signal by shaking the camera 10b (shake operation), the acceleration detection unit 7 in the camera 10b detects this operation, and a sound wave is transmitted from the image processing unit and the control unit 1 to the sound wave transmission unit 11. Send it. When transmitting sound waves, the pattern of the shake operation, such as the speed of the shake operation, is determined, and the sound wave transmission pattern is changed based on the determination result.

  This sound wave is received by the sound wave receiving unit 12 of the camera 10a of the diver 20A, the transmission pattern and the like are analyzed by the display control unit 1a, and the display is performed on the display unit 8 based on the analysis result. As the display on the display unit 8, on the live view display image 8a based on the image data from the imaging unit 2, "attention" 8b as shown in FIG. Character display such as “set” 8c as shown in FIG.

  For example, when the diver 20B wants to pay attention to the diver 20B, when the diver 20B slowly shakes the camera 10b, the movement is detected based on the detection result of the acceleration detection unit 7, and the sound wave transmission unit 11 detects the sound wave of the pattern 2. The camera 10 a that has transmitted and received this displays “attention” 8 b on the display unit 8. In addition, when the diver 20B sends a signal of the set to the diver 20A, if the camera 10b is shaken quickly, the sound wave transmission unit 11 transmits the sound wave of the pattern 1, and the camera 10a that receives this transmits the “set” 8c. It is displayed on the display unit 8.

  In addition, underwater, characters displayed on the display unit 8 may be difficult to see. Therefore, when the photographer performs a tap operation or the like, as shown in FIG. Is magnified.

  Next, the operation in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of camera control shown in FIG. This flowchart is executed by the image processing and control unit 1 according to a program stored in a storage unit such as a flash ROM (not shown) of the camera 10.

  In the camera control flow, first, it is determined whether or not the power is on (S11). Here, it is determined whether or not the power button 6b has been operated in the power-off state. If the result of this determination is that the power is not on, the camera control flow is terminated. Even if the camera control flow ends, it is determined whether or not the power button has been operated at predetermined time intervals. If the power button has been operated, the process proceeds from step S11 to the next step S13.

  If the result of determination in step S11 is that the power is on, it is next determined whether or not it is in shooting mode (S13). In this embodiment, since the shooting mode is set as a default value, the shooting mode is set unless the mode is changed. If the result of this determination is that the camera is in shooting mode, then live view display is performed (S15). Here, the image data output from the imaging unit 2 is subjected to image processing by the image processing and control unit 1, and then the subject image is displayed in live view on the display unit 8.

  Once the live view display is performed, it is next determined whether or not it is underwater (S17). Here, based on the detection result of the water pressure detector 5, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in water. If the result of this determination is that it is underwater, then the sound wave receiver 12 is turned on (S19). Here, the sound wave receiving unit 12 is turned on and is enabled. As a result, for example, when information is transmitted by sound waves from a fellow diver or instructor, it can be received. Note that the sound wave receiving unit 12 is in a receivable state when the imaging unit 2 is powered on. When the imaging unit 2 is not powered on, the sound wave receiving unit 12 is enabled. It will not be. This is because energy is wasted if the sound wave receiving unit 12 is turned on while the power to the imaging unit 2 is not turned on. In this embodiment, energy saving is achieved.

  If the sound wave receiving unit 12 is turned on, it is next determined whether or not a sound wave has been received (S21). If the result of this determination is that a sound wave has been received, the live view image is then synthesized according to the received pattern (S23). Here, the sound wave pattern is analyzed by the display control unit 1a, and based on the analysis result, for example, if the sound wave pattern 1, the image of the character “collection” 8b as shown in FIG. In the case of the sound wave pattern 2, a character image such as “attention” 8c as shown in FIG. Then, the generated image such as a character is synthesized so as to be superimposed on the live view display image 8 a, and the synthesized image is displayed on the display unit 8.

  If a composite image is displayed in step S23 or if the result of determination in step S21 is that no sound wave has been received, it is next determined whether or not a tap operation has been performed (S25). As described with reference to FIG. 3D, when the character is small and difficult to read in water, the diver 20A performs a tap operation. Therefore, in this step, it is determined whether or not a tap operation has been performed based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit 7.

  If the result of determination in step S25 is that there has been a tap operation, it is next determined whether or not enlarged display is in progress (S27). Here, as a result of analyzing the sound wave, it is determined whether or not the displayed character is in an enlarged state as shown in FIG. If the result of this determination is that current enlarged display is not in progress, enlarged display is next performed (S31). Here, as a result of analyzing the sound wave, the displayed character is enlarged as shown in FIG. 3D, and the enlarged image is displayed superimposed on the live view image.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S27 is that enlarged display is in progress, reduced display is performed (S29). Here, the size of the enlarged character is returned to the original size, and the image of this character is displayed superimposed on the live view image.

  If reduced display is performed in step S29 or enlarged display is performed in step S31, or if the result of determination in step S25 is that a tap operation has not been performed, it is next determined whether or not a shake operation has been performed ( S33). As described above, the shake operation is an operation in which the photographer (diver 20B) shakes the camera 10b left and right. In step S33, based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detector 7, it is determined whether or not a shake operation has been performed.

  If the result of determination in step S33 is that a shake operation has been performed, it is next determined whether or not full operation of the camera 10b to the left and right is at least once per second (S35). In this embodiment, two types of words, that is, “attention” and “collection” are transmitted using sound waves, but the transmitted words are changed according to the speed of the shake operation. In this step, it is determined whether or not the camera 10 is being shaken at a speed of at least once per second. Note that the determination value is not limited to once per second as in the present embodiment, but may be any other value, as long as the photographer can distinguish between fast and slow when performing a shake operation.

  If the result of determination in step S <b> 35 is a shake operation of once or more per second, sound wave pattern 1 is transmitted (S <b> 37). Here, the sound wave transmission control unit 1 b causes the sound wave transmission unit 11 to perform sound wave transmission in the pattern of the sound wave pattern 1. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S35 is that the shake operation is less than once per second, sound wave pattern 2 is transmitted (S39). Here, the sound wave transmission control unit 1 b causes the sound wave transmission unit 11 to perform sound wave transmission in the pattern of the sound wave pattern 2.

  If the result of determination in step S33 is that a shake operation has not been performed, it is next determined whether or not it is a release (S41). Here, it is determined whether or not the release button 6a has been operated. If the result of this determination is not release, processing returns to step S11. On the other hand, if it is a release, photographing and recording are performed (S43). Here, the image data output from the imaging unit 2 is subjected to image processing and then recorded in the recording unit 4. When the image data is recorded, the process returns to step S11.

  If the result of determination in step S13 is not shooting mode, it is next determined whether or not playback mode is in effect (S45). Here, it is determined whether or not the playback button of the switch unit 6 has been operated. If the result of this determination is not playback mode, processing returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S45 is playback mode, the captured image is played back (S47). Here, the image data of the designated image is read from the recording unit 4 and reproduced and displayed on the display unit 8. When this reproduction display is performed, the process returns to step S11.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the display based on the reception result in the sound wave receiving unit is superimposed on the display unit that performs live view display. For this reason, even if the photographer concentrates on the subject underwater, it is possible to transmit information easily and easily.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, it has an acceleration detection part, changes the pattern of a sound wave based on this detection result, and transmits. For this reason, two or more types of information can be transmitted and communication can be facilitated.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not a tap operation has been performed based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit. When the tap operation is performed, a display (“attention” "Letters", etc.) are expanded. For this reason, when a character is small and difficult to read in water, it can be enlarged and reliably read.

  In this embodiment, the camera 10b is swung left and right, and when this movement is detected, a sound wave is transmitted. However, other operations such as a rotation operation other than the left and right shaking are detected. Of course, it does not matter.

  In the present embodiment, the characters “attention” and “collection” are displayed corresponding to the patterns 1 and 2, but other characters may be displayed, and symbols, pictograms, and the like may be displayed. Good. A sound generation unit may be provided so as to be connected to the image processing and control unit 1, and control may be performed so as to generate different sounds depending on patterns. Furthermore, a vibration member may be provided together with the sound generation unit or instead of the sound generation unit, and the main body of the camera 10 may be vibrated. That is, when information such as pattern 1 or pattern 2 is received, the photographer may be notified by vibration according to these patterns. In step S25, when the tap operation is detected, the enlarged display is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an operation other than the tap operation, for example, a button operation may be performed.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, when the photographer performs a predetermined operation, the camera 10 detects this movement and transmits a sound wave having a predetermined pattern. For this reason, only information determined by a predetermined operation can be transmitted. On the other hand, in 2nd Embodiment, it moves so that a character may be written using the camera 10, and it is made to transmit a character to another camera 10 based on this movement.

  Since the electrical configuration of the camera 10 in the present embodiment is the same as the block diagram shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted. However, in the present embodiment, character pattern information for analyzing a character pattern is stored in a storage unit (not shown).

  FIG. 5A shows a state where the diver 20B is drawing the character “A” underwater while holding the camera 10b. When the movement of the camera 10b at this time is detected by the acceleration detection unit 7 in the camera 10b and it is determined that the character “A” is drawn from this movement, the sound wave transmission unit 11 has a pattern corresponding to the character “A”. Sound waves are transmitted to the camera 10a of the diver 20A. Upon receiving the sound wave of the pattern corresponding to the character “A”, the camera 10a analyzes the sound wave and displays “A” superimposed on the live view image as shown in FIG. 5B.

  In addition, when drawing a character underwater using the camera 10b, a part of the trajectory constitutes a character, and the other part does not constitute a character. For example, when drawing the character “A”, the locus of the broken line portion in FIG. 5A is not the character portion. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the diver 20B moves the part constituting the character, the camera 10 is moved while pressing the release button 6a as shown in FIG. As shown in d), the release button 6a is moved without being pressed. Also, when one character is drawn, the camera 10 is moved forward, in other words, pushed in the direction of the optical axis of the photographic lens 2a in order to transmit to the other camera 10 that the movement for one character has been completed. ing.

  Next, the operation in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The camera control flow shown in FIG. 7 is obtained by adding steps S51 and S53 to the camera control flow shown in FIG. 4, and description of step S15 and subsequent steps after step S13 is omitted.

  In the camera control flow, it is determined whether or not the power is on (S11). If the result of this determination is that the power is on, it is next determined whether or not the camera is in shooting mode (S13). If the result of this determination is that the camera is not in shooting mode, it is next determined whether or not it is in playback mode (S45). If the result of this determination is not playback mode, it is next determined whether or not it is character transmission mode (S51). The character transmission mode is a mode that can be selected on a menu screen (not shown). In this step, it is determined whether or not the character transmission mode is selected.

  If the result of determination in step S51 is that character transmission mode has not been selected, processing returns to step S11. On the other hand, when the character transmission mode is selected, the character transmission is performed (S53). Here, as described with reference to FIG. 5A, the photographer moves the camera 10 to draw a character in the water (or in the air), and detects this movement to determine the character. And the sound wave of the pattern according to the determined character is transmitted to the other camera 10. A detailed flow of character transmission in step S53 will be described with reference to FIG. When the character transmission subroutine is executed, the process returns to step S11.

  Next, the flow of character transmission in step S53 will be described with reference to FIG. If the flow for character transmission is entered, it is first determined whether or not the release switch is on (S61). Here, it is determined whether or not the release switch linked to the release button 6a is on. If the result of this determination is that the release switch is on, then trajectory determination is performed (S63). As described above, when the photographer moves the camera 10 while pressing the release button 6a, a character portion is drawn. In this step, the sound wave transmission control unit 1b detects a detection signal from the acceleration detection unit 7. Based on this, the trajectory of the character portion is determined.

  Once the trajectory determination has been carried out, it is next determined whether or not 5 seconds have elapsed since the release switch was turned on for a predetermined time (S65). Since it can be drawn in about 5 seconds to draw one character, it is determined here whether or not the time necessary for drawing one character has passed. Note that 5 seconds is an example, and it may be longer or shorter. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S61.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S65 is that a predetermined time has elapsed, then one character input reset is performed (S67). As a result of the determination in step S65, since a predetermined time has elapsed, it is considered that no character input has been performed, the input is reset, and the original flow is returned to.

  If the result of determination in step S61 is that the release switch is not on, it is next determined whether or not there is acceleration in the optical axis direction (S71). As described above, when the input of one character is finished, the camera 10 is pushed out. In this step, it is determined whether or not there is an acceleration in the optical axis direction of the photographing lens 2a.

  If the result of determination in step S71 is that there is acceleration in the optical axis direction, it is next determined whether or not character determination is possible (S73). Here, based on the trajectory detected by the acceleration detection unit 7, a matching trajectory is searched from character pattern information stored in a storage unit (not shown), and character determination is possible when there is matching character pattern information. Is determined.

  If the result of determination in step S73 is that character determination is possible, sound waves corresponding to the character are then transmitted (S75). Here, the sound wave transmission control unit 1b causes the sound wave transmission unit 11 to transmit a sound wave pattern corresponding to the determined character. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S73 is that character determination is not possible, a warning is given (S77). Here, since a character could not be read from the movement of the camera 10, this is displayed on the display unit 8 as a warning. When the process in step S75 or S77 is performed, the process returns to the original flow.

  If the result of determination in step S71 is that there is no acceleration in the direction of the optical axis, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time, in this case, 5 seconds has elapsed since the release switch was turned off (S81). When the photographer draws a trajectory for one character with the camera 10, the user releases the release button 6a and pushes the camera 10 forward. In this step, after releasing the release button 6a, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed without pushing the camera 10 forward. Note that 5 seconds is an example, and it may be longer or shorter. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S61.

  If the result of determination in step S81 is that a predetermined time has elapsed, then one character input is reset (S83). As a result of the determination in step S81, since a predetermined time has elapsed, it is considered that no character input has been performed, the input is reset, and the flow returns to the original flow.

  If a sound wave corresponding to the character is transmitted to another camera 10 in step S75, another camera 10 performs display synthesis on the live view image in accordance with the received sound wave pattern in step S23 (see FIG. 4). Do. That is, the character transmitted from the sound wave pattern is analyzed, and the analyzed character is superimposed on the live view image and displayed. When transmitting a character, not only one character but a plurality of characters are transmitted and communication is performed. Therefore, a character is added every time a sound wave is received without being erased immediately after displaying one character. Display multiple characters. The end operation of the camera 10 when a series of characters is input may be determined in advance.

  As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the character based on the movement of the camera 10 is determined based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit 7, and the sound wave pattern corresponding to the character is determined as the sound wave transmission unit 11. To send to. For this reason, arbitrary information can be transmitted by the combination of characters, and communication can be facilitated.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, character determination is performed only when the camera 10 is moved while pressing the release button 6a. For this reason, the character recognition rate can be improved in character determination.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In both the first and second embodiments, the sound wave transmission unit 11 and the sound wave reception unit 12 are arranged in the main body of the camera 10. However, since communication using sound waves is mainly performed underwater, it may not always be provided in the main body of the camera 10. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a device that houses the camera 10, such as a waterproof protector, includes a sound wave transmission unit and a sound wave reception unit.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the camera 10 according to the present embodiment can be stored in the waterproof protector 30. An adapter 13 having a communication contact is provided on the upper part of the camera 10. Further, the waterproof protector 30 has a watertight structure, and in a state where the camera 10 is housed inside, water does not enter the inside from the outside.

  The waterproof protector 30 is a transparent casing, and the connector of the communication unit 29 that can be fitted to the adapter 13 and connected to the contacts is disposed therein. Further, inside the waterproof protector 30, the sound wave receiving unit 12 is disposed on the right front side, and the sound wave transmitting unit 11 is disposed on the left front side.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, a circuit board 37 is disposed inside the waterproof protector 30 on the back side. The circuit board 37 is a board on which circuits of each circuit block such as the water pressure detection unit 35 and the communication unit 29 are mounted. It should be noted that the circuit board 37 may be located in any place other than the back side of the camera 10 as long as it is an empty space.

  A display and touch panel unit 38 is disposed outside the waterproof protector 30 on the back side. The display and touch panel unit 38 has a watertight structure. The touch panel portion of the display and the touch panel 38 is a so-called light detection method, and it is possible to determine whether or not a finger or the like has touched by detecting reflected light of light projected from the touch panel. Since the display and touch panel unit 38 is disposed outside the waterproof protector 30, a large display panel can be disposed.

  FIG. 8 mainly shows an electrical configuration of the present embodiment. The camera 10 is substantially the same as in the first and second embodiments, but the sound wave transmission unit 11, the sound wave reception unit 12, and the water pressure detection unit 5 are provided in the waterproof protector 30, and thus are provided in the camera 10. Absent. In addition, a communication unit 19 is provided to communicate with each block in the waterproof protector 30.

  A communication unit 29 for communicating with the communication unit 19 is provided in the waterproof protector 30. The communication unit 29 is connected to a communication contact via the adapter 13 described above. In addition, a water pressure detection unit 35 having the same configuration as the water pressure detection unit 5 in the first embodiment is provided, and the detected water pressure is transmitted to the image processing and control unit 1 via the communication units 19 and 29.

  The waterproof protector 30 includes a sound wave transmission unit 31 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and is controlled by the sound wave transmission control unit 1b via the communication units 19 and 29 to transmit sound waves. . In addition, a sound wave receiving unit 32 is provided, which converts sound waves into electrical signals and outputs them to the image processing and control unit 1 via the communication units 19 and 29. The display control unit 1 a generates a display image based on the input sound wave signal, and outputs it to the display unit 38 via the communication units 19 and 29.

  In the present embodiment, either the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 or the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be executed. That is, it is possible to execute the same operation as in the first and second embodiments while arranging a communication function using sound waves in the waterproof protector 30 and communicating with the camera 10 via the communication units 19 and 29.

  Thus, in 3rd Embodiment, the sound wave transmission part 31 and the sound wave reception part 32 are arrange | positioned at the waterproof protector 30, and when it exists in water, it can communicate using a sound wave. For this reason, the camera 10 can be reduced in size.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit 38 is disposed on the waterproof protector 30. However, the waterproof protector 30 may not be provided with a display unit, and the display unit 8 of the camera 10 may be used even in water. In the present embodiment, the image processing and control unit 1 in the camera 10 controls each member in the waterproof protector 30. However, a control unit is also provided in the waterproof protector 30, and this control unit allows the underwater You may make it communicate so that communication can be aimed at.

  As described above, in each embodiment of the present invention, based on the sound wave signal converted by the sound wave receiving unit 11, the display image such as the “attention” character or the like is synthesized with the subject image on the display unit 8. It is trying to display. For this reason, even a photographer who is focused on underwater photography is aware of this display image, so even if the photographer is concentrated on the subject underwater, it is possible to easily and easily transmit information. .

  In each embodiment of the present invention, the acceleration detector 7 mounted on the camera 10 detects the movement of the camera 10 and changes the pattern of a signal to be transmitted based on the detection result. For this reason, it is possible to input information without providing a special input device in water. In the present embodiment, sound waves are used for transmission. However, from the viewpoint that it is not necessary to provide a special input device, other methods such as wireless communication and the like may be adopted.

  In each embodiment of the present invention, a digital camera is used as the information transmission system. However, the camera may be a digital single-lens reflex camera or a compact digital camera, and may be a video camera or movie camera. In addition, a camera built into a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a game device, or the like may be used. In any case, the present invention can be applied to any device that can shoot underwater.

  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 ... Image processing and control part, 1a ... Display control part, 1b ... Sound wave transmission control part, 2 ... Imaging part, 2a ... Shooting lens, 3 ... Strobe, 4 ... Recording unit, 5 ... water pressure detection unit, 6 ... switch unit, 6a ... release button, 6b ... power button, 7 ... acceleration detection unit, 8 ... display unit, 8a ..Display unit, 9 ... clock unit, 10 ... camera, 10a ... camera, 10b ... camera, 11 ... sound wave oscillating unit, 12 ... sound wave receiving unit, 13 ... Adapter, 19 ... Communication unit, 20A ... Diver, 20B ... Diver, 20R ... Right hand, 30 ... Waterproof protector, 31 ... Sound wave transmission unit, 32 ... Sound wave reception unit, 35 ... Water pressure detection unit, 37 ... Circuit board, 38 ... Display and touch panel unit, 39 ... Communication unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Metal part, 61a ... Base point, 61b ... Bridge part, 61c ... Movable part, 62a ... Fixed metal part, 62b ... Fixed metal part, 150x-150z ... Acceleration Sensor

Claims (8)

An imaging device having an imaging unit that captures a subject image and outputs image data, and a waterproof protector that stores the imaging device in a watertight manner, and the imaging device and another imaging device are connected to be communicable with each other. An information transmission system,
In the imaging device, an acceleration detection unit that detects acceleration applied to the imaging device itself is arranged,
The waterproof protector is provided with a sound wave transmitter that transmits sound waves to the outside.
At least one of the imaging device and the waterproof protector is provided with a sound wave transmission control unit that changes a sound wave pattern based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit,
When the sound wave transmission unit of the waterproof protector generates a signal corresponding to the sound wave pattern changed by the sound wave transmission control unit, and transmits the sound wave based on the generated signal to the other imaging device, the transmission The sound wave pattern thus generated is displayed on at least one of the display unit of the other imaging device or the other waterproof protector, generating an image for transmitting information to the other imaging device or the other waterproof protector. An information transmission system for combining and displaying the generated image on a subject image.   The sound wave oscillation control unit determines whether or not the shake operation is based on the acceleration, and when it is determined that the shake operation is performed, the other imaging device or the other waterproofing is performed according to the speed of the shake operation. The information transmission system according to claim 1, wherein a sound wave pattern to be transmitted to the protector is changed.   The sound wave transmission control unit determines a trajectory of the imaging apparatus itself based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit, and changes a sound wave pattern based on the trajectory. Information transmission system. The imaging apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores character pattern information for analyzing a character pattern,
The sound wave transmission unit control unit, when the trajectory of the imaging device itself corresponds to the character pattern information, changes to a sound wave pattern according to the determined character pattern information. 3. The information transmission system according to 3. The imaging apparatus further includes an operation member,
5. The information transmission according to claim 4, wherein the sound wave transmission control unit does not constitute a locus of a portion that does not correspond to the locus of the character pattern information when the operation member is not operated. system.   When the acceleration detection unit of the imaging device detects that the imaging device itself has been moved in the optical axis direction, the sound wave transmission control unit performs one character by the system itself including the imaging device and the waterproof protector. 6. The information transmission system according to claim 5, wherein the drawing of the locus is transmitted to the other imaging device or the other waterproof protector via the sound wave transmission unit of the waterproof protector. The waterproof protector further includes:
A display unit for displaying a subject image based on the image data;
A sound wave receiving unit that receives sound waves and converts them into sound wave signals,
The imaging apparatus is
A display control unit that analyzes the sound wave signal converted by the sound wave receiving unit, generates a display image for combining with the subject image, and combines and displays the display image on the subject image displayed on the display unit When,
The information transmission system according to claim 1, further comprising:   The display control unit of the imaging apparatus determines whether or not a tap operation has been performed based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit. If it is determined that the tap operation has been performed, the display control unit combines with the subject image. The information transmission system according to claim 7, wherein the image is enlarged.