JP4126519B2 - Camera system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and system for remotely operating a device such as a camera using a telephone line.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-237426 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-41669 disclose techniques for operating a camera using a telephone line. Also, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-164254, a caller telephone number notification service has recently been introduced, and if such a service is used, the telephone number of the caller is known before the response is made at the receiver. Because it is possible, it is possible to take a response according to the opponent.
[0003]
The telephone disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-298573, as a usage form of a caller telephone number notification service, discriminates an incoming call request from a pre-registered number and automatically receives an incoming call. The video camera can be remotely operated by a DTMF signal from the camera.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the conventional technology requires a receiver for discriminating incoming calls and tone signals from the telephone, it is not easy to downsize the entire apparatus, or the state of the telephone call can be changed from when the incoming call arrives until actual shooting can be performed. Since procedures such as establishment were required, it took time to start shooting. Further, since the camera is operated by the DTMF signal, a call charge is charged.
[0005]
By the way, at a theme park or the like, a service is also provided in which a dedicated camera operator is placed at a shooting spot where many visitors want to take a commemorative photo to take a picture of the desired person and provide the picture. However, such a photography service is labor intensive and inefficient.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a remote control method and a camera system for a device that do not require a call charge and that can shorten the time from incoming call to shooting execution (device operation). The purpose is to provide a camera system that can take a commemorative photo without the need for a dedicated photographer at a theme park.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To achieve the above purpose,First aspect of the present inventionThe device remote control method according to the present invention is characterized in that the operation of the device is controlled without establishing a call state with a communication partner based on reception of a communication request signal notified through a telephone line.
[0008]
According to the present invention, when the communication request signal transmitted from the caller is received, the device is operated based on the incoming signal without answering the call. The operator can operate the device before the call state is established by simply calling the device to be controlled or the communication terminal to which the device is connected. Therefore, the device operates in a short time after dialing and no call charge is charged.
[0009]
  Also,The device remote control method according to the second aspect of the present invention is the same as the first aspect.Detects the sender information notified through the telephone line, and activates the device only when a signal from the sender that matches the phone number registered in advance is receivedIt is configured as follows. As a result, useless operations due to unintended incoming calls such as wrong calls can be prevented.
[0010]
  According to the third aspect of the present inventionThe camera system records on a recording medium as image information image processing means for converting an optical image into an electrical signal, signal processing means for processing a signal output from the image pickup means, and signals processed by the signal processing means. Recording means, communication means for connecting to a telephone line, and based on a communication request signal notified through the telephone line, controlling the imaging means without establishing a call state with a communication request partner And a control means for executing a photographing operation.
[0011]
  Of the present inventionAccording to the fourth aspectCamera systemIs,In the third aspect, Having sender information detecting means for detecting sender information notified through the telephone line, the control means using the detection result of the sender information detecting means, the telephone numbers registered in advance match. The shooting operation is executed only when a signal from the sender is received.It is configured as follows.
[0012]
  A camera system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes:Imaging means for converting an optical image into an electrical signal, transmission means for transmitting an image captured by the imaging means, communication means for connecting to a telephone line, and source information notified through the telephone line Caller information detection means for detecting, registered telephone number storage means for storing at least one telephone number registered in advance, and a communication status with a communication request partner based on a communication request signal notified through a telephone line Control means for controlling the image pickup means without establishing a password, using a detection result of the caller information detection means, from a caller that matches the phone number registered in advance in the registered phone number storage means Control means for executing a photographing operation by the imaging means only when a signal is receivedAndEquipped, Installed at a predetermined shooting spotAn image management apparatus comprising: a camera; and a recording unit that records an image transmitted from the camera via the transmission unit in a recording medium in association with the telephone number of the transmission source; and the registrationphoneA telephone number registered in the number storage means is assigned.To call the camera and operate the cameraA mobile communication terminal;A display device attached to the photographing spot, the display unit displaying an image photographed by the camera, and a selection for selecting an image to be transmitted to the image management device from the images displayed on the display unit A display device comprising meansWith featuresYouThe
  The camera system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the camera system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the display device further comprises a signal transmission means for transmitting a signal indicating a selection result by the selection means to the camera. The image selected as the image to be transmitted to the image management apparatus among the images displayed on the display means is transmitted to the image management apparatus by the transmission means and is not selected as the image to be transmitted to the image management apparatus. It is characterized in that the canceled image is canceled.
  A camera system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the camera system according to the fifth or sixth aspect, further comprising print means for printing an image transmitted to the image management apparatus.
  The camera system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the fifth to seventh aspects, the selection means is a touch panel.
[0013]
The camera is installed at a predetermined location such as a shooting spot in a theme park, and the telephone number of a mobile communication terminal (mobile phone) carried by the user is registered. When the user calls the camera from the mobile phone, the camera confirms the identity with the registered telephone number from the caller information, and then executes the shooting operation. The captured image is transmitted to the image management apparatus and provided to the user. Thereby, an unmanned commemorative photographing system can be realized.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a device remote control method and camera system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015]
In the present invention, the “caller telephone number notification service function” is used. Details of the basic operation of this service are disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-164254, but will be outlined with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.
[0016]
In FIG. 1, (1) to (9) are numbers assigned to the respective operations for convenience of explanation. The “ID receiving terminal” means a communication terminal such as a telephone or a facsimile machine that can use this service. When a call is made to a receiving terminal with a service contract in advance, the subscriber line exchange inverts the polarity of the subscriber line, which is a line on the receiving terminal side (1), and transmits an ID receiving terminal activation signal (2) ).
[0017]
When the receiving terminal is ready to receive the source information, the DC circuit in the terminal is closed (DC loop closed), and a primary response signal is sent (3). On the other hand, when the exchange side determines the primary response signal from the DC resistance value, the exchange side transmits information such as a transmission source number, which is a modem signal, to the receiving terminal side (4). When the receiving terminal has received this information, a reception completion signal is sent from the receiving terminal side by opening the DC circuit (DC loop open) (5). After receiving the reception completion signal, the exchange transmits a calling signal (6).
[0018]
In the ID receiving terminal, when a call signal is received, a ringing tone is sounded to notify an incoming call. Based on the received caller information, the caller's telephone number and the like are displayed in advance on the display, so that the other party's telephone can be called before the call. Since the number and the like can be confirmed, it is possible to take actions according to the other party (for example, switching to an answering machine, reproduction of an automatic response message, call rejection, etc.) When a response is made to the calling signal by picking up the handset, the DC circuit is closed again (DC loop closed) and a secondary response signal is transmitted (7). After that, the polarity is reversed (8), and a call can be made (9).
[0019]
In addition to the telephone number of the communication terminal device that is the transmission source, the modem signal including the information of the transmission source number includes the number information such as the dial-in number in the case of a dial-in contract. If the sender number cannot be notified, the reason is notified. Reasons for not being notified include a call from a public telephone, a call when non-notification is designated by an operation before inputting a telephone number ("184" is dialed), and a call from outside the service providing area.
[0020]
Although FIG. 1 illustrates a wired telephone line network as an example, a service for notifying a caller telephone number is also provided for a wireless mobile communication network.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The taking lens 12 of the camera 10 is composed of one or a plurality of lenses, and may be a single focal length (fixed focus) lens, or a focal length such as a zoom lens or a telephoto / wide-angle bifocal switching lens. It may be variable.
[0022]
Light incident through the photographing lens 12 forms an image on a light receiving surface of a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as a CCD) 14 as an image sensor. The CCD 14 has a structure in which light receiving sensors corresponding to photosensitive pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, and has a predetermined color filter arrangement structure such as a G stripe or a Bayer arrangement.
[0023]
The CCD 14 is provided with a shutter drain via a shutter gate, and the accumulated signal charge can be swept out to the shutter drain by driving the shutter gate with a shutter gate pulse. That is, the CCD 14 has a so-called electronic shutter function that controls the accumulation time (shutter speed) of charges accumulated in each sensor by the shutter gate pulse.
[0024]
The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 14 is converted into a signal charge of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each light receiving sensor. The signal charge accumulated in this way is read out by a CCD drive pulse applied from a CCD drive circuit (driver) 16 and is sequentially output from the CCD 14 as a voltage signal (analog image signal) corresponding to the signal charge.
[0025]
The signal read from the CCD 14 is added to the analog processing unit 18. The analog processing unit 18 includes a sampling hold circuit and a gain adjustment circuit. The image signal output from the CCD 14 is subjected to correlated double sampling (CDS) processing and color separation processing into R, G, and B color signals in the analog processing unit 18. The signal level of each color signal is adjusted (pre-white balance processing).
[0026]
The signal output from the analog processing unit 18 is converted into an R, G, B digital signal by the A / D converter 20 and then sent to the digital signal processing unit 22. The timing generation circuit 24 provides timing signals to the CCD drive circuit 16, the analog processing unit 18, the A / D converter 20, and the signal processing unit 22 in accordance with instructions from the system control unit 26. The circuit is synchronized.
[0027]
The signal processing unit 22 is an image processing unit composed of a digital signal processor (DSP) including a gamma correction circuit, a sharpness correction circuit, a contrast correction circuit, a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, a white balance correction circuit, and the like. The imaging signal is processed according to the command from the unit 26.
[0028]
The R, G, B image data input to the signal processing unit 22 is converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cb signal) and subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction. And stored in the image memory 30 via the memory controller 28.
[0029]
Shooting is executed in response to receipt of a release signal (corresponding to a shooting start instruction signal), and a luminance / color difference signal (abbreviated as YC signal) stored in the image memory 30 by the shooting operation is a system control unit 26. Is read via the memory controller 28 and recorded on the recording medium 34 via the recording medium interface 32.
[0030]
At this time, the image data is compressed as necessary, and the image data compressed in accordance with JPEG or another predetermined format is written to the recording medium 34.
[0031]
For example, smart media (Solid-State Floppy Disk Card) is used as the recording medium 34 as means for storing image data. The form of the recording medium is not limited to the above, and may be a PC card, a compact flash, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a memory stick, etc., according to a system based on electronic, magnetic, optical, or a combination thereof. Various readable / writable media can be used. A signal processing means and an interface corresponding to the medium to be used are applied.
[0032]
A configuration in which a plurality of media can be mounted regardless of different types or the same type of recording media may be adopted. Further, instead of using a recording medium (removable medium) that is detachable from the camera 10 as the recording medium 34, or in combination with this, a captured image is stored in the internal memory of the camera 10, and a wired or wireless communication interface is provided. Alternatively, the image data may be transferred to the outside.
[0033]
The system control unit 26 is a block including a central processing unit (CPU), and comprehensively controls each circuit of the camera 10. The system control unit 26 is connected to storage means of a nonvolatile memory 36 and a volatile memory 38. The nonvolatile memory 36 includes a program processed by the CPU, various data necessary for control, and a mobile phone capable of operating the camera 10 (in this specification, a generic term for mobile communication terminals including a PHS terminal). .) 40 phone numbers and the like are stored. The volatile memory 38 is used as a work area when the CPU performs various arithmetic processes.
[0034]
The system control unit 26 controls the operation of the corresponding circuit based on the input signal received from the operation unit 42, controls the zooming operation and the focus adjustment (AF) operation of the photographing lens 12, and the automatic exposure adjustment (AE). Control and so on. That is, the system control unit 26 performs various calculations such as a focus evaluation calculation and an AE calculation based on the imaging signal output from the CCD 14, and controls a drive unit such as a focus motor or an iris motor based on the calculation result. The lens is moved to the in-focus position, an appropriate aperture is set, and the charge accumulation time of the CCD 14 is controlled. In addition to the method of controlling AE and AF based on the imaging signal acquired from the CCD 14, a well-known photometric sensor, a distance measuring sensor including an AF light projecting / receiving sensor, or the like may be used.
[0035]
The system control unit 26 controls the photographing operation for recording based on the receipt of the release signal. At this time, the system control unit 26 starts the light emission of the strobe light emitting device 44 as necessary, and determines that the light amount of the subject has become an appropriate light amount by the light emission from the detection signal of the strobe light control sensor (not shown). Stop flashing.
[0036]
The communication unit 46 is a block including an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves for connection to a telephone line. The communication unit 46 may be connected to a telephone line by wire. A signal received via the communication unit 46 is applied to the incoming circuit 50 or the modem 52 via the line interface 48. The incoming circuit 50 detects a communication request signal sent from the mobile phone 40 that is the transmission source, and notifies the system control unit 26 of this.
[0037]
The modem 52 demodulates a communication signal input through the telephone line and supplies the demodulated signal to the system control unit 26, and also transmits transmission data (for example, photographed image data and automatic response message data) output from the system control unit 26 to the telephone line. The signal is converted into a signal form that can be sent out and output to the outside via the line interface 48 and the communication unit 46.
[0038]
When the caller telephone number notification service is not used for controlling the camera 10, when the incoming circuit 50 detects an incoming call, the imaging system is immediately activated to perform shooting. On the other hand, when the caller telephone number notification service is used to control the camera 10, the system control unit 26 receives the caller information signal via the modem 52, receives the telephone number registered in the nonvolatile memory 36, and the incoming call. To the source information signal according to. When it is determined that the incoming call is from the mobile phone 40 with the registered telephone number, the imaging system is activated to perform shooting.
[0039]
Image data obtained by photographing can be transferred to the server 56 via the communication unit 46. The server 56 may be connected to a network via a telephone line or may be connected to a LAN.
[0040]
As the power source of the camera 10, an external power source connected to the battery 58 or an external power source input terminal (not shown) can be used. The power supply unit 60 includes a DC / DC converter, and electric power provided from the battery 58 or an external power supply connected to the external power supply input terminal is converted into a required voltage by the power supply unit 60 and supplied to a predetermined circuit block. .
[0041]
Next, the operation of the camera system configured as described above will be described.
[0042]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first example of a control procedure for controlling the camera 10 with an incoming call signal. The camera 10 is waiting for reception of an ID receiving terminal activation signal in a communication standby state (step S300), and determines whether or not a call is made from the telephone line network (step S310). If there is no call, the process of step S310 is looped. When the user calls the camera 10 from the mobile phone 40 and the reception of the calling signal is detected in step S310, the determination in step S310 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S312 to execute the photographing operation.
[0043]
The photographing operation is automatically controlled according to a program that is defined in advance. A subject image is captured and recorded on the recording medium 34. When the photographing is completed, the transmission process of the transmission source information signal is performed (step S314). When the reception is completed, the reception completion signal is transmitted (step S316). Thereby, the ringing tone is heard on the mobile phone 40 side, and the user can confirm that photographing has been performed. The camera 10 returns no response to this call and returns to step S310. If the user disconnects the line, shooting by the camera 10 can be performed without any call charges.
[0044]
Note that if the caller telephone number notification service is not used, the processing of step S314 and step S316 is also unnecessary, and in this case, there is an aspect in which the camera 10 returns to step S310 without returning the primary response signal. . Even in such an aspect, the operation after (3) described in FIG. 1 is not performed, and the camera 10 can shoot without any call charges.
[0045]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second example of a control procedure for controlling the camera 10 with an incoming call signal. As described with reference to (5) of FIG. 1, by using the fact that the telephone number of the caller is notified and masking the telephone number here, it is possible to selectively control incoming calls from the telephone line. .
[0046]
That is, according to FIG. 4, the camera 10 is waiting for reception of an ID receiving terminal activation signal in a communication standby state (step S400), and determines whether or not a call is made from the telephone network (step S410). If there is no call, the process of step S410 is looped. If a call signal is received in step S410 (when YES is determined), the process proceeds to step S412 to perform a reception process of the transmission source information signal.
[0047]
Then, a search is performed as to whether or not a caller identification number (ID) (here, a telephone number) that is the same as the telephone number related to the incoming call exists from a telephone number list registered in the camera 10 in advance (step) S414). Next, the identity of the caller ID is determined (step S416), and if they match (YES determination), the process proceeds to step S418 to perform the photographing operation (step S418). The photographing operation is automatically controlled according to a program that is defined in advance. A subject image is captured by this photographing, and after necessary signal processing is performed, it is recorded on the recording medium 34.
[0048]
When shooting is completed, a reception completion signal is transmitted (step S420). Thereafter, a call signal is transmitted from the exchange side, but the camera 10 side returns to step S410 without returning a response signal.
[0049]
The sender side as an operator can determine whether or not the photographing is completed when the ringing sound is automatically transmitted after receiving the reception completion signal. After confirming the ringing tone, the operator (sender) may place a handset or interrupt transmission.
[0050]
On the other hand, if the caller IDs do not match in step S416 (when NO is determined), the process jumps to step S420 to perform transmission processing of a reception completion signal without performing shooting.
[0051]
When the reception completion signal is sent, a call signal is transmitted from the exchange side. However, if the operation after (7) described in FIG. 1 is not performed without returning a response signal, there is no call charge.
[0052]
According to the above-described control sequence, the camera 10 can be controlled only when an incoming call is received from the mobile phone 40 with a telephone number registered in advance, and useless camera operation can be prevented.
[0053]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a third example of a control procedure for controlling the camera 10 with an incoming call signal. According to the figure, control of the camera 10 is started (step S500), and initial processing of the camera 10 is first performed (step S510). When the necessary setting processing is completed, the circuit portion necessary for waiting for communication is left, and the reception of the ID receiving terminal activation signal is awaited with the other imaging system power supply (camera power supply) turned off (step S512).
[0054]
If no ID receiving terminal activation signal is received from the telephone line network, the process of step S512 is looped. If an ID receiving terminal activation signal is received in step S512 (when YES is determined), the process proceeds to step S514. In step S514, the camera power is turned on, and shooting preparation processing is started.
[0055]
Next, a reception process of a transmission source information signal is performed (step S516). Then, a search is performed as to whether or not there is a person with the same caller identification number (ID) from a caller list (registered telephone number) registered in advance in the camera 10 (step S518). Subsequently, the identity of the caller ID is determined (step S520). If they match (YES determination), the process proceeds to step S522 to perform the photographing operation.
[0056]
When shooting is completed, a reception completion signal of the transmission source information signal is transmitted (step S524), the camera power is turned off (step S526), and the process returns to step S512.
[0057]
By transmitting the reception completion signal, a call signal is transmitted from the exchange side, but the camera 10 side returns to step S512 without returning a response signal. If the operation after (7) described in FIG. 1 is not performed, a call charge is not charged.
[0058]
The sender side as an operator can determine whether or not the photographing is completed when the ringing sound is automatically transmitted after receiving the reception completion signal. After confirming the ringing tone, a receiver may be placed on the sender side or transmission may be interrupted.
[0059]
On the other hand, if the caller IDs do not match in step S520 (when NO is determined), the process jumps to step S524 to perform transmission processing of a reception completion signal without performing shooting.
[0060]
As in the control flow shown in FIG. 5, power consumption can be suppressed by turning on the camera when receiving an incoming call and turning off the camera when receiving a reception completion signal.
[0061]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0062]
FIG. 6 shows an example in which the camera system of the present invention is applied to a commemorative photographing system in a theme park.
[0063]
The camera 10 described with reference to FIG. 1 is installed at an appropriate place in the theme park (a so-called shooting spot suitable for commemorative shooting). At this time, it is assumed that the composition and shooting conditions are set in advance so that it is not necessary for the user 70 (theme park entrant) who is the subject to set the camera angle and detailed shooting conditions. Note that the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 8-23746 and 11-41669 may be applied to enable setting by remote operation using a telephone tone signal (DTMF signal) or the like.
[0064]
In addition, a display device (monitor) 72 is installed near the camera 10 so that the user 70 can check the captured image. An image management device 74 for managing images taken by the camera 10 is installed in a service window or a management room (office). The camera 10, the display device 72, and the image management device 74 are connected to a LAN 76 constructed in the theme park. A mode in which information is transmitted and received through a telephone line without using the LAN 76 is also possible. In the figure, reference numeral 78 represents a base station of the wireless telephone network.
[0065]
A visitor of the theme park (hereinafter referred to as a visitor) calls the camera 10 from the mobile phone 40 owned by the person and operates the camera. For visitors who do not own the mobile phone 40, a mobile phone provided in the theme park may be lent.
[0066]
When using the commemorative photography service by this system, the visitor registers at the service window at the time of admission and registers the telephone number (sender ID) of the mobile phone 40 owned by the user. Further, the mobile phone 40 owned by the user is provided with a phone number (phone number of the camera 10) when using this system, and is registered in the mobile phone 40.
[0067]
Alternatively, the telephone number of the camera 10 may be stored in a medium, and the medium may be lent to a visitor to carry it. When a visitor wants to take a commemorative photo at a photo spot, he / she can take a commemorative photo by calling and dialing the registered telephone number.
[0068]
Since the camera 10 does not respond to a call for a shooting instruction, shooting can be performed without charging a call charge. When shooting by the camera 10 is executed, the line is disconnected on the mobile phone 40 side to stop calling.
[0069]
The visitor can check the photographed image on the display device 72 provided near the photographing point. A touch panel (not shown) is provided on the display unit of the display device 72. If the user does not like the captured image displayed on the display device 72, the visitor presses an “NG button” on the screen. The “NG button” signal is sent to the camera 10 to cancel the captured image data. The visitor can stand again at the shooting spot, call the system from the mobile phone 10 and redo the shooting.
[0070]
If the captured image displayed on the display device 72 is OK, the visitor presses an “OK button” on the screen. The “OK button” signal is sent to the camera 10, which makes an automatic call to the mobile phone 40 of the visitor. A calling signal ((6) in FIG. 1) is transmitted from the camera 10 through the telephone line, and a ringing tone of the visitor's mobile phone 40 sounds. When the visitor receives this call, an automatic message is sent to let them know the shooting is complete, and the commemorative photo is completed.
[0071]
The captured image is transferred from the camera 10 to the image management apparatus 74 using the LAN 76 or a telephone line, and is recorded on a recording medium (hard disk or removable medium) of the image management apparatus 74 in association with the registered telephone number. In addition, there is an aspect in which an image captured by the camera 10 is transferred to a server associated with the telephone number using a caller telephone number notification service.
[0072]
Furthermore, when a visitor leaves the theme park, the photographed image may be printed out and provided, or mail distribution may be performed to the provider's server with which the visitor has a contract by Internet distribution. After returning home, the visitor can access a server to which photographed image data is transferred, select an image from the server, and place an order for printing the photographed data on the Internet. In such an aspect, it is preferable to set a password for security.
[0073]
7 and 8 are flowcharts showing a camera control procedure in the commemorative photographing system shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the processing from step S700 to S726 is the same as step S500 to step S526 described in FIG.
[0074]
After the camera power is turned off in step S726, the process proceeds to step S728 shown in FIG. In step S728, based on a signal from an input operation means such as a touch panel provided in the display device 72, OK / NG determination is performed on the captured image. If it is determined that the captured image is NG (NO determination), the process branches to step S730, the recording process of the captured image is canceled, and the process returns to step S712 shown in FIG. wait.
[0075]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S728 shown in FIG. 8 that the captured image is OK (YES determination), the process proceeds to step S732 to call the mobile phone 40 that has received the imaging instruction. Line connection processing is performed (step S732). Then, it is determined whether or not the mobile phone 40 side has accepted the call (step S734). If there is no response from the mobile phone 40 (NO determination), it is determined whether or not a specified time has elapsed in the calling state (step S736).
[0076]
If the specified time has not elapsed in step S736, the process returns to step S734 to wait for a response from the mobile phone 40 in the ringing state. If the specified time elapses without a response, a YES determination is made in step S736, and the process returns to step S712 shown in FIG.
[0077]
When the user responds to the call with the mobile phone 40 in response to the call from the camera 10, a YES determination is obtained in step S734 shown in FIG. 8, and the process proceeds to step S738. In step S738, the camera 10 transmits a message notifying completion of shooting. The user can confirm that the shooting has been performed by listening to the message. After transmitting the predetermined message content, the camera 10 automatically disconnects the call state (step S740).
[0078]
Then, line connection processing is started for the image transfer destination (step S742), and it is determined whether or not line connection with the image transfer destination has been achieved (step S744). When the connection state is not established (NO determination), the process branches to step S746, and it is determined whether or not the specified time has elapsed. If it is determined in step S746 that the specified time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S744 to continue the line connection process and wait for connection establishment.
[0079]
If the specified time elapses without connection being established, a YES determination is made in step S746, and the process proceeds to step S748. In step S748, the connection with the image transfer destination is abandoned, and the process returns to step S712 shown in FIG. For an image that could not be transferred, the line connection processing may be attempted again after an appropriate time, or a communication message indicating that transfer could not be performed may be automatically transmitted to the mobile phone 40.
[0080]
When the line connection is achieved in step S744 shown in FIG. 8 (when YES is determined), the process proceeds to step S750, and the captured image data is transferred to the server associated with the user's telephone number. When the transfer process ends, the line is disconnected (step S752), and the process returns to step S712 shown in FIG.
[0081]
According to the commemorative photographing system according to the present embodiment, since the camera 10 can be operated using the visitor's mobile phone 40, it is not necessary to prepare a special remote control device.
[0082]
In the above description, the camera for taking a still image has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a camera for taking a moving image. In addition, the scope of application of the device remote control method according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described camera system, but a mode in which a video recording device is activated by an incoming call signal, an air conditioner (air conditioner), or a lighting fixture by an incoming call signal There is also an aspect in which an electronic device such as an electronic cooking device is operated.
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when a communication request signal transmitted from a communication terminal such as a mobile phone is received, the device is operated based on the incoming signal without answering the call. As a result, the telephone call is not charged and the device can be remotely operated from the telephone line. In addition, there is an effect that the device operates in a short time after dialing.
[0084]
In particular, when the sender information notified through the telephone line is detected and a signal from a sender that matches a pre-registered telephone number is received, the device is operated, so that the waste due to unintended incoming calls is avoided. Can prevent the operation of various devices.
[0085]
According to the camera system to which the present invention is applied, it is possible to realize an unmanned commemorative photographing system capable of controlling photographing with a mobile phone owned by a visitor in a theme park or the like.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing the basic operation of a caller telephone number notification service.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the camera system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a first example of a control procedure for controlling the camera by an incoming call signal.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second example of a control procedure for controlling the camera by an incoming call signal.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a third example of a control procedure for controlling the camera based on an incoming call signal.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example in which the camera system of the present invention is applied to a commemorative photographing system in a theme park.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a camera control procedure in the commemorative photographing system shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a camera control procedure in the commemorative photographing system shown in FIG. 6;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Camera, 14 ... CCD (imaging means), 22 ... Signal processing part (signal processing means), 26 ... System control part (control means, transmission origin information detection means), 32 ... Recording medium interface (recording means), 36 ... Non-volatile memory (registered telephone number storage means), 40 ... cellular phone (mobile communication terminal), 46 ... communication unit (communication means, transmission means), 48 ... line interface (communication means), 52 ... modem (communication means) ), 56 ... Server (image management device), 74 ... Image management device, 76 ... LAN

Claims (4)

Imaging means for converting an optical image into an electrical signal, transmission means for transmitting an image captured by the imaging means, communication means for connecting to a telephone line, and source information notified through the telephone line Caller information detection means for detecting, registered telephone number storage means for storing at least one telephone number registered in advance, and a communication status with a communication request partner based on a communication request signal notified through a telephone line Control means for controlling the image pickup means without establishing a password, using a detection result of the caller information detection means, from a caller that matches the phone number registered in advance in the registered phone number storage means only if it has received a signal, and control means for executing the imaging operation by the imaging unit, a camera installed in a predetermined imaging spots,
An image management apparatus comprising recording means for recording an image sent from the camera via the transmission means on a recording medium in association with the caller telephone number;
A telephone number to be registered in the registered telephone number storage means is assigned , and a mobile communication terminal for operating the camera by calling the camera ;
A display device attached to the photographing spot, the display unit displaying an image photographed by the camera, and a selection for selecting an image to be transmitted to the image management device from the images displayed on the display unit A display device comprising means;
Camera system comprising: a. The display device further comprises signal transmission means for transmitting a signal indicating a selection result by the selection means to the camera,
The camera transmits an image selected as an image to be transmitted to the image management device among images displayed on the display unit, to the image management device by the transmission unit, and as an image to be transmitted to the image management device. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein an unselected image is canceled. The camera system according to claim 1, further comprising a printing unit that prints an image transmitted to the image management apparatus. The camera system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit is a touch panel.

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