JP3937355B2 - Imaging system, imaging main apparatus and imaging main method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a photographing system, a photographing main apparatus, and a photographing main method, and is suitable for application to a photographing system having a plurality of digital still cameras, for example.

A conventional imaging system (that is, a remote image transmission / reception system) connects a camera to a reception display device via a network, and generates a first image of a wide-angle fixed focus generated from subject light by the camera and the first image. The second image obtained by enlarging a part of the image is transmitted to the reception display device, and the composite image of the first and second images is displayed, so that the reception display device can display the first image with the wide-angle fixed focus. However, the photographing direction for enlargement zoom for obtaining the second image is remotely operated with respect to the camera (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-103466 A (page 10, page 14, FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 10)

  However, in the imaging system having such a configuration, the reception display device captures captured image data generated by a plurality of cameras capturing a subject as a subordinate of the reception display device. That is, in such a photographing system, there is a problem that a plurality of cameras are not configured to store photographed image data generated by photographing a subject from a plurality of photographing directions.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and a photographing system capable of storing photographed image data generated by photographing a subject from a plurality of photographing directions even in a photographing device that photographs the subject in a subordinate manner, and a photographing subject An apparatus and an imaging main method are proposed.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, in an imaging system constructed by communicably connecting a plurality of imaging devices for imaging a subject as a subordinate to the imaging main device to an imaging main device that is a subject of imaging of the subject. In response to an input of a shooting command for the subject, the main device shoots the subject to generate and record the main shooting image data corresponding to the shot image of the subject, and the shooting command signal is transmitted within the communication range of the shooting main device. A plurality of photographing devices within the communication range, and the plurality of photographing devices within the communication range photograph the subject in response to reception of the photographing command signal transmitted from the photographing main device to obtain a photographed image of the subject. Corresponding subordinate captured image data is generated and recorded, and the imaging main device transmits a captured image request signal to a plurality of imaging devices within the communication range. The slave captured image data sent back from the plurality of photographing devices within the communication range is received and recorded, and the plurality of photographing devices within the communication range are each generated by the photographing device serving as a transmission partner. The subordinate captured image data generated by another image capturing apparatus excluding only the captured image data is collectively transmitted together with the main captured image data, and is transmitted and recorded as a shared captured image data group.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the main-captured image data and the subordinate-captured image data can be easily acquired without requiring a complicated procedure such as re-recording using an information processing apparatus or the like in the photographing main apparatus and the plurality of photographing apparatuses. .

  According to the present invention, in response to an input of a shooting command for a subject, the shooting main device shoots the subject to generate and record main shot image data corresponding to the shot image of the subject, and to output a shooting command signal. By transmitting to a plurality of photographing devices existing within the communication range of the photographing main device, and by photographing a subject in response to reception of a photographing command signal transmitted from the photographing main device, the plurality of photographing devices within the communication range Dependent photographed image data corresponding to the photographed image of the subject is generated and recorded, and the photographing main device transmits a photographed image request signal to a plurality of photographing devices within the communication range, thereby performing a plurality of photographing within the communication range. Dependent photographed image data generated by a photographing device as a transmission partner for each of a plurality of photographing devices within a communication range by receiving and recording dependent photographed image data returned from the device. The photographing main apparatus and the plurality of photographing apparatuses are configured such that the subordinate photographing image data generated by the other photographing apparatus excluding only the data is collectively transmitted and recorded as the common photographing image data group together with the main photographing image data. In this case, it is possible to easily acquire the subject photographing image data and the subordinate photographing image data without requiring a complicated procedure such as re-recording using an information processing device or the like. It is possible to realize a photographing system, a photographing main apparatus, and a photographing main method capable of storing photographed image data generated by photographing a subject from a plurality of photographing directions.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) First Embodiment In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an overall imaging system according to the first embodiment, which is a digital still camera (hereinafter referred to as “this”) that is the subject of imaging of a subject 2 such as a person. 3) and a plurality of other digital still cameras (hereinafter referred to as subordinate digital still cameras) 4A to 4N that photograph the subject 2 as a subordinate to the main digital still camera 3 It is constructed by wireless connection in accordance with Bluetooth, which is a wireless communication technology.

  In this case, when the photographing command is input, the subject digital still camera 3 photographs the subject 2 in response to the photographed image data corresponding to the photographed image of the subject 2 (hereinafter referred to as subject photographed image data). Is generated and recorded, and the shooting command is transmitted to the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N.

  In addition, when the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N receive the shooting command transmitted from the main digital still camera 3, the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N shoots the subject 2 in accordance with the received shooting command, thereby responding to the shot image of the subject 2. The captured image data (hereinafter referred to as dependent captured image data) is generated and recorded.

  When the subject digital still camera 3 finishes photographing the subject 2, the subject digital still camera 3 obtains subordinate photographed image data generated by photographing the subject 2 from the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N.

  In this way, the photographing system 1 allows the subject digital still camera 3 and the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N to collectively collect the subject 2 from a plurality of directions simply by allowing the user to input a photographing command to the subject digital still camera 3. As a result, the main digital still camera 3 can acquire a plurality of types of sub-photographed image data generated by the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N.

  Here, for example, the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N have the same external appearance configuration, and the external appearance configuration of the main digital still camera 3 will be described below as a representative.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the main digital still camera 3 has a box-shaped casing 10, and captures shooting light coming from the subject 2 in the center of the front surface 10 </ b> A of the casing 10. A lens 11 is provided, and a viewfinder 12 is provided in the vicinity of the lens 11 from the front surface 10A to the rear surface 10B of the housing 10.

  In addition, at one end of the upper surface 10C of the housing 10, a photographic mode and a moving image photographic mode, which are the types of photographic modes available, and main photographic image data and subordinate photographic image data generated by photographing the subject 2 are reproduced. A mode selection key 13 for selecting a reproduction mode and a shutter button 14 for inputting a shooting command for the subject 2 are provided, and a desired shooting mode is selected via the mode selection key 13. When the shutter button 14 is pressed in this state, the subject 2 can be photographed and animated.

  Further, a display unit 15 formed of a liquid crystal display and an operation command input key 16 for inputting various operation commands are provided on the back surface 10B of the housing 10, and the reproduction mode selected via the mode selection key 13 is set. In response, a menu screen (not shown) having a plurality of icons for inputting various commands is displayed on the display unit 15, and in this state via the operation command input key 16 via the icons on the menu screen. When various commands are input, the subject photographing image data based on the subject photographing image data and the subordinate photographing image data obtained by photographing the subject 2 instead of the menu screen on the display unit 15 according to the inputted instructions, A subordinate photographed image or the like can be displayed.

  Next, although the main digital still camera 3 and the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N basically have substantially the same circuit configuration, the main subject photographing function as the main subject for photographing the subject 2 and the subordinate to the main digital still camera 3 are as follows. The circuit configuration of the main digital still camera 3 will be described first by having a slightly different configuration depending on which of the subordinate shooting functions is realized.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main digital still camera 3 includes a controller (hereinafter referred to as “main processing unit”), a nonvolatile memory such as an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 22 is connected to the controller 20 via a parallel bus 21, and an operation including a mode selection key 13, a shutter button 14, an operation command input key 16, and the like is connected to the main controller 20. The unit 23 is connected.

  The main body controller 20 then executes a main body registration processing program, a main body photographing processing program, a picked-up image acquisition processing program, a picked-up image reproduction processing program stored in advance in the internal ROM in accordance with various commands input via the operation unit 23. Are expanded on the DRAM 22 to control each circuit unit of the main digital still camera 3 in a centralized manner, so that main subject registration processing for the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, main subject shooting processing for the subject 2, A captured image acquisition process for acquiring dependent captured image data from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, a captured image reproduction process for reproducing the subject captured image data and the dependent captured image data, and the like are executed.

  That is, when the reproduction mode is selected according to the operation of the operation unit 23, the main controller 20 converts the menu screen data stored in advance in the internal ROM into an on-screen display controller (hereinafter referred to as OSDC) 24 and The menu screen based on the menu screen data is displayed on the display unit 15 by sequentially sending the data composition unit 25 to the display unit 15.

  The main controller 20 passes through the operation unit 23 in a state where one or a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N exist within the wireless communication range of the main digital still camera 3 (hereinafter referred to as the main wireless communication range). When a subordinate registration command is input on the menu screen, subject registration processing for the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N is started.

  Then, the main controller 20 generates subordinate registration request data D1 for requesting subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N to register as subordinate to the main digital still camera 3, and transmits / receives the subordinate registration request data D1 connected via the parallel bus 21. The transmission / reception processing unit 26 transmits the dependent registration request data D1 by sending it to the processing unit 26, and the obtained dependent registration request signal S1 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the dependent digital still cameras 4A to 4N within the subject wireless communication range. Send to.

  As a result, when the subordinate registration acceptance signal S2 for accepting subordinate registration with respect to the main digital still camera 3 is transmitted from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, the main body controller 20 receives the signal by the antenna 27 and transmits / receives the transmission / reception processing unit. 26, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the subordinate registration consent signal S2, and takes in the subordinate registration consent data D2 obtained.

  Thus, the main controller 20 recognizes the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that have approved subordinate registration with respect to the main digital still camera 3 based on the subordinate registration consent data D2.

  Then, the main controller 20 reads the main digital still camera 3 identification information specific to the main digital still camera 3 stored in advance from the internal ROM, and sends the main digital still camera 3 to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. Is transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 as subject registration data D3 for registering as a subject of photographing, and the obtained subject registration signal S3 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N.

  As a result, the main controller 20 transmits from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N as subordinate registration signals S4 for registering the subordinate registration identification information unique to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N as subordinates to the main digital still camera 3. Then, this is received by the antenna 27 and received and processed by the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and the obtained dependent registration data D4 is captured.

  Thus, the main controller 20 stores the sub-registration registration identification information obtained based on the sub-registration data D4 in the internal nonvolatile memory, and thus the subordinate digital still camera that operates subordinately to the main digital still camera 3. 4A to 4N are registered (hereinafter referred to as subordinate registration), and the subject registration process is terminated.

  The main controller 20 transmits a subordinate registration request signal S1 to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. As a result, the subordinate registration rejection signal S5 for rejecting subordinate registration with respect to the main digital still camera 3 from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N is generated. When it is transmitted, it is received by the antenna 27 and received and processed by the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and the obtained dependent registration rejection data D5 is captured.

  Accordingly, the main controller 20 recognizes the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that have rejected the subordinate registration from the main digital still camera 3 based on the subordinate registration rejection data D5, and ends the main body registration process.

  Incidentally, when the main controller 20 executes the main photographing process or the captured image acquisition process after that, the subordinate digital still camera of the transmission partner is transmitted by adding the subordinate registration identification information to the various signals. 4A to 4N is made to identify and properly receive various signals addressed to itself, and the various signals transmitted by subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N are also added with identification information for subject registration. Identify and receive correctly.

  The main controller 20 also registers one or more subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N as subordinates, and then sets a shooting condition setting command for setting shooting conditions for the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N on the menu screen via the operation unit 23. Is input, the shooting condition setting process is started in response to this, and the shooting condition setting screen data stored in advance is read from the internal ROM.

  The main controller 20 then sends the shooting condition setting screen data to the display unit 15 via the OSDC 24 and the data composition unit 25 in sequence, thereby setting the shooting condition setting based on the shooting condition setting screen data instead of the menu screen. Display the screen.

  In this state, the main controller 20 displays on the shooting condition setting screen the shooting conditions (when the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N take a picture of the subject 2 in conjunction with the shooting of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3). This is hereinafter referred to as a photography condition).

  That is, the main controller 20 is configured to select a photographing time point that is a timing for photographing the subject 2 with the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N as a photographing condition, and actually the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N are selected. Thus, the shooting command input time when the shooting command is input by the main digital still camera 3 (that is, the time when the shutter button 14 is pressed by the main digital still camera 3, which is hereinafter referred to as the main shooting command input time) Either the subject 2 is photographed almost simultaneously or the subject 2 is photographed at a delay time after the predetermined delay time elapses from the time when the subject photographing command is input (hereinafter referred to as the photograph photographing time). Let them choose.

  In addition, when the main controller 20 is selected to cause the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N to take a picture of the subject 2 at the time of taking a picture after a predetermined delay time has elapsed from the time of inputting the main picture taking command, At the same time, a delay time (hereinafter referred to as “photographing delay time”) from the time of inputting the subject photographing command to the time of photographing is arbitrarily selected (for example, several seconds to several tens of seconds).

  Further, the main controller 20 displays on the shooting condition setting screen shooting conditions (hereinafter referred to as “this”) when the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N take a moving picture of the subject 2 in conjunction with the moving picture shooting of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3. Are also called movie shooting conditions).

  That is, the main controller 20 is configured to select a shooting time point that is a timing at which moving image shooting of the subject 2 is started by the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N as moving image shooting conditions. In practice, the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N are selected. The video shooting of the subject 2 is started almost simultaneously with the time when the subject shooting command is input, or at a delay time after the predetermined delay time has elapsed from the time when the subject shooting command is input (hereinafter referred to as the movie shooting start time). Either one of starting moving image shooting of the subject 2 is selected.

  Then, when the main controller 20 is selected so that the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N start moving image shooting of the subject 2 almost simultaneously with the input of the main shooting instruction, the subordinate digital still camera 4A is selected accordingly. The video recording time of the subject 2 to 4N (hereinafter referred to as video recording time) is arbitrarily selected (for example, about several seconds to several tens of seconds).

  Further, when the main controller 20 is selected to start moving image shooting of the subject 2 at the time of starting moving image shooting after a predetermined delay time has elapsed from the time of inputting the main shooting command to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, At the same time, the delay time from the input of the subject shooting command to the start of moving image shooting (hereinafter referred to as moving image shooting delay time) is arbitrarily selected (for example, about several seconds to several tens of seconds), and the subordinate digital still is also selected. The moving image shooting time of the subject 2 with respect to the cameras 4A to 4N is also arbitrarily selected (for example, about several seconds to several tens of seconds).

  In this way, the main controller 20 selects information on the photography conditions (hereinafter referred to as photography condition information) when the photography conditions and moving picture photography conditions for the individual subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N are selected. And moving picture shooting condition information (hereinafter referred to as moving picture shooting condition information) is stored in an internal nonvolatile memory and associated with the identification information for subordinate registration.

  As a result, the main controller 20 and the individual subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that are subordinately registered so as to operate subordinately to the main digital still camera 3 on the internal nonvolatile memory. A registration information data table is generated that can detect the photo shooting conditions and the video shooting conditions when the digital still cameras 4A to 4N are photographed and moving images of the subject 2 in a dependent manner.

  Then, when the photography mode is selected via the operation unit 23, the main controller 20 starts a main photographing process for photographing the subject 2 (hereinafter referred to as a main photographing process). The incoming imaging light L1 is transmitted through the lens 11 and received by the solid-state imaging device 28 made of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like.

  The solid-state imaging device 28 generates an analog imaging output signal S6 corresponding to the imaging light L1 by sequentially photoelectrically converting the received imaging light L1 in a predetermined cycle, and sends this to the data generation unit 29.

  The data generation unit 29 performs analog-digital conversion on the imaging output signal S6 sequentially applied from the solid-state imaging device 28, and then performs predetermined data processing to generate imaging moving image data D6. The generated imaging moving image data By sending D6 to the display unit 15 via the data extraction unit 30 and the data synthesis unit 25 in sequence, the captured moving image based on the captured moving image data D6 is displayed on the display unit 15.

  At this time, the main controller 20 searches the subordinate wireless communication range to determine whether there are subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that have already been subordinately registered and are capable of subordinate operation (that is, activated). In addition, search data D7A is generated for causing the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N to start shooting processing for subordinate photography for the subject 2 (hereinafter referred to as subordinate photography processing), and this is transmitted and received. The search signal S7A thus obtained is transmitted from the antenna 27 after being transmitted to the unit 26 for transmission processing.

  As a result, the main controller 20 starts the subordinate photographing process in accordance with the search signal S7A from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N capable of subordinate operation existing within the main wireless communication range, and the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4A. When the slave operation enable notification signal S8 for notifying the main digital still camera 3 that the slave operation is possible is returned together with the presence of 4N, it is received by the antenna 27 and received by the transmission / reception processor 26. Then, the obtained dependent operation possible notification data D8 is fetched.

  Accordingly, the main controller 20 recognizes the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that can be subordinately operated and exist within the main wireless communication range based on the subordinate operation enable notification data D8.

  The main controller 20 also generates sub camera notification screen data D9 for notifying the user of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that are within the main radio communication range and are capable of subordinate operations based on the subordinate operation enable notification data D8. Then, the generated subordinate camera notification screen data D9 is sent to the data composition unit 25 via the OSDC 24.

  The data synthesizing unit 25 synthesizes the subordinate camera notification screen data D9 with the captured moving image data D6 given from the data generation unit 29 via the data extraction unit 30, and displays the obtained subordinate camera notification synthetic screen data D10. By sending it to the unit 15, the display unit 15 displays the subordinate camera notification composite screen 32 as shown in FIG. 4 based on the subordinate camera notification composite screen data D10.

  Here, the subordinate camera notification composition screen 32 is configured by superimposing a subordinate camera notification screen based on the subordinate camera notification screen data D9 on the captured moving image based on the picked-up moving image data D6.

  In this case, the subordinate camera notification screen superimposed on the captured moving image on the subordinate camera notification composite screen 32 has a plurality of camera notification icons respectively representing all the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N registered in the periphery. 33A to 33L are provided, and a subject photographing execution notification icon 34 is provided for notifying that the subject digital still camera 3 is subject to photographing the subject 2 to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. .

  The subordinate camera notification composite screen 32 includes camera notification icons 33A to 33C, 33F, 33I, 33K, and 33L for the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that exist within the main wireless communication range among the camera notification icons 33A to 33L. And the camera notification icons 33D and 33E, 33G and 33H, and 33J for the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that do not exist within the subject wireless communication range are selected in different display states (different colors, lighting and extinguishing, etc.) Has been.

  Further, the subordinate camera notification composition screen 32 allows the subordinate camera notification screen to transmit the captured moving image except for portions where the camera notification icons 33A to 33L and the subject photographing function execution notification icon 34 are provided.

  Accordingly, the main controller 20 can operate subordinately to the main digital still camera 3 when taking a picture of the subject 2 while allowing the user to visually check the imaging state of the subject 2 on the subordinate camera notification composite screen 32. The subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N can be notified.

  Incidentally, the main controller 20 transmits the search signal S7A periodically during execution of the main subject photographing process, thereby enabling the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N (first search signals to be operated in the main wireless communication range). (Including subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N capable of subordinate operation that have entered the self-radio communication range later than the time when S7A is transmitted) and the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4A capable of subordinate operation thus grasped. 4N can be notified to the user.

  When the subject controller 20 inputs a shooting command in response to the pressing operation of the shutter button 14 from the operation unit 23 while the subject 2 is being imaged in this manner, the main controller 20 gives the data extraction unit 30 from the data generation unit 29. The photographed still image data corresponding to one photographed still image generated at the time of the subject photographing command input among the plurality of temporally continuous photographed still image data constituting the photographed moving image data D6 is subject photographed image data. The extracted subject photographed image data D11 is stored in the DRAM 22 as D11.

  Then, the main controller 20 reads out the main photographed image data D11 from the DRAM 22 and takes it in, and compresses and encodes the main photographed image data D11 according to a compression encoding method such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). The image compression encoded data is stored in the DRAM 22 again.

  In addition, the main controller 20 at this time records the file name for recording management of the subject photographed image data D11 and the subject photograph date / time information when the subject photographed image data D11 is extracted (that is, the time when the subject 2 is photographed). The photo file header data storing the date and time information when the subject photographing command is input is generated.

  Then, the main controller 20 adds the photo file header data to the head of the photo image compression encoded data in the DRAM 22 to generate the main photo file data D12, and the generated main photo file data D12 is sent from the DRAM 22 to the parallel bus 21. The data is transferred to the recording / reproduction control unit 35.

  Thus, the main controller 20 records the main photograph file data D12 on the recording medium 36 such as a Memory Stick (trademark) detachably attached to the main digital still camera 3 by the recording / playback control unit 35.

  In addition, when an imaging command is input from the operation unit 23 in response to the pressing operation of the shutter button 14, the main controller 20 performs the main wireless communication from the internal nonvolatile memory at the time when the main imaging command is input. The photography condition information for the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N existing in the range is read, and the photography command data D13 storing the read photography condition information together with the subject photography date / time information is generated, and this is transmitted / received The image capturing command signal S10 is transmitted to the unit 26 and transmitted, and the obtained photography command signal S10 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N within the main wireless communication range.

  As a result, the subject controller 20 can take photographs to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that exist within the subject wireless communication range and can be photographed almost simultaneously with the subject photographing command input time or from the subject photographing command input time according to the photographing conditions. The subject 2 is photographed at the time of photographing after the lapse of the delay time.

  In this way, the main body controller 20 causes the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N to photograph the subject 2 in a subordinate manner, and then selects the playback mode via the operation unit 23, and the main body photographing process ends. When instructed, the dependent digital still cameras 4A to 4N existing within the subject wireless communication range generate dependent photograph capturing end data D14 for ending the dependent photograph capturing process.

  Then, the main controller 20 transmits the subordinate photography end data D14 to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing, and the subordinate photography end signal S11 obtained can be subordinated within the subject wireless communication range from the antenna 27. After transmitting to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, the subject photographing process is terminated.

  When the moving image shooting mode is selected via the operation unit 23, the main controller 20 starts a main shooting process for moving image shooting for the subject 2 (hereinafter referred to as a main moving image shooting process), and the operation unit 23 until a shooting command is input in response to the pressing operation of the shutter button 14, the solid-state image sensor 28, the data generation unit 29, the data extraction unit 30, and the data synthesis, as in the case of the subject photo shooting process described above. The unit 25, the display unit 15, the OSDC 24, the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and the antenna 27 are controlled.

  As a result, the main controller 20 starts imaging the subject 2 and searches for subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that are within the main wireless communication range and are capable of subordinate operation. The main controller 20 then searches the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N for the subject. Search data D7B for starting a shooting process for subordinate moving image shooting for 2 (hereinafter referred to as a subordinate moving image shooting process) is transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and the obtained search signal S7B is transmitted. Transmit from antenna 27.

  As a result, the subordinate controller 20 sends back the subordinate operation returned from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that can be subordinately operated within the main radio communication range when the subordinate moving image shooting process is started in response to reception of the search signal S7B. When the enable notification signal S8 is received by the antenna 27, the slave camera notification screen data D9 is generated based on the slave operation enable notification data D8 obtained by receiving and processing the signal by the transmission / reception processing unit 26.

  Then, the main controller 20 synthesizes the subordinate camera notification screen data D9 with the captured moving image data D6 to generate subordinate camera notification composite screen data D10, and displays the subordinate camera notification composite screen 32 described above with reference to FIG. , The subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that can operate subordinately with respect to the main digital still camera 3 at the time of moving image shooting for the subject 2 while allowing the user to visually check the imaging state of the subject 2. Notice.

  Incidentally, the subject controller 20 is subordinated within the subject wireless communication range by periodically transmitting the search signal S7B while executing the subject moving image photographing process in the same manner as when performing the subject photograph photographing process described above. Operable subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N (including subordinately operable subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that have entered the self-radio communication range later than when the search signal S7B is first transmitted) are always grasped. At the same time, the user is notified of the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that can perform the subordinate operation.

  In this state, the main controller 20 shoots the moving image of the subject 2 that is arbitrarily set for the main digital still camera 3 in advance by the user when a shooting command is input from the operation unit 23 in response to the pressing operation of the shutter button 14. The data extraction unit 30 is controlled in accordance with the moving image shooting time (for example, about several seconds to several tens of seconds).

  In this way, the main controller 20 starts the moving image shooting time from the time of the main shooting command input among a plurality of time-sequentially captured still image data constituting the captured moving image data D6 provided from the data generation unit 29 in the data extraction unit 30. A plurality of captured still image data corresponding to a plurality of time-sequentially captured still images generated up to an elapsed time after the passage (hereinafter referred to as a moving image capturing end time) is extracted as main moving image captured image data D16. Then, the extracted main moving image captured image data D16 is stored in the DRAM 22.

  The main controller 20 then reads out the main moving image captured image data D16 from the DRAM 22 and compresses and encodes the main moving image captured image data D16 in accordance with a compression encoding method such as MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group). The image compression encoded data is stored again in the DRAM 22.

  In addition, the main controller 20 at this time records a file name for recording management of the main moving image shooting image data D16, and main moving image shooting start date and time information at the time when extraction of the main moving image shooting image data D16 is started (that is, a moving image of the subject 2). Moving image file header data storing information on the date and time when the subject shooting command is input, which is the time when shooting starts, is generated.

  Further, the main controller 20 adds the moving image file header data to the head of the moving image compression encoded data in the DRAM 22 to generate the main moving image file data D17, and performs recording / reproduction control of the generated main moving image file data D17 from the DRAM 22. By transferring it to the unit 35, the recording / playback control unit 35 records the main moving image file data D 17 on the recording medium 36.

  In addition, when an imaging command is input from the operation unit 23 in response to the pressing operation of the shutter button 14, the main controller 20 performs the main wireless communication from the internal nonvolatile memory at the time when the main imaging command is input. The moving image shooting condition information for the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N existing in the range is read, and the moving image shooting command data D18 storing the read moving image shooting condition information together with the main moving image shooting start date / time information is generated and transmitted / received The moving image shooting command signal S13 is transmitted to the processing unit 26 and transmitted, and the obtained moving image shooting command signal S13 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N within the main wireless communication range.

  As a result, the main controller 20 causes the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N existing within the main wireless communication range to operate at the same time as the main shooting command input time or delay the moving image shooting from the main shooting command input time according to the moving image shooting conditions. The moving image shooting of the subject 2 is started at the time of starting moving image shooting after the lapse of time, and the moving image shooting of the subject 2 is performed until the moving image shooting end time after the moving image shooting time elapses.

  In this way, the main controller 20 causes the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N to shoot the subject 2 in a subordinate manner, and then selects the playback mode via the operation unit 23, etc., thereby ending the main portion video shooting process. Is generated, subordinate moving image shooting end data D19 for causing the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N existing within the subject wireless communication range to end the subordinate moving image shooting processing is generated.

  The main controller 20 then sends the subordinate moving image shooting end data D19 to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing. The subordinate moving image shooting end signal S14 thus obtained can be operated from the antenna 27 within the main wireless communication range. After transmitting to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, the subject moving image shooting process is terminated.

  For example, when the reproduction mode is selected according to the operation of the operation unit 23 after the completion of the subject photography process, the main controller 20 sends the menu screen data to the display unit 15 via the OSDC 24 and the data composition unit 25 sequentially. As a result, a menu screen based on the menu screen data is displayed on the display unit 15.

  In this state, the main controller 20 starts a photographed image acquisition process (hereinafter referred to as a photographed image acquisition process) when a photographed image acquisition command is input on the menu screen via the operation unit 23. As a result, the photographing condition information for the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that have photographed the subject 2 in a subordinate manner during the subject photographing process is read from the internal nonvolatile memory, and the read photographing condition information is read as the subject digital still. The photographed image request data D20 stored together with the subject photographing date / time information at the time when the subject 3 is photographed by the camera 3 (that is, when the subject photographing command is inputted) is generated.

  Then, the main controller 20 sends the photographed image request data D20 to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing, and transmits the obtained photographed image request signal S15 from the antenna 27.

  As a result, the subordinate controller 20 is a subordinate generated as a result of subordinately taking a picture of the subject 2 in conjunction with photography of the main digital still camera 3 from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N existing within the main radio communication range. When the photo file signal S16 corresponding to the photo file data D21 is transmitted, it is received by the antenna 27 and received and processed by the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and the obtained subordinate photo file data D21 is transmitted via the recording / playback control unit 35. To the recording medium 36.

  In this way, the main controller 20 collects and acquires the subordinate photo file data D21 generated by subordinately photographing the subject 2 from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. The photograph file data D21 can be stored together with the recording medium 36 together with the subject photo file data D12 generated by photographing the subject 2 with the subject digital still camera 3.

  The main controller 20 sends the menu screen data to the display unit 15 via the OSDC 24 and the data combining unit 25 sequentially when the playback mode is selected in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 23 after the main video shooting process is completed, for example. As a result, a menu screen based on the menu screen data is displayed on the display unit 15.

  In this state, the main controller 20 starts a captured image acquisition process (hereinafter referred to as a “moved image captured image acquisition process”) when a moving image captured image acquisition command is input on the menu screen via the operation unit 23. As a result, the moving picture shooting condition information for the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N in which the subject 2 is taken as a moving picture during the subject moving picture shooting process is read from the internal non-volatile memory, and the main digital still together with the read moving picture shooting condition information The moving image shooting image request data D22 storing the main moving image shooting start date / time information at the time when the camera 3 starts the main moving image shooting of the subject 2 (that is, when the main shooting command is input) is generated.

  Then, the main controller 20 sends the moving image photographed image request data D22 to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing, and transmits the obtained moving image photographed image request signal S17 from the antenna 27.

  As a result, the subordinate controller 20 generates the subordinates generated as a result of subordinately moving images of the subject 2 in conjunction with the moving image shooting of the main digital still camera 3 from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N existing within the main wireless communication range. When the subordinate moving image file signal S18 corresponding to the moving image file data D23 is transmitted, it is received by the antenna 27 and received and processed by the transmission / reception processing unit 26. The obtained subordinate moving image file data D23 is sent to the recording / playback control unit 35. To the recording medium 36.

  In this way, the main controller 20 collects and acquires the subordinate moving image file data D23 generated by subtracting moving images of the subject 2 from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. The moving image file data D23 can be stored together with the recording medium 36 together with the main moving image file data D17 generated by moving the subject 2 with the main digital still camera 3.

  Further, the main controller 20 continues to display the photographed image on the menu screen via the operation unit 23 in a state where the menu screen is displayed on the display unit 15 by selecting the reproduction mode according to the operation of the operation unit 23. When a reproduction command is input, a captured image reproduction process (hereinafter referred to as a photographed image reproduction process) is started.

  In this case, the main controller 20 retrieves the subject photo shooting date / time information and the subordinate photo shooting date / time information stored in the subject photo file data D12 and the subordinate photo file data D21 in the recording medium 36 via the recording / playback control unit 35. To do.

  In this way, the main controller 20 uses the recording / playback control unit 35 from the main medium photo file data D12 or the subordinate photo file data D21 that stores the oldest main subject photo shooting date / time information or subordinate photo shooting date / time information from the recording medium 36. The subject photo file data D12 or the dependent photo file data D21 storing the subject photo shooting date / time information or subordinate photo shooting date / time information close to the current time is reproduced in time series in order, and the subject photo file data reproduced in that order. D12 and the dependent photo file data D21 are sequentially transferred to the DRAM 22.

  Further, the main controller 20 extracts and imports the photographic image compression encoded data from the main photographic file data D12 and the subordinate photo file data D21 that are sequentially transferred to the DRAM 22, and imports the acquired photographic image compression encoded data into a compression code such as JPEG. The subject photographed image data D11 and the subordinate photographed image data D25 obtained by decoding according to the conversion method are stored in the DRAM 22 again.

  Further, the main body controller 20 performs parallel processing on the main body photographed image data D11 or the subordinate photographed image data D25 obtained by the most recent photography among the main body photographed image data D11 and the subordinate photographed image data D25 stored again from the DRAM 22. By sending the bus 21, the data extracting unit 30 and the data synthesizing unit 25 sequentially to the display unit 15, the main unit photographed image data or subordinates based on the subject photographed image data D11 or the subordinate photographed image data D25 are displayed on the display unit 15. Display a photographed image.

  When the photographed image switching command is input via the operation unit 23 at this time, the subject controller 20 obtains subject photographed image data D11 and dependent photographed image data D25 from the DRAM 22 as subject photographed date / time information and dependent photograph. It reads according to the time series of photography according to the photographing date and time information, and sends it to the display unit 15 via the parallel bus 21, the data extraction unit 30 and the data synthesis unit 25 in sequence, whereby the subject photographed image data D11 is sent to the display unit 15. The subject photographed image and the dependent photographed image based on the dependent photographed image data D25 are sequentially switched and displayed.

  In this way, the subject controller 20 performs subject photography based on subject photographed image data D11 and subject photographed image data D25 generated by photographing the subject 2 with the subject digital still camera 3 and the subject digital still cameras 4A to 4N. The image and the subordinate photographed image can be freely viewed through the display unit 15.

  In addition, the main controller 20 continues to display a moving image on the menu screen via the operation unit 23 while the menu screen is displayed on the display unit 15 by selecting the playback mode according to the operation of the operation unit 23. When a playback command for a captured image is input, a captured image playback process (hereinafter referred to as a moving image captured image playback process) is started.

  At this time, the main controller 20 receives the main moving image shooting start date / time information and the sub moving image shooting start date / time information stored in the main moving image file data D17 and the sub moving image file data D23 in the recording medium 36 via the recording / playback control unit 35. Search for.

  In this way, the main controller 20 uses the recording / playback control unit 35 from the recording medium 36 to store the main moving image file data D17 or the sub moving image file data D23 in which the oldest main moving image shooting start date / time information or sub moving image shooting start date / time information is stored. To the main video file data D17 or the sub video file data D23 storing the main video shooting start date / time information or the sub video shooting start date / time information closest to the current time is played back in time series and played back in that order. The main moving image file data D17 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 are sequentially transferred to the DRAM 22.

  Further, the main controller 20 extracts and imports moving image compression encoded data from the main moving image file data D17 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 that are sequentially transferred to the DRAM 22 and imports the acquired moving image compression encoded data into a compression code such as MPEG. The main moving image captured image data D16 and the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 obtained by decoding according to the conversion method are stored in the DRAM 22 again.

  Further, the main controller 20 performs parallel processing on the main moving image shooting image data D16 or the sub moving image shooting image data D26 obtained by the past moving image shooting among the main moving image shooting image data D16 and the subordinate moving image shooting image data D26 stored again from the DRAM 22. By sending the bus 21, the data extracting unit 30 and the data synthesizing unit 25 sequentially to the display unit 15, the main moving image captured image based on the main moving image captured image data D16 or the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 is displayed on the display unit 15. Display the movie image.

  Then, when a moving image captured image switching command is input via the operation unit 23 at this time, the main controller 20 converts the main moving image captured image data D16 and the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 from the DRAM 22 into the main moving image capturing start date and time information and the subordinates. It reads out according to the time series of the moving image shooting corresponding to the moving image shooting start date and time and sends it to the display unit 15 via the parallel bus 21, the data extracting unit 30 and the data synthesizing unit 25 in order, so that the main moving image shot image is displayed on the display unit 15. The main moving image captured image and the dependent moving image captured image based on the data D16 and the dependent moving image captured image data D26 are sequentially switched and displayed.

  In this way, the main controller 20 performs the main moving image shooting based on the main moving image shooting image data D16 and the sub moving image shooting image data D26 generated by shooting the moving image of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3 and the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. The image and the subordinate moving image captured image can be freely viewed through the display unit 15.

  Incidentally, the main controller 20 executes various processes when the capacity of a battery (not shown) for driving the main digital still camera 3 is lower than a preset specified value and it becomes difficult to maintain the driving. When a command prohibited in the processing is input via the operation unit 23, a warning sound generation command is sent to the voice synthesis unit 37, and the voice synthesis unit 37 generates the warning sound. An audio signal corresponding to a warning sound or the like synthesized according to a command is sent to the speaker 39 via the amplifier 38, so that a warning sound or the like is output from the speaker 39 to prompt the user to give a warning.

  In the case of the first embodiment, the main controller 20 starts from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N when there are no subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that can be subordinately operated within the main wireless communication range. Can independently take a photograph and a moving picture of the subject 2.

  Accordingly, the main controller 20 does not use the main digital still camera 3 only in conjunction with the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, but improves the usability by using the main digital still camera 3 alone.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 5 in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N include a controller having a non-volatile memory such as a CPU and SRAM, a ROM (hereinafter referred to as a subordinate controller). 40) various application programs such as a subordinate registration processing program, a subordinate photographing processing program, and a photographed image providing processing program stored in advance in the internal ROM in accordance with various instructions input via the operation unit 23. By deploying on the DRAM 22 and comprehensively controlling each circuit unit of the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, subordinate registration processing, subordinate photo photographing processing, subordinate moving image photographing processing, main subject digital still for the main digital still camera 3 are performed. Dependent photographed image data D25 and dependent moving image captured image data D26 Executing the captured image to provide provide treatment.

  That is, when the subordinate controller 40 receives the subordinate registration request signal S1 transmitted from the main digital still camera 3 with the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the subordinate registration request signal S1 and obtains the subordinate registration request data obtained. By taking in D1, subordinate registration processing for the main digital still camera 3 is started in accordance with the fetched subordinate registration request data D1.

  In this case, the subordinate controller 40 sends the subordinate registration inquiry screen data stored in advance in the internal ROM to the display unit 15 through the OSDC 24 and the data synthesis unit 25 in order, to the display unit 15. A subordinate registration inquiry screen having icons for selecting a subordinate registration acceptance command and a rejection command for the subject digital still camera 3 is displayed based on the subscreen data.

  In this state, the subordinate controller 40 accepts subordinate registration approval data for subordinate registration to the main digital still camera 3 when an approval instruction is input on the subordinate registration inquiry screen via the operation unit 23. D2 is generated and transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing, and the obtained subordinate registration acceptance signal S2 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the main digital still camera 3.

  As a result, when the slave controller 40 receives the subject registration signal S3 transmitted from the subject digital still camera 3 via the antenna 27, the slave controller 26 receives the subject registration signal S3 in the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and obtains subject registration data D3 obtained. Capture.

  As a result, the slave controller 40 stores the subject digital still camera 3 identification information unique to the subject digital still camera 3 obtained based on the subject registration data D3 in the internal non-volatile memory and stores the subject digital still camera 3 in its own slave digital. Register as a subject for the still cameras 4A to 4N.

  The subordinate controller 40 reads out the subordinate registration identification information specific to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N stored in advance from the internal non-volatile memory, and sends this to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 as subordinate registration data D4. The subordinate registration signal S4 thus obtained is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the main digital still camera 3.

  As a result, the subordinate controller 40 registers the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N as subordinate to the main digital still camera 3, and thus ends the subordinate registration process.

  Incidentally, when a rejection command is input on the dependency registration inquiry screen via the operation unit 23, the dependency controller 40 receives the dependency registration rejection data D5 for rejecting the dependency registration to the main digital still camera 3 in response thereto. This is transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing, and the obtained subordinate registration rejection signal S5 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the main digital still camera 3 to complete the subordinate registration processing.

  In addition, when the slave controller 40 receives the search signal S7A transmitted from the main digital still camera 3 in response to execution of the main subject photographing process by the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the search signal S7A and obtains it. The searched data D7A is taken in.

  As a result, the subordinate controller 40 starts a subordinate photography process for taking a subordinate picture of the subject 2 in accordance with the search data D7A.

  In this case, the subordinate controller 40 generates subordinate operation enable notification data D8, sends it to the transmission / reception processing unit 26, performs transmission processing, and receives the subordinate operation enable notification signal S8 from the antenna 27 through the main digital still camera 3. Send to.

  At this time, the slave controller 40 transmits the imaging light L2 coming from the subject 2 through the lens 11 and is received by the solid-state imaging device 28.

  Thereby, the solid-state imaging device 28 generates an analog imaging output signal S20 corresponding to the imaging light L2 by sequentially photoelectrically converting the received imaging light L1 in a predetermined cycle, and the generated imaging output signal S20 is generated. The data is sent to the data generation unit 29.

  The data generation unit 29 performs analog-digital conversion on the imaging output signal S20 sequentially given from the solid-state imaging device 28, and then performs predetermined data processing to generate digital imaging moving image data D30. The generated imaging moving image By sending the image data D30 to the display unit 15 via the data extraction unit 30 and the data synthesis unit 25 in sequence, a captured moving image based on the captured moving image data D30 is displayed on the display unit 15.

  Further, the subordinate controller 40 notifies the user that the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N of the subject digital still camera 4A to 4N take a picture of the subject 2 in conjunction with the photographing of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3. Shooting notification screen data D31 is generated, and the generated sub shooting notification screen data D31 is sent to the data composition unit 25 via the OSDC 24.

  The data synthesis unit 25 synthesizes the subordinate shooting notification screen data D31 with the captured moving image data D30 given from the data generation unit 29 via the data extraction unit 30, and displays the obtained subordinate shooting notification composite screen data D32. By sending it to the unit 15, a subordinate shooting notification composite screen 41 as shown in FIG. 6 based on the subordinate shooting notification composite screen data D 32 is displayed on the display unit 15.

  Here, the subordinate shooting notification composition screen 41 is configured by superimposing a subordinate shooting notification screen based on the subordinate shooting notification screen data D31 on the captured moving image based on the shooting moving image data D30.

  In this case, the subordinate shooting notification screen superimposed on the captured moving image in the subordinate shooting notification composite screen 41 is linked to the subject digital still camera 3 at the corner in conjunction with the photographing of the subject 2 and the moving image shooting. A subordinate shooting execution notification icon 42 is provided for notifying that the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N are taking a photograph and moving image of the subject 2 in a subordinate manner.

  In the subordinate shooting notification composition screen 41, the subordinate shooting notification screen allows the captured moving image to pass through other than the portion where the subordinate shooting execution notification icon 42 is provided.

  Accordingly, the subordinate controller 40 at this time causes its subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N to be linked to the photographing by the main digital still camera 3 while allowing the user to visually check the imaging state of the subject 2 on the subordinate shooting notification composite screen 41. Informs that they will take photographs in a subordinate manner.

  When the slave controller 40 receives the photography command signal S10 transmitted from the main digital still camera 3 while the subject 2 is being imaged in this manner, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the photography command signal S10. Is received, and the obtained photography command data D13 is captured.

  At this time, the subordinate controller 40 controls the data extraction unit 30 according to the photography conditions based on the subject photography date and time by extracting the subject photography date information and photography condition information stored in the photography command data D13. To do.

  As a result, the subordinate controller 40 receives the subject photographing command input time (ie, subject digital) from among a plurality of time-sequentially taken still image data constituting the captured moving image data D30 provided from the data generation unit 29 in the data extraction unit 30. Captured still image data corresponding to one captured still image generated at substantially the same time as when the shutter button 14 was pressed on the still camera 3, or a photograph after the photographic delay time has elapsed since the subject photographing command was input Captured still image data corresponding to one captured still image generated at the time of shooting is extracted as dependent photographed image data D25, and the extracted dependent photographed image data D25 is stored in the DRAM 22.

  Then, the subordinate controller 40 reads out and takes in the subordinate photographed image data D25 from the DRAM 22, compresses and encodes the subordinate photographed image data D25 according to a compression encoding method such as JPEG, and the obtained photograph image compression encoded data. The data is stored in the DRAM 22 again.

  At this time, the subordinate controller 40 records the file name for recording management of the subordinate photographed image data D25 and the subordinate photograph photographing date and time when the subordinate photographed image data D25 is extracted (that is, when the subject 2 is photographed). Photo file header data storing information and the like is generated.

  Then, the subordinate controller 40 adds the photo file header data to the head of the photo image compression encoded data in the DRAM 22 to generate subordinate photo file data D21, and controls the recording / reproduction control of the generated subordinate photo file data D21 from the DRAM 22. The data is transferred to the unit 35.

  As a result, the subordinate controller 40 causes the recording / playback control unit 35 to record the subordinate photo file data D21 on the recording medium 36.

  In this way, each time the subject 2 is photographed by the subject digital still camera 3, the subordinate controller 40 is linked to the subject photographing command input time almost simultaneously with the photographing of the subject 2 by the subject digital still camera 3. The subject 2 is photographed from the time when the subject photographing command is input to the time when the photograph is taken after the photographic delay time.

  When the slave controller 40 receives the slave photography end signal S11 transmitted from the main digital still camera 3 with the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the slave photography end signal S11 and receives the slave photograph obtained. By capturing the photographing end data D14, the subordinate photograph photographing process is terminated according to the subordinate photograph photographing end data D14.

  Further, when the slave controller 40 receives the search signal S7B transmitted from the main digital still camera 3 in response to the execution of the main video shooting process by the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the search signal S7B and obtains it. The search data D7B is taken in.

  Thereby, the subordinate controller 40 starts a subordinate moving image photographing process for subordinate moving image photographing on the subject 2 in accordance with the search data D7B.

  In this case, the subordinate controller 40 transmits the subordinate operation enable notification data D8 from the antenna 27 to the main digital still camera 3 as the subordinate operation enable notification signal S8 by the transmission / reception processing unit 26 in the same manner as in the case where the above-described subordinate photography process is executed. To do.

  Further, the subordinate controller 40 starts imaging of the subject 2, synthesizes the subordinate shooting notification screen data D31 with the picked-up moving image data D30, and sends the obtained subordinate shooting notification composite screen data D32 to the display unit 15 for transmission. The subordinate digital still cameras 4 </ b> A to 4 </ b> N of the subordinate digital still cameras 4 </ b> A to 4 </ b> N are interlocked with the moving image shooting by the main digital still camera 3 while the user is visually confirming the imaging state of the subject 2. Informs that it will shoot video in a subordinate manner.

  When the slave controller 40 receives the moving image shooting command signal S13 transmitted from the main digital still camera 3 while the subject 2 is being imaged by the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the moving image shooting command signal S13. Then, the obtained moving image shooting command data D18 is fetched.

  At this time, the subordinate controller 40 extracts the main moving image shooting start date and time information and the moving image shooting condition information stored in the moving image shooting command data D18 to thereby extract the data extraction unit 30 according to the moving image shooting conditions based on the main moving image shooting start date and time. To control.

  As a result, the subordinate controller 40 has substantially the same time point as the subject shooting command input time among a plurality of time-sequentially taken still image data constituting the moving image data D30 given from the data generation unit 29 in the data extraction unit 30. A plurality of captured still image data corresponding to a plurality of time-sequential captured still images generated from when the movie recording time elapses until the end of the movie shooting, or a movie shooting delay based on the subject shooting command input time A plurality of captured still image data corresponding to a plurality of time-sequentially captured still images generated from the start of moving image capturing after the lapse of time to the end of moving image capturing after the lapse of the moving image capturing time are subordinate moving image captured image data D26. The subordinate moving image captured image data D26 is stored in the DRAM 22.

  Then, the subordinate controller 40 reads out and imports the subordinate moving image shot image data D26 from the DRAM 22, compresses and encodes the subordinate moving image shot image data D26 according to a compression encoding method such as MPEG, and the obtained moving image compression encoded data. The data is stored in the DRAM 22 again.

  Further, the subordinate controller 40 at this time is the file name for recording management of the subordinate moving image photographic image data D26 and the time when extraction of the subordinate moving image photographic image data D26 is started (that is, the time when moving image shooting of the subject 2 is started). Movie file header data storing sub-movie shooting start date / time information and the like is generated.

  Then, the subordinate controller 40 adds the moving image file header data to the head of the moving image compression-encoded data in the DRAM 22 to generate subordinate moving image file data D23, and performs recording / reproduction control of the generated subordinate moving image file data D23 from the DRAM 22. The data is transferred to the unit 35.

  As a result, the subordinate controller 40 causes the recording / playback control unit 35 to record the subordinate moving image file data D23 on the recording medium 36.

  In this way, each time the subject 2 is video-captured by the main digital still camera 3, the subordinate controller 40 is synchronized with the main-subject command input time in conjunction with the video-capture of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3 or The moving image shooting for the subject 2 is started from the time when the subject shooting command is input to the moving image shooting start time after the moving image shooting delay time elapses, and thus the subject 2 is shot for the moving image shooting time.

  When the subordinate controller 40 receives the subordinate moving image shooting end signal S14 transmitted from the main digital still camera 3 with the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the subordinate moving image shooting end signal S14 and receives the subordinate moving image shooting end signal S14. By capturing the shooting end data D19, the subordinate moving image shooting processing is ended according to the subordinate moving image shooting end data D19.

  Further, when the slave controller 40 receives the photographed image request signal S15 transmitted from the main digital still camera 3 by the antenna 27 after the slave photograph processing is completed, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the photographed image request signal S15. The photographed image providing process (hereinafter referred to as a photographed image providing process) for providing the dependent photographed image data D25 in response to the fetched photographed image request data D20 is processed. .

  At this time, the subordinate controller 40 extracts the subject photographing date / time information and the photographing condition information stored in the photographed image request data D20, and performs recording / reproduction control according to the extracted subject photographing date / time information and the photographing condition information. The sub-photographing date / time information stored in the subordinate photo file data D21 in the recording medium 36 is retrieved by the unit 35, so that the subject 2 is subordinately photographed in conjunction with the photography of the main digital still camera 3. The dependent photograph file data D21 generated in this way is specified.

  Then, the subordinate controller 40 reads out the specified subordinate photo file data D21 from the recording medium 36 by the recording / playback control unit 35, sends it to the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and transmits it to the subordinate photo file signal S16. Is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the main digital still camera 3.

  Thus, the subordinate controller 40 uses the subordinate photographed image data D25 generated by subordinately photographing the subject 2 in conjunction with the photographing of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3 as subordinate photo file data D21. Provide the still camera 3 accurately.

  Further, when the subordinate controller 40 receives the moving image shot image request signal S17 transmitted from the main digital still camera 3 after the subordinate moving image shooting processing is completed, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the moving image shot image request signal S17. By processing the captured moving image captured image request data D22 that has been processed, a captured image providing process (hereinafter referred to as a captured moving image providing process) that provides dependent moving image captured image data D26 in response thereto is started. .

  At this time, the subordinate controller 40 extracts the main moving image shooting start date / time information and moving image shooting condition information stored in the moving image shooting image request data D22 and records them according to the extracted main moving image shooting start date / time information and moving image shooting condition information. The reproduction control unit 35 retrieves the dependent moving image shooting start date / time information stored in the dependent moving image file data D23 in the recording medium 36, so that the subject 2 is made dependent on the moving image shooting of the main digital still camera 3. Dependent moving image file data D23 generated by moving image shooting is specified.

  Then, the subordinate controller 40 reads out the subordinate moving image file data D23 identified from the recording medium 36 by the recording / playback control unit 35, sends it to the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and transmits it to the subordinate moving image file signal S18. Is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the main digital still camera 3.

  Thus, the subordinate controller 40 uses the subordinate moving picture image data D26 generated by subordinately taking a moving picture of the subject 2 in conjunction with the moving picture shooting of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3 as subordinate moving picture file data D23. Provide the still camera 3 accurately.

  In the case of the first embodiment, the subordinate controller 40 determines that the subject 2 is subordinated from the time when the subject shooting command is input to the time when the photo shooting delay time has elapsed and the time when the video shooting delay time has elapsed and the time when the video shooting starts. In the case of taking a picture and moving picture, the subordinate shooting notification described above with reference to FIG. The sub-photographing execution notification icon 42 in the composition screen 41 is blinked with a predetermined color and a predetermined cycle.

  In addition, when the subordinate controller 40 shoots the subject 2 in a dependent manner in conjunction with the moving image shooting of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3, the subordinate controller 40 extends from the moving image shooting start time to the moving image shooting end time after the moving image shooting time elapses. In the meantime, the subordinate shooting execution notification icon 42 in the subordinate shooting notification composition screen 41 is blinked and displayed in a predetermined color and a predetermined cycle different from those used for notification of the photo shooting delay time and the moving image shooting delay time.

  As a result, the slave controller 40 automatically photographs and shoots the slave digital still cameras 4A to 4N in conjunction with the photographing of the subject 2 and the shooting of the moving image by the main digital still camera 3, but the dependent digital still cameras 4A to 4N. For example, when the subject 2 is photographed and animated in a subordinate manner while the 4N is held by the user, the subject 2 is actually photographed and photographed after receiving the photography instruction and the animation photographing instruction from the main digital still camera 3. Photographing and moving image shooting by the main digital still camera 3 together with a period until moving image shooting (that is, a photography delay period and a moving image shooting delay time) and a period during which the subject 2 is moving imaged (that is, moving image shooting time) In conjunction with the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, photography and video Respectively to be a state in which the shade can inform the user.

  Therefore, the subordinate controller 40 can allow the user to check the shooting direction, the shooting angle, and the like at the time of taking a photograph and a movie, and can reduce the occurrence of camera shake as much as possible by concentrating on the photograph and the movie. Thus, the subject 2 can be properly photographed and taken with a moving image.

  Further, in the case of the first embodiment, the subordinate controller 40 can be used even when the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N are activated out of the subject wireless communication range or activated within the subject wireless communication range. When the own shutter button 14 is pressed, the subject 2 can be photographed and movie-moved independently from the main digital still camera 3 accordingly.

  Thus, the subordinate controller 40 does not operate the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N only subordinately with respect to the main digital still camera 3, but improves the usability by using the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N alone. It is made to be able to let you.

  Here, a summary of the photo shooting processing procedure by the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N in the shooting system 1 is as follows. First, as shown in FIG. When the photograph shooting mode is selected via the operation unit 23, 20 executes the subject photograph processing in accordance with the subject photographing process program to enter the subject photograph processing procedure RT1 from the start step to the subsequent step SP1.

  In step SP1, the main controller 20 starts imaging the subject 2, transmits a search signal S7A, and proceeds to the subsequent step SP2.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 7B, the subordinate controllers 40 of the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N existing within the main radio communication range and capable of subordinate operation receive the search signal transmitted from the main digital still camera 3. In response to the reception of S7A, by executing the subordinate photographing process according to the subordinate photographing processing program, the subordinate photograph photographing processing procedure RT2 is entered from the start step and then proceeds to step SP11.

  In step SP11, the slave controller 40 starts imaging the subject 2, transmits a slave operation enable notification signal S8 to the main digital still camera 3, and further displays the slave shooting notification composite screen 41 on the display unit 15. Control goes to step SP12.

  At this time, in step SP2, the main controller 20 receives the subordinate operation enable notification signal S8 transmitted from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, and proceeds to the subsequent step SP3.

  In step SP3, the main controller 20 displays the sub camera notification composite screen 32 on the display unit 15 so that the user can subordinately photograph the subject 2 in conjunction with the photographing of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3. The subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N to be photographed are notified, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step SP4.

  In step SP4, the main controller 20 determines whether or not a photographing command has been input for photographing.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP4, this means that the shutter button 14 has not yet been pressed because, for example, the user has determined that the photo opportunity for taking a picture of the subject 2 has not yet arrived. At this time, the main controller 20 proceeds to step SP5.

  In step SP5, the main body controller 20 determines whether or not the end of the main body photographing process has been commanded.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP5, this means that the photography mode remains selected and there is a possibility that the subject 2 is still photographed. At this time, the main controller 20 proceeds to step SP4. Return.

  As a result, the main controller 20 thereafter repeats the processing in steps SP4-SP5 until a positive result is obtained in steps SP4 and SP5, thereby inputting a photographing command for photographing. And the end of the subject photography process is instructed.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP4, this indicates that, for example, the user has determined that the photo opportunity for taking a photograph of the subject 2 has arrived and the shutter button 14 has been pressed. At this time, the main controller 20 Moves to step SP6.

  In step SP6, the main controller 20 corresponds to one captured still image generated at the time of inputting the main capturing command among a plurality of captured still image data constituting the captured moving image data D6 generated while capturing the subject 2. The captured still image data to be extracted as the subject photographed image data D11, and the subject photography date / time information at the time of inputting the subject photographing command, and the photographs of the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that can be subordinately operated within the subject wireless communication range After the photography command data D13 storing the photography condition information is transmitted as the photography command signal S10 to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N in the main wireless communication range, the process proceeds to the subsequent step SP7.

  In step SP7, the main body controller 20 generates the main body photo file data D12 by compressing and encoding the main body photographed image data D11 extracted in response to the input of the shooting command, and generating the generated main body photo file data. D12 is recorded on the recording medium 36, and the process returns to step SP4.

  In this way, the main controller 20 thereafter repeats the processing of steps SP4-SP5-SP6-SP7 in a cyclic manner until a positive result is obtained in step SP5. The subject 2 is mainly photographed with the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N.

  On the other hand, in step SP12, the subordinate controller 40 determines whether or not the photography command signal S10 transmitted from the main digital still camera 3 has been received.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP12, this means that the subject digital still camera 3 has determined that, for example, the user has not yet received a photo opportunity for taking a photograph of the subject 2 in the subject digital still camera 3. Represents that the photography has not been instructed yet. At this time, the subordinate controller 40 proceeds to step SP13.

  In step SP13, the subordinate controller 40 determines whether or not the subordinate photography end signal S11 transmitted from the main digital still camera 3 has been received.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP13, this means that there is a possibility that the subject digital still camera 3 still takes a picture of the subject 2, so that the subject digital still camera 3 still has the subject photography process completed. This indicates that the end of the subordinate photography process has not been notified, and at this time, the subordinate controller 40 returns to step SP12.

  As a result, the subordinate controller 40 is instructed to take a picture from the main digital still camera 3 by repeating the processing of steps SP12-SP13 until a positive result is obtained in step SP12 and step SP13 thereafter. And that the subject digital still camera 3 is notified of the end of the subordinate photography process.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP12, this is because, for example, the main digital still camera 3 determines that a photo opportunity for taking a picture of the subject 2 has been reached by the user and the shutter button 14 is pressed. In response, it indicates that the subject digital still camera 3 has instructed to take a picture. At this time, the subordinate controller 40 proceeds to step SP14.

  In step SP14, the subordinate controller 40 forms a plurality of captured moving image data D30 generated while capturing the subject 2 according to the subject photographing date / time information and the photographing condition information obtained based on the photographing command signal S10. This is equivalent to a single captured still image generated at the same time as the subject photographing command input time or from the subject photographing command input time to the time of photographing after the photography delay time has elapsed. The captured still image data is extracted as subordinate photographed image data D25, and the process proceeds to step SP15.

  In step SP15, the subordinate controller 40 generates subordinate photo file data D21 by compressing and encoding the subordinate photographed image data D25 to form a file, and records the generated subordinate photo file data D21 on the recording medium 36. The process returns to step SP12.

  In this way, the subordinate controller 40 cyclically repeats the processing of steps SP12-SP13-SP14-SP15 until a positive result is obtained in step SP13, so that the subject 2 is photographed by the main digital still camera 3. Each time the image is taken, the subject 2 is photographed in conjunction with this, almost simultaneously with the time when the subject photographing command is input or at the time when the photograph is taken after the subject photographing command is input.

  By the way, if a positive result is obtained in step SP5 described above, this indicates that the user has been instructed to finish the subject photography process via the operation unit 23 because the subject 2 has been photographed until satisfactory. At this time, the main controller 20 proceeds to step SP8.

  In step SP8, the main controller 20 transmits the subordinate photography end signal S11 to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N capable of subordinate operation existing in the main wireless communication range, and then proceeds to step SP9 to perform the main subject photography process. The procedure RT1 is terminated.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP13 described above, this indicates that the subject digital still camera 3 has notified the end of the subordinate photograph processing process along with the end of the subject photograph process. In step SP16, the sub-photographing processing procedure RT2 is completed. In this way, all the photographing process procedures in the photographing system 1 are completed.

  In this way, in the photographing system 1, as is clear from FIG. 1, a plurality of subjects 2 such as persons or exhibits staying in one place are captured by the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4 </ b> A to 4 </ b> N. It is possible to take pictures almost simultaneously from the direction, and it is also possible to take pictures with a time difference from a plurality of directions by the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. Different facial expressions and appearances can be freely captured as photographed images almost simultaneously and at different moments.

  In the photographing system 1, the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4 </ b> A to 4 </ b> N are wirelessly connected, so that these can be arranged relatively freely with respect to the subject 2.

  Therefore, in the photographing system 1, as shown in FIG. 8, when a moving body such as a person or a vehicle is the subject 2, the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A along the movement locus ML of the subject 2. To 4N, the moving subject 2 can be photographed almost simultaneously and at a time difference from a plurality of directions by the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. The moving state of the camera can be freely captured as a photographed image at almost the same time or at different moments together with facial expressions and appearances.

  In addition, when summarizing the moving image shooting processing procedure by the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N in the shooting system 1, as shown in FIG. 9A, first, the main controller 20 of the main digital still camera 3 is used. When the moving image shooting mode is selected via the operation unit 23, the subject moving image shooting process is executed in accordance with the subject shooting process program to enter the subject moving image shooting processing procedure RT3 from the start step to the subsequent step SP21.

  In step SP21, the main controller 20 starts imaging the subject 2 and transmits a search signal S7B, and then proceeds to subsequent step SP22.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 9B, the subordinate controllers 40 of the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that exist within the main radio communication range and can perform subordinate operations are searched for signals transmitted from the main digital still camera 3. In response to the reception of S7B, the subordinate moving image shooting process is executed according to the subordinate shooting processing program, whereby the subordinate moving image shooting processing procedure RT4 is entered from the start step and then proceeds to step SP31.

  In step SP31, the slave controller 40 starts imaging of the subject 2, transmits a slave operation enable notification signal S8 to the main digital still camera 3, and further displays the slave shooting notification composite screen 41 on the display unit 15. Control goes to step SP32.

  At this time, in step SP22, the main controller 20 receives the subordinate operation enable notification signal S8 transmitted from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, and proceeds to the subsequent step SP23.

  In step SP 23, the main controller 20 displays the sub camera notification composite screen 32 on the display unit 15, so that the subject 2 is subordinate to the subject in conjunction with the video shooting of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3. The subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N to be photographed are notified, and the process proceeds to step SP24.

  In step SP24, the main controller 20 determines whether or not a shooting command has been input for moving image shooting.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP24, this means that, for example, the user has determined that the shutter chance of moving image shooting for the subject 2 has not yet arrived, and the shutter button 14 has not yet been pressed. At this time, the main controller 20 proceeds to step SP25.

  In step SP25, the main controller 20 determines whether or not the end of the moving image shooting process has been commanded.

  If a negative result is obtained in this step SP25, this means that the moving image shooting mode remains selected and there is a possibility that the subject 2 is still shot in moving images. At this time, the main controller 20 proceeds to step SP24. Return.

  Thus, the main controller 20 thereafter inputs a shooting command for moving image shooting by cyclically repeating the processing of steps SP24-SP25 until a positive result is obtained in steps SP24 and SP25. And that the end of the moving image shooting process is instructed.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP24, this indicates that, for example, the user has determined that the shutter chance of moving image shooting for the subject 2 has arrived, and the shutter button 14 has been pressed. Moves to step SP26.

  In step SP26, the main controller 20 ends the moving image shooting after the moving image shooting time elapses from the main shooting command input time among the plurality of captured still image data constituting the moving image data D6 generated while shooting the subject 2. A plurality of picked-up still image data corresponding to a plurality of picked-up still images generated in time and extracted as main moving image shooting image data D16, and main moving image shooting start date and time information at the time of input of the main shooting command After the moving image shooting command data D18 storing the moving image shooting condition information is transmitted as the moving image shooting command signal S13 to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N in the main wireless communication range, the process proceeds to step SP27.

  In step SP27, the main controller 20 generates the main moving image file data D17 by compressing and encoding the main moving image captured image data D16 extracted in response to the input of the shooting command, and generating the generated main moving image file data. D17 is recorded on the recording medium 36, and the process returns to step SP24.

  In this way, the main controller 20 thereafter repeats the processing of steps SP24-SP25-SP26-SP27 in a cyclic manner until a positive result is obtained in step SP25. The subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N mainly shoot the moving image of the subject 2.

  On the other hand, in step SP32, the subordinate controller 40 determines whether or not the moving image shooting command signal S13 transmitted from the main digital still camera 3 has been received.

  If a negative result is obtained in this step SP32, this means that, for example, in the main digital still camera 3, it is determined that the shutter chance of moving image shooting for the subject 2 has not yet arrived by the user, and the main digital still camera 3 This indicates that the video shooting has not been instructed yet, and at this time, the subordinate controller 40 moves to step SP33.

  In step SP33, the subordinate controller 40 determines whether or not the subordinate moving image shooting end signal S14 transmitted from the main digital still camera 3 has been received.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP33, this means that the subject digital still camera 3 may still shoot the subject 2 as a moving image, and the subject digital still camera 3 still depends on the completion of the subject moving image shooting process. This indicates that the end of the moving image shooting process has not been notified, and at this time, the subordinate controller 40 returns to step SP32.

  As a result, the slave controller 40 thereafter shoots the moving image of the subject 2 from the main digital still camera 3 by repeating the processing of steps SP32 to SP33 cyclically until a positive result is obtained in steps SP32 and SP33. Is instructed, and the subject digital still camera 3 is notified of the end of the subordinate moving image shooting process.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP32, this is due to the fact that the main digital still camera 3 has determined that a shutter opportunity for moving image shooting for the subject 2 has been reached by the user and the shutter button 14 has been pressed. In response, the main digital still camera 3 is instructed to shoot a moving image. At this time, the subordinate controller 40 moves to step SP34.

  In step SP34, the slave controller 40 configures the captured moving image data D30 generated while capturing the subject 2 in accordance with the main moving image shooting start date and time information and the moving image shooting condition information obtained based on the moving image shooting command signal S13. Generated from about the same time as the subject shooting command input time to the end of movie shooting after the movie shooting time has elapsed, or after the movie shooting delay time has elapsed with reference to the subject shooting command input time A plurality of still image data corresponding to a plurality of time-sequentially captured still images generated from the start of the movie shooting to the end of the movie shooting after the movie shooting time has elapsed is extracted as subordinate movie shot image data D26. Then, the process proceeds to step SP35.

  In step SP35, the subordinate controller 40 generates the subordinate moving image file data D23 by compressing and encoding the subordinate moving image captured image data D26, and recording the generated subordinate moving image file data D23 on the recording medium 36. The process returns to step SP32.

  In this way, the subordinate controller 40 repeats the processing of steps SP32-SP33-SP34-SP35 in a cyclic manner until an affirmative result is obtained in step SP33, so that the subject 2 is animated by the main digital still camera 3. Each time shooting is performed, moving image shooting is started for the subject 2 at the same time as the subject shooting command input time or at the start of movie shooting after the movie shooting delay time elapses from the subject shooting command input time. The subject 2 is video-recorded over time.

  By the way, if a positive result is obtained in step SP25 described above, this indicates that the user has instructed the end of the subject moving image shooting process via the operation unit 23 because the moving image has been shot until the subject 2 is satisfied. At this time, the main controller 20 proceeds to step SP28.

  In step SP28, the main controller 20 transmits the subordinate moving image shooting end signal S14 to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N capable of subordinate operation existing in the main wireless communication range, and then proceeds to step SP29 to perform the main moving image shooting process. The procedure RT3 is terminated.

  If a positive result is obtained in step SP33 described above, this indicates that the subject digital still camera 3 has been notified of the end of the subordinate moving image photographing process along with the end of the subject moving image photographing process. In step SP36, the subordinate moving image shooting processing procedure RT4 is completed. Thus, all the moving image shooting processing procedures in the shooting system 1 are completed.

  In this way, in the photographing system 1, as is apparent from FIG. 1, the subject 2 such as a person who remains in one place is almost entirely moved from a plurality of directions by the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4 </ b> A to 4 </ b> N. It is possible to shoot moving images at the same time, and it is also possible to shoot moving images with a time difference from a plurality of directions by the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. It is possible to freely capture changes in facial expressions, etc. from the video as captured images at almost the same time and at different moments.

  In the photographing system 1, as shown in FIG. 8, a moving body such as a person or a car is a subject 2, and the subject 2 is moved along the movement trajectory ML by the main digital still camera 3 and the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4A. With 4N, it is also possible to shoot moving images from a plurality of directions with almost the same time and time difference.

  In the shooting system 1, when the moving image is shot with respect to the subject 2, the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N are arranged along the movement locus ML of the subject 2, and The moving image capturing conditions for the plurality of digital still cameras 4A to 4N are set based on the moving image capturing conditions for the main digital still camera 3 (that is, the preset moving image capturing time) as the reference position, the moving speed and the moving locus of the subject 2, respectively. By selecting appropriately according to the ML or the like, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the moving subject 2 is first photographed by the main digital still camera 3 and then the first subordinate digital is continued from the time when the photographing is finished. The still camera 4A starts shooting the moving image of the subject 2, and the first slave From the time when the moving image shooting by the digital still camera 4A is finished, the moving image shooting of the subject 2 is started by the second subordinate digital still camera 4B, and the moving image shooting by the second subordinate digital still camera 4B is started. Subsequently, the moving trajectory ML of the subject 2 is divided into a plurality of sections W1, W2, W3, W4,..., WN so that moving image shooting of the subject 2 is started by the third subordinate digital still camera 4C. , W2, W3, W4,..., WN can be continuously taken by the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N so as to successively take over moving image shooting.

  In this way, in the photographing system 1, the moving subject 2 can be photographed without interruption from a plurality of directions by the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. The moving state can be grasped as a moving image photographed continuously for a relatively long time together with a change in facial expression.

  In this photographing system 1, the main digital still camera 3 receives the subordinate moving picture captured image data D26-1, D26-2, D26-3, D26-4,..., D26-N from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. Are collected and acquired, and when the moving image shot image is reproduced, the main moving image shot image data D16 and the subordinate moving image shot image data D26-1, D26-2, D26-3, D26-4,..., D26-N Are reproduced in time series in accordance with the main video shooting start date / time information and the subordinate video shooting start date / time information, so that the movement of the subject 2 is shot as if a single scene was shot with a plurality of video cameras. Like an edited movie, it can be shown for a relatively long time over time.

  On the other hand, a summary of the photographed image acquisition processing procedure by the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N in the shooting system 1 is as follows. First, as shown in FIG. When a photographed image acquisition command is input on the menu screen via the operation unit 23, the main controller 20 executes the photographed image acquisition process according to the photographed image acquisition processing program, thereby executing the photographed image acquisition processing procedure RT5. The process proceeds from the start step to the subsequent step SP41.

  In step SP41, the main controller 20 transmits a photographed image request signal S15 to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that have photographed the subject 2 in a subordinate manner during the main subject photographing process, and proceeds to the subsequent step SP42.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 11B, the slave controllers 40 of the slave digital still cameras 4A to 4N existing within the subject wireless communication range receive the photographed image request signal S15 transmitted from the subject digital still camera 3. Accordingly, the photographed image providing process is executed in accordance with the photographed image providing process program, whereby the photographed image providing process procedure RT6 is entered from the start step and the process proceeds to step SP51.

  In step SP51, the subordinate controller 40 determines the main digital still camera 3 among the plurality of subordinate photo file data D21 in the recording medium 36 according to the main subject photographing date / time information and the photographing condition information obtained based on the photographed image request signal S15. Dependent photo file data D21 to be provided is specified, and the specified subordinate photo file data D21 is transmitted to the main digital still camera 3 as a dependent photo file signal S16, and then the process proceeds to step SP52 to take a photographed image providing process procedure. End RT6.

  At this time, in step SP42, the main controller 20 determines whether or not the subordinate photo file signal S16 transmitted from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N has been received.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP42, this means that the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N are still specifying the subordinate photo file data D21 to be provided to the main digital still camera 3. At this time, the main controller 20 waits for reception of the subordinate photo file signal S16 transmitted from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N.

  If a positive result is obtained in step SP42, this means that the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N have identified the subordinate photo file data D21 to be provided to the main digital still camera 3, and thus the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4A. This shows that the subordinate photo file signal S16 transmitted from 4N has been received. At this time, the main controller 20 proceeds to the following step SP43.

  In step SP43, the main controller 20 records the received dependent photo file signal S16 as the dependent photo file data D21 on the recording medium 36, and then proceeds to step SP44 to end the photographed image acquisition processing procedure RT5. Thus, all the photographed image acquisition processing procedures in the photographing system 1 are completed.

  In addition, a summary of moving image captured image acquisition processing procedures by the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N in the shooting system 1 is as follows. First, as shown in FIG. When a moving image captured image acquisition command is input on the menu screen via the operation unit 23, the controller 20 starts the moving image captured image acquisition processing procedure RT7 by executing the moving image captured image acquisition processing according to the captured image acquisition processing program. The process proceeds from step to step SP61.

  In step SP61, the main controller 20 transmits the moving image captured image request signal S17 to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that have captured the subject 2 in a subordinate manner during the main moving image capturing process, and then proceeds to step SP62.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 12B, the subordinate controller 40 of the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N existing within the main radio communication range receives the moving image shooting image request signal S17 transmitted from the main digital still camera 3. Accordingly, by executing the moving image captured image providing process according to the captured image providing process program, the moving image captured image providing process procedure RT8 is entered from the start step, and then the process proceeds to step SP71.

  In step SP71, the subordinate controller 40 determines the main digital still camera among the plurality of subordinate moving image file data D23 in the recording medium 36 in accordance with the main moving image shooting start date / time information and the moving image shooting condition information obtained based on the moving image shooting image request signal S17. 3, the subordinate moving image file data D23 to be provided is specified, and the specified subordinate moving image file data D23 is transmitted to the main digital still camera 3 as the subordinate moving image file signal S18. The procedure RT8 is terminated.

  At this time, in step SP62, the main controller 20 determines whether or not the subordinate moving image file signal S18 transmitted from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N has been received.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP62, this indicates that the subordinate moving image file data D23 to be provided to the main digital still camera 3 is still being specified by the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. At this time, the main controller 20 waits for reception of the subordinate moving image file signal S18 transmitted from the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP62, this means that the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N have identified the subordinate moving image file data D23 to be provided to the main digital still camera 3 by the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. This indicates that the subordinate moving image file signal S18 transmitted from 4N has been received. At this time, the main controller 20 proceeds to the following step SP63.

  In step SP63, the main controller 20 records the received dependent moving image file signal S18 as the dependent moving image file data D23 on the recording medium 36, and then proceeds to step SP64 to end the moving image captured image acquisition processing procedure RT7. Thus, all the moving image captured image acquisition processing procedures in the imaging system 1 are completed.

  In the above configuration, the photographing system 1 photographs the subject 2 at the time when the subject digital still camera 3 inputs the photographing command in response to the pressing operation of the shutter button 14 during the photographing processing, The photography command signal S10 is transmitted to each of the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N capable of subordinate operation existing in the main wireless communication range (steps SP1 to SP7 and steps SP11 to SP13).

  In the photographing system 1, the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that have received the photographing instruction signal S10 are interlocked with the photographing of the subject 2 by the principal digital still camera 3, and subject photographing is performed according to pre-selected photographing conditions. The subject 2 is photographed in the direction in which the lens 11 is directed almost simultaneously with the command input time and / or at the time of the photo shooting after the subject shooting command input time has elapsed (step SP14 and step SP15).

  In addition, during the moving image shooting process, the shooting system 1 starts moving image shooting for the subject 2 when the main digital still camera 3 inputs a shooting command in response to the pressing operation of the shutter button 14, and the subject 2 And moving image shooting command signal S13 is transmitted to each of a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that are within the subject wireless communication range and can operate in a dependent manner (step SP21 to step SP27 and step SP31 to step SP33). .

  Then, in the shooting system 1, the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that have received the moving image shooting command signal S13 are linked to the moving image shooting of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3, respectively, and subject shooting is performed according to the moving image shooting conditions selected in advance. Video recording is started by starting moving image shooting on the subject 2 in the direction in which the lens 11 faces at the time of starting moving image shooting after the elapse of the moving image shooting delay time with reference to the time point of inputting the subject subject to shooting. The subject 2 is photographed with moving images until the end of moving image photographing after the photographing time has elapsed (steps SP32 to SP35).

  Therefore, the photographing system 1 can photograph the subject 2 with the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N by a simple operation of simply pressing the shutter button 14 in one main digital still camera 3. Shooting and video shooting are possible.

  Since the photographing system 1 does not physically overlap the lenses 11 of the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras are not overlapped. Cameras 4A to 4N inevitably have the lens 11 pointed in different directions, and the subject 2 can be photographed and taken in a batch from a plurality of directions.

  In the photographing image acquisition process, the photographing system 1 transmits a photographed image request signal S15 from the main digital still camera 3 to the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N existing within the main wireless communication range (step SP41). ).

  In the photographing system 1, the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that have received the photographed image request signal S15 are subordinately photographed in association with the photographing of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3. The dependent photo file data D21 generated in this way is transmitted to the main digital still camera 3 as the subordinate photo file signal S16, so that the subordinate photo file signal S16 is received by the main digital still camera 3 and recorded as the subordinate photo file data D21. It records on the medium 36 (step SP42, step SP43, and step SP51).

  In addition, during the moving image captured image acquisition process, the imaging system 1 transmits the moving image captured image request signal S17 from the main digital still camera 3 to the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N existing within the main wireless communication range (step SP61). .

  Then, in the shooting system 1, the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that have received the moving image shooting image request signal S17 are linked to the moving image shooting of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3, respectively. The dependent moving image file data D23 generated in this manner is transmitted as the dependent moving image file signal S18 to the main digital still camera 3, so that the main digital still camera 3 receives the dependent moving image file signal S18 and records it as the dependent moving image file data D23. Recording is performed on the medium 36 (step SP62, step SP63, and step SP71).

  Here, normally, a digital still camera to which a recording medium is detachably mounted does not have a function of holding photo file data and moving image file data inside without using the recording medium. In order to obtain photo file data and video file data generated by taking a photograph of the subject 2 and taking a video with a digital still camera, the recording medium itself used in another digital still camera is borrowed or mounted. Alternatively, it is necessary to re-record the photo file data and moving image file data generated by another digital still camera on the recording medium of the digital still camera using an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer.

  However, according to the photographing system 1, the subordinate photo files generated by the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N without requiring complicated procedures such as lending and borrowing the recording medium 36 and re-recording using the information processing apparatus. The data D21 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 can be acquired by the main digital still camera 3 and easily recorded on the recording medium 36 of the main digital still camera 3.

  According to the above configuration, when a subject 2 is photographed and a moving image is photographed by the subject digital still camera 3, a plurality of subordinate operations that are present within the subject wireless communication range from the subject digital still camera 3 at that time. The subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N respectively transmit the photo shooting command signal S10 and the moving image shooting command signal S13, and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that have received the photo shooting command signal S10 and the moving image shooting command signal S13, respectively. Since the subject 2 is photographed and animated in conjunction with the subject digital still camera 3 taking a picture and taking a movie, the subject digital still camera 3 takes the photograph 2 and the movie. It is a simple operation just to shoot, and in conjunction with this, several other subordinate digital Still cameras and 4A to 4N even subject 2 can be photographed, and moving image shooting, thus it is possible to realize an imaging system capable of easily shooting collectively an object from a plurality of directions.

  In addition, the photographing system 1 is configured so that the subordinate digital still cameras 4 </ b> A to 4 </ b> N are simultaneously photographed and photographed by the main digital still camera 3 in conjunction with the photographing and moving picture photographing of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3. Alternatively, the subject 2 can be photographed and movie-taken with a delay so that the facial expression of the subject 2 can be easily captured as a photographed image and a movie-taken image almost simultaneously from a plurality of directions. Changes with time, such as movement, can also be easily captured as a photographed image and a moving image photographed image.

  Further, when the subject digital still camera 3 takes a specific object such as a person as a subject 2 and takes a picture and a moving image, the photographing system 1 particularly sets the subject 2 to be photographed to users of the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. If not taught, the user is not informed in advance of the timing of taking a picture and moving pictures with the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N in conjunction with taking a picture of the subject 2 and taking a moving picture with the main digital still camera 3. Thus, the lenses 11 of the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N may be directed in directions different from the shooting direction with respect to the subject 2, respectively.

  In the photographing system 1, the lens 11 of the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N is interlocked with the photographing and moving image photographing of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3 in a state in which the lens 11 is directed in a direction different from the photographing direction with respect to the subject 2. Then, when photography and movie shooting are performed, the surroundings of the subject 2 and the like are photographed and movied in accordance with the photography and movie shooting of the subject 2 by the main digital still camera 3, thus each user. In addition, the subject digital still camera 3 and the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N can record the event in detail together with the subject 2 that is a specific object and the surroundings of the subject 2 without being particularly conscious. It can be rubbed as a photographed image and a moving image photographed image.

  In addition, the photographing system 1 is configured such that a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N are wirelessly connected to the main digital still camera 3, so that the main digital still camera 3 can be used at any shooting location. The photographing system 1 can be easily constructed by wirelessly connecting a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, and thus the photographing and moving image photographing of the subject 2 from a plurality of directions can be quickly started at the photographing location. .

  In the first embodiment described above, the photographed image is displayed when the main digital still camera 3 executes the photographed image display process, and the moving image photographed image is displayed when the moving image photographed image display process is executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the main digital still camera 3 executes one captured image display process, the photographed image and the moving image captured image are mixedly displayed. You may do it.

  In the first embodiment described above, when the subject 2 is photographed with the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, the moving image data D6 and D30 are the main moving image captured image data D16. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but the subject digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N take a moving image. In addition, the main moving image shooting image data D16 and the subordinate moving image shooting image data D26 are extracted, and sound data is also generated by collecting surrounding sounds in synchronism with these, and the generated sound data is also captured by the main moving image shooting. Along with the image data D16 and the subordinate moving image shooting image data D26, It may be recorded as a result.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the case where the main digital still camera 3 arbitrarily selects and holds the photo shooting conditions and the video shooting conditions for the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each of the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N arbitrarily selects and holds its own photo shooting conditions and moving image shooting conditions, or is arbitrarily selected by the main digital still camera 3. Photo shooting conditions and moving image shooting conditions may be held by a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the photography command signal S10 and the moving picture photography command signal S13 are transmitted to the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N when the subject digital still camera 3 inputs the subject photography command. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the subject photographing command input time point or the subject photographing command input according to the photographing conditions and moving image photographing conditions from the subject digital still camera 3 to the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. The photography command signal S10 and the movie shooting command signal S13 are transmitted to the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N from the time when the photography shooting time and the movie shooting delay time elapses from the time point. Also good.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the subordinate photo file data D21 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 generated by subordinately photographing and moving the subject 2 with the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N are mainly used. Although the case where the digital still camera 3 collects and records in a lump is described, the present invention is not limited to this, and subject photographs generated by the subject digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, respectively. All or part of the file data D12, the subject moving image file data D17, the subordinate photo file data D21, and the subordinate moving image file data D23 are shared and recorded by the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, respectively. You may do it. When sharing, the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N respectively store the main subject photo file data D12, the main subject moving image file data D17, the subordinate photo file data D21, and the subordinate moving image file data D23. You may make it select arbitrarily whether to provide to the other party.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the subject digital still camera 3 executes the subject photography process and the subject moving image photographing process, and then executes the photographed image acquisition process and the moving image photographed image acquisition process to execute a plurality of subordinate digital images. The case where the subordinate photo file data D21 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 are acquired from the still cameras 4A to 4N has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the subject digital still camera 3 performs photography in subject photography processing. In addition to incorporating the image acquisition process, the subject moving image capturing process is incorporated into the subject moving image photographing process, and the subject 2 is photographed and photographed from the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N while executing the subject photograph photographing process and the subject moving image photographing process. Dependent photo file data D21 and subordinate motion every time a movie is shot It is also possible to sequentially obtain the file data D23.

  In addition, when the activation stop command is input to each of the main digital still camera 3 and / or the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, the main photo file data D12, the main video file data D17, and / or the subordinate photos are stopped while apparently stopping the start. The file data D21 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 may be acquired. In this way, the main controller 20 and the subordinate controller 40 stop processing other functions such as photo shooting and video shooting. The subject photo file data D12, the subject moving image file data D17 and / or the subordinate photo file data D21 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 can be obtained.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, a main digital still camera (that is, the main digital still camera 3) and a subordinate digital still camera (that is, a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N) are provided. Although the case where the setting is fixed is described, the present invention is not limited to this, and any of the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N is arbitrarily set as the main and the rest It is also possible to change the digital still camera that is set as the subject so as to be set as subordinate. In this way, when different users use the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, it is possible to photograph the subject 2 and to shoot a movie with any user as the main body. Each user can be allowed to take a photograph and a movie according to his / her preference.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, when the photo shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode are selected by the main digital still camera 3, the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that can automatically perform subordinate operations within the main wireless communication range. The subject photograph shooting process and the subject movie shooting process are executed when there are subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N that can operate in the subject wireless communication range. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the subject digital still camera 3 is arbitrarily selected to execute the subject photograph shooting process and the subject movie shooting process, and the subject is selected when the execution is selected. You may make it perform a photography process and a subject moving image photography process.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the subject digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N perform subject photograph photographing processing and subsidiary photograph photographing processing, subject movie photographing processing, and dependent movie photographing processing. Although the case where they are executed separately has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. The subject digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N use the subject photograph photographing process, the subject moving image photographing process, and the dependent photograph. The shooting process and the subordinate moving picture shooting process may be executed in a mixed manner, and any combination in the case where the main subject photo shooting process and the main subject video shooting process and the subordinate photo shooting process and the subordinate moving picture shooting process are mixed is arbitrarily selected. You may make it select. In this way, it is possible to execute both photography and movie shooting together. With this, when it is desired to photograph the subject 2, the state of the subject 2 can be seen in both the photographed image and the movie photographed image. Can be rubbed.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the moving image shooting time is set in advance for the main digital still camera 3 and the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N has been described. However, the video recording time is not particularly set. For example, during video recording, the main digital still camera 3 communicates constantly with the main digital still camera 4 and the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. After starting the shooting, when the shutter button 14 is pressed once again and the moving image shooting is finished, the moving image shooting is performed by the first subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N according to the preset order. Started, and the subordinate digital still cameras 4 </ b> A to 4 </ b> N also finished moving image shooting by pressing the shutter button 14 once again. In this regard, after the last slave digital still cameras 4A to 4N start moving image shooting so that the second slave digital still cameras 4A to 4N start moving image shooting, the shutter button 14 is continuously pressed twice. The main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N execute the moving image shooting in order and continuously for a desired moving image shooting time so that all the moving image shooting is ended when the button is pressed. May be.

  In this way, the moving image shooting as described above with reference to FIG. 10 can be freely performed without being restricted by the prior processing for selecting the moving image shooting condition or the moving image shooting time selected once. it can.

(2) Second Embodiment FIG. 13 shows a photographing system 50 according to a second embodiment, in which a plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N capable of photographing and moving images of a subject 2 such as a person are close to each other. It is constructed by wireless connection in accordance with Bluetooth, which is a wireless communication technology.

  In this case, the photographing system 50 sets any one of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N as the subject of photography and moving image photographing for the subject 2 among the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N used by different users. 2 can take a picture and a moving picture, and at that time, the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as subordinate to the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, thereby setting the digital still set as the subject. The subject 2 can be photographed and photographed in conjunction with photography and movie photography by the cameras 51A to 51N.

  Here, first, the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N are respectively the main digital still camera 3 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N according to the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. It has the same external configuration.

  Each of the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N has basically the same circuit configuration as that of the main digital still camera 3 and the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N described above with reference to FIGS. The circuit configuration of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N will be described below by having a slightly different configuration as long as both the main shooting function and the subordinate shooting function can be realized.

  In FIG. 14, in which parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 3 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, the digital still cameras 51A to 51N have a controller 55 having a CPU, a non-volatile memory such as SRAM, a ROM, etc. via the operation unit 23. Mutual registration processing program, subject subordinate setting processing program, subject photographing processing program, subordinate photographing processing program, photographed image sharing processing program, photographed image reproduction processing program, etc. stored in advance in the internal ROM Are expanded on the DRAM 22 and the respective circuit units of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N are controlled in an integrated manner, whereby mutual registration processing with the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N and other digital still cameras are performed. Main to set subject and subordinate with 51A to 51N Dependent setting process, subject photographing process, subsidiary photographing process, subject photographed image data D11 and subject moving image photographed image data D16, slave photographed image data D25 and dependent movie photographed image among other digital still cameras 51A to 51N A captured image sharing process and a captured image reproduction process for sharing the data D26 are executed.

  That is, the controller 55 operates in the state where one or more other digital still cameras 51A to 51N exist in the wireless communication range of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N (hereinafter referred to as the self wireless communication range). After the menu screen is displayed on the display unit 15 according to the operation of 23, when a mutual registration command is continuously input on the menu screen according to the operation of the operation unit 23, the mutual registration process is started.

  In this case, the controller 55 generates mutual registration request data D40 for requesting the digital still cameras 51A to 51N to register each other, and sends the data to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing. The mutual registration request signal S40 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N existing within the self wireless communication range.

  As a result, when the mutual registration acceptance signal S41 for accepting mutual registration is transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the controller 55 receives the signal through the antenna 27 and performs reception processing at the transmission / reception processing unit 26. The obtained mutual registration consent data D41 is taken in.

  Accordingly, the controller 55 recognizes the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N that have accepted the mutual registration with the digital still cameras 51A to 51N based on the mutual registration consent data D41.

  Then, the controller 55 reads the identification information for mutual registration unique to the own digital still camera 51A to 51N stored in advance from the internal ROM, and reads this information from the other digital still camera 51A to 51N. The registration data D42 for registering 51A to 51N is sent to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing, and the obtained registration signal S42 is transmitted again from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N.

  As a result, the controller 55 obtains the mutual registration identification information unique to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N as a registration signal S43 for mutual registration with respect to the own digital still cameras 51A to 51N. When it is transmitted, it is received by the antenna 27 and received and processed by the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and the obtained registration data D43 is captured.

  Thus, the controller 55 stores the mutual registration identification information of the other party obtained based on the registration data D43 in the internal nonvolatile memory, and thus the digital still camera 51A to 51N of itself and the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N. Are mutually registered, and the mutual registration process is completed.

  Incidentally, as a result of transmitting the mutual registration request signal S40 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the controller 55 transmits a mutual registration rejection signal S44 for rejecting mutual registration from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N. This is received by the antenna 27 and received and processed by the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and the obtained mutual registration rejection data D44 is captured.

  Accordingly, the controller 55 recognizes the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N that rejected the mutual registration with respect to its own digital still cameras 51A to 51N based on the mutual registration rejection data D44, and ends the mutual registration process.

  Further, when the mutual registration request signal S40 is transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the controller 55 receives the signal through the antenna 27 and performs reception processing in the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and the mutual registration request data D40 obtained. To start the mutual registration process.

  In this case, the controller 55 sends the mutual registration inquiry screen data stored in advance in the internal ROM to the display unit 15 by sequentially sending the data to the display unit 15 via the OSDC 24 and the data synthesis unit 25. Based on the screen data, a mutual registration inquiry screen having icons for selecting an acceptance instruction and a rejection instruction for mutual registration between the digital still cameras 51A to 51N is displayed.

  In this state, when a consent instruction is input on the mutual registration inquiry screen via the operation unit 23, the controller 55 generates the mutual registration consent data D41 in response to this and sends it to the transmission / reception processing unit 26. Then, the mutual registration acceptance signal S41 obtained is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N.

  As a result, when the controller 55 receives the registration signal S42 transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N by the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the registration signal S42 and receives the obtained registration data D42. By importing, the mutual registration identification information obtained based on the registration data D42 is stored in the internal nonvolatile memory.

  Further, the controller 55 reads the identification information for mutual registration unique to its own digital still camera 51A to 51N stored in advance from the internal ROM, and sends this to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 as registration data D43 for transmission processing. The obtained registration signal S43 is transmitted again from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N, and the mutual registration process is completed.

  As a result, the controller 55 mutually registers its own digital still cameras 51A to 51N and the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N.

  Incidentally, when a rejection instruction is input on the mutual registration inquiry screen via the operation unit 23, the controller 55 generates the mutual registration rejection data D44 in response to this and sends this to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission. Then, the mutual registration rejection signal S44 obtained is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N, and the mutual registration process is completed.

  In this manner, when the controller 55 mutually registers its own digital still cameras 51A to 51N and the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N, thereafter, the main photographing process, the subordinate photographing process, the photographed image sharing process, and the like are executed. When transmitting, the mutual registration identification information of the other party is added to the various signals and transmitted so that the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N of the other party can identify and properly receive the various signals addressed to them. The various signals transmitted from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N are also identified and appropriately received by adding their own mutual registration identification information.

  Then, after the mutual registration process is completed, the controller 55 inputs a shooting condition setting command for selecting the shooting conditions and moving image shooting conditions for the digital still cameras 51A to 51N on the menu screen via the operation unit 23. Then, in response to this, shooting condition setting processing is executed to read shooting condition setting screen data stored in advance from the internal ROM.

  Then, the controller 55 sends the shooting condition setting screen data to the display unit 15 via the OSDC 24 and the data synthesis unit 25 in sequence, thereby changing the menu screen to the display unit 15 and shooting condition setting screen based on the shooting condition setting screen data. Is displayed.

  In this case, the controller 55 selects the photo shooting condition and the video shooting condition on the shooting condition setting screen in the same manner as the selection of the photo shooting condition and the video shooting condition by the main digital still camera 3 described above with reference to FIG. When photo shooting conditions and video shooting conditions for the digital still cameras 51A to 51N are selected, these are stored in the internal nonvolatile memory as photo shooting condition information and video shooting condition information.

  Thus, when the controller 55 operates the digital still cameras 51A to 51N in a subordinate manner in conjunction with the photographing of the subject 2 and the moving image shooting by the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, The subject 2 is photographed and photographed in accordance with the photograph shooting condition information and the movie photographing condition information.

  By the way, the digital still cameras 51A to 51N are provided with an actuator 56 for adjusting the focus by moving the lens 11 in the optical axis direction to form an image of a subject on the light receiving surface of the solid-state imaging element 28. .

  In this case, when the shutter button 14 is fully pressed (that is, fully pressed) in a state where the photo shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode are selected (that is, the state where the subject 2 is captured). In response to this, although the subject 2 is photographed and movie-captured according to the photographing command input from the operation unit 23, when the shutter button 14 is depressed by a distance shorter than the full depression (that is, when half-pressed). In response to this, the actuator 56 is driven in accordance with a focus adjustment command input from the operation unit 23 to move the lens 11 in the optical axis direction, thereby automatically adjusting the focus on the subject 2.

  Then, the controller 55 allows the user himself / herself when the subject 2 is focused by the shutter button 14 being half-pressed prior to the photo shooting and video shooting with the photo shooting mode and the video shooting mode selected. It is possible to determine that the subject 2 is willing to take a photograph and a movie according to his / her preference, so that when the shutter button 14 is half-pressed in the photograph shooting mode and the movie shooting mode, the operation unit 23 can focus. Along with the adjustment command, a subject setting request for requesting that the own digital still cameras 51A to 51N be set as a subject for taking a picture and a moving picture for the subject 2 is also taken in.

  Accordingly, the controller 55 performs the wireless communication with the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N when the photo shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode are selected, and the shutter button 14 is halfway at the earliest time among the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N. The digital still cameras 51A to 51N to which the subject setting request is input by being pressed are set as subjects for taking a picture and a moving image with respect to the subject 2, and the remaining plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as the subject. The relationship between the subject and the subordinate in the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N is established so as to be subordinate to the set digital still cameras 51A to 51N.

  That is, when the photo shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode are selected, the controller 55 executes the subject subordinate setting process, and before the controller 55 declares that the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N have set the subject first. When a subject setting request is input by the shutter button 14 being half-pressed from the operation unit 23 in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the own digital still camera is input when the subject setting request is input. 51A to 51N are set as subjects for photographing and moving images for the subject 2, and subject setting declaration data D45 for declaring the settings to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N is generated.

  Then, the controller 55 sends the subject setting declaration data D45 to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing, and transmits the obtained subject setting declaration signal S45 from the antenna 27.

  As a result, the controller 55 recognizes the setting of the subject of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N existing within the self-wireless communication range, and then the own digital still cameras 51A to 51N. When the slave operation enable notification signal S46 for notifying that the slave operation is possible is returned, it is received by the antenna 27 and received and processed by the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and the slave operation enable notification data D46 thus obtained is received. take in.

  Accordingly, the controller 55 recognizes the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinate to the own digital still cameras 51A to 51N based on the subordinate operation enable notification data D46.

  At this time, the controller 55 generates the subordinate camera notification screen data D9 based on the subordinate operation enable notification data D46 in the same manner as the main digital still camera 3 (FIG. 3) according to the first embodiment described above, and displays the display unit 15. 4 to display the sub camera notification composite screen 32 described above with reference to FIG. 4 on the display unit 15 to notify that the digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as the main units, and to register a plurality of mutually registered plural images. Of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates according to the setting of the subject are notified.

  Incidentally, the controller 55 periodically transmits the subject setting declaration signal S45 while executing the subject photo photographing process and the subject moving image photographing process with the digital still cameras 51A to 51N as the subject. Other digital still cameras 51A to 51N (including digital still cameras 51A to 51N that are set to be subordinate after entering the self-wireless communication range later than the time when they are set as the subject) that can be operated in the wireless communication range. Always grasping and notifying the user of the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N capable of the subordinate operation.

  Further, the controller 55 is transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N before the subject setting request is input from the operation unit 23 in response to the half-pressing operation of the shutter button 14 by the own digital still cameras 51A to 51N. When the subject setting declaration signal S45 is received by the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the subject setting declaration signal S45 and takes in the obtained subject setting declaration data 45.

  At this time, the controller 55 recognizes the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the main body according to the main body setting declaration data D45, and also recognizes the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the main body. The digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as subordinates.

  Then, the controller 55 generates the subordinate operation possible notification data D46 to be transmitted to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, and sends the data to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing. The subordinate operation enable notification signal S46 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject.

  At this time, the controller 55 generates the subordinate shooting notification screen data D31 based on the subject setting declaration data D45 in the same manner as the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N (FIG. 5) according to the first embodiment described above, and displays the display unit. 15 is displayed on the display unit 15 to display the above-described subordinate shooting notification composite screen 41 with respect to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject. To 51N are set as subordinate.

  In this way, the controller 55 is mainly configured by the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N in a state where the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N are gathered for taking a photograph and a moving image and do not form a relationship between the subject and the subordinate. When a subject setting request is input (that is, the shutter button 14 is half-pressed) at the time point earlier than the setting (that is, the shutter button 14 is half-pressed), the digital still cameras 51A to 51N of itself. The own digital still camera 51A to 51N is set as the subject of photography and movie shooting for the subject 2, and the subject 2 is photographed and animated.

  Further, when the main body setting request is input from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N at a time earlier than the main body setting request is input from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the controller 55 responds to the main body accordingly. The own digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as subordinates to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N that have been set, and the subject 2 is subordinately photographed and movie-taken.

  By the way, in the photographing system 50, at least two of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N to which the main body setting request is inputted at the earliest time among the plurality of mutually registered digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as the main body. When the subject setting request is simultaneously input by the digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the subject setting request is simultaneously input according to the priority order for the subject setting previously set for the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N. Of the two digital still cameras 51A to 51N, any one of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N is preferentially set as a subject.

  As a result, in the photographing system 50, even when at least two digital still cameras 51A to 51N receive simultaneous subject setting requests, only one of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N is reliably set as the subject. The relationship between the subject and subordinates is surely prevented from failing.

  Actually, after the photography mode is selected via the operation unit 23, the controller 55 continues to input the subject setting request in response to the half-pressing operation of the shutter button 14 from the operation unit 23. When the still cameras 51A to 51N are set as subjects for photographing the subject 2, and when the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as subordinates accordingly, the subject photographing process is started and the subject 2 is imaged. Meanwhile, it waits for the shutter button 14 to be fully pressed to input a shooting command.

  In this state, when a shooting command is input from the operation unit 23 in response to the full-pressing operation of the shutter button 14, the controller 55 captures moving image data as in the main digital still camera 3 according to the first embodiment described above. Subject photographed image data D11 is extracted from D6, and subject photograph file data D12 is generated based on the extracted subject photographed image data D11 and recorded on the recording medium 36.

  In addition to this, the controller 55 stores a photography instruction storing main photography date / time information for causing the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N that exist within the self-radio communication range and that can operate in this manner to photograph. Data D47 is generated and transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing, and the obtained photography command signal S47 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N existing within the self wireless communication range. To do.

  As a result, the controller 55 almost simultaneously with the subject photographing command input time or the subject photographing in accordance with the photographing condition held by the other party in each of the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N capable of subordinate operation existing within the self wireless communication range. The subject 2 is photographed from the time of command input to the time of photographing after the photography delay time elapses.

  In this manner, the controller 55 causes the other digital still cameras 51 </ b> A to 51 </ b> N set as subordinates to photograph the subject 2 in a subordinate manner, and then commands the end of the subject photographing process via the operation unit 23. Dependent photography end data D14 is generated and transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing. The obtained dependent photography end signal S11 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N. Thereafter, the subject photography process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the controller 55 selects its own digital still according to the fact that the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as the main body after the photography mode is selected via the operation unit 23. When the cameras 51A to 51N are set to be subordinate to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, another subordinate digital still camera set as the subject is started while the subordinate photo shooting process is started and the subject 2 is imaged. It waits for the reception of a photography command signal S47 transmitted from 51A to 51N.

  In this state, when the controller 55 receives the photography command signal S47 transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject with the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the photography command signal S47. Then, the obtained photography command data D47 is fetched.

  At this time, the controller 55, based on the subject photography date / time information stored in the photography instruction data D47 and the own photography condition information read from the internal nonvolatile memory, the first embodiment described above. As in the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, the subordinate photographed image data D25 is extracted from the captured moving image data D30, and the subordinate photograph file data D21 is generated on the basis of the extracted subordinate photographed image data D25. 36.

  In this way, the controller 55 takes a picture almost simultaneously with the subject photographing command input time or from the subject photographing command input time in conjunction with the photographing of the subject 2 by the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject. The subject 2 is photographed at the time of photographing after the lapse of the delay time.

  Thereafter, when the controller 55 receives the subordinate photography end signal S11 transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject by the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 outputs the subordinate photography end signal S11. By performing the reception process and taking in the obtained dependent photography end data D14, the dependent photography end processing is completed according to the dependent photography end data D14.

  In addition, after the moving image shooting mode is selected via the operation unit 23, the controller 55 continues to input a main body setting request from the operation unit 23 in response to a half-press operation of the shutter button 14. When 51A to 51N is set as the subject of moving image shooting for the subject 2 and the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as subordinates accordingly, the subject moving image shooting processing is started and the subject 2 is imaged. Then, it waits for the shutter button 14 to be fully pressed to input a shooting command.

  In this state, when a shooting command is input from the operation unit 23 in response to the full-pressing operation of the shutter button 14, the controller 55 captures moving image data as in the main digital still camera 3 according to the first embodiment described above. The main moving image captured image data D16 is extracted from D6, and the main moving image file data D17 is generated based on the extracted main moving image captured image data D16, and is recorded on the recording medium 36.

  In addition to this, the controller 55 stores the moving image shooting that stores the main moving image shooting start date and time information for causing the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N that exist within the self-radio communication range and that can operate as subordinates to take moving images. Command data D48 is generated and transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing. The obtained moving image shooting command signal S48 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N.

  As a result, the controller 55 is almost simultaneously with the subject photographing command input time or the subject photographing in accordance with the moving image photographing conditions held by the other party in the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N that are within the self-wireless communication range and are capable of slave operation. The moving image shooting for the subject 2 is started from the command input time to the moving image shooting start time after the elapse of the moving image shooting delay time, and the subject 2 is moved to the moving image shooting time.

  In this manner, the controller 55 instructs the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates to shoot the subject 2 in a subordinate manner, and then commands the end of the main subject video shooting process via the operation unit 23. Dependent moving image shooting end data D19 is generated and transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing. The obtained dependent moving image shooting end signal S14 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N. Then, the subject moving image shooting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, the controller 55 selects its own digital still according to the fact that the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as the main body after the moving image shooting mode is selected via the operation unit 23. When the cameras 51A to 51N are set to be subordinate to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, the subordinate moving image shooting process is started, and another digital still camera set as the main is taken while imaging the subject 2. Waiting for reception of the moving image shooting command signal S48 transmitted from 51A to 51N.

  In this state, when the controller 55 receives the moving image shooting command signal S48 transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject with the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the moving image shooting command signal S48. Then, the obtained moving image shooting command data D48 is fetched.

  At this time, the controller 55 performs the first embodiment described above based on the main moving image shooting start date and time information stored in the moving image shooting command data D48 and the own moving image shooting condition information read from the internal nonvolatile memory. Similarly to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N according to the form, subordinate moving image captured image data D26 is extracted from the captured moving image data D30, and subordinate moving image file data D23 is generated and recorded based on the extracted subordinate moving image captured image data D26. Recorded on the medium 36.

  In this way, the controller 55 is synchronized with the moving image shooting of the subject 2 by the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the main body, and the moving image shooting is performed almost simultaneously with the main shooting command input time or from the main shooting command input time. Moving image shooting is started for the subject 2 at the time of moving image shooting after the delay time has elapsed, and the subject 2 is shot for moving image shooting time.

  Thereafter, when the controller 55 receives the subordinate moving image shooting end signal S14 transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject by the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 outputs the subordinate moving image shooting end signal S14. The subordinate moving image shooting process is ended according to the subordinate moving image shooting end data D19 by receiving the subordinate moving image shooting end data D19.

  By the way, in the photographing system 50, although the digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as the main and subordinates in a state where the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N are gathered for taking pictures and moving pictures, the plurality of digital still cameras are set. When the cameras 51A to 51N meet together for photography and video shooting, it is highly likely that they gathered together for the purpose of photographing the same subject 2 as in a wedding ceremony or photography session, and each other took a photo. In addition, since it is highly likely that the subject photographed image data D11, the dependent photographed image data D25, the subject movie photographed image data D16, and the dependent movie photographed image data D26 generated by capturing the movie are desired, a plurality of digital still images are obtained. These main photographed image data D11 and subordinate photographed images are taken by the cameras 51A to 51N. Image data D25, mainly moving photographic image data D16, is configured so as to be able to share the dependent video recording image data D26.

  That is, the controller 55 displays the menu screen on the display unit 15 by selecting the playback mode through the operation of the operation unit 23 after the main photograph shooting process is completed, and then performs the menu through the operation unit 23. When a photographed image sharing command is input on the screen, a photographed image sharing process (hereinafter referred to as a subject photographed image sharing process) is started.

  In this case, the controller 55 generates the photographed image request data D49 storing the subject photography date / time information when the subject 2 is principally photographed during the subject photography process, and sends this to the transmission / reception processing unit 26. The obtained photographed image request signal S49 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N existing within the self wireless communication range.

  As a result, when the photo file signal S16 corresponding to the subordinate photo file data D21 specified according to the subject photo shooting date / time information is transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the controller 55 receives this via the antenna 27. The transmission / reception processing unit 26 performs reception processing and records the obtained dependent photo file data D21 on the recording medium 36.

  Further, when the controller 55 records the dependent photo file data D21 on the recording medium 36 in this way, the controller 55 reproduces the main photo file data D12 together with the dependent photo file data D21 from the recording medium 36 via the recording / reproducing control unit 35, This is transferred to the DRAM 22.

  The controller 55 then leaves the subordinate photo file data D21 except for the subordinate photo file data D21 generated by the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N as the transmission counterparts of the main subject photo file data D12 and the subordinate photo file data D21. Are combined together with the main photo file data D12 to generate a shared photo file data group D50, which is sent from the DRAM 22 to the transmission / reception processing unit 26.

  Thus, the controller 55 transmits the shared photo file data group D50 in the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and transmits the obtained shared photo file signal group S50 from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N. Then, the subject photographed image sharing process ends.

  On the other hand, when the controller 55 receives the photographed image request signal S49 transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject after the subordinate photograph capturing process is completed, the transmission / reception processing unit In 26, the photographed image request signal S49 is received and the obtained photographed image request data D49 is taken in, so that a photographed image sharing process (hereinafter referred to as a subordinate photographed image sharing process) is performed. To start.

  At this time, the controller 55 extracts the subject photographing date / time information stored in the photographed image request data D49, and extracts the subject photographing date / time information and the photographing condition information for its own digital still cameras 51A to 51N. In accordance with the above, the recording / playback control unit 35 retrieves the subordinate photo shooting date / time information stored in the subordinate photo file data D21 in the recording medium 36, so that the photography of the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject is performed. Dependent photo file data D21 generated by taking a photograph of subject 2 in a subordinate manner is specified.

  Then, the controller 55 reads the specified dependent photo file data D21 from the recording medium 36 by the recording / playback control unit 35, sends it to the transmission / reception processing unit 26, performs transmission processing, and transmits the obtained dependent photo file signal S16 to the antenna. 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject.

  The controller 55 transmits the subordinate photo file signal S16 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, and then continues to be transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject. When the shared photo file signal group S50 is received by the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the shared photo file signal group S50 and records the obtained shared photo file data group D50 by the recording / playback control unit 35. Recording on the medium 36 completes the subordinate photographed image sharing process.

  In this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the digital still camera 51A set as the subject is a subordinate photo file consisting of a plurality of subordinate photo file data D21 from the plurality of digital still cameras 51B to 51D set as subordinates. By capturing the data groups D21A to D21C and recording the captured dependent photograph file data groups D21A to D21C on the recording medium 36 together with the subject photo file data group D12A including a plurality of subject photo file data D12, The subject photo file data group D12A and the subordinate photo file data groups D21A to D21C generated by subordinately taking photographs are collectively stored for the own digital still camera 51A.

  Also, the digital still camera 51A set as the main body has a plurality of digital still cameras 51B through 51D set as subordinates among the main subject photo file data group D12A and subordinate photo file data groups D21A through D21C recorded on the recording medium 36. The main photograph file data group D12A and the subordinate photograph file data groups D21A to D21C to be provided except for the subordinate photograph file data D21A to D21C generated by the other party are selected to generate sharing photograph file data groups D50A to D50C. These are transmitted and recorded respectively to the plurality of digital still cameras 51B to 51D set as the subordinates.

  As a result, in the photographing system 50, the subject photo file data group D12A and the dependent photo file data groups D21A to D21C are shared by all the digital still cameras 51A to 51N that have established the subject and subordinate relationships when the subject 2 is photographed. can do.

  In addition, the controller 55 displays the menu screen on the display unit 15 by selecting the playback mode via the operation unit 23 after the main moving image shooting process is completed, and then displays the menu screen on the menu screen via the operation unit 23. When a moving image captured image sharing command is input, a captured image sharing process (hereinafter referred to as a main moving image captured image sharing process) is started.

  In this case, the controller 55 generates the moving image shooting image request data D52 storing the main moving image shooting start date / time information when the subject 2 is actively moving image shooting during the main moving image shooting processing, and sends this to the transmission / reception processing unit 26. Then, the moving image captured image request signal S52 obtained is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N within the self wireless communication range.

  As a result, when the subordinate moving image file signal S18 corresponding to the subordinate moving image file data D23 specified according to the main moving image capturing start date / time information is transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the controller 55 receives this by the antenna 27. Then, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 performs reception processing and records the obtained sub moving image file data D23 on the recording medium 36.

  Further, when the controller 55 records the dependent moving image file data D23 on the recording medium 36 in this way, the controller 55 reproduces the main moving image file data D17 together with the dependent moving image file data D23 from the recording medium 36 via the recording / reproducing control unit 35, This is transferred to the DRAM 22.

  Then, the controller 55 removes only the dependent moving image file data D23 generated by the plurality of other digital still cameras 51A to 51N as the transmission partners from the main moving image file data D17 and the dependent moving image file data D23, and the remaining dependent moving image files. The data D23 is selectively collected together with the main moving image file data D17 to generate a shared moving image file data group D53, which is sent from the DRAM 22 to the transmission / reception processing unit 26.

  As a result, the controller 55 transmits the shared moving image file data group D53 in the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and transmits the obtained shared moving image file signal group S53 from the antenna 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N. Then, the subject moving image captured image sharing process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the controller 55 receives the moving image shot image request signal S52 transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject after the sub moving image shooting process is completed, the transmission / reception processing unit In 26, the moving image captured image request signal S52 is received, and the obtained moving image captured image request data D52 is taken in, so that the captured image sharing processing (hereinafter referred to as subordinate moving image captured image sharing processing) is performed. To start.

  At this time, the controller 55 extracts the main moving image shooting start date / time information stored in the moving image shooting image request data D52, and extracts the main moving image shooting start date / time information and the moving image shooting conditions for its own digital still cameras 51A to 51N. According to the information, the recording / playback control unit 35 searches the sub moving image shooting start date / time information stored in the sub moving image file data D23 in the recording medium 36, so that the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the main body are searched. Dependent moving image file data D23 generated by subjecting subject 2 to moving image shooting in conjunction with the moving image shooting is specified.

  Then, the controller 55 reads out the specified sub moving image file data D23 from the recording medium 36 by the recording / playback control unit 35, sends it to the transmission / reception processing unit 26, and performs transmission processing. 27 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject.

  The controller 55 transmits the sub moving image file signal S18 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, and then continues to be transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject. When the sharing movie file signal group S53 is received by the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the sharing movie file signal group S53 and receives the obtained sharing movie file data group D53 via the recording / playback control unit 35. Then, the subordinate moving image captured image sharing process is completed.

  In this way, the controller 55 performs the main moving image file data D17 in all the digital still cameras 51A to 51N that have established the relationship between the main subject and the subordinate in the moving image shooting as in the case of the photographed image sharing process described above with reference to FIG. And the subordinate moving image file data D23 can be shared.

  Incidentally, the controller 55 continues to take a photographed image and a movie on the menu screen via the operation unit 23 in a state where the menu screen is displayed on the display unit 15 by selecting the reproduction mode according to the operation of the operation unit 23. When a playback command for an image is input, the photographed image playback process and the moving image shot image playback process are executed as the captured image playback process, as in the case of the main digital still camera 3 according to the first embodiment described above. Allow the user to view the photographed image and the moving image captured image freely.

  In the case of the second embodiment, the controller 55 is independent of the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N when no other digital still cameras 51A to 51N exist within the self-radio communication range. Thus, the subject 2 can be photographed and animated.

  Thus, the controller 55 does not use the own digital still cameras 51A to 51N only in conjunction with the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N, but allows the user's own digital still cameras 51A to 51N to be used alone. It has been made to improve.

  Here, in practice, the controllers 55 of the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N execute the subject dependent setting process according to the subject dependent setting processing program when the photo shooting mode and the moving image shooting mode are selected via the operation unit 23, respectively. As a result, the subject subordinate setting processing procedure RT9 shown in FIG.

  In step SP81, the controller 55 determines whether or not a subject setting request has been input.

  If a negative result is obtained in this step SP81, this is because the user is in the process of thinking about when and how to shoot the subject 2 in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N. This indicates that the button 14 has not been half-pressed yet. At this time, the controller 55 proceeds to step SP82.

  In step SP82, the controller 55 determines whether or not the main body setting declaration signal S45 transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N has been received.

  If a negative result is obtained in this step SP82, this is because the user is thinking about when and how to shoot the subject 2 in the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N. This indicates that the shutter button 14 has not yet been half-pressed, and at this time, the controller 55 returns to step SP81.

  In this way, until the controller 55 thereafter obtains a positive result in either step SP81 or step SP82, it repeats the processing of steps SP81-SP82 in a cyclic manner to thereby determine its own digital still camera 51A to 51A. It waits for input of the main body setting request at 51N and reception of the main body setting declaration signal S45 transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP81, this means that the shutter button 14 has been half-pressed in order to take a picture of the subject 2 and take a moving picture in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N. The controller 55 moves to step SP83.

  In step SP83, the controller 55 sets its own digital still camera 51A to 51N as the subject of photography and movie shooting for the subject 2, and then proceeds to step SP84.

  In step SP84, the controller 55 transmits the main body setting declaration signal S45 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N existing within the self wireless communication range, and proceeds to step SP85.

  In step SP85, the controller 55 determines whether or not the main body setting declaration signal S45 transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N has been received.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP85, this means that the own digital still camera 51A to 51N is set as the subject of photography and movie shooting for the subject 2 at a time earlier than the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N. Represents that the self digital still cameras 51A to 51N can be set as the subject, and at this time, the controller 55 proceeds to the following step SP86.

  In step SP86, the controller 55 receives the dependent operation notification possible signal S46 transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N, and proceeds to the subsequent step SP87.

  In step SP87, the controller 55 displays the sub camera notification composite screen 32 on the display unit 15 to notify the user that his / her digital still cameras 51A to 51N have been set as the subject of photography and video shooting for the subject 2. In addition, after notifying the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinate in accordance with this, the process proceeds to step SP88 to end the subject subordinate setting processing procedure RT9.

  By the way, if a positive result is obtained in the above-described step SP82, this means that the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N do not set their own digital still cameras 51A to 51N as the subject of photography and movie shooting for the subject 2. This indicates that the subject 2 has been set as the subject of photography and movie shooting. At this time, the controller 55 proceeds to step SP89.

  In step SP89, the controller 55 sets its own digital still cameras 51A to 51N as subordinates to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, and proceeds to the subsequent step SP90.

  In step SP90, the controller 55 transmits the subordinate operation enable notification signal S46 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set mainly, and proceeds to subsequent step SP91.

  In step SP91, the controller 55 displays the subordinate shooting notification composite screen 41 on the display unit 15 to notify the user that his / her own digital still cameras 51A to 51N have been set to subordinate, and proceeds to step SP88.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP85 described above, this is because the shutter button 14 is half-pressed simultaneously by the own digital still cameras 51A to 51N and the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N. At the same time, the controller 55 is set as the subject, and the controller 55 proceeds to step SP92.

  In step SP92, the controller 55 determines its own digital still cameras 51A to 51N and other digital still cameras 51A to 51N that are set as subjects at the same time according to the priority order information for subject settings stored in advance in the internal nonvolatile memory. It is determined whether or not the self digital still cameras 51A to 51N are preferentially set as the subject.

  If a positive result is obtained in step SP92, this means that the digital still cameras 51A to 51N are preferentially set as subjects rather than the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N in accordance with the priority order for subject setting. In this case, the controller 55 proceeds to step SP93.

  In step SP93, the controller 55 keeps its own digital still cameras 51A to 51N preferentially set as the subject, and another digital still camera 51A set as the subject at the same time as the subject digital still cameras 51A to 51N. Through 51N, a subject setting cancellation notification signal for notifying the canceling of the subject setting is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step SP86.

  Furthermore, if a negative result is obtained in step SP92, this means that the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set to be the subject rather than the own digital still cameras 51A to 51N according to the priority order for the subject setting. At this time, the controller 55 proceeds to step SP94.

  In step SP94, the controller 55 receives the subject setting cancellation notification signal transmitted from the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N, and proceeds to step SP95.

  In step SP95, the controller 55 cancels the setting of the subject with respect to its own digital still cameras 51A to 51N, and proceeds to step SP89.

  Also, a summary of the photographing process procedure by the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N in the photographing system 50 is as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 17A in which the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding parts to FIG. A controller (hereinafter, specifically referred to as a main controller) 55 of one of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the main body in the state where the photo shooting mode is selected among the digital still cameras 51A to 51N, according to the main body shooting processing program. By executing the subject photograph processing, the subject photograph processing procedure RT10 is entered from the start step to the subsequent step SP101.

  In step SP101, the main controller 55 determines whether or not an imaging command has been input while imaging the subject 2.

  If a negative result is obtained in this step SP101, this means that, for example, the user has determined that the photo opportunity for photographing the subject 2 has not yet arrived, and the shutter button 14 has not yet been fully pressed. At this time, the main controller 55 proceeds to step SP5.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP101, this indicates that, for example, the user has determined that the photo opportunity for taking a photograph of the subject 2 has been reached and the shutter button 14 has been fully pressed. 55 moves to step SP102.

  In step SP102, the subject controller 55 extracts subject photographed image data D11 from the captured moving image data D6 generated while photographing the subject 2 and stores subject photograph photographing date / time information at the time of subject photograph command input. After the photographing command data D47 is transmitted as the photographing command signal S47 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the processing of the subsequent step SP7 is executed and the processing returns to step SP101.

  In this way, the main controller 55 thereafter repeats the processing of steps SP101-SP5-SP102-SP7 in a cyclic manner until a positive result is obtained in step SP5, so that the subject controller is input every time a shooting command is input. Take a photo of 2.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17B in which the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding parts to FIG. 7B, it is set to be subordinate according to the fact that one digital still camera 51A to 51N is set as the subject. The controllers 55 of the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N (hereinafter, specifically referred to as subordinate controllers) 55 execute the subordinate photographing process according to the subordinate photographing processing program to start the subordinate photographing process procedure RT11 from the start step. The process then proceeds to step SP111.

  In step SP111, the subordinate controller 55 determines whether or not the photography command signal S47 transmitted from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject has been received.

  If a negative result is obtained in this step SP111, this means that, for example, in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, it is determined by the user that the photo opportunity for taking a picture of the subject 2 has not yet arrived. At this time, the subordinate controller 55 proceeds to step SP13.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP111, this means that, for example, in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, it is determined by the user that a photo opportunity for taking a photograph of the subject 2 has come, and the shutter button 14 is fully pressed. This indicates that the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject have instructed to take a picture. At this time, the subordinate controller 55 proceeds to step SP112.

  In step SP112, the subordinate controller 55 obtains the subject photography date / time information obtained based on the photography command signal S47, and the photography condition information for its own digital still cameras 51A to 51N stored in the internal nonvolatile memory. Thus, after the subordinate photographed image data D25 is extracted from the captured moving image data D30 generated while capturing the subject 2, the process of step SP15 is executed, and the process returns to step SP111.

  In this manner, the subordinate controller 55 repeats the processing of steps SP111-SP13-SP112-SP15 in a cyclic manner until a positive result is obtained in step SP13, so that the digital still cameras 51A to 51A set as the main units are repetitively obtained. Each time the subject 2 is photographed at 51N, the subject 2 is photographed in conjunction with this.

  If the main controller 55 obtains an affirmative result in step SP5 described above, it executes the processing of the subsequent step SP8, and then proceeds to step SP103 to end the main body photographing processing procedure RT10.

  If the slave controller 55 obtains an affirmative result in step SP13 described above, it moves to step SP113 and ends the slave photography process procedure RT11. In this way, all the photographing process procedures in the photographing system 50 are completed.

  Furthermore, a summary of the moving image shooting processing procedure by the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N in the shooting system 1 is as follows. First, as shown in FIG. The main body controller 55 of one of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the main body with the moving image shooting mode selected from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N executes the main moving image shooting process according to the main shooting process program. The process proceeds to step SP121 following the start of the moving image shooting processing procedure RT12.

  In step SP121, the main controller 55 determines whether or not an imaging command has been input while imaging the subject 2.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP121, this means that, for example, the user has determined that the shutter chance of moving image shooting for the subject 2 has not yet arrived, and the shutter button 14 has not yet been fully pressed. At this time, the main controller 55 proceeds to step SP25.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP121, this indicates that, for example, the user has determined that the shutter chance of moving image shooting for the subject 2 has arrived, and the shutter button 14 has been fully pressed. 55 moves to step SP122.

  In step SP122, the main controller 55 extracts the main moving image shooting image data D16 from the captured moving image data D6 generated while shooting the subject 2, and stores the main moving image shooting start date and time information at the time of inputting the main shooting command. After the moving image shooting command data D48 is transmitted as the moving image shooting command signal S48 to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the processing of the subsequent step SP27 is executed and the process returns to step SP121.

  In this manner, the main controller 55 thereafter repeats the processing of steps SP121-SP25-SP122-SP27 in a cyclic manner until an affirmative result is obtained in step SP25, so that the subject controller is input every time a shooting command is input. 2. Take a video.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18 (B) in which the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding parts to FIG. 9 (B), it is set to be subordinate according to the fact that one digital still camera 51A to 51N is set as the subject. The subordinate controllers 55 of the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N execute the subordinate moving image shooting process in accordance with the subordinate shooting processing program, and then enter the subordinate moving image shooting processing procedure RT13 from the start step and proceed to step SP131.

  In step SP131, the subordinate controller 55 determines whether or not the moving image shooting command signal S48 transmitted from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject has been received.

  If a negative result is obtained in this step SP131, this means that, for example, the user has determined that the shutter chance of moving image shooting for the subject 2 has not yet arrived in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject. At this time, the subordinate controller 55 proceeds to step SP33.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP131, this means that, for example, in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, it is determined by the user that the shutter chance for moving image shooting for the subject 2 has come, and the shutter button 14 is fully pressed. This indicates that the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject have instructed to shoot moving images. At this time, the subordinate controller 55 proceeds to step SP132.

  In step SP132, the subordinate controller 55 determines the main moving image shooting start date and time information obtained based on the moving image shooting command signal S48, and moving image shooting condition information for its own digital still cameras 51A to 51N stored in the internal nonvolatile memory. Then, the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 is extracted from the captured moving image data D30 generated while capturing the subject 2, and then the process of step SP35 is executed and the process returns to step SP131.

  In this way, the subordinate controller 55 repeats the processing of steps SP131-SP33-SP132-SP35 in a cyclic manner until a positive result is obtained in step SP33, so that the digital still cameras 51A to 51A set as the subject are set. Every time the subject 2 is movie-recorded at 51N, the subject 2 is movie-recorded in conjunction with this.

  If the main controller 55 obtains an affirmative result in step SP25, the main controller 55 executes the processing of the subsequent step SP28, and then proceeds to step SP123 to end the main moving image photographing processing procedure RT12.

  If the slave controller 55 obtains an affirmative result in step SP33, the slave controller 55 moves to the subsequent step SP133 and ends the slave moving image shooting processing procedure RT13. Thus, all the moving image shooting processing procedures in the shooting system 50 are completed.

  Further, a summary of the photographed image sharing processing procedure by the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N in the photographing system 50 is as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 19A, the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding parts to FIG. The main controller 55 of one of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N, which is set as the main body during the photo shooting process among the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N, takes a photographed image on the menu screen via the operation unit 23. , The subject photographed image sharing process is executed in accordance with the photographed image sharing process program, and then the subject photographed image sharing process procedure RT14 is entered from the start step and then the process of step SP41 is executed. Control goes to step SP42.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 19B in which the same reference numerals are assigned to the corresponding parts to FIG. 11B, one digital still camera 51A to 51N is mainly set in the photographing process. In response to this, the subordinate controllers 55 of the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates receive the photographed image request signal S49 transmitted from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject. The subordinate photographed image sharing process procedure RT15 is entered from the start step by executing the subordinate photographed image sharing process in accordance with the photographed image sharing process program in response to the reception, and the process of the subsequent step SP51 is executed, and then the process proceeds to step SP151.

  At this time, the main controller 55 sequentially executes the processing of step SP42 and step SP43 in response to the transmission of the subordinate photo file signal S16 from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinate, and then continues to step SP141. Move on.

  In step SP141, the main controller 55 reproduces the subordinate photo file data D21 together with the main photo file data D12 from the recording medium 36, generates a photo file data group D50 for sharing, and generates the photo file signal for sharing. After transmitting to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinate as the group S50, the process proceeds to the subsequent step SP142 to end the subject photographed image sharing processing procedure RT14.

  At this time, in step SP151, the subordinate controller 55 determines whether or not the shared photo file signal group S50 transmitted from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject has been received.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP151, this means that the subject photo file data D12 and the subordinate photo file data D21 are still being selectively collected in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject. At this time, the subordinate controller 55 waits for reception of the shared photo file signal group S50 transmitted from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject.

  If a positive result is obtained in step SP151, this means that the subject photo file data D12 and the subordinate photo file data D21 are selectively collected in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject. At this time, the subordinate controller 55 proceeds to step SP152.

  In step SP152, the subordinate controller 55 determines the main photo file data D12 obtained based on the shared photo file signal group S50 and the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates other than its own digital still cameras 51A to 51N. After the subordinate photo file data D21 generated in step S1 is recorded on the recording medium 36, the process proceeds to the subsequent step SP153 to end the subordinate photo photographed image sharing processing procedure RT15. Thus, all the photographed image sharing processing procedures in the photographing system 50 are completed.

  Further, a summary of the moving image captured image sharing processing procedure by the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N in the imaging system 50 is as follows. First, as shown in FIG. The main controller 55 of one of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N, which is set as the main body during the moving image shooting process among the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N, displays the moving image shot image on the menu screen via the operation unit 23. After executing the processing of step SP61 after entering the main moving image shooting image sharing processing procedure RT16 from the start step by executing the main moving image shooting image sharing processing according to the shooting image sharing processing program, The process moves to step SP62.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 20B in which the same reference numerals are assigned to the parts corresponding to FIG. 12B, one of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N is mainly set in the moving image shooting process. In response to this, the subordinate controllers 55 of the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N that have been set as subordinates receive the moving image photographic image request signal S52 transmitted from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N that have been set as the subject. By executing the subordinate moving image captured image sharing process in accordance with the received image sharing processing program in response to the reception, the subordinate moving image captured image sharing process procedure RT17 is entered from the start step, and the processing of the subsequent step SP71 is executed, and then the process proceeds to step SP171.

  At this time, the main controller 55 sequentially executes the processing of step SP62 and step SP63 in response to the transmission of the subordinate moving image file signal S16 from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinate, and then continues to step SP161. Move on.

  In step SP161, the main controller 55 reproduces the main moving image file data D17 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 from the recording medium 36, generates a sharing moving image file data group D53 selectively collected, and generates the sharing moving image file signal. After transmitting to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinate as the group S53, the process proceeds to the following step SP162, and the subject moving image captured image sharing processing procedure RT16 is terminated.

  At this time, in step SP171, the subordinate controller 55 determines whether or not the shared moving image file signal group S53 transmitted from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject has been received.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP171, this means that the main moving image file data D17 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 are still being selectively collected in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the main components. At this time, the subordinate controller 55 waits for reception of the shared moving image file signal group S53 transmitted from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP171, this indicates that the main moving image file data D17 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 are selectively collected in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the main object. At this time, the subordinate controller 55 proceeds to step SP172.

  In step SP172, the subordinate controller 55 determines the main moving image file data D17 obtained based on the sharing moving image file signal group S53 and the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates other than its own digital still cameras 51A to 51N. After recording the subordinate moving image file data D23 generated in the above in the recording medium 36, the process proceeds to the following step SP173 to end the subordinate moving image captured image sharing processing procedure RT17. Thus, all of the moving image shot image sharing processing procedure in the shooting system 50 is completed.

  In the above-described configuration, the photographing system 50 takes one digital still camera 51A to 51N in which the subject setting request is input at the earliest time among the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N during the photographing process. In addition to being set as the subject of photographing, the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as subordinates to the one digital still camera 51A to 51N set as the subject (steps SP81 to SP95).

  Then, when a shooting command is input in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, the shooting system 50 takes a picture of the subject 2 and a plurality of other digital still cameras in which the shooting command signal S47 is set as a subordinate. By transmitting to 51A to 51N (steps SP101 to SP7 and steps SP111 and SP13), the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N that have received the photography command signal S47 photograph the subject 2 in a dependent manner. Photographing is performed (step SP112 and step SP15).

  In addition, during the moving image shooting process, the shooting system 50 sets one digital still camera 51A to 51N, to which the subject setting request is input at the earliest time among the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N, as a subject of moving image shooting for the subject 2. In addition to the setting, other digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as subordinates to the one digital still camera 51A to 51N set as the main body (step SP81 to step SP95).

  Then, when a shooting command is input in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, the shooting system 50 takes a moving image of the subject 2 and a plurality of other digital still cameras in which the moving image shooting command signal S48 is set as a subordinate. By transmitting to 51A to 51N (steps SP121 to SP27 and steps SP131 and SP33), the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N that have received the moving image shooting command signal S48 each move the subject 2 as a moving image. Photographing is performed (step SP132 to step SP35).

  Therefore, in this photographing system 50, any one of a plurality of users who respectively use the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N is a subject of photography and moving image photography, and the subject 2 is photographed with a desired shutter chance from a desired direction. In addition to being able to shoot a moving image, it is possible to simultaneously shoot the subject 2 and shoot a moving image from a plurality of directions other than the direction desired by the user who is the subject (and even with different photo opportunities).

  Further, the photographing system 50 depends on the user who uses the digital still cameras 51A to 51N when the photographing direction of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N depends on the user who uses the digital still cameras 51A to 51N. Can be taken from a plurality of directions and a moving image can be taken, and the surroundings of the subject 2 can also be taken and a moving image can be taken.

  In addition to this, the photographing system 50 has a plurality of other digital still cameras 51A to 51N that have been set as the subject at the time of the previous photographing process and other subordinates that were set as subordinates at the time of the photographing process. By sending a photographed image request signal S49 to the digital still cameras 51A to 51N (step SP41), the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject are used to set other subordinate digital stills. The dependent photo file data D21 is acquired from each of the cameras 51A to 51N (step SP42, step SP43, and step SP51).

  Then, the photographing system 50 determines the subordinate photos other than the subordinate photo file data D21 generated by the other party from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject to the plurality of other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates. By providing the file data D21 together with the subject photo file data D12, the subject photo file data D12 and the subordinate photo file data D21 are shared by all the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject and subordinate (steps SP141 and SP11). Step SP151 and step SP152).

  The shooting system 50 also includes a plurality of other digital still cameras that have been set as subordinates during the moving image shooting process from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N that have been set mainly during the moving image shooting process. By transmitting the moving image shooting image request signal S52 to 51A to 51N (step SP61), the plurality of other digital still cameras 51A to 51A to 51D that have been set as subordinates by the digital still cameras 51A to 51N that have been set as the subject. The dependent moving image file data D23 is obtained from 51N (step SP62, step SP63, and step SP71).

  Then, the photographing system 50 determines the subordinate moving images other than the subordinate moving image file data D23 generated by the other party from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject to the plurality of other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates. By providing the file data D23 together with the main moving image file data D17, the main moving image file data D17 and the sub moving image file data D23 are shared by all the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the main and subordinates (step SP161 and Step SP171 and step SP172).

  Therefore, in this photographing system 50, the subject 2 is also captured by a plurality of other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates in addition to the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject in the photographing process and the moving picture photographing process. The subject photo file data D12 and the subordinate photo file data D21, the main subject video file data D17 and the subordinate movie file data D23 are generated by taking a photograph and a movie from a plurality of directions, and the recording medium 36 itself is borrowed or processed. Can be easily obtained without the need for complicated procedures such as re-recording.

  According to the above configuration, during the photographing process and the moving image photographing process, one digital still camera 51A to 51N to which the subject setting request is input at the earliest time among the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N is attached to the subject 2. In accordance with this, the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N are set as subordinates to the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, and in this state, the subject is set as the subject. When a shooting command is input by one of the set digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the subject 2 is photographed and movie-recorded accordingly, and the photo-shooting command signal S47 and the movie shooting command signal S48 are set as subordinates. By transmitting it to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N. In the first embodiment described above, the subject 2 is photographed and photographed in accordance with the photography command signal S47 and the movie photography command signal S48 with the plurality of other digital still cameras 51A to 51N. In addition to the effects obtained by the above, it is possible to photograph and shoot the subject 2 mainly by any of a plurality of users who respectively use the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N, and thus the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51A to It is possible to easily take a picture of the subject 2 and to take a moving image by reflecting the preference of the shooting direction, photo opportunity, etc. of any user who uses 51N.

  In addition, when the subject setting request is simultaneously input to at least two digital still cameras 51A to 51N among the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the photographing system 50 determines which one of the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N according to a preset priority order for subject setting. Since one digital still camera 51A to 51N is set as a subject for taking a picture and moving picture for the subject 2, the subject dependency on the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N at the time of the picture taking process and the moving picture taking process. The relationship can be constructed without failure, and the subject 2 can be photographed and filmed in a lump from a plurality of directions without delay.

  Further, the photographing system 50 takes photographs to the other digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject at the time of the photographed image sharing process and the moving picture shot image sharing process. A photographic image request signal S49 and a moving image photographic image request signal S52 are transmitted to each of the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates to the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject. After the subordinate photo file data D21 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 are acquired, the other party's generation from the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject to other subordinate digital still cameras 51A to 51N Dependent photo file data D21 and dependent moving image file The subordinate photo file data D21 and subordinate moving image file data D23 other than the data D23 are provided together with the main subject photo file data D12 and the main subject moving image file data D17, and the main photo file data D12 and the subordinate photo file are provided in all the digital still cameras 51A to 51N. By sharing the data D21, the main moving image file data D17 and the subordinate moving image file data D23, all the digital still cameras 51A to 51N can lend and borrow the recording medium 36, re-record using the information processing device, etc. The subject photo file data D12 and the subordinate photo file data D21, and the main subject moving image file data D17 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 can be easily obtained without requiring the complicated procedure described above. Even in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N that are set to be subordinate without becoming a subject at the time, subject photo file data D12 and subordinate photo file data D21 generated by taking a photograph and taking a movie of the subject 2 from a plurality of directions, and a subject movie The file data D17 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 can be saved.

  In the second embodiment described above, a photographed image is displayed when the photographed image display process is executed in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N, and a movie photographed image is displayed when the movie shot image display process is executed. Although a case where display is performed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and when one captured image display process is executed in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N, a photographed image and a moving image captured image are mixed. It may be displayed.

  In the second embodiment described above, the main moving image captured image data D16 and the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 are extracted from the captured moving image data D6 and D30 when the subject 2 is captured by the digital still cameras 51A to 51N. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main moving image shooting image data D16 and the subordinate moving image shooting image data D26 are extracted when the moving image of the subject 2 is shot with the digital still cameras 51A to 51N. In addition, sound data is also generated by collecting surrounding sounds in synchronization with these, and the generated sound data is also recorded as a result of moving image shooting together with the main moving image shooting image data D16 and the subordinate moving image shooting image data D26. You may do it.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, subject digital photographed image data D11 and subordinate photographed image data D25, subject moving picture photographed image data D16 and dependent movie photographed image data D26 are obtained in all the digital still cameras 51A to 51N. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and subject digital photographed image data D11 and subordinate photographed image data D25 and subject moving image photographed image data are not limited to this. When obtaining the D16 and the subordinate moving image captured image data D26, the main photographed image data D11 and the subordinate captured image data D25 and the main moving image captured image data D16 and the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 are provided. Select multiple digital still cameras 51A to 51N arbitrarily With the main photo from the selected digital still camera 51A to 51N photographic image data D11 and dependent photography image data D25, it may be acquired and the main moving image image data D16 and dependent video shooting image data D26.

  Further, in the second embodiment described above, the photographed image sharing process and the moving image photographed image sharing process are executed after the digital still cameras 51A to 51N have performed the photograph photographing process and the moving image photographed process, thereby performing the subject photographed image data. Although the case where D11 and subordinate photographed image data D25, main moving image photographed image data D16 and subordinate moving image photographed image data D26 are shared has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the digital still cameras 51A to 51A to In 51N, a photographed image sharing process is incorporated into the photograph photographing process, and a moving image photographed image sharing process is incorporated into the movie photographing process, and each time the subject 2 is photographed and photographed while executing the photograph photographing process and the movie photographing process. Subject photographed image data D11 and subordinate photographed image data D25, A moving photographic image data D16 and dependent video shooting image data D26 may be shared.

  In addition, when the activation stop command is input to each of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the main body and / or the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates, the main photograph file data D12, The moving image file data D17 and / or the subordinate photo file data D21 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 may be obtained. The main photo file data D12, the main moving image file data D17 and / or the subordinate photo file data D21 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 can be acquired with the processing load greatly reduced by the amount of the function being stopped.

  In addition, in the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the main subject photo file data D12 and the main subject movie file data D17, the subordinate photo file data D21 and the subordinate movie file data D23 generated by the respective digital still cameras 51A to 51N are added. Provided to the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N (regardless of the subject and subordinate settings), the subject photo file data D12 and the subject video file data D17, the subordinate photo file data D21 and the subordinate movie file data D23. And may be shared.

  Further, in the above-described second embodiment, when one digital still camera 51A to 51N is set as the main, the remaining other digital still cameras 51A to 51N are automatically set as subordinates. As described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and when one digital still camera 51A to 51N is set as a main body, whether or not to set it as a subordinate to the remaining other digital still cameras 51A to 51N. It may be arbitrarily selected.

  Further, in the second embodiment described above, when the subject photo shooting process is executed by the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject, the subordinate photo shooting processing is executed by the subordinate digital still cameras 51A to 51N, The case where the subordinate moving image photographing process is executed by the subordinate digital still cameras 51A to 51N when the main subject moving image photographing process is executed by the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the subject still image photographing process and the subject moving image photographing process and the dependent photograph photographing process and the dependent movie photographing process are mixed in the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject and the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subsidiary. Or any fixed combination It may be so. In this way, it is possible to execute both photography and movie shooting together. With this, when it is desired to photograph the subject 2, the state of the subject 2 can be seen in both the photographed image and the movie photographed image. Can be recorded.

  Further, in the second embodiment described above, the case where the moving image shooting time is set in advance for each of the digital still cameras 51A to 51N has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the moving image shooting time is not limited thereto. Without specifically setting the shooting time, for example, the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the subject at the time of moving image shooting and the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates are always communicated and set as the subject. After the moving image shooting is started with the digital still cameras 51A to 51N, when the moving image shooting is ended by fully pressing the shutter button 14 again or the like, the first unit set as the subordinate according to the preset order. Video shooting starts with the digital still cameras 51A to 51N, and the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates also At the time when the moving image shooting is ended by pressing the button 14 again fully or the like, the second digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as subordinates start moving image shooting, and the last is set as subordinate. After the digital still cameras 51A to 51N start moving image shooting, the plurality of digital still cameras 51A to 51N are arranged in order so that all the moving image shooting is ended by pressing the shutter button 14 twice in succession. Moreover, the moving image shooting may be executed continuously for a desired moving image shooting time.

  In this way, the moving image shooting as described above with reference to FIG. 10 can be freely performed without being restricted by the prior processing for selecting the moving image shooting condition or the moving image shooting time selected once. it can.

  Further, in the second embodiment described above, when one digital still camera 51A to 51N is set as the main body during the photo shooting process and the moving image shooting process, the main photo shooting is performed with the digital still cameras 51A to 51N set as the main body. Although the case where the process is set as the subject until the end of the process and the subject video shooting process is commanded is described, the present invention is not limited to this. The digital still cameras 51A to 51N that are set as subjects each time the subject 2 is photographed and photographed a predetermined number of times in the cameras 51A to 51N may be changed. In this way, it is possible to photograph and shoot the subject 2 mainly by a plurality of users in order at one shooting location, thus accurately reflecting the preferences of each user and reflecting the subject 2. It is possible to take pictures and videos.

(3) Third Embodiment FIG. 21 shows a photographing system 60 according to a third embodiment, in which a main personal computer 61 that is a main subject of photography and moving image shooting of a subject such as a person is included. As a subordinate, the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N that actually photograph a subject and take a video are wirelessly connected in accordance with Bluetooth or the like that is a short-range wireless communication technology.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 22, the main personal computer 61 is configured by connecting a RAM 67, a ROM 68, an operation unit 69, a display unit 70, a hard disk drive 71, and a transmission / reception processing unit 72 to a CPU 65 via a bus 66. Yes.

  The CPU 65 performs various applications such as a subject registration processing program, a photographing control processing program, a photographed image acquisition processing program, and a photographed image reproduction processing program stored in advance in the ROM 68 in accordance with various commands input via the operation unit 69. By developing the program on the RAM 67 and controlling each circuit unit of the main personal computer 61 in an integrated manner, the main body registration processing for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N and the shooting control processing for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N are performed. Captured image acquisition processing for acquiring dependent photographed image data D25 and dependent moving image captured image data D26 generated by subordinately taking a photograph and moving image of a subject from the dependent digital still cameras 62A to 62N, and the dependent digital still camera 62A No Executing the photographic image reproduction processing for reproducing the photographed image data obtained from 62N.

  That is, the CPU 65 receives a subordinate registration command via the operation unit 69 in a state where the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N exist within the radio communication range of the main personal computer 61 (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer radio communication range). Then, the subject registration process for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N is executed in the same manner as the subject digital still camera 3 (FIG. 3) according to the first embodiment described above.

  As a result, the CPU 65 transmits the identification information for registration of the subject specific to the subject personal computer 61 while performing wireless communication with the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing within the wireless communication range of the personal computer via the transmission / reception processing unit 72 and the antenna 73. The subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N are stored in the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N, and the subordinate registration identification information unique to the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N is recorded on the hard disk of the hard disk drive 71. The cameras 62A to 62N are subordinately registered.

  Incidentally, the CPU 65 thereafter adds the subordinate registration identification information to the various signals and transmits the signals to allow the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N to identify and properly receive the various signals addressed to the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N. By adding subject registration identification information to various signals transmitted from the cameras 62A to 62N, the various signals are identified and appropriately received.

  The CPU 65 registers the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N as subordinates, and then receives a shooting condition setting command for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N via the operation unit 69. By executing the above, the shooting condition setting screen data recorded in advance from the hard disk of the hard disk drive 71 is read, and the shooting condition setting screen based on the read shooting condition setting screen data is displayed on the display unit 70.

  In this state, the CPU 65 selects the photographing conditions and moving picture photographing conditions for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N on the photographing condition setting screen in the same manner as the main digital still camera 3 according to the first embodiment described above, and the selection The registered photographing data and moving image photographing conditions are stored in the hard disk of the hard disk drive 71 as photograph photographing condition information and moving image photographing condition information and are associated with the identification information for subordinate registration to generate a registration information data table.

  When a photography control command is input via the operation unit 69, the CPU 65 starts photography control processing for photography (hereinafter referred to as photography control processing) for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N. .

  In this case, the CPU 65 searches the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N in a state where the subordinate operation is possible, and starts the subordinate photography processing for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N. Search data D60A to be generated is transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 72 for transmission processing, and the obtained search signal S60A is transmitted from the antenna 73.

  As a result, the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing within the personal computer wireless communication range and capable of subordinate operation start the subordinate photography process in response to the search signal S60A, and the subordinate operation enable notification signal S61 is returned. Then, this is received by the antenna 73 and received / processed by the transmission / reception processing unit 72, and the obtained dependent operation possible notification data D61 is captured.

  As a result, the CPU 65 recognizes the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N that are capable of the subordinate operation for taking a photograph and exist within the personal computer wireless communication range based on the subordinate operation enable notification data D61.

  Then, the CPU 65 generates captured still image request data D63 for acquiring captured still image data D62 generated by capturing the subject from each of the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing within the personal computer wireless communication range. Is transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 72 for transmission processing, and the obtained captured still image request signal S63 is transmitted from the antenna 73 to the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N.

  As a result, the CPU 65 sequentially from the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N among the plurality of time-sequentially captured still image data D62 constituting this from the captured moving image data generated by capturing the subject. Each time captured still image data D62 corresponding to one extracted captured still image is transmitted as a captured still image signal S64, it is received by the antenna 73 and received and processed by the transmission / reception processing unit 72. The captured still image data D62 is temporarily stored in the RAM 67.

  Thus, the CPU 65 generates subordinate camera notification screen data for notifying the user of the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N that exist within the personal computer wireless communication range and can be subordinate based on the subordinate operation enable notification data D61. Each time the captured still image data D62 is acquired from the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N, the captured still image data D62 is combined with the subordinate camera notification screen data, and the obtained camera imaging state notification screen data D64 is displayed on the display unit. By sending it to 70, a camera imaging state notification screen 75 as shown in FIG. 23 based on the camera shooting state notification screen data D64 is displayed on the display unit 70.

  Here, the camera imaging state notification screen 75 represents all the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N that are subordinately registered to the main personal computer 61, and can display a plurality of captured still images based on the captured still image data D62. Shooting still image display areas 76A to 76N are provided, and shooting is performed to notify that the subject personal computer 61 is mainly performing control of photography (and movie shooting) for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N. A control execution notification icon 77 is provided.

  The camera imaging state notification screen 75 includes captured still image display areas 76A and 76B, 76F to 76H for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing within the wireless communication range of the personal computer among the captured still image display areas 76A to 76N. The captured still images 78A to 78G based on the captured still image data D62 acquired from the corresponding subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N are displayed on 76L and 76M, respectively.

  In addition, the camera imaging state notification screen 75 includes imaging still image display areas 76C to 76E and 76I to 76K for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N that do not exist within the wireless communication range of the personal computer among the plurality of captured still image display areas 76A to 76N. 76N and the captured still image display areas 76A and 76B, 76F to 76H, 76L and 76M for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing within the personal computer wireless communication range are different from each other in the display state (the captured still image display area). 76A to 76N as a whole color, lighting and extinguishing of the whole, etc.).

  As a result, the CPU 65 provides the user with the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N that can take a picture (and take a moving picture) of the subject within the wireless communication range of the personal computer 61 under the control of the main personal computer 61 using the camera imaging state notification screen 75. The subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N sequentially switch the captured still images 78A to 78G like a slide show (i.e., the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N). From each time the captured still image data D62 is taken in at a predetermined cycle, and displayed for visual confirmation.

  Incidentally, the CPU 65 periodically receives the search signal S60A while executing the photography control process (and while executing the photography control process for moving image shooting (hereinafter referred to as the moving image shooting control process)). By transmitting, it is possible to allow the user to check the imaging state of the subject in the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N while grasping the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N that are within the personal computer wireless communication range and are capable of subordinate operation. ing.

  When the camera 65 receives a shooting command in response to a pressing operation of a shooting command input button corresponding to, for example, a shutter button in the state where the camera shooting state notification screen 75 is displayed, the CPU 65 causes the hard disk of the hard disk drive 71 to receive the command. The photographing condition information for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing in the personal computer wireless communication range at the time when the subject photographing command is inputted is read, and the read photographing condition information is inputted as the subject photographing command. The photography command data D65 stored together with the photography command input date / time information is generated.

  Then, the CPU 65 sends the photography command data D65 to the transmission / reception processor 72 for transmission processing, and the obtained photography command signal S65 is transmitted from the antenna 73 to the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing within the personal computer wireless communication range. Send.

  As a result, the CPU 65 can photograph the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N that exist within the personal computer wireless communication range and that are almost simultaneously with the subject photographing command input time or from the subject photographing command input time according to the photographing conditions. The subject is photographed at the time of photographing after the photographing delay time has elapsed.

  In this way, the CPU 65 causes the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N to take a picture of a subject, and when a photography control end command is input via the operation unit 69, the subordinate digital existing within the PC wireless communication range. The still cameras 62A to 62N generate subordinate photography end data D66 for ending the subordinate picture taking process, and send this to the transmission / reception processing unit 72 for transmission processing. The obtained subordinate photography end signal S66 is transmitted to the antenna. 73 to the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N, and the photography control process is terminated.

  Further, when a moving image shooting control command is input via the operation unit 69, the CPU 65 starts a moving image shooting control process for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N.

  In this case, the CPU 65 searches whether or not there are subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N in a state in which subordinate operation is possible within the PC wireless communication range, and starts subordinate moving image shooting processing for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N. The search data D60B to be generated is transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 72 and transmitted, and the obtained search signal S60B is transmitted from the antenna 73.

  As a result, the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing within the personal computer wireless communication range and capable of subordinate operation start the subordinate moving image photographing process according to the search signal S60B, and the subordinate operation enable notification signal S61 is returned. Then, this is received by the antenna 73 and received / processed by the transmission / reception processing unit 72, and the obtained dependent operation possible notification data D61 is captured.

  As a result, the CPU 65 recognizes the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N capable of the subordinate operation for moving image shooting existing within the personal computer wireless communication range based on the subordinate operation enable notification data D61.

  Whenever the CPU 65 receives the captured still image signal S64 sequentially transmitted from the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing in the personal computer wireless communication range as in the above-described photography control process, the camera imaging state notification screen is displayed. Data D64 is generated and a camera imaging state notification screen 75 is displayed on the display unit 70.

  When a shooting command is input from the operation unit 69 in response to a pressing operation of the shooting command input button while the camera shooting status notification screen 75 is displayed, the CPU 65 receives the shooting command from the hard disk of the hard disk drive 71. The moving image shooting condition information for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing within the wireless communication range of the personal computer at the time of inputting the subject shooting command is read, and the moving image shooting command input date / time information at the time of inputting the subject shooting command is read out. The moving image shooting command data D67 stored therewith is generated.

  Then, the CPU 65 sends the moving image shooting command data D67 to the transmission / reception processing unit 72 for transmission processing. The obtained moving image shooting command signal S67 is transmitted from the antenna 73 to the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing within the personal computer wireless communication range. Send.

  As a result, the CPU 65 makes the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing within the wireless communication range of the personal computer operable substantially simultaneously with the subject photographing command input time or based on the subject photographing command input time according to the moving image photographing conditions. The moving image shooting for the subject is started at the time of starting the moving image shooting after the elapse of the moving image shooting delay time, and the moving image shooting of the subject is performed over the moving image shooting time.

  In this way, the CPU 65 causes the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N to shoot a moving image of the subject, and when a moving image shooting control end command is input via the operation unit 69, the subordinate digital existing within the PC wireless communication range. Dependent moving image shooting end data D68 for ending the dependent moving image shooting process in the still cameras 62A to 62N is generated, transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 72, subjected to transmission processing, and the obtained dependent moving image shooting end signal S68 is generated. Transmitting from the antenna 73 to the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N, the moving image shooting control process is terminated.

  Incidentally, for example, when a photographed image acquisition command is input via the operation unit 69 after the photography control process is completed, the CPU 65 obtains a photographed image as in the main digital still camera 3 according to the first embodiment described above. The processing is executed, and the photographed image request data D69 storing the photographing command input date / time information is transmitted to the transmission / reception processing 72 for transmission processing. The obtained photographed image request signal S69 is transmitted from the antenna 73 to the subordinate digital still camera 62A. To 62N.

  As a result, the CPU 65 receives the subordinate photo file signal S16 transmitted from each of the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N by the antenna 73 and takes it into the transmission / reception processing unit 72, and the transmission / reception processing unit 72 receives the subordinate photo file signal S16. The processed dependent photo file data D21 is recorded on the hard disk of the hard disk drive 71.

  For example, when a moving image shooting image acquisition command is input via the operation unit 69 after the moving image shooting control process ends, the CPU 65 acquires a moving image shooting image as in the main digital still camera 3 according to the first embodiment described above. The processing is executed and the moving image shooting image request data D70 storing the moving image shooting command input date / time information is transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 72 for transmission processing, and the obtained moving image shooting image request signal S70 is transmitted from the antenna 73 to the subordinate digital still camera. It transmits to 62A thru | or 62N.

  As a result, the CPU 65 receives the subordinate moving image file signal S18 transmitted from each of the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N by the antenna 73 and takes it into the transmission / reception processing unit 72, and the transmission / reception processing unit 72 receives the subordinate moving image file signal S18. The processed sub moving image file data D23 is recorded on the hard disk of the hard disk drive 71.

  In this way, the CPU 65 collects and acquires the subordinate photo file data D21 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 generated by subjecting the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N to the subject photography and moving image subordinate.

  In addition to this, when a photographed image reproduction command is input via the operation unit 69, the CPU 65 executes a photographed image reproduction process (hereinafter referred to as a photographed image reproduction process). The dependent photo file data D21 is reproduced from the disc in time series in accordance with the dependent photo shooting date and time and transferred to the RAM 67.

  The CPU 65 extracts the photographic image compression encoded data from the subordinate photographic file data D21 sequentially transferred to the RAM 67 and imports it, and decodes the captured photographic image compression encoded data according to a compression encoding method such as JPEG. The dependent photographed image data D25 obtained by the above is stored in the RAM 67 again.

  Then, the CPU 65 reads the subordinate photographed image data D25 obtained by the most recent photography from the RAM 67 and sends it to the display unit 70, whereby the subordinate photographed image based on the subordinate photographed image data D25 is displayed on the display unit 70. When a photographed image switching command is input via the operation unit 69 at this time, the dependent photographed image data D25 is sequentially read out from the RAM 67 in time series in accordance with the dependent photograph photographing date and time. By sending them to the display unit 70, the subordinate photographed images are sequentially switched and displayed on the display unit 70.

  In addition, when a moving image captured image reproduction command is input via the operation unit 69, the CPU 65 executes a captured image reproduction process (hereinafter referred to as a moving image captured image reproduction process), and executes a dependent moving image from the hard disk of the hard disk drive 71. The file data D23 is reproduced in time series in order according to the sub moving image shooting start date and time and transferred to the RAM 67.

  The CPU 65 extracts and imports moving image compression encoded data from the subordinate moving image file data D23 sequentially transferred to the RAM 67, and decodes the acquired moving image compression encoded data according to a compression encoding method such as MPEG. The subordinate moving image captured image data D26 obtained by the above is stored in the RAM 67 again.

  Then, the CPU 65 reads out the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 obtained by the past past moving image capturing from the RAM 67 and sends it to the display unit 70, whereby the subordinate moving image captured image based on the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 is displayed on the display unit 70. At this time, when a moving image captured image switching command is input via the operation unit 69 at this time, the dependent moving image captured image data D26 is sequentially transmitted from the RAM 67 in time series according to the dependent moving image capturing start date and time. By reading and sending to the display unit 70, the subordinate moving image captured images are sequentially switched and displayed on the display unit 70.

  In this way, the CPU 65 can freely view the subordinate photographed images and the subordinate moving image photographed images acquired from the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N via the display unit 70.

  On the other hand, each of the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N has basically the same circuit configuration as the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N according to the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. The circuit configurations of the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N will be described below by having slightly different circuit configurations corresponding to the execution of the subordinate photograph shooting process and the subordinate moving image shooting process under the above control.

  In FIG. 24, in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N include a subordinate controller 80 having a non-volatile memory such as a CPU and SRAM, a ROM, and the like via the operation unit 23. The subordinate digital still camera 62A is developed on the DRAM 22 by developing various application programs such as a subordinate shooting processing program, a subordinate registration processing program, and a picked-up image providing processing program stored in advance in the internal ROM in accordance with various commands inputted in the above manner. Through the overall control of each of the circuit units 62 to 62N, the subordinate photographic processing and the subordinate photographic processing according to the photographic control processing and the kinetic image control processing by the main personal computer 61, the photographic image providing processing, and the video The photographed image providing process is executed and the first embodiment described above Executing the dependent registration processing and the like for the dependent digital still camera 4A to 4N similarly to main personal computer 61 by.

  That is, when the subordinate controller 80 receives the search signal S60A transmitted from the main personal computer 61 in response to the execution of the photography control process by the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the search signal S60A and obtains it. Retrieve search data D60A.

  As a result, the slave controller 80 starts the slave photography process according to the photography control process by the main personal computer 61 according to the search data D60A, generates slave operation enable notification data D61, and sends this to the transmission / reception processor 26. Then, the slave operation possible notification signal S61 obtained is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the main personal computer 61.

  At this time, the subordinate controller 80 starts imaging the subject to generate the picked-up moving image data D30, and also generates the subordinate shooting notification screen data D31, and the generated shooting moving image data D30 and the subordinate shooting notification screen data D31. Is sent to the display unit 15 via the data synthesis unit 25, thereby displaying the subordinate shooting notification synthesis screen 41 described above with reference to FIG.

  When the slave controller 80 receives the captured still image request signal S63 transmitted from the main personal computer 61 by the antenna 27, the subordinate controller 80 receives and processes the captured still image request signal S63 in the transmission / reception processing unit 26. Still image request data D63 is captured.

  As a result, the subordinate controller 80 causes the data extraction unit 81 to sequentially select one piece from the picked-up moving image data D30 generated by the data generation unit 29 in a predetermined cycle among a plurality of time-sequentially picked-up still image data D62. The captured still image data D62 corresponding to the captured still image is extracted and transmitted to the transmission / reception processing unit 26 for transmission processing. The obtained captured still image signal S64 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the main personal computer 61.

  In this manner, the subordinate controller 80 sends the photography command signal S65 transmitted from the main personal computer 61 in a state where the captured still image signal S64 is periodically transmitted to the main personal computer 61 while imaging the subject. When it is received by the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the photography command signal S65 and takes in the obtained photography command data D65.

  At this time, the subordinate controller 80 extracts the photography command input date and time information and the photography condition information stored in the photography command data D65, and according to the photography conditions described above based on the photography command input date and time. Similarly to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N according to the first embodiment, subordinate photographed image data D25 is extracted from the captured moving image data D30, and the extracted subordinate photographed image data D25 is stored in the DRAM 22.

  Then, the subordinate controller 80 generates subordinate photo file data D21 based on the subordinate photographed image data D25 stored in the DRAM 22, and records the generated subordinate photo file data D21 on the recording medium 36.

  In this manner, the slave controller 80 receives the slave photography end signal S66 transmitted from the main personal computer 61 by the antenna 27 after taking a picture of the subject subordinately according to the shooting command given from the main personal computer 61. The transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the dependent photography end signal S66 and takes in the obtained dependent photography end data D66, thereby ending the dependent photography processing according to the dependent photography end data D66.

  Further, when the slave controller 80 receives the search signal S60B transmitted from the main personal computer 61 in response to the execution of the main video shooting process by the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the search signal S60B and obtains it. Retrieve search data D60B.

  As a result, the slave controller 80 starts the slave moving image shooting process according to the moving image shooting control process by the main personal computer 61 according to the search data D60B, generates the slave operation enable notification data D61, and sends this to the transmission / reception processing unit 26. Then, the slave operation possible notification signal S61 obtained is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the main personal computer 61.

  At this time, the subordinate controller 80 displays the subordinate shooting notification composite screen 41 on the display unit 15 while imaging the subject in the same manner as in the subordinate photographing process described above, and is continuously transmitted from the main personal computer 61 in this state. When the captured still image request signal S63 is received by the antenna 27, the captured still image signal S64 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the main personal computer 61 accordingly.

  In this manner, the subordinate controller 80 transmits the moving image shooting command signal S67 transmitted from the main personal computer 61 in a state where the captured still image signal S64 is periodically transmitted to the main personal computer 61 while imaging the subject. When it is received by the antenna 27, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the moving image shooting command signal S67 and takes in the obtained moving image shooting command data D67.

  At this time, the subordinate controller 80 extracts the moving image shooting command input date / time information and the moving image shooting condition information stored in the moving image shooting command data D67, thereby following the moving image shooting conditions described above based on the moving image shooting command input date / time. Similarly to the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N according to the first embodiment, the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 is extracted from the captured moving image data D30, and the extracted subordinate moving image captured image data D26 is stored in the DRAM 22.

  Then, the subordinate controller 80 generates subordinate moving image file data D23 based on the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 stored in the DRAM 22, and records the generated subordinate moving image file data D23 on the recording medium 36.

  In this way, the slave controller 80 receives the slave movie shooting end signal S68 transmitted from the subject personal computer 61 by the antenna 27 after subjecting the subject to movie shooting in accordance with the shooting command given from the subject personal computer 61. Then, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 receives the dependent moving image shooting end signal S68 and takes in the obtained dependent moving image shooting end data D68, thereby ending the dependent moving image shooting processing in accordance with the dependent moving image shooting end data D68.

  Incidentally, when the slave controller 80 receives the photographed image request signal S69 transmitted from the main personal computer 61 by the antenna 27, it provides photographed images in the same manner as the slave digital still cameras 4A to 4N according to the first embodiment described above. By executing the processing, the dependent photo file data D21 specified in accordance with the photography command input date / time information obtained based on the photographed image request signal S69 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the main personal computer 61 as the dependent photo file signal S16. To do.

  In addition, when the slave controller 80 receives the moving image shot image request signal S70 transmitted from the main personal computer 61 by the antenna 27, the slave controller 80 provides the moving image shot images in the same manner as the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N according to the first embodiment described above. By executing the processing, the dependent moving image file data D23 specified according to the moving image shooting command input date / time information obtained based on the moving image shooting image request signal S70 is transmitted from the antenna 27 to the main personal computer 61 as the dependent moving image file signal S18. To do.

  In the case of the third embodiment, the slave controller 80 is activated when its slave digital still cameras 62A to 62N are activated outside the personal computer wireless communication range or within the personal computer wireless communication range. Even when the shutter button 14 of the user is pressed, the subject can be photographed and the movie can be photographed independently from the main personal computer 61.

  Thus, the slave controller 80 does not operate the slave digital still cameras 62A to 62N only as a slave with respect to the main personal computer 61, but improves the usability by using the slave digital still cameras 62A to 62N alone. Has been made to get.

  Here, a summary of the photographing processing procedure by the main personal computer 61 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N in the photographing system 60 is shown in FIG. 25A in which the same reference numerals are assigned to the corresponding parts to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, when a CPU 65 of the main personal computer 61 receives a photography control command via the operation unit 69, the CPU 65 executes a photography control process according to the photography control processing program. After sequentially executing the processes of step SP1 and step SP2 that have entered from the start step, the process proceeds to step SP181.

  In step SP181, the CPU 65 transmits the captured still image request signal S63 from the antenna 73 to the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing within the personal computer wireless communication range, and proceeds to the subsequent step SP182.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 25 (B) in which the same reference numerals are assigned to the corresponding parts to FIG. 7 (B), a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing within the personal computer wireless communication range and capable of subordinate operation are provided. The subordinate controller 80 executes the subordinate photographing process according to the subordinate photographing processing program in response to the reception of the search signal S60A transmitted from the main personal computer 61, thereby entering the subordinate photograph photographing processing procedure RT19 from the start step and continuing to step SP11. After executing the process, the process proceeds to step SP191.

  In step SP191, the slave controller 80 receives the captured still image request signal S63 transmitted from the main personal computer 61, and proceeds to subsequent step SP192.

  In step SP192, the slave controller 80 extracts the captured still image data D62 corresponding to one captured still image at a predetermined cycle from the captured moving image data D30 in accordance with the captured still image request signal S63, and the extracted captured still image data. Periodic transmission of the captured still image signal S64 for transmitting D62 as the captured still image signal S64 to the main personal computer 61 is started, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step SP12.

  At this time, in step SP182, the CPU 65 starts to receive the captured still image signal S64 periodically transmitted from the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N, and then proceeds to step SP183.

  In step SP183, the CPU 65 displays the camera imaging state notification screen 75 on the display unit 70, and thereafter updates the captured still image in the camera imaging state notification screen 75 every time the captured still image signal S64 is received. Then, the process proceeds to subsequent step SP184.

  In step SP184, the CPU 65 determines whether or not a shooting command has been input.

  If a negative result is obtained in this step SP184, this means that, for example, a plurality of still images to be periodically updated in the camera imaging state notification screen 75 are visually observed by the user and a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N are respectively viewed. This indicates that the shooting state of the subject has been confirmed, but it has been determined that the photo opportunity for the subject has not yet been reached, and the shooting command input button has not yet been pressed. The CPU 65 moves to step SP185.

  In step SP185, the CPU 65 determines whether or not the photography control for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N has been completed.

  If a negative result is obtained in this step SP185, this means that the photography control end command has not yet been input via the operation unit 69, and the subject is still photographed by the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N. In this case, the CPU 65 returns to step SP184.

  Thus, until the CPU 65 thereafter obtains a positive result at step SP184 and step SP185, the CPU 65 cyclically repeats the processing at steps SP184-SP185 to input a shooting command for taking a picture. , And the input of a photography control end command.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP184, this means that, for example, a plurality of captured still images that are periodically updated in the camera imaging state notification screen 75 are visually observed by the user. This indicates that it is determined that the chance has come and the shooting command input button has been pressed. At this time, the CPU 65 proceeds to step SP186.

  In step SP186, the CPU 65 transmits a photography command signal S65 from the antenna 73 to the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N in the personal computer wireless communication range, and proceeds to step SP184.

  In this way, the CPU 65 thereafter repeats the processing of steps SP184-SP185-SP186 in a cyclic manner until a positive result is obtained in step SP185, so that a plurality of subordinate digital stills are input each time a shooting command is input. The cameras 62A to 62N are allowed to take pictures of the subject.

  At this time, the subordinate controller 80 waits for the subject personal computer 61 to instruct to take a picture of the subject and to notify the end of the subordinate picture taking process by cyclically repeating the processing of step SP12 and step SP13. If a positive result is obtained in step SP12 by receiving the photography command signal S65 transmitted from the main personal computer 61, the process proceeds to the subsequent step SP193.

  In step SP193, the slave controller 80 extracts the slave photographed image data D25 from the captured moving image data D30 in accordance with the photograph command input date / time information and the photograph condition information obtained based on the photograph command signal S65. After executing the process of SP15, the process returns to step SP12.

  Thus, the slave controller 80 repeats the processing of steps SP12-SP13-SP193-SP15 in a cyclic manner until a positive result is obtained in step SP13, so that the subject personal computer 61 can take a picture of the subject. Each time it is instructed, the subject is photographed accordingly.

  By the way, if a positive result is obtained in step SP185 described above, this means that a photograph control end command is input by controlling the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N and photographing the subject until the user agrees. At this time, after executing the processing of step SP8, the CPU 65 proceeds to the subsequent step SP187 and ends the photography control processing procedure RT18.

  At this time, the slave controller 80 receives the slave photography end signal S66 transmitted from the main personal computer 61 in response to the completion of the photography control process, and obtains a positive result at step SP13. Then, the slave controller 80 proceeds to the subsequent step SP194. The subordinate photographing process procedure RT19 is terminated. In this way, all the photographing process procedures in the photographing system 60 are completed.

  Also, a summary of the moving image shooting processing procedure by the main personal computer 61 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N in the shooting system 60 is shown in FIG. 26 (A) in which the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding parts to FIG. 9 (A). As shown in the figure, first, when a moving image shooting control command is input via the operation unit 69, the CPU 65 of the main personal computer 61 starts the moving image shooting control processing procedure RT20 by executing the moving image shooting control processing according to the shooting control processing program. After sequentially executing the processing of step SP21 and step SP22 that have entered from the step, the process proceeds to step SP201.

  In step SP201, the CPU 65 transmits the captured still image request signal S63 from the antenna 73 to the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N existing within the personal computer wireless communication range, and proceeds to the subsequent step SP202.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 26 (B) in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. The subordinate controller 80 executes the subordinate moving image photographing process according to the subordinate photographing processing program in response to the reception of the search signal S60B transmitted from the main personal computer 61, thereby entering the subordinate moving image photographing processing procedure RT21 from the start step and continuing to step SP31. After executing the process, the process proceeds to step SP211.

  In step SP211, the slave controller 80 receives the captured still image request signal S63 transmitted from the main personal computer 61, and proceeds to subsequent step SP212.

  In step SP212, the slave controller 80 extracts the captured still image data D62 corresponding to one captured still image at a predetermined cycle from the captured moving image data D30 in accordance with the captured still image request signal S63, and the extracted captured still image data. Periodic transmission of the captured still image signal S64 for transmitting D62 as the captured still image signal S64 to the main personal computer 61 is started, and the process proceeds to the subsequent step SP32.

  At this time, in step SP202, the CPU 65 starts receiving the captured still image signal S64 periodically transmitted from the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N, and proceeds to the subsequent step SP203.

  In step SP203, the CPU 65 displays the camera imaging state notification screen 75 on the display unit 70, and thereafter updates the captured still image in the camera imaging state notification screen 75 every time the captured still image signal S64 is received. Then, the process proceeds to step SP204.

  In step SP204, the CPU 65 determines whether or not a shooting command has been input.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP204, this means that, for example, a plurality of still images to be periodically updated in the camera imaging state notification screen 75 are visually observed by the user and a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N are respectively viewed. This indicates that the shooting state of the subject has been confirmed, but it has been determined that the shutter chance of moving image shooting for the subject has not yet arrived, and the shooting command input button has not yet been pressed. The CPU 65 moves to step SP205.

  In step SP205, the CPU 65 determines whether or not the moving image shooting control for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N has ended.

  If a negative result is obtained in step SP205, this means that the moving image shooting control end command has not yet been input via the operation unit 69, and the subject is still shot by the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N. In this case, the CPU 65 returns to step SP204.

  Thus, until the CPU 65 thereafter obtains a positive result in step SP204 and step SP205, a shooting command is input for moving image shooting by cyclically repeating the processing in steps SP204-SP205. , And a video shooting control end command is input.

  If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP204, this means, for example, that the user has a photo opportunity to shoot a moving image while viewing each of a plurality of captured still images that are periodically updated in the camera imaging state notification screen 75. This indicates that the shooting command input button has been pressed and the CPU 65 proceeds to step SP206.

  In step SP206, the CPU 65 transmits the moving image shooting command signal S67 from the antenna 73 to the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N in the personal computer wireless communication range, and proceeds to step SP204.

  In this way, the CPU 65 thereafter repeats the processing of steps SP204-SP205-SP206 in a cyclic manner until a positive result is obtained in step SP205, so that a plurality of subordinate digital stills are input each time a shooting command is input. The camera 62A to 62N is caused to shoot a moving image of the subject.

  At this time, the subordinate controller 80 waits for the subject personal computer 61 to instruct to shoot a moving image and to notify the end of the subordinate moving image shooting process by cyclically repeating the processing of step SP32 and step SP33. If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP32 by receiving the moving image shooting command signal S67 transmitted from the main personal computer 61, the process proceeds to the subsequent step SP213.

  In step SP213, the subordinate controller 80 extracts the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 from the captured moving image data D30 in accordance with the moving image capturing command input date / time information and the moving image capturing condition information obtained based on the moving image capturing command signal S67, and the following steps After executing the process of SP35, the process returns to step SP32.

  Thus, the slave controller 80 repeats the processing of steps SP32-SP33-SP213-SP35 in a cyclic manner until a positive result is obtained in step SP33, so that the subject personal computer 61 can shoot a moving image of the subject. Each time it is instructed, a moving image of the subject is photographed accordingly.

  By the way, if a positive result is obtained in the above-described step SP205, this means that the moving image shooting control end command is input by controlling the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N and shooting the subject until the user agrees. At this time, after executing the processing of step SP8, the CPU 65 proceeds to the subsequent step SP207 and ends the moving image shooting control processing procedure RT20.

  At this time, the subordinate controller 80 receives the subordinate moving image shooting end signal S68 transmitted in response to the end of the moving image shooting control process from the main personal computer 61, obtains a positive result in step SP33, and then proceeds to step SP214. The dependent moving image shooting processing procedure RT21 is ended. Thus, all the moving image shooting processing procedures in the shooting system 60 are completed.

  Incidentally, for the photographed image acquisition processing procedure by the main personal computer 61 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N in the photographing system 60, the photographed image request data D69 storing the photograph command input date / time information is used as the photographed image request. Except for the point used as the signal S69, the flowchart is basically obtained by executing the photographed image obtaining process in the same procedure as the photographed image obtaining process described above with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B. The explanation used is omitted.

  Also, with regard to the moving image captured image acquisition processing procedure by the main personal computer 61 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N in the image capturing system 60, the moving image captured image request data D70 storing the moving image capturing command input date / time information is used. Except for the point used as the signal S70, the flowchart is basically obtained by executing the moving image captured image acquisition process in the same procedure as the moving image captured image acquisition process described above with reference to FIGS. The explanation used is omitted.

  In the above configuration, the imaging system 60 periodically captures still image data D62 generated by imaging the subject from a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N in the main personal computer 61 during the photography process. The captured still image based on the captured still image data D62 is periodically updated in the camera imaging state notification screen 75 that is acquired and displayed on the display unit 70, and the plurality of digital still cameras 62A to 62N from a plurality of directions. The user is caused to visually check the imaging state of the subject (steps SP1 to SP183 and steps SP11 to SP192).

  In this state, when a shooting command is input in the main personal computer 61, the shooting system 60 transmits a shooting command signal S65 to the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N (step SP184 and step SP186), The subject is photographed in accordance with the photographing conditions preselected by the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N (steps SP12 to SP15).

  In addition, during the moving image shooting process, the shooting system 60 periodically acquires and displays captured still image data D62 generated by imaging the subject from a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N in the main personal computer 61. The imaging state of the subject from a plurality of directions by the plurality of digital still cameras 62A to 62N while periodically updating the captured still image based on the captured still image data D62 in the camera imaging state notification screen 75 displayed on the unit 70 (Step SP21 to step SP203 and step SP31 to step SP212).

  In this state, when a shooting command is input in the main personal computer 61, the shooting system 60 transmits a moving image shooting command signal S67 to the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N (step SP204 and step SP206). The subject is movie-recorded according to the movie-recording conditions selected in advance by the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N (steps SP32 to SP35).

  Therefore, the photographing system 60 allows the main personal computer 61 to check the imaging state of the subject from a plurality of directions by the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N, and from the subject imaging state of any subordinate digital still camera 62A to 62N. It is possible to determine the photo opportunity and take a picture and a moving picture of the subject.

  According to the above configuration, the subject personal computer 61 confirms the photographing state of the subject in the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N, and when the photographing command is input from the subject personal computer 61 in that state, the photographing command signal In addition to the effects obtained by the first embodiment described above, S65 and the moving image shooting command signal S67 are transmitted to the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N to shoot the subject and shoot the moving image. Thus, the subject can be photographed and taken with any of the imaging states of the subject in the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N as a reference, and thus the subject can be photographed without missing photo opportunities from a plurality of directions. According to user preferences The subject can be photographed and video shooting shadow state.

  In the third embodiment described above, a photographed image is displayed when a photographed image display process is executed in the main personal computer 61, and a movie photographed image is displayed when a movie photographed image display process is executed. Although the present invention has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and when a single captured image display process is executed in the main personal computer 61, a photographic image and a moving image are mixedly displayed. May be.

  In the third embodiment described above, a case is described in which the subordinate moving image data D26 is extracted from the captured moving image data D30 when a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N take a moving image of the subject. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N take a moving image of the subject, the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 is extracted, and surrounding sounds are collected in synchronization therewith. The sound data may be generated together with the sound, and the generated sound data may be recorded as a result of moving image shooting together with the sub moving image shooting image data D26.

  Further, in the third embodiment described above, a case has been described in which the main personal computer 61 arbitrarily selects and holds the photographing conditions and moving picture photographing conditions for the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N. The present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N can arbitrarily select and hold their own photographing conditions and moving image photographing conditions, or can be arbitrarily selected by the main personal computer 61. The conditions and the moving image shooting conditions may be held by a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N.

  Further, in the third embodiment described above, at the time when the photographing command is inputted from the main personal computer 61, the photographing command signal S65 and the moving image photographing command signal S67 are sent to the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when a shooting command is input from the main personal computer 61, a plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N receive a shooting condition and a moving picture. According to the conditions, a plurality of photography command signals S65 and a photography command signal S67 are sent from the subject photographing command input time or the photograph photographing delay time and the moving image photographing start time after the subject photographing command input time. Send to subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N Unishi and may be.

  Further, in the third embodiment described above, the subordinate photographed image data D25 and the subordinate moving image photographed image data D26 generated by subjecting the subject to photograph and movie photography in a subordinate manner with the plurality of slave digital still cameras 62A to 62N. The case where the data is collected in the main personal computer 61 and recorded together is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the subordinate photographs generated by the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N in the main personal computer 61 are provided. A part of the captured image data D25 and the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 is collected and recorded, or the subordinate photographed image data D25 and the subordinate moving image captured image data D26 are respectively recorded by the main personal computer 61 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N. Share and record It may be so. In addition, the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N may arbitrarily select whether or not to provide the subordinate photographed image data D25 and the subordinate moving image photographed image data D26 to the main personal computer 61.

  Further, in the third embodiment described above, a plurality of subordinate digital stills are executed by executing a photographed image acquisition process and a movie photographed image acquisition process after the photograph control process and the movie record control process are executed in the main personal computer 61. The case where the subordinate photo file data D21 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 are acquired from the cameras 62A to 62N has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to incorporating the processing, the moving image shooting image acquisition processing is incorporated into the moving image shooting control processing, and the subject is photographed and moving images are taken from the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N while executing the photo shooting control processing and the moving image shooting control processing. Dependent photo file data D for each May be sequentially acquires 1 and dependent video file data D23.

  In addition, when the activation stop command is input to each of the main personal computer 61 and / or the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N, the subordinate photo file data D21 and the subordinate moving image file data D23 are acquired while stopping the appearance. In this manner, the CPU 65 and the subordinate controller 80 are stopped from other functions such as photography and moving picture shooting, so that the processing load is greatly reduced and the subordinate photo file data D21 and subordinate moving picture file are reduced. Data D23 can be acquired.

  Further, in the above-described third embodiment, the photography control process and the dependent photography process, and the moving picture photography control process and the dependent movie photography process are separately performed by the main personal computer 61 and the plurality of dependent digital still cameras 62A to 62N. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main personal computer 61 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62 </ b> A to 62 </ b> N are provided with a photo shooting control process, a moving picture shooting control process, and a subordinate photo shooting process. And the sub moving image shooting process may be executed in a mixed manner, and the combination in the case of mixing the photo shooting control process and the moving image shooting control process with the subordinate photo shooting process and the sub moving image shooting process is arbitrarily selected. You may do it. In this way, it is possible to execute both photography and movie shooting together, so that when the subject is desired to be photographed, the state of the subject is recorded as both a photographed image and a movie photographed image. be able to.

  Further, in the third embodiment described above, the case where the moving image shooting time is set in advance for the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the moving image shooting is performed. For example, when a moving picture is shot, the main personal computer 61 always communicates with the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N and the main personal computer 61 instructs the moving picture to be shot. According to the set order, the first subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N start moving image shooting, and the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N press the shutter button 14 once again, and the moving image shooting is performed. When finished, the second subordinate digital still camera 62A to 62N starts moving image shooting. In this way, after the last subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N start moving image shooting, the plurality of subordinate digital cameras are arranged such that all moving image shooting is ended by pressing the shutter button 14 twice in succession. The still cameras 62A to 62N may execute moving image shooting in order and continuously for a desired moving image shooting time.

  In this way, the moving image shooting as described above with reference to FIG. 10 can be freely performed without being restricted by the prior processing for selecting the moving image shooting condition or the moving image shooting time selected once. it can.

  Further, in the above-described third embodiment, the case where one user uses the main personal computer 61 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The main personal computer 61 and the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N may be used by different users.

  Further, in the above-described third embodiment, the images are periodically extracted from the captured moving image data D30 generated by capturing the subject with each of the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N during the photographing process and the moving image photographing process. The case where the captured still image data D62 is taken into the main personal computer 61 and the captured still image based on the captured still image data D62 is periodically updated and displayed in the camera imaging state notification screen 75 has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and the captured moving image data D30 generated by capturing the subject with each of the plurality of subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N at the time of the photographing process and the moving image photographing process is directly taken into the main personal computer 61 to be used as a camera. In the imaging state notification screen 75, the captured moving image data D30 is displayed. Captured moving image brute may be displayed. In this way, compared to the case where the captured still image data D62 is periodically taken into the main personal computer 61, it is possible to almost always miss a photo opportunity by being able to always confirm the captured state of the subject as a captured moving image. It can be surely prevented.

(4) Other Embodiments In the first to third embodiments described above, the subject photographing stored in advance in the ROM inside the subject controller 20 in the subject digital still camera 3 and the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N. 9A and 9B according to the processing program, the photographed image acquisition processing program, the slave photographing process program stored in advance in the ROM inside the slave controller 40, and the photographed image providing processing program. (A) and (B) moving image shooting processing procedure described above, FIGS. 11 (A) and (B) described above photographed image acquisition processing procedure, and moving image shooting image acquisition described above with reference to FIGS. 12 (A) and (B). Although the case where the processing procedure is executed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the subject photographing processing program is not limited thereto. The main digital still camera 3 and the subordinate digital still camera 4A using a local area network, the Internet, a digital satellite broadcast, and other wired and wireless communication media. To 4N, the photo shooting processing procedure, the moving image shooting processing procedure, the photo shooting image acquisition processing procedure and the moving image shooting image acquisition processing procedure may be executed, or the subject shooting processing program and the shooting image acquisition processing program By installing the program storage medium storing the subordinate shooting processing program and the shot image providing processing program in the main digital still camera 3 and the subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, a photo shooting processing procedure, a moving picture shooting processing procedure, a photo shooting It may be executed an image acquisition processing procedure and moving image shooting image acquisition processing procedure.

  In the digital still cameras 51A to 51N, the subject dependent setting processing procedure described above with reference to FIG. 16 according to the subject dependent setting processing program, the subject photographing processing program, the dependent photographing processing program, and the photographed image sharing processing program stored in advance in the ROM inside the controller 55. 17A and 17B, the photography process procedure described above, the moving image photography process procedure described above with reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B, and the photographed image process described with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B. Although the case where the moving image shooting image sharing processing procedure described above with reference to FIGS. 20A and 20B has been executed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the subject dependency setting processing program, subject shooting Processing program, subordinate shooting processing program, and shot image sharing processing program. By installing the digital still cameras 51A to 51N using wired and wireless communication media such as a network, the Internet, and digital satellite broadcasting, a subject subordinate setting process procedure, a photo shooting process procedure, a moving image shooting process procedure, a photo shooting image sharing process The procedure and the moving image captured image sharing processing procedure may be executed, or a program storage medium in which the subject subordinate setting processing program, the subject photographing processing program, the subordinate photographing processing program, and the captured image sharing processing program are stored is a digital still camera. By installing in 51A to 51N, the subject subordinate setting processing procedure, the photo shooting processing procedure, the moving image shooting processing procedure, the photo shooting image sharing processing procedure, and the moving image shooting image sharing processing procedure may be executed.

  25A and 25B according to the shooting control processing program stored in the ROM 68 in the main personal computer 61 and the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N and the sub shooting processing program stored in the ROM in the subordinate controller 80 in advance. Although the above-described photography processing procedure and the case where the moving image photography processing procedure described above with reference to FIGS. 26A and 26B are executed have been described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the photography control processing program and the subordinate photography. By installing the processing program in the main personal computer 61 and the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N using a wired and wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, and digital satellite broadcasting, a photo shooting processing procedure and a moving image shooting process are performed. The procedure may be executed, or the program storage medium storing the shooting control processing program and the subordinate shooting processing program is installed in the main personal computer 61 and the subordinate digital still cameras 62A to 62N. The moving image shooting processing procedure may be executed.

  Incidentally, in order to execute the above-described photography processing procedure, moving image photography processing procedure, photography image acquisition processing procedure, movie photography image acquisition processing procedure, subject subordinate setting processing procedure, photography image sharing processing procedure and movie photography image sharing processing procedure Main subject photographing processing program, subordinate photographing processing program, photographed image acquisition processing program, photographed image providing processing program, subject subordinate setting processing program, photographed image sharing processing program, and photographing control processing program are the main digital still camera 3, subordinate digital still camera 4A to 4N and 62A to 62N, digital still cameras 51A to 51N, a program storage medium to be installed and executable in the main personal computer 61, for example, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only) Memory In addition to package media such as DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a subject photographing processing program, a subordinate photographing processing program, a photographed image acquisition processing program, a photographed image providing processing program, a subject subordinate setting processing program, a photographed image sharing processing program, and a photographing It may be realized by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk or the like in which the control processing program is stored temporarily or permanently. Means for storing a subject photographing processing program, a subordinate photographing processing program, a photographed image acquisition processing program, a photographed image providing processing program, a subject subordinate setting processing program, a photographed image sharing processing program, and a photographing control processing program in these program storage media. In addition, wired and wireless communication media such as a local area network, the Internet, and digital satellite broadcasting may be used, and storage may be performed via various communication interfaces such as a router and a modem.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the case where the imaging system according to the present invention is applied to the imaging systems 1, 50 and 60 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26 has been described. Is not limited to this, and a digital video camera, a camera-equipped personal computer, a camera-equipped mobile phone, and a camera-equipped PDA (Personal Digital Assistance) are used independently as a plurality of photographing devices that photograph a subject as a subordinate to the photographing main device, or A mobile phone, PDA or the like is used instead of the main personal computer as a main camera for shooting, and a shooting system constructed by mixing these and a digital still camera for wireless and wired communication connection. Widely used in various other shooting systems such as Can be applied.

  Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, FIGS. 1 to 26 illustrate a photographing main apparatus that is connected to a plurality of subordinate photographing apparatuses that photograph a subject in a dependent manner and is a subject of photographing of the subject. The main digital still camera 3, the digital still cameras 51A to 51N, and the main personal computer 61 described above have been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Various other photographing main devices such as mobile phones and PDAs can be widely applied.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, the shutter button 14 and the shooting command input button described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26 are used as shooting command input means for inputting a shooting command for the subject at an arbitrary time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other shooting command input means such as a touch panel and a pointing device can be used as long as a shooting command for a subject can be input. Can be applied.

  Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, when a shooting command is input via the shooting command input means, each slave shooting device is caused to take a picture of the subject, thereby depending on the shot image of the subject. The transmission / reception processing units 26 and 72 and the antennas 27 and 73 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26 are used as imaging command data transmission means for transmitting imaging command data for generating and recording captured image data to each subordinate imaging device. Although the case where it is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other imaging command data transmission means can be widely applied, such as an interface circuit for wired connection.

  Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26 is used as the captured image data receiving unit that receives the dependent captured image data transmitted from each dependent capturing device. 72 and antennas 27 and 73 have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other photographic image data receiving means such as an interface circuit for wired connection are widely applied. be able to.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, the recording / reproduction control unit 35 and the recording unit described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26 are used as the main recording unit for recording the subordinate captured image data received by the captured image data receiving unit. Although the case where the medium 36 and the hard disk drive 71 are applied has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other main recording means such as a magneto-optical disk and a built-in semiconductor memory are widely applied. can do.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, the subject photographed image corresponding to the photographed image of the subject by photographing the subject at the time of photographing command input when the photographing command is input via the photographing command input means. As the main photographic image data generation means for generating data, the lens 11, the solid-state imaging device 28, the data generation unit 29, the data extraction unit 30, the main controller 20, and the controller 55 are applied to FIGS. As described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and the subject photographing image data corresponding to the photographed image of the subject is generated by photographing the subject at the time when the photographing command is inputted through the photographing command input means. If possible, various other subject photographed image data generating means can be widely applied.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, the other captured image data excluding only the dependent captured image data generated by the dependent capturing device as the transmission partner is collected together with the main captured image data, and the captured captured image is shared. As the image data group generation means for generating the data group, the case where the controller 55 is applied to FIGS. 1 to 26 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, such as a CPU or a microprocessor. Various other image data group generation means can be widely applied.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, the shared photographed image data group generated by the image data group generating means is used for sharing the main photographed image data and the subordinate photographed image data with each subordinate photographing apparatus. Although the case where the transmission / reception processing unit 26 and the antenna 27 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26 are applied as the image data group transmission means to be transmitted to the subordinate photographing apparatus as the transmission partner has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, various other image data group transmitting means such as an interface circuit for wired connection can be widely applied.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, FIGS. 1 to 26 are used as setting request input means for inputting a subject setting request so as to set a subject of photographing with respect to a subject by each subordinate photographing device. Although the case where the half-pressable shutter button 14 is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other types such as a dedicated button for inputting a main body setting request, a touch panel, and the like. Setting request input means can be widely applied.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, the subject setting declaration data transmitted to set the subject as the subject of photographing the subject and declare the subject setting from each subordinate photographing device is received. Although the case where the transmission / reception processing unit 26 and the antenna 27 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26 are applied as the setting declaration data receiving unit has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and an interface circuit for wired connection, etc. As described above, various other setting declaration data receiving means can be widely applied.

  Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the subordinate photographing apparatus based on the subject setting request input via the setting request input unit and the subject setting declaration data received by the setting declaration data receiving unit. If the subject setting request is input at a time earlier than the subject is set as the subject, the subject photographing device sets the subject for photographing the subject by each subsidiary photographing device, and the subsidiary photographing device sets the subject photographing request earlier than the subject setting request is input. When set as the subject, the controller 55 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26 is applied as subject dependency setting means for setting the dependency to the dependent photographing device set as the subject so as to subject the subject to be photographed in a dependent manner. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other subject subordinate setting means such as a CPU and a microprocessor can be widely applied. Kill.

  Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, as a subordinate photographing apparatus that communicates and connects with a photographing main apparatus that is a main subject of photographing a subject and photographs a subject as a subordinate of the photographing main apparatus, FIG. 1 to FIG. The subordinate digital still cameras 4A to 4N, 62A to 62N, and the digital still cameras 51A to 51N described above have been described with reference to FIG. 26. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Various other sub-photographing apparatuses such as a mobile phone with a camera and a PDA with a camera can be widely applied.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, as the shooting command data receiving means for receiving the shooting command data transmitted in response to the shooting command for the subject input at an arbitrary time from the shooting main device, FIG. Although the case where the transmission / reception processing unit 26 and the antenna 27 are applied has been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other imaging command data such as an interface circuit for wired connection. The receiving means can be widely applied.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, dependent photographed image data corresponding to the photographed image of the subject is generated by photographing the subject in accordance with the photographing command data received by the photographing command data receiving means. As the subordinate captured image data generation means, the lens 11, the solid-state imaging device 28, the data generation unit 29, the data extraction units 30 and 81, the subordinate controllers 40 and 80, and the controller 55 described above with reference to FIGS. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and subordinate photographed image data corresponding to the photographed image of the subject is generated by photographing the subject according to the photographing command data received by the photographing command data receiving means. If possible, various other sub-photographed image data generating means can be widely applied.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, the recording / playback control unit 35 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26 and the slave recording image data generated by the slave shooting image data generation unit are recorded as slave recording units. Although the case where the recording medium 36 is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other subordinate recording means such as a magneto-optical disk and a built-in semiconductor memory can be widely applied. it can.

  Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, captured image data transmission means for transmitting the subordinate captured image data generated by the subordinate captured image data generation means to the main subject apparatus for recording by the main subject apparatus. The transmission / reception processing unit 26 and the antenna 27 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26 have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, such as an interface circuit for connecting a wired line. In addition, various photographed image data transmission means can be widely applied.

  Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, other subordinate shooting according to the captured image of the subject generated by shooting the subject with the other subordinate shooting device transmitted from the shooting main device. Shared photographic image data in which image data and main photographic image data corresponding to a photographic image of the subject generated by photographing the subject at the time when the photographic command is input by the photographic main device are collected. Although the case where the transmission / reception processing unit 26 and the antenna 27 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26 are applied as the image data group receiving means for receiving the group has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, but for wire connection. Various other image data group receiving means such as an interface circuit can be widely applied.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, as setting request input means for inputting a subject setting request so as to set the subject of photographing with respect to the subject instead of the photographing subject device, FIGS. Although the case where the shutter button 14 that can be half-pressed is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other types such as a dedicated button for inputting a main body setting request, a touch panel, etc. The setting request input means can be widely applied.

  Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the subject setting transmitted from the photographing subject device and other subordinate photographing devices to set itself as the subject subject to photographing and to declare the subject setting. The case where the transmission / reception processing unit 26 and the antenna 27 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26 are applied as the setting declaration data receiving means for receiving the declaration data has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but for wired connection. In addition, various setting declaration data receiving means can be widely applied, such as the interface circuit of FIG.

  Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the photographing main apparatus is based on the main body setting request input via the setting request input means and the main body setting declaration data received by the setting declaration data receiving means. When a subject setting request is input at a time earlier than when the subordinate photographing device is set as a subject, the subject setting request is input as a subject subject to photographing by the subject subject device and the other subordinate photographing devices. If the photographing main device and other subordinate photographing devices are set as the subject of photographing for the subject at an earlier time point than the subject, the photographing main device and other subordinate photographing set as the main subject so as to photograph the subject subordinately The case where the controller 55 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 26 is applied as the subject subordinate setting means for setting the subordinate to the apparatus has been described. The present invention is not limited, as such as a CPU or a microprocessor, it is possible to widely apply various other entities dependent setting means.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of an overall configuration of a photographing system according to the present invention. It is a basic diagram which shows the external appearance structure of a main body digital still camera. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a main body digital still camera. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of the synthetic | combination screen for subordinate camera notification. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a subordinate digital still camera. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of the synthetic | combination screen for subordinate photography notification. It is a flowchart which shows the photography process sequence in the imaging | photography system by 1st Embodiment. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of photography and moving image photography with respect to the to-be-moved subject. It is a flowchart which shows the moving image imaging | photography process sequence in the imaging | photography system by 1st Embodiment. It is a basic diagram with which it uses for description of the continuous moving image photography with respect to the to-be-moved subject. It is a flowchart which shows the photographed image acquisition process sequence in the imaging | photography system by 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the moving image picked-up image acquisition processing procedure in the imaging | photography system by 1st Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of the imaging | photography system by 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a digital still camera. It is an approximate line figure used for explanation of sharing of photo file data in a plurality of digital still cameras. It is a flowchart which shows a subject subordinate setting process procedure. It is a flowchart which shows the photography process procedure in the imaging system by 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the moving image imaging | photography process sequence in the imaging | photography system by 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the photographed image sharing process procedure in the imaging | photography system by 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the moving image picked-up image sharing process procedure in the imaging | photography system by 2nd Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the whole structure of the imaging | photography system by 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a main personal computer. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a camera imaging state notification screen. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a subordinate digital still camera. It is a flowchart which shows the photography process sequence in the imaging system by 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the moving image imaging | photography process sequence in the imaging | photography system by 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 50, 60 ... Shooting system, 2 ... Subject, 3 ... Subject digital still camera, 4A thru | or 4N, 62A thru | or 62N ... Subordinate digital still camera, 11 ... Lens, 14 ... Shutter button, 20 ... ... Main controller, 26, 72 ... Transmission / reception processor, 27, 73 ... Antenna, 28 ... Solid-state imaging device, 29 ... Data generator, 30, 81 ... Data extractor, 35 ... Recording / playback controller 36 ... Recording medium, 40, 80 ... Subordinate controller, 51A to 51N ... Digital still camera, 55 ... Controller, 61 ... Main personal computer, 65 ... CPU, 71 ... Hard disk drive, D11 ... Subject photographed image data, D13, D47, D65... Photography instruction data, D16. 8, D48, D67... Moving image shooting command data, D25... Dependent moving image shooting image data, D26... Dependent moving image shooting image data, D45 ... Subject setting declaration data, D50. ... Video file data group for sharing, RT1, RT10 ... Subject photo shooting processing procedure, RT2, RT11, RT19 ... Subordinate photo shooting processing procedure, RT3, RT12 ... Subject video shooting processing procedure, RT4, RT13, RT21 ... Dependent moving image shooting processing procedure, RT5... Photographed image acquisition processing procedure, RT6... Photographed image providing processing procedure, RT7... Moving image captured image acquisition processing procedure, RT8. Subordinate setting processing procedure, RT14: Subject photographed image sharing processing procedure, RT15 ... Subordinate photographed image sharing processing procedure, T16 ...... mainly video shooting image sharing processing procedure, RT17 ...... dependent video shooting image sharing processing procedure, RT18 ...... photography control processing procedure, RT20 ...... movie recording control processing procedure.

Claims (3)

An imaging system constructed by communicably connecting a plurality of imaging devices for imaging the subject as a subordinate to the imaging main device to an imaging main device that is a subject of imaging for the subject,
In response to an input of a shooting command for the subject, the shooting main device shoots the subject to generate and record main shot image data corresponding to the shot image of the subject, and to capture the shooting command signal. Send to a plurality of the above-mentioned photographing devices existing within the communication range of the main device,
The plurality of imaging devices within the communication range captures the subject in response to receiving the imaging command signal transmitted from the imaging main device, thereby obtaining subordinate captured image data corresponding to the captured image of the subject. Generate and record,
The photographing main device transmits a photographed image request signal to the plurality of photographing devices within the communication range,
A plurality of the imaging devices within the communication range, in response to receiving the captured image request signal transmitted from the imaging main device, transmits the subordinate captured image data to the imaging main device,
The photographing main device receives and records the subordinate photographed image data transmitted from the plurality of photographing devices within the communication range,
The subordinate apparatus generated by the other photographing apparatus except for only the subordinate photographed image data generated by the photographing apparatus serving as a transmission partner for each of the plurality of photographing apparatuses within the communication range. Sending the captured image data together with the main subject captured image data as a shared captured image data group,
A plurality of the photographing devices within the communication range receive and record the shared photographing image data group transmitted from the photographing main device. A photographing main device that is connected to a plurality of subordinate photographing devices that photograph a subject in a subordinate manner and is a main subject of photographing the subject,
A shooting command input means for inputting a shooting command for the subject at an arbitrary time;
Subject photographing image data generating means for generating subject photographing image data corresponding to a photographed image of the subject by photographing the subject in accordance with the photographing command input via the photographing command input means;
Subject photographing image data recording means for recording the subject photographing image data generated by the subject photographing image data generation means;
Dependent photographing according to the photographed image of the subject by causing the plurality of slave photographing devices existing within the communication range to photograph the subject in accordance with the photographing command input via the photographing command input means. A shooting command signal transmitting means for transmitting a shooting command signal for generating and recording image data to the plurality of subordinate shooting devices within the communication range;
A plurality of the subordinate photographing devices within the communication range receive a photographed image request signal for requesting the subordinate photographing image data generated and recorded by causing the plurality of subordinate photographing devices within the communication range to photograph the subject. A captured image request signal transmitting means for transmitting to the apparatus;
Subordinate photographed image data receiving means for receiving the subordinate photographed image data transmitted from the plurality of subordinate photographing apparatuses within the communication range as a result of transmission of the photographed image request signal by the photographed image request signal transmitting means;
Subordinate photographed image data recording means for recording the subordinate photographed image data received by the subordinate photographed image data receiving means;
The subordinate photographed image data generated by the subordinate photographing apparatus as a transmission partner among the subordinate photographed image data recorded by the subordinate photographed image data recording means for the plurality of subordinate photographing apparatuses within the communication range. The subordinate photographed image data generated by the other subordinate photographing apparatuses other than only the subordinate photographed image data together with the subject photographed image data recorded by the subject photographed image data recording means is transmitted as a shared photographed image data group. A photographing main apparatus comprising: photographed image data transmitting means. A photographing main method that is a main subject of photographing the subject by a plurality of subordinate photographing devices that photograph the subject subordinately,
In response to a shooting command for the subject input at an arbitrary time, the subject is shot and the subject shot image data is generated and recorded according to the shot image of the subject, and is within the communication range of the subject. A plurality of the subordinate photographing devices within the communication range for causing the plurality of subordinate photographing devices to photograph the subject to generate and record the subordinate photographed image data corresponding to the photographed image of the subject. A shooting command signal transmission step to be transmitted to
A plurality of the subordinate photographing devices within the communication range receive a photographed image request signal for requesting the subordinate photographing image data generated and recorded by causing the plurality of subordinate photographing devices within the communication range to photograph the subject. A captured image request signal transmission step to be transmitted to the device;
As a result of transmission of the captured image request signal, a dependent captured image data receiving step of receiving the dependent captured image data transmitted from the plurality of dependent capturing devices within the communication range;
A subordinate captured image data recording step for recording the received subordinate captured image data;
For the plurality of subordinate photographing devices within the communication range, the other subordinate photographing excluding only the subordinate photographed image data generated by the subordinate photographing device serving as a transmission partner among the recorded subordinate photographed image data. A shared photographed image data transmitting step for transmitting the slave photographed image data generated by the apparatus together with the recorded subject photographed image data as a shared photographed image data group. Method.

Images