JP4261688B2 - Imaging device with communication function and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

【００５５】
設定モードおよびＥＶＦ１３の収納状態の組合せとしては、表1に示すように、（ＴＥＬ，ＥＶＦ ＣＬＯＳＥ）、（ＴＥＬ，ＥＶＦ ＯＰＥＮ）、（ＶＩＥＷ，ＥＶＦ ＣＬＯＳＥ）、（ＶＩＥＷ，ＥＶＦ ＯＰＥＮ）、（ＣＡＭＥＲＡ，ＥＶＦ ＣＬＯＳＥ）、（ＣＡＭＥＲＡ，ＥＶＦ ＯＰＥＮ）の各組合せがあり、これらの組合せに対して選択可能な報知形態が規定されている。
【００５６】
まず、（ＴＥＬ，ＥＶＦ ＣＬＯＳＥ）に関しては、装置がＴＥＬモードにあり、撮影は行われていないと判断することができる。また、ＥＶＦ１３が収納状態にあることから、装置状態としては図１８または図２１に示すような状態にある。この装置状態はユーザが装置を持ち歩いているまたはどこかに置いているという状態であると想定されるから、報知形態としてはサウンダ、バイブレーションのいずれも許容される。よって、オートが設定され、（ＴＥＬ，ＥＶＦ ＣＬＯＳＥ）すなわち通話モードでＥＶＦ１３が収納状態にあるときには、トーン優先、バイブ優先のいずれも許容され、ユーザが選択した優先モードに応じた着信報知が行われることになる。
【００５７】
（ＴＥＬ，ＥＶＦ ＯＰＥＮ）の場合、装置がＴＥＬモード状態にあり、撮影は行われていないが、ＥＶＦ１３が開かれた状態にある。この装置状態は、ユーザが装置を持ち歩いている状態であるとは想定し難く、机上などに置いてある状態であると想定されるから、ユーザに着信を確実に知らせるために、報知形態としてサウンダが優先される。よって、（ＴＥＬ，ＥＶＦ ＯＰＥＮ）すなわち通話モードでＥＶＦ１３が開かれた状態にあるときには、サウンダの報知形態が優先される。ここで、バイブ優先のサブパラメータが設定されているときには、バイブ優先をトーン優先に切り替えるように、サブパラメータの切替えが行われ、報知形態としてトーン優先が選択される。
【００５８】
（ＶＩＥＷ，ＥＶＦ ＣＬＯＳＥ）の場合、装置はＶＩＥＷモード状態にあるが、ＥＶＦ１３は収納されていることから、装置は待機モードにあると考えられる。よって、よって、（ＴＥＬ，ＥＶＦ ＣＬＯＳＥ）の場合と同様に、トーン優先、バイブ優先のいずれも許容され、ユーザが選択した優先モードに応じた着信報知が行われることになる。
【００５９】
（ＶＩＥＷ，ＥＶＦ ＯＰＥＮ）の場合、装置はＶＩＥＷモード状態にあり、ＥＶＦ１３は開かれていることから、図２１に示すようなＥＶＦ１３をビュワーとして使用している状態にある。このときには、ユーザが装置を手に持ちまたは装置を近くにおいてＥＶＦ１３に映し出された再生画像を見ているなどの状態を考えることができる。よって、（ＴＥＬ，ＥＶＦ ＣＬＯＳＥ）の場合と同様に、トーン優先、バイブ優先のいずれも許容され、ユーザが選択した優先モードに応じた着信報知を行うことが可能である。また、ＥＶＦ１３が表示状態にあるから、トーン優先またはバイブ優先のいずれかの報知形態と、このＥＶＦ１３に、例えば着信メッセージまたはそれに相当するアイコンを表示する報知形態とを組み合わせて着信を報知することも可能である。以下、このＥＶＦ１３に着信メッセージまたはそれに相当するアイコンを表示する報知形態をＥＶＦ表示という。このＥＶＦ表示の例としては、図９に示すように、ＥＶＦ１３に画像１０１を映し出している状態において着信があると、電話形状のアイコン１０２を点滅させ、このアイコン１０２に点滅により着信を報知する。
【００６０】
なお、このＥＶＦ表示を単独で用いて着信報知を行うことも可能であるが、サウンダやバイブレーションを組み合わせて使用することにより、着信をより効果的に報知することが可能になる。
【００６１】
（ＣＡＭＥＲＡ，ＥＶＦ ＣＬＯＳＥ）の場合、装置はＣＡＭＥＲＡモード状態にあるが、ＥＶＦ１３は収納されているから、装置は待機モードにあると考えられる。よって、（ＴＥＬ，ＥＶＦ ＣＬＯＳＥ）の場合と同様に、トーン優先、バイブ優先のいずれも許容され、ユーザが選択した優先モードに応じた着信報知が行われることになる。
【００６２】
（ＣＡＭＥＲＡ，ＥＶＦ ＯＰＥＮ）の場合、装置はＣＡＭＥＲＡモード状態にあり、ＥＶＦ１３は開かれていることから、撮影動作中である可能性が高い。このときに報知形態としてバイブレーションを選択すると、この報知形態による振動が手ぶれなどを招く恐れがあるから、このバイブレーションは撮影動作中における報知形態に適さない。また、サウンダに関しては、その鳴動がユーザまたは被写体を驚かせて撮影に悪影響を与える恐れがあるから、バイブレーションと同様に、このサウンダは撮影動作中における報知形態に適さない。そこで、オートが設定された（ＣＡＭＥＲＡ，ＥＶＦ ＯＰＥＮ）の場合においては、オートにおいて選択されているサウンダ優先またはバイブレーション優先を無視して、上述のＥＶＦ表示のみで着信報知を行うように設定する。よって、撮影中においてはＥＶＦ１３を見ているから、ＥＶＦ１３表示のみで十分に着信を効果的に報知することができ、またこのＥＶＦ表示のみで着信報知を行うことにより、サウンダまたはバイブレーションが撮影に与える悪影響を排除することができる。
【００６３】
このように、報知形態としてオートが選択されている場合には、装置モードおよびＥＶＦの収納状態に基づき着信時の装置状態を想定してそれに適した報知形態を選択するから、着信時に装置状態に適した報知形態で着信を報知することができる。
【００６４】
次に、ユーザの着信操作後から実際の通話／通信が行われるまでの手順について説明する。
【００６５】
本実施の形態では、音声通話に加えてデータ通信が可能であるが、現在のＰＨＳ（または携帯電話）の通信プロトコルでは、着信前にそれが音声であるかデータ通信であるかを判別することはできない。そのため、例えば撮影中に着信があった場合、それが音声着信であるときには、撮影中であることから、通話を接話よりハンズフリーモードで行う方が適切であり、データ通信であるときには、自動的にデータ受信モードへ移行することが好ましい。このように、撮影中に音声またはデータの着信がある場合、この着信により撮影が阻害されない環境を提供することが重要である。
【００６６】
そこで、本実施の形態では、着信操作を行った後に、通話開始前のネゴシエーション時にその内容を判断し、着信が音声着信の場合には、装置モードやＥＶＦ１３の収納状態から着信時の装置状態を検出し、この検出した装置状態に応じて通話モードを接話またはハンズフリーモードに切り替え、着信がデータ通信時には、ＥＶＦ１３へのメッセージ表示や音声メッセージなどによりその旨を通知する。
【００６７】
まず、音声着信時の場合の接話またはハンズフリーモードへの切替パターンおよびデータ通信時の場合のＥＶＦ１３へのメッセージ表示または音声メッセージへの切替パターンについて表２および表３を参照しながら説明する。
【００６８】
【表２】

【００６９】
音声着信時の場合には、表２に示すように、接話またはハンズフリーモードへの切替を、装置モード（ＴＥＬ，ＶＩＥＷ，ＣＡＭＥＲＡ）およびＥＶＦ１３の収納状態に応じて判断する。具体的には、上記切替を、着信操作をした時点でＥＶＦ１３を使用しているか否かを基準として判断する。例えば、装置がＴＥＬモード状態にあり、ＥＶＦ１３が開かれているときには、スピーカ１６が裏面側に向けられているから、接話が難しく、ハンズフリーモードが選択される。これに対し、装置がＴＥＬモード状態にあり、ＥＶＦ１３が収納されているときには、スピーカ１６が表面側に向けられているから、接話が可能となり、接話が選択されることになる。
【００７０】
なお、ここでは、接話またはハンズフリーモードへの切替パターンについて説明したが、接話またはハンズフリーモードへ切り替えたことをＥＶＦへのメッセージ表示または音声メッセージにより通知するようにすることが好ましい。この場合には、ＥＶＦ１３の収納状態に応じて接話またはハンズフリーモードへの切替え通知にＥＶＦへのメッセージ表示または音声メッセージを選択するなどの方法が考えられる。
【００７１】
【表３】

【００７２】
データ通信時の場合には、表３に示すように、ＥＶＦ１３へのメッセージ表示または音声メッセージへの切替を、音声着信時の場合と同様に、装置モード（ＴＥＬ，ＶＩＥＷ，ＣＡＭＥＲＡ）およびＥＶＦ１３の収納状態に応じて判断する。具体的には、上記切替を、着信操作をした時点でＥＶＦ１３を使用しているか否かを基準として判断する。例えば、装置がＴＥＬモード状態にあり、ＥＶＦ１３が開かれているときには、ＥＶＦ１３が表面側に向けられているから、ＥＶＦ１３へのメッセージ／アイコン表示による通知が有効に作用する。よって、ＥＶＦメッセージ／アイコン表示が選択される。これに対し、装置がＴＥＬモード状態にあり、ＥＶＦ１３が収納されているときには、スピーカ１６が表面側に向けられているから、スピーカ１６から音声メッセージを発しＬＥＤを点滅させることが有効に作用する。よって、音声メッセージ／ＬＥＤが選択される。
【００７３】
次に、音声着信時の場合の接話またはハンズフリーモードへの切替手順およびデータ通信時の場合のＥＶＦ１３へのメッセージ表示または音声メッセージへの切替手順について図１０を参照しながら説明する。図１０は図１の通信機能付き撮像装置における音声着信時の場合の接話またはハンズフリーモードへの切替手順およびデータ通信時の場合のＥＶＦへのメッセージ表示または音声メッセージへの切替手順を示すフローチャートである。
【００７４】
着信操作が行われると、図１０に示すように、まずステップＳ１２１において通信プロトコルに基づきネゴシエーション（着呼処理）を行い、続くステップＳ１２２で現在設定されているモードを調べる。
【００７５】
次いで、ステップＳ１２３に進み、上記ネゴシエーションの結果および現在設定されているモードに基づき着信がどのモード状態における音声着信かデータ通信であるかを判別する。音声着信であるときには、ステップＳ１２４に進み、ＥＶＦ検知スイッチ２１の信号に基づきＥＶＦ１３の収納状態を判別する。ＥＶＦ１３が開かれているときには、ステップＳ１２５に進み、通話モードとしてハンズフリーモードを選択する。これに対し、ＥＶＦ１３が収納（ＣＬＯＳＥ）されているときには、ステップＳ１２６に進み、通話モードとして接話モードを選択する。
【００７６】
上記ステップＳ１２３においてデータ通信であると判定されると、ステップＳ１２７に進み、ＥＶＦ検知スイッチ２１の信号に基づきＥＶＦ１３の収納状態を判別する。ＥＶＦ１３が開かれているときには、ステップＳ１２８に進み、データ通信であることを示すメッセージ／アイコンをＥＶＦ１３に表示する。これに対し、ＥＶＦ１３が収納（ＣＬＯＳＥ）されているときには、ステップＳ１２９に進み、データ通信であることを示す音声メッセージをスピーカ１６から発するとともに、ＬＥＤを点滅させる。
【００７７】
次に、このように選択した通話モードへの切替手順について図１１を参照しながら説明する。図１１は図１の通信機能付き撮像装置における接話またはハンズフリーモードへの通話モードの切替手順を示すフローチャートである。ここでは、接話またはハンズフリーモードへの通話モードの切替手順を、装置がＶＩＥＷまたはＣＡＭＥＲＡモード状態において接話からハンズフリーモードへ切り替える場合を例にして具体的に説明する。
【００７８】
接話またはハンズフリーモードへの通話モードの切替においては、まずステップＳ１３１においてサブＣＰＵ４４１に対して参照要求を発行し、現在の通話モードが接話モードであるかハンズフリーモードにあるかを調べ、続くステップＳ１３２で、現在の通話モードが接話モードであるか否かを判定する。
【００７９】
現在の通話モードが接話モードであるときには、ステップＳ１３３に進み、ＰＨＳコントローラ４２１に対してハンズフリーモードへの切替命令を発行し、続くステップＳ１３４で、スピーカ１６の音量を所定レベルまで上げるようにＯＰアンプ４２６のパラメータを変更する。そしてステップＳ１３５で、マイク１５の感度を所定レベルまで上げるようにゲインアップ回路４２７のパラメータを変更する。また、同時に所定の周波数帯域以外の増幅をフィルタによってカットするなどのハンズフリーモードに適したマイク設定変更処理を行う。このようにして接話モードからハンズフリーモードへの切替が行われ、通話が開始される。
【００８０】
これに対し、現在の通話モードがハンズフリーモードであるときには、上記ステップＳ１３３〜１３５をスキップして通話開始へ移行する。
【００８１】
通話が一旦開始された後は、ユーザは好みによってキースイッチによる切替操作でハンズフリーと接話を切り替えて使用することができる。この場合の処理手順について図１２を参照しながら説明する。図１２は図１の通信機能付き撮像装置におけるキースイッチによる切替操作でハンズフリーと接話を切り替える処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。
【００８２】
接話／ハンズフリー切替スイッチがオンされると、図１２に示すように、ステップＳ１４１において、メインＣＰＵ４５１は接話／ハンズフリー切替スイッチオンに伴いサブＣＰＵ４４１から現在設定されている通話モードを取得し、続くステップＳ１４２で、現在の通話モードを判別する。
【００８３】
現在の通話モードが接話モードであるときには、ステップＳ１４３に進み、メインＣＰＵ４５１はＰＨＳコントローラ４２１に対してハンズフリーモードへの切替命令を発行する。そして、ステップＳ１４４に進み、ＰＨＳコントローラ４２１によりスピーカ１６の音量をハンズフリーモードに対応したレベルになるようにＯＰアンプ４２６のパラメータを変更し、続くステップＳ１４５で、マイク１５の感度をハンズフリーモードに対応したレベルになるようにゲインアップ回路４２７のパラメータを変更するとともに、所定の周波数帯域以外の増幅をフィルタによってカットするなどのハンズフリーモードに適したマイク設定変更処理を行う。このようにして接話モードからハンズフリーモードへの切替が行われ、通話が開始される。
【００８４】
現在の通話モードがハンズフリーモードであるときには、ステップＳ１４６に進み、メインＣＰＵ４５１はＰＨＳコントローラ４２１に対して接話モードへの切替命令を発行する。そして、ステップＳ１４７に進み、ＰＨＳコントローラ４２１によりスピーカ１６の音量を接話モードに対応したレベルになるようにＯＰアンプ４２６のパラメータを変更し、続くステップＳ１４８で、マイク１５の感度を接話モードに対応したレベルになるようにゲインアップ回路４２７のパラメータを変更するとともに、所定の周波数帯域以外の増幅をカットするフィルタをオフに設定する。このようにしてハンズフリーモードから接話モードへの切替が行われ、通話が開始される。
【００８５】
このように、ユーザは接話／ハンズフリーモードをキースイッチ操作によって随時変更することができる。
【００８６】
以上より、着信時に装置状態を検出し、この着信が音声着信であるときには、この検出した装置状態に応じて接話／ハンズフリーモードを自動的に切り替えるから、通話着信があると、通話に最適な通話モードを選択することができ、ユーザに対して最適な通話環境を提供することができる。
【００８７】
ここで、本実施の形態では、１つのスピーカ１６および１つのマイクを用い、スピーカ１６の音量、マイク１５の感度をハンズフリーに適したレベルに制御することによってハンズフリーモードを実現しているが、スピーカ１６およびマイク１５の個数がそれぞれ１つであるから、スピーカ１６の音量アップによる音割れ、マイク１５の感度アップによる周囲の雑音の混入などが発生し易くなる。そこで、スピーカ１６の音量アップによる音割れ、マイク１５の感度アップによる周囲の雑音の混入などを少なく抑えるために、音響特性が異なる複数のスピーカ、複数のマイクを用意し、使用状況に応じて複数のスピーカおよびマイクを切り替えるような構成を採用することが好ましい。
【００８８】
この構成の一例について図１３および図１４を参照しながら説明する。図１３は複数のスピーカおよびマイクを有する通信機能付き撮像装置の外観構成を示す斜視図、図１４は図１３の通信機能付き撮像装置におけるＰＨＳ部の構成を示すブロック図である。なお、図中、図４に示すＰＨＳ部４２０におけるブロックと同一のブロックには同じ符号を付し、その説明は省略する。
【００８９】
複数のスピーカおよびマイクを有する通信機能付き撮像装置においては、図１３および図１４に示すように、複数のスピーカ１５１，１５２および複数のマイク１５３，１５４が設けられている。ここで、スピーカ１５１は接話モードに適した特性を有する接話用スピーカ、スピーカ１５２はハンズフリーモードに適した特性を有するハンズフリー用スピーカであり、各スピーカ１５１，１５２はそれぞれ対応する位置に配置されている。例えば、接話用スピーカ１５１は図１３に示すように、図１のスピーカ１６と同じ位置にあり、ハンズフリー用スピーカ１５２は装置本体上部に搭載される。また、マイク１５３は接話モードに適した特性を有する接話用マイク、マイク１５４はハンズフリーモードに適した特性を有するハンズフリー用マイクである。マイク１５２は、図１３に示すように、図１のマイク１５と同じ位置にあり、マイク１５４はマイク１５２と隣接して配置されている。
【００９０】
これらのスピーカおよびマイクの特性を具体的に示すと、以下のようになる。
【００９１】
接話用スピーカ１５１ …小径／低出力／低出力時の音声域の特性が良好
ハンズフリー用スピーカ１５２ …大径／大出力／大出力時の音声域の特性が良好
接話用マイク１５３ …有指向性
ハンズフリー用マイク１５４ …無指向性
すなわち、接話用には、耳に当てたときに最も良好な特性を示す小型／低出力のスピーカと、周辺のノイズ除去に効果を発揮する有指向性マイクとを用いる。ハンズフリー用には、装置から離れていても十分に聞き取りが可能な大型／大出力のスピーカと、話者がどこにいても通話可能な無指向性マイクとを用いる。
【００９２】
これらのスピーカ１５１，１５２およびマイク１５３，１５４は、選択された通話モードに応じてスピーカ切替回路１６１およびマイク切替回路１６２により切り替えられる。スピーカ切替回路１６１は、ＰＨＳコントローラ４２１からの制御信号１６３に基づきスピーカの切替を行い、この切替に伴いＯＰアンプ４２６はＰＨＳコントローラ４２１からの制御信号に基づき切り替えられたスピーカに対応するパラメータを設定する。同様に、マイク切替回路１６２はＰＨＳコントローラ４２１からの制御信号１６３に基づきマイクの切替を行い、この切替に伴いゲインアップ回路４２７はＰＨＳコントローラ４２１からの制御信号に基づき切り替えられたマイクに対応するパラメータを設定する。
【００９３】
また、上記構成に代えて図１５に示す構成を採用することもできる。この構成は電気的に各スピーカ１５１，１５２およびマイク１５３，１５４を切り替えるものである。図１５は図１の通信機能付き撮像装置に適用されるスピーカおよびマイクの切替構成を示すブロック図である。
【００９４】
この構成においては、図１５に示すように、各スピーカ１５１，１５２それぞれに対応するＯＰアンプ１７２，１７１を設けるとともに、各マイク１５３，１５４それぞれに対応するゲインアップ回路１７４，１７３を設けている。そして、各ＯＰアンプ１７１，１７２、各ゲインアップ回路１７３，１７４を使用状況に応じて切り替えることによって、各スピーカ１５１，１５２および各マイク１５３，１５４の切替が行われる。ＯＰアンプ１７１，１７２の切替は切替回路１７５により、ゲインアップ回路１７３，１７４の切替は切替回路１７６により行われる。各切替回路１７５，１７６は、モードセレクトスイッチ（ＴＥＬ／ＶＩＥＷ／ＣＡＭＥＲＡ）３１およびＥＶＦ検知スイッチ２１の出力信号に基づきＯＰアンプ１７１，１７２、ゲインアップ回路１７３，１７４の切替動作を行う。このように電気的に切替を行う場合、部品点数が増すが、構成を簡素化することができる。
【００９５】
よって、音響特性が異なる複数のスピーカ、複数のマイクを用意し、使用状況に応じて複数のスピーカおよびマイクを切り替えるような構成を採用することによって、１つのスピーカおよびマイクを用いたハンズフリーの通話環境に対して、スピーカ音量アップによる音割れ、マイク感度アップによる周囲の雑音の混入などを少なく抑えることができ、より快適なハンズフリー環境を提供することができる。
【００９６】
次に、データ着信を報知するためのＥＶＦ１３へのメッセージ表示または音声メッセージへの切替の具体例について図１６および図１７を参照しながら説明する。図１６は図１の通信機能付き撮像装置におけるデータ受信時およびその終了時の音声メッセージを発する形態の一例を示す図、図１７は図１の通信機能付き撮像装置におけるデータ受信時のＥＶＦメッセージ表示の一例を示す図である。
【００９７】
データ着信時の場合には、上述したように、データ着信を報知するためのＥＶＦ１３へのメッセージ表示または音声メッセージへの切替を装置モード（ＴＥＬ，ＶＩＥＷ，ＣＡＭＥＲＡ）およびＥＶＦ１３の収納状態に応じて行う。ここで、ＥＶＦ１３が閉じられているときには、スピーカ１６が表面側に向けられているから、スピーカ１６が有効に作用する。この状態でのデータ受信時には、例えば図１６（ａ）に示すように、スピーカ１６から音声メッセージとして「データ受信中です…」を発し、ＬＥＤを点滅させる。また、このデータ受信が終了すると、図１６（ｂ）に示すように、スピーカ１６から音声メッセージとして「受信が終わりました」を発し、ＬＥＤを消灯させ、これによりデータ受信終了をユーザに報知する。
【００９８】
ＥＶＦ１３が開かれているときには、ＥＶＦ１３の画面が視認可能であるから、ＥＶＦ１３へのメッセージ／アイコン表示による通知が有効に作用する。この場合には、例えば図１７に示すように、ＥＶＦ１３に画像１０１を映し出している状態においてデータ着信を表すアイコン２０１を表示し、このアイコン２０１によりデータ着信を報知する。なお、データ着信時にはアイコン２０１の表示を変化させるなどによりさらに効果的にデータ着信を報知することができる。
【００９９】
以上により、データ着信を音声着信と区別してユーザに報知することができるとともに、データ着信を装置状態に応じた最適な形態で報知することができる。
【０１００】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、撮影を妨害することなく、撮影動作中の着信を報知することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の通信機能付き撮像装置の実施の一形態の外観構成を示す斜視図である。
【図２】図１の通信機能付き撮像装置の撮影時におけるＥＶＦの状態を示す斜視図である。
【図３】図１の通信機能付き撮像装置のシャッターボタンおよびその周囲を拡大して示す図である。
【図４】図１の通信機能付き撮像装置の内部構成を示すブロック図である。
【図５】図１の通信機能付き撮像装置における着信音セレクト画面を示す図である。
【図６】着信音セレクト画面のサブメニュー画面を示す図である。
【図７】図４のメインＣＰＵ部のフラッシュメモリにおけるメモリマップを示す図である。
【図８】図１の通信機能付き撮像装置におけるオート選択時の着信制御を示すフローチャートである。
【図９】図１の通信機能付き撮像装置における報知形態の１つであるＥＶＦ表示の一例を示す図である。
【図１０】図１の通信機能付き撮像装置における音声着信時の場合の接話またはハンズフリーモードへの切替手順およびデータ通信時の場合のＥＶＦへのメッセージ表示または音声メッセージへの切替手順を示すフローチャートである。
【図１１】図１の通信機能付き撮像装置における接話またはハンズフリーモードへの通話モードの切替手順を示すフローチャートである。
【図１２】図１の通信機能付き撮像装置におけるキースイッチによる切替操作でハンズフリーと接話を切り替える処理の手順を示すフローチャートである。
【図１３】複数のスピーカおよびマイクを有する通信機能付き撮像装置の外観構成を示す斜視図である。
【図１４】図１３の通信機能付き撮像装置におけるＰＨＳ部の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図１５】図１の通信機能付き撮像装置に適用されるスピーカおよびマイクの切替構成を示すブロック図である。
【図１６】図１の通信機能付き撮像装置におけるデータ受信時およびその終了時の音声メッセージを発する形態の一例を示す図である。
【図１７】図１の通信機能付き撮像装置におけるデータ受信時のＥＶＦメッセージ表示の一例を示す図である。
【図１８】従来の通信機能付き撮像装置の外観構成を示す斜視図である。
【図１９】図１８の通信機能付き撮像装置の背面側の外観構成を示す斜視図である。
【図２０】図１８の通信機能付き撮像装置のＥＶＦの回転動作を示す斜視図である。
【図２１】図１８の通信機能付き撮像装置の撮影時の状態を示す斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１０ 撮像レンズ
１１ シャッタースイッチ
１３ ＥＶＦ
１５，１５３，１５４ マイク
１６，１５１，１５２ スピーカ
２１ ＥＶＦ検知スイッチ
３１ モードセレクトスイッチ
１６１ スピーカ切替回路
１６２ マイク切替回路
１７１，１７２，４２６ ＯＰアンプ
１７３，１７４，４２７ ゲインアップ回路
１７５，１７６ 切替回路
４１０ カメラ部
４２０ ＰＨＳ部
４２１ ＰＨＳコントローラ
４２４ 着信報知回路
４３０ カラー液晶部
４４０ 電源部
４４１ サブＣＰＵ
４５０ メインＣＰＵ部
４５１ メインＣＰＵ
４５２ フラッシュメモリ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention, ThroughImaging device with communication function andIts control methodAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There has been proposed an imaging apparatus with a communication function that has a communication function capable of selectively executing voice call and data communication, and can execute a photographing operation simultaneously with or while switching the communication function. An example of such an imaging apparatus with a communication function will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a conventional imaging device with a communication function, FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the back side of the imaging device with a communication function in FIG. 18, and FIG. 20 is an imaging with a communication function in FIG. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a state during photographing of the image pickup apparatus with a communication function of FIG. 18.
[0003]
A conventional imaging apparatus with a communication function is a digital still camera with a PHS calling function, and as shown in FIG. 18, an imaging lens 211, a shutter 220, a shooting strobe 217, a speaker, and a color liquid crystal panel are integrally provided. EVF (electronic viewfinder) 213, microphone 212, telephone number input, numeric keypad 214 used for function setting, function keys for performing common function setting for each mode of shooting mode, voice call mode, data communication mode, etc. 215, a monochrome liquid crystal panel 216 and an antenna 219 for setting / displaying various set values.
[0004]
The EVF 213 has a rotating mechanism that rotates in two axial directions, a color liquid crystal panel on the front surface, and a speaker on the back surface. Here, in FIG. 18, the EVF 213 is rotated in a state where the back surface thereof, that is, the speaker is exposed. On the surface (color liquid crystal panel) side of the EVF 213, as shown in FIG. 19, there are provided an LED 219 and a protruding portion 222 that are turned on in response to a ringing sound or a vibration operation when there is an incoming call. The protrusion 222 contacts the EVF detection switch 221 on the main body side when the EVF 213 is stored on the main body side, and the EVF detection switch 221 outputs a signal indicating that the color liquid crystal panel of the EVF 213 is in the storage state. . As shown in FIG. 20, the EVF 213 can be rotated around one axis so as to be pulled out or stored with respect to the main body by a rotation mechanism, and in the pulled-out state (imaging lens) Rotating motion is possible around an axis orthogonal to (211 optical axis). At the time of a call, as shown in FIG. 18, the EVF 213 is housed so that the speaker faces the front side, and a call is made using the speaker and the microphone 212. Further, when reproducing a captured image, as shown in FIG. 21, the color liquid crystal panel of the EVF 213 is stored facing the front side, and the captured image is reproduced and displayed on the color liquid crystal panel.
[0005]
The function key 215 is a key for performing input operations common to each mode, for example, power ON / OFF, telephone / shooting mode switching, telephone incoming / outgoing, and the like. For example, in the telephone mode, the black and white liquid crystal panel 216 displays data such as the input telephone number, current electric field strength, and volume setting.
[0006]
As described above, this apparatus has a communication function for performing a voice call and data communication as well as a photographing function, and this communication function is configured to be executable simultaneously with or independently of the photographing function. For example, it is possible to make a call while taking a picture, or the picture taken while taking a picture can be transmitted by PIAFS wireless communication. In this communication function, notifying means (not shown) for notifying an incoming call is provided. The notification means is configured to be able to select a sound incoming notification form that notifies an incoming call by sound and a vibration notification form that notifies an incoming call by vibration, and is configured to notify an incoming call in the selected notification form. This notification mode is selected by an input operation using the numeric keypad 214 or the function key 215.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional imaging apparatus with a communication function, if an incoming call is received during shooting, the incoming call is notified by the selected notification form, that is, sound or vibration. Such a situation may occur. For example, when an incoming call is received during shooting in a state where the vibration notification mode is set, a situation occurs in which the main body of the apparatus is shaken due to vibration and the subject is shaken. In order to avoid such a situation, there is a method of blinking only the LED 219 when there is an incoming call. However, before the start of photographing, an operation for setting a form for notifying only the blinking of the LED 219 is always performed. It is difficult to use.
[0008]
  An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device with a communication function that can notify an incoming call during a shooting operation without interfering with shooting, andIts controlIt is to provide a method.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a plurality of notifications when a communication means for communicating with an external device, an imaging means for imaging a subject, and an incoming call from the external device are received by the communication means. An informing means for informing in at least one of the forms of the form, and automatically selecting the informing form according to whether or not the imaging means is in operation, or the imaging means in operation Setting means for setting whether to perform notification in a pre-selected notification form regardless of whether or not, and control means for controlling notification by the notification means based on the setting by the setting meansIt is characterized byProvide an imaging device with a communication function.
[0010]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a plurality of notifications when a communication means for communicating with an external device, an imaging means for imaging a subject, and an incoming call from the external device are received by the communication means. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus with a communication function having a notification means for notification in at least one notification form among the forms, wherein the notification form is automatically selected depending on whether or not the imaging means is operating Setting step for setting whether to perform notification in a pre-selected notification form regardless of whether the imaging unit is operating or not, and the notification unit based on the setting in the setting step There is provided a control method for controlling the notification by the control function of the imaging device with a communication function.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0024]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an embodiment of an imaging apparatus with a communication function according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state of an EVF during shooting of the imaging apparatus with a communication function in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a figure which expands and shows the shutter button and its periphery of the imaging device with a communication function of FIG.
[0025]
The imaging device with a communication function in the present embodiment is a digital still camera with a PHS call function, and as shown in FIG. 1, an imaging lens 10, a shutter button 11, a shooting strobe 17, and a speaker 16 are provided on the back surface. EVF (Electronic View Finder) 13 comprising a color liquid crystal panel, microphone 15, telephone number input, numeric keypad group 12 used for function setting, function setting common to each mode of shooting mode, voice call mode, data communication mode, etc. A function key group 14 for performing the setting, a monochrome liquid crystal panel 18 for setting / displaying various setting values, and an antenna 19.
[0026]
The EVF 13 has a rotation mechanism that rotates in two axial directions, a color liquid crystal panel on the front surface, and a speaker on the back surface. Here, in FIG. 1, the EVF 13 is rotated in a state where the color liquid crystal panel is exposed. Further, on the surface (color liquid crystal panel) side of the EVF 13, as shown in FIG. 2, when there is an incoming call, a color LED 23 and a protrusion 22 that light up in response to a ringing sound or a vibration operation to notify that is received. Is provided. The projection 22 contacts the EVF detection switch 21 on the main body side when the EVF 13 is stored on the main body side, and the EVF detection switch 21 outputs a signal indicating that the color liquid crystal panel of the EVF 13 is in the storage state. . The EVF 13 can be rotated around one axis so that the EVF 13 is pulled out or stored with respect to the main body by the rotation mechanism, and in the optical axis direction (the optical axis of the imaging lens 10) in the pulled state. Rotation is possible around orthogonal axes. This rotational motion is the same as described in the conventional example. During a call, the EVF 213 is housed so that the speaker 16 faces the front side, and the speaker 16 and the microphone 15 are used to make a call. In the case of reproducing a photographed image, the color liquid crystal panel of the EVF 213 can be stored facing the front side, and the photographed image can be reproduced and displayed on the color liquid crystal panel.
[0027]
Here, when the EVF detection switch 21 comes into contact with the protrusion 22, the EVF detection switch 21 is turned on. When the EVF detection switch 21 is in the on state, the EVF 13 stops its display and shifts to the standby mode. That is, it shifts to a state of waiting for a call or an incoming call. On the other hand, when the EVF 13 is opened, the EVF detection switch 21 is turned off, and the EVF 13 starts displaying.
[0028]
A mode select switch 31 is disposed around the shutter button 11 as shown in FIG. The mode select switch 31 is a button that can be rotated around the shutter button 11, and is configured to be able to switch modes according to the rotational position. In the present embodiment, four modes of “OFF mode”, “TEL mode”, “VIEW mode”, and “CAMERA mode” can be selected by operating the mode select switch 31. “OFF mode” is a mode in which the apparatus is turned off. The “TEL mode” is a mode for performing a call using the microphone 15 and the speaker 16. “VIEW mode” is a mode in which an image stored in a recording medium is read and displayed on the EVF 13. The “CAMERA mode” is a mode for taking an image through the imaging lens 10. Here, in all modes other than the “OFF mode”, waiting for a call is valid.
[0029]
Next, the internal configuration of the imaging apparatus with a communication function will be described with reference to FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the imaging apparatus with a communication function shown in FIG.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 4, the imaging device with a communication function includes a camera unit 410, a PHS unit 420, a color liquid crystal unit 430, a power supply unit 440, and a main CPU unit 450, and these blocks cooperate with each other to generate a PHS. Realize call function and digital camera function.
[0031]
The camera unit 410 forms an image through the lens unit 411, a peripheral circuit 412 including a diaphragm, a shutter, a motor and a solenoid for driving them, a strobe circuit 413 including a strobe and its driving circuit, and a lens unit 411. The CCD 414 that converts the optical image into a video signal and outputs it, the buffer memory 416 that temporarily holds the video signal output from the CCD 414, the drive of the peripheral circuit 412, and the strobe circuit 413, and the buffer memory 416 And a control microcomputer 415 for controlling the writing and reading operations.
[0032]
The PHS unit 420 includes a PHS controller 421 for controlling a main operation as a PHS such as a call and communication, a ROM 422 for storing a local station number together with a calling / incoming procedure, a data communication protocol, that is, a PIAFS protocol, An RF module / antenna 423 that transmits and receives actual radio waves according to the control of the PHS controller 421, and an incoming call notification circuit 424 that includes a sounder, vibration, and LED 23 (shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) for incoming call notification. / Vibration "). The incoming call notification circuit 424 is connected to the PHS controller 421 via an I / O port, and an incoming call notification operation such as ringing or blinking by the incoming call notification circuit 424 is performed by writing a predetermined value in this I / O port. become. In this case, the operation parameters selected in advance by the user are used, and the information is stored in a predetermined address in a flash memory 452 of the main CPU unit 450 described later.
[0033]
Connected to the PHS controller 421 is a D / A converter (denoted as “D / A” in the figure) 425 for restoring the voice data from the called party to the original analog voice signal by a predetermined codec. The analog audio signal output from / A425 is output from the speaker 16 after being amplified by the OP amplifier 426 by a predetermined amount. The analog audio signal input via the microphone 15 is amplified by a predetermined amount by the gain up circuit 427 and then input to the A / D converter 428. An A / D converter (denoted as “A / D” in the figure) 428 digitally converts the input analog audio signal using a predetermined codec, and audio data obtained by this digital conversion is input to the PHS controller 421. The operations of the OP amplifier 426 and the gain up circuit 427 are controlled by the PHS controller 421.
[0034]
The color liquid crystal unit includes a color liquid crystal panel (EVF) 13, a backlight / inverter circuit 431 of the color liquid crystal panel 13, an EVF detection switch 21, and a liquid crystal controller 432. The liquid crystal controller 432 drives the color liquid crystal panel 13 and the backlight / inverter circuit 431. When an ON signal is input from the EVF detection switch 21, the liquid crystal controller 432 stops driving the color liquid crystal panel 13 and the backlight / inverter circuit 431. Control.
[0035]
The power supply unit 440 mainly includes a sub CPU 441 for controlling input / output with the interface device, and a power supply related device. Interface devices connected to the sub CPU 441 include a key switch 12, a monochrome liquid crystal panel 127, and a serial port 442 for connecting an external peripheral device.
[0036]
Examples of power-related devices include a battery (secondary battery) 443, a DC-DC converter 444, and a power control circuit 445 connected to the sub CPU 441. Perform power control such as on / off, power management, and charge management. Further, the sub CPU 411 includes a register storing parameters such as the key switch 12, the power supply state, the volume of the speaker 16, the sensitivity of the microphone 15, and the sub CPU 411 stores the parameters stored in the register. It is possible to detect the set value and the current device state with reference to FIG.
[0037]
The main CPU unit 450 includes a main CPU 451, a flash memory 452 that mainly stores user data such as photographed image data and telephone numbers, and a DRAM 453 that provides a work area for the main CPU 451. The main CPU 451 generates and outputs control commands for the controllers 415, 421, 432, and 441 in the blocks 410, 420, 430, and 440 described above. Further, the main CPU 451 controls writing and reading of image data such as compressing and writing image data read from the buffer memory 416 of the camera unit 410 to the flash memory 452 and decompressing and reading image data from the flash memory 452. . Further, personal data data management including signal conversion to NTSC / PAL format for displaying image data read from the buffer memory 416 on the EVF 13, registration / deletion of phone book data, management of incoming / outgoing history, etc. is performed by the main CPU 451. Is done.
[0038]
Here, a memory map of the flash memory 452 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a memory map in the flash memory of the main CPU section of FIG.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 7, the flash memory 452 is provided with a file management area 71, a system parameter area 72, an address database area 73 for storing user data such as a telephone directory, and an area 74 for storing captured images. . In the system parameter area 72, operation parameters of the incoming call notification circuit 424 are stored.
[0040]
Next, setting of operation parameters of the incoming call notification circuit 424 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a ring tone selection screen in the imaging apparatus with a communication function of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a submenu screen of the ring tone selection screen.
[0041]
In the present embodiment, the following seven types of incoming call notification modes can be set as the operation of the incoming call notification circuit 424.
[0042]
Tone: Sound by sounder (*)
Vibrate… Vibration
Step tone: Sounder that gradually increases volume
Tone → Vibrate… Initial sounder, form to switch to vibration after a predetermined number of rings
Vibrate → Tone: First vibration, after switching to sounder after a predetermined number of vibrations
Melody: Call by melody using sounder (*)
Auto… automatic switching
For items marked with (*), sub-parameters such as volume and melody type are provided, and by setting each sub-parameter, the volume and melody type can be set. .
[0043]
This ring tone selection setting is performed on the ring tone selection screen displayed on the monochrome liquid crystal panel 127 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the ring tone selection screen displays tone, vibrate, step tone, tone-> vibe, vibe-> tone, melody, and auto-notification forms, and a cursor 51 indicates the position of the desired notification form. By instructing, it is possible to select and set a desired notification form. Here, when selecting a desired notification form, the cursor 51 is moved to the position of the desired notification form by operating the key switch 12, and then the confirmation operation is performed by the key switch 12. When the notification form is confirmed by this confirmation operation, the operation parameter corresponding to the confirmed notification form is stored in the flash memory 452. In the screen example shown in FIG. 5, auto is selected.
[0044]
In addition, regarding the notification form marked with (*), it is possible to set sub-parameters such as volume and melody type using the sub-menu. For example, when auto is selected, a submenu corresponding to this auto is displayed as shown in FIG. In the sub-menu corresponding to this auto, either tone priority or vibration priority is specified in order to specify a priority notification form. Here, tone priority is a mode for operating the sounder preferentially, and vibration priority is a mode for operating vibration preferentially. In this example, the case where tone priority is selected in the auto mode is shown.
[0045]
In each notification form described above, tone, vibration, step tone, tone → vibe, vibration → tone, and melody are arbitrarily selected according to the user's preference, and these notification forms are selected. If there is an incoming call regardless of the state of the device, the incoming call notification is performed in the selected notification mode. On the other hand, when auto is selected, the incoming call notification mode is selected according to the device state at the time of incoming call.
[0046]
Next, incoming call control during auto selection by the main CPU 451 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing incoming call control at the time of auto selection in the imaging apparatus with communication function of FIG.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 8, the main CPU 451 monitors the presence or absence of an interrupt request generated in response to the incoming call request received by the PHS controller 421 in step S801, and if there is an interrupt request, the main CPU 451 proceeds to step S802, Detect the set mode. In this mode detection, first, the main CPU 451 issues a reference request to the sub CPU 441. Receiving this reference request, the sub CPU 441 returns data indicating the currently set mode (TEL / VIEW / CAMERA) in the register to the main CPU 451. Here, TEL indicates a call mode, VIEW indicates a playback mode for playing back a captured image stored in the flash memory 452, and CAMERA indicates a shooting mode. Receiving this data, the main CPU 451 detects the currently set mode.
[0048]
In the subsequent step S803, the storage state of the EVF 13 is detected. In this detection, the main CPU and the roller 451 issue a state confirmation request for the EVF detection switch 21 to the liquid crystal controller 432, and the liquid crystal controller 432 that has received this state confirmation request receives data indicating the state of the EVF detection switch 21. Return to the main CPU 451. The main CPU 451 detects the current storage state of the EVF 13 based on this data.
[0049]
Then, the process proceeds to step S804, and the notification form by the incoming call notification circuit 424 is determined based on the detected current setting mode, the storage state of the EVF 13, and the operation parameters defining the incoming call notification form stored in the area 72 of the flash memory 452. . A method of determining this incoming call notification form will be described later.
[0050]
Next, the process proceeds to step S805, where control is performed to activate the notification device 424 in accordance with the determined notification form. In subsequent step S806, it is determined whether the call key has been pressed based on the signal from the sub CPU 441, and the call key is determined. When is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S811, and it is determined whether or not the calling is finished. Here, if the incoming call request is lost due to disconnection from the other party or the radio wave condition becomes unstable, it is determined that the call has ended, and if this reading has not ended, the process returns to step S805, Continue incoming call notification. On the other hand, when the call is finished, the process proceeds to step S812, the disconnection process is performed, and the process returns to step S801.
[0051]
If it is determined in step S806 that the call key has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S807, where an interrupt request is issued to the PHS controller 421. In step S808, the notification device 424 is stopped, and in step S809, the call is executed. Make the necessary preparations. Here, for example, when in the power saving mode, the power supply unit 440 is instructed to return to the normal mode, and instructed to return to the normal mode. In step S810, the PHS controller 421 of the PHS unit 420 is instructed to perform incoming call processing. Receiving this instruction, the PHS controller 421 executes an incoming call process according to the incoming call procedure stored in the ROM 422, and can thereby start a call.
[0052]
Next, determination of the notification mode at the time of auto selection in step S804 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of EVF display which is one of notification forms in the imaging apparatus with communication function of FIG.
[0053]
In determining the notification form, as described above, the incoming call notification circuit is based on the detected current setting mode, the storage state of the EVF 13, and the operation parameters defining the incoming call notification form stored in the area 72 of the flash memory 452. The notification form by 424 is determined. Here, an apparatus state is assumed based on the detected setting mode and the storage state of the EVF 13, and an optimal notification form is selected for the assumed apparatus state. Specifically, an optimal notification form is selected based on the following Table 1.
[0054]
[Table 1]

[0055]
As shown in Table 1, combinations of the setting mode and the storage state of the EVF 13 include (TEL, EVF CLOSE), (TEL, EVF OPEN), (VIEW, EVF CLOSE), (VIEW, EVF OPEN), (CAMERA, There are combinations of (EVF CLOSE) and (CAMERA, EVF OPEN), and selectable notification forms are defined for these combinations.
[0056]
First, with respect to (TEL, EVF CLOSE), it can be determined that the apparatus is in the TEL mode and no photographing is being performed. Further, since the EVF 13 is in the housed state, the device state is as shown in FIG. 18 or FIG. Since this device state is assumed to be a state in which the user is carrying the device or placing it somewhere, both sounder and vibration are allowed as notification forms. Therefore, when Auto is set and (TEL, EVF CLOSE), that is, when the EVF 13 is in the stowed state in the call mode, both tone priority and vibration priority are allowed, and an incoming call notification according to the priority mode selected by the user is performed. It will be.
[0057]
In the case of (TEL, EVF OPEN), the apparatus is in the TEL mode state and shooting is not performed, but the EVF 13 is in an open state. This device state is unlikely to be a state where the user is carrying the device, and is assumed to be placed on a desk or the like. Therefore, in order to reliably notify the user of an incoming call, a sounder is used as a notification form. Takes precedence. Therefore, when (TEL, EVF OPEN), that is, when the EVF 13 is open in the call mode, the notification form of the sounder is given priority. Here, when the vibrate priority subparameter is set, the subparameter is switched so that the vibrate priority is switched to the tone priority, and the tone priority is selected as the notification form.
[0058]
In the case of (VIEW, EVF CLOSE), the device is in the VIEW mode state, but since the EVF 13 is stored, the device is considered to be in the standby mode. Therefore, as in the case of (TEL, EVF CLOSE), both tone priority and vibration priority are allowed, and incoming call notification according to the priority mode selected by the user is performed.
[0059]
In the case of (VIEW, EVF OPEN), since the apparatus is in the VIEW mode state and the EVF 13 is opened, the EVF 13 as shown in FIG. 21 is being used as a viewer. At this time, it is possible to consider a state in which the user holds the device in his hand or is watching a reproduced image displayed on the EVF 13 near the device. Therefore, as in the case of (TEL, EVF CLOSE), both tone priority and vibration priority are allowed, and incoming call notification according to the priority mode selected by the user can be performed. In addition, since the EVF 13 is in the display state, an incoming call may be notified by combining either a tone priority or a vibration priority notification form and a notification form for displaying an incoming message or an icon corresponding to the EVF 13, for example. Is possible. Hereinafter, a notification form in which an incoming message or an icon corresponding thereto is displayed on the EVF 13 is referred to as EVF display. As an example of this EVF display, as shown in FIG. 9, when there is an incoming call while the image 101 is displayed on the EVF 13, the telephone-shaped icon 102 is blinked, and the incoming call is notified to this icon 102.
[0060]
In addition, although it is possible to notify the incoming call by using this EVF display alone, it is possible to notify the incoming call more effectively by using a combination of sounder and vibration.
[0061]
In the case of (CAMERA, EVF CLOSE), the device is in the CAMERA mode, but since the EVF 13 is stored, the device is considered to be in the standby mode. Therefore, as in the case of (TEL, EVF CLOSE), both tone priority and vibration priority are allowed, and incoming call notification according to the priority mode selected by the user is performed.
[0062]
In the case of (CAMERA, EVF OPEN), since the apparatus is in the CAMERA mode and the EVF 13 is opened, there is a high possibility that the photographing operation is being performed. If vibration is selected as the notification mode at this time, vibrations due to the notification mode may cause camera shake and the like, so this vibration is not suitable for the notification mode during the shooting operation. As for the sounder, since the sound of the sounder may surprise the user or the subject and adversely affect the photographing, this sounder is not suitable for a notification form during the photographing operation, like the vibration. Therefore, when auto is set (CAMERA, EVF OPEN), the sounder priority or vibration priority selected in auto is ignored, and the incoming call notification is set only by the EVF display described above. Therefore, since the EVF 13 is being viewed during shooting, the incoming call can be sufficiently effectively notified only by the EVF 13 display, and the sounder or the vibration gives the shooting by performing the incoming call notification only by the EVF display. Adverse effects can be eliminated.
[0063]
As described above, when auto is selected as the notification mode, a notification mode suitable for the incoming device state is selected on the basis of the device mode and the EVF storage state, so that the device state is set when the incoming call is received. An incoming call can be notified in a suitable notification form.
[0064]
Next, a procedure after the user's incoming operation is performed until an actual call / communication is performed will be described.
[0065]
In this embodiment, data communication is possible in addition to voice call. However, in the current PHS (or mobile phone) communication protocol, it is determined whether the call is voice or data communication before the incoming call. I can't. Therefore, for example, when an incoming call is received during shooting, it is appropriate to make a call in hands-free mode rather than close-up when it is a voice incoming call. Therefore, it is preferable to shift to the data reception mode. Thus, when there is an incoming voice or data during shooting, it is important to provide an environment in which shooting is not hindered by this incoming call.
[0066]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, after performing the incoming call operation, the contents are determined at the time of negotiation before the start of the call. When the incoming call is a voice incoming call, the device state at the time of the incoming call is changed from the device mode or the EVF 13 storage state. The communication mode is switched to the close-talking mode or the hands-free mode according to the detected device state, and when the incoming call is data communication, the fact is notified by a message display or a voice message on the EVF 13.
[0067]
First, a switching pattern to the close talk or hands-free mode when a voice call is received, and a message display or voice message switching pattern to the EVF 13 at the time of data communication will be described with reference to Tables 2 and 3.
[0068]
[Table 2]

[0069]
In the case of an incoming voice call, as shown in Table 2, switching to the close-talking or hands-free mode is determined according to the device mode (TEL, VIEW, CAMERA) and the storage state of the EVF 13. Specifically, the switching is determined based on whether or not the EVF 13 is used at the time when the incoming call operation is performed. For example, when the apparatus is in the TEL mode state and the EVF 13 is opened, the speaker 16 is directed to the back side, so that the close talk is difficult and the hands-free mode is selected. On the other hand, when the apparatus is in the TEL mode state and the EVF 13 is stored, the speaker 16 is directed to the front side, so that the close talk is possible and the close talk is selected.
[0070]
Although the switching pattern to the close-talking or hands-free mode has been described here, it is preferable to notify the switching to the close-talking or hands-free mode by a message display or a voice message to the EVF. In this case, a method of selecting a message display on the EVF or a voice message for notification of switching to the close talk or hands-free mode according to the storage state of the EVF 13 can be considered.
[0071]
[Table 3]

[0072]
In the case of data communication, as shown in Table 3, the message display on the EVF 13 or the switching to the voice message is switched to the device mode (TEL, VIEW, CAMERA) and the EVF 13 as in the case of the voice incoming. Judge according to the state. Specifically, the switching is determined based on whether or not the EVF 13 is used at the time when the incoming call operation is performed. For example, when the apparatus is in the TEL mode state and the EVF 13 is opened, since the EVF 13 is directed to the front side, the notification by the message / icon display to the EVF 13 works effectively. Therefore, the EVF message / icon display is selected. On the other hand, when the apparatus is in the TEL mode state and the EVF 13 is housed, the speaker 16 is directed to the front side, so that it is effective to emit a voice message from the speaker 16 and blink the LED. Therefore, the voice message / LED is selected.
[0073]
Next, a procedure for switching to the close-talking or hands-free mode in the case of voice incoming and a procedure for displaying a message on the EVF 13 or switching to a voice message in the case of data communication will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for switching to the close-talking or hands-free mode when receiving a voice in the imaging apparatus with communication function shown in FIG. 1, and a procedure for displaying a message on the EVF or switching to a voice message when data is communicated. It is.
[0074]
When the incoming operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 10, first, negotiation (incoming call processing) is performed based on the communication protocol in step S121, and the currently set mode is checked in subsequent step S122.
[0075]
Next, the process proceeds to step S123, and it is determined in which mode state the incoming call is a voice incoming call or data communication based on the result of the negotiation and the currently set mode. If it is an incoming voice call, the process proceeds to step S124, and the storage state of the EVF 13 is determined based on the signal from the EVF detection switch 21. When the EVF 13 is open, the process proceeds to step S125, and the hands-free mode is selected as the call mode. On the other hand, when the EVF 13 is stored (CLOSE), the process proceeds to step S126, and the close mode is selected as the call mode.
[0076]
If it is determined in step S123 that the data communication is performed, the process proceeds to step S127, and the storage state of the EVF 13 is determined based on the signal from the EVF detection switch 21. When the EVF 13 is open, the process proceeds to step S128, and a message / icon indicating data communication is displayed on the EVF 13. On the other hand, when the EVF 13 is stored (CLOSE), the process proceeds to step S129, and a voice message indicating data communication is issued from the speaker 16 and the LED is blinked.
[0077]
Next, the procedure for switching to the selected call mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for switching the call mode to the close-talking or hands-free mode in the imaging apparatus with a communication function shown in FIG. Here, the procedure for switching the call mode to the close-talking or hands-free mode will be specifically described taking as an example the case where the apparatus switches from the close-talking to the hands-free mode in the VIEW or CAMERA mode.
[0078]
In switching the call mode to the close-talking or hands-free mode, first, in step S131, a reference request is issued to the sub CPU 441 to check whether the current call mode is the close-talking mode or the hands-free mode. In a succeeding step S132, it is determined whether or not the current call mode is the close-talking mode.
[0079]
When the current call mode is the close-talking mode, the process proceeds to step S133, a command to switch to the hands-free mode is issued to the PHS controller 421, and in step S134, the volume of the speaker 16 is increased to a predetermined level. The parameter of the OP amplifier 426 is changed. In step S135, the parameter of the gain-up circuit 427 is changed so that the sensitivity of the microphone 15 is increased to a predetermined level. At the same time, a microphone setting change process suitable for the hands-free mode, such as cutting off the amplification other than the predetermined frequency band by a filter, is performed. In this way, switching from the close-talking mode to the hands-free mode is performed, and a call is started.
[0080]
On the other hand, when the current call mode is the hands-free mode, the above steps S133 to S135 are skipped and the call is started.
[0081]
Once the call is started, the user can switch between hands-free and close talk by switching operation with a key switch according to his / her preference. A processing procedure in this case will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing for switching between hands-free and close-talking by a switching operation using a key switch in the imaging apparatus with a communication function shown in FIG.
[0082]
When the close-talk / hands-free switch is turned on, as shown in FIG. 12, in step S141, the main CPU 451 obtains the currently set call mode from the sub CPU 441 when the close-talk / hands-free switch is turned on. In subsequent step S142, the current call mode is determined.
[0083]
When the current call mode is the close-talking mode, the process proceeds to step S143, and the main CPU 451 issues a command for switching to the hands-free mode to the PHS controller 421. In step S144, the parameter of the OP amplifier 426 is changed by the PHS controller 421 so that the volume of the speaker 16 becomes a level corresponding to the hands-free mode, and in step S145, the sensitivity of the microphone 15 is changed to the hands-free mode. In addition to changing the parameters of the gain-up circuit 427 so as to achieve a corresponding level, microphone setting change processing suitable for the hands-free mode, such as cutting off amplification other than a predetermined frequency band by a filter, is performed. In this way, switching from the close-talking mode to the hands-free mode is performed, and a call is started.
[0084]
When the current call mode is the hands-free mode, the process proceeds to step S146, and the main CPU 451 issues a command to switch to the close mode to the PHS controller 421. In step S147, the PHS controller 421 changes the parameter of the OP amplifier 426 so that the volume of the speaker 16 becomes a level corresponding to the close-talking mode, and in step S148, the sensitivity of the microphone 15 is changed to the close-talking mode. The parameter of the gain-up circuit 427 is changed so as to achieve a corresponding level, and a filter that cuts off amplification other than a predetermined frequency band is set to OFF. In this way, switching from the hands-free mode to the close-talking mode is performed, and a call is started.
[0085]
In this way, the user can change the close-talking / hands-free mode at any time by operating the key switch.
[0086]
As described above, the device status is detected when an incoming call is received, and when this incoming call is a voice incoming call, the close-talking / hands-free mode is automatically switched according to the detected device status. An appropriate call environment can be provided to the user.
[0087]
In this embodiment, the hands-free mode is realized by using one speaker 16 and one microphone and controlling the volume of the speaker 16 and the sensitivity of the microphone 15 to a level suitable for hands-free. In addition, since the number of the speakers 16 and the microphones 15 is one, sound cracks due to the increase in the volume of the speakers 16, and ambient noise due to the increase in sensitivity of the microphones 15 are likely to occur. Therefore, in order to suppress the sound cracking due to the volume increase of the speaker 16 and the mixing of ambient noise due to the sensitivity increase of the microphone 15, a plurality of speakers and a plurality of microphones having different acoustic characteristics are prepared. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the speaker and the microphone are switched.
[0088]
An example of this configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of an imaging apparatus with a communication function having a plurality of speakers and microphones, and FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a PHS unit in the imaging apparatus with a communication function in FIG. In the figure, the same blocks as those in the PHS unit 420 shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0089]
In an imaging device with a communication function having a plurality of speakers and microphones, a plurality of speakers 151 and 152 and a plurality of microphones 153 and 154 are provided as shown in FIGS. Here, the speaker 151 is a close-talking speaker having characteristics suitable for the close-talking mode, the speaker 152 is a hands-free speaker having characteristics suitable for the hands-free mode, and the speakers 151 and 152 are respectively located at corresponding positions. Has been placed. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the close-talking speaker 151 is at the same position as the speaker 16 of FIG. 1, and the hands-free speaker 152 is mounted on the upper part of the apparatus main body. Further, the microphone 153 is a close-talking microphone having characteristics suitable for the close-talking mode, and the microphone 154 is a hands-free microphone having characteristics suitable for the hands-free mode. As shown in FIG. 13, the microphone 152 is located at the same position as the microphone 15 of FIG. 1, and the microphone 154 is disposed adjacent to the microphone 152.
[0090]
Specific characteristics of these speakers and microphones are as follows.
[0091]
Close-talking speaker 151... Small diameter / low output / low output sound range characteristics are good
Hands-free speaker 152 ... Good characteristics in audio range at large diameter / large output / high output
Close-talking microphone 153 ... Directionality
Hands-free microphone 154 ... Omnidirectional
That is, for close-talking, a small / low-power speaker that exhibits the best characteristics when placed on the ear and a directional microphone that exhibits an effect for removing peripheral noise are used. For hands-free use, a large / high-power speaker that can be heard sufficiently even when away from the apparatus, and an omnidirectional microphone that can talk regardless of where the speaker is located are used.
[0092]
These speakers 151 and 152 and microphones 153 and 154 are switched by speaker switching circuit 161 and microphone switching circuit 162 according to the selected call mode. The speaker switching circuit 161 switches the speaker based on the control signal 163 from the PHS controller 421, and the OP amplifier 426 sets a parameter corresponding to the switched speaker based on the control signal from the PHS controller 421 along with this switching. . Similarly, the microphone switching circuit 162 switches the microphone based on the control signal 163 from the PHS controller 421, and the gain-up circuit 427 is a parameter corresponding to the microphone switched based on the control signal from the PHS controller 421. Set.
[0093]
Moreover, it can replace with the said structure and can also employ | adopt the structure shown in FIG. In this configuration, the speakers 151 and 152 and the microphones 153 and 154 are electrically switched. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a speaker and microphone switching configuration applied to the imaging apparatus with a communication function shown in FIG.
[0094]
In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 15, OP amplifiers 172 and 171 corresponding to the respective speakers 151 and 152 are provided, and gain-up circuits 174 and 173 corresponding to the respective microphones 153 and 154 are provided. Then, switching between the respective speakers 151 and 152 and the respective microphones 153 and 154 is performed by switching each of the OP amplifiers 171 and 172 and each of the gain-up circuits 173 and 174 according to the use situation. Switching of the OP amplifiers 171 and 172 is performed by a switching circuit 175, and switching of the gain-up circuits 173 and 174 is performed by a switching circuit 176. The switching circuits 175 and 176 perform switching operations of the OP amplifiers 171 and 172 and the gain-up circuits 173 and 174 based on the output signals of the mode select switch (TEL / VIEW / CAMERA) 31 and the EVF detection switch 21. When switching electrically as described above, the number of parts increases, but the configuration can be simplified.
[0095]
Therefore, by providing a plurality of speakers and microphones having different acoustic characteristics, and adopting a configuration in which the plurality of speakers and microphones are switched according to usage conditions, a hands-free call using one speaker and microphone With respect to the environment, it is possible to suppress the sound cracking due to the increase in speaker volume and the mixing of ambient noise due to the increase in microphone sensitivity, thereby providing a more comfortable hands-free environment.
[0096]
Next, a specific example of message display on the EVF 13 or switching to a voice message for notifying the arrival of data will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a form for issuing voice messages at the time of data reception and at the end of the data reception in the imaging device with communication function of FIG. 1, and FIG. 17 is an EVF message display at the time of data reception in the imaging device with communication function of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example.
[0097]
In the case of data arrival, as described above, the message display on the EVF 13 or the switching to the voice message for informing the data arrival is performed according to the device mode (TEL, VIEW, CAMERA) and the storage state of the EVF 13. . Here, when the EVF 13 is closed, since the speaker 16 is directed to the front surface side, the speaker 16 effectively operates. At the time of data reception in this state, for example, as shown in FIG. 16A, a voice message “data is being received ...” is emitted from the speaker 16 and the LED is blinked. When the data reception is completed, as shown in FIG. 16B, the speaker 16 issues “Reception is finished” as a voice message, turns off the LED, and notifies the user of the completion of the data reception. .
[0098]
When the EVF 13 is opened, the EVF 13 screen is visible, so that the notification by the message / icon display to the EVF 13 works effectively. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, an icon 201 indicating data arrival is displayed in a state where the image 101 is displayed on the EVF 13, and the data arrival is notified by this icon 201. Note that when data is received, it is possible to more effectively notify the data arrival by changing the display of the icon 201 or the like.
[0099]
As described above, it is possible to notify the user of the data incoming call separately from the voice incoming call, and to notify the data incoming call in an optimum form according to the apparatus state.
[0100]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above,ClearlyAccording to, ShootingAn incoming call during the shooting operation can be notified without disturbing the shadow.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an embodiment of an imaging apparatus with a communication function according to the present invention.
2 is a perspective view showing a state of EVF at the time of shooting by the imaging apparatus with a communication function in FIG. 1; FIG.
3 is an enlarged view showing a shutter button and its surroundings of the imaging apparatus with a communication function in FIG. 1; FIG.
4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the imaging apparatus with a communication function in FIG. 1. FIG.
5 is a diagram showing a ring tone selection screen in the imaging apparatus with a communication function in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a sub menu screen of a ring tone selection screen.
7 is a diagram showing a memory map in the flash memory of the main CPU section in FIG. 4; FIG.
8 is a flowchart showing incoming call control at the time of auto selection in the imaging apparatus with a communication function of FIG. 1;
9 is a diagram showing an example of an EVF display that is one of notification forms in the imaging apparatus with a communication function in FIG. 1; FIG.
10 shows a procedure for switching to close-talking or hands-free mode when receiving a voice in the imaging apparatus with a communication function of FIG. 1, and a procedure for displaying a message on the EVF or switching to a voice message when data is communicated. It is a flowchart.
11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for switching a call mode to a close-talking or hands-free mode in the imaging apparatus with a communication function shown in FIG. 1;
12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing for switching between hands-free and close-talking by a switching operation using a key switch in the imaging device with a communication function in FIG. 1;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an imaging apparatus with a communication function having a plurality of speakers and microphones.
14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a PHS unit in the imaging device with a communication function in FIG. 13;
15 is a block diagram showing a speaker and microphone switching configuration applied to the imaging apparatus with a communication function in FIG. 1. FIG.
16 is a diagram showing an example of a form for issuing voice messages at the time of data reception and at the end thereof in the imaging apparatus with a communication function of FIG. 1;
17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an EVF message display at the time of data reception in the imaging apparatus with a communication function in FIG. 1;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a conventional imaging device with a communication function.
19 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of the back side of the imaging apparatus with a communication function in FIG. 18;
20 is a perspective view showing an EVF rotation operation of the imaging apparatus with a communication function in FIG. 18. FIG.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a state at the time of photographing of the imaging device with a communication function in FIG. 18;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Imaging lens
11 Shutter switch
13 EVF
15,153,154 microphone
16, 151, 152 Speaker
21 EVF detection switch
31 Mode select switch
161 Speaker switching circuit
162 Microphone switching circuit
171,172,426 OP amplifier
173, 174, 427 Gain-up circuit
175,176 switching circuit
410 Camera unit
420 PHS Department
421 PHS controller
424 Incoming call notification circuit
430 Color LCD
440 Power supply
441 Sub CPU
450 Main CPU
451 Main CPU
452 flash memory

Claims (6)

A communication means for communicating with an external device;
Imaging means for imaging a subject;
Informing means for informing in at least one informing form among a plurality of informing forms when receiving an incoming call from the external device by the communication means;
Depending on whether or not the imaging means is in operation, the notification mode is automatically selected and notification is made, or whether the imaging means is in operation or not is selected in advance. Setting means for setting whether to perform notification ;
Control means for controlling notification by the notification means based on the setting by the setting means;
An imaging device with a communication function, comprising: The plurality of notification forms of the notification means include a notification form for notifying an incoming call by vibration,
The control means is configured to automatically select a notification form by the setting means, and does not perform notification by the vibration when the incoming call is received during operation of the imaging means. communication function imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized that you control as. The plurality of notification forms of the notification means include a notification form for notifying an incoming call by sound,
The control means is configured to automatically select a notification form by the setting means, and does not notify the sound when the incoming call is received during the operation of the imaging means. The imaging apparatus with a communication function according to claim 1, wherein control is performed as follows. Display means for displaying a subject image picked up by the image pickup means;
The plurality of notification forms of the notification means include a notification form by displaying on the display section that an incoming call has been received ,
When the control means is set to automatically select a notification form by the setting means, and when the incoming call is received during the operation of the image pickup means, the notification means is notified in the notification form by the display. The imaging apparatus with a communication function according to claim 2 , wherein control is performed so as to perform . Detecting means for detecting whether or not the display means is housed;
The imaging device with a communication function according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control according to a setting by the setting unit and a detection result by the detection unit. When receiving an incoming call from the external device by means of a communication means for communicating with an external device, an imaging means for imaging a subject, and the communication means, a notification is provided in at least one notification form among a plurality of notification forms A control method of an imaging device with a communication function having a notification means,
Depending on whether or not the imaging means is in operation, the notification mode is automatically selected and notification is made, or whether the imaging means is in operation or not is selected in advance. A setting step for setting whether to perform notification ;
A control step of controlling notification by the notification means based on the setting in the setting step;
A method for controlling an imaging apparatus with a communication function, comprising:

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