JP2017163606A - Processing control device, processing control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately control a normal function and a transmission function, when transmitting a photographed image to an external device.SOLUTION: A photographing apparatus includes: a first processing section 51; a second processing section 52; and a third processing section 53. The first processing section 51 executes a function other than transmission of the photographing apparatus. The second processing section 52 executes a function related to transmission of the photographing apparatus. In order to avoid problems occurring due to parallel execution of the function other than transmission performed by the first processing section 51, and the function related to transmission performed by the second processing section 52, the third processing section 53 performs control so that execution of the function other than transmission performed by the first processing section 51, and execution of the function related to transmission performed by the second processing section 52 are performed exclusively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device, a transmission control method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, not only an image capturing device that captures an image captured by an image capturing device but also other external devices have been used. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for transmitting an image to an external device when the image is taken for use by another external device.

JP 2002-342465 A

  However, the number of pixels of the image sensor used in the imaging device increases year by year, and the quality of the image is improved. However, since transmission takes time, the function as a normal imaging device is used during transmission after shooting. There is a problem that it will cause trouble. For this reason, when transmitting a captured image, it is necessary to execute transmission processing in parallel while maintaining the normal operation of the image capturing apparatus. On the other hand, since hardware resources compete and there are functions that cannot be processed in parallel in the algorithm, it is necessary to appropriately control the normal function and the transmission function.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to appropriately control a normal function and a transmission function when a captured image is transmitted to an external device.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging device of one embodiment of the present invention provides:
An imaging device that transmits an image to an external device,
A plurality of first execution means for executing different functions other than transmission of the imaging apparatus;
Second execution means for executing a function related to transmission of the photographing apparatus;
Whether one of the plurality of first execution means monitors a function other than transmission is executed, and when a function other than the transmission is executed, the processing content of the function executed other than the transmission Request output means for outputting a request for suppressing execution of a function related to transmission by the second execution means, including information indicating
Control means for performing control to suppress execution of a function related to transmission by the second execution means in response to a request output from the request output means;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, when a captured image is automatically transmitted to an external device, the normal function and the transmission function can be appropriately controlled.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing a system configuration of an image transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the hardware of the imaging device and portable terminal device which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure for performing an automatic transmission control process among the functional structures of the imaging device of FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of automatic transmission control processing executed by the imaging apparatus of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG. 3.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a system configuration of an image transmission system S according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image transmission system S includes a photographing device 1 and a mobile terminal device 2.
The image transmission system S has a function of automatically transmitting an image captured by the imaging device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “captured image”) to the mobile terminal device 2 that is an external device after imaging.
In the present embodiment, the photographing apparatus 1 transmits only the photographed image to be transmitted (shown by hatching in the drawing) among the photographed images to the mobile terminal device 2. The photographing apparatus 1 holds a transmission target list for managing the transmission target and transmission status of the captured image with the ID of the captured image, and transmits the captured image with reference to the transmission target list. That is, the imaging device 1 transmits a corresponding captured image to the mobile terminal device 2 based on the unsent ID stored in the transmission target list. The setting of the transmission target is performed based on, for example, a setting at the time of shooting (“automatic transmission setting: on / off”).

The exclusive control processing in the image capturing apparatus 1 exclusively controls the following normal function and automatic transmission function.
(1) Still image shooting, movie shooting, movie playback (2) Standby state of special shooting function (pasted movie, slide panorama, interval shooting, etc.)
(3) Image processing functions (movie cut, continuous multi-print, quick collage, etc.)
(4) File processing (file deletion, file transfer via USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection, etc.)
(5) Other communication functions While the processes of (1) to (5) are being executed, the automatic transmission process is suppressed (not started or restricted), and the automatic transmission process is executed. When these processes are started during, the automatic transmission process is suppressed.

Further, in the image transmission system S of the present embodiment, the photographing apparatus 1 uses two communication methods for image transmission. That is, a high-speed wireless communication method suitable for file transmission / reception (hereinafter referred to as “first communication method”) and a low-speed but power-saving wireless communication method suitable for constant connection (hereinafter referred to as “second communication method”). The image is transmitted by the communication method.
In the present embodiment, the first communication method uses a communication method based on a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) communication standard in a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Further, the second communication method uses a communication method based on the communication standard of Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy / Bluetooth (registered trademark) LE (hereinafter referred to as “BLE”).

In the image transmission system S of the present embodiment, when the automatic transmission function of a captured image is exhibited, a state where communication is established between the image capturing device 1 and the mobile terminal device 2 by BLE, which is the second communication method (always connected) State). That is, the automatic transmission function of a captured image is exhibited on the premise that the imaging device 1 and the mobile terminal device 2 are connected by BLE which is the second communication method.
Specifically, the imaging device 1 instructs the portable terminal device 2 to establish communication using Wi-Fi, which is the first communication method, via communication using the second communication method (control signal). ) To establish communication using Wi-Fi, which is the first communication method, between the photographing device 1 and the mobile terminal device 2. In the present embodiment, the photographing device 1 is a parent device in Wi-Fi, and the mobile terminal device 2 is a child device in Wi-Fi, which is the first communication method. Communication is established by one-to-one direct communication between 1 and the mobile terminal device 2.
Thereafter, the image capturing device 1 transmits an image to the mobile terminal device 2 using the first communication method. As a result, the mobile terminal device 2 can receive an image by the first communication method without performing an operation.

  Further, in the mobile terminal device 2, the captured image received from the imaging device 1 is, for example, stored / managed, or uploaded to a cloud server for the purpose of sharing the image with other external devices. It can be used with external devices.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the imaging device 1 and the mobile terminal device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The photographing apparatus 1 is configured as a digital camera, for example.

  The photographing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an imaging unit 16, and an input unit 17. An output unit 18, a storage unit 19, a first communication unit 20, a second communication unit 21, a drive 22, and a power supply unit 23.

  The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 12 or a program loaded from the storage unit 19 to the RAM 13.

  The RAM 13 appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to the bus 14. An imaging unit 16, an input unit 17, an output unit 18, a storage unit 19, a first communication unit 20, a second communication unit 21, a drive 22, and a power supply unit 23 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

  Although not shown, the imaging unit 16 includes an optical lens unit and an image sensor.

The optical lens unit is configured by a lens that collects light, for example, a focus lens or a zoom lens, in order to photograph a subject.
The focus lens is a lens that forms a subject image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor. The zoom lens is a lens that freely changes the focal length within a certain range.
The optical lens unit is also provided with a peripheral circuit for adjusting setting parameters such as focus, exposure, and white balance as necessary.

The image sensor includes a photoelectric conversion element, AFE (Analog Front End), and the like.
The photoelectric conversion element is composed of, for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type photoelectric conversion element or the like. A subject image is incident on the photoelectric conversion element from the optical lens unit. Therefore, the photoelectric conversion element photoelectrically converts (captures) the subject image, accumulates the image signal for a predetermined time, and sequentially supplies the accumulated image signal as an analog signal to the AFE.
The AFE performs various signal processing such as A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion processing on the analog image signal. Through various signal processing, a digital signal is generated and output as an output signal of the imaging unit 16.
Hereinafter, the output signal of the imaging unit 16 is also referred to as “photographed image data”. The captured image data is appropriately supplied to the CPU 11 or an image processing unit (not shown).

The input unit 17 includes various buttons and the like, and inputs various types of information according to user instruction operations.
The output unit 18 includes a display, a speaker, and the like, and outputs images and sounds.

  The storage unit 19 includes a hard disk or a flash memory, and stores various image data.

  The first communication unit 20 is a high-speed wireless communication method (hereinafter referred to as “first communication method”) suitable for file transmission and reception with an external device (in the present embodiment, the mobile terminal device 2). Control the communication that takes place. In the present embodiment, the first communication method uses a communication method based on a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) communication standard in a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

  The second communication unit 21 is a low-speed but power-saving wireless communication method (hereinafter referred to as “second communication method”) that is suitable for constant connection and an external device (in this embodiment, the mobile terminal device 2). Controls communication with the. In the present embodiment, the second communication method uses a communication method based on the communication standard of Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy / Bluetooth (registered trademark) LE (hereinafter referred to as “BLE”).

  A removable medium 31 made of a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is appropriately attached to the drive 22. The program read from the removable medium 31 by the drive 22 is installed in the storage unit 19 as necessary. The removable medium 31 can also store various data such as image data stored in the storage unit 19 in the same manner as the storage unit 19.

  The power supply unit 23 is constituted by, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery, and is a power supply source that supplies driving power to the imaging apparatus 1 via a power supply circuit (not shown). Is supplied to each component of the photographing apparatus 1. The power supply unit 23 is controlled by the CPU 11. For example, in a power-off state, the power supply unit 23 stops supplying power to the output unit 18 and turns off the display output, and the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 21 It is controlled so that image transmission is possible even when the power is off while maintaining the supply of power in communication.

The mobile terminal device 2 is configured as a tablet terminal, for example.
Note that the hardware configuration is the same as that of the photographing apparatus 1 and is omitted. Hereinafter, when using the hardware in the photographing device 1 and the portable terminal device 2 as an explanation, the photographing device 1 is attached with “−1” at the end of the reference numeral, and the portable terminal device 2 is appended with the end of the reference numeral. "-2" shall be attached. That is, the photographing apparatus 1 is represented as CPU 11-1 through removable media 31-1, and the portable terminal apparatus 2 is represented as CPU 11-2 through removable media 31-2.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration for executing the automatic transmission control process among the functional configurations of the imaging apparatus 1.
The automatic transmission control process refers to a series of processes for automatically transmitting a captured image to an external device (in the present embodiment, the portable terminal device 2) while performing exclusive control with other processes.

  When executing the automatic transmission control process, as shown in FIG. 3, the first processing unit 51, the second processing unit 52, and the third processing unit 53 function in the CPU 11-1. .

  An image storage unit 71 and a transmission target list storage unit 72 are set in one area of the storage unit 19-1.

  The image storage unit 71 stores data of a captured image that is captured and acquired from the imaging unit 16-1.

  The transmission target list storage unit 72 stores a transmission target list for managing the transmission status of the captured image that is the transmission target among the captured images stored in the image storage unit 71. In the present embodiment, the ID of an untransmitted image is stored in the transmission target list as the image transmission status. When the transmission of the target image is completed, the image transmission status is managed by deleting the ID from the transmission target list. That is, in the transmission target list, only the ID of an image that has not been transmitted among the transmission targets is stored, and the ID of an image that has been transmitted among the non-transmission target and the transmission target is not stored.

The first processing unit 51 performs processing for executing normal functions including photographing, reproduction, image processing, and file management in the photographing apparatus 1. The first processing unit 51 outputs a suppression request for requesting suppression of the automatic image transmission processing in the second processing unit 52 to the third processing unit 53 when performing various functions. Further, the first processing unit 51 outputs notice information for notifying that the specific process is executed to the third processing unit 53 when an operation at a preparation stage of the specific process is performed. .
Specifically, the first processing unit 51 includes a shooting control unit 51a, a reproduction control unit 51b, an image processing unit 51c, a file management unit 51d, and a suppression request output unit 51e.

  The shooting control unit 51a controls shooting by the imaging unit 16-1 in accordance with various shooting settings such as pressing of a shutter button, time lapse, interval, past movie, slide panorama, or self-timer. Data of a photographed image photographed according to the control of the photographing control unit 51a is stored in the image storage unit 71. Here, time lapse is a shooting method in which still images and moving images that are automatically shot at regular time intervals are connected to form one moving image. The interval is a shooting method for automatically shooting still images and moving images at regular time intervals. The past moving image is a shooting method that can hold a moving image for a predetermined time before the shooting start operation and can be used as a recording target. The slide panorama is a photographing method for generating a wide-angle panoramic image by synthesizing still images photographed by continuous shooting while sliding the angle of view of the photographing apparatus 1.

The reproduction control unit 51b reproduces still image or moving image data stored in the image storage unit 71 or the removable medium 31-1 in accordance with a user instruction.
The image processing unit 51c executes image processing such as movie cut, continuous multi-print, and quick collage in accordance with a user instruction. Here, the movie cut is a process for cutting a scene before or after a scene designated by the user. Continuous shooting multi-printing is a process for arranging a plurality of still images taken by continuous shooting to form one still image. The quick collage is a process for combining a plurality of automatically selected images into one collage image.
The file management unit 51d manages file copying, deletion, or movement, file transfer with a USB-connected device, and the like.

The suppression request output unit 51e outputs a suppression request including information indicating processing contents in the imaging control unit 51a, the reproduction control unit 51b, and the image processing unit 51c to the third processing unit 53. The suppression request output unit 51e outputs a cancellation request for canceling the suppression of the automatic transmission process in the second processing unit 52 when the process that has caused the suppression request is completed.
In addition, the suppression request output unit 51e provides the third notice information for notifying that the specific process is executed when the first process unit 51 performs an operation at the preparation stage of the specific process. To the processing unit 53. For example, if a half-shutter operation is performed before a still image is shot after the shutter button is pressed, there is a high probability that a still image will be shot. Preliminary information indicating that the above operation has been performed (that is, that the shutter button is pressed) is output to the third processing unit 53. Similarly, special processing such as time lapse, interval, past video, slide panorama or self-timer, playback of moving images, movie cut, continuous multi-print, quick collage, etc. requires heavy processing and relatively long processing time Even when processing is performed (for example, when settings for executing these processes are performed), the suppression request output unit 51e outputs notice information for notifying that these processes are executed. It is good to do. Note that the suppression request output unit 51e outputs the advance notice information and then cancels the advance notice in order to cancel the advance notice information when the specific process for which the advance notice has been executed is not executed (for example, when it is not executed within a certain time). Information is output to the third processing unit 53.

The second processing unit 52 executes automatic transmission processing of an image (still image or moving image) from the image capturing device 1 to the external device.
Specifically, the second processing unit 52 includes a transmission target management unit 52a and a transmission control unit 52b.
The transmission target management unit 52a identifies an image stored in the image storage unit 71 based on the ID of an untransmitted image stored in the transmission target list storage unit 72, and sets the image as a target for automatic transmission.
The transmission control unit 52b transmits the image subjected to automatic transmission by the transmission target management unit 52a to the external device via the first communication unit 20-1. At this time, the transmission control unit 52b controls execution and stop of transmission to the external device in the first communication unit 20-1, transmission power or transmission speed, or operation clock according to the exclusive control by the third processing unit 53. To do.

The third processing unit 53 performs processing for exclusive control of the first processing unit 51 and the second processing unit 52. Here, the exclusive control in the present embodiment means that the first processing unit 51 is prioritized in addition to the control in which the second processing unit 52 is stopped and only the first processing unit 51 is operated selectively. The second processing unit 52 is also operated, and includes control for suppressing the operation of the second processing unit 52. The third processing unit 53 processes memory (physical capacity and address) contention, processing circuit function contention (ie, hardware contention), and software algorithm logical contention (eg, the same parameter). The first processing unit 51 and the second processing unit 52 can be exclusively controlled based on the viewpoints of peak current, heat generation, noise, and the like.
Specifically, the third processing unit 53 includes a transmission condition determining unit 53a and an operation setting unit 53b.

The transmission condition determination unit 53a determines the condition of the operation (transmission of an image to an external device) in the second processing unit 52 based on the suppression request or advance notice information input from the suppression request output unit 51e. That is, the transmission condition determination unit 53a determines the operation condition permitted in the second processing unit 52 according to the processing content in the first processing unit 51 indicated in the suppression request or the advance notice information.
For example, the transmission condition discriminating unit 53a permits the second processing unit 52 to transmit an image to an external device when the first processing unit 51 performs (or has already been performed). It is determined that the state is not performed. The transmission condition determining unit 53a reduces the transmission power of the image to the external device in the second processing unit 52 when the first processing unit 51 captures a moving image (or has already been captured). It is determined that it is in a state (to suppress communication power). This is because, when a moving image is shot, the current drawn into the moving image processing engine increases, so that the power that can be used for communication decreases. Further, the transmission condition determination unit 53a, when the first processing unit 51 performs (or has already been performed) a high-load image processing, the image data to the external device in the second processing unit 52 It is determined that the transmission interval of (packet) is increased and the transmission speed is reduced (communication speed is suppressed). This is because the heat generation amount increases intermittently due to high-load image processing such as advanced image processing, and may exceed the allowable heat generation amount when operated simultaneously with the second processing unit 52. Further, the transmission condition determination unit 53a reduces the operation clock in the second processing unit 52 (operation clock) when the first processing unit 51 performs (or has already been performed) the reproduction of the moving image. Is determined). This is because a signal of a specific clock frequency propagates through the circuit due to communication in the second processing unit 52, and noise may be mixed in a moving image or sound.

Based on the determination result, the transmission condition determination unit 53a sets a flag for setting the operation condition in the second processing unit 52 (hereinafter referred to as “operation condition setting flag”). The operating condition setting flag is composed of, for example, 4-bit data, and all bits are set to “0” (the flag is not set) in the initial state. If the transmission condition determination unit 53a determines that the second processing unit 52 is not permitted to transmit an image to the external device, the transmission condition determination unit 53a sets the first bit of the operation condition setting flag to “1” (the flag is set). State). Similarly, when it is determined that the transmission condition determination unit 53a is in a state where the transmission power of the image to the external device in the second processing unit 52 is reduced (suppress communication power), the second operation condition setting flag is set. When it is determined that the bit is set to “1”, the transmission interval of the image data (packet) to the external device in the second processing unit 52 is increased, and the transmission speed is reduced (communication speed is suppressed). When the third bit of the operating condition setting flag is set to “1” and it is determined that the operating clock in the second processing unit 52 is lowered (suppressing the operating clock), the fourth bit of the operating condition setting flag is set. Set to “1”.
In addition, when a cancellation request or notice cancellation information is input from the suppression request output unit 51e, the transmission condition determination unit 53a returns the operation condition setting flag to “0” and cancels the suppression of the operation in the second processing unit 52. To do.

The operation setting unit 53b controls the operation in the second processing unit 52 based on the setting content of the operation condition setting flag, and executes exclusive control in the first processing unit 51 and the second processing unit. That is, when the first bit of the operation condition setting flag is “1”, the operation setting unit 53b sets the second processing unit 52 to not permit the image transmission to the external device, and sets the first of the operation condition setting flag. When the 2 bits are “1”, the transmission power of the image to the external device in the second processing unit 52 is reduced (communication power is suppressed). Further, when the third bit of the operation condition setting flag is “1”, the operation setting unit 53b increases the transmission interval of the image data (packet) to the external device in the second processing unit 52, and increases the transmission speed. When the fourth bit of the operation condition setting flag is “1”, the operation clock in the second processing unit 52 is decreased (the operation clock is suppressed). .
The operation setting unit 53b determines whether or not the first bit is “1” in preference to the other bits of the operation condition setting flag. As a result, it is possible to quickly determine that transmission of an image to the external device in the second processing unit 52 is not permitted, and to stop the operation.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the advance notice information is input from the suppression request output unit 51e, the operation setting unit 53b performs the operation in the second processing unit 52 according to the processing content indicated in the advance notice information. Suppress in advance and start exclusive control early. Thereby, when the probability that the specific process is executed is high, the operation in the second processing unit 52 can be suppressed in advance, and the delay in the execution of the specific process can be prevented. it can.
Further, the operation setting unit 53b receives the release request or the advance notice cancellation information, so that the operation condition setting flag is changed from “1” to “0” by the transmission condition determination unit 53a, and the second after the exclusive control is started. When the suppression of the operation in the processing unit 52 becomes a state that can be canceled, the suppression of the operation in the second processing unit 52 is delayed and canceled by a preset standby time (for example, 5 seconds). Thereby, even when the operation such as the half shutter is repeated in small steps by the user or when the photographing is repeated, the situation where the start and release of the suppression of the operation is inappropriately repeated in the second processing unit 52. Can be avoided.
That is, by starting or ending the suppression of the operation in the second processing unit 52 at a timing different from the timing at which the processing in the first processing unit 51 is started or ended, the processing in the first processing unit 51 It is possible to more appropriately control the automatic transmission process in the second processing unit 52.

Next, the operation will be described.
[Automatic transmission control processing]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of automatic transmission control processing executed by the photographing apparatus 1 of FIG. 2 having the functional configuration of FIG.
The automatic transmission control process is started when the photographing apparatus 1 is turned on.

The transmission condition determination unit 53a in the third processing unit 53 determines whether or not the advance notice information is input from the first process unit 51 (step S1). NO in step S1), it is determined whether or not notice cancellation information is input from the first processing unit 51 (step S2).
If the transmission condition determination unit 53a determines that the notice cancellation information has not been input from the first processing unit 51 (NO in step S2), a request for suppression of automatic transmission processing is input from the first processing unit 51. It is determined whether or not (step S11).

  When it is determined in step S1 that the advance notice information is input from the first processing unit 51 (YES in step S1), the transmission condition determination unit 53a performs automatic transmission processing from the first processing unit 51 in step S11. If it is determined that the suppression request has been input (YES in step S11), the request source information is registered (the advance notice information or the processing content indicated in the suppression request is stored) (step S12). In step S12, the transmission condition determination unit 53a also sets the operation condition setting flag to “1”.

Subsequently, the transmission condition determination unit 53a determines whether or not it is necessary to shift from a state where transmission of an image to the external device in the second processing unit 52 is permitted to a state where it is not permitted (step S13). At this time, the transmission condition determination unit 53a determines whether or not the first bit of the operation condition setting flag is changed from “0” to “1”.
If it is determined in step S13 that it is necessary to shift (YES in step S13), the transmission condition determination unit 53a resets the automatic transmission start timer (step S14), and the operation setting unit 53b performs automatic transmission processing. It is determined whether or not the automatic transmission process is being executed (step S15). If it is determined that the automatic transmission process is being executed (YES in step S15), the automatic transmission process is performed in the transmission control unit 52b of the second processing unit 52. Is started (step S16), and the process returns to step S1.
The automatic transmission start timer is a timer that is counted when an automatic transmission process of an image to an external device is performed. While the automatic transmission start timer is being counted, an image from the photographing device 1 to the external device. Indicates that transmission of is permitted.

On the other hand, if the transmission condition determination unit 53a determines in step S13 that it is not necessary to shift from the state in which the image transmission to the external device in the second processing unit 52 is permitted to the state in which it is not permitted (step S13). NO), referring to the second to fourth bits of the operation condition setting flag, the operation condition in the second processing unit 52 is discriminated (step S17), and the operation setting unit 53b displays the first value indicated by the operation condition setting flag. The operation condition in the second processing unit 52 is set (step S18). Thereby, exclusive control (operation suppression) in the second processing unit 52 is realized.
Following step S18 or when it is determined in step S15 that the automatic transmission process is not being executed (NO in step S15), the operation setting unit 53b indicates that the exclusive control has been completed by the first processing unit 51. (Step S19), and the process returns to step S1.

If the transmission condition determination unit 53a determines that the automatic transmission process suppression request has not been input from the first processing unit 51 (NO in step S11), the transmission condition determination unit 53a suppresses the automatic transmission processing from the first processing unit 51. It is determined whether or not a cancel request has been input (step S21).
If it is determined in step S21 that a cancel request has been input (YES in step S21), or if it is determined in step S2 that the notice cancellation information has been input from the first processing unit 51 (YES in step S2). ), The registration of the request source information is canceled (the storage of the processing content indicated in the advance notice information or the suppression request is deleted) (step S22). In step S22, the operation condition setting flag is also set to “0” by the transmission condition determining unit 53a.

  Subsequently, the transmission condition determination unit 53a determines whether or not it is necessary to shift from the state where the image transmission to the external device in the second processing unit 52 is not permitted to the permitted state (step S23). If it is determined that it is necessary to shift (YES in step S23), an automatic transmission start timer is started (step S24), and the process returns to step S1.

On the other hand, if the transmission condition determination unit 53a determines that it is not necessary to shift from the state where the image transmission to the external device to the external device in the second processing unit 52 is not permitted (NO in step S23), By referring to the second to fourth bits of the operation condition setting flag, the operation condition in the second processing unit 52 is determined (step S25), and the operation setting unit 53b is a second processing unit indicated by the operation condition setting flag. The operation condition at 52 is set (step S26). Thereby, the exclusive control (operation suppression) in the second processing unit 52 ends. At this time, the suppression of the operation in the second processing unit 52 is delayed and released by a preset standby time (for example, 5 seconds).
After step S26, the process returns to step S1.

  The transmission condition determining unit 53a determines that the automatic transmission processing suppression request is not input from the first processing unit 51 (NO in step S11), and further, the first processing unit 51 receives the automatic transmission processing cancellation request. If it is determined that no automatic transmission processing has been input (NO in step S21), it is determined whether a notification (stop notification) indicating that automatic transmission processing has been stopped is input from the transmission control unit 52b of the second processing unit 52. If it is determined that the automatic transmission process stop notification has been input (YES in step S31), there is registration information of the request source (storage of the processing content indicated in the advance notice information or the suppression request). If it is determined that there is registration information of the request source (YES in step S32), the first processing unit 51 is notified that the exclusive control is completed (step S32). 33). Thereafter, the process returns to step S1.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no registration information in step S32 (NO in step S32), the transmission condition determination unit 53a returns to step S1.

It is determined that the automatic transmission processing suppression request is not input from the first processing unit 51 (NO in step S11), and it is determined that the automatic transmission processing cancellation request is not input from the first processing unit 51, (NO in step S21) Furthermore, if it is determined that there is no automatic transmission processing stop notification from the transmission control unit 52b of the second processing unit 52 (NO in step S31), the transmission control unit 52b It is determined whether or not the start of the start timer has been notified (step S41). When it is determined that the start of the automatic transmission start timer has been notified (YES in step S41), the automatic transmission process is started (step S42). Return to step S1. Note that in step S42, the start of the automatic transmission process in the second processing unit 52 is delayed by a preset standby time (for example, 5 seconds).
On the other hand, if the transmission control unit 52b determines that the start of the automatic transmission start timer is not notified (NO in step S41), the transmission control unit 52b returns to step S1.

As described above, in the exclusive control process, the imaging device 1 according to the present embodiment treats the various functions of the imaging device in the same row regardless of factors that exclude various functions of the imaging device and the processing level, and controls even if there are multiple factors. By enabling the automatic transmission in the background of functions other than the transmission of the photographing apparatus, it becomes easy to add an exclusive control process.
In addition, communication processing can be executed in the photographing apparatus 1 by changing the control for suppressing the operation in the second processing unit 52 according to the factor for performing the exclusive control, and responding by a method other than stopping the operation. The situation can be increased. Therefore, the image can be transmitted more promptly.

The photographing apparatus 1 configured as described above includes a first processing unit 51, a second processing unit 52, and a third processing unit 53.
The first processing unit 51 performs functions other than the transmission of the photographing apparatus 1.
The second processing unit 52 executes a function related to transmission of the photographing apparatus 1.
The third processing unit 53 has a problem that occurs when the execution of functions other than transmission by the first processing unit 51 and the execution of functions related to transmission by the second processing unit 52 are performed in parallel. In order to avoid this, control is performed such that execution of functions other than transmission by the first processing unit 51 and execution of functions related to transmission by the second processing unit 52 are performed exclusively.
The third processing unit 53 controls the suppression or cancellation of the execution of the function related to transmission by the second processing unit 52 at a timing different from the timing at which the trouble needs to be avoided.
Thereby, it is possible to more appropriately control the execution of functions other than transmission in the first processing unit 51 and the execution of functions related to transmission in the second processing unit 52.

The functions other than transmission executed by the first processing unit 51 are shooting functions that generate a shot image by performing shooting processing on a captured image captured by the imaging unit.
The function related to transmission executed by the second processing unit 52 is an automatic transmission function for performing processing of automatically transmitting a captured image captured by the imaging function to an external device.
A problem occurs when the photographing process and the automatic transmission process are performed in parallel.
Thereby, the photographing process can be controlled more appropriately with priority over the process of transmitting the photographed image to the external device.

The third processing unit 53 suppresses the execution of the automatic transmission process by the second processing unit 52 at a timing earlier than the timing at which the first processing unit 51 starts executing the photographing function.
Thereby, it is possible to prevent a delay in execution of the photographing function.

When the shift to the photographing standby state is detected, the third processing unit 53 performs control to suppress the automatic transmission processing by the second processing unit 52 even before the photographing processing.
Thereby, when a shooting standby state with a high probability of shooting execution such as a half shutter is detected, it is possible to more reliably prevent the execution of the shooting function from being delayed.

The third processing unit 53 cancels the suppression of the automatic transmission process performed by the second processing unit 52 at a timing later than the timing at which the execution of the photographing function by the first processing unit 51 ends.
Thereby, in the 2nd process part 52, the situation where starting and cancellation | release of operation | movement suppression are repeated improperly can be avoided.

Even when the end of the photographing process is detected, the third processing unit 53 performs control to cancel the suppression of the automatic transmission process performed by the second processing unit 52 after a predetermined time has elapsed.
Thereby, even when a predetermined operation is repeated by the user, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the start and release of the suppression of the operation are inappropriately repeated in the second processing unit 52.

The predetermined time is a time during which trouble that occurs when the execution of the shooting process is started after the shooting process is completed can be avoided.
Thereby, when imaging | photography is repeated, in the 2nd process part 52, the situation where the start and cancellation | release of suppression of operation are repeated improperly can be avoided.

The third processing unit 53 performs a function other than the transmission by the first processing unit 51 and stops the function related to the transmission by the second processing unit 52 or other than the transmission by the first processing unit 51 The execution of the function is prioritized over the execution of the function related to transmission by the second processing unit 52, and at least one of the control for limiting the function related to transmission by the second processing unit 52 is executed.
Thereby, in addition to the exclusive control that causes the first processing unit 51 and the second processing unit 52 to operate alternatively, the operation of the second processing unit 52 is limited, and the second processing unit 51 and the second processing unit 51 together. The exclusive control can be performed in such a manner that the processing unit 52 is operated.
Therefore, it is possible to increase the situation in which the processing by the second processing unit 52 can be executed in the photographing apparatus 1.

The functions other than transmission executed by the first processing unit 51 are image processing functions.
The function related to transmission executed by the second processing unit 52 is an automatic image transmission function executed in parallel with the image processing function executed by the first processing unit 51.
The problem is heat generated by executing high-load image processing and communication processing in parallel.
Thereby, it is possible to appropriately suppress heat generation due to automatic transmission when image processing is executed.

The function other than transmission executed by the first processing unit 51 is an audio reproduction function.
The function related to transmission executed by the second processing unit 52 is an automatic image transmission function executed in parallel with the sound reproduction function executed by the first processing unit 51.
The problem is generation of noise caused by a clock having a specific frequency used for executing communication processing by the automatic transmission function.
Thereby, at the time of audio | voice reproduction | regeneration, mixing of the noise by performing automatic transmission can be prevented appropriately.

The fault is a contention for the physical capacity of the memory or a logical contention for the software algorithm.
As a result, it is possible to exclusively control processes that cannot obtain appropriate results when executed simultaneously.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, The deformation | transformation in the range which can achieve the objective of this invention, improvement, etc. are included in this invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is desirable that the automatic transmission has a small capacity for one transmission. Thereby, when transmission is interrupted, it becomes easy to discard the data in the middle and retransmit.

In the above-described embodiment, the image capturing apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied has been described using a digital camera as an example, but is not particularly limited thereto.
For example, the present invention can be applied to general electronic devices having an automatic transmission processing function. Specifically, for example, the present invention can be applied to a notebook personal computer, a printer, a television receiver, a video camera, a portable navigation device, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable game machine, and the like.

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software.
In other words, the functional configuration of FIG. 3 is merely an example, and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the photographing apparatus 1 has a function capable of executing the above-described series of processing as a whole, and what functional block is used to realize this function is not particularly limited to the example of FIG.
In addition, one functional block may be constituted by hardware alone, software alone, or a combination thereof.
The functional configuration in the present embodiment is realized by a processor that executes arithmetic processing, and the processor that can be used in the present embodiment is configured by various processing devices such as a single processor, a multiprocessor, and a multicore processor. In addition to the above, these various processing apparatuses and a combination of processing circuits such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) are included.

When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software is installed on a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium.
The computer may be a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. The computer may be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, for example, a general-purpose personal computer.

  The recording medium including such a program is not only constituted by the removable medium 31 of FIG. 2 distributed separately from the apparatus main body in order to provide the program to the user, but also in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus main body in advance. It is comprised with the recording medium etc. which are provided in this. The removable medium 31 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk (including a floppy disk), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like. The optical disc is composed of, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc (Blu-ray Disc), and the like. The magneto-optical disk is configured by an MD (Mini-Disk) or the like. In addition, the recording medium provided to the user in a state of being preliminarily incorporated in the apparatus main body includes, for example, the ROM 12 in FIG. 2 in which the program is recorded, the hard disk included in the storage unit 19 in FIG.

In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the order, but is not necessarily performed in chronological order, either in parallel or individually. The process to be executed is also included.
Further, in the present specification, the term “system” means an overall apparatus configured by a plurality of devices, a plurality of means, and the like.

  As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is only an illustration and does not limit the technical scope of this invention. The present invention can take other various embodiments, and various modifications such as omission and replacement can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention described in this specification and the like, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

The invention described in the scope of claims at the beginning of the filing of the present application will be appended.
[Appendix 1]
An imaging device that transmits an image to an external device,
First execution means for executing functions other than transmission of the imaging apparatus;
Second execution means for executing a function related to transmission of the photographing apparatus;
In order to avoid a problem that occurs when the execution of a function other than transmission by the first execution means and the execution of the function related to transmission by the second execution means are performed in parallel, the first execution means Control means for controlling the execution of functions other than transmission by the execution means and the execution of functions related to transmission by the second execution means to be performed exclusively;
With
The control means controls the suppression or cancellation of the execution of the function related to transmission by the second execution means at a timing different from the timing at which the trouble needs to be avoided;
An imaging apparatus characterized by that.
[Appendix 2]
The function other than transmission executed by the first execution unit is a shooting function for generating a shot image by performing shooting processing on a captured image captured by the imaging unit,
The function related to transmission executed by the second execution means is an automatic transmission function for performing processing of automatically transmitting a captured image captured by the imaging function to an external device,
The defect occurs when the photographing process and the automatic transmission process are performed in parallel.
The imaging apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein:
[Appendix 3]
The control means suppresses execution of the automatic transmission process by the second execution means at a timing earlier than the timing at which the first execution means starts execution of the photographing function.
The imaging apparatus according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein
[Appendix 4]
When the shift to the shooting standby state is detected, the control means performs control to suppress the automatic transmission process by the second execution means even before the shooting process.
The imaging apparatus according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein
[Appendix 5]
The control means cancels the suppression of the automatic transmission process by the second execution means at a timing later than the timing when the execution of the photographing function by the first execution means ends.
The imaging device according to any one of appendices 2 to 4, characterized in that:
[Appendix 6]
The control means performs control to release the suppression of the process of automatic transmission by the second execution means after the elapse of a predetermined time even if the end of the photographing process is detected,
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 5, characterized in that:
[Appendix 7]
The predetermined time is a time that can avoid a problem that occurs when the execution of the shooting process is started after the shooting process is completed.
The imaging apparatus according to appendix 6, wherein:
[Appendix 8]
The control means executes a function other than transmission by the first execution means and stops a function related to transmission by the second execution means, or functions other than transmission by the first execution means Execution is prioritized over execution of the function related to transmission by the second execution means, and at least one control of the control for limiting the function related to transmission by the second execution means is executed.
The imaging device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that:
[Appendix 9]
The function other than the transmission executed by the first execution means is an image processing function,
The function related to the transmission executed by the second execution means is an automatic image transmission function executed in parallel with the image processing function executed by the first execution means,
The defect is heat generated by executing high-load image processing and communication processing in parallel.
The imaging device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that:
[Appendix 10]
The function other than the transmission executed by the first execution means is an audio reproduction function,
The function related to the transmission executed by the second execution means is an automatic image transmission function executed in parallel with the sound reproduction function executed by the first execution means,
The inconvenience is generation of noise caused by a clock having a specific frequency used for executing communication processing by the automatic transmission function.
The imaging device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that:
[Appendix 11]
The defect is a physical capacity conflict of memory or a logical conflict of software algorithms.
The imaging device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that:
[Appendix 12]
A transmission control method executed by a photographing device that transmits an image to an external device,
A first process for executing functions other than transmission of the photographing apparatus;
A second process for executing a function related to transmission of the photographing apparatus;
In order to avoid a problem that occurs when the execution of a function other than transmission by the first process and the execution of a function related to transmission by the second process are performed in parallel, the first process is performed. A control process for controlling the execution of functions other than the transmission by, and the execution of the function related to the transmission by the second process to be performed exclusively;
Including
In the control process, the execution or suppression of the function related to transmission by the second process is controlled at a timing different from the timing at which the trouble needs to be avoided.
The transmission control method characterized by the above-mentioned.
[Appendix 13]
To a computer that controls the photographing device that transmits an image to an external device,
A first execution function for executing a function other than transmission of the imaging apparatus;
A second execution function for executing a function related to transmission of the photographing apparatus;
In order to avoid a problem that occurs when the execution of a function other than transmission by the first execution function and the execution of a function related to transmission by the second execution function are performed in parallel, the first A control function that performs control so that execution of functions other than transmission by the execution function of and execution of functions related to transmission by the second execution function are performed exclusively;
Realized,
The control function controls suppression or cancellation of execution of a function related to transmission by the second execution function at a timing different from a timing at which the malfunction needs to be avoided.
A program characterized by that.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Imaging device, 2 ... Portable terminal device, 11 ... CPU, 12 ... ROM, 13 ... RAM, 14 ... Bus, 15 ... Input / output interface, 16 ... Image pickup unit, 17 ... input unit, 18 ... output unit, 19 ... storage unit, 20 ... first communication unit, 21 ... second communication unit, 22 ... drive, 23 ... Power supply unit, 31 ... Removable media, 51 ... First processing unit, 51a ... Shooting control unit, 51b ... Reproduction control unit, 51c ... Image processing unit, 51d ... File management unit, 51e ... suppression request output unit, 52 ... second processing unit, 52a ... transmission target management unit, 52b ... transmission control unit, 53 ... third processing unit 53a, transmission condition determination unit, 53b, operation setting unit, 71, image storage unit, 72,. Shin target list storage unit, S · · · image transmission system

The present invention relates to a process control device, a process control method, and a program.

An object of the present invention is to appropriately control execution of a specific function in accordance with execution of another function.

Claim 1 is a processing control apparatus capable of executing processing of a plurality of functions, and in parallel with execution of processing of a specific function, processing of any other function of the plurality of other functions is executed A discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the processing of the other function is executed, and if it is determined that the processing of the other function is executed, the discriminating operation is performed among the types of suppression operations determined for each of the plurality of other functions. A setting unit that sets a type of suppression operation determined according to the other function, and when executing the process of the specific function, the process is executed with the type of suppression operation set by the setting unit. And a control means for controlling .
Claim 4 is a processing control apparatus capable of executing processing of a plurality of functions, and when other functions are executed in parallel with execution of processing of a specific function, the type of the other functions is determined. And when the type of the first function is discriminated by the discriminating unit, a first suppression operation for stopping execution of the processing of the specific function is set, and the type of the second function is set by the discriminating unit. If determined, a setting unit that sets a second suppression operation to be executed in a state in which the process of the specific function is suppressed, and a suppression set by the setting unit when executing the process of the specific function Control means for controlling execution of processing in operation.

According to the present invention, execution of a specific function can be appropriately controlled according to execution of another function.

Claims (14)

An imaging device that transmits an image to an external device,
A plurality of first execution means for executing different functions other than transmission of the imaging apparatus;
Second execution means for executing a function related to transmission of the photographing apparatus;
Whether one of the plurality of first execution means monitors a function other than transmission is executed, and when a function other than the transmission is executed, the processing content of the function executed other than the transmission Request output means for outputting a request for suppressing execution of a function related to transmission by the second execution means, including information indicating
Control means for performing control to suppress execution of a function related to transmission by the second execution means in response to a request output from the request output means;
An imaging apparatus comprising: The request output unit monitors whether any of the plurality of first execution units performs a preparation stage operation for executing a function other than transmission, and when the preparation stage operation is performed. , Further output a notice to execute functions other than the transmission,
The control means performs control to suppress execution of a function related to transmission by the second execution means in response to a notice output from the request output means.
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The request output means monitors whether one of the plurality of first execution means has ended the function other than the transmission that causes the suppression request to be output, and the function other than the transmission When finished, further output a request to release the suppression,
The control means performs control to release the suppression of the function execution related to transmission by the second execution means in response to the request to release the suppression output by the request output means.
The photographing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control means waits for the elapse of a predetermined time after inputting the request to release the suppression, and performs control to release the suppression of the execution of the function related to transmission by the second execution means.
The imaging device according to claim 3. The function other than transmission executed by the first execution unit is at least one of a shooting function, an image processing function, and an audio reproduction function for generating a shot image by performing shooting processing on a captured image captured by the imaging unit. Or multiple
The function related to transmission executed by the second execution means is an automatic image transmission function executed in parallel with the function executed by the first execution means.
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The control means executes functions other than transmission by the first execution means as control for suppressing execution of functions related to transmission by the second execution means, and functions related to transmission by the second execution means. Or the execution of a function other than the transmission by the first execution means is prioritized over the execution of the function related to the transmission by the second execution means, and the function related to the transmission by the second execution means. Execute at least one of the limiting controls,
The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein The control means is generated by executing a function other than transmission by any one of the plurality of first execution means and executing a function related to transmission by the second execution means in parallel. In order to avoid problems, in response to a request output from the request output means, control is performed to suppress execution of a function related to transmission by the second execution means.
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The defect is a physical capacity conflict of memory or a logical conflict of software algorithms.
The imaging device according to claim 7, wherein: An imaging device that transmits an image to an external device,
First execution means for executing functions other than transmission of the imaging apparatus;
Second execution means for executing a function related to transmission of the photographing apparatus;
In order to avoid a problem that occurs when the execution of a function other than transmission by the first execution means and the execution of the function related to transmission by the second execution means are performed in parallel, the first execution means Control means for controlling the execution of functions other than transmission by the execution means and the execution of functions related to transmission by the second execution means to be performed exclusively;
With
The inconvenience is generation of noise caused by a clock having a specific frequency used for executing communication processing by a function related to transmission by the second execution means,
Functions other than transmission performed by the first execution means are functions affected by the generated noise,
The function other than the transmission executed by the first execution means is an audio reproduction function,
The function related to transmission executed by the second execution means is an automatic image transmission function.
An imaging apparatus characterized by that. The control means controls the suppression or cancellation of the execution of the function related to transmission by the second execution means at a timing different from the timing at which the trouble needs to be avoided;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein A transmission control method comprising a plurality of execution means for executing different functions other than transmission, and executed by a photographing apparatus that transmits an image to an external device,
Processing for executing a function related to transmission of the imaging device;
Information indicating the processing content of a function to be executed other than the transmission when one of the plurality of execution means monitors whether a function other than the transmission is executed and a function other than the transmission is executed Including a process for outputting a request to suppress a process for executing the function related to the transmission,
In accordance with the output request, a process for performing control to suppress execution of the function related to the transmission;
Including a transmission control method. A transmission control method executed by a photographing device that transmits an image to an external device,
A first process for executing functions other than transmission of the photographing apparatus;
A second process for executing a function related to transmission of the photographing apparatus;
In order to avoid a problem that occurs when the execution of a function other than transmission by the first process and the execution of a function related to transmission by the second process are performed in parallel, the first process is performed. A control process for controlling the execution of functions other than the transmission by, and the execution of the function related to the transmission by the second process to be performed exclusively;
Including
The inconvenience is generation of noise caused by a clock having a specific frequency used for executing communication processing by a function related to transmission by the second processing,
Functions other than the transmission executed by the first process are functions affected by the generated noise,
The function other than the transmission executed by the first process is an audio reproduction function,
The function related to transmission executed by the second process is an automatic image transmission function.
The transmission control method characterized by the above-mentioned. A computer that controls a photographing device that transmits an image to an external device;
A plurality of first execution means for executing different functions other than transmission of the imaging apparatus;
Second execution means for executing a function related to transmission of the photographing apparatus;
Whether one of the plurality of first execution means monitors a function other than transmission is executed, and when a function other than the transmission is executed, the processing content of the function executed other than the transmission Request output means for outputting a request for suppressing execution of a function related to transmission by the second execution means, including information indicating
Control means for performing control to suppress execution of a function related to transmission by the second execution means in response to a request output from the request output means;
Program to function as. To a computer that controls the photographing device that transmits an image to an external device,
First execution means for executing functions other than transmission of the imaging apparatus;
Second execution means for executing a function related to transmission of the photographing apparatus;
In order to avoid a problem that occurs when the execution of a function other than transmission by the first execution means and the execution of the function related to transmission by the second execution means are performed in parallel, the first execution means Control means for controlling the execution of functions other than transmission by the execution means and the execution of functions related to transmission by the second execution means to be performed exclusively;
Realized,
The inconvenience is generation of noise caused by a clock having a specific frequency used for executing communication processing by a function related to transmission by the second execution means,
Functions other than transmission performed by the first execution means are functions affected by the generated noise,
The function other than the transmission executed by the first execution means is an audio reproduction function,
The function related to transmission executed by the second execution means is an automatic image transmission function.
A program characterized by that.

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