JP2015032033A - Imaging system, control method for imaging system, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable even imaging devices which do not have any GPS positioning function to form a group between those imaging devices, and to share a pickup image for each group.SOLUTION: In an imaging system configured of a plurality of imaging devices each having imaging means capable of communicating with an image management device, the image management device generates an access key associated with the storage place of an image, and receives the access key and an imaged pickup image, and stores it at the storage place of the image associated with the access key. Also, a first imaging device for instructing access key generation is configured to transfer the access key between the imaging devices, and to transmit the access key to a second imaging device other than the first imaging device. The second imaging device is configured to receive the access key to be transmitted from the first imaging device, and the first and second imaging devices are configured to transmit the access key and the imaged pickup image to the image management device.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that shares a captured image, a control method for the imaging apparatus, and a program.

  In recent years, it has become possible for an apparatus (smart phone or digital camera) having an image capturing function to upload an image to an image storage server via a wireless network, and image sharing is progressing on the Internet. In particular, sites that create albums on the Web and make them available to third parties are becoming popular.

  However, in such a form, the arrangement for publishing an image is complicated (an individual URL or password must be set for each user), and is not suitable for sharing an image with a large number of groups.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, a user accompanying a photographer is based on “accompanying information (association with a photographer based on time / position information)” based only on the user ID of the photographer. A method for sharing images is disclosed.

JP 2012-98888 A

  However, in the image sharing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is determined whether to share an image based on accompanying information specified from time information and position information between users. However, the user's imaging apparatus determines whether GPS (Global Positioning) is used. If the system does not have a positioning function, the position information cannot be grasped and the accompanying information cannot be specified. Moreover, if accompanying information is specified only by time information, it will share even the image image | photographed at the completely same place at the same time, and there exists a possibility that the user cannot share the captured image which a user desires.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and even when imaging apparatuses that do not have a GPS positioning function are formed, a group is formed between the imaging apparatuses, and a captured image is appropriately shared for each group. It aims to make it possible to do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an imaging system including a plurality of imaging devices having imaging means capable of communicating with the image management device, wherein the image management device includes a storage location on the image management device. An access key generating means for generating an associated access key, and the access key and the captured image captured by the imaging means are received from the imaging apparatus, and stored in a storage location on the image management apparatus associated with the access key. A first image pickup apparatus that stores the picked-up image storage means for instructing the generation of the access key; an access key exchanging means capable of sending and receiving the access key; and a second other than the first image pickup apparatus. And an access key transmission unit that transmits an access key to the imaging device, wherein the second imaging device is transmitted from the access key transmission unit of the first imaging device. An access key receiving means for receiving an access key, wherein the first and second imaging devices transmit the access key and a captured image captured by the imaging means to the image management device. It is characterized by having.

  Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, there is an effect that even imaging devices that do not have a GPS positioning function can form a group between imaging devices and share a captured image for each group.

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the imaging device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the image management apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control processing procedure in this invention. It is a sequence chart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a sequence flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a sequence chart which shows an example of the 4th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a sequence chart which shows an example of the 5th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a sequence chart which shows an example of the 6th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a sequence chart which shows an example of the 7th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen image of an instrument panel at the time of the access key production | generation instruction | indication in the imaging device 100 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen image of an instrument panel at the time of access key transmission in the imaging device 100 of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen image of the instrument panel of sharing mode setting in the imaging device 100 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen image of the instrument panel of the imaging mode setting in the imaging device 100 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the hardware configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 that implements the present invention will be described.

  The imaging apparatus 100 includes a so-called digital camera, an imaging lens 101, an imaging element (hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) 102, a camera signal processing unit (hereinafter referred to as “ADC”) 103, an image processing unit 104, A system controller 110, a buffer memory 111, a flash ROM 112, an interface circuit (hereinafter referred to as “I / F circuit”) 113, a card holder 114, a memory card 115, a display driver 116, and an operation unit 120 are provided.

  The lens 101 is a lens or the like, and includes an objective lens, a zoom lens, a focus lens, and the like. The zoom lens and the focus lens are driven in the optical axis direction by a driving mechanism (not shown). The imaging element 102 is configured by a CCD image sensor that forms an image of imaging light incident from the lens 101, converts it into an electrical signal (analog signal), and outputs it.

  The camera signal processing unit (ADC) 103 has a function of performing signal processing such as digital conversion and white balance adjustment on the electric signal received from the image sensor 102 and converting it into a digital signal. The system controller 110 is connected to the image processing unit 104, buffer memory 111, flash ROM 112, I / F circuit 113, display driver 116, sound driver 118, LED driver 128, and operation unit 120.

  The image processing unit 104 includes a preprocessing unit 105, a YC processing unit 106, an electronic zoom processing unit 107, a compression unit 108, and an expansion unit 109, and generates image data from a digital signal output from the camera signal processing unit 103. Have a function of performing various image processing.

  The pre-processing unit 105 has a function of performing white balance processing for adjusting the white balance of an image based on input image data and image gamma correction processing. The white balance process is a process of adjusting the color of an image so as to be close to the actual color, or adjusting the color to an appropriate color that matches a light source (such as a fluorescent lamp or sunlight). The gamma correction process is a process for adjusting the contrast of an image. Note that the pre-processing unit 105 can also perform image processing other than white balance processing and gamma correction processing.

  The YC processor 106 separates an image based on input image data into luminance information “Y”, luminance signal and blue color difference information “Cb”, and luminance signal and red color difference information “Cr”. Have The electronic zoom processing unit 107 has a function of trimming a part of an image (for example, a central part) with a predetermined size and enlarging the trimmed image to the size of the original image by signal processing.

  The electronic zoom processing unit 107 can, for example, cut out a central 1024 × 768 dot image from a captured 1600 × 1200 dot image and enlarge it to a size of 1600 × 1200 dot while performing data interpolation.

  The compression unit 108 has a function of compressing image data in a compression format such as a JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) method. The decompression unit 109 has a function of decompressing compressed image data. For example, when compressing image data using the JPEG method, first, a discrete cosine transform process is performed (DCT process) that digitizes the ratio of high-frequency components and low-frequency components of image data. Next, a quantization process is performed for expressing the gradation or gradation of the image by a numerical value (quantization bit number). Finally, the image data is compressed by the Huffman encoding process.

  Specifically, the signal character string of the image data is segmented every certain bit, and a shorter code is given to a character string having a high appearance frequency. In the case of a system that records image data without performing compression processing, the compression unit 108 and the expansion unit 109 can be omitted. Further, the image data compression format is not limited to the JPEG format, and the same processing can be performed even in a GIF (Graphical Interchange Format) format.

  The buffer memory 111 temporarily stores image data when image processing is performed by the image processing unit 104. The flash ROM 112 stores various setting information of the imaging apparatus 100, designated composition information described later, and the like. The I / F circuit 113 converts the image data output from the system controller 110 into a data format that can be recorded on the memory card 115. The I / F circuit 113 converts the image data read from the memory card 115 into a data format that can be processed by the system controller 110.

  The card holder 114 includes a mechanism that allows the memory card 115 that is a recording medium to be attached to and detached from the imaging apparatus 100, and includes an electrical contact that enables data communication with the memory card 115. The card holder 114 has a structure corresponding to the type of recording medium used in the imaging apparatus 100. The memory card 115 is a card-type recording medium that incorporates a semiconductor storage element such as a flash memory and is detachable from the card holder 114. The memory card 115 can record image data taken by the imaging device 100.

  The display driver 116 converts the image data output from the system controller 110 into a signal that can be displayed on the display 117. Specifically, the display driver 116 performs processing for converting digital image data output from the system controller 110 into an analog image signal, and then sets the image size to a size suitable for the size of the displayable area of the display 117. Perform the conversion process.

  The sound driver 118 performs processing for converting the audio data output from the system controller 110 into a signal that can be sounded by the speaker 219. An LED (Light Emitting Diode) driver 128 controls the lamp 129 in accordance with a command output from the system controller 110.

  The operation unit 120 includes a power switch 121, a mode dial 122, a shooting button 123, a touch panel key 124, a zoom button 125, and a browse (playback) button 126. The operation unit 120 receives an operation input from the user and receives a signal corresponding to the operation content. Is output to the system controller 110. The operation unit 120 includes operation buttons other than the illustrated operation buttons, but a description thereof is omitted.

  A mode dial (select button) 122 is a rotatable dial for switching the mode of the photographing operation. The user can select a plurality of shooting operation modes by operating the mode dial 122. In the embodiment of the present invention, the mode dial is described as a dial type mechanism. However, for example, a slide type button may be used instead of the dial. That is, the mechanism of the mode dial 122 is not limited to the dial, and it is essential to have a mechanism for switching the camera mode.

  In addition, as an example of the shooting operation mode, when shooting using a composition, there is a mode that can accept an instruction input of the composition, etc. Without being limited, a switching method using a touch panel (not shown) on the display 117 may be used.

  The browsing button 126 is a button for switching to a browsing mode (playback mode) for browsing captured image data. When the browse button 126 is pressed, the shooting mode is changed to the browsing mode. Note that the switching method to the browsing mode is not limited to pressing the browsing button 126 as described above, and may be a transition method using a touch panel on the display 117 or the like.

  In the browsing mode, the system controller 110 reads setting information and image data from the memory card 115 attached to the card holder 114 via the I / F circuit 113. The setting information includes the number of images recorded on the currently installed memory card 115 and the capacity of the recorded image data. The read image data is, for example, image data or thumbnail data for one image. Note that the image data read from the memory card 115 is compressed in a predetermined compression format as described above.

  The image data read from the memory card 115 is input to the display driver 116 via the I / F circuit 113 and the system controller 110. The display driver 116 displays the input image data on the display 117.

  The touch panel key 124 is an operation key displayed on the display, and is a key for the user to perform a predetermined instruction or function selection for the imaging apparatus 100. The user can perform operation inputs such as various setting information and user authentication information on the imaging apparatus 100 with the touch panel key 124.

  In addition, the touch panel key 124 can display a menu screen or a screen for setting various setting information for the imaging apparatus 100 on the display 117, or can select a predetermined function of the imaging apparatus 100.

  Further, the image data photographed by the imaging device 100 can be displayed as a preview on the display 117 by the touch panel key 124. The preview display is a function for causing the display 117 to display an image captured by the imaging apparatus 100 immediately after that.

  Note that the preview display is not limited to a configuration in which only one photographed image is displayed on the display 117, and a plurality of images including thumbnail images may be displayed. Further, the switching of the preview display is not limited to the pressing of the touch panel key 124 but may be configured to be switched using a general method such as pressing of another button. Further, the preview display screen may be configured such that the preview display image can be deleted or edited.

  The lens control unit 127 controls the lens 101 such as zoom, focus, and diaphragm. The imaging apparatus 100 also includes a shooting mode in which a subject is imaged to obtain image data, and a browsing (reproduction) mode in which image data obtained in the shooting mode is displayed.

  Note that audio can be recorded and reproduced in the same manner as the imaging apparatus 100 by using a microphone or a speaker. Further, when recording video (moving image), normal audio recording is also performed at the same time, and video and audio are multiplexed by the compression unit 108 and the expansion unit 109.

  In addition, a photographing operation in the imaging apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the user operates the power switch 121 to turn on the imaging apparatus 100. Then, power is supplied to each circuit from a battery (not shown) built in the imaging apparatus 100, and activation processing of the imaging apparatus 100 (operation control for opening the lens barrier, reset processing of the microcomputer, etc.) is performed.

  The imaging apparatus 100 is configured to turn on the power when the power switch 121 is pressed when the power is turned off, and to automatically enter the shooting mode. Further, when the viewing button is pressed when the power is turned off, the power is turned on and the viewing mode is automatically set.

  When the imaging apparatus 100 shifts to the imaging mode, an optical image enters the imaging apparatus 100 through the lens 101 and is formed on the imaging element (CCD) 102. The CCD 102 converts an incident optical image into an electric signal and outputs it to a camera signal processing unit (ADC) 103. The ADC 103 converts an input electric signal (analog signal) into a digital signal. A digital signal output from the ADC 103 is input to the image processing unit 104.

  A preprocessing unit 105 in the image processing unit 104 generates image data based on an input digital signal, and performs white balance processing, gamma correction processing, and the like. In the YC processing unit 106 in the image processing unit 104, the image data is separated into the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cr and Cb, and processing for reducing the information amount of the color difference signals Cr and Cb is performed.

  The information amount reduction processing for the color difference signals Cr and Cb is, for example, “4: 2: 2 downsampling processing” for thinning out color information in the main scanning direction of an image, or “4: 1” for thinning out color information in the vertical and horizontal directions of an image. : 1 downsampling process ". When image processing is performed by the pre-processing unit 105 and the YC processing unit 106, image data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 111, and image processing is performed while reading the image data stored in the buffer memory 111 as needed. Is called.

  Image data (uncompressed) output from the image processing unit 104 is input to the system controller 110. The system controller 110 outputs the image data output from the image processing unit 104 to the display driver 116.

  The display driver 116 converts input image data (digital signal) into an analog image signal, and adjusts the size of the image based on the analog image signal to a size that can be displayed on the display 117.

  Further, the display driver 116 controls the display 117 to display an image. At this time, the image displayed on the display 117 is an image (through image) generated by continuously performing signal processing in the CCD 102, the ADC 103, and the image processing unit 104.

  When the user operates the shooting button 123 at a desired timing while a through image is displayed on the display 117, the system controller 110 outputs a control signal to the image processing unit 104. When a control signal is input to the image processing unit 104, the compression unit 108 stores the image data processed by the preprocessing unit 105 and the YC processing unit 106 in the buffer memory 111 and performs compression processing.

  Specifically, discrete cosine transform processing (DCT processing) that digitizes the ratio of high-frequency components and low-frequency components of image data, and quantization that expresses the gradation and gradation of an image with the number of quantization bits Processing, Huffman coding processing for dividing a signal character string of image data into fixed bits and giving a shorter code to a character string having a high appearance frequency is performed. The compressed image data is displayed on the display 117 via the system controller 110 and the display driver 116. The compressed image data is recorded on the memory card 115 via the card holder 114.

  When the zoom button 125 is operated before the shooting button 123 is operated, the system controller 110 can execute an optical zoom process or an electronic zoom process to enlarge or reduce the size of the image. When the shooting button 123 is operated after the zoom button 125 is operated, the image data of the enlarged or reduced image is recorded in the memory card 115.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the image management apparatus 200 used in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an information processing apparatus applicable to the image management apparatus 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. The ROM 203 or the external memory 211 also has a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, and a function necessary for realizing image management, which will be described later. Various programs are stored.

  A RAM 202 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 203 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 202 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from an input device 209 such as a keyboard and a pointing device. A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as the display device 210. These are used by the operator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to the hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, etc. via an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  The hard disk (HD) of the external memory 211 has a large-capacity memory area that receives and stores captured images transmitted from the imaging device 100.

  A communication I / F (interface) controller 208 connects and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, a wireless LAN), and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the display device 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 202, for example. Further, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display device 210.

  The processing of each step shown in the flowchart to be described later for realizing the present invention is executed by a program that can be read and executed by a computer, and the program is recorded in the external memory 211. Then, it is executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 202 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, the system configuration of the present invention will be described with reference to the system block diagram of FIG.

  FIG. 3 is an example of a system configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

  The imaging devices 100a to 100c are examples of devices having the imaging function described with reference to FIG. Note that the imaging devices 100a to 100c may not have all of the functions of the imaging device described with reference to FIG.

  The image management apparatuses 200a and 200b are examples of apparatuses having the image management function described with reference to FIG. The imaging devices 100a to 100c and the image management devices 200a and 200b can communicate with each other via a wireless LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or the like. The image management apparatuses 200a and 200b are image management apparatuses that store and manage images. The image management apparatuses 200a and 200b receive the captured images from the imaging apparatuses 100a to 100c, and the imaging apparatuses 100a to 100c other than the imaging apparatus that has received the received captured images. Process to deliver to.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 4, a procedure in which the imaging device shares a captured image will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure in the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present invention, under the control of each system controller (110 in FIG. 1) of the imaging apparatuses 100a to 100c illustrated in FIG. The process is executed. S401 to S408 indicate each processing step.

  The flowchart of FIG. 4 is started when the imaging apparatus is activated and an instruction for generating an access key associated with a URI for sharing an image is received from the user on the instrument panel on the back of the imaging apparatus.

  In step S401 of FIG. 4, the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 accepts an access key generation instruction from the user, and starts an access key generation process. Details will be described later with reference to FIG. An instrument panel screen image for receiving an access key generation instruction will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an instrument panel screen image when an access key generation instruction is given in the imaging apparatus 100 of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 1100 in FIG. 11 denotes a screen image displayed on the instrument panel (display 117) of the imaging apparatus. In this embodiment, the touch panel key 124 is on the instrument panel, and each of the rows 1101 on the instrument panel and the buttons in 1102 respectively. Each process is performed by pressing. Note that the touch panel key 124 or the like arranged on the instrument panel may be linked with the browse button 126 or the like of the operation unit 120.

  When the user presses the [Add] button 1103 while the screen image 1100 in FIG. 11 is displayed, the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 transmits an access key generation instruction to the image management apparatus 200. The flow of processing in the access key generation imaging apparatus and image management apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing an example of a second control processing procedure in the imaging system of the present invention. Each system controller (110 in FIG. 1) of the imaging devices 100a to 100c shown in FIG. Processing is executed under the control of the CPUs (201 in FIG. 2) of the devices 200a and 200b. S501 to S505 indicate each processing step.

  The sequence chart of FIG. 5 starts when the user presses the [Add] button 1103 in FIG.

  In step S501, when the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 accepts pressing of the [Add] button 1103 from the user, the system controller 110 transmits an access key generation and storage area generation command to the image management apparatus 200 (step S502).

  In step S503, the CPU 201 of the image management apparatus 200 that has received the access key generation and storage area generation instructions creates a unique access key in the image management apparatus 200 and captures the image in the external memory 211 in the image management apparatus 200. Generate a storage location for images. The access key and the storage location of the captured image are stored in the image management apparatus 200 in association with each other. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the name of a storage location compliant with the URI is stored as an access key.

  Next, in step S <b> 504, the CPU 201 of the image management apparatus 200 transmits the generated access key to the imaging apparatus 100.

  Upon receiving the access key from the image management apparatus 200, the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100, in step S505,

The newly generated access key is displayed in the access key list of the instrument panel (display 117) of the imaging apparatus 100, and the processing of the sequence chart of FIG. An example of adding an access key to the access key list will be described with reference to FIG.

  If the value of the row 1104 in FIG. 11 is a newly generated access key, in the example of the row 1104, a directory (folder) “/ Folder / abc” of the server “aaabbccc.co.jp”. It becomes an access key with the storage location. The access key authority column 1105 in the newly generated image capturing apparatus becomes “Owner”, and has authority such as transmission of access keys to other image capturing apparatuses and deletion of access keys. As another authority column 1105, “User” is an authority capable of transmitting the access key to another imaging apparatus, and “Guest” cannot transmit an access key to another imaging apparatus. The authority is only to share the access key with other imaging devices.

  In the explanation column 1106 in FIG. 11, a situation for each access key, that is, a shooting condition or the like is input by the user. In the description column 1106, when an [Edit] button 1107 is pressed, a keyboard (not shown) is displayed on the instrument panel and the user's input is accepted. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the access key generation process in step S401 in FIG. 4 is completed, the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 performs an access key selection acceptance process to be distributed in step S402. The access key selection acceptance process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  For example, when the user selects the access key on line 1104 in FIG. 11 as a distribution target, when the user presses line 1104 on the instrument panel touch panel, the access key on line 1104 is selected. When the line 1104 is selected and the [Send] button 1108 is pressed, the screen image shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an instrument panel screen image when an access key is transmitted in the imaging apparatus 100 of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 1200 in FIG. 12 denotes a screen image displayed on the instrument panel (display 117) of the imaging apparatus, and in the present embodiment, a touch panel is provided on the instrument panel as in FIG.

  In step S402, when the screen image transitions to the screen image 1200 in FIG. 12, the access key selected in FIG. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the user selects an access key to be distributed in step S402 in FIG. 4, in the next step S403, the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 uses the access key to be distributed as a shared access key to share with other imaging apparatuses. Send. Processing between the imaging device that has generated the access key for sharing the access key and other imaging devices will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence chart showing an example of a third control processing procedure in the imaging system of the present invention. Among the imaging devices 100 shown in FIG. 3, the imaging device 100a (transmission side) that generated the access key, and The processing is executed under the control of the respective system controllers (110 in FIG. 1) of the other imaging devices 100b and c (receiving side). S601 to S614 indicate each processing step.

  The sequence chart of FIG. 6 is started when the user presses the [Send] button 1108 in FIG. 11 which is a display screen on the instrument panel of the imaging apparatus 100a on the transmission side.

  First, when the [Send] button 1108 is pressed, in step S601, the system controller 110 of the transmission side imaging apparatus 100a displays the screen 1200 in FIG. 12 on the instrument panel of the transmission side imaging apparatus 100a as described above. Display an image. At that time, the access key selected in 1104 in FIG. 11 is displayed as a distribution access key as 1201.

  Next, in step S602, the system controller 110 of the image capturing apparatus 100a on the transmission side accepts input of the authority of the access key distributed from the user. In FIG. 12, an example in which the value of the distribution authority column 1202 is selected from “User” and “Guest” will be described. The “User” authority is an authority selected when the distributed access key can be distributed to another imaging apparatus on the distributed imaging apparatus side, and the “Guest” authority is selected from the distributed imaging apparatus side. This is an authority that makes it impossible to distribute access keys to other imaging devices. In other words, the access key distributed with the “User” authority can be obtained by transmitting the access key from the received imaging device when the person who received the access key wants to share the captured image with another person. The captured image can be shared with other than the generated imaging apparatus. Also, a person who has received an access key distributed with the “Guest” authority cannot share a captured image with another person ahead of the imaging apparatus. If you do not want to share the captured image with anyone other than your direct friend, the “Guest” authority is appropriate as the default value in the distribution authority column for the imaging apparatus.

  When the distribution authority column is selected by the user in step S602, the system controller 110 of the transmission-side imaging apparatus 100a starts searching for an imaging apparatus that receives the distribution access key from the user in the next step S603. Accept input. With reference to FIG. 12, an input screen image for starting the search of the imaging apparatus that receives the distribution access key will be described.

  When 1200 in FIG. 12 is displayed on the instrument panel of the imaging apparatus and the user presses the broadcast [start] button, the search for the imaging apparatus that receives the distribution access key is started. Returning to the description of the sequence chart of FIG.

  Next, in step S604, the system controller 110 of the image capturing apparatus 100a on the transmission side is predetermined for the peripheral image capturing apparatus in order to check whether there is another image capturing apparatus that can receive the distribution access key in the vicinity. Broadcast data. As a broadcast method, a method of performing broadcast communication within a segment in a WiFi wireless LAN router, transmission by Nintendo's passing communication (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi Direct (registered) may be used. (Trademark) or the like may be performed in order for each imaging apparatus to transmit information.

  On the other hand, the imaging device side (reception side) 100b, c that wants to share an image performs a process of receiving a distribution access key.

  In step S611, the system controllers 110 of the image capturing apparatuses 100b and 100c on the receiving side accept a broadcast reception waiting start (not shown) and enter a reception waiting state for broadcast information on the transmitting side. Note that the broadcast information reception standby state may be a reception standby state from when the reception-side imaging devices 100b and 100c are activated, or may be a reception standby state by a user input.

  Thereafter, the system controller 110 of the receiving side imaging devices 100b and 100c receives the broadcast information transmitted in step S604 in step S612, and in step S613, sends the access key distributed by the transmitting side imaging device 100a. The instruction to request is transmitted to the transmission side imaging apparatus.

  In step S605, the system controller 110 of the transmission-side imaging apparatus 100a that has received the distribution access key transmission request determines whether or not to distribute the access key according to the attribute of the reception-side imaging apparatus that has received the access key transmission request. Accepts input. A user input image will be described with reference to FIG.

  Reference numeral 1200 in FIG. 12 is an image of the instrument panel screen of the imaging device on the transmission side, and a list of imaging devices that have transmitted the distribution access key reception request is displayed as 1204. A terminal (name) column 1205 of 1204 is attribute information attached to each terminal, and a NIC column 1206 is a MAC address of each terminal. These pieces of attribute information are created based on information transmitted from the receiving side imaging apparatus at the time of the access key sending request in step S613. In the terminal field 1205, it is assumed that an individual name such as the owner of the imaging apparatus is input.

  The user checks the terminal field 1205 of 1204, selects the user's imaging device that he / she wants to share the captured image (such as touching the 1204 field on the instrument panel), and then presses the “permit” button 1208 or the “reject” button 1209 Thus, it is determined whether to share the captured image with each terminal (imaging device). In the next step S606, an access key is distributed to the “canon” and “non-thick” imaging devices for which “permitted” is displayed in the distribution column 1207, and processing for sharing the captured image is performed thereafter. On the other hand, the processing of step S606 is not executed for the imaging device “Taro Kannon” whose “rejection” is displayed in the distribution column 1207.

  By generating a screen that prompts the user to input, an imaging device that wants to share a captured image can be easily identified, and even if the imaging device cannot acquire GPS information, the captured image has a communication function. Can be shared. Returning to the description of the sequence chart of FIG.

  Next, in step S606, the system controller 110 of the transmission-side imaging device 100a distributes the distribution access key to the imaging devices that are permitted in the distribution field 1207 in the access key reception request terminal Ichiran 1204. .

  The distribution access key is 1201 in the 1200 example, and the distribution authority is the “User” authority displayed in 1202.

  Next, in step S614, the system controller 110 of the image capturing apparatuses 100b and 100c on the receiving side that receives the distribution access key stores the distribution access key in the flash ROM 112 of the image capturing apparatuses 100b and 100c. By transmitting the stored distribution access key together with the image captured by the imaging device to the image management device, the image to be shared is stored in the shared storage location. This completes the process of the sequence chart for access key sharing setting in FIG.

  With the above processing, a group is formed in which one imaging device 100a is a parent device, and imaging devices 100b and c that share the same access key are child devices, and the captured images can be shared within the group. To do. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the access key sharing setting process in step S403 in FIG. 4 is completed, the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 next determines whether or not the imaging apparatus 100 is in a state of performing the imaging process in step S404. Note that the processing up to step S403 is the flow of the imaging device that generates the access key, but the processing after step S404 is processing performed by all the imaging devices that share the captured image.

  The process of step S404 is determined based on an input from the user, and is determined based on whether or not the imaging device 102 of the imaging apparatus 100 can capture an image (for example, a state where an image to be captured is displayed in a live view). In step S404, when the imaging device 100 is in a state of performing an imaging process, the process proceeds to step S405 to perform the imaging process. On the other hand, when the imaging device 100 is not in a state of performing the imaging process, the process proceeds to step S407. The process is advanced, and a captured image sharing process (a process of downloading a captured image taken by another imaging device) is performed.

  When the process proceeds to step S <b> 405, the system controller 110 of the imaging device 100 performs normal imaging processing and stores the captured image in the memory card 115. Since the imaging process is a known technique, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, in step S406, the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 performs an image upload process for transmitting an image to the image management apparatus. Processing between the imaging apparatus and the image management apparatus in the image upload process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a sequence chart showing an example of a fourth control processing procedure in the imaging system of the present invention. Under the control of the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 and the CPU 201 of the image management apparatus 200 shown in FIG. Processing is executed. S701 to S708 indicate each processing step.

  The sequence chart in FIG. 7 is a process that is started after the imaging process is performed in the imaging apparatus 100. Note that the processing in FIG. 7 may be started immediately after the imaging processing is performed, may be performed after the imaging processing is completed, or manually or automatically by the camera. It may be executed immediately before the power is turned off.

  When the image capturing process is completed by the image capturing apparatus 100, the process proceeds to step S <b> 701, and the system controller 110 of the image capturing apparatus 100 transfers the access key management unit in the system controller 110 from the image upload control unit in the system controller 110. Send an access key request. In step S <b> 702, the access key management unit that has received the access key request transmits the access key specified in 1201 of FIG. 12 to the image upload control unit in the system controller 110.

  In step S703, the image upload control unit in the system controller 110 that has received the access key transmits the captured image data and the access key received from the access key management unit to the image management apparatus 200. In the CPU 201 of the image management apparatus 200 that has received the transmitted access key and image data, the image management unit in the CPU 201 receives the information, and in the next step S704, specifies the storage location of the image data from the access key. Therefore, the access key information is transmitted to the access key control unit in the CPU 201 of the image management apparatus 200. The access key control unit in the CPU 201 that has received the access key next obtains the access key and the storage location information of the image data associated with the access key from the image management apparatus, and in step S705, the image management unit in the CPU 201 Send to. In this embodiment, since the access key information is the storage location of the image management apparatus as it is, the storage location can be specified from the access key information. However, the access key information itself is not used as the storage location, and the access key and the access are within the image management apparatus. The storage location associated with the key may be stored, and the storage location of the image data may be specified from the access key in the process of step S705.

  If the storage location of the image data can be specified, in the next step S706, the image data is stored in the specified storage location.

  When the image is stored, in step S707, the image management unit in the CPU 201 transmits a notification that the image storage is completed to the imaging apparatus 100. In step S708, the image upload control unit in the system controller 110 of the image capturing apparatus 100 that has received the storage completion returns the process to step S703 and repeats the image upload process if there is image data that has not been uploaded. If there is no image data to be uploaded, the process is terminated, and the process returns to the process of the flowchart of FIG. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the image upload process ends in step S406 of FIG. 4, the process transitions to step S409.

  On the other hand, if the imaging apparatus 100 is not in the state of performing the imaging process in step S404 in FIG. 4, the process proceeds to step S407 to share the captured image (a process of downloading a captured image captured by another imaging apparatus). )I do.

  When the process proceeds to step S407, the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 performs an image download process for receiving an image from the image management apparatus. Processing between the imaging device and the image management device in the image download process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence chart showing an example of a fifth control processing procedure in the imaging system of the present invention. Under the control of the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 and the CPU 201 of the image management apparatus 200 shown in FIG. Processing is executed. S801 to S811 indicate each processing step.

  The sequence chart in FIG. 8 may be started when the imaging apparatus 100 is turned on but imaging processing is not performed, or may be started periodically (for example, every 10 minutes).

  First, in step S801, the image download control unit in the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 uses the access key information associated with the location information where the image data for downloading the image is associated with the access key information in the system controller 110 as well. In order to obtain from the management unit, an access key acquisition request is made. In step S802, the access key management unit that has received the access key request transmits the access key specified in 1201 in FIG. 12 to the image download control unit in the system controller 110.

  Upon receiving the access key, the image download control unit in the system controller 110 transmits the access key received from the access key management unit and the last downloaded time information to the image management apparatus 200 in the next step S803. The reason why the time information downloaded last is transmitted is to prevent the image data downloaded before the time information from being downloaded again.

  The image management unit in the CPU 201 of the image management apparatus 200 receives the transmitted access key. In the next step S804, the image management apparatus identifies the group to which the imaging apparatus 100 that transmitted the access key belongs and the storage location. The access key information is transmitted to the access key control unit in the CPU 201 of 200. The access key control unit in the CPU 201 that has received the access key next acquires the access key and the storage location information of the image data associated with the access key from the image management apparatus. In step S805, the image management unit in the CPU 201 Send to.

  If the storage location of the image data can be specified, in the next step S806, the image data updated after the last download time is called out of the image data existing at the specified storage location and transmitted to the imaging apparatus 100.

  Next, in step S807, the image download control unit in the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 stores the received captured image in the memory card 115, and in the next step S808, the image management that the image data has been received is stored. Send to device.

  In step S809, the image management unit in the CPU 201 of the image management apparatus 200 that has received the image data reception confirmation confirms that there is no other image that has not been downloaded yet. If there is image data that has not been downloaded, the process returns to step S806, and the image download process is repeated. If all the image data at the corresponding location has been downloaded, the process proceeds to step S810.

  When the process proceeds to step S810, the image management unit in the CPU 201 of the image management apparatus 200 transmits a notification of completion of image data transmission to the imaging apparatus 100 together with the download time. The transmitted image download control unit in the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 updates the received download time together with the notification of completion of transmission, and stores it in the flash ROM 112 or the memory card 115 in the imaging apparatus 100.

  Through the above processing, the imaging devices having the same access key store image data in the same location of the image management device, sequentially download them from the same storage location, and upload them to the same storage location. Has an effect that can always have. Above, description of the sequence chart of FIG. 8 is complete | finished. Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S407 in FIG. 4, when the image download process in which the image capturing apparatus shares image data is completed, in step S408, an image reproduction process is performed by the user. The reproduction process corresponds to reproduction of a captured image on the display 117 when the user presses the browse button 126, for example. Since the captured image reproduction process is a known technique, a description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the image download process is performed before the image reproduction. However, the image download process may be performed at a time when the imaging process or the reproduction process is not performed by the user. It may be executed immediately before the power is turned off manually or automatically.

  When the process proceeds to the next step S409, the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 receives an input from the user as to whether or not to end the captured image sharing process. Normally, once the sharing settings are made, there is no need to change the settings. Therefore, the process can return to step S404 unconditionally, and the sharing settings can be changed by accepting a specific process from the user only when the sharing process is changed. Or it shall transition to the screen to be ended. A screen image for accepting an input to end sharing of a captured image from the user will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen image of an instrument panel for sharing mode setting in the imaging apparatus 100 of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 1300 in FIG. 13 denotes a screen image displayed on the instrument panel (display 117) of the image pickup apparatus, and in the present embodiment, a touch panel is provided on the instrument panel as in FIG.

  In step S409, when a specific process is received from the user, the screen transitions to a screen image 1300 in FIG.

  The [valid] button 1301 in FIG. 13 is a button image selected at the time of image sharing. When the [invalid] button 1302 is pressed here, the image sharing is stopped and the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 4 is terminated. To do. On the other hand, if the common access key setting field 1303 is changed in order to change to another imaging group, imaging is performed by joining the group set from the imaging group 1101 by the user's selection from the access key distributed in step S606. It can be carried out.

  With the above processing, if the imaging devices can communicate with each other, even if the imaging devices do not have a GPS positioning function, a group is formed between the imaging devices and a captured image is shared for each group. Has the effect of enabling.

  Next, in the setting for sharing the captured image, the processing for deleting the shared image accompanying the deletion of the captured image when a user operation error or miss shot, a captured image that is not desired to be shared, etc. occurs 9 and FIG. 14 will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a sequence chart showing an example of a sixth control processing procedure in the imaging apparatus of the present invention, and processing is executed under the control of the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 shown in FIG. Note that S901 to S913 indicate each processing step. In this process, a process of not uploading a captured image when a captured image in the image capturing apparatus 100 is deleted within a certain time after performing the imaging process will be described.

  The sequence chart of FIG. 9 is started after the imaging process is performed in the imaging apparatus 100.

  First, in step S901, the storage control unit in the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 stores captured image data in the memory card 115 or the like. Next, in step S902, the storage control unit in the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 transmits the captured image information to the image upload control unit in the system controller 110, and prepares to transmit the captured image to the image management apparatus. Let it be done. At this stage, the captured image data itself may be transmitted, or only the presence of the captured image may be notified.

  Next, the image upload control unit in the system controller 110 that has received the captured image information waits for processing to receive captured image data for a preset time in step S911. A screen image for setting a waiting time for the reception processing of the captured image data will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an instrument panel screen image for imaging mode setting in the imaging apparatus 100 of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 1400 in FIG. 14 denotes a screen image displayed on the instrument panel (display 117) of the image pickup apparatus, and in the present embodiment, a touch panel is provided on the instrument panel as in FIG. If it is set to share the captured image, the [ON] button 1401 in the shooting sharing mode is selected, and the [Automatic] 1402 is selected in the image upload setting column by default. . An image upload setting field 1403 is a selection field that can specify at what timing an image is to be uploaded. For example, in 1400, “Upload when 10 seconds have passed after shooting” is selected. By setting “time to delete a captured image that the user thinks failed” in this setting column, the user can select the image that has failed in imaging without sending it to the image management device by mistake. Only images that are considered to be left are uploaded to the image management apparatus. Return to the explanation of the sequence chart of FIG.

  In step S911, when the captured image is deleted as in step S903 until the captured image is transmitted to the image management apparatus 200, for example, an image that is deleted immediately after imaging is image management. The image is not necessary for the apparatus 200. Therefore, in the imaging apparatus 100, by not sending the captured image data deleted immediately after imaging to the image management apparatus 200, it is possible to save the user's trouble and reduce the network load.

  In step S <b> 903, the storage control unit in the system controller 110 accepts processing for deleting the captured image data from the operation unit 120 within a predetermined time after imaging, and deletes the captured image from the memory card 115. Next, in step S912, the image upload control unit in the system controller 110 that does not know that the captured image has been deleted requests transmission of the captured image data itself, or manages the captured image that has already been transmitted. One of the processes for confirming whether it can be sent to the device is performed. Which is executed depends on whether the captured image data itself is not transmitted in step S902, and only the presence of the captured image data is notified, or the captured image data itself is transmitted.

  Next, in step S <b> 904, the storage control unit in the system controller 110 transmits a notification that the imaging data does not exist to the image upload control unit in the system controller 110. Next, in step S913, the image upload control unit in the system controller 110 confirms that the captured image has been deleted, and stops the upload process.

  The above case is an example in which a captured image is deleted within a predetermined time after imaging in the imaging device, and other captured images are uploaded by processing according to the sequence chart of FIG.

  With the above processing, in the imaging device, an image that is deleted immediately after imaging is not sent to the image management device 200, and only other images are sent to the image management device 200. It is possible to prevent the trouble of deleting the image twice by the image pickup apparatus and the image management apparatus, and there is an effect of suppressing a network load due to useless information communication.

  Next, referring to FIG. 10 for the shared image deletion process associated with the deletion of the captured image when the preview display indicates that there is a captured image that you do not want to share when setting to share the captured image To explain.

  FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of a seventh control processing procedure in the imaging apparatus of the present invention. Processing is performed under the control of the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 and the CPU 201 of the image management apparatus 200 shown in FIG. Is executed. S1001 to S1007 indicate each processing step. In this process, when an imaging process is performed and the user performs a preview, a captured image that does not need to be saved is found. It should be noted that the deletion process by the preview should correspond only to the deletion at the first preview. Whether it is the first preview may be given in Exif information (not shown) of the captured image, or it may be stored whether the captured image is confirmed (previewed) by the imaging device.

  The sequence chart in FIG. 10 is started after the processing of the sequence chart in FIG. 7, that is, the processing in which the imaging device transmits the captured image to the image management device and stores it in the image management device (step S1001). However, the processing after step S1002 may be started at any time after the processing of step S1001.

  In step S1002, the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 displays a preview image of the captured image on the display 117 by an operation from the user.

  Next, in step S1003, the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 accepts an instruction to delete the currently displayed captured image from the user.

  Next, in step S <b> 1004, the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 performs a process of deleting the currently displayed captured image from the memory card 115.

  Next, in step S1005, the system controller 110 of the imaging apparatus 100 transmits an instruction to delete the image in the same image management apparatus as the captured image deleted in step S1004 to the image management apparatus 200.

  In step S1006, the CPU 201 of the image management apparatus 200 that has received the image deletion command performs processing for deleting the designated captured image. In step S1007, the CPU 201 transmits a message indicating that the deletion has been completed to the imaging apparatus. The processing of the sequence chart is finished.

  With the above processing, an image that is considered unnecessary when the user first confirms an image captured can be deleted from the image management device and at the same time can be deleted from the image management device. This reduces the annoyance of having to perform a delete operation on either of the devices.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the imaging device and the image management device has been described.

  Although not specifically illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified. An icon to be displayed may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 in this embodiment may be performed by the host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus records the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program code include a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD-ROM, a magnetic tape, and a non-volatile memory card. ROM, EEPROM, silicon disk, etc. can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read out by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the computer is operated on the basis of the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the OS (operating system) or the like performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read out. -A case where the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the function and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Needless to say.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. Is possible.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100a-c Imaging device 200a, b Image management device

Claims (8)

An imaging system comprising a plurality of imaging devices having imaging means capable of communicating with an image management device,
The image management device includes:
Access key generating means for generating an access key associated with a storage location on the image management device;
A captured image storage unit that receives the access key and the captured image captured by the imaging unit from the imaging device, and stores the captured image in a storage location on an image management apparatus associated with the access key;
The first imaging device that instructs generation of the access key includes:
An access key exchanging means capable of exchanging the access key;
Access key transmitting means for transmitting an access key to a second imaging device other than the first imaging device;
The second imaging device includes:
An access key receiving means for receiving an access key transmitted from the access key transmitting means of the first imaging device,
The first and second imaging devices include a transmission unit that transmits the access key and a captured image captured by the imaging unit to the image management device;
An imaging system comprising: The first imaging device includes:
Grouping means for grouping the first and second imaging devices having the common access key into the same group;
The first and second imaging devices grouped in the same group by the grouping unit acquires a captured image stored in a storage location on the image management device associated with the access key from the image management device. Image acquisition means;
The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising: The first and second imaging devices are
A deletion instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to delete the captured image;
The transmission unit of the first and second imaging apparatuses transmits a captured image when a deletion instruction is not received within a predetermined time after the imaging by each imaging unit. The imaging system described. The first and second imaging devices are
A captured image display means for displaying a captured image captured by the imaging means;
A deletion instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to delete the captured image;
When an instruction to delete the captured image captured by the imaging unit is displayed from the deletion instruction receiving unit within a predetermined time after the captured image is displayed by the captured image display unit, the imaging is performed from a storage location on the image management apparatus associated with the access key A delete command transmission means for sending a command to delete an image;
The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising:   The deletion command transmission means receives the image from a storage location on the image management apparatus associated with the access key when deletion is received by the deletion instruction receiving means after being displayed by the captured image display means for the first time. The imaging system according to claim 4, wherein an instruction for deleting an image is sent. A control method for controlling an imaging system comprising a plurality of imaging devices having imaging means capable of communicating with an image management device,
In the image management apparatus having a captured image storage unit that receives and stores a captured image captured by the imaging unit of the imaging apparatus,
An access key generating step for generating an access key associated with a storage location on the image management device;
A storage location specifying step of receiving the access key generated in the access key generation step and the captured image, and specifying a storage location for storing the captured image as a storage location on the image management apparatus associated with the access key; Including
In the first imaging device instructing generation of the access key,
An access key exchanging process capable of exchanging the access key;
An access key transmission step of transmitting an access key to a second imaging device other than the first imaging device,
In the second imaging device,
Including an access key receiving step of receiving an access key transmitted from the access key transmitting means of the first imaging device;
In the first and second imaging devices,
A control method comprising a transmission step of transmitting the access key and the captured image to the image management apparatus.   A program for executing the imaging system control method according to claim 6.   A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for executing the imaging system control method according to claim 7.

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